By Morgan Watts

North Carolina Cooperative Extension

The North Carolina State Fair is here, and this year’s theme is “Nothing Could Be Finer.”

I could not agree more.

The fair runs today through Oct. 21. It was scheduled to open Thursday but was delayed because of the remnants of Hurricane Michael.

The fair is at 1025 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh.

I would encourage everyone to make the trip to the fair this year to see all the exhibits and watch some of the livestock competition from our Rowan County 4-H and FFA youths.

For those interested in watching some of the junior shows, the Junior Market Lamb, Market Steer, Market Goat, and Market Hog shows will be held today.

On Saturday, the Junior Beef Heifer Show is scheduled.

Dairy Cattle and Dairy Goat shows will be next weekend, Oct. 19-21.

For a complete list of show dates and times, visit ncstatefair.org.

The exhibits are always great to see. The biggest pumpkin is always a highlight, along with all the other items on display.

There are tons of agricultural exhibits and educational opportunities available at the fair.

While at the fair, I would encourage you to try some of this year’s new foods. I know I will.

Some of the ones I want to sample are the Arepa Burger, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Cobbler Bites, and Shrimp & Cheddar Cheese Grits Eggroll.

I hope to see you there.

On another note, an October article would not be complete without this plug. With fall here, there are some things we need to get done when it comes to pasture management. If you have not taken a soil sample in your pastures, now is the time to get it done so that you will know what amount of fertilizer to put out this fall and next spring.

Soil sampling kits can be picked up at our office, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury.

There is no charge to have your soil tested through November. If you need help reading your soil report, let us know.

If you have any questions about pasture management, call me at 704-216-8970 or stop by the office.

Morgan Watts livestock agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Rowan County Center.