The North Carolina Cooperative Extension will be hosting its 4th Annual NC Agritunity Conference and Vendors Show Saturday at the Iredell County Agricultural Center on 444 Bristol Drive in Statesville. The event runs from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is free and open to the public and lunch will be available for purchase on site.
After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms fell sharply and leveled off by the early 1970’s. To increase profitability, many family farms are starting to diversify into other commodities as well as agritourism ventures. NC Agritunity is designed to meet the economic and environmental needs of small farmers and beginning gardeners, as well as generate a positive impact by building connections between farmers, educators, and agriculture-related businesses.
NC Agritunity is unique in that it provides educational opportunities for the beginner and experienced farmer, or backyard gardener in the Piedmont region. The conference offers three educational tracks to help begin a farm operation, diversify and increase production, and learn better growing practices. This year’s tracks are Small Ruminants, Specialty Crops, and Small Farms Start-Up, all lead by a NC State Extension specialists, agents, and individuals from agricultural organizations. Participants are also able to visit trade show vendors including local agricultural businesses, suppliers and equipment vendors, non-profits, and service agencies.
Some sessions this year include “Growing Annual Rhubarb in the Piedmont” based on the results from a three year rhubarb trial including a panel discussion with a local farmer who participated in the trials. “5 years on 5 acres” with Janice and Michael Fine from Seven Sisters Farm, focusing on how to help farmers identify the potential niches in their local markets, and “Animal Production” with Lee Menius from Wild Turkey Farms.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Jeanine Davis, associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University. Davis has focused her research on exploring new crops including hops, truffles, hemp, medicinal herbs and organic farming and has authored several publications, including the book “Growing and marketing Ginseng, Golden seals, and Other Woodland Medicinals.”
This is an opportunity to gain some tips from experts and network with other small farmers, backyard gardeners, and agribusiness individuals. Day of event walk-in registration is offered but may be limited. Participants should register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/ or by visiting the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Center (Ag Center), or calling 704-873-0507 between 8 a.m . and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information about NC Agritunity, contact a County Extension Center in Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and Rowan counties, or check out NC Agritunity on Facebook or our website at iredell.ces.ncsu.edu.
North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.