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, […]
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USDA 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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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PROPOSED CHANGES IN HOG FARM PERMIT RANKLE FARMERS, LEAVE ENVIRONMENTALISTS CALLING FOR MORE
bladenonline 02/21/2019 0 COMMENTSREAD MORE Share:
READ MOREBy 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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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 […]
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 […]
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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 […]
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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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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 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 […]
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RALEIGH – 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 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 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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Is pig poop the next fracking? Smithfield Foods about to put energy goals to the test.
bladenonline 11/23/2018 0 COMMENTSBY JOHN MURAWSKI, www.heraldsun.com A pledge by Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork producer, to transform hog manure into a clean natural gas aims to mint hundreds of pig farms in North Carolina into renewable energy gold mines. The scale envisioned by Smithfield aspires to go far beyond the roughly 40 hog farms in the United […]
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Farm Service Agency Names William “Bill” Beam as Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs
bladenonline 11/20/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2018 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce announced today that William “Bill” Beam has been appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs (DAFP). Beam was sworn in on Oct. 22, 2018. As Deputy Administrator, Beam will be responsible for […]
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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 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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RALEIGH – 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 […]
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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 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 MORERALEIGH – Wineries, grape growers, restauranteurs and state officials gathered in Raleigh Tuesday to officially kick-off N.C. Wine and Grape Month, which is held each September during the peak of the local grape harvest. “North Carolina has a lot to celebrate when it comes to our wine and grape industry,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The wine […]
READ MORERALEIGH – From pumpkin patches and apple picking to wine tastings and farm stays, there is something every member of the family can enjoy this fall in North Carolina. More than 1,000 farms in the state offer agritourism activities, and many will be opening their gates for visitors this fall. Following is a selection of […]
READ MOREState environmental officials seek public input on draft swine waste management permit
bladenonline 09/04/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality will host a public meeting on Oct. 4 in Greenville to obtain input on the state’s draft swine waste management system general permit (AWG100000), which nearly all North Carolina hog farms are required to comply with. Information shared at the event will include a summary of a technical […]
READ MOREBy Erin Smith The first of the appeals of the verdicts in the first three hog farm lawsuits against Murphy Brown, LLC may soon be moving forward after the plaintiffs filed a motion Wednesday afternoon withdrawing their opposition to the appeal. The Plaintiffs’ attorney, Michael Kaeske, filed three motions on Wednesday afternoon in the United […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Assistance to Pecan Growers Affected by 2017 Weather Events
bladenonline 08/28/2018 0 COMMENTSWashington, D.C.– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that additional assistance has been made available for pecan growers to replant and replace trees through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) as they recover from the impacts of 2017 weather events, which was made available by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018. “Pecan orchards were hard hit […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Details of Assistance for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation
bladenonline 08/28/2018 0 COMMENTSWashington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation by foreign nations. President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the […]
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West Bladen High School FFA officers participate in officer training camp
bladenonline 08/22/2018 0 COMMENTSBy Olivia Sholar, West Bladen High School FFA Secretary West Bladen High School’s 2018-2019 FFA officers participated in officer training camp on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 7 and 8, 2018. The first day was spent focused on discussion of the upcoming year for the club. Teams designed t-shirts for the club members and practiced team […]
READ MORENCDA&CS declares sweet potato weevil quarantine for Berkeley and Jasper counties in South Carolina
bladenonline 08/17/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established Berkeley and Jasper counties in South Carolina as quarantine areas for the sweet potato weevil after the highly destructive pest was trapped on wild morning glory by South Carolina regulatory officials. The quarantine is effective immediately. Under the quarantine, the movement of […]
READ MOREDeadline Approaches for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment
bladenonline 08/08/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON — Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce reminded producers today that the deadline to sign up for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. “Any agricultural producer that has eligible land should review the benefits of this program,” said Fordyce. “It removes from production marginal, erodible land and, […]
READ MORERALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued a stop-sale order for tractor hydraulic fluid products labeled, claimed or implied as meeting THF 303, which has no known specifications available. This specification was discontinued in 1974 and it was subsequently replaced with the current JDM-J20C or D specifications. Manufacturers and distributors […]
READ MOREUSDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for August 2018
bladenonline 08/01/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, August 1, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation, today, announced interest rates for August 2018. The Commodity Credit Corporation borrowing rate-based charge for August is 2.375 percent, up from 2.250 percent in July. The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during August is […]
READ MORENearly $2 Billion Now Available for Eligible Producers Affected by 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires
bladenonline 08/01/2018 0 COMMENTSAgriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that agricultural producers affected by hurricanes and wildfires in 2017 now may apply for assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup began July 16, 2018, and continues through Nov. 16, 2018. “Hurricanes and wildfires caused billions of dollars in losses to America’s farmers last year. Our objective […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that seed cotton producers, who want to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2018 crop year, may now submit applications. The signup period begins today and ends on Dec. 7, 2018. In accordance with changes to […]
READ MORERALEIGH – Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2017, and Sept. 30, 2018, can apply for assistance through the program. “Applicants […]
READ MOREBladen County Producers Have Until Aug. 1 to Submit FSA County Committee Nominations
bladenonline 07/25/2018 0 COMMENTSElizabethtown, NC — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director for BladenCounty, Chris Tatum, today reminded farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1, 2018, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees. County committees are made up of farmers and ranchers elected by other producers […]
READ MORENearly $2 Billion Now Available for Eligible Producers Affected by 2017 Hurricanes and Wildfires
bladenonline 07/16/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, July 16, 2018 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that agricultural producers affected by hurricanes and wildfires in 2017 now may apply for assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. Signup begins July 16, 2018, and continues through November 16, 2018. “Hurricanes and wildfires caused billions of dollars in losses to […]
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Everything is going along fine, then your favorite tree’s leaves begin to drop. What caused this and will the tree die? Here is a list of factors that could lead to mid-summer leaf drop. 1. In droughts, a tree may shed up to 10 percent of its leaves. This helps, because then it loses less […]
READ MORERALEIGH — With the growing season for summer agronomic crops underway and many landscapes actively growing, it is an excellent time to utilize diagnostic testing to identify existing abnormal growth problems. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Division offers a range of services to help optimize crops and yards. Soil testing, […]
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By Erin Smith The Bladen County Board of Commissioners learned about a planned expansion of the facilities at the FFA Camp located at White Lake.North Carolina FFA Foundation Director of Development Alycia Thornton told the board there will be a groundbreaking on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, for a new dormitory and male bath house. Thornton […]
READ MOREBladen County Farm Service Agency Acreage Reporting Dates for 2018
bladenonline 07/05/2018 0 COMMENTSElizabethtown, N.C. , July 5, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Chris Tatum in Bladen County today announced that producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits. Please pay close attention […]
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By Erin Smith The NC General Assembly completed an override of Governor Roy Cooper’s veto of the NC Farm Bill 2018 on Wednesday morning. The measure will now become law and it will restrict when and how neighbors of farms can file a lawsuit. The NC Senate override vote was 37 for and 9 against […]
READ MOREBy Erin Smith NC Governor Roy Cooper vetoed the NC Farm Act of 2018, which addresses several issues that are facing North Carolina’s farmers and their families. The NC General Assembly will attempt to override the veto this week. NC Rep. William Brisson, a Republican who represents NC District 22 which includes Bladen County said, […]
READ MOREWASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced 2018-crop loan rates for four types of peanuts. Eligible producers can obtain peanut loans through their local FSA county offices or alternative delivery partners (DMA’s – Designated Marketing Associations, and CMA’s – Cooperative Marketing Associations). These loans provide producers with interim financing […]
READ MOREUSDA to Help Producers Prepare for Addition of Seed Cotton to Two Key Safety Net Programs
bladenonline 06/25/2018 0 COMMENTSInformation to Help Farmers and Ranchers Select the Coverage Options that Fit Their Needs WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is sending acreage history and yield reports to agricultural producers with generic base acres covered by the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. This information will help producers decide the […]
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By Rachel Williams Gardening is harder than it looks … just when we think we know what we’re doing, our beds are attacked by outside forces. How to prevent ultimate defeat? Rather, how to be at war with nature, when you’re trying to be in harmony? Be your garden’s ally – provide adequate reinforcements by […]
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LaGrange Farmer Sentenced for Crop Insurance Fraud, Fraudulent Federal Crop Disaster Claims, Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering
bladenonline 05/30/2018 0 COMMENTSRALEIGH – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that in federal court today, Chief United States District Judge James C. Dever III sentenced JAMES TRUMAN WIGGINS, JR.¸68, of LaGrange, North Carolina to 25 months of imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. In addition the court ordered WIGGINS to pay restitution in the amount […]
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Bladen County Cooperative Extension has announced a pair of classes open to the public. Plant Propagation Class, Tuesday, May 22 9am—12 noon. Bladen County Cooperative Extension Greenhouse, 450 Smith Circle Drive, Elizabethtown. Please pay registration fee ($5) by May 18. Learn how to propagate plants. Learn various ways to propagate plants, including semi-hard wood cuttings, air […]
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By Dexter Hill, NCDA&CS RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler says the 2018 blueberry season is shaping up to be a good one despite unusually cold weather in the first quarter of the year. “Our blueberry growers have become accustomed to dealing with unusual weather,” Troxler said. “They have done an excellent job protecting the […]
READ MOREUSDA’s Farm Service Agency recently released signup information for the Tree Assistance Program, a nationwide program that provides orchardists and nursery tree growers with cost share assistance to replant eligible trees, bushes, and vines following a natural disaster. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 prescribed several changes to the program, including the removal of the $125,000 […]
READ MOREFSA Reminds Producers of May 31 Deadline for Cotton Ginning Cost Share Program
bladenonline 05/11/2018 0 COMMENTSUSDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding producers of the May 31 deadline for the Cotton Ginning Cost Share (CGCS) program. Through the program, cotton producers may receive a cost share payment, which is based on a producer’s 2016 cotton acres reported to FSA multiplied by 20 percent of the average ginning cost for each production region. […]
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On Friday May 4th, 2018, WBHS FFA members joined hundreds of fellow FFA members at Fayetteville Technical Community College for the South Central FFA Regional Rally. West Bladen High School FFA had over 20 FFA members competing in and helping with various Career Development Events (CDEs). WBHS FFA members competed in Agriculture Mechanics, Creed Speaking, […]
READ MOREPerdue Announces Additional Hurricane and Wildfire Recovery Details
bladenonline 05/02/2018 0 COMMENTSWASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 – Under the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced new details on eligibility for a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disaster program, 2017 Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (2017 WHIP). In total, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will deploy the up to $2.36 billion that Congress appropriated through the Bipartisan […]
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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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