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.
- “Soybeans hit all-time high as Isaac swirls north,” Charlotte Observer: The price of soybeans hit at an all-time high Thursday on expectations that Tropical Storm Isaac may cause more damage to crops that already have been battered by the drought. …
- “Food safety forum discusses unprecedented regulations,” News 14: After a lifetime of living by suggestions, those in the Agriculture and Food industry will soon have to follow mandated safety regulations. … The pending FDA rules were the main topic of this year’s Food Safety Forum as farmers, suppliers, and distributors met with experts, asking questions and raising concerns. …
- “Changes on menu for restaurants,” Durham Herald-Sun: Thanks to changes in North Carolina’s food safety codes which take effect Saturday, the dining experience will be a little safer. …
- “Second West Nile death and three new cases reported across the state,” News & Observer: A second person has died of West Nile virus, and three other new human cases have been reported in North Carolina, state health officials said Wednesday. …
- “Corn, nuts among local ingredients used in frozen treats,” Wilmington Star News: Wilmington is no stranger to frozen confections concocted with local produce. But just because the last blueberry fell from the bush long ago doesn’t mean area producers see their inspiration end as more typical summer ingredients fade into fall. …
- “Farmers learning lessons in value-added fruit production,” Southeast Farm Press: Greg Hyman learned a lesson about direct marketing farm products in the last few years: If the consumer won’t come to you, you’d better go to the consumer. …
- “Farm family offers unique wedding setting,” Charlotte Observer: A prospective bride has so many choices to make. Now, when it comes to setting, there’s a new option for brides in eastern Cabarrus County. Last spring, Tommy and Vicky Porter of Porter Farms outside Mount Pleasant looked at a nearby property to expand their farming operation. But they saw more there. …
- “Rare plants, animals return to lands that are conserved,” Hendersonville Times News: I was hiking at Bearwallow Mountain recently and had the incredible fortune of sighting a black bear. …