1998 Success Stories
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Date: Mon Mar 9 13:12:51 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Craven Hudson
The Neuse River rules proposed by the NC Environmental Management Commission have caused a great deal of confusion for landowners in the Neuse Basin.
The existing buffer rule has changed twice and people are unsure how they are affected. Forest landowners in particular are concerned.
Responding to the need to bring understanding to this issue, Extension hosted a meeting specifically for the forestry comunity. We presented background
information on how the rules came about. We also had a DWQ Field Rep.tell what they were looking for and how they interpret the rule. After lenghty
discussion, the 70 people attending developed a greater understanding of the rule and Extension's educational role within the regulatory nature of the Neuse
rules. Many attendees commented that they had a much better understanding of what they should do to comply with the buffer
Date: Tue Jun 30 15:52:30 EDT 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: pasquota
Person Reporting: Tom Campbell
An organic faremr, named Richard Parker, borrowed four hours of video tape recorded in February, 1998 on an NCSU tour of California agriculture and water
management technology. He found the tape very educational, watching it several times. Richard added sweet potatoes to his organic crops in 1997 and tried
samples of two new sweet potato varieties in 1998. He says the California video gave him new ideas about organic pest control on his vegetable crops,
especially how to encourage beneficial insects. Both Richard Parker and Kenny Haines spoke about organic farm practices before an audience of 45 extension
agents on June 3, 1998 at an in-service training on organic farming in Goldsboro, NC.
Date: Wed Jul 8 11:24:32 EDT 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: halifax
Person Reporting: Haywood E. Harrell
Helping individuals with special needs or special problems is a task that seems to come around often. This individual's need was Timber Trespass which resulted
in 25 acres being unlawfully cut. I was contacted by R. G. Hardy and he requested that I assist him with the matter. The first step was to identify the company
responsible for the unauthorized cutting. The company once identified acknowledged the mistake, offered Mr. Hardy $4,000.00 in compensation. Rick
Hamilton, Ext. Forestry Specialist was contacted. He provided helpful information and suggested a forest consultant be hired. We used the trespass appraisal
and talked with the company. Mr. Hardy received $16,000.00 from the company as compensation for the Timber Trespass.
Date: Thu Jul 16 15:27:33 EDT 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: caswell
Person Reporting: Rickey Williams
Caswell County is dependent on tobacco for 75 percent of its agricultural income. In 1997-1998, the proposed changes in the Tobacco Program presented a
problem to the growers of Flue-Cured Tobacco. Growers in Caswell County were concerned and wanted to do something to help themselves. A small group
wanted to form a Tobacco Association in the county. I was asked to help organize this association. We called a meeting of growers to present this idea to them.
They voted to organize, elected officers and a Board of Directors, and made contact with other associations in other counties. Currently there are 105 paid
members that meet quarterly, and are in contact with their political representatives. Most members are very active in the association and are committed to
extending the livelihood of all growers.
Date: Tue Sep 29 15:38:54 EDT 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: stokes
Person Reporting: Leonard P. hicks
In 1995, I worked with two clients who wanted to grow wine grapes. The clients and I attended workshops on growing these grapes. In 1996, the clients
planted 3 1/2 acres of grapes. We continued to learn about successful wine grape production with the assistance of a NC State Specialist and tours of vineyards.
In spring of 1998, Stokes County had 3 wine grape vineyards with 7 1/2 acres. In the fall, 3 1/2 acres of grapes were harvested, yielding 1,000 lbs per acre.
The 3 wine grape growers plan to expand production next year. Two more clients are establishing one acre vineyards. With the two new vineyards and
expansion of the existing vineyards, grape production should increase 50% in 1999.
The growers and I have learned a great deal about growing and marketing wine grapes. It appears that growing wine grapes could be a viable alternative to
tobacco farming in
Date: Fri Oct 30 14:47:07 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Craven Hudson
The Upper Neuse Basin Association is working on an alternative management plan to what has been developed by the EMC. Elected officials who serve on its
board of directors often make statements that show an incomplete understanding of land use/water quality relations. Cooperative Extension sponsored a tour for
these officials that started in the headwaters and ended at the Neuse estuary in Craven County. Officials saw a host of demonstration projects that covered urban
and agricultutral issues. A highlight of the tour was a meal and dialogue with farmers and lower basin officials. Lower basin citizens were appreciative that board
members wanted to hear their concerns. Upper Basin officials commented that the tour opened their eyes to what is really happening down river. One said, "The
weeds weren't there until we got to the homes and green lawns. Homeowners are definitely impacting the river."
Date: Tue Dec 22 14:17:26 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: person
Person Reporting: Craven Hudson
The Neuse River Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy became law during 1998. The rules require direct participation from farmers, but the rules are
very confusing. Rule .0238 specifies that Local Advisory Committees develop local strategies to meet nitrogen reduction goals. Two farmers must serve on each
committee.
Extenion in collaboation with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts held an informational meeting with potential agency and farmer representatives from
Durham, Orange and Person Counties. We explained the rationale behind the rules and led a discussion on whether to form one multi-county LAC or three
separate committes. After much discussion and county huddles, the counties chose to remain separate. They were only able to make this decision after getting the
right information, in a form they could understand, at our educational meeting. Subsequent conversations with farmers have shown a good grasp of the policy
and their roles.
Date: Wed Dec 30 11:06:21 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: martin
Person Reporting: J.B.Coltrain
Martin County is the 9th most ag related income dependant county in the state. Tobacco in Martin County accounts for 28% of total farm income and 40% of
crop income. Government policies have become decidedly unfriendly to the tobacco industry. Changes for tobacco spell drastic changes for the county. An
educational effort has been mounted in order to educate farmers and the public to some of the likely impacts of these changes. Newspaper articles(3), civic club
presentations, and a presentation before the county commissioners has helped to raise awareness of the economic impact of tobacco on the county. County
citizens will now be expecting and receptive to change.
Date: Thu Dec 31 10:23:36 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: anson
Person Reporting: Russell Sikes
This office has worked with 7 poultry growers and 3 company representatives on teaching proper ventilation of poultry houses. Ammonia levels were taken on 4
farms and developed recommendations for growers on how to improve air quality for chicks on these farms. On 6 farms we met with growers and company
reps. to measue air speed, static pressure and operating vents. We found problems on all 6 farms that were corrected by changing sensors, adjusting fans and
target temperatures. It is estimated that we will increase income for these 7 producers by $14000 this past summer
Date: Thu Dec 31 10:32:01 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: anson
Person Reporting: Russell Sikese
Over 128 poultry producers in this county were trained to meet complaince to SB0200, and 1217. Evaluation indicated that all felt competent to write there on
plans and keep the proper records required by law. We have assisted another 28 growers in reviewing there records and making sure that they were properly
filled out. Soil test and Waste samples that we see coming through the office indicates that 62 producers are already meeting the requirement of the law.
Date: Thu Dec 31 15:05:14 EST 1998
SMP #: 2
Local System: moore
Person Reporting: Charles E. Hammond
A rapidly growing retirement community,tourism and leisure activities and changes in agriculture are changing land-use pratice in Moore County.Elected officials
recognized the need to develop a county wide land-use plan(LUP). The diverse population (retirement, newcomers,native) caused this to be a very controversal
subject. The Moore County Cooperative Extension Service entered into a memorandum of understading to work as a team with the planning staff in coordinating
citizen participation, preparation and delivery of educational programs. Extension provided leadership in cooperation with Co. Commissioners, and Planning
Department in organizing a committe of 21 citizens representing the diverse population of the county to assure the involvement of citizens. A total of 1050
citizens participated in the educational and community input meetings. A consenus has been reached to recommend a county wide LUP and implementation
suggestions. While a controversial subject,through the team effort of citizens, extension,planning dept. and county commissioners the LUP is a reality
Date: Mon Jan 4 14:52:54 EST 1999
SMP #: 2
Local System: franklin
Person Reporting: Martha L. Mobley
Over $1 million dollars were saved by three local landowners in the past year due to the very successful "Saving the Family Farm: Farm Estate Planning
Conference" held for a second time in 1998. Federal and state changes in inheritance taxes for farmers and landowners were discussed and several made changes
in their estate planning. One participant was able to successfully gain access to an inherited farm due to the information gathered from the conference.
These conferences will continue on a yearly basis.
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