March 2020
We Grow Knowledge
UC Spring Agriculture Summit
Welcome to Union County! NC State Extension Associate Director Dr. Dale Monks and NC Farm Bureau President Shawn Harding were introduced to Union County through a collaborative effort of Union County Farm Bureau and Union County Cooperative Extension. The guests were treated to a welcome breakfast and presentations from County Commissioner Chairman Jerry Simpson and Monroe/Union County Economic Development Director Chris Plate. Following the presentations, local ag-business, producers, and other community stakeholders had an opportunity to engage with the invited guests.
Dr. Monks and Mr. Harding were also treated to a farm and ag-business tour of Union County. Stops were made at Simpson Eggs, Dabhar Farms, and JBB Farms. We would like to thank our volunteers who participated on the tour, local farm bureau board members, and especially our farm and ag-business owners for helping us show off the diversity and economic importance of Union County Agriculture!
Caterpillar Tunnel Construction Workshop
Small Farms Agent, Aaron Moore partnered with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association, Sandhills AgInnovation and Richmond County Cooperative Extension to put on an interactive workshop on caterpillar tunnels. Participants received plenty of hands-on experience by constructing a 14' x 50' caterpillar tunnel. For more information about Small Farms, please contact Aaron at 704 - 283 - 3743.
Landscape Pesticide Recertification Program
On March 6th, Landscape Pesticide Applicators received two hours of continuing education credits towards maintaining their NC Pesticide Applicator Certificate. The program was led by Union County Horticulture Agent, Debbie Dillion,, in cooperation with Chris Smith, Pesticide Investigator, with the NC Department of Agriculture. For more information about pesticide recertification, please contact Debbie at 540 - 270 - 9553.
We Grow Economy
Cattleman's Association March Madness Sale
The Union County Cattleman's Association March Madness Replacement Heifer Sale was well attended this year despite uncertainties in the cattle market. Almost 100 lots were consigned that ranged from young heifers to cow-calf pairs and several bulls. To learn more about the Union County Cattleman's Association, please contact Rachel Owens at 704 - 283 - 3739.
We Grow Youth
More than Just Robots
It's more than just robots. Union County 4-H is missing the robotics programs established at Union Elementary, New Salem Elementary, City of Monroe's Parks & Recreation Department and the YWCA - Willow Oaks Center. During this program, more than 200 youth learned how to program and build robots with the LEGO WeDo 2.0 program.
Teen Retreat
Four Union County 4-Hers enjoyed a weekend at Camp Millstone for the annual Teen Retreat. South Central District Officers Nikki Tuttle, 2019 Secretary-Treasurer, and Taivon Sams, 2019 Reporter, gave their ceremonial tribute speech in front of their peers before announcing the incoming officers for their district.
Virtual AIRE Sessions
Did you miss it? Union County 4-H hosted two virtual sessions with families focused on the AIRE (application, interview, resume, and e-video) program and public speaking workshop. These workshops are the start of more virtual learning experiences coming from the 4-H program for youth and their families. To learn more about UC 4-H virtual programming, please contact Crystal Starkes at 704 - 283 - 3735.
We Grow Citizens
Successful Gardener - Hydroponics For the Home Gardener
Steven Copabianco, Horticulture Extension Agent, led a discussion and demonstration about how home gardeners can set up their own inexpensive hydroponic system at home.
On March 16th, Debbie Dillion gave a presentation on Hydrangeas, Old Fashioned Glamour for the Garden to the Lake Park Garden Club attended by 23 of their members. She shared resources and a pruning tip list with attendees.
National Nutrition Month with WIC
With a collaboration with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program at Union County Health and Human Services, Our Health & Wellness Agent, Marcus McFarland put together a National Nutrition Month celebration. WIC participants and their children were able to sample tasty recipes from Cooperative Extension's local food program. Kids were able to take home recipe cards, books, and fun activities to celebrate healthy eating. What a great way to appreciate great ways to eat this month! To learn more about WIC in addition to Health and Wellness, please contact Marcus McFarland at 704 - 283 - 3830.
Food and Social Injustice: A Woven Tapestry in African American History
Cheri Bennett, Expanded Food and Nutrition Educator, in partnership with the Union County Public Library, offered nutrition classes to the public in the series titled, "Food and Social Injustice: A Woven Tapestry in African American History". Discussions included readings written by subject matter experts on the traditional African American diet during slavery and the impact of limited food resources on the overall health and wellness for all people. Participants also had the opportunity to taste traditional foods associated with the African American diet during slavery and today that are healthy and nutritious such as cornbread, turnip greens, and potlikker. To learn more about EFNEP programming, please contact Cheri Bennett at 704 - 283 - 3737.
Staff Highlights
Monday Morning Staff Meetings
Staff meetings for the UC Extension office look quite different these days as we are all working remotely. Virtual, online platforms have taken the place of the conference room and coffee maker for the time being. Even with the physical disconnect, our agents are working hard to serve our community's needs!
Horticulture Agent, Debbie Dillion wins National Award
Horticulture agent Debbie Dillion, received a national award for outstanding work as a regional collaborator for her saw safety team project. This project was conducted through a series of events and workshops during the summer of 2019 here at the Union County Agricultural Center. Union County Urban Forester Bill Smith also participated in this project. Way to go TEAM!
4-H March Institutes
Union County 4-H Agent Crystal Starkes, was invited to present at a statewide 4-H event this past month. She highlighted a lightening round discussion with other 4-H agents across the state, focusing on the visual importance of marketing and media materials to capture your audience.
Bill Smith - Union County Urban Forester
This month we are proud to highlight not only one of our longest tenured staff members, but also one of the most interesting individuals around, Mr. Bill Smith. Bill came to Union County Extension after spending the majority of his career in private practice as a commercial forester. Bill has lived all over the state of North Carolina, has hiked or biked the majority of North Carolina, and can tell you many interesting facts about the rest of North Carolina. Bill is truly a blessing to have on staff as his wisdom is widely treasured not only among the forestry community but also in the relationships that he fosters with staff and clientele alike. To learn more about Urban Forestry, please contact Bill Smith at 704- 283 - 3510. We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Bill this month!
Credits:
Union County Cooperative Extension and Union County Cattleman's Association