Bucolic briefs
Two Johnston County horse show series, one an open class and the second a hunter class, have been announced. The hunter show dates are June 14, Sept. 6 and Nov. 8. Following are open horse show dates: June 28, Aug. 9 & 10 at the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh, Sept. 20, Oct. 25 and Nov. 22. 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 Spring 2014 meeting will be held July 10-12 at Wilkes County Community College in Wilkesboro. The event offers informational workshops for beginner beekeepers to advanced levels and includes presentations by educators and commercial operators. Vendors will be selling woodenware, veils, gloves and other equipment. For more, contact Ed Hunt at 910-272-3692.
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North Carolina peach growers approved an annual assessment to support research and marketing efforts. The assessment will be based on the total number of peach trees per commercial orchard. Growers with 100 to 500 will be assessed $100; for 501 to 2,500 trees, the assessment is $250. The fee is $350 for those with more than 2,500 trees. The assessment goes into effect January 2015.
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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.
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