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Agricultural
Tips for caring for those holiday plants
Question: How do I care for my holiday plant? Answer: Poinsettia plants are commonly found in homes, churches, and businesses during the Christmas holidays. There are many cultivars and colors available to the consumer. Poinsettias colors can range from reds, pinks, marbles, and whites. With proper care, poinsettias will provide color and beauty for several weeks during the holidays. The poinsettia is a small tree native to the tropical a...
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Prestage Pig Show
The 4-H Program recently offered thanks to Prestage Farms for sponsoring the first pig show to be held at the Sampson County Livestock Facility back in October. Thirty-five youth from 11 counties competed in showmanship and market classes. All youth received premiums and ribbons because of Prestage’s donation. Pictured is Vice President Zack McCullen, Grand Champion barrow showman Ciarra Kennedy, and judge Jimmy Pollock. If you would like mor...
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If composting, know the policy
Because of high fuel prices, many poultry and swine farmers are utilizing composters to manage daily farm mortality. Once the initial investment cost of composters has been met, composting farm animal mortality is an economical method of mortality disposal. Composting does take a certain amount of management and may not be suited for all poultry and swine farmers. However, if you are composting, you need to read the document below from Dr. Da...
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Cankerworms around in the spring and fall
Question: Pest Alert! What are Cankerworms? Answer: In spring 2012, a cankerworm outbreak occurred in many North Carolina cities. Spring cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata) and fall cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria) are different species but have very similar characteristics. They both feed in the spring on the leaves of many different deciduous trees. Hosts include oak, elm, maple, and others. Willow oak was the tree species most heavily infest...
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2012 Census of Agriculture: What’s in it For Me?
Just about everybody knows about the United States Census, which is conducted every ten years by the United Sates Government to try to get an accurate count of citizens in the United States. But there is another census that is very important to those in the agriculture community. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Conducted every five years, by The United States Depa...
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James
Area extension agents receive recognition
Amanda Hatcher and James Hartsfield were recently recognized with a title promotion to associate agricultural agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Hatcher has been employed with Cooperative Extension for 10 years. Duplin Extension Director Wanda Clay states that Hatcher is providing “excellent leadership” for the livestock forage, swine and waste management program area in Duplin County. She has also served as advise...
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Gift ideas abound for the gardener on your Christmas list
Question: What type of gifts should I give a gardener for Christmas? Answer: Wow! There are so many choices of gifts to choose from. It shouldn’t be about the gifts, it’s the thought that counts. There are many different categories of gifts you can give a gardener. You have the live gift or a tool gift, which can promote more work and depending on the tool make the job easier. Gardeners always love the gift of plants, especially if it’s s...
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AgCareers.com president Spell appointed to National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board
The National FFA Foundation appointed Eric Spell, president of AgCareers.com, to its 2013 Sponsors’ Board. Sponsors’ Board members were introduced at the National FFA Convention and Expo held October 24-27, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sponsors’ board membership is selected by the FFA Foundation’s executive council with a geographical and industry mix of top corporate executives. Board members serve one year terms beginning in October o...
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From left are Mount Olive College FFA members Johnathan Parker of Four Oaks; Hannah Singleton of Goldsboro; Melissa Mayo of Smithfield; and Heath Brittain of Catawba. They received their American FFA Degree at the 85th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind.
Mount Olive College students receive awards at national FFA convention
MOUNT OLIVE- Each year the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of individuals for excelling over a period of years in academic and professional excellence. Four Mount Olive College students joined that exclusive list of awardees this year. Johnathan Parker of Four Oaks, Hannah Singleton of Goldsboro, Melissa Mayo of Smithfiel...
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Feedback sought on helpfulness of column
Question: Could you please help me out by providing feedback about the “Just Ask The Horticulture Extension Agent” Column? Answer: Dear Readers, The end of the year is steadily approaching and I really could use your help. North Carolina Cooperative Extension is always looking for ways to better serve you. I would like to know if you found the “Just Ask The Horticulture Extension Agent” column helpful. The information you provide will hel...
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Tour participants walk through the high tunnel greenhouse with John and Loretha McCoy during the stop at his farm outside Warsaw on the Southeastern Alternative Farm Tour. Pictured left to right, Jane Wood, acting district conservationist for Duplin Soil and Water Agency, Director Duplin County Center-NCCE Wanda Clay and Loretha and John McCoy. (Courtesy Photo)
Alternative farm tour stops in Duplin
In October, small and part-time farmers and other interested persons had an opportunity to learn about alternative crops and enterprises on the Southeastern North Carolina Alternative Farm Tour sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension with assistance from the Duplin County Center. Duplin was one of the featured counties with a stop outside Warsaw at John McCoy’s produce and beef cattle farm. He grows a variety of vegetables such as watermelon,...
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How can I protect my plants from collecting debris from nearby houses?
Question: What type of plants could I use as a screen to protect my property from the wind and dust from the adjacent property? Answer: North Carolina has a variety of adapted plants that could be used to screen off your property. When selecting plants, be sure to consider its maximum size, preferred growing conditions and the conditions of your site. Years ago people planted Red Tips as a screen; however, they began declining due to ...
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Sampson Community College President, Dr. Paul Hutchins has been visiting local farmers and agriculture businesses in an effort to learn how the college can be a strong partner with this important industry. Brent Jackson gives a tour of the melon fields to Dr. Hutchins, Lisa Turlington, executive director of the Foundation and Dr. Steve Matthis, Dean of Occupational Programs. (Courtesy Photo)
SCC officials visit local farmers
Courtesy Photo Sampson Community College President, Dr. Paul Hutchins has been visiting local farmers and agriculture businesses in an effort to learn how the college can be a strong partner with this important industry. Brent Jackson gives a tour of the melon fields to Dr. Hutchins, Lisa Turlington, executive director of the Foundation and Dr. Steve Matthis, Dean of Occupational Programs.
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Buy all the bull you can
With the prices for calves reaching record levels and the potential for good calf prices for the next few years, I thought this would be a good topic to discuss again. You may be looking for bulls to replace old, injured, or poor performing bulls you already have. Possibly, you are looking for an addition to your bull battery due to expansion. Maybe you are looking for a bull to breed heifers. Whatever your reason, if you are in the market fo...
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How much cold can my plants take?
Question: What is the best time to bring houseplants in for the winter? Answer: As cooler weather approaches, you need to be preparing houseplants for the big annual move. Houseplants can’t tolerate cold weather, so gardeners move them inside for the winter, where they can be kept warm and cozy until the following spring. When the temperature drops to fifty degrees or lower, tropical plants can have chilling injury to occur. The best ...
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Former CHS grad wins at State Fair Kaleb Sargent, Clinton High School graduate and current N.C. State student, won Grand Champion at the State Fair last week for the ‘Feeder Steer Pen of Three’ representing the N.C. State Animal Science Club. Kaleb is pictured fifth from the left. (Courtesy Photo)
Former CHS grad wins at State Fair
Courtesy Photo Kaleb Sargent, Clinton High School graduate and current N.C. State student, won Grand Champion at the State Fair last week for the ‘Feeder Steer Pen of Three’ representing the N.C. State Animal Science Club. Kaleb is pictured fifth from the left.
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Locals win top honors at 4-H Rabbit Show Pictured is Amber and Kaylee Lackey with their rabbit, Princess. The local girls took home two Champion Platters in Greensboro, winning Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex. There were around 3,000 rabbits at this District 9 competition, with participants from across the Eastern United States present. The event was hosted by the Sandhills Rabbit Fanciers. If you would like more information on how you can get involved with the Hippity Hop Rabbit Club or a variety of other 4-H programs, please call the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Office at 910-592-7161. (Courtesy Photo)
Locals win top honors at 4-H Rabbit Show
4-H Rabbit Show
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Poultry Industry: Time to crow and strut
I am sure most of you know the importance of the poultry industry locally and statewide. The NC poultry industry ranks third nationally in total poultry production, second in turkey production with approximately 32 million turkeys produced, fifth in broiler production with approximately 800 million broilers produced, and tenth in egg production with approximately 3 billion eggs produced. The industry represents 38 percent of all cash receipts...
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Chemical process makes those leaves so beautiful
Question: Why do leaves change color in the fall? Answer: As we transition into autumn, we enjoy watching the leaves change from green into vibrant colors such as red, orange, and yellow. As we watch the leaves change colors, one often wonders or asks, “What causes the leaves to change colors in the fall?” A change in leaf color that occurs as the seasons change is due to a chemical process taking place throughout tree. The leaf is where ...
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4-H Fall Fling Oct. 22 The Sampson County 4-H Program would like to invite youth ages 5-12 to their 4-H Fall Festival on Oct. 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Office. The 4-H Youth Leadership group has planned this event where food, games, and crafts will be available for attendees. The evening will conclude with a pie-eating contest. Any youth who would like more information or are interested in attending are asked to RSVP to the Cooperative Extension Office at 910-592-7161 by Oct. 17. Other upcoming events include the Eco Bot Challenge on Nov. 5-6, where youth will explore how robots can be used to preserve and protect the environment. Pictured are Cameron McLamb and Denisse Romero wrapping Mariana Sada-Romero at a past 4-H Fall Fling. (Courtesy photo)
4-H Fall Fling Oct. 22
Courtesy photo The Sampson County 4-H Program would like to invite youth ages 5-12 to their 4-H Fall Festival on Oct. 22, from 6-8 p.m., at the Sampson County Cooperative Extension Office. The 4-H Youth Leadership group has planned this event where food, games and crafts will be available for attendees. The evening will conclude with a pie-eating contest. Any youth who would like more information or who are interested in attending are asked...
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Bisecurity: Steps to keeping your livestock healthy
Biosecurity at the farm level refers to measures taken to prevent pests or diseases from entering your premises and to control outbreaks if they do occur. This is particularly important if you own or work with animals. Two basic Biosecurity measures for protecting livestock from diseases are 1) purchasing healthy stock and 2) preventing any exposure to disease organisms. Other preventive measures include proper nutrition, sanitation, and cont...
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Midway's FFA accepts a check. Pictured from, left: Ginger Stone, director for Instructional Management/Curriculum Support; Sessalie Hunter; Cashie Naylor; Caitlin Wrench; Maddie Pope; Rachel Pope; Julie Warren; and Ben Rice, State FFA vice president. Back: Scott Jolly; Jonathan Wilks; Brett Butler; Aulie Strickland; Adam Bryant; Benjie Forrest, Eastern Region Agriculture Education Coordinator; and Jason Davis, State FFA coordinator. (Courtesy Photo)
Midway FFA chapter awarded Program Improvement Grant
The Midway FFA Chapter has been awarded a $5,000 program improvement grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. These funds will be used to purchase fencing materials and to construct fencing for a six acre animal land lab behind the school. During its 2011 grant cycle, the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission awarded a grant of $180,540 to the North Carolina FFA Association to distribute for its Agricultural Education Improve...
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