Bucolic briefs
The Franklin County Cooperative Extension Service will host the “Women in the Woods” weekly forestry series Jan. 13 through mid-February. Series topics are “Planning for your Woodland Now -- Getting Pen to Paper;” “To Market, to Market: Basics of Selling your Timber;” “Protecting and Sharing Your Woodlands: Hunting Leases, Insects, Diseases and Education;” “Don’t Miss That Money: Harvest Tax Law and Basis, Present-Use Tax, Cost-Share Programs;” and “Planning for the Woodland’s Future - Farm Estate Planning, Working Forest Easements.” There will also be a tour of a new mill in February. Total cost is $30 per participant for five sessions.
To register and for more information, contact Martha Mobley, agricultural extension agent, Franklin County, 919-496-3344 or email at martha_mobley@ncsu.edu.
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A Successful Small Farms Opportunities Conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Feb. 27 in Louisburg at a location to be determined. Topics include: Farm transition to others; retail marketing; managing your farm w/ Google Earth; building soil health for farm profit; Farmers Markets 101; beneficial insects; how to price your products; utilizing farm stays and weddings; hands-on mushroom production/marketing; alternative feeds for livestock; and sheep and goat production and marketing. For information, contact Martha Mobley, agricultural extension agent at 919-496-3344, email at martha_mobley@ncsu.edu, or go to www.FranklinCountyFarmFresh.com.
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Dr. Harrison Dudley, a N.C. State University extension veterinarian, will discuss cattle deworming strategies Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. as part of the Franklin County area beef cattle program. The meeting will include a sponsored meal. Contact Martha Mobley, Franklin County agricultural extension agent, at 919-496-3344 or email at martha_mobley@ncsu.edu for registration information.
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The N.C. Farm Bureau in partnership with N.C. State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is offering a N.C. Public Leadership Development Seminar Feb. 17 and 18 at the Farm Bureau Headquarters, 5301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. The seminar will focus on understanding critical issues facing North Carolina in agriculture, education, the economy, healthcare and demographic changes, and understanding the political landscape. It will also touch on the opportunities, rules and regulations of appointed and elected officials. Cost is $150. For more, contact Curtis Hayes at 919-782-1705 or email at Curtis.hayes@ncfb.org.
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Back Country Horsemen of Uwharrie will hold its chapter meetings the second Monday of each month with the exception of July. Upcoming dates are Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 14, April 11 and May 9 at 6 p.m. The meetings will be held at Best Foods Cafeteria, 220 E. 11th St., Siler City. Back Country Horsemen of Uwharrie is a non-profit organization and chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina and America. The website is www.bchUwharrie.com
The Back Country Horsemen of Uwharrie works in alliance with other chapters across North Carolina, the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service to ensure that forests will be available for equestrian use. Its main focus is on ensuring the Uwharrie National Forest will remain a place that can be enjoyed by all equestrian enthusiasts. Members of the BCHU volunteer their time and resources to maintain trails.
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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.gov/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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The N.C. Ag Finance Authority provides credit to agriculture in areas where financing is not available at reasonable rates and terms. The agency originates, services and finances farm loans, rural business loans, disaster loans and cotton gin loans. It also offers tax-exempt ag development bonds for agribusiness processing, ag-related manufacturing or ag waste disposal. For more about Ag Finance Authority programs or to request a loan application, call 919-790-3949 or email at RequestLoanInfo@ncagr.gov.
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