Bucolic briefs
The Cape Fear Poultry Association will hold APA/ABA-sanctioned open and junior shows March 11 at the Johnston County Livestock Arena in Smithfield. Entries are being accepted for bantams, large fowl, waterfowl, turkeys, guineas and all breeds listed in the APA/ABA standards. The entry deadline is March 5. For more information, contact Wilbur Haney, show director, at 919-796-2936 or email at langshanman@gmail.com. The show catalog and entry form can be found at www.capefearpoultryassociation.com.
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The Equestrian Exchange Tack Consignment Spring Sale will be held March 23-26 at the Holshouser Building at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. This sale is an opportunity to buy and consign anything related to equestrian sport, tack and show clothing for all disciplines of riding, including barn supplies and other animal items. Bar code tagging on our website allows consignor to view sales from home. Consignors drop off items March 21 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and March 22 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A special premier shopping night open to the public will be March 23 from 5 to 10 p.m. Cost for the premier night is $10 cash for adults, free for ages 12 and under. Open shopping with free admission will be March 24 and 25 from 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and March 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Some items will be discounted on the final day. Consignors will pick up unsold items March 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Consignors earn 75 percent of sales amount, unsold items can be donated to N.C. non-profit equestrian organizations. Volunteers are needed for the event. Volunteers shop before consignors, and consignors 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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The inaugural Mint Hill Historical Society Rodeo will be held April 21 and 22 at 8201 Bartlett Road in Mint Hill. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the rodeo starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. A special junior rodeo event will be held April 22 at 11 a.m. Tickets for the junior event are $5. For information, contact Sue McDonald at 704-573-0726.***
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).***
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.***
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.***
