ROCKINGHAM – As part of the ongoing mission of the Richmond Observer to provide expansive coverage of current events, we offer the following links to allow ease of access to breaking news and/or items of immediate interest garnering attention across the state and/or nation. These particular links relate primarily to items of rural and/or agricultural interests.
1- Agricultural producers affected by hurricanes and wildfires in 2017 may now apply for USDA assistance to help recover and rebuild their farming operations. USDA
2- N.C. A&T’s University Farm broke ground on a major upgrade project that will include an amphitheater, student and community gardens and a food complex. Greensboro News & Record
Our opinion: Reinforcing the ‘A’ in N.C. A&T Greensboro News & Record
3- About 300 North Carolina growers, with the supervision of the state, are growing a crop that could have a lot of potential in the state—industrial hemp. This article looks at the industry’s prospects and challenges. Fayetteville Observer
4- The N.C. Agricultural Preservation and Farmland Trust Fund recently awarded more than $4.6 million to help communities protect farmland and promote agricultural enterprises. NCDA & CS
5- USDA says it is concerned about continued access to farmers markets for SNAP users and has been exploring options since the announcement last week that a provider of mobile EBT technology for farmers markets and farm stands would be ending service. Wisconsin Ag Connection
6- The term “drought” carries a lot more weight when you’re talking about it in terms of growing conditions, and some farmers in the midst of this hot, dry summer are feeling the impact of drought despite what the drought monitor reports. Morning Ag Clips
7- Leaders from the Association for Career and Technical Education and from FFA share an update on amendments to the National FFA charter with the U.S. Department of Education that would catalyze business and industry involvement to align labor market needs with educational experiences. Agri-Pulse
8- The City of Roxboro has been given almost $24 million in USDA loan funding for water improvements. USDA
9- A new study finds that despite popular belief, more Americans are eating at home rather than dining in restaurants. Food Dive
10- Watch as we visit James Sharp harvest watermelons at his farm! NCFB-YouTube
Editor’s note: It is the policy of the Richmond Observer to print news release material in its original format, as it was received, with minimal, if any, editorial adjustments.
