Registration is required for all events unless otherwise noted.

Unless stated otherwise, all events will be held at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), located at Cherry Research Farm, 201 Stevens Mill Rd., Goldsboro, NC 27530.
(Please click here for driving directions).

For a list of accommodations, please visit the Goldsboro Wayne County Travel & Tourism website for more information

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All NCSU employees and NC Cooperative Extension Agents are required to register through the iLMS System. Travel reimbursement for agents is available through the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program - Professional Development Program (SARE-PDP).

Download Application for SARE-PDP Travel Funds

Contact Carol Moore for more information.

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All evening and weekend workshops are free of charge and other registration fees are as noted. Contact CEFS (cefs_info@ncsu.edu) or call 919-513-0954) to learn about scholarship opportunities.

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As always, a limited number of scholarship opportunities are available for all workshops. Simply fill out an application and mail it to:
CEFS, attn. Lisa Forehand, Box 7609-NCSU, Raleigh, NC 27695
Scholarship Application-Word
Scholarship Application-PDF

• All Hands in the Soil: A Guide to Building Communities of Knowledge
• Small Fruit Production
• Making the Web Work for Your Farm Business
• Twilight Tour: Season Extension
• Maintaining Breeding Flocks of Standard Breed Chickens
• Organic Grain Production in NC
• Twilight Tour: Vegetable Transplanting
• Basic Procedures with Small Farm Equipment
• Reproductive Management & Gastrointestinal Parasite Control in Small Ruminants
• Develop a Plan for Cover Crop Use in Vegetable Rotation
• Techniques, Husbandry & Evaluation for Outdoor Hog Production
• Twilight Tour: Managing Winter & Summer Cover Crops
• High Tunnel Research Tour
• Good Agricultural Practices ( GAP ) Training for Farmers Market and Roadside Stand Managers
• Gardening with Kids
• Developing a School Sustainable Agriculture Program
• Twilight Tour: Livestock Integration
• Bread Wheat and Organic Production
• Twilight Tour: Vegetable Harvest Considerations
• Fueling the Farm II: Managing energy risks, reducing energy costs and exploring alternative energy sources
• Biofuels 101: Hands-on Demonstration of Biofuel Production
• Bugs in the Garden
• Pasture-Based Dairy Workshop
• Raising Heritage Turkeys on Pasture
• Out-of-State Organic Grain Tour: VA, MD, PA
• Making Use of Beneficial Insects for Crop Pest Management & Pollination
• Why Buy Local?
• Twilight Tour: Irrigation & Water Use
• Organic Certification Course
• Developing Community Based Food Systems
• FROM THE SEED TO YOUR FORK: Where does your food come from?
• Pasture Establishment, Design and Management for Outdoor Hog Production
• Twilight Tour: Winter Cover Crops
• Biointensive Agriculture
• Whole Foods - Hands-on Kids Workshop
• How to Build Permanent Fencing - Breeze Farm
• How to Build Permanent Fencing - CEFS
• Season Extension & High Tunnel Production
• Grass-Fed/Locally-Finished Beef Workshop

All Hands in the Soil: A Guide to Building Communities of Knowledge

Monday, February 11, 10:00 – 2:00pm
Leaders: Robert Williamson (NCA&TSU)
Additional Instructors: Travella Free & William Clayton (NCA&T SU), Liz Driscoll (NCSU)
Workshop Registration Fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Enthusiasm for school gardens and habitats is high, but busy educators are often at loose ends when it comes to getting started. This workshop offers successful models for changing the way youth learn about plant production and other life systems (i.e., the water cycle, soil and habitat management) via the transformation of school grounds (and other spaces) into outdoor learning sites – gardens. Find out what steps others have taken, lessons they learned, and much more.

All Hands in the Soil Registration Form

Small Fruit Production

Thursday, March 6, 9:00-4:00pm
Leaders: Gina Fernandez, Steve Moore & Ken Fager (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: $20 (includes lunch)

This workshop will cover the basics of small fruit production (strawberries, blueberries and brambles) including variety selection, planting, care, pruning and more.

Small Fruit Production Registration Form

Making the Web Work for Your Farm Business

Friday, March 7, 10:00-12:00pm

Leaders: Theresa J. Nartea & David Jones (NCA&TSU)
Workshop Registration Fee: $10

THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL!
Please contact Theresa Nartea if you are interested in participating in this class, but are unable to because of distance or timing.

In this fun, fast-paced and lively hands-on class you will learn how to post and update a variety of free webpages on popular state and national farm directories. You will also learn about the many web resources available to you to help you in operating your farm, for example: "Where do I find current market prices?" You will also learn about free resources to help you in marketing your farm products: "Where do I find produce recipes, pre-made local food promotional posters, free business cards, etc.?" Come for an exciting workshop that will really help you to help yourself to success. (Be open to using computer technology to dramatically improve your marketing skills in promoting your farm business. If you are not comfortable using a computer, please send someone from your farm operation who is familiar with using a computer and will share these learned skills with you at a slower pace. (Be open to using computer technology to dramatically improve your marketing skills in promoting your farm business. If you are not comfortable using a computer, please send someone from your farm operation who is familiar with using a computer and will share these learned skills with you at a slower pace.)

Making the Web Work for Your Farm
Business Registration Form

* Twilight Tour: Season Extension

Wednesday, March 12, 6:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. Registration is limited to 15 people per tour

Maintaining Breeding Flocks of Standard Breed Chickens

Friday, March 14, 10:00-3:00pm
Leaders: Don Schrider & Jeannette Beranger (ALBC)
Additional Instructors: TBA
Workshop Registration Fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Pastured poultry and the use of standard or historic breeds of chickens is fast becoming an integral part of the sustainable agriculture movement. As producers are challenged with finding sources of high quality purebred chicks, they are finding advantages in keeping their own breeder flocks. The program will focus on educating local producers in the development and maintenance of breeder flocks of standard breed chickens. Through the use of regional cooperate efforts, attendees will learn to manage the breeding flocks for the long term while maintaining good genetic diversity. Workshop topics will include production selection, refining husbandry and production systems, breeding strategies, hatchery availability, cooperative pooling of egg resources, stocking densities, and setting individual farm goals. Materials to be used in these meetings will include the Chicken Assessment for Improving Productivity documents now available for free download on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy website www.albc-usa.org .

Maintaining Breeding Flocks of Standard
Breed Chickens Registration Form

Organic Grain Production in NC

Tuesday, March 25, 10:00–12:00pm
Leaders: Chris Reberg Horton & Molly Hamilton
Workshop Registration: FREE (lunch included) Want to know how to get into the organic grain markets—and benefit from the high price premiums? What does it take to produce organic corn, wheat, and soybeans? What needs to be done differently to sell certified organic grains? We will present information on organic weed and fertility management in grain crops, organic certification, and marketing organic grains. This workshop is intended for farmers new to organic regulations and production.

We are pleased to announce this workshop is sponsored by:
Braswell Milling

Please register by contacting:
Molly Hamilton, Extension Assistant
Phone: 828-273-1041
Email: molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu

* Twilight Tour: Vegetable Transplanting

Wednesday, April 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. Registration is limited to 15 people per tour

Basic Procedures with Small Farm Equipment

Thursday, April 10, 9:00 - 3:00pm
Leader: Grace Summers (NCA&T SU)
Workshop Registration Fee: $20 (includes lunch)

This workshop will provide and introduction to issues relating to small farm equipment use by beginning farmers and those just thinking about it. We will cover the basics of starting and handling a small garden tractor, rototiller and other equipment. Safety questions related to PTO's , pressure and gasoline engine equipment. In effect, how to be safe and effective as a small scale producer.

Basic Procedures with Small Farm
Equipment Registration Form

Reproductive Management & Gastrointestinal Parasite Control in Small Ruminants

Wednesday, April 16, 9:00-4:00pm
Leader: Jean-Marie Luginbuhl (NCSU) & Ralph Noble (NCA&T SU)
Workshop Registration: $20 (lunch included)

Pesticide Credits: 3.0 hours: K, N, D, X

In the reproductive management workshop, participants will gain insight on how to achieve optimum reproductive performance of the goat herd, including breeding, twinning, care of the late pregnant doe, the number of bucks required to breed the doe herd, factors influencing when to breed goats and pregnancy determination.

In the gastrointestinal parasite control portion of the workshop, participants will be exposed the to the problems facing producers with respect to small ruminant gastrointestinal parasite control, the biology of the barber pole worm ( H. contortus ), the concept of smart drenching, an integrated approach to gastrointestinal parasite management, understanding parasite drug resistance versus animal resistance, susceptibility or resilience to gastrointestinal parasites, and non-chemical approaches to treating small ruminant with anthelmintics such as alternative forages.

FAMACHA Guide Certification
Participants who are interested in being certified
in the FAMACHA system will be charged $10.00.

Participants of the small ruminant gastrointestinal parasite control workshop will be trained in the FAMACHA method by the NC State Goat Specialist and Meat Goat program technician during a practical hands-on session. Participants will score goats according to the FAMACHA scoring system. Everyone is invited to participate.

Certified participants will receive a FAMACHA score card and a certificate indicating that they have successfully completed the course. Certified participants’ names and addresses will be mailed to the University of Georgia, the institution who sells the FAMACHA cards and keep track of certified individuals. Once certified, individuals can directly purchase FAMACHA cards from the University of Georgia.
See the following website for additional information:
www.scsrpc.org

Reproductive Management & Gastrointestinal Parasite
Control in Small Ruminants Registration Form

Develop a Plan for Cover Crop Use in Vegetable Rotation

Tuesday, April 22, 2:00-5:00pm
Leader: Ken Fager (NCSU)
Workshop Registration Fee: $10

Pesticide Credits: 1.0 hours: N O D X

Indoor lecture and discussion for organic vegetable growers who intend to develop a crop rotation that utilizes the benefits of cover crops. Learn about specific cover crop characteristics and a do-it-yourself method for the adoption of a practical plan tailored to your operation. At 4:00 o'clock , participants will move to the small farm unit to see winter cover crops managed at the small farm unit.

This workshop is limited to the first 15 paid applicants (if April 22 workshop reaches capacity, another workshop will be held on Thursday, April 24)

THERE WILL BE NO WORKSHOP ON THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Develop a Plan for Cover Crop Use in
Vegetable Rotation Registration Form

Techniques, Husbandry & Evaluation for Outdoor Hog Production

Thursday, May 1, 9:00-4:00pm
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 23
Leaders: Lee Menius (NC Choices) & John O'Sullivan (NCA&T)
Additional Instructors: Todd See (NCSU) & Tim Holmes (Animal Welfare Institute)
Workshop Registration: $20 (includes lunch)
Location: Rowan Cooperative Extension, 2727 Old Concord Rd , Salisbury , NC

Pesticide Credits: 2.5 hours: N O D X

This all day workshop will focus on hands on training for producers and agents involved in outdoor pork production. Emphasis will be on animal health & handling, farm layout, feeding programs, and breeding stock selection. Training will involve on-site visits to one or more farms in Rowan County .

Techniques, Husbandry & Evaluation for
Outdoor Hog Production Registration Form

* Twilight Tour: Managing Winter & Summer Cover Crops

Wednesday, May 14, 6:00-8:00pm
Leader: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. Registration is limited to 15 people per tour

High Tunnel Research Tour

Thursday, May 15, 4:00-5:30pm
Leaders: Mary Peet, Frank Louws, Cary Rivard & Suzanne O'Connell (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: $10

Come walk through high tunnel and field research plots at CEFS to see organic production of heirloom tomatoes and ask local NC State researchers about this ongoing project. Learn about grafting, plant nutrition and IPM strategies implemented in field and tunnel tomato production.

High Tunnel Research Tour Registration Form

Good Agricultural Practices ( GAP ) Training for Farmers Market and Roadside Stand Managers

• NOTE: DATE CHANGED TO Thursday, MAY 15th
  (originally scheduled for May 19)

Thursday, May 15, 9:00-3:00pm
Leaders: Keith Baldwin (NCA&TSU)
Additional Instructors: Billie Little (NCA&TSU) & Maria Noriega (NCDA&CS)
Workshop Registration Fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Introduction to issues relating to food safety and safe food handling as they can be addressed through Good Agricultural Practices. Topics will be addressed with modules being developed for training of growers and others selling into the local food market.

Good Agricultural Practices ( GAP ) Training for Farmers Market and Roadside Stand Managers Registration Form

(K) Gardening with Kids

Saturday, June 7, 10:00-12:00pm
Leaders: Lisa Forehand, Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, Liz Driscoll (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE
Location: Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E Ash St, Goldsboro, NC 27530

This hands-on workshop will introduce kids to the fun and fascinating world of gardening and the importance of knowing where our food comes from and how it is grown!

No Registration Necessary

Developing a School Sustainable Agriculture Program

*** CANCELLED ***

Monday, June 9, 9:00-3:00pm
Leader(s): Keith Baldwin (NCA&T SU)
Workshop Registration: $20

Overview of successful school based educational programs relating to sustainability questions. Focus on educational visits to the Small Farm Unit through the Discover Ag program and the creation of successful school gardens using the Down to Earth and other educational resources.

* Twilight Tour: Livestock Integration

Wednesday, June 11, 6:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. Registration is limited to 15 people per tour

Bread Wheat and Organic Production

*** NOTE: The date of this workshop is Tuesday, June 24, (NOT Thursday, June 26) as stated in the CEFS Schedule of Events***

Tuesday, June 24, 4:00-7:00pm
Leaders: David Marshall (USDA-ARS), Bill Teague (NCDA&CS), Chris Reberg-Horton & Molly Hamilton (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: $10 (dinner included)
Location: Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road Waynesville, NC 28786-4016

*** Weather permitting, this workshop will take place
outside in the field. Please make sure to wear
close-toed shoes and appropriate field clothes ***

We will discuss how production for the bread flour market differs from our conventional market and what varieties of hard wheat do well in North Carolina. Processors of bread flour and organic wheat will be there to answer questions about market conditions and requirements. We will also discuss weed and fertility management in organic wheat.

Bread Wheat & Organic Production Registration Information

* Twilight Tour: Vegetable Harvest Considerations

Wednesday, July 9, 6:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. Registration is limited to 15 people per tour

Fueling the Farm II:
Managing energy risks, reducing energy costs and exploring alternative energy sources

Thursday, July 10, 9:00-4:00pm
Leaders: Steve Moore (NCSU) & Mike Morris (NCAT)
Location: O'Berry Center, Goldsboro, NC
Additional Instructors: TBA
Workshop Registration:$45 (includes lunch)

This day long workshop will provide farmers and other participants with information and tools to explore and evaluate farm energy use, potential economic risk and ways of reducing on-farm energy usage and expenses. Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects will be discussed and demonstrated and potential funding sources will be identified. Biofuel production topics will be a specific breakout thread and will include the step by step demonstration of biofuel production.

Fueling the Farm II Registration Form

DRAFT AGENDA (Schedule to Change Without Notice)

Biofuels 101: Hands-on Demonstration of Biofuel Production

Friday, July 11, 9:00-4:30pm
Leader: Matt Rudolf (Piedmont Biofuels)
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Additional Instructors: TBA
Workshop Registration: $45 (includes lunch)

Piedmont Biofuels will teach a 'hands on' workshop on biodiesel production. Topics to be covered and demonstrated will include equipment set up and design, materials and supplies, titration, running the reaction, washing, drying, testing, and final product evaluation. Additionally they will demonstrate a small oil seed press, and describe the steps necessary to produce biodiesel from an oilseed crop.

Biofuels 101 Registration Form

DRAFT AGENDA (Schedule to Change Without Notice)

Pasture-Based Dairy Workshop

Thursday, July 17, 9:30-3:00pm
Leader: Steve Washburn (NCSU)
Additional Instructors: Geoff Benson, Sue Ellen Johnson, Wes Watson (NCSU), Andy Meier (NCDA&CS)
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Workshop Registration: $20 (includes lunch)

Pesticide Credits: 2.5 hours: K N O D X

The pasture-based dairy at CEFS will host a workshop for interested dairy producers, educators, and students. Topics will include horn fly control strategies, forage production and management, herd management, crossbreeding, and summaries of recent and on-going research projects. Topics will be relevant for organic dairy herds as well as for herds using various amounts of pasture in their production systems.

Pasture-Based Dairy Workshop Registration Form

(K) Bugs in the Garden

Saturday, July 19, 10:00-12:00pm
Leader: Lisa Forehand & Liz Driscoll (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE
Location: Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E Ash St , Goldsboro , NC 27530

This hands-on workshop will introduce kids to the fun and fascinating world of insects. Come learn what makes a bug a bug and identify a few insects in the field.

No Registration Necessary

Raising Heritage Turkeys on Pasture

Monday & Tuesday, July 21-22, Time: 9:00-4:30pm
Leaders: Marjie Bender (ALBC) & Frank Reese, Jr.
LOCATION: Central Carolina Community College & Peregrine Farms
Workshop Registration: $40 (includes lunch)

Turkeys are moving back outside. And not just any turkey; heritage turkeys. This 2 day clinic will teach outdoor production of heritage turkeys from brooding through processing and marketing. Nutrition & feeds, diseases & predators, management & more will be covered.

Participants will receive a complete production manual (also available for free at www.albc-usa.org/downloads.html). Frank Reese, Jr., the primary instructor, has 45 years of experience raising heritage turkeys, and is now leading the nation in re-establishing a market for these hardy and flavorful historic birds. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has been saving heritage turkeys since 1997.
As a Professional Development Project, Extension agents are eligible for fee waivers and travel support. For more information contact jberanger@albc-usa.org.

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN MOVED TO PITTSBORO, NC

THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY FULL

Out-of-State Organic Grain Tour: VA, MD, PA

Thursday-Saturday, July 24-26, Time: 3 day tour
Leaders: Chris Reberg-Horton & Molly Hamilton (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: $75
Location: Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania (Rodale Institute)

This 3 day tour will involve travel to Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to visit the Rodale Institute and several large-scale, successful organic grain farms.

We are pleased to announce this workshop is sponsored by:
Golden LEAF

Out-of-State Organic Grain Tour Registration Form

Proposed AGENDA - Scheduled to change without notice

For information, please contact: Molly Hamilton at: molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu or 828-273-1041.

Making Use of Beneficial Insects for Crop Pest Management & Pollination

Wednesday, July 30, 9:00-3:00pm
Leaders: David Orr (NCSU) & Debbie Roos (NCCES)
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Workshop Registration: $20 (Includes lunch)

Pesticide Credits: 5.0 hours: N O D X

This workshop will include information on beneficial insects used for pest management as well as beneficial insects involved in pollination. The pest management portion of the workshop will begin by providing a background on biological control and how it relates to IPM. We will also take an objective look at how and where biological control can be used and improved. We will cover the DOs and DON’Ts of purchasing and releasing beneficial organisms. We will also objectively examine beneficial insect habitats, a common pest management approach on organic farms. Field demonstrations and hands on activities will provide participants with a practical background in beneficial insect habitats, and straight-forward strategies for increasing the value of beneficial insects released on farms. In the pollinator portion of the workshop participants will learn about the important crop pollinators and the habitat that can help increase their numbers.

Making Use of Beneficial Insects for Crop Pest
Management & Pollination Registration Form

Why Buy Local?

Thursday, July 31 7:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Carol Moore (SARE) & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: FREE
Location: Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E Ash St, Goldsboro, NC 27530

Discover why eating seasonal and locally produced food is one of the most important choices you can make for improving the health of your family, community, and the planet. In this workshop we will discover what is a "local food system"; the health and environmental benefits of eating local, seasonal foods; and why local food systems stimulate communities and local economies. Also, find out what you can do to support the production and consumption of local foods through the Wayne County Local Food System Initiative.

No Registration Necessary

* Twilight Tour: Irrigation & Water Use

Wednesday, August 13, 6:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. Registration is limited to 15 people per tour

Organic Certification Course

Wednesday, August 20, 10:00-3:00pm
Leader: Tony Kleese
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Workshop Registration: $50 (Includes lunch)

This workshop will help you understand what you need to know and do to get your farm certified under the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). Find out what the standards are, how to get certified, how to fill out an organic certification application, and how to find and choose a certifier. You’ll receive an extensive notebook with record-keeping templates, mock applications, resources, approved materials lists and more. If you are thinking about getting certified organic, this is the place to start!

Organic Certification Registration Form

Developing Community Based Food Systems

Monday, August 25, Registration 8:30am, workshop 9:00-4:30pm
Leader: Nancy Creamer
Additional Speakers: Nancy Creamer (CEFS-Director), Noah Ranells Orange County Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator ), Randy Lait (NCSU University Dining-Associate Director) Kamyar Enshayan (Director-University of Northern Iowa Local Foods Project, Director-University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy and Environmental Education), Charlie Jackson (Executive Director, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), Ginger Deason (Heifer International), Emily Jackson (Southeast Regional Lead Farm to School Network and Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project), Alice Ammerman (UNC, Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention), Jennifer Curtis (NC Choices, CEFS), Blake Brown (Center for Value Added Agriculture), Tes Thraves (Food Systems Consultant CEFS), Jason Roehrig (Tobacco Reinvestment Fund, Rural Advancement Foundation International) Claire Hermann ( Come to the Table Project Coordinator, Rural Advancement Foundation International), Robin Kohanowich (Coordinator Sustainable Farming Program, Central Carolina Community College), Lisa Forehand (CEFS Extension and Outreach Coordinator), Bryan Green (Carolina Farm Stewardships Association), Danielle Baptiste (Seeds to Sales, Dillard Academy), Shorlette Stephens (Wayne County Children's Librarian and Wayne County Local Foods Initiative), Rhonda Sherman (Extension Solid Waste Specialist, NCSU), Leslie Hossfeld (Assistant Professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice, UNC Wilmington,
and Director, Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Project), Tami Schwerin (Executive Director, Abundance Foundation and Coordinator Triangle Food Commons), Debbie Bost (County Extension Director, Cabarrus County)

For more information please visit our
Community Based Food System Webpage

Location: O'Berry Center, Goldsboro, NC
Workshop Registration Fee: $45.00 (with scholarships available – includes lunch)

Nancy Creamer, Director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems, will lead this workshop which will include many speakers from across North Carolina as well as its keynote speaker, Dr. Kamyar Enshayan, Director, University of Northern Iowa Local FoodsProject and Director, University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy and Environmental Education

State and local governments, agriculture professionals, policy makers, economic development specialists and consumers are beginning to see the benefits of developing local food systems. Currently faced with declining numbers of farmers, waning vibrancy of rural communities, over-dependence on fossil fuels, diminishing natural resources, lack of food security and access in urban and rural communities, and health epidemics such as obesity and diabetes, Local Food Systems are an alternative that promote entrepreneurial activities by local farms, markets, and supporting businesses and empower citizens to play an active role in their community's food security and successfully addresses the issues stated above. This workshop will provide the nuts and bolts of developing local food systems including conducting food assessments, developing new markets- direct and institutional, supporting new farmer programs, providing business support for new local food entrepreneurs, forming a food policy council, policies that deter and facilitate local food systems.

Developing Community Based Food
Systems Registration Form - PDF

Developing Community Based Food
Systems Registration Form - WORD Document

Pasture Establishment, Design and Management for Outdoor Hog Production

Thursday, August 28, 9:00-4:00pm
Leader: Lee Menius, NC Choices
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Additional Instructors: Ronnie Vibart (NCSU) & Jim Green (NRCS)
Workshop Registration: $20 (includes lunch)

Pesticide Credits: 1.5 hours: N O D X

This all day workshop will include hands on training for agents and producers involved in outdoor pork production. Emphasis will be on techniques for helping farmers maintain groundcover in outdoor hog operations. Topics will include groundcover management, pasture design, rotations, fencing, and watering systems. The use of groundcover to address environmental issues such as erosion and offsite water quality will also be discussed. Training will occur in Goldsboro at CEFS and will incorporate a discussion of results from short-term ground cover management trials supported by a Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) from NRCS.

Pasture Establishment, Design & Management Registration Form

* Twilight Tour: Winter Cover Crops

Wednesday, September 10, 6:00-8:00pm
Leaders: Ken Fager & Steve Moore (NCSU)
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Workshop Registration: FREE

Call 919-513-0954 or email cefs_info@ncsu.edu to hold your spot. REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Season Extension & High Tunnel Production

Thursday, October 9, 2:00-5:00pm
Leader: Steve Moore (NCSU)
Location: the W.C. Breeze Family Farm Agricultural Extension & Research Center in Northern Orange County at the intersection of Walnut Grove Church Road and Schley Road
Workshop Registration: $20

Season Extension & High Tunnel Production (PDF)
Season Extension & High Tunnel Production (WORD)

Grass-Fed/Locally-Finished Beef Workshop

Friday, November 14, 9:00-3:00pm
Leaders: Matt Poore (NCSU)
Location: CEFS, Goldsboro, NC
Additional Instructors: Jennifer Curtis (NC Choices), Sandy Maddox (Mount Olive College), Geoff Benson, Sue Ellen Johnson, & Annette Dunlap (NCSU)
Workshop Registration: $20 (includes lunch)

This workshop will provide beef producers with information needed to develop or improve a locally-finished beef production system. It will help experienced producers fine-tune their production systems, and will help new producers determine if grass-fed/locally-marketed beef is a reasonable enterprise for their farms.

Grass-Fed/Locally-Finished Beef
Workshop Registration Form

A series of informal discussions on the production and management of vegetables, cover crops, forage crops, and livestock at the Small Farm Unit. This series is intended to reveal the basic as well as the detailed evidence on the ever changing farm landscape. What's on your mind? Participants will be encouraged to ask questions while we undertake a walking tour and discuss the fields of production and research. The topic of the month will focus on a 20 minute focused discussion/ presentation/ demonstration with the remainder of the time for informal topics and spontaneous discussions as you tour the Small Farm Unit.

ALL TWILIGHT TOURS ARE LIMITED TO THE FIRST
15 REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS. CALL 919-513-0954
TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!!!