Press Releases

County governments and nonprofit groups may now apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for farmland preservation projects. Applicants have until Dec. 19 to apply.“The latest study from the American Farmland Trust projects North Carolina losing more than a million acres of agricultural land over the next 20 years,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These Farmland Preservation grants provide options for families and are critical in saving family farms across our state.”

Nick Lewis of Raleigh took first place Oct. 22, in the heart-led Home Chef Duke Cancer Care in Wake County Celebrates Cancer Warriors Challenge, presented by Duke Raleigh Hospital.Keeping local produce in mind, contestants were asked to create an appetizer, main course or dessert in remembrance of someone they know who has experienced cancer. His recipe for Nana’s Cheesecake with Basil Strawberry Sauce earned the $500 top prize, which he plans to donate to breast cancer research.

A backyard chicken flock in Wake 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 a backyard flock in the state. In late spring and early summer, HPAI was found at nine poultry farms in Johnston and Wayne counties.

Chelsie Troxel of Angier snagged a blue ribbon and bragging rights for her Sweet & Spicy Loaded Nachos recipe in the N.C. State Fair’s Home Chef Loaded Nachos Challenge Oct. 13 presented by N.C. State Wolfpack Basketball. Her winning recipe earned her $500.Second place honors and $300 went to Savannah Ranson of Raleigh for her Beef Bulgogi WontonNachos. Swapna Kolimi of Raleigh earned $200 and third-place honors for her Loaded Spicy Paneer Nachos.The winning recipe follows:Sweet & Spicy Loaded NachosSweet Pulled Pork

An Autumn Harvest Breakfast Bake recipe by Lisa Jolley of Raleigh took home first-place honors and $500 Monday, Oct. 17, in the Morning Mayhem Buster: Make-ahead Breakfast Challenge presented by Superior Sleep Experience. Gail Fuller of Raleigh took home second place and $300 for her Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Delight recipe. Callie Osterman of Holly Springs won $200 and third place for her Maple Bacon Crumble Muffin recipe.The winning recipe follows:Autumn Harvest Breakfast BakeIngredientsWaffle

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted four new members into the N.C. State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame Sunday at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.“It is an honor for me to be able to recognize the men and women who have helped make our livestock shows some of the best in the nation,” Troxler said. “Today’s inductees join a select group that has been honored for outstanding support of agriculture and livestock at the N.C. State Fair.”Following is the list of this year’s inductees:

The Maple Hill Loopers returned to the Winner’s Circle to win their eighth N.C. State Fair Tobacco Looping Contest Friday, Oct. 14. The team is made up of husband and wife Sandy and Ken Jones ofMaple Hill and Michael Sunday of Hendersonville.Sandy Jones looped the stick of tobacco in 1.06 seconds and earned 64 out of 70 points for quality. The team took home $250.

Giant pumpkins and watermelons had their day at the Fair earlier this week to ensure they are in place in time for fairgoers arrival. Fairgoers can see and photograph these giant beauties in the AgriSupply Expo Center at the N.C. State Fair, Oct. 13-23.

The North Carolina Forestry Association (NCFA) and the N.C Forest Service will recognize the economic contributions of the state’s forest products industry during National Forest Products Week Oct. 16-22.

The N.C. Structural Pest Control Committee recently approved settlement agreements for cases in Brunswick, Buncombe, Cabarrus, Robeson, Wake and Yadkin counties at its recent meeting in Raleigh. Following are the agreements: