Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets 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.
- “USDA says new crop insurance plan will save $6B,” News & Observer: The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the final draft of a new crop insurance plan Thursday that it said will save the federal government about $6 billion over 10 years. …
- “Ag-Mart will pay $25,000 to state but owner keeps license,” News & Observer: The state Pesticide Board voted Wednesday to settle its long-running case against Florida-based tomato grower Ag-Mart, agreeing to fines but no suspension of licenses. …
- “Soil testing helps landscapes live longer,” Asheville Citizen-Times: North Carolina residents have access to free soil testing through the NCDA&CS Agronomic Division. The Division has 13 regional agronomists who can make on site visits, evaluate suspected nutrient problems, and give advice on sampling, liming and fertilization. …
- “Carolina muscadines off to a good start,” Southeast Farm Press: A good crop of muscadines appeared to be on the way this spring in North and South Carolina. …
- “Grand jury indicts kennel owner on animal cruelty charges,” Greensboro News & Record: The owner of a Pleasant Garden kennel where nearly 100 dogs were seized in early April was indicted last week by a grand jury on animal cruelty charges. …
- “Trained noses to sniff out Gulf seafood for oil,” Charlotte Observer: William Mahan bends over a bowl of raw shrimp and inhales deeply, using his left hand to wave the scent up toward his nose. Deep breath. Exhale. Repeat. …