Press Releases

WHO/WHAT: Giant pumpkins and super-sized watermelons will settle the great debate on which is the largest when they hit the scales at the weigh-off for the N.C. State Fair Great Pumpkin/Watermelon competition. There are 18 pumpkins and 22 watermelons entered into the competition.WHEN/WHERE:2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11Agri Supply Expo Center, State Fairgrounds

The Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host a Touch-a-Truck event Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Event Brite Link or Facebook page or at the event. Visitors should bring their proof-of-purchase with them for admission.

The 2022 N.C. State Fair will continue to offer several special days that fairgoers have come to love each year. Unique access and discounts on gate admission tickets are part of the fun for the fair that runs Oct. 13-23 at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.“We hope fairgoers will mark their calendars for these four special days at the N.C. State Fair,” said fair manager Kent Yelverton. “The distinct programs and opportunities offered set apart each day, and each one is an opportunity to recognize and honor many North Carolinians as well as give back to the people of our state.”

Add an extra stop on your errands this week and pick up your 2022 N.C. State Fair tickets at discounted prices. Fairgoers can purchase discount advance admission tickets, ride tickets and unlimited ride wristbands for the N.C. State Fair at three locations in the Raleigh area.• Gate 9 at the N.C. State Fairgrounds (off Trinity Road) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.• State Farmers Market ticket booth located between the Farmers Building and Market Shoppes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.• N.C. Museum of History lobby from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only

The Chili Championship planned for Oct. 1 at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market has been canceled due to the anticipated rains stemming from the remnants of Hurricane Ian. “We know we are going to have rain, but with the uncertainty of the direction of the storm through the state and the amount of rain we may receive, we felt it was better to cancel this event at this time,” said Daniel Johnson, manager of the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. 

Ten specialty crop projects, including seven through N.C. State University, will receive more than $1.35 million in grants through the Specialty Block Grant Program administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and funded by USDA.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Roy Cooper’s issuance of Executive Order 270 in preparation for Hurricane Ian:

The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative and the New and Emerging Crops Program are seeking 2022 grant proposals that support each program’s mission.

A new pilot program through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services aims to give landowners in five North Carolina counties the tools they need to remove invasive pigs from their land.  The 5-County Trap Loan Program, which is now available in Anson, Davie, Haywood, Montgomery and Randolph counties, provides high-tech corral traps that can be borrowed for up to one month. The pilot program is funded through the U.S. Farm Bill and is available to qualifying landholders through August 2023.

September marks the peak of grape season in North Carolina and to celebrate this tasty fruit, the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market, the N.C. Muscadine Grape Association and the N.C. Wine and Grape Council will host Muscadine Day Friday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids of all ages can sample muscadine grapes at the event and there will be muscadine wine tastings for those 21 and over. Muscadine grapes and refreshing muscadine slushies will also be available to purchase at the event and visitors can play a game for a chance to win muscadine grape juice.