Farmland preservation has remained a key focus of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to the continuing loss of agricultural lands in the state to development.To help combat this issue, farmland preservation grants are available for agricultural …

NC Asst. Commissioner Stewart: Farmland Preservation Grant Cycle Now Open Read More »

National Farm-City Week runs Nov. 16-23, providing a time to recognize the connection between rural and urban areas, particularly with the production of food. As it is held near Thanksgiving, community events around Farm-City Week provides an opportunity to recognize …

NC Asst. Ag Commissioner Dr. Sandy Stewart: Farm-City Week Read More »

The Agronomic Services soil testing lab will soon enter its busiest time and anticipates implementing a peak-season fee beginning Dec. 1. Growers have a few weeks left to submit soil samples to avoid the rush and the fees. Soil testing …

NC Commissioner Troxler: Submit Soil Samples Now to Avoid Peak-Season Fees Read More »

Each year in November when we honor military service, the N.C. Forest Service offers a special discount to active and retired military members on tree seedling orders through the N.C. Forest Service Nursery and Tree Improvement Program. The discount applies …

NC Commissioner Troxler: N.C. Forest Service November Military Discount Read More »

State Veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin urges poultry owners to remain vigilant in protecting their birds after a flock of chickens in Wake County tested positive for high path avian influenza. Martin said it is a reminder that HPAI remains in …

NC Commissioner Troxler: HPAI Back in the State Read More »

Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief is the single largest canned food drive in the state. Through our partnership with Smithfield Foods and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, fairgoers can exchange six cans of foods for free admission …

NC Commissioner Troxler: Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day at the State Fair This Thursday Read More »

The N.C. State Fair opens in two days. Fairgoers still have time to buy their advance tickets and save money on admission and rides. Listeners are invited to join us Friday, Oct. 14, for the opening ceremony and for the …

NC Commissioner Troxler: N.C. State Fair Kicks Off Thursday Read More »

The State Fair has always focused on agricultural education. In the beginning, this was more a farmer-to-farmer exchange, where good ideas were shared with one another and new production methods and techniques were introduced. Today, we are focused on educating …

NC Commissioner Troxler: Agriculture on Full Display at the N.C. State Fair Oct. 13-23 Read More »

A new pilot program that loans feral swine traps to individuals in a five-county area hopes to make an impact in reducing these destructive pests. The traps, which can be borrowed for up to a month, include a remote trigger …

NC Commissioner Troxler: New Pilot Feral Swine Program Read More »