Introduction and Welcome from N.C. Cooperative Extension, Anson County by Roshunda Terry, Anson County CED
Staff pictured at right front to back: Aimee Colf, Kinsey Everhart, Roshunda Terry, Pam Layfield, Raven Spencer, Sam Cole and Jason Barrino. Not pictured Aaron Monroe.
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Agri Civic Center Update
Roshunda Terry, CED
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I would love to be able to give a hopeful progress update on the AgriCivic Center, but unfortunately that is not the case. Planning committee members were scheduled to meet in March to discuss next steps and due to COVID-19 that meeting was postponed. We hope once everything is settled and we can reschedule the meeting, letters will go out to all supporters with changes and update. We appreciated your patience and your continued support . We also understand your frustration, please bear with us.
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Judges looking over fair entries.
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C
ommunity Rural Development
Roshunda Terry, CED & FCS Agent
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This year's Ag Expo and Fair events were all held and were very popular. Farm City Week Banquet had 137 to attend and award recipients from 2018 and 2019 were recognized. Dr. Richard Bonanno, State Leader for NC State Extension and County Manager Barron Monroe extended greetings. A total of 157 entries were entered for the fair and $506 in premium monies were given out. Our Family Fall Fest was enjoyed by 180 attendees. We also had a visit from Representative Brody and his wife. Local organizations supported the event with over $17,000 in sponsorship funds. We are already getting geared up to start planning For this year's event. Cooperative Extension staff have also been involved with setting up information at community events and continue to serve on various community boards throughout the county.
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Instant Pot 101 participants.
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Family Consumer Science
Roshunda Terry, CED & FCS Agent
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While still learning this new programming area, I have attended many trainings, while also supporting and learning from fellow agents in other counties. I have attended a canning series workshop, learned how to properly test canner lids, participated at the Union Co. EFNEP seafood program and district and state level institutes and meetings. Our local Extension Community Association ( ECA) is being revitalized and the ladies have attended district meetings while doing community projects in the county. Various classes were taught to school and summer groups and one very successful Instant Pot 101 class we held, 27 registrants attended. Plans are now underway for a Freezer Meal program and a Lifelong Improvement Through Fitness (LIFT) program, which is an eight-week series. These will be offered in late summer and the fall.
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2020 4-H Achievement Night and Volunteer Leader's Appreciation Video Collage
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4-H Youth Development
Sam Cole, 4-H Youth Development Agent
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Programming for Anson County 4-H continues to provide educational opportunities for the youth and adults of Anson County. In September of 2019, Anson County 4-H partnered with the Anson County Cattleman's Association to host the 2019 Anson County 4-H Livestock Show where more than 20 youth, representing 6 counties participated. Also, in September, the Ansonville Robotics Club was initiated and began having meetings for 3rd and 4th graders at Ansonville elementary. In November, Anson County 4-H and the Anson County Volunteer Leaders 4-H club hosted the South-Central Volunteer Leaders' Association Fall Day. There were over 50 participants at Fall Day where volunteer leaders got to attend workshops on 4-H programming and a variety of other topics. Some attendees even participated in Yoga. In December, Anson County 4-H hosted a Fun Day where you played games, made Christmas Crafts, and watched Christmas movies. Also, in December, the Volunteer Leaders traveled to McAdenville, also known as Christmas Town USA, to see Christmas lights. In January the High School Robotics 4-H Club, known as the Robowolves, kicked off the seasons First (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competition at UNC Pembroke. In February, the Anson County 4-H Agent and eight volunteer leaders attended the 2020 Volunteer Leaders Conference in Durham, NC. February was concluded with Achievement Night and the Volunteer Leaders' Appreciation banquet.
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CSR youth giving Valentine Day cards to the elderly.
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4-H Youth Promise
Jason Barrino, 4-H Youth Promise Director
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Community Service/Restitution youth focus on paying their debt back to the community and accepting responsibility for their actions. Youth recently visited a retirement home back in February to pass out Valentine's Day cards to senior citizens. Youth also participated in "Toys for Tots" this past holiday season by helping prepare toy orders for families in need. Youth continue to participate with preparing Backpack Buddies for Morven and Wadesboro Elementary Schools. Youth package nonperishable food items for needy children at both elementary schools. Youth prepare 80 bags monthly. Anson Connecting Families completed both fall and spring cycles for the year. We had a total of two families per cycle with the spring cycle being completed in March. We were able to provide families with tools on how to improve communication skills, finding ways to effectively communicate with others, and discussed how to improve family relationships. The after school program follows a structured curriculum that includes lessons on job interviewing, the effects of tobacco and alcohol on the body, and goal setting. We are currently serving six youth in community service/restitution program and one after school youth. The COVID-19 virus has greatly changed our program structure with not being able to provide face to face service. 4-H Youth Promise took this as chance to incorporate alternative methods of providing service in our program. All community service/after school youth are given weekly work packets that must be completed to receive credit. We are also calling and checking in with youth to see how they are holding up during these troubling times.
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Some of the participants in the wreath making class.
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Horticulture and Forestry
Aimee Colf, Horticulture and Forestry Agent
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In the past year Anson Extension has worked with 10 forest landowners to develop forestry management plans for the NC Present Use Value Program. These landowners collectively saved $11,889 in property taxes. They also saved $2,705 in fees services typically associated with technical assistance. Four landowners attended a series of Woodland Owners webinars during the month of February that provided educational opportunities to private forest landowners. Several new commercial horticulture producers are receiving technical assistance in business planning, variety selection, fertilizer recommendations, production issues, and marketing. An updated local foods directory is being designed for Anson. For fun, last fall we had two holiday wreath-making classes.
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Participants put together wind bracing on a caterpillar tunnel kit at the Sandhills AGInnovation Center.
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Small Farms
Aaron Moore, Small Farms Area Agent
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The Small Farm Program was able to partner with the Sandhills AgInnovation Center, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Richmond County Cooperative Extension to put on a caterpillar tunnel construction workshop. This workshop was held in early March just before restrictions were put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19. Participants got hands-on experience constructing a caterpillar tunnel to completion. The skills and confidence gained in this workshop will help our small farmers as they look toward new technologies to help them grow high quality produce.
Food Drive Donation helps those affected by COVID-19
Anson County Cooperative Extension held a Food Drive during the months of February and March to celebrate Small Farms Week at North Carolina A&T State University. The food collected was donated to Anson Crisis Ministry on April 17th to support our county's citizens during this difficult time.
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Selecting specimens for weed of the day series.
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Livestock and Row Crops
Kinsey Everhart, Livestock and Row Crops Agent
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Fifty-six pesticide credit hours were offered and 47 Pesticide Applicators were trained in pesticide application and applicator safety in Anson County. Twenty-four Private Applicators were assisted in achieving their required re-certification training for their three-year license cycle. Three Anson County Pesticide Applicators were fitted for a respirator. Five Anson County beef cattle producers were assisted in improving their pastures and hay fields. The Anson County Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural programs now celebrate a total of 14,866.84 acres, 231 tracts of land and 77 landowners.
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