The new U.S. farm bill, already a year behind schedule, is on the congressional equivalent of a slow freight train – rolling from acrimony to limbo with a layover in stalemate. And Washington's disputes over the federal budget and national …

Analysis: U.S. farm bill, a year overdue, still rolling on slow track Read More »

At the livestock auction held Thursday at Smithfield a total of 716 cattle and no goats were sold. Slaughter cows trended steady to $1.00 lower, feeder steers trended mostly $6.00 to $12.00 lower, and heifers trended $1.00 to $4.00 lower …

Market Summary: NC Cash Corn Continues to Fall with Futures Read More »

U.S. feeder-cattle futures were pressured by profit taking Friday, after carving out fresh contract highs the day before. The feeder-cattle market has been underpinned by tight supplies after severe drought and industry consolidation encouraged many producers to thin herds and …

Market Recap: Wheat Futures Continue to Gain in Increased Demand Read More »

Officials say increased safety measures are in place as the Cleveland County Fair opens a year after a E. coli outbreak. Health department staff and volunteers were at hand-washing stations, demonstrating proper hand-washing techniques and walked through the crowds reminding …

Cleveland County Fair Pushing Safety Measures after 2012 E.coli Outbreak Read More »

Earlier this summer the deadly Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in three North Carolina counties, and just last week discovered in a fourth county. All four counties, Person, Vance Granville, and now Warren County have quarantines on raw ash wood …

Biological Pest Released to Control Emerald Ash Borer Read More »

In 2012, irrigation got a lot of press, with many producers installing systems as fast as possible to get the most out of high corn prices. This year we’ve not heard much about irrigation because it’s been such an unusually …

Irrigation Still Viable Option Even in Wet Summer Read More »

North Carolina’s program to provide financial assistance to film makers in the state has sparked some controversy. There’s a debate about how much it really helps the state economy in creating income and jobs. Give us the views of the …

NC State Economist Mike Walden – Evaluating Film Tax Credits Read More »

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by Monsanto, and John Deere. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you. And now for …

Former Ag Secretary John Block’s Weekly Commentary – Read More »

The United States and Japan today announced that beginning January 1, 2014, organic products certified in Japan or in the United States may be sold as organic in either country. This partnership between two significant organic markets will streamline U.S. …

United States and Japan Streamline Organic Trade across the Pacific Read More »

North Carolina State University and North Carolina Cooperative Extension are partnering with the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) to deliver workshops in October and November with the aim of providing farmers with the tools to reduce food safety risks and …

Good Agricultural Practices workshops coming in October, November Read More »