NC AgVentures Farm Grant
Information Webinar Tonight at 7:00
Additional Dates Below |
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The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program is a NC State Extension grant program that provides grants to NC family farms and local non-profit community organizations to develop agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for a North Carolina producer, with an established agricultural farm operation who is thinking of adding new crops, improving, or expanding their operation. |
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There will be three upcoming webinars for applicants to learn about the NC AgVentures program. The information will be the same for all webinars. Choose the webinar that best fits your schedule.
To register for a webinar, click the link below of the date you wish to attend:
Your Extension Agent is your collaborator on the application proposal. Contact your Extension Agent to schedule a time to consult on your proposal and review your application. You must contact them no later than December 1, but earlier is better because there are a maximum of 200 applications this year that will be submitted |
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Nitrate Risk in Forages for Livestock
October 13th, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
WEBINAR |
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There will be an OIC class on October 26 and 27 in Moore County. We will be offering it for Type A and B. We will also have 6 hours of animal waste continuing education on the first day. |
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Poultry Processing Workshop
November 18, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Asheboro, NC
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The Poultry Processing Workshop will take place at the Randolph County Agricultural Center on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Classroom topics on backyard bird basics, poultry processing and regulations will be covered first followed by lunch and then a hands-on opportunity to process broiler chickens in the afternoon. There will be enough chickens available for everyone to process one bird each if interested. We will also have a turkey processing demonstration for those interested in learning about the differences.
Pre-Registration is Required by 11/10.
Registration cost is $25 per person; lunch and materials are provided.
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Cattle Selection Workshop
November 20, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
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Register for this FREE clinic hosted by NCSU Extension Specialists focused on beef cattle selection strategies to promote sustainability in your program.
Friday, November 20, 2026
9 AM- 1 PM
Uwharrie Ridge Farms
5141 Lou Cranford Rd
Denton, NC 27239
Contact adam_lawing@ncsu.edu with questions. |
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FREE Soil Testing Deadline
Pittsboro Drop-Off Site Deadline: Nov. 22
Soil Testing Lab in Raleigh: Nov. 30 by 4:00 pm |
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The NC Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services Agronomics Testing Laboratory has posted on their website that the last day they will accept soil samples during the 2026 free testing period will be Monday, November 30, at 4 PM.
The deadline to drop off soil samples (with no errors/omissions) at the Ag Center in Pittsboro for the final free delivery is Sunday, November 22, 2026.
Producers can also choose to deliver their own samples to the testing lab in Raleigh. If the samples reach the testing lab after the November 30, 4 PM deadline, you will be responsible for paying the new $5 per sample fee (samples can be dropped off at the loading dock behind the Eaddy Building between 7 AM-4 PM).
NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Soil Testing Lab
4300 Reedy Creek Rd.
Raleigh NC 27697
If you have questions about how to take soil samples, need to borrow a soil probe, or have other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Dalton Suits
(919) 542-8242
dalton_suits@ncsu.edu |
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Considerations for Establishing an Optimal Breeding & Calving Season
October 1st, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
WEBINAR |
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Environmental and nutritional factors are major contributors to poor reproductive efficiency. In North Carolina, cattle producers are familiar with these challenges, including fescue toxicosis and heat stress. Therefore, this presentation will discuss key considerations for establishing defined breeding and calving seasons based on the specific needs of each operation. In addition, we will discuss factors that may affect reproductive outcomes, such as inadequate nutrition, as well as simple strategies to identify and address problems early to minimize the number of open cows at the end of the breeding season.
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Pasture Management & Soil Health
October 9th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
FREE |
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This workshop is focused on pasture management, conservation practices, and soil health. Participants will tour working grazing systems, learn about managed grazing strategies, and explore how integrating trees and livestock can support healthier soils, resilient pastures, and productive farm systems. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and land stewards, and hear from regional organizations and practitioners working in conservation, agriculture, and land access. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, as well as a farmer stipend. |
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Poultry Processing Workshop
October 9th, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
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Orange County Cooperative Extension is hosting a poultry processing workshop on October 9th. Participants will learn food safety practices as well as processing techniques they can take back home. This training makes Orange and Durham County residents eligible to rent the Mobile Poultry Processing Unit (MPPU), and this qualifies other residents for MPPUs across the state.` |
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Information from NRCS
October 30th Deadline for Fiscal Year 2027 Funding |
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“We know that America’s producers know the land the best and are the best stewards,” said NRCS State Conservationist Matt Walker in N.C. “We encourage producers interested in conserving natural resources and keeping their operations productive, profitable and sustainable for future generations to contact their local NRCS office.”
While NRCS accepts applications year-round, interested agricultural producers in North Carolina should apply by Oct. 30 to be considered for fiscal year 2027 funding. Programs include:
- Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): The Agricultural Land Easement component of ACEP enables producers to protect their agricultural land from development by enrolling it in a permanent Agricultural Land Easement. The Wetland Reserve Easement component of ACEP helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses.
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP helps producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) : EQIP provides producers with the technical and financial resources they need to address resources concerns on their land including improved water and air quality, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion, improved natural vitality and more.
NRCS is also providing additional financial assistance nationwide through the Regenerative Pilot Program (RPP), which enables producers to implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application for EQIP and CSP. RPP is part of USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First and advancing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda by building a healthier, more resilient food system.
For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, technical advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs.
For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov. |
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Animal Waste OIC and Continuing Ed Hours
October 26th & 27th |
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There will be an OIC class on October 26 and 27 in Moore County. We will be offering it for Type A and B. We will also have 6 hours of animal waste continuing education on the first day. |
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