July 2020
We Grow Youth
Books & Masks Drive
Four Union County 4-Hers participated in the annual Citizenship Focus conference led by NC 4-H. The participants were charged with creating an action plan focused on some type of civic engagement project. The group decidied on the Books & Masks Drive. During the months of August and September, community members will be able to donate new to gently used books and new masks (handmade or store purchased) at the Union County Ag Center. The goal is to encourage literacy and safety during this time of COVID-19. To learn more contact Crystal Starkes 704-283-3535 or email crystal_starkes@ncsu.edu
Virtual Summer Fun Program Wrap Up
Virtual Summer Fun Program wrapped up at the end of July with LEGO WeDo and EV3 Robotics, Beyond the Backyard, and Loom Knitting. The camps all met virtually. It was a great way to stay connected with the youth during the summer. Summer Fun looked a little different this year, but the campers still had a great time participating in the camps from home.
4-H Recognized during NC Congress
During NC 4-H Congress in July, 4-H high school seniors were recognized as a special way to celebrate their accomplishments in their 4-H and school career. Union County had two 4-Hers recognized on the first day of the event. The first 4-Her was Madison Evans who graduated from Classical Conversations High School and the second was Taivon Sams who graduated from Levine Middle College High School.
4-H State Presentation Winners!
4-H presentations looked a bit different this year. Instead of face-to-face presentations with a panel of judges and 4-Hers from the entire state joined together, 4-Hers submitted videos to the state 4-H office to share their knowledge for presentations. A total of 315 participated in the state competition, and several Union County 4-Hers earned awards. Congratulations to the presentation winners and participants!
We Grow Knowledge
Pastured Poultry Series meets FCS@HOME
Health & Wellness Agent, Marcus McFarland collaborated with Small Farms Agent Aaron Moore, and Livestock Agent Rachel Owens on their last Pastured Poultry video to show how Union County residents can cook a whole chicken. The talk discusses the benefits of buying meat in bulk and using it for various meals. The whole chicken recipe was also made using locally grown vegetables and poultry to make a delicious lunch or dinner for the family! To learn more about Health & Wellness programming contact Marcus McFarland at 704-283-3830 or email marcus_mcfarland@ncsu.edu
Insect Light Traps are Bringing in Data
This month, Union County Extension set up 2 light traps to collect data about insect flights currently happening in our area. These allow local agriculture producers to know when to scout their fields and plan treatments for specific pests. There are now two traps in Union County, one in the Buford township, and one in the Goose Creek township. If you want more information about pest management in field crops, contact Mikayla Graham, Field Crops Agent, at 704-442-2624 or email mikayla_graham@ncsu.edu
What Do I Do With My Land?
Livestock Agent Rachel Owens and Small Farms Agent Aaron Moore have developed a publication for new meat producers. This document offers guidance for selecting the right species of livestock to best fit your situation. It covers basic considerations like cost, land size requirements, needed equipment, and other factors that influence a farmer's choice in livestock species. Check out the document on our small farms page and contact either agent for additional resources. Rachel Owens can be reached @ 704-283-3739 or rachel_owens@ncsu.edu and Aaron Moore @ 704-2832-3738 or aaron_moore@nscu.edu
Small Farm Production Series
A Small Farm Production Series was offered throughout the month of July for small farm producers. This four part series went through the major production techniques used on a small scale vegetable farm. Topics included field prep, seeding, transplanting, weed management, trellising and pruning. The webinar series looked at best management practices in these areas as well as tools that can be utilized on a small farm to complete production tasks. For more information on this production series contact Aaron Moore at 704-283-3738 or email aaron_moore@ncsu.edu
Cost Effective High Tunnel Options
Small Farms Agent Aaron Moore partnered with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association in early July to teach a webinar on Cost Effective High Tunnel options. High Tunnels can make a great addition to a farm but many farmers are unsure of what type of tunnel would be the best fit for their farm. This webinar provided information about different types of tunnels, the cost to build a tunnel and local suppliers for each tunnel type. Following the webinar, participants will be able to choose the correct tunnel for their farm and understand the cost and input that will be needed to construct it. For more information on high tunnels contact Aaron Moore at 704-283-3738 or aaron_moore@ncsu.edu
Nutrition Label Facts & Calculating Sugar Consumption
Student's in Cheri Bennett's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program learned first-hand how to read nutrition fact labels and calculate the amount of sugar in their favorite soft drinks by measuring it into teaspoons. Soft drinks are a major source of added sugar. Added sugars do not contain nutrients that keep our bodies healthy, and in fact they contribute to extra pounds and even obesity, therefore affecting heart health. For more information on EFNEP programming contact Cheri Bennett at 704-283-3737 or by email at cheri_bennett@ncsu.edu
We Grow Community
Special Events Center: Groundbreaking
This month UC Extension & UC Parks & Recreation held the ceremonial groundbreaking for the soon to be constructed Special Events Center. The event was held onsite behind the UC Agricultural Center, and was attended by the Union County Board of Commissioners, County management team and staff, NC State Extension representatives, and community stakeholders. Speakers included Richard Helms, Mark Watson, Nikki Kurdys, Jerry Simpson, Jim Chaffin, and Andrew Baucom. The project is set to begin the first week of August and will be scheduled for a 9 month build. We are very excited about the future partnerships and collaborations to be had with UC Parks & Recreation for community wide educational programming. To learn more about the Special Events Center contact Andrew Baucom, County Extension Director at 704-283-3738 or email andrew_baucom@ncsu.edu
WIXE Radio: Let's Get Growing!
Union County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers host a weekly radio segment every Saturday morning from 8am until 9am. Each week they cover a different gardening topic and answer calls from Union County residents. Be sure to tune into The Mighty 93.1 FM or 1190 AM every Saturday morning! To learn more about the Union County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers email ucemgwebsite@gmail.com
EMG Partners with 4-H Nature Camp
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers partnered with Union County 4-H during their Nature Camp. Lillian Melamedes talked about plant families, her garden, and showed how to make overnight oatmeal.
UC Heritage Festival Going Virtual
Union County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are continuing to work on this year's Heritage Festival. As with everything in 2020, this years event will have a different look to it. Volunteers have been working diligently to provide a virtual festival complete with a virtual 4-H Expo which includes livestock demonstrations, a virtual version of the Wild Turkey 5K race, LIVE music via Facebook and YouTube, video demonstrations and so much more! Be sure to visit the Union County Heritage Festival Website for complete details about this creative and exciting event celebrating the natural, cultural and historical heritage of Union County.
We Grow Economy
We are excited to share more Union County local producers this month as our UC Local Foods & Products projects roles onward. Rachael Holzman, our NCSU summer intern, has done a fantastic job at putting together the profiles and videos below. We look forward to sharing more local growers and businesses with you in the months to come. Stay tuned for more!
The Ivy Place
At our family-run farm, our vision is for families and close friends to pick produce together, create memories, experience the growing process, and of course, enjoy nutritious, wholesome food. We receive great joy in seeing others participate in farm activities. We grow four major crops: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and tomatoes, as well as offer a wedding venue on our historic farm surrounded by beautiful gardens.
My Fellow Friends
I grew up in Union County agriculture but in recent years I have worked in sustainable local agriculture in California. I have returned to my roots and grow all natural vegetables and flowers. It is my goal to share a farm to table experience with tips on food prep of my seasonal offerings.
Peaceful Meadows Farm
Peaceful Meadows Farm is a family farm established in 1996, ands is owned and operated by Philip and Sheila Brooks & Jeremy and Laura Brooks. Located just 25 miles from the Charlotte city limits in eastern Union County, all our animals grace on gently rolling pastures and rural wooded acreage.
Volunteer Spotlight
Union County Cooperative Extension is blessed to have an extensive list of volunteers providing countless hours of service to our community. Please join us as we begin a new section of our newsletter dedicated to highlighting these individuals. This month we are pleased to introduce you to Barbara Apelian & Linda Stedje-Larsen, two of our Union County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers who are team leaders of our teaching garden.
Staff Highlights
Retirement Wishes for Bill Smith
This past month we said congratulations and goodbye to Bill Smith, Union County Urban Forester, as he announced his retirement. Bill had spent just over 8 years with Union County following a successful career in the private sector for forestry management and planning. Bill and his wife Phylis are relocating to Greensboro, NC where they will be closer to family and friends. We wish Bill a wonderful retirement and look forward to visiting with him down the road.
Leah Joyner, 4-H Program Assistant
4-H Program Assistant, Leah Joyner joined NC Cooperative Extension in 2018 after receiving her bachelor's degree from Wingate University in communications. Leah is no stranger to 4-H. She participated in the 4-H program in Stanly County as a junior 4-Her and aged out of the program with several accolades including a member of the NC 4-H Honor Club and South Central District Officer.
As the 4-H Program Assistant, Leah is responsible for planning and implementing the 4-H Summer Fun program, an annual summer day camp special interest program for youth ages 5 to 14 years old. She is also responsible for creating the monthly newsletter, developing special interest programs and groups throughout the year, and assisting the 4-H Agent Crystal Starkes on different projects and programs. To contact Leah Joyner and learn more about 4-H Programs she is responsible for, call 704-283-3740 or email leah_joyner@ncsu.edu
Credits:
Union County Cooperative Extension, Rachael Holzman, NCSU Local Foods Intern