November 2020
We Grow Knowledge
Master Gardener Training Completed
The Extension Master Gardener Class of 2020 completed their training on Nov 4. This year classes were held mostly virtually, so it was a different experience for both the students & the teacher! The online training was supplemented with a field trip to Davidson College Arboretum for a tree walk, as well as outside workshops held at the Teaching Garden. The last day of classes included learning from each other. The students made presentations to their classmates and a small group of tenured Extension Master Gardeners. For more information about becoming a UC Master Gardener, contact Debbie Dillion - Consumer Horticulture Agent, at dddillio@ncsu.edu.
Small Farmer Video Series
Aaron Moore, Small Farms Agent, and Rachel Owens, Livestock Agent, are partnering to bring you two more video series. This time they are focusing on raising laying hens and pastured pork. Watch for updates on our social media pages where they will show how the animals are growing and developing as well as discuss the different management practices they are using to raise these animals. To learn more, contact Rachel Owens - livestock agent, at rachel_owens@ncsu.edu.
Laying Hens: Starting in the Brooder
Pasture Pork: Aclimating the Pigs
We Grow Community
CARE-A-VAN for Seniors
Earlier this November, Health and Wellness agent, Marcus McFarland partnered with several senior assisting organizations to put together a drive-thru event for pick-up of wellness resources to seniors in the Union County community. Located at the Indian Trial town hall, over 250 seniors were able to get wonderful resources and goodies handed over to provide assurance of safety in the pandemic in lieu of the annual Senior Wellness Expo. Many were able to drop off bags to people who are unable to leave their homes for safety precautions. This event was to show that our organizations are here to support our wonderful elder Union County residents! For more information on Health & Wellness, contact Marcus McFarland - Family and Consumer Science Agent, at marcus_mcfarland@ncsu.edu.
Community Food Drive Wrap-Up
With the help of our amazing partners and friends, we were able to donate 3,016 lbs of food and $1,700 to the Community Shelter of Union County. From October 1st through November 20th Union County Cooperative Extension office partnered with UC Government, UC Farmer’s Market, UC Sheriff’s Office, UC Public Library, AgriSupply’s Monroe location and the UC Antique Tractor & Power Club, to collect donations of food and money to benefit families in our community this holiday season. Stephenson Presbyterian Church and the American Outlaws Association of Monroe donated approximately 1,250 lbs of food in one incredible delivery. The Union County Antique Tractor & Power Club challenged businesses within the area to match a generous monetary gift donated by their group. The Community Shelter was thrilled with the support so critically needed at this time of year.
Loom Knitting Class with Union Baptist Association
During the month of November, 4-H Program Assistant Leah Joyner has shared her love of loom knitting and 4-H with participants in the Christian Women’s Job Corps program with the Union Baptist Association. She shared information about the 4-H program in Union County and ways adults can get involved. She also taught them how to make a loom knitted hat and holiday ornaments. The women enjoyed learning the new craft and hope to volunteer with the 4-H program in the future. To learn more about 4-H, contact Crystal Starkes or Leah Joyner - Youth Development Agents, at crystal_starkes@ncsu.edu or lcjoyne2@ncsu.edu.
We Grow Economy
Winter Wheat Wonderland
Wheat season is upon us with a wet and cold start! Union County Extension has begun planting research trials in the field for the upcoming season. Between now and the spring of 2021, research on planting date and fertility, weed control, varieties, and fungicides will be conducted. These trials will continue to aid Union County growers in production of abundant and high quality wheat, which is used to produce flour. If you have questions or suggestions for future research topics, please contact Mikayla Graham - Field Crops Agent, at mgraham4@ncsu.edu.
Soybean Harvest is Complete
It’s harvest season! UC Extension has been hard at work harvesting research trials. This month, variety, fungicide, and fertility trials have been harvested. The variety trial information has been analyzed and sent out to growers! Keep an eye out for information from the other trials, as they will be come out soon. This information provides local, unbiased data to farmers about products and production practices that help them make management decisions during the season. Thank you to Austin Grading & Farm Supplies for providing a field to perform these trials and DuPont Pioneer for partnering with us during harvest. If you have questions about this research, contact Mikayla Graham.
Harvest Begins for Sprouting Broccoli
Plants have started to produce heads in the Sprouting Broccoli Trial. The great thing about sprouting broccoli is that it will continue to produce small florets for weeks after the first harvest. This gives farmers a chance to extend their broccoli harvest from one planting. As harvest continues staff will be taking data on weight and number of florets harvested from these three different cultivars.
Volunteer Spotlight
This month we would like to highlight a beekeeper that believes in education and community engagement as much as we do here in the Extension Office. Ed Stemborowski joined the Union County Beekeepers Association in 2014 as a member and since then has held multiple positions on the Board of Directors including his current role as President. Ed played a vital part in the creation of Bee School in Union County where he has been an instructor for all the Beekeeping Schools since 2015. He Mentors students from every class and provides guidance when they have questions about their bees. Ed has presented on Beekeeping equipment, Pests and Diseases as well as integrated Pest Management.
Along with his beekeeping experience Ed also has a Pesticide Applicators License and really emphasizes proper application and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). When asked about his volunteer work Ed was particularly excited about a 2019 presentation at the Marshville Library. They had 14 people attend and 8 of them took the next class offering and became members. Being able to see how his work led to continued engagement and growth of these individuals was a big success. Ed’s excitement and interest in teaching and helping Union County Beekeepers is an example of volunteer work at its best.
Staff Highlight
Crystal Starkes - Union County 4-H Agent
This month we are excited to share a little more about Crystal Starkes, Union County 4-H Agent. Crystal begin her Extension career as a 4-H program assistant here in UC, later becoming the 4-H Extension Agent. Crystal focuses her youth development program on STEM-based education, robotics, leadership development, and engagement with UCPS and numerous home school consortiums. Crystal is very passionate about her work, and cares deeply for her current 4Her's as well as the ever expanding network of 4-H alumni. Cyrstal is also dedicated to connecting with 1st generation 4-H youth, as well as connecting with non-traitional audiences. Outside of her 4-H work, Crystal continues to stay active in her soriority - Sigma Gamma Rho, and she volunteers at her Church and other community engagement organizations. Crystal also is a proud alumni of Winthrop University. Please contact Crystal to learn more about Union County 4-H and getting involved in your community here in UC.
Credits:
Union County Extension Staff, John Lambeth