CEFS’ 25th Anniversary Video Series Chapter 1: Founding Story (2019)

Twenty-five years ago, a groundbreaking partnership was established in North Carolina. NC State University, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services founded the Center for Environmental Farming Systems at Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro on February 1, 1994.

Non-profit organizations including NC Farm Bureau Federation, Land Loss Prevention Project, Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA and Carolina Farm Stewardship Association joined with farmers and citizens to advise the process.  Listen to the story from the founders themselves…

Using Diverse Cover Crop Mixes to Improve Soil Health and Livestock Nutrition on Grazing Lands (2014)

Presented by the USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center, this webinar discusses the reasons behind choosing different cover crop mixes for soil health and livestock nutrition and the short term effects of these mixes on soil, plants, and livestock.

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Make a Cattle Mineral Feeder (2008)

This 10-minute video clip shows you how to make a cattle mineral feeder from a barrel and truck tire. It is portable, keeps the mineral dry, and is inexpensive to make.

Food Safety for School and Community Gardens

This guide, produced by NC State University and NC Cooperative Extension, is a handbook for beginning and experienced garden organizers alike on how to reduce food safety risks.

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Cover Crops for Organic Farms (2009)

Cover crops are pivotal parts of every organic farmer’s management scheme. They are crucial to the main goals of building soil health and preventing soil erosion. Cover crops are also important tools for increasing fertility and controlling weeds, pathogens, and insects in organic crops. This NC Cooperative Extension publication discusses planting, growing, and incorporating cover crops as amendments into the soil.

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Composting on Organic Farms

The CEFS Organic Production Guide contains nine chapters addressing different topics important to organic production.

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Freshly Retired

Salem Suber needed a way to meet the increasing demand for fresh food by residents at Southminster, a continuing care retirement community in Charlotte, N.C. With 282 unique published menus every 21 days, how could Suber, Director of Culinary Services, maintain consistency and meet their demands?

The answer was to bring in Chef Kris Reid. The video explores how Reid’s tireless passion for fresh, local food powers a world of change within an institutional setting by creating deep personal connections to the food being grown and served—resulting in bottom-line savings in the kitchen and a vibrant community of residents around the garden.

Learn more at www.nc10percent.com.

Collards in The Cafeteria

Nestled in the agricultural heart of North Carolina, Gaston County schools are attempting to source 10% of their produce locally. Students love the addition of fresh, local strawberries and watermelons to their menu, but how about collards? Collards In the Cafeteria follows the journey of this nutrient rich leafy green from the fields to the county’s Central Kitchen, where they are cooked and processed in a Wonka-like fashion for cafeteria service the following day. Frank Fields, Director of School Nutrition, shares the secret of the final step; getting students to try and, perhaps, even love this classic Southern side dish.

Learn more at www.nc10percent.com.

Tips for Produce Growers Marketing Fresh Produce to Retail Grocers: Understanding PLU and UPC Codes (2014)

PLU and UPC codes are two widely used tracking mechanisms that help retailers efficiently ring produce into the register in the check-out lane, track sales, control inventory and market products. Being knowledgeable about these labels in advance of approaching a retailer shows a grower’s awareness of the retailer’s industry.

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