We Grow Wilkes County: Family and Consumer Science
Fall 2024/Winter 24-25 Highlights by Elisa Phillips
Steps to Health Elementary Nutrition Program
This Spring, Elisa Phillips (Family and Consumer Sciences Agent) and Stacey Manno (4-H Agent) join two third grade classrooms and three second grade classrooms each Tuesday for nine weeks to deliver NC State University’s Steps to Health Elementary Nutrition Program. This program teaches youth basic nutrition and wellness principles, such as the food groups, nutrition label reading, and the importance of staying hydrated. Each week, students are introduced to a variety of nutrient-dense foods through taste tests. Through the Steps to Health Program, CB Eller Elementary School also received approximately $1,800.00 in grant funds for garden supplies and educational materials to support their educational garden. Pictured above: Elisa Phillips asks students in Mrs. Burnett’s 3rd Grade Classroom to raise their hand if they tried a new food for the first time today. Students tried a variety of dried fruits.
Pictured above: Stacey Manno teaches students in Mrs. Poplin’s 2nd grade classroom about the importance of thoroughly washing their hands. Students observe “Glo-Germ” on their peers’ hands to compare hand-washing techniques.
Med Instead of Meds at North Wilkesboro Housing Authority
Each Thursday, Elisa leads a nutrition program called Med Instead of Meds with residents at North Wilkesboro Housing Authority. Med Instead of Meds is a 6-week nutrition program developed by NC State University, the NC Division of Public Health and Eat Smart Move More North Carolina focused on the Mediterranean style of eating.
Participants learn steps to eat more healthfully, including: how to prioritize healthy sources of protein and fat, how to consume more vegetables and fruits, healthy snacks, how to increase whole grains, and ways to rethink sweet consumption. Each week, participants make a healthy dish or snack together. Pictured above: 2 class participants make a protein-packed “chocolate hummus” after learning about various protein sources.
Navigating the NC Food Industry Seminar
On February 14th, community members gathered for the “Navigating the NC Food Industry” seminar jointly hosted by NC Cooperative Extension-Wilkes County Center and the Wilkes Community College Small Business Center. The seminar included speakers from the Wilkes County Environmental Health Department, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC State’s Safe Plates Program, Wilkes Community College Small Business Center, and Bigger Tables Consulting. Thank you to our speakers, Cierra Elledge, Susan Parrish, Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Ellen Shumaker, and Dani Black. 22 people attended to learn more about the regulations that govern the NC Food Industry and tips for how to successfully get a food business off the ground.
Pictured above: NCDA&CS Food Regulatory Specialist Susan Parrish and Cyndee Fissell share about home food processing regulations (first photo). Environmental Health Food and Lodging Specialist Cierra Elledge from the Wilkes County Health Department shares about the role of the local health department in overseeing food safety (above photo).
Chicken Butchery 101 Workshop
On February 15th, community members joined a “Chicken Butchery 101” class held at the Wilkes County Agricultural Center teaching kitchen.
This class was jointly hosted by FCS Agents Elisa Phillips (Wilkes County), Chelsea Johnson (Yadkin County) and Livestock Agent Mackenzie Hall (Yadkin County). Mackenzie walked participants through how to portion a whole chicken, which is more cost-effective than purchasing pre-portioned poultry.
We Grow Wilkes County: Horticulture
Fall 2024/Winter 24-25 Highlights by Matthew Clay
Vineyard Spray Design Workshop
On 1/14//25, our office hosted a regional Vineyard Spray Design Workshop. Extension specialists from the University of Georgia presented about fungicide resistance, viticulture diseases, and insect pests. The 18 vineyards in attendance were then allowed to build their own spray programs to improve their spay schedules and modes of action used at their vineyards.
Getting Ready to Plant Your Vegetable Garden
Soil Preparation, before planting anything, the soil should be tested. A soil test provides information about soil pH and plant nutrient levels in the soil and allows a gardener to know what needs to be done before you grow. Soil tests are available at the Cooperative Extension Office, and soil tests are free from April 1st through November. After a soil test, one can start to prepare the soil. Avoid working in wet soil because it increases soil compaction. The soil can be tilled with a shovel or tiller once the soil is dry enough. A 2-3’’ layer of compost can be added and tilled to add some organic matter to the soil. Containers are also a great option to grow vegetables in. Add potting soil containing compost, shredded pine bark mulch, and vermiculite to containers, and avoid using garden soil in containers. Raised beds are another option and the soil in the beds should be tested before planting.
Deciding What and Where to Plant, it can be hard to decide what to plant because there are so many great choices. A great place to start is to look at the Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs. There are also planting calendars for other parts of the state. There are three seasons, spring, summer, and fall, to grow vegetables and the day length and temperature differ greatly. Choosing vegetables to grow during the right season is key to being successful. Another decision when deciding how and where to plant is plant spacing. Plants need space to grow and some vegetables grow vertically, like tomatoes and others spread out, like cantaloupes. Providing adequate sunlight is also important to be successful, as most vegetables require full sun.
Direct Seeding, direct seeding is an option for plants that like to be directly sown in the ground. Vegetables such as radishes, beets, beans, and peas germinate quickly and benefit from direct seeding. Other plants like lettuce or carrots have delicate root systems and can be damaged when transplanted. Other vegetables, including tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers, can be transplanted or directly seeded. When direct seeding, consider the plant spacing requirements. Thinning of seedlings may be needed after direct seeding. Thinning is the process of removing extra seedlings that come up to have even spacing along your row. For example, spinach should be thinned 3-5’’ apart to allow for adequate growing space. A challenge with direct seeding is that the seeds are exposed to the elements of the weather and weed pressure. When deciding whether to direct seed or transplant, consult the back of the seed packet for instructions.
Transplanting, starting seeds indoors to transplant is a great way to prepare for planting in your vegetable garden. There are many different ways you can start your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse. However, one must consider when seeds need to be started to have your plants ready to plant on time. For example, bulb onions need 12-15 weeks to grow indoors or in a greenhouse to have them ready to transplant in your garden in the spring. Other vegetables, like cucumbers, only take a few weeks before being ready for transplanting. When plants are ready to be transplanted in the ground, they should be hardened off soon. Hardening off is the process of allowing plants to adjust from their protected environment indoors or in a greenhouse to the fluctuating conditions of the outdoors. To start to harden off your seedlings, place them in a shady place protected from the wind for one hour and then return them to the protected environment. Over the next 7-14 days, gradually increase the time the plants are outside and increase the amount of sunlight they receive. Once hardened off, your plants are all set for transplanting in the garden.
To learn more about vegetable gardening, contact your local Cooperative Extension office. Matthew Clay is the local horticulture agent: 336-651-7333 or mhclay@ncsu.edu
References: Preparing a Vegetable Garden UNH Extension , Spring Garden Preparation is Important OSU Extension , Western North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables Fruits and Herbs , Vegetable Gardening a Beginners Guide , Hardening off Vegetables MSU Extension , Veggie Gardening 101: Seeds or Transplants University of Nebraska-Lincoln
4 Farms Receive Funds from the NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program
The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program NC AgVentures is an NC State Extension grant program that provides grants to family farms, and local non-profit community organizations to develop agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.
There are two grant options:
The first option is a Farmer Grant for independent family farms with an established farm operation. Some previously approved projects have included the purchase of equipment that will cut labor costs, constructing a farm store or produce packing shed, or kitchen equipment for preparing value-added products. The grant funds cannot be used to purchase land or animals.
The second grant option is a Community Grant for local non-profit community organizations and government organizations that work with local farms. For this grant period, our office had four farms apply for the grant and all four farms received grants. As part of the application process, all farms are strongly encouraged to work with their local extension office to provide technical assistance to help guide their grant application.
Perry Lowe Orchards is a generational family farm that is located in Moravian Falls. They offer a wide variety of Apples, both pre-picked and u-pick. Perry Lowe Orchards also hosted a pruning demonstration for the 2025 Brushy Tree Fruit Growers Meeting. They received $8,000 to purchase a donut machine to make apple cider donuts. This was their second time receiving an AgVentures Grant.
Tevepaugh Orchards is a generational family farm offering peaches, nectarines, apples, and u-pick blueberries. They are located in Moravian Falls. Tevepaugh Orchards has hosted a fruit tree pruning workshop for our office for the past two years. They received $8,000 to build a space to produce added-value products.
3:36 Farms is a small family-owned farm focused on sustainable farming. They offer pasture raised pork and chicken, as well as a wide variety of fresh-grown produce and free-range chicken eggs. Also, they actively sell at the Wilkes County Farmers Market. They received $7,250 to obtain a produce wash and pack house.
Zincseed Garden Flower Farm is a flower farm in Sparta that offers a wide variety of fresh-cut flowers. The farm started as a result of attending an extension workshop in 2023. The farm sells flowers at the Independence Farmers Market and offers a flower CSA. They received $3,081 to add five high-value perennial flowering shrubs to increase profit.
Applications typically open in October and more information about the grants and the application process can be found here. If you have any other questions about the grant application process email mhclay@ncsu.edu.
We Grow Wilkes County: Livestock and Field Crops
Fall 2024/Winter 24-25 Highlights by John Cothren
Southern Farm Show
The North Carolina State University Extension Wilkes County Center annually coordinates a tour bus for Wilkes County farmers to attend the Southern Farm Show in Raleigh, NC. On Friday, February 7, 2025, farmers had the opportunity to visit the largest agricultural exposition in the Carolinas and Virginia, which fills the NC State Fairgrounds with over 400 exhibitors, agricultural meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
The event provided valuable resources to help farmers prepare for the upcoming growing season. With great participation and favorable weather, the trip was a success.
A favorite tradition of the day remains the annual pilgrimage to K&W Cafeteria, a highlight for many attendees.
2025 Area Beef Conference
Each year, Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, Rowan, and Yadkin counties collaborate to plan and host the Regional Beef Conference, rotating the event annually between Wilkes and Iredell counties. The 2025 Area Beef Conference was held in Wilkes County on January 23 and was very well attended. This conference offers farmers a valuable opportunity to connect with vendors through a trade show, attend educational seminars to enhance the productivity and efficiency of their beef cattle operations, and enjoy a sponsored meal.
This year's seminars featured updates from Milo Lewis, NC Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director; Miguel Castillo on the Rapid Response Team Grant for over-seeding pastures; an NCDA Fire Ant Update and Regulations session; and Neil Bowman from the NCDA Marketing Division discussing Electronic Identification (EID) ear tags.
Distinguished Service Award Winner
Please join me in congratulating the winners of this year's Distinguished Service Awards, Achievement Awards and Young Agent Scholarship Awards. Distinguished Service Awards are given to only 3% of the membership in any given year, for a record of distinguished service to both Extension and the NCACAA (North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents). Achievement Awards are for those agents with less than 10 years of service, and the Young Agent Scholarship Awards recognizes two agents with less than 5 years of service and less than 30 years of age. These individuals will be recognized at our State Meeting in June. DSA and AA winners will also be recognized at the NACAA AM/PIC in Montana. Be sure to congratulate them! Distinguished Service Award Winners: April Bowman, John Cothren, Colby Griffin, Melissa Huffman. Achievement Award Winners: Thomas Batts, Beth Burchell, Laura Elmore, Anthony Growe and Ashley Robbins. Young Agent Scholarship Award Winners: Jessica Hall and Mackenzie Hall. This information was just released this morning via email so I hope my director will forgive me, Samantha "Sam" Lusk. Congratulations John Cothren!!!!
We Grow Wilkes County: 4-H
Fall 2024/Winter 24-25 Highlights by Stacey Manno
Wilkes County 4-H Members Cook Up Fun at Sweet Treats Event!
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Office Wilkes County Center was buzzing with excitement (and the sweet smell of sugar!) on February 13th as young 4-H members gathered for the highly anticipated Sweet Treats event. From 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, aspiring bakers dove into a fun-filled session of learning and creating delicious goodies and crafts for their valentine. The workshop offered a hands-on experience, guiding participants through the steps of making various sweet treats. Under the guidance of 4-H Agent, Stacey Manno, the 4-H members learned valuable baking skills for decorating to mastering simple techniques in crafting and watercolor. The air was thick with laughter and the smell of chocolate and sugar, as everyone worked together, sharing tips and tricks.(Pictured is Stacey Manno, 4-H Agent assisting participants in covering strawberries in chocolate)
The Sweet Treats event wasn't just about making tasty snacks; it was also about fostering teamwork, creativity, and a love for learning. Participants not only gained new culinary skills but also developed confidence in the kitchen. Everyone left with a batch of their own sweet creations and, more importantly, a sweet memory of a fun and educational experience. A big thank you to all the participants who made this event soooo sweet! Stay tuned for more exciting 4-H events coming soon!(Stacey Manno 4-H Agent and all participants of the sweet treats class)
Summer Enrichment 2025
Summer Enrichment is in the works! Make sure to be on the look out for Summer Camp Sign Up for camp at the Betsy Jeff Penn Center for the week of July 6-11, 2025!
Wilkes County 4-H will be having Summer Enrichment for the months of June and July! Some fun days in the works are trips to Stone Mountain, visiting a few of our local farms, cooking and movie days, and some Stellar games! Make sure you stay in the loop and act fast as the days will fill up quickly!
Stacey Manno, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development-Planning and implementing 4-H Youth Development programs throughout the county such as; School Enrichment, working with Community In School after-school programs, Summer Enrichment programs, as well as Partnering with other county organizations, working with volunteers, and providing Community Service Opportunities. Stacey can be reached by calling 336-651-7347 or by sdmanno@ncsu.edu .
We Grow Wilkes County: Office
2024 Highlights by Samantha "Sam" Lusk
The Cat In the Hat
My name is Samantha "Sam" Lusk, and I am the Administrative Assistant at the NC Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center. In my role, I wear many hats, from bookkeeping to IT, providing office support to the public, assisting our agents with programming support and conference room reservations. What I love most about my position is the flexibility it offers, allowing me to be involved in a wide range of tasks. Over the past year, I’ve been actively engaged in everything from plant sales to various programs and events. Unlike many administrative assistant positions, mine is incredibly versatile, involving the management of a diverse range of responsibilities. I’m fortunate to work with a fantastic team, and together, we collaborate to ensure the smooth delivery of services to our county. Here are some examples of services I've thoroughly enjoyed participating in over the past year. You can reach me at 336-651-7335 or by email: salusk@ncsu.edu. Enjoy!
NCCEAPA Spring Meeting
North Central District, NCCEAPA met in Wilkes County in the Spring of 2024. This was one of our many stops, Tevepaugh Orchards along with Blake Farms and the Copper Barrel Distillery. Armit Tevepaugh, above at Tevepaugh Orchards, educating us on how an apple orchard operates.
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Administrative Professionals Association (NCCEAPA) is made up of support personnel for Cooperative Extension, District Administrative Associates, and NC State University and NC A&T State University. We work together to perform community service and promote the efforts of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension (NCCE). We are the support team members of each NC Cooperative Extension office throughout North Carolina (office support staff and administrative assistants). Our state is broken down into districts, Wilkes County falls into the North Central District.
NC Red Wigglers Farm
Feeding the worms and learning about vermiculture at NC Red Wigglers farm in Zionvillle, NC, with the Master Gardener Volunteers.
Red wigglers we found while digging through the worm bins! Did you know a group of worms are called a squirm?
2024 Mushroom Log Workshop
Participates busy inoculating their mushroom logs and hoping for a bumper crop of mushrooms, we used Shittake and Oyster spawn.
Covering our drill holes inoculated with mushroom spawn with wax to ensure optimal mycelium growing conditions and reduce contamination by other fungi species. This workshop was led by Matthew Clay, horticulture agent.
3rd. Grade Ag Awareness Day
3rd. Grade Ag. Awareness Day was a great success this year out on the Wilkes County Rotary Fairgrounds in North Wilkesboro today! We reached 600+ third grade students from Wilkes County, NC. A special thanks to all that volunteered their time and resources with us!
We had 14 stations for the 3rd. graders to navigate through to learn about NC Agriculture. Pictured above is East Wilkes High School FFA students and teacher, Graylyn Bauguess at the Dairy Station.
2024 Touch A Truck
Touch A Truck 2024 event with Chuck and Elsie Jo-our first time participating in this awesome event!
Stacey Manno, 4-H Agent, had a lasso station setup for the kids to try their hand out at roping a steer!
Stacey educating an eager student at Touch A Truck.
Selfie with Elsie Jo (Elsie Jo is our holstein educational cow that rides on the eye catching cattle trailer), was a hit with everyone at Touch A Truck! Pictured above (left to right): Samantha "Sam" Lusk, administrative assistant, Elisa Phillips, FCS agent and Stacey Manno, 4-H agent.
Master Gardener Volunteers
Betty Knight, with the Wilkes County Master Gardener Volunteers, presented me with a quilt she made in the December 2024 Master Gardener Volunteers' meeting.
Quilt label attached to the quilt showing appreciate to me from the Master Gardener Volunteers. Loved this, thanks again!
NC Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center-Advisory Board Council Meeting
NC Cooperative Extension, Wilkes County Center Advisory Board Meeting led by John Cothren, Agriculture Agent (Livestock & Field Crops) and CED
Matthew Clay, horticulture agent, presenting to the board what the Cub Creek Community is all about and how it benefits our community.
2024 Wilkes County Christmas Parade
Wilkes County Christmas Parade-A Storybook Christmas. Our team chose the Charlotte's Web theme. We all pitched in and pulled together a winning float!
We Grow Wilkes County: Upcoming Programming & Events
Credits:
Photo Credits: Elisa Phillips, Matthew Clay, John Cothren, Samantha Lusk and Adobe's Photo Gallery