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Statement From Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler on $311 Million in Ag Disaster Assistance for 2024 Crop Losses

“I want to thank the members of the legislature for approving the start of an ag disaster assistance program to help farmers statewide recover from the disastrous 2024 farm season in North Carolina. And, I thank the governor for quickly signing this important bill.

“We are working quickly at the department to put together the framework of the program to begin getting the $200 million out to farmers in Western N.C. and the $111 million out across the rest of the state. We anticipate the program will closely mirror what we set up in 2018 with relief funding for Hurricane Florence and other tropical storms.

“I am especially grateful for the timing of this assistance because it will help farmers be able to put crops in the ground this season, something that many farmers were not sure could happen. 

“We will continue to work with the legislature on additional needs, as the bill noted the intent to consider more ag disaster assistance in the future. We are also seeking funding through a federal block grant through USDA.”

Source : ncagr.gov

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta