Southern Farm Network

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

by Brian Long | Oct 31, 2017

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 […]

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

by Brian Long | Oct 24, 2017

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 […]

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

by Brian Long | Oct 17, 2017

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 […]

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

by Brian Long | Oct 10, 2017

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, […]

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

by Brian Long | Oct 3, 2017

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 […]

Today’s Topic: Vaccinate livestock against rabies

by Brian Long | Sep 26, 2017

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 […]

Today’s Topic: Corn yield could tie state record

by Brian Long | Sep 19, 2017

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 […]

Today’s Topic: Bioenergy grants available

by Brian Long | Sep 12, 2017

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 […]

Today’s Topic: It’s time to test soils for cool-season grasses

by Brian Long | Sep 5, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” It’s the right time of year to obtain soil tests for cool-season grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass. The NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division’s soil testing lab can return the results quickly and provide useful information about fertilizer and lime. Having […]

Today’s Topic: Equine infectious anemia found in NC mule

by Brian Long | Aug 29, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The first documented case of equine infectious anemia in North Carolina since 2005 was confirmed recently in a 14-year-old female mule from Johnston County. The case was discovered through a routine blood test by the NCDA&CS Rollins […]

Today’s Topic: The NC Food Processing Innovation Center

by Brian Long | Aug 22, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” Over the past three years, North Carolina has been working to boost food manufacturing in the state. The goal is to create jobs and build North Carolina’s agricultural economy. The NCDA&CS has been working with the College of Agriculture […]

Today’s Topic: Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum is Aug. 15

by Brian Long | Aug 8, 2017

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.” The 13th annual Commissioner’s Food Safety Forum is coming up Aug. 15 at the State Fairgrounds. The forum will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Expo Center. Admission is free, and lunch will be […]

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