By phhi_adminDid you know that “leafy greens” most often refers to vegetables in the cabbage family, like broccoli, cabbage, collards, radishes, turnips and even Brussels sprouts? The term also can refer to lettuce and spinach. Leafy greens are chief crops in North Carolina and are available during most of the year, with the exception of January and February, generally. Leafy greens are low in calories and sodium, free of fat and cholesterol, and aid in the prevention of cancer! |Did You Know?
By phhi_adminDid you know there are two main types of squash? “Winter squash” are harvested and eaten when fully mature; “summer squash” are consumed when very young and tender. Common winter squash varieties include acorn, butternut, hubbard and spaghetti. North Carolina farmers produce more than $11 million of this vegetable on 3,000+ acres annually, ensuring that scrumptious N.C. squash is available throughout most of the year! |Did You Know?
By phhi_adminNorth Carolina consistently ranks in the top 10 states in production of new and improved pecan varieties. North Carolina produces three to five million pounds of pecans annually. There are approximately 2,000 acres of pecans in North Carolina and most are managed as commercial orchards. The demand for N.C. pecans is increasing as consumers and major shellers realize the quality available from well-managed North Carolina orchards.
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By phhi_adminNorth Carolina farmers devote nearly 4,000 acres to pumpkin production. Varieties grown in North Carolina include Mammoth Gold, Autumn Gold, Happy Jack, Big Max, Atlantic Giant, Prize Winner and Sugar Pie. A 1,257-pound pumpkin, grown in 2009, holds the state record for the largest pumpkin.
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By phhi_admin
Nothing could be finer than to be in North Carolina during strawberry season. Did you know that North Carolina ranks fourth in the nation in strawberry production? Strawberry sales generated more than $20 million in farm receipts in 2008.
Read more for information on where to find strawberry operations in your area...
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By phhi_adminNorth Carolina is among the top 10 states in the country for production of 13 different crops. The state's fertile and diverse terrain, industry-leading resources and a rich tradition of agriculture keep North Carolina at the forefront of the industry. As a result, North Carolina is among the top 10 states in the country for production of sweet potatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peanuts, blueberries, cabbage, snap beans, tomatoes, apples, bell peppers, squash, watermelons and grapes. N.C. MarketReady provides resources on this site, such as the Growers Information Portals, to help N.C. farmers continue to grow their operations. |Did You Know?
By phhi_adminOctober is National Apple Month! North Carolina typically ranks seventh in apple production in the United States, with more than 300 commercial apple operations. The four major varieties, which make up the bulk of N.C.'s production, are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty and Galas. N.C. apple production areas, centered in the western part of the state, are within 24 freight hours of 65 percent of the U.S. population. More apple health facts, recipes and variety identification charts are available on the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and U.S. Apple Web sites.
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By phhi_adminThe value of the corn harvest in N.C. in 2006 was $288 million. This includes 700,000 acres harvested for grain and 45,000 acres harvested for silage. Corn production in the state for grain is concentrated in the coastal plain, and the average statewide yield is 132 bushels/acre. Silage is harvested mainly in the western half of the state and is more concentrated around dairy producing areas. The National Corn Growers Association provides additional resources.
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By phhi_adminBlueberries are the top-ranked fruit crop in N.C. and they are the 16th ranked commodity overall for the state. A state record 28.5 million pounds of production yielded a value of roughly $50 million in 2008. That level of production places N.C. fifth nationwide for blueberries.
Blueberries are a “superfruit” that possess a combination of exceptional antioxidant and nutrient qualities, which have led to an increase in demand recently. The National Blueberry Council provides additional resources.