Each week we’ll round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from newspapers across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to each paper’s full story.
- “NCDA&CS launches informational Web site to help pork, poultry farmers who have lost contracts during recession,” Agriscribe blog: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has launched a new Web site to provide information to pork and poultry farmers whose contracts with vertically integrated production companies have been cut or terminated because of economic conditions. …
- “NC’s Economy ‘Blooming Cash’, With Its Flowers And Ornamental Crops,” WFMY: North Carolina-grown flowers and ornamental plants not only brighten the landscape, but they also brighten the economy, generating nearly $217 million in farm income and providing employment opportunities statewide. “North Carolina ranks fifth in the nation in floriculture production, and this segment of the industry contributes significantly to the state’s overall agricultural economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We have more than 20 million square feet of total floral greenhouse area and nearly 800 aces of outdoor floral production in the state.” …
- “Blog: Best Dish In North Carolina,” Hendersonville Times-News: The Back Room is proud to be a part of The Best Dish In NC. It is quite an honor! They will be serving their nominated dishes the entire month of June. …
- “Rain and hail damage corn, apples,” Hendersonville Times-News: Area farmers are assessing the damage after severe thunderstorms moved through the Fruitland and Edneyville areas Thursday. Heavy rains, winds and hail damaged apples and flooded low-lying areas. “It was such a freaky storm,” said Don Justus of Justus Orchards. The winds became intense as the front moved through and damaged some of the blackberry vines, and hail damaged the apple crop. “I’m sure there was damage,” Justus said. “The significance of the damage is still too early to tell.” …
- “Festival gives back to N.C.,” WTVD: A festival with fall flare starts Friday at the fairgrounds. There’s even fried food and rides, but it’s not the state fair. Organizers of the Got to be NC Festival say the event offers the right price during the recession. Vendors began setting up Thursday. Al Carter of Raleigh’s Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ said he will have meat on the hickory smoker Friday morning. “This event here promotes North Carolina products,” Carter said. And that’s the point. The exhibition hall will be filled with 85 food and wine companies. From Mrs. Picky Finicky’s Chutney to Pluto’s Organic Seasoning, all of the products are grown or made in the Tar Heel state. …
- “Rain impacts strawberry farmers’ crops,” News 14: Farmers said this year’s strawberry crop is feeling the impact of all the recent rain. Growers said they’re suffering some losses, but they’re opening when they can. “It’s the worst thing for strawberries,” farm operator Bernie Kenan said. Kenan’s husband’s father started growing tobacco on the farm in the 1940s. They switched to strawberries about 20 years ago and have about 20 acres. They’re expecting their usual yield, about 100,000 pounds, to be down this year. …