The Tobacco Trust Fund Christmas Tree Seed Center of Excellence is officially open. A ribbon cutting at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Upper Mountain Research Station not only marked the formal grand opening, but also the beginning of a new chapter for North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry. NCDA&CS and NC State University … Read more
Perched more than 3,200 feet above sea level in Ashe County, the Upper Mountain Research Station occupies a place unlike any other in North Carolina’s statewide research network. As the highest-elevation station operated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Upper Mountain provides a climate, growing conditions, and research environment that simply … Read more
As the Christmas season shifts into high gear, it’s a busy time for growers of all types of Christmas trees, and chief among them in North Carolina is the Fraser fir, which has become the state’s – and much of the country’s – favorite type of Christmas tree. To kick of the season early, the … Read more
Summary: A fresh North Carolina Christmas tree or greenery could be part of your holiday celebrations as Christmas trees, wreaths and garland arrive at farmers markets, roadside stands and stores. You can also create special family memories selecting your own tree at a cut-your-own operation. Wherever you find yours, it’s a great year to buy … Read more
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 with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis I want to remind listeners that it is not too late … Read more
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 most elite Fraser fir seeds in the world. Agriculture Commissioner Steve … Read more
We Are Agriculture is a year-long series that will highlight the hard-work done by employees across the Department of Agriculture. Tracy Taylor, Superintendent of the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs, is one of those employees. Stay tuned each Wednesday here on the blog or any of our social media accounts and join us … Read more
Like any other farmers, Christmas trees growers in western North Carolina are always looking for ways to grow more and better product.
A Christmas tree from North Carolina is now on display as the official White House Christmas tree and the centerpiece of the home’s Christmas decorations. The Fraser fir from Peak Farms in Ashe County is in the Blue Room. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden officially revealed the decorated tree along with the other White House … Read more
With a long, wet winter and now Easter behind us, field work and land preparation for the 2021 crop is in full swing. With the soils drying out over the past week, many acres have been tilled and/or burndown herbicides have been applied to row crop acres. There are still low-lying and/or poorly drained areas … Read more
