WTSB AG News

Updated: January 25, 2010

Private Applicators Recertification/Safety Classes

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is inviting all private applicators 
whose license expire in 2010 to attend one of five Private Applicator Pesticide Recertification/Safety Classes. These two-hour classes will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, January 28, 2010, beginning at 6:30 PM.
Thursday, February 11, 2010 beginning at 9:00 AM
Thursday, February 11, 2010 beginning at 6:30 PM
Thursday, February 25, 2010 beginning at 6:30 PM
Thursday, September 2, 2010, beginning at 6:30 PM

The classes will be the Johnston County Ag Center in Smithfield on NC 210 Hwy.   Applicators are reminded that licenses expire at the end of the year, but all recertification credits must be obtained before September 30th of the year the license expires. Applicators are asked to bring their Pesticide Credit Report Card with the bar code scan along with them to class.  Please call Tim Britton at 989-5380 to check credits.

Fruit Tree Training and Pruning Demonstration

There will be a Fruit Tree training and pruning demonstration at The Central Crops Research Station, 13223 US 70 Business, Clayton, NC on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 10am until 1pm. Dr. Mike Parker will be presenting information on proper training and pruning fruit trees.  He will also demonstrate proper pruning on apple and peach trees.  Pesticide credits of 0.5 hours have been approved for codes L, N, O, D, and X.   For more information and to register for the event call 989-5380 or e-mail shawn_banks@ncsu.edu.

Help Wanted: Extension Master Gardeners

If you have an interest in learning more about gardening in Johnston County, are able to attend classes from 1:30pm until 4:30pm on Wednesday afternoons, and enjoy sharing the knowledge you gain with friends, neighbors and others in the community we would love to have you help us as an Extension Master Gardener.  A training class will begin January 20th at 1:30pm at the Johnston County Agriculture Center located at 2736 NC Highway 210 just outside of Smithfield.  Applications are available on the Johnston County Cooperative Extension Lawn and Garden web page.  http://johnston.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=lawngarden

We look forward to having you in the class.

Herbicide Resistance

As the 2010 growing season quickly approaches, a major concern again this year will be resistant weeds.  It is not to early to start planning your herbicide program.  Round-up Ready and more Liberty Link varieties are available this year.  Also, due to last year’s wet weather, tillage requirements may be different this year.  Incorporation of some of the older herbicides in these fields could be an option this year. 

Choosing herbicides with different modes of action is extremely important.  This is not something new and has been stressed in production meetings since resistance was found in North Carolina.  Always use full labeled rates of herbicides.  No cutting back to save money.  Where applicable use a pre-emergence with a contact, following all planting guidelines.  Try tank mixes with different MOA’s, use proper surfactants at labeled rates, and always read label for compatibility of different herbicides.

Spring is a busy time and scouting is sometimes impossible to do.  However, most herbicides only work on weeds that are at or below a certain height.  In some cases, these weeds are shorter than the row crops they are growing in so a spray schedule may work better.  Remember, dry conditions may inhibit herbicide activity.  Surfactants and application timing can help increase that activity during dry weather.            

Soybean Production Meeting

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is inviting all growers to attend the soybean production meetings on February 16, 2010. The meeting will be at the Johnston County Ag Center Auditorium and will start a 6:00 PM.  Soybean varieties, disease management, and weed control will be discussed.  A sponsored meal will be served and continuing education credits will be offered for pesticide applicators and for Certified Crop Advisers.  Pre-registration is required for the meeting.  Please mark your calendar and call the Johnston County Extension Center at (919) 989-5380 to let us know that you are coming.

Cotton Production Meeting

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is inviting all growers to attend the cotton production meetings on February 4, 2010.  The meeting will be held at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center in Clinton at 6:00 PM.  Cotton varieties, disease management, and weed control will be discussed.  A sponsored meal will be served and continuing education credits will be offered for pesticide applicators and for Certified Crop Advisers.  Pre-registration is required for the meeting.  Please mark your calendar and call the Johnston County Extension Center at (919) 989-5380 to let us know that you are coming.

Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center
414 Warsaw Road,
Clinton, North Carolina 28328

From Smithfield:
Take Hwy 701 South through Newton Grove, NC to Clinton (Follow Hwy 701 Business). Once entering Clinton; continue to fourth stoplight; turn right on to Warsaw Road; the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center is located on left.

 

Pesticide Exam

The North Carolina Pesticide exams will be offered on Wednesday, March 17th at 1:00 PM at the Johnston County Ag Center.  To take the exam, bring valid ID (Drivers License) and calculator.  Please arrive by 12:30.  For anyone wishing to take the private applicator exam, there will be a review at 10:00 AM.  

Ornamental and Turf  Exam Review

For anyone wishing to take the Ornamental and Turf exam, there will be a review at 3:00 PM on March 16th at the Johnston County Ag Center.  If interested call Tim Britton or Amie Newsome at 989-5380. 

Goat Produces Meeting

There will be a goat producers meeting on February 16th, 2010, at the Johnston County Livestock arena on County Home Road.  The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM.  All goat producers and anyone interested is welcome.  Pre-registration is required for the meeting.  Please mark your calendar and call the Johnston County Extension Center at (919) 989-5380 to let us know that you are coming.

Certified Safe Farm Reviews

Farming is a critically important sector of the economy in Johnston County and in North Carolina.  Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous occupations in the country.  In 2005, agriculture had the highest occupational fatality rate (32.5/100,000 workers).  This is an industry in need of an innovative program like Certified Safe Farm (CSF).  Everyday farmers face hazardous work and living environments and through this voluntary program we aim to improve the health and well-being of farmers and their families while offering an innovative combination of benefits for farmers and their public and private sector partners.

Johnston County is part of a pilot program for Certified Safe Farm In North Carolina.  Currently, we are planning voluntary farm reviews.   Doing the process, the reviewer will evaluate each structure and piece of equipment using the checklist and deduct points for unsafe conditions.   While doing this, the reviewer will provide education to the client regarding risks present on their farm and methods to remove them.  A minimum score of > 85% is required to become certified safe. The primary goal of the voluntary review is to reduce farm-related injuries. 

If you are interested in scheduling an on farm review, please call Tim Britton, Bryant Spivey, or Amie Newsome at the Johnston County Extension Service at 989-5380.  

Johnston County Pesticide Disposal Day
 The Johnston County Pesticide Disposal Day will be held on March 25, 2010 at the Johnston County Livestock Arena.  The doors will open at 10:00 AM and remain open until 2:00 PM.  The Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program (PDAP) is a consumer services program in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  The goal of the Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program is to assist these citizens of North Carolina by managing and supervising the safe collection and lawful disposal of banned, out-dated, or unwanted pesticides.
Since its inception, the Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program has properly collected and disposed of over 1 million pounds of pesticides from North Carolina.  The Program's goal for the future is to assist and promote the establishment permanent Household Hazardous Waste Collection sites in those counties without permanent facilities.  In addition, the Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program also intends to conduct approximately 40 Collection Day events per year throughout the state in an attempt to have a Pesticide Collection Day in each county in the state at least once every other year.

 

Interactive Pesticide Training

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension is inviting all applicators to interactive pesticide training on March 12th, 2010 beginning at 1:00 pm in Smithfield, NC. The training will be held at the Johnston County Livestock Arena, 520 County Home Road, Smithfield, NC. County Home Road is about 2 miles West of the Johnston County Ag Center on NC 210 Highway.  At this event there will be some hands on activities to help emphasize and enhance skills needed for applying pesticides correctly including; Sprayer set-up and nozzle selection, drift management, sprayer calibration. The training will provide 2 credit hours are available for pesticide applicators in categories A, B, G, H, I, L, N, O, D, X.

Information on Temik Brand 15G registration on Tobacco

On September 23, 2009 the EPA cancelled the following Special Local Need registrations that allow the use of Temik Brand 15G Aldicarb (EPA Reg.# 264-330) on tobacco.
  
1.        NC-780021 (flea beetle control)
2.        NC-820008 (aphid control)
  
According to the cancellation order, "existing stocks already in the hands of dealers or users can be distributed, sold, or used legally until they are exhausted, provided that such further sale and use comply with the EPA-approved label and labeling of the affected product."  Therefore, product already in the hands of dealers or growers in North Carolina can continue to be sold and used under the conditions of the Special Local Need registrations until exhausted.  Product with a 2009 date and beyond is consider newly produced stock and cannot be used.

The easiest way to determine if the product was produced before the 24C was pulled is to look for Pecans on the label.  If you find pecans on the label then the product is legal for use on Tobacco.

Scott Suddreth
Bayer CropScience
Field Sales Representative
Atlantic District
919-208-7820 (C)

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Free Training Through JC

Do you need training in computer skills to better run your business? Do you have a family member that needs training to get a job? If you are a current or former tobacco farmer or quota holder, you and members of your family may be eligible for funding through the Project Skill UP program at Johnston Community College to take a variety of short-term courses to better run your farming business or retrain for other employment. This opportunity is provided through the NC Community Colleges and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. For more information, please contact Rosa Andrews at 919-209-2015 or rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu.

Include Nematode Samples to Prevent Plant Growth Problems

When taking soil samples, get enough for a nematode assay also. One of the most overlooked factors causing crop yield reductions is nematodes.  Nematodes are far and away the most costly disease or pest problem for soybeans and other host crops.  Growers should always keep in mind that nematodes are living organisms that adapt rapidly to any management scheme.  As a result, no single option is ideal for all fields, and, equally important, the option that is ideal for this season's nematode population will not remain ideal for long.  The monitoring information provided by nematode assays is a critical tool for growers. Nematode Assays can be taken at the same time as soil samples.

Too often, farmers fail to take advantage of an inexpensive test that could drastically reduce their losses.  Nematode assays are the tests to determine parasite presence and concentration in specified soil and root samples.  Management recommendations based on these tests are the only reliable means of minimizing long‑term nematode problems. The good news is that nematode assays can be taken at the same time as soil samples by making sure that an additional quart of soil is collected from the same area as the soil sample.  The cost of nematode assays is $3 each and soil samples are free. Research studies have shown that soybean growers in North Carolina lose an average of $17 per acre each year due strictly to nematode damage.

Woodland Owners Update- Join the NCSU Extension Forestry’s Woodland Owners Update, Our New Email Listserv.

 To better serve woodland owners in North Carolina, NCSU Extension Forestry has created a new listserv “Woodland Owners Update”.  This service updates you directly through email on woodland owner events throughout the state.  We also inform you on current and new publications as they come out.  Informed landowners make the right decisions about their woodlands and we are dedicated to providing NC woodland owners the best information available.  If you would like to join Woodland Owners Update, please visit our website for more details and registration: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/list.html

 

Planting Corn Refuge
Planting refuge is an Insect Resistance Management (IRM) requirement and is mandated by the EPA.  The mandate preserves corn hybrids with the European corn borer trait and other corn borer protection technology.  Some new corn varieties require 20% refuge.  However, in North Carolina, most varieties require 50% of the acreage planted by a grower must be refuge, or corn that does not contain the gene for controlling corn borers.  Failure to meet this requirement can result in the grower not be able to purchase corn borer hybrids for at least one year.  Seed companies are required to conduct IRM assessments with growers during each growing season.

Biomass Crop Assistance Program

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial assistance to producers or entities that deliver eligible biomass material to designated biomass conversion facilities for use as heat, power, biobased products or biofuels.  Initial assistance will be for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) costs associated with the delivery of eligible materials.

The 2008 Farm Bill provided a means to pay producers of “eligible biomass material” matching funds - $1 for $1 – up to $45/ton collected (cut, processed and loaded), delivered, stored and transported  to a “Qualified Biomass Conversion Facility.”  Note:  Payment is based on dry tons – not green.

A complete description can be accessed eligible materials can be found at the flowing website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/bcap_elig_mats_090714.pdf


Wheat Fertilization
Due to the wet and cold weather, counting tillers in wheat may be more important this year when figuring fertilization needs.  When counting in late January, growers should look for approximately 50 tillers/sq ft.   If wheat is thin, less than 50 tillers, an application of Nitrogen (50-70lbs/A) is needed as soon as possible to enhance tiller production.  Stressed wheat (yellow in appearance) may require an application of 20-30lbs of nitrogen. Randy Weisz, small grains extension specialist recommends that temperatures be above 50 degrees before making an application of nitrogen.  If considering an herbicide application with nitrogen, Harmony Extra can be mixed with a full rate of nitrogen. Osprey and Hoelon cannot be tank mixed.  Powerflex and Arial can be mixed with 30lbs or less of nitrogen/A.  There is a 14 day waiting period between a nitrogen application and an application of Osprey.  To minimize burn with Harmony Extra, Randy suggest that you leave out the adjuvant.  The NCDA has a new tissue sample analysis to help out with fertilization needs.  For information on this new analysis, call Tim Britton at the extension office or go to http://www.smallgrains.ncsu.edu and look at Optimizing Wheat N fertilizer rates, New tool for NC.





Pesticide Recycling Program

In 2008, the county recycled over 12000 lbs of pesticide containers with no rejected containers noted.  We hope to continue the success of that program by recycling more containers in 2009.  According to USAg recycling, they will take containers up to 55 gallons without modifications and will except larger containers if they have been cut into 2-foot wide sections. 

The containers should be triple or pressure rinsed and the sleeve labels, Labeling, and lids removed. A stick on label is acceptable.  Containers must be empty, clean, and dry to be accepted.  Buckets that have metal handles will be accepted if the handles are cut off.  All containers must have holes in the sides or bottom that render them useless as chemical containers. 

Currently, we have three permanent convenience center sites in the county for pesticide container drop-off. The sites where the containers are located are 820 Stewart Road, in Four Oaks, 1096 Scout Road in the Bentonville area, and the Johnston County Landfill.  Please feel free to call with any question concerning container recycling. 

Forest Lands Cost-Share-Funds

Under both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), non-industrial private forestland is eligible for cost-sharing payments.  Priorities for funding are prescribed burning, thinning, and restoration of declining forest communities.  WHIP applications must also benefit wildlife.

Forestland will be considered separately in a statewide forestry pool in North Carolina.  Applications will be ranked and those that provide the greatest environmental benefits will receive priority funding.

EQIP and WHIP are administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.  For more information call Robert Horton at (704) 694-3516 X113. 

Waste Oil Disposal

If you have waste oil generated on your farm or through your agribusiness, good options exist to dispose of the oil in a manner that is environmentally sound and inexpensive.  There are at least two companies that can assist with waste oil disposal in our area.

P & W Waste Oil Services of Leland, NC will come to your site to pick up at least 100 gallons of waste oil.  If you produce over 600 gallons per year, they will pay you for the oil based on crude oil prices.  Currently, they pay a maximum of $0.25 per gallon.  You can reach them at 1-800-231-4825.  Noble Oil Services of Sanford, NC will pick up 100 gallons or more of used oil at no charge in NC.  For smaller amounts there is a cost of $49 per pick-up. You can contact Noble Oil at 1-800-662-5364.

In addition, you can deliver waste oil for recycling to Johnston County Convenience Centers at no charge.  At these sites, individuals are limited to disposal of 5 gallons of waste oil per week.

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Beaver Management Assistance Program

Johnston County participates in the beaver management and assistance program conducted by the USDA.  County, state, and federal monies provide the program designed to give individual technical assistance and advice to landowners with beaver problems.  Property inspection and consultation is free.  Consultation may include showing the landowner how to trap beavers and destroy dams.

For work that the USDA actually conducts, landowners will be charged a fee for each visit to the site and a set amount for each dam destroyed.  USDA will do all or part of the work. 

Interested landowners should call or contact Tim Britton with the Johnston County Cooperative extension service at (919) 989-5380 or by email at Tim_Britton@ncsu.edu.

Manganese Supplement

Scott Carpenter, with Soil Plus in Greenville has a waste product that contains 1.48% manganese, .24% sulfur, and .68% nitrogen.  Information on this product can be obtained by calling (252) 917-4288.  Product comes with free delivery and spreader if needed.

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Forestry Landowners List-serve

Hope you have a productive and happy 2010!  I wanted to remind you all that we have a new list-serve devoted to woodland owners in North Carolina.  Landowners may easily register at the following website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/list.htm

There are two ways you can help increase the use and effectiveness of the list-serve for our landowners.
1) Get the word out!!  I encourage you all to forward this information to your woodland owners and ask them to register.  As people contact you with forestry questions - please provide them with the above website.  We want our list of landowners to continuously grow. 
2) Get the word in!!  Please send any information about workshops / meetings / field day events etc to: ncsuextfor-owner@lists.ncsu.edu  - I hope to create a new update once a month or so.  So please send it to me as soon as possible - this way announcements for events can be sent statewide.  If you have any questions please contact james_jeuck@ncsu.edu.