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.
- “Special NC plate helps fund spaying, neutering,” News & Observer: The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Animal Welfare Section reimbursed counties almost $400,000 for spay/neuter procedures last year, thanks in part to purchases of “Animal Lovers” specialty license plates. …
- “Broken pumps overcharge; customer tapes evidence on cell phone,” WCNC-TV: What do you do if you suspect you’re being overcharged at the gas pump? We’re not just talking high gas prices. We’re talking about paying for gas you didn’t even get. …
- “Recycling efforts continue to grow,” Deep Fried @ the N.C. State Fair: Earlier this month, the N.C. Division of Waste Management announced that North Carolinians threw away less trash per capita in 2010-2011 than any time in the last 20 years. The report notes that the economy plays a big role in the amount of waste generated, but also recognizes the increasing role of recycling. At the N.C. State Fair, we’ve been doing our part. …
- “From farm to food trucks,” Durham Herald-Sun: Food Truck Farm Feast: Two food trucks, Chirba Chirba Dumpling and Pie Pushers, are holding a two-part weekend lunch prepared using products from Hillsborough’s Coon Rock Farm. The so-called “Food Truck Farm Feast” will take place in Durham from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on March 3 at Motorco Musical Hall, and on March 4 at Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro. …
- “Recent winter cold is a good thing for some local fruit growers,” Fayetteville Observer: Most folks in the Sandhills have enjoyed this year’s generally mild winter. But peach growers were sweating – until this week’s cold snap. …
- “Farmland Protection Plan to preserve county agriculture, heritage,” Mount Airy News: On Monday the Surry County Board of Commissioners reviewed an ambitious endeavor to preserve local farmland and spark new interest in agriculture. County District Conservation Director Tony Davis presented the Farmland Protection Plan, following almost two years of research and development. …
- “Grains, beans rise on hopes for global demand,” Charlotte Observer: Prices for wheat, corn and soybeans rose Friday on worries that bad weather may have damaged crops in Europe and South America. Investors speculated that demand for all three crops will improve. …
- “Hundreds expected for Asheville vegetable conference,” Asheville Citizen-Times: At this meeting, it’s perfectly acceptable to veg out. In fact, it’s encouraged at the Winter Vegetable Conference. Farming continues to grow in popularity in the mountains, and vegetable production is a multimillion-dollar business. …