WHO/WHAT:The N.C. Plant Conservation Board will meet to discuss items related to land conservation, stewardship efforts of the N.C. Plant Conservation Program, and regulatory matters related to imperiled plant species.WHEN/WHERE:Friday, March 10, 1 to 4 p.m.Bell Seminar Room, North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel HillBACKGROUND
Press Releases
WHO/WHAT:Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will speak to the House and Senate joint legislative committees, outlining the needs of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the state’s agriculture and agribusiness industry.
In order to optimize growth, fruit quality and economic return, commercial strawberry production requires intensive and precise fertilization throughout the season.
March officially signals the start of spring wildfire season, and the N.C. Forest Service is urging residents to practice caution and prioritize safety when burning leaves, limbs and other yard waste.In 2022, nearly 6,400 wildfires burned more than 27,000 acres across the state. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, North Carolina ranked third in the nation for number of human-caused wildfires with 99% of wildfires in our state resulting from human activity. Escaped outdoor fires continue to be the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina.
The Got to Be NC Ag Star singing competition wraps up March 4 when a winner will be chosen at the finale concert at 6 p.m. in the Kerr Scott Building on the State Fairgrounds.Leading up to the finale, semi-final tryouts were held in Fletcher, Greensboro, Mount Olive and Martin County searching for up-and-coming musical performers, with 15 finalists ages 13 to 22 selected.
Space is still available for farm-equipment hobbyists and vendors wanting to take part in the Got to Be NC Festival May 19-21 at the State Fairgrounds.Organizers are on the hunt for collectors of antique tractors and farm equipment to join a display of more than 1,000 pieces of machinery. Tractors in working order also can participate in the daily tractor parade through the fairgrounds. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required.
The Corn Growers Association of North Carolina will hold a referendum vote of corn producers March 14 during regular business hours at county Cooperative Extension offices for a voluntary assessment on corn sold.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hosting a public discussion of proposed treatments of the destructive spongy moth in Dare and Currituck counties after seeing an increase in reproducing populations from 2021 to 2022. Spongy moth, (Lymantria dispar) formerly known as gypsy moth, is an invasive insect that can cause tree defoliation and tree mortality.
Seven projects aimed at boosting crop production and farm income in the state are receiving half a million dollars in grants from the New and Emerging Crops Program. “These projects represent an investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture, as these projects seek to develop new opportunities for farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This research will help farmers explore the viability of certain crops in the state, with the goal of boosting the overall ag economy.”
Below is a summary of local interest stories that have recently been highlighted on the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ In the Field Blog. Please feel free to use any of this content in your publications or contact us if you have any additional questions.