Extension Highlights
Darrell Blackwelder
Extension Agent Horticulture
January 21, 2003

    I often receive inquires from both growers and the general public on crops that could be grown to supplement their income. Sometimes a person will inherit a small tract of land and is compelled to grow something. Others just want to grow or do something for extra income.
Over the years I have talked more people out of farming that you can imagine. Their expectations and lack of experience spell dome before they turn one foot of soil. However, some have proceeded and done well. Increasing material and labor costs as well as depressed prices often have veteran growers scratching their heads on what direction to take.
    Pressure from foreign markets has producers, especially fruit and vegetable producers, trying to develop a niche that enables them to compete. Specialty crops or non-traditional crops provide many with an added boost to traditional farming.
    To help growers and others proceed with this endeavor, Cooperative Extension is sponsoring an Exploring Specialty Crops Workshop, Wednesday, January 29th, 9:00 AM - 3:00 p.m. at the Agriculture Center in Salisbury. The program is an overview of alternative crops for small scale farming or crops to supplement income with crop diversity. The program is designed to provide growers or those contemplating growing, ideas on crops that may supplement their income.
    The program on specialty crops will feature topics on: organic fruit and vegetable production, cut flower production, alternative small scale forestry, including Christmas Trees, small fruit production and heirloom tomato production. This is an introductory workshop in a series of workshops exploring specialty crops and alternative agricultural crops for the Piedmont. The workshop is designed to help growers or others interested in diversification as a method to supplement incomes with non-traditional agricultural crops not a panacea.
    Speakers for the workshop are from North Carolina A&T State University, NC Cooperative Extension, North N.C. State University Forestry Department and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. A $10.00 fee at the door offsets costs of materials and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required due for materials and due to limited seating. Call Darrell Blackwelder @ 704-633-0571 or e-mail darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu to register or more information by January 27th.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. For archived garden columns or other information, visit the Rowan County Master Gardener web site at www.rowanmastergardener.com or e mail Darrell_blackwelder@ncsu.edu or phone at 704-633-0571.

Rowan County 4-H is selling Blueberry, Muscadine and Strawberry plants. All plants are bare root and will arrive the first week of March. You can find out more information and place your order by visiting our website at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/rowan/4h/plants/ or by calling
704-633-0571 weekdays.