Nutritional Value of Goats Milk

Below is an excerpt from The Dairy Goat Journal's July/August 2009 issue on the Nutritional Value of Goats Milk. Goat milk is one of healthiest foods/drinks out on the market today. With its creamy texture, high mineral and vitamin content, goat milk replaces many of the supplements which people consume daily. Goat milk is better for most people than cow milk simply because it is composed of smaller fat globules which makes it easier to digest. This speed of digestion releases more good bacteria and enzymes in the consumer's body, better enabling them to absorb and utilize the nutrients without discomfort, stomach ache, or a variety of other typical milk allergy symptoms.

To read the entire article click here.

Dairy Day at Piedmont Triad Farmers Market

Guilford County Extension Service and the 4-H Club will host "Dairy Day" at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market on Sunday, June 6th (10am-2pm). They encourage everyone to come out and learn how important milk and milk products play in the health and quality of our lives.

Summer In The Mountains Dairy Goat Show

It's that time of year again! The Piedmont Dairy Goat Association will be hosting their annual Summer in the Mountains Dairy Goat Show from June 3 to June 6. The show is held in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina at the Mountain State Fairgrounds. This year they will have three buck rings and two open doe shows. Judges are Evin Evans for the first buck show, Kaye Kimmel on Saturday (Alpine Specialty) and Joe Kimmel on Sunday. They also will be having a one day milk test.

Bowman Gray Racing

The short-track excitement that inspired the History Channel series "Madhouse" returned on April 24 when Bowman Gray Racing opened its 62nd season at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem. Races are held every Saturday night through August. Details and ticket information can be found at http://www.bowmangrayracing.com/

Memorial Day 2010

HONORING OUR SOLDIERS TODAY . . . .

2nd Saturdays

Families are always on the lookout for things to do that don't break their budget. "2nd Saturdays" combine arts and heritage with food and fun on June 12, July 10, and August 14 at all 37 museums and Historic Sites. And the best part is... most of the events are FREE!

2nd Saturdays Venues and Schedules Alamance Battleground Battleship North Carolina Bennett Place Bentonville Battlefield Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum CSS Neuse and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Duke Homestead Fort Dobbs Fort Fisher Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Historic Bath Historic Edenton Historic Halifax Historic Stagville Horne Creek Farm House in the Horseshoe Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center Museum of the Albemarle Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex North Carolina Museum of Art North Carolina Museum of History North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport North Carolina Transportation Museum Outer Banks History Center President James K. Polk Historic Site Reed Gold Mine Roanoke Island Festival Park Somerset Place Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art State Capitol Thomas Wolfe Memorial Town Creek Indian Mound Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace

New Miniature Zebu Pictures

New pictures of our Miniature Zebu Cattle...

Need Goat Milk?

Need raw goat milk for animal feeding or soapmaking? One gallon of milk, in your own container, is $6. Frozen milk is also available. Two 3-pound blocks in a Ziploc bag is $8. Contact us for availability through our website. (North Carolina Law prohibits selling raw milk for human consumption.)

Food Preservation Classes

Food Preservation Classes June 1st, 2010 @ 5:30 PM - June 3rd, 2010 Higher food costs and food safety concerns are causing many of us to return to home vegetable gardening. Many people may decide to can, freeze or dry some of the garden bounty for use later in the year. If you would like to learn more about food preservation, please join us at the Cooperative Extension Center, 201 Curtis Bridge Road in Wilkesboro, classes being held to review basic principles of home food preservation and food safety on three consecutive nights. Canning—June 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Jams & Jellies—June 2, 5:30– 7:00 p.m.; Freezing & Drying Fruits & Vegetables—June 3, 5:30-7:00 p.m.; Space is limited, so please call the Extension Center at 336-651-7330 to register. There is a $10 fee for one class, $15 for two classes and $20 for all three classes to cover supplies and materials. Scholarships are available if needed. Event Location 201 Curtis Bridge Road Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Contact Judy West at (336) 651-7330

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The Basics of Canning June 18th, 2010 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM In this class, participants will have a hands-on experience of canning low acid vegetables (beans in this case) in a pressure canner. You will receive tons of literature and the latest, “So Easy to Preserve”, as well as your very own jar of green beans that you canned. Persons interested in attending need to pre-register by calling or e-mailing the Extension Office. The deadline to pre-register will be June 4. You may want to sign up with a friend and the two of you will be surprised what you will learn, while having a good time. Cost to attend is $10. Event Location Davidson County Agricultural Building 301 East Center Street Lexington, NC 27292 Contact Marie Bruff at (336) 242-2080

Parasite Identification

Here's a good website for those of you doing your own fecal egg counts on goats, sheep, cattle, horses, dogs and cats to help identify those parasites!

Wine, Bid and Boogie

Wine, Bid and Boogie Saturday, June 5, 2010 2:30pm - 6:30pm $15 advance tickets $20 day of event includes wine tasting, hors d' oeuvres Music by the Martha Bassett Band, Silent & Live Art Auction Bring your blanket and chairs and enjoy a wonderful afternoon of art, food, music & wine, on the banks of the beautiful Town Fork Creek in Historic Germanton. First one-hundred advance ticket holders receive a complimentary Germanton Wine Glass. The event is being held behind the Germanton Gallery and Winery in a beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the Town Fork Creek. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and chairs and enjoy an evening of great music, wine, and artwork. The cost includes the wine tasting, entertainment, and the opportunity to bid. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Artists that have donated in the past to the auction included Scott Burdick, Jack and Betty Barnes, Jim Best, Leslie Bradsher, Lisa Cooper, Marilyn Cox, Frank Duncan, Kerry Gonzalez, Ann Israel, Sharon Larives, Jan Lukens, Nancy Markle, Christina Miller, William Vance Nichols, Leo Rucker, Aleta Schroeder, Audrey Schuyler, Michael Tucker, and Cheryl Young.

NC Pecan Grower's Meeting

N.C. Pecan Growers Association to host spring workshop and orchard tour June 5 RALEIGH -- The N.C. Pecan Growers Association will host a spring orchard tour and workshop June 5 near Goldsboro at the orchard of Tim and Karen Haithcock. The event is open to anyone involved, or interested, in pecan farming. The workshop will include orchard demonstrations and discussions on weed and pest control, production and marketing. The event will be informal and offer attendees time to talk with other growers and program presenters about specific production questions or issues. Growers, specialists from N.C. State University and N.C. Cooperative Extension, and a marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be on hand. Cost is $15 and includes lunch. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For directions and more information, go to www.ncpecans.org or contact Laurie Wood, NCDA&CS marketing specialist, at (910) 532-4208 or e-mail at  laurie.wood@ncagr.gov, or Bill Bunn, NCPGA president, at (919) 815-5764 or e-mail at carya@intrex.net.

Wee Gardeners

Wee Gardeners - Children's Ed at Legacy Garden May 14th, 2010 - June 4th, 2010 Greensboro, NC Join our nature workshops for 4 to 5 year-olds starting kindergarten in the fall. The two-part program incorporates creative projects, walks in the garden and stories to introduce young learners to garden ecology and plant science. PART 1. Discovery Walk (May 14 and May 21) and PART 2. Roots, Shoots and Flowers (May 28 and June 4). Classes are held from 10:00 to 11:00, and space is limited, so register early. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $3.00 per child. Checks should be made out to NC Ext MGV. Event Location Agricultural Center 3309 Burlington Road Greensboro, NC 27405 Contact Linda Brandon at (336) 375-5876 Event Sponsor GC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers

2010 Got to Be NC Festival

Visitors to the 2010 Got to Be NC Festival will find plenty to see and do as the three-day event promises even more family fun. The festival runs May 21-23 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh with free admission. A fish fry sponsored by the Amran Shriners joins the food lineup for Friday, May 21. The fundraiser to benefit the Shriners Hospital will feature North Carolina mountain trout, catfish, shrimp and flounder. The hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the food will be served beside the Expo Building. The popular N.C. Pig Jig -- a barbecue contest pitting Masonic lodge teams against one another -- returns on Saturday, May 22. Once the pork has been judged, it will be chopped and sold as a fundraiser for the Masonic Home for Children and the Central Children’s Home, both in Oxford. The barbecue sold out quickly in 2009, but organizers are expecting more teams to compete this year. The N.C. Pig Jig will be held beside the Expo Center. Another new addition this year is the NASCAR Street Tour sponsored by Ford. Festival goers can check out tricked-out Ford vehicles sporting big-screen TVs, satellite hookups and more. The NASCAR Street Tour will be located between Dorton Arena and the Jim Graham Building. “This festival showcases some of North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage through displays of farm equipment, fiber arts, locally produced specialty products and working farm machinery,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We look forward to drawing more exhibitors, more competitors and even more visitors this year as this event continues to grow.” Visitors will find plenty of their favorites, including antique tractors and farm equipment, draft horse pull, tractor pulls, lawn mower racing, bluegrass music competition, classic cars, a Harley-Davidson drive-in, music, and an expanded carnival with rides and games. This year the Fiber Fair will expand in size to offer more demonstrations on weaving, carding, looming, wool dyeing and sheep shearing. Vendors will also have wool, yarn and fiber products for sale. The Fiber Fair will again be housed in the Holshouser Building. “Antique tractors and farm equipment are one of the big draws of the festival, and festival goers will find even more tractors on display every day this year in all colors,” said Jim Knight, festival manager. “We are also excited to have a special display of Corbitt trucks and equipment this year in celebration of the Henderson company’s 100th anniversary.” The Dale Earnhardt Foundation will also make its festival debut this year, with Kerry Earnhardt on hand to sign autographs and raise awareness about the foundation’s efforts. North Carolina food and wine companies will be offering samples and products for sale daily in the Expo Center as part of the popular N.C. Food Expo. There will be two entertainment stages featuring country, alternative, beach and bluegrass music. The Geico Triangle Stage will be near Dorton Arena, and the Bluegrass Stage will be in the Flower Show area. A bluegrass competition, sponsored by PineCone, will be held Saturday, May 22, at 1 p.m. Antique and classic cars will be on display on the fairgrounds Friday, May 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, May 22, Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be on display beginning at noon. The grandstand will again be home to a number of “horse-powered” sports, including a draft horse pull Friday, May 21, at 5 p.m.; two tractor pulls on Saturday, May 22, at noon and 7 p.m., and lawnmower racing Sunday, May 23. Grandstand events are $5 each. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight May 21, 9 a.m. to midnight May 22 and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 23. For more about the festival, go to http://www.ncagfest.com/

Macrame Goat Collars

For those of you who are crafty and want to give your goats that personal touch, below are instructions for making a macrame goat collar via Hannah Larson. Hannah is a 4-H member from Windsor, Colorado and was the 2009-2010 ADGA Youth Representative at the Convention in Buffalo, New York October 10-17, 2009. Macrame Goat Collars 16” Collar – typical yearling size Supplies: 1 - 64” length of 2mm or 4mm macrame cord 1- 200” length of macrame cord A plastic buckle clip or 2 small metal rings usually found at a hardware store with a quick link to join. Macrame cord can be found at http://www.macramesuperstore.com/ and the buckles from http://www.strapworks.com/. Step 1: Separate the buckle. Fold the short cord (64”) in half and push the fold through the slot of female half of the buckle (or ring). Then bring the raw ends of the cord through the cord loop to fasten it to the buckle with an overhand knot. Step 2: Thread the raw ends of the fastened cord through the slot closest to the flat side on the other half of the buckle (the Male half) (or the 2nd ring). A little scotch tape wrapped around the ends may help with threading them. Pull these ends through the buckle slot until they are doubled up and match up with the other end attached to the opposite buckle, Tie a square knot with these cords near the buckle and around the other side of the cord. Tape the raw ends to the other cord to hold in place. This tape is temporary it should be removed when your knots get down close to it when you are almost done. Step 3: Fold the long piece (200”) of cord in half and push the fold through the 2nd slot in the male side of the buckle. Then reach through that loop and pull through all six strands of cord through the loop (this will be 4 short strands and then the 2-100” lengths that should settle as your outside strands). This will be the second overhand knot. Step 4: Bundle the long cords up to about 18” on each side and wrap with rubber bands to make them easier to work with. With these bundled long cords tie a square knot around the four strands of inner cords up close to the buckle. Step 5: Now it is time for the macrame knot – on the left side make a “4” with the cord. Then with the other cord go over the tail of the “4” under the stem of the ”4” and then from underneath come up through the nose of the “4”. Some describe this knot action as over, under, under, over – but remember the first under is the whole “stem” which is 4 cords together treated as one. For the next knot start by making the “4” on the RIGHT side. It is important that you alternate the 4 from left to right to left again to keep the collar going flat. If it starts to twist it is because the sides have not been alternated. If you lose track of which side you should be doing the “4” on, it is the side that has the bump on the edge of the previous knot. Also be careful that the inner cords (the 4 strand stem) stays smooth while you are tightening knots lest a strand pulls up and “bubbles” out the back. Step 6: When the macrame knots have completely covered the inner 16” four strands make a final square knot on the end. Then cut off the excess cord leaving about ¾”, melt these raw ends to prevent further fraying and with the end of the torch lighter. Press and make the melted cord adhere them flat to the collar for neatness. *The square knot: Right hand cord over left cord with the right one going under, then it is now the left hand cord and it needs to cross back over the right one and go under it to complete the knot. Right over left and under, new left over right and under. Have fun and good luck.

The View from the Rock

A park ranger will be at the top of Hanging Rock from 2:00 – 2:45 to talk with visitors, answer questions, and point out the various sights visible from the summit. Feel free to stop by and chat! *Weather dependent* Meet at the "top" of Hanging Rock

Spindale Dairy Goat Festival and Parade

The first Spindale Dairy Goat Festival and Parade will be held in Spindale, NC May 21-22. It will feature an ADGA sanctioned open doe and youth show, goat cheese, wine and beer tasting, live musical entertainment, goat beauty contest, youth activities, a goat parade, art gallery and vendors. Follow them on Facebook or visit http://www.goatfestival.com/ for more information. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Heifer International.

2010 75th Anniversary AGS National Show and Convention

The 2010 Convention and National Show will be held in Sedalia, Missouri June 8 - 12 at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The host group for this event is the Boon Companions Dairy Goat Club.

Danbury General Store

For a great way to relax and keep cool on a hot summer day, try a tubing adventure on the Dan River. Located on the banks of the Dan River and the heart of Danbury, adjacent to Moratock Park, and only 3 miles from Hanging Rock State Park, the Danbury General Store provides the perfect location for a summer family adventure. Tubing season runs from late May through mid-September, weather permitting. Tubing is available ONLY on weekends and holidays, from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, OR: Monday - Friday by appointment ONLY!! and depends on water levels!!

Rabies Vaccination Clinic - Stokes County

On May 15, the Stokes County Humane Society will sponsor a Rabies Vaccination Clinic at the Pinnacle Fire Department. On June 19, an additional Clinic will be held at the Lawsonville Fire Department also sponsored by the Stokes County Humane Society. Both Clinics are from 9AM until 12 Noon and vaccinations are $8 (cash only). RAIN OR SHINE. Help stop this deadly disease by having your pet vaccinated against rabies. For more information, contact the Stokes County Animal Shelter at 336.994.2788.

Gourd Society Meeting

Gourd Society Meeting, craftwork, artistic decoration and competition, are just small details of the Gourd Society. I'm sure there's more to what I've seen and yes done! The meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18th and moves from there. What comes next is for you to experience. The closing hour is 9:00 p.m. Learn how to cultivate and the gourds' historical uses. There's so much more......... 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Bolton Home & Garden Building

All Things Goat

Subscribe to All Things Goat blog. It is great read for anyone interested in goats. All Things Goat was created by Naimhe Jeanne (Nee-Vah Jeen,) of Illinois, and Martha Ann, of Vermont, who believe in the humane treatment of goats whether they are pets or raised for milk, meat or fiber. Through news, profiles, recipes and editorials, All Things Goat illustrates how our caprine friends improve the quality of life for many worldwide.

Do You Know Your Poop?

The Minnesota Zoo has a new online game to educate you about goats, cattle and chickens by identifying their manure. The interactive game explains what the animals eat and prompts the player to identify poop and feed the animals. Once the game is completed, a video plays that discusses how manure can help to identify health issues. For those of you who want a certificate for completing the game, one is available to print on your computer's printer certifying that you are now a "Poop Expert". Yee-Haw!

NEW Garden Soap on a Rope

We will have a new garden soap on a rope at Krankies Farmers Market on Tuesday from 10 until 1.

This goat's milk soap contains our own Rhode Island Red hens' egg shells. It is a scrubbing hand soap for removing dirt and grime. It can hang on your outside or inside faucet for easy access. Hope to you on Tuesday and thanks for supporting your local farmers!

This new garden soap, along with all your other favorite soaps are also available at the farm.

2010 Franklin County Farm Tour

The 2010 Franklin County Farm Tour and Festival will be held Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th. Stop by the Person Place Grounds in Louisburg in pick up a map and check out the Quilt Show/Sale, Heritage Crafts, and Local Food Festival. Then, gather up your family and friends, locate each farm on the map, and decide which route you want to take. Pick and choose which of these farms you want to visit... Strickland's Strawberry & Produce Farm (Youngsville) Steven’s Legacy Farm (Youngsville) Turtle Mist Farm (Franklinton) Betsey's Bee Farm (Franklinton) also featuring Franklin County Beekeepers Association and Green Hill Farm, Inc. (Frankinton) Meadowbright Farm (Youngsville) S&L Farm (Youngsville) Goldmine Trails & Homestead Farm (Youngsville) Cedar Rock Art Works/ Wilderflowers (Castalia) Meadow Lane Farm (Louisburg) Double “D” Equestrian Center (Louisburg) To register, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension at (919) 496-3344 before May 15th. Registration also available at each farm on tour days or at Stop 1, hospitality tent. Cost is $5/person (small children free). For more information visit their website.

Don't forget about Mom!

Your Mom would love to receive Buffalo Gal's goat's milk soap or a soap gift set tomorrow for Mother's Day!

Stop by the farm to purchase or find a location closer to you on our website.

Woofstock: It’s Worth Howling About!

There is no better way to have a good time with your four legged friend and help a worthy cause, The Forsyth Humane Society, than attending the 2nd Annual Woofstock Music Event on Saturday, May 15th. With great bands, family friendly events and special canine cahoots, Woofstock will be the highlight of every dog's Spring. "The whole thought behind Woofstock is to offer families and their dogs a great day with fun activities. Woofstock is an extra special day with proceeds benefitting The Forsyth Humane Society. We are very fortunate to have an animal shelter in our city that is a no-kill facility, but in order to maintain the services we provide to the community, like spay/neuter and rabies clinics, to the everyday expenses of taking care of our dogs and cats, funds are needed," said Stephanie Belcher, President of Forsyth Humane Society Board." The 2nd Annual Woofstock organizers hope to appeal to dog and animal lovers throughout the Triad. "In the past, The Forsyth Humane Society has planned two events with Art Unleashed and Woofstock, but this year the venue will be bigger with more events and activities for our 2 legged and 4 legged guests. A cross section of music, from blues, rock, acoustic, neo-soul will be part of the music line up. Food, wine and beer will be available. Like in the past, The Art Unleashed 'dog and cat statues' will be on display for the first time and at the end of the day, the 'art' will be moved to its foster homes and be on public display for the summer," commented Belcher. Here's a list of all the great bands that are scheduled to appear with the approximate times they'll be taking the stage: 1:00 - Warren Bodle & Allen 1:30 - Lee and Susan Terry 2:30 - Sonya E. Henderson Band 3:30 - Big Ron Hunter 4:15 - Tyler Nail joining Big Ron 5:00 - Laurin Stroud Band 6:00 - Summers Bohenstiel 7:00 - 44 Love 8:00 - Donnaha Station 9:00 - The Berkstar Band 9:45 - The Grande Finale Jam Session So for a good time and to make a dog's day, literally, bring your pooch and come to the Tanglewood Park Amphitheatre area on Saturday, May 15th.

Tickets are available online.

Farm To School Program

The Farm to School Program is wrapping up a record-setting year for school sales. A total of $800,000 worth of North Carolina commodities were purchased by schools systems across the state during 2009-2010, easily outpacing 2008-2009 sales by $100,000. Strawberries and blueberries are the final two commodities of the year, both extremely popular with school kids. A total of 46 school systems are participating by including strawberries or blueberries on the menu. The Farm to School Program has been an extremely popular program with school kids and farmers alike. With a greater emphasis on healthy food offerings in school cafeterias, program organizers hope to see it continue to grow.

Emergency Animal Shelter Training

With hurricane season just a little more than a month away, state and local governments are already preparing for the possible aftermath of a storm. North Carolina learned a valuable lesson in 1999 after Hurricane Floyd flooded Eastern North Carolina and stranded thousands of livestock and companion animals. An emergency shelter was set up at the College of Veterinary Medicine at N.C. State University to care for hundreds of dogs and cats that were left behind when owners evacuated. The state of Louisiana experienced a similar, but more tragic example of this in 2005 when humans refused to evacuate before Hurricane Katrina because they could not take their pets with them. A very valuable lesson has been learned from these, and other, disasters. The PETS (Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards) Act was passed by Congress in 2006 to mandate that governments allow for the needs of households with pets. In 2006, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created the first CAMET - Companion Animal Mobile Equipment Trailer - that could be used to set up an emergency companion animal shelter. There are now 24 CAMETs in North Carolina. In addition to being used in co-sheltering situations (where people and pets are both sheltered at the same location), the CAMETs have been used in local animal welfare situations when large numbers of animals have been removed from a home or shelter. With funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, our Emergency Programs Division held two training sessions this year to familiarize organizations with the trailers. The training covered the logistics of using a CAMET, the staffing requirements to run an emergency shelter, legal issues surrounding housing animals, and hands-on demonstrations of what is in a CAMET. Animal control officers, veterinarians, emergency technicians, government workers, animal rescue groups and more were at the training session held April 21 in Asheville.

Great American Cleanup in Winston-Salem

The annual Great American Cleanup in Winston-Salem will take place Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help clean up local roadways, parks and schools. All supplies are provided as well as lunch. The Great American Cleanup in Winston-Salem is organized by Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful and is part of the national Great American Cleanup organized by Keep America Beautiful. This year's Great American Cleanup in Winston-Salem is sponsored by Waste Management, the Winston-Salem Journal, Fast Signs, Lowes Foods, Kripsy Kreme, and Pepsi Bottling Ventures. To sign up or for more information, go to Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful or call City Link at 727-8000.

5th Annual Stokes County Foothills Hayride - Jomeokee Music Festival

5th Annual Stokes County Foothills Hayride - Jomeokee Music Festival

At Jomeokee Campground, Pinnacle, NC - Friday, May 14th – Gates open at 2 p.m., Music starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 15th – Gates open at 10 a.m., Music starts at 11 a.m. You can buy tickets in advance or at the gates if the event is not sold out. The Foothills Hayride is a musical experience in Stokes County that contributes to the promotion of local musicians and the venues in which they perform. It is their goal to assist those in search of quality Bluegrass and Old Time music.

2010 Got to Be NC Festival

Horsepower of the four-legged and mechanical varieties will compete and entertain during the Got to Be NC Festival May 21-23 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Horse pulls, antique-tractor pulls and lawn mower racing will be on tap at the Sam G. Rand Grandstand. Festival admission and parking are free. Admission to grandstand events is $5, and tickets will be available at the grandstand box office. Teams of draft horses will test their might against a weighted sled Friday, May 21, beginning at 6 p.m. Teams interested in competing in the draft horse pull should register by May 7. Registration information is online at http://www.ncagfest.com/. The horse pull will be preceded by a stick-horse race for children at 5 p.m. Registration for the race will begin at 4 p.m. at the grandstand entrance, and stick horses will be provided. The race is open to children ages 2 to 5, and the first 50 kids to register will compete. Antique-tractor pulls are set for Saturday, May 22. Pulls will run from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m. They are sanctioned by the Old Time Tractor Pullers Association and the Carolina Antique Tractor Pullers Association, respectively. On Sunday, May 23, from noon to 9 p.m., members of the American Racing Mower Association will race souped-up lawn mowers around the oval at speeds up to 60 miles-per-hour. Teams will participate in junior- and adult-racing classes to earn trophies and points toward a national championship. “Lawn mower racing was a really popular attraction at last year’s festival, and we’re excited about bringing it back again,” said Jim Knight, festival manager. The Got to Be NC Festival is presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Attractions include a full carnival, the North Carolina Food Expo, antique farm equipment, a fiber fair and more. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Southern Explosion Boer Goat Show

Three shows in two days at the T. Ed Garrison Complex in Pendleton, SC on May 8 and May 9 for Boers. Judges will be Anton Ward, John Taft III and Becky Sauder. Saturday morning will begin with an Open Youth Showmanship Event to be judged by Ted Clayton. For complete details, visit http://www.billysboermeatgoatfarm.com/ or call Gaylene Carson at 864.710.3703.

Come Visit Us at the Mizpah Craft Fest

We're heading to Rural Hall tomorrow morning to set up our Buffalo Gal's Soap booth at the Mizpah Craft Fest.

It opens at 10am (and runs until 2PM) and will be held at Mizpah Moravian Church, located at 3195 Mizpah Church Road in Rural Hall (historic Tobaccoville).

You'll be able to pick out handmade gifts for Mother's Day or the Spring time birthdays of your family and friends. Look for our red tent amongst the other crafters!

Hike to Tory's Den

Learn about the Revolutionary War era history of Tory’s Den by joining a ranger for a short (0.3 miles one way) hike to the cave. We will also visit a small waterfalls and talk about how Hanging Rock became a state park in the 1930s. Sunday, May 2, 2010 (2 - 5 pm ) Meet at the Tory’s Den parking area of Hanging Rock State Park

Homegrown Handmade Guidebook

The Homegrown Handmade Guidebook combines authentic arts and agricultural experiences and unique places and people into 16 self-directed driving tours through the rural countryside. The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, with support from the Golden LEAF Foundation, joined forces with community leaders to organize a series of "Agri-Cultural" trails that offer a new and engaging way of touring the Old North State. The trails comprise an insider's guide to 72 Piedmont and eastern North Carolina counties. The guide offers information about art galleries, artists' studios, performing arts, hands-on farm experiences, you-pick organic produce, favorite local restaurants and festivals, music and crafts, farmers' markets, specialty shops and foods, vineyards and wineries, museums, historic houses and sites, and picturesque bed-and-breakfasts. (Forsyth/Stokes Counties are listed in the Foothills Section of the Guide)

Mizpah Craft Fest

On Saturday, May 1st, we will be selling Buffalo Gal's Soap at the Mizpah Craft Fest from 10 until 2PM (rain or shine). The event will be held on the lawn of Mizpah Moravian Church, located at 3195 Mizpah Church Road in Rural Hall.

I will also have some soap gift baskets for sale at this event, which will be perfect for Mother's Day next weekend. Come out and visit with us! Also at the sale will be my Webnanny from Clinton, NC and her wares from Dinner Time Chimes. If you're on Facebook, we'd really appreciate it if you'd invite your local friends too! Event

The Museum of Stokes History

The Museum, formerly known as the Wilson Fulton House located at 403 Main Street, Danbury, N.C., will be open to the public on May 2, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The museum contains artifacts and furnishings from Stokes County and the surrounding area. Tour guides, in nineteenth century costumes (1850's), will assist visitors as they tour the two floors of the building.

The Museum is owned and operated by the Stokes County Historical Society. There is no admission charge, however, donations are appreciated to defray operating costs.

Dan River Cottage

Want to go tubing or kayaking down the Dan River? The two-bedroom completely furnished Dan River Cottage at 105 Dan River Road is available for daily or weekly rental. It is located adjacent to the Danbury General Store in Danbury, NC. This cottage is also conveniently located near Hanging Rock State Park. For rates and availability, call 336.593.8780.

Meat Animal Production Class

The Meat Animal Production Class (Course Code: 40500) has been listed in Forsyth Tech's 2010 May through August Corporate and Continuing Education Course Listing that was mailed this week. This class will begin on May 18 and run though July 27 from 7 to 9 PM on Tuesdays at the REACT Center in Room 7 at 450 W. Hanes Mill Road in Winston-Salem and will be taught by Amy Thomas and myself. You may now register on-line or by walk-in at West Campus Customer Service Center on Bolton Street in Winston-Salem, Mazie S. Woodruff Center on Lansing Drive in Winston-Salem, Grady P. Swisher Center on Dudley Products Drive in Kernersville, Stokes County Government Center on North Main Street in Danbury and at the Northwest Forsyth Center on Big Oaks Drive in King, NC. The class cost is $68. "Meat Animal Production The primary focus of this course will be on developing a basic knowledge of the livestock species and how to manage and care for them. Species covered will include cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. The course will be designed primarily for the smaller producer/operator. Also included will be business models and budget development to insure cost effectiveness and efficiency. Course Code: 40500 Cost: $68 Date: May 18-July 27, T, 7-9 pm Location: REACT Center, Room 7" --Corporate and Continuing Education Course Listing, printed page 9

Rabies Vaccination Clinic - Forsyth County

On Saturday, April 24, there will be a Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs and cats only that are 3 months of age or older. All dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. The clinic will be held at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in the Cattle Barn in Winston-Salem from 11AM until 3PM. Enter at Gate #9 on 27th Street. For more information, call 336.703.3110. The fee is $5 (cash only).

More 2010 Nubian Kids

2010 Nubian Kids

These are two (out of fourteen) of our March 2010 Nubian kids. These two doelings are learning to graze. ADGA registered bottle and bucket trained Nubian kids born 3/2010 - wethers $100, bucks $150 and does $250. Disbudded, tattooed, CDT and Pneumonia vaccinations and boosters. Lots of color! These kids' dams are currently being milked! Many give 8 pounds of milk. Dams and sire on site. Contact information is on the right side of the blog if you'd like more information about the goats.

Krankies Farmers Market Opens!

We'll be selling Buffalo Gal's Goats Milk Soap at Krankies Farmers Market!

Look for us at the corner of Patternson Avenue and Third Street each week. The Krankies Farmers Market will kick off its second season this Tuesday, April 20, in a new, larger location outside Krankies Coffee, on Patterson Ave. between Third and Fourth streets in downtown Winston-Salem. The market will be open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The April 20 market will celebrate spring greens with a cooking demonstration by healthy-cooking advocate Lee Newlin of Greensboro. Market shoppers who buy any spring greens may enter a raffle for a Krankies Farmers Market canvas bag made from recycled cotton and printed using water-based ink by TS Designs in Burlington. Krankies Farmers Market is an all-local, producers-only market that seeks to bring a wide variety of fresh foods to downtown Winston-Salem. Vendors are selected on the basis of their healthy, sustainable, and humane practices. The market is a joint effort between Triad Buying Co-op Inc., Krankies Coffee, and Piedmont Triad Research Park. For sale on opening day: Spinach, lettuce, swiss chard, herbs, radishes, bok choy, garlic scallions, cabbage, garlic Pasture-fed meat including beef, lamb, pork Cheese including chevre, flavored chevre, feta, and gouda from goat's milk; and a variety of cow's milk cheese Eggs from free-range chickens Bread Starter veggie and herb plants Goat-milk soap, lavender sachets Vendors at the market on opening day: Calico Farmstead Cheese - Jackie Gerringer Sanders Ridge Organic Farm - Cindy Conti Rail Fence Farm - Ken Vanhoy Shore Farms Organics - Nathan Pitts Grace Meadow Farm - Carl & Gay Gunn Plumgranny Farm - Ray Teugel & Cheryl Ferguson Crosscreek Farm - Colette Nester Heritage Homestead - Carol Coulter Mountain Memories Farm - Dawn Rhudy Buffalo Creek Farm - Johnny & Robin Blakley Gary's Organic Produce - Gary & Kay Owen Moser Manor Farm - Harvey & Susan Moser Sugar Creek Farm - Jeff Tucker Felsbeck Farm - Connee French Jay Dunbar & Eric Jackson Mooney's Mediterranean Cafe - Mooney & Nadine David Simple Kneads To find out what's available at the market each week, follow them on Facebook Krankies Farmers Market on Facebook (click image for a larger, easier to read version of the calendar)

Small Ruminant Integrated Gastrointestinal Parasite Control, Smart Drenching and FAMACHA

Season of Sustainable Agriculture Workshop Title: Small Ruminant Integrated Gastrointestinal Parasite Control, Smart Drenching and FAMACHA Coordinator: J-M. Luginbuhl Instructors: J-M. Luginbuhl/Nikki Whitley Date: April 21, 2010 Time: 8:45AM -12 noon Location: Center For Environmental Farming Systems, Goldsboro, NC Registration Fee: $10.00 for all participants. Participants who want to be FAMACHA certified will have to pay an additional $10.00 for the FAMACHA card. Description: Controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in their animals represent the biggest challenge facing small ruminant producers worldwide. Participants will learn about the biology of the gastrointestinal nematodes, where we are and why, a quick review of dewormers, and how to integrate smart drenching, FAMACHA and pasture management for more effective control. New alternatives being researched will also be discussed. A hands-on session will be held to teach participants how to use the FAMACHA card as an effective tool.

Saura Mountain Adventures

Days of the Saura Saturday, April 17, 2010 3:00pm - 4:00pm Hanging Rock State Park Join a ranger for a short slide program. Afterwards, stay and play some games that the Saura's may have played. Meet at the visitors center. Making of a Mountain. Sunday, April 18, 2010 3:00pm - 4:00pm Hanging Rock State Park Join a ranger for a short hands on talk and discover how the Sauratown Mountains formed. Meet at the visitors center. Spring Wildflowers Hike Saturday, April 24, 2010 2:00pm - 3:00pm Hanging Rock State Park Come see what is blooming at Hanging Rock. Meet at the visitors center. Black Bears Sunday, April 25, 2010 2:00pm - 3:00pm Hanging Rock State Park Join a Ranger and learn about this often feared creature. Black bears can be found throughout a large portion of NC. They often make the news when they pass through a populated area. This program will separate the facts and myths about black bears. Meet at the visitor center auditorium.

Southeastern Goat & Sheep Seminar

The Southeastern Goat & Sheep Seminar will be held near Clemson University in Pendleton, SC on April 17, 2010. Many of the workshops will be accredited. Small ruminant producers from the southeast are "WANTED." This event is hosted and sponsored by four goat associations and they have worked very diligently to keep the cost of this event affordable, but "PRICELESS." Nine Workshops are available... ~GOAT ETHICS~ ~GOAT NUTRITION AND FEEDING PROGRAMS~ ~BASIC HERD HEALTH—SCRAPIE~ ~INTERNAL PARASITES-ANTHELMINTICS RESISTANCE-FAMACHA~ ~FIBER ANIMALS - “From Goat to Glove” ~ ~KIDDING ISSUES - All Inclusive ~ ~FOOD REGULATIONS - Dairy & Meat Producer Guidelines~ ~AI/REPRODUCTION/EMBRYO TRANSFERS~ ~FARM PERFORMANCE / HERD MANAGEMENT~ Also on the agenda: FFA & 4-H contests, vendors with goat related and farm products. exhibits, catered lunch and a blue-grass band.

Cooperative Extension Service Newsletters

If you've not already seen these newsletters from the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Service, you should take a look... - Across the Fence (cattle) - R Ewe Kidding (sheeps & goats) - Equine Newsletter

Backyard Chickens

Small chicken flocks of 5-10 birds are becoming increasingly popular to provide fresh meat and eggs. This lecture will explore different varieties of chickens and their purposes, poultry nutrition, housing and predator prevention. Speaker: Amy Thomas, Area Agent – Agriculture-Livestock Contact Rachel Herring to register - (336)703-2867 or rachel_herring@ncsu.edu Forsyth Cooperative Extension Date: April 20, 2010 Time: 1:00 pm Venue Info: Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center 1110 E. Seventh St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Dinner Time

Small Space Vegetable Gardening Demo

Visit Mitchell's Nursery & Greenhouse in King on April 10th to learn how to put a small space to work for your garden. They will be conducting a Small Space Vegetable Gardening Demo. You will learn how to prepare soil, make amendments and mulch plants.

They will also be conducting a Mix Container Demonstration during their Spring Open House on April 17th at 10:00 AM. They will give tips on how to plant mixed containers that will bloom all summer. Bring your own container or buy one at the nursery to plant. Choose from their large selection of plants.

Where's Waldo?

Spring is Here!

Simon, the farm's secretary, sleeping on the job.

Union Grove Feed, LLC

In April of 2010, Union Grove Feed will be celebrating their 75th anniversary! The Union Grove feed mill was originally opened to bring electricity to the town of Union Grove, North Carolina. The mill originally opened as a flour mill with livestock feeds quickly following. Flour milling was discontinued in the mid 1970's and livestock feeds became the sole focus. It has been a family owned and operated business and continues with that tradition today. We purchase our goat, sheep, cattle, chicken and rabbit feeds from Union Grove. They deliver!