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.
- “Gray’s Creek High agriculture department holds Easter Ag-Stravaganza,” Fayetteville Observer: As bluegrass and country music hummed in the background Saturday, the sounds of sheep, clucking chickens and other animals resonated around the lively barn, where visitors gathered to experience a little bit of life, down on the farm. …
- “Safety Tips Offered for Wildfire Season,” Southern Pines Pilot: The N.C. Forest Service is urging residents throughout the state to think about safety and exercise caution during the upcoming fire season, which typically lasts statewide through mid-May. The spring fire season coincides with when many people are getting back into their yards and doing spring cleanup that often includes burning leaves and yard debris. …
- “Troxler relieved over meat inspection funds,” Charlotte Observer: N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says a potential slowdown of meat inspections at the state’s slaughterhouses due to across-the-board federal spending cuts has been averted for now. …
- “Scientists: China bird virus likely silent threat,” WRAL: Scientists taking a first look at the genetics of a bird flu strain that has killed three people in China said Wednesday that the virus could be harder to track than its better-known cousin H5N1 because it might be able to spread among poultry without showing any signs. …
- “Bio/renewable diesel fuel plant may be coming to Penrose,” Hendersonville Times-News: Transylvania County could become home to a bio/renewable diesel fuel plant, the first of its kind in Western North Carolina, an agent for the proposed project’s developers said Tuesday. …
- “Uncorked: Winegrowers consider quality assurance label,” Greensboro News & Record: Two years after raucous debate in the ranks, the N.C. Winegrower’s Association is launching a Quality Alliance program to improve the quality and consistency of North Carolina wines. That’s worth a toast. …
- “Piedmont Farm Tour to begin late April,” Winston-Salem Journal: The Piedmont Farm Tour will be held April 27 and 28, covering farms in Orange, Alamance, Person, Durham and Chatham counties. This is the 18th annual tour, sponsored by the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Weaver Street Market. The tour drew about 3,000 people last year. …
- “Order your sorghum seeds,” Richmond County Daily Journal: Grain sorghum acreage has increased significantly in the Upper Southeast as growers see the benefits of the crop for their farm and for the economy of the entire region. …
- “Beer month showcases N.C.’s ‘Brewing mecca of South’ status,” Wilmington Star-News: Start off April with a raised glass, you lovers of hops and barley, and drink a cold one in honor of North Carolina’s first official month of beer. N.C. Beer Month, brought to you by the state’s Division of Tourism, is a 30-day celebration of the craft beer industry. …
- “Backers of Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Events Center in Robeson County hopeful for its future,” Fayetteville Observer: While the fate of the Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Events Center remains uncertain, there are signs that state leaders will continue funding the complex as it develops more business with equine events. …
- “Gardeners taking notice of heirloom plants,” Charlotte Observer: Many people have become increasingly fond of backyard gardening and eating homegrown food, to the point where they now look beyond the usual plants for varieties offering different flavors, colors – and names. Enter heirloom plants. …