Agricultural review [2019 : September, v.94 : no.9]

got to be Volume: 94 - No. 9 September 2019 REVIEW Raleigh, N.C. It’s Fair season Check out the upcoming agricultural fair dates for the fall: Sept. 6-14 - Cabarrus County Fair Sept. 6-15 N.C. Mountain State Fair Sept. 7-14 Surry County Fair Sept. 9-15 - Stokes County Fair Sept. 10-14 - Avery County Fair Sept. 10-14 - Wilkes County Fair Sept. 10-15 - Lee County Fair Sept. 16-21 - Davidson County Fair Sept. 17-21 - Caldwell County Fair Sept. 17-22 - Pitt County Fair Sept. 17-22 - Wilson County Fair Sept. 20-28 - Rowan County Fair Sept. 24-28 - Moore County Fair Sept. 26-Oct. 5 - Wayne County Fair Sept. 26-Oct. 6 - Cleveland County Fair Sept. 27-Oct. 5- Robeson County Fair Oct. 1-5 - Chowan County Fair Oct. 4-13 Dixie Classic Fair Oct. 8-12 Lenoir County Fair Oct. 15-19 - Onslow County Fair Oct. 15-20 Columbus County Fair Oct. 16-19 Duplin County Fair NCDA&CS’ Ag Sciences Center nears half-way mark in construction The new' Nath Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Ag Sciences Center recently passed a major milestone, as workers and NCDA&CS personnel celebrated the building’s “topping oIF’ ceremony. During the ceremony, a large crowd watched as the building’s final steel beam was hoisted into place, carrying with it an evergreen tree, an American flag and the signatures of many of those workers who helped build the structure and staff members who will one day work in the building. The ceremony marked an important step in the process of getting the new building ready for use, said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “A year ago, this very month, we (See Ag Sciences Center, pg. 3) It’s Mountain State Fair time! Come join the fun! Get ready for the sights, sounds and mouth-watering smells of the N.C. Mountain State Fair, which returns to the Western N.C. Ag Center Sept. 6-15. Fairgoers will find plenty of family entertainment, educational exhibits, exhilarating rides, livestock competitions, delicious foods, and music and dance. The fair celebrates the people, agriculture, arts and cultural traditions of the region. “1 hope you will come join me at noon on Sept. 6 for the official opening ceremony of the fair," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The Mountain State Fair is one of the premier events in Western North Carolina, a region with deep agricultural roots. I look forward to attending this fair every year.” Agricultural entertainment and exhibits are a big part pf the fair’s lineup. Fairgoers can participate in Farmer Bill’s Ag-venture, check out newborn cows at the Mooternity Ward, watch an agricultural themed magic show and see farm animals up close in the barnyard. The mobile dairy classroom gives live milking demonstratioas to show kids of all ages where milk comes from, and the livestock competitioas feature draws more than 3,00 entries each year, making for a competitive show ring. Tickets to the fair are S8 in (See Mountain Fair, pg. 2) From the tractor by Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler Commissioner Troxler Farmer stress is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. Particularly as I have been meeting with farmers and farm groups across the state. In talking with farmers, I see the worry on their faces and feel the weight they are shouldering as they look critically at their farming operations in light of last year’s storms and floods, low commodity prices, trade concerns, drought conditions in some areas this year, and nuisance lawsuits. Without question, this has been one of the most trying periods for agriculture in recent memory, with many conditioas far beyond the control of fanners. It makes a challenging job even more challenging. And from a business perspective, these challenges have pushed some farms to their limits. I’ve experienced some of these same situations myself and found myself wondering how we were going to make it. And that is a difficult place to be. Being a farmer is not like a regular job. You don’t have set hours, your office is your land or home, and the connection you have to the farm and land is often deeply personal, particularly if it is family land. It’s a job that doesn't allow much separation between your work and private life. When 1 have fared stressful times, I turn to my family, my church and my community. Farming has always been a sun-up-to-sun-down operation, but now farmers often spend their nights online doing paperwork and handling other financial business. Those long hours can be isolating, so it is important to try to take time during stressful times to reconnect with family and friends. It is important to reach out and talk to people, and not keep that stress to yourself. The farming community is going through difficult times, there is no shame in asking for help. Also, if you see a farmer you think may be going through a hard time, reach out to them. The farming community typically rallies around one another in good times and bad. That is something 1 have always been proud to see in actioa What has been more challenging lately is that we have whole communities that have experienced large agricultural losses. Still, as we work to recover, it is important we reach out to one another and check in with our neighbors. The N.C. Agromedicine Institute oilers a list of resources for farmers experiencing farm stress. You can find that list at http:7/ www.ncagromedicine.org'pdf/ Resource%20Guide%207 15 19.pdf. In addition, the Institute is working with cooperative exteasion office and farmers to develop local resources and peer-to-peer farm mentors who are there to listen. 1 believe we will get through these challenges and there will be brighter days ahead. At the end of the day, I know that farmers produce something that is essential to as all - food and fiber.