Bucolic briefs
The 2014 Southern Farm Show returns to the N.C. State Fairgrounds Feb. 5-7, with more than 500 manufacturers and suppliers expected to showcase agricultural products and services. The show is adding an extra exhibit tent to accommodate 53 companies that were not part of last year’s show. The expansion mirrors the strong economic showing the ag industry is experiencing. Other activities include the Southern National Draft Horse Pull, working dog demonstrations, tractor pulls and continuing education classes for pesticide license holders. Admission and parking is free. A number of commodity meetings and special events will be held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show. The N.C. Pork Conference will be held Feb. 6 at 9 a.m., the N.C. Agricultural Development Forum will also be held Feb. 6 at 9:30 a.m. An annual fundraiser for the Tobacco Farm Life Museum will be held Feb. 7 at 8 a.m., followed by the annual meeting of the Tobacco Growers Association of North Carolina at 10 a.m. The N.C. Soybean Producers Association Forum will also be held on Feb. 7. For more information, go to the show’s website at www.SouthernFarmShow.com.
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Two Johnston County horse show series, one an open class and the second a hunter class, have been announced. Following are open horse show dates: March 1, April 5, May 10, June 28, Aug. 9 & 10 at the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh, Sept. 20, Oct. 25 and Nov. 22. The hunter show dates are Feb. 15, March 15, May 24, June 14, Sept. 6 and Nov. 8. Events are held at the Johnston County Livestock Arena in Smithfield, except where noted. For more, go to www.blaine-mclaughlin-stables.com or call Michele McLaughlin at 919-934-1344.
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The N.C. State Beekeepers Association will host its spring meeting March 6-8 at the Wilmington Convention Center. The meeting will include a wide selection of beekeeping workshops for beginning beekeepers up to commercial operators. Go to www.ncbeekeepers.org for more.
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The 2014 Northern Piedmont Specialty Crops School will be held March 7 at the Person County Extension Center in Roxboro. The school will focus on growing and marketing specialty crops, with a presentation on high tunnel production. Specialty crop grower Susan Hill will offer tips on planning, getting started, growing and maintaining high-tunnel production. Dr. Lewis Jett, of West Virginia University, will speak on cropping systems, crop economics, and temperature and irrigation management techniques for high tunnels. A presentation on asparagus production and direct retail marketing of that product will also be part of the program. Cost for the one-day school is $25 for the first member of a family or business associate, and includes lunch. It is $15 for each added family member or business associate. Pre-registration by Feb. 28 is needed to guarantee a seat and lunch. For more information, contact Carl Cantaluppi at 919-603-1350 or email at carl_cantaluppi@ncsu.edu. A copy of the program and pre-registration form can be found at www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014SpecCrops.pdf.
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The Sandhills Farmers Market in Pinehurst is accepting new applications from producer-only farmers within 75 miles of Pinehurst for the upcoming season. Interested farmers can apply online via sandhillsfarmersmarket.com or call Melanie Riley, market manager, at 803-517-5476.
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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.
