Press Releases
RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is offering a 20% discount on tree seedling orders placed by active, honorably discharged or retired military personnel during the month of November. Beginning Nov. 13, the discount applies to the first $500 of all new orders, up to a $100 discount.
RALEIGH — Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced the promotion of Dr. Marcus Helfrich to director of the Standards Division. Helfrich previously served as program manager of the fuel quality laboratory. He replaces Steve Benjamin, who is retiring. The promotion is effective Nov. 1.
RALEIGH – Due to increased fire risk, the N.C. Forest Service has issued a ban on all open burning and has canceled all burning permits for Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Catawba, Haywood, Iredell, Lincoln, Madison, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties effective 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, until further notice.
RALEIGH – Visitors can shop to their heart’s delight as the annual Fall Craft Fair returns to the State Farmers Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This popular and free event features over 100 vendors offering local products and handmade items for sale just in time for the holidays.
RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced the promotion of Greg Hicks of Oxford to assistant commissioner overseeing operations of the North Carolina Forest Service. Hicks previously served as assistant state forester. He will replace current assistant commissioner Scott Bissette who is retiring. The promotion is effective Nov. 1.
The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are accepting grant proposals for 2023 that align with their respective missions."Agricultural research is an investment in our future. By supporting research today, we can help ensure a more productive and sustainable agriculture industry and maintain agriculture and agribusiness as the leading industry in our state," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “I’m happy to see these programs once again offering up to $1 million in competitive grants.”
The N.C. Pesticide Board recently approved the following settlement agreements related to cases in Johnston, Lenior and New Hanover counties. Each instance involved application of restricted-use pesticides without a valid license.Settlements are listed by county below:
As we head into cooler weather, fall is the best time to amend your lawns, especially fescue lawns and landscape areas, with lime and fertilizer and to start fall vegetable gardens. Homeowners, gardeners, community gardeners, golf course superintendents, and turf consultants are encouraged to submit samples now to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agronomic Services soil test to ensure faster turnaround time on results and avoid peak-season testing fees.
RALEIGH – For the second year in a row, junior winners in the N.C. State Fair livestock shows drew a record amount of money in the Junior Livestock Sale of Champions. The top steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys earned $217,850 in the sale on Oct. 22. The figure surpasses the record of $212,500 set at the 2022 sale.
The 2023 N.C. State Fair ended its 11-day run with a strong final weekendthat pushed total attendance to 926,425. Other fair highlights included a new auction record forthe Livestock Sale of Champions and strong participation for Smithfield Foods Hunger ReliefDay and competitive entries.