|
|
|
Newsletters
June 2010
| |
| Pike County Agribusiness Authority Newsletter |
|
June 2010
|
What's Happening in Agriculture in Pike County
|
|
|
|
|
Dear fellow Pike County resident:
It's almost tomato time! And, the sweet corn will not be far behind! And, peaches! The Market on the Square is now featuring a delicious variety of locally-grown and locally-made produce, fruit, and baked goods. June is the month that ushers in the tastes that we long for in the dead of winter. Come down and visit with your local farmers and see what mouth-watering fresh-this-morning treats are available. New signs this year let shoppers know which vendors sell locally-grown products. These are producers who grow in Pike County and the four counties that share our borders: Upson, Lamar, Meriwether, and Spalding.
We were pleased to see that our County Commission designated funding to retain our local county extension agent--this year, it will be a half-time position shared with Lamar County, but we are hopeful it will return to full time when the economy improves. Thanks to all of you who called your commissioner to support this funding. We often forget that agriculture is a 22 million dollar "industry" in Pike County and one that is worth supporting in order to preserve our rural character. Next time you see a farmer, thank him or her for reducing traffic congestion, contributing to our air, water, and soil resources, and lending us beautiful views as we travel throughout the county.
The first annual Dog and Pony Show on May 29th was a smash! The weather cooperated for the many adults and kids who came out to watch dog tricks, horses jumping, the blessing of the animals, and the pet parade. We would like to make this an annual event! Thanks to the great volunteers who made it possible!
There are lots of opportunities to play in the dirt this summer and to share experiences with other folks who want to learn more about farming, chickens, flowers, and the big outdoors. Check out the happenings below and get out there!
The Board of the Pike County Agribusiness Authority invites you to meet them and share your ideas at their monthly meeting--always the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 in the Chamber of Commerce offices.
Sincerely,
The Pike County Agribusiness Authority
George Norris, Chair
Tom Lacey
Rex Yerkes
Dave Bentoski
Ken Gran
Chris Curry, Executive Director
|
|
AG News and Notes
____________________________________________________________
THE WILLIAMSON ARENA in Williamson: Coffey Farms is offering a full schedule of equine events at the covered arena on 2nd District Road in Williamson. There are Jackpot barrels, open arena nights, and more. Come on out for an entertaining evening...we hear that our good friends and neighbors have even brought Paso Finos to these events! There are several NBHA District 3 events in the Youth, Senior and Open divisions scheduled for the year. For the latest, up-to-date information, click here Williamson Arena or call (678)758-7591.
THERE'S A NEW FEED & SEED STORE IN ZEBULON: Jamey Riner, Nutrena dealer has opened Circle R Feed & Supply in downtown Zebulon for folks who prefer to buy their dog, cat, horse, chicken, cow, goat, quail, pig, rabbit & bird feed locally. It's located on 19 south right after you go through the traffic light--look left for the tan metal building. Plenty of parking and knowledgeable, friendly folks who know horses and their needs. 770-567-5166 34 Harper Street Zebulon, GA
MOBILE PROCESSING UNIT WORKSHOP: One of the toughest nuts to crack for folks who want to raise chickens is the lack of small scale processing resources in the state. There's going to be a state of the art workshop in Salisbury, North Carolina on Wednesday, June 16th from 10 am to 1 pm. It will feature a mobile processing unit that gives farmers the ability to process poultry on-farm, avoiding transport stress and doing it for less. There will be information on humane slaughter, safe handling and composting as well as the legal and food safety aspects of processing under the 1,000 bird exemption. For more information, contact Emily Landcaster by email at Emily@AnimalWelfareApproved.org or by phone at 919-428-1641. We will bring you news of the workshop next month--a resource of this kind is critically needed in Georgia! (See below for how to join a list serve of Georgians who are trying to solve this dilemma.)
THE TRACTOR CLUB HAS SOME GREAT PHOTOS ON THEIR SITE! Check out upcoming events and enjoy the great photo albums of past ones by going to www.pctractorclub.com.
MARKET ON THE SQUARE: Our Market Manager, Donnie Payton tells us there are about 15-16 vendors this month with tomatoes, corn, and peaches coming any day now. Linda is there with her cream horns and other delights and the Powers are selling their famous fried pies! Boiled peanuts and Woody's Amish products are always in season and Mr. Justice's vegetables are the prettiest around. Steve is just about done digging those tender red potatoes that mash up without having to peel and the James Family Farms brings baked goods and fresh veggies. There are more vendors every week as the high season gets underway--stop by and meet your local farmers and your neighbors under the pecans at the corner of Barnesville and Griffin Streets in downtown Zebulon, right next to the post office--and, please, do not park in the P.O. lot--we are trying to be good neighbors!
If you are interested in selling at the Market, Donnie will be happy to inform you about the rules and regulations--we suggest you visit with him before you set up. The Market is open from 8 a.m to noon every Saturday from now through October.
GREAT PINESTRAW AVAILABLE IN WILLIAMSON: Save gas, support local ag businesses! Country Corbins has fresh, bright pinestraw bales and mulches in Williamson. They are open M-F from 8 to 5 and Saturdays from 8-12. Call 770-229-5050 for more information.
BACKYARD FARMING FIELD DAY: So, you are not ready to farm your "back 40". How about doing some homemade raised beds that will grow just about all the produce you need? Georgia Organics is offering a workshop at Stems N' Roots Farm in Douglasville for $15 on June 27th from 3 - 5 pm. You'll see 64 raised beds, a three pallet compost bin system, potato grow bag system, a 12x12 high tunnel, bee hives and chickens. Visit www.georgiaorganics.org to learn more.
GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION: The Georgia Forestry Commission offers plowing of pre-supression firebreaks for landowners on a first come, first served basis (restrictions may apply). Well, how many of us missed the burn permit deadline on May 1st? Now, we get to see if the "miracle of composting" can do anything for those huge piles of last year's leaves, tree limbs, and trimmings...put October on your schedule!
PIKE COUNTY HORSE CLUB: The Horse Club has a great website for anyone interested in local horse news. The club meets every 3rd Thursday at the Farm Bureau in Zebulon at 7 pm. It's a great opportunity to meet up with local horse lovers and to find people to ride with! For more information go to: pikecountyhorseclub.page.tl/
The Club lists a contact number for the Georgia Horse Welfare Coalition--it's an ad hoc group of concerned horse people who will help direct horse owners to assistance and resources. Recently, several abandoned horses were rescued in Pike County by local folks. If you know of any horse owner who is struggling with hard times, please direct them to the Pike County website for more information or contact cmcauliffe@humanesociety.org for help.
FORESTRY UPDATE scheduled for May 27th in Zebulon: A host of organizations led by the Pike County Farm Bureau's Forestry Committee is sponsoring a workshop on forestry management beginning at 10 a.m. at the Farm Bureau Conference Room. A sponsored lunch will be available. Lee Milby of the Georgia Forestry Commission will be discussing the Forest Management Service and cost-share, William Pitts and Tommy Tyler will present information on NRCS and Extension resources for forest owners, Bob Lazenby will talk on the importance of thinning pine stands and Jeff Kenerly will discuss prescribed fire and wildlife food plots. After lunch there will be a field trip from 1 to 3 to examine the forestry practices discussed during the morning session. Thanks, John Mixon of the Forestry Committee for putting together this great workshop! Pre-register with Rebecca by May 24th at 770-567-3431.
CHICKEN RANCHERS: It's hard to raise small numbers of chickens for market even though there is incredible demand for locally-grown, humanely-raised poultry. A new list-serve for pastured poultry producers has been established for folks who are interested in doing this in Georgia--register by going to GAPasturedPoultry@yahoogroups.com.
FARM LOAN PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY: There are several loan programs that may offer assistance to farmers to purchase farmland and finance agricultural operations. FSA programs are designed to help producers who are temporarily unable to obtain private or commercial credit, including beginning farmers who have insufficient net worth to qualify for financing through a commercial lender. The first step is to call our local FSA office in Barnesville at 770-358-0787.
* Want to list your event? Or, do you know of one that is ag-related? Please e-mail Chris at billchrisfarm@hughes.net. Thanks for keeping us all informed.
The First Annual "Dog and Pony Show" at
Chestnut Oak!
Saturday, May 29
Enjoy the photos and come next year!
We had loads of fun and thank everyone who helped out from the Pike County Horse Club and the Friends of Pike County Animals.
LOOK WHAT'S GOING ON AT CHESTNUT OAK!
Chestnut Oak is open for all Pike County residents to visit and to enjoy!
It is located on Hwy 19S right across from the Baptist Children's Home on Sandefur Road. It's 25 beautiful acres of open, green field and a walking trail that goes up the mountain where you can see native azaleas, wildflowers, and the rare, old chestnut oak trees that grow in this microclimate. The land is completely fenced in with an arena for horses and riders in training. Upcoming events are open to everyone who thinks it's a good idea to get up from their computer screen once in a while and go outside!
July 10: The Pike County Horse Club will host a ride and a cook-out. For details go to Pike County Horse Club
September 11: The third annual Heritage Day is bigger and better with craft demonstrations, all kinds of animals, mule plowing, and good things to eat! Looking for farm animals and demonstrators of farm skills. Anyone interested in being a part of the celebration contact Brenda Fayard at 770-856-2144.
November 20: Bring your horse, pony or mule for a Fun Day Show sponsored by the Horse Club. Leave behind the stress of serious competition and prepare to laugh!
Anytime: Bring your young horse, or puppy, or child and introduce them to the wide open spaces and wooded trails. Picnic and play a pick-up game of softball. Hike for health and conditioning--by foot or by bike. Park your car, turn off your cellphone, roll down your windows and smell the clean, fresh air--an instant mental health remedy for getting your priorities in order!
|
| |
|
| |
|
Pike County Agribusiness Authority | P.O. Box 310 - Meansville, GA 30256 | Jackson Street | Zebulon | GA | 30295
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Pike County Agribusiness Authority Newsletter |
|
April 2010
|
What's Happening in Agriculture in Pike County
|
|
|
| Blueberry blooms |
|
|
Dear fellow Pike County resident:
Winter has departed and with recent temperatures in the 80's it seems like summer has run all over spring! We've enjoyed a moderation in moisture lately and it is getting easier to get into field and garden. No doubt, we will be missing the rain soon enough but it sure is nice to let the dogs in the house without the accompanying mud and topsoil!
Our thoughts are turning to the early spring opening of the Market on the Square on Saturday, April 10th. We are hoping to see Steve and a few of our other "regulars" who might have early, cool season vegetables--there is nothing as good as fresh-picked-this-morning greens! We hope to have the opportunity to buy bedding plants, woody ornamentals and perhaps some iris. And, we're looking forward to visiting with old friends over Jennifer's coffee and pastries. The market starts out slowly as the ground warms up throughout the next few weeks until we find ourselves in the midst of a squash and green pepper bonanza come July! Part of the fun of buying locally-grown produce is discovering how to make meals with the seasons in mind--you might find a new taste treat that you never experienced before! One of the USDA's new mottos is "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" and we can vouch for that in Pike County!
The Agribusiness Authority is also working on creating a "virtual" CSA where farmers and customers can order produce "a la carte" for pick-up in the middle of the week. As soon as we get a convenient location and enlist some volunteers (there's no "virtual" about distributing the food orders!) we'll get started!
The Ag Authority still has scholarship funding for anyone who plans to attend an ag-related or environmental workshop or seminar. Pike County residents can apply for up to $250 to cover travel, lodging, or fees. For more information, please call Chris at 770-567-3600.
What's the status on the trail? Southern Rivers EMC and the Ag Authority went the extra mile and funded the boardwalk extension on the trail. This will enable students and hikers to experience a mini-cross section of many environments in our region. Stay tuned for an announcement about the official dedication and opening of the trail.
Stay tuned for Pike's first-ever "Dog and Pony" show! It's scheduled for Saturday, May 29th. See below for more information.
The Board of the Pike County Agribusiness Authority invites you to meet them and share your ideas at their monthly meeting--always the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 in the Chamber of Commerce offices.
Hey, we know there are luscious strawberries getting ready out there...If you know of a farm operation that is offering them or other products for the public, please let us know so we can come and pick!
Sincerely,
The Pike County Agribusiness Authority
George Norris, Chair
Tom Lacey
Rex Yerkes
Dave Bentoski
Ken Gran
Chris Curry, Executive Director
|
|
AG News and Notes
____________________________________________________________
STRAWBERRIES ON THE WAY! They are just abut to pop! Estimated time for pick-your-own or we pick. Meansville. Call Steven at 770-584-3909.
UGA WORKSHOPS IN GRIFFIN: There will be a series of workshops at the UGA Research Demonstration Garden right in our own backyard: April 9: Grafting Your Landscape and Garden (95.00), April 16: Grow Your Own Vegetables (25.00); April 23: Grow Your Own Fruit (25.00) and May 7: Growing Fabulous Herbs in Raised Beds & Containers (45.00). For more information and to register, call Val Schott at 770-233-5598.
THE TRACTOR CLUB HAS SOME GREAT PHOTOS ON THEIR SITE! Check out upcoming events and enjoy the great photo albums of past ones by going to www.pctractorclub.com.
MARKET ON THE SQUARE: The Market opens on April 10th! Anyone who has produce, plants, flowers, pastries, or crafts that are one-of-a-kind and made from natural products can sell at the market. It's first-come, first serve for space on the green lawn right next to the Post Office in downtown Zebulon. Our Market Manager, Donnie, will be happy to inform you about the rules and regulations--we suggest you visit with him before you set up. The Market is open from 8 a.m to noon every Saturday from now through October.
GREAT PINESTRAW AVAILABLE IN WILLIAMSON: Save gas, support local ag businesses! Country Corbins has fresh, bright pinestraw bales and mulches in Williamson. They are open M-F from 8 to 5 and Saturdays from 8-12. Call 770-229-5050 for more information.
THE DOG AND PONY SHOW IS COMING!: Saturday, May 29! See the Chestnut Oak article below for more information.
GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION: The Georgia Forestry Commission offers plowing of pre-supression firebreaks for landowners on a first come, first served basis (restrictions may apply). Last chance to burn off that pile of brush you have been accumulating over the winter--get a burn permit and get it done before May 1st. Call 1-877-OK2-BURN or go to www.gfc.state.ga.us/OnlinePermits.
PIKE COUNTY HORSE CLUB: The Horse Club has a great website for anyone interested in local horse news. The Club has a great line-up of rides scheduled for the year--check it out, remind your "pasture ornament" that he is broke to ride, and get out there! The club meets every 3rd Thursday at the Farm Bureau in Zebulon at 7pm.--it's a great opportunity to meet up with local horse lovers and to find people to ride with! For more information go to: pikecountyhorseclub.page.tl/
The Club lists a contact number for the Georgia Horse Welfare Coalition--it's an ad hoc group of concerned horse people who will help direct horseowners to assistance and resources. Recently, several abandoned horses were rescued in Pike County by local folks. If you know any horseowner who is struggling with hard times, please direct them to the Pike County website for more information or contact cmcauliffe@humanesociety.orgfor help.
10th ANNUAL VERMICULTURE CONFERENCE: This is the only conference about earthworm farming and mid-to-large-scale vermicomposting in the U.S. It's sponsored by NC State and will be held in Durham, NC on May 27-28. For more information, go to http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/workshops/worm-conference/. Can it get any better than this for worm aficionados?
FARM LOAN PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY: There are several loan programs that may offer assistance to farmers to purchase farmland and finance agricultural operations. FSA programs are designed to help producers who are temporarily unable to obtain private or commercial credit, including beginning farmers who have insufficient net worth to qualify for financing through a commercial lender. The first step is to call our local FSA office in Barnesville at 770-358-0787.
* Want to list your event? Or, do you know of one that is ag-related? Please e-mail Chris at billchrisfarm@hughes.net. Thanks for keeping us all informed.
|
|
A Note from our County Conservationist, William Pitts
I had the opportunity a week or so ago to work with a student from Pike County High School as part of a job shadowing program offered to juniors and seniors. Raymond Tice, a junior at Pike County High, met me at my office around 7:45 a.m. After a few minutes of getting acquainted, we headed out to GPS some existing fence for a private landowner who had applied to participate in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The GPS work is an important part of the field work that we do in preparation for the development of a conservation plan for a landowner. After lunch, we surveyed a stream crossing for another landowner who was a participant in the EQIP program.
Raymond did a fine job throughout the day, helping me with the various tasks that my job entailed. He asked a lot of questions and showed a great deal of interest in my occupation. He told me that the highlight of his day, besides getting out of school, was the surveying. Surveying provided him with the most hands-on experience of the day.
I wish they had the job shadowing program back when I was in high school. I think it is important to give kids this kind of exposure to the work place at that age. I enjoyed participating this year and look forward to being a part of the program in the future.
|
|
Go to our website at pikecoag.com to check out the latest folks who are celebrating Pike's rural character by supporting local farming!
"No Farms, No Food" Photo Project: Have fun and say something valuable at the same time!
The American Farmland Trust has started a nationwide project to remind us that America's farms and ranches provide an unparalleled abundance of fresh, healthy and local food. The problem: 86% of America's fruits and vegetables are grown near metropolitan areas and are in danger of being overrun by development. That's Pike County! That's why supporting our local farmers by buying local is more important than ever.
Here's what we are doing in Pike: Make a sign (it doesn't have to be fancy, just an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper will do, unless you want to get creative) that says: NO FARMS, NO FOOD. Holding that sign in the picture, take a photo of yourself, or your family, or you and your animals. Send it to Brenda at fayardb@bellsouth.net and we will put it on our website! If you are digitally-challenged, drop a hard copy off at A Novel Experience in Zebulon or give it to one of our board members.
Keep checking to see what your friends and neighbors come up with!
You can spread the message by requesting a free No Farms No Food bumper sticker from the American Farmland Trust--they have already mailed out over 2 million and we would like to see some in Pike! Go to farmland.orgto order yours.
|
|
LOOK WHAT'S GOING ON AT CHESTNUT OAK!
Chestnut Oak is open for all Pike County residents to visit and to enjoy!
It is located on Hwy 19S right across from the Baptist Children's Home on Sandefur Road. It's 25 beautiful acres of open, green field and a walking trail that goes up the mountain where you can see native azaleas, wildflowers, and the rare, old chestnut oak trees that grow in this microclimate. The land is completely fenced in with an arena for horses and riders in training. Upcoming events are open to everyone who thinks it's a good idea to get up from their computer screen once in a while and go outside!
May 7: Farm Day: Sponsored by the Farm Bureau every year, it introduces our smallest school kids to cows, goats, horses and more.
May 29: The Dog and Pony Show: Sponsored by the Farm Bureau Equine Committee
The Friends of Pike County Animals (FPCA) and the Pike County Horse Club (PCHC) invite you to attend a real "Dog and Pony (and other critters too) Show!" on Saturday, 29 May 2010 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chestnut Oak Center, Sandefur Rd. & Hwy 19 South, 5.5 miles south of Zebulon.
The main goals of the event are to have fun and showcase our local animal clubs and organizations. The public is invited to attend.
The Dog and Pony Show will have an animal parade (costumes are welcomed and encouraged), blessing of the animals, recognition of rescued animals, a pet costume contest, and animal educational programs. We are hoping to have these special guests appear; Bubba and Friends, Inc. (birds of prey rehabilitation), the Pike Co. Sheriffs Department K-9 Unit, and other animal clubs and organizations.
If you have an animal club or organization, or are a food vender and would like to participate in this event, please contact: 770-469-8726/ friendsofpikecountyanimals@hotmail.com or;
770-856-2144/ pikecountyhorseclub@yahoo.com.
July 10: The Pike County Horse Club will host a ride and a cook-out. For details go to Pike County Horse Club
September 11: The third annual Heritage Day is bigger and better with craft demonstrations, all kinds of animals, mule plowing, and good things to eat!Looking for farm animals and demonstrators of farm skills. Anyone interested in being a part of the celebration contact Brenda Fayard at 770-856-2144.
November 20: Bring your horse, pony or mule for a Fun Day Show sponsored by the Horse Club. Leave behind the stress of serious competition and prepare to laugh!
Anytime: Bring your young horse, or puppy, or child and introduce them to the wide open spaces and wooded trails. Picnic and play a pick-up game of softball. Hike for health and conditioning--by foot or by bike. Park your car, turn off your cellphone, roll down your windows and smell the clean, fresh air--an instant mental health remedy for getting your priorities in order!
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Pike County Agribusiness Authority | P.O. Box 310 - Meansville, GA 30256 | Jackson Street | Zebulon | GA | 30295
|
|
|
|
