Blackwelder: Cooperative Extension 101

Livestock agent Brad Johnson works with sheep that will be exhibited. Submitted photo.

Cooperative Extension agents and staff, bottom row, from left, Connie Holshouser, Darrell Blackwelder, Melva Menius; back, Brad Johnson, Sara Drake, Judy Branson, Toi Degree, Robert Neely. Submitted photo. Ê

Toi Degree, left, teaches children how to can. Submitted photo

Sara Drake, right, talks with children during Farm Animal Day. Submitted photo.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension has provided unbiased research-based information to Rowan County citizens for nearly 100 years.

The organization seeks to empower citizens with the opportunity to gain knowledge and provide solutions. Cooperative Extension in Rowan County is under the auspices of N.C. State and N.C. A&T with Rowan County government and the U.S. Department of Agriculture as funding partners.

Cooperative Extension provides educational programming and information in all aspects of agricultural production, youth programming, health, wellness, family and consumer issues and rural development.

A major strength of Cooperative Extension is its broad volunteer base and community support. Extension advisory council members provide agents critical information for tailoring relevant educational information, events and programs.

Extension volunteers are an invaluable resource, working countless hours assisting agents with youth agriculture and specialty programs, adult educational programs as well as booths, displays and program facilitators.

Local businesses are also supportive and critical for ongoing educational programs, sponsorships and grants. Cooperative Extension’s broad volunteer base sustains and creates a positive impact in Rowan County.

Our mission statement

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is an educational partnership helping people put research-based knowledge to work for economic prosperity, environmental stewardship and an improved quality of life.

Agriculture = $62 million

Agriculture in Rowan County provides a major economic impact producing more than $62 million in revenues. Rowan County producers have more than 116,000 acres in traditional agricultural crops. Farmers markets are growing with increased interest in the local food movement.

Rowan County now has three viable farmers markets. The Salisbury Farmer’s Market has expanded to offer WIC, Senior and SNAP (food stamp) vouchers to eligible participants.

The Master Gardener Volunteer program provides a wealth of urban gardening information to home gardeners and homeowners in Rowan County.

Rowan County dairy and livestock producers receive pertinent information with feeding, selection and herd management.

Brad Johnson, livestock and dairy agent, coaches youth 4-H dairy judging, quiz bowl, skill-a-thon and livestock judging. Many have been successful at the district, state and national level.

Sara Drake provides leadership for the youth component of Cooperative Extension. The 4-H Youth Development Program provides educational programming for community clubs, specialized 4-H clubs, 4-H Summer Fun programs, 4-H summer camp and public speaking.

Collaborating with local school systems, private schools and home school youth, Drake provides leadership with curriculum and information on embryology and biotechnology.

Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Toi Degree educates families and youth in food preservation, healthy eating, physical activity and chronic disease risk reduction. Degree is active with local farmer’s markets, incorporating research-based nutritional information with cooking demonstrations as well as information on developing a realistic food budget.

To contact Cooperative Extension, call 704-216-8970 and or visit www.rowanextension.com