Davidson County Center
May News
In this Issue:
  • Piedmont Regional Goat & Sheep Conference
  • Taxes for Farms
  • Raising Quail for Meat Production
  • Growing Giant Pumpkins
  • Non-timber Forest Products & Agritourism
Photo by Bonnie Taylor Barry from Shutterstock.com
Raising Quail for Meat Production or Release
There are two main types of domesticated quail - Bobwhite and Coturnix (or Japanese) quail. Japanese quail can be raised for meat or egg production, depending on the strain. Bobwhite quail have been raised in the southeastern United States for release into hunting preserves. They can also be raised in poultry houses for meat production. Dr. Tony Pescatore from the University of Kentucky will discuss raising quail for meat production or release.


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Growing Giant Pumpkins
Want to learn the art of growing giant pumpkins? This workshop is open to youth ages 5-18 and will be held on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. at the Extension Office. The workshop will be taught by expert Robert Burch. We will talk all about the science of improving your soil and seed starting highlighting everything you will need to do at each stage of growth. He will also provide the seeds to get started! Robert holds the Virginia state record for largest pumpkin, weighing in at 1514 pounds!

We ask that parents attend with any interested youth. Please email Matt Barber to register! Deadline is May 3. Due to distancing restrictions, numbers will be limited.
Non-Timber Forest Products & Agritourism
Join ForestHer NC landowners, natural resource professionals, and others for the second of three interactive webinars about protecting your woodlands! Presentations will cover non-timber forest products and agritourism. 

May 13, 2021 1–2:30 p.m. EDT (with an optional half an hour afterward for discussion) 

Protecting your Woods Webinar #2: Non-timber Forest Products and Agritourism 

Introduction to Forest Farming Botanicals 
Jeanine Davis, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University 

Pine Straw Sales 
Lisa Hartrick, Assistant Forest Supervisor Bladen Lakes State Forest, North Carolina Forest Service 

Is Agritourism Right for You? 
Annie Baggett, Agribusiness Developer & Agritourism Marketing Specialist, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 


Save the Dates for These Upcoming Webinars! 
  • Protecting your Woods June 10, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Forest Certification & Cost-Share Programs 
  • July 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Property Taxes & Estate Planning View recordings of past ForestHer NC Webinars.

ForestHer NC is sponsored by conservation organizations including the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, U.S Forest Service, N.C. Tree Farm Program, N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Audubon North Carolina, USDA Wildlife Services, Wild Turkey Federation, and the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project.
Join Our Mailing Lists
Feel free to share this newsletter with others you think may be interested in our events! You can stay up to date on what is happening at the NC Cooperative Extension, Davidson County Center by completing the online form to receive email updates.
Upcoming Events:
  • Vaccines & Other Components of Small Ruminant Herd/Flock Health - May 3, 7 p.m.
  • Genetic Selection of Small Ruminants - May 10, 7 p.m.



Growing Giant Pumpkins - May 8, 10 a.m.
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.