RALEIGH – A backyard flock in Dare 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. The flock has been depopulated to prevent spread of the disease. This is the first confirmed positive in Dare County. In January, HPAI was found in two commercial turkey operations in Sampson County and a layer operation in Hyde County.
Press Releases
RALEIGH – March signals the beginning of spring wildfire season in North Carolina, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to be diligent about using best practices and common sense with all outdoor fires, especially yard debris burns.Western North Carolina counties dealing with significant storm debris from Hurricane Helene are especially vulnerable to wildfires due to increased fuel loading from downed timber.
RALEIGH – Landowners interested in applying for cost share reimbursement funding through the Forest Development Program (FDP) should contact their local N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) county ranger’s office or work with a consulting forester. The FDP is North Carolina’s flagship tree-planting program, helping eligible landowners implement a variety of forest stand improvement, site preparation and tree-planting practices. Applications must be submitted to the local NCFS county ranger’s office for initial review.
RALEIGH -- It has been months since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina and recovery is still ongoing throughout the region. Many residents and growers had devastating losses, but work is under way to rebuild and move forward in 2025.
MARION – The N.C. Forest Service is planning to conduct a 63-acre prescribed burn on Lake James’s Big Island in McDowell County Wednesday, Feb. 26, as weather and conditions permit. This prescribed burn will eliminate the buildup of hazardous fuels, reducing the risk of a catastrophic wildfire. The burn will also improve wildlife habitat and aesthetic beauty around the island.
SPARTA – N.C. Forest Service (NCFS) Assistant Alleghany County Ranger Russell Choate has been named recipient of the 2024 Moreland Gueth Water Quality Award. This award is presented annually to the N.C. Forest Service employee or team of employees who demonstrate creativity and dedication toward the protection of North Carolina’s water resources.
WHO/WHAT: The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a meeting to hear committee member reports and conduct other Sentinel Landscape business. WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 1:30 p.m.WHERE: Hall of Fame Room, Agriculture Building -- 2 W. Edenton St., Raleigh. The public may also join in on the meeting via conference number 984-204-1487. The conference ID is 750 221 389, followed by the # key.
RALEIGH -- Successful production of tobacco transplants starts with good water quality and with getting the right nutrient levels in the float solution. Growers preparing for transplant production should begin by having their source water tested by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
RALEIGH – The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements. Settlements involved cases of pesticide applications without a license and improper applications and sales of pesticides in Columbus, Onslow, Union and Wake counties.Settlements are listed by county below:
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recognized Integra Foods of Bladenboro as the 2025 Exporter of the Year today at the annual Ag Development Forum hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The forum is held in conjunction with the Southern Farm Show.This award honors the company’s exceptional achievements in international trade, market expansion and contributions to North Carolina’s agricultural exports.