Yancey County Agriculture Newsletter

Plasticulture Strawberry
Pre-Plant Workshop

Thursday, July 20, 2023
5:30 PM
Yancey County Senior Center

 Have you every considered growing strawberries?  Growing strawberries as an annual crop using black plastic mulch produces good sized berries and can be done in every region of North Carolina, including Yancey County.  Find out more about this upcoming workshop and how to register to attend!

Yancey County Beef and Forage Field Day 

NC Cooperative Extension of Yancey County will host a beef and Forage Field Day on July 27, 2023 starting at 5:30 PM.  The field day will focus on a a variety of topics including "Alternative Annual Summer Forages for Hay Production", "Utilizing Temporary Fencing and Watering Systems to Enhance Rotational Grazing", and "Pasture and Hay Field Weed Management with Emphasis on Toxic Weeds".  A meal will be served at the conclusion of the field day.  Registration is preferred to help us with planning.

FAMACHA
Certification Workshop

September 1, 2023
1-4 PM

FAMACHA is a method for measuring the level of anemia in small ruminants (sheep and goats) caused by the barber pole worm.  FAMACH scores can be utilized, along with other management practices, in making decisions about parasite control methods.  A hands-on training and certification for FAMACHA will be conducted in Haywood County on September 1st.  The cost of this certification is $25, which includes a FAMACHA card.  

Fall 2023 Pesticide Safety Schools

The 2023 Pesticide Safety Schools are available to those seeking initial licensing in one or more pesticide sub categories including pesticide core training, ornamentals and turf, and private pesticide applicators.  The schools are offered at several locations throughout the state including at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research Station at Mills River, September 27-28.  If you are seeking to obtain a pesticide license in North Carolina by taking the exam(s), and would like to take classes before taking the pesticide exam(s), this is a great opportunity.

Pesticide Recertification (X, V and L) "Last Chance Classes" to Be Offered In Fall

Yancey County Private Pesticide Applicators, and those commercial applicators wishing to get "X", "V" or "L" credits prior to September 30, 2023 will have one more chance this fall to complete recertification training at the Yancey County Center.  We have schedule "V-Safety" training for Thursday, September 21, 2023 starting at 5:30 PM.  We will be offering recertification for both "X" and "L" credits on Monday, September 25, 2023 starting at 5:30 PM.  Applicators whose license will be expiring in 2024 that wish to get a jump start on their recertification training are also welcome to attend. 

Toe Cane Beekeepers' Meeting to Focus on Mite Management

The July meeting of the Toe Cane Beekeepers' Association will focus on Varroa mite management throughout the year.  The guest speaker will be Dr. David T. Peck, PhD.  Dr. Peck serves as the director of research at Betterbee in Greenwich, NY.  The meeting will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church (located at 15 Hemlock Ave. in Spruce Pine) on July 11, 2023.  The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM.  This meeting is open to the public.