Small fruit workshop next Tuesday

DURHAM COUNTY CENTER

Your Agriculture BULLetin

Feb 17, 2021

Who's with me....

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

Come Again Another Day!

Perhaps it could come back in the summer when we really need it?!

I do know that this is likely not going to happen, but the alternative seems to be construction of an ark.

Okay, all kidding aside, this winter has dealt an exorbitant amount of moisture.

So much water can lead to erosion and run-off which can carry soil particles and nutrients to rivers and streams and end up in our larger bodies of water. Sediment is the number one pollutant of water, and you can see the effects even in the image above. But how do we keep the soil where we need it most -- in our gardens and fields?

One beneficial practice is to incorporate winter cover crops or to have a winter cash crop. Either of these include incorporating actively growing plants. Plant roots are the key and help in two important ways with excess water.

Improve water infiltration, storing for another time
Hold soil in place and prevent topsoil loss

The added bonus of living plant material is that plant roots pull nutrients from deeper into the soil, and once these plants are harvested and the remaining biomass incorporated into the soil, those nutrients will be available for soil microbes to release them for the next crop. Also, the use of summer cover crops should not be overlooked, especially during a fallow year.

The science of soil and the management practice for soil health and regenerative agriculture are hot topics these days. I am currently developing a Soil Health Series, and I would love to hear from YOU about what topic you most want to know about.

Please, shot me an email with suggestions!!

Workshops and Meetings

Begins next week - Small Fruit Grower Workshop Series

Are you currently growing strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries; or are hoping to grow them in the future? Durham County is hosting a workshop series with the research specialist at NC State University focused on best management practices for a berry crop in NC.

The workshops will be held online starting at 6 PM, and there will be opportunity for questions.

February 23 will be an IPM workshop focused on identification and management of pests and diseases. 1 CEU pesticide credit available.

March 1 will be focused on the varieties to grow and best management practices.

More Information and to register

Winter Vegetable Conference - February 24 & 25, 2021

The largest regional conference for commercial vegetable growers is going virtual this year!! This conference is brought to you by the vegetable extension specialists and NC State Cooperative Extension. Stay up to date on the latest research. Cost is $40 and includes an annual membership to the NC Tomato Growers Association

Do you own woodland? This seminar is for you.

When: Tuesday, February 23 at 1PM

This presentation, brought to you by Woodland Stewards, will help you learn how to implement a woodland management plan that achieves your objectives.

Do you need a PSA certification class?

Elena Rogers is teaching a two-day training course in late March for growers on the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) standardized curriculum. This training meets the regulatory requirements of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. We encourage anyone working in the produce industry and all farmers (large and small) to attend this class.