Agriculture

Flea control with nematodes
[Jan. 15, 2007] Let me start by saying that this is a very good example of the idea that the strategy is more important than the product. Certain nematodes are parasitic on fleas and can kill them. It’s interesting to note that this effect is easier to observe under controlled research conditions than in field studies. The concept has been around for a long time but researchers are still refining the strategies that lead to success. By Al Cooke, Ag Extension agent

CCCC offers sustainable farming classes
[Jan. 9, 2007] The Central Carolina Community College is offering sustainable farming, energy and building courses this spring semester. By Robin Kohanowich

4-H clubs in Chatham County
[Dec. 28, 2006] Chatham County 4-H currently has five clubs and one that is in the process of forming. The five clubs that are active are the Chatham County Charging Champions 4-H Livestock Club, the Silk Hope 4-H Horse Adventures Club, the Rocky River Riders 4-H Horse Club, the Red Wolves 4-H Homeschool Club and the Almighty Royals! 4-H Club. By Susan Graham
Also: Chatham county 4-H Clubs

Lady beetles. What a genteel term.
[Nov. 1, 2006] Lady Beetles. What a genteel term. I gather there is some disagreement and/or confusion about what kind of insect folks are dealing with. A reference on my shelf only lists the dozen most common lady beetles and they involve 10 different genera. By Al Cooke

It's all chemicals!
[Jun. 8, 2006] Everything is chemicals! I’m responding to two notices in Chatlist #2502, dated 5/25/06 and at least one more since then. One writer wanted to “stay away from chemical methods” while another has a pesticide, “no chemicals used.” By Al Cooke, Extension Agent

Cocoa mulch may be hazardous to dogs
[May 8, 2006] Apparently some of the “big box stores” and perhaps others have been stocking cocoa bean shell mulch. I haven’t seen it locally, but neither have I looked. Apparently the mulch has an odor attractive not only to humans but also to dogs. Apparently some dogs will eat it. By Al Cooke, Extension Agent

Celebrate Earth Day by touring small local farms
[Apr. 11, 2006] Spring brings the opportunity to visit local farms on the 11th annual Piedmont Farm Tour. The rising cost of shipping food long distances and concerns over food safety make getting to know your local producers a great idea—and the Piedmont Farm Tour is the ideal time. It takes less gas to get local food to you, and knowing exactly how your local farmers produce your food can allay food safety issues. By Amy Eller

Trimming a rose vine
[Apr. 4, 2006] The first rule of pruning applies especially to roses, which have lots of disease potential: Remove anything that is Dead, Diseased, or Damaged - the 3 Ds. Look for dark or sunken areas on the stem as evidence of canker that needs to be removed. This part of pruning can be done anytime. If necessary, you can prune pretty severely and expect regrowth if the plant is in reasonably good health. For big overgrown roses, this may be the easiest strategy. For early bloomers, it may also sacrifice a season of bloom. By Al Cooke, Extension Agent

New N.C. agri-cultural tourism trail to be unveiled
[Apr. 1, 2006] The North Carolina Arts Council, along with N.C. Cooperative Extension, will unveil Potters Wheels’ and Organic Fields,” the latest driving trail on www.HomegrownHandmade.com on April 12, 2006. The Web site, dedicated to art roads and farm trails, showcases North Carolina’s rural riches.

Chair of "Nickels" referendum and polling places announced
[Mar. 30, 2006] Herbert Gaines of Siler City has been named Chair of the Chatham County Nickels for Know-How Referendum Committee. The Nickels for Know-How Referendum will be held across the state on Thursday, May 25, 2006. On that date users of feed and fertilizer will decide if they wish to continue assessing themselves three nickels per ton in order to support agricultural extension, research and teaching programs By Sam Groce

4-H International program accepting host family applications
[Mar. 30, 2006] Remember what it was like to be a 13? Well, image having the courage at that age to travel several thousand miles from home-by yourself- and live in a strange country for a month. That's what 30 Japanese exchange students, ages 12 to 16, will be doing this summer as they take up residence with families through the 4-H Summer Inbound month long program. By Paulette Thomas

Cooperative Extension website for farmers and gardeners
[Mar. 14, 2006] Ever find yourself in your garden staring down an insect you couldn’t identify? Or wondering what was eating your beans or causing your peppers to wilt? Would you like to know when is the best time to plant peas and other favorite crops in our region? Well you are in luck because all this information and much more can be found on Chatham County’s North Carolina Cooperative Extension website “Growing Small Farms”. By Debbie Roos

North Carolina beef quality assurance training
[Mar. 2, 2006] Many of you will remember during 1997-98 there was the initiative called the North Carolina Certified Beef Producer Program also called Southeast Pride, which encouraged producers to not only vaccinate and more actively manage their animals, but also the proper methods for doing this. Unfortunately, this program never really got of the ground the way that the organizers had hoped it would have. By Sam Groce

Spring classes for gardeners
[Feb. 9, 2006] The Cooperative Extension offers the following classes for home gardeners this winter and spring. Classes will be conducted in the downstairs Auditorium of the Agriculture Building, 45 South Street, Pittsboro. These classes are targeted at home gardeners. Commercial producers are welcome but should be aware of the intended audience and focus. By Al Cooke, Extension Agent - Agriculture
Also: Gardener classes