Summary: The department’s social media platforms are important tools to communicate about agriculture and agribusiness, plus our department programs and services. For the past three years, we have created year-long series focusing on North Carolina farmers, young...
Heather Overton
An avian influenza guide for backyard chicken owners
There is no doubt about it – people love their chickens. Since 2020, backyard chicken coop numbers continue to rise in North Carolina and across the country. If you are one of these individuals that have just recently discovered the joys of backyard bird ownership,...
Deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture is Feb. 6. Be sure to respond whether online or by mail.
Summary: Just a reminder that we are about one month away from the deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every five years. The Census provides a snapshot of U.S. agriculture, plus a state-by-state look at agriculture. It offers...
Standards inspectors still finding price scanner errors. Consumers are reminded to continue to watch prices closely to be sure the charges that ring up match the advertised prices.
The department’s Standards Division inspectors are hard at work every day checking items that are involved in trade to ensure their accuracy. Most consumers come in contact with these items on a regular basis. A couple of examples are price scanners at check-out and...
Lots of great products made in North Carolina and supported through our Got to Be NC Marketing program. How can you find them?
Summary: North Carolina is home to many locally made products that participate in our Got to Be NC Marketing program. How to find them where you shop and online. Today's Topic with Southern Farm Network's Mike Davis Dec. 27 is National Fruitcake Day. I mention that...
Increased testing and staffing shortages cause long delays in getting routine nematode test results.
Summary: The NCDA&CS Nematode Assay Lab is warning growers submitting routine nematode tests about long delays of 15 weeks or more in getting test results. The delays are due to increased testing and being short staffed. Analyzing the samples is highly detailed...
Winter agritourism activities happening now, including farms that are open for choose-and-cut Christmas tree activities.
Many farms across the state are holding special events during the winter, including choose-and-cut farms open for North Carolina Christmas trees. You can find activities and farm experiences through the VisitNCFarms app or online at www.gottobenc.com Today's Topic...
Out-of-the-box ideas for memorable Christmas gifting
Coming up with the perfect Christmas present is often a challenging feat. Using our Got to Be NC members for inspiration, we came up with a list of creative ideas that support North Carolina agriculture. Check out our list of ideas below for gifts and gift...
Farmland Preservation grant cycle open through Dec. 19.
Summary: Farmland preservation has remained a key focus of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to the continuing loss of agricultural lands in the state to development. To help combat this issue, farmland preservation grants are available for...
Submit soil samples now to avoid busy lab time and peak-season fees.
The Agronomic Services soil testing lab will soon enter its busiest time and anticipates implementing a peak-season fee beginning Dec. 1. Growers have a few weeks left to submit soil samples to avoid the rush and the fees. Soil testing is a free service outside the...
The N.C. Forest Service offers a discount to military members in November for tree orders.
Summary: Each year in November when we honor military service, the N.C. Forest Service offers a special discount to active and retired military members on tree seedling orders through the N.C. Forest Service Nursery and Tree Improvement Program. The discount applies...
Another invasive pest found in North Carolina – the elm zig-zag sawfly. (Do not say its name three times fast…)
A county ranger with our N.C. Forest Service recently found our state’s latest invasive pest – the elm zig-zag sawfly. It’s name comes in part by the zig-zag pattern created on leaves when the young larvae eat. It is native to Asia and has now only been previously...