Press Releases

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) has awarded more than $6.4 million in funding through 26 grants aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural economy and supporting rural communities. The selected projects emphasize innovation, farmer education, infrastructure enhancement, and economic resilience in agriculture.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted four new members into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame Sunday, Oct. 26, at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.“Our livestock shows are some of the best in the nation, and the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame serves to recognize individuals who work behind the scenes to make that true year after year,” Troxler said. “Generations before and generations to come have benefitted from the dedication and experience of these four individuals, and we are proud to add them to this hall of fame.”
WHO/WHAT:The N.C. State Fair mock tobacco auction, featuring retired auctioneers and tobacco company buyers re-creating a typical tobacco auction. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will also be on hand.
WHO/ WHAT:    The N.C. State Fair will host its annual food donation drive for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina on Thursday. Like every year since 1993, each fairgoer who donates food will gain free admission at any gate. A donation of six non-perishable food items will be accepted for one gate admission ticket.Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Smithfield Foods President of Hog Production Kraig Westerbeek and CEO of the Food Bank Amy Beros will hold a brief program in honor of Smithfield Foods Hunger Relief Day.
RALEIGH – The Maple Hill Loopers continued their winning streak in the N.C. State Fair’s Tobacco Stringing Contest Friday, Oct. 17, notching the team’s fifth straight win. The team is made up of husband and wife Sandy and Ken Jones of Maple Hill and Michael Sunday of Hendersonville.
RALEIGH – A backyard flock in Rutherford County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh. This is the first confirmed positive in Rutherford County. In the last 30 days, there have been three backyard flocks with confirmed positives in North Carolina.  Cases have also been confirmed in Guilford and Union counties. 
RALEIGH – A site-record and big prizes were awarded at the giant pumpkin and watermelon competition at the N.C.