USDA 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 […]
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Contributed 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 […]
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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 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, […]
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RALEIGH – 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, […]
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Farm 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 […]
READ MOREUrban and Community Forestry grant applications available starting Jan. 1, 2019
bladenonline 12/18/2018 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH — The N.C. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program will begin accepting applications Jan. 1, 2019 for its annual grant program. To assist applicants, a series of grant-writing workshops will be offered in January. The goal is to fund projects that will enhance the benefits and sustainable management of urban forests in […]
READ MOREWashington, D.C. – At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today 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 […]
READ MORERALEIGH: Today, Governor Roy Cooper signed the following bill into law: Senate Bill 827: Extend Agricultural Disaster Program Deadline “Hurricane Florence was a crippling blow to North Carolina’s farmers, costing them billions in crops, livestock and income,” Gov. Cooper said. “This legislation will give hardworking farmers more time to apply for relief that can help […]
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By Charlotte Smith After Thursday’s federal court proceedings no punitive damages were awarded to neighbors of a hog farm in Sampson County. The outcome for the fourth hog industry lawsuit trial did not end with multi millions in award payouts for the plaintiffs. In the first three lawsuit trials presided over by Federal District Court […]
READ MORENC General Assembly approves deadline extension for agricultural disaster program
bladenonline 12/13/2018 0 COMMENTSContributed RALEIGH – The N.C. General Assembly has approved extending the deadline for the agricultural disaster relief program to Dec. 20. The bill now awaits Governor Roy Cooper’s signature. Eleven additional North Carolina counties have received secretarial disaster declarations based on agricultural losses from Hurricane Florence or Tropical Storm Michael. These counties are Anson, Avery, […]
READ MORERALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced funding for 16 projects from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program in 2018 “North Carolina received over $1.2 million in funding to enhance the quality of specialty crops grown in our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The selected projects range from pest […]
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Dan Ward of Clarkton Elected New President Of National Peanut Board
bladenonline 12/13/2018 0 COMMENTSIn Ward’s first term as board member, he served on the executive committee as secretary in 2016, then as treasurer the following year. With his reappointment for a second term, Ward is now vice chairman of the Board. Ward previously served two terms as the North Carolina alternate. Ward grows Virginia-type peanuts along with corn […]
READ MOREBy Erin Smith As many in Bladen County continue to recover from the wrath of Hurricane Florence, faith-based buildings and communities have also suffered. Churches in Bladen County saw damage such as shingles blown off roofs, leaks and flooding. “The NC General Assembly has appropriated funds to us for this purpose,” Kasey Ginsberg of the […]
READ MORENCDA&CS announces upcoming deadline for Emergency Watershed Protection program
bladenonline 12/10/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to offer a federal program that is available to assist local governments with emergency watershed recovery projects. The last day to request assistance is Dec. 31. The department’s Soil and Water Conservation Division received $10 million in […]
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Farmers Markets offering baked goods, local produce for your holiday
bladenonline 12/06/2018 0 COMMENTSThe farmers markets in Bladen County are offering residents the opportunity to prepare for the Christmas holidays. You can find all manner of locally grown produce and hand-crafted items to complete your shopping list. The Bladenboro Farmers Market will be open on Friday and Saturday offering locally grown produce, pecans and honey. The Bladenboro Farmers […]
READ MORE$240 million agriculture disaster assistance available to farmers
bladenonline 12/04/2018 0 COMMENTSFarmers urged to sign up by the Dec. 10 deadline RALEIGH – Farmers with damage and agricultural losses from Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storm Michael may be eligible for disaster assistance from the Hurricane Florence Agricultural Disaster Program of 2018. The $240 million bill, signed today by Gov. Roy Cooper, will provide direct assistance to […]
READ MOREQuarantine area for the imported fire ant expanding to include all of Davidson, Orange and Vance Counties
bladenonline 11/28/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is expanding a state quarantine for the imported fire ant (IFA) to include all of Davidson, Orange and Vance counties effective Jan. 1, 2019. With the expansion, the quarantine now includes portions or entire areas of 75 counties. The quarantine continues efforts to monitor the […]
READ MOREThe USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) issued guidance to expedite application processing related to farm and forest land cleanup and recovery for agricultural producers and forest landowners in states with land impacted by Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael. The expedited application processing guidance is applicable to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), […]
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Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods Partner to Transform the Future of Sustainable Energy
bladenonline 11/27/2018 0 COMMENTSRICHMOND, Va. and SMITHFIELD, Va. — Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods, Inc. are joining forces in an historic initiative to transform the future of sustainable energy and agriculture, announcing their first projects in North Carolina, Virginia and Utah. The companies are forming a joint venture called Align Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)℠ that will capture methane emissions […]
READ MORETwo weeks remain for farmers to sign up for Hurricane Florence agricultural disaster assistance
bladenonline 11/26/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Farmers affected by Hurricane Florence have until December 10 to sign up for the Hurricane Florence Agricultural Disaster Program of 2018. The program will directly assist farmers who suffered losses to commodities planted but not harvested before Sept. 13 and livestock. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will administer the program, […]
READ MOREThe Emergency Conservation Program sign-up period began Nov. 1, 2018 and will run through December 31, 2018. This program will assist farmers in debris clean up from cropland fields, and for shaping and leveling wash outs in cropland fields caused by Hurricane Florence. Roads cannot be considered in this program. At this time there will […]
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By Dr. Bobby Coats | Nov 19, 2018 Owners of a farm with generic base acres as of September 30, 2013, and recent planting history of covered commodities, have a one-time opportunity to allocate generic base acres. The process will be multi-step to allocate generic base acres to seed cotton base acres. Steps for implementing the allocation […]
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RALEIGH – Consumers looking for fresh N.C. pecans for their upcoming holiday meals will need to act fast. The 2018 N.C. pecan season will be a shorter season due to damage from Hurricane Florence. “There are fewer pecans available this season, but we are fortunate that we do not have the tree loss that we […]
READ MOREUSDA Designates 32 North Carolina Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
bladenonline 11/15/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 32 North Carolina counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers who suffered losses due to excessive flooding and wind caused by Hurricane Florence that occurred Sept. 14, 2018, and continuing, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. The counties in the […]
READ MOREU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds Michigan producers who experienced losses from natural disasters during the 2017 and 2018 calendar years that they may be eligible for assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Tree Assistance […]
READ MOREUSDA Acreage Reporting Deadline for Perennial Forage Changes to July 15
bladenonline 11/13/2018 0 COMMENTSUSDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has established a new acreage reporting deadline for perennial forage for 2019 and subsequent years. Previously set in the fall, the new deadline is July 15 for all states, except for Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Timely and accurate acreage reports for all crops and land uses, including prevented planting or […]
READ MOREWECT: Clearing the air: the hog farm lawsuits http://www.wect.com/2018/11/ 12/clearing-air-hog-farm- lawsuits/ Related articles and information: New trial to start Another trial where lawyers are suing NC hog farms is about to begin. On November 13, jury selection will begin, with opening arguments potentially beginning on November 14 in Raleigh. Many have expressed an interest […]
READ MOREFSA Encourages Farmers and Ranchers to Vote in County Committee Elections
bladenonline 11/11/2018 0 COMMENTSThe 2018 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections began on Nov. 5, when ballots were mailed to eligible voters. The deadline to return the ballots to local FSA offices is Dec. 3, 2018. County committee members are an important component of the operations of FSA and provide a link between the agricultural community and USDA. […]
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Contributed Ag’em Up Days, a two day annual Agricultural Field Day Adventure for Bladen County 3rd graders, was postponed this year until October 29, 30, and November 1, 2018. Normally, we set up at the Bladen County Recreation Park, but due to damages from the storm, we needed to keep our students in class. Our […]
READ MOREApplication period for Hurricane Florence Agricultural Disaster Program of 2018 opens Wednesday
bladenonline 11/05/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Starting Wednesday, Nov. 7, farmers affected by Hurricane Florence will be able to sign up for the Hurricane Florence Agricultural Disaster Program of 2018. The program will directly assist farmers who suffered losses to commodities planted but not harvested before Sept. 13 and livestock. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will […]
READ MOREBy Erin Smith The next group of hog farm nuisance law suits is slated to begin in November. The lawsuits have been filed against Murphy-Brown, LLC and target hog farms owned by the company. The lawsuit is the fourth case of 26 nuisance lawsuits and is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 13th, in the […]
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Written by Matt Poore, Animal Science Departmental Extension Leader, NCSU Updated by Becky Spearman, Bladen County Livestock Extension Agent Hurricane Florence flooding had many impacts on agriculture and the loss of pasture and hay will impact us through this winter. Given that winter feed was lost, there will be the need to buy hay. It […]
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by Susan Randstrom Bruck Here’s a kid-friendly project that won’t send shivers down your spine. When autumn winds turn bone-chilling cold and children dream of becoming vampires, parents might want to have some crafty ideas in their bags of tricks. If you don’t feel like getting pumpkin slime all over the kitchen this year, try […]
READ MORESmithfield Addresses the Hog Industry’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
bladenonline 10/27/2018 0 COMMENTSContributed EDF welcomes new measures to improve resilience, reduce methane emissions (NEW YORK, NY) With North Carolina still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Florence, Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer, today committed to invest in infrastructure and provide farmer incentives to install manure lagoon covers and digesters on 90 percent of the total […]
READ MORENCDA&CS announces fifth phase of voluntary floodplain swine buyout program
bladenonline 10/27/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to continue its program to purchase permanent conservation easements on swine operations within the 100-year floodplain. This will be the fifth time the state has offered this program which began in 2000 following devastating flooding from Hurricane […]
READ MOREFarmers, livestock interests need to prepare winter feeding plans
bladenonline 10/25/2018 0 COMMENTSBy Matt Poore Animal Science Departmental Extension Leader NCSU What a difference a month makes. This time last month things were going along very well, but we were cautiously watching a hurricane developing off the coast of Africa named Florence. As the days went by it became apparent to meteorologists that there was nothing in […]
READ MOREBy Erin Smith Motions have been filed and oral arguments were heard in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, regarding the multimilllion dollar verdicts in the first three hog farm lawsuits that took place earlier this year. No verdict has been announced in the appeal case. In the meantime, Mark Anderson, with […]
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RALEIGH – The 2018 N.C. State Fair ended it’s 10-day run with a final attendance of 977,256. This included two record days. Friday, Oct. 19, set an attendance day record of 109,396 and Sunday, Oct. 21, had record attendance of 130,319. “Despite having to delay our opening by a day, we have had some bright […]
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By Timothy J. Malinich Cacti (singular cactus) catch the eye of many hobbyists. They are easy and rewarding to grow, fun to display, and readily available. People are often hesitant to grow them because they fear the reputation of these desert denizens. Here are a few tips that will hopefully de-mystify the collecting of cacti. […]
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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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