North Carolina

North Carolina AgrAbility participated as a presenter and exhibitor at the 2019 NC Peach Growers Annual Meeting in Troy, NC, on January 22. The meeting brought together growers, service providers, and stakeholders, accounting for around 60 participants. The meeting provided information about peach fertility, weed management, varieties, the Farm Bill, social media marketing, insect/disease management, potential buyers panel, and AgrAbility. Peach growers were glad to hear about a program that helps farmers with disabilities and also cares about teaching them how to prevent injuries while farming.

The Southern Farm Show is one of the largest agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia; it serves as the great kick-off for the growing season. From Wednesday January 30 through Friday February 1 in Raleigh, families and friends had the opportunity to meet to discuss obstacles they have faced and to gather information and new ideas from industry leaders to help them with preparations for future crops. NC AgrAbility and NC Agromedicine Institute participated in the event providing information about the programs and also providing free blood pressure and glucose screenings. NC Agromedicine also exhibited machinery to demonstrate tractor rollover and PTO safety.

Submitted by Beatriz (Betty) Rodriguez