Tag Archive for: #stevetroxler

Troxler announces availability of farmland preservation grants; application deadline is Dec. 16

County governments and nonprofit groups pursuing farmland preservation projects have until Dec. 16 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This year’s request for proposals includes statewide general appropriations for traditional farm preservation projects and conservation easement applications to protect military-base and training buffers. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 16.

The fund’s purpose is to support projects that encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands to foster the growth, development and sustainability of family farms.

Grants can be awarded to secure agricultural conservation easements on lands used for agricultural production; to support public and private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; and for the development of agricultural plans. Military-designated grants are restricted to easement-related projects.

The grant application and guidelines for the current funding cycle are available at www.ncadfp.org/CycleX.htm. Call 919-707-3072 with any questions.

Hurricane Matthew inflicts significant damage on N.C. agriculture

The flood water hasn’t receded yet, but initial reports show that North Carolina’s agricultural industries took a beating from Hurricane Matthew. State ag officials do not have damage estimates, but the 48 counties affected by the storm are some of North Carolina’s largest ag counties.

“The eastern counties represent 71 percent of the state’s total farm cash receipts,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While lots of crops were harvested before the storm, many crops, such as soybeans, sweet potatoes, peanuts and cotton, were just in the early stages of harvest.”

The 48 counties accounted for more than $9.6 billion of the $13.5 billion in farm cash receipts in 2014.

In addition to crops, Eastern North Carolina also has a large poultry and swine population. Initial reports show that 1.9 million birds, mostly broiler chickens, have died as a result of the storm. However, considering the extent of the flooding, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes expects that number to rise. North Carolina growers raise more than 800 million birds each year.

Veterinary officials and the department’s Environmental Programs Division staff are working with growers on proper disposal of the birds. Troxler requested and was granted a $6 million grant from FEMA to purchase carbon material to compost the carcasses and mitigate the potential public health risk. Composting is the preferred method of disposal as it reduces leeching of farm waste, reduces pest and disease issues and prevents odor issues. The finished compost can then be used for agricultural purposes. Farms have begun requesting carbon materials and deliveries began today.

The hog industry did a good job preparing for this event and taking proactive measures to reduce populations or move hogs to higher ground. As of press time, there are limited reports of swine deaths and no known hog lagoon breaches. NCDA&CS is not the regulatory agency that oversees hog lagoons.

“The industry learned a lot since Hurricane Floyd in 1999,” said Troxler. Many hog farms in the 100-year flood plain were closed through a swine buyout program overseen by our Soil and Water Conservation Division.”

Farmers needing assistance can call the Ag Emergency Hotline at 1-866-645-9403. The department is operating the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Commissioner Troxler urges Ag Emergency Plans

With Hurricane Matthew looking more certain to affect North Carolina, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is urging farmers to have emergency plans in place for their farms and share those plans with workers in advance of landfall.

Many crops are still in the field and recent rains from tropical storms have saturated parts of eastern North Carolina, said Troxler. “This creates a perfect condition for downed trees, flooded pastures and crops lost in the field. But farmers can take some steps ahead of time to minimize losses or at least be prepared to respond after the storm.”

Troxler says farmers should review their farm emergency plan, which includes having a list of emergency contacts of whom to call after a storm. Farmers should include the county emergency management office to their list of important numbers.

“Every farming operation is different and has different needs. Assessing in advance what your most pressing needs will be if you should lose power, or are at risk for flooding, can be the difference in salvaging a crop or saving livestock,” Troxler said.

Gov. Pat McCrory signed a disaster declaration Monday that waived restrictions on vehicle weights for farmers preparing for the storm to move feed, crops or livestock in 66 central and eastern counties.
Previous storms have shown that backup generators are in high demand following storms, and on-site feeding capabilities for livestock operations are also critical.

“The need for generators is always high when a storm strikes,” Troxler said. “We encourage farmers to contact local farm suppliers and rental companies in advance of storms to reserve a generator on their own in the event of power outages.”

Troxler reminded farmers that they should have a transfer switch properly installed ahead of time so they can use a generator. A properly installed transfer switch is critical for the protection of farm facilities and utility workers, he said.

In addition, pesticide applicators should look to secure their pesticide storage areas. Applicators in low-lying areas should do whatever they can to elevate or move pesticides to locations that are less likely to flood.

More preparedness tips to consider:

  • Review insurance policies to be sure your farm is properly covered.
  • Clear ditches so that water can move freely.
  • Check power line clearance to see if trees need pruning or removing
  • Closely monitor local weather reports for up-to-the-minute information on storms.
  • Fuel up all vehicles and prepare your family’s disaster readiness kit. Don’t forget household pets.
  • Keep all electronic devices charged.
  • Store or secure items or equipment that might blow away.
  • Relocate livestock and animals from low-lying areas.
  • Check generators to be sure they are in good working order and secure a sufficient amount of fuel to operate them.
  • Secure propane tanks to prevent them from floating away. Turn off the propane supply at tanks.
  • Move equipment to the highest open ground possible away from trees or buildings that could cause damage.
  • Mark animals with an identifier so they can be easily returned if lost. Examples are ear tags with name of farm and phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coat or clipped initials in the hair.
  • Move feed to higher ground or to a more accessible place in case of flooding or transportation problems.
  • Secure or move pesticides to higher ground in the event of flooding.
  • Coordinate with neighbors beforehand and discuss what resources can be shared.
  • On social media, follow the National Weather Service @NWSRaleigh, NCDA&CS @ncagriculture, and N.C. Emergency Management @NCEmergency. Government officials will use #MatthewNC on social media channels to get word out about the storm as well.

More tips and information can be found at www.ncagr.gov/disaster.

North Carolina State Farmers Market to host Seafood Day August 26th

Shoppers can reel in some fresh N.C. seafood at the State Farmers Market during Seafood Day on Friday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual event will feature free shrimp samples, fileting demonstrations, a fish toss and informative displays about the state’s seafood industry.

“Whether it’s fresh-caught or farm-raised, North Carolina seafood is readily available for consumers to enjoy and worth nearly $130 million to the state’s economy,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Seafood Day is a great way to experience the freshness from North Carolina waters firsthand.”

During the event, visitors can enjoy free samples of N.C. shrimp while supplies last. They also can learn how to properly filet fish and shuck oysters from the fishmongers at Locals Seafood. Children can take part in a “mullet” toss competition for prizes. There also will be educational displays from N.C. Catch, Got to Be NC Seafood and the N.C. Aquaculture Association. In addition, Locals Seafood and the N.C. Seafood Restaurant will offer specials for attendees.

About the State Farmers Market

The State Farmers Market is open year-round offering a variety of seasonal agricultural products. Late-summer and early-fall produce is now available, including tomatoes, corn, apples and muscadine grapes. Shoppers also can find locally raised meats and seafood, wines and specialty products, as well as plants and shrubs for fall plantings. The market is also home to the State Farmers Market Restaurant, N.C. Seafood Restaurant and Market Grill.

The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. More information about upcoming special events at the market is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

NCDA&CS awards agritourism grants to 29 farms

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that 29 agritourism farms will receive funding for marketing projects.

The Agritourism Marketing Cost Share program is administered by the department’s agritourism office with funding from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

“I’m pleased that we are able to award a total of $50,000 in cost-share funding to agritourism farms across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “For many agritourism operations, this funding can provide the help they need to boost their marketing efforts and increase the number of visitors to their farms.”

In its first year, the cost-share program received 77 applications requesting a total of $409,050. After a thorough review of applications, 29 farms were selected to receive grants for projects ranging from directional signage and marketing brochures (from companies similar to MyCreativeShop) to website development and branding. Individual grants ranged from $360 to $6,000.

The following farms received grants:

  • High Country Ginseng, Boone
  • C.V. Pilson Farm, Cameron
  • Flint Rock Farm, Cameron
  • Windy Hill Farm, Cedar Grove
  • Raised In A Barn Farm, Chocowinity
  • Hubb’s Corn Maze, Clinton
  • Yadkin Valley Farms, East Bend
  • Minka Farm, Efland
  • Sanderson Farm, Four Oaks
  • Poplar Creek Farm, Green Mountain
  • Hickory Creek Farm, Greensboro
  • Brothers On Farms, Hayesville
  • Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, Hendersonville
  • Wise Acres Organic Farm, Indian Trail
  • Good Karma Ranch, Iron Station
  • Addison Vineyard Farms, Leicester
  • English Farmstead Cheese, Marion
  • Renfrow Farms, Matthews
  • Granville Corn Maze, Oxford
  • Wehrloom Honey, Robbinsville
  • Briar Creek Nursery, Rocky Mount
  • Bradley Farms, Saluda
  • Creekside Farm, Selma
  • Huckleberry Trail Farm, Siler City
  • Celebrity Dairy LLC, Siler City
  • The Farmers’ Daughter, Taylorsville
  • Medlin Family Farm, Wake Forest
  • Yellow Wolf Farm, Walkertown
  • Cold Mountain Corn Maze, Waynesville

North Carolina is home to more than 700 agritourism farms, making it one of the nation’s top states for agritourism. Operations vary from pick-your-own strawberries and choose-and-cut Christmas trees to weekend wedding venues and monthlong farm stays. For more information on agritourism farms in the state, go to www.visitncfarms.com.

Ag commissioner says now is the time for farmers, agribusinesses to prepare for hurricane season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2016

CONTACT: Jen Kendrick, public information officer
NCDA&CS Public Affairs      
919-707-3005

 

RALEIGH – Hardly a county in North Carolina can say it is immune from hurricane damage. From Ivan in the mountains, Hugo in the foothills, Fran in the Sandhills, and Isabel and Floyd in the East, hurricanes have cost lives and livelihoods in every region of the state.

Scientists are predicting another active hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, which means North Carolina could again find itself in the path of a storm.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging farmers, livestock producers, food manufacturers, pesticide dealers, timber owners and other agribusinesses across the state to prepare now for hurricane season.

Troxler says that taking some precautions and thinking through your emergency plan now and discussing it with employees can help no matter what type of emergency strikes.

“Employees should know how to react if you should lose power or are at risk for flooding,” he said. “Being prepared is the key to getting your business back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Farmers and businesses should review insurance policies to ensure they have proper coverage, including wind, hail, flood and catastrophic coverage if necessary. Some coverage takes 30 days to go into effect.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a website, www.ncagr.gov/disaster, with links and resources for different types of agribusinesses to plan and recover from a disaster. A Farm Emergency Plan Template is available on the site to help organize information that is needed after a disaster.

Troxler offers farmers other ways to prepare in advance for a disaster:

  • Consider purchasing, leasing or negotiating a rental arrangement for a backup generator in advance. If you plan to rent a generator, read the contract carefully, as some rental contracts are only for eight hours use per day.
  • Have a transfer switch properly installed so you can use a generator. This is critical for the protection of farm facilities and utility workers.
  • Put together an Emergency Preparedness Kit: fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, a camera that stamps date and time, flashlights, batteries and other items, plus food and water for several days for each family member, employee and pet.
  • Purchase a NOAA weather radio and batteries.
  • Keep drainage ditches clear of debris so water can run freely.
  • Prune or remove trees in danger of damaging power lines.
  • Maintain an inventory of the farm or business, including photos of valuable items.