2011 Past Events
This is an archive of our 2011 past events and workshops.
A cooperative event between Wayne Community College and CEFS
This course, which will meet on Thursday evenings, is offered to anyone who has an interest in beekeeping as a hobby or business. It covers all the essential biology, equipment, scheduling and care that is required to keep honeybees. There will be a field lab where you can see a real bee colony located at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems – Small Farm Unit. At the end of this course you will be qualified to take the NC State Certified Beekeeper exam.
January 11th – RESCHEDULED, Asheville, NC
January 27th, Goldsboro, NC, 2011
Workshop Organizers: Travella Free, Dr. Keith Baldwin, Liz Driscoll, Karen Neill, Peggie Lewis, Shannon Wiley, Sarah Crawford
The zesty zing of sorrel, the redolent fragrance of thyme, and the buttery texture of lettuce are the makings of a good food revolution and an easy way to start to a school garden. North Carolina Cooperative Extension is positioned to play a pivotal role in leading school garden initiatives. The collective experience and knowledge of campus and field faculty in agriculture, nutrition, youth development, and community resource development should be leveraged to provide rich resources for teachers and leaders interested in developing and sustaining school garden programs. Everyone is invited to attend a one-day interactive workshop designed to get your school garden program growing. Topics that will be covered, include:
- The Nitty Gritty on Getting Started: Why school gardens?
- Slugs and Bugs (and plants of course!): connecting curriculum to the garden
- Sow and Grow: Basic gardening know – how: what to plant, when to plant.
- Nutritious Nibbling: Safe food and nutrition essentials
- Fairy Rings and Toadstools: an intermission for the magical and whimsical opportunities in the garden
- Cultivating Community: sustainability in the school garden: nurturing a garden committee, managing volunteers, building community partners, fundraising, social marketing
- Reaping the Harvest: evaluation and reporting on school gardens
A cooperative event between Wayne County Cooperative Extension Service & CEFS
There is no cost for this workshop, but registration is required by February 16th. The workshop will consist of a short classroom presentation and then participants will travel to CEFS Small Farm Unit for the pruning demonstration portion of the workshop. Directions will be provided at the beginning of the workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring hand pruners and dress appropriately for outdoor demonstration.
Please call Diane Lynch at (919) 731-1525 to reserve a spot.
The Webinar describes the Center for Environmental Farming Systems statewide Local Foods Initiative in North Carolina, and highlight some of the accomplishments, partnerships, and priorities for action. A key initiative, The 10% Campaign, will be described in detail.
Clovers are the most natural and effective way to increase the nutritional value and productivity of pastures. Don Ball and Garry Lacefield are the “old lions” of the southern forage specialists. This seminar will focus on choosing and managing hay and pastures for dairy, beef and equines. For more information contact Sue Ellen Johnson at 919-513-1335.
A cooperative event between Wayne Cooperative Extension Service & CEFS
For more information call Diane 919-731-1525
Workshop participants will get hands -on instruction in inoculating oak logs with mushroom (shiitake) spawn. Participants should bring to the training two freshly cut logs from live oak trees or sweet gum trees. Each log should be four feet long and between four and eight inches in diameter. Logs must be from live, healthy trees and should be cut right before the workshop. Each participant who brought two logs will be able to take away one of his/her inoculated logs.
Space is limited to 30 participants.
A cooperative event between Wayne County Cooperative Extension Service & CEFS
Please call Diane Lynch at (919) 731-1525 to reserve a spot.
Workshop participants will meet at the CEFS Service Building for discussion on pruning blackberries and then will go to the Small Farm Unit for a pruning and trellis demonstration. Participants are encouraged to bring hand pruners and loppers and to dress appropriately for outside activity.
Pre-registration is required by Monday, March 7, 2011
Brought to you by NC Choices and the CEFS
Bringing together independent meat producers, processors, buyers and allied professionals for a weekend of workshops, trainings, panel discussions and networking to strengthen marketing and processing opportunities for the region’s rapidly growing local meat industry.
- Explore how production and processing practices impact meat quality and marketability including beef, pork, poultry, lamb and goat.
- Engage in hands-on training to improve carcass utilization, learn artisanal butchery techniques, and develop value-added products.
- Learn about innovative marketing alliances that are expanding the supply of local meat, and
- Discuss emerging trends and issues, including regulatory compliance, food safety, mobile slaughter, pasture management, animal welfare, marketing claims, production standards, third party certification and ethics.
- Panel Discussions, Presentations, and Demonstrations with representatives from NC Meat and Poultry Inspection Division, USDA, and NC Cooperative Extension, as well as some of North Carolina’s best meat producers, processors, butchers, chefs and food entrepreneurs.
For more information, please visit the Carolina Meat Conference website or contact Casey McKissick at: casey@ncchoices.com.
Come join us at the upcoming “Introduction to Keeping Backyard Goats Short Course,” at The Down East Library in Otway at 3:00 PM on Tuesday April 12, 2011. We will discuss various topics including common goat diseases, how to properly trim feet, parasite control, feeding, breeds, and more. Call the Carteret County Cooperative Extension Office at 252-222-6359 to sign up.
Please contact Molly Hamilton at molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu or (828) 273-1041 to reserve your spot. Come learn how to manage legume cover crops to maximize fertility. We will discuss inoculation cover crop types and varieties how they perform on different soil types, how cost compares with other fertility sources, and how to tell you are getting the most out of your cover crop.
Certified Crop Advisor – continuing education units available (2.0 total; 1.5=NM, 0.5=CM)
Triple B Farms, 3564 Harry Davis Road, Bullock, NC 27507
Triple B Farms is a small diversified farm that produces and direct markets pasture raised pork, grass fed beef, eggs, and poultry. Pigs are raised on perennial pastures that are rotated to maintain ground cover.
Parker Farms, 8015 Tilley Road, Hurdle Mills, NC
Parker Farms is a family farm that produces tobacco, row crops, vegetables, beef, poultry, and eggs in addition to their pasture raised pork. The Parkers maintain a breeding herd of 18-20 sows which they rotate on perennial and annual pastures. Their pork is mainly marketed through a variety of wholesale markets. Along with the outdoor hogs, participants will also be able to see how the Parkers have integrated pasture poultry into their operation including a their on farm poultry processing facility purchased through a grant from RAFI.
Come join NC Choices as we host two pasture walks for farmers and extension/ conservation agents April 26 at Triple B Farms in Bullock NC and at Parker Farms in Hurdle Mills, NC. For the past three years, NC Choices has been working with the USDA Conservation Innovation Grants program to evaluate best management practices at several outdoor hog farms in NC. At this workshop we will share the observations and practices that have been compiled from this on farm demonstrations and present the research that has taken place at the Center For Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro. The farmers will be on hand to answer questions.
This workshop will expose the audience to the problems facing producers with respect to small ruminant gastrointestinal parasite control, the biology of the barber pole worm (H. contortus), the concept of smart drenching, the FAMACHA concept and the hands-on use of the FAMACHA card, an integrated approach to gastrointestinal parasite management, understanding parasite drug resistance versus animal resistance, susceptibility or resilience to gastrointestinal parasites, and non-chemical approaches to treating small ruminant with anthelmintics such as alternative forages. For more information on this workshop, please contact: Elizabeth Ayers, NCCES – Madison County (elizabeth_ayers@ncsu.edu or 828-649-2411).
This workshop will provide an overview of ecosystem services and practices and programs designed to enhance them. Field demonstrations will focus on establishment and maintenance of habitats to provide life cycle needs of native plants, farmland wildlife, predatory and parasitic insects, and pollinators.
Canola and spelt are two crops that could potentially be added to expand organic rotations in NC. Markets for these crops are emerging in the area. NCSU’s Organic Grain Program has planted demonstrations on production and harvesting techniques for these new crops. Come out to see variety and seeding rate trials, canola harvesting techniques, and to discuss new markets. We will also be discussing and trialing hermetic grain storage bags, an alternative storage technique that may be very useful for storing seed, small acreage harvests, and ID preserved grains.
Certified Crop Advisor – continuing education units available (2.0 total, 2.0=CM)
This workshop will expose the audience to the problems facing producers with respect to small ruminant gastrointestinal parasite control, the biology of the barber pole worm (H. contortus), the concept of smart drenching, the FAMACHA concept and the hands-on use of the FAMACHA card, an integrated approach to gastrointestinal parasite management, understanding parasite drug resistance versus animal resistance, susceptibility or resilience to gastrointestinal parasites, and non-chemical approaches to treating small ruminant with anthelmintics such as alternative forages. For additional information contact Dan Wells at: 919-989-5380.
Weed control is the most challenging aspect of producing organic soybeans. We have spent the last several years looking at multiple tactics that, together, can really help fight weed pressure in organic soybeans. See how seeding rate, seed size/variety, roll-kill/no-till, and cultivating can contribute to a soybean weed management plan. We will also be visiting the organic Official Variety Trials for corn and soybeans, and have time to discuss selecting varieties and hybrids for organic production. Contact Molly Hamilton (828-273-1041 or molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu ) with questions.
Workshop qualifies for 1.5 hours pesticide credit for N,O,D, and X
2.5 hours CCA CEU’s available
This workshop is an initiative of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) and is co-hosted by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc. CEFS operates in part from funding held by the NC Agricultural Foundation, including the Friends of CEFS account. Sponsorships should be made payable to “Friends of CEFS.” You will receive a receipt for the tax deductible portion of your sponsorship. NC Agricultural Foundation tax ID: 56-6049304.
The NC Cooperative Extension and several goat and sheep producer associations in North Carolina are partnering to hold the “NC Goat & Sheep Producers Roundup IV” on Thursday and Friday, July 21 & 22, 2011 at the Lenior County Cooperative Extension Center located at 1791 Hwy. 11/55 in Kinston, NC. Goat and sheep producers along with youth in the southeast don’t want to miss this opportunity to have an educational gathering of producers to share and learn more about the latest issues related to the dairy & meat goat and sheep industry. Well-known experts around North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia will be present to address many topics of interest to the sheep and goat producer. Special features of the conference will be a “NC Chefs Cook-Off” of both chevon and lamb on Thursday for lunch. On Friday, a youth component has been added targeting youth interested in fitting and showing goats and sheep for competitions. Monday, July 11th is the pre-registration deadline for this event. A $10 late fee will be charged after the July 11th deadline. This fee includes a lunch along with the printed proceedings. The FAMACHA certification price is $12 extra. For event information and for registration information, visit the Franklin County Cooperative Extension website. For other information contact, Martha Mobley, Agriculture Agent, Franklin County, at (919) 496-3344.
This exciting program features an entire day of instruction for Chefs and Farmers with Master Butcher Kari Underly of Range, Inc. Chicago, IL and author of: The Art of Beef Cutting: A Meat Professional’s Guide to Butchering and Merchandising to be released August 2011.
The first day is specifically geared toward Chefs, Retail Butchers, Value-Added Producers and other Food Professionals. Day two is a session designed for farmers producing and marketing local and niche meats. Anyone with an interest in meat and craft butchery is welcome to attend either or both days.
CEFS, in partnership with NCSU Campus Cinemas is hosting this screening. A feature-length documentary, “Ingredients” illustrates how people around the country are working to revitalize that connection. Narrated by Bebe Neuwirth, the film takes us across the U.S. from the diversified farms of the Hudson River and Willamette Valleys to the urban food deserts of Harlem and to the kitchens of celebrated chefs Alice Waters, Peter Hoffman and Greg Higgins. “Ingredients” is a journey that reveals the people behind the movement to bring good food back to the table and health back to our communities. To view trailer, please visit the Ingredients website).
Join us at one of our multiple outreach events the weekend of September 17-18, including the NCSU-CALS Tailgate and the Yates Mill Fall Harvest Festival. Other events happening in the Triangle include the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association – Eastern Farm Tour and a screening of the movie “The Greenhorns”, presented by Chatham County Cooperative Extension and the CCCC Sustainable Agriculture Program. For more information on these events, please visit their respective websites.
This workshop is brought to you through NC Toxic Free NC, Wayne County Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems.
This hands-on workshop is geared towards older teens/ young adults and focuses on the basic, sustainable practices of building and maintaining a garden. Topics covered include: seed and variety selection, planting practices as well as how to plan and manage your garden throughout the seasons. A hands-on demonstration on how to build inexpensive hoop structures for season extension as well as a tour of the CEFS Small Farm Unit are planned.
Presented by NCA&TSU Cooperative Extension Program
Participants will learn updates and hands-on practices of fall season extension high tunnel management. In addition, proper site selection and use for high tunnels and high tunnel construction tips will be discussed. Presentations will include research design and implementation steps for a season extension late fall tomato enterprise, soil nutrient management and production steps and high tunnel construction and management explanations of rotation choices and implications for soil properties will be presented.
In addition the Small Farm Unit apprentices will present some practical hands-on management tips they have learned over the past year in terms of such things as transplanting, climate control in the high tunnels and soil and irrigation.
Open House at the NC A&T SU CEP Small Ruminant Demonstration Site located at the Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS) in Reidsville, NC on Nov 7, 10:00am – 5:00pm. Free lunch is included. We will meet at the Research Station Sale Barn (at the Chinqua Penn Plantation, 2138 Wentworth Street, Reidsville, NC 27320). The contact person for pre-registration is Ms. Andrea Brooks (albrooks@ncat.edu or 336-334-7956.
We will start out at 9:30 with registration, then at 10 am, we will be welcomed by Dr. M. Ray McKinnie (Associate Dean and Extension Administrator, A&T), Dr. William Randle, Dean of SAES at A&T, and Dr. Joe French, UPRS Superintendant followed by a bus tour of the station and/Small Ruminant Site then lunch (including goat meat, pork and chicken).
Afternoon will be at the Small Ruminant Demonstration Site (near 871 Parkland Drive) with educational/information sessions about goat/sheep management topics as well as what type of things will be done at the site in general. Presenters include Mr. Ben Chase, Dr. Ralph Noble, Mr. Garry Summers and Dr. Niki Whitley at the site with door prizes to be given away.
An educational session is scheduled from 3:00 to 5:00pm by Dr. Niki Whitley and Dr. Ralph Noble in which participants can get a certification of completion for worm control/FAMACHA eyelid color scoring in goats and sheep for worm control. A free FAMACHA card is included. Worms (internal parasites) are the biggest killer of goats and sheep nation-wide, so this is a very important training for goat and sheep producers to get.
A representative from Barn Loft will be there to answer questions about fencing and fence designs as well as other equipment related to livestock management. The North Carolina Boer Goat Association will also be there to provide information and sign up new members. Door prizes will be given away during the afternoon sessions.
The North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service and the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association are working together to offer a second workshop for women who would like more information and hands-on experience with cattle. The first workshop was a huge success, and we have had multiple requests to offer the workshop again.
What will participants be learning? We will start the day with a presentation from Bryan Blinson, Executive Director of the N.C. Cattlemen’s Association, who will talk about “Becoming a Leader in the Cattle Industry.” This will be followed by Dr. Mark Alley’s presentation and demonstration of “Low Stress Cattle Handling.” The 20 participants will be divided into four small groups for hands-on activities: (1) Low stress cattle handling (April Shaeffer, NCSU); (2) Proper techniques for vaccinating, deworming, eartagging (Lisa Shelton, certified Beef Quality Assurance trainer and farm manager at John Queen Farms); (3) Pasture management (Dr. Matt Poore, NCSU Cooperative Extension); and (4) Calving: normal presentation, difficulties (Dr. Mark Alley, NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine). There is no cost to the participants for the workshop or the lunch, thanks to a grant from the North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association.
Target Audience: County Extension Agents, USDA-Natural Resources and Conservation Services and Forestry Division Personnel
Recent research has shown that many cool- and warm-season grasses and legumes yield high levels of quality forage when grown under as much as fifty percent shade. This knowledge is being used to design integrated timber/grazing practices in conifer stands that allow high value saw logs to be grown as a long-term product, while on the same acre, an annual income can be generated from grazing livestock. Research has also begun to evaluate the potential for silvopasture with hardwood species. It is also possible to establish tree seedlings in an open pasture or crop field. Trees must be protected from grass competition and animal grazing until they reach adequate size. In the upcoming silvopasture workshop (December 8th, 2011) at CEFS, Cherry Farm Goldsboro, North Carolina, participants will be to take part in discussing a case study that will try to answer the following questions:
- What are the effects of wide spacing, pruning, and fertilization on the production and quality of wood and forage?
- What is the efficiency of multi-row and multi-species tree planting vs. single-row and single-species plantings for converting open areas to silvopastures?
- How do the tree and forage components interact to compete for light, water, and nutrients?
- Are there economic analysis models that are operational at the regional scale?