Carolina Meat Conference

• When: March 25-27, 2011
• Where: Concord, NC
• For more information: www.carolinameatconference.com

• When: Saturday, April 2, 2011
• Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Where: Greenlife Grocery, 70 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC
• Showcasing local artisan breads, and featuring 9 workshops. Two workshops feature two NC organic flour mills: Lindley Mills and Carolina Ground Flour. For more information, go towww.ashevillebreadfestival.org.

• When: April 19, 2011
• Time: 4-6:3 p.m.
• Where: Clayton, NC (Abundant Life Farms)
• Come learn how to manage legume cover crops to maximize fertility. We will discuss innoculation, cover crop types and vareties, how they perform on different soil types, how cost compares with other fertility sources, and how to tell you are getting the most out of your cover crop. For more information and to register, contact Molly Hamilton at 828-273-1041 or by email at molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu. There is no registration fee.

Canola and Spelt in NC?  Organic Production and Harvesting Techniques

• When:  June 2, 2011
• Time:  4-6:30 p.m.
• Where:  Center for Environmental Farming Systems, Goldsboro, NC
• Canola and spelt are two crops that could potentially be added to expand organic rotations in NC.  Markets for these crops are emerging in the area.  NCSU’s Organic Grain Program has planted demonstrations on production and harvesting techniques for these new crops.  Come out to see variety and seeding rate trials, canola harvesting techniques, and to discuss new markets.  We will also be discussing and trialing hermetic grain storage bags, an alternative storage technique that may be very useful for storing seed, small acreage harvests, and ID preserved grains. Contact Molly Hamilton to register (828-273-1041 or molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu).  There is no registration fee.  Workshop is funded by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

• When:  July 21, 2011
• Time:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where:  Lower Coastal Plain Research Station (200 Cunningham Road, Kinston, NC)
• Weed control is the most challenging aspect of producing organic soybeans.  We have spent the last several years looking at multiple tactics that, together, can really help fight weed pressure in organic soybeans.  See how seeding rate, seed size, roll-kill/no-till, and cultivating can contribute to a soybean weed management plan.  We will also be visiting the organic Official Variety Trials for corn and soybeans, and have time to discuss selecting varieties and hybrids for organic production. Contact Molly Hamilton for more information and to register (828-273-1041 or molly_hamilton@ncsu.edu).