RALEIGH – The North Carolina (N.C.) Tomato Growers Association will conduct an August referendum on continuing the $20 per acre assessment on harvested commercial tomatoes. Funds generated by the assessment would support research, education and programs to promote N.C. tomatoes. The proposed assessment term is six years, beginning with the 2023 crop. All North Carolina farmers engaged in the production of tomatoes …
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market to host Watermelon Day June 21
You know summer has fully arrived when fresh North Carolina (N.C.) watermelons are on the market. To celebrate these seasonal favorites, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host Watermelon Day on Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will be treated to free watermelon samples, giveaways and recipes, plus they can enjoy scavenger hunts, …
North Carolina State Farmers Market to Host Peach Day July 13
RALEIGH – The popular Peach Dessert Contest is making its return to the lineup of the North Carolina (N.C.) State Farmers Market Peach Day festivities Thursday, July 13. With N.C. peaches in season, it’s a great time for home cooks to feature the juicy fruit in sweet and savory dishes any time of day. All ages and skill levels are …
North Carolina Apple Growers Association Notice of Assessment Referendum
The North Carolina (N.C.) Apple Growers Association will be conducting a referendum for the assessment of apples sold to first purchasers in North Carolina on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Voting will take place at County Extension Offices in counties where commercial apple growing occurs, during regular business hours. The method and amount of assessment being considered will remain as it …
Spring Rains Impact N.C. Strawberry Crop
By Clint Thompson Persistent rainfall this spring put a damper on strawberry production in North Carolina (N.C.). It impacted the quality of the fruit and some patrons willing to come out to U-pick farms throughout the state, according to Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association. “The worst was for our pick-your-own growers that were mostly direct to …
Celebrate Strawberry Day at the State Farmers Market Thursday
RALEIGH – North Carolina’s (N.C.) strawberry season is well underway and to celebrate this sweet and tasty season, the State Farmers Market will be hosting Strawberry Day on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples, free recipes, live music, a performance from the N.C. State University clogging team and a visit from Suzy the Strawberry. …
Applications Open for Got to Be NC Festival’s Young Farmer of the Day Program
RALEIGH – The Got to Be NC Festival will honor farmers aged 18-40 through the Young Farmer of the Day program. The program, sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina, celebrates the state’s agricultural future and three young farmers who are behind the state’s $92.9 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry. The individuals recognized as Young Farmer of the Day honorees will …
Optimize Strawberry Fertility with Plant Tissue Testing
RALEIGH – In order for strawberry producers to optimize growth, fruit quality and economic return of their crop, intensive and precise fertilization is required throughout the season. Plant tissue testing measures nutrient levels in the leaflets and compares them to established target concentrations for healthy strawberries. This analysis can reveal nutrient deficiencies and imbalances within the plant and allow …
Looming Sub-Freezing Temperatures Could Impact North Carolina Strawberries
By Clint Thompson The cold temperatures sweeping through the Southeast this week could impact North Carolina’s strawberry plants, which have already begun flowering. Austin Wrenn, president of the North Carolina Strawberry Association, discussed the impact that temperatures in the 20s could have on his and fellow farmers’ crop. “We’re supposed to get below freezing the next two or three nights. …
NCDA&CS New and Emerging Crops Program Awards $500,000 in Grants for Research Projects
RALEIGH – Seven projects aimed at boosting crop production and farm income in North Carolina are receiving half a million dollars in grants from the New and Emerging Crops Program. “These projects represent an investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture, as these projects seek to develop new opportunities for farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This research will …