Blackland Farm Managers Association

08/02/2026

Big thanks to the sponsors of the 56th annual Blackland Farm Managers Tour! This event would not be possible without you! Please visit with our sponsors under the sponsor tent and in the field!

08/01/2026

Don't forget, the Blackland Farm Managers Tour is Wednesday, August 5th along Peoples Road in Bath!

📝 Plan ahead and choose what you want to see!
✅ Pre-register to save time, but clicking the link below!
🛺 There will be wagons transporting folks to the field, but you are welcome to bring your own ride! (Be sure to pre-register if you do!)

https://hyde.ces.ncsu.edu/news/2026-blackland-farm-managers-tour/

07/09/2026

🚜 Pre-Registration is Now Open for the 56th Annual Blackland Farm Managers Tour!

Join us on Wednesday, August 5 in Beaufort County for one of North Carolina's premier agricultural events!

⭐ This year's Tour will have a NEW format! Instead of following a set wagon route, you'll have the freedom to explore research plots, live demonstrations, sponsor exhibits, and Extension presentations at your own pace.

🛻 New this year: You're invited to bring your own UTV, side-by-side, golf cart, or other personal off-road utility vehicle to travel throughout the Tour site! If you plan to bring your own vehicle, you must pre-register and acknowledge the required liability waiver during registration. Even if you don't bring your own vehicle, wagons will continue to rotate throughout the Tour site for attendees.

📋 Everyone is encouraged to pre-register to help us prepare for the event. Don't forget to check in at the registration tent when you arrive to receive your tour program and meal token.

We look forward to seeing you for a day filled with the latest agricultural research, field demonstrations, equipment, and networking with producers and industry professionals from across the region!

👉 Pre-register today:

The 56th Annual Blackland Farm Managers Tour will be held on Wednesday, August 5th in Beaufort County along Peoples Road, located between Bath and Burbage Crossroads. This year’s event will be hosted…

06/30/2026

We are excited to announce that NC State has named Victor Gomes as Extension corn agronomist! 🎉

Gomes begins work with NC State Extension on Aug. 1, based in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences within the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Gomes comes to NC State from North Dakota State University’s Dickinson Research Extension Center, where he served as an Extension specialist in cropping systems.

“Victor brings both applied research expertise and producer-focused Extension experience that will directly benefit corn growers across the state," said David Monks, NC State Extension director. "We’re excited to welcome him to NC State and look forward to the impact his work will have on North Carolina agriculture.”

Read more about Gomes and the role at the link in our comments.

06/17/2026

Mark your calendars for the 56th Annual Blackland Farm Managers Tour on August 5th, 2026! This year, we’re heading to Beaufort County along Peoples Road (between Bath and Burbage Crossroads), hosted by Scattered Acres and Poole Farms.

⚠️ NEW FORMAT FOR 2026! ⚠️
This year’s tour will look very different from past events. We are giving you the freedom to move at your own pace through exhibits, presentations, research plots, live demonstrations, and sponsor tents!

What you’ll find on-site:
🎓 NC State University Extension Specialists presenting on a wide range of timely, relevant agricultural topics.
🚜 Industry Representatives showcasing the latest products, hybrids, and varieties directly in the field.
💡 An up-close look at the emerging technologies and management practices shaping modern agriculture.

Come see why this tour has grown into one of the largest agricultural events of its kind in North Carolina!

📅 When: Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
📍 Where: Peoples Road, Beaufort County (Between Bath & Burbage Crossroads)
🌦️ Rain Date: Friday, August 7th, 2026

Pre-registration and agenda coming soon! Save the date, spread the word, and we'll see you in the field! 👇

06/03/2026

A high-tech collaborative project in North Carolina aims to arm farmers with advance flood warnings.

03/04/2026

TODAY at 11:00 am at the Ponzer Community Building! Come learn from Brooks Schaffer and eat lunch with us.

The Blackland Farm Managers Association Annual Meeting will be held on March 4th at the Ponzer Community Building (39111 US Hwy 264, Belhaven). The meeting will begin at 11:00 am with the annual business meeting followed by a presentation by Brooks Schaffer of Palmetto Grain. The meeting will end with lunch.

02/26/2026

The Blackland Farm Managers Association Annual Meeting will be held on March 4th at the Ponzer Community Building (39111 US Hwy 264, Belhaven). The meeting will begin at 11:00 am with the annual business meeting followed by a presentation by Brooks Schaffer of Palmetto Grain. The meeting will end with lunch.

02/17/2026

The Blacklands Area Cotton Production Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19th at the Ponzer Community Building (39111 US Hwy 264, Belhaven). The meeting wiill begin at 12:00 pm with a sponsored lunch. Speakers include: Drs. Daisy Ahumada, Charlie Cahoon, Guy Collins, and Dominic Reisig.
Pesticide & CCA credits will be available.

If you plan to attend, please pre-register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blacklands-cotton-meeting-tickets-1976620572341?aff=oddtdtcreator

02/09/2026

🌽🌱 Blacklands Corn & Soybean Production Meeting 🌱🌽

Join us Thursday, February 12th at 9:00 AM at the Vernon James Center in Plymouth for a morning packed with timely production updates for corn and soybean growers. A sponsored lunch will be provided, and pesticide + CCA credits will be available.

👉 Save time at check-in and pre-register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blacklands-corn-and-soybean-meeting-tickets-1976620279465?aff=oddtdtcreator

This year’s program puts a strong emphasis on economics—helping growers make management decisions that protect yields and the bottom line in a tight-margin environment.

Topics include:
• W**d Management Considerations for 2026 – Dr. Charlie Cahoon
• Updated Soybean Defoliation Thresholds – Jalynne Ward
• Soybean Varieties & Fungicide Timing – Dr. LeAnn Lux
• Considerations for Manure Products – Dr. Steph Kuleza
• Soil Fertility Strategies to Maximize Soybean ROI – Dr. Luke Gatiboni
• Nitrogen Applications on Corn: What Could Go Wrong? – Rod Gurganus
• Managing Risk with Tight Margins & Water Uncertainty – Dr. Chad Poole
• Fine-Tuning Management to Control Costs – Dr. Ron Heiniger

Great information, good food, fellowship and practical take-home strategies for the 2026 season. Hope to see you there!