Summary: Blink and summer will be over! Farmers markets are busy with fresh new products coming in daily and special commodity day events planned. In addition, research stations across the state are hosting field days to share the latest research with local farmers.
- The summer months might be the fastest months of the year. Blink and you’ll be headed into fall.
- For farmers that is especially true as many are busy harvesting and selling crops at farmers markets, roadside stands and stores across the state.From the markets to our research stations, there are a number of upcoming events listeners may be interested in.
- Our four state-operated farmers markets are humming with activity, which is great to see. If you have never visited one, I encourage you to do so.
- I know community markets are also busy with plenty of fresh produce, meats and specialty products .
- Our markets are hosting Watermelon Days in July and August. Visitors can sample slices of watermelon, meet the 2023 N.C. Watermelon Queen Gracy Peterson of Garland, pick up some recipes and even meet some of the farmers growing watermelons during these special days.
- The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax (near Greensboro) hosts Watermelon Day on Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The State Farmers Market in Raleigh hosts its Watermelon Day on Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- There are also Grape Day activities planned for Sept. 21 and Pumpkin Day Oct. 12 at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.
- Our Research Stations always have something going on with researchers testing new varieties and new growing techniques to benefit farmers.
- Several of the stations host special field days to highlight the work taking place at the farm and July and August are typically the busiest months for field days.
- There is a 5-County Beef Tour being held July 27 in Bahama (Baa-HAY-mah).
- On July 27, the Northeast Ag Expo is being held in Hobbsville.
- Other upcoming Field Day Dates are:
- Aug. 2 – Blacklands Farm Manager Tour in Engelhard;
- Aug. 2 — Randolph County Strip-Till and Corn Variety Trial in Ramseur;
- Aug. 8 – Fiber Hemp Field Day at Cunningham Research Station in Kinston;
- Aug. 12 — 2023 Annual Southwest Piedmont Corn and Soybean Field Day in Shelby;
- And, Aug. 23 – The CHROME Regional Ag Expo at the Peanut Belt Research in Lewiston-Woodville.
- Research field days help keep farmers in the know about the latest research and new crops, new production techniques and plant varieties being tested.
- I think that catches us up on upcoming calendar events. Check out a field day or market activities if you have a chance.
- And since I mentioned that fall will be coming up fast, I feel like I need to remind everyone we are only 52 days away from the N.C. Mountain State Fair in Fletcher and 85 days away from the N.C. State Fair in Raleigh!
- So, mark your calendars today and buy your tickets, which are on sale for both fairs right now.
- The Mountain State Fair is Sept. 8-17 and the N.C. State Fair is Oct. 12-22.