Category: Agriculture

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. In North Carolina, it was first discovered in Bladen, Columbus, Pender and Sampson counties in 2011, and in Brunswick County in 2012. In North Carolina, …

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 vegetable production, soil preparation/raised beds, and growing daylilies. Complete details at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/symposium2013.pdf COLLECTION DAY FOR UNWANTED PESTICIDES, 5/30, HENDERSONDo you have old weed killers, insecticides, …

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. In 2012, there were 20 confirmed cases of EEE and three cases of West Nile Virus, but state officials say they expect up to four …

RALEIGH – The N.C. Structural Pest Control Committee recently approved the following settlement agreements for cases in Duplin, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Jackson, New Hanover, Pitt and Robeson counties. Brian Yarborough of Bioremediation Services of America Inc. in High Point agreed to pay $10,000 for performing and advertising for pest control services without a license. Yarborough performed at least 364 treatments without a valid license. He has agreed to not perform any more structural pest control treatments until he receives a …

RALEIGH — A new program from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging chefs to dig into locally grown products this summer. The Dig into Local — 90 Day Challenge aims to promote the bounty of N.C. agricultural products available during the growing season by challenging chefs from across the state to create new menu options in their restaurants. “This 90-day challenge is a great opportunity for local chefs to connect with local farmers, and for consumers …

RALEIGH — A new report from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services State and Federal Market News Service will help farmers track fertilizer and diesel fuel costs — two significant production expenses. The production cost report will be released each Friday. “The data is collected from various dealers to compile a price range and average in order to protect the anonymity of individual dealers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “With the planting season under way, this information will …

RALEIGH — N.C. strawberries are already making appearances at grocery stores, farmers markets and roadside stands to the delight of strawberry lovers. More local berries are expected as the season hits full stride. Overall, the crop is expected to be on par with recent years. The State Farmers Market will celebrate strawberry season with its annual Strawberry Day, Thursday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples of strawberry ice cream, take their photo with …

Members of the North Carolina General Assembly will compete in a milk-chugging contest to raise awareness of the state’s dairy industry. During the contest, teams of three will race to see which team can finish six pints of milk in the fastest time. Following the contest, attendees will be able to enjoy free ice cream. Tuesday, April 30Noon (time may be adjusted due to session schedule)North Portico of Legislative Building  Competing for the House All Stars are Reps. William Brisson, Jonathan …

CFSA PIEDMONT FARM TOUR This weekend! (Apr 27-28) This is an unparalleled opportunity to visit working farms and learn from successful growers. Details here: http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/ PESTICIDE DISPOSAL DAY, MAY 30, 10 am to 2 pm City of Henderson Operations Center (Beckford Dr.). Bring ALL unused pesticides (e.g. herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, rat poison, etc.) for disposal FREE OF CHARGE. Clean out your shed! Clean out Grandpa’s old barn! Lawn weed killer? We’ll take it! DDT? We’ll take it! Please call in …

GARDEN SYMPOSIUM PLANNED FOR MAY 18thKerr 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 (through May 1), or $7 at the door. Presentation topics include: Daylilies, Vegetable Gardening, and Soil Improvement. To download a flyer/registration form, click here: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/symposium2013.pdf THIS WEEK IN THE GARDEN1. Keep new flower and vegetable plantings well-watered, they dry out …

From NC Extension Agent Paul McKenzie Here are a few updates regarding hydrilla at Kerr Lake. Feel free to share widely with friends and neighbors, but please encourage them to contact me so I can add them to my e-mail list. [Note:  USACE=US Army Corps of Engineers] First, another comprehensive survey of the entire lake was conducted by NCSU last fall (funding provided by USACE). This is the second complete survey, which will be useful for tracking changes over time. …

RALEIGH — Wheat farmers can learn about advances in research on the crop at six field days across the state in May. The field days are sponsored by the N.C. Small Grain Growers Association with cooperation from the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and N.C. State University. Admission is free. The schedule is as follows: May 7, 4 p.m., Southern Coastal Plains Field Day, Stone Farm, U.S. 301, Rowland. The location is 1 mile north of South of the Border on …

GOOD FARMERS MARKET PRACTICES TRAINING For anyone who plans to sell produce directly to the consumer, this seminar will provide valuable tips to maintain product safety form seed to table. As a farmer, you need to take every measure possible to reduce the risk of food-borne illness. This will be a repeat performance of the sessions held last year. There is no charge, but please register via phone (252-438-8188) or e-mail (paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu). Choose either of the sessions below: 4/18, 10 …

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently announced the hiring of three new regional agronomists. Growers can now seek agricultural advice from Georgia Love in Anson, Guilford, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland counties; Chris Jernigan in Craven, Carteret, Greene, Jones, Lenoir and Pitt counties; and Amy Poirier in Cabarrus, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties. Regional agronomists are part of the Field Services Section of the Agronomic …

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will soon treat gypsy moth infestations in Granville and Warren counties. The treatments are anticipated to occur between April 5 and April 25, depending on weather conditions and insect development. Two fine-mist applications of the biological pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, or Bt(k), will be made four to 10 days apart. Treatments will be accomplished using low-flying helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. The proposed 922-acre treatment block in north-central Granville County is …