https://youtu.be/Be67QA7iBFk Two on-farm trials have helped agricultural researchers realize the real-world challenges of growing hops in North Carolina. The trials were essentially field experiments that took place during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. They were...
Brandon Herring
N.C. summer fruit won’t come without some winter work
Although North Carolina is in the middle of winter, some of your favorite summer fruits are getting attention on farms across the state. No, that’s not a reference to chocolate-covered strawberries you may have for Valentine’s Day. (If that’s a treat for you this...
Dicamba training options expand in 2023
Farmers and pesticide applicators planning to use auxin products in 2023 have more options for training this year, compared to years past. (This applies specifically to applicators using over-the-top dicamba products such as XtendiMax, Engenia and Tavium on...
Spotted lanternfly team recognized with department’s team award
The discovery of a spotted lanternfly infestation in North Carolina created quite a buzz last year, and the reaction by several department employees earned them the NCDA&CS Excellence in Team Accomplishment award. In total, Plant Industry division director Bill...
Tackling the collards tradition, just in time for New Year’s Day
If you don’t cook greens – such as collards, cabbage or mustard greens – any other time of year, then New Year’s Day is THE DAY to give it a try. It’s a tradition to have greens on the first day of the new year in hopes that the green on your plate brings green to...
New building will aid research into N.C. Christmas tree production
Christmas tree research in North Carolina is entering a new chapter after a groundbreaking at the Upper Mountain Research Station. The event in late November marked the official beginning of a new building on the research station that will house a seedbank for the...
Work ahead for more calm and less stress this Thanksgiving
The holidays can be enjoyable but also stressful times, especially if there’s a big meal that’s part of the tradition. Some people easily source great local ingredients, plan everything perfectly and deliver a delicious meal for a crowd year after year. Others, on the...
Mothballs – Ditch the Wives’ Tale
With the warm weather of summer, you may have seen a few extra critters around your yard, and that may have brought back up some bad advice on how to deal with them - especially snakes. Even for wildlife lovers, snakes are not always welcomed with open arms, but...
NCDA&CS grants help explore American sycamore trees as revenue stream for farmers
https://youtu.be/8EQJWBIHWAw A research project that has received funding from the NCDA&CS Bioenergy Research Initiative is exploring the possibility of growing American sycamore trees as a farm crop. The head researcher (called a principal investigator) John...
NCDA&CS grant funds helping develop new hops for state’s craft brewing industry
https://youtu.be/_MR6MmRJaSw A research project that’s received funding from the NCDA&CS New and Emerging Crops Program is developing new varieties of hops for use in the state’s craft beer industry. Currently, the state’s breweries depend largely on hops grown in...
Division of NCDA&CS working to expand food assistance program for seniors
A program that helps low-income seniors get nutritious food has been expanding in North Carolina, thanks to the work of the NCDA&CS Food Distribution Division and its partner agencies. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is now available to seniors...
Veterinary lab employees recognized for team accomplishment
Commissioner Steve Troxler recently recognized the dozens of employees who work in the Veterinary Division’s animal disease diagnostic laboratory in Raleigh. The employees received the NCDA&CS “Excellence in Team Accomplishment” award. In all, 62 employees in the...