Bucolic briefs
The Equestrian Exchange Tack Consignment Sale featuring tack and barn supplies for all disciplines of riding will be held April 21-24 at the Cabarrus Event Center in Concord. Consignors will drop off items April 20 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. A special premiere shopping night for the public will be held April 21 from 5-9 p.m. Cost is $10. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 22 and 23, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 24. Admission is free April 22-24. Consignors earn 75 percent of sales amount and can opt to donate unsold items to nonprofit equestrian organizations. Remaining items should be picked up April 26 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Volunteers shop before the public. For more information, go to www.EquestrianExchange.com or contact Lynn Beeson at 336-362-6248 or Tanya Wright at 540-977-1950.
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An Eastern N.C. Bioenergy Council workshop will be held May 4 at the Cumberland County Extension Center in Fayetteville. The daylong meeting will include an overview of the council and roadmap, and a panel discussion of topics pertaining to the bioenergy industry. There will be an optional afternoon tour of a bioenergy facility. The workshop is $35 and the deadline for registration is April 29. Registration information can be found at http://www.biomassforestry.org/Bioenergy/.
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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.
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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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