This is a weekly radio interview between the Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
As the year comes to a close, two longtime projects involving the N.C. Forest Service have taken big steps. The Mountain Island Educational State Forest has opened in Stanley, and we recently broke ground and building is set to begin on a new Region 1 N.C. Forest Service Headquarters in Duplin County. As 2025 … Read more
Summary: The latest agricultural economic impact numbers coming from NC State University shows the state’s ag industry contributes over $100 billion to the economy. We recently received updated Ag economic impact numbers from Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman at N.C. State University and they were about what I expected them to be, based on the time period … Read more
Summary: North Carolina is the second largest producer of Christmas trees in the country, producing over 22 percent of the Christmas trees grown in the U.S. By purchasing a fresh, real tree you are helping support North Carolina farmers and the local economy. It’s December and that means Christmas is just around the corner AND … Read more
Summary: International trade has been in the news lately particularly with the pledge by China to buy U.S. soybeans. The department’s International Marketing Section works year-round to foster business relationships abroad for North Carolina farmers and agribusinesses. Commissioner Troxler talks to Southern Farm Network on soybean deal with China International trade is important to U.S. … Read more
Agricultural fairs are fun AND educational, showcasing the state’s $111 billion agriculture and agribusiness industry and celebrating everything that makes North Carolina unique. The registration period is open for the N.C. State Fair and the N.C. Mountain State Fair to sign up for competitions and advance tickets to both are on sale now. Mark your … Read more
In the department, we recently went over our emergency response plans, which serve as a great reminder for farms and homeowners to review their emergency plans, too. Taking a few minutes to review your plans now with family and workers outside the rush of a storm can help ensure everyone knows what to do in … Read more
Grants are being offered for large animal health veterinary practices to help combat shortages of large animal vets in the state. Eleven practices were recently awarded over $11,000 in grants as part of the program. The deadline to apply for the latest grant cycle is Aug. 31. The application period is open through Aug. 31 … Read more
This week, Aug. 3-9, marks the 26th National Farmers Week celebrating the work of farmers and market venues that support local economies and healthy communities. Farmers Markets across the state offer consumers access to fresh, local fruits, vegetables, meats and food products. This is a very special week, Mike. Aug. 3-9 is recognized as National … Read more
Agritourism options continue to grow in North Carolina, which is great for anyone looking for fun summer activities or even kids’ camps. VisitNCFarms.com features an online calendar of events to stay up on what is happening on farms across the state. Back in the Spring, we talked about all the activities starting to take place on agritourism … Read more
The department’s Cooperative Grading Service is looking to hire peanut graders for the upcoming peanut season. Twelve peanut grading job fairs will be held in Eastern NC starting mid-July. These seasonal jobs pay $15.50-$16 an hour with paid training provided. Each year the Cooperative Grading Service, which is in our Marketing Division, holds … Read more
