Meetings and Workshops
Annual Meeting of the Tobacco Growers Assocation of North Carolina
Sponsored by
Ag Development Forum
The 20th Annual Ag Development Forum will feature Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler's annual State of Agriculture address, an economic outlook, and other issues facing North Carolina agriculture.
It all starts at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
For more details, visit Ag Development Forum
Sponsored by
Free Pesticide Continuing Education
Farmers, landscapers and other holders of a NC Department of Agriculture pesticide application license will have the opportunity to gain two hours of continuing education credits at this year's show. These sessions will take place Wednesday morning in the Holshouser Building. There is no charge or pre-registration for these sessions. License holders should bring their pesticide license card or number to register on-site.The Importance of Nozzle Selection in Agricultural Spray Application: Why Are There So Many Options?
Presented by Clay deGruy, Greenleaf Technologies
9:30 am
Wednesday, February 5
Holshouser Building
This course has been approved for one hour of the following credits by the Pesticide Division of the NC Department of Agriculture: N O D X
This presentation will focus on nozzle selection based on application requirements and best practices. There are many different styles and sizes of nozzles to choose from, and attendees will learn the reasons and uses for each. We will also cover new methods and technologies in agricultural spraying, and the ideal application uses for these innovations. Seminar attendees will become familiar with nozzle application selection guides to best help applicators choose the size and style of nozzle that best serves each individual application.
Clay deGruy, with Greenleaf Technologies, was born in Mandeville, Louisiana. He attended LSU and graduated from the College of Agriculture with a degree in AgriBusiness. In 2017 Clay started his career with Greenleaf Technologies, which is considered a leader in the world of high-tech agricultural spray nozzles. Clay has hands-on experience working with growers, custom applicators, and golf course superintendents, as well as with chemical companies, universities, weed scientists and the EPA.
The Juncture of Turfgrass Management and Pest Management
Presented by Grady Miller PhD, NC State University
10:45 am
Wednesday, February 5
Holshouser Building
This course has been approved for one hour of the following credits by the Pesticide Division of the NC Department of Agriculture: L N D X
Turfgrasses are more than recreational spaces for sports or aesthetic spaces at homes and communities; they also serve many functional purposes. And while people enjoy turfgrass areas, so do many pests. This program will provide an overview of some of the BMPs for NC turfgrasses, including turfgrass selection and primary management aspects, before getting into control of some of the common turfgrass pests---insects, diseases, and weeds. This presentation will also introduce to the attendees resources they can use for further investigations.
Seminar attendees will:
1. Become familiar with the Best Management Practices of NC turfgrasses, both cool- and warm-season species. These concepts can be applied to any turfgrass area.
2. Be presented with turfgrass management and pest management options. There will be options presented for cultural management along with the more commonly used pesticides for managing weeds, insects, and diseases in turfgrasses.
3. Learn about the availability of NC State resources related to turfgrass care. (electronic resources).
Grady Miller, PhD, ENVU Distinguished Professor of Sustainability and extension Specialist, at North Carolina State University. During his career, he has taught 72 University course sections and has authored over 750 publications related to turfgrass management. His research activities relate primarily to turfgrass nutrition and water issues, cultivar evaluation, turfgrass colorants, and evaluation of athletic fields. In his extension duties, he works closely with the sod, sports turf, utility turf, and golf course industry to address issues and find solutions to common turf problems. He has been installed in the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension Outreach at NC State University and Fellow in the Agronomy Society of America.
NC Growers Association Annual Meeting
NC Growers Deputy Director Lee Wicker says the meeting will review the 2024 season and provide members a look ahead to 2025
Details at NC Growers
Breakfast with the Commissioner
USDA to Present on Farm Service Agency Programs
Specialists from the US Department of Agriculture will be at this year’s show to help farmers understand how to apply for, and benefit from the various programs offered by the Farm Service Agency. These sessions will take place in the James Martin Building on the opening day of the show, Wednesday, February 5. There is no cost to attend, and reservations are not required.
Unlocking the USDA Toolbox and Farm Service Agency Programs with Easy Access Steps
Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Presented by Chiquita McDowell, Agricultural Program Specialist, USDA – NC Farm Service Agency
Are you curious about what the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) can do for you? Join Agricultural Program Specialist Chiquita McDowell as she dives into a treasure trove of programs and services specifically to support farmers and ranchers. From risk management to operational growth, Chiquita will introduce the resources to make a difference in your day-to-day operations. For those new to the FSA, she will break down a simple, four-step guide on becoming an official FSA customer, which will get you one step closer to the support you deserve.
Sustaining Your Land with FSA Conservation Programs for Long-Term Success
Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Presented by Starla Harwood, State Agricultural Specialist - Conservation
USDA – NC Farm Service Agency
Ready to enhance the sustainability of your farm? Starla Harwood, State Agricultural Specialist for Conservation, will share insights into the FSA's conservation programs that help farmers protect their resources while improving productivity. She'll delve into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which offers farmers incentives to convert environmentally sensitive land into conservation reserves. Discover how this and other FSA initiatives can help you conserve your land for future generations while maximizing your farm's potential today.
Beyond FSA with NRCS Conservation Resources for a Thriving Future
Wednesday at 1 p.m.
Presented by Jeb Minarik, Resource Conservationist – Programs USDA – NC Natural Resources Conservation Service
Building on the FSA conservation programs, State Resource Conservationist Jeff Minarik will guide you through additional USDA conservation tools available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Jeb's session will highlight the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which supports sustainable practices on working lands, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), designed to help farmers address natural resource concerns. Learn how these NRCS programs work hand in hand with FSA initiatives to support your conservation goals and contribute to a more resilient agricultural landscape.
Financing Your Farm with USDA Loan Opportunities from FSA
Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Presented by Dock Jones Farm Loan Specialist
USDA – NC Farm Service Agency
Dreaming of expanding your operation, upgrading your equipment, or simply looking for some financial peace of mind? Dock Jones, State Farm Loan Specialist with the Farm Service Agency, will guide you through the USDA's farm loan opportunities tailored to new and seasonal farmers. Dock's session will outline the financial programs that can fuel your growth, and he'll share tips on navigating the loan application process. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how USDA funding can bring your farming vision to life.
Sponsored by
Kickoff Breakfast to Focus on NC Ag Leads
Ray will be sharing with the attendees what the NC Ag Leads steering committee have agreed as their set of priorities, both aspirational and attainable, and if given effect, would significantly strengthen the productivity, economic vitality, and community spirit of the industry, charting a prosperous future for North Carolina agriculture.
The breakfast is sponsored and organized by the Wake County Partners in Agriculture. It will take place at 7:30am on Wednesday morning, February 5 in the restaurant of the James B Hunt Horse Complex. Please contact Katherine Williams at katherine.williams@wake.gov
to register for the event.
The Ag Institute to Hold Gathering
North Carolina FFA State Career Development Events
The events, sponsored by Kubota and Chevrolet, are the culmination of practice and competition within each FFA chapter. And while there are bragging rights for the eventual winning drivers and schools, the real mission, according to FFA State Advisor and State Agricultural Education Leader, Josh Bledsoe, is teaching safety. Bledsoe notes that each event revolves around the safe operation of agricultural vehicles. "Safe operation of tractors and trucks in agriculture is a valuable skill," says Bledsoe. "There's nothing more important in agriculture, on the farm, or on the highway than safety.
Sponsored by
NC Crop Improvement Association to Meet at Show
The meeting, which is open to NCCIA members and others involved in seed production, will be on Friday February 7 in the James Martin Building. It will start with breakfast followed by the 8:30AM meeting. According to NCCIA Executive Director Dustin Auman, the program will include an update on NCCIA activities for the year, as well as talks by the NC Foundation Seed Producers and the NC Seedmen’s Association.
NCCIA is an organization of seed growers/seed conditioners that administers the Seed Certification Program throughout North Carolina for all crops. The purpose of the Association is to maintain and make available to the public, through certification, sources of high-quality seed and propagating material of varieties so grown and distributed as to ensure genetic identity, a high degree of genetic and mechanical purity, and a minimum of seed or plant-borne disease.
NCCIA is dedicated to assisting clients in the production, identification, distribution and promotion of certified classes of seed and other crop propagation materials. Seed certification aims to assure high seed quality and maintain varietal purity. NCCIA provides these certification services to seed growers to assure what they are selling is pure. Growers must meet land requirements, provide source of seed, and pass a field inspection. Once the field passes as certified, it qualifies for a blue certified seed tag.
During the meeting, the Foil McLaughlin Award, given annually by the NCCIA, will also be presented to an individual or organization that has had a significant impact on the North Carolina seed industry. The award honors the late Foil McLaughlin, who was director of the North Carolina
