Rabbit HACCP Training

If you are currently involved in rabbit production and are interested in selling your rabbits to restaurants or other locations regulated by Health Departments, then you will want to sign up for the upcoming Rabbit HACCP training, scheduled for April 11-12, in Raleigh. Details and a registration form are on the attached flyer. This course will introduce you to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and the the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Program. You will also learn about the requirements for routine inspections of your facility and processes. The cost for the two-day program is $50, which covers snacks, lunch, and materials. Space is limited to 20 participants. The registration deadline is April 6. You can access the registration form here: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/agribiz/Rabbit_HACCP_Flyer.pdf For details on the program content, contact Janna Spruill, janna.spruill@ncagr.gov or doug_smith@ncsu.edu. Registration questions should be directed to Ron Fish: ron.fish@ncagr.gov

Last Weeks REINS Horse Owner Ed Workshop

Last Thursday (Feb. 17) we held our first in a series of four REINS Horse Owner Education Workshops entitled, "Is Your Truck & Trailer Roadworthy?" We had a small group of only 10 participants and our presenters were Sgt. Conrad, Sgt. Lanier, & Lt. Penley from the NC State Highway Patrol. It was a very informal, but highly educational question and answer session that went on for over an hour. Some of the highlights that the participants learned include:

• A weighted tag includes the weight of the truck, trailer and what you are hauling (i.e. horses)
• If you have a 4-horse trailer (or larger), you are required by state law to stop at the weigh stations
• If you GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is over 26,001, you will need a class A regular drivers license
• If the gross weight of your trailer is over 4000 lb, you need to have it inspected yearly (just like yearly car inspections)
• DO NOT use red die diesel! If you do and get caught, it is an automatic $10,000 fine!
• Safety chains are required on horse trailers (state law)

Our next REINS training will be March 17th at 7 p.m. at the Gaston Citizens Resouce Center. The title of that workshop is "Myth-ology in Horse Nutrition - Debunking Feeding Myths." This session is free to the public, but pre-reistration is required. To register, call 704-9222112.

Planning the Future of Your Farm

On Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, Lincoln County Cooperative Extension will host Planning the Future of Your Farm – Ways to Transfer Land. This free seminar will feature Andrew Brannan, J.D., previously with the NC Farm Transition Network; Brad Rivers, Small Business Development Center; and Roxanne Smith, Catawba Lands Conservancy. Our speakers will be addressing different ways to transfer land within or outside of the family including wills, business plans, and conservation easements.

This class is designed to help landowners learn how to maintain their land in agricultural production, preserve family relationships, and enhance community development. Reservations are required by Tuesday, March 1.

In addition, Andrew Branan will be available for personal consultations on Friday, March 4th. These free consultations are by appointment only.

The seminar and personal consultations will be held at the James Warren Citizen Center, 115 West Main Street, Lincolnton, NC. Call 704-736-8452 to make reservations for both the seminar and consultations by Tuesday, March 1st.

Support Document on How to Report Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction for 2010

With the creation of The Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act of 2010, P.L. No. 111-240, self employed individuals are able to deduct their health insurance premium costs against net self-employment income for the purposes of calculating self-employment tax. For the 2010 filing season, which is currently the only tax year this deduction is allowed, questions are cropping up as to how to report and take this deduction. The following document from Rural Tax Education attempts to provide direction about the issue: http://www.ruraltax.org/files/uploads/SE%20health%20insurance%20deduction%20for%20SE%20tax%20%28RTE%202011-25%29.pdf

The Local Food Movement is Here!

The local food movement is a "collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies - one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular place and is considered to be a part of the broader farm sustainability movement. It is part of the concept of local purchasing and local economies, a preference to buy locally produced goods and services. Those who prefer to eat locally grown/produced food sometimes call themselves locavores or localvores.

Unfortunately, there is a growing trend among U.S. Consumers spending less of their income on food than ever before. Furthermore, farmers are continuing to get less and less of the consumer food dollar and are going out of business at alarming rates. So what can local consumers do???

• Buying food directly from local farmers reduces the portion of your food dollar going to corporate agribusiness and ensures that farmers get their fair share of your food dollar.
• Local farmers will reinvest more of your food dollar in your region. Buying local food increases the circulation of your food dollars locally, in effect "creating" money and economic prosperity in your region.
• Buying local products ensures that farm workers and producers elsewhere get a decent wage and enjoy safe living and working conditions.

Fortunately, for the Central Piedmont region of North Carolina, the local food movement is alive and well! Farmers, restaurants, businesses and institutions in our area are increasingly responding to consumer demand for local foods and making every effort to provide local foods. Below are just a few links to examples of what's happening on the local food movement front in our region:

• North Carolina 10% Campaign http://www.ncsu.edu/project/nc10percent/index.php
• Foothills Fresh http://www.foothillsfresh.com/
• Know Your Farms CSA http://knowyourfarms.com/j/
• Harvest Moon Grille http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxse3mnwvNI
• Grateful Growers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpuIqZCawRQ
• Simply Local http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUI617IMrJk&feature=player_embedded
• Farm to Fork Part One http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqQdSd4trj0
• Farm to Fork Part Two http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAkXY3ivtNc

Horse Industry Promotion Referendum

Horse and other equine animal owners/lessors will vote across the state on March 15, 2011 to determine whether to CONTINUE TO voluntarily assess themselves two dollars ($2.00) per ton of commercial horse feed in order to provide funds to promote the interests of the horse industry.

The vote in Gaston County will take place in the County Extension Center from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any North Carolina resident who has reached his/her 9th birthday as of January 1, 2011 and who has complete or partial ownership or lease of an equine (horse, pony, mule, donkey or hinny) is eligible to vote. Individuals must sign a statement certifying eligibility at time of voting.

Since many horse owners work away from home during business hours, a provision has been made for absentee voting. Between February 25–March 14, horse owners may visit or phone the County Extension Center and request a ballot and absentee registration form. These must be turned in to the Extension office by March 14, and will be counted along with others on March 15.

If the vote is favorable on March 15, the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will continue to receive the assessment funds from manufacturers and/or distributors of horse feed, and will remit the money to the NC Horse Council. The Horse Council has indicated that the funds will be used for 4-H and other youth programs, REINS volunteer programs, trails advocacy, equine research, representation of horse interests in government, marketing programs, enforcement of horse laws, and improved public awareness of diseases and other threats to horses’ well-being.

Many other agricultural commodities have similar voluntary assessment programs. Horsemen may receive a refund of the assessment by writing to the NC Horse Council within a year of purchase and including proof of purchase.

CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF N. C. REFERENDUM

February 22 is the date when corn growers will vote on continuation of the self assessment program for six years. The Board of Directors of the Corn Growers Association is asking that farmers assess themselves at a rate of three-fourths (3/4) cent per bushel on all corn marketed in North Carolina. The campaign to continue an assessment was announced on January 13 by President Darren Armstrong at the Joint Commodities Conference of Corn, Cotton, Soybeans and Small Grain Producers in New Bern.

Armstrong urged growers to continue the assessment program which is administered by the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina. “As farmers we must stay united and work together to survive in the farming industry,” Armstrong said. The Association is involved in the following areas: International and domestic marketing; research and education; grants to cooperative extension Offices and legislation that will be helpful to corn growers and other farmers. A 24-member Board of Directors, covering all the producing areas of North Carolina, governs the organization’s activities. This Board also gives support to issues of a local nature that they believe will benefit farmers.

Growers may vote at the local cooperative extension offices from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. All farmers currently engaged in the production of corn, including tenants, sharecroppers, or other persons sharing in the production of income of corn are eligible to vote. A 2/3 favorable vote is required to carry the referendum as authorized by Article 50, Chapter 106 of the General Statutes of North Carolina. If approved the assessment shall be collected by the first handler or purchaser of the commodity from the producer, and remitted to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, which remits the proceeds to the Association. Any corn grower may get a refund of levied assessments from the Corn Growers Association of N. C. A request for a refund should be made within 30 days from the date on which said assessment is collected.

REINS Horse Owner Education Series ' "Is Your Truck & Trailer Road Worthy?"

When: February 17th, 2011 at 7 p.m.
Where: Gaston Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC

This session is free but pre-registration is required. To register, contact Gaston County Cooperative Extension at 704-922-2112. If no one has registered by the Wednesday before the event, the session will be canceled.

60th Annual North Carolina Cattlemen's & Dairymen's Conference

Thursday, February 17 - Friday, February 18
Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC

This year's NC Cattlemen's Conference will be held in conjunction with the NC Dairymen's Conference in Hickory, NC. There will be some joint sessions with the two groups as well as programs specifically for dairy and beef producers. This conference also features an extensive trade show with over 70 vendors. For further info or to register for the conference go to: www.nccattle.com/Conference.html

Carolina Meat Conference

March 25 - 27, 2011 - If you are an independent meat producer, processor or butcher, retail grocer, chef or food service professional, Extension agent, or interested consumer, you WON'T WANT TO MISS this first-ever statewide conference at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center (www.cabarrusarena.com). Attendees:

• will engage in hands-on training sessions to improve carcass utilization, value-added product development & artisanal butchery techniques
• learn about innovative marketing alliances & regional processing initiatives
• discuss emerging trends, marketing standards, & regulatory issues
• explore how production practices impact meat quality, marketability and profitability

Check out the website and you won't be disappointed - the schedule offers 2 FULL days of information-rich, fun-filled activities for those interested in the growing market for local meats. Visit www.carolinameatconference.com for registration information and a link to register on-line.

Early registration rates run until February 18th. Some training sessions are limited to 25 participants and are available on a first-come, first-served basis so act now to make sure you secure a spot.

A Successful Season – 2011: Marketing Your Market

2nd Annual Farmers Market Managers Workshop
Presented by
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Division of Marketing

When: Friday, February 11, 2011, 9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Where: Governor James Martin Building, NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh
Can’t make this program? We will be offering it in Elizabeth City (March 11) and Monroe (March 18) – Registration will open for these programs in mid-February
Who should attend: Farmers market managers and board members
Cost: $20
Pre-registration is required – Registration Deadline is February 4, 2011

For further info and complete agenda, go to the following link: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/agribiz/Successful_Season_2011_Agenda.pdf

For more information, contact:
Kevin Hardison, 919.707.3123, Kevin.hardison@ncagr.gov
or Annette Dunlap 919.707.3117, Annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov

Foothills Fresh New Growers Institute

Learn tips and information to help you grow vegetables better or get started in small-scale vegetable production. Topics include small fruits, season extension, tax issues, cut flowers, produce safety, organic production and marketing. Extension agents and an experienced grower from throughout the Foothills Fresh region of NC will present these topics. A $10 registration fee includes lunch and training materials. Follow the link to see the full agenda which includes a registration form to mail in: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=events&event_id=20235

Date: January 28th, 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Gaston Citizens Resource Center, Dallas, NC

Putting Small Acreage to Work is a Success!

On December 4th, Gaston County Cooperative Extension hosted a "Putting Small Acreage to Work" Conference where 65 participants learned how to make a living or supplemental income off their land. The amazing thing is that 55 of the particpants (85%) were from my four county area, verifying that local Extension progaming is still needed and appreciated! Topics discussed at the conference included: tree fruit production, use of high tunnels for season extension, grass-based sheep production, small scale rabbit production, successful vegetable gardening, small ruminant herd health, small acreage rotational/intensive grazing, mushroom production, selling to restaurants & independent retailers, understanding sales tax issued on agricultural products, and internet & social media for farmers. Fifty-six percent of the participants indicated that they were already actively engaged in an agricultural enterprise, and 54% of those individuals had intentions of expanding or diversifying their operations in the next 12 months. Fourty-two percent of the participants were not actively engaged in agriculture, but after attending this conference, they all stated that they intend to implement an agricultural enterprise within the next 12 months!

Food Safety - Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Training

December 8-9 from 9am-3pm
James Warren Citizens Center, Lincolnton NC

Learn how to keep your fresh produce safe with Good Agricultural Practices that farms and packing facilities need for the certifications required in many situations. This event can help prepare you for a GAP certification audit.

Call 704.922.2124 or 704.736.8452 for more information and to register

Planning the Future of Your Farm: Ways to Transfer Land Program

On Thursday, December 9, 2010, North Carolina Cooperative Extension will present “Planning the Future of Your Farm: Ways to Transfer Land” from 6:00 until 9:00 pm at the James Warren Citizen Center, 115 West Main Street, Lincolnton, NC. The featured speaker will be Andrew Branan, J.D., attorney and former executive director of the North Carolina Farm Transition Network. Also speaking will be Brad Rivers with the Small Business Development center to talk about the different types of business set ups, as well as, someone from Catawba Land Conservation to talk about easements. Each speaker will discuss different methods of transferring land and the implications of each method. On Friday morning, December 10, Branan will be offering private consultations at the Lincoln County Extension office. There will be a limited number of these consultations, so it is important to call early. Please make a reservation for these opportunities by December 8 by calling 704-736-8452.

If you already have an estate plan or have been interested in ways that you can transfer your land, we encourage you to attend this program. It will have lots of information to get you (and your family) started down the right path. By setting up appointments with Andrew Branan, you get an opportunity to talk one-on-one with him regarding your farm’s situation.

If you have any questions or would like to attend please call 704-736-8452. You may speak with Libby Yarber or Leigh Guth if you have any questions.

New Farm Tax Education Webpage

Utah State University Cooperative Extension is hosting a new website, Rural Tax Education, which is meant to provide farmers and ranchers, and other agricultural producers with a source for agriculturally related income and self-employment tax information that is both current and easy to understand.

Topics include:

• Fact sheets on many agricultural income tax issues including examples
• Topics incorporating both tax and farm management issues
• Sample federal farm income tax returns
• Links to other useful tax information

New Tax Breaks/Penalties for Small Businesses

In late September, Congress enacted the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, in an effort to help the economy recover. Here a just a few key provisions that may impact farmers:

• Expanded Section 179 Deductions. The annual limit is now $500,000 for the tax years 2010 and 2011.
• Extension of 50% Bonus Depreciation. Congress has renewed the ability to deduct 50% of the cost of new (NOT used) asset purchases, to the extent not already deducted under Section 179. The problem here is that Congress enacted this incentive at the end of September, and it expires Dec. 31, 2010, regardless of your tax year.
• Tax Break for the Self-Employed. Self-employed proprietors and partners can now deduct 100% of their health insurance for income taxes. For one year only in 2010, health insurance will also be a deduction in computing the self-employment tax.
• 1099 Reporting by Landlords. Now for the bad news - those who own real estate and receive rental income are now in the 1099 game. If a landlord pays more than $600 to an individual or partnership for services, the property owner is considered to be conducting a business and must issue a 1099 to the payee. This requirement begins with payments made after 2010. (2011 is the first year for issuing a 1099 report.)
• Increase in Information Return Penalties. Penalties are now doubled for businesses that fail to issue a 1099 to the IRS and the payee. They max out at $100 for failure to furnish a 1099 to the IRS and another $100 for failing to furnish a report to the payee.

Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference

If you are looking for ways to make a living or supplement your income off of your land, we invite you to attend the Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference on December 4, 2010 at the Gaston County Citizens Resource Center in Dallas, NC from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Whether for profit or personal enjoyment, a new project should be carefully thought out. This conference will provide information for people interested in starting or expanding small scale farm enterprises. You will be able to explore alternative enterprises by speaking with successful producers, university personnel, and experts in the field who are already growing, producing, and researching various crops, livestock and field techniques to enhance production. They can give you the practical, no-nonsense advice you will need when considering business planning, crop & livestock production, market development, etc. Topics to be discussed include: tree fruit production, use of high tunnels for season extension, grass-based sheep production, small scale rabbit production, successful vegetable gardening from A to Z, small ruminant herd health, small acreage rotational/intensive grazing, mushroom production, selling to restaurants & independent retailers, understanding sales tax issued on agricultural products, and internet & social media for farmers.

The program will include one general opening session and three breakout sessions. Three to four topics will be discussed concurrently during each of these breakout sessions. Participants will receive resource materials for all sessions.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Registration forms and fees are due by 12/01/2010 . Checks made out to NC Cooperative Extension – Gaston County. Call Lara Worden at 704-922-2112 for more information.

Click Here for Brochure & Registration Form

ISAMPA Fall 2010 Production Workshop

Featuring:
Poultry Incubation: Hatching for Success
Rabbit Production: Best Practices from Kit to Market
2011 WNC Heritage Poultry Project
ISAMPA Annual Membership Meeting

Saturday, November 6, 2010
2pm to 6pm
McDowell Technical Community College

The Independent Small Animal Meat Processors Association (ISAMPA) is pleased to announce the fall 2010 production workshop and annual membership meeting.

On Saturday, November 6, 2010, participants will gather from 2pm to 5pm at McDowell Technical Community College for a series of presentations on various aspects of poultry and rabbit production.

Our featured presenters include South Carolina poultry grower Gra' Moore. Mr. Moore will give a presentation on how to do poultry incubation on your own farm. A major bottleneck in efficient and profitable production can now be overcome following Moore's lessons for on-farm incubation of eggs.

We are very fortunate to have Dr. Anne Fanatico, a nationally-recognized small scale poultry expert, present on the latest trends and research in small-scale meat poultry operations. Anne recently joined the faculty at Appalachian State University and is now a North Carolina resident!

Jim Adkins, also a recently-arrived North Carolina resident, returns to our workshop series to present on an exciting new project to support increased production of standard breed ("heritage") poultry on NC farms.

For rabbit producers, ISAMPA board members Stephen McMurray and Rick Harty will give presentations on best practices for rabbit meat production, including helpful advice on breeding, raising, slaughter, and marketing.

At 5pm, workshop participants are invited to attend a dinner and ISAMPA's annual membership meeting. A catered meal is included with workshop registration. We'll discuss the coming year and latest developments in the small scale meat processing world.

Following the membership meeting and dinner, we'll offer a quick tour of the Foothills Pilot Plant facility, now under construction just a half mile from McDowell Tech.

There's something for everyone at this event, so don't miss out on this chance to learn and network with your fellow small scale poultry and rabbit producers.

Workshop registration cost is free to ISAMPA members and $15 for non-members. Membership renewal will be available at the workshop, with new ISAMPA members receiving free workshop access with their 2011 yearly membership fee ($20).

Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 2 by calling Smithson Mills at 828-273-9119, or by emailing smithson@smithsonmills.com. Please give your name, phone number, and email address when your register.

Directions to McDowell Tech: McDowell Tech's campus is located right off exit 86 at I-40 in Marion, NC. Follow signs for the workshop when you enter campus drive.

This workshop is organized by the Independent Small Animal Meat Processors Association of Western North Carolina (ISAMPA), with generous support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and McDowell County. ISAMPA's mission includes: Promoting best practices for raising, processing and marketing small meat animals; support for the development of a small animal processing facility meeting state or federal inspection requirements, and; raising public awareness of small animal meat products humanely raised and processed in a manner that contributes to the social, economic, and environmental well being of Western North Carolina's people and natural resources.


ISAMPA Fall Production Workshop Agenda
Saturday, November 6

2pm: Welcome and Introductions

2:15pm: Poultry Incubation: Hatching for Success

3:15pm: Break

3:30pm: Breakout sessions

2011 WNC Heritage Poultry Project and Latest Industry Updates
Jim Adkins and Dr. Anne Fanatico

Rabbit Production: Best Practice from Kit to Market
Stephen McMurray and Rick Harty

4:30pm: Networking and socializing

5pm: Dinner and ISAMPA Membership Meeting

5:45: Site visit: Foothills Pilot Plant

6:00: Conclusion

NCSU Fall/Winter 2010 Horse Owner Educational Sessions

Local horse enthusiasts are invited to participate in a series of monthly educational programs on horse management. The sessions will be held at the Citizens Resource Center in Dallas, North Carolina and are sponsored by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Each individual program will last approximately 1.5 hours including time for question and answer sessions with presenters. Each session will begin with registration and refreshments at 6:30 p.m and the presentation at 7:00 p.m.

Program dates and topics are listed below:
October 19—Treating Laminitis by Dr. Richard Mansmann
November 16– Preventing and Managing Laminitis

These programs will originate from the Extension Horse Husbandry department at NC State University and local downlinks will be possible through the Elluminate technology. All sessions are open to the public and are free of charge. The Gaston County Horseman’s Association will sponsor the refreshments for the series.

Pre-registration is required!
If we do not meet the required minimum number of registrants (10) by the Monday before the event, the class will be cancelled.
To register, contact Gaston County Cooperative Extension at 704-922-2112.

The Citizens Resource Center is located on Highway 279 just west of Highway 321 and Gaston Community College. For more information contact Lara Worden at (704) 922-2112.