Friday, November 6, 2009

Sustainable Agriculture Workshop with Joel Salatin


Interested in organic gardening or pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture? The Western Piedmont Community College Sustainable Agriculture Program and Burke County Cooperative Extension will host a workshop entitled "Entrepreneur's Guide to Success in Sustainable Agriculture with Joel Salatin" Events will include a panel discussion, farm projects tour, exhibits by area organizations involved in sustainable agriculture and presentation by Joel Salatin.

Salatin is the owner/operator of Polyface Farms in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. A third generation alternative farmer, Salatin carries his message of environmentally sustainable farming practices to audiences nationwide. Salatin's farming methods have been profiled in the film, Food, Inc. and in the book The Omnivore's Dilemma by investigative journalist Michael Pollan. Salatin has written several books about farming including You Can Farm: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Start and Succeed in a Farming Enterprise.

This free workshop will be held on Monday, November 16 from 1-5pm at the Burke County Cooperative Extension office, 130 Ammons Drive, Morganton. Registration is from noon to 1pm., and space is limited, so be sure to arrive early. For more information about this event or if you or your organization would like to have a free exhibitor's table, please contact Chip Hope at chope@wpcc.edu, 828-448-3554 or Donna Teasley at donna_teasley@ncsu.edu, 828-439-4460.


Aquaculture Farm Tours


Two aquaculture tours to showcase aquaculture production and fee fishing will be offered on December 3 and December 7. On December 3, a tour of Grandfather Trout Farm, Banner Elk, and Hump Mountain Trout Farm, Elk Park, will take place. Grandfather Trout Farm is a fee fishing operation located in near Boone. Hump Mountain Trout Farm is a fingerling and food fish producer located in Elk Park. Both of these facilities have been in operation for years.

On December 7, a tour of Creekside Carp & Catifish Lakes and Whitmar Lakes will take place. These facilities also have been operating for years. If you ever considered aquaculture as a business venture this is your chance to see some fish farms first hand. this is your chance to talk with the business owners. A van will be available for transportation and will leave Mario
n at 9:30am on both days. Return time scheduled for 4:00pm on December 3 and 3:30pm on December 7. You are welcome to drive to the facilities as well. Registration is required by December 1 and cost is $5.00. Make checks payable to McDowell County Center. Space is limited, call early. Call Cheryl Mitchell or Molly Sandfoss at 828-652-7874.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Water Quality Testing Workshops


Two water quality testing workshops will be offered on Tuesday, November 24 and Thursday, December 10. The workshop on November 24 will be at Willie's Fish Lake, 537 Casstevens Road, Mount Airy. The workshop on Thursday, December 10 will be at Creekside Carp & Catfish Lakes, 2991 Sam Houser Road, Vale. Both workshops will start at 1:00pm and last until 3:00pm. Basic water quality parameters will be reviewed. Then you will have hands-on experience of testing water quality using chemical test kits. If you have testing kits or equipment, feel free to bring them. If you have a recreational pond, farm pond, or fee-fishing pond, this workshop is for you.

Registration is required. Call Cheryl Mitchell or Molly Sandfoss at 828-652-7874. If you have any questions, please call.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The North Carolina Farm Energy Efficiency Project

A meeting on the Farm Energy Efficiency Project (FEEP) is scheduled for Thursday, November 19 at 7pm at the Mountain Horticulture Research and Extension Center, 455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC.

The North Carolina FEEP originated from a grant awarded to North Carolina Farm Bureau by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The project's goal is to provide educational and technical support for farmers regarding agricultural energy use and efficiency. Farmers may also apply for low cost energy audits that will evaluate way to save farm energy costs.

"As farmers continue to face increasing costs, the data from energy audits and implementing energy saving plans can result in substantial, long-term savings," said Paul Sherman, air and energy programs director with North Carolina Farm Bureau.

The United State Department of Agriculture's Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) can provide grants and loans on projects that meet the criteria to save energy or implement new energy programs. FEEP will also provide matching funds that will improve a farmer's ability to obtain funds from REAP.

The funds will provide technical support needed to analyze proposals, perform energy audits, and prepare competitive applications for REAP loans and grants.

USDA Rural Development personnel will also be at the meeting to further explain how farmers can benefit from the REAP grant and loan program.

By the end of 2010, the project will have facilitated 200 on-farm energy audits and implemented at least 60 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Visit the FEEP web site http://www.ncfarmenergy.org/ for more information.


Wednesday, September 23, 2009

USDA Announces Implementation of Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs

Beginning September 14, 2009 Producers may sign up to participate in these programs.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that producers may begin applying for benefits under the provisions of the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). These permanent disaster programs, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, replace previous ad-hoc disaster assistance programs and are funded through the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund.

"President Obama and I are committed to meeting the needs of those producers who have suffered devastating losses from natural disasters," said Vilsack. "These programs ensure that producers who have suffered agriculture losses receive the critical disaster assistance needed to remain financially solvent and help them continue on in their operations."

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. For drought, the losses must have occurred on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or a crop planted specifically for grazing for covered livestock due to a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the specific type of grazing land in the county. For fire, LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses on rangeland managed by a federal agency if the eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the federal agency from grazing the normal permitted livestock on the managed rangeland due to a qualifying fire.

Eligible livestock under LFP include beef cattle, alpacas, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep and swine. For losses due to drought, qualifying drought ratings are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor located at www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html.

ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including losses due to blizzards and wildfires. ELAP assistance is for losses not covered under other Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance programs established by the 2008 Farm Bill, specifically LFP, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE). ELAP is being implemented to fill in the gap and provide assistance under other conditions determined to be appropriate.

For both programs, producers must have suffered losses that occurred on or after Jan. 1, 2008, and before Oct. 1, 2011. There is a total $100,000 limitation per crop year that applies to payments received under ELAP, LFP, LIP or SURE. For the 2008 crop year, the $100,000 limitation is per "person" as defined and determined under payment limitation rules in effect for 2008. For crop years 2009 through 2011, the $100,000 limitation applies to payments received, both directly and indirectly, by a person or legal entity. Furthermore, individuals or entities are ineligible for payment under ELAP or LFP for 2008 if their average Adjusted Gross Income for 2005, 2006 and 2007 exceeds $2.5 million. For 2009 through 2011, an average adjusted gross nonfarm income limitation of $500,000 applies and is determined using the three taxable years that precede the most immediately preceding complete taxable year (for 2009, the applicable years are 2005, 2006 and 2007).

For more information or to apply for ELAP or LFP and other USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, please visit your FSA county office orwww.fsa.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).

Monday, August 24, 2009

Geese Control

A few people have asked me about geese control...Here are some solutions for your geese problems. To control geese a COMBINATION of these methods are necessary. Here they are:

1) NOISE

Under best conditions, 3 - 4 strategically placed cannons may protect up to 25 acres from goose depredation. Many of today's newer models of cannons come with variable timers and rotators that increase effectiveness. Stationary noisemakers, such as cannon, should be moved every 2 - 3 days to prevent habituation by geese.

Mylar tape or birdscare tape might work as well. It is a reflective piece of material that is bright red on one side and bright silver on the other. Feed and Seed stores should have in stock or order for you. Remote controlled airplanes can scare off geese and has had some success.

Another type of auditory approach is use of pyrotechnics, such as whistlers, noise bombs, shellcrackers, and screamer or banger rockets. These firecracker-like devices are shot from a hand-held pistol or 12-gauge shotgun out over a group of geese on land or water where the projectile then explodes. Some of these devices have a range of about 50 - 75 yards. Always check local regulations (police/sheriff’s dept) to be sure of noise ordinances and let them know of your intention to use these materials so that they will be aware of the activity and avoid an unnecessary response to calls of "shots being fired."

2) TASTE

Goose Chase and Fruit Shield are nontoxic bird repellents that contain 26.4% active ingredient, methyl anthranilate, by weight. Methyl anthranilate, or 2-aminobenzoic acid methyl ester, is an aromatic acid ester that occurs naturally in grapes (although the methyl anthranilate in these products is synthetically produced). Methyl anthranilate is a food-grade compound that is used to impart "grape" flavor. Apparently, this flavor is offensive to birds, and they will not eat vegetation treated with it. This product has a UV coloring agent that, according to the manufacturer, the geese are able to see and associate with an area that has been treated with the feeding deterrent. Follow directions and you shouldn’t have a problem with it leaving your property and entering a local waterbody. Be sure to work closely with timing applications with mowing and watering schedules.

3) FEAR WITH WATER

Water Spraying Animal Repeller is a good deterrent because it senses motion and sprays a 3 to 4-second burst of water then resets. Spray coverage can be adjusted from a narrow 10° coverage to 360°, and the 35-foot range lets you place the device where it makes the most sense. Effective on dogs, cats, raccoons, deer, etc. Simply pull up the device, move it to a different location, and turn the water on. Soon, animals won't know where they'll be sprayed from, and will be wary of entering the protected area. Requires a 9V battery (sold separately), which powers the unit for approximately 6 months under normal use.

4) IRRITATING FEEL

Sticky, non-toxic material to stop bird roosting because it is extremely irritating to roosting birds; available in caulk tube; inexpensive. Varying product names: Bird Tanglefoot, Bird-Proof Gel or Liquid. Harmless to metal structures, sealed masonry and ornamental metals, works in any weather, indoors or outdoors, literally anywhere: on water tanks, trees, shrubbery, shipping docks and railroad sidings, yards, parking lots, etc. Apply to roosting edges ledges, windowsills, gutters, cornices, ornamental copings and protruding beams-any surface where birds roost or perch. For trees, bushes, shrubbery and most broad surfaces that would make cartridge application impractical, spray on Bird-Proof Liquid Spray. Keep birds away from parking facilities, trees, bushes, shrubbery and most broad surface areas with Bird-Proof.

5) EXCLUSION

Typically Canada geese prefer to have direct access from the water to walk onto the shoreline.

-Do the banks slope into the pond (this type of bank makes it easy to walk onto the shoreline or is there a straight drop off?

-Obstructions at the shoreline. This process involves the planting of certain types of vegetation or installation of fencing.

-Add in more plants around the banks or leave a buffer area 10-20 ft wide (example list provided). Modifying uninterrupted shorelines with shrubs or boulders every 10 to 20 yards, may reduce an area’s attractiveness to geese, as well as to other waterfowl and shorebirds.

-If a fence is present at the shoreline then this obstruction can prove successful in limiting the presence of geese on the property. Fence ponds prior to the molt (loss of flight feathers in early summer) to prevent access to water and discourage geese from remaining in the area when they are flightless.

When Canada goose access denial to a water source is required, then serious consideration should also be given to the installation of an overhead “grid system” in conjunction with a perimeter fence. This may not be practical for large ponds.

6) POPULATION REDUCTION

Federal and state permits are needed to handle geese, or destroy eggs or nests.

Thanks to Wendi Hartup, Extension Agent, Forsyth County, for providing this information.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

www.eXtension.org

eXtension, www.eXtension.org, is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America. eXtension connects knowledge consumers with knowledge providers - experts who know their subject matter inside out. The Families, Food, and Fitness section of eXtension at htttp://www.extension.org/families_food_fitness provides education and skills to help families make informed decisions about healthy eating and physical activity by providing them with evidence (science/research) - based information and interactive learning opportunities through eXtension. This virtual educational environment is targeted to families with young children. The Families, Food, and Fitness (FFF) Community of Practice (COP) is organized around 3 goals:
  1. improved diets,
  2. increase physical activity, and
  3. maintain body weight in a healthy range and avoid exess weight gain.

Interactive content and learning materials support these 3 goals in addition to focusing on the 6 key behaviors identified through the literature to be associated with achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight:
  1. move more everyday,
  2. tame the tube,
  3. right size your portions,
  4. enjoy more fruits and vegetables,
  5. prepare and eat more meals at home, and
  6. re-think your drink.

Help for healthy lifestyles includes a recipe section:
http://www.extension.org/pages/Families_Food_and_Fitness_Dynamic_List_of_Recipes

A picture spice guide for suggested foods with each spice:
http://www.extension.org/pages/Interactive_Spice_Guide and

A "Fast Food Menu," to size up fast food selections from McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Chick-Fil-A, Donino's, and Taco Bell is provided on an interactive menu at:
http://www.extension.org/pages/Interactive_Fast_Food_Menu

Experienced extension personnel and researchers based in the 1862 and 1890 land-grant universities, as well as other universities and education centers contributed to this new eXtension site.


Friday, August 21, 2009

2010 Western Piedmont Region Demonstration Grant Program

The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund aims to assist farmers and rural communities to develop new sources of agricultural income through provision of cost-share grants. The Reinvestment Fund will make two types of demonstration awards: Producer Grant Awards up to $10,000 for individuals and Community Grants Awards up to $30,000 for collaborative farmer projects.

The Fund will make cost-share demonstration grants to farmers, farm organizations, and community groups in the Western Piedmont Region of North Carolina. This includes: Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson, Forsyth, Gaston, Guildford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wilkes, Yadkin, Davie, and Rockingham.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION is January 13, 2010.

Tight margins for most commodity crops and changing farm programs provide new challenges for North Carolina farmers. The purpose of the Reinvestment Fund is to help farmers to develop enterprises that allow them to earn more for their products through innovative production, processing, or marketing approaches.

The Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

ELIGIBILITY

Qualifying PRODUCERS must be farmers, who are actively engaged in full or part-time farming in the Western Piedmont region. Priority is given to farmers who earned a significant portion of their income from tobacco at the time of the Master Settlement Agreement (1997-1998) and to projects that create an opportunity for a new generation of farmers.

Qualifying COMMUNITY GROUPS must include qualifying farmers from the Western Piedmont region, and farmers must be active in the leadership of the group. Groups of farmers, farm coops, farmer associations, churches, local business, civic organizations, or combination of these are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Eligible PROJECTS are those that: have a likelihood of generating new farm income; establish new markets for local products and services; develop new uses for greenhouses; add value to existing farm products by processing, packaging or marketing in a special way; make new use of tobacco facilities and equipment; maintain or create quality employment, including self-employment or opportunities for home-based businesses; make optimal use of on-farm and natural resources.

High Priority will be given to projects that are innovative and demonstrate a new direction or opportunity for farmers in North Carolina.

IMPORTANT DATES!

Early Bird Deadline - December 18, 2009
Application Deadline -January 13, 2010
Award Notification - March 9, 2010
Interim Report Due - TBA
Final Report Due - TBA
Projects Completed - TBA

APPLICATION & DETAILED INFORMATION

http://www.ncfarmgrants.org

Jason Roehrig

jason@rafiusa.org

919-542-1396

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Mountain Farmers Eligible for Funds to Help Diversify: WNC AgOptions Grant

WNC Agricultural Options will award approximately 45 farmers in 17 counties and the Cherokee Indian reservation $3,000, $6,000, and $9,000. These funds will be used to help farmers to diversify or expand their operations.

Interested applicants should see the agricultural agents at their local Extension Centers by November 23, and can visit www.wncagoptions.org to download an application. Projects should increase the sale of farm products and lead to the long-term sustainability of the farm business. The postmark deadline for applications is January 8.

WNC Ag Options is managed by the NC Cooperative Extension Centers in the West District. The program works with producers who demonstrate ways to increase farm income to other transitioning farmers, particularly tobacco growers. WNC Ag Options works in partnership with RAFI-USA's Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund, and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission sponsors the program.

"The partnership we have with the WNC AgOptions program is very valuable to us," said William Upchurch, Executive Director of the Tobacco Trust Fund commission. "Our experience has shown that participating farmers utilize these grants for innovative, resourceful and profitable enterprises that can make a huge impact on their farming operation."

Recent recipients are transitioning from commercial to direct markets, extending their growing seasons, or developing value-added processing systems so that they will have a product to sell year-round. With a grant they received in spring 2009, Tammie and Mike Edwards of Yancey County are building a germination chamber in a greenhouse they previously used in tobacco production to start plants for their potted flower operation. Saving them the cost of buying their own plugs, "...could make a difference if we stay in business," Tammie Edwards said.

Skipper Russel of Haywood County, a 2005 and 2009 recipient, and Kaleb Rathbone, a 2006 recipient, both have the infrastructure in place to open up markets with Ingles grocery stores this year, in large part due to the WNC AgOptions grants. Russel, who purchased a refrigeration truck, sells lettuce to Ingles, and Rathbone, who installed irrigation, sells strawberries.

Other WNC AgOptions recipients use the funds to offset the financial risk of trying untested, unique endeavors, such as hops production. "Just applying for the grant was about the best thing I could have done," said Van Burnette of Buncombe County, who started "Hop 'N Blueberry" on his family's seventh generation farm. "I learned so much about the cost, timeline, and the activities, and narrowed down what I wanted to do with the farm."

Established in 2003, WNC AgOptions is entering its sixth funding cycle. Members of the WNC AgOptions steering committee include: representatives from NC Cooperative Extension Service, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Marketing Division, HandMade in America, Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project, former WNC AgOptions recipients and other leaders in agribusiness.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2009 Farm Expo in Laurel Springs, NC

The 2009 Farm Expo is scheduled for August 29, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs, North Carolina. Registration begins at 12:30 pm. The cost is $10/person and children 12 and under are FREE. Please RSVP to the Ashe or Alleghany County Extension Office by August 17 in order to receive your dinner ticket.

The 2009 Farm Expo will highlight research projects at the Upper Mountain Research Station, farm diversification opportunities, and have vendors showing off new farm equipment, conservation opportunities, farm related funding, area banks, and many other for profit and nonprofit agricultural services.

There will be over a dozen speakers from 3 universities and 3 farm tours lined up for the day. The Ashe and Alleghany Cattlemen's Association will be grilling fresh roast beef for dinner and North Carolina Department of Agriculture will be providing a "Taste of North Carolina" exhibit with strawberries and other fresh farm produce to highlight the abundance and diversity of crops grown in North Carolina.

Also, a free junk swap will be held from 1:00 pm until dark if you have any used equipment that you are look for or a home for some you no longer need.

If you are interested in participating in the junk swap, being a vendor, or if you have questions, please call the North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Ashe County Center @ 336.846.5850 or Alleghany County Center @ 336.372.5597.

Forage Weeds/Pond Weeds Workshop

A Forage Weeds/Pond Weeds Workshop is scheduled for August 18 at 1:00 pm at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service-Wilkes County Center in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The Wilkes County Center is located at 201 Curtis Bridge Road, Suite A.

Learn to identify weeds and control methods. Bring in your weed samples. Also herbicides in manures will be highlighted. Pesticide credits have been applied for.

There is no registration fee, but please register by calling Donna Bumgarner @ 336.651.7331 or Cheryl Mitchell @ 828.652.7874.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Money Available for Farmers: Matching Funds Provide Dollars for Marketing Local Food

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) is making matching funds available to farmers through a program funded by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Farmers can apply for matching funds that will enable them to conduct promotions and develop materials that identify their products as local. ASAP will offr approximately $50,000 total to Southern Appalachian farmers to help them market and promote local foods.

Individual farmers can apply to receive up to $1500 of assistance. Farmers tailgate markets are eligible for up to $2000. As much as $5000 is available for groups of farmers.

Matching funds mean that ASAP will pay up to half of accepted applicants' costs for promotions and marketing materials. Current and former tobacco farmers can receive up to 75% of these marketing costs.

Funds can go towards advertisements in print, on the radio, or in other media; product labeling; graphic design; materials such as posters and business cards; signs; and more.

"Southern Appalachian farmers produce a wealth of high quality foods, and there's a growing demand for locally grown food. Shoppers and farmers just need help connecting," says Charlie Jackson, Executive Director of ASAP. "Matching funds will allow farmers to form these connections through marketing and strengthen our local food system." Good marketing helps authentically local food stand out and compete with other products. Furthermore, providing matching funds encourages local make marketing plans, which are much needed to succeed in the current economic climate.

To apply for funds, farmers must be Appalachian Grown certified. The promotion must reach the public and support farmers within one or more of these Appalachian Grown Counties in North Carolina: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. If possible, approved applicants should incorporate the Appalachian Grown logo in the materials for which they receive funding. Appalachian Grown is a branding program that identifies products from family farms in the Southern Appalachians. ASAP developed the program to preserve the values associated with truly local food. Getting Appalachian Grown certified is a simple process and it's free.

For information about Appalachian Grown certification and the matching funds application, visit www.asapconnections.org or contact Megan Ray at megan@asapconnections.com.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

2008 Aquaculture Grant Update

The application for the 2008 North Carolina Aquaculture Grant program is now online at http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/aquacutlure/2008AGP.htm.

If you have a NC Aquaculture License, you should also receive a hard copy by US mail.

Detailed information on program requirements and restrictions is included with your application packet. Please note the eligibility requirements. Also please note the application deadline of July 29, 2009. NC will be issuing feed vouchers for this program. Vouchers can only be used for future feed purchases and not to settle current feed debts.

The purpose

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Section 102 (d) of the Recovery Act provides $50 million to administer a 2008 Aquaculture Grant Program (AGP) to assist aquaculture producers for losses associated with high feed input costs during 2008.

Who may apply?

Only persons currently farming aquaculture species in North Carolina with a North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Aquaculture Production License or Division of Marine Fisheries Aquaculture Operations Permit qualify for this program.

What are the eligibility requirements?

During 2008, an aquaculture producer met the following criteria:
  • raised an aquaculture species in a controlled environment; maintained the aquaculture species as part of a farming operation and had a risk in the production of such species;
  • produced an aquaculture species for which 2008 feed costs represented at least 25% of the producer's total input costs for the aquaculture operation as certified by the producer;
  • experienced at least a 25% increase in 2008 feed costs above the previous 5-year average (2003-2007); and
  • is currently in operation (2009), as of the date of the AGP application with NCDA&CS.
Matt Parker 252-633-1477 or Debra Sloan 828-524-1264 are your contacts for this program.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

2008 Aquaculture Grant Program

The 2008 Aquaculture Grant program is part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment of 2009 that was passed by the Obama administration in February. This designated $50 million to the US aquaculture industry.

The application process for North Carolina has yet to be ironed out. But you will need the North Carolina Aquaculture license. If you have yet to get one or yours has expired, please get your NC Aquaculture license. Information about the North Carolina Aquaculture license. It is free and only takes a few weeks to process.

Please start to collect feed invoices, receipts, or documentation from your feed vendor for the total amount of feed purchased in 2007 and possibly 2008. Monetary assistance will be based on this information.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services contact for this program is Mr. Matt Parker, matthew.parker@ncagr.gov, 252-633-1477.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop

I just love grabbing a home-grown tomato off the vine, fresh for dinner. Wouldn't it be great if you could have some homegrown trout or catfish with your garden veggies? If you have a pond, you can. And, we all know fish is good for you.

A Small-Scale Aquaculture Workshop will be presented on May 4 at 6:00 pm by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. There is a $5 registration fee, $7 for couples. You must register by Thursday, April 30. Make checks payable and mail to McDowell Extension Service, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC 28752. Attn: Aquaculture Workshop.

The meeting will be held in the County Administration Building in the McDowell County Extension Service Conference Room on the 2nd floor, 60 East Court Street, Marion.

For more information, contact Cheryl Mitchell, 828-652-7874.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Carp Pond Workshop: The Basics


Whether you are a new or seasoned carp pond operator, this training is for you. We will be discussing the basics like fish anatomy, water quality and testing, and common problems with their treatment. We will meet at the Surry County Extension Center in their Auditorium in Dobson on Monday, March 30 at 6:00 pm. There is a $5 registration fee for refreshments. Please make checks payable to McDowell County CES. Mail checks to McDowell County CES, 60 East Court Street, Marion, NC 28752, Attn: Carp Pond Meeting. Register by Thursday, March 27 by calling Cheryl Mitchell or Molly Sandfoss at 828-652-7874.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Solar Energy/Energy Conservation Program

The Solar Energy/Energy Conservation workshop scheduled for March 14 from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm at the Corpening YMCA in Marion is designed to give you better insight into the world of solar energy. Quint David from Western North Carolina Renewable Energy Initiative Appalachian State University will be the keynote speaker.

Some topics that will be covered:
  • solar energy and today's energy issues
  • types of systems
  • resources
  • NC State tax credit
  • NC Greenpower
  • cost
  • conservation tips for the home
  • solar energy for an installer
  • small devices powered by solar like cellphones
  • Farm Energy Efficiency Program (FEEP)
There is a registration fee of $10 which will cover lunch and a solar energy booklet. Make checks payable to McDowell County CES. Call in to 828-652-7874 or 828-652-8104 to register. Hope to see you there. Let's see what we can do to conserve energy and possibly reduce costs.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Digital Televison Transition

February 17 is the transition from analog to digital television. At the time of this writing, that is only 28 days away. Some of us might need to make some changes to make the transition to digital television. If you use an antennae on a television that has an analog tuner, and you do not subscribe to cable, satellite, or other pay television service, you will need to upgrade to digital television by February 17.

To continue getting television reception, you have some options:
  • purchase a digital television converter box for your television
  • purchase a television set with a built-in digital tuner
  • subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay tv service. Make sure you will still get your local stations with the new provider.l
The US Department of Commerce's National Communication and Information Administration had $40 coupons to help defray the cost of the converter boxes. They issued up to two per household. Unfortunately, the funds for this program reached its limit. However, coupon requests will be filled as funds from expiring coupons become available. You can sign up for the coupon program until March 31, 2009. To learn more about the converter box program, you may call 1-888-DTV-2009 or on the web, DTV2009.gov. If your coupons expired--the coupon is only good for 90 days--, ask a neighbor who doesn't need a converter box to apply for the coupons.

Here is a good resource for more answers to your digital transition questions: http://www.dtvanswers.com