Agriculture

Holiday feast alternatives
[Nov. 24, 2007] Do you have family coming for the Holidays. Do you want to try something different that is delicious and really good for you and your family? We are lucky to live in this Central area of North Carolina in that we have many locally grown alternatives to our regular Thanksgiving and Christmas fare. One example is that we can actually buy locally grown great tasting Guineas, Pheasant, and French heritage breeds of chickens for sale. By Dan Campeau

Chathamites win three major sustainable agriculture awards
[Nov. 19, 2007] Last week, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association gave three of its five annual Sustainable Ag Champion Awards to individuals or organizations in Chatham County. The Association serves both North and South Carolina in its efforts to promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Strange ant behaviour
[Aug. 28, 2007] The ant behavior you described, "building hills and holes in a straight line across my gravel driveway. The line stopped right at the edge of both sides of the driveway" is consistent with moving fire ants. There may also be other ants that exhibit similar behavior.

What farmers need to know about selling eggs, meat, and poultry in North Carolina
[Aug. 13, 2007] Farmers who sell meat, poultry, and eggs in North Carolina must comply with state and federal laws designed to ensure that meat and poultry products sent into commerce are wholesome, unadulterated, and properly labeled. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) enforces these laws. By Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent

Bagworms
[Jun. 17, 2007] I recently received an inquiry about some sort of cocoon. I thought the description helpful since it avoids the “science-speak” that Extension Agents sometimes use to cloud issues: “I have found this little nest that looks like it's made out of little twigs hanging in several trees and shrubs, and even one hanging on the siding on my house! It doesn't seem to bother the trees/shrubs either but I am curious as to what it is...didn't want to break it open to find out.”

Battling water woes
[Jun. 1, 2007] All of Chatham County is currently categorized as experiencing “moderate drought” by the N.C. Division of Water Quality. Average stream flow in the northeast part of the county is worse and now considered to be in “severe hydrologic drought.” Customers of the county operated water system, also in the northeast section, are now under mandatory water conservation measures. By Al Cooke, Extension Agent
Also: Mandatory water regulations

North Carolina strawberries are ripe here, ripe now
[Apr. 30, 2007] May is Strawberry Month in North Carolina, and the crop looks excellent. Despite concerns over the great "Easter Freeze", strawberry growers successfully protected their crop with only minor losses. Now, local tables can take advantage of these fresh, field ripened, local strawberries. By Al Cooke, Extension Agent

Chatham County agriculture quiz
[Apr. 25, 2007] Test your knowledge of local agriculture with the following quiz. Don't peek at the answers at the bottom of the quiz. By Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent

Gardening answers for locals
[Apr. 19, 2007] I've seen enough plants growing around and over railroad ties to suggest that they are not likely to have inhibited the growth of your vegetable plants. Large rocks can certainly be an impediment to tillage, and tillage is often not friendly to nearby trees in residential areas; the roots extend much farther than branches and are important to the trees' longevity. By Al Cooke, Ag Extension agent
Also: On new ground
Also: Home Vegetable Gardening

Evaluating freeze injury
[Apr. 16, 2007] I have received numerous questions about the long-term effects of the recent, abrupt change in weather – about a 60-degree change last week. Based on my observations, most of the damage is minimal and temporary. It’s not much more extensive than if the plant had been pruned. The amount of damage, however, becomes more obvious with time. For now, I am not suggesting any action other than wait and watch. By Al Cooke, Ag Extension agent
Also: Agricultural E Letters
Also: Al Cooke

Pittsboro Farmers' Market open every Thursday
[Apr. 11, 2007] The Pittsboro Farmers' Market is held every Thursday at the Fairgrounds, behind the Food Lion shopping center in Pittsboro from 3:30 to 6:30. By Jim LeTendre

4-H specialty license plate is now available
[Mar. 9, 2007] Driving North Carolina's highways and glancing at license plates, one can identify what organization or "cause" the driver takes pride in. Sports teams, historic locations, and even commodity groups have their own specialty license plate. Now is your chance to own a 4-H specialty license plate and help North Carolina 4-H "Drive Into the Future!" By Sarah Hardison Kotzian

Potential for winter damage to trees and shrubs
[Feb. 1, 2007] As I listen to multiple scenarios of “wintry mix” descending into our neighborhoods, as I sit now and watch the snow accumulating, I am reminded of the most significant threat that winter weather provides to plants: it’s not cold; it’s breakage. By Al Cooke, Ag Extension agent

Forest health and fiscally sound forestry workshop
[Jan. 19, 2007] A Forest Health and Fiscally Sound Forestry Workshop will be held on Thursday, February 15, at 7:00 pm. It will be held in the auditorium downstairs in the County Agriculture Building in Pittsboro. The workshop is being conducted by the Chatham County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and Extension Forestry at North Carolina State University. By Glenn E. Woolard
Also: NC Cooperative Extension, Chatham Co. Center