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Welcome to
Iredell County Cooperative Extension!
Hello neighbors, farmers, families, and friends across the community!
Whether you’ve lived here for generations or just moved in down the street, we are thrilled to connect with you. As your local Cooperative Extension, our mission is simple: we bring the research and expertise of our state’s land-grant universities directly to your doorstep.
Think of us as your "boots-on-the-ground" resource for practical, science research-based knowledge designed to help you thrive right here at home.
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How We Can Grow Together
We offer a wide range of programs and services tailored to our community’s unique needs:
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Agriculture: Crop and Soil Management, Livestock and Animal Science, Business Farming, Apply Research - From soil testing and crop management to sustainable livestock practices.
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Horticulture: Expert advice for both professional growers and home gardeners providing education, diagnosis, and problem-solving. Pesticide training.
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4-H Youth Development: Empowering the next generation with hands-on learning, leadership, and life skills through Agriculture, STEM, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement.
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Family & Consumer Science: Home Economics. Food, Nutrition and Health. Cooking workshops, food safety, mental health and wellness programs for all ages.
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Community Development: Support for local businesses, farmers' markets, professional development and economic growth.
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| Contact US: |
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MEET THE DIRECTOR |
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LAURA ELMORE . . . . . . IREDELL COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR |
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Laura Elmore will start as the Iredell County Extension Director in January 2026.
Laura brings nearly a decade of experience serving the county’s agricultural community as the Livestock and Field Crops County Agent.
Laura began her Extension career in Iredell County in 2016 as the Livestock and Field Crops Agent, where she worked closely with producers to provide research-based education in beef cattle management, forage systems, crop production and pesticide education.
Parallel to her work with adults, she has been a dedicated leader in 4-H Youth Development, mentoring the next generation of agricultural leaders through livestock programs, youth clinics, and competitive events. |
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Throughout her career, Laura has led and supported numerous educational programs and initiatives aimed at improving on-farm efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. She is particularly proud of her work supporting livestock producers through applied research demonstrations, producer education programs, and grant-supported projects that strengthen local agricultural operations and her commitment to 4-H, where she fosters leadership and technical skills in local youth.
Laura earned both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Animal Science from North Carolina
State University. Her academic training, combined with her professional Extension experience,
provides a strong foundation for leading county-based Extension programming.
In addition to her professional role, Laura is actively involved in agriculture outside of
Extension. She works on her family farm, where they raise commercial broiler poultry, beef
cattle and sheep, and operate a seasonal greenhouse. This hands-on farming experience keeps her closely connected to the realities of agricultural production and informs her work with producers across Iredell County.
Laura is motivated by Extension’s mission to serve communities through practical, research-
based education and is excited to continue strengthening Extension’s impact in Iredell County
through leadership, partnerships, and service.
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CONVERSATIONS ON COVER CROPS
How do you set up your equipment when planting soybeans after a cover crop? See what Jimmy and Jenny have to say.
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| Watch the Video |
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4-H Achievement Night
All 4-H families are invited to join us for our Annual 4-H Achievement Night on Thursday, February 26th at 6:00 PM. This special evening is a time to celebrate the hard work, growth, and accomplishments of our 4-H youth from the past year. Whether your family is new to 4-H or has been involved for years, we’d love to have you join us as we recognize our members and the impact they’ve made.
Please be sure to RSVP by February 18th using the link provided. Parents and guardians of youth who will be recognized will receive additional details by email in January. We hope to see you there as we celebrate another great year in Iredell County 4-H!
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4-H Graduation Cord Application
Have you been in 4-H for 3 or more years and a graduating senior in 2026?
Fill out the form below to receive a 4-H Graduation Cord!
Due by January 30th.
Cords will be given out at Achievement Night, Feb. 26th
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| Application Link |
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4-H Project Books
4-H Project Books, Portfolios, and Achievement Plans due to Adreanna on Friday, January 16th by 4:30pm!
Need help with any of them?
Contact her to set up a time!
704-873-0507 or awhite@ncsu.edu |
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NC 4-H Scholarship Applications
Graduating Seniors!
NC 4-H offers 74 Scholarship Opportunities every year! Fill out your application by January 16th and turn into Adreanna by 4:30pm. |
| Scholarship Guide |
| Scholarship Application |
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NC 4-H Honor Club Application
Membership in the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club is bestowed upon those 4-H’ers who have exhibited outstanding 4-H citizenship and leadership throughout their 4-H career. An Honor Club member continues to provide leadership and service to the total 4-H program throughout life.
You must have completed three or more years of 4-H club work and shall be at least 16 years of age and not more than 20 years of age on January 1 of the year of application.
All applications are due to Adreanna by January 16th at 4:30pm.
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| Learn More About Honor Club |
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Structural Pest Control and Pesticides - Pesticide In-Person Exam Calendar
CLICK HERE
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Spring 2026 (January-June) Pesticide Safety Schools
CLICK HERE |
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Become An Extension Master Gardener |
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All those who wish to apply must complete the application form and submit back to Melinda Roberts. You can download the application below or stop by the office (444 Bristol Drive, Statesville NC 28677) and pick up a copy. |
| Learn More About The Program |
| Application |
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2026 NC Farm School - South Central
IN PERSON SESSIONS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAYS FROM 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FOR ALL THE DATES BELOW UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Zoom Virtual Orientation – March 2nd from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
March 16th – Mecklenburg County Center
April 20th– Rowan County Center
May 18th – Iredell County Center
June 15th– Cabarrus County Center
June 29th- Graduation Dinner, Cabarrus County from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.,
location TBD |
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Your Christmas tree is the gift that keeps on giving! Following Christmas, there are lots of options for sustainably repurposing your tree to benefit your ecosystem. Explore an option that works best for you! |
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Recycle Your Discarded Christmas Tree This Year!
Though there may no task more disheartening (or messier) than removing your Christmas tree, it does not necessarily mean that its last stop is the curb with the empty gift boxes. How about this year going for a greener approach and extending the life (and function) of that tree? |
| READ MORE |
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This easy, economical and quick salad is packed with flavor, protein, and fiber. It's perfect for making ahead because it only gets better as it sits. |
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Black-Eyed Pea Salad
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2 (15.5 oz) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
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2 stalks celery, finely diced
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¼ yellow onion, finely diced
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2 Roma tomatoes, diced
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¼ cup + 2 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Instructions
- To a large bowl, add the black-eyed peas, celery, onion, and tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Pour vinaigrette into black-eyed pea mixture and toss. Serve at room temperature.
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