Agriculture

Pine and hardwood management workshop
[Apr. 28, 2008] A Pine and Hardwood Management Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. The workshop will be 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.

Piedmont farm tour brings locavores to the farm
[Apr. 22, 2008] Triangle families and foodies again this weekend showed why the region is renowned for its support of local sustainable farms by turning out in droves for the 13th Annual Piedmont Farm Tour. The tour is the largest event of its kind in the United States, and is co-sponsored by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) and Weaver Street Market cooperative grocery in Carrboro, NC.

Results of Ag Department’s E-Letter survey
[Feb. 14, 2008] I would like to thank all of you who participated in the online survey of the E-Letter and share with you some of the information gleaned. Out of 738 initial recipients, there were 194 replies, about 26%. According to those who know more about surveys than I, that’s a pretty good percentage. By Al Cooke, Extension Agent

Sources for strawberry plants
[Jan. 16, 2008] The North Carolina Strawberry Association maintains a list of strawberry plant sources. It is oriented towards commercial growers but also lists some sources that serve home gardeners and will mail order. By Debby Wechsler
Also: North Carolina Strawberry Association

Learn about heirloom apple production
[Jan. 15, 2008] The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension presents an Heirloom Apple Production Workshop from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Agricultural Building Auditorium in Pittsboro, NC. Nationally known heirloom apple expert and author Lee Calhoun will share his decades' worth of experience producing heirloom apples in the North Carolina Piedmont. By Debbie Roos - Agricultural Extension Agent

Pruning red raspberries
[Nov. 28, 2007] “Anyone know when and how to prune red raspberry bushes”? Pruning red raspberries differs slightly from pruning black raspberries. In summer, soon after harvest is complete, remove all fruiting canes. These are going to die anyway and the sooner they are removed, the less likely they are to harbor and spread disease pathogens. Do not pinch or tip prune red raspberries in summer. Wait until late winter, then head them back to about five feet high. By Al Cooke

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