RALEIGH — 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 […]
READ MORE
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 MORE
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 MORE
WASHINGTON, 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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 MORE
Applications 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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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, […]
READ MORE
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. […]
READ MORE
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 MORE
Tyre 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,” […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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), […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 MORE
WECT: 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. […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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 MORE
Farmers, 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 […]
READ MORE
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 […]
READ MORE
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. […]
READ MOREUSDA Issues Safety-Net and Conservation Payments to State Farmers
bladenonline 10/18/2018 0 COMMENTSUSDA State Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that approximately $1,524,159.00 will be paid to State farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2017 market downturns. Additionally, State FSA will distribute $158,563.00 in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental payments to landowners for their commitment to conservation stewardship. PLC payments […]
READ MOREMoney goes to scholarships and winners RALEIGH – Junior winners in the N.C. State Fair livestock shows drew a record $190,000 for the top steers, barrows, lambs, goats and turkeys in the Junior Livestock Sale of Champions at the N.C. State Fair on Oct. 13. “The support of our junior livestock program is tremendous, and […]
READ MOREApplication deadline is Dec. 14 RALEIGH – County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects have until Dec. 14 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This year’s request for proposals includes statewide funding for conservation easements, agricultural development projects and agricultural plans. “The ADFP […]
READ MOREFarmers, Ranchers and Foresters Encouraged to Sign-In/Sign-Up RALEIGH, NC – Oct., 15, 2018 – Farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers in North Carolina now have new online options to access U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Through USDA’s new streamlined process producers can now register, track and manage their applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) […]
READ MORE
Contributed Bladen County residents of all ages love the NC State Fair as it is sure sign Fall has arrived. Many Bladen County residents enjoy entering the competitions the fair offers. Andrew Runion II, age 9, of Garland, grew watermelons this year for competition at the local fairs. He won the Cumberland County Fair and […]
READ MOREContributed (Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 2018) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses potentially impacted by Hurricane Michael of programs to provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices stand ready and eager to help. Additionally, USDA’s Operations Center will […]
READ MORETrump Administration Appoints Barry Bushue to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Oregon
bladenonline 10/12/2018 0 COMMENTSContributed TUALATIN, Ore. – October 11, 2018- The Trump Administration recently appointed Barry Bushue as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Oregon Farm Service Agency (FSA). Bushue will join the Oregon FSA team on Tuesday, October 9. Bushue is a proven leader and advocate for agriculture and natural resources in Oregon with […]
READ MORENCDA&CS announces fifth phase of voluntary floodplain swine buyout program
bladenonline 10/11/2018 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 MORE
Contributed Stacie Kinlaw, 4-H Youth Development Agent with NC Cooperative Extension, was recognized for an achievement during the 2018 North Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents Annual Conference held in Charlotte, NC. Kinlaw was awarded the prestigious TC Blalock Young Agent Award, 4-7 years, for her excellence in 4-H youth development. She received her award […]
READ MORENCDA&CS declares an internal quarantine for all North Carolina counties for the Guava knot nematode
bladenonline 10/05/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established an interior quarantine for all 100 counties for the Guava root knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii. Under the quarantine, regulated articles are prohibited from movement to non-quarantined states unless they meet the conditions specifically outlined in the official declaration. The quarantine is effective immediately, […]
READ MORE
WASHINGTON – Johnston County Hams, a Smithfield, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 89,096 pounds of ready-to-eat ham products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The ready-to-eat deli-loaf ham items were produced from April 3, 2017 to Oct. 2, 2018. The following products are subject […]
READ MORE
RALEIGH – Fall is one of the most anticipated times of year for agritourism operations, but the devastation from Hurricane Florence has left many farmers unsure if they will be able to offer pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other agritourism activities this year. “Agritourism farms in Eastern North Carolina were most affected, but we’ve received […]
READ MORE
RALEIGH – Hurricane Florence inundated southeastern NC with record rainfall and left many fields saturated and flooded for days, while fields in other areas of the state received only a few inches of rain. Although storms like this have complex effects across the landscape, two general effects are most important to consider: 1) soil disturbance, […]
READ MORE
Photos contributed by Don White Written by Erin Smith While businesses and residents begin the process of rebuilding, Boost the ‘Boro members have been working to repair flood damage to the Bladenboro Farmers Market. The local Farmer’s Market is the host of fresh produce, handmade crafts and so much more. Hurricane Florence caused record breaking […]
READ MORE
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for October 2018
bladenonline 10/01/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, October 1, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation, today, announced interest rates for October 2018. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for October is 2.500 percent, up from 2.375 percent in September. The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during October is […]
READ MORE
Troxler announces availability of grants for bioenergy research and new and emerging crops
bladenonline 10/01/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative is seeking grant proposals focused on research and development of agricultural and forestry-based feedstocks for bioenergy production as well as new and emerging crops. “We are excited that the North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative will be offering $1 million in competitive grants for projects focused on bioenergy and […]
READ MORETrump Administration Appoints Brent Hampy to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Missouri
bladenonline 09/29/2018 0 COMMENTSSeptember 28, 2018- The Trump Administration recently appointed Brent Hampy as the new State Executive Director for the USDA Missouri Farm Service Agency (FSA). Hampy will join the Missouri FSA team on Monday, Oct. 1. Hampy has extensive experience in production agriculture and public service. He has been a landowner since 1987 and has a […]
READ MORE
Homeowners should review termite treatment agreements if flooding caused substantial damage
bladenonline 09/28/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Hurricane Florence not only flooded many areas, knocked out power and destroyed the possessions of thousands of homeowners and businesses in North Carolina, it may have washed away household termite protection as well, Commissioner Steve Troxler said today. “If soil eroded from around the foundation of a house, or if more soil was […]
READ MORE
By Nancy Olsen, Bladen County Cooperative Extension Do you get eaten up in the evenings by thousands of blood-sucking mosquitoes? Do you fear going deaf from all the buzzing mosquitoes, which eagerly await your arrival into the yard? Mosquitoes have been around more than 50 million years and live in every possible environment, from the […]
READ MOREUSDA Adds Shelled Almonds and Fresh Sweet Cherry to Market Facilitation Program
bladenonline 09/24/2018 0 COMMENTSDepartment Amends Timeline for Hogs Operations WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the addition of commodities to the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Starting Monday, Sept. 24, producers of shelled almonds and fresh sweet cherries […]
READ MORENCDA&CS, NCSU to help farms divert crops to animal feed with proper testing RALEIGH – Farmers whose crops were flooded by Hurricane Florence face not only the prospect of lower yields and loss of quality, but also the reality that those crops cannot be used for human food. Crops and commodities exposed to floodwaters are […]
READ MORE
County sees loss of livestock, crop damage due to Hurricane Florence
bladenonline 09/20/2018 0 COMMENTSBy Erin Smith Bladen County’s farmers have suffered severe losses of livestock and crop damage as a result of Hurricane Florence. Chris Tatum with the Farm Service Agency office in Bladen County said on Thursday he had no estimated dollar amount yet for the losses as there are still areas of the County which remain […]
READ MORENCDA&CS moving into communities to assess damage & assist in recovery
bladenonline 09/19/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is dispatching inspectors and field forces to begin assessing damage to the state’s agriculture industry and to ensure food is safe for consumers. Inspectors are waiting for flood waters to recede to safe levels before making site visits. In the meantime, they are contacting firms […]
READ MORERALEIGH – Hurricane Florence has resulted in damaged and downed trees and branches. The N.C. Forest Service is encouraging homeowners and anyone else looking to clean up after a storm to exercise caution and think safety first. Unless a damaged tree is a safety risk, tree removal decisions can come later after the storm cleanup. […]
READ MORENCDA&CS activates hotline to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Florence
bladenonline 09/12/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has activated its hotline to connect farmers with resources that can assist with agricultural emergencies. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. The hotline operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Although this storm may change course, we are monitoring the situation closely,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We […]
READ MORE
By Erin Smith Bladen County’s farmers have been busy this week preparing for the wrath of Hurricane Florence. Chris Tatum, with the Bladen County Farm Service Agency, said farmers are extremely busy right now. “Most of our farmers are going wide open with the State of Emergency in place, harvesting corn and tobacco,” said Tatum. […]
READ MOREStatement from Agriculture Commissioner Troxler on waiving of motor vehicle regulations to help farmers
bladenonline 09/08/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler released the following statement regarding Gov. Roy Cooper’s issuance of Executive Orders 51 and 52 in preparation for Tropical Storm Florence: “With the potential impact of Tropical Storm Florence next week and the threat of severe economic loss of livestock, poultry and crops, I appreciate Gov. Cooper issuing a […]
READ MORE(Washington, D.C., September 4, 2018) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today launched the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. Producers of certain commodities can now sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), while USDA will also begin to purchase identified commodities […]
READ MOREMotions filed to allow appeal process to begin for third hog farm case
bladenonline 09/07/2018 0 COMMENTSBy Erin Smith Attorneys involved in the hog farm lawsuits against Murphy-Brown LLC have filed motions to allow an appeal to the verdict in the third case. The motions were filed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday afternoon. The Plaintiffs’ attorney, Michael Kaeske, filed three motions. The first motion […]
READ MORE
By Charlotte Smith Smithfield Foods announced plans to construct a new distribution center and expand its blast cell cold storage capabilities at its processing facility in Tar Heel back in August of 2017. The company announced yesterday the Distribution Center in Clayton will be moved to the pork processing plant in Bladen County. The new […]
READ MORE
Jordan Phasey, Founder of Phinite, Inc. has created the first full scale Sludge Treatment Wetland in Tar Heel, NC and it could be the answer hog farmers are looking for when dealing with disposal issues of their hog waste. Becky Spearman with the Bladen County Department of Soil and Water Conservation District linked Phasey with […]
READ MORE
