By:
Margaret A. Bell – Extension Agent, Livestock – Craven & Jones Counties
Did you know there is now a Livestock
Association in Craven and Jones counties? There have been Associations in the
past, particularly a Cattlemen’s Association, but none were active when I
became the Livestock Agent in 2010. With lots of interested producers in the
counties who wanted to see an Association again, we set out to do just that. Hence,
the Craven-Jones Livestock Association was formed.
Who can join? Anyone who has an
interest in livestock. You do not have to own livestock to join the Association
and be a participating member.
What have I missed? Not much! We had an
interest meeting earlier in the year and have only had a couple of meetings
since then. It is not too late (and never will be) to join the Association or
just come learn more about what we do and who we are.
What DO you do? As an Association, we
are deciding our specific direction now. However, our general direction has
several purposes: to give members a networking opportunity with a group of
livestock producers who can be of assistance to one another; to give purchasing
power to the group to buy or sell in bulk (for example, if you and your two
neighbors want to go in on buying a truckload of hay or if you and your fellow
Livestock Association member want to sell your cattle together to make it more
worthwhile); to educate Association members on any and all things livestock
(vaccination protocol, reproduction, forages, hay, etc.), and more.
When does the Association meet and what
do you do at meetings? Our next meeting will be held Thursday, July 25, 2013 at
Core Creek FWB Church at 7:00 PM. The physical address is 210 Trenton Road,
Cove City, NC 28523. We typically have a supper first and follow with a
business meeting. Most meetings will consist of a speaker presenting a relevant
livestock topic to the group.
Can I still be a part of the
Association if I don’t have a lot of livestock experience? Yes! We want you to
come even if you don’t own any livestock. Our main goal is to build a strong Association
across Craven and Jones counties (and we accept outside county membership as
well) so we can better the livestock industry here. Livestock is such an important
entity of agriculture and as you all know – we can’t live without it!
How much does it cost? We are still
working on that. Most Associations have annual membership dues and at our next
meeting, I feel sure we will set that cost.
Can my children come? Absolutely. Our
agricultural future is in their hands. We want nothing more than for them to be
included, be able to learn and ask questions, and know what is going on and why
agriculture is so important.
More questions? Contact Margaret A.
Bell, Livestock Agent in Craven and Jones counties at Craven County Cooperative
Extension at (252) 633.1477. She will get you in contact with the current
Livestock Association Board: Adam G. Ross - President, Charlie McCoy -
Vice-President, Candice Morgan - Secretary / Treasurer. Look forward to seeing
you on July 25th!
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, veteran status, 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.
