Author: Natalie Hampton

Jan 11, 2012

N.C. MarketReady announces 2012 equipment funding cycle

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – The North Carolina Value-Added Cost Share (NCVACS) program, administered by N.C. MarketReady, is now accepting applications for the 2012 equipment cost share funding cycle. The program, funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, provides up to $50,000 to agricultural producers and processors seeking to purchase specialized equipment to start or grow a value-added operation. 

Jan 3, 2012

Students' State Fair garden earns Commissioner's Award

What started as a learning opportunity for a landscape class at N.C. State University resulted in some new, permanent landscape features for the State Fair’s garden area. The effort also received the Commissioner’s Award for the fair’s garden area this year. 

Jan 3, 2012

A&T Grassroots Leadership Conferences focus on economic empowerment

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Program based at N.C. A&T State University is hosting three Grassroots Leadership Conferences entitled, "Economic Empowerment: Entrepreneurship, Money Management and Workforce Development." The conferences, beginning Feb. 21, will be offered in each of the three Extension Program regions. 

Dec 8, 2011

Organic meat processor approved, NC Choices announces

In a boon to the local and niche meat industry in North Carolina, a Taylorsville meat processing company has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to process certified organic meats. 

Dec 5, 2011

Cooperative Extension helps educate citizens about natural gas leases

Two years ago, Lee County Extension Director Susan Condlin and some local Cooperative Extension advisors began seeing paid advertisements in the local newspaper, inquiring about leases for mineral rights. Condlin discovered that the natural gas industry was knocking on Lee County’s door, and many landowners didn’t have the information they needed to make informed decisions on leasing their mineral rights. 

Nov 29, 2011

ESP presents awards at annual meeting

North Carolina’s Xi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi professional development society presented awards to Extension professionals at its annual meeting in Raleigh Nov. 17. Award winners, along with a description from their nominations, are listed here. 

Nov 28, 2011

Former CALS alumni group president receives national FFA honor

Richard H. Brooks, a three-term president of N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Alumni and Friends Society, received the American FFA Degree during the 84th National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-23 in Indianapolis. The award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. 

Nov 22, 2011

Naderman receives national FFA honor

Dr. George C. Naderman Jr. of Cary, retired Extension soil specialist with N.C. State University, received the Honorary American FFA Degree during the 84th National FFA Convention, held Oct. 21-23 in Indianapolis. The award is given to those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. 

Nov 21, 2011

10% Campaign reaches $10 million spent on local food

In roughly 18 months, participants in the 10% Campaign have recorded over $10 million in purchases of locally-produced foods. The 10% Campaign is a statewide effort of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems to stimulate economic development, create jobs and promote North Carolina’s farms and fisheries. 

Nov 21, 2011

Processing center produces new Piedmont businesses

Economic development was in the air, as Piedmont Food and Agriculture Processing Center was dedicated in October. After years of planning, the Orange County facility opened its doors, giving small food producers access to space and equipment they need to develop their small businesses.