Press Releases

The Got to Be NC Ag Star singing competition wraps up March 4 when a winner will be chosen at the finale concert at 6 p.m. in the Kerr Scott Building on the State Fairgrounds.Leading up to the finale, semi-final tryouts were held in Fletcher, Greensboro, Mount Olive and Martin County searching for up-and-coming musical performers, with 15 finalists ages 13 to 22 selected.       

Space is still available for farm-equipment hobbyists and vendors wanting to take part in the Got to Be NC Festival May 19-21 at the State Fairgrounds.Organizers are on the hunt for collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to join a display of more than 1,000 pieces of machinery. Tractors in working order also can participate in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.

The Corn Growers Association of North Carolina will hold a referendum vote of corn producers March 14 during regular business hours at county Cooperative Extension offices for a voluntary assessment on corn sold.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting a public discussion of proposed treatments of the destructive spongy moth in Dare and Currituck counties after seeing an increase in reproducing populations from 2021 to 2022. Spongy moth, (Lymantria dispar) formerly known as gypsy moth, is an invasive insect that can cause tree defoliation and tree mortality. 

Seven projects aimed at boosting crop production and farm income in the state are receiving half a million dollars in grants from the New and Emerging Crops Program. “These projects represent an investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture, as these projects seek to develop new opportunities for farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This research will help farmers explore the viability of certain crops in the state, with the goal of boosting the overall ag economy.” 

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 in your publications or contact us if you have any additional questions.

The board of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina has set the 2023 boll weevil assessment at 75 cents per acre of cotton, marking the sixth year at this rate.  The fee supports the foundation’s efforts to monitor cotton acreage in North Carolina for any re-introduction of the boll weevil and to respond promptly with eradication treatments if necessary. 

WHO/WHAT:  The North Carolina Sentinel Landscape Committee will hold a meeting to hear committee member reports pertaining to Sentinel Landscape activities and reports on other Sentinel Landscape programs.WHEN:  Tuesday, Feb. 14

A total of 19 horses in nine counties have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). At this time, 17 horses have been euthanized to help prevent further spread. The counties include Duplin, Forsyth, Henderson, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Sampson, Surry, Yadkin and Wake. The majority of EIA positive cases have been associated with unsanctioned horse racing.

 Pictured, left to right, Jeremy Flowers, operated of Flowers Timber Company; Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler; Arnold Flowers, who started the Flowers Timber Company; and Michelle Wang, NCDA&CS International Marketing Specialist.