From the tractor by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler

Spring is one super busy time of the year, especially on the farm. The sounds and bustle of tractors in motion, the smell of the dirt being turned and the warmth of the sun provide farming with the best office in my opinion.

I love being in the field, but I love my “day job” as Commissioner, too, even though it mostly keeps me off the tractor. So, I know it is sometimes very hard to talk farmers into leaving the farm for other work-related activities, but I am going to try anyway.

In this month’s column, I wanted to mention some of the upcoming field days that will be taking place at research stations across the state.

Field days offer a chance for farmers to talk with researchers one-on-one and learn more about the latest research findings and production methods. You can also see firsthand the research in the field, compare test plot to test plot or technique to technique.

As a grower, it is important to stay up on the latest production practices, the advancement of new varieties and just the overall direction of research efforts. Studies are generally looking at ways to help farmers do their jobs better, be more efficient and improve the bottom line. As a small business owner, I know those sound good AND smart to me.

Our Research Stations Division has a field days Web page (http://www.ncagr.gov/Research/FieldDays.htm) that lists upcoming events that are happening throughout the year. They cover everything from small grains, safety, turfgrass and small farms to dairy production, organic grains, apples, tomatoes and peanuts.
The page is updated periodically with new events, and I would encourage you to bookmark it and check back for updates.

Upcoming events include:

• N.C. Angus Association Spring Fever Sale, May 6 at the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Reidsville.
• Small Grains Field Day in Rowan County, May 11 at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury.
• Farm Safety Day, May 11 at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs.
• Sandhills Turfgrass Field Day and Conference, June 14 at the Sandhills Research Station in Jackson Springs.
• N.C. A&T Small Farm Field Day, June 15 at the N.C. A&T University Farm in Greensboro.
• Dairy Research and Extension Workgroup, July 12 at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury.
• Mountain Research Station Field Day, July 18 at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville.
• Organic Grain Crops Field Day, July 21 at the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station in Rocky Mount.

I hope you will consider attending a field day in 2017. In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying your farm office views.