Bucolic briefs
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received a grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to offer branded non-waxed, water-resistant produce boxes to Community Supported Agriculture farms through a cost-share program. Boxes would be marked with the Got to Be NC logo and would be available for CSAs that are members of the Goodness Grows in NC/Got to Be NC programs. Membership in the programs is free. For registration information on these programs, go to www.gottobenc.com/become-a-member. Boxes are expected to be bundled in lots of 50, with an anticipated cost-share to farmer of 50 cents a box. Boxes are expected to be available in early 2015. For more information about obtaining boxes, email your name, business name, address, email and daytime phone number to Jack Nales at jack.nales@ncagr.gov.
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Two Johnston County horse show series, one an open class and the second a hunter class, have been announced. The hunter show is Nov. 8, and the open horse show is Nov. 22. Events are held at the Johnston County Livestock Arena in Smithfield. For more, go to www.blaine-mclaughlin-stables.com or call Michele McLaughlin at 919-934-1344.
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As a way to help farmers and agricultural workers stay safe at work, the N.C. Department of Labor offers safety videos on a variety of topics through its YouTube channel. Video topics include: preventing green tobacco sickness, hazard communication, tobacco harvester safety, heat stress, migrant housing requirements, forklift safety, and information about the NCDOL’s Gold Star Growers program. The videos are in English and Spanish to increase understanding of safety hazards and preventing accidents. To learn more about the NCDOL and the Agricultural Safety and Health Bureau, go to www.nclabor.com or call 1-800-NC-LABOR (800-625-2267). NCDOL is also on Facebook and Twitter (@NCDOL).
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Beekeepers with bees for rent and growers interested in bee pollination services can post their information on the BeeLinked website at www.ncagr.com/beelinked. The site is hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the N.C. State University Apiculture Program. Anyone interested in listing their information can do so by filling out an online Submit Your Ad form on the BeeLinked page or by contacting NCDA&CS at 919-233-8214 or by email at NCHoneybee@ncagr.gov or call NCSU at 919-515-1660. The NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division regulates the movement of agricultural or related items capable of spreading harmful insects, diseases, and other pests. Beekeepers participating in this program will be required to comply with all honey and bee industry regulations.
