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NC Dept of Agriculture

Last weekend to shop at Raleigh Flea Market before N.C. State Fair

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RALEIGH – The Raleigh Flea Market will close temporarily beginning Sept. 24 in preparation for the 150th N.C. State Fair, which runs Oct. 12-22.

The flea market will operate Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will then remain closed until Saturday, Nov. 4.

The Raleigh Flea Market is one of the largest in the Southeast, hosting hundreds of vendors, craftsmen and booths selling everything from antique furniture and coin collections, to baked goods and clothing items.

This weekend, the public will be able to buy advance admission and ride tickets for the State Fair during the Southern Ideal Home Show in the Jim Graham Building.

In addition to the flea market, the fairgrounds will also host the following events this weekend:

  • Southern Ideal Home Show, Sept. 22-24, Graham Building Exposition Center.
  • NCQHA Tar Heel Futurity Fall Classic Show, Sept. 22-24, Hunt Horse Complex.
  • Supercar Autocross Ride and Drive Experience, Sept. 23-24, Blue Ridge and Trinity Road Lot.
  • DogGoneFast Flyball Club Flyball Tournament, Sept. 23-24, Holshouser Building.
  • North State Toy and Hobby Show, Sept. 23-24, Scott Building.
  • Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of N.C. Presents Mark Chestnutt in Concert, Sept. 24, Dorton Arena.

For information about fairgrounds events, visit www.ncstatefair.org.

Troxler to host Food Safety Forum

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RALEIGH – Helping small farms prepare for new federal food safety rules will be among topics covered at the 13th annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum on Aug. 15 at the State Fairgrounds.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will host the event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Expo Center. It is open to farmers, food businesses, regulators, health professionals and other interested people. Admission is free and includes lunch, but pre-registration is requested.

To register, go to www.ncagr.gov/ncfoodsafetyforum by Aug. 11. Individuals with questions should contact Derek Wagner at derek.wagner@ncagr.gov or 919-707-3011.

As the federal Food Safety Modernization Act is implemented across the country, farms of all sizes will be subject to on-farm inspections and other food safety rules. Roland McReynolds, executive director of the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, will talk about the importance of training collaborations for small farms to comply with the rules. And Chuck Ross, extension director with the University of Vermont’s College of Agriculture and Life Science, will give an update on FSMA implementation.

In addition, Dr. Steven Taylor, professor at the University of Nebraska, will talk about incorporating allergen controls within food-processing facilities. Taylor is founder and co-director of the university’s Food Allergy Research & Resource Program. His research has focused on developing methods to detect residues of allergenic foods, and he has worked with numerous companies on a wide range of allergen-related topics.

Other speakers include Dr. Clint Stevenson, assistant professor of food science education at N.C. State University. “Dr. Stevenson and his team have developed virtual reality training sessions that allow students and professionals to interact with virtual representations of real-world food manufacturing facilities and look for food safety problems,” Troxler said. “Stevenson will demonstrate how he brings the factory into the classroom.”

The forum is organized by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and sponsored by Harris Teeter.

State Farmers Market to host Largest Watermelon Contest during annual Watermelon Day July 27

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Top prize $1,000

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market is looking for the largest watermelon in North Carolina. The public weigh-in and awards ceremony is part of the market’s annual Watermelon Day Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Watermelon growers will have the chance to earn prize money and bragging rights during the Largest Watermelon Contest. The grower with the heaviest watermelon will win $1,000. The runner-up will earn $500, and third and fourth places will earn $300 and $200, respectively.

All entries must be from North Carolina, and growers must be prepared to identify where the watermelon was grown. Melons should be free of decay and soft spots, and stems should be trimmed to 3 inches. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

Entries will be accepted until 11:30 a.m., and the weigh-in will take place at noon. All entries will become the property of the State Farmers Market. The winning watermelon will be on display at the State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Other Watermelon Day activities include free watermelon slices and a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen. There also will be fresh local watermelons and watermelon products for sale.

Watermelon Day is sponsored by the N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, Ford’s Produce, R & H Produce and the State Farmers Market.

North Carolina is the seventh-largest producer of watermelons in the nation, yielding 201,376 pounds in 2016.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets in North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super Sod and three restaurants. More information about Watermelon Day, the contest rules and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

NC State Farmers Market to host annual Blueberry Day June 15

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RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market will celebrate its annual Blueberry Day Thursday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guests can enjoy free samples of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant. In addition, there will be plenty of recipes and the opportunity to purchase fresh local blueberries.

Blueberry Day will be held in the event area, which is located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and the garden section of the Farmers building. The event is sponsored by the N.C. Blueberry Council, the State Farmers Market Restaurant, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in the nation, yielding nearly 50 million pounds in 2016, with about 8,000 acres of blueberries grown in the state.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets located across North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products seven days a week. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super-Sod and three restaurants. More information about Blueberry Day and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

NC Cooperative Extension to rebrand

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Raleigh, N.C. – NC State Extension and The Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University have launched a rebranding effort for their strategic partnership known as N.C. Cooperative Extension. Effective immediately, a new logo is being rolled out in local Extension centers across the state, as NC State and N.C. A&T adopt a new marketing strategy to grow awareness and engagement for N.C. Cooperative Extension.

N.C. Cooperative Extension comprises the respective land-grant universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and 101 local governments statewide.

Growing awareness, creating prosperity
Dr. Rich Bonanno, associate dean and director of NC State Extension, said, “feedback during the planning phase made clear that those who know Extension love Extension, but many North Carolinians don’t know us or recognize the educational services being offered by these two premier universities in their own communities.”

Extension professionals in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians translate research-based information and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T into everyday applications, providing educational programs specializing in agriculture, food and nutrition, 4-H youth development, community development and the environment.

“It’s critical to our mission and the growth of our state that we bolster efforts to provide North Carolinians with research-based tools from our universities, which starts by introducing ourselves with a fresh look,” added Bonanno.

Through the collective efforts of the individual partners, who form a vast network dating back to 1914, N.C. Cooperative Extension bridges the state’s two land-grant campuses with communities statewide.

Redesigned logo and simplified identity

NC State and N.C. A&T have introduced a new logo for their N.C. Cooperative Extension partnership, highlighting the involvement of each university. It’s a simple but key step according to Sheri Schwab, director of county operations with NC State Extension.

“It’s important that we emphasize the presence of the universities in communities across the state, while maintaining a unique identity for the Cooperative Extension partnership. People recognize the value behind NC State and N.C. A&T; we want them to know they have access to the latest research discoveries without being on campus.”

Visit the N.C. Cooperative Extension site to find your local Extension center: www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center.
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Got to Be NC Festival offers agricultural fun May 19-21

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RALEIGH – The Got to Be NC Festival, a family-friendly celebration of agriculture, food and fun, returns to the N.C. State Fairgrounds May 19-21.

“The Got to Be NC Festival offers something for everyone, including farm animals, antique tractors, bluegrass competitions and a barbecue cook-off,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We encourage everyone to come celebrate the state’s $84 billion agriculture industry as we kick off the start of the growing season.”

One of the festival’s highlights is the Homegrown Fare presented by Lowes Foods. Visitors can sample and purchase food, wine and beer from about 100 N.C. companies in the Expo Building. Admission is $3 for ages 12 and older, but guests can receive two free admission tickets by presenting their Lowes Foods loyalty card at the door.

This year, the Got to Be NC Festival will have an expanded music lineup inside Dorton Arena, featuring 11 free musical acts from North Carolina. On Saturday, May 20, bluegrass fans can enjoy the Carolina Bluegrass Battle from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The competition will include eight local bluegrass bands vying for prize money and a chance to perform at the N.C. State Fair and PreddyFest 2017. The contest will be hosted by The Church Sisters, who also will give two special performances before and after the competition.

Also on Saturday, Masonic lodges from across the nation will take part in the annual Carolina Pig Jig barbecue cook-off. Starting at 11 a.m., visitors can sample barbecue, chicken and side dishes, and place their vote for the People’s Choice award. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children 7-11, and free for children under 7. All proceeds benefit the Masonic homes for children in Oxford.

The festival also includes one of the largest displays of antique tractors and farm equipment in the Southeast. Guests can see the antique tractors in action during the tractor parade daily at 1 p.m. In addition, visitors can see farm animals ranging from baby chickens and goats to longhorn steers and alpacas.

Other attractions include more than 30 carnival rides and games for all ages. Tickets are available for $1 each, 14 tickets for $12, or 30 tickets for $20. On Friday and Sunday, visitors can take advantage of a special Ride All Day Wristband for $20.

New attractions include the Pig Patch Birthing Center, with daily pig births beside the midway; the State Fair Flyer, a chairlift ride that debuted at the 2016 N.C. State Fair and offers panoramic views of the fairgrounds; original sand sculptures by artist Ed Moore; Kids’ Tractor Pedal Pulls on Friday and Saturday in the grandstand; the Bulldozer Sandbox featuring construction demonstrations with working excavators and bulldozers; and more.

Admission and parking at the festival are free, but certain attractions have a separate admission charge. Gates are open Friday from noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.gottobencfestival.com.

N.C. greenhouse tomatoes ready for harvest

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RALEIGH – Local field-grown tomatoes are not quite ready, but greenhouse tomatoes are now available for N.C. consumers.

Richard Whitaker, owner of Whitaker Farms in Climax, has been picking greenhouse tomatoes since late March. His farm grows tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce in the greenhouse, but also grows field tomatoes, strawberries and other vegetables. Whitaker says the benefit of growing in a greenhouse is being able to extend the season.

“We’re able to pick from March until July,” said Whitaker, first vice president of the N.C. Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association. “We’ve even had some years where we were able to keep picking greenhouse tomatoes until Christmas.”

Tomatoes account for about 90 percent of the state’s greenhouse vegetables, according to the association. Greenhouse vegetable growers also produce cucumbers, lettuces and peppers.

The association, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will host two Greenhouse Vegetable Days: April 20 at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh and April 21 at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax. At each event, visitors can enjoy a free tomato sandwich made with greenhouse tomatoes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To find local greenhouse growers near you, go to www.ncgreenhouse.org.

N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative announces grant recipients

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The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative recently awarded $1 million in grants for 13 research projects to boost bioenergy opportunities and production in the state.

“These grants continue to push our knowledge of bioenergy applications in North Carolina forward, creating the potential for future market opportunities for farmers, agribusinesses and forestry industries,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

Below is a list of grant amounts, recipients and projects:

  • $43,618 to N.C. State University’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering for the third year of its study of fertilization rates and yield response of the giant reed Arundo donax. The project will focus on collecting field data needed to establish realistic yield expectations and nitrogen fertilization rates under various North Carolina growing conditions.
  • $55,835 to the NCSU Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources for “Loblolly Pine Biomass Genetics/Cropping Study – 2016-2017.” The project will continue genetic evaluation of loblolly pine varieties with high potential as an energy source.
  • $148,804 to the NCSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences for a project titled “Nutrient Dynamics and Production of Bioenergy Crops in Swine Effluent Sprayfields, 2016-2017.”  Funding will continue research on the nutrient requirements and uptake of proposed biomass crops grown in a sprayfield environment.
  • $148,650 to Carolina Land & Lakes RC&D for the development of “Pellets for Pullets.” This expands a previously funded project into areas of the state with a higher concentration of broiler production. Wood pellet heating systems have been shown to offer cost savings, reduction in moisture and fossil fuel by-products and delivery of a better product to market, while utilizing a renewable domestic fuel.
  • $30,167 to the NCSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences for the second year of the study “Suitability of N.C. Piedmont Soils for Bioenergy Crop Production.”  The project investigates the potential conversion of land to bioenergy crops with an emphasis on how soil biochemical and physical properties will be impacted.
  • $50,000 to Power Resource Group LLC for a project titled “Crops to Litter to Fuel.” Combinations of giant miscanthus, biochar and pine shavings will be tested against traditional pine shaving litter in turkey brooder houses. Spent litter will be tested to see if it can successfully serve as a high-BTU feedstock for combined heat and power production.
  • $32,213 to the NCSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences for the first year of a two-year project titled “Weed Management in Miscanthus and Switchgrass Bioenergy Cropping Systems.” This builds on a previously funded herbicide project, but will focus more on weed management while establishing giant miscanthus and switchgrass, two potential bioenergy feedstock crops.
  • $103,470 for the first year of a three-year project titled “Predicting Short Rotation Woody Crops Productivity and Economic Feasibility.” This collaborative effort between the NCSU Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and N.C. A&T State University’s Department of Economics will use previously funded projects to refine and validate a forest productivity and economic model. This model will facilitate stakeholder decision-making for short rotational woody crop production and procurement as well as provide best land management practices to landowners via a web-based interactive tool.
  • $147,851 to the NCSU Department of Horticultural Science for the project “Gene Editing for Improved Energy Canes.” This project will build on previously funded projects focused on breeding high biomass, cold hardy hybrids. Efforts will now focus on refining regeneration systems and the development of gene-editing technologies for the development of seedless cultivars.
  • $24,818 to Tyton Biosciences LLC for the project titled “Energy Tobacco Variety and Sprayfield Trials.” In partnership with NCSU, Tyton will build on results from its previous energy tobacco work by conducting variety trials of modified energy tobacco to maximize biomass yield and evaluate hardiness and other plant characteristic. Work will also include testing energy tobacco in a sprayfield environment to determine nutrient uptake.
  • $58,004 to the NCSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences for “Developing Industrial Hemp in North Carolina.”  This work will investigate the feasibility of industrial hemp for food, fiber and fuel by evaluating varieties and developing best management practices such as planting dates and response to plant growth regulators.
  •  $59,339 to the NCSU Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources for year one of a project titled “Loblolly Pine Plantations to Maximize Bioenergy Production.”  This two-year project builds on previously funded work and will utilize two established experimental stands of loblolly pine. Results from this novel design will provide a better understanding of superior genotypes, crown forms, spacing and silviculture practices to optimize loblolly pine for bioenergy production.
  • $97,231 to Appalachian State University’s Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment for the project “Demonstrating Syngas Production from Bioenergy Crops.” This project builds on previously funded work that developed methods of heating greenhouses with biomass. The next focus will be using biomass grown on-site to produce syngas for heating as well as biochar as a soil amendment for the biomass production.

The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is a program of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Its goal is to support the research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production and agribusiness development. The N.C. General Assembly approved funding for grants to stimulate energy production from N.C. agricultural and forest products.

North Carolina State Farmers Market to host Seafood Day August 26th

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Shoppers can reel in some fresh N.C. seafood at the State Farmers Market during Seafood Day on Friday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual event will feature free shrimp samples, fileting demonstrations, a fish toss and informative displays about the state’s seafood industry.

“Whether it’s fresh-caught or farm-raised, North Carolina seafood is readily available for consumers to enjoy and worth nearly $130 million to the state’s economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Seafood Day is a great way to experience the freshness from North Carolina waters firsthand.”

During the event, visitors can enjoy free samples of N.C. shrimp while supplies last. They also can learn how to properly filet fish and shuck oysters from the fishmongers at Locals Seafood. Children can take part in a “mullet” toss competition for prizes. There also will be educational displays from N.C. Catch, Got to Be NC Seafood and the N.C. Aquaculture Association. In addition, Locals Seafood and the N.C. Seafood Restaurant will offer specials for attendees.

About the State Farmers Market

The State Farmers Market is open year-round offering a variety of seasonal agricultural products. Late-summer and early-fall produce is now available, including tomatoes, corn, apples and muscadine grapes. Shoppers also can find locally raised meats and seafood, wines and specialty products, as well as plants and shrubs for fall plantings. The market is also home to the State Farmers Market Restaurant, N.C. Seafood Restaurant and Market Grill.

The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. More information about upcoming special events at the market is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.