USDA Block Disaster Assistance Program, Financial Assistance for Timberland Owners, Citizen Science Program, Estate Planning: Take Charge of Tomorrow, Backyard Composting, 4-H Chick Sale, & SO MUCH MORE!!!
Hurricane Helene left a significant impact on many farms across Western North Carolina. From damaged pastures and lost crops to infrastructure issues and financial strain, many producers are still working to recover. In response, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services is offering support through the USDA Block Grant Disaster Assistance Program to help agricultural operations rebuild and move forward.
Financial Assistance for Timberland Owners Following Hurricane Helene
The North Carolina Forest Service is offering a new program, the Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP), for forest landowners who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Helene. This program compensates forest landowners who lost timber as a result of the storm.
Drought Management in Livestock Operations
While we cannot control the weather, we can control how we respond to it. The decisions made early in a drought can make the difference between temporary setbacks and long-term damage to your pasture and operation. Learn more>>
Citizen Science Program Needs Your Help Observing the Weather
Have you ever wondered how much rain fell during a recent thunderstorm? How about snowfall during a winter storm? If so, an important volunteer weather observing program needs your help!
Imagine cutting your household waste by 25%. Join us online to learn effective methods for transforming your yard waste and kitchen scraps into compost in your own backyard. Learn more & register>>
Estate Planning: Take Charge of Tomorrow
Join us for an interactive session with Attorney Sharon Parker, who specializes in estate planning. Ms. Parker will break down the documents every adult needs to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are spared from unnecessary stress.
Dairy and eggs are good sources of protein and can be great additions to a healthful balanced diet. Following food safety practices for these foods can help to prevent infection by foodborne illness that can be present in dairy, eggs, and egg products.
Strawberries are so versatile, you can use them in smoothies, salads, turn them into jam or jelly, the list goes on and on. Here's a great way to add them to this sweet salsa recipe with other fruits, found from NC EFNEP recipes. Enjoy!
April is the time to get out your canning equipment and make sure you are ready for the canning season. Before you know it, fresh produce will be available to preserve for use during the colder fall and winter months. Your local Extension office is here to help! Learn more>>
4-H Chick Sale and Poultry Project
Support McDowell County 4-H!! As part of our annual 2nd Grade 4-H Embryology Project youth from all over McDowell County learn about the life cycle by hatching baby chicks. We then take the chicks and sale them to support the program.
The West District 4-H District Activity Day will be held on June 13 at AB Tech Community College in Asheville. 4-Hers from all across the district will come together and present presentations on topics of their choice. Join the fun & work on your public speaking skills.
We are excited to announce our 2026 McDowell County 4-H Summer Discovery program is finalized! This year we have added some new exciting trips that we have not done before and still have some of our classic favorites.
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.
