January 2020
We Grow Youth
2019 South Central District Horse Bowl
Union County hosted the South Centra District Horse Bowl this month. 11 teams from across the district came to compete by displaying their horse knowledge in a quiz bowl format. These youth studied hard to be ready to compete in this fast-paced event. Union had 6 teams entered across three age divisions. These teams received first and second in both junior and senior divisions and placed 6th in the mixed division. The first and second place teams will move on to the State Competition. Thanks to the many volunteers that made this event possible!
NEW 4-H Canine Club
A new 4-H dog club began in January with a focus on dog care, dog careers, dog training, and many other topics. In addition to regular club meetings, the members of the Piedmont Canine Connections will have the chance to go to do shows and other dog events. The club is led by Gina and Christ Crowley and Lisa Johnson. They are looking forward to a great year!
Dancing in the Clover
Nine couples agreed to put on their ballroom dancing shoes for the annual Dancin' in the Clover event. The spring gala will feature an adult and junior division. This year the event will have local "celebrities": Jeff Atkinson, Cress & Blake Barnes, Kathleen Boring, Julie Broome, David & Sandy Helms, and Cameron & Aubrey Price. The junior division "celebrities" features Madison Evans & Kyle Stokes, Bella Kassis & Issac Coleman, and Kristen Moser & Kiser Shelton. The money raised is to provide scholarships for 4-H members to attend camp, leadership conferences, trips, etc.
Intro to Livestock 4-H SPIN Club
The Intro to Livestock 4-H SPIN Club kicked off in January with their first meeting. This group is getting to learn some basics about animal science and livestock care and handling through a short series of meetings and workshops. Topics covered so far include animal products, breeds of livestock, as well as digestion and nutrition. The group will continue to meet through February with farm visits and other activities.
We Grow Knowledge
NC Farm School Begins
Extension specialists, Extension agents, and local farmers with one goal. North Carolina Farm School (NCFS) is a unique entrepreneurial program for new and transitioning farmers with the mission of increasing the number of successful farmers in North Carolina. Aaron Moore, Small Farms Agent is participating as an educator in the Southern Piedmont Farm School this year.
Spring Startup Class Prepares Bee School Students for Success
The Union County Beekeepers along with Union County Cooperative Extension offered one last class to show bee school students how to prepare for Spring, woodenware construction and acquiring bees.
Spring Peas Variety Trial
January is not traditionally the time for planting here in Union County. However, with collaboration from NC State Extension specialist Dr. Rachel Vann, Union County Extension planted a variety trial for Spring Peas this past month. Spring Peas are high in protein content and are used for meatless meal products and high-performance dog food. A special thank you to Frank Howie Family Farms for working with us on this trial!
We Grow Citizens
EFNEP - Community Partnerships
EFNEP Educator Cheri Bennett works to create strong community partnerships that provide her program participants with food resource management ideas. Recently she partnered with Brother's Seafood, Wingate NC who instructed participants on how to filet their own fish.
Union County Producers Recognized at NC Joint Commodity Conference!
We would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to Union County producer Cameron Simpson of Simpson Family arms; recipient of 1st place in North Carolina for the 2019 NC Small Grains Growers Association State Yield Contest. Awards were presented at this year's Joint Commodity Conference, held in Durham, NC.
CONGRATULATIONS is also in order for Union County producers Travis Starnes (Circle S Ranch), Rusty Cox (Cox Brother's Farms), and Cameron Simpson (Simpson Family Farms). All three were presented with 100-bushel club plaques for the 2019 NC Small Grains Growers Association State Yield Contest. Awards were presented at this year's NC Joint Commodity Conference, held in Durham.
We Grow Economy
The Carolina Green Industry Network (CGIN) held their annual landscape seminar and trade show this month. This two day event saw over 500 landscaping professionals who participated in workshops and attended the trade show. Students also have the opportunity to get their pesticide license with a one day course followed by their licensing exam the next day.
Staff Highlights
Aaron Moore - Small Farms Agent
Once again we are excited to share with you a staff member here at the Union County Extension office. Our agent of the month is Aaron Moore. Aaron is the small farms agent for Anson, Stanly, and Union Counties. He also has a small farm of his own that he operates with his wife and family. We hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about Aaron and what inspires him to help others start their own small farms.
Credits:
John Lambeth - NC Farm Bureau, Union County Cooperative Extension