Bucolic briefs
The N.C. Simmental Association’s Fall Harvest Sale will be Sept. 3 at noon at the Shuffler Sale Facility in Union Grove. The sale includes Simmental, SimAngus and some Simmental-influenced commercial bulls, cow/calf pairs, bred cows, and bred and open heifers, along with quality embryo lots. Online bidding through DV Auction is available for those who cannot attend. To see an online catalog, go to www.ncsimmental.com or email ncsa@yadtel.net.
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The 75th Annual North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Sept. 10-11 at the Holshouser Building, State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The festival features displays of gourds from around the world, special gourd workshops, gourd arts and crafts, a gourd crafting table for kids, and auction on Saturday and items for sale. There will be competitions in a number of categories with ribbons and prizes awarded to the winners. For information on how to enter the competitions, go to www.ncgourdsociety.org/festival, or call 919-696-0744 for more information.
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The Lincoln County Apple Festival will be held Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Lincolnton. The free event features crafts, food, entertainment and the county’s signature crop -- apples. For more information, go to the festival’s website at www.lincolncountyapplefestival.com/
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The 3rd annual Garlic Fest will be held Oct. 1 from noon to 6 p.m. at Southslope in Asheville. The event, sponsored by Sow True Seeds, features garlic tastings including unique and creative garlic dishes, classes and tips for growing garlic. For more information, go to www.wncgarlicfest.com or call 828-254-0708.
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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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