North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner joins SFN for a weekly conversation on the issues shaping farming, food, rural communities and the state’s agricultural economy. From crop conditions and weather impacts to policy decisions and consumer trends, get a clear look at what’s happening across North Carolina agriculture and why it matters.
Commissioner Troxler warns about Yellow Legged Hornets
Josh Ellis talks with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about the state's first confirmed detection of the invasive yellow-legged hornet and efforts to control its spread. The hornet poses a potential threat to honeybees, beekeepers and crops that depend on pollination. State agricultural officials are asking residents and beekeepers to report suspected yellow-legged hornet sightings.
20 Oct 2026
Commissioner Troxler previews the 2026 North Carolina State Fair-- Part 2
Josh Ellis talks with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about the major renovations at the 2026 North Carolina State Fair, the return of country ham competitions after 27 years and the important connection between agriculture and the food fairgoers enjoy. The $60 million in improvements include a new event center with food vendors and seating, a rebuilt flower show building and upgrades to the Holzhauser building. Troxler also explains why bringing back country ham competitions helps preserve North Carolina's Southern food culture and highlights how farmers provide the ingredients behind everything from macaroni and cheese to turkey legs.
12 Oct 2026
Commissioner Troxler previews the 2026 North Carolina State Fair
Josh Ellis talks with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about the importance of agriculture to the state's economy and the role it plays at the North Carolina State Fair. Troxler also discusses the state's leading poultry and hog industries, the agricultural exhibits showcasing North Carolina's crops and livestock, and how Heritage Circle preserves the state's farming traditions. Visitors can also learn about the history of tobacco farming by watching an old-fashioned tobacco barn demonstration, where tobacco is strung, hung and cured over a wood fire using methods dating back to the 1800s.
10 Sept 2026
Commissioner Troxler highlights how new State Budget affects agriculture
Josh Ellis talks with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about the recently approved state budget and what it means for agriculture across the state. Troxler highlights nearly $47 million in one-time funding and additional recurring money for farmland preservation, calling the investment a major win for North Carolina agriculture. The conversation also examines the rapid loss of farmland as the state grows, including development pressures from housing and data centers, and whether current preservation efforts are keeping pace with the amount of farmland being lost.
15 May 2026
Commissioner Troxler previews the Got to Be NC Festival
Josh Ellis talks with North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler ahead of the Got to Be NC Festival in Raleigh. One of the festival’s most anticipated traditions is the parade of tractors — and Troxler answers the question many festivalgoers are asking: will he once again be leading the procession this year? The conversation also covers the importance of agriculture in North Carolina, the festival’s impact, and what visitors can expect at this year’s event.
6 May 2026
Commissioner Troxler provides update on NC drought conditions
N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler joins Josh Ellis to discuss North Carolina’s ongoing drought concerns following recent rainfall. Troxler explains why drought monitor maps still show long-term deficits, how dry conditions are affecting ponds, lakes, streamflow and irrigation supplies, and why parts of the Piedmont remain under a state burn ban. He also raises concerns about the state’s long-term water supply as North Carolina continues to grow.
15 Mar 2026
New Grants Aim to Boost Agricultural Processing in North Carolina
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler joins Josh Ellis to discuss the North Carolina Agricultural Manufacturing and Processing Initiative (NCAMPI) and a new round of grant funding aimed at expanding food processing in the state. Troxler explains how the program helps farmers add value to their crops, attract private investment and create new market opportunities for North Carolina agriculture.
1 Mar 2026
On the Front Lines of Biosecurity: Guidance for Utility and Service Crews on NC Farms
North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler discusses resources designed to help farmers work with utility and service companies to prevent the spread of animal diseases and protect an industry that accounts for nearly three-quarters of North Carolina’s farm cash receipts. Troxler also weighs in on the continued threat of high pathogenic avian influenza and why strong biosecurity measures are critical not just for poultry, but for the state’s swine industry as well.
For more information visit: https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza (https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza)
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