Turner Pride, director of Vance County Cooperative Extension, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk to discuss the center’s many upcoming programs and events.
Cooperative Extension is active in every state in the country and is funded through each state’s university. “We are fortunate enough to have two [funding] universities in North Carolina – North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T,” said Pride.
Both NC universities provide research-based information for Cooperative Extension’s four program areas including 4-H, Community & Rural Development, Agriculture and Family & Consumer Sciences.
The ever-popular 4-H programs target youth ages 5-19 and offer training in life skills with an agricultural twist.
“Right now there is a big push to form 4-H clubs of five youth and one adult leader based on a specific interest,” Pride said.
One such special interest 4-H group may be formed after the upcoming Livestock and Horse Interest meeting is held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018, at the Vance Co. Cooperative Extension Center. Youth interested in livestock and horses are encouraged to attend.
Four Vance County youth are attending 4-H Congress, a youth leadership conference, this summer at NC State University. Part of the requirements for successful completion of the program is their participation in a community service project.
Assisting with these programs is Cooperative Extension’s new 4-H agent and Oxford native Lina Lue. “Lina attended NC State and majored in extension education, so she’s tailor-made for our position here and we’re very excited to have her on our team,” said Pride.
Pride also announced that Vance County Cooperative Extension is working regionally with Warren, Franklin, Granville and Person counties, as well as with the Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments and the Department of Agriculture on an agriculture app for phones.
“This will be an app for your phone that promotes local food, farmers market information, restaurant information, etc.,” said Pride. “We are really excited for the direction the app can go in, especially for the profitability of our farmers.”
Upcoming Events:
Kerr-Tar Beekeepers Association – meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
at the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 305 Young St., Henderson
Organic Vegetable Production Workshop – Monday, July 23, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.
Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson
Discuss principles of organic production, organic certification, plant disease prevention, pest prevention and how to plant organically
Growing the Fall Garden Workshop – Monday, July 30, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.
Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Dr., Henderson
Discuss fall vegetables, nutrient needs and season extension frost protection techniques
Vance County Regional Fair – August 8 – 12, 2018, at the fairgrounds on Hwy 39
4-H Livestock Show on Saturday, August 11, 2018
Parenting Lunch & Learn – Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at 12 p.m.
Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson
For parents and children entering Pre-K or kindergarten
Tips on preparing children for school – door prizes, books and school supplies
Parenting Series: The Incredible Years – September 12 – December 19, 2018
Held each Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vance County Cooperative Extension Center
Parents and children between the ages of 3-5 are invited to attend. Catered meal and childcare provided. Transportation provided as needed. Register by calling Cooperative Extension. Grant funded through the Smart Start Partnership for Children.
For more information on Vance County Cooperative Extension or to register for a program, please call (252) 438-8188, visit their website at vance.ces.ncsu.edu or stop by the office at 305 Young Street, Henderson.