We Are Stoked to Serve You! NC Cooperative Extension, Stokes County

Needs Assessment

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center wants to improve our programs and better serve the citizens of Stokes County. Therefore, we have compiled a needs assessment to be distributed throughout our community. The purpose of this needs assessment is to identify important issues and opportunities in Stokes County to help guide and shape our research and educational activities over the next several years. N.C. Cooperative Extension’s mission is to extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. By completing this survey, you are helping direct the work of Extension in meeting your needs and delivering educational programs to our community. Additionally, oftentimes, research at the university level can be generated based on needs within communities. Your input is appreciated and very much valued. Also, your answers are anonymous. Thank you for your participation. The needs assessment link is go.ncsu.edu/stokes_needs_assessment

4-H & Youth Development

Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokesfunwith4hfoods

Register at go.ncsu.edu/ccls

Register NOW for NCD 4-H Teen Retreat in your 4-HOnline profile by April 1st!

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center has been awarded the NC AgVentures Grant sponsored by NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The grant was used to purchase plasticulture equipment. We used the award to purchase a Compact Raised Bed Mulch Layer, a Plastic Mulch Lifter, and a trailer for transportation to rent to small farms. The following equipment is to be leased by Lessee.

• Nolt (Red) Mulch Layer with or without Equipment Trailer
• Nolt (Red) Mulch Lifter with or without Equipment Trailer

Using plasticulture as a production method for growing fruits and vegetables has its advantages. Plasticulture has been proven to increase yield (up to three times greater), improve weed control and watering efficiency (water savings of up to 90 percent) and reduce fertilizer costs due to a targeted, more efficient use of applied nutrients. To help the state’s small farmers experience the advantage of these benefits, below are some frequently asked questions about the Plasticulture Equipment Rental.

Who can rent the equipment? Any North Carolina small farmer who wants to try plasticulture to grow crops. We may ask you to share your yield information with us for record-keeping and impact reporting.

How do I rent the equipment? The equipment will be rented on a first‐come, first‐served basis. Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center to request an application and be placed on the schedule. Proper identification will be required when the equipment is picked up. Only one piece of equipment will be rented at a time, depending on the production season. The equipment cannot be rented for more than three days at a time.

How do I return the equipment? The equipment should be returned to the location where it was picked up on the date indicated on the application. Any farmer who does not return the equipment when promised may not be allowed to rent it again and could be subject to a late fee. The equipment should be cleaned before it is returned; a cleaning fee may be applied should the equipment be returned in an unsatisfactory condition. If you are an organic farmer, please note that you are responsible for cleaning the equipment to meet organic certification standards.

Does it cost to rent the equipment? Yes. Rental costs are based on the length of use and due at the time of pick up. One‐day rental ‐ $25 Two‐day rental ‐ $50 Three‐day rental ‐ $75

How do I pay the rental fee? When the equipment is picked up, the farmer should provide either a check or cash for the number of days they will rent the unit and complete all required paperwork.

If you have questions about the Stokes County Plasticulture Equipment Rental program, contact Bryan Hartman, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, at (336) 593-8179 or bkhartman@ncat.edu. https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/06/stokes-county-plasticulture-equipment-rental/

Family & Consumer Sciences

Register at go.ncsu.edu/virtual_canning_class

Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes-declutter

Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes-sentimental-clutter

Register at go.ncsu.edu/king_nc_hikes

Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes-canning

Register at go.ncsu.edu/pressure_cooker

Livestock & Forages

Register at go.ncsu.edu/poultryprocessing

From the Ground Up register at go.ncsu.edu/groundup - Grass Grows Grass register at go.ncsu.edu/grass - Species Identification register at go.ncsu.edu/speciesid

Register at go.ncsu.edu/parasites

Livestock Announcements

Avian Influenza Potential Threat for NC

EPA Issues Product Usage Change

Stokes County Cattlemen's Association

March meeting, register at go.ncsu.edu/culling - April meeting, register at go.ncsu.edu/maygenomics

Equipment Rental

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.