Catawba County Center

Catawba County Center
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Healthy Living Series


Monday Feb 6, 13, and 20
12:30 to 2:30 PM
Agricultural Resources Center
1175 S. Brady Ave, Newton 28658
Cost: Free


Mark your calendars to attend all 3 workshops or any single workshop that you are able to attend. Aubrey Mast, NC State Extension Associate for Nutrition, will be presenting this enlightening series.  This program is extremely popular - don't miss out.  For more info on the workshop take a look at this description


Check out the Healthy Living website for an incredible array of info on how you can improve your health with foods.



Become a Master Gardener in 2017
Feb 7-April 27, 2017
Classes held every Tuesday & Thursday 9 AM-Noon
Agricultural Resources Center
1175 S Brady Avenue
Newton, NC  28658


The $100 non-refundable deposit will cover the entire cost of the course including the extensive Master Gardener manual and multiple field trips.


The course will be led by Dr. George Place, 
Director of Catawba County Cooperative Extension Service.


This course can be taken by both beginning and experienced gardeners.


We will cover a wide array of topics with experts from around our region including: vegetable production, soil health management, berries, tree fruit, integrated pest management, plant problem diagnosis, garden
disease management, home lawn maintenance, landscaping, ornamentals and much more.


Only 20 seats available, so reserve yours now by calling 828-465-8240!


Beekeeping for Beeginners


When: Monday evenings, February 6 - March 13, 7:00 pm
Where: Meeting Room A of the Agricultural Resource Center, 1175 S. Brady Avenue, Newton, NC  28658
Cost:  $50 includes book and membership dues, $35 if you just want the book
 
Sign up by calling the Cooperative Extension office, 828-465-8240 or email [email protected]
 
**Please plan to arrive at 6:30 on February 6 to pay for the class**


Gardening with Chickens
Advanced Gardener Series


Thursday, February 9, 2016
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library
375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC 28601


Tuesday, February 21, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Newton Public Library
115 West C Street, Newton, NC 28658


Tuesday, February 28, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Maiden Public Library
11 S A Ave, Maiden, NC 28650


You can have chickens, eggs, and loads of compost.  Find out how backyard chickens can fit with your home production system.  Come find out why this program won the Best Adult Education Library program for the state of North Carolina. Take a look at the entire schedule here and find out how to become a certified Advanced Gardener.
         How Advertisers Get Us to Buy Things
$ $ $ $
Monday, February 13, 2017
10:00 a.m.
Newton Senior Morning Out 
701 North Main St.
Newton, N.C. 


Whether it's the latest gadgets, pills, potions, powders or food, sometimes we make purchases based on emotions. Come and learn how certain advertising strategies might encourage you to open your wallet or click "buy now" on your computer. Call the SMO program at (828) 455-4133 by February 9, 2017 if you plan to attend.
Presented by:
Ann Simmons
Extension Agent
 Family & Consumer Sciences





4-H Basket Raffle!


The 4-H basket raffle is kicking off! Tickets can be purchased for $1 each up until our Achievement Night celebration on February 25th where the drawing will take place! Baskets have been created and donated by Catawba County 4-H Clubs.


Some baskets already turned in include:
- Gardening basket
- 2 Charmazing baskets
- A household cleaning basket
- A chocolate basket


And more to come! They can be viewed at the extension office and tickets can be purchased there as well! Help us raise money to support scholarships and the Nolley Foundation!


fresh_berries.jpg
4-H Plant Sale
Orders Due March 2


Now taking orders for strawberry and blueberry plants. Two varieties of strawberries and four varieties of blueberries are available for purchase. Plants will be delivered and available for pick-up at the Extension Office in mid-March.  The order with details and pricing can be found on the Extension website at https://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/.  This is an annual fundraiser that supports 4-H. 
      Sherrills Ford Library Club


The Sherrills Ford Library club will hold it's first meeting on Tuesday night February 14th from 6pm to 7:30 pm. This club will have a focus on science and engineer topics and will begin with Junk Drawer Robotics! Contact the library for more information!


    FCS Food Safety/Food Policy Council Meeting


Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. 
Catawba County Health Department (behind Catawba County Medical Center). 
We will finalize plans for the Food Business Workshop.



Rethinking Your Food Handling Habits
Thursday, February 16, 2017
9:45 a.m.
E. Hickory Senior Morning Out
2123 5th St. N.E. 
Hickory, N.C. 28601


  We will discuss how unsafe food handling practices can         lead to food borne illness and what you can do to keep         food safe for you and your family.  Please call the SMO         program at (828) 320-5963 by Monday, February 13, 2017   if you plan to attend.


                       Presented by 
                        Ann Simmons
  Extension Agent
   Family & Consumer Sciences






Dicamba Resistant Soybean Production Training


Catawba County Cooperative Extension Center
1175 S. Brady Ave, Newton, NC 28658
828-465-8240
Feb 28 from 2 - 4 PM
2 hours of X, N, O, D pesticide credits
2 hours of Integrated Pest Management CEU's for Certified Crop Advisors


This training is specifically for Catawba, Lincoln, Cleveland, and Gaston counties.


XtendiMax and Engenia recently received federal registration for use on Xtend cotton and soybean.  We anticipate registration for Enlist Duo in the near future.
 
In addition to federal registration, a pesticide must also be registered within a state before it can be sold.
 
North Carolina will issue a special local needs (SLN) label
That SLN label will state the following:  The producer, certified applicator, or person responsible for the application of this product on cotton or soybeans, in-crop, must attend Auxin Herbicides - Best Management Practices training that is approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
 
Training is mandatory if one wants to use the new products.
BASF, Dow, and Monsanto, will be presenting training also.  Company training will not fulfill the requirement on the SLN labels.


Inflammation 101

9:30 a.m.
 Monday, February 20, 2017 
West Hickory Seniors Morning Out
400 17th St. SW
Hickory, N.C.
            
From clogged arteries to gout  . . . join us as we learn about inflammation and how it affects the body. We will also discuss how healthy eating can reduce the risk of inflammation.  If you plan to attend, please contact the W. Hickory SMO at 828-323-8746 by Thursday, February 16, 2017.
                     Presented by:
    Ann Simmons
    Extension Agent
    Family & Consumer Sciences








Food Safety Manager's Certification two-day training
 
Wednesday, February 22, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
 and Friday, February 24, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.



  Visit catawba.ces.ncsu.edu for registration information 
             
            So, You Want to Start a Food Business?

                                    Thursday, March 2, 2017
                                   5:30 - 7:00 p.m. 
                              Catawba County Cooperative Extension


Are you thinking about selling at a farmers' market, starting a home-based food business or opening a restaurant?
This workshop will address some things you need to know before you start a food business in Catawba County, including who will regulate your business. To Register call 828-465-8240. There is no charge.


NC Agritunity Conference & Tradeshow
Saturday, March 4th, 2017
Iredell County Agricultural Center
444 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC 28677
Registration starts 7:30am
Programs from 8:30am-4:00pm


NC Agritunity is a one-day educational conference and vendor trade show for large and small farmers. Large commodity producers, livestock producers, small farm managers, beginning farmers, and anyone just interested in agriculture are welcome to attend.  


Continuing education credits (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisors is available for all sessions and pesticide training credits (N, D, O, and X) will be available in eight of the presentations.  


Our Keynote speaker this year will be Dr. Rich Bonanno, Associate Dean, CALS and Director, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.  To learn more about the educational sessions and featured vendors, please visit the NC Agritunity webpage or contact your local Cooperative Extension Center. 


The event is free and open to the public. 


To register as a participant: You can sign up via the 2017 NC Agritunity registration form or call the Iredell County Cooperative Extension Center at 704-873-0507. Walk-in registration may be limited. 


To register as a vendor: Please contact Danelle Cutting at (704) 216-8970 or Lenny Rogers at (828)632-4451 or via our exhibitor application. For additional information on how to be a vendor please visit our exhibitor website


 
2017 Market Gardener School
 
2nd & 4th Saturday of March and April
Small Farms Demonstration Site
4918 Hickory Lincolnton Hwy, 
Lincolnton, NC 28168
10:00am-2:00pm
Cost: $50 per person


Got less than 5 acres? Are you currently growing your own vegetables and wanting to sell the extra? Market Gardener School can help you. The Catawba County Cooperative Extension Center will be hosting a 4 session Market Gardener School. Participants can receive hands-on learning experience from staff. Participants will receive Catawba County Market Gardener Certification upon completion. For participants who attend ALL the sessions, their registration fee will be returned as a gift card to their local farm supply store. 


Topics covered include: soil health, season extension technique, post harvest handling, and marketing. You can find the brochure, application, and more information about the workshop via our extension website. For additional questions or to register, please call Der Holcomb at 828-465-8248 or via email at [email protected]. Participants must register to attend the school.


Food Safety from Field to Fork 
                             

   For Farmers' Market Vendors


Thursday, March 23, 2017


5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Catawba County Cooperative Extension

The workshop will cover safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Presented by Ann Simmons 
4-H NEEDS YOU!


We are still looking for volunteers that are willing to lead summer fun classes this year! Please contact Michelle at [email protected] or call 828-465-8240 to let us know you want to help!




Growing School Gardens Training

Saturday April 1st, 2017 
Catawba County Extension Center
9am-3pm


Join us if you're a teacher, assistant, school or summer camp staff member for a 1-day intensive training on:
  • Starting a school garden & gardening basics
  • Incorporating research-based school garden curriculum into classrooms
  • Funding & engaging stakeholder
Participants who attend the training can apply for grant funding to start/operate a school garden; earn up to 5 hours of training credit--FREE to anyone interested in attending!


For additional information or to register, please call Der Holcomb or Donna Mull at 828-465-8240 or [email protected]/[email protected]


Join Us at 4-H Camp
June 18-23
Ages 8-14


We are now accepting registration for 4-H Summer Camp. We will attend Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center the week of June 18-23. Youth ages 8-14 may attend camp and it is not necessary to be 4-H to attend camp.Registration and details available on the camp flier that is posted on the Extension website at https://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/.


The cost for camp is $435 but during the month of February we are offering a $35 early registration discount to 4-H club members. 4-H'ers may also use scholarship money they have earned or apply for extra scholarship assistance, if you need help with the cost.  


Kiwanis Camp scholarships are available, thanks to continuing support from Hickory Kiwanis Club.  The deadline to apply for the Kiwanis scholarship is March 1. 


Contact Donna Mull to request a camp scholarship form and scholarship information. 


4-H Summer Camp Spotlight:


Fur, Fish & Game Rendezvous
Camp Millstone, Ellerbe NC


This is the premier summer camp for youth interested in hunting, fishing, wildlife and the outdoors! Classes may include:


* Snake & animal ID

*Falconry
*Shooting sports
*Tracking & trapping 
*Wilderness survival
* Ethical hunting


To register, or for more information, visit the website at millstone4hcamp.com or email Erehn at [email protected]!
Winter Farmers Market


Nov 16, 2016 to April 12, 2017
Wednesdays 10 AM to 2 PM 



The Crossing at Hollar Mill
883 Highland Ave. SE
Hickory, NC


Closed dates: Dec 7, Jan 25, and Feb 1


Get ready Hickory!  A winter farmer's market is in the works so that we can enjoy fresh, local produce all year round.  If you love this idea be sure to stop by on Wednesday and purchase something.  We need your business to keep year round farmer's markets in Catawba County.


Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans


Catawba County farmers can apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program due to financial losses associated with the drought disaster this season. The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 3.125 percent for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources.  




NCDA&CS offers organic certification cost-share assistance


The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) is offering organic growers the opportunity to recoup up to $750 of their certification cost. Growers must have been certified between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016 and complete an application available at www.ncdaorganic.org.


Visit the NCDA website to see more information about this cost share opportunity.


USDA Low Interest Loans For Storage Facilities


The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade permanent facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables. Eligible facility types include grain bins, hay barns and facilities for cold storage.



Local Food List Serv


The Local Foods Action Plan Listserv is a statewide listserv to facilitate a local food economy moderated by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS).  The listserv is open to the public and members are encouraged to post on any topic dealing with the cultivation of local food, farms and communities by emailing local-foods-action-plan@lists.ncsu.edu. Posters are responsible for the content they submit.   To receive the digest version or for questions about the listserv, please e-mail [email protected].  Please visit our website atwww.cefs.ncsu.edu.

NC State Gardening, Agriculture, and Pest Updates


You can sign up for the latest news on gardening, pest advisories, livestock, energy, and many others.  Check out the complete list of NC State News that you can subscribe to and get the latest research based info.  Be the first to know! 
Plant Management Network Newsletter


Check out the latest issue of this incredible agriculture resource.  Take a look at the massive list of information links for all things related to agriculture.
Council For Agriculture, Science, and Technology Newsletter


Check out the latest issue of the CAST newsletter.
Extension Master Gardener Newsletter
Got To Be NC Agriculture


Visit the Got to Be NC website and see excellent resources for starting your own food business.


Visit the NC Growing Together website to see the latest newsletter, recent resources, and schedule of upcoming workshops, webinars, and meetings.



NC Farm Link


Take at look at this incredible website that helps connect farmland seekers with farmland owners. There is also an amazing list of resources for farmers.
 
Small Farm Grant and Loan Assistance


We will post various grant and loan opportunities that arise in this space of our monthly updates.  Simply click on the opportunity of interest for more information.














Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination statement


2.1.  North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equaopportunity regardless of racecolor, religion, creed, national origin, sexage, disability, or veteran'status. In additionthe two Universities welcome all person without regard to sexual orientation.  North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
2.2.  Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations   to participate by contacting Catawba County Extension Director, George Place, at (828)465-8240 or [email protected] or in person at the County Extension Office at least 14 days prior to the event.


Contact:

Dr. George Place
Catawba County Cooperative Extension Director

Agricultural Resources Center, Newton, NC 28658

828-465-8240





Catawba County Center | Agricultural Resources Center | 1175 S Brady Ave | Newton | NC | 28658