Tag Archive for: #NCDA&CS

NC Dept of Agriculture

Avoid The $5 Fee And Submit Soil Samples By Nov. 30

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— From N.C. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Fall is a time for planting and preparing for the upcoming growing season. It is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Soil tests are free through Nov. 30, so now’s the time to submit those little brown boxes with samples of your yard, garden or other areas you’re interested in.

During peak season, the fee is $5 per sample. For 2026-27, peak soil testing season begins Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, and runs through Mar. 31, 2027.

Samples must physically arrive at the Agronomic Services Division at 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607, by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2026, to avoid the peak-season fee. The date of shipping, delivery to a local Cooperative Extension office, or postmark does not determine whether the fee applies. The samples must physically arrive at the Agronomic Services facility before the fee goes into effect. “The peak-season fee has helped us spread the sample processing time out, which benefits our farmers and residents,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Before it was initiated in 2013, turnaround time to receive test results was often greater than 12 weeks, and the lab was incredibly busy until mid-April. The fee encouraged early sampling, which enabled the lab to do a lot of analysis in the fall rather than in the winter.

“Another important aspect of the fee is that all revenue is invested back into the lab. This plays a critical role in helping the lab operate at high capacity,” Troxler said. “The lab hires temporary employees with these funds and uses additional revenue to maintain equipment and, in some cases, replace equipment.”

For the best service, it is critical that the lab receives all essential information along with a good-quality sample.

The following steps can help prevent delays that may occur when samples are submitted without the required information:

  1. Use only official NCDA&CS soil sample boxes. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are available at local county Cooperative Extension offices and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line on the outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client’s name, address and sample ID.
  2. Complete the soil submission form. Required information includes the client’s full name and address, a crop code, a valid email address and a phone number. The crop code is important because it allows the lab to provide crop-specific recommendations. Reports are delivered by email.
  3. Make sure the information on the soil submission form matches the information written on the soil sample boxes.
  4. Keep a copy of your submission form. Save a copy or photo of the completed form for your records.
  5. Package samples securely. Tightly package soil sample boxes in a sturdy shipping container to prevent damage. Do not use padded mailing envelopes, as the boxes may be crushed.
  6. For faster delivery, private carriers such as UPS or FedEx deliver directly to the Agronomic Services facility. USPS deliveries go through an off-site mail center which adds time to delivery. Some county Cooperative Extension offices also collect samples for delivery to the division. Clients should confirm that the delivery schedule meets their needs and allows samples to arrive before the peak-season deadline.
  7. Consider using the public portal, PALS, for online submission. This feature allows clients to enter submission information online and helps ensure that accurate information is provided for the sample. If using PALS, make sure the submission is completed and enclose a printed copy of the submission form with the soil samples.

Remember: the dates of online submission, shipping, postmark, or drop off at a local Cooperative Extension office do not determine the fee. Whether the cost is $0 or $5 is based on the date the samples physically arrive at the Agronomic Services facility.

For more information, contact the NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Division at 919-664-1600 or visit the Agronomic Services Soil Testing webpage.

NC Dept of Agriculture

NC Residents Warned Not to Plant Unsolicited Foreign Seed Sent to Them

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

North Carolina residents who have received seed shipments that they did not order from China or other foreign sources are advised not to plant these seeds because they could be a pathway for the introduction of invasive species, insects and plant diseases.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been contacted by numerous people who have received the seeds, which are likely the product of an international internet scam known as “brushing.” “According to the Better Business Bureau, foreign, third-party sellers use your address and Amazon information to generate a fake sale and positive review to boost their product ratings,” said Phil Wilson, director of the Plant Industry Division.

“Seeds are just one of the items used in this scam, however, you could receive other inexpensive items such as rubber bands, plastic toys, or empty bags.” This type of international shipment of plant material is unlawful and NCDA&CS asks anyone who received one of these unsolicited foreign shipments to save the contents along with all shipping labels and contact the Plant Industry Division toll-free at 800-206-9333 or email at newpest@ncagr.gov.  Plant Industry staff will contact you to gather information and pick up the package.

North Carolina residents are not in violation of any regulations if they received these shipments, but they are the key to identifying and stopping future shipments.

NC Dept of Agriculture

More Than $3.4M in Grants Awarded by NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

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-Press Release, USDA&CS

The N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) awarded more than $3.4 million through 22 grants fo agricultural and economic initiatives across the state. The grants place a high priority on projects that address ways to train people for new careers, stimulate the agricultural economy and help farmers with innovative ideas.

“Our Commission is dedicated to funding projects that will benefit farmers and their communities across the state,” said Bill Teague, Chairman of the NCTTFC. “In 2019 we were able to fund a diverse array of projects that will benefit a wide section of North Carolina agriculture.”

The $3.4 million supports projects that assist farmers with facility enhancements, research and educational opportunities. These projects assist with innovative on-farm projects, increase leadership skills and offer operational strategies that will help farmers increase farm income.

One project is with the N. C. Agricultural Foundation to study insect and mite management in hemp. Another project partners with the N.C. Agromedicine Institute to educate producers about managing their response to farm stress.

In addition to the grants awarded, the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission renewed its partnerships with the AgPrime and AgVentures to provide small grants directly to on-farm projects that support increasing farm profitability.

The N.C. General Assembly created the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission in 2000 to lessen the financial impact to farmers and tobacco-related businesses caused by the sharp decline of tobacco in the agricultural economy.

The commission’s original funding was established through tobacco industry annual payments as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement. Its current funding comes from a set appropriation of funds. Since 2002, the NCTTF has awarded more than 360 grants to public and nonprofit agencies that meet the goals of strengthening the rural and tobacco-dependent economies of North Carolina.

For more information and a list of grant recipients, visit the NC TTFC website at www.tobaccotrustfund.org.

NC Dept of Agriculture

N.C. Forest Service Urges Safety During Spring Wildfire Season

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-Press Release, NCDA&CS

The N.C. Forest Service is urging North Carolina residents to think safety and exercise extra caution when burning materials during the spring fire season. The spring fire season typically runs from March through May and is historically the time when wildfires are most likely to occur.

“The leading cause of wildfires is careless debris burning. Protect our natural resources by acting safely,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Don’t burn on dry, windy days; maintain a careful watch over your debris fire; and make sure it is fully extinguished.”

Troxler also warned against using drones over wildfires, an emerging concern across the country. In 2018, there were 26 drone incursions into air space over wildfires across the nation.

When unauthorized aircraft, such as drones, fly into the same airspace as helicopters and airplanes even at low altitudes, the air operations must be stopped due to safety concerns. This means no water drops to slow the spread of a fire and no eyes in the sky to help direct firefighters on the ground, Troxler said.

The N.C. Forest Service encourages anyone considering debris burning to contact his or her local county forest ranger. The forest ranger can offer technical advice and explain the best options to help maximize safety to people, property and the forest. For people who choose to burn debris, the N.C. Forest Service urges them to adhere to the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

  • Make sure you have an approved burning permit, which can be obtained at any N.C. Forest Service office, a county-approved burning permit agent, or online at https://ncforestservice.gov.
  • Check with your county fire marshal’s office for local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely.
  • Check the weather. Don’t burn if conditions are dry or windy.
  • Consider alternatives to burning. Some yard debris such as leaves and grass may be more valuable if composted.
  • Only burn natural vegetation from your property. Burning household trash or any other man-made materials is illegal. Trash should be hauled away to a convenience center.
  • Plan burning for the late afternoon when conditions are typically less windy and more humid.
  • If you must burn, be prepared. Use a shovel or hoe to clear a perimeter down to mineral soil of at least 10-feet, preferably more, around the area around where you plan to burn.
  • Keep fire tools ready. To control the fire, you will need a water hose, bucket, a steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
  • Never use flammable liquids such as kerosene, gasoline or diesel fuel to speed debris burning.
  • Stay with your fire until it is completely out. Remember, debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in the state.
  • These same tips hold true for campfires and barbeques as well. Douse burning charcoal briquettes or campfires thoroughly with water. When soaked; stir the coals and soak them again. Be sure they are out cold and carefully feel to be sure they are extinguished. Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  • Burning agriculture residue and forestland litter: In addition to the rules above, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before doing any burning in a wooded area, contact your county ranger who will weigh all factors, explain them and offer technical advice.

Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can greatly reduce wildfires and the loss of property associated with them. For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, go to https://ncforestservice.gov, click on “fire” and follow the links.

NC Dept of Agriculture

NCDA&CS schedules a public meeting Feb. 21 in Bullock on proposed gypsy moth treatments

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The original copy of this press release is available online if you click here.

NCDA&CS schedules a public meeting Feb. 21 in Bullock on proposed gypsy moth treatments

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking input from residents and other interested parties in Granville and Vance counties concerning planned treatment activities for the non-native, highly destructive gypsy moth.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Bullock Volunteer Fire Department, 8677 U.S. Highway 15, Bullock. Information on proposed treatment options for the 16,967-acre site will be discussed.

Field monitoring activities conducted by the department have determined that reproducing populations of the gypsy moth exist in the Bullock community, north of Stovall, and the surrounding area. US Highway 15 North passes through and intersects Townsville Road in this block. Several waterways, including Spewmarrow Creek, Lick Branch, Beaver Pond Creek and Island Creek, flow into the James H. Kerr reservoir, the southern edge of which is within this block. The block is comprised of rural woods, farmland and 613 houses. The proposed treatment involves one application of mating disruptant.

In 2016, as many as 17 moths per trap were captured. In 2017, as many as 14 moths per trap were captured, indicating a persistent population.

In early spring, gypsy moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of hundreds of plant species, predominantly oaks and other hardwood trees. In heavily infested areas, trees may be completely stripped of foliage, leaving entire forests more susceptible to attacks from other pests.

Gypsy moths can also be a nuisance to the general public. In heavily infested areas, caterpillars may crawl on driveways, sidewalks, outdoor furniture, into homes, or end up in pools. Heavy defoliation can affect parks and recreation areas. Some people can have allergic reactions to the caterpillars’ tiny hairs if inhaled.

Options for dealing with gypsy moth infestations include aerial spraying of biological pesticides or gypsy moth mating disruptants. Trapping grids will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments.

The department has addressed spot introductions of the gypsy moth in several areas across North Carolina since the 1970s. The department is working with nine other states through the Gypsy Moth Slow the Spread Foundation and with other state and federal agencies to reduce the expansion of the gypsy moth into uninfested areas of the country.