NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler

The N.C. State Fair recognizes 11 Farm Families each year as its Farm Family of the Day presented by the Tractor Supply Company. Families are nominated or can apply by Sept. 6 to be entered for a chance to be highlighted at the State Fair.

On the heels of the remnants of Hurricane Debby moving through the state, the department continues to assess damage from heavy rains and tornadoes. It will be some time before we have a clearer picture of its impact. Flooding of the Tar River at Louisburg, Franklin County, NC on Friday, August 9, 2024 following Tropical […]

Tropical Storm Debby is exiting North Carolina. State Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler says the biggest impact so far has been from tornados. “We do have reports of a turkey farm in Green County and a broiler farm in Green County being hit by tornados. And the extent of the damage is not completely known […]

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has issued a warning against buying and consuming Diamond Shruumz-brand chocolate bars, cones and gummies after the products have been associated with 78 people in 28 states becoming ill, with 65 of those seeking medical care and 40 being hospitalized. FDA has recalled all brands of […]

Although drought conditions persist, recent rains have been welcomed by farmers across the state. Crop conditions continue to remain a concern, especially for corn and hay. Some crops show signs they are responding to the rain. USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack declared a disaster for Columbus County based on losses caused by the drought, which […]

You would expect the competition to be extra strong for the N.C. State Fair, after all it represents the best of the best of North Carolina, so people start planning early on what they intend to enter at the Fair. Competition entries are being accepted now through Sept. 15 for those planning to compete in […]

The Agronomic Services Division has hired three new regional agronomists to fill vacant positions. The agronomists work one-on-one with farmers to help troubleshoot crop issues, and provide agronomic advice to increase yields and improve efficiencies.

Orders are now being accepted for native and genetically improved tree varieties through the annual N.C. Forest Service’s Seedling Sale. Interested landowners are encouraged to shop early for the best availability.

Dry conditions are threatening crops in both Carolinas. North Carolina Farm Service Agency Director Bob Etheridge tells SFN the damage to some crops is irreversible. “The corn crop for all practical purposes, are pretty well gone, except in some of the black land areas down east, where the ground’s a little heavier, they had a […]

Abnormally dry weather conditions are combining with hot temperatures to wreak havoc on corn and other crops. With 99 counties experiencing extended dry conditions, the state desperately needs a good, soaking rain. For consumers, I urge you to keep buying local and supporting our farmers. They really need us now as they go through these […]