Brandon Herring
Brandon joined the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in September of 2019 after more than 15 years as a reporter, anchor, photographer and producer in local TV news. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Growing up, Brandon spent many summers in tobacco fields helping on the family farm just east of Lumberton. He started out driving the tractor in front of the harvester at about age 7, and by the summers in college was cropping and racking tobacco. His father, cousin, mother and sister still keep the farm going. While they no longer grow tobacco, several other field crops remain, along with a peach orchard and roadside produce market.
As summer pests multiply, so do your options for handling them
Now that summer is fully upon us, you may be encountering some typical summertime pests around North Carolina. It may not help that you’re probably home more, giving you more opportunity to notice the critters around the house. The North
Farmers Market Managers Recognized for COVID-19 Response
These days, the four NCDA&CS farmers markets are still operating with modifications due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been three and a half months since the markets plunged into emergency response mode – having to make immediate adjustments for public
State Forests offer great options for Father’s Day outings
Father’s Day is just a couple of days away, and North Carolina’s state forests are great options for dads to get outside with their families. There are 10 state forests throughout the state – all managed by the N.C. Forest
Hemp added to registry in effort to protect it
From grapes to cotton, tobacco to Christmas trees, any crop can be harmed if the wrong herbicide or pesticide comes in contact with it. Certain specialty crops are especially vulnerable because they can be damaged by lots of normal herbicides
N.C. Liver Mush Festival one of many canceled this summer
Festivals are among the many things that won’t be normal in North Carolina this summer. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many events to cancel or postpone. One that could certainly be considered one of the more unique and quintessential North
4-H summer camp goes virtual after cancellation
North Carolina 4-H isn’t hosting summer camps this year – at least not the way you’re used to. Because of COVID-19, the organization will host a virtual camp online in June. It’s open to all young people – not just
NCDA&CS checks regulation of antimicrobial pesticides for COVID-19 cleaning
It seems many people, including business owners and managers, are thinking about deep cleaning these days. That’s especially true as more businesses in North Carolina reopen and people transition from the governor’s “stay home” order to a “safer at home”
Recipe: Red, White & Blue Potato Salad is perfect for Memorial Day weekend
Potatoes are in season in North Carolina, making fresh potatoes a hot commodity right now. If you don’t grow your own, you should be able to find potatoes grown in North Carolina at roadside markets, farmers markets and grocery stores
N.C. Farm Stands find answers for safer operation during COVID-19
As many of North Carolina’s produce stands and farmers markets geared up for the spring and summer season this year, there were a lot of questions facing farmers and others who operate those markets. This big question about how to
Promotion Amid Problems – N.C. Wine Month in the era of COVID-19
John Wright is delivering wine to doorsteps these days – a service his Sanctuary Vineyards has never offered in the past. It’s a direct result of the changes surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic response. “We’re typically busy with customers in our