August 2024 Newsletter

Century Farm: Celebrate with the Payne Family!

Payne Meadows, a sixth-generation family farm in Murphy, has been under family operation since 1853! As a member of our Century Farm Program, Payne Meadows has provided a lot to the community through the years operating as a former cattle farm and now an event venue.Learn more about the farm and family and join us in thanking them for all that they do in the N.C. Agriculture industry!

Local 4-H Club Participates in NC 4-H Horse Program Artistic Expression Contest

Cherokee County 4-H Horse Club members had several entries in the NC 4-H Horse Program Artistic Expression and Creative Writing Contest. A special congratulations to Eliana Meiners who was the 1st place winner in the Creative Writing Short Story Contest and the Champion for that category.

NEW! Murphy Walking Club

Enroll or Re-enroll In 4-H!

Leaf Scorch

Drought Management Resources for Livestock Producers

Currently, we have reached a severe drought intensity (D2). Drought affects our pastures and cattle producers management decisions.

NEW! Extension Venison Donation Program

Do you hunt? Donate full or quartered deer to Adams Farms Processing this season a it will be processed free of charge to support local food pantries.  Learn more by clicking on the link below!

NEW 4-H Day Camp! 

Sew Happy To Learn To Sew

This event starts Monday, August 5th, through Thursday, August 8th. Daily the program will run from 9 am-12 pm.

Sign up through Eventbright.  Use the link below for camp information and sign ups.

LIFT Exercise Class @ Ranger Community Center

What is LIFT? It is an evidence-based 8 week strength training program to help older-adults meet physical activity guidelines. Registration is required.

For more information, who to contact and sign-up, please click on the link below.

Mountain Horticulture

75th Anniversary, Field Day!

Scheduled for Thursday August 15, 2024. Activities will include tours of the apples, tomatoes, vegetables, nursery and speciality crops.  Get your ticket and come on out to enjoy the celebration!

Tested Canning Recipies

Visit the National Center For Home Food Preservation to find tested recipes for canning the harvest! The Extension office is still offering dial gauge pressure canner testing free of charge. 

To make an appointment, call : 

Marlana; (828)837-2210 ext. 5

Forestry Land Owner Summit

Gain essential knowledge on a variety of forestry and wildlife topics that you can apply to your forest. Learn about current issues impacting our forests and practices you can implement to improve and keep your forest for generations. Click on the link below to learn more and sign up!

Soil Sampling: Resources for Homeowners, Landowners and Gardeners

Soil Sampling is an important tool for homeowners and gardeners. Farmers have been relying on this information for many years to be successful in growing crops, pasture, and tree farms.

ECA: Adult Beginner Sewing Series and Open Sew

A great opportunity for adults

(18 and older) who would like to learn to sew. Classes begin September 13th and registration is required. Please click the link below for more information and to sign-up on eventbrite.

Fun With Fruit Day and Pie Contest! 

Homemade crust is a must!

Come join us August 17 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Murphy Farmer's Market for a fun day with fruit and a pie contest.  Please see attached flyer for For more details on contest entry information and pie rules.  For Specific questions, click on the link below, to contact Marlana Baker. 

Master Gardner FREE Gardening Classes

Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Cherokee County will be offering free gardening classes on the second  Wednesday of every month 1:00pm TO 2:30pm at Konehete Park, Murphy.  Click the link below for a full schedule of classes!

County Youth Attend 4-H Congress and State Presentations

4-H Congress is an annual educational event sponsored by North Carolina 4-H and planned by the State 4-H Council and Congress Advisory Committee. North Carolina 4-H’ers ages 13-18 are invited to participate in this annual event.

ECA: Sit & Knit, at Night!

We have beginner kits for knitting and crochet, so we encourage anyone who would like to learn to join the SAK group at the most convenient time for them. If you are experienced, please bring your project to work on. Tables and chairs will be set up, with plenty of room,  so bring a friend too!

Send Your Local Mountain State Fair Entries via the Pony Express!

This is a free service provided to NC residents, by the NC Mountain State Fair and the NC Cooperative Extension.  Participation is easy!  To see the flyer further instructions by clicking on the link below.

Help Your Home Survive a Wild Fire

Protecting your home from wildfires may be as easy as pruning shrubs, cleaning gutters, and raking leaves. There are many resources available regarding wildfire in our state.  Click the link below for resources and information to help protect your home against wildfires.

2025 WNC Ag Options Informational Sessions

You are invited to an informational meeting about the 2025 WNC AgOptions grant program for growers and producers. The AgOptions staff will provide a presentation of the 2025 application,  timeline of the grant application, and answer questions.  Click below for more information and to sign up!

Assistance Can Be Requested On-line!

If you are a citizen of Cherokee County and have questions about farming, gardening and other type information, assistance can be requested online.  You can even include pictures along with your question or concern to help us better assist you. Use the link below to take you to the Agent Assist form.  Scroll down on the article find and fifill out the form!