Catawba County Cooperative Extension Service

C atawba County Youth Council 
Lauran Surratt, HCAM student, was the Youth Council representative to attend the NC County Commissioners Conference. Lauran (center) is pictured with Catawba County Commissioners. 

Meets 2nd Monday of the Month
6:30 p.m.
Newton Main Library
Applications Due Sept. 30

The Youth Council is a leadership and citizenship program for selected high school students. We strive to have students from each public school in the county, as well as representatives from private and home schools. 

During the monthly meeting the teens learn about local government, current issues, sharpen their leadership skills, and volunteer with community service projects.  The council also works with the Catawba County United Way on the Youth Grants projects. For the 2018-19 school year the group will focus on Decision-Making Boards and  learn about career opportunities in government.

Applications are now being accepted for new members to join the Council. Contact Donna Mull, Youth Council Advisor, at [email protected] to request an application. 


AG Energy Workshop 
Christine Newhouse from Carolina Land and Lakes
September 24th 9-1pm Free
Lunch provided by Bioenergy Research Initiative

Learn how to lower your energy bill!
Grants and Rebates for Solar!
Wood Pellet Grill Demonstration!I
Introduction to NRCS On Farm Energy, High Tunnel and Organic Initiative!  
      
Catawba County Extenison office    1175 S. Brady Ave. Newton, NC   Registration necessary for lunch. Please call 828-465-8240 or email  April Vigardt at [email protected]. Or  Register here

Sponsored by Carolina Land and Lakes, NC Cooperative Extension, NRCS, NC Resource Conservancy, USDA Rural Devlopment, Energy Cap
Pesticide License Continuing Education Units

Pesticide 
Private Applicators Renewal Class
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
1 pm - 3 pm 
2 hour "V" training 

Agricultural Resource Center, Room A
 1175 South Brady Ave. Newton, NC 28658
                                                                         
AdvancedgardenerCatawba County Gardening Programs   

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

ornamental
Ornamental Classes

Gardening for 4 Season Interest - Sept 6 and 22, Nov 8 and 28

Free ornamental gardening classes! No registration necessary. Click the links or visit our webpage to find out more information!

 

CESminicourseCooperative Extension Mini Course  

 Join Us for a 5 part series-
Each week learn about a different program  Cooperative Extension offers-

Master Gardeners
4-H
Local Foods
Agriculture

Cooperative Extension Office 
Thursdays-October 4 thru November 1, 2018
5:30-6:30 

Valuable workshop discounts upon graduation!

Registration is 
open - Sign up here by October 3rd.
  
   
Local Foods Cooking Class 
Eat healthy while supporting local farmers
      Wednesdays 5:30-6:30   Cost: $10

October 3rd 
Extension Center 1175 S. Brady Ave. Newton

October 17th
Hickory Soup Kitchen 110 2nd Pl.S.E Hickory
 
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.
 
Call 828-465-8240 to register or email [email protected]
Payment must be made by 5pm the Monday before class.
 


   

Catawba County Row Crop Programs

Waterhemp has been found in Catawba County.  We still don't know what biotype it is - in other words, how many families of herbicides is it resistant to.  




"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 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 [email protected] to request a club list with details about meeting times, locations and ages.

Full list of 4-H clubs 

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
Junior Rangers
Snack Makers 4-H Club
DIG (Discoveries in Gardening)
Top Shots Shooting Sports
Bright Ideas STEM Club
Zoo Club Home School Club


School Clubs:
Montessori Leadership Club
St. Stephens High School Juntos 4-H Club
Banoak School 4-H Garden Club 
Mt. View Elementary 4-H Club - coming soon


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. 


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. 
                                                                                                       
    Help Us Improve Our Customer Service To You!

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