Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog. Please feel free to use any of this content or photos in your publications or contact us if you have any additional questions.
Press Releases
RALEIGH – Since the state-issued ban on open burning was enacted March 28, a total of 554 wildfires has burned more than 2,200 acres across the state. With little rainfall or improvement expected over the next 7-10 days, the statewide burn ban and enforcement action will continue until further notice.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued a stop-sale order for the Ignik TapRack 4 Refillable Propane System. This device failed to meet several safety standards enforced by the department’s Standards Division.Manufacturers and distributors will have six months to remove these products from retail locations. Online sales shall include a note that these products are not legal in North Carolina.The device failed to meet the following criteria:
On Friday, April 10, Lennon Colt Hinson, 42, of Evergreen, NC was arrested and charged with one felony count of larceny of timber (N.C.G.S. 14-135) and five misdemeanor counts of wood load tickets (N.C.G.S. 14-135.1) in Columbus County. N.C. Forest Service law enforcement officials, with assistance from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, arrested and charged Hinson, owner of Evergreen Logging, following an investigation into a timber theft complaint filed April 2, 2026, by a private landowner.Hinson has additional larceny of timber charges pending in Robeson County.
WHO/WHAT: The N.C. Plant Conservation Board will meet to discuss items related to land conservation, stewardship efforts of the N.C. Plant Conservation Program and regulatory matters. WHEN: Wednesday, April 15; 10 a.m. to noonWHERE: Roseboro Town Hall - 101 West Pleasant St., Roseboro, NC 28382Attendees can join virtually by Microsoft Teams
RALEIGH, N.C. — In response to rising fertilizer costs and increasing grower interest in soil health practices, the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Division has released a new step-by-step guide to help farmers measure the nutrient value of their cover crops and reduce fertilizer inputs.
Spring wildfire season in North Carolina is in full swing, with fire activity surging statewide over the last 10 days. Since Friday, March 20, N.C. Forest Service rangers have responded to 626 wildfires across the state. Not including today, at least 114 of those fires have started since the statewide ban on open burning became effective at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 28.
The cause of the Jumping Branch fire currently burning in McDowell County was determined to be the result of improperly discarded smoking material. Hilary Brooke Inman, 38, of Marion, NC, was cited and charged with North Carolina General Statute 14-138.1 as a result of starting a fire upon grassland, brushland, woodland without fully extinguishing the same. The Jumping Branch fire is currently 185 acres in size and 20% contained as of Tuesday morning, March 31.
Study identifies opportunities to expand agricultural manufacturing and processing in North Carolina
A new study found that targeted investments in agricultural manufacturing and processing could help North Carolina farmers access higher-value and more reliable markets if they are designed with a farmer-centric approach and local sourcing strategy.
Due to increased wildfire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits statewide effective 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28 until further notice.