80th Annual McDowell County Jr. Livestock Show, Veggie Disease Update, Backyard Composting, Smartphone Photography Course, How to Launch a Food Service Business, Teens Teaching Tech, & SO MUCH MORE!!!
Mark your calendars! The 80th Annual McDowell Junior Livestock Show is set for July 31st & August 1st, 2026, and we’re excited to once again highlight the hard work and dedication of our local youth in agriculture. Held right here in McDowell County, this event brings together families, students, and community members to celebrate the importance of livestock, responsibility, and rural traditions.
McDowell County Farmland Protection Plan Survey
The Foothills Regional Commission, in collaboration with the McDowell County Government, is seeking input from agricultural producers and consumers. The surveys are designed to gain a better understanding of local needs and challenges.
Alternative Feeds for Beef Cattle During Drought
While we all wish we had enough good hay on hand or in the local area to feed our cows, that is not going to be the case for many of us this year, so consideration of alternatives needs to start now. Learn more>>
Veggie Disease Update
Summer is in full swing in Mills River with highs approaching the upper 80s & daily thunderstorms. We’ve started to see a few cases of Phytophthora on pepper so I figure now is as good a time as any to dive into that disease a little bit.
NC A&T State Cooperative Extension is conducting a statewide survey on community perceptions of composting & waste reduction. Results will help guide future education & outreach efforts across NC. The survey is short.
Composting is harnessing the power of nature to recycle your organic waste. More than 25% of the typical home’s waste is yard trimmings & food scraps. Imagine cutting down the amount of trash you take to the dump by 25%.
Registration is now open for a FREE 5-week Smartphone Photography Course designed to help you master the camera in your pocket, skip the tech frustration, & actually have fun doing it.
Getting Connected: Free Wi-Fi & Digital Device Resources
Today, having reliable internet access & a working device is an absolute necessity. Whether you need to apply for a job, study for a class, or stay in touch with family, McDowell has several resources to help you bridge the digital gap.
How to Launch a Food Service Business is a step-by-step series that walks participants through the process of turning a food business idea into reality—from the initial concept all the way through obtaining a certificate of occupancy. Learn more & register>>
Reach For A Peach
We celebrate National Peach Month in July when they are at peak season. During this month, and into the next, peaches will be filling up your local tailgate markets and produce stands. Go grab a few and try this easy recipe!
Canning season is here and whether you are new to canning or just want to brush up on the latest information, Hands-On classes can be fun! Here are some classes coming up in July and August. Space is limited!
Summer is upon us, & there are some things to keep in mind to prevent having a food-borne illness ruin your vacation or summer get together. Here are some tips from the Fight BAC!® team as the warm summer temperatures make for ideal environments for bacteria to grow.
You're a teen, and you know tech. Do you want to share your knowledge with older adults or others who don't have the same digital skills as you? We are looking for motivated youth to join our Digital Bridge Collaborative to help bridge the digital divide.
The 2026 4-H West District Activity Day was held at AB Tech on Saturday, June 13. We had 4 first-time presenters representing McDowell. Take a look and see how they did. Congratulations to all four presenters!
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.
