Bucolic briefs
A Regional Goat Management, Marketing and FAMACHA Certification Workshop will be held June 9 at the Franklin County Cooperative Extension Center at 9 a.m. Participants will learn the latest information on forages, parasite control, and the marketing of chevon and live animals. FAMACHA certification will be held in the afternoon. Cost is $50 per person, which includes lunch and certification. For more information, contact Martha Mobley, extension agent, at 919-496-3344 or by email at martha_mobley@ncsu.edu.
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The 37th Annual High Country Crank-Up will be held July 28-30 on new U.S. Highway 421 between Boone and Deep Gap across from Laurel Springs Baptist Church. The event features antique engines, tractors, tool and other farm equipment, plus food and other vendors. Admission is $5 a day, $6 for a two-day pass or $8 for all three days. Seniors are admitted for $3 on Friday and kids 12 and under are free. The event is sponsored by Carolina Fly-Wheelers, Inc. For more information, contact Betty Hodges at 828-264-4977.
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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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