Events begin week of Aug. 6Agriculture and land owner opportunities
Aug. 10: Livestock entries for fair due. Livestock entry forms for the Cabarrus County Fair may be obtained online from www.cabarrus countyfair.com, the fair office or N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord. Entry forms must be received no later than 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10 to the Fair Office, Old Airport Road, Concord or faxed to 704-920-3323. For information, call 704-920-3310.
Horse pull: The Cabarrus County Fair will host its first horse pull Sept. 7, 7 p.m. in the Cabarrus Arena, N.C. 49, Concord. More than $5,000 in prize money will be offered for the top teams. For more or to register, contact Marvin Bost at 980-521-1302 or e-mail fouracresfarm@hotmail.com
Test for high nitrate levels: Exceptionally high levels of nitrates in various types of forages are being found in samples submitted to the state food and drug laboratory, meaning that farmers and other livestock producers should have forage crops tested to keep their livestock safe. Farmers are urged to send samples to NCDA&CS for testing, which is free. Farmers can also submit samples to the Farm Feed Forage Testing Service, which analyzes samples so that rations may be balanced for efficient production.
A $10 fee is required for each sample for this additional testing. For expedited service via UPS, FedEx or USPS, send samples to the Food and Drug Protection Division’s Constable Laboratory, 4000 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, or hand deliver to the same address. Samples may also be mailed to NCDA&CS, 1070 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1070. Farmers will be alerted within two working days after receiving the forage if levels are too high. For more information, contact 919-733-7366 or e-mail jennifer.godwin@ncmail.net.
Sept. 6: 55th annual Peanut Field Day ó Held at the Peanut Belt Research Station, Lewiston-Woodville. Tours begin at 9 a.m., business meeting at 11, with lunch following at 1 p.m. For information and to register, contact David Jordan, Extension agent, at 919-515-2717 or e-mail david_jordan@ncsu.edu
Community opportunity
Successful communities: Need to improve your neighborhood with a Community Advocate? Contact Minnie Mitchell, Extension agent, to help work with your neighborhood to provide resources and training for neighborhood-driven issues. She helps neighborhood associations get established by providing training on conflict resolutions, parliamentary procedure, officer development, public speaking and economic literacy.
To learn more about this free service for community and rural development, call 704-920-3310.
Cabarrus County household hazardous waste facility: First Wednesday and third Saturday, 246 General Service Drive (off N.C. 49), Concord. Wednesday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The information line is 704-920-3278.
Recycling center: Drop off sites are located at Household Waste Facility, 246 General Services Drive (off N.C. 49), Concord, open Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 a.m.-5: p.m. as well as at the Cabarrus County Landfill, Concord, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Cabarrus County Human Services Center, Kannapolis, open 24 hours, and America 1st Mortgage at the Crossroads Center, Midland, open 24 hours. Call the Recycling Information line at704-920-3278.
Sept. 7-15: Cabarrus County Fair ó “You’ll Love It” is the theme for this year’s fair. Gate admission for children ages 5 and younger is free, 6-11 years old is $3, 12 and older is $7. Parking is free. Discount fair tickets and ride wristband vouchers will be sold at First Charter banks in Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties. Discount fair tickets will also be available at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, N.C. 49, Concord. Discount advance fair tickets are available through Sept. 5 for $5, saving $2 per ticket.
Advance fair ride wristband vouchers are available for $14, saving $6 per wristband voucher, which may be redeemed any day of fair for wristbands at the Midway Guest Relations Booth inside the fence.
This year the “N.C. Make it With Wool Competition” will be held in conjunction with the fair on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Cabarrus County Fair Horse Pull will be held on Friday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. in the arena. A new scrapbooking department will showcase creativity of citizens. An Open Youth Horse Show will be held on Sunday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. in the arena. A Youth Meat Goat Show will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. in conjunction with the sheep show. For more information call the fair office at 704-786-7221 or e-mail MACooper@ cabarruscounty.us.
Aug. 24: Cabarrus County Fair pageant entry forms due. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2:30 p.m., the fair pageant will be held at the Cabarrus County Fair, Old Airport Road, Concord. Entry forms may be obtained from www.cabarruscounty fair.com, the fair office, or N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord. Forms must be returned no later than Aug. 24 along with entry fee of $50 payable to Cabarrus County and mailed to: Cabarrus County Fair, P.O. Box 707, Concord, N.C. 28026. For information, call 704-786-7221 or e-mail Susan Watkins susan.m.watkins@us.hsbc .com .
Aug. 31: Diaper Derby entry forms due. Sunday, Sept. 9, 3. p.m., a Diaper Derby will be held at the Cabarrus County Fair, Old Airport Road, Concord. Entry forms may be obtained from www.cabarrus countyfair.com, the fair office or N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County. Forms must be returned no later than Aug. 31 to: Cabarrus County Fair, P.O. Box 707, Concord, N.C. 28026. For information, call 704-786-7221.
Extension and Community Association
Cabarrus ECA calendar: All events held at N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Ave. W., Concord unless otherwise stated.
– Aug. 6 and 13, sewing curtains for McKnight Child Development Center, 9 a.m. at N.C. Cooperative Extension;
– Aug. 9, SW District ECA and Executive Board meeting, 10 a.m. at McGill Baptist Church;
– Aug. 17, deadline for collected item donations for Royal Oaks School to be brought to N.C. Cooperative Extension;
– Sept. 25, area program titled “It’s A Biotechnology World,” 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Train Station in Kannapolis;
– Sept. 26, leader training for the October club meetings titled “Have a Voice,” 10 a.m. at N.C. Cooperative Extension;
– Oct, 15, deadline for collected donations of shoe boxes filled with items for Samaritan’s Purse to be brought to Cooperative Extension. For information, contact Pam Outen, Extension agent, at 704 920-3310.
Family and consumer sciences
Pie Baking Contest forms due Aug. 24: Entry registration forms are due for the Pie Baking Contest to be held at the Cabarrus County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. Entry forms and rules may be found on www.cabarrus countyfair.com, at the Fair Office, Old Airport Road, Concord, or N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. Forms should be returned to: Cabarrus County Fair, P.O. Box 707, Concord, N.C. 28026. For information, call 704-786-7221.
Pressure canner dial gauge testing: Call for appointment at 704 920-3310, with Pam Outen, Extension agent, to test pressure canner dial gauges at the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. Only the canner lid and dial gauge are needed for the 10-minute testing. No cost. Do not have to be a Cabarrus County resident. In addition, food preservation information and recipes are available.
Expanded food and nutrition education programs: Classes free for people eligible for WIC, food stamps, USDA commodity foods or subsidized school feeding programs. Learn how to stretch food dollars, improve diets, plan meals and more. Contact Mille Clark, adult EFNEP Program assistant, at 704-920-3310.
Families Eating Smart and Moving More: This series of classes sponsored by Cooperative Extension and Cabarrus Family Medicine is for persons of all ages who want to eat smart and move more, but find it hard to fit it into their day. Offers families simple solutions to be able to eat more meals at home, eat healthy when eating out, move more in everyday routines and watch less television.
Free series of four classes, held 7-8 p.m., the first and third Thursdays, during the months of August, September, October and November at Cabarrus Family Medicine, 270 Copperfield Blvd., Concord. Participants will receive a Fast Food Court CD, recipes and a healthy snack. Call Pam Outen, Extension agent, for information and to register at 704 920-3310.
Youth opportunities
Aug. 30: Fair Scene Coloring Contest entries due. Open to first- and second-graders (ages 5-8) only. Prizes will be awarded Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. at Events Center B Stage, at the Cabarrus County Fair, Old Airport Road, Concord. The fair scene coloring page may be obtained from www.cabarruscounty fair.com, the Fair Office or N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. Bring colored page to Fair Office or mail to P.O. Box 707, Concord, N.C. 28026, no later than Aug. 30. For information, call 704 786-7221.
Unlock the secrets of 4-H: 4-H clubs and programs are about youth ages 5-19 years old having fun with friends and learning new skills throughout the year. The clubs are guided by adult volunteers and meet monthly. Club members go on educational tours, attend special programs, conduct community service projects, plus lots more.
Through continued club membership, youth gain skills in decision-making, cooperation and communication. Seven Cabarrus 4-H clubs specialize in the study of horses, one for children ages 5-8, and 10 in multiple educational areas. For a club meeting schedule, check our Web site at www.cabarrus county4H.com or call Heather Jones, Extension agent, at 704 920-3310.
Cabarrus 4-H Calendar: All events to be held at the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center unless otherwise stated. Information and registration on all events/programs may be obtained by calling 704-920-3310:
– Aug. 10-12, ARI Weekend Academy;
– Aug. 12, Horse Council meeting;
– Aug. 21, County Council and AVA meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Horticulture opportunities
Information on local gardening and lawn care: Every day, once an hour on Cabarrus County Channel 22, David Goforth, Extension agent, will present Extensions “Successful Gardener” segments featuring topics related to the Cabarrus County climate.
First Tuesday: “Become a Green Thumb and Help Others Too”
Persons interested in becoming award-winning Cabarrus Master Gardener Volunteers (MGV) need to have an email address to receive monthly newsletters, pest alerts and volunteer opportunities. MGV meetings with educational programs are held the first Tuesday of each month, 9:00 a.m. at the N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord. Participants who attend the meetings and begin volunteering receive the schedule of MGV training classes that will be offered during the winter months for a fee of approximately $60 (the cost of the N.C. State MGV Manual and durable name tag). Master Gardener Volunteers also meet for a monthly garden tour, restaurant luncheons, and various community horticultural activities. Persons interested in learning about gardening, volunteering and becoming a Master Gardener may contact David Goforth, Extension Agent, at david_goforth@ncsu.edu or call 704 920-3310.
Weekdays: “Soil Analysis”
Free Soil Sampling kits/instructions for lawn, garden, field and landscaping areas are available from N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord. Interested persons are responsible for mailing kits to NCDA Agronomic Division in Raleigh. Results are usually returned within 4 weeks. Assistance with interpreting the results may be obtained from David Goforth, Extension Agent, at 704 920-3310.
“Piedmont Farmers’ Market Season Dates”
The Kannapolis site, covered-shelter market at the corner of 518 Winecoff School Road and Orphanage Road, is open through October 27 on Saturdays and Tuesdays 8:00 a.m.-Noon. The Harrisburg site, open air market next to the old restored Post Office on Robinson Church Road, is open through Sept. 24 on Mondays, 4-7:00 p.m. The Downtown Concord site, open air market at the corner of Ashwood Street & Cabarrus Avenue-East, is open through October on Wednesdays, 11:00-1:00 p.m. Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, canned items, arts and crafts will be available. For more information, contact David Goforth, Extension Agent, at 704 920-3310.
August: “Summer Fling”
Youth ages 5-18 will enjoy a variety of classes available through N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center this summer. Visit the 4-H website at www.cabarruscounty4H.com to view or register for classes, activities and camps available for youth or drop by N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Youth do not have to be enrolled in 4-H to participate. Class schedules, activities, cost, locations and age group will vary. Classes will remain open until full. Classes are taught by volunteers and supervised by 4-H and Cooperative Extension employees. For other information, contact 4-H Summer Fling at 704 920-3310.
On-going Programs: “Does Your Child Eat Right?”
Learning to eat nutritious foods improves the quality of life. Enroll now in exciting, free and fun-filled classes sponsored by the 4-H Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program & N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. These classes are offered to all youth ages 5-19 who have limited family resources. Classes provide education in the principles of nutrition, use of healthy eating habits which improve self-esteem not only for youth, but the whole family. Taste-testers are welcome! If you have groups of youth that are interested in the program, call for eligibility requirements. To register, contact Anita Ford, 4-H EFNEP Program Assistant, at 704 920-3310 or obtain information from N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord.
Deborah G. Bost
County Extension Director
“What Cooperative Extension Can Do For You!”
Obtain research-based educational information on horticulture, agriculture, community development, family resources, consumer sciences and 4-H youth programs from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord. Most programs are free to the public unless a cost is listed. Call for more information on any of the following program opportunities at 704 920-3310, 8-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit our website at: http://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/
Mon., Wed., Fri.: “Cooperative Extension Today”
Airs on Cabarrus County Channel #22, 5:30-6:00 p.m., hosted by Deborah Bost, Cabarrus County Extension Director, with David Goforth, Extension Agent, and other guests discussing Piedmont Farmers’ Market which is open for the 2007 season in Kannapolis.
NOW: “Pick-up a Copy of the Farm Service Newsletter”
Newsletters are available for farmers at 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord. Topics include: National Compliance and Spot Check Review; Direct & Counter-Cyclical Program sign-up; Sodbuster Regulations; Farm Service Agency Nominating Petitions being accepted; Farm Reconstitutions; Cost Share Assistance at NRCS; and No-Till Drill that is available. Cabarrus County producers may call 704 788-2107, ext. 2, and Mecklenburg County producers may call 704 333-0023 or visit the Farm Service Agency Website at www.fsa.usda.gov .
NOW: “Register Farms”
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages livestock producers to register their farms with the NC Farm ID program. NC Farm ID is a voluntary program to register farms for a national identification number as a way to protect livestock in the event of a disease outbreak. For more, contact NCDA & CS at 919 715-2951 or go to www.NCFarmID.com .
NOW: “Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS)”
The Farm Service Agency uses GIS to replace the old manual system of hard copy maps and aerial photographs. The photos become the base layer of the GIS to identify individual farms and calculate the size and cropping history for each particular field. Producers can now review more accurate information about their farm online in the GIS files. For information, visit the Farm Service Agency, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord or visit www.fsa.usda.gov .
Ongoing Program: “Protect Cabarrus Farmland”
Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance and Enhanced Agricultural District Ordinance give interested farm, horticulture and forestry land owners additional choices that they can use to protect their land-owner rights. Agricultural producers may be eligible for certain federal programs by applying to be a part of an Agricultural District. Interested persons may obtain further information and an application by contacting Carl Pless, Extension Agent, at 704 920-3310.
Ongoing Program: “Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)”
This USDA Farm Service Agency voluntary program is available to agricultural producers to help safeguard environmentally sensitive land, improves the quality of water, controls soil erosion, and enhances wildlife habitat. The Farm Service Agency provides participants enrolled in CRP with rental payments and cost share assistance. Cabarrus County producers should call 704 788-2107, ext. 2, and Mecklenburg County producers should call 704 333-0023 or visit the Farm Service Agency Website at www.fsa.usda.gov .
Now: “Farmers in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties”
Contact USDA Farm Service Agency for rates available on Commodity Loans, Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP), Noninsured Assistance Program benefits and acreage on cotton in order to meet the Boll Weevil Eradication Program requirements. Contact the Cabarrus/Mecklenburg Farm Service Agency for information on 2007 Farm Bill Proposals, 1099-G refund, adding additional land to operations prior to planting a crop on the new land, Federal Crop Insurance indemnity payments, Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA), Farm Service Online Services, and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers. Cabarrus County producers should call 704 788-2107, ext. 2, and Mecklenburg County producers should call 704 333-0023 or visit the Farm Service Agency Website at www.fsa.usda.gov. Special accommodations will be made upon request for individuals with disabilities, vision impairment, or hearing impairment by contacting Turner Morrison, CED, at 704 788-2107, ext. 2, or 704 333-0023.
Ongoing: “Real Estate Transactions”
Foreign Buyers Notification- The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) requires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land to report their holdings to the county’s Farm Service Agency with 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDA form could result in civil penalties of up to 25 percent of the fair market value of the property. County government offices, Realtors, attorneys and others involved in real estate transactions are reminded to notify foreign investors of these reporting requirements. For information, visit the Farm Service Agency Website at www.fsa.usda.gov.