Brian Long

Brian grew up on the outskirts of Kernersville, N.C., and spent many a summer day picking green beans, tomatoes, corn and other vegetables from his family's large garden. As a teenager, he kept a small flock of chickens and sold eggs to his neighbors. Brian has more than 25 years of experience in communications, working in both the private and public sectors. He joined the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as director of public affairs in November 2003. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master's degree in public affairs from UNC-Greensboro.

Today’s Topic: Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund accepting applications

October 31, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund is accepting grant applications from county governments and nonprofit groups for projects to support the conservation of working farms and forests, and to foster the growth and sustainability of … Read more

Today’s Topic: NC State Fair draws more than 1 million for third straight year

October 24, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The 150th N.C. State Fair wrapped up Sunday night with total attendance of 1,014,478. That’s the fair’s fourth-highest attendance ever and the third straight year the event has drawn more than 1 million people. Here are some … Read more

News Roundup: Oct. 14-20

October 20, 2017 by Brian Long

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. “Arnold brings home the bacon for brothers,” The Stanly News & Press: Just because you can’t put lipstick on a pig, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t moisturize boss hog twice daily. Arnold … Read more

Today’s Topic: Junior Livestock Sale of Champions raises record $182,500

October 17, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The annual Junior Livestock Sale of Champions at the N.C. State Fair raised a record $182,500. The money raised by the auction of champion animals from the junior livestock shows will support scholarships and educational programs. The State Fair’s … Read more

News Roundup: Oct. 7-13

October 13, 2017 by Brian Long

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. “North Carolina farmers are turning over a new leaf in the hemp industry,” WGHP: (Video) North Carolina farmers are turning over a new leaf, you might say. “I didn’t think … Read more

Today’s Topic: 150th NC State Fair opens Oct. 12

October 10, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The 2017 N.C. State Fair opens Oct. 12, and it’s a milestone year. This year marks the 150th N.C. State Fair. To highlight this special occasion, on Thursday’s kickoff day, admission to the fair will be just $1.50, … Read more

Today’s Topic: Farmland preservation trust fund awards grants totaling more than $3.2 million

October 3, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund recently awarded almost $3.3 million to help North Carolina communities protect farmland and promote agricultural enterprises. Of that total, more than $2.8 million went toward obtaining conservation easements … Read more

Today’s Topic: Vaccinate livestock against rabies

September 26, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” There have been five confirmed cases of rabies in North Carolina livestock this year, which is about average for the state. Because horses, cattle and goats are naturally curious animals, they can be at risk for being bitten by … Read more

Today’s Topic: Corn yield could tie state record

September 19, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The latest USDA crop production report for North Carolina is still showing very good news about the state’s corn and cotton crops. The state corn yield is now forecast to tie the record of 142 bushels per … Read more

Today’s Topic: Bioenergy grants available

September 12, 2017 by Brian Long

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is accepting grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production. The General Assembly approved $1 million for the program in the 2017-18 budget. About $242,000 … Read more