We Grow Wilkes County: Cultivating Community Connections

On February 4, 2026, Wilkes County Cooperative Extension organized a trip for local farmers and agricultural producers to attend the Southern Farm Show in Raleigh, North Carolina. Participants explored exhibits featuring the latest agricultural equipment, technology, products, and services while learning about new practices and innovations in farming. The trip provided valuable educational opportunities and allowed attendees to network with industry professionals and fellow producers. This educational opportunity was partially sponsored by Blue Ridge Tractor of Wilkesboro, NC, whose support helped make the trip possible. Wilkes County Cooperative Extension continues to offer programs and experiences that help local farmers stay informed and connected to the agricultural industry.

After a long day of learning, networking, and negotiating equipment deals at the Southern Farm Show, one of Wilkes County's finest, Tony Jones, enjoyed a well-earned ice cream cone at Golden Corral in Winston-Salem before heading home.

Through North Carolina State University's USDA-funded Rapid Response to Hurricane Helene grant, Cooperative Extension worked with livestock producers in Wilkes County to accelerate pasture recovery and improve forage productivity following storm-related impacts. As part of this effort, frost-seeding of clover was completed on 318 acres of pastureland across six Wilkes County farms. The seed application took place during February 2026, utilizing ideal frost-seeding conditions to promote successful establishment. The project demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology for timely forage establishment, a key objective of the grant. Preston Cave of PAC Aerial Application used drone technology to efficiently distribute clover seed across participating pastures, providing producers with an innovative and cost-effective method to enhance forage quality, increase nitrogen fixation, and improve pasture resilience. This collaborative effort helped producers begin rebuilding productive grazing systems while showcasing practical recovery strategies for western North Carolina agriculture

Above are some pictures taken in May 2026 of the frost-seeded clover on a farm in Wilkes County.

Pisgah FFA Team A earned the State Championship at the 2026 NC Youth Cattle Working Contest held May 5, 2026 at the Upper Mountain Research Station. With the victory, the team will represent North Carolina at the National Cattle Working Contest in Kentucky this September. The state finals featured 12 teams that advanced through four regional qualifying contests involving more than 120 youth competitors from across North Carolina. The contest challenges participants to demonstrate proper cattle handling, animal health management, recordkeeping, and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) practices. Members of the championship Pisgah FFA Team A included Caleb G., Kinsley B., and Hannah F. State Contest Results 1. Pisgah FFA Team A 2. Tuscola FFA 3. North Iredell FFA 4. Rockingham FFA 5. Iredell Cattlemen’s Team

During the competition, teams were required to develop a cattle processing plan and safely work three head of cattle through a series of management procedures. Contestants administered vaccinations, applied dewormers, collected DNA samples, and maintained detailed health records while following industry-recommended animal welfare and safety practices. Judges evaluated teams on accuracy, efficiency, recordkeeping, animal handling, and overall safety. Special emphasis was placed on low-stress cattle handling techniques that protect both livestock and handlers. Teams also faced a time challenge, with maximum points awarded to those completing all procedures on three calves within ten minutes.

Producers from Alleghany, Ashe, and Wilkes counties participated in a Reproductive Management School held at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs on May 26, 2026. The training was led by Felipe A. C. C. Silva, Assistant Professor and Extension Beef Specialist, and E. Benjamin Rajo, Assistant Extension Professor and Livestock Specialist, both with North Carolina State University. The full-day workshop combined classroom instruction with hands-on learning opportunities focused on improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle operations. Participants received practical training in artificial insemination techniques, pregnancy testing, and reproductive management practices that can help increase herd productivity and profitability

NC Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent Matthew Clay has been awarded a 2026–2027 Cooperative Extension Service Innovation Grant totaling $4,970 to support educational programming for small and beginning farmers in Wilkes County and surrounding communities. The grant will fund the Wilkes County Beginning Farmer Workshops initiative, which will provide research-based workshops and hands-on demonstrations focused on improving farm profitability, sustainability, and long-term success. Planned workshop topics include small fruit and cut flower production, business planning, agritourism, produce safety, post-harvest handling, farm succession planning, and farm marketing.

NC State Extension Innovation Grants are funded through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Agricultural Programs Foundation and support innovative educational initiatives across the state. Clay’s project was funded through the Gore Innovation Grants category, which supports new Extension programs and initiatives. The project aims to connect farmers with practical, research-based information and tools they can apply directly to their operations. The workshops are designed to help producers strengthen their businesses, diversify production, and expand market opportunities.

Workshops will be promoted through social media, Eventbrite, local newspapers, radio, email campaigns, and community partners throughout the region. For more information about upcoming workshops, contact Matthew Clay at mhclay@ncsu.edu or 336-651-7330.

This summer, Wilkes County growers and Wilkes County Master Gardeners are helping advance tomato research through multiple on-farm trials in partnership with researchers at North Carolina State University. New Castle Farm and Leaning Oak Flower Farm are participating in field trials evaluating new tomato breeding selections developed for compact growth, reduced production costs, and improved fruit quality. Each farm is growing approximately 200 tomato plants, with several experimental varieties being tested under no-stake production systems. The goal of the project is to identify tomato varieties that combine compact plant growth with improved fruit size, yield, and overall production performance. Earlier trials conducted in Wilkes County showed promise in plant growth habit, but researchers wanted to improve fruit production and tomato size before releasing a new variety to the public. This year’s selections are the result of breeding decisions made from last year’s Wilkes County trials and other evaluations across North Carolina.

Wilkes County Master Gardeners are also contributing to tomato research through a separate grafted-tomato trial conducted at several home garden sites. The project, coordinated through NC State University and Rooted-in-Tech, is evaluating which tomato rootstocks perform best for North Carolina home gardeners.

The trial compares standard ‘Celebrity Plus’ tomatoes with grafted plants using two different rootstocks: ‘Shin Cheong Gang’ and ‘DRO141TX.’ Participants will monitor plant growth, harvest dates, fruit number, fruit weight, and overall plant health throughout the growing season. Researchers hope the study will identify grafted tomato combinations that improve plant vigor, productivity, and disease tolerance for home gardeners. Data from both projects will help researchers better understand tomato performance under North Carolina growing conditions while strengthening connections between university research, local growers, and community gardeners. These projects highlight the importance of collaboration between farmers, gardeners, Extension, and university researchers while continuing to showcase Wilkes County’s role in agricultural innovation and applied research.

What is a pollinator? A pollinator is any insect or animal that helps transfer pollen from one plant to another. Pollinators play a vital role in agriculture because 85% of our food comes from pollinators. In addition, pollinators are essential for the survival of many different plants. The most common pollinators are insects. People tend to think of honeybees as the primary pollinators, but there are so many other insects that pollinate plants. Some insects, like bees, intentionally collect pollen, while other animals, like birds, unintentionally pollinate plants.

With continuing development of areas and other factors, pollinators are at risk from loss of habitat. One way to provide protection to pollinators is to plant a pollinator garden in your landscape. These gardens are landscaped areas that provide beauty to your landscape where the native flowering plants and wildflowers encourage pollinators to visit.

If you do not have space for a pollinator garden, you can add one or more plants that will attract pollinators to your current landscape by placing them in pots. One plant that is typically added to pollinator gardens is the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). It is a native wildflower plant that provides some bright, yellow-colored flowers with a black center to your garden and is a great pollinator attractor. Another plant that can be planted in a pollinator garden is a Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). Coneflowers can tolerate the heat we have in North Carolina and provide purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinator insects. Also, there are other varieties of coneflowers that come in many different colors. Furthermore, another great plant one can add to a pollinator garden is Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa). It has bright orange flowers that attract many different pollinators. For more information about pollinators and pollinator gardens.

WILKESBORO, NC — The Wilkes County 4-H Shooting Sports program is setting a new gold standard for youth development, reporting a year of "explosive" growth that has seen membership surge, coaching staff double, and competitive qualifications skyrocket. Over the last twelve months, the program has grown by a staggering 60 percent, a testament to the rising interest in shooting sports and the program's reputation for excellence. To keep pace with this influx of talent, the club’s leadership has also expanded, doubling its roster of certified coaches to meet the growing need!

Breaking Boundaries through Diversification: What sets this year apart isn't just the number of members, but the depth of their discipline. In a remarkable display of ambition, 100 percent of the club’s single-discipline members chose to push outside their comfort zones, expanding their skills into one or even two additional shooting categories. Members who previously focused solely on rifle training have now mastered open scope, pistol, muzzleloader, and archery. The archery program, in particular, has seen a meteoric rise—growing from a single participant last year to nine members currently competing at the district and state levels. This expansion led to the formation of the club’s first Match Archery team to qualify for state competition.

From District Streaks to National Stages: The results of this "all-in" mentality are written in the scorebooks. The club’s competitive footprint has expanded across every level: District Level: Participation grew from 11 to 13 qualifiers. State Level: In a historic jump, state-level qualifications rose from just one member last year to 11 this year. National Level: While one member was invited to compete nationally last year, an unprecedented five members have been invited to the national stage this season. Success was found across the board, with members placing in Muzzleloader (Jr and Sr), Pistol (Sr), Rifle Scope (Jr and Sr), Open Site (Jr and Sr), and Shotgun (Jr and Sr)—including a standout 3rd place individual finish in Senior Shotgun at the district level.

Building the Leaders of Tomorrow: The program’s impact extends far beyond the range. By "learning by doing," members are carrying the discipline, safety protocols, and confidence they gain during practice into their daily lives. "The opportunities within this club are only limited by the boundaries the members place on themselves," the program leadership noted. "Seeing them excel after pushing through their comfort zones proves there are no limits to what they can achieve when they set their minds to it." Many members also participate in school-based shooting teams, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens both the 4-H club and local school programs.

Aiming for the Future: As the program continues to grow, it remains rooted in the 4-H mission: "making the best better" and "Learn by Doing" for the club, the community, and the world. With five members currently preparing for nationals and a new generation of shooters joining the ranks, the future of Wilkes County 4-H Shooting Sports has never looked brighter.

What a historic milestone for the Wilkes County 4-H Shooting Sports program! After a record-breaking season of massive growth, an unprecedented four members have been invited to compete at the National Championships in Nebraska this June. Huge congratulations and best of luck to our national qualifiers: Austin Johnson, Trevor Johnson Christian Reavis, and Wesley Salley! You’ve worked incredibly hard, mastered your discipline, and made our entire community proud. Aim high, stay focused, and hit those bullseyes!

We are losing a true treasure as Mrs. Stacey heads back to Florida! Mrs. Stacey, thank you for living out the 4-H pledge every single day. You’ve dedicated your Head, Heart, Hands, and Health to our program, making it a fun, welcoming, and unforgettable place for everyone. Green looks great on you, but we know that Florida sunshine is calling your name! Thank you for the laughs, the lessons, and the leadership. We will miss you terribly, but we wish you the absolute best!

At NC Cooperative Extension, many agricultural stories begin not in the field, but across our front desk during everyday conversations with our office support staff. This edition of "Behind the Desk, Into the Field" features John and Jessica Call of 3:36 Farm, located off Speedway Road in North Wilkesboro. Named after John 3:36, this small, family-owned farm specializes in pasture-raised Berkshire pork, alongside a wide variety of fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, and free-range eggs.

A few years ago, the Calls inherited the 50-year-old family land from John’s grandmother. Though it was run-down and neglected, they have worked tirelessly around their full-time jobs to restore the soil using all-organic practices and rotational grazing. From early morning harvests to midnight chores, John and Jessica pour endless dedication into their land to ensure safe, nutritious, and affordable food is accessible to everyone in the community for generations to come.

The farm keeps busy year-round with a wonderful variety of fresh, locally raised foods. On the pastures, Berkshire pigs are raised using rotational grazing to help keep the land healthy, then processed at a local USDA facility to offer a wide selection of premium pork cuts. Pasture-raised meat chickens are also rotationally grazed and processed right on the farm, bringing the freshest poultry straight to the community alongside farm-fresh eggs from a flock of about 100 free-range laying hens. When the growing season arrives, the fields yield a vibrant harvest for the local farmer's market. The stand features a diverse mix of veggies, including lettuce, tomatoes, corn, beans, carrots, turnips, beets, squash, zucchini, and seasonal pumpkins. The market offerings are rounded out with fresh apples and pears picked from a beautiful grove of 20+ year-old fruit trees. Every step of this process is designed to provide the community with the safest, most nutritious, and most affordable farm-to-table food possible.

Managing a thriving farm requires a massive amount of flexibility and hard work, especially since no two days are ever the same. Aside from the set routine of feeding and moving the animals, chores are tackled whenever a spare moment arises. Because the farm is run alongside separate full-time careers, the daily schedule is a constant juggling act driven purely by dedication. This means the work hours often stretch from before dawn until well after dark. On mornings when the local farmer's market takes place, the day routinely kicks off at 4:00 a.m. to harvest and wash produce at its peak freshness. On farm-processed chicken days, it is quite common to find the team wrapping up their final tasks at midnight. It is a demanding, round-the-clock lifestyle, but it is exactly what ensures the community receives the highest quality, safest, and freshest food possible.

The diversity at 3:36 Farm keeps the fields and pastures thriving year-round. On the livestock side, Berkshire pigs are raised using rotational grazing to naturally enrich the soil before being processed at a local USDA facility, allowing the farm to offer a wide selection of premium pork cuts. Pasture-raised meat chickens follow a similar sustainable rotation and are processed directly on the farm, while a flock of roughly 100 free-range laying hens keeps the community supplied with fresh eggs. During the peak of the growing season, the farm's market stand is filled with a colorful array of fresh produce. The harvest includes everything from lettuce, tomatoes, and corn to beans, carrots, turnips, beets, squash, zucchini, and seasonal pumpkins. The offerings are sweetened by a bountiful supply of fresh apples and pears picked from a grove of 20+ year-old fruit trees. Every step of this diverse production is designed to deliver the cleanest, safest, and most nutritious farm-to-table foods possible to local families.

Pictured above is Emmalee Call with a 4-H poultry chick she is raising for competition in 2026

From the carefully rotated pastures to the vibrant, hand-picked harvests from their mature fruit trees, the incredible variety at 3:36 Farm shows what passion and sustainable stewardship can achieve. John and Jessica’s dedication to providing clean, nutritious, and accessible farm-to-table food is exactly the kind of success story we love to share from behind our front desk. We wish the Call family the absolute best of luck as they continue to diversify their fields, nourish our local families, and thrive in the seasons ahead!

Looking ahead, information for the highly anticipated Wilkes County Agricultural Fair will be coming out soon! Keep an eye out for the official fair catalogs releasing this July. To ensure you don't miss out on the action, be sure to turn in your registration and entry forms early and beat the final September deadline. We can't wait to see our community's incredible agricultural talents on full display this fall!