We recently saw the first case of EEE in the state in an unvaccinated four-year old mare in Cumberland County. The horse had to be euthanized – a somber reminder to vaccinate your equine. We recently saw the first case…
NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler
Commissioner Steve Troxler: Asian Longhorned Ticks Found in Surry County.
Livestock producers and pet owners are advised to be especially watchful for ticks after the recent death of five cows in Surry County were linked to the non-native Asian longhorned tick. Given my history with tick diseases, I don’t really…
Commissioner Steve Troxler: Beware of Spotted Lanternfly
The invasive Spotted Lanternfly has been found in several northeastern states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey. But officials in North Carolina hope to keep this pest out of our state for as long as possible. Travelers going…
Commissioner Steve Troxler: Corn and Cotton Up, Tobacco and Winter Wheat Down
The National Agricultural Statistics Services recently released its June plantings and while corn and cotton plantings are up by 7 percent, tobacco, soybeans, peanuts and winter wheat are down. Sometimes planting intentions surprise me, but the recent release of…
Commissioner Steve Troxler: Blueberry Season is in Full Swing!
Fresh North Carolina blueberries can be found in grocery stores, roadside stands and farmers across the state. Get them while you can, says NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler. Strawberry and blueberry seasons overlap in June. As one crop is wrapping…
Commissioner Steve Troxler: Consider Rabies Vaccinations for Livestock
The number of rabies cases in livestock is on the rise this year and we haven’t even reached peak season. We have seen seven cases this year compared to three cases in all of 2018. State Veterinarian Dr. Doug Meckes…
Commissioner Steve Troxler: Burn Ban Issued for 18 Eastern NC Counties
Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and canceled all burning permits for the following counties in Eastern North Carolina. The beginning of June means summer is quickly approaching, which…
