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.
- “N.C. State Fair details new prizes in Premium Book,” News & Observer: The Premium Book for this year’s N.C. State Fair is now available and includes two new contests: beer-brewing and kids cookie decorating. …
- “Chicken tests positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis,” Wilmington Star-News: Health officials on Wednesday warned about the possibility of a mosquito-borne illness making its way into human and equine populations after a sample taken from a New Hanover County chicken flock tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). …
- “North Carolina Peach Season Off To A Strong Start,” Perishable News: Good news for peach lovers, the season looks good. Growers credit the unusually warm winter and plentiful spring rains for the abundant crop. Peach season typically runs from June to August. …
- “Struggling Robeson County agricultural center under scrutiny by North Carolina officials,” Fayetteville Observer: The General Assembly has ordered a study of Southeastern Agricultural Center and Farmers Market that could result in its closure. …
- “Charlotte bakery finds sweet potato success,” Charlotte Observer: The taste of success is becoming familiar to Jennifer Chapman and Michelle Miller, and it often has the flavor of sweet potato. The two friends, business partners and owners of Charlotte’s Polka Dot Bake Shop, have been bringing in accolades thanks to their foray into the bright orange world of a North Carolina super food. …
- “NC scientists warn of early tomato blight,” WRAL: North Carolina scientists say unusual reports of a tomato-killing fungus could be the result of an abnormally hot spring. North Carolina State University researchers say a form of blight has been found on tomatoes in two eastern counties — Northampton and Sampson. …
- “Thinking locally on food sources,” Durham Herald-Sun: For years, the environmental rallying cry has been to think globally while acting locally. The same could be said for how we choose what to eat. …
- “At least some TVA money to go to mountains,” Asheville Citizen-Times: Some money from an air pollution settlement must be spent in Western North Carolina and some might or might not, the state legislature has decided. …
- “Urban farmers turn city blocks, backyards into new movement,” News & Observer: Collier Reeves has worked long enough in East Durham to know who the real bad guys are….Reeves is a member of a small but growing tribe in the Triangle – the urban farmer. …