N.C. State Extension cautions strawberry producers to apply row covers to their plants in anticipation of freezing temperatures that will linger into the weekend. A freeze warning started Thursday night and will continue Friday night. But conditions will improve on Saturday, though there still is a chance for a frost from Saturday night to Sunday. According to N.C. State Extension, …
North Carolina Strawberry Growers Be Wary of Weekend Weather
N.C. State Extension recommends strawberry producers to secure their row covers to protect against high wind speeds and to implement cooling measures against warmer temperatures now and into the weekend. Increasing temperatures are expected to be 10 to 20 degrees above normal, especially in the mid-Atlantic area. This will undoubtedly speed up the development of buds and blooms this weekend. …
North Carolina Festival Canceled
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler has announced the cancellation of the 2021 Got to Be NC Festival, citing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “We are making progress in the state getting people vaccinated against this deadly virus, but we still have a ways to go in these efforts before a larger percentage of the population is vaccinated,” Troxler said. “We …
Agriculture Address: Troxler Remarks About Industry in North Carolina
By Ashley Robinson North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler praised the state’s agricultural sector for its continued prosperity during the COVID-19 pandemic during his annual State of Agriculture Address. “I am proud of the work that we’ve done to grow agriculture markets, preserve our farmland, protect our food supply and help position the next generation for success,” said Troxler during …
Winter Weather: What to do When Storms Bring Ice, Potential for Damaged Trees Across North Carolina
RALEIGH – Ice and freezing rain can be common weather events during the winter months. These types of weather events can severely impact trees and forested areas across the state. The N.C. Forest Service urges property owners and anyone preparing for or cleaning up after a storm to be cautious and think safety first. “If you’re out preparing trees for …
Troxler Promotes Two to Leadership Roles with NCDA&CS
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced on Monday the promotion of Kaleb Rathbone of Waynesville to assistant commissioner for Western NC Agricultural Programs and Small Farms and Teresa Lambert of Laurel Springs as the director of the Research Stations Division. Lambert fills the role created by Rathbone’s promotion. Rathbone replaces Bill Yarborough who retired as special assistant to the …
2021 Southeastern Vegetable Crop Handbook Now Available!
According to N.C. State Extension, the new Southeastern Vegetable Crop Handbook is now available online. Extension vegetable specialists across the Southeast come together annually to update this handbook. In addition to vegetables, garlic, some culinary herbs and hops are also included. There will be a limited number of hard copies available. Due to the lack of in-person vegetable grower meetings …
A Southern Fir Christmas Tree is on the Horizon for Ornamental, Timber Industries
By Mark Czarnota for CAES News During the holiday season in the U.S., more than 20 million freshly cut Christmas trees are sold every year, with fir trees topping the most-desired list. Unfortunately growers cannot meet the needs of consumers, and every year, there is a shortage of trees, primarily due to the incredible losses of susceptible firs — including …
USDA NIFA Offers Grants for Hemp Supply Chains & Rural Development
Written By Marne Coit According to N.C. State Extension, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), has announced a new round of grant funding that specifically includes support for hemp projects. The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program is intended to fund projects related to research, extension and education. The purpose of AFRI’s Sustainable Agricultural …
Three to Join the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced the addition of three new members to the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame – John Holman Cyrus of Raleigh, Fred N. Colvard of Jefferson and Marshall W. Grant of Garysburg. Established in 1953, the Agricultural Hall of Fame posthumously recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture in the state and beyond. …