Left: The infested trunk of a Fraser fir (Image: USDA Forest Service - Region 8, Bugwood.org). Top right: An adelgid-killed natural Fraser fir stand (Image: R.L. Anderson, USFS, Bugwood.org). Bottom right: After a tree becomes infested, tissues swell, a symptom referred to as gouting (Image: USDA Forest Service - Region 8, Bugwood.org).

The N.C. Fraser fir is the most popular Christmas tree around. It has been dubbed the “Nation’s Best” by the National Christmas Tree Association and has been selected as the official White House Christmas tree more than any other tree. Each year, millions of homes become more festive with ornamented N.C. Fraser firs. North Carolina growers ship the tree to every state, the Caribbean Islands and countries throughout the world. As a $100 million industry, North Carolina ranks second in the nation for number of Christmas trees harvested. Fraser firs are preferred as Christmas trees because they are exceptionally aromatic, have unparalleled needle retention, strong yet flexible branches, and needles soft to the touch.

But we aren’t the only ones who love a good Fraser fir. The balsam woolly adelgid, an exotic aphid-like insect, also likes fir trees.

The balsam woolly adelgid, which is native to Europe, was first introduced to the Eastern U.S. in the early 1900s. By the 1950s, it reached the Southeast, and now all naturally occurring Fraser fir stands are believed to be infested. Parts of Western N.C. are still riddled with standing ghosts of fir trees killed by the adelgid.

The insects attach themselves to the main trunk or large branches of the tree and feed on the internal components of the tree. As a result, tissue near or on the tree’s buds, branch nodes and stunted shoots often swell, a symptom referred to as “gouting.” There is no danger to bringing an infested fir into your home (most trees are treated to prevent an infestation anyways), but a tree infested with the adelgid can be unsightly. Not only is this not attractive, but often the tops of the trees curl over, causing the tree to lose its apical dominance — the shoot at the very top of the tree that is often used to hold the star or angel atop an adorned tree. If left untreated, needles lose color, fall off, and the firs eventually die as a result of the infestation.

North Carolina has already lost most of its native Fraser fir trees, and Christmas tree growers must combat the pest regularly. Chemicals are successful and can be used to protect susceptible trees, but there is a desire for longer-lasting, sustainable management options. Currently, research into implementing biological control and developing an adelgid-resistant fir are under way.

So the balsam woolly adelgid may be a mean one, Mr. Grinch, but don’t let it deter you from decorating your house this holiday season. The chances of getting an infested tree are extremely low, and there is no harm even if it is infested (some may even think the woolly material the insects cover themselves with look like snow).

To find an N.C. Christmas tree this year or to learn more about them, visit the N.C. Christmas Tree Association or visit www.ncfarmfresh.com.

December 4th, 2013 By: Forest Health | Tags: balsam wooly adelgid, forest, Forest Health, Fraser fir, N.C. Forest Service | Category: Forestry Files | Leave a comment

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”

North Carolina’s veterinary diagnostic lab system recently received full accreditation for a five-year period by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The accreditation occurred after a review of all four labs was conducted in September. The lab system is composed of the Rollins Lab in Raleigh, as well as labs in Arden, Elkin and Monroe.

This accreditation is quite an accomplishment, because the standards are very rigorous. All four labs had to work hard to maintain the accreditation status.

The accreditation is is important for the state’s international trade status. North Carolina exports about 40 percent of its meat and poultry products. Much of this product gets tested through the lab system, and the testing must be valid or trade partners won’t accept it, Commissioner Troxler says. This accreditation affirms that the lab’s testing is accurate and reliable.

The state lab system was established in 1947 to assist veterinarians and farmers in diagnosing diseases of livestock and poultry. Regulatory testing is performed as required for the import, export and interstate movement of livestock and poultry. The Rollins Lab is one of the 12 original core laboratories that are part of USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Rollins has the ability to perform rapid molecular diagnostic tests for endemic animal diseases, as well as targeted testing for foreign animal diseases.

Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss accreditation of the state’s veterinary lab system.

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Southern Farm Network is a division of Curtis Media Group.

December 3rd, 2013 By: Brian Long | Tags: Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Arden Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Elkin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Hoyle Griffin Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, Rhonda Garrison, Rollins Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Southern Farm Network, Today's Topic | Category: Today's Topic on Southern Farm Network | Leave a comment

Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to the full story.

• “Free birds: Snow Hill farm raises turkeys that are ‘beyond organic,” Jacksonville News: This Thanksgiving, some area residents will be eating a different kind of turkey, one that is pasture raised without any additives. Genell Pridgen, co-owner of Rainbow Meadows Farms in Snow Hill, said she works with her parents Jeff and Sandra Garner to run the farm. She said the farm is in its 10th generation of ownership, with its roots going back to 1746. She said the farm is technically not an organic farm because it’s not certified. She characterized the farm as being “beyond organic.” “We do not treat our animals with any hormones or antibiotic, and they are free-range,” she said. “They are able to be outside, flap their wings and fly around. They get to be turkeys.”  …

• “NCDA&CS Helps Consumers Find & Care For Fresh Christmas Trees,” Perishable News: North Carolina’s 2013 Christmas tree crop promises to be one of the best in recent years, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “There was plenty of rain this year, which helped Christmas tree growers across the state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Consumers can find locally grown Christmas trees at choose-and-cut farms, tree lots and farmers markets across the state.” …

• “Christmas tree presentation turns to politics,” Hendersonville Times: Congressman Mark Meadows got a special Christmas delivery Monday, one that gave him the opportunity to talk farming, flooding and the Farm Bill. Rodney Buchanan, a Mitchell County tree grower and president of the N.C. Christmas Tree Association, and its executive director, Jennifer Greene, drove down from Bakersville to present Meadows with a 6-foot-tall Fraser fir for his local congressional office. …

• “Moonshine and more – ABC stores sell N.C. liquors,” Wilmington Star News: Distillery owner Scott Maitland spent Thursday evening preaching the virtues of handmade, small batch North Carolina-made liquors to a group of about 30 New Hanover County Alcohol Beverage Control employees. The spirits speak for themselves. You can make a world class, local and organic spirit,” said Maitland, who owns Top of the Hill distillery in Chapel Hill. Maitland was premiering his new vodka, gin and wheat whiskey to ABC employees at a product knowledge event designed to help them promote and sell local liquors. …

• “Asheville’s Adam Hayes takes top honors at Competition Dining series,” Asheville Citizen Times News: Adam Hayes, chef of the Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Biltmore Village, continues to make news. This year, he hosted a dinner at the vaunted James Beard House in New York City. And, on Friday, Hayes and his team won the Final Fire battle, part of the Competition Dining Series, presented by Got To Be NC products. From a press release:      Chef Adam Hayes’ Red Stag Grill team from Asheville edged out Winston-Salem’s Noble’s Grille team led by Chef John Bobby. At each series battle, chefs are required to use one (or two) featured NC products in each of their courses. Last night’s featured products included Black Winter Périgord truffles and truffle honey from Keep Your Fork Farm in King, NC. Each chef team prepared three courses using both truffle products for 170 diners in a sold-out ballroom at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel. …

• “Attention shoppers: NC stores could be overcharging you,” WRAL: Every year, hundreds of stores across North Carolina overcharge customers for their purchases, according to data from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. State inspectors do random checks to make sure the prices on shelves match what rings up at the register, but the WRAL Investigates team found that shoppers still need to pay attention when they check out. …

• “Students learn where food comes from, thank famers,” Hendersonville Times: Mills River Elementary third-grader Kayla Lee dug into her special Thanksgiving-themed lunch Thursday afternoon, surrounded by fellow students and parents who gathered at the school for a “Thanks to Farmers” event. The group feasted on turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, baked apples and pumpkin pie. “It’s really good,” Kayla said. “I love pumpkin pie. That’s my favorite kind of pie.” The event was organized by K-5 teacher Mandi Fletcher in partnership with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. ASAP, headquartered in Asheville, works with schools in the region to help them source more cafeteria food locally and teach students about where their food comes from as part of its “Farm to School” program. …

November 29th, 2013 By: Heather Overton | Tags: Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Got to Be NC Competition Dining Series, N.C. choose and cut Christmas trees, N.C. Christmas Tree Association, N.C. Farm to School, N.C. turkeys, NCDA&CS Standards Division, organic farming, Rainbow Meadow Farm, retail scanner inspections | Category: News Roundup | Leave a comment

WRAL reporter Brian Shrader and our own Lisa Prince feature seasonal recipes in their Got to Be Good Cookin’ segment using ingredients grown and available right here in North Carolina. This week’s recipe features N.C. pecans, which are in season now.

This month’s recipes feature family favorites of WRAL-TV personalities. English Toffee is a favorite of anchorman Bill Leslie. Lisa notes that “according to Bill, you really have to stir constantly or it will get scorched. The recipe doesn’t work if doubled. You just have to make two batches if you want that much. After trying it, you will want to make 2 batches!” Almonds can also be substituted for the pecans in the recipe.

Click here for a printable recipe.

November 28th, 2013 By: Heather Overton | Tags: english toffee recipes, NC pecans, pecan recipes | Category: In the Kitchen | Leave a comment

The N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System recently received full accreditation for a five-year period by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians after a review of the system’s labs was conducted in September.  The lab system is comprised of Rollins Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Raleigh, Arden Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fletcher, Elkin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Elkin, and Griffin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Monroe. The N.C. lab system first received full AAVLD accreditation in 2008.

“To receive and maintain full accreditation is quite an accomplishment because the standards are rigorous. All four labs worked very hard to maintain our accreditation,” said State Veterinarian David Marshall. “The accreditation is a more than just a feather in our cap, though. It is imperative for our international trade status as well. As a state, we export roughly 40 percent of our meat and poultry products. Much of that product gets tested through our lab system and the testing must be valid or our trade partners won’t accept it. This accreditation affirms that our testing is accurate and reliable.”

The NCVDLS was established in 1947 to assist veterinarians and producers in diagnosing livestock and poultry diseases. Surveillance testing is performed as required for the import, export and interstate movement of livestock and poultry. The labs are accredited for all species, and in recent years, the number of submissions for companion animal testing has risen dramatically. The Rollins Laboratory is one of the 12 original core laboratories that are part of the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Rollins has the ability to perform rapid molecular diagnostic tests for endemic animal diseases, as well as targeted surveillance and response testing for foreign animal diseases. Specimens for procedures not routinely performed by the laboratory system can be outsourced to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, or other reference laboratories for testing. The number of laboratory submissions has steadily increased through the years and comprised 32,583 accessions involving 1,865,316 actual tests for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

“I am proud of State Veterinarian Dr. David Marshall and Dr. Karen Post who oversee the laboratory system,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We have a top-notch veterinary diagnostic system, which serves as the first line of defense to our more than $17 billion livestock and poultry industry.”

November 27th, 2013 By: Jen Kendrick | Tags: American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, animal diseases, Arden Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Elkin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Hoyle Griffin Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, livestock, NVLDS, poultry, Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, USDA, veterinary labs | Category: Field Notes | Leave a comment

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”

In 2012, the value of North Carolina’s ag exports reached $3.9 billion, according to a recent report from USDA. The figure is a new record, and it’s also an 8 percent increase from the 2011 total, which USDA’s revised numbers showed to be more than $3.6 billion.

This report tracks about 20 commodities, but doesn’t take into account forestry exports. If you add those in, the state’s ag export numbers actually top the $5 billion mark, Commissioner Troxler says.

Pork was the top food commodity in 2012, with an export value of more than $727 million. Chicken was second at about $525 million. Other major exports were tobacco, soybeans, cotton and wheat.

The commodity with the biggest increase in export value was soybeans. Their export value jumped from $248 million in 2011 to $426 million last year. Tobacco exports also had a good year. In 2012, the export value for this crop was $558 million, its best showing since 2009.

Nationally, North Carolina ranked 12th in total ag export value last year.

Commissioner Troxler says the department’s international trade office continues to be aggressive at marketing North Carolina commodities and other agricultural products. The state’s continued strong showing in exports indicates an international demand for its products, which is s good for farmers and agribusinesses.

Farmers and food businesses interested in exporting should contact the NCDA&CS international marketing staff at 919-707-3153.

Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss North Carolina’s agricultural exports.

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Southern Farm Network is a division of Curtis Media Group.

November 26th, 2013 By: Brian Long | Tags: agricultural exports, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, NCDA&CS International Marketing Section, Rhonda Garrison, Southern Farm Network, Today's Topic, USDA | Category: Today's Topic on Southern Farm Network | Leave a comment

Each week we round up the latest N.C. agricultural headlines from news outlets across the state and country, as well as excerpts from the stories. Click on the links to go straight to the full story.

“Forest Service program accepting Arbor Day Photo Contest entries,” Mountain Xpress: The N.C. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is accepting entries for its 2014 Arbor Day Photo Contest through Feb. 28. The contest is open to North Carolina students in fifth through 12th grades, including public, private and home schools. The theme is “Young and Old.” “The theme reflects not just the beauty of North Carolina’s trees and forests, but also the values and benefits that many generations have enjoyed,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.  …

“Bayer CropScience’s ‘Beesboro’ is beehiving as planned,” WRAL: The Clayton suburb of “Beesboro” is ready to start humming.
Actually, Beesboro is more of a research apiary than a suburb. On Monday, global agricultural company Bayer CropScience held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new 1,200-square-foot bee-care center on its 278-acre Clayton Training and Development Center campus. …

“Farm bill takes aim at state animal welfare laws,” News & Observer: The future of state laws that regulate everything from the size of a hen’s cage to the safe consumption of Gulf oysters may be at stake as farm bill negotiators work to resolve a long-simmering fight between agriculture and animal welfare interests. The House Agriculture Committee added language to its version of the farm bill earlier this year that says a state cannot impose certain production standards on agricultural products sold in interstate commerce. …

“Forsyth County receives grant to create farmland protection plan,” Winston-Salem Journal: Forsyth County has received a $14,000 grant to create a farmland protection plan, an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at the state of local agriculture and create a long-range plan for protecting prime farmland. Now the county commissioners just have to vote to accept the grant. The item has been included on the board’s Nov. 25 agenda. Last December, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners gave the Forsyth County Cooperative Extension Service the go-ahead to apply for a grant from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Agricultural and Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund.  …

“Calmer Weather Aids in the Firefighting Effort at Table Rock,” McDowell News: Firefighters are making progress on containment lines for the Table Rock wildfire in the Linville Gorge. Recent rains have slowed progression of the fire, but concerns still exist over a section of uncontained line along the southern fire flank…North Carolina Forest Service personnel are assisting with land owner contacts and providing advice on how to improve defensible space. Fire size remains the same Tuesday morning, with 2,275 acres burned to date and 40 percent containment. No additional structures are threatened and no additional injuries or accidents to report. There are 193 personnel working on the fire and the Type 3 Incident Management Team will transition with the Type 2 Team throughout the day. …

“Apple growers harvest bumper crop amid labor, weather woes,” Hendersonville Times-News: Henderson County’s apple growers say this season’s bumper crop was almost the polar opposite of last year’s disastrous harvest, with ample production despite a labor shortage and a plethora of rain. …

“Final Fire: Battle Cheerwine & Cackalacky,” WRAL: The best of the best are in Raleigh this weekend. Competition Dining is bringing the heat, with one more weekend of high-stakes culinary adventures. Wednesday night, two of the state’s five hottest chefs squared off in Round One of Final Fire, the event that will crown the state’s Competition Dining champion.
Before we get into the food though, the finals have a whole new look. They’ve moved to a new venue, the Renaissance at North Hills, which is also the home kitchen for Fire in the Triangle champion Dean Thompson. Competition Dining founder Jimmy Crippen and his partners turned the hotel ballroom into much more than just another dinner.  …

November 22nd, 2013 By: Heather Overton | Tags: 2013 Farm Bill, Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, Arbor Day Photo Contest, Bayer Crop Science, Beesboro, Final Fire, Got to Be NC Competition Dining Series, nc apples, state animal welfare laws, Table Rock Fire | Category: News Roundup | Leave a comment

WRAL reporter Brian Shrader and our own Lisa Prince feature seasonal recipes in their Got to Be Good Cookin’ segment using ingredients grown and available right here in North Carolina. This week’s recipe is made with fresh N.C. leeks, egg and goat cheese.

This month’s recipes feature favorites of WRAL-TV personalities. Goat Cheese Tarts with Leeks and Apricot Preserves is a favorite of meteorologist Elizabeth Gardner. Lisa notes that “Elizabeth does make her own puff pastry tarts, but we decided to make the recipe a little easier by using the pre-made shells you can find in the freezer section.” This sweet and savory appetizer can also be made with feta cheese instead of goat cheese.

Click here for a printable recipe.

November 21st, 2013 By: Heather Overton | Tags: Apricot preserve recipe, goat cheese appetizer, Goat cheese tarts, leek recipes, sweet savory appetizer | Category: In the Kitchen | Leave a comment

As temperatures decrease across North Carolina, you’ve probably noticed that insect activity has also decreased. Insects are not warm-blooded like we are; rather, their bodies fluctuate with the temperatures surrounding them. This is why on sunny days you see more insects flying around or sunning themselves and on cold winter nights you see less and less insects flocking to your porch light. Generally, insects are not active when the temperature drops below 40 degrees. Most insects go into diapause, the insect equivalent of hibernation, during the winter. But when you’re talking about insects, there’s always an exception or two to the rule.

The banded woollybear can freeze and thaw to survive freezing temperatures.Image: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org.

Perhaps one of the more amazing stories of insect survival in freezing temperatures lies with the banded woollybear caterpillar. The larvae of the Isabella tiger moth, these caterpillars survive the arctic temperatures by freezing, thawing and eating. They repeat this process over and over until they reach the size and maturity to pupate and change into a moth, a process that can take more than 10 years. While most insects cannot survive freezing temperatures because ice crystals form within the body and cause irreparable internal damages, the banded woollybear has a cryoprotectant in their tissues. That’s basically insect antifreeze!

Another insect that thrives in colder temperatures is the hemlock woolly adelgid. This insect is a major forest pest in North Carolina and has caused the demise of countless hemlocks in our state. It uses straw-like mouthparts to feed on the internal starches of hemlock, slowly killing its host over a span of four to 10 years.

Rather than experiencing diapause like most insects, the hemlock woolly adelgid goes through aestivation, a summer hibernation period. During the dog days of summer, the adelgid remains inactive, attached to its host hemlock tree. It’s not until temperatures begin to drop, usually around October or November, that they awaken, hungry and ready to eat.

The hemlock woolly adelgid begins producing a white, woolly, mass that will eventually surround its body. Image: Kelly Oten, NCSU

Throughout the winter, the hemlock woolly adelgid eats and lays eggs. They produce a waxy, woolly mass that covers their body. Scientists aren’t sure what the purpose of this woolly mass actually is – does it protect them from harsh winter weather? Does it protect them from pathogens that might cause disease? Does it provide a moisture barrier or serve as camouflage? Whatever it serves to do, it does it well. By early summer, the adelgid again goes into aestivation, resting and waiting for the cooler temperatures as a sign for their feast to continue.

November 20th, 2013 By: Forest Health | Tags: hemlock trees, hemlock woolly adelgid, N.C. Forest Service, Woolly Adelgid | Category: Field Notes, Forestry Files | Comments Off