Category: Agriculture

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RALEIGH — The holiday decorations inside the State Capitol reflect an agricultural theme this year. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created several displays on the second floor of the Capitol rotunda. Each display highlights a different aspect of the state’s agricultural industry: Christmas trees, seafood, wine and grapes, and farmers and ranchers. “As we celebrate with family during this time of year, we should all be thankful for the people who grow and raise the food we …

On October 31st, the US Army Corps of Engineers released approximately 13,000 triploid (sterile) grass carp into Kerr Lake. The carp were released from three locations on the NC side of the lake near the areas of greatest hydrilla infestation. Here’s a picture of a few of the fish: https://plus.google.com/112448875899960197128/posts/T8YymEnJnoh Grass carp, as you may know, eat aquatic vegetation and have a special fondness for hydrilla. It is hoped that, over the next couple of years, we will begin to …

RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler issued the following statement today after the board of the Golden LEAF Foundation approved a grant to the Southeastern Partnership to support development of a cold storage facility at the Port of Wilmington: “This cold storage facility is a vital piece of infrastructure that our producers have needed for a long time, and I want to thank Golden LEAF for helping to make it a reality. North Carolina is the largest producer of pork …

RALEIGH — Lincoln County and parts of Catawba County now fall under state quarantine rules for the imported fire ant as part of a continuing effort to monitor the spread of this pest and address control measures. With today’s announcement by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the quarantine now includes portions or entire areas of 71 counties. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, the imported fire ant quarantine is revised to include the addition of all of Lincoln County …

RALEIGH – Pesticides and their effect on human and animal health will be the focus of the Tenth One Medicine Symposium. This year’s symposium will focus on the history, regulation, current uses and impact of pesticides related to human, animal and environmental health. One Medicine will take place Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Durham. It is hosted by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and …

RALEIGH — North Carolina’s 2013 Christmas tree crop promises to be one of the best in recent years, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “There was plenty of rain this year, which helped Christmas tree growers across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Consumers can find locally grown Christmas trees at choose-and-cut farms, tree lots and farmers markets across the state.” Growers traditionally start selling Christmas trees the day after Thanksgiving, but because the holiday …

TIMELY GARDEN TIPS 1. Submit lawn and garden soil samples to Vance or Warren Extension office by 11/26. Otherwise, best to wait until April to avoid the new “peak season” soil sample fee ($4 per sample). 2. Fertilize tall fescue lawns in late November. 3. Continue planting trees and shrubs. Visit a local nursery to learn about great plants for this area! 4. Avoid pruning unless absolutely necessary. Best to wait until late February for most pruning, especially major size-control …

RALEIGH – Grocery stores around the state are gearing up for the holiday season by stocking up on hams and turkeys, which are often a staple at family gatherings. Inspectors from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are at stores making sure turkeys, hams and other meat products sold at a higher quantity this time of year are labeled at the correct weight. “The weight of a turkey or ham determines not only the cost of the product, …

RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is accepting entries for its 2014 Arbor Day Photo Contest through Feb. 28. The contest is open to North Carolina students in fifth through 12th grades, including public, private and home schools. The theme is “Young and Old.” “The theme reflects not just the beauty of North Carolina’s trees and forests, but also the values and benefits that many generations have enjoyed,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The competition …

RALEIGH — As the Triad remains dry, the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to think safety and exercise caution when burning yard debris. The fall fire season in North Carolina typically lasts from mid-October until the end of November. During the season, people do a lot of yard work that often includes burning leaves and yard debris. There are many factors to consider before doing any debris burning. The Forest Service encourages people considering debris burning to contact their …

RALEIGH – Two cattle herds in North Carolina have been confirmed positive recently for anaplasmosis at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Anaplasmosis is an infectious disease that causes red blood cells to be removed from circulation, resulting in fever, severe anemia  and even death. Cows from both herds have died. An additional herd is awaiting confirmation, which would make this the 12th herd to be confirmed in North Carolina this year. Eight …

RALEIGH – County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects have until Dec. 16 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. About $1.7 million is available through monies appropriated for the 2014-15 budget year by the General Assembly. “We have 86 county voluntary agricultural districts across the state and 50 county-wide farmland protection programs. We want to encourage more preservation efforts through the trust fund,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The …