Making history with manure-to-energy in southeastern North Carolina
bladenonline 08/12/2019 0 COMMENTSBy Charlotte Smith Smithfield Foods, Dominion Energy (together Align Renewables) , and hog farmers are all working together to create renewable energy with biogas in Southeastern North Carolina. The first of the new biogas gathering systems in NC to be constructed by Align is located just South of Turkey, NC on the Sampson/Duplin county line. It will include up to 19 […]
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Report: Farmers Prevented from Planting Crops on More Than 19 Million Acres
bladenonline 08/12/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2019 – Agricultural producers reported they were not able to plant crops on more than 19.4 million acres in 2019, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This marks the most prevented plant acres reported since USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) began releasing the report in 2007 and […]
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Tillis’ Bipartisan Bill To Help North Carolina Farmers Passes The Senate
bladenonline 08/05/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate unanimously passed the Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to help family farms reorganize after falling on hard times. The legislation previously passed the House and now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. “Farmers in North Carolina and […]
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EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. – Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.; Mohamed Ahmedna, dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; and other leaders from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will travel more than 500 miles touring the eastern part of the state July 31- Aug. 1. Coordinated by Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T, […]
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State sees first EEE case of the year Equine owners encouraged to vaccinate animals
bladenonline 07/31/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – A four-year-old, unvaccinated mare in Cumberland County was euthanized after contracting the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis in North Carolina this year. EEE is a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable in equine by vaccination. EEE causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord and is usually fatal. Symptoms include impaired […]
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Enrollment Now Open through Dec. 6 WASHINGTON, July 29, 2019 – Signup opens today for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to assist farmers who continue to suffer from damages because of unjustified trade retaliation from foreign nations. Through MFP, USDA will provide up to $14.5 billion in direct […]
READ MORENew Farmers.gov Feature Helps Producers Find Farm Loans that Fit Their Operation
bladenonline 07/25/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, July 17, 2019 – A new online tool can help farmers and ranchers find information on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loans that may best fit their operations. USDA has launched the new Farm Loan Discovery Tool as the newest feature on farmers.gov, the Department’s self-service website for farmers. “Access to credit is critical in the […]
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RALEIGH – The N.C. Seed Board meeting scheduled for Friday has been canceled after a settlement involving a cotton seed complaint was reached. The N.C. Seed Law allows individuals who believe they have suffered damage from the failure of agricultural or vegetable seeds to perform as labeled or warranted, or as a result of negligence, […]
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RALEIGH – Women landowners and natural resource professionals interested in learning more about management and conservation of private lands are invited to attend one of three ForestHer NC workshops, which will be held across the state in August. The workshops will run from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. and cost $25 per person. Pre-registration is […]
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Olivia Herring, a teacher at Emereau School in Elizabethtown, was awarded the North Carolina Farm Bureau 2019 Ag In The Classroom “Going Local” Grant by Bladen County Farm Bureau Vice-President Chris Barnhill recently. The grant is awarded yearly to a deserving K-8th grade teacher to honor them for their desire to integrate agriculture into the […]
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Olivia Barnes was awarded two scholarships by Farm Bureau recently. She plans to continue her education at UNC Pembroke and later transfer to N.C. State to pursue a career in Animal Science. Bladen County Farm Bureau Vice-President Chris Barnhill is shown presenting Barnes with the Bladen County Farm Bureau Scholarship for 2019. Barnes also was […]
READ MOREThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened enrollment for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program on June 17 and has started issuing payments to producers who purchased coverage. Producers can enroll through Sept. 20. Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, DMC replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). The program offers […]
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WASHINGTON – USDA’s Farm Service Agency is accepting nominations for county committee members through Aug. 1. Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate. The Bladen County Farm Service Agency is located at 450 Smith […]
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RALEIGH The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Plant Industry Division is asking travelers to several northeastern states to take precautions against the spread of the highly destructive Spotted Lanternfly this summer. “If your summer travel plans have you driving through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware or New Jersey, please review the Spotted […]
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Report: Chemours says DuPont downplayed environmental liabilities
bladenonline 06/30/2019 0 COMMENTSChemours claims in a lawsuit that DuPont downplayed environmental liabilities at its Fayetteville Works plant in Bladen County, according to The Associated Press. DuPont has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit and wants the matter resolved through private arbitration. The lawsuit was unsealed Friday after a judge in Delaware ruled that the continued secrecy […]
READ MOREUSDA Adds Flexibility for Cover Crop Management in Crop Year 2020
bladenonline 06/28/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON DC – The 2018 Farm Bill mandated changes to the treatment of cover crops for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, which add more flexibility to when cover crops must be terminated while remaining eligible for crop insurance. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) […]
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Cost Share assistance is available to landowners and tenants in North Carolina to help fund the cost of installing conservation practices to improve the state’s water quality. These measures include such things as no-till incentive payments, cover crops, cropland conversions (grass, trees, wildlife), grassed waterways, field borders, animal waste management systems, livestock fencing from critical […]
READ MOREUSDA Offers Producers Options to Re-enroll or Extend Expiring CRP Contracts
bladenonline 06/21/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, June 21, 2019 – Farmers and ranchers with expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts may now re-enroll in certain CRP continuous signup practices or, if eligible, select a one-year contract extension. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also is accepting offers from those who want to enroll for the first time in one of the country’s largest […]
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Bladenboro resident, Charles Vickers’ Made In North Carolina Success
bladenonline 06/15/2019 0 COMMENTSBy: Cheryl Hemric / James Sprunt Community College Driving down a dirt road, you can almost miss one of the newest farms in Bladen County, which is tucked away like a hidden treasure. With just an acre and a half, Charles Vickers is growing success, one garlic clove at a time. It is a ‘Made […]
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Nominations for candidates to run for county committee election representing Local Administrative Area 3. This LAA consists of the White Oak, Turnbull, Cypress Creek, Colly, Lake Creek, Frenches Creek, and Central Township. Nominations will be accepted from June 14th through August 1, 2019. Producers who reside in LAA 3 who participate or cooperate in an […]
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Bladen MASTER GARDNER Volunteers Award Scholarships, Honor McLean
bladenonline 06/07/2019 0 COMMENTSChristine Seme, left, member of the Scholarship Committee, presenting the Bladen County MASTER GARDNER Volunteers’ 2019 Scholarship to Callie Lewis. Anna Smith was not available. Submitted by Mike Melvin, President, Bladen County MASTER GARDNER Volunteers The Bladen County MASTER GARDNER Volunteers met Thursday for their regular monthly meeting and recognized two scholarship recipients for 2019 […]
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RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler’s annual plea for farmers to prepare for hurricane season is especially poignant this year, in light of Hurricane Florence’s destruction in 2018. “So many of us are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Florence. This storm has been a disastrous reminder of just how important it is to […]
READ MOREUSDA Reminds Producers of Approaching Marketing Assistance Loan Deadlines
bladenonline 05/28/2019 0 COMMENTSMay 31 Deadline for Feed Grains, Upland Cotton, Soybeans and Minor Oilseeds WASHINGTON, May 24, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminds producers of the May 31, 2019, deadline to apply for crop year 2018 marketing assistance loans for feed grains, upland cotton, soybeans and minor oilseeds. “These commodity loans provide […]
READ MOREUSDA Reminds Producers of Approaching Marketing Assistance Loan Deadlines
bladenonline 05/25/2019 0 COMMENTSMay 31 Deadline for Feed Grains, Upland Cotton, Soybeans and Minor Oilseeds WASHINGTON, May 24, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminds producers of the May 31, 2019, deadline to apply for crop year 2018 marketing assistance loans for feed grains, upland cotton, soybeans and minor oilseeds. “These […]
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Agronomist explains the basics of soil pH and lime Guest column by Jagathi Kamalakanthan, NCDA&CS soil lab agronomist
bladenonline 05/22/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH — Soils in our humid southern climate are naturally acidic and some old-timers often referred to soil needing to be “sweet” for good plant growth. This expression most often relates to the use of lime to correct our acidic soils. Lime is commonly used by farmers and home gardeners to help soils obtain a […]
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State vet encourages livestock owners to vaccinate before peak rabies season
bladenonline 05/20/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Summer is peak rabies season and State Veterinarian Doug Meckes is encouraging livestock owners to consider having their animals vaccinated against the disease. “This year we have seen a rise in the number of reported rabies in livestock at seven cases,” Meckes said. “Last year the state had three cases reported for the […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON, May 15, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications beginning June 3, 2019, for certain practices under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup and will offer extensions for expiring CRP contracts. The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized CRP, one of the country’s largest conservation programs. “USDA offers a variety of conservation […]
READ MOREUSDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Producers’ Costs for Organic Certification
bladenonline 05/07/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, May 6, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019. “Producers can visit their […]
READ MOREThe Farm Credit Association of North Carolina announced that two Bladen County youths have been presented awards by their organization. Oliva Barnes of Elizabethtown and Callie Lewis of Bladenboro were presented the second Ag Youth Leadership Program Awards. Both girls excelled as leaders in their FFA Chapters and 4-H Clubs. Share:
READ MOREOpportunity to Request a Referendum: Soybean Promotion, Research, and Information Program
bladenonline 05/01/2019 0 COMMENTSThe USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced that soybean producers may request a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order, as authorized under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Participation in the Request for Referendum is voluntary, and producers should only participate if they wish to request a referendum on the program. […]
READ MOREThe U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for agricultural producers to certify 2018 crop production for payments through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) to May 17. The deadline was extended from May 1 because heavy rainfall and snowfall have delayed harvests in may parts of the country, preventing producers from certifying acres, the […]
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NCDA&CS Standards Division offers tips on avoiding credit card skimmers
bladenonline 04/25/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH — As the weather turns warmer and many North Carolinians make travel plans for the Summer months, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Standards Division is offering a few tips on how to stay safe at the pump after a recent uptick in credit card skimmers have been found. In […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Buy-Up Coverage Availability and New Service Fees for Noninsured Crop Coverage Policies
bladenonline 04/23/2019 0 COMMENTSChanges apply Beginning April 8, 2019 WASHINGTON, April 8, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety et program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces February Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers Second 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment
bladenonline 04/20/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, April 18, 2019 — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the February 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.22 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the second payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. DMC, which replaces […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces February Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers Second 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment
bladenonline 04/18/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, April XX, 2019 — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the February 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.22 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the second payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. DMC, which […]
READ MOREUSDA to Immediately Assist Producers for Qualifying Livestock Honeybee and Farm-raised Fish Program Losses
bladenonline 04/17/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will issue $34 million to help agricultural producers recover from 2017 natural disasters through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), which covers losses not covered by certain other USDA disaster assistance programs. These payments are being made available today, and they […]
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Troxler encourages horse owners to vaccinate against mosquito-borne diseases and rabies
bladenonline 04/17/2019 0 COMMENTSMosquito-borne diseases can be deadly to horses, donkeys, mules RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus. “April until November is prime mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina and when horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE […]
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Bladen County Extension Master Gardeners annual Spring Plant Sale will be on Saturday, April 27th, and Saturday, May 4th, at the Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown starting at 9 am until. Along with our great selection of flowering plants, shrubs and trees, we have a great variety of tomato plants such as Big Beef, […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Buy-Up Coverage Availability and New Service Fees for Noninsured Crop Coverage Policies
bladenonline 04/14/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, April 12, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety et program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee […]
READ MORE2018 Farm Bill Increases Limits and Makes Other Changes to Farm Loans
bladenonline 04/13/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, April 12, 2019 – Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in USDA’s farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and made changes to other loans, […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON, DC – Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in USDA’s farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and made changes to other loans, such […]
READ MORERALEIGH -This year, farmers can add CropCheck, a pilot program offered by Field Watch, that allows growers to map small grain/commodity crops by herbicide-resident traits. Crops include cotton, corn and soybeans. It’s been three years since the online mapping programs Driftwatch and BeeCheck were launched in North Carolina. Since then, it has become a valuable […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Buy-Up Coverage Availability and New Service Fees for Noninsured Crop Coverage Policies
bladenonline 04/08/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, April 8, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Buy-Up Coverage Availability and New Service Fees for Noninsured Crop Coverage Policies
bladenonline 04/08/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for […]
READ MOREContributed RALEIGH – Commercial strawberry production requires intensive and precise fertilization. The best way to decide how much fertilizer to apply is to collect leaf and petiole samples and have them tested for nutrient levels. The Agronomic Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends collecting the first tissue samples when plants […]
READ MORERALEIGH — As the weather warms up, garden enthusiasts, community gardeners and landscapers gear up for the spring and summer growing seasons. Whether it’s a home vegetable garden or establishing plants that will turn into breathtaking beds of flowers and ornamentals, many North Carolinians love to garden. “Now is the best time to submit soil […]
READ MOREN.C. Forest Service urges residents to think safety in spring wildfire season
bladenonline 04/04/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH – The N.C. Forest Service is urging North Carolina residents to think safety and exercise extra caution when burning materials during the spring fire season. The spring fire season typically runs from March through May, and is historically the time when wildfires are most likely to occur. “The leading cause of wildfires is […]
READ MOREContributed RALEIGH — As the weather warms up, garden enthusiasts, community gardeners and landscapers gear up for the spring and summer growing seasons. Whether it’s a home vegetable garden or establishing plants that will turn into breathtaking beds of flowers and ornamentals, many North Carolinians love to garden. “Now is the best time to submit […]
READ MOREUSDA Launches New Farmers.gov Features to Help with H-2A Applications, Managing Loans
bladenonline 04/03/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, D.C. – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched two new features on farmers.gov to help customers manage their farm loans and navigate the application process for H-2A visas. “Customer service is our top priority at USDA and these new features will help our customers as they […]
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RALEIGH – April signals the start of strawberry season in North Carolina, and local growers are expecting a very good crop that should last through Memorial Day. “There should be plenty of berries this year despite a wet and cold first quarter in 2019,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We encourage consumers to visit a […]
READ MOREDairy Producers Previously Enrolled in the Livestock Gross Margin Program Now Eligible for 2018 Margin Protection Program
bladenonline 03/25/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program (LGM-Dairy) now have the opportunity to participate in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) for 2018 coverage. Sign-up will take place March 25 through May 10, 2019. […]
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RALEIGH – Six North Carolina hog farmers – and one allied company – were honored at an awards luncheon on Thursday, Mar. 21 at the annual N.C. Pork Conference. Jim Stocker of Kenansville was inducted into the N.C. Pork Council Hall of Fame for a career that helped shape North Carolina’s thriving pork industry. Stocker became […]
READ MOREUSDA Outlines Eligibility for 2019 Supplemental Coverage Option Regarding Elections for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage
bladenonline 03/14/2019 0 COMMENTSThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced that producers who purchased or plan to purchase the 2019 Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) policy should report Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) election intentions to their crop insurance agent by March 15, 2019, or the acreage reporting date, whichever is later. Producers have […]
READ MOREUSDA Outlines Eligibility for 2019 Supplemental Coverage Option Regarding Elections for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage
bladenonline 03/13/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, March 13, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced this week that producers who purchased or plan to purchase the 2019 Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) policy should report Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) election intentions to their crop insurance agent by March 15, 2019, or the acreage […]
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By Erin Smith The hog farm nuisance lawsuits were the subject of the evening at the Sampson County Friends of Agriculture’s 18th annual Rally for Agriculture held Tuesday night at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center in Clinton. Andy Curliss, CEO of the NC Pork Council, spoke about the trials and those who are supporting the lawsuits. Curliss announced […]
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By Erin Smith A Wake County jury has ruled against Murphy Brown LLC in the fifth hog farm nuisance to be held in federal court in Raleigh. The verdict reached on Friday evening awarded the plaintiffs a total of $420,000, much lower than the past five verdicts. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $139,000 in compensatory damages and $281,000 […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces January Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers First 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment
bladenonline 03/07/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, March 6, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the January 2019 income over feed cost margin was $7.99 per hundredweight, triggering the first payment for eligible dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces January Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers First 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment
bladenonline 03/07/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the January 2019 income over feed cost margin was $7.99 per hundredweight, triggering the first payment for eligible dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. DMC, […]
READ MORERALEIGH – Travelers looking for unique farm experiences will have plenty of options this spring as farms across the state open their gates to welcome visitors. Options to choose from include Easter egg hunts, strawberry picking, Mother’s Day events and farmers markets. Following is a selection of activities being offered at N.C. agritourism farms through […]
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State to hold last of two public meetings on draft Animal Feeding Operations General Permits
bladenonline 02/22/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a meeting on three general permits for animal operations on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, NC at 6 p.m. Doors open and registration begins at 5:30 p.m. The three permits are the Swine General Permit, the Cattle General Permit, and the Wet Poultry […]
READ MOREContributed Register by February 22! USDA 2018 Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a listening session on Feb. 26 at 9:00 a.m. for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources […]
READ MORERALEIGH — The board of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of North Carolina has set the 2019 boll weevil assessment at 75 cents per acre of cotton. The amount remains the same as in 2018. The fee supports the foundation’s efforts to monitor cotton acreage in North Carolina for any re-introduction of the boll weevil […]
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By Charlotte Smith Recent court trials have left the hog industry in the headlines. The fifth hog industry lawsuit is being held in Raleigh, NC and the state is currently seeking comments from the public. Nearly all North Carolina swine farms, as well as wet poultry and cattle, are subject to the requirements of their […]
READ MOREFor farmers who want to offer feedback on the state’s new Swine General Permit, time is running out. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is accepting comments on the draft permit until March 4, 2019. You can view the draft permit and related materials online at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-quality-regional-operations/afo A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, […]
READ MOREFarm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan programs require that applicants have a satisfactory credit history. A credit report is requested for all FSA direct farm loan applicants. These reports are reviewed to verify outstanding debts, if bills are paid timely and to determine the impact on cash flow. Information found on a customer’s credit report […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey announced that USDA is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and […]
READ MOREUSDA Reminds Producers of Feb. 14 Deadline for Market Facilitation Program
bladenonline 02/12/2019 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC – Agricultural producers have until Feb. 14, 2019, to sign up for USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP), launched last year to help producers suffering from damages due to unjustified trade retaliation. Producers can apply without proof of yield but must certify 2018 production by May 1, 2019. Since its launch in September 2018, more than […]
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Secretary of Agriculture discusses agriculture issues in North Carolina
bladenonline 02/12/2019 0 COMMENTSBy Erin Smith Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited North Carolina on Monday and met with farmers, business leaders, elected officials and college students at the University of Mount Olive. Perdue listened to concerns as well as answering questions regarding agricultural trade tariffs, disaster relief and the issues with farm workers. One question asked is […]
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Regulators notify industry regarding CBD products in the marketplace
bladenonline 02/08/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is sending out letters next week to manufacturers and retailers who sell products containing CBD oil, detailing what is legal to sell in North Carolina. “Under federal Food and Drug Administration laws, CBD is considered a drug,” said Joe Reardon, NCDA&CS assistant commissioner of consumer […]
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High Point Halal Meats voluntarily recalls product produced without the benefit of inspection
bladenonline 02/07/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH – High Point Halal Meats in High Point is voluntarily recalling all production lots of chicken, lamb and beef products because they were produced without benefit of required inspections. “Inspectors with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Meat and Poultry Inspection Division discovered uninspected meat and poultry products in commerce,” said […]
READ MOREApplications being accepted for Florence Reforestation Fund Requests considered on a first-come, first-served basis
bladenonline 02/02/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH – Woodland owners in 52 counties impacted by Hurricane Florence and recognized as federally-declared disaster areas can now apply for cost-share funding for reforestation efforts. The North Carolina General Assembly approved $2.5 million in time-limited funding for reforestation efforts that will be administered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and […]
READ MOREAgricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Advisory Committee to hold public meeting Feb. 6
bladenonline 02/02/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WHO/WHAT: The Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund will hold an advisory committee meeting to review the trust fund budget, hear updates on ADFP work and review Cycle XII requests for proposals. This meeting is open to the public. WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 6 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Hall of Fame Meeting Room, Agriculture Building […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for February 2019
bladenonline 02/02/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed WASHINGTON, February 1, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation, today, announced interest rates for February 2019, which are effective February 1 – February 28, 2019. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for February is 2.625 percent, the same as 2.625 percent in January. The interest rate for crop […]
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RALEIGH – Hickory-based Merchants Distributors, LLC, or MDI, has been named the 2019 N.C. Exporter of the Year by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The award recognizes individuals or companies that have made a positive impact on N.C. agricultural exports. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the award to John Gray, director of […]
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First round of state agricultural disaster checks sent to farmers
bladenonline 01/31/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced today that the first round of checks from the state’s $240 million Agricultural Disaster Relief Program of 2018 have been sent to farmers. “More than $15.2 million in payments were mailed today, and a second batch will go out Friday, Feb. 1,” Troxler said. “By week’s end, we […]
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By Erin Smith Perdue has issued a recall for more than 16,011 pounds of Fun Shapes Chicken Nuggets. The recall is due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The nuggets contain milk, which is an allergen, and it is not declared on the label, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service […]
READ MOREUSDA’s Farm Service Agency extended deadlines on many of its programs because of the government shutdown and the emergency nature of many of the programs. Below are updated deadlines: *** For details on all program deadlines and extensions, view FSA National Notice CM-807 Farm Programs: Market Facilitation Program Deadline to apply extended to Feb. 14, 2019 […]
READ MOREUSDA to Reopen all FSA Offices for Most Services During Government Shutdown
bladenonline 01/22/2019 0 COMMENTSAll Farm Service Agency (FSA) service centers will be open beginning January 24 to provide the majority of FSA services needed by farmers and ranchers during this critical time of the year for agricultural operations. Additionally, the limited FSA loan services initially made available at certain FSA county offices beginning January 17 will continue January […]
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By Erin Smith Record rainfall has been falling in Bladen County as well as across North Carolina. For 2018, Bladen County received 64 inches of rainfall. The average amount of rainfall for Bladen County is 50 inches, according to US Climate Data. The rainfall has had an impact for growers such as Ron Taylor of […]
READ MORENCDA&CS accepting applications for 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
bladenonline 01/18/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the 2019 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Applicants have until 5 p.m. March 1 to apply. “Specialty crops make up a significant portion of the state’s $87 billion agriculture industry and we would like to see this area of production […]
READ MOREUSDA to Reopen FSA Offices for Limited Services During Government Shutdown
bladenonline 01/17/2019 0 COMMENTSU.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that many Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will reopen temporarily in the coming days to perform certain limited services for farmers and ranchers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recalled about 2,500 FSA employees to open offices on Thursday, January 17 and Friday, January 18, in addition […]
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By Erin Smith The Bladenboro Town Board adopted a memorandum of understanding with Carroll Poultry, LLC on Monday night that will allow the company to continue to operate. The board voted unanimously to approve the memorandum. The board held an administrative hearing in December where they heard from Attorney Matthew Dixon, who is representing the owners of […]
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Contributed The N.C. Forest Service will be holding a free two-day landowner workshop to learn about the benefits of owning forestland. There will be multiple experts to help attendees learn about a variety of topics. The workshop will be held at Jones Lake State Park on Jan. 31st and Feb. 28th. Both days will be from […]
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Bladen County has quite a presence on the North Carolina Corn Growers Association Board. The President of the association is Alex Jordan of Clarkton. Fred Tate of Elizabethtown is the Treasurer and Wade Byrd, Jr. of Clarkton serves as the Corn Congress Alternate. The North Carolina Corn Growers Association’s purpose is to promote the growing […]
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Supporting the agricultural industry, impacting rural communities and stimulating economic development are key objectives for the 2019 NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) grant cycle. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2019 for selected innovative projects. Applications information is now online at www.tobaccotrustfund.org for qualifying organizations. “This year the NCTTFC is specifically interested in job creation in […]
READ MOREN.C. Bioenergy Research and New and Emerging Crops Initiative announce 2018-2019 grant recipients
bladenonline 01/09/2019 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Bioenergy Research and New and Emerging Crops Initiative recently awarded nearly $1 million in grants for nine projects to boost bioenergy opportunities and crop production in the state. “These grants will allow us to expand our knowledge of bioenergy practices and crop potential in North Carolina, creating future market opportunities for […]
READ MOREAn agriculture and forest landowners meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 29 at the Powell Melvin Agricultural Service Center auditorium in Elizabethtown. Agencies will have updates on the following: * Swine nuisance lawsuits * NCDA and disaster relief programs * Farm Bill and Farm Services Agency * Natural Resources Conservation District * Bladen County Soil and […]
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Contributed The tenth annual Cape Fear Regional Cattle Conference will be held on Tuesday, February 5th, at the Southeastern N.C. Agricultural Events Center located at 1027 Highway 74 East, Lumberton. Registration is at 4 pm and the speakers start at 4:30 pm. Cost is $5 and you can pay at the door. Topics and speakers […]
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Deadline is quickly approaching to register for 4-H/FFA Chicken Project
bladenonline 01/02/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed The deadline is quickly approaching if your child would like to participate in the 4-H/FFA Laying Hens project. The deadline to register is Tuesday, January 8, 2019. A Flyer and Registration form announcing the activity can be found here https://bladen.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/12/2019-regional-chicken-project/. Participants must be between the ages of 5 to 18 as of January 1, […]
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Industrial hemp may gain in popularity; Agriculture Improvement Act helps
bladenonline 12/31/2018 0 COMMENTSBy Erin Smith Industrial hemp may gain in popularity as a crop in North Carolina thanks to passage of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. The act was recently signed into law by President Trump. This farm bill decriminalizes the hemp plant paving the way for farmers to add industrial hemp to their crop rotations, […]
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USDA launched the second and final round of trade mitigation payments aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Producers of certain commodities will now be eligible to receive Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments for the second half of their 2018 production. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has been […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces No Actions Under the Feedstock Flexibility Program
bladenonline 12/21/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announced today that it does not expect to purchase and sell sugar under the Feedstock Flexibility Program for crop year 2018, which runs from Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019. The CCC is required by law each quarter to announce estimates […]
READ MOREContributed Elizabethtown, N.C. Dec. 20, 2018 –Bladen County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that Chris White was elected to represent Local Administrative Area 1 (LAA-1) during the recent county committee election. LAA-1 covers Elizabethtown, Brown Marsh, Whites Creek, and Carvers Creek Townships Israel Cromartie will serve as the first alternate. […]
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Bladen County Farm Bureau President Albert Beatty, Agents recognized
bladenonline 12/20/2018 0 COMMENTSContributed The Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was held December 2-4 at the Sheraton Four Seasons and Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. Congratulations to Bladen County Farm Bureau President Albert Beatty who was recognized among his peers at the Presidents’ and Agents’ Luncheon. Farm Bureau President Larry Wooten […]
READ MORETyre named new manager for Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center
bladenonline 12/19/2018 0 COMMENTSContributed WILLIAMSTON – Susan Tyre has been named as the new manager for the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center in Williamston. She replaces Durward Taylor who retired in July. “Susan has a passion for promoting agriculture and strives to educate everyone she meets about the importance farmers and ranchers play in our daily lives,” […]
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Apply for Hurricane Florence Recovery Help By December 19 Deadline, Gov. Cooper Urges
bladenonline 12/19/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH: North Carolinians who suffered damage from Hurricane Florence have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, to register for federal disaster assistance. Governor Cooper today urged storm survivors who haven’t yet registered for recovery help to apply today with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More than $1 billion in state and federal resources have […]
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Today is the last day to comment on Swine Permit
bladenonline 03/04/2019 0 COMMENTSContributed Today is the last day to submit your comments for the statewide general swine permit that regulates swine waste. Almost all of North Carolina’s swine operations are subject to meeting all of the requirements of the permit. You can review a copy of the 2019 Proposed Swine Permit here. NC Farm Families offers a […]
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