Viewing: Field Notes
Fire ants quarantine looks to slow down persistent pests
When people think of “dangerous invasive pests,” fire ants might not necessarily come to mind. While many people view fire ants as a ubiquitous part of life, the pests have actually only been in North Carolina since the 1950’s, after
More than ever, “Bob’s List” helps school nutrition programs feed children
As previously mentioned on this blog, the Food Distribution Division was busier than ever in 2020. An extra way the division provides food to schools has also been busier than ever during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s called Bob’s List, and
Cultivating beautiful flowers and greenhouse vegetables at Castle Hayne Farms
Every Friday on social media, we post a Farm Feature Friday showcasing one of our dedicated North Carolina farmers. Mark Hommes with Castle Hayne Farms is one of those farmers. The #FarmFeatureFriday campaign will run through December 2021 on our
Dairy Farming in the heart of North Carolina
On social media, we post a Farm Feature Friday showcasing one of our dedicated North Carolina farmers. Steven Wetmore with LutheRidge Farms is one of those farmers. The #FarmFeatureFriday campaign will run through December 2021 on our Facebook, Twitter and
Division recognized for keeping food safe and available during extraordinary times
Sometimes extraordinary actions are obvious – a passerby saving someone from a burning building or a stranger volunteering to donate a kidney to someone in need. The list of good deeds could be endless. However, sometimes you have to look
Celebrating healthy eating at Sunny Creek Farms
Every Friday on social media, we post a Farm Feature Friday showcasing one of our dedicated North Carolina farmers. Lee Ewing and Ed Mills with Sunny Creek Farm are two of those farmers. The #FarmFeatureFriday campaign will run through December
From pandemics to ‘Murder Hornets,’ Whitney Swink looks back on a wild 2020
Just as the year is ending, Whitney Swink’s phone has finally quieted down. In a year full of unprecedented international challenges, it might sound presumptuous to say that Swink, NCDA&CS State Regulatory Entomologist, has had a particularly wild year. From
IMPEC grant has major impact on meat and seafood processors
In September 2020, Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler announced the creation of the Increasing Meat Production Efficiency and Capacity (IMPEC) grant program, administered by the NCDA&CS. The $20.25 million grant program aims to strengthen the meat supply chain and ensure
Mandatory auxin training will be different in 2021
Just like many things since March of 2020, changes are in store for North Carolina’s mandatory auxin herbicide training in the coming year. Instead of large in-person seminars, the training will be given through a screen, whether that be a
History and tradition at Hampton Farms
Every Friday on social media, we post a Farm Feature Friday showcasing one of our dedicated North Carolina farmers. Ron, Stuart and Ryan Joyce and Colton Curtis with Joyce Farms and Curtis Farms are a few of those farmers. The