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Cooperative extension sets future goals
By Scott Nicholson
The local cooperative extension office wants developing
safe and nutritious food systems to be its top priority.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service held an advisory council
meeting Monday, outlining its future goals. The priority was described
as “Improving local agriculture for the benefit of producers
and consumers by supplying a safe and nutritious food system while
preserving and enhancing green industry.”
The council discussed efforts such as alternative fuels, carbon
dioxide credits and expanding local agriculture production. Other
priorities were “Improving environmental stewardship by preserving
and restoring natural resources” and “Improving educational
achievement and excellence for youth and families to lead healthier
lives and foster personal development and community leadership.”
Advisory council chairwoman Nancy Reigel said almost half the
counties in the western district shared that top goal, and it
was also a state and national priority. “We’re certainly
in sync with what the national priorities are,” Reigel said.
County extension director Sue Counts reported the Agnes D. And
Robert G. Shipley Agricultural Endowment, which was started last
summer to honor a local farm family, had nearly reached its original
endowment goal of $15,000. The funds generated by the endowment
will be used to help youth-in-agriculture programs in the county.
Agricultural agent Meghan Baker said she’d been working with
local Christmas tree growers to develop Web resources, saying
more consumers were using the Internet to search for choose-and-cut
farms. She also said those offering other amenities and tourism
opportunities had a competitive advantage.
She said a new Master Gardener class would begin would be held
this year, with the extension service offering a gardening-tips
hotline. Baker said the office gets lots of calls from April through
September, and using volunteers who had completed the course would
help spread resources. Applications are being taken for this year’s
program, which begins on March 25.
Agriculture agent Callie Birdsell reported on the participation
of local youths at various livestock shows. She’s also operating
a local livestock advisory committee and a related blog at wataugalivestock.blogspot.com.
She said farmers were concerned about the drought and low pastures
that might not survive the winter. The issue will be covered in
a Forage Field Day on March 28 to discuss grazing practices and
plans. She’s pursuing grants to get grass seed that will
be given away as door prizes.
Birdsell also announced a new program called “LEAD,”
designed to interest females entering the seventh and eighth grades
in science-related fields. The extension agency is seeking sponsors,
volunteers, travel and meals for the weeklong camp that begins
in June.
Nutrition agent Margie Mansure gave an update on the “Eat
Smart, Move More, Weigh Less,” a 19-week program to help
people lose weight, giving participants a weekly report card to
track their progress. Another program is “Eating Smart and
Moving More,” which is geared toward families and has been
drawing about 30 people per meeting.
4-H director Karee Mackey presented the work of 4-H participants
who track their records over the year, then do a drawing, poem
or story to outline their growth during the program. Those who
go on to district competitions can use the records to show the
results of their work. She is also recruiting for 4-H summer camp
on July 13 through 18.
Richard Boylan said the addition of four more certified organic
farms in the region had provided more acreage to help meet increasing
demand. Boylan said a certified organic production class had helped
growers meet the standards for certification and the effort had
also boosted interest in New River Organic Growers. A Tobacco
Trust Fund grant paid for a delivery truck and a marketer who
will focus on wholesale and restaurant buyers.
Counts also announced her retirement effective Nov. 1. She has
been extension director for 10 years. For information on extension
service programs, call (828) 264-3061.
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