The Halifax Link:

Eastern Carolina 4-H Livestock Show & Sale Success!

Fourteen Halifax County youth competed in the 89th Annual Eastern Carolina 4-H Livestock Show & Sale in April - and they represented our county well!

Summer Day Camp Lineup 

Get ready for an unforgettable summer!☀️

Summer Day Camp registration is officially open and spots are already filling up fast.

Be sure to review each camp week carefully for transportation details and any additional field trip costs that may apply. We encourage you to go ahead and secure your child’s spot now before sessions fill up—we can’t wait for an amazing summer!

Click the link below for more information on camp themes, transportation, and scholarship opportunities. Our scholarship application will close on May 8th at 5pm.

County Activity Day Sign Ups

Calling All 4-H Youth — Get Ready to Shine! 🌟

4-H County Activity Day is coming up on May 7th! All 4-H’ers who participated in a 4-H project, competition, or are part of a 4-H club are strongly encouraged to take part in 4-H Presentations. Presentations are an important tradition in North Carolina 4-H and one of the best ways youth build confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

Through presentations, youth research a topic connected to their projects or interests and teach others what they have learned. Rather than simply giving a speech, they practice organizing ideas, explaining concepts clearly, and answering questions from an audience. These experiences help youth grow as public speakers while also strengthening problem-solving, preparation, and self-confidence.

Time slots are filling up fast, so be sure to register for yours at the link below!

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Busy World of Bees!

Gardening during Drought

Our area is experiencing worsening drought conditions, creating challenges for our home gardeners. NC State Extension experts have shared tips and ideas to make the best of difficult days.

Poultry Processing Demo

If you have an interest in processing poultry join us May 15th to learn the proper way to process backyard birds. Pre-registration is required.

Scholarship Opportunity Deadline 5/4/26

The Halifax County Cattlemen’s Association  has opened applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program, designed to support students from Halifax County or those attending high schools within the county who are pursuing degrees in agricultural-related majors. 

Agriculture and Pesticides

All pesticide license holders need to attend this new class before their recertification date. More classes will be available this fall. Use the LEARN MORE button below to keep up with all important class dates as available.

Seed Libraries

Thanks to the  Halifax County Master Gardener volunteers for partnering with us on getting FREE seeds to the community. You can find a seed display in ALL 5 HCLS locations which includes Halifax, Enfield Memorial Library, Littleton Library, Scotland Neck Memorial Library and Weldon Memorial Library.

Free Pressure Canner Testing in Halifax County

The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Halifax County Center, is here to help! We offer professional gauge testing completely free of charge.

• What to bring: You don't need to haul your entire unit—just bring in your canner lid with the dial gauge attached.

• Compatible Brands: Our master gauge can test the accuracy of National, Magic Seal, Maid of Honor, and Presto brands.

  • Note: We cannot test All American canner gauges at this time.

Schedule Your Appointment

Don't wait until your harvest is sitting on the counter! Contact EB Odom at (252) 583-5161 today to schedule your quick gauge testing appointment and ensure your pantry is stocked safely this season.

Food Preservation Class Series

Join the Halifax County Cooperative Extension for hands-on summer food preservation workshops to learn safe techniques for canning fresh strawberry jam, sweet corn, and homemade salsa.

May 21  Jams & Jellies

June 24  Pressure Canning

July 16  Water Bath Canning

All classes will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m in the Halifax County Cooperative Extension kitchen. Class fee is $10.00 and registration is require. Space is limited. 

For more information, contact EB Odom, eb_odom@ncsu.edu. 

Safe Plates for Food Managers Training 

A training program for food protection managers.

This program prepares managers for the American National Standards Institution approved Food Protection Manager Certification. Managers successfully completing the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Food Manager Certification exam meet the FDA Food Code 2017 requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager. This certificate not only meets the same requirement in North Carolina but is also good throughout the United States for five years. Managers trained in Safe Plates for Food Managers are equipped to create a work environment that minimizes food safety risks in their restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores through best practices, open communication, and thoughtful practice.

Class: May 11 & 12, 2026, 9:00 - 4:00 (Lunch on your own)

Exam: May 13, 2026, at 9:00 am

Class Location Address:

N.C.Cooperative Extension,

Halifax County Center

359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC

Registration Fee: $145.00

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

The Open House for the public to review the draft Comprehensive Land Use and Recreation Plan will be Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Cooperative Extension Auditorium. Please attend and learn about future plans for our county.