NCDA&CS Reports

Beginning Nov. 1, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will no longer routinely mail out paper copies of agronomic reports. This policy will apply to reports for soil tests and nematode assays, as well as plant tissue, waste, solution and soilless media analyses.

All these reports are readily available through the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division’s Web site, www.ncagr.gov/agronomi.

“By making the switch to electronic-only reports, the NCDA&CS will work within its limited budget to save significantly on postage, printing and paper costs,” said Dr. Colleen Hudak-Wise, director of the Agronomic Division. “Although environmental and fiscal benefits are driving this change, clients should also see increases in convenience and efficiency. Online reports are available to clients faster than mailed reports and make record keeping much easier.”

“Copies can be easily downloaded and saved, and the analytical data can be exported into spreadsheet format,” Hudak-Wise said.

Eventually, the NCDA&CS would like to notify all clients via e-mail when their reports are available online. Clients who provide a valid e-mail address on their sample information form, or who register an e-mail address with the Agronomic Division online, can receive electronic notification. In the interim, all other clients will receive a postcard with instructions on how to find their reports.

Clients who visit the Agronomic Division home page should select the “Find Your Report” link from the left-column navigation bar. This link takes visitors into the division’s laboratory-information site, known as PALS. For most people, using the “Quick Report Search” link is the most convenient way to access reports.

Basic instructions are outlined at www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/reportsearch.htm. Anyone who has difficulty using the PALS report-search feature or has questions can call (919) 733-2655 for assistance during regular weekday office hours.

Cutflower Production Workshop

Are you interested in adding cut flower production to your operation?
Are you currently growing cut flowers and looking for the latest
production information? The NC Cooperative Extension Service, McDowell
Center is offering a program on cut flower production for small growers.
The program will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, at 2:00 pm in the
Extension Conference room, 60 East Court Street in Marion NC.

Craig Adkins, Extension Area Specialized Agent - Commercial Horticulture
will be speaking on all aspects of cut flower production including, site
selection, species selection, fertilization, pest control and more.
Meredith McKissick, of Sweet Earth Flower Farm will be speaking about
her experience growing and marketing cut flowers. Meredith has
experience growing flowers and marketing them at tailgate markets and
for weddings and other events. She will also be talking about 3-5
different annual cuts that can be easily grown for each spring, summer,
and fall.

This program is free but pre registration is required by calling the
Extension Office at 652-8104 or by emailing Jane McDaniel at
Jane_McDaniel@ncsu.edu by October 20th. For additional information
please call 828-652-8104.