Tyler Osborn, Clay County Agriculture Agent, received a scholarship to attend the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference later this winter. Also,Tyler is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Human Sciences at NC State University.

Kelli Miller, Clay County Administrative Assistant, is enrolled in the Administrative Professionals Program at NC State University. This eight-month course will enable her to earn the Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE). Kelli was also honored with the NCCEAPA Professional Improvement Scholarship to support her participation in the program.

Clay County Extension

Community Survey

North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Clay County Center is inviting residents to share their thoughts through a community survey designed to help shape future programs and outreach efforts. The survey seeks input on a wide range of topics, including agriculture and horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), 4-H youth development, and the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) program. Responses will help identify community needs and guide programming to better serve Clay County.

JORO SPIDER

The Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata) is an orb-weaving spider native to East Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, and parts of Southeast Asia. It was first detected in the United States around 2014 in northeast Georgia and has since spread throughout the Southeast, including parts of South Carolina, Tennessee, and western North Carolina. Known for its large, intricate golden webs and striking coloration, the Joro spider has quickly become a noticeable and sometimes misunderstood resident in many communities. Despite their intimidating size and appearance, Joro spiders are considered harmless to humans and pets. Their fangs are small and rarely able to pierce human skin, and if a bite does occur, symptoms are typically mild and comparable to a mosquito bite.

It's Electric!

The Clay County 4-H Program recently partnered with Hayesville Elementary School’s
4th-grade class to explore the fascinating world of electricity. On Tuesday, October 21st, students participated in an interactive lesson titled Bright Lights, based on the Magic of Electricity National Curriculum.

November Is National Diabetes

Awareness Month!

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month—a time to learn more about diabetes, a condition that affects over 38 million children and adults in the United States. Every year, November 14th is also recognized as World Diabetes Day, marking an important opportunity to raise awareness, support those living with diabetes, and encourage early detection.

Clay County Master Gardener Volunteer Interest Sign Up

Are you passionate about gardening, plants, and helping others learn how to grow successfully? The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program might be the perfect opportunity for you! Master Gardener Volunteers are trained through the N.C. Cooperative Extension to share research-based gardening knowledge with their communities.

Is It Too Late in the Season to Spray Woody Weeds With Glyphosate?

2025 Fall Artificial Insemination School for Producers, Extension Agents, and Farm Employees

Interested in starting a Christmas tree farm? A workshop will be held for potential new growers and individuals desiring to learn more on how to produce Fraser fir Christmas trees. Christy Bredekamp, Macon County Extension Director will cover basic but critical topics such as site selection and preparation, planting scenarios, alternate tree species, an introduction to the pests, budget costs, shearing, marketing, annual practices and more, along with a Q & A. Major time and emphasis will be on Fraser fir production.

The meeting will take place at the Macon County Extension Center located at 193 Thomas Heights Rd Franklin, NC on Tuesday November 18^th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. To register for this program or for more information contact Christy Bredenkamp, Macon Extension Director at 828 349 2046 or e-mail clbreden@ncsu.edu