The North Carolina (N.C.) Tomato Growers Association is offering a $1,000 merit/need-based scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Any North Carolina resident who pursues a horticulture or agribusiness undergraduate or graduate degree at a four-year North Carolina college or university is eligible to apply. The deadline for submitting an application is May 31. The award will be based on a …
N.C. State Extension to Host Produce Safety Field Days
North Carolina State Extension will host two produce safety field days in April. One will be held at the Horticultural Crops Research Station in Faison on April 6. The other will be held at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River on April 13. Both programs are free and will be held from 10 a.m. to …
Dry Conditions Worsen in Southeast Region
By Clint Thompson The abnormally dry conditions are sweltering across much of the Southeast, according to Thursday’s release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Most of Florida is either abnormally dry or moderately dry. The conditions are worse in the north-central part of Florida, in Jefferson, Madison and Hamilton counties and extending southward to Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In Georgia, …
Assistance Available for Farmers who Suffered Losses Due to Tropical Storm Fred
RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has opened the application period for the Agricultural Crop Loss Program for farmers that suffered losses due to Tropical Storm Fred. The program will cover losses of crops, feed, livestock, aquaculture and farm infrastructure for farmers in Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, McDowell, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga and …
North Carolina Strawberry Producers Be Prepared for Cold Temperatures
North Carolina (N.C.) State Extension reminds strawberry growers that while temperatures will be cold this weekend, not all need to apply row covers to their crop. Dormant plants that are acclimated to colder weather usually do fine without protection even when temperatures are in the teens. Plants that are in an advanced crop status, however, could be damaged at higher …
Weed Control in Peach Orchards
By Clint Thompson Weed control in peach orchards is an important management tactic. This is important for young and older orchards, says Wayne Mitchem, N.C. State Extension Associate and Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium Coordinator. “The idea is to try to minimize competition so we can maximize that tree growth in those formative years of the orchard so we can …
Rainfall Alleviates Dry Conditions in Southeast
By Clint Thompson Much needed rainfall this past week alleviated much of the dry conditions being felt across the Southeast, according to the most recent release of the U.S. Drought Monitor. In Florida, much of the Panhandle now has sufficient moisture. Escambia County and Santa Rose County are either abnormally dry or moderately dry. Okaloosa County is also abnormally dry. …
NCDA&CS Accepting Applications for the 2022 Specialty Crops Block Grant Program
Attention those in North Carolina (N.C.) with an interest in specialty crops. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Nonprofits and government agencies have until March 4 at noon to apply. Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Wednesday, Jan. 26 to receive feedback on …
Dry Conditions Worsen in Some Areas
By Clint Thompson Certain areas of the Southeast continue to feel the sting of lingering dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The Florida Panhandle is especially abnormally dry. Conditions are worsening in Northwest Florida where Escambia County and Santa Rose County are classified in a moderate drought. Abnormally dry conditions stretch eastward to Nassau County and Duval County …
Hops Future in North Carolina? N.C. State Researcher Optimistic
By Clint Thompson The potential of new high-yielding hops varieties has N.C. State Associate Professor and Extension specialist Jeanine Davis optimistic about the crop’s future in North Carolina. “The growers are very excited because these yields are as high, and in some cases, higher than yields we’re often seeing in say Michigan and New York,” Davis said. “I think if …