Catawba County Cooperative Extension Service

Upcoming Workshops and Activities
Congrats to April Vigardt!

April Vigardt, Catawba County Small Farms and Local Food Agent, took home 4 state awards for her extension outreach work with small farmers and local food systems in Catawba County.  

Way to go April!


AdvancedgardenerCatawba County Gardening Programs   

Advanced Gardener Program 2019

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library - 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 PM
Newton Library - 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-7 PM
Maiden Library - 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM

WarmSeason Annuals Novel Fescue   
C atawba Valley Cattlemen's Association
  Meeting Cattlemen
   2nd Tuesday of the month, Dec. 11, 2018
We welcome all people interested in our educational topic.

Location :   Agricultural Resource Center 1175
                       South Brady Ave. Newton, NC 28658
Speaker:
                    4-H Speakers: Regan Mitchem,  Jordan Mitchem
                    Main Speaker:  Mr. Sam Dobson 
Educational Program: 7 PM - 
4-H Speakers:  Regan Mitchem: Hormones in Beef - Dispelling the Myths.
                   Jordan Mitchem: Two Step, Low Stress Weaning Method.
Main Speaker:  Mr. Sam Dobson is involved with Hickory Nut Gap Meats grass-fed beef and owns an organic dairy in Statesville.  

6:00  Supper is served.
8:00 Meeting Adjourned
Visitors eat free but need to initial the attendance sheet. 

Educational Meeting Strip Grazing Holcomb blend Beef Expo 2018
ornamental

Home Horticulture and  
Green Industry

Home horticulture classes!

Sustainable Landscape Ideas - Dec 11 (Free - Pesticide and Landscape credits)
Bulb Forcing Workshop - Jan 10, 2019 ($15 cost)

Visit the  horticulture webpage  to find out more information about classes and to read articles about home landscaping topics.

New Volunteer Opportunity!!!  Ridgeview Community Garden Plot Manager. Visit the webpage to find out more information and apply!


ornamental
4-H Happenings......
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Project Book Work Sessions
 
4-H Project Book and special award applications are due on January 8.  4-H college scholarships and Honor Club applications are due January 15. A few more drop-in project work sessions are planned in December for 4-H'ers to get help on their project books on the following days:

Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

You may arrive anytime during this time and stay as long as you wish to work and get some help with your project record forms, Honor Club applications, and/or 4-H college scholarship applications. Register here for the Project Book work sessions.

Teen Opportunities in 4-H - January 8, 6:30 p.m.
All 4-H families are invited to join us for January County Council. You will have a chance to learn the amazing opportunities offered to teens through 4-H, such as National 4-H trips, college scholarships and leadership roles. We will also be electing our 2019 adult and youth county officers. If you are 12 and older and would like to run for an office, email [email protected] by January 2. County officer roles are limited to those currently enrolled in a 4-H club and their enrollment complete in 4-H Online. 

NEW 4-H Dog Club Starting 
We finished up a successful 6-week Canine Citizens series in November and continuing as that group transitions into a 4-H Dog Club for ages 5 and older.  The club will meet two Monday evenings a month at the Agricultural Resources Center.  The first meeting will be on January 21. The club is for youth ages 5 and older. 


    

Rowcrops Catawba County Row Crop Programs

Industrial Hemp Information Session
Dec 18, 6-8 PM
Catawba County Extension Center
1175 S. Brady Ave, Newton NC

Dr. Angela Post and Dr. Keith Edminsten from NC State will discuss the latest agronomic recommendations for growing hemp in the Piedmont

We will also have a panel discussion with farmers growing hemp and representation for the NC Industrial Hemp Association

Dinner will be provided so please register for this event on-line at our website's row crop page or call our office 828-465-8240

Take a look at these short articles for the latest info on hemp in our area:




Soy growers can sign up now through Jan. 15, 2019 for the 
Market Facilitation Program. Info and instructions are here. 

Take a look at the Ag Tech Toolshed from the United Soybean Board

"Farm to Fork" Recipe Page

Visit the " Farm to Fork"  recipe page for recipes and resources to help you prepare produce that you grow or purchase at local farmers markets.



 Attention - Aspiring Food Business Entrepreneurs:  

Click on the link below for answers to questions regarding starting a food business. Whether you are interested in selling value-added products at a farmers market or starting a 
food truck. You will find information to help you, including agencies that regulate food businesses.

So you want to start a food business in Catawba County?


4-H Clubs & Groups

A variety of 4-H clubs are available in Catawba County for youth ages 5 and older. The clubs are led by volunteer leaders and meet at different times and places. Most of the clubs are special-interest, meaning they focus on a particular topic or theme.General interest clubs are also part of 4-H. 

Full list of 4-H clubs 



Need help with food preservation?

Stop by the Extension office and pick up a complimentary guide with instructions on how to can and freeze selected fruits and vegetables. For your convenience,  the guides have been distributed to several local libraries but supplies are limited.

You can also visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation  website for extensive information on how to preserve your favorite foods. 
                                                                                                       
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Please answer these 4 simple questions by clicking on this survey link. 

In 2 minutes you will help us to improve how we serve Catawba County.  
This survey is completely anonymous

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination statement

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran's status. In addition, the two Universities welcome all person without regard to sexual orientation.  North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Catawba County Extension Director, George Place, at (828) 465-8240 or [email protected] or in person at the County Extension Office at least 14 days prior to the event.

Contact:
Dr. George Place
Catawba County Cooperative Extension Director
Agricultural Resources Center, Newton, NC 28658
828-465-8240