September 2020
We Grow Youth
Books & Masks Drive Wrap-Up
The Union County 4-H Books and Masks Drive was a complete success. We collected over 500 books for youth K-12 and over 250 masks! On behalf of Union County 4-H and the group who led this service project, THANK YOU to those who donated!
4-H Expo Youth Activity Kits
In conjunction with the Union County Virtual Heritage Festival, Union County 4-H made and packed 75 youth activity kits for the 4-H Expo that were handed out to families who participated in the virtual event. Kit activities included planting a bean in a bottle, making bird feeders, building a cotton ball catapult, decorating a birdhouse, and more! To find out more, contact Crystal at crystal_starkes@ncsu.edu.
Mad Scientists 4-H SPIN Club Kick-Off
4-H Program Assistant Leah Joyner kicked off a new virtual Mad Scientists 4-H SPIN Club for youth ages 5-7. The club is designed to allow youth to act like scientists by asking why things work the way they do and grasp scientific concepts in a fun and hands-on way. The first meeting involved 4-Hers getting messy by making lemon volcanoes and experimenting with chemical reactions. In future meetings, the club will do more science activities involving food science, environmental science, animal science, and exploring the body. To learn more, contact Leah at leah_joyner@ncsu.edu.
We Grow Knowledge
It's Harvest Season for Local Research
Corn harvest is wrapping up! Union County Extension partnered with DuPont Pioneer to harvest our countywide variety trials. This information gives farmers in the area information on the performance and quality of different varieties. This year, 9 companies and 15 hybrids were represented. For more information on Union County Variety Trials, contact Mikayla at mikayla_graham@ncsu.edu.
Union County Here to Serve Day
Union County Extension, UC Soil & Water, and NC Forestry all collaborated on Here to Serve Day this past month at the Union County Farmers Market. This was an excellent opportunity for all departments here at the Union County Ag Center to share with other county government employees and local UC residents about the services that we offer. We even had an appearance by Woodsy the Owl, whose motto is: "Give a hoot. Don't pollute!"
Fall Sprouting Broccoli: Looking at an Unconventional Crop
The demand for fresh produce throughout the year has created an opportunity for farms to diversify their operations and increase their growing season, yet to many farms this is a new concept. To address the need for education in this area UC Extension in collaboration with Lomax Research and Education Farm as well as Rowan and Cabarrus Extension are conducting a demonstration of three sprouting broccoli varieties grown in a caterpillar tunnel. This demonstration will allow area farmers to see how these varieties perform in our area. The results will help farmers identify crops and varieties that will be best suited for their farms and markets through the fall and winter seasons. To learn more about fall broccoli and other small farm opportunities, contact Aaron at jamoore@ncsu.edu.
New Livestock Producers Newsletter!
Rachel Owens, Livestock Agent, collaborated with Kinsey Everhart, Livestock & Field Crops Agent in Anson County, and Katelyn Stovall, Livestock Agent in Stanly County, to launch the Tri-County Livestock Newsletter. This quarterly newsletter features timely articles and information on upcoming local educational programs and events. This newsletter is archived on the Union County Extension website so previous editions can be viewed as needed. Check out the first newsletter here: https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/union-county-agriculture/livestock/. To learn more about livestock production, contact Rachel at rachel_owens@ncsu.edu.
We Grow Community
East Union Middle School Greenhouse
This month the greenhouse at EU Middle School was completed. We are very excited about the opportunity to continue our amazing partnership with both East Union Ag and the Union County Public Schools CTE program. The greenhouse will allow us to continue educating young people on agriculture career opportunities, where their food comes from, and working with the FFA plant sale. To learn more about partnering with UC Extension, contact Andrew at andrew_baucom@ncsu.edu.
Local Business Partnership Receives State EFNEP Award
EFNEP Nutrition Educator, Cheri Bennett and the team from Brother’s Seafood, located at 3707 US-74 in Wingate, partnered to bring nutrition education to EFNEP participants focused on NC Seafood. The educational program featured hands-on learning of various aspects of seafood identification, cutting, preparation, meal planning and preparation. The partnership was recognized on September 25, 2020 during the Annual EFNEP Nutrition Educators’ Award Banquet with the Golden Star Award. The Golden Star Award honors the state’s most outstanding EFNEP community partnership. To learn more about EFNEP programming, please contact Cheri at cheri_bennett@ncsu.edu.
Community Garden Update!
Fall seed was sown in the Wingate Community Garden this month! Carrots, turnips, beets and radish were all sowed for a fall and winter harvest. These crops will be used in educational programs and then be donated to local residents. In the coming months UC Extension and Wingate University will be reaching out to the community about opportunities to learn and work in the garden. For more information about the Wingate Community Garden, contact Aaron at jamoore@ncsu.edu.
1st Annual Community Partners October Food Drive
During the month of October, UC Extension is partnering with UC Government, UC Public Libraries, the UC Sheriff's Office, and Agri Supply to donate non-perishable food to the Union County Community Shelter. Please consider making a donation to help someone in need over the upcoming Holiday Season. To learn more or help donate, contact Andrew at andrew_baucom@ncsu.edu.
We Grow Economy
Union County Local Foods & Products
As the leaves begin to turn and the weather gets cooler, now is a great time to visit your local farmers markets here in Union County. There is quite the selection of fresh vegetables, protein products, and value-added goods to be had this time of year. Also, the Union County Farmers Market currently has a Craft Fair the first Sunday of every month from 11AM - 2PM. So get outside, enjoy the cool weather, and support your local producers! To learn more about local foods & products here in Union County, reach out to us at union_local_foods@ncsu.edu.
Union County Farmers Market
The Union County Farmer's Market, locally known as the "Monroe Market", has made its home on Skyway Drive since the days of local farmers showing up around the Historic Union County Courthouse. Today the market has over 30 weekly vendors that sell locally grown, raised, or crafted goods year around on Thursday's and Saturday's from 9AM - 2PM. Come on by to make new friends, try out tasty treats, and support your local producers right here in Union County! Contact Jessica at jkhoneyc@ncsu.edu to learn more.
Waxhaw Farmers Market
The Waxhaw Farmers’ Market was established in 2001 to promote direct marketing of farm products from the original producer to the consumer. The goal of the corporation is to operate a farmers market in the Waxhaw area and support local farms as a viable part of the community. It is the market’s mission to not only provide fresh, local food, foster the direct relationship between farmers and customers, but to enhance the quality of life in the local area by providing a community gathering location. Come join us during our main season hours on Saturday's from 9AM - 12PM.
Volunteer Spotlight
Pat Haigler, Union County Baptist Association
Pat Haigler is the Site Coordinator of the Union County Baptist Association’s Christian Women’s Job Corp (CWJC). “Miss Pat”, as she is affectionately called by the women in her program, provides motivation and training to women in life skill areas that will better equip them to succeed in life. Miss Pat has assisted women in finding jobs, housing, food, furniture, and other necessities. She is a familiar face to NC Cooperative Extension, having been employed as a 4-H Program Assistant during the 1970’s and serving as a former 4-H Volunteer for several years; having at least four 4-H Clubs in the county. Miss Pat has collaborated with EFNEP Nutrition Educator, Cheri Bennett to offer nutrition education classes to the women in her program for more than three years.
Staff Highlight
Rachel Owens - Union County Extension Livestock Agent
This month we are excited to showcase Rachel Owens, our Union County Livestock Agent. Coming to us from Virginia Cooperative Extension, Rachel has worked at the UC office since June 2019. Rachel works with both adults and 4-Her's on livestock programming ranging from best production practices and economics, to youth skillathon and animal husbandry. Rachel also works collaboratively with our local foods and small farms programs. Outside of the office, you will find Rachel taking care of her horses or volunteering with her church. If you would like to learn more about the outstanding work that Rachel does her in Union County, or to learn more about the UC Youth Livestock Program, please contact Rachel at rachel_owens@ncsu.edu.
Credits:
Union County Extension Staff Rachael Holzman - Union County Local Foods John Lambeth - NC Farm Bureau