Agriculture officials report to the people

By Scott Nicholson

The Watauga County branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service held its annual “Report to the People” on Monday, with agents presenting updates on the past year’s agricultural and community-service efforts.

Nancy Reigel, chairwoman of the extension service advisory board, said the service partners with communities to get “federal and state expertise right in our own back yards” to address local needs.

A cooperative extension education program taught students the value of eating fruits and vegetables. Pictured are Juliana Whitaker (Health Department), Karee Mackey (NC Cooperative Extension), Margie Mansure (Extension), Angela Walsh (Earth Fare), Beth Fornadley (Health Department), Susan Trivette (Watauga County Schools), Brenda Reese (Mabel School). Photo submitted

Reigel said the extension service counts on volunteers and public input to determine programs, as well as surveys and the Extension Advisory Leadership Council.

Last year, three priority issues emerged through the outreach process: enhancing local food and farm systems, environmental stewardship, and building quality communities. The hundreds of programs led to 28,000 personal contacts in 2008.

Christmas trees remain the staple agricultural product of the county, with over 100 tree growers and horticulture and nursery producers. “We’re going to grow better trees and market them even better,” Reigel said.

Integrated pest management, grafting techniques and prescription fertilizers help reduce impact of insects and improve the environment. Despite the recession, Christmas tree sales improved 3 percent last year.

Livestock production, in addition to alternative crops like shiitake mushrooms, have helped diversification of local agriculture, with cold-climate fruits also becoming popular.

The market for organic vegetables continues to grow, Reigel said, with agents helping secure $40,000 in marketing grants and equipment.

A consumer horticulture hotline established last year helped people get information from members of the Master Gardeners Volunteer Program, with the extension service helping develop a local food network.

Farm-to-School and Local Foods for Local Kids programs helped youngsters become more aware of where food comes from, and 80 percent tried out a new food. Kids in the Creek helped 1,200 local students participate in creek studies programs.

The environmental and conservation efforts included water quality, forest management and alternative energy programs.

Reigel said the extension service’s promotion of best-management practices helped reduce stormwater runoff and erosion, with $552,000 in Clean Water Management Trust Fund grants helping construct wetlands to slow down water flow, with more than 5,000 native plants spread along the banks of local waterways.

Reigel said better eating and more physical activity leads to a better quality of life and healthier communities, with extension service programs educating people about nutrition and the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables.

Through the Family and Consumer Sciences programs, more than 300 people honed their skills in preparing meals at home.

The 4-H programs provided over 200 hours of volunteer community service, with 4-H members developing skills in communication, decision making, teamwork and leadership.

The Low-Impact Living Series focused on water, organic gardening, backyard chickens and home weatherization.

Nearly a third of the extension service’s funding comes from grants, with North Carolina State University and NC A&T and Watauga County also providing funding, and agents have helped outside organizations secure another $580,000 in grants.

A new extension director is expected to be hired by July to replace Sue Counts, who retired last fall.

A cooperative extension education program taught students the value of eating fruits and vegetables. Pictured are Juliana Whitaker (Health Department), Karee Mackey (NC Cooperative Extension), Margie Mansure (Extension), Angela Walsh (Earth Fare), Beth Fornadley (Health Department), Susan Trivette (Watauga County Schools), Brenda Reese (Mabel School). Photo submitted