Caldwell County Agline

With demand for fuel wood rising as the biomass energy market expands, North Carolina’s family woodland owners are well-placed to enhance their assets, reduce overhead and maybe even turn a profit. Every woodland produces so-called “trash trees” – tree species that are not in high demand for construction or furniture markets. But rising needs for wood-fueled energy by utilities and manufacturers, and the increase in facilities that use wood for heat, have increased the value of the trees. According to Robert Bardon, Forestry Department Extension leader and associate professor at N.C. State University, “The biomass energy markets are just getting started, but we want the state’s landowners to be prepared to take advantage of the economic opportunities ahead. The result will be good for individual landowners, forest health and safety.” Proper woodland management to harvest trees, preserve wildlife, reduce forest fire risk and reduce disease, pests and invasive species always required harvesting the trees. But now landowners may receive value or reduce management overhead as energy markets grow.

Event Location
120 Hospital Ave NE
lenoir, NC 28645

Contact
Seth Nagy at (828) 757-1291

A pesticide disposal day will be held Wednesday, May 6 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Caldwell Ag Center / Public Library. This will provide an opportunity for farmers, gardeners, and homeowners to dispose of any unwanted pesticides (insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, etc.) free of charge. The collection is only for labeled pesticides, other house hold hazardous waste will not be accepted. If containers are leaking or fragile, place them in a five gallon bucket with absorbent material such as cat litter or sawdust. Do not transport pesticides in the front of a truck or car. If you have containers larger than five gallons or if you have questions about this collection, please call the Caldwell Extension Center.

More Information

Event Location
120 Hospital Ave NE
lenoir, NC 28645

Contact
Seth Nagy at (828) 757-1291

Learn to raise fish.  On May 4, Molly Sandfoss will teach workshop attendees how to successfully raise fish in a pond.  There is a $5 registration cost for the workshop, or $7 for couples.  Please register by by calling 828-652-7874. Make checks payable and mail to McDowell Extension Service, 60 E Court St., Marion, NC 28752.  The workshop will be held at the McDowell County Extension Center.  For additional information contact Cheryl Mitchell at (828) 652-7874.

The Town of Hildebran will be hosting a Farmer's Market in the parking lot of the Town Hall located at 202 South Center Street Hildebran, N. C. beginning May 28, 2009.  The hours will be from 8 am to 12 pm each Thursday through the end of October.

The East Burke Senior Center is also located on this property. All farmers must be members of the Farmers Market Association in Burke County or a neighboring county and adhere to Farmer's Market Guidelines and Rules.

For more information contact Donna Teasley at Burke County Extension Center 828-439-4460.

On Monday, March 16th, an 87-minute documentary called Death on a Factory Farm will air on HBO at 10pm with 20 additional presentations through April 1.
 
The documentary focuses on the treatment of animals on an Ohio hog farm in 2007 and will present the results of an investigation conducted by a group called the Humane Farming Association (HFA).
 
At the request of HFA, an individual obtained employment at the farm for the purpose of using a hidden camera to document mistreatment of animals.
 
Further, the documentary covers the 2007 court case where the owner of the farm, his son and an employee were charged on 10 criminal charges of animal cruelty. The situation depicted on the documentary was investigated thoroughly and resolved by the Ohio court system. Of the 10 criminal charges alleging animal cruelty, one culminated in a conviction.
 
The treatment of the animals depicted on the HBO documentary is not representative of how responsible pork producers care for their animals.

The National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council, Ohio Pork Producers Council, American Association of Swine Veterinarians and state pork associations have worked together on an industry-wide response to this issue.
 
Our industry's response is clear: Responsible pork producers have zero tolerance for willful acts of neglect or abuse of animals in their care.  Responsible pork producers care about their animals and recognize they have both a moral and ethical obligation to protect and promote animal well-being.
 
Responsible pork producers hold themselves to the production standards that are consistent with the Ethical Principles for U.S. Pork Producers.
Animal Well-Being: We affirm our obligation to protect and promote animal well-being.
·         Provide feed, water and an environment that promotes the well-being of our animals.
·         Provide proper care, handling and transportation for pigs at each stage of life.
·         Protect pig health and provide appropriate treatment, including veterinary care, when needed.
·         Use approved practices to euthanize, in a timely manner, those sick or injured pigs that fail to respond to care and treatment.
 
In addition to our Ethical Principles, we also demonstrate our commitment to animal care, well-being and pork safety by achieving certification and implementing current best management practices of the Pork Quality Assurance Plus® and Transport Quality Assurance® programs which help ensure those who work most closely with the animals are providing the best possible care.
For more information about pork production practices, visit www.pork.org.  

Turkey Show Registration for the annual youth market turkey show is online now and will close when we reach 300 participants.  The online registration form is at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/4h/turkeyshow/2009registration.html (you may print and fax this form in, but it will not be counted until we receive the form in our office)  Information about the show is at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/poulsci/4h/turkeyshow/showinfo.pdf

Hurry, this will fill up fast!

Upon completion of each registration you will receive a confirmation to print for your records.  Please bring this with you at poult pick up.  For more information contact Melissa_Scherpereel@ncsu.edu

The Caldwell County Extension Center is partnering with North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) for a pesticide collection day.  The collection day will be held on Wednesday, May 6 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Caldwell Extension Center on 120 Hospital Ave NE, Lenoir.

The collection day provides an opportunity for farmers, gardeners, and homeowners to dispose of any unwanted pesticides (insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, etc.) free of charge.  The collection is only for labeled pesticides, other household hazardous waste will not be accepted (paint, turpentine, gasoline, etc.).  If containers are leaking or fragile, place them in a five gallon bucket with absorbent material such as cat litter or sawdust.  Do not transport pesticides in the front of a truck or car.  If you have containers larger than five gallons or if you have questions about this collection, please contact me (seth_nagy@ncsu.edu) for assistance.

If you will not be able to make the Caldwell Collection day have a look at the entire NCDA spring collection schedule.  It can be viewed at http://www.ncagr.gov/SPCAP/pesticides/PDAP/pds.htm

The N.C. Pesticide Board approved tighter standards for record-keeping by farmers and others in the state licensed to use pesticides covered under the Worker Protection Standards for Agricultural Pesticides at its meeting Tuesday.

The changes to the state's pesticide rules will require licensed pesticide applicators to record the date and time each pesticide application was completed, and each application day must be a separate record. The records will also have to be kept for two years.

Previously, pesticide applicators were required to record only the date and approximate time that applications were made, and they had to keep the records for 30 days.

The new standards are aimed at increasing the protection of farm workers from pesticide exposure. The changes were mandated by legislation adopted by the General Assembly last year in response to a state task force's recommendations.

If the rule changes are approved by the Rules Review Commission, they could take effect March 1.

North Carolina farmers will have the opportunity to document agriculture-related water use through a survey by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The department’s Agricultural Statistics Division will begin the survey in January in response to legislation passed by the General Assembly last summer. The legislation requires the division to compile a yearly survey of water use by farmers who withdraw 10,000 gallons of water per day from groundwater or surface water.

Farmers will be asked to complete a form documenting their agricultural water use for 2008. Information about individual farms will be kept confidential.

“This survey is extremely important because basic water use information for agriculture is limited in most areas of the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We are encouraging farmers to participate so that we can collect good, accurate data.”

Herb Vanderberry, state director of agricultural statistics, said public perception has been that farmers use an excessive amount of water. But other regional surveys have shown that agricultural water use is relatively small in comparison with industrial and other non-agricultural water consumption.

Troxler said the survey could clear up a lot of misperceptions about the amount of water farmers use. “The survey also will give us a good picture of how much water farmers need, so that if we find ourselves in another drought, we can make the case for making sure farmers aren’t unfairly targeted,” he said.

Survey forms will begin arriving in mailboxes in January, and results should be ready by July 1. Information about the survey is online at www.ncagr.gov/water.

 

Owners of agritourism farms and vineyards in North Carolina are encouraged to apply to be on a map being developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  The full-color map will be titled "Discover North Carolina Farms." The department plans to print 100,000 copies in 2009 and place them at welcome centers and other tourism offices across the state.

"Agritourism farms and vineyards have sprouted across North Carolina, and this map is another way to let people know where they are," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "The map can be kept in the glove compartment of your car for easy use on day trips or longer vacations. It will be a great resource, so we encourage agritourism farm and vineyard owners to apply to be on it."

Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 9, and space on the map is limited. For information and an application, log on to www.ncagr.gov/agritourism or call Martha Glass at (919) 733-7887, ext. 276.

The map is funded by a grant from the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

Martha Glass, manager
NCDA&CS Agritourism Office

The Farm Energy Efficiency Project (FEEP) is a program initiated by North Carolina Farm Bureau. The primary goal is to provide low-cost energy audits for farmers. These audits will highlight energy saving alternatives. The energy audits performed can be used to leverage United States Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Section 9007 grant. FEEP will provide 200 on-farm energy audits across NC.

To apply for FEEP, an Interest Form needs to be completed by March 31st. The Interest Form is a simple 1-page front and back form. The sooner you can get these forms in the better. March 31st is the absolute latest to get these forms in. To find out more about FEEP, you may contact Scott Welborn (scott.welborn@ncfb.org) 919-782-1705 x8209, NC Farm Energy.

Again, with the energy audit, you can apply for a USDA-REAP grant. REAP is a program to assist farmers and rural small businesses with energy projects. This program provides grants and guaranteed loans for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects. Typically, projects must show a 20% savings in energy audit to score well enough to receive funding.

REAP projects

    * must be located in a rural area.
    * must be for a pre-commercial or commercially available and replicable technology.
    * must be technically feasible.
    * must have sufficient revenue to provide for operation and maintenance.
    * the applicant must be the owner of the project and control the operation and maintenance of the proposed project.

The find out more about REAP, David Thigpen (david.thigpen@nc.usda.gov) 919-873-2065.

When looking for the perfect Christmas tree, keep in mind that trees look smaller outside than they do in the house.   Measure the space you intend to place the tree and take a tape measure with you on your tree search.  The best bet for a Christmas tree that stays beautiful all season is to buy a fresh tree and keep it fresh. There are two simple tests for freshness:
 

1. Check the condition of the needles by placing a needle between your thumb and forefinger.  Bring your fingers together.  If bent gently, the needle from a fresh tree should bend rather than break.
2. Lift the tree a few inches off the ground and then drop it down on the stump end.  If outside green needles fall off in abundance, the tree may not be fresh.  Pine trees shed their inside needles every fall and sometimes needles lodge among the branches.  This is a normal process and not the sign of an old or dry tree.

When you get the tree home, keep the tree outdoors or on an unheated porch or patio until you are ready to decorate.  Make sure it is protected from the wind and sun. An area that provides protection from the wind will help the tree retain its moisture.
 
Keep the trunk of the tree in water.  Any large container will do.  Simply make a fresh, straight cut across the trunk about an inch up from the original cut.  This opens the tree stem so it can take up water.  Plunge the trunk end immediately into fresh water.  It doesn't have to be distilled water or mineral water. And forget the recommendation from some to place an aspirin in the water.  Trees don’t get headaches.  Save your aspirin for a day of shopping at the mall.

Trees are thirsty.  They may drink between two pints to a gallon of water per day, so make sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed.  Trees often take up more water the first couple of days.   A tree stand which holds at least one gallon of water is recommended. If the water runs out, you have to cut another inch off the trunk to remove plugged xylem tissue (the pipes that carry the water up the stem). Place your tree away from fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters and other heat sources.   These will dry out the tree faster than it can take up water. 
 
Use common sense about fire safety.  Don't use frayed or worn electrical cords, don't overload electrical circuits and don't burn the lights when away from home or asleep. 
 
To find a choose-and-cut NC tree farm, log on to www.ncfarmfresh.com or call the Caldwell County Extension Center.  Other good NC tree farm sites are www.ncchristmastrees.com or www.nc-chooseandcut.com for Eastern NC tree farms.

Presented by Dr. P. Daniel Cassidy.

National program leader for Forest-Based Bioenergy with USDA CSREES

There has been unprecedented interest in renewable energy the last several years due to factors such as increasing energy prices, environmental concerns, and national security. Now, with sustained high-energy costs and the additional impact of Federal and state incentives and legislation, wood-using energy projects are rapidly being planned and constructed through out the nation creating demand for woody biomass. Attendees will be presented with an overview of forest-based bioenergy, woody biomass utilization, and sources of federal and state assistance.

December 15, 2008 12:00 PM EST to 1:00 PM EST

To participate visit http://forestrywebinar.net

Three workshops will be held across North Carolina to help producers understand how to apply for USDA-Rural Development's Value Added Producer Grant.   This grant is targeted to producers planning to add a value-added enterprise to their farm.  The grant RFP for the 2009 cycle is expected to be announced by USDA in early 2009.  Please inform your producers of this opportunity.  More information can be found at www.ncvalueadded.org and at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/vadg.htm.

The workshop dates and times are:

• Monday, Dec. 8, 1-5 p.m., Burke County Extension Center, 130 Ammons Drive, Suite 2, Morganton
• Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1-5 p.m., Lee County Extension Center, 2420 Tramway Road, Sanford
• Thursday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. - Noon, Craven County Extension Center, 300 Industrial Drive, New Bern

The workshops are free and registration is not required. Though the workshops will provide valuable information to aid the application process.  However, attendance is not mandatory  to apply for a grant.

If you have questions email seth_nagy@ncsu.edu, blake_brown@ncsu.edu, or Bruce Pleasant at USDA-Rural Development,  Bruce.Pleasant@nc.usda.gov.

In June 2008, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Johnny Wynne, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, and Alton Thompson, dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at N.C. A&T State University, announced that their organizations would jointly develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the management of the state's agricultural research stations.

The following regional meetings have been scheduled to receive public comments during the planning process:        

• Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 6:00 pm Tidewater Research Station, 207 Research Station Road, Plymouth, NC (252) 793-4118
• Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 6:00 pm Wake County Office park, Commons Building, 4001 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC (919) 250-1000
  
• Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 1:00 pmMountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville, NC (828) 456-3943

For more information visit http://www.ncagr.gov/research/strategicplan.htm

Make your voice heard and the facts known - we need you cooperation on this important survey.  North carolina farmers have the opportunity to document agricultural water use. Based on recent legislation passed in response to the ongoing drought, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Agricultural Statistics Division, will be surveying farms in early 2009 to do just that.

The survey is important because basic water use information for agriculture is limited in most areas.  While public perception has been that agriculture water use is excessive, other regional surveys have provided facts that show agriculture water use is relatively small in comparison with industrial and non-agricultural water uses.

This survey will provide comprehensive, state-wide facts about agricultural water use so that informed policy decision can be made.  Individual farm data collected will be held strictly confidential by law.  Farms that participate will also be documenting their own agricultural water use needs which is important for ensuring future access.

Your cooperation on this survey is critical to provide accurate facts about agricultural water use.

Look for your survey form in January of 2009. The results will be made available no later than July 1, 2009 and will document agricultural water use during 2008.  Every North Carolina agricultural organization supports the 2008 Agricultural Water Use Survey.

For more information about the
2008 Agricultural Water Use Survey, contact
Herb Vanderberry, Director, Agricultural Statistics Division
1-800-437-8451

The General Hugh Shelton Leadership Initiative is pleased to offer for the fifth year a major four-year college scholarship.  In 2005, high school senior Ryan Nilsen won this national scholarship.   In addition to tuition and lodging support, Ryan used his enrichment stipends to study and travel in Oxford, England, Ghana, and Guatemala, and Mexico.  The 2008 winner is Mary Burroughs of North Carolina.  Next year's winner could be from your school or community!

The mission of this initiative, housed at NC State University, is to "inspire, educate, and develop values-based leaders who are committed to personal integrity, professional ethics, and selfless service".

We conduct scholarship programs, executive forums, and youth outreach programs.

As a part of the scholarship program we have endowed the General Hugh Shelton National Leadership Scholarship.  Essentially, we are trying to identify and award America's most outstanding high school student leader.  The type of student leaders you are producing are exactly the ones who may be qualified and interested in pursuing this scholarship, valued at $10,000 per year (and renewable), plus an annual $2,000 stipend for external leadership experiences such as study abroad.

The following website will provide a description of the scholarship, the criteria and the application, which is due by November 1.

http://www.ncsu.edu/extension/sheltonleadership/leadership-scholarships/national-scholarships.php

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (www.cefs.ncsu.edu) has been funded to reach out across the state and together with our partners ask:  What will it take to build a sustainable local food economy in North Carolina?  If each North Carolinian spent 25 cents/day on local food (just 2.5 percent of the $3600.00 that we spend on average on food consumption per year), it would mean $792 million for the state's economy.  That money circulates here in the state so has a multiplier effect, rather than going to a corporate headquarters in another state.   

Over the next year, CEFS and its partners will be gathering information from across food system sectors:  conducting regional meetings, targeted issues discussions, interviews, and hosting a statewide summit on March 2 and 3, 2009.   Our desired result is a Statewide Action Plan for Building the Local Food Economy with specific steps (short- and long-term) that policy makers, Universities, government agencies, environmental organizations, businesses, funding agencies, social activists, NGOs and citizens can take to make this happen.  

The first western regional meeting has been set to be held in Asheville, North Carolina on  November 12, 1:30-4:30 at the NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way.

The purpose of this regional meeting is to bring together those engaged in all aspects of the food system, to collect information and ideas that will be the building blocks of discussion at the summit and eventually the core components of the State Action Plan.  We want to identify specific regional and local sustainable food systems models that are working and also regional challenges that can be addressed through policies, programs, and funding. We seek to engage the broad group of those involved with the food system including farmers, suppliers, processors, economic development organizations, distributors, farm and food industry workers, extension and other educators, marketers, financial institutions, Universities and community colleges, elected officials, government agencies, county and city planners, farm organizations, anti-poverty organizers, social justice workers, consumers and consumer groups, granting agencies, health and wellness organizations, environmental groups, food banks, and more.

The end product - the State Action Plan - will articulate a shared vision and set of common goals for building a local, sustainable food system and economy in North Carolina. Another key goal of this process is the formation of an ongoing working committee or task force, with broad representation across food system sectors that will focus on facilitating and carrying out action items, provide ongoing networking opportunities, and revise the action plan as needs and priorities change.

Please RSVP to nancy_creamer@ncsu.edu if possible if you plan on attending this regional meeting as it will help us in our planning, and check the CEFS website (www.cefs.ncsu.edu) for updates. 

NCSU's Dean Johnny Wynne, NCA&T Interim Dean Donald McDowell, and Commissioner Steve Troxler invite the public to attend and participate in open meetings to discuss the North Carolina Agricultural Research Stations.  
 
As instructed by the legislature, NC State University, NC A&T State University, and the NC Department of Agriculture are in the process of developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the stations.    
 
The first meeting will be held on Monday, September 15, 2008 in Greensboro. Details of that meeting are below.  As additional meeting are planned, but the details are not final.

September 15, 2008
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Guilford County Extension Center
3309 Burlington Rd
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 375-5876 Phone
(336) 375-2295 Fax

Each year pesticides must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  As a result of the re-registration process for carbaryl, many registrants decided not to re-registrar their products containing Carbaryl.  Carbaryl is the active ingredient in Sevin and any other insecticide products.  This past year EPA asked for additional data to support re-registration.  Many companies decided not develop the required data.  According to the EPA about two-thirds of the carbaryl products were voluntarily canceled by the registrants.  It could be that some products are not longer available due to the voluntary cancellations.

Kim Rumfelt, County Executive Director of the Burke-McDowell-Caldwell Farm Service Agency (FSA), announces new disaster legislation enacted into law May 22, 2008 in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  There are 5 new disaster assistance programs available as follows:

Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE) provides assistance in crop production losses and/or crop quality losses during the crop year and the total loss of production is greater than 50 percent of the normal production.  Livestock Forage Program (LFP) will be available to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for eligible livestock because of drought.  Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) will be available to livestock producers on farms that have incurred livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality because of adverse weather.  Tree Assistance Program (TAP) - provides assistance to orchardists and eligible nursery tree growers who produce nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut, or Christmas trees for commercial sale that lost trees because of a natural disaster.  Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm Raised Fish (EALHF) provides emergency relief to producers of livestock (including horses), honey bees, and farm-raised fish because of losses from adverse weather or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires.  This program is intended to cover disasters that are not adequately covered by any other disaster program.

Ordinarily producers who wish to participate in the new disaster programs would need crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster assistance (NAP) coverage on all farms in all counties in which they have an interest. Since the 2008 Act was enacted after the application periods had closed for those programs, producers who did not have insurance coverage could not comply with this requirement in order to be eligible. However, the 2008 Act authorizes a waiver that allows producers to pay a fee, called a "buy-in" fee, to be eligible for the new disaster assistance programs

The buy-in fee is due no later than September 16, 2008.  Those who miss this opportunity will not be eligible for 2008 disaster assistance. Producers are also reminded that the payment of the applicable buy-in fee does not provide the producer crop insurance or NAP coverage; it only affords eligibility for the 2008 disaster programs.  The buy-in fee for 2008 eligibility is $100 per crop, but not more than $300 per producer per administrative county, or $900 total per producer for non-insured crops and the same fee for insured crops in all counties less any previously paid fees for insured and/or non-insured coverage.  

I want to issue a very strong alert and warning for fall armyworms. They are showing up everywhere, and are a large threat to newly established turf and can also severely damage established stands. I expect serious problems in turf over the next 3 months.

The fall armyworm is a continuous resident of Central America, tropical South America and the West Indies. During mild winters, it may overwinter in coastal areas of southern Florida and Texas. Each spring, the fall armyworm spreads from these areas into the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and westward into southern New Mexico, Arizona and California.

The larvae are green, brown, or almost black. The dark head is marked with a yellow inverted "Y". There is a longitudinal black stripe along each side of the body and a faint narrow middorsal stripe. There are four black dots on the dorsal side of each abdominal segment. Fully grown larvae range between 1.38 and 1.97 in (35 - 50mm) long. The reddish brown - black pupae are about 0.5 in (13mm) long and are found in the soil. Adult moths have front wings that are dark gray mottled with light and dark markings. There is a white blotch near the tip of each front wing. The back wings are white.

The fall armyworm is most commonly associated with damage to bermudagrasses in the southern United States. However, it also feeds on fescue, ryegrasses, bentgrasses, bluegrass, and various small grain and grass crops. Infestations are associated with lush, green, dense grass. Problems most commonly occur in late summer and fall.

Larvae feed on all above-ground plant parts. Younger larvae skeletonize the most tender leaf tissue. Older larvae may consume most or all of the leaf tissue. Larvae move in groups from consumed areas to new areas. After fall armyworm feeding, bermudagrass, with proper management, usually regenerates. Feeding on cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass may result in permanent damage.

Adult moths are most active at night and are attracted to lights. Light-colored objects adjacent to turf, such as flags on golf greens, goal posts, metal gutters and metal fences on athletic fields are favorite sites for egg deposition. Eggs hatch in 2-10 days. After 2-3 weeks, fully grown larvae burrow into the soil to pupate. Moths emerge in 10-14 days.

Flocks of birds feeding consistently in turf areas may indicate fall armyworm presence. If no larvae are seen, examine the turf for green fecal pellets and larvae. Soap flushes can be used to bring larvae to the surface. Except for home lawns and golf greens and tees, infested areas of less than 1,000 ft2 (92.9 m2) are seldom treated. Mowing before insecticides are applied may mechanically destroy a few larvae; in addition, it reduces the depth of the turf and ensures better coverage by spray applications. Light irrigation several hours before treatment may help to increase larval activity near the turf surface. Applications of biorational and chemical products should be made during periods when the larvae are active near the surface, usually early morning or late afternoon.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture?s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the identification of the emerald ash borer in Fairfax County, Virginia, on July 9,2008. This emerald ash borer detection is in close proximity to Dulles International Airport. Theinitial detection was made on July 7, 2008, by an employee from the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDF), who noticed several suspect emerald ash borer exit holes. The VDF informedthe Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) who, in turn, notified APHIS of the suspect emerald ash borer find.

On July 8, 2008, APHIS and VDACS personnel visited the suspect emerald ash borer site in Fairfax, Virginia. One partially emerged adult and two dead adult beetles were recovered and sent to an APHIS Identifier in Michigan, who confirmed their identity as emerald ash borer. Inresponse to this detection, APHIS is working closely with the State of Virginia to carry out delimiting surveys around the initial detection site. Further, it is necessary for APHIS to quarantine this infested area in order to prevent the further spread of emerald ash borer.Accordingly, effective immediately, all interstate movement of emerald ash borer regulatedarticles from Fairfax County must be done in accordance with the Federal Order. Specifically, the interstate movement of emerald ash borer-host wood and wood products from Fairfax Countyis regulated, including firewood of all hardwoods species, nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, and chips of ash species. The Federal Order allows Virginia 30 days from July 11,2008, to place an equivalent parallel quarantine in place for emerald ash borer, otherwise it will be necessary to quarantine the entire State as an emerald ash borer quarantine area.

Emerald ash borer is present in some partsof the United States. Currently, the entire States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are quarantined foremerald ash borer, together with portions of Michigan?s Upper Peninsula, the entirety ofMichigan?s Lower Peninsula, and Prince George?s County in Maryland. Four counties in westernPennsylvania are also under quarantine and emeraldash borer was detected last year in one county inWest Virginia. Emerald ash borer is an invasivewood boring beetle that is native to China and eastern Asia. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in North America hidden in wood packing materials commonly used to ship consumer and other goods. It was first detected in the United States in southeastern Michigan. Since then, emerald ash borer has been responsible for the death and decline of more that 25 million ash trees in the United States. The interstate movement of firewood from quarantined areas is an especially high risk pathway for spreading emerald ash borer, and APHIS is working with State cooperators and foresters to raise awareness about this threat among the public.

I've listed a few local classes that should have some broad appeal to certified pest applicators.  A full list of continuing education classes is available at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Section web site.

• 7/30/2008 - Lenoir, NC   2 hr credit A B G H I K L M N O T D X, Specialty Training, Contact:  Seth Nagy - (828) 757-1290
• 8/1/2008 - Statesville, NC   2 hour credit N O D X, Corn & Pasture Demonstrations, Contact: Ken Vaughn - (704) 878-3165
• 9/15/2008 - Morganton, NC   2 hour credit V, Private Safety Training, Contact:  Seth Nagy - (828) 757-1290
• 9/16/2008 - Morganton, NC   2 hour credit A B G H I K L M N O T D X, Specialty Training, Contact: Donna Teasley - (828) 439-4460
• 9/16/2008 - Morganton, NC   2 hour credit V, Private Safety Training, Contact: Donna Teasley - (828) 439-4460
  
  

Announcing the first annual
Trees for an Urban Future: Emerging Issues, Innovations, and Current Trends
North Carolina Urban Forestry Conference
September 9 - 11, 2008
Marriott Hotel Downtown Greensboro, NC

Conference Context and Objectives Recently, North Carolina was determined to be the 6th fastest growing state in the nation. With the positive aspects of this status, comes an urgency to increase awareness of how to plan for, and with, our urban forests.  This conference is designed to cover environmental, planning and educational issues, as well as technical tools and resources, needed to assure urban forest quality throughout North Carolina.

Conference Planners The conference is being organized through the joint efforts of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the NC Urban Forest Council. The conference planning committee includes members from NC Division of Forest Resources, NC State University Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and Department of Horticulture Science, City of Greensboro, City of Raleigh, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC Project Learning Tree, Arborgard, City of Salisbury, and University of North Carolina School of Goverment.

Who Should Attend The expected 200 attendees will come from local tree boards, elected officials, planning commissions, appearance commissions, the development community (HBA), city staff (technical), landscape architects and other state agencies (Soil and Water, Cooperative Extension, etc.). This varied audience has many challenges and objectives in common and this conference will facilitate their exploration of their common issues.

Exhibitors A variety of organizations are lining up to hold exhibits at this conference including arborist services, urban forestry educators, non-profit organzations focused on urban community forestry, municipalities with success stories, and researchers. To learn more about the opportunity to exhibit please click here.

Conference Sponsorships are Available Your organization may wish to play a more active roll in the planning and logistics of this important conference. We invite you to review the Sponsorship and Exhbitor Prospectus by clicking here.

Conference Accreditation Continuing Education Units/Credits will be offered by:International Society of ArboricultureSociety of American ForestersAmerican Society of Landscape ArchitectsAmerican Planning Association

A complete conference overview is at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/nreos/forest/feop/urbanforest/conference.html