Heather Overton 
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler recently recognized Jimmy Gentry of Statesville with the Friends of Farmland award for his longtime support and tireless dedication towards preserving farmland in North Carolina. Gentry retired as president of the N.C. Grange in 2025 and has served on the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Committee and … Read more
Commissioner Troxler spoke with Southern Farm Network on farmland preservation and the recent inclusion of $54 million in the state budget. Listen to the article online at https://www.sfntoday.com/2026/09/10/16359/ We’re joined by Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler. Now, Commissioner, now that the state budget is in place, what would you point to as the biggest wins … Read more
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler inducted two longtime N.C. Mountain State Fair employees into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame. Mark Mills of Peachland and Cameron Greene of Fletcher were inducted for their decades of support to the fair and the livestock industry in Western North Carolina. “The N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock … Read more
In North Carolina, when it comes to the wine industry, there’s plenty to celebrate. North Carolina is the 10th-largest producer of wine in the country, supporting more than 45,000 jobs and contributing more than $7 billion to the state’s economy. On Friday, May 28, Shelton Vineyards in Dobson hosted an event celebrating N.C. Wine Month … Read more
Earlier this month, the N.C. Forest Service dedicated its Randolph County facilities in honor of longtime Randolph County ranger Walter Cross and renamed the site as the “Walter Cross Randolph County Headquarters.” Cross began his career with the N.C. Forest Service in 1988. He worked in Rockingham and Montgomery counties but returned to his native … Read more
Commissioner Troxler speaks to Southern Farm Network about drought conditions listen at this link or read more below. Recent rainfall has brought some relief to North Carolina, but N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler says drought concerns remain – especially in the Piedmont. Troxler said the latest drought monitor maps have not shown major improvement … Read more
The blog was written by Nicole Chesney, executive director, NC Wine & Grape Council At Overmountain Vineyards, resilience isn’t just a farming principle; it’s a way of life. And no one embodies that more than winemaker and vineyard manager Sofia Lilly. When Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, Overmountain Vineyards was spared from flooding … Read more
Spring in North Carolina means one thing. It’s time for the Got to Be NC Festival. Held May 15–17 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, this three-day event is a celebration of the people, products and traditions that make agriculture North Carolina’s No. 1 industry. With free admission and free parking, the festival offers a … Read more
Spring in North Carolina coincides with peak strawberry picking season. It’s a great time to stop by your local strawberry patch and pick up a basket of the delicious red ripe berries. Zebulon-based culinary adventurous Wendy Perry shared this recipe with us – which pairs strawberries with country ham tacos. It is a great way … Read more
This year, World Veterinary Day is Saturday, April 25. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services collaborated with the N.C. Veterinary Medical Association to show a few of the ways that veterinarians protect North Carolina. Caring for our state’s animals – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services employs 30 of the more … Read more
