Tag Archive for: #ncagriculture

NC Forest Service

Burn Ban In Effect For N.C. Counties South, East of Vance

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Campers planning to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend with an outing to the southeastern part of the state will need to bring a campstove or grill to cook their hotdogs or s’mores – a burn ban is in effect for 26 counties because of an elevated risk of forest fire.

That means no open fires – including campfires, according to the N.C. Forest Service. The four-county area is not included in the burn ban, but county residents should contact their local forest service office for more information about what types of burning are allowed or prohibited. The ban that went into effect today (Monday, May 24) cancels all current burning permits and prohibits open burning in the following counties:

Anson, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Pitt, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland and Wayne, according to a written statement.

“Our state is getting drier and hotter, and wildfires like those conditions,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These conditions coming during spring wildfire season when wildfire activity and fire risks are already elevated, make this burn ban necessary to protect life and property in North Carolina.”

The burning ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.

Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service to enforce the burn ban.

The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions. Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service county ranger or their county fire marshal’s office.

Open burning includes burning leaves, branches or other plant material. In all cases, burning trash, lumber, tires, newspapers, plastics or other nonvegetative material is illegal, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

Learn more at  https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fire_control/fc_wui.htm or https://www.resistwildfirenc.org/

 

NC Dept of Agriculture

COVID-19 Fund Helps Offset Quarantine Costs of H2A Workers

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Local farmers who employ H2A farmworkers can apply for some financial relief if any of those workers have to quarantine during the 2021 growing season.

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said Wednesday that his department has $2 million of federal COVID-19 funds that can be used to offset quarantine expenses.

“Farmworkers have always been critical to agriculture, but the pandemic has shown how essential a healthy workforce is to agriculture and our food supply,” Troxler said. “While it is a priority for all farmworkers to get vaccinated, this program will enable employers to safely quarantine workers who test positive for COVID-19 and hopefully minimize spread to their coworkers and others.” 

Under this program, employers that have farmworkers with valid H2A visas will be eligible for reimbursement of the cost of meals and lodging for the duration of the quarantine period, not to exceed the per diem rates for federal employees.  The employer on record for the farmworker with a valid H2A visa may submit reimbursement request on behalf of any farmworker requiring to be quarantined following a positive test for COVID-19, provided the employer covered the initial eligible expenses out-of-pocket on behalf of the farmworker. The program will be for expenses incurred from March 11, 2021 through the 2021 growing season.

The application period will open on April 14 and will continue through Dec. 15, 2021 or until program funds are exhausted. These funds are provided through CARES Act funding and subject to any changes to the federal legislation.  

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in serious and substantial impacts on the food supply chain, including migrant farm labor in North Carolina. The H2A program is a critical component in planting and harvesting of North Carolina commodities. This program will help offset the financial burden of quarantine accommodations for workers that test positive for COVID-19 in off-site locations.

Details regarding the NCDA&CS COVID-19 Farmworker Quarantine Reimbursement Program will be available at http://www.ncagr.gov/QuarantineReimbursementProgram.htm.  Please contact H2Acovidprogram2021@ncagr.gov with any questions regarding this program.

NC Dept of Agriculture

NCDA&CS warns pet owners to destroy recalled Sportmix brand pet food due to high levels of aflatoxin

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— press release courtesy of NCDA

RALEIGH –The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is issuing a warning to consumers to not purchase or let their dogs or cats consume certain lot codes and types of Sportmix brand dog and cat foods due to high levels of aflatoxin found in the products during testing. There have been reports of illnesses and deaths in dogs associated with some of the products identified in this recall. No cat or human illnesses have been reported.

The products are sold through Midwestern Pet Foods, Inc. of Evansville, In. and distributed nationally.

“These products are registered for sale in North Carolina,” said Joe Reardon, assistant commissioner of consumer protection. “We know that they are available at brick-and-mortar retail locations as well as through online distributors. These products have shown high levels of aflatoxin and pet owners need to be diligent in not allowing dogs, cats or other animals, including wildlife, to consume the recalled products.”

Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus and can grow on corn and other grains that are used as ingredients in pet food. At high levels, aflatoxin can cause illness and death in pets. Signs of aflatoxin poisoning in pets include sluggishness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and/or diarrhea. If a pet owner suspects aflatoxin poisoning, they need to contact their veterinarian immediately.

Lot code information may be found on the back of bag and will appear in a three-line code, with the top line in format “EXP 03/03/22/05/L#/B###/HH:MM”

Recalled lot codes are as follows:

50# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots Exp 03/02/22/05/L2, 03/02/22/05/L3, 03/03/22/05/L2
44# Sportmix Energy Plus Lots 03/02/22/05/L3
50# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
44# Sportmix Premium High Energy Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
31# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L3
15# Sportmix Original Cat Lots 03/03/22/05/L2, 03/03/22/05/L3

Consumers should destroy the products and wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups and storage containers.

The Food and Drug Administration has more information on the recall at its website, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/midwestern-pet-foods-voluntarily-recalls-pet-food-recall-aflatoxin-health-risk?fbclid=IwAR1wEhFpZgyCZA8U9H0HnDAzNJYJ_zG2POLWGZv12zWlGi4KlNGULRm02WY.

Contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at 800-474-4163, ext. 455 from 7AM to 4PM Central Time, Monday through Friday, or by email at info@midwesternpetfoods.com for additional information.

Troxler encourages horse owners to vaccinate against EEE

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RALEIGH – Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging North Carolina horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis.

“Triple E is a mosquito-borne disease that causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord in equine and is usually fatal,” Troxler said. “The disease is preventable by vaccination.”

There were nine recorded cases of EEE in horses in North Carolina in 2016, but the mild winter could cause that number to go up this year, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes said.

Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.

“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.

Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from EEE and another mosquito-borne disease, West Nile virus. The combo vaccination initially requires two shots, 30 days apart, for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history. Meckes recommends a booster shot every six months.

Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.

North Carolina strawberry growers expect second wave of crop

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RALEIGH – It has been about a month since most areas of North Carolina saw their last freeze, and for local strawberry growers and eaters that means the second wave of strawberries is almost here.

“This has been an unusual strawberry season in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Thanks to a warm February, many growers were picking at least two weeks ahead of schedule. Then the state had freezing temperatures in March, which put production on hold. It takes 30 days or more for a blossom to turn into a berry. Now that we are past the last freeze, more strawberries are about ready for picking, and consumers should expect a strong crop through the end of May.”

Picking will begin in Eastern North Carolina and the Piedmont over the next two weeks. Western North Carolina growers should be ready for picking May 1. The peak of the N.C. strawberry season is traditionally Mother’s Day weekend, but locally grown berries should still be available into Memorial Day, said Dexter Hill, marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

To celebrate the season, the department and N.C. Strawberry Association will hold three Strawberry Day events at the state-operated farmers markets in Colfax, Charlotte and Raleigh in May. The first event is at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh on May 4. The celebration includes a strawberry recipe contest, ice cream samples and a visit by Suzy Strawberry. On May 5, the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax will host its Strawberry Day, which also includes a recipe contest, ice cream samples and visit by Suzy Strawberry. On May 12, visitors to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market can enjoy free strawberry ice cream samples. All three events will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation, and the crop generated more than $23 million in farm income in 2015. More information about the strawberry industry is available at www.ncstrawberry.com. Consumers interested in finding a you-pick strawberry farm near them can go to www.ncfarmfresh.com.

N.C. greenhouse tomatoes ready for harvest

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RALEIGH – Local field-grown tomatoes are not quite ready, but greenhouse tomatoes are now available for N.C. consumers.

Richard Whitaker, owner of Whitaker Farms in Climax, has been picking greenhouse tomatoes since late March. His farm grows tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce in the greenhouse, but also grows field tomatoes, strawberries and other vegetables. Whitaker says the benefit of growing in a greenhouse is being able to extend the season.

“We’re able to pick from March until July,” said Whitaker, first vice president of the N.C. Greenhouse Vegetable Growers Association. “We’ve even had some years where we were able to keep picking greenhouse tomatoes until Christmas.”

Tomatoes account for about 90 percent of the state’s greenhouse vegetables, according to the association. Greenhouse vegetable growers also produce cucumbers, lettuces and peppers.

The association, in partnership with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will host two Greenhouse Vegetable Days: April 20 at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh and April 21 at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax. At each event, visitors can enjoy a free tomato sandwich made with greenhouse tomatoes from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To find local greenhouse growers near you, go to www.ncgreenhouse.org.

Agritourism farms hosting fun activities for the holidays

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Farms across the state are opening up to visitors for the holidays, offering choose-and-cut Christmas trees, winter hayrides, visits with Santa and other fun activities.

“Agritourism is a big part of North Carolina’s $84 billion agriculture economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While many people may think about visiting farms during the spring or summer, the holidays can be a wonderful time to visit local farms with family and friends.”

Christmas Trees and Poinsettias

North Carolina is the second-largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation. Some choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms have already opened for the season, and even more are scheduled to open Thanksgiving weekend.

Almond Christmas Tree Farm (https://www.facebook.com/Almond-Christmas-Tree-Farm-887660978036003/) in Albemarle will open Nov. 25. The farm offers choose-and-cut trees, fresh-cut Fraser firs, wreaths, greenery and hayrides.

Hickory Creek Farm (https://hickorycreekfarmnc.com/index.html) in Greensboro also will open for the season on Nov. 25. On Dec. 3, the farm will have a Farm Antique Tag Sale with vintage items handpicked from N.C. farms available to buy.

Pardue Tree Farm (https://www.parduetreefarm.blogspots.com) in Sparta is open daily through Dec. 24. The third-generation family farm offers Fraser firs, handmade wreaths and garland.

On Dec. 4, Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse (https://www.mitchellsnursery.com) in King will have its Poinsettia Open House from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The nursery grows 81 varieties of poinsettias, and will have more than 9,000 plants to choose from.

Holiday Events

Many farms offer special holiday programming for families to enjoy. Cukabury Farms (https://www.cukaburyfarmsllc.com/) in Fairmont will hosts its annual Christmas Light Show with hayrides through the farm, Christmas music and more. The light show takes place Dec. 2-17 on Fridays and Saturdays, and daily Dec. 19-23.

Hubb’s Corn Maze (https://www.hubbscornmaze.com/Christmas.html) in Clinton will air “The Polar Express” on Nov. 25 and 26. The event also includes visits with Santa.

Raised in a Barn Farm (https://www.raisedinabarnfarm.com/) in Chocowinity will offer Storytime with Santa, Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday hayrides through downtown Washington starting Nov. 26.

Trosly Farm (https://www.troslyfarm.com/) in Elk Park will open a Holiday Farm Store and Market on Saturdays through Dec. 17. The market features handmade chocolates, local honey and farm-raised meats among other items.

Winery Events

North Carolina is home to more than 180 wineries, and several of them will host special events during the holidays. In Leicester, Addison Farms Vineyards (https://www.addisonfarms.net/handcrafted-christmas) will be hosting its annual Handcrafted Christmas event on Dec. 3 from noon to 5 p.m. The event features local crafters and artisans. Complimentary wine tastings also will be offered in exchange for a $10 donation to the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Also on Dec. 3, Cypress Bend Vineyards (https://www.cypressbendvineyards.com) in Wagram will host a Christmas Open House. Guests can enjoy live music, Christmas treats and special merchandise from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Farm Animals

Through Dec. 18, Apple Hill Farm (https://www.applehillfarmnc.com) in Banner Elk will offer guided walking tours of its working alpaca farm Fridays through Sundays. Tours will run every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is also a farm store with alpaca socks, yarns, hats, gloves, and other items.

Helpers of Our Farm (https://www.hoofnc.org), an educational farm animal sanctuary in Bolivia, will hold its Frosty Hooves fundraiser on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will help feed and care for the sanctuary animals through the winter.

Other Events

Plum Granny Farm (https:// www.plumgrannyfarm.com) and Buffalo Creek Farm and Creamery (https://www.buffalocreekfarmandcreamery.com), both located north of Winston-Salem, are teaming up for a Small Business Saturday Holiday Market on Nov. 26. More than a dozen vendors will offer a variety of gift items, from goat cheese and truffle butter to handmade jewelry and baskets.

On Dec. 10, Two Sisters Farmstead (https://www.twosistersfarmstead.org) in Candler will host its monthly Family Discovery Day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and allows families to experience farm life firsthand.

North Carolina is home to more than 700 agritourism farms. To find a complete listing of farms near you, go to www.visitncfarms.com.

Vance County Cooperative Extension to host Forest Symposium

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Healthy forests provide healthy habitat and healthy profits!

Learn how managing the health of your forest benefits wildlife and your bottom line. Come to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market on December 8th for a Forest Landowner Symposium with a great line up of speakers plus an optional tour.

All the details and registration information can be found here.

Sponsorship contributions are welcome and will be gratefully acknowledged in the program.

For more information, paul_mckenzie@ncsu.edu or 252-213-6095.

Be Aware – Seven stores pay fines for price-scanning errors

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The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division has collected fines from stores in Chatham, Columbus, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Moore, Pender and Wake counties because of excessive price-scanner errors.

“As we get into the holiday season, we want consumers to be confident that the price on the shelf matches the price at the register,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Stores have a responsibility to make sure their pricing is accurate, and most stores pass inspection. Ones that don’t are fined until they come into compliance. Consumers who would like to file a complaint about a store can call the Standards Division at 919-707-3225.”

The department conducts periodic, unannounced inspections of a business’ price-scanner system to check for accuracy between the prices advertised and the prices that ring up at the register. If a store has more than a 2 percent error rate on overcharges, inspectors discuss the findings with the store manager and conduct a more intensive follow-up inspection at a later date. Undercharges are also reported, but do not count against a store.

Penalties are assessed if a store fails the follow-up inspection. In addition to the penalties paid, the store will be subject to re-inspection every 60 days from the last inspection until it meets the 2-percent-or-less error rate. Additional penalties may be assessed if the store fails a re-inspection.

Following are stores that paid civil penalties in the third quarter of 2016:

  • Wal-Mart #3182 at 12500 U.S. 15/501, Chapel Hill, paid $1,995 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in April found an error rate of 5 percent, based on five overcharges in a 100-item lot. A second inspection in June found an error rate of 3.33 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in September with a 1.33 percent error rate.
  • Family Dollar #71 at 1001 Pireway Road, Tabor City, paid $1,005 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in May found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in June found an error rate of 2.33 percent, based on 7 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in August with a .33 percent error rate.
  • Family Dollar #3937 at 2316 E Market St., Greensboro, paid $5,555 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in May found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in June found an error rate of 5.33 percent, based on 16 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $2,970 in civil penalties. A third inspection in August found an error rate of 6.33 percent, based on 19 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid an additional $2,585 in penalties and will be re-inspected.
  • CVS #7688 at 3440 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, paid $1,940 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in April found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in May found an error rate of 4 percent, based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $705 in penalties. A third inspection in July found an error rate of 3.67 percent, based on 11 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,235 in penalties. The store passed inspection in September with a 1 percent error rate.
  • Dollar General #7052 at 3350 U.S. 1, Vass, paid $517 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in April found an error rate of 10 percent, based on five overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in May found a 2.67 percent error rate, based on 8 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store passed inspection in July with a 2 percent error rate.
  • Dollar General #9201 at 15489 U.S. 17 North, Hampstead, paid $2,247 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in May found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in June found an error rate of 2.33 percent, based on seven overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $397 in penalties. A third inspection in August found an error rate of 4 percent, based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,850 in penalties and will be re-inspected.
  • Family Dollar #3594 at 3416 Poole Road, Raleigh, paid $5,940 in civil penalties. An initial inspection in March found an error rate of 8 percent, based on four overcharges in a 50-item lot. A second inspection in April found an error rate of 3.33 percent, based on 10 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,290 in penalties. A third inspection in June found an error rate of 4 percent, based on 12 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $1,865 in civil penalties. A fourth inspection in August found an error rate of 4.67 percent, based on 14 overcharges in a 300-item lot. The store paid $2,785 in penalties and will be re-inspected.

Feeding NC Livestock could be an Issue this winter

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Flooding in eastern North Carolina and drought in western counties has state agricultural officials concerned about feeding livestock and horses this winter. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is utilizing a website, www.ncagr.gov/hayalert, to help livestock and horse owners in sourcing hay.

The Hay Alert website was first launched during the drought in 2002 and used again in 2007. It is similar to Craigslist, in which users can post hay for sale or hay wanted ads. The department will not be involved in the transaction beyond hosting the website.

“We’re trying to help farmers meet the needs for livestock and horses this winter,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Earlier this fall, we expected to have eastern hay to fill the void in the west, but the flood has ruined so much of the eastern crop. We encourage farmers to go ahead and start securing their hay for the winter.”

Farmers are encouraged to work with their local cooperative extension agent to set up a winter feed plan. They are also reminded that many areas of North Carolina are under quarantine for plant pests and care should be taken to not introduce pests into new areas. Check with the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division for guidance if moving hay from a quarantine area to a non-quarantine area.