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 the full story.
HURRICANE IRENE HEADLINES
- “North Carolina farmers brace for Irene’s impact,” The Associated Press: Wilson Daughtry was among the Eastern North Carolina farmers scrambling Thursday to harvest what he could before the arrival of Hurricane Irene. The storm’s winds and torrential rains could mean devastating losses for those who grow corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco and timber. …
- “Weathering the storm: Advice for horse owners in the path of Hurricane Irene,” Equine Chronicle: It’s that time of year again, when horse owners along the East Coast must prepare for the worst and hope for the best, as late summer storms threaten farms and ranches located as far south as Florida, and all the way up to New York. …
- “Pets not overlooked as Irene approaches,” NBC-17: Pets are not being overlooked as Hurricane Irene approaches. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Emergency Programs Division has partnered with the American Humane Association to help rescue and reunite pets with their owners. …
- “Farmers prepare for Hurricane Irene,” Jacksonville Daily News: There was a little more urgency to the work Tuesday at Aman Family Farms near Maysville. With or without a storm, there was tobacco to get to the barns. The prospect of Hurricane Irene impacting the area just made finishing the task that much more important. …
OTHER HEADLINES
- “Chinese trade delegation will visit WNC horticultural centers Aug. 27-31,” Mountain Xpress: A trade delegation from China will get a feel for horticulture in Western North Carolina Aug. 27-31…The eight-person group will include representatives of landscape architecture and real estate firms, seed and flower importers, seedling suppliers and the Shanghai Institute of Technology. …
- “Mosquito-borne ailment fells horse,” News & Observer: A 4-year-old Halifax County horse has been euthanized after becoming North Carolina’s first victim this year of mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalomyelitis. State Veterinarian David Marshall said Monday this is the peak time of year for diseases caused by mosquito bites. …
- “Food safety forum in Triangle focuses on prevention,” NBC-17: A food safety forum in the Triangle focused on new legislation that’s aimed at preventing food recalls. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler hosted the event in Durham to more than 300 food manufacturers, scientists and farmers. The discussion was centered around the Food Safety Modernization Act, which was signed into law in January. …