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Agricultural
Sampson County: Home of the stinging caterpillar?
Question: Do we have stinging caterpillars in Sampson County? Answer: Sampson County is home for stinging caterpillars. Have you ever heard the saying “looks can be deceiving?” This applies to stinging caterpillars. Just because they may have a cute, fuzzy or bright colored look, they may hide a painful surprise if handled carelessly. There are three groups of stinging caterpillars and they are Puss Caterpillars, Slug Caterpillars, an...
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Just how much damage can the pecan weevil do?
Question: Why are there holes in my pecans? Answer: Many people had problems last season when harvesting pecans and discovering white larvae inside instead of a pecan. The pecan weevil was a common pest problem late last season. By the time most people discovered the problem it was too late to control. The pecan weevil is a pest to start controlling in August and September to prevent discovering problems later this year. The pecan wee...
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Duplin Cooperative Extension staff was recognized for years of service earlier this year. Brenda Reddick, 25 years of service, pictured left; and Wanda Hargrove, 5 years of service, middle; are being congratulated by Duplin County Cooperative Extension Director Wanda Clay, on the right. (Courtesy photo/N.C. State University Communication Services)
Duplin professionals recognized for service by N.C. Cooperative Extension
KENANSVILLE — Brenda Reddick and Wanda Hargrove were recognized recently for service to N.C. Cooperative Extension-Duplin County Center. Both were honored at the Cooperative Extension’s district conference held in Kenansville earlier this year. Reddick, a parenting educator, has worked for Extension and Duplin County since 1996 and reached her service milestone in 2011. Hargrove, a secretary, received recognition for 5 years of service with...
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Hay under attack: Be on the lookout for fall Armyworms
Recently here in Sampson County and surrounding counties, farmers have been reporting damage from armyworms to their bermudagrass pastures and hayfields. Just this past week I witnessed how quickly these pests can infest and consume an entire field almost overnight. The fall armyworm is a chronic pest here in North Carolina and the rest of the Southeast. It feeds on many forage crops, but appears to prefer a lush healthy stand of bermudagra...
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Armyworms taking war to your lawns this summer
Question: Pest Alert! Be on the lookout for Fall Armyworms in lawns. Answer: The fall armyworm is a caterpillar that can cause a great deal of damage to lawns during late summer and fall. Fall armyworms cause damage by feeding on all of the green above ground plant parts, which can retard plant growth or even cause death to your lawn. Usually, parasitic enemies help manage the fall armyworm larvae, however during cold wet springs this n...
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The importance of keeping good farm records
Present-day farm operations are becoming more and more business oriented than yesterday farm operations. Being a good producer is no longer good enough to remain in business. The key to becoming a successful farmer today is being a good producer as well as a good financial manager. The first step in being a successful farm manager is keeping good, accurate records and establishing a sound record-keeping system. There is a misconception that...
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The summer Sampson County 4-H Programs have been running full throttle with a variety of topics for their 24 summer workshops. A few of the highlights were visiting the Murphy Brown Duck Impoundment for the “Wild Side” workshop, A 'Girls Rock' event where youth learned how to live a successful life, and 'Say Cheese' where young photographers learned from a local expert Frederick Maxwell. Kendall Lanier, pictured above, is riding a horse during the 'Horses and Produce' workshop hosted by Phil Hudson Farms. Sampson County United Way sponsored these and other activities for the local 4-H Program. All summer workshops are full, but feel free to call the Sampson County Extension Office to see how you can get involved with other 4-H programs at 910-592-7161. (Courtesy Photo)
4-H summer workshops a hit
Courtesy Photo The summer Sampson County 4-H Programs have been running full throttle with a variety of topics for their 24 summer workshops. A few of the highlights were visiting the Murphy Brown Duck Impoundment for the “Wild Side” workshop, A ‘Girls Rock’ event where youth learned how to live a successful life, and ‘Say Cheese’ where young photographers learned from a local expert Frederick Maxwell. Kendall Lanier, pictured above, is rid...
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Update on the Agronomic Report System
If any of you have attempted to log on the PALS system for retrieving your waste or soil reports, you may have found it difficult to access or even find your reports. If you do manage to find them, your older reports may be missing information such as N Values for Waste Analysis. With hog farm inspections in full swing, not having your report handy or having that “N” value can pose quite a hassle. Don’t worry though, you are not the only one ...
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What is a mealybug and where are they found?
Question: What is this insect? Answer: It’s a mealybug. They are pests of indoor and outdoor ornamental plants and can be found all over the world. Several species have been identified as being pests of greenhouse, nursery, and landscape plants. They are citrus and longtailed mealybugs, just to name a few. Mealybugs are most active during warm dry weather, which is what we have been experiencing for a while now. They often hide in crevi...
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Moth growth in lawns and how to change it
Question: Why does moss grow in areas of my lawn and not my grass? Answer: I often get calls regarding moss growing in lawns. Moss is a small green plant with finely branched stems and tiny leaves. It produces spores that are spread by the wind. Moss forms a thick, green matt on the soil surface, however it is not the culprit for killing grass in those areas. When moss is found in lawns, it’s an indication that conditions are not favo...
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Farm Credit accepting applications for training
FAYETTEVILLE – Farm Credit is now accepting applications for the fourth class of an e-learning financial and business planning course called Ag Biz Planner. The course is available to North Carolina farm families and is partially funded through a grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The Ag Biz Planner curriculum includes financial and business planning, budgeting and other money matters essential to a farm’s success....
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Methionine rule affects organic poultry farmers
The number of “backyard” poultry flocks is increasing. More and more people desire to grow their own poultry for meat and eggs. Some of these people want to maintain an organic classification, which is not easy to accomplish. One of the major concerns is the use of feed additives. The following information discusses a proposed rule concerning the addition of methionine in “organic” poultry feeds. The US Department of Agriculture published o...
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Powdery mildew a problem for Crape Myrtles?
Question: What is the white powdery substance on my Crape Myrtle? Answer: Crape myrtles are popular landscape trees in the South known for their summer flowers and attractive bark. Crape myrtles are known for being essentially trouble-free plants with little disease and few insect problems. One problem that is often seen on crape myrtles is a disease called powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a disease that is common on many ornamental ...
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Control disease, produce pretty roses
Question: What is wrong with my Roses? Answer: Roses are a popular plant known for their large, elegant flowers. Many gardeners try their hands at growing roses in their gardens and landscapes. Poor disease control is one of the most common causes of failure with roses. Black spot and powdery mildew are important diseases to be aware of when growing roses. Black spot is the most serious disease of roses in North Carolina. Black spot is a ...
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Fly control for beef cattle
My position allows me to work with a variety of producers. All of them have their own philosophy on how to raise cattle. No matter how different these may be, they all ask some of the same questions. One of these is, “What is the best thing for flies?” I have had this question quite a bit this year, as the flies seem to be worse than normal. There isn’t really a “best thing” for flies. What works in one herd may not in another. The producer w...
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Junior Beef Roundup The 2012 NC Junior Beef Roundup was held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds the first weekend in June with 150 youth exhibiting 300 heifers from across the state. This two-day event consisted of a heifer show, showmanship, beef fitting contest, livestock skillathon, poster, and photography contests. Ten Sampson County youth participated at Junior Beef, five exhibiting heifers and five others participating in the skillathon contest. One of the highlights for the weekend was Carlie Piercy and Chase Piercy, both placing first in the photography contest. Throughout the event, exhibitors were awarded points for each competition. Pictured is Wyatt Kendall, who won the Jim Butler Award for highest overall point total of all participants. For more information on how you can get involved with 4-H activities, call the Sampson 4-H office at 910-592-7161. (Courtesy photo)
Junior Beef Roundup
Courtesy photo The 2012 NC Junior Beef Roundup was held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds the first weekend in June with 150 youth exhibiting 300 heifers from across the state. This two-day event consisted of a heifer show, showmanship, beef fitting contest, livestock skillathon, poster, and photography contests. Ten Sampson County youth participated at Junior Beef, five exhibiting heifers and five others participating in the skillathon contest...
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The importance of collecting soil samples
As we near the end of this year’s farming season, it is important to consider good farm management practices as we prepare for next year’s crops. One of those practices is collecting soil samples. Collecting soil samples is the first step in planning an economical and environmentally sound fertilization program. The efficient use of nutrients can help reduce fertilizer costs and environmental concerns without reducing yield or quality. This r...
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How can I get the most out of my fertilizer?
Question: When and what type of fertilizer should I use on my lawn? Answer: Now that spring has sprung and warm season grasses such as Bermuda, Centipede, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are flourishing, it is time to begin applying fertilizer. Each type of warm season grass needs different nutrients, with some needing more than others. It is best to obtain a soil sample analysis before making applications. Soil testing is more accurate than ...
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Throughout the spring, two Sampson County 4-H Youth Leaders have donated their time to educate Midway High School students on a Rabbit Project. Amber Lackey and Jackie Davis of the Hippity Hop Rabbit Club met with students to give them hands-on care instruction, educate them on different breeds of rabbits, and on how to show a rabbit. During the last session, a rabbit show was held and ribbons were handed out to each participant. If you would like more information on how you can get involved with the local 4-H Program, call the NC Cooperative Extension Office at 910-592-7161. (Courtesy Photo)
4-H Rabbit Show
Courtesy Photo Throughout the spring, two Sampson County 4-H Youth Leaders have donated their time to educate Midway High School students on a Rabbit Project. Amber Lackey and Jackie Davis of the Hippity Hop Rabbit Club met with students to give them hands-on care instruction, educate them on different breeds of rabbits, and on how to show a rabbit. During the last session, a rabbit show was held and ribbons were handed out to each particip...
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Sampson becoming a home for kudzu bugs
Question: How can I get rid of these bugs on my bean plants? Answer: This invader is known as the bean plataspid, but is more commonly being referred to as the kudzu bug. It feeds on kudzu, wisteria, and other members of the bean family. Those of you that have encountered this creature may be wondering how it ended up in Sampson County. Well, kudzu bugs are native to China and India and had never been seen in the western hemisphere un...
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Early hurricane season means more diligence when irrigating
We’re just starting hurricane season here in eastern N.C. and already we have had two named storms. While they have not been as serious, and caused as much damage as storms in the past, they have brought a lot of rain that has pounded us here in Sampson. While the rain is great for growing crops and pastures, it can potentially bring serious issues with rising levels in hog lagoons. With the potential for a lot of storms and rain hitting us...
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Chris Berendt/Sampson Independent Jan Jackson stands beneath an arch of coral honeysuckle at Jackson Farm.
A taste of the new
In northern Sampson County, 200-year-old Jackson Farm is growing with the times, an operation that hearkens back to past generations but offers a getaway where visitors might get a taste of something new to them. The family farm is located at 13902 Dunn Road, Godwin, just a few miles north of Halls Store. While just a few old farm houses can be seen from the road, nestled just past the roadside is a farm steeped in history, tradition and an...
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