|
|
|
|
|
On October 12, we celebrate and thank the farmers and ranchers who work hard every day to grow, raise, and provide the food that keeps our communities going.
Farmers are a vital part of our food supply, putting food on our tables and helping ensure that families and communities have access to the food we depend on every day.
|
|
 |
|
For 250 years, agriculture has been woven into the story of America. Today, let’s celebrate the farmers who continue that legacy and thank them for feeding us, today and for generations to come.
Thank a farmer today! |
|
|
|
|
|
THANK YOU, IREDELL COUNTY!
On behalf of Statesville Kiwanis and NC State Cooperative Extension – Iredell County, we would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who attended, volunteered, entered exhibits and projects, participated, and helped make the Iredell County Agricultural Fair a success!From our exhibitors who proudly shared their hard work and talents, to the families, friends, and community members who came out to support them, we appreciate you! The fair is a wonderful celebration of agriculture, youth, creativity, and community, and it would not be possible without all of you. Thank you for supporting agriculture and our community and for helping us continue this special Iredell County tradition. We look forward to seeing you again next year! |
|
|
|
Fairgrounds Improvements
Exciting progress at the Iredell County Fairgrounds! Plans are moving forward for a new Regional Farmers Market that will support local growers, host community events, and create a year-round gathering space for residents. |
 |
|
Commissioners voted to award a contract for $7,577,968 to F.L. Blum for phase 2 of the Iredell County Fairgrounds project. Phase 2 is the construction of a 10,000-square-foot farmers market building, offices, conference room and a concessions / kitchen area. It includes an exhibit hall.
Phase 1, which was also awarded to F.L. Blum, is for construction of a 770-space parking lot.
Construction has started and to be completed in time for the 2027 fair.
During the construction of Phase 2, the main portion of the fairgrounds will remain operational and available for events such as the Horse Sales, Troutman Parade, and Troutman Fourth of July fireworks show. Other smaller events may also be held under the direction of the Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department.
The county received a $5 million grant from the State of North Carolina for this project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agricultural Equipment Available for Rent!
Looking to upgrade your planting or livestock handling efficiency without the cost of buying new machinery? Iredell County Cooperative Extension has specialized agricultural equipment available for local farmers and producers to rent!
Equipment Available:
-
Great Plains 606NT No-Till Drill – $15.00 / acre
-
Squeeze Chute Model S04-IN – $100/wk (In-County) | $125/wk (Out-of-County)
-
Bulldog Portable Corral +2-IN with Headgate – $100/wk (In-County) | $125/wk (Out-of-County)
Reserve Today: Call us at 704-873-0507 or stop by our office at 444 Bristol Dr, Statesville, NC! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPREADING COVER CROPS
Jenny Carleo, our Area Specialized Small Grain Agent highlights a practical farm feature with Andrew White of ASR Grain Co, located in Shelby, North Carolina. Andrew shares the specific seeding/spreading techniques, equipment, and field practices that work effectively for their operation to establish cover crops quickly after harvest. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join us on October 9th from 9am-3pm for a hands-on GrowSecure Biosecurity Workshop at Rocky Creek Dairy in Olin, NC!
Lunch will be provided!
This workshop will focus on practical strategies to strengthen on-farm biosecurity and help producers identify and address potential risks on their operations. Topics and activities will include:
- State and federal updates on emerging diseases
- Interactive biosecurity breakout sessions
- Hands-on demonstrations and planning tools
- On-farm walkthrough to identify high-risk areas
- Strategies for strengthening lines of separation
- Addressing biosecurity risks associated with agritourism
Rocky Creek Dairy
178 Holstein Lane, Olin, NC 28660 |
|
|
|
|
|
Join NC State University’s Amazing Grazing Program for a practical, one-hour educational webinar to learn how to keep your livestock safe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2026 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) Applications
If you experienced qualifying grazing losses in 2026 due to drought or fire, the deadline to apply for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) is March 1, 2027.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Two great ways to support Iredell County 4-H!
|
|
|
 |
|
MEAT RAFFLE — $10/TICKET
Get 3 chances to win: ½ of a hog, ¼ of a cow, or $250 cash! Stock your freezer while supporting 4-H youth and their activities, events, and competitions. Winners will be drawn October 23rd. Cash or check only. |
|
 |
|
GUN BINGO — $100/TICKET
Join us Saturday, October 17th for Gun Bingo benefiting the Iredell Trouble Shooters 4-H Shooting Team. There are 20 chances to win a gun, plus a kids’ bingo game and meal included! Only 200 tickets are available, so don’t wait!
https://mailchi.mp/8ddd0f6110c2/bingo |
| BUY BINGO TICKETS |
|
|
|
Both events help provide opportunities and experiences for Iredell County 4-H youth.
Grab your tickets and support 4-H today!
Stop by the office or contact any member to get your tickets!! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National 4-H Week is coming October 4–10, 2026! For more than 100 years, 4-H has helped youth grow skills for life, explore their passions, and lead in their communities. Here in Iredell County, 4-H members are preparing to be Beyond Ready for every opportunity ahead.
In celebration of National 4-H Week, October 4–8, North Carolina 4-H is kicking off the $4 for 4-H challenge—and we want Iredell County to be part of it!
The goal is simple: give just $4 to support 4-H youth and help put Iredell County on the map. Every gift supports the 4-H Priorities Fund, helping provide meaningful educational experiences, leadership opportunities, and programs for young people across North Carolina.
To learn more, please visit the $4 for 4-H Webpage: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/donors/4for4h/
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monday of National 4-H Week is Go Green! Wear green to celebrate the clover and the spirit of 4-H. Youth in Iredell County are painting North Carolina green and showing their pride, inspiring others to celebrate 4-H together nationwide!
As part of National 4-H Week, Thursday is Thankful Thursday! Take a moment to reflect on the people and experiences that have shaped your 4-H journey. Whether it’s a volunteer, educator, fellow 4-H’er, family member or community supporter, let them know how they have made a difference!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growing Hope:
Feeding People One Bed at a Time!
Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026, for a special fundraising event supporting the new Yokefellow Community Garden! Hosted at the Iredell Cooperative Extension Center (444 Bristol Dr, Statesville, NC), this volunteer led initiative brings together NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and community members to grow fresh produce for local food assistance programs, including the Yokefellow Help Center and mobile food pantries. |
 |
|
|
Event Highlights & Schedule:
-
8:30 a.m. – Doors open! Enjoy a continental breakfast, garden tours, local plant vendors, and a silent auction.
-
10:00 a.m. – Featured speaker Mark Weathington (Director, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University & author) presents "Nearly Native: Wild and Cultivated Plants from Our Own Backyard." Learn how native and cultivated plants can create beautiful, sustainable landscapes while supporting our local community.
Registration Details:
-
Tickets: $25 per person ($20 is tax-deductible). Additional contributions are welcome!
-
Advance Registration Required: Register online at givebutter.com/growing-hope-campaign or scan the QR code on the flyer.
-
Pay by Mail: Send a check payable to EMGVA Treasurer, PO Box 311, Statesville, NC 28687-0311 (Note "Growing Hope" in the "For" line).
For questions, email iemgvaorg@gmail.com or call (704) 873-0507.
Sponsored by NC State Extension Master Gardener | Iredell County Volunteer Association. |
|
|
|
|
|
PIEDMONT MEDICINAL HERB GROWERS |
|
|
 |
| Register For Herb Tour |
|
Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers on Wednesday, October 7th at 1:00pm for a farm tour at Second Wind Perennial Farms (189 Pressly Farm Rd., Stony Point, NC 28678).
Come take a guided walk through the fields to explore the journey of culinary and medicinal herbs from seed to shelf! We’ll dive into regional growing strategies, harvest techniques, and value-added farm goods like handcrafted teas, culinary blends, herbal salves, and tinctures.
The cost for the program is $12. |
|
 |
| Register For Marshmallow |
|
Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers for a workshop focused on Marshmallow (Althea officianalis) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Whether you're expanding a home herb garden or growing on a farm scale, you'll walk away with the practical knowledge to cultivate soothing demulcents and restoring adaptogens from seed to harvest.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Davie County Government Center, 154 Government Center Dr., Mocksville, NC 27028
Cost: $12
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planting a Fall Garden (Written by Randy Collins and Amy Holder, Graham Co Extension. Amended by Melinda Roberts for Iredell Informed)
One of the most common questions gardeners ask is: “When should I plant my fall garden?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ready to launch or elevate your lawn care business? Join NC Cooperative Extension for a two-day conference packed with practical advice, networking opportunities, and expert guidance.
Event Details:
-
Dates: December 9 & 10, 2026
-
Location: Iredell County Extension Center, 444 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC 28677
-
Registration Fee: $40 (Includes lunch both days)
Schedule Highlights:
-
Day 1 (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.): Business development, drafting business plans, networking lunch with vendors, and an interactive panel with experienced business owners.
-
Day 2 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.): Turf selection, establishment, maintenance, plus equipment calibration and product application (Earn 2 CEUs for L, N, D, X).
How to Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer, register online at go.ncsu.edu/startingalawncare, or call the Iredell County Extension Office at (704) 873-0507.
For More Information:
|
|
|
|
|
Safe Plates for Food Managers Training
Looking to become a certified food protection manager?
Safe Plates for Food Managers is a comprehensive food safety training program developed by NC State University. The course is designed for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other food-handling establishments.
Dates: November 9 & 16, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Exam: November 16 in the afternoon
Location: 444 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC
Registration Fee: $145
Payment Options:
Mail your payment by cash or check
https://go.ncsu.edu/spfm-11-26
Certification is based on passing a CFP-ANSI accredited exam. |
|
|
|
|
|
As fall wildfire season begins in North Carolina, the N.C. Forest Service is urging the public to take extra care with outdoor burning. Wildfire activity typically increases from October through early December, when falling leaves, dry vegetation and changing weather conditions can allow fires to spread quickly.“Most wildfires in this state are preventable,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Human activity continues to be responsible for more than 99% of wildfires in North Carolina, making individual actions one of our most important tools for preventing wildfires. Before you burn, take simple steps to keep your backyard fire in your backyard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26th Annual Klingspor’s Woodworking Extravaganza
Friday, October 23 • 9am–6pm Saturday,
October 24 • 9am–4pm
Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Ave Dr. SE, Hickory, NC 28602
North Carolina’s premier (and only) woodworking show — 50+ vendor booths, hands-on fun for all ages, soap carving is back, and a weekend packed with inspiration.
Free Parking• Free Admission• Free Classes & Demos• Free APPLES!
Bring the family, bring your curiosity, and leave with ideas (and an apple).
Full details & map: https://www.woodworkingshop.com/woodworking-extravaganza |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
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.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - Iredell County Center, 444 Bristol Dr, Statesville, NC 28677, United States
Click here to unsubscribe
By clicking unsubscribe above, you will unsubscribe from ALL electronic newsletters from this county office. If you would like to unsubscribe from specific mailings, please reply to this email and let us know what program you are no longer interested in receiving electronic communications from. |
|
|
|
|
