We Grow Wilkes County: Cultivating Community Connections

Beets (Beta vulgaris) are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in both spring and fall in Wilkes County. They are valued not only for their colorful roots but also for their tender, nutrient-rich greens. With proper planting and care, gardeners can enjoy high yields of this versatile crop. Planting and Soil Preparation Beets perform best in full sun with well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is recommended for optimal nutrient availability. Prior to planting, incorporate 2–3 inches of compost or other organic matter into the top 6–8 inches of soil. Direct seed beets ½ inch deep and 1–2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. Because beet “seeds” are actually clusters containing multiple embryos, it’s important to thin seedlings after emergence, leaving 3–4 inches between plants to allow roots to develop properly.

Fertility and Watering Beets: respond well to balanced fertility. A soil test is the best guide for nutrient needs, but generally, a pre-plant application of 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 3 pounds per 100 square feet works well. Side-dress with nitrogen 4–6 weeks after planting to encourage healthy growth. Consistent moisture is essential. Aim for 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Uneven watering can cause woody roots or internal black spot. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pest and Disease Management Common insect pests include: ● Flea beetles – cause small shot-holes in leaves. ● Leaf miners – create serpentine tunnels inside leaves. Crop rotation and removing plant debris at season’s end can reduce problems. Floating row covers may help prevent early pest infestations. Diseases such as Cercospora leaf spot can occur, especially in humid weather; proper spacing and air circulation help minimize issues.

Harvest and Storage Beet: roots are typically ready for harvest 50–60 days after planting, when they reach 1½–3 inches in diameter. Larger roots can become tough and woody. Gently loosen soil with a garden fork before pulling to avoid breakage. The greens can also be harvested when young and tender, either by thinning seedlings or snipping outer leaves. For storage, cut the tops to 1 inch above the root and refrigerate unwashed roots in perforated plastic bags for up to 2–3 months at 32°F.

Nutrition and Use Beets: are rich in fiber, folate, potassium, and antioxidants. Both the root and the greens are edible roots can be roasted, pickled, or boiled, while the greens can be sautéed like spinach or collards. Adding beets to your garden rotation provides both diversity and nutrition.

​​The NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Soils Lab provides FREE nutrient and pH soil testing to North Carolina residents from April 1st through November 25th. December 1st through March 31st requires a $4.00 fee. Soil testing provides accurate measurements of the relative acidity (pH) of the soil and several nutrients needed for successful home gardens and lawns. Commercial growers, those who grow one acre or more of a specific crop, also benefit from the service. Soil test results indicate recommendations for the next growing season, so now is an excellent time to start planning for next year’s garden or lawn care by submitting a soil sample. Boxes, instructions, and information forms are available at any N.C. Cooperative Extension office. More information can be found online at A Gardener’s Guide to Soil Testing. Check out the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services website at NCDA & CS Agronomic Division Soil Testing

Interested in joining the Wilkes County Master Gardener Volunteer program. Join us on November 5th, at 9:00 a.m. or December 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Wilkes County Agricultural Center, Conference Room C, located at 416 Executive Dr., Wilkesboro, NC 28697, to learn more about our program and an overview of the initial Master Gardener Training that will be offered in January.

What is the Master Gardener Program? The Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV) program is a statewide program operating in 83 of Extensions 101 centers. EMGV provides science-based horticultural knowledge that helps North Carolinians cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems and communities. The program includes more than 3,800 volunteers statewide. The program is designed to build your knowledge in the areas of landscapes, soils, lawns, fruits and vegetables and provide opportunities to share your knowledge with others. No previous formal training is necessary – just a real desire to learn and share! The Wilkes Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is offered through your Wilkes County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension service. The program operates under the guidance of the Wilkes County Horticulture agent. What makes Master Gardener Volunteers special is their training in horticulture and their willingness to share that knowledge with others.

Initial Training Overview: If selected for the program, the training will start on Wednesday, January 14th at 10 a.m. and will meet every Wednesday Morning until April 17th. The cost for the initial training will be $200 which covers local and state EMGV fees, a copy of the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook, and class supplies. The training will include 40 hours of coursework and a final exam. After passing the exam, students will enter the internship phase of the program. After completing 40 hours of volunteer service hours as part of the internship, you will become a certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. After becoming an EMGV you will be required to attend 10 hours of continuing education each year and provide 20 hours of volunteer service to maintain certification. If you have any questions, email Matthew Clay at mhclay@ncsu.edu or call 336-651-7333. 2026 Wilkes Master Gardener Volunteer Application

The holiday season often brings to mind cozy fires and sweet treats, but for 17 incredible 4-H youth from Wilkes and Surry County, it was a chance to transform into master builders and bakers! Over a six-week special interest (SPIN) program, these dedicated kids, ranging in age from 5 to 15, took on a serious, sweet mission: creating 100% edible gingerbread houses for the annual Wilkes Literacy Gingerbread Festival.

Building More Than Just Houses: Skills for Life: This wasn't just about mixing dough; it was an intensive, fun-filled lesson in applying their Head, Heart, Hands, and Health to a real-world project. The youth tackled every stage of the building process, gaining invaluable skills: Vision & Planning (Head): The first step was developing a vision for their edible masterpiece and creating a planning board. This required using math and science principles to ensure structural integrity and correct ingredient ratios. They learned that a successful build starts long before the mixing bowls come out. Execution & Creativity (Hands): They moved from blueprints to construction, learning about time management and the precise techniques needed to bake, assemble, and decorate. The entire project was a massive hands-on effort, resulting in hours and hours of fun and tangible creations. Overcoming Obstacles (Heart): As any builder knows, things don't always go according to plan. The youth learned teamwork and perseverance, tackling the challenges of brittle gingerbread walls, melting icing, and gravity with a fantastic spirit.

A Deliciously Massive Undertaking! The scale of this operation was impressive! The kitchen at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Wilkes County Center smelled absolutely amazing, constantly filled with the warm, spicy aroma of fresh-baked gingerbread. Teamed up with their peers from Surry County 4-H, the young bakers collectively used: 45 pounds of flour, 50 pounds of sugar, 8 jars of spices, 16 quarts of Karo syrup, 48 pounds of powdered sugar The amount of ingredients used is a testament to the dedication and hard work poured into every edible brick and sugary shingle!

The Tri-County Agricultural Tour, supported by the Advisory Support Mini Grant, successfully showcased the depth and impact of NC Cooperative Extension’s programming across Yadkin, Wilkes, and Surry counties. The tour engaged twenty-three elected officials, county leaders, and local Advisory Council members, offering them a clearer understanding of Extension’s critical role in supporting agriculture and community well-being in rural North Carolina. The tour featured one key agricultural stop in each county:

Wilkes County – AH&W Farm: Glenn Weston hosted participants for a discussion on livestock producers' challenges and the meaningful support Extension provides to strengthen the livestock industry.

Surry County – Johnson Farm Operations, Inc.: This fifth-generation, highly diversified grain operation highlighted the value of Extension services such as on-farm test plots, pesticide training, and production meetings. The stop also emphasized Extension’s human impact through the SHIIP program, which saved Surry County residents over $310,000 in 2024. A locally sourced lunch, prepared by the Extension team and the Surry County Cattlemen Association, further celebrated the region’s agricultural strengths.

Yadkin County – Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery: Owners Neil and Cindy Shore showcased how programs like the Vinedresser initiative and on-farm vineyard tests support specialty crop production. This stop also underscored the life-changing benefits of 4-H youth development programs, which build confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Overall, the Tri-County Agricultural Tour effectively demonstrated NC Cooperative Extension’s vital contributions—from traditional agriculture and specialty crops to essential community health and youth development programs. This initiative strengthened relationships with local decision-makers and deepened their understanding of Extension’s ongoing value to the region.

The 47th Annual Wilkes County Corn Variety Trial was held on September 15, 2025 in the Cranberry Community. This trial showcased the performance of leading commercial corn hybrids under local growing conditions. This long-running trial provided farmers with unbiased, research-based data on yield, standability, disease tolerance, and overall agronomic performance. Conducted in partnership with NC Cooperative Extension and cooperating producers, the trial continues to serve as a valuable decision-making tool for area growers as they select the best hybrids for their operations and adapt to changing environmental and market conditions.

Each year, the NC Corn Yield Contest highlights the outstanding achievements of the state’s corn growers while promoting the adoption of improved production practices. As part of this effort, John C. Cothren, Wilkes County Row Crop Agent, measures both National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and North Carolina contest entries locally. His work ensures accurate, unbiased yield verification and supports farmers as they showcase their productivity and innovation. Through this annual contest, growers gain valuable recognition, benchmark their performance, and contribute to advancing corn production across North Carolina.

John C. Cothren, Livestock Extension Agent in Wilkes County, is dedicated to helping farmers strengthen their operations and improve overall efficiency. Through on-farm visits, educational programs, and one-on-one guidance, he works closely with producers to address challenges, implement best management practices, and enhance productivity across livestock systems. His hands-on support and commitment to farmer success make him a trusted resource in the agricultural community and a valuable partner in advancing the county’s livestock industry. Video below is a recent farm visit in the Purlear Community.

Wilkes County’s 3rd Grade Agriculture Awareness Day was held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Wilkes County Fairgrounds, welcoming more than 500 third-grade students for a fun and engaging introduction to local agriculture. Students rotated through hands-on stations showcasing livestock, beekeeping, horticulture, forestry, and farm equipment—each highlighting how agriculture shapes daily life and the broader community. Thanks to the support of local farmers, volunteers, and Extension staff, the event provided meaningful real-world learning experiences that continue to inspire young learners and strengthen agricultural awareness throughout Wilkes County.

The NC Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center manages the annual Wilkes County Agricultural Fair. Our small team of five handles the main coordination. In early June, we successfully executed: creating the official Fair Catalog and coordinating all volunteers for Take-In and Judging Days. Approximately 8,000 attendees visited the fair this year. All fairgoers pass through the Exhibit Hall entryway. This exposure makes our administrative work central to the fair and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center largest public display.

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, I, the Administrative Assistant at the NC Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center, took the initiative to represent our office at a key community event. This effort underscores a core principle of Extension: every staff member is a valuable promoter and educator for the resources we offer. Situated on the county border, I shared essential regional knowledge, including both Wilkes Ag Facts and Surry Ag Facts, to ensure our outreach served a broad audience. My table successfully engaged the public with tangible, valuable takeaways: Local Produce Promotion: Attendees enjoyed a taste of agriculture with free samples of delicious, locally-grown Wilkes apples. Practical Kits: I provided popular resources like soil sampling kits for home gardening and practical recipe cards. Sustainability Highlight: The most popular giveaway was free potted plants, creatively presented in recycled coffee cups, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.

Connecting with the Next Generation: A rewarding aspect of the day was engaging with our youth. I connected with current Extension participants, including 4-H member Sawyer Brown, who brought her mother over for a visit. I encouraged other children and families to join the 4-H program, making it easy by displaying active event flyers directly on the table's cloth. This event demonstrates that our administrative assistants and office support staff plays a critical, front-facing role in delivering the Extension mission. By actively participating in community outreach, we ensure residents are aware of the programs and expertise available through the Wilkes County Center.

At NC Cooperative Extension, not every agricultural story starts in a field - many begin across a front desk or in a quick office visit. While our agents work hands-on out in the fields, we often hear the first stories: the challenges, hopes, and hard work that drive our local ag community. "Behind the Desk, Into the Field" highlights the people we meet (office support staff) in those everyday moments -because agriculture's biggest stories often start with the simplest conversations. This edition is on Robert M. Hayes Dairy Farm. Robert goes by Mickey.

How We Got Started: My parents purchased our farm from my grandparents in 1965. My father started milking cows by hand in a horse-stall of my grandfather’s. I would carry the milk pail up to a 10 gallon milk can and pour the milk through a strainer. My dad would put the milk cans in the cooler because I was about 12 years and I couldn’t carry the cans. We continued growing from there, later building a parlor that could milk 4 cows on each side with a swingline milking system.

What's A Typical Day: No such thing, the only thing we plan is to not plan on anything. We do more than just milk cows. We have to scrape manure & spread it on our fields. We grow corn to be cut as silage to feed our cows. We also grow hay to feed our younger cattle and occasionally soybeans for a cash crop. To do all this, we have to be business people, accountants, secretaries, plumbers, mechanics, veterinary assistants, welders, fabricators nutritionists-jack of all trades & master of none. When there is a breakdown, fix it an get back to work.

What We Are Proud Of: I am most proud that we have managed to stay in dairy for 58 years. As a teen and young adult, there were several dairies in our area milking from 25-100 cows. Now there are two dairies, only, in our entire county.

Agricultural Impact in Their Community: We live in a very diverse agricultural community. Our neighbors grow corn, soybeans, hay, cattle and chickens. Most of our neighbors either grow or garden or have access to a garden. We have had friends and neighbors stop by just to watch us milk cows and now they bring their grandkids.

One Lesson Agricultural Has Taught Us: My time is valuable-maybe not money-wise, but I don’t have that luxury to waste time. There’s plenty to do.

One Thing You Wished More People Understood About Farming Today: Pretty much everything that goes in our mouth originates from dirt. It just doesn’t appear. It’s a hands-on, process that requires lots or resources.

Hopes For The Future of Agriculture In Your Area: I would hope that more young people will stop to do the work.

The Hayes Dairy Farm: A Legacy of Dedication: The Mickey Hayes Dairy Farm in the eastern part of the county in Elkin embodies the relentless dedication required in agriculture. Mickey learned the trade early in life as his father's farmhand, carrying buckets of hand-milked milk to the tank because he was so small. He is now one of only two dairy farmers left in Wilkes County, NC managing a smaller operation of 40 cows daily. This work is relentless: his Holsteins must be milked twice daily—once in the morning and then in the afternoon—every single day, regardless of the weather or how he feels. Dairy farming is a commitment that does not allow for 8-hour shifts or scheduled holidays. Mickey updated his milking system, going from milking 8 cows to 16 cows at one time using a Double-8 Herringbone milking system (8 on each side), which cut his milking time in half from five hours to just two hours per session. This constant effort, along with numerous quality checks and inspections, shows the high standard of work required to provide the U.S. with milk, emphasizing the vital role of dairy farmers. Understanding where our milk comes from is crucial, and supporting these operations is essential for ensuring this necessary and noble way of life is carried on by younger generations. My visit to the Hayes farm was a demonstration of how the Cooperative Extension is here for our local farmers. We understand that farmers like Mickey, who rarely have time to visit our office, still need support, and we are committed to making connections and being available to address any concerns he may have.

Free Organic Production Technical Assistance Available to NC & SC Farmers: Want to add organic and sustainable production practices into your farm plans for 2026? Have you been considering organic certification? Looking for individualized guidance to navigate organic regulations? Look no further than the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) Organic Production Technical Assistance Program! Registration is open now: https://carolinafarmstewards.org/organic-production/ Through this popular Technical Assistance Program, CFSA offers direct, boots-on-the-ground support and resources to help small-scale farmers in North Carolina and South Carolina find success and confidence with organic practices. We tailor our services to meet your unique operation and farm business priorities; common Organic Production services include: review of farm maps and recordkeeping systems; strategy for incorporation of organic production practices; considerations and resources for USDA organic certification; "decoding" National Organic Program regulations and application requirements; and referral to CFSA and partner resources on organic agriculture. The Organic Production Technical Assistance is available to all farmers in North Carolina and South Carolina, and is free with the purchase of a $40/year CFSA Membership. Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis pending staff availability, so submit your registration ASAP to get on the schedule for 2026! With questions, contact CFSA Organic Initiatives Coordinator Joe Rowland at joe@carolinafarmstewards.org. We look forward to working with you!

Interested in joining the Wilkes County Master Gardener Volunteer program. Join us on November 5th, at 9:00 a.m. or December 10th at 10:00 a.m. at the Wilkes County Agricultural Center, Conference Room C, located at 416 Executive Dr. Wilkesboro, NC 28697, to learn more about our program and an overview of the initial Master Gardener Training that will be offered in January. What is the Master Gardener Program?: The Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteer (EMGV) program is a statewide program operating in 83 of Extensions 101 centers. EMGV provides science-based horticultural knowledge that helps North Carolinians cultivate healthy plants, landscapes, ecosystems and communities. The program includes more than 3,800 volunteers statewide. The program is designed to build your knowledge in the areas of landscapes, soils, lawns, fruits and vegetables and provide opportunities to share your knowledge with others. No previous formal training is necessary – just a real desire to learn and share! The Wilkes Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program is offered through your Wilkes County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension service. The program operates under the guidance of the Wilkes County Horticulture agent. What makes Master Gardener Volunteers special is their training in horticulture and their willingness to share that knowledge with others. Initial Training Overview: If selected for the program, the training will start on Wednesday, January 14th at 10 a.m. and will meet every Wednesday Morning until April 17th. The cost for the initial training will be $200 which covers local and state EMGV fees, a copy of the North Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook, and class supplies. The training will include 40 hours of coursework and a final exam. After passing the exam, students will enter the internship phase of the program. After completing 40 hours of volunteer service hours as part of the internship, you will become a certified Extension Master Gardener Volunteer. After becoming an EMGV you will be required to attend 10 hours of continuing education each year and provide 20 hours of volunteer service to maintain certification. If you have any questions, email Matthew Clay at mhclay@ncsu.edu or call 336-651-7333. 2026 Wilkes Master Gardener Volunteer Application