North Carolina farmers devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024 will receive crucial federal aid, as a $221 million disaster relief block grant was signed at the Mountain State Fair in Fletcher by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden and North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

The grant targets 39 counties under the Presidential Disaster Declaration, offering compensation for production and infrastructure losses, market setbacks, future economic impacts, and timber damage not already covered by USDA programs or crop insurance.

Some producers must maintain USDA Risk Management coverage over two crop years to access support for certain losses, such as market and aquaculture claims.

Troxler urges affected farmers to gather documentation as the application process is finalized, reassuring swift distribution once plan approval is secured.

This grant, along with the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program launched July 9, aims to boost recovery and long-term resilience across the state’s agricultural communities.

"North Carolina is a place of doing." - Thomas Wolfe

Soybeans, a vital part of North Carolina’s farm economy, face mounting uncertainty amid global trade disputes and reduced exports to China.

Recent U.S. tariffs led China to slash its purchases of American soybeans, turning instead to Brazil, leaving North Carolina farmers at a disadvantage.

The American Soybean Association and Charles Hall, executive director of the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, warn that continued loss of market share threatens local livelihoods and highlight the need for renewed trade agreements.

Additional pressures come from the temporary shutdown of the Fayetteville Cargill Ag soybean crush plant, further limiting options for processing and storage after the closure of another South Carolina facility.

In response, statewide educational programs are being launched to equip growers with research-backed farming techniques, helping them adapt in a shifting market.

The strength and adaptability of North Carolina’s agricultural community remain central to weathering these storms.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced over $8 million in funding for wildfire prevention and forest health projects across the country.

North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest will receive more than $1 million for the "Uwharries to Sandhills, Phase 2" initiative, targeting restoration of about 18,000 acres through prescribed burns and silvicultural techniques.

This project aims to reduce wildfire risk, lower fuel loads, and protect nearby communities, while also improving water quality and enhancing local wildlife habitats.

With significant wildfire threats during spring and fall, state leaders like Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler stress the critical need for proactive management.

The funding comes through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership, uniting NRCS and the Forest Service to tackle broad conservation challenges.

Alongside North Carolina, Alabama, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon will also benefit, strengthening forest resilience nationwide and reinforcing the importance of burn manager certification programs in the region.

A bipartisan panel of three judges has upheld North Carolina's 2018 constitutional amendments requiring photo ID at the polls and lowering the state's income tax cap from 10% to 7%.

The lawsuit, North Carolina NAACP v. Moore, alleged racial discrimination in the amendments' passage, claiming a legislature elected from racially gerrymandered districts lacked legitimacy.

After hearing arguments in October 2024, Judges James Gregory Bell, Michael Duncan, and Cynthia Sturges unanimously found no evidence of discriminatory intent or racial impact sufficient to overturn the amendments.

The panel ruled that the plaintiffs failed to meet the legal threshold needed to prove constitutional violations.

The decision is seen by supporters as a boost for election security and fiscal limits.

Opponents worry it may lead to voter disenfranchisement and reduced public funding.

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over voting rights and tax reform in North Carolina.

The Feel Good Spot

"The great thing about North Carolina is that you can go from the mountains to the ocean in one day."

Baked Pork Chops and Apples with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Layer sliced apples in the bottom of a casserole dish—no need to grease.

Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon over the apples for flavorful warmth.

Trim the fat off four boneless pork chops and place them on top of the apples. Add salt and pepper to taste.

In a small saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, stirring gently.

Pour this rich glaze over the pork chops and apples. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.

Serve hot with sweet potatoes, stuffing, or rice, and your favorite local veggies.

Tips: Try swapping half the sugar for honey, use any apples you love, or substitute butter with applesauce for a lighter touch. Add chopped onions or bell peppers for extra flavor.