RALEIGH – As another hurricane season nears, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler reminds farmers that basic emergency planning can go a long way in lessening a crisis situation. “Thinking through your emergency plan can help whether a hurricane, tornado or other emergency strikes,” Troxler said. “I hope all farmers will review their plans and get ready [...]

RALEIGH — Corn planted early in the year often yields better than late-planted corn, but it can also be hindered by unfavorable weather. This year, cool and wet conditions early in the season have stressed plants and slowed root growth. As a result, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that many fields [...]

RALEIGH – Two new members were recently appointed to the N.C. Pesticide Advisory Committee. Greg Bunn, a farmer from Nash County, was appointed to fill the vacant farmer position, and Manly Wilder of Raleigh was chosen to fill the vacancy reserved for a conservationist. The board also approved the following settlement agreements for cases in [...]

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service has confirmed that laurel wilt, a devastating disease of redbay and other plants in the laurel family, has been identified in New Hanover County in an area near the western edge of Wilmington. The disease has been identified across the Southeast in portions of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. [...]

GARDENING SYMPOSIUM, MAY 18, HENDERSONKerr Lake Extension Master Gardeners present GREAT GARDENING…GET IN GEAR, our first ever gardening symposium.  The event will be held from 9 am to noon at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson. Advance registration is $5 (extended to May 17), or $7 at the door. Come and hear from expert speakers on [...]

RALEIGH – It’s mosquito season and it’s time for equine owners across North Carolina to talk to their veterinarians about protecting their animals from mosquito-borne diseases. West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis are endemic across North Carolina and can cause illness or death, but they can be prevented with a sequence of two vaccines. [...]