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 to updates on the progress of Hurricane Florence, its potential effects on NC, and other items of rural/agricultural interests that are in the news.
1- Hurricane Florence’s approach is the top story all over this morning, and NC is under a State of Emergency. Executive orders issued this weekend temporarily suspend weighing farm transport vehicles and waiving the maximum hours of service for transportation. NCDA & CS
Florence, headed straight for NC, is now a Category 4 storm WRAL
NC Governor warns residents to prepare now for Hurricane Florence Raleigh News & Observer
Disaster planning for farms and agribusinesses NCDA & CS
Hurricane Preparedness NC State Extension
2- Meanwhile, in Washington, farm bill talks are at a crucial stage. Negotiators have set a self-imposed deadline to reach an agreement this week. Agri-Pulse
3- Last week ended without a NAFTA deal, and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says Canada will have to end its low-price milk proteins policy to move forward. Reuters
Larry Kudlow: Dairy blocking trade deal with Canada Fox Business
4- With the kickoff of the Mountain State Fair came this year’s inductions into the N.C. Mountain State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame. NCFB’s own district field representative Jimmy Cowan of Mills River was honored, along with longtime exhibitors Joyce and Gerald Coggins of Zirconia. Hendersonville Times-News
5- The FEI World Equestrian Games kick off in Tryon tomorrow, and if you can’t be there, you can still follow along on NBC Sports, which will air 65 hours of coverage. Asheville Citizen-Times
6- With the forecast such as it is, we can imagine farmers are feeling a fair amount of stress this week. Bryant Spivey, Johnston County Extension Agent, writes about the many stresses that come with life on the farm, why it’s different this year, and where farmers can look for help. Morning Ag Clips
7- The Organic Trade Association will pursue a voluntary industry-invested organic research, promotion and education check-off program. SFN Today
8- Japan has suspended exports of pork and wild boar meat after reporting its first outbreak of swine fever in 25 years, unrelated to the African swine fever found in China. Reuters
9- Early and consistent communication is important when it comes to farm transition planning, panelists discussing the issue at an event said. Southeast Farm Press
10- Cancellations: We’ve already heard that the Alamance County District Policy meeting and the Cotton Field Day, both planned for Thursday, are canceled due to the impending storm. You might call ahead if you’re planning to attend events this week! Closings and Cancellations- Wilmington Star-News
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.
