News

August 11, 2009: Compass Group North America Sponsors the Center for Environmental Farming Systems' 2009 "Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture" Workshop Series

CEFS’ Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture (SOSA) Program Hosts Fresh Produce Safety Training for Growers

Download a printer-friendly PDF of the 2009 Seasons of Sustainable Agriculture Workshop Series calendar.

More news…

 

High Tunnel Workshop

Tuesday, February 17, 2009
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $20 (includes lunch)

This all-day workshop will highlight the high tunnel (HT) research findings at CEFS and NCSU. New information on nutrient management and water and nutrient delivery systems will be presented. Other topics of insect and disease management, microclimate modifications and data, crop selection and crop budgets will be covered. The workshop will include a tour of the facilities and research at CEFS and an optional end of day on site review of construction details and HT layout for those interested in building their own tunnel.

Power Point Presentations from Workshop
High Tunnel Production
High Tunnel Budgets
Organic Nutrient Management for NC High Tunnels
Disease & Management of Disease in High Tunnels
High Tunnel Pest Management
Summary of High Tunnels
Modification of Microclimates in High Tunnels: A case study at CEFS
Why Extend the Season? What are my Different Options?

Workshop Contacts
Steve Moore, steve_moore@ncsu.edu, (919) 218-4642
Dr. Mary Peet, mary_peet@ncsu.edu

 

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Organic Crops Workshop

Friday, February 27, 2009
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Regional Farmer’s Market
1006 Peachtree St.
Rocky Mount, NC
Registration fee: $10 (includes lunch)

Join farmers, extension agents, and agricultural consultants at this workshop focusing on large-scale organic crop production in North Carolina. This workshop will bring together production and marketing information relevant to organic grain, tobacco, vegetable, and dairy farmers. Please register by February 23, 2009. General questions and registration: Molly Hamilton, molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu, (828) 273-1041.

 

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Tour of Outdoor Swine Production Facility/Research (CEFS)

Friday, February 27, 2009
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
CEFS Alternative Swine Unit

This tour is part of the Pasture Pork Production Conference February 27-28 in New Bern, NC.

 

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Blueberry Pruning Workshop

Friday, February 27, 2009
9:30 a.m. – noon
Wayne County Cooperative Extension Office
(Corner of George and Chestnut Streets in Goldsboro)
Registration fee: Free
Registration required; limited to first 40 participants.

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 at (919) 731-1525 before February 25 to register.

 

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Production Basics: For Home, Market and Community Gardening

Saturday, March 14, 2009
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (no lunch)
Cherry Research Farm, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: Free
Registration required; limited to 35 people.

What do you need to get growing? This workshop will cover the theory and practical management of seeds, transplants, soil, water and fertility. Hands on demonstrations focusing on vegetable production and small fruit will be an important part of the workshop. Please call Lisa at (919) 513-0954 before March 12 to register.

 

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Hoop Houses for Season Extension of Direct Marketed Vegetables (Part 1 of 3)

Saturday, March 28 (See also: October 1 & October 27, 2009
Time TBA (1.5 hours)
Davidson County

March 31: This series of workshops will teach gardeners and producers alike the pros and cons of hoop house vegetable production. April 4: Participants will have the opportunity to help construct a hoop house for heirloom tomato production. October 1: Participants will visit two farms and explore the differences in outdoor versus hoophouse grown produce and see how the hoophouses have affected the season's production. To learn more about this workshop or to register, please contact Amy Lynn Albertson at amy_albertson@ncsu.edu or (336) 242-2080. Downloadable Poster (.pdf)

 

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Cover Crop Evaluation

Tuesday, March 31, 2009
3 – 5 p.m.
Breeze Farm, Hillsborough, NC
CANCELLED

Demonstration of the viability of the roll kill/no-till approach in the Southeast is critical to enabling effective producer adoption in this region. Key issues to address in this workshop is the evaluation of species and cultivars of cover crop that match the region’s planting dates. The flowering of the cover crop must coincide with planting dates for each cash crop because the roller will not kill the cover crop if it is rolled before flowering, and waiting too late will allow the cover crop to set seed. For more information on this workshop, please contact Karen McAdams at karen_mcadams@ncsu.edu or (919) 245-2050.

 

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Production and Use of Vermicompost

Thursday, April 9, 2009
10 a.m. – noon
Cherry Research Farm, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $10 (no lunch)

Learn how to vermicompost by converting animal or crop residues to a beneficial soil amendment. Find out how to use vermicompost to improve soils and grow healthy plants. Gain knowledge of scientific studies demonstrating that vermicompost increases crop yields, and curbs disease and pest attacks on plants. To register: Complete the registration form and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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CEFS Spring Farm Festival

Saturday, April 18, 2009
9 a.m. – noon
* Rain or Shine *

Please visit our Spring Farm Festival Page for more information.

 

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Sustaining Local Farmers by Promoting Local Foods

Thursday, April 23, 2009
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Onslow County Multipurpose Complex
4024 Richlands Highway

This kind of information that will be presented at this workshop is the one step in building a strong, local food network and will help us move forward in our efforts to promote locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. It will also help our local producers develop and focus on marketing opportunities in the area while helping them remain profitable and sustain our local farming heritage. Some of the topics we plan to cover include

• Meeting with local restaurant owners, chefs, grocery store managers and public school lunch program managers to share production information
• Discussing the purchasing requirements and demand from local restaurants and institutions
• Educating local buyers about the seasonal challenges farmers face in eastern NC.

For more information on this workshop, please contact Mark Seitz at mark_seitz@ncsu.edu or (252) 448-9621.

 

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No-till Organic Grain Production

Thursday, May 7, 2009
5 – 7 p.m.
Mt. Ulla, NC (near Salisbury)
Registration fee: Free (no lunch)
CANCELLED

Four workshops will be held this spring on farms in the Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and Blacklands. At each farm selection of varieties of rye and legume cover crops have been planted. These cover crops will be roll-killed and corn or soybeans will be no-till planted into them. At these workshops, we will demonstrate how well different cover crops worked in this system to smother weeds, and allow for accurate and timely crop planting and growth. We will also have a brief discussion on organic wheat production at the workshops in May and June. For more information about this workshop, or to register, please contact: Molly Hamilton, Extension Assistant, molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu , (828) 273-1041.

 

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Vegetable Stories and Worm Magic: Gardening Basics for Children

Saturday, May 9, 2009
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Registration fee: Free
Limited to 30 participants, ages 5-10.

This workshop will teach children about important aspects from growing plants for food to gardening. Children will participate in various hands-on activities from learning about flowers and pollinators, planting seeds, learning about edible parts of various fruits and vegetables, and how worms can eat their garbage. In addition to the benefits of learning how to grow a garden, there will be a strong emphasis on learning where their food comes from and locally produced food. To register: Please call the Yates Mill County Park office at (919) 856-6675 or visit www.wakegov.com/yatesmill.

 

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No-Till Organic Grain Production

Thursday, May 28, 2009
5 – 7 p.m.
Looking Back Farm, Tyner, NC (near Hertford)
Registration fee: Free (no lunch)

Four workshops will be held this spring on farms in the Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and Blacklands. At each farm selection of varieties of rye and legume cover crops have been planted. These cover crops will be roll-killed and corn or soybeans will be no-till planted into them. At these workshops, we will demonstrate how well different cover crops worked in this system to smother weeds, and allow for accurate and timely crop planting and growth. We will also have a brief discussion on organic wheat production at the workshops in May and June. For more information about this workshop or to register, please contact Molly Hamilton, Extension Assistant, at molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu or (828) 273-1041.

 

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No-Till Organic Grain Production

Thursday, June 4, 2009
5 – 7 p.m.
Pocosin Farms in Pantego, NC
Registration fee: Free (no lunch)

Four workshops will be held this spring on farms in the Piedmont, Coastal Plain, and Blacklands. At each farm selection of varieties of rye and legume cover crops have been planted. These cover crops will be roll-killed and corn or soybeans will be no-till planted into them. At these workshops, we will demonstrate how well different cover crops worked in this system to smother weeds, and allow for accurate and timely crop planting and growth. We will also have a brief discussion on organic wheat production at the workshops in May and June. For more information about this workshop or to register, please contact Molly Hamilton, Extension Assistant, at molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu or (828) 273-1041.

 

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How to Build Permanent Fencing

Tuesday, June 9, 2009
3 – 5 p.m.
Breeze Farm

This workshop will be held at the NC State University W.C. Breeze Farm in Hillsborough, NC. The workshop will demonstrate most types of fencing for livestock. In addition, the fencing system is set up to demonstrate an intensive grazing set-up with watering system. Many different types of fencing and bracing systems will be discussed. For more information on this workshop, please contact Karen McAdams at karen_mcadams@ncsu.edu or (919) 245-2050.

 

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2009 Farm-to-Fork Picnic

Sunday, June 14, 2009
4 – 7 p.m.
W.C. Breeze Family Farm
4909 Walnut Grove Church Road
Hurdle Mills, Orange County

Join Piedmont cooks and farmers for an evening of food, live music and fun activities for the entire family! In a unique collaboration, the regions most acclaimed cooks will pair with Piedmont farmers to prepare a picnic-style feast that celebrates our local foods and the people who grow and make them. The picnic will feature farm food representing the bounty and diversity of our region, including the season's first field-ripened tomatoes, head-to-tail heritage pork, a shrimp boil, grass-fed beef, a tasting tent filled with handmade craft food, including farmstead cheese, pickles, preserves, breads and cured meat; all local sno cones, spit-roasted lamb, grilled pizzas made from Triangle-grown wheat and produce grown in the field next door, and the season’s last strawberries. Tickets may be purchased online at www.farmtoforknc.com or by calling (919) 755-3804. Advanced ticket purchase required. $50 per person; free for kids 12 and under. All proceeds will help grow new farms and farmers across North Carolina. Participating producers to date include:

 

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Small Farm-Small Field Forages

Friday, June 19, 2009
1 – 3 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $10

Introductory workshop for managers of small parcels that they want to manage properly for grazing. This workshop is for folks who want to manage pastures to provide some feed for their animals. It is for those who have had limited experience or success with pastures. The workshop will review principles of grazing, recognizing the species in your fields. It will focus on how management will encourage desirable species. It will help you better understand and utilize the mechanisms in diverse-mixed species pastures. The workshop will be applicable to all types of grazing livestock. To register: Complete the registration form (download here as a .pdf or .doc file) and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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Understanding the 2008 Farm Bill

Monday, June 22, 2009
9 a.m. – noon
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $10 (no lunch)
Hosted by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems; Rural Advancement Foundation International;
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association; UNC’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention;
National Center for Appropriate Technology.

One of the challenges to deciphering the Farm Bill is that there are so many different programs in very different categories (conservation, beginning farmer, community food, outreach, health and nutrition, etc.) What's in the farm bill for organic producers? For aspiring producers? For local food supporters? For new entrepreneurs? For health and wellness organizations? This practical workshop is designed for producers and others to access and utilize relevant Farm Bill programs that can help them with their farms or organization’s programs and activities. The Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s (SAC) Grassroots Guide to the 2008 Farm Bill will be made available to registrants. The Guide describes each of thirty-four 2008 Farm Bill programs most important to sustainable agriculture as a guide for farmers,
ranchers, and grassroots organizations.

Agenda

9 – 9:30 a.m.: Introductions and Introduction to the Farm Bill: What it is, process for it to become law, program development, implementation and annual funding cycles, state level interactions, etc. (Scott Marlow, Rural Advancement Foundation, International)

9:30 – 11 a.m.: Overview of Farm Bill Programs

• Conservation and Environment (Roland McReynolds)
• Farming Opportunities (Scott Marlow)
• Local and Regional Food Systems and Rural Development (Alice Ammerman)
• Sustainable and Organic Production and Research (Nancy Creamer)
• Renewable Energy (Mike Morris)
• Competitive Markets and Commodity Program Reform (Scott Marlow)

11 a.m. – noon: Breakouts (2)

• Direct Farmer loan and payment programs (Scott, Roland, Mike)
• Grant Programs (Nancy and Alice)

One of the challenges to deciphering the Farm Bill is that there are so many different programs in very different categories (conservation, beginning farmer, community food, outreach, etc.) What's in the farm bill for organic producers? For aspiring producers? For local food supporters? This practical workshop is designed to producers to access and utilize relevant Farm Bill Programs that can help them get off to a successful start. To register: Complete the registration form
(download here as a .pdf or .doc file) and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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Farmscaping for Pest Management

Wednesday, July 15, 2009
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $20 (includes lunch)

This workshop will focus on how various landscapes (farms, home gardens, golf courses, etc) can be managed to enhance populations of beneficial insects used for pest management. Classroom presentations will provide participants with appropriate background information and resource materials to allow for continued learning in this area. A visit to field sites around CEFS will be made to show participants specific examples of landscape features they can develop or enhance, along with the methods for doing so. To register: Complete the registration form (download here as a .pdf or .doc file) and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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Organic Certification

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $50 (includes lunch)
Minimum of 20 participants for this workshop.

This workshop will help you understand what you need to know and do to get your farm certified under the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). Find out what the standards are, how to get certified, how to fill out an organic certification application, and how to find and choose a certifier. You'll receive an extensive notebook with record-keeping templates, mock applications, resources, approved materials lists and more. If you are thinking about getting certified organic, this is the place to start! To register: Complete the registration form (download here as a .pdf or .doc file) and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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Egg Production in a Range Setting

Wednesday, September 2, 2009
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $20 (includes lunch)

This workshop is geared towards small producers of shell eggs who are using the extensive range management system. To register: Complete the registration form (download here as a .pdf or .doc file) and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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  Sandhills Summer Cover Crops Demonstration

Thursday, September 10, 2009
2 – 4 p.m.
Sandhills Research Station

The Sandhills of North Carolina has a strong agricultural base, with a diversity of crops such as peaches, strawberries, grapes and vegetables, as well as small grains. The majority of the growers farm conventionally, and the large number of poultry houses in the area makes chicken litter an important fertility source. Chicken litter also provides organic matter to the soil, critical for adding water and nutrient holding capacity. As farmers in the area consider organic production as an option for their farm, the question of nutrient alternatives is an important consideration. Join us as we look at covercropping as a viable alternative. To learn more about this workshop or how to register, please contact Taylor Williams at taylor_williams@ncsu.edu or Paige Burns at paige_burns@ncsu.edu.

 

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  Establishing Cool Season Cover Crops in the Sandhills

Tuesday, September 29, 2009
2 – 4 p.m.
Sandhills Research Station

The Sandhills of North Carolina has a strong agricultural base, with a diversity of crops such as peaches, strawberries, grapes and vegetables, as well as small grains. The majority of the growers farm conventionally, and the large number of poultry houses in the area makes chicken litter an important fertility source. Chicken litter also provides organic matter to the soil, critical for adding water and nutrient holding capacity. As farmers in the area consider organic production as an option for their farm, the question of nutrient alternatives is an important consideration. Join us as we look at covercropping as a viable alternative. To learn more about this workshop or how to register, please contact Taylor Williams at taylor_williams@ncsu.edu or Paige Burns at paige_burns@ncsu.edu.

 

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  Hoop Houses for Season Extension of Direct-Marketed Vegetables (Part 2 of 3)

Thursday, October 1, 2009
(See also March 28 and October 27, 2009)
Time TBA (1.5 hours)
Davidson County

March 31: This series of workshops will teach gardeners and producers alike the pros and cons of hoop house vegetable production. April 4: Participants will have the opportunity to help construct a hoop house for heirloom tomato production. October 1: Participants will visit two farms and explore the differences in outdoor versus hoophouse grown produce and see how the hoophouses have affected the season's production.To learn more about this workshop or to register, please contact Amy Lynn Albertson at amy_albertson@ncsu.edu or (336) 242-2080. Downloadable Poster (.pdf)

 

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  Marketing Through Community-Supported Agriculture

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Chatham Co. Cooperative Extension Building
Registration Fee: TBA

Elizabeth Henderson is a nationally recognized expert on community-supported griculture. As a farmer and the author of the book Sharing the Harvest, she is a valued educator who helps other farmers understand the rewards and challenges of marketing through CSA. This workshop will cover the nuts and bolts of creating a CSA program and how to maximize their effectiveness to ensure success for both the farmer and members. I did a CSA workshop back in 2002 and have since seen a dramatic increase in demand from consumers (most area CSAs have a waiting list). I also recently overhauled my web list of NC CSAs and the number went from 35 a few years ago to over 80 now. There are a lot of farmers considering doing a CSA (and we certainly need more to meet demand) and also a lot of farmers who just started one who need help so I think this workshop will be both timely and relevant. To learn more about this workshop or how to register, please contact Debbie Roos at debbie_roos@ncsu.edu.

 

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  Hoop House Construction of Direct-Marketed Vegetables (Part 3 of 3)

October 27, 2009
(See also March 28 and October 1, 2009)
Time TBA (1.5 hours)
Davidson County

March 31: This series of workshops will teach gardeners and producers alike the pros and cons of hoop house vegetable production. April 4: Participants will have the opportunity to help construct a hoop house for heirloom tomato production. October 1: Participants will visit two farms and explore the differences in outdoor versus hoophouse grown produce and see how the hoophouses have affected the season's production.To learn more about this workshop or to register, please contact Amy Lynn Albertson at amy_albertson@ncsu.edu or (336) 242-2080. Downloadable Poster (.pdf)

 

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Beef Cow Winter Feeding Management

Thursday, November 12, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Contact: cefs_info@ncsu.edu

 

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  Transitioning to Commercial Organic Production in Western North Carolina

Tuesdays from September 22 to November 17 (once a week for nine weeks)
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Office
94 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Registration fee: $25 (includes informational notebook)

Limited to first 25 registrants.
(Registration will not begin until late summer 2009.)

The Transitioning to Commercial Organic Production class will run for eight or nine consecutive weeks starting in September 2009. This informative class is intended for vegetable and fruit growers who have acreage ready to convert to commercial organic production (one acre of ready-to-be-certified-organic field land or more). Topics include the organic certification process, record keeping, insect, disease and weed identification and management, rotation design, soils and fertility, and marketing. To learn more about this workshop or how to register, please contact Sue Colucci at susan_colucci@ncsu.edu or (828) 697-4891.

 

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Food Safety: From Production to Sales

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Registration fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Markets are demanding more measures of food safety and the goal of this workshop is to provide tools and hands-on experience to meet these increasing demands. The basics of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), water quality concerns for all types of production, an on-farm mock inspection will be combined with harvest and postharvest handling demonstrations, and traceability issues related to industry distribution standards, as well as what it means to develop a food safety plan. Food safety issues specific to direct marketing will be discussed. Read more about this workshop in the October 20, 2009 press release. To register: Complete the registration form (download here as a .pdf or .doc file) and mail it in with a check, or e-mail it to cefs_info@ncsu.edu.

 

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