Advanced Gardener Program 2018
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library - 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-7 PM
Newton Library - 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM
Maiden Library - 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM
Jan - Pruning - How, When, and on What
Feb - Manage Your Lawn
Mar - Soil, Composting, and Plant Nutrients
April - Flowers, Shrubs, and Pollinator Gardens
May - Vegetable Gardening For a Resilient Community
June - Garden and Landscape Diseases and Disorders
July - 2 Minute Talks - Fire Ants, Brown Patch, Soil Testing, and 20 Other Topics
Aug - Identify and Control Your Weeds
Sept - Home Food Production - The 4 Season Strategy
Oct - Edible Landscaping With Fruit
Nov - Landscape Design - Putting It All Together
These presentations are
free and open to the public. Persons can attend programs of interest or attend all presentations for program certification.
This year's curriculum will offer two different certification programs
Master Gardener Certification
Cost: $100
Requirements - Attend all 11 presentations, complete 10 hours of extension workshop education , complete on-line quizzes and exams, complete weed collection project, complete home landscape project, complete 1000 ft2 garden design project, complete 40 hours of community service in gardening activities.
Advanced Gardener Certification:
Cost: Free
Requirements - Attend 9 of the 11 presentations, complete 20 hours of service/learning activities.
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Catawba Valley Cattlemen's Association Meeting
(2nd Tuesday of the month, May 8)
Speaker:
Dr. Justin Jornigan; Foothills Mobile Veterinary Service, PLLC; Marion, NC
Educational Program:
Herd Health strategies for cow and bull selection and maintaining them at top quality performance.
Location: APP-address: Agricultural Resource Center 1175 South Brady Ave. Newton, NC 28658
Meeting Agenda
:
6:00 Supper is served.
6:45 Business Meeting -
Dr. Greg Whitener, president
7:00 Educational Program -
Dr. Justin Jornigan
8:00 Meeting Adjourned
We welcome all people interested in our educational topic. Visitors eat free but need to initial the attendance sheet.
Members pay dues to Dr. Amanda Whitener.
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4-H Summer Preview
Thursday, May 24
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. (Drop-In)
Agricultural Resources Center
1175 South Brady Ave. Newton, NC
* Displays and Info about Summer Fun and 4-H Clubs.
* Meet and Talk with 4-H Club Leader and Summer Staff
* Register for 4-H Summer Fun Classes
* Check-out 4-H Online, our new electronic enrollment system
* Enjoy a tasty healthy summer snack
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Row Crop Updates
If you need to schedule a fit test for your respirator (dust mask or half face type) our office can help you. Give us a call to set up an appointment - 828-465-8240.
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Watermelon Grafting Workshop
May 31
10-12pm
Cooperative Extension
1175 S. Brady Ave. Classroom A
NC State PhD candidate Marlee Trandel will talk about using grafted watermelon plants for improved plant yields and disease resistance. You will have a chance to practice grafting techniques and take home your grafted plants as well as some healed transplants.
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Annual Garden Calendar For Catawba County
When should you prune, fertilize your lawn, start a fall garden, dig up your bulbs
Find out what will be in bloom this month!
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Local Foods Cooking Class
Eat healthy while supporting local farmers
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30
Extension Center 1175 S. Brady Ave. Newton
June 20th and July 11
Hickory Soup Kitchen 110 2nd Pl.S.E Hickory
June 27 and July 18
In these classes you will learn how to make the most of seasonal produce with simple, fast recipes and a bag of produce sourced from local farmers. Cost is $10 per class which includes the cost of the produce. Each class will feature different recipes and produce.
or call Cooperative Extension at 828-465-8240
Coordinated by the Cooperative Extension Small Farms and Local Foods and Hickory Soup Kitchen
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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.
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Putting Small Farms to Work
Pastured Pork Production: May 22, 9 AM to 3 PM
Catawba County Extension office
Each workshop includes a classroom session, followed by a nearby farm visit
Lunch is included with each session
Topics for
each session include site selection/
facilities/infrastructure needed to get
started, production systems, breed/
variety selection, start-up costs, expected
return on investment, basic
animal husbandry, best management
practices, post-harvest handling, processing,
marketing, etc.
Cost:
$25
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We have extended the
The challenge will now run through May 2018!
Participate individually or with a team of classmates, co-workers or friends for the chance to win some prizes to help you eat healthy!
Click here to download information and registration forms.
Coordinated by the Catawba County Library, Newton Branch, Cooperative Extension Family & Consumer Sciences and
Catawba Valley Medical Center.
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ASPIRE: ACT Prep Class
Thursdays, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m
June - September
Agricultural Resources Center
1175 South Brady Ave, Newton
Nervous about testing? Want to learn some tips to prepare or improve your ACT test score? Now accepting registration for high school students who would like to participate in ASPIRE, a 30-hour ACT prep course offered through NCSU and Cooperative Extension.
Summer ASPIRE begins with an ACT practice test on Saturday morning, June 9. Class sessions follow beginning on June 21.
The course is taught by Donna Mull, 4-H Agent, and Hannah Burke, former high school math teacher. For more information contact Donna Mull at donna_mull@ncsu.edu or 828-465-8242.
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Ages 6 and older
Lots of great summer learning activities are planned with 4-H Summer Fun. We have summer enrichment workshops and camps ranging from a few hours to full week programs. You can find the complete schedule posted on the Extension website at
https://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/04/4-h-summer-fun-2/.
Here are a few highlights....
* Farm to Table - June 12-14
* Zoo Snooze - June 21-22
* Cake Decorating - June 26-27
* Destination College - July 17-19
* Investigate Health - July 24-26
* Discovery Days - July 30-Aug. 1
* Lego Robotics - Aug. 8-9
* Extreme Makeover - Aug. 14-15
* Mini-Society - Aug. 20-24
See schedule on website for complete workshop/camp list! Lots of options for teens in 2018.
It is not necessary to be in 4-H to participate.Limited scholarship assistance is available with applications due May 15. Spaces are filled on a first-come basis. You may register in person at the Cooperative Extension Office or print and mail your registration. For more information about Summer Fun contact Donna Mull or Tina McGillvary at Cooperative Extension at donna_mull@ncsu.edu.
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4-H Presentations
County Presentation Day - May 19
District Presentation Contest - June 19
State Presentation Contest - July 21
It's time to start preparing for 4-H Presentations! If you are new to 4-H, presentations are a contest that involve youth giving a short talk with visuals on a topic of their choice. Youth first give their presentations at our County Presentation Day and then have the chance to advance to a district and state contest. Catawba county youth participating in presentations earn 4-H clover cash (scholarship money) to use for 4-H activities of their choice. District presentation winners can earn scholarships to attend NC 4-H Congress. State winner can attend cash awards.
If you want to try a slightly different option, consider the public speaking contest or Outdoor Grilling contest. 4-H'ers ages 5 and older can participate in presentations. If you want to participate in presentations for 2018, contact Donna Mull at donna_mull@ncsu.edu or
register online here. Register by May 11.
What to learn more about presentations or want some help get started on your presentation? Contact Donna Mull, 4-H Agent.
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or call 828-465-8240
Music by The Neighbors
Stay tuned for other Eat, Drink and Be Local Events during the week of June 16-21.
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The next ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certification Training will be held on Thursday, May 31, and Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The first day of class covers the content in the book. The second day you will participate in a comprehensive review, a question and answer session with an Environmental Health Specialist and take the certification exam. Call Beth Rogers at
828-465-8240 for registration information.
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4-H Clubs & Groups
A variety of 4-H clubs are available in Catawba County for youth ages 9 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. Below is a list of clubs and 4-H affiliated groups. Email or call Donna Mull at 828-465-8242 or donna_mull@ncsu.edu to request a club list with details about meeting times, locations and ages..
Community-Based Clubs & Groups
Snowy Creek 4-H Horse Club
Catawba County Livestock Club
Balls Creek Adventurers 4-H Club
Robotics Competition Team
Catawba County Youth Council
Bow Masters and More Archery Club
Sew Awesome Sewers
Snack Makers 4-H Club
DIG (Discoveries in Gardening)
Top Shots Shooting Sports
Bright Ideas STEM Club
Cultures of the World Club
Electric SPIN Club
Montessori Leadership Club
St. Stephens High School Juntos 4-H Club
Banoak School 4-H Garden Club
Our club offerings change, so check this spot each month for club updates. We welcome the chance to grow this list, add new clubs, and new 4-H'ers! Contact Donna Mull or Tina McGillvary at Cooperative Extension to learn more about starting a 4-H Club.
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GRANULATE AMBROSIA BEETLE
Adult granulate
ambrosia
beetles were found in traps in Hickory, NC in early April. If you have had problems with this
pest
in the past, now is a good time to begin preventative trunk sprays on young trees. A trunk spray of bifenthrin (with a sticker) will protect the trunk for two weeks at most. Treat the area from the ground to the lower scaffold branches. Repeat sprays are required. Protecting the trunk is the only control method available at this time.
Host Trees to this pest include:
Callery pear Chinese elm Crapemyrtle Dogwood Fig Goldenraintree Magnolia Maple Oak Ornamental cherry Peach Persimmon Plum Redbud Silverbell (Halesia) Snowbell (Styrax) Sweetgum Tulip poplar and many others!
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Need help with food preservation?
Stop by the Extension office and pick up a free guide with instructions on how to can and freeze selected fruits and vegetables.
Call Ann Simmons at 704-878-3157 or email ann_simmons@ncsu.edu if you have questions or need to schedule an appointment for dial-gauge pressure canner lid testing.
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NC State Extension Videos -
Check out these You Tube Channels
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Top 10 Food Safety Myths For Farmers
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association.
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Extension Video Highlight
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2017 Advanced Gardener
Photo Competition Winners
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Sign up now for the Master Gardener Course in 2019
Class is limited to 20 prepaid participants
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Does your farm business donate food? Read this article to understand how food donations can help your tax expenses.
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N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund Grants
County governments, nonprofit groups and certified beekeepers pursuing farmland preservation projects and beehive grants have until Dec. 15 to apply for funding assistance from the N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund. This year's request for proposals includes statewide general appropriations for traditional farm preservation projects and the new N.C. Beehive Grant Fund for the purchase and construction of beehives.
The trust fund's purpose is to support projects that encourage the preservation of qualifying agricultural, horticultural and forest lands to foster the growth, development and sustainability of family farms.
Grants can be awarded to secure agricultural conservation easements on lands used for agricultural production; to support public and private enterprise programs that promote profitable and sustainable agricultural, horticultural and forestland activities; for the development of agricultural plans; and for the purchase and construction of new beehives.
The N.C. Beehive Grant Fund is accepting its first cycle of applications this fall for certified beekeepers to establish new beehives. The request for proposals includes $25,000 for beehive projects on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible recipients.
"The new beehive grants will further support family farms in North Carolina," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "NCDA&CS is committed to conserving working lands throughout our great state and enhancing the agribusinesses that keep farms productive."
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Dec. 15.
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NCSU Official Variety Test Results for Wheat and Oat
The 2017 NC OVT Wheat and Oat data is now available, and can be found on the new NC OVT website (
www.ncovt.com) or by clicking the following link:
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NCDA&CS offers organic certification cost-share assistance
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) is offering organic growers the opportunity to recoup up to $750 of their certification cost. Growers must have been certified between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016 and complete an application available at
www.ncdaorganic.org
.
Visit the
NCDA website to see more information about this cost share opportunity.
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USDA Low Interest Loans For Storage Facilities
The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables. Eligible facility types include grain bins, hay barns and facilities for cold storage.
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Food Safety During a Power Outage
When the power goes out, you may wonder about the safety of your refrigerated or frozen foods. If the power is out for 48 hours or less, and your freezer is nearly full, your food may still be fine. According to food safety experts, a closed freezer can keep food at 40°F or below for up to 48 hours--if full and kept cold. A closed refrigerator will keep food 40°F or below for about 4 hours after a power loss.The following link will take you to a fact sheet that will help you decide what you need to keep and what you should toss when the power is out longer than expected:
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/when-the-power-is-out-when-to-save-refrigerated-food- and-when-to-throw-it-out
If you still have questions after reviewing the fact sheet, please call Ann Simmons at 704-878-3157 or email ann_simmons@ncsu.edu for more information.
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NC State Gardening, Agriculture, and Pest Updates
You can sign up for the latest news on gardening, pest advisories, livestock, energy, and many others. Check out the
complete list of NC State News that you can subscribe to and get the latest research based info. Be the first to know!
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Got To Be NC Agriculture
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NC Farm Link
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Small Farm Grant and Loan Assistance
We will post various grant and loan opportunities that arise in this space of our monthly updates. Simply click on the opportunity of interest for more information.
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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 gtplace@ncsu.edu or in person at the County Extension Office at least 14 days prior to the event.
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