NC Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler

May is just around the corner and it will soon be time for the Got to Be NC Festival May 16-18. Mark your calendar and join us for the fun.

Agritourism is growing in North Carolina, and to find out just how much well, I’ll pose that question right now to Ag Commissioner Steve Troxler and Commissioner, springtime is definitely here. The pollen is proving it, and along with it comes folks getting outside to enjoy the warmer temperatures. And a lot of folks are […]

The proposed actions by the US Trade Representative on foreign-built and foreign-flagged ships entering US ports has raised concerns among farmers. Fees up to $1.5 million on ships arriving at US ports, if the ships are Chinese, built, operated or flagged would hit us ag in the wallet. Mike Steenhoek is the Executive Director of […]

Applications are now being accepted for the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program that designates $200 million for farmers in Western NC and over $110 million for farmers in other areas of the state. The deadline to apply is May 4 and the program is open to farmers in all 100 counties.  

Every March, we join N.C. A&T State University to celebrate the 39th Annual Small Farms Week and the contributions small farms make to their communities and the state. North Carolina is a small farm state with over 81 % of farms being 200 acres or less and 50 % being under 50 acres. Many of […]

As we enter the spring wildfire season, it is important to remember that everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of wildfires. Exercise caution by not leaving fires unattended and being prepared with water and tools to stamp out fire if you do burn. And, don’t burn on windy or dry days.

Farmers are reminded to fill out the Water Use Survey from NCDA&CS if they have not already done so. This survey is sent to farmers who withdraw 10,000 gallons of water per day from groundwater or surface water. Information collected helps understand agricultural water usage and needs in the state. I want to remind farmers […]

Work for the 2025 growing season is getting underway at North Carolina’s 18 Research Stations. Some stations have taken inventory of new technology and equipment, including a new livestock feeding and watering system that will help researchers track the growth of cattle and small ruminants.

Tobacco farmers are busy preparing for the 2025 season and as they begin readying transplants for production, it is also a good time to test the float bed water.  

An anticipated $1.2 million in specialty crop block grants is expected to come to North Carolina this year. The application period for nonprofits and government agencies is open now through 5 p.m. March 10. The goal of the grants is to grow the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Interested groups can find a […]