Category: Agriculture

RALEIGH – County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects can apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced. “The General Assembly appropriated $1.7 million annually to the trust fund in the 2011-13 state budget, and we are hopeful these appropriations will continue,” Troxler said. “Many communities across the state have developed voluntary agricultural districts because they recognize the importance of protecting farmland. We want to encourage more …

Vance County is one of only a couple in the state that do not have a Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) Program. This is a valuable and important tool to preserve farmland and promote agriculture, and Cooperative Extension is committed to facilitating such a program, based on community interest. Thus, we are holding a VAD Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday, November 14th, 11:30 am at the Vance County Extension Center. We will have presentations by Brandon King (NCSU Ag & Resource Economics), …

REGISTER NOW FOR COVER CROPS WORKSHOP!On Thursday October 11th Paul McKenzie (Ag Extension Agent) will conduct a seminar entitled “Cover Crops for Small Farmers”. He will discuss the various plants that can be used as cover crops, their benefits, and how to manage them for best results. The seminar will take place at 6:30 pm at the Warren County Extension Center, 158 Rafters Lane in Warrenton. There is no charge, but registration is requested by calling 252-257-3640, or via e-mail …

RALEIGH – Front Street Brewery in Wilmington took home the Best of Show honors among professional breweries in the inaugural N.C. Brewers’ Cup competition. Front Street’s Amber Jack ESB beat out 33 other commercial beers for the honor. Chris Creech of Chapel Hill took home Best of Show in the homebrewing competition for his home-brewed Irish Dry Stout. The competition was judged by eight professional beer judges on Sept. 29. A total of 177 entries were judged – 33 professional …

Vance County is undergoing a Compliance Review of the Present Use Value program. So far the County Tax Office has sent notices to about a third of enrolled landowners, with the remaining notices to be sent around the first of the year. Note that under the “Agriculture” or “Horticulture” category, the landowner is required to have average gross farm income of at least $1000 per year over the past three years. The Tax Office requires documentation of income, which could  …

RALEIGH — Winners were announced in the Best Dish in North Carolina competition, which showcases restaurants using local ingredients. Organizers said 2012 was one of the most competitive years yet. “The bar has been raised over the years and this year’s results show just how difficult it can be to place in this competition,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The difference between first and second place was three points or less in several categories and we even had our first …

COVER CROPS FOR SMALL FARMERS, 10/11, WARRENCover crops are planted not for harvest, but for the purpose of soil improvement, pest management, and more. Using cover crops effectively can have a dramatic effect on productivity. On Thursday October 11th Paul McKenzie (Ag Extension Agent) will conduct a seminar entitled “Cover Crops for Small Farmers”. He will discuss the various plants that can be used as cover crops, their benefits, and how to manage them for best results. The program will …

Original Story:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-rt-us-usa-corn-importsbre88p1kh-20120926,0,6566321.story CHICAGO (Reuters) – Hog producer Prestage Farms Inc and two other livestock companies in North Carolina have signed deals to import 750,000 metric tons (826733.48 tons) of corn from Brazil in the wake of sky-high U.S. prices, Senior Vice President John Prestage told Reuters. The imports, made through agribusiness companies such as Bunge Ltd and Archer Daniels Midland Co , are the largest on record and come after the worst drought in half a century rallied grain …

North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Johnston and Wayne Counties would like to invite all growers, extension agents, consultants, dealers, and industry personnel to attend an Asiatic Soybean Rust Field Day on Friday, September 21st at 11:00 AM.  The field day will be hands-on and will take place on Neuse Bend Road in Smithfield,  The closest GPS address is 401 Neuse Bend Road, Smithfield, NC, 27577.  Neuse Bend is off of Brogden Road, between Smithfield and Princeton.  The fields in this …

BEEF REFERENDUMNorth Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment Referendum Vote is set for October 4, 2012. You may vote at your Warren or Vance County Cooperative Extension office on that day from 8:30 am to 5 pm (other Cooperative Extension offices may have different hours, so call first).  Absentee ballots are available upon request. SMART PHONES FOR FARMERSHave you ever considered buying a smart phone, but were overwhelmed by the choices?  Or you have one but would like to know more about …

RALEIGH:  The N.C. Forest Service has received the 2011 Natural Resources Agency of the Year award from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. State Forester Wib Owen accepts the Natural Resources Agency of the Year Award at the N.C. Wildlife Federation’s awards banquet Sept. 8. “Last year was historic for the N.C. Forest Service as the staff responded to emergencies around the state and nation, including tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires in Texas, and a significant number of large wildfires across the state,” …

RALEIGH — The sound of corks popping and glasses clinking can be heard across the state as local wineries and grape growers celebrate Wine Appreciation Month. “North Carolina’s more than 400 commercial grape growers and more than 100 wineries represent an important part of our state’s diverse agribusinesses community,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “In fact, it’s estimated that the wine and grape industry generates more than $1.28 billion and creates 7,600 jobs in the state.” North Carolina ranks 10th …

Asiatic Soybean Rust has been confirmed closer to most of North Carolina’s soybeans with the confirmation of rust in Johnston County, North Carolina.  Between this find, and the confirmation of rust in Robeson County, NC, and in Union County, GA, this puts rust approximately 105 miles from Charlotte, 140 miles from Elizabeth City, 15 miles from Fayetteville, 15 miles from Murphy, 35 miles from Raleigh, 80 miles from Washington, 75 miles from Wilmington, and 80 miles from Winston-Salem, NC. We …

RALEIGH — From mid-October through February, North Carolina farmers send more than 200,000 samples to the state’s soil testing lab. Eager to plan for the next season, they often find themselves at a standstill as they wait for test results. The situation is unfortunate because soil tests don’t have to be done every year or, for that matter, in the fall. “Soil testing is one of the best tools available to farmers, and we want to help them use it …

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host a workshop Oct. 3 in Raleigh on protecting your produce business. The event, which will be held at the Donald W. Eaddy Agronomic Lab at 4300 Reedy Creek Road, is tailored for anyone who grows, packs or ships fresh produce. “This workshop is especially timely as there have been a number of produce recalls around the country this summer,” said NCDA&CS food business specialist Annette Dunlap.  “We want …

RALEIGH — Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging farmers to have their corn tested for aflatoxin to prevent contamination of feeds and food. Aflatoxin is a byproduct of the mold Aspergillus flavus, and can be harmful to both humans and livestock. “Another hot, humid summer means there is potential for aflatoxin in corn,” Troxler said. “Having your corn tested is a good way to protect feed and food against this mold.” Some farmers may need to have corn samples tested …

All soybean producers should be on the lookout for kudzu bugs, a new exotic insect that is becoming widespread in NC.  Please note that finding kudzu bugs in a field does not necessarily warrant spraying. NCSU Extension Entomologists have established economic thresholds of “one nymph-stage bug per sweep” with a sweep net. We do have one confirmed siting of this new insect pest in Vance County.  Please don’t hesitate to call if you would like confirmation on a potential siting. …