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CATAWBA COUNTY CENTER
We Are Here to Serve You!
828-465-8240 or Email our Staff
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Be sure to go down to the bottom of your email and click "[Message clipped] View entire message" so you don't miss out on some important info at the end of the newsletter!
Sometimes we save the best for last!!
*Links to registration, emails and more information are in red*
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OCTOBER ACTIVITIES
Cattlemen's Meeting - October 8
Local Foods Cooking Classes - October 16
Planting Native Shrubs and Plant/Seed Swap - October 19
Beekeepers Meeting - October 21
Fall Food Preservation - October 22 or 29
Lost Arts Meeting - October 24
Thursdays in October - Backyard Livestock Basics - Lincoln Co. Ext.
Kids Voting - October 21, 22, 28 & 29
Coming in November
November 13 or 15 - Seasonal Favorites Cooking
November 16 - 4-H Friendsgiving
November 19 - Farm City Banquet
Visit NC App https://visitncfarmstoday.com
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NC State Extension - NC Disaster Information Center
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If you have agriculture related damage from the hurricane
(fencing, crops, animal loss, loss of hay, loss of production, etc),
contact the FSA SERVICE CENTER OFFICE. They would like to have damages reported by October 4 if possible.
For Catawba County -
IREDELL COUNTY FARM SERVICE AGENCY
444 BRISTOL DR
STATESVILLE, NC 28677-2942
(704) 872-5061 ext. 2
(844) 325-6909 Fax
For Lincoln County –
COUNTY FARM SERVICE AGENCY
1303 DALLAS CHERRYVILLE HWY
DALLAS, NC 28034-7799
(704) 922-3806
(844) 325-6887 Fax
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Join us in saying "see you later" to
Dr. Adam Smith, Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator.
Adam resigned his position with Cooperative Extension at the end of September. We hope to continue to see Adam as a MG volunteer and small farmer in Catawba County. We wish him the very best and will miss him and his incredible wealth of knowledge.
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Registration for the 2025 Master Gardener class
will be put on hold until the Horticulture Agent
position is filled.
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We Are Hiring:
Extension Agent, Ag - Horticulture
The individual in this position must possess a high degree of horticulture, plant protection, and plant science knowledge and have excellent people and communication skills, be computer literate, and have the necessary education and experience to lead a strong Extension horticultural education program. This position requires a person who can relate to the needs of our clientele; is adept at going out into the county for on-site visits to engage targeted audiences; and, who can increase program capacity by generating community resources and building partnerships. The person in this position should be versed in homeowner horticulture and gardening, turf and ornamentals, sustainable crop production systems, fruit and vegetable production, IPPM, and soil science. Secondly, this position is responsible for managing the Extension Master Gardener program which includes recruiting, training and oversight of Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
Other tasks include the management of pesticide education as it pertains to the green industry, coordinating and assisting with youth horticulture programs and school gardens, being responsive to public inquiries relating to horticulture, developing innovative strategies for marketing, and evaluating educational impacts of the overall horticultural program.
The individual should be able to establish relationships with community groups to support community gardening. The candidate must be able to develop and implement innovative strategies for presenting educational programs and provide leadership for planning, marketing, and evaluating educational programs with measurable impacts.
The position will also involve collaborating with area Extension specialists, Local Foods Agent and other Extension agents to coordinate collaborative educational programs.
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Catawba Valley
Cattlemen’s Association
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
6:00 pm
Location: ARC
6:45 pm: Short Business Mtg
7:00 pm Program: Native Warm Season Grasses by Jason Smith
6:00 pm Hamburger Meal
6:45 pm Business Meeting: Amber Yang, President and Dr. Greg Whitener, Treasurer
7:00 pm Speaker: Jason Smith, District 7 Wildlife Biologist NC Wildlife Resources Commission
8:00 pm Meeting adjourned
2nd Annual CVCA Bull Breeding Soundness Exam & Hoof Trimming Day rescheduled to October 18 in Lawndale, NC. $55 per BSE, $100 per hoof trimming or $110 for both services. Call the Extension Office, 828-465-8240 for an appointment slot.
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NC AgVentures Grant Applications open October 15th:
Grant Opportunity for Family Farms.
NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program provides grant awards to NC family farms for new and innovative agricultural projects to increase farm profits. The deadline to apply is 6:00 PM December 13, 2024.
For more information please visit: www.ncagventures.org or contact Carson Johnson or April Vigardt at the Extension Office, 828-465-8240.
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As many are dealing with power outage, keep in mind food safety. If you have questions, email Donna Mull at donna_mull@ncsu.edu or call the office 828-465-8240.
You can also check out these online resources:
https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/
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Kids Voting NC 4-H
We are excited to bring the civic education program, Kids Voting NC 4-H, to Catawba County this October. We’re teaming up with Catawba County Libraries to host events at four library branches, where youth can learn about voting and participate in hands-on activities.
Event Schedule:
Monday, October 21st from 5 PM to 7 PM at St. Stephens Library
Tuesday, October 22nd from 5 PM to 7 PM at Southwest Library
Monday, October 28th from 5 PM to 7 PM at Sherrills Ford Library
Tuesday, October 29th from 5 PM to 7 PM at Newton Main Branch Library
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Lost Arts Program
October 24, 5:30 at the Ext. Office
Making Herb Extracts and Salts
If you're interested in learning more about growing and raising food, food preservation, bread making, cheese making, and learning about how to make the most of what nature has to offer, then join us for this monthly club.
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First LEGO League Robotics Training
We are excited to announce the return of our First LEGO League Robotics program in Catawba County! For the past three years, Catawba County 4-H has partnered with the Catawba County Library System to offer this engaging program to 2nd to 4th graders throughout the county. Participants will have the opportunity to build, program, and develop teamwork skills, culminating in a presentation for their parents and the community.
As part of 4-H, we rely on the support of volunteers to bring our programs to life. Our First LEGO League Robotics volunteers will facilitate small groups of youth. To kick off the new season, we invite all adult and teen leaders interested in assisting with this program to join us for a training session on Friday, October 25th, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Agricultural Resources Center in Newton (1175 S. Brady Ave). Dinner will be provided, and Carol Moore from STEM West will lead the training. No prior robotics knowledge is necessary! Space is limited so please reserve your spot by October 10th. Sign up here
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Catawba County Youth Council
Now Accepting Application for New Students
9th - 11th Graders
Are you a high school student with an interest in civic involvement and leadership?
Cooperative Extension is now accepting applications for the Catawba County Youth Council. The council is comprised of 30 teens who are selected as representatives of their high school, including private and home school students. Youth Council members have a chance to improve their leadership skills as they meet monthly for educational programs, projects, and learn more about local government and community needs. The Youth Council is a collaborative project of Catawba County government, Cooperative Extension/4-H, & United Way.
To apply for Youth Council – students can complete the online Youth Council application at https://go.ncsu.edu/youthcouncil2024 Applications with the letter of recommendation should be completed by October 11. Students in grades 9-11th who reside and/or attend school in Catawba County are eligible to be part of Youth Council.
This year we have space to add about 15 new students.
If you have questions please contact Holly Ellwanger at hpellwan@ncsu.edu
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Local Foods Cooking Class
Learn to make healthy and easy meals with local foods.
The last class will be October 16 at NC Cooperative Extension office in Newton
Tickets are $10 per class & include a demonstration of 3 recipes, samples and a $10 bag of produce.
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Fall Food Preservation
Learn some food preservation basics with a hands-on workshop, perfect for Fall. We will talk about making fruit butters and food preservation safety, as we work through making Apple Butter.
The small group workshop will allow participants to get involved in making their own jar of Apple Butter to enjoy later at home.
Cost: $10, pre-payment required.
Location: Agricultural Resources Center.
Choose the workshop time/day to fit your schedule and pre-register online:
Tuesday, Oct 22 - 5:30-7:30 p.m. OR
Tuesday, Oct 29 - 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Register and payment due by October 15
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Backyard Livestock Basics
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Planting Native Shrubs and Plant/Seed Swap
October 19, 2pm
at Hickory Public Library, Patrick Beaver
375 3rd St. NE, Hickory
Native Shrubs can be a beautiful, resilient and
environmentally sustainable addition to your
landscape. They are easy to grow and a host
to pollinators and beneficial insects.
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Seasonal Favorites Cooking: Winter Squash
Our Seasonal Favorites Cooking workshop for November will be Winter Squashes. You might be tempted to use these for Fall decorating, but winter squashes can also be the source for nutritious and delicious fall dishes. Learn some tips and tricks to selecting and cooking squashes such as butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash. Small group setting allows for hands-on involvement by participants and taste testing with finished recipes.
Choose the workshop time that works best for you by
registering here
Location: Agricultural Resource Center
Wednesday, Nov. 13 - 5:30-7:30
Friday, Nov 15 - 10:30 -12:30
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Please use this link to nominate your choice for the
Outstanding Contributor to Agriculture Award
which will be awarded at Farm City. The form has been
shortened to help make it more manageable to complete.
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Farm City Banquet
Farmland Preservation
November 19, Tuesday, 6-9pm.
The Main City Cellar 332 1st Ave. SW. Hickory, NC
Tickets $25.
Farm City Week has been observed nationally since 1955 to increase understanding between agricultural and urban communities.
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Teens are invited to attend the 4-H South Central District Friendsgiving on Nov. 16, from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Catawba County Agricultural Resources Center. This is a great opportunity for teens to connect and build relationships across the district. There is a $15 fee per youth participant to cover supplies and lunch. The program will focus on a community service project and time for teens to enjoy together. Youth will spend time with veterans. All 4-H members are encouraged to create cards for veterans for the event. Registration in 4-H Online is due October 28th. For questions or to sign up, contact Lisa Ortiz at lortiz2@ncsu.edu or 828-465-8240.
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Catawba Valley Beekeepers Meeting
Monday, October 21, at 7pm
This month's presenter is Doug Vinson. He will talk about preparing your hives for the winter.
Monthly meetings are held at the Catawba County Extension Office,1175 South Brady Avenue, 1st Floor, Newton, NC 28658
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Foothills Farm School 2025
Farm School is an NCSU Extension program that focuses on the business side of farming. We will meet once a month February to June for in depth classes in the morning and farm tours in the afternoon. The goal of this program is to help you prepare a business plan and increase your farms financial stability. Register Here
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Hickory Farmers Market is looking for a new Market Manager
The Hickory Farmers Market is looking for a new market manager who is has exceptional people skills. is well organized and passionate about local foods. This position offers a competitive salary for a year-round, 25 hour work week.
Click here for the job posting and application!
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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 Ca tawba County Extension Director at (828) 465-8240 or in person at the County Extension Office at least 14 days prior to the event.
Las universidades NC State y NC A & T están comprometidas colectivamente a llevar a cabo acciones positivas para asegurar la igualdad de oportunidades y prohibir la discriminación y el acoso independientemente de la raza, el color de la piel, el país deorigen, la religión, la ideología política, el estado civil y situación familiar, el sexo, la edad, la condición de veterano de guerra, la identidad sexual, la orientación sexual, la información genética o la discapacidad de la persona. Colaboración entre las Universidades NC State y NC A & T, el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, y los gobiernos locales. Las personas con discapacidades y las personas con dominio limitado del inglés pueden solicitar adaptaciones para participar comunicándose con el Director de Extensión del Condado de Catawba (828) 465-8240 or o personalmente en la Oficina de Extensión del Condado al menos 14 días antes al evento. Yog hais tias koj xav tau kev txhais lus Hmoob, thov hu rau peb tus extension thawj coj, George Place, ua ntej nws thiaj li yuav nrhiav tau kev pab koj. Nws tus xov tooj yog 828-465-8240. Ua tsaug.
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Contact:
Catawba County Cooperative Extension
Agricultural Resources Center, Newton, NC 28658
828-465-8240
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
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