2001 Program Success Highlights

Record #: 1 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Bradley, Garry J

Retraining for Employment: In this day of uncertainty regarding employment, many people are looking for opportunities to be retrained for career moves. Donna D. willard, a part time registered nurse, wanted to change careers and work in the horticulture industry. In order to fulfill this dream, Mrs. Willard had to pass a Certified Plant Professional Certification. Agent conducted a Certified Plant Professional course where students were taught identification on techniques needed to successfully pass the exam. As a result, Mrs. Willard completed the course, passed the exam, and now is employed full time with "New Garden Landscape Company", the leading landscaping company in the Piedmont.

Record #: 2 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Bradley, Garry J

4-H programming is a very integral part of Extension. Summer 4-H programs are a means to give hands-on learning experiences to 4-H\'ers. Agent was asked to be part of a teaching team to deliver the Down-To-Earth 4-H Program which is designed to introduce students to earth and environmental sciences. As a result, with the aid of Pre and Post testing, 25 students showed an 80% increase in their knowledge of fertilizer and soil, basic horticultural knowledge of trees, shrubs and pesticides.

Record #: 3 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

This year several Franklin County 4-H Clubs have placed a major focus on Community Service. Many have conducted on-going as well as fund raising efforts to support long term support for others. One 4-H Club has been awarded a North Central District Award for Community Service as well as one of the Colgate Community Service Awards. Two other traditional clubs, and two special interest clubs have also joined in the Community Service efforts. Some of the projects include; making donations to the Safe Space Shelter for battered women and children, feeding several families during holidays, assisting families in crisis, making donations to the Happy Camper Scholarship Fund, shopping for families at Christmas, Community building beautification, and many others. The club members look forward to participation and have learned much about helping others in the process

Record #: 4 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

As a resut of the Community Based Alternatives Grant, the 4-H Directions Program was established and a Program Coordinator has been secured. The 4-H Directions Program provides a structure to match adjudicated youth to community service and job opportunities, in order to work off restitution and community service sentence. The program also exposes youth to career development, street law and goal setting educational opportunities. The Program has also been established through the Franklin County Middle Schools, 4-H Directions which provides Community Service opportunities for suspended students in lieu of suspension, thereby keeping them in schol. The Program has served 48 youth, and 17 are currently being served.

Record #: 5 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

Fund raising efforts continue to provide support to 4-H and Youth Programming. Monies raised supplement 4-H School Enrichment and 4-H Summer Activities programs. Fund raising efforts include; Building Resilient Children, Youth and Families Grant, $14,000.00; Community Based Alternatives Grant $39,393.68, United Way Grant, $6,000.00/year; Golf Tournament, $1000.00; and Livestock and Youth Programs, approximately, $9,000.00.

Record #: 6 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

The Franklin County 4-H Summer Sizzlers Program has expanded this year to include four weeks of Day Camp, including Science Camps, and visits to Kerr Lake, two weeks of traditional overnight camping, and several Special Interest events. These programs reached over 320 youth, and were co-sponsored by United Way of Franklin County, and local sources. Three 4-H Summer Program Assistants were secured to assist with the implementation of the program.

Record #: 7 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

Numbers this year in the Franklin County 4-H Program have increased to reach overall, to 3,177 youth during the past year with 163 adults volunteering their time and expertise to work with our youth in Franklin County through the Cooperative Extension 4-H and Youth Development program.

Record #: 8 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

There are many successful 4-H School Enrichment Programs operating in the Franklin County Schools, including When I\'m In Charge, Embryology, Biotechnology, Foods and Nutrition, Career Smarts, Fit for Life, Ripples and many others. Approximately 2,132 youth increased their knowledge of environmental awareness, career planning, agricultural production, stages of growth and development, and safety in four (4) of the six (6) elementary schools, one (1) middle school and two (2) high schools. Traditional classroom requirements are enhanced by the many programs offered. Pre and Post testing and teacher interviews are conducted to evaluate these programs.

Record #: 9 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-25
CEMP: 1
Location: Food Science (SP)
Person Reporting: Rushing, John

1. Issue: Grade A dairy products are regulated under the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance(PMO), adopted by states participating in the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS). The NCIMS is requested a committee study the potential for a HACCP alternative to the traditional rating/inspection system. 2.What has been done: A committee made up of academic and industry representatives and federal and state regulatory personnel produced a plan to pilot a HACCP system in Grade A processing plants. This plan was accepted by the NCIMS and the committee has conducted three training programs for those plants participating in the pilot. We have conducted the pilot in six states and have produced a preliminary report which is being used to produce a new proposal to the NCIMS. We expect the pilot to be expanded to as many as 20 states in the upcoming year. 3.Impact: The impact of this program should result in an even safer milk supply, free up inspectors to concentrate on problem areas, increase training and understanding of plant workers and allow the processing plant to take a more active role in influencing their milk safety needs. This should result in an ability to concentrate on documented hazards and focus on their control measures. It is early to assess the financial savings to the regulatory agencies and the dairy industry. 4.Funding for the project has been from the FDA, individual states and funds from the President\'s food safety initiative. 5.Contacts: John Rushing, Ph.D. Box 7624 NCSU Raleigh NC 27695-7624 John_Rushing@ncsu.edu

Record #: 10 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-09
CEMP: 1
Location: Caldwell
Person Reporting: Cox, Debbie L

Nutrition Education is an ongoing process of keeping healthy eating habits before the consumer. To effectively reach more citizens more effeciently we have begun utilizing our cable television access channel. Our Information Officer video taped the Family and Consumer Education Agent in the Food Lab a 30 minute discussion about the Food Guide Pyramid and discussed the visual cues of a serving size according to USDA materials. The cable vision projects approximately 1,000 viewers can be reached by this medium. The tape was shown 4 times in one week. There will be more programs on a variety of topics within Family and Consumer Education.

Record #: 11 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-01
CEMP: 1
Location: Moore
Person Reporting: Wicker, Karen M

Cooperative Extension provides leadership to a community committee called BRIDGES. This group meets monthly to increase awareness of resources and concerns so that agencies and communities can effectively program for Spanish speaking clientele. This year the BRIDGES committee planned and implemented a Reaching Our Spanish Speaking Neighbors seminar. Approximately 50 agency and community representatives attended. BRIDGES members as well as other State and local resource people shared ideas, concerns and resources. Participants attending reported an increase in awareness of the Spanish speaking clientele, as well as learning about at least one new resources. Two agencies have now sponsored Command Spanish classes as a result of learning about this resource at the seminar.

Record #: 12 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Dare
Person Reporting: Jennings, Delia

Dare County 4-H SACC focuses on all children, including special needs children. Parents of special needs children often tell the staff that 4-H SACC is the only day camp that will allow their children. Special needs youngters are aided by one-on-one mentors, some provided by 4-H and some from outside agencies. The disabled and non-disabled youngsters all benefit from interracting with each other. The disabled children experience the joy of being with others their same age. The non-disabled children learn about being with persons with special needs and display caring and compassion. Dare County 4-H SACC is currenty reaching out to the Hispanics in the area. A Spanish speaking counselor was hired and scholarships are available.

Record #: 13 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Chase, Susan

Despite plant closings and budget restraints, Beaufort County rallied together in support of the 7th Elder Fair sponsored by the Human Services Coalition on which we serve. Taking the Fair to the south side of the river was also risky due to the lack of population living on the south side, but we want the fair to be accessible to different people, so we move it each year to different parts of the county. Two hundred and thirty two people attended, over 40 vendors participated. Seniors are now aware of services available to them in the county that can assist them. They are also aware of health, wellness and nutrition information that will help them live healthier lives. Blood pressures were administered and people were referred to their local physicians by medical personnel or to the health department if they did not have a doctor.

Record #: 14 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 1
Location: Lincoln
Person Reporting: Houser, Melinda M

To keep the older adult population up-to-date and informed of changes in medical insurance, medicare, and the QMB(Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) program for limited income individuals, SHIIP(Sr. Health Insurance Information Program) volunteers have: assisted individuals, provided 8 civic and church group programs, presented a session for "Aging With Gusto"--3-part series, and set up and manned an information table during Golden Opportunity Day. An estimated $9,594. savings for 15 individuals was determined during the past 6 months, Jan.-June. A SHIIP volunteer recently reported assisting a 92 year old lady, who lives alone and has only Social Security as income, in choosing a medical plan that saved her $644./yr. Also, volunteer is providing her with QMB information to help increase her income. July--Dec.--- SHIIP volunteers reported a savings of $1200. for 2 Sr. Adults (this was through the QMB program. Individuals on the QMB program pay only $1.00 per prescription; this could possibly be a savings $75.00/prescription. SHIIP volunteers counseled with eighteen individuals and the total savings for the group was $11,300.

Record #: 15 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 1
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Reece, Susan

Fifty per cent of all fractures incurred among women after the age of fifty are related to osteoporosis. An osteoporosis program developed by CES was delivered to elderly groups in Farmville, Grifton, and Greenville. Nutritional information related to osteoporosis was provided as well as disease susceptibility assessments. An evaluation indicated 85% of the participants felt the presentation changed their behavior or opinions.

Record #: 16 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 1
Location: Agricultural and Extension Education
Person Reporting: Schlossberg, Mike

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Record #: 17 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-22
CEMP: 1
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

Much erroneous information was going around the livestock community of RandolphCounty concerning the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) and Mad Cow Disease(BSE) in England. This resulted in the Cooperative Extension focusing educational programs on disseminating research based information to the livestock producers about FMD and BSE as well as measures being taken to keep these two diseases out of the nation. Over 425 producers attended educational programs and received information that they can use to answer questions they may get about FMD and BSE from the general public. As a result of these educational efforts, most myths about these two diseases were laid to rest and producers have increased knowledge of these diseases. They also know what they can do to minimize their risk on their operation and feel better prepared to answer questions from people outside the livestock community.

Record #: 18 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-25
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Morris, Brenda A

The Cooperative Extension Service in Guilford County is one of two counties in North Carolina that is a recipient of the Million Solar Roofs Grant from DOE. With this money, CES is to provide solar energy education for the citizens of Guilford County. The following programmin efforts have been completed within the past year: permanant educational exhibit at the Main library; solar water and space heating workshop for 25 engineers, builders, contractors, photovoltaics workshop for 20 engineers, builders, and contractors; teacher recertification class; devleopment and distribution of a Guilford Solar Communities brochure; solar energy exhibit at the Home Builders Expo with 300 people in attendance; establishment of a million solar roofs committee that meets quarterly; the first Environmental Explorama Camp for 20 youth; and the Solar Connection Workshop that was held for 125 participants. Comments from completed evaluations for the seminar included: "very informative, lots of information, great program, user

Record #: 19 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-26
CEMP: 1
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Ostergaard, Nancy

In Buncombe County there are over 22,000 household's with individuals 65 years and over. The majority of this population desires to "Age in Place". With this in mind there is a need for programs to assist them in making the necessary changes to accomplish this goal. In addition to the Accessible Housing program I have developed "The Senior Friendly Home" program. This program addresses the changes that can be done in a home to allow for the older adult to remain in it. Examples of these changes are: modifying stairs, use of contrasting colors, appropriate furniture, necessary changes to bathroom, kitchen, etc.

Record #: 20 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 1
Location: Swain
Person Reporting: Roberson, Jessica L

The Swain County Cooperative Extension Service responded to the senior adult's need for more physical exercise and healthier food choices. The program ,"Staying Fit and Healthy After 60," was presented to 70 senior site nutrition aides from Macon, Swain, Jackson, Cherokee Reservation, Clay, Haywood, Graham, and Cherokee Counties. Participants learned simple and creative exercises, how to increase their fruits and vegetables, and the importance of following the food guide pyramid. The participants stated that they were going to make an effort to exercise more and choose healthier foods.

Record #: 21 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 1
Location: Swain
Person Reporting: Roberson, Jessica L

Senior adults, especially limited-income individuals, are at high risk for malnutrition. In oreder to meet this need, Swain County's Cooperative Extension Service received training to present the 15-week program, "Partners in Wellness" to the seniors at the nutrition site. Twenty participants were given information to improve their nutritional status via presentations, demonstrations, hands-on and skill building activities and peer group exchange. Most of the participants stated that they would make an effort to change their health habits such as exercise more, eat a better balanced diet-consume more fruits and vegetables, and use appropriate serving sizes.

Record #: 22 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 1
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Carter, Lucille M

As caregiving continues to be an important issue with families looking after aging parents, spouses, or relatives and sometimes also young children at the same time. We continue to focus on monthly Caregiver Support meetings, exhibits at assisted living homes, malls and other community groups. The Family and Consumer Sciences agent and a member of the Caregivers Support group have been asked to be a part of the end of life coalition for Iredell County and will be planning educational program events for the public to help individuals and families make plans for end of life decisions with some new Federal money assigned to caregiving, Iredell County will be able to continue with caregiving training programs.

Record #: 23 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Humphrey, Denise

THIS SUCCES STORY IS IN REFERENCE TO OUR NEW TEEN YOUTH

PROGRAM THAT HAD A GRANT AWARDED TO THIS COUNTY LAST

YEAR,2001. I WAS THE 1ST AGENT IN PLACE TO BEGIN THE OPERATION OF THIS NEW TEEN PROJECT. IT IS CALLED T.I.M.E.--TEEN INFLUENCING THE MINDS OF OTHERS. IT HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL UP TO DATE. THERE HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL "BRAINSTORMING" MEETINGS AMONG

THE COMMUNITY TEENS, AND WE ARE NOW IN THE PROCESS OF

PLANNING OUR 2ND COMMUNITY-WIDE EVENT--WHICH IS A

COMMUNITY-RECRUITMENT DANCE , BEING HELD IN JULY. THIS

PROGRAM DOES HAVE SOME GREAT POTENTIAL AND THE YOUTHS ARE GREATLY REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY> THIS PROGRAM

DEFINETLY WILL BE LABELED AS A SUCCESS!!!!

Record #: 24 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 1
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Kinion, Sharon L

During this year's Aging with Gusto at the Vernon James Center in Plynouth, 135 registered participants learned skills to improve their quality of life in variuos ways. There were 11 agents working together to provide quality programming for the seniors from 9 counties. Overall, there were 11 speakers, 15 exhibitors, and 1 entertainment group. As a result of this event, 87% of participants felt their knowledge about positive aging had improved significantly. Many participants reported improving eating habits and increasing physical activity due to attending previous Aging with Gusto events. Comments included: "good conference, motivational, and appreciative of all the work that goes into putting this together" and "I enjoy this day each year and look forward to coming again next year."

Record #: 25 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Simmons, Ann

Older adults in Rowan County need information that will help them to maintain their health and independence for as long as possible. In order to meet this need, the Family & Consumer Educator and the Caring & Sharing Support Group for Widowed Persons organized a "Care Fair." The fair featured exhibits from 28 programs serving older adults. Seventy-two older adults and others visited various exhibits. Both exhibitors and attendees said they would like to see the fair offered again next year. Some said they would like to help with marketing to get more people to attend. Attendees said they appreciated the variety of helpful information. The value of volunteer hours and donations for the event was 1,983.00

Record #: 26 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Stroud, Debra L

Older adults are the nation's fastest growing population. According to the latest census data Johnston County s senior adult population 65 is 11,500, roughly ten percent of the total population. Nine percent of that population are 85 years or older. A state wide survey indicated that 36% of congregate nutrition site participants were at moderate risk for malnutrition while 33% were at high risk. As of this month 216 older adults who eat lunch at the county's senior citizen centers, have completed Partners-In- Wellness (PiW). PiW lowers the nutritional risk of older adults by identifying their nutritional risk categories and intervening with an appropriate educational intervention targeting behavioral change and knowledge factors. PiW helps seniors to eat more healthful foods, safely manage medications, share meals with others, maintain optimal weight and overcome cooking obstacles. The program has brought 16,000 dollars of nutrition education resources to the seniors participating.

Record #: 27 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Stroud, Debra L

Record #: 28 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Durham
Person Reporting: Clark, Theresa T

Talking about personal affairs as they relate to end of life is extremely difficult for families. To develop a written plan when you are in the best of health is a task frequently gone unattended. Thirty-three individuals participated in an "End of Life Choices" program planned by Cooperative Extension, Extension andCommunity Association, Durham Public Library, Health Department, Durham Parks and Recreation, Retired andSenior Volunteers Program and the Durham Council For Senior Citizens. The program provoked several participants to action so that their wishes could be known should they not be able to take charge of their affairs later in life. These participants have shared with their families and friends their desires. They have made a plan and feel that life is better because of the steps they have taken.

Record #: 29 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Dalcoe, Shelia M

Many limited resource senior citizens find it hard to survive on a fixed income, while everything else seems to be increasing but their income. To address this problem, a program entitled "Money Talks" was conducted for senior citizens residing in Guilford County. The objective of the program was to help these individuals to better manage their limited incomes. The four session program was conducted for eight senior citizens who reside in a subsidized housing community through cooperating with Westminster Properties. As a result of the program, 100 percent of the participants reported gaining knowledge and skills for better managing their money. Also, all of the participants indicated that they learned at least one new suggestion for cutting costs of daily expenditures which they planned to utilize.

Record #: 30 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hall, Sandy

The Communities in Schools program seeked out Nash County 4-H Program to help them implement an after hours program for youth ages 10-12. There were lots of major successes due to this collaboration but one of the most successful reported is with a student named Crystal. Crystal's mother shared with the director her concern for her child's shyness and grades. Crystal always had to attend summer school because her reading scores were not very high. After three weeks into the program, Crystal's mother shared she saw a difference. The next big surprise was that she passed the end-of-grade test and for the first summer Crystal would not have to attend summer school. Crystal received a trophy at the end of the school year for Most Improved Student. Her mother shared with school that the reason she did so well was because of the 4-H After Hours Program.

Record #: 31 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Moore
Person Reporting: Williams, Taylor

Tobacco income in Lee, Moore, and Richmond has declined $12 million since 1997. Tobacco farmers here grow $6 million of produce, including melons, strawberries, and peaches. Produce crops could increase if new markets could be tapped. Chain store buyers, however, do not purchase from small producers, who lack cooling facilities, volume, or expertise. NC Cooperative Extension identified farmers interested in cooperatives. We hosted meetings with the Southeastern Growers Association, a Kinston area cooperative co-founded through Extension and NCDA. We met repeatedly for production training and prepared a growers reference notebook. The local Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture assisted with market development and incorporation. The Sandhills Fresh Produce Cooperative's eight growers have leased cooling facilities and are shipping truckloads of melons to chain stores. They are on track to produce and market $135,000 of canteloupes. Other tobacco growers have expressed interest in joining the cooperative next season.

Record #: 32 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Whitt, Bess H

The fourth annual Aging With Gusto conference was held May 3 in Person County with 110 program participants. Evaluations of the program rated it as very worth while and enoyable. Comments of program participants - Do this twice a year!......... I really learned a lot and had a great time........ The speaker and entertainment were great....... Gave me the motivation to make some changes......Looking forward to next year.Even the speakers who were invited to present workshops were excited about the event. A cardiologist wrote a thank you note for including him in the program and volunteered for other programs.

Record #: 33 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Bailey, Juanita T

Perquimans County Library is always interested in hosting exhibits from local groups. Twenty county 4-H'ers took this opportunity to share their skills by completing/submitting 36 art items for a "4-H Art Show". Youth used a number of mediums to create their artwork. The art show not only helped provide an exhibit for the local library, but it helped youth see the importance of team work, thinking through a project before starting, time management in order to complete items on time and decison making skills. Several participants commented that they thought items for the exhibit could be done with only one work session, but after much trial and error with their projects, they soon found that a quality exhibit would require a greater committment. The 4-H Art Show was on exhibit for 4 weeks at the local library and was exposed to approximately 700 patrons per week.

Record #: 34 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Winslow, Jewel L

By networking with the area nursing facility, the local community college, and the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program, Extension has increased awareness of aging issues and assisted caregivers in adopting practices that will improved the quality of care for elders in the area. Through a combination of trainings on Aging Sensitivity, Alzheimer's Awareness, Stress Management and Advanced Directives Planning, 44 caregivers have reported an improvement in their way of handling aging issues.

Record #: 35 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Dare
Person Reporting: Patton, Rosie

Estate planning and end of life decisions are often difficult for older adults to come to terms with. With this in mind, a session focusing on Ethical and Living Wills was offered to a group of 18 older adults who meet monthly. Participants stated that the issue of completing the Living Will was made easier by understanding and appreciating the peace and sense of closure that can be obtained by first completing or deciding to complete an ethical will. As a result of this program the 18 seniors present invited a notary to their next session so that they could have the Living Wills issued by the FCS agent at this session completed, witnessed and notarized at their next meeting.

Record #: 36 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Bladen
Person Reporting: Carroll, C

Efforts coordinated by Bladen County Cooperative Extension and Bladen County Solid Waste Management Department resulted in 3,385 pesticide containers collected during the first six month of 2001. The rejection rate of unusable containers continues to remain below 1%. Containers collected will be recycled into plastic pallets.

Record #: 37 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 1
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Thompson, Harold G

Proper pruning can increase vigor, pest resistance, and the aesthetic value of the plants in a landscape. Even wirh its importance, most home gardeners and landscape caretaker do not know the proper techniques of pruning. Realizing this important fact, the Cooperative Extension Service provided pruning information through news articles, radio programs, pruning demonstration, and pruning workshops. This information was used to justify management decisions in the pruning of homeownerw landscape plants, and fruits trees. Information was also used to design and plant screems on several homeowners landscapes. Six landscapes will serve as a continual demonstration of proper tree prunning and design techniques

Record #: 38 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 1
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Thompson, Harold G

Request for pest identification come into the Extension Center daily. Homeowners want quick responses (and quick solutions) to pest problems. Therefore these calls represent an attempt to manage a pest problem and protect an investment by the property owner. Most calls will not require over $10 in additional purchases but save about $75 in professional fees. There is also the satisfaction of doing it yourself and, by doing so, being able to do it again, should the need arise. Important education points include proper pest identification, pesticide selection, rate of pesticide used and safe use of pesticides for yourself, pets, family, environment and neighborhood. Over 150 samples of plant diseases, insects problems, and weed identification were sent to the Plant Disease and insect clinch at NCSU to be

Record #: 39 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 1
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Stanley, Pearl W

Ninety-eight SHIIP reports revealed 252 counseling hours at $10/hour equals $2,520 dollar value of service rendered. Results showed 782 Medicare beneficiaries participated in Medicare Update Seminars, counseling sessions, and DSS Screening Programs, receiving information on changes in health care benefits. Beneficiaries (68%) could not afford their Medigap policy, therefore applied for a new policy, Medicare Aid or Medicaid. (58%) requested help with filing claims which resulted in refunds or refiling for payment by Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap or by beneficiary.

Record #: 40 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Chowan
Person Reporting: Farless, Shari T

Many of Chowan County's older residents run the risk of malnutrition due to social isolation, appetite changes and decreased financial resources. Programs are provided on a monthly basis at the Senior Congregate Feeding Site. 160 contacts have been made through programming efforts with topics such as: Antioxidents, Minerals and Vitamins, The AHA Guidelines for Heart Health and The American Plate. Comments such as: "I need to increase my fruits and vegetables and walk more", "I try to eat right but sometimes I cannot afford it" and "I would rather get my nutrition from my food instead of a pill and you have helped me to understand how" prove that efforts to educate this group to basic healthy eating habits is being successful. Approximately 10 percent have indicated they are modifying their dietary habits or increasing their physical activity in an effort to have a better quality of life.

Record #: 41 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Stanley, Pearl

Sixty SHIIP reports revealed 106 counseling hours at $12/hr. equals $1,272.00 of service rendered. Results showed 310 Medicare beneficiaries participated in Medicare Update Seminars, counseling sessions and DSS Screening Programs; receivig information on changes in health care benefits. Beneficiaries (62%) could not afford their Medigap policy and prepared application for a new policy or applied for Medicare Aid Programs. (38%) requested help with filing claims which resulted in refunds or refiling for payments by Medicare, Medigap or beneficiary.

Record #: 42 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Spivey, Lynda P

Many senior citizen's only source of income is a social security check. When housing expenses and money for medications increase usually the food budget decreases. The Programs Assistants with Bringing Nutrition Home, a Nutrition Network Grant, has 175 home bound elderly enrolled in the program. They are visited quarterly and presented an educational lesson and also given TEFAP food to stretch their food supply. The program assistants have been trained by Extension on how to present lessons and demonstrate food preparation in each of the homes they visit. The program assistants also gives the homebound information on food stamp eligibility. One lady with two handicapped adult sons stated she would have lost her home had the program assistant not told her about food stamps with the increase in her household expenses.

Record #: 43 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Furlough, Elizabeth V

The need to learn about nutrition and wellness never ends, and to this end, the FCE Agent gives a presentation on these topics once a month to the participants of the local Senior Citizens Center. Topics this year have been: Food Safety for Seniors, Heart Health and You, Your Diet and Cancer, Welcome to Aging With Gusto, How Teletip Can Improve Your Health, and Ways to Fight BAC. At the end of each presentation, the FCE Agent asks questions related to the topic, and those who answer receive prizes. These small incentives entice the audience to pay careful attention to the presentation. The agent has been thanked many times by the participants for sharing this knowledge and for being faithful about coming each month. The information shared is used in the participant's homes and is shared with family and friends.

Record #: 44 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Gaston
Person Reporting: Craig, Donna

Several members of the Master Gardeners' class of 2001 worked together to design a new landscape for the courtyard at Holy Angels Nursery in Belmont. Holy Angels Nursery is a live-in facility for mentally handicapped children. After completing the design, the group will work with other volunteers in the community this fall to help plant the courtyard. The class members also made recommendations on how to tend and manage other landscape beds on the property.

Record #: 45 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Breedlove, Donald E

Earth Day Celerbration In cooperation with the States Tree Board, Lake Norman State Park and the Waste Recyling Coordinator 47 youth and 11 parents increased knowledge and developed skills in creativity with plants and wood products. Class was taught in converting grape vines into wreaths and trees by bundling and wire wrapping. The finished products were mounted onto wood platforms and decorated with blooms from flowering plants. Four-H flyers were distributed in an effort to encourage more involvement.

Record #: 46 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 1
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Womack, Deborah D

Senior citizens are not always happy about having to leave their homes and move into an aging care facility due to various medical and financial situations. Cooperative Extension and a local aging facility collaborated to provide educational information to 26 residents on the pros and cons of active aging. After participating in the session, 75% or 19 residents responded positively on ways to keep healthy and maintain a positive attitude on life. Each participant engaged in some form of exercise regardless of his or her physical limitation(s). Some participants were on walkers, canes, in wheelchairs, or on oxygen. Also, participants verbalized the importance of feeling good about yourself in order to maintain a sense of self-control and accepting daily challenges affecting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical well-being.

Record #: 47 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 1
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: McNamara, Cathryn A

The Rockingham County office of NCSU Cooperative Extension participated again this year in the annual Senior Awareness Day sponsored by Rockingham Community College and the Rockingham County Council on Aging. The focus of this year's exhibit was "Heart Healthy Eating". Various methods to reduce fat and cholesterol in the diet were presented. Participants had the opportunity to taste banana bread made the traditional way, and made the "Heart Healthy" way where an egg substitute product and applesauce in place of oil was used. Approximately 90 percent of the participants tasted the sample. Most agreed that the two tasted the same, perhaps the bread with the applesauce was moister. A comment I repeatedly heard was, "I never knew I could use applesauce for oil". Many participants indicated they were going to try this substitution when cooking at home.

Record #: 48 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-06
CEMP: 1
Location: Chowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J M

A constructed wetland and its associated stream have been continually contaminated by washdown water from the Town of Edentons waste transfer station. A Catch basin and pump to the sanitary sewer system has minimized this contamination but frequent blockage has continued to cause problems. Extension educational efforts directed at the Town Manager and street department administration has increased their awarness of the situation. Additional adjustments have been added to prevent blockage, response is more timely, and the waste water trapped in the basin is no longer pumped into the stream. Water quality (odor,color,nutrients) has been significantly improved.

Record #: 49 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 1
Location: Cumberland
Person Reporting: Hancock, Krista H

This year, Cumberland County 4-H was given a once-in-a-lifetime fund-raising opportunity which had the added benefits of raising the awareness of 4-H in the county and opening many more doors of collaboration between 4-H and local businesses and community leaders. Thanks to a new member of the Cumberland County 4-H Foundation, the 4-H program was given the opportunity to organize and continue with the very popular rodeo which has been held during the Annual Dogwood Festival for the last six years. This year's event was called the Dogwood Festival 4-H Annual Cowboy Cove Rodeo. A committee of 4-H adult and youth volunteers coordinated the plans. Roughly $20,000 had to be raised initially to cover all costs in the event of rain or cancellation of the rodeo for other reasons. This hardworking group managed to raise the needed funds and is excited about getting started on next years plans. This has

Record #: 50 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-10
CEMP: 1
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Aycock, Linda

A Family caregiver who participated in caregiver training, indicated that she and her husband would be able to better provide care for her parents as a result of the training. They were able to identify community resources that would help them in their caregiving situation. They felt that they could "better cope with the stress and demands of caregiving."

Record #: 51 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Murray, Candace

Caregivers are often called upon to be the doctor, nurse, financial planner, lawyer and spouse or child of a loved-one that needs 24-hour care. In an effort to support local caregivers, agencies teamed together to provide a day of resources, rest, and renewal for 35 caregivers and 16 exhibitors. Comments from participants included: "Most informative and enjoyable workshop. Exhibits were excellent. Living Will Information helpful". A network of caregivers has been created through a caregiving newsletter. The local Mental Health organization also has a support group that participants joined.

Record #: 52 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Garwood, Terry A

Surry County Master Gardeners Received a request to help with the landscape design and installaton at the Fisher River Recreational Park in Surry County. This request came from the Recreation Director in the fall of 2000. The landcape plan was designed by the Master Gardeners and $2,000 of Grant funds were to the Master Gardeners to be used to purchase selected landscape plants. Over 30 Master Gardeners helped with planting of several large perrenial beds as well as over 50 large 1-1.5 inch caliper trees during 3 planting days. In addition, over $500 of plants were donated by local nurseries and planted at the park.

Record #: 53 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Garwood, Terry A

In 1998 there were 15 acre of wine grape vineyards in Surry County. In 2001 there are approximately 250 acres. There are now 14 different vineyards in Surry County. In fall of 2000, $6,200 of Gold Leaf Grant funds were awarded to Surry County Extension Horticulture to be used to establish Research/Demonstration Vineyard. Surry County donated 4 acres of land and the grant funds were used to clear the forested site, properly fertilize, and establish and maintain cover crops to prepare for 2002 trial plantings. Grant funds were also used to attend Wineries Unlimited Trade Show in Lancaster PA. and visit research vineyards in North Carolina, Virginia, and New York. I am currently working with each of the vineyards in the county primarily helping with site analysis, planting systems and disease and insect identification and control techniques.

Record #: 54 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Garwood, Terry A

The Old World Wine Grape industry in North Carolina has seen dramatic increase in planted acreage since 1998. As more wine grapes become available additional marketing outlets for these grapes becomes essential. I am currently working as an advisor to the Old North State Wine Growers Cooperative Feasibility Committee. This group received $42,000 of Gold Leaf grant funds to be used to determine the feasibility of a Wine Cooperative in North Carolina. Results of surveys and visits with other vineyards and cooperatives indicate that there is a need for a wine coop. It was also found that future growth of this industry will be enhanced by having a reliable marketing outlet. An official Old North State Wine Growers Cooperative offering document will be prepared and released to the public on September 29, 2001.

Record #: 55 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Winslow, Frank

On 4/18/01 I held a Small Grain Scouting Clinic to educate area wheat producers how to scout their wheat and to use economic thresholds to determine if they needed to treat for insect pests; particularly cereal leaf beetle. Forty-two producers representing over 20,000 acres of wheat attended the program. Over 75% of those present used the information presented to scout their wheat. Most determined that they did not have to treat for cereal leaf beetle, saving approx. $11.00 per acre in application and chemical cost.

Record #: 56 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-24
CEMP: 1
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Day, Derek S

Nearly 100 percent of tobacco transplants are grown in greenhouses. As a result, many tobacco producers are targets of dishonest chemical salesmen. These salesmen are trying to get growers to purchase products they in most cases they do not need. As a result of educational efforts by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, one grower was able to save $4200.00. He had purchased a product for his greenhouses that was not labeled for his situation.

Record #: 57 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-25
CEMP: 1
Location: Greene
Person Reporting: Rothwell, Shenile

Partners In Wellness, a nutrition program which focuses on seniors and malnutrition was presented by Shenile Rothwell in April and July at the Greene County Senior Center in Snow Hill. Sixty-seven seniors enroleed in the program and responded that it was really helping them to stay abreast of the many health issues of the elderly. Each participant recieved education extenders that helped them to enjoy eating alone and how some foods interact with medications. Each particpant was given a four piece place setting and a organizer for their medications. A pharmacist, Dr. Lewis gave a presentation about medications and safe usage. From the survey, fifty percent of seniors were consuming more fruits and vegetables and asking more questions to the pharmacist when purchasing their medications. Thirty percent have responded that they program allows more socialization. Overall, evaluation statistics showed that when eating at home more seniors are consuming more calcium, potassium and magnesium in the foods they eat.

Record #: 58 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-15
CEMP: 1
Location: Clay
Person Reporting: Staton, Pamela B

EFNEP Breastfeeding - A mom deliverd by C-section and shortly after delivery her incision burst open. Mom had been breastfeeding but now found it very painfull for the baby to lay on her stomach. Program Assistant promptly visited the mom and demonstrated the football hold and explained about expressing her breastmilk with a pump. The mother was thrilled with the information and was so happy that she could continue breastfeeding her baby.

Record #: 59 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-06
CEMP: 1
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Kight, Georgia U

As our aging population continues to age, more emphasis is given to this targeted audience. NC Cooperative Extension in seven counties implemented the Northeast Aging with Gusto Extravaganza - At the Circus. 165 participants attended along with 35 exhibitors, keynote speaker, and 8 workshop speakers. $3,500 was secured from Albemarle Hospital to conduct this event along with $825 in registration fees. The participants reported $14,350 dollars saved by participating in this educational program rather than paying for professional services elsewhere. Because of attending this extravaganza: 48 percent reported being more confident about growing older; 68 percent reported being motivated to make choices to improve their health; 52 percent reported they could be more active; 74 percent reported they could improve their later years by making appropriate choices now.

Record #: 60 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-06
CEMP: 1
Location: Swain
Person Reporting: Roberson, Jessica L

Health Fraud-What to Do About It? Due to an increasing number of individuals who become victims of health scams each year, Extension presented a program on the various types of health scams and how to identify and report them. Thirty-two participants gained knowledge of past and present scams. They also learned of organizations and agencies who should be contacted for help in this matter. Participants stated that this program was very useful and could help prevent them from becoming potential victims.

Record #: 61 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-12
CEMP: 1
Location: Cherokee
Person Reporting: Clement, Doug M

Small and Part Time Farmer's Association formed a local farmer's market in Cherokee County that provided locally grown produce to the area. The market was open two days a week with an average of seven participants selling produce. The participants developed marketing skills that allowed them to sell their produce to consumers. Plans and grant money are currently available for 2002 for a bigger and better farmer's market which will allow more participants to sell produce. Extension networked with Center for Participatory Change to secure site for market and grant dollars to insure success for the market.

Record #: 62 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Chowan
Person Reporting: Farless, Shari T

318 older adults received programing that will help them to make decisions that could improve their quality of life. Through programs such as the SHIIP program, Medicare Lookout Program, "Who Gets Grandmas Yellow Pie Plate" and Aging With Gusto Extravaganzas, this sector of society has opportunities for a wide array of educational opportunities. Feedback from the participants indicated the majority were not prepared for future issues that may arise relating to estate planning and 7 indicated they were going to follow up by contacting an attorney to execute appropriate legal documents. Comments such as "I don't understand my Medicare statement", "Who can help me when I have a dispute with my medical bills" and "I don't want to leave my family with a mess like I was left with" were some of the responses given by participants.

Record #: 63 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 1
Location: Dare
Person Reporting: Brown, Samantha

During the SACC Summer Program at First Flight Elementary there was a child that attended with a social disorder. This child never spoke aloud to his teachers or anyone outside of his family. The child was enrolled for the entire eight week SACC Summer Program. Half way through the camp the child started to relate with the other children in the camp. Shortly after he began socializing with the other camper's he began to talk. This was such a shock to his parents and everyone involved. By the end of summer camp a child who had not spoken a word and was void of any verbal socialization with children or adults had finally began to come out of his shell! The parents were amazed as was the staff.

Record #: 64 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 1
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Chase, Susan

In 2001, 116 area child care professionals attended child care quality enhancement trainings offered by Extension pertaining to the "Be Active Kids" curriculum, Healthy Foods/Healthy Children, and Stress Management. All participants received information that will enable their children to develop socially, physically, emotionally and cognitively.

Record #: 65 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 1
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Furlough, Elizabeth V

Senior Citizens are prime targets for health problems, especially as they relate to foodborne illnesses. To help overcome some of these problems, the FCE agent presents monthly nutrition education programs to participants of the Senior Citizen's Center. With the help of the center, who supplies the participants, the agent is able to present programs on such topics as: artificial sweeteners, serving sizes, osteoporosis, fruits and vegetables, and food history. Participants indicate via verbal responses that they appreciate the programming, and often utilize what they have learned at home. As a result of this type of programming, senior citizens are made more aware of food and nutrition information and therefore are better able to make wise choices in regards to their health.

Record #: 67 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 1
Location: Lee
Person Reporting: Stone, William

Many of the parents from our county horse club have approached me about helping their kids learn skills that would help them speak in front of large groups. They also wanted to see what kind of things they had learned about horses in their club meetings. In the past, few of these kids had ever done presentations or worked on project books. In only 2 months we have had a project book training workshop, and the kids have felt more comfortable working on the books by themselves. We have 22 kids doing horse record books this year up from only 5 last year. Also, at each club meeting a different child gives an oral horse presentation to the group, and we even had two youth present at the state level. The kids have learned a great deal about keeping accurate records and expressing what they have learned to others.

Record #: 68 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-17
CEMP: 1
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Holloman, Rebecca D

Achievement Night is always a great culimanination of the year. It is the time 4-H'ers shine in front of their peers and parents. This year we had over 50 youth and parents represented. It is always a challenge to get everyone out on a school night. Out entourage this year included divorced families, seperated parents, 4 4-H Clubs and 1 county commissioner!

Record #: 69 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 1
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: McCombs, Kelly L

In September, 155 participants attended "Aging With Gusto: The Circus" at the KE White Center in Elizabeth City. Also participating were 18 exhibitors, including sponsor Albemarle Hospital. This particular Aging With Gusto is coordinated by 9 FCS Agents from 7 counties. Almost 75% attended previous "Aging With Gusto" extravaganzas. The biggest reported changes in their lives as a result of attending previous extravaganzas shown as "being more aware about healthy living and making life better," "importance of being more active" and importance of "keeping a positive attitude." Behavior changes that participants reported that they plan to adopt as a result of this year's program include: "try to eat better, exercise more," "eat more fatty fish for Omega-3, twice a week," "update my will," "be more aware of fraud practices," "read labels," "recognize importance of genetically engineered foods," and "protect your skin from the sun while going outdoors." When asked if

Record #: 70 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 1
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Chase, Susan

During this year's Aging With Gusto at the Vernon James Research Center, 135 registered participants learned skills to improve their quality of life in various ways. There were 11 agents working together to provide quality programming for the seniors from 9 counties. Overall, there were 11 speakers, 15 exhibotors and 1 entertainment group. As a result of this event, 87% of participants felt their knowledge about positive aging had improved significantly. Many participants reported improving eating habits and increasing physical activity due to attending previous Aging With Gusto events. Comments included: "good conference, motivational, and appreciative of all the work that goes into putting this together" and "I enjoy this day and look forward to coming next year."

Record #: 71 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 1
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Carter, Lucille M

Iredell County Extension and Community Association members had lots to talk about after their achievement program entitled "Your Last Business Planning" which was held at a funeral home. Members viewed a video, listened to a talk on grief, and toured the funeral home. An Iredell County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent stressed the importance of families talking about end-of-life issues and planning for their future making their wishes know to other family members, lawyers, doctors, etc. Eighty percent of people say they want to die at home surrounded by family; however, in reality less then twenty percent get their wishes because there was not enough pre- planning to let others know of their personal desires. It is best to talk about these issues when you are in a normal state of mind rather than have someone else make these decissions for you.

Record #: 72 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Morris, Brenda A

The Volunteer Recognition Event was held on October ll and was a way in which to recognize our many volunteers and their many efforts. The Advisory Leadership Committee was instrumental in procuring funds for making the event successful; food for the event and volunteers that were on hand as facilitators. Eighty-five volunteers attended this two hour evening event that was held in the Master Garden Legacy Garden. This is the first time that EVERY staff person has attended a staff function in over 20 years. Favorable comments were: "thoroughly enjoyed myself," "what a great time I had," and "please do it again soon." This was very succesful and will be repeated. A special young volunteer was recognized for her efforts in getting a Red Cross booth set up at the Guilford County fair for monetary donations for the Sept. ll fund.

Record #: 73 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 1
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Murray, Candace

Eight months after the "Caring for Caregiver Day" one of the participants called the Extension office to express her gratitude for the program and for the followup newsletters. She stated that she was a fairly new caregiver in April when the program was held and that her husband had just been diagnosed with alzheimers. She talked about how valuable the workshop was for her in that she gained resources and friends for support during the last few months. The actual testimonies of caregivers that had "been there and done that" were the most helpful to her. She also stated that she is looking forward to and excited about the upcoming event.

Record #: 74 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 1
Location: Lincoln
Person Reporting: Houser, Melinda M

Taking Care of You Powerful Tools For Caregiving workshops were conducted in September and November -2001. Seven persons participated. Throughout the the workshop sessions the participants were very responsive during the discussions. Some of the class evaluation comments were: "I have learned how to take care of myself. I can set goals for myself each week and follow each day the plans that I have written down". One of the evaluation questions---Do you believe you are a more confident caregiver than you were before taking the class? Answer: "I have been more assertive in being the primary caregiver." Each person gained confidence in themselves and are practicing coping skills as a caregiver. They have formed a Caregiver Support group that meets monthly and phone each other to give support. Extension's Sr. Citizen Council gave financial support for the educational materials for the class--cost was approximately $400.00.

Record #: 75 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Gaston
Person Reporting: Smith, Nancy K

Many seniors and caregivers of the elderly need assistance with determining the best options with Medicare, supplemental policies and long-term care insurance. In Gaston County Cooperative Extension serves as the coordinator for the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Gaston County has 14 trained volunteers. In 2001 volunteers gave 53 hours to help 56 individuals with questions related to eligibility, claims, supplemental policies and long-term care insurance. Recruitment for a new training program will begin in early 2002.

Record #: 76 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Dunham, J W

Eighty percent of our producers contracted their tobacco to processing companies in 2001. These producers averaged 5 cents per pound more for their tobacco than those who did not contract. We advised producers on contracts and helped them secure funding for retrofitting their barns in order to qualify for contracts. As a result the gross income for these producers increased by $248,222.00.

Record #: 77 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Dunham, J W

Tobacco contracts are based on quota produced by farmers and the quality of the tobacco produced. One of our cultural practices we focused on with farmers this year was sucker control and increased upper stalk weight and quality. We encouraged farmers to use a minimum of 2 contact after early button and topping followed by one application of prime followed by 1.5 gl of MH-30 7 days later. This will increase top leaf size and weight as well as reduce the use of MH on tobacco. At the end of the season 80 percent of the producers surved who used this approach indicated that they had the largset tobacco leaves they had every had and estimated an increase in yeild by fifteen percent resulting in gross increase of sales of $102,934.00 for those farmers.

Record #: 78 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Wake
Person Reporting: Woodward, Mitchell

The Wake County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service partnered with NC State specialists, other county agents, municipalities, and county departments to offer a new and unique approach to environmental education: The 'Urban Stormwater Academy'. The academy, an intensive three day review of innovative stormwater best management practices, attracted 60 practicing engineers from both private companies and municipalities, many of which work in the Wake County area. The participants learned concepts involving: basic hydrology, bio- retention, wetlands, construction, costs, advantages and disadvantages of various stormwater control designs. The third day of the event included a tour of sites throughout Wake County were innovative stormwater practices have been installed. Due to the success of this event, a second academy has been planned for August.

Record #: 79 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Dunham, J W

Memoral day week-end our county received over 7 inches of rain in 24 hours causing much water damage to our tobacco. Many fields were wilted from side to side. Through on-farm visits and newsletters we encouraged farmers to top their tobacco early to stimulate root growth and to add an additional 250-300 lbs per acre of 8-0-11 fertilizer. In addition we encouraged them to prolong the application of MH_30 as lons as possable. Ninty percent of our farmers followed our recomendations and all came out at the end of the season selling all of their alloted quota. None thought this would be possable, they were looking for a 75 to 80 percent crop. The adoption of these recomended practices and cooperating weather enabled them to produce an excellent crop. Estimated over-all saving of possable lost income $1,116,998.00

Record #: 80 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Hughes, Ronald

Even in rural Johnston County, North Carolina, young people are two to three generations removed from direct farm living. Without living and working in a agriculture commodity production situation, understanding of the food chain becomes blurred. To help youngsters understand production agriculture and develop safe food handling practices, Agricultural Agents along with a Family and Consumer Science Agent developed a one week, Farm to Plate Cooking Day Camp . Kids ages 9 to 13 toured several farms, food processing facilities, feed manufacturing plants and food distribution facilities. At the end of the week they learned safe food handling and learned proper cooking techniques. As a result, a better understanding of where food is produced, how it arrives in the super markets and how it is prepared as a nutritious meal, is achieved by the campers. A new respect for agriculture is noticed at the conclusion of each session.

Record #: 81 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Reece, Susan

By the age of 75 almost 80% of people show some signs of cataracts. A cataract awareness program was delivered to 2 elderly groups in Pitt County. Based on pretest- posttest evaluations, knowledge was increased by 26% in one group and a 27% in knowledge increase was realized in another group.

Record #: 82 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 1
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Reece, Susan

According to the CDC the mortality of leading causes of death has increased for Alzheimer's Disease. Age is a risk factor in contracting Alzheimer's Disease. An Alzheimer's Disease program was delivered to 2 Pitt County aging groups. Following a pretest-posttest evaluation a 10% increase in knowledge was gained. Considering 50% of those over 85 years of age have some form of Alzheimer's Disese, the participants realized the importance of having their affairs in order early-on in their aging years.

Record #: 83 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 1
Location: Hertford
Person Reporting: Woodard, Sandra E

Adults need to learn to optimize physical, emotional and financial health as they age. FCE agents in seven counties in the Northeast joined together to plan, promote and conduct a successful Aging With Gusto Extravangaza. 155 participated in 2001 AWG (11 from Hertford County) and attended eight sessions related to positive aging. 122 evaluations (79 percent return) indicated that knowledge level increased as a result of attending AWG and that information received was valued at $125. First timers plan to adopt exercise, better eating habits, checking skin for skin cancer, and write/update wills. Changes made by participants attending previous AWG included walking and exercising consistently, more money smart, wills updated, less fearful of aging and trip taken after hearing about its potential as a vacation site. Suggestions are being incorporated for 2002 AWG.

Record #: 84 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 1
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Lowery, Charlie A

News releases were sent to the media and notices went out through the newsletters announcing the fall 2001 Master Gardener training. Twenty-one people applied for and were accepted into the training. They took a pre-test and the average score was 65. After forty-five hours of intensive training, they took another test to see how much they learned. The average score was 95, an improvement of 30 points on the test scores. This showed that the students learned from their intensive training.

Record #: 85 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 1
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Thompson, Harold G

Agriculture faces many challenges today, Especially in a largely urban county like Vance, many citizens forget or never knew the importance of agriculutre to our county and state economy and quality of life. To educate our public on this important issue and help them understand the many economic and political challenges facing agriculture today, the NCCES in Vance Co., in cooperation with representatives of our Agribusiness community, hosts the annual Farm City celebration this year. Over 45 adults participated in to learn more about the importance of agriculture, its value to our statewide economy and the role a strong agricultural base plays in our economic prosperity. Over $350 was raised to support the 2001 celebration. This program were instrumental in helping our largely urban citizens recognize the need to support and value the agricultural base of our state and understand the many challenges facing agruculture today. A

Record #: 86 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 1
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Thompson, Harold G

A Farm tour was conducted on Thursday, July 11, beginning at 8am and ending with a sponsored lunch at Beckham's BBQ Restaurant at 1pm. Agricultural in Vance was showcased. William Cawthrone showed us a grape orchard . At Robert Ellington we saw some genetically engineered soybeans, and Sanford Milling showed us what happen to wheat when its leave the farm. Randy and Allen Ball showed us a new type of organic aphids control in tobacco, and alternative organic nitrogen sources to natural chilean nitrate on flue cured tobacco. Howard Gillis with the Forestry Service had a stop on managing forest land and how to sell your timber. The Henderson daily dispatch did a special story in color on the farm tour. Our newspaper reachers about 10,000 homes every week.

Record #: 87 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 1
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Womack, Deborah D

A large percent of grandparents are raising their grandchildren in Forsyth County because the parents are not being responsible to perform certain parental tasks. Cooperative Extension collaborated with the health dept., school system, a lawyer and other social services agencies to co-sponsor a seminar entitled "Grandparents Raising Grandchildren:A Blessing and A Burden" held at the Extension Center. 50 participants attended and received information on the pros and cons of grandparenting effectively. The seminar answered many questions that the grandparents had on the legal and financial issues affecting them as they tried to get custody of the grandchildren.Also, several resources were shared with the participants on how to access information concerning issues affecting children and their relationships with the parents and grandparents. Several participants inquired about having regular scheduled programs on grandparenting issues in the future. Per this request, a series of programs are planned for February - March 2002 in

Record #: 88 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-29
CEMP: 1
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Whitt, Bess H

As a result of many calls and letters to insurance providers, one local resident who was not aware of her lap in insurance coverage, now has medical coverage. Following the death of her husband, the client should have been offered cobra coverage to extend her medical insurance so she could seek coverage elsewhere. She states in her letter, "thank you so much for helping me solve my insurance problem. I now have a medicare supplement and feel much more secure with health insurance coverage. Thank you for going beyond the call of duty in helping me."

Record #: 89 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Humphrey, Denise

THIS SUCCESS STORY IS IN REFERENCE TO A VERY EFFECTIVE

WORKSHOP THAT WAS HELD AT A COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER . THE WORKSHOP WAS ACTUALLY THE 4-H CENTENNIAL CONVERSATION EVENT.. IT WAS A VERY INTERESTING EVENT, HERE WERE LOTS OF ADULTS PRESENT WHO WERE NOT FULLY AWARE OF THE TREMENDOUS IMPACT THAT THE 4-H PROGRAM CAN HAVE ON YOUTHS. THE

INTERACTION OF RESPONSES FROM THE YOUTHS AND ADULTS WAS

VERY INTERESTING..IT SOUGHT OF PUT YOU IN THE MIND OF AN

ADULT/YOUTH SUMMITT. I PERSONALLY FEEL THAT THE EVENT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL AND IT ALSO ENABLED ME TO TALK MORE TO HE PARENTS ABOUT THE 4-H PROGRAM AS A WHOLE. THERE WERE LOTS OF INTEREST SHOWN IN THE MEETING FROM OTHER YOUTHS IN REGARDS TO JOINING OUR 4-H FAMILY. THIS RUELY WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL MEETING!!!!

Record #: 90 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Guilford
Person Reporting: Humphrey, Denise

THIS SUCCESS STORY IS IN REFERENCE TO THE OPPORTUNITY THAT I HAD TO INTERVIEW A GROUP OF YOUTH AGES 9-13YRS. THIS INTERVIEW WAS A JOB INTERVIEW. I CONDUCTED THE INTERVIEW AS IF THE

YOUTHS WERE PREPARING TO GO ON A "REAL" JOB INTERVIEW!!!THERE WERE SEVERAL QUESTIONS THAT I ASKED THE YOUTHS IN REGARD TO HOW TO PREPARE FOR A INTERVIEW, WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AT THE INTERVIEW TO RECEIVE THE JOB OF INTEREST, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THEY NEED-NOT DO IN ORDER TO KEEP THEIR DESIRED

JOB,WHY DID THEY WANT TO DO THIS TYPE OF WORK, WHAT IS

REQUIRED OF THEM TO GET THIS DESIRED JOB ETC..... THIS WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL EVENT, BECAUSE IT GAVE THE YOUTH 1ST HAND

EXPERIENCE ON WHAT A REAL,JOB INTERVIEW IS LIKE. IT ENABLED THEM TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE SETTING OF A JOB INTERVIEW, AND IT GAVE THEM A SENSE

Record #: 91 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-30
CEMP: 1
Location: Union
Person Reporting: Baker, Gloria H

Many citizens plan for life, but not for death. The Union County agent participated in an End-of-Life Care organizational meeting for many agencies in the county. The plan is to form a Union County coalition to address this need. All agencies in attendance were thrilled to hear of the expanse of Extension's curriculum which addresses this topic, end-of-life. Extension will be a key member of the coalition.

Record #: 92 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 1
Location: Chowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J M

The Chowan Livestock Show and Sale has shown considerable growth during the last few years. This is a one county show held in a county with a total population of 16,000, many of which are new residents with few ties to the agricultural community. Participation in this event has expanded from those living on the farm and showing hogs and steers to include non farm youth showing lambs and goats. Support for this learning experience was confined to agricultural businesses but has grown to include representation of the entire business community. The 2001 show had a record 59 youth participating. Shown were 45 hogs, 24 lambs, 9 goats and 6 steers. 63 buyers contributed $23.525 toward the purchase price of these animals. Project record books required of each participant reflected the impact of this learning experience.

Record #: 93 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Elliott, Tammy

Approximately 3,273 youth increased their knowledge of environmental awareness, career planning, agricultural production, stages of growth and development, fitness, electricity and safety in four (4) of the six (6) elementary schools, one (1) middle school and two (2) high schools. Traditional classroom requirements are enhanced by the many programs offered. Pre and post testing and/or teacher interviews are conducted to evaluate these programs. Students in Kindergarten through third grades are involved in Environmental Studies, Germs, Fitness, and Safety at Home Curriculum. Third and fourth graders implement Embryology and Electricity programs. Fifth and sixth graders are exposed to Environmental Education, Waste Management and Biotechnology Programs. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders participate in the Leadership Training and Career Development.

Record #: 94 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 1
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Beasley, Glennie C

The Program Assistant for the Out For Lunch program in Chatham County came on board mid year but has experienced some successes during her first 6 months on the job. The following comments from graduates of the program include: "I needed the information about properly thawing foods." Another said she made all the recipes at home even modifying one or them substituting shrimp. A Hispanic group didn't think they'd like the dishes they prepared, but loved them once they ate them. One lady attended the class who didn't know how to cook at all, but left the class with lots of confidence. Another lady said she enjoyed learning how to use kitchen utensils, such as a vegetable peeler and a pastry blender. Comments like these let us know that the program is successful and making a difference in the lives of these limited resource families.

Record #: 95 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 1
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Cunningham, Johnsie C

Programming emphasis for older adults focused on education on elder fraud. Several programs were conducted at the county's three senior centers. As a result of programs on how to prevent being victimized by fraud and because of a heightened awareness of the "new" and different approaches to old scams, one elderly gentleman admitted that he was able to NOT fall victim because he remembered warning signs presented at one such program. As a result of knowing and remembering to ask just one key question and being able to hang up, he expressed that he knew he did not fall victim to a telemarketing scam. Conversation with the gentleman implied that he had been victimized before. No price tag could be placed on his gratitude.

Record #: 96 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 1
Location: Mitchell
Person Reporting: Baker, Denise M

Aging with GUSTO 2001: Programs for Older Adults Networking with the Council on Aging, the Senior Citizens Center Director, the Senior Center Program Director and the Meals-on-Wheels Volunteers, a survey of program needs/interests was conducted with Senior Citizen Center clients and Homebound Meals-on-Wheels Clients. Through the survey the top twenty-four program needs/interests areas were identified and bi- monthly programs were planned to meet these needs with programs for seniors and information distributed to homebound Meals-on-Wheels clients. Programs were scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month to be presented at the Senior Citizen Center and advertised to the public. The programs reached an average of sixty-six participants per month. The response to the programs has been great; clients have requested additional information; and the groups involved in the network have indicated that program needs were being met that previously had been neglected. Plans are being made for 2002.

Record #: 97 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 1
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

Martha Mobley continued to assist area youth with livestock projects during the year, especially during the 2001 NC State Fair. Franklin Ct. had the largest youth participation in the state, exhibiting over 60 head of beef heifers and meat goats. The youth won over $3,000 in prize money at the Fair, in addition to numerous awards, such as an overall "Grand Champion" Beef Heifer and "super showman" awards. The agent continued to conduct training for the youth throughout the year. Mobley was recognized by the National Association of Agricultural Agents in 2001 as the regional winner for her work with the youth livestock program.

Record #: 98 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-03
CEMP: 1
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Winslow, Jewel L

In cooperation with the area nursing community, the local college instructors, Home Health, Hospice and the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program, Extension has increased awareness of aging issues and assisted caregivers in adopting practices that will improved the quality of care for elders in the area. Through a combination of trainings on Ethical Wills, Aging Sensitivity, Alzheimer's Awareness, Stress Management and Advanced Directives Planning, 241 homes have been reached and 40 caregivers have reported an improvement in their way of handling aging issues.

Record #: 99 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-17
CEMP: 1
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Abasiekong, Nancy

Collaboration with other agencies continues to be an effective method for reaching citizens with aging information. A seminar,"Caring for the Elderly, Sick and Disabled at Home," was sponsored by the Kings Mountain Hospital, adult day health center, NC Cooperative Extension and the Community Ethics Education Task Force. The seminar was designed to help family caregivers understand the challenges of caregiving and how to access available resources. The four-week seminar was offered twice in 2001 with approximately 45 participants. End of life information was shared through the fifteen week newspaper series, "Finding Our Way...Living With Dying in America." This series and other outreach efforts were sponsored by the Community Ethics Education Task Force, of which Extension is a member. Citizens report new information gained and efforts made to begin talking and planning with their families. A follow-up seminar/town meeting will be conducted in January 2002.

Record #: 100 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-25
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

In Watauga County over the past 20 years there has been a dramatic decline in the number of farms. There has also been a major influx of people who are not from a rural, farming background. On October 2, 2000, Watauga County adopted a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program Ordinance. The Watauga County Extension Service held a series of four meetings to help educate key people in the various communities about Farmland Preservation. From these educational meetings people were asked to go into there communities and help educate their neighbors about the benefits of Farmland Preservation. As of June, 2001 Watauga County now has 115 tracts of land accounting for3027.6 acres in Farmland Preservation.

Record #: 101 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-12
CEMP: 2
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L

Chowan and Pasquotank Riverbasin Public Workshops were held in March 2001 to get public input on water quality issues in the riverbasins. This input will be used for revision of basinwide management plans (part of a five year cycle). Through extensive meeting organization and promotion (newsletters and word of mouth) by NC Cooperative Extension, attendance at each of the four workshops exceeded 35 people (more chairs had to be brought in!). Those attending participated in focus groups to identify issues and suggest solutions. They learned about existing water quality programs in the riverbasins through presentations and posters from NC Division of Water Quality, Wetland Restoration, citizens monitoring programs, Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Program, and Extension Water Quality programs. Participants became part of the process by which water quality issues are addressed and resolved.

Record #: 103 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-13
CEMP: 2
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Lopp, Robert D

The Extension Service in Davidson County hosted 2 land use forums for farmers and land owners. The workshops reached 137 residents and were designed to update them on options and opportunites for land use. The workshops covered zoning, conservation easements and land protection, heritage inventories, timber manangement, and services and programs provided by FSA, Rural Development, Extension, Wildlife, Forestry and NRCS. Other agencies involved in the fourm were Central Land Trust, N.C. Zoological Society, Yadkin Pee Dee Lakes Project and the County planning department. Several residents requested conferences with the respective agencies and the group requested a third forum on inheritence and land use tax.

Record #: 104 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-15
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

One of agriculture's most valuable resources (valuable farmland)is at risk, with prime farmland and open space being converted to housing subdivisions and shopping malls. Land Use Planning/Zoning is a hot topic for Watauga County. Cooperative Extension, Boone Sunrise Rotary Club, ASU's Dept. of Geography and the MountainKeepers sponsored "The Dollars and Sense of Preserving Community Character" with Edward T. McMahon, a renowned environmental land use planner the main speaker. The goal was to achieve consensus on realistic steps that can be taken by all parties to preserve and enhance our community, its unique character, our environment, and the overall beauty of our county. Over 500 community people attended--50% filled out a card with name, address, telephone number, issues of concern, and the steps that should be taken.

Record #: 105 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-15
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

Land Use Planning/Zoning continues to be a hot issue in Watauga County. Edward McMahon's visit in February to speak to 500 citizens on "Dollars and Sense of Preserving Community Character" was just the beginning. Cooperative Extension's MountainKeepers and the newly formed Committee on Community Character decided to encourage the people of the communities to start understanding and identifying those things that make our area-our-county- "special" to us. WATAUGA...By the People was initiated and 300 recyclable "free" cameras were distributed for taking pictures of the places, sights, and events held dear and make this area unique. Free processing was also provided. The photographs are presently being returned and will be digitized into a computerized database. Reports will be made available to the community through open meetings, public displays, newspaper articles, etc.

Record #: 106 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

On October 2, 2000 Watauga County passed a Watauga County Farmland Preservation Ordinance. This was a effort between the Watauga County Extension Service, Watauga Soil & Water Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, local farmers and the County Commissioners. In 2001, the Watauga County Extension Service conducted 4 workshops, explaining to local landowners how the Farmland Preservation Ordinance would benefit. Key farm leaders were targeted during these meetings. As a result,Watauga County currently has 162 parcels of land consisting of 3977.2 acres in Farmland Preservation.

Record #: 108 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 2
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: McNeill, Patricia H

With tremendous growth in Stanly County protection of farmland and the rural atmosphere has been a concern. Using skills gained in Community Assistance Team training, leaders were identified. One of these leaders personally contacted over 60 people. All gained knowledge of preservation strategies available. (There is no one solution that will fit every individual.) About 150 attended a May seminar. From that the Extension Advisory Board has presented a Voluntary Ag District program to the County Commissioners that will be included in the county land-use plan.

Record #: 109 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 2
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Qualls, Lynne R

Randolph County is experiencing tremendous growth & loss of agricultural land & open spaces. A proposed Growth Management Plan expects to address growth issues. Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the County Planning Department, NC Grange, NCSU, County Tax Department, American Farmland Trust,& Piedmont Land Conservancy, conducted a 3-session workshop for 67 landowners interested in learning about options available for land protection and conservation. Surveyed two months after the sessions, 50% of participants said the workshops increased knowledge, provided useful resources, and helped them make decisions. 90% of respondents said it was very critical that Commissioners should adopt the growth plan. A land development program is being planned for February, 2002.

Record #: 111 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 2
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

A collaboration has been formed to address agri-tourism, local change and growth. Through the assistance of NC State's Carol Kline and staff, 16 citizens learned and brainstormed on ideas which could benefit and sustain the community and set the stage for future direction in this area.

Record #: 112 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Bolick, B F

With the implementation of Watauga's Farmland Preservation Ordinance the first sign- ups occurred in January 2001. Through June there have been 41 farmers to participate with 115 separate land tracts totalling 3,027 acres. This is a good start for a program that we think will be successful and that has the backing of the public as well as the farming community. We at Extension will be following this program closely to see when there will be a need for more educational events to promote more sign-ups, answer public questions, or to seek any needed changes to the program.

Record #: 113 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 2
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Whitt, Larry N

After the Rural Design Assistance Team gave its' final report in March of 2001, many farmers were concerned about preserving farmland and land use since many farms were being bought and turned into mobile home parks. A group of concerned citizens came together to look at options for preserving farmland, and looking at zoning and land use for Caswell County. With 15 people attending, there were many ideas and suggestions, but no concrete solutions to the problems facing landowners and elected officials. Cooperative Extension is to continue to educate the general public and elected officials as to the land use and zoning issues.

Record #: 114 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-10
CEMP: 2
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

In Cleveland County, NCCE Extension worked closely with Farm Bureau, the Soil and Water Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and leaders from the farming community to address the issue of urban sprawl and farmland preservation. The coallition drafted a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Ordinance during winter 2001 and presented their proposal to 87 farm operators and county commissioners at an educational program conducted February 19. The ordinance was adopted by county commissioners on June 5, 2001. The multi-agency team will continue to promote the program to landowners, educate the public about the importance of land use planning and farmland preservation, and monitor participation in the program and its impacts.

Record #: 115 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-01
CEMP: 2
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Thompson, Ronnie

2001 DAVIE FARM-CITY FOOD FOR THOUGHT CELEBRATION: 350 Davie Citizens (from 2mos. to upper 80's in age), representing farm, rural non-farm, urban, business and industry participated in the Food For Thought Celebration. All 350 participants gained knowledge and or awareness about Food Production, Conservation of Natural Resources, Ag Policy, and activities of local Business, Industry & Civic Organizations via 22 manned exhibits. The CE Staff networked with their Advisory Council, Cattlemen's Association, Master Gardners, ECA Membership, 4-H Volunteers and 4 Corporate Sponsors to make the event happen. The event required the effort of total CE staff & 80 volunteers. All 80 Volunteers increased their leadership skills, knowledge and experience. Davie ALC Vice-Chair said, "This is the most unique Farm City Event in N.C. and the Davie CE staff, and we as Davie CE ALC members, ought to be extremely proud of it."

Record #: 116 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 2
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L

On October 25, 2001, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to work together on water quality issues in the Chowan (and Pasquotank) Riverbasins. Since these rivers originate in Virginia - with 75% of the Chowan River's flow coming from Virginia, it is critical that the two states cooperate and share information to maintain and improve water quality throughout the basin. A full time staff person whose salary is paid by both states is based in Suffolk, Virginia and will coordinate efforts on both sides of the state line. NC Division of Water Quality, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NC Cooperative Extension, and government and citizen representatives have worked together through the Chowan River Basin Regional Council to help bring this memorandum about.

Record #: 117 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 2
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Whitt, Larry N

The Rural Design Assistance Team decided to change it's name to Caswell Development Corporation, CDC. They also decided to encourage the Board Of Commissioners to hire a county planner, which they did. After which, zoning became the next big issue facing Caswell residents. Currently, a committee is being formed to study the issue of county wide zoning. Cooperative Extension continues to provide information on zoning and should be a major player in educating the general public. This issue will be debated through most of the year, 2002 or until the board reaches a decision on this matter.

Record #: 118 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 2
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

Water quality and tourism are synergistic in terms of future direction of the community. After completion of the seminar done by DWQ, an official watershed planning group was formed and had its inaugural meeting in December.

Record #: 120 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

Land Use Planning/Zoning continues to be a hot issue in Watauga County. Cooperative Extension's MountainKeepers and the Committee on Community Character sponsored WATAUGA...By the People. This project involved the distribution of 300 recyclable "free" cameras to citizens to start identifying those things that make our area-our- county-"special" to us. 85 people returned approximately 1400 pictures of places, sights, and events held dear and make this area unique. These pictures were on display at the Jones House, Farm City Banquet, and a sixteen page booklet insert (85 pictures) was placed in the Watauga Democrat. The Planning Board, County Commissioners, etc. have observed what these citizens value in Watauga County. Work continues as these 1400 pictures are digitized into a computerized database and catalogued.

Record #: 121 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 2
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

Land Use Planning/Zoning is a hot toic for Watauga County. The community is engaged in wide-reaching discussions and debates about the best ways to foster prosperity and protect our culture, character, and natural resources. Cooperative Extension is working with MountainKeepers to create, publish, and disseminate a comprehensive report and supportive materials that describe land use and change across the county, based on a defined set of variables. So far, four maps have been produced, and grant proposals are being written to get funding to continue the project.

Record #: 122 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 2
Location: Ashe
Person Reporting: Young, Charles M

Through citizen input, the county commissioners appointed a Farmland Preservation committee with Extension as the facilitator. This committee developed a plan to encourage farmland to remain in production with a program of benefits including notification of farm operations to new adjoining land purchasers, Exemption of unused water line tap fees, and special public hearings for any condemnation proceedings. In return the landowner agrees not to develop the land. After several public hearings and comments periods, the plan was approved unanimously by the county commissioners. During the first two months of implementation, there have been over 2000 acres approved for the program. The committee has also been successful in obtaining funds to erect signs designating Farmland Preservation areas. The program has generated much interest from landowners as far away as Florida, several newspaper articles, including front page coverage, and Extension has been recognized as the agency involved with the program.

Record #: 123 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 2
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Nash, David L

Coastal erosion continues to be a critical problem facing Brunswick County Beach Communities. In 2001, 5 of the 6 beach municipalities participated in USACE projects to renourish their beaches with sand. The NCCE-Brunwick County Center provided guidance to these communities by providing vegetation planting guidelines and land- use information to protect the coastal dunes. Representation on the Brunswick Beaches Consortium provided Extension a forum to extend research-based information to address these critcal erosion issues.

Record #: 124 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 2
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

The Tar-Pamlico River Basin Rules and Regulations is going to effect many landowners in Franklin Ct., especially livestock producers. The agent served as a liason between environmentalist and area producers in finalizing "livable" rules for both parties. The rule became effective on September 1, 2001 and the agent will be serving as the County Extension Representative on the Local Advisory Committee. Mobley will continue to assist with development of best management practices for the county.

Record #: 125 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-07
CEMP: 2
Location: Jones
Person Reporting: Gregory, Steven

In mid August, tissue tests done at the NCDA Lab revealed Clifton Brown's cotton farm was critically low in potash and nitrogen. On field evaluation the cotton had a tremendous fruit load due to ideal growing conditions. I made a recommendation of two applications of foliar fertilizer applied 1 week apart. The recommendation was 3 gallons 23% area. Clifton averaged 1200 lbs on 1500 acres of cotton, and had some fields go over 3 bales. According to research done by Dr. Steve Hodges, adding foliar fertilizer can increase yields on average of 4 lbs of lint cotton per units applied. A total of 24 units were applied foliar in the two applications. This recommendation increased yields between 50 and 100 lbs of lint per acre. This had an impact of between 45,000 and 90,000 dollars on Clifton Brown's farm.

Record #: 126 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-07
CEMP: 2
Location: Jones
Person Reporting: Gregory, Steven

In the first week of August Billy Whaley called to ask about the insect situation. Many of his neighbors were spraying pyrethroids for bagworm, bollworm complex. Also some growers were spraying for stinkbugs, both brown and green. I instructed Billy on how to scout for these insects. As a result, only 10% of the fields were sprayed. Insect control and yields were excellent. Billy saved approximately 25,000 dollars as a result.

Record #: 127 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 2
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: McNeill, Patricia H

Stanly County has been involved in educating residents on issues regarding growth, land-use, preservation, and community design. County government is in the process of developing a land use plan. Five community meetings were held this summer; concerns were expressed by over 132 citizens. In December a program on the economics of conservation easements was conducted by Cooperative Extension with 95% of attendees reporting increased knowledge of easements; 250 acres have been donated for preservation.

Record #: 128 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-19
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Wood, Alton E

The Pasquotank County Center conducted a commercial pesticide applicator/dealer school with testing on January 30 and 31, 2001. This school consisted of 1.5 days of training for people wanting to obtain a license in the categories of ornamentals and turf, ag pest - plant and aquatics. In additiona to the training at the school, the Pasquotank County Center conducted a review session on January 26, 2001 and there were 21 participants. A total of 73 people were tested and the categories in which they were tested included the following: ag pest - plant, ag pest - animal, ornamentals and turf, seed treatment, aquatics, and right-of-way as well as individuals wanting to get their private applicator's license reinstated were tested. The percent that passed their tests for all categories was 77 percent, with most categories having 100 percent passing.

Record #: 129 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Henderson
Person Reporting: Ruth, Cliff

Commercial Landscapers and Nurserymen continue to be the largest commodity group in the state that actively pursues and/or attend educational programs from NCCE. This fact became evident this year as the second year in which potential participants in our annual winter landscape/nursery workshop were turned down for a lack of space. Last year a change of facilties at the last minute was necessary with 12 individuals turned aside due to space limitations. This year an increase of 33% (125-160) in total seats still produced a total of 50 individuals being turned down. A new site for this program will be necessary next year.

Record #: 130 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-15
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Wood, Alton E

The Pasquotank County Center conducted a recertification class for commercial pesticide applicators/dealers on Friday, February 9, 2001. There were 26 participants and the program provided a total of 78 hours of recertification credits for all categories of pesticide licenses except for aerial and structural. The program was entitled "Knowing The Basics About Pesticides: Development, Registration, Labels, and MSDS's provided information on all aspects of a pesticide from the time of its inception through the time that it makes it to the consumer. A pre- and post-test was conducted and the average scores for them were 96% and 96.7%, respectively. The program was well received. Ms. Carolyn Thompson, Pesticide Specialist of the Food and Drug Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture observed the class. Her comment was that the class was very informative.

Record #: 131 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Little, William E

An opportunity presented itself recently at a local high school. One of the Agricultural teachers teaches a course to seniors on advanced horticulture. Many of these students will soon be in the job markets and they are looking for every edge they might receive to help them in this area. I went to the school for three days and went through the First Time Chemical License program training them to receive their Applicator Chemical License. After the training they then took their test and we were very pleased that we had 100 % of the class passing the Chemical exam to qualify for their License. The necessary paper work and forms were filled out for them and thaey have applied for their chemical license.

Record #: 132 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Lord, William G

The Neuse Education Team held a watershed tour on August 22, 2000 for elected officials in the upper basin to tour mid and lower Neuse basin water quality projects and facilities. Officials toured constructed wetlands, experimental farms, rain gardens, and waste water treatment plants. Over lunch an open forum was held to open lines of communication between upper basin officials and invited officials from the lower Neuse basin. Commmets from attendees indicated knowledge of water quality issues, infrastructure, and improvements was increased, and more importantly, a greater understanding was engendered of challenges, opportunities, and efforts underway up and down the basin by municipalities to improve water quality in the Neuse basin.

Record #: 133 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Ferket, Peter

Issue: North Carolina growers need to dispose of about 100,000 tons of poultry and swine mortality carcasses annually. This estimate does not include the carcasses of turkey breeders, broiler breeders, and commercial pullets and layers. Current approved methods of mortality disposal are burial, disposal pits, landfill, incineration, and composting. About one-fourth the broiler growers have composting permits, but composting is rarely used for turkeys and not permitted for swine mortality disposal. These methods of mortality disposal do not allow for optimum recovery of nutrient value from the dead animals. Environmental, economic and safety issues in the disposal of farm animal mortality carcasses demand the pursuit of alternate methods that favor environmental safety, human and animal health and safety, resource utilization, and efficient use of labor. What Has Been Done: North Carolina State University has been a leader in the development of on-farm mortality preservation and conversion into value-added animal feed products. Proper mortality preservation is necessary to minimize decomposition before processing into a protein by-product meal. Procedures were developed for preserving mortality carcasses by phosphoric acid and processing it into a protein by-product meal by flash dehydration and extrusion processing. Poultry or swine mortality silage was determined to microbiologically and biologically stable when sufficient phosphoric acid (5% w/w) was used as a preservative. A mechanical system that automatically converts poultry and swine mortality (and other agricultural wastes) into stable silage was developed and subsequently patented. Another approach was to use specially-designed freezers to preserve carcasses prior to processing. A process was also developed to convert these by-products into high energy-high protein feed ingredients using flash-dehydration and dry extrusion processing. Information of this research was disseminated to the poultry and swine industries by extension demonstrations, county meetings, agent training sessions, workshops, conferences, and popular press. Impact: The concept of on-farm acid preservation has been very well received by the poultry and swine industries. A North Carolina-based start-up company has leased the patent-protected technology and commercial units are now available. A new product was developed and has been submitted to the American Feed Control Officials for registration as hydrolyzed swine (poultry) protein. Companies located in North Carolina, Missouri, Utah, and Colorado are moving towards implementing the NCSU technology to handle over 7,500 tons of swine and poultry mortality per month. One company estimates that this technology will save them over $3 million in mortality handling costs and eliminate their dependence on conventional rendering service.

Record #: 134 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-05
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Cynthia

The Eastern North Carolina Landscape Conference and Trade Show is an annual event to educate and provide pesticide recertification credits to landscapers and nursery growers. This event is hosted by NCCES and area Extension Agents presented the topics along with Extension Specialists. From surveys provided over 63% of the attended will adopt split application of fertilizer (a BMP) by attending this meeting.

Record #: 135 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-15
CEMP: 3
Location: Alamance
Person Reporting: Cobb, Roger N

A workshop was held at Elon College to help pesticide applicators get some recertification credit and also gain knowledge to help them do a better job. A survey was passed out and the results are as follows: the survey was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. Attendance at this workshop increased overall knowledge; 1- 6.7%, 2-0%, 3-33.3%, 4-26.7% 5-33.3%. The workshop covered weed management in beds, choosing plants that make sense, ornamental diseases,and preparing beds for planting.

Record #: 136 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Harnett
Person Reporting: Nicholson, Don G

Former farmers, homeowners, and active farmers had the opportunity to get rid of unused, unwanted pesticides. 2,100 lbs of these were disposed of properly so that their negative impact on the environment was negated. This was a concerted effort of Extension partnering with the Pesticide Section of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. An entire tractor trailer load of empty pesticide containers was disposed of in Harnett County. After grinding, there were approximately 600 cubic feet and 3,350 lbs. of ground plastic to be used in the manufacture of plastic drain tile and other products. This program is the continuation of the Pesticide Environmental Trust Fund grant from the NCDA&CS.

Record #: 137 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-22
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Wood, Alton E

The Pasquotank County Center conducted a recertification class for all categories of commercial pesticide applicators and dealers on Friday, March 9, 2001. This class had 16 in attendance that earned a total of 48 hours of credits. Majorie Rayburn, Water Quality Agent from Gates County, presented information on the basic principles of integrated pest management, and Al Wood, Agricultural Extension Agent from Pasquotank County presented information on major insect pests of the region. A pre- and post-test was conducted with the class having an average score of 61% and 88%, respectively. A class evaluation was conducted with the following findings: 88% gained knowledge that was beneficial to their jobs/businesses, 94% gained new knowledge, the participants put a total monetary value on the class of $1,075.00, and the average overall score for the class was 1.7 on a scale of 1 (excellent) to 5 (poor).

Record #: 138 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-26
CEMP: 3
Location: Bladen
Person Reporting: Dugan, Kathryn G

The timely land application of poultry litter is a major concern. After recognizing the timing factors for land application facing poultry producers in Bladen County, a collaborative approach to increase the number of poultry litter storage facilities was focused upon by the representatives of Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Each agency participated in marketing the effort through newspaper articles, newsletters, personal producer contacts and contacts with integrator service people. To date, seven (7) poultry litter storage buildings have been completed and eleven (11) are in some phase of the process. The completed buildings have improved the timing of land application of 108,000 pounds of nitrogen and assisted the poultry producers in complying with state regulations. Interest by poultry producers remains very high in this effort.

Record #: 139 of 2196
Date: 2001-04-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Little, William E

Recently I had the opportunity to represent our area at the Food Safety Conference in Charleston SC. With the material both in the program and the handouts and educational material I have been able to incorporate the idea of vegetable safe handling in processing lines in some of the commodity meetings that have been held recently. The purpose and importance of food safety was well received by the growers and they see the importance of meeting the confidence demands of the consumer public for their product.

Record #: 140 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Cooke, Albert

Sharon Day of Mellow Marsh Nursery raises aquatic plants destined for mitigation and reclamation plantings. Her plants have been plagued by a boring insect that has actually been used as a control strategy for some aquatic weeds. The larva develops within stems where its damage is often first noticed as a dying plant. Chatham County Agricultural Extension Agent Al Cooke assisted with identifying the insect as a moth and suggested she attempt to exclude the adult by use of screening. She has moved the susceptible plants into an open-ended structure and covered the endwalls with porous shade cloth. Without use of pesticides, she is no longer bothered by that insect. No insecticides were used.

Record #: 141 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Cynthia

Landscapers desire more education on ornamental pest care. At Toisnot Park a field day was held for members of the NC Turfgrass Council. Over 60 landscapers participated in Lauderdales presentation "Care of Ornamentals". By educating the landscapers on present and timely insect and disease problems occurring in the landscape they can be better prepared and reduce costs.

Record #: 142 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

Pesticide collection and proper disposal was sited as an important project for human saftey and enviromental reasons by the advisory leadership system. A collection day was scheduled with the help of NCDA pesticide division and agi. chemical dealers in Edgecombe Co.on April 4,2001. Five hundred ninty-nine containers were collected that totaled nine thousand two hundred eighty five pounds of pesticides that were properly disposed of in Edgecombe Co. Another collection day will try to be planned for 2003.

Record #: 143 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-09
CEMP: 3
Location: Avery
Person Reporting: Moody, Jerrold T

Because of the FQPA of 1996, OP\'s like Disyston have been removed from the market. CES, NCDA, Bayer,and North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers have been working together to convince the EPA that this product is necessary for our growers. In June of 2000, we developed and implemented an educational tour for the EPA Disyston Team. Through our cooperative effort of the above parties, we were able to educate the EPA team on the necessity and possible environmental problems associated with the loss of this material. Because of this effort we have begun work on Pesticide Exposure studies and developed a close system for applying this product.

Record #: 144 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-16
CEMP: 3
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Holmes, Kathryn A

Even with a state quarantine on bees, the recent discovery of the hive beetle in North Carolina has caused Rockingham County Beekeepers to become more warned. I contacted NCDA and arranged for Dwight Seal to come and speak to the beekeepers in March. Dwight conducted a very informative session on checkmite and the rules and regulations of using a restricted-use pesticide. Thirty-five beekeepers were present and very interested in the program. One beekeeper has purchased and used checkmite and eleven others requested a pesticide exam in the county so they could obtain a license and legally purchase the control for the hive beetle.

Record #: 145 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-07
CEMP: 3
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

On Feb 12, 2001 a commercial pesticide education class was conducted for liscensed commercial operators, applicators, consultants, and dealers. This class carried 3 hours commercial credit as approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. 74 people attended the class and received the 3 hours commercial pesticide credit.

Record #: 146 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-07
CEMP: 3
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

In the past Watauga County has not had a facility or any means to collect and dispose of household hazardous waste. Much of this waste was placed illegaly in the county landfill or stored away in areas inside residents homes. This presented both an environmental hazard and potential for exposure in the home. On May 5, 2001 the first Farm and Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day was held. Farm pesticides and hazardous household items such as paint, batteries, cleaners, etc. were collected. There were 272 containers of pesticides, with a total weight of 520 pounds collected. The household hazardous waste collection yielded 4500 lbs of Latex paint, 3257 lbs of other paints and stains, 200 gallons of used oil, along with other various hazardous home materials. The collection day was such a success that Watauga County has agreed to annually have two collection days on a yearly basis.

Record #: 147 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-08
CEMP: 3
Location: Burke
Person Reporting: Morris, Shannon L

Early this year whole watershed regulations and buffer zone rquirements became a flashpoint issue between farmers and environmentalists in Burke County. Extension worked with farmers, landowners, and County Administration to present an unbiased appraisal of the issues involved. Interested stakeholders were thereby better prepared to make their opinions known in subsequent public meetings and forums.

Record #: 148 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-08
CEMP: 3
Location: Burke
Person Reporting: Morris, Shannon L

Extension worked with NRCS to construct 2 facilities for composting horse waste in 1995. Since that time we have provided management and technical advice to Extension and NRCS personnel working with horse owners in other counties and states. In February we presented a program to a combined audinece of 50 NRCS, SCS, FSA, and Extension personnel on the work we had been doing, as an example of how interagenciy efforts could be employed to address emerging issues and needs.

Record #: 149 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-11
CEMP: 3
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Lord, William G

Five farmers participating in the Neuse Crop Management Project in Wake County N.C. developed nutrient management plans for their tobacco farming operations. The objective of nutrient management planning is to maximize crop yield and minimize nutrient loss to the environment - in a word: efficiency. By implementing nutrient management plans the farmers were able to save an average of $4096 each for a total savings of $20,480 on fertilizer for the 2001 crop. Over a total of 470 acres of tobacco the total nutrients saved were 1800 pounds of nitrogen, 17,170 pounds of phosphorus, and 28,100 pounds of potassium.

Record #: 150 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-11
CEMP: 3
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L

At Environmental Field Days in Gates, Chowan, and Perquimans Counties, 854 students in the 3rd through 6th grades learned about insects and other arthropods (spiders, ticks, etc.), including pests and beneficials. They collected insects and spiders using a sweep net. Among those collected were: beneficials such as lady beetles, dragon flies, and spiders; and pest insects like stink bugs, tarnished plant bugs, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. They also learned the importance of using insecticides to kill pest insects only when necessary - to help protect beneficial insect populations. Students acquired a better appreciation for these small, six-legged creatures (insects) and now understand their importance a little better - they can be harmful or helpful to humans.

Record #: 151 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-11
CEMP: 3
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L

Record #: 152 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-11
CEMP: 3
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L

With more people moving into rural areas, farmers are concerned about pesticide drift affecting their non-farming neighbors. Many farmers are unaware of how far pesticides can drift to non-target areas. Through ideas gained at the Southern Region Pesticide Safety School, a drift demonstration was presented to area farmers. By using a backpack sprayer, a multi-speed fan, and water sensitive cards placed at varying distances from the spray source, farmers could see how far spray would drift under varying conditions of wind speed and pressure. They were able to see for themselves the increase in drift from spraying in a 12 mile per hour wind versus 4 miles per hour. They could see for themselves that reducing sprayer pressure reduced drift. Farmers stated that this demonstration reinforced the importance and methods of reducing drift when applying pesticides, and should reduce the number of drift complaints from neighbors.

Record #: 153 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-12
CEMP: 3
Location: Cumberland
Person Reporting: Autry, George R

Due to the influx of new poultry operations into Cumberland County and the potential for conflict with the increasing urban landscape the Cumberland County Commissioners policy committee met to discuss the issue in January. Extension was asked to convene an ad hoc poultry committee to review the current situation and make recommendations to assist in preventing potential conflicts between the poultry industry and their neighbors. From this committee a set of voluntary guidelines concerning poultry operations have been developed and will be sent to the commissioners policy committee that hopefully will enable the county to partner with poultry companies operating in the county to set up voluntary guidelines for poultry operations that will minimize future conflict. We are in the middle of this process but feel that a great deal of progress has been made in developing a solution.

Record #: 154 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-14
CEMP: 3
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Lord, William G

The Neuse River rules require a 30% reduction in nitrogen reaching the Neuse estuary, and agriculture has been targeted to contribute towards the reduction. The trick in managing nitrogen in production agriculture is precision application, but little equipment is available at a reasonable price that will variably apply nitrogen to row crops. Using commonly available technology, a variable rate N application unit was fabricated for $2000 and used to variable apply N to cotton and tobacco in Wilson County NC to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology in efficient, environmentally sound crop production.

Record #: 155 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-14
CEMP: 3
Location: Lincoln
Person Reporting: Shearer, Miranda

Cereal leaf beetle was a serious threat to several area small grain farms this spring. After reading about the threat in my monthly newsletter, a prominent area farmer contacted me. He wanted to learn proper scouting procedures for cereal leaf beetles, calculate the economic threshold, and discuss treatment options. When I arrived at his farm, I was pleased to discover he had invited 5 other farmers. As a result of this impromptu meeting, 6 important farmers learned how to scout their fields and the importance of an economic threshold. Because the infestation was well above the threshold level, we also discussed treatment options. After a lengthy debate, they decided to use a reduced rate insecticide treatment. They were able to effectively treat more than 3,000 acres of wheat and also reduce pesticide costs and insecticide rate by 50%.

Record #: 156 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Morton, Jeffery K

Private pesticide applicators are required by law to maintain proficiency in using pesticides safely and effectively with minimal damage to nontarget pests and the environment. Two hours of training in how pesticides can adversely affect human health when applied in a hazardous situation or without proper personal protective equipment was provided to 160 existing license holders. Pre and post tests given to class participants showed an increase in their basic understanding of 20 percent.

Record #: 157 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-19
CEMP: 3
Location: Catawba
Person Reporting: Miller, N F

Catawba County honeybees are threatened by varroa mites and the small hive beetle. Until recently, beekeepers have controlled varroa mites using Apistan, a pesticide that can be applied easily and relatively safely by beekeepers. Unfortunately this pesticide is not effective on small hive beetles and apistan-resistant strains of varroa mites have been identified in the county. The only pesticide currently labelled to control both pests is coumaphos, a restricted use pesticide requiring that all users be licensed. To meet the needs of local beekeepers, a Private Pesticide Applicator Certification program was developed. Twenty-one beekeepers were certified and can purchase and apply this restricted use pesticide to protect their bees from these pests.

Record #: 158 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-04
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Love, Georgia P.

It is extremely important for Extension Agents to collaborate with industry personnel and community leaders. Robeson County Extension Field Crops Agent was approached by a prominent area cotton consultant to help conduct his winter grower meeting in conjunction with other Extension personnel from NCSU. Information presented by agent was on current Extension research being conducted by Robeson County field crops agent with an area grower studying strip-till and no-till cotton production. Of 30 growers in attendance, 98% indicated increased awareness and knowledge of Extension cotton studies and gained a more positive view of Extension activities. The area cotton consultant received positive feedback from growers for involving the local Robeson County Extension agent.

Record #: 159 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Bost, Toby D

The Forsyth Extension Service has developed a very successful program for identifying and documenting heritage trees on residential properties in Forsyth County. The Treasured Trees project was organized through a grant from the N.C. Division of Forest Resources. Volunteers meet monthly and visit sites nominated by the public; these trees are measured and reecorded in a database. Tree owners receive a certificate and information about the proper care of mature trees. In addition, 28 new tree species have been planted in county parks in designated tree demonstrations for citizens to enjoy. Fifteen tree identification programs were given to school groups in the spring of 2001. The program has been publicized widely by the local media, and routinely receives accolades for its educational merit.

Record #: 160 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Coggins, Troy E

I decided to go away from 2 hours of slides and videos for general continuing certification classes for pesticide applicators and dealers take a more hands on approach. I started the classes with plant samples assigned a number. I ask the participants to try to identify each plant. We then examined and discussed each sample and its distinguishing characteristics. Next, I discussed the 1/128 acre calibration method and then we calibrated a back pack sprayer and push type broadcast spreader. The classes concluded with how to properly add pesticides to the spray tank for proper solution concentration. Several participants stated that this was the best general pesticide class that they had ever attended. The 71 program participants all gained useful knowledge that would enhance their job skills and performance.

Record #: 161 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-25
CEMP: 3
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Hoover, Gregory M

Landscape and turf maintenance is a fast growing business in Davie County. The increase is a result of population and housing increases, and an aging and more affluent population. New and existing landscapers need education and training on pest management, fertility, turf establishment and maintenance, pesticides, research updates and pesticide recertification. Therefore, the "Landscape and Turf Professionals Training" was established. The half day training features presenters of current research and information from NCSU, NCDA, and private industry targeting needs based participant surveys. 36 landscape professionals attended the 2001 training receiving 1.5 hours of pesticide recertification credit. In addition, 66% indicated the training was quite or very useful to them and their business. 77% indicated that they now always or normally use or recommend slow release fertilizer. The adoption of slow release fertilizer results in increased fertilizer efficiency, reduced potential for off site movement and is an environmentally friendly practice.

Record #: 162 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-26
CEMP: 3
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Rashash, Diana

Area residents, swine producers, and local officials continue to be interested in the progress of the alternative swine waste treatment projects. Unfortunately, the threat of Hoof and Mouth disease has curtailed tours to the project sites. That has not, however, stopped folks from asking about the projects. Photos and descriptions of each project were added to the Onslow Environmental Education website. The websites have received numerous visits and prompted email questions. Awareness of the projects has opened communication among various groups and farmers. One former "anti-hog" person has developed a new opinion and now recommends several swine producers as contacts for activities, and talks about what they are doing to protect the environment.

Record #: 163 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-26
CEMP: 3
Location: Yadkin
Person Reporting: Keith, Nancy W

Provided waste management workshops that enabled 132 producers in an 11 county area to obtain continuing education hours to remain certified operators. These producers have to meet these recertification requirements mandated by the state in order to continue as certified operators. Failure to remain certified results in monetary fines. Producers increase their knowledge of record keeping, total waste management system operation and best management practices. Results from these workshops include improve water quality and reduced numbers of violations issued by Division of Water Quality.

Record #: 164 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

Extension networking with Greenville's Wastewater Treatment Plant has resulted in a three-year study on five test plots conducted by NCSU Crop Science Department. This study is to help evaluate the waste application rate at this site to meet NCDENHR guidelines. The results of this test plot work will ultimately factor in waste application procedures at the plant and affect thousands of dollars and citizens of Pitt County.

Record #: 165 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Love, Georgia P.

Insect identification is important in making pesticide decisions. 5 growers expressed concern over cereal leaf beetle damage to their corn crop early this season. Damage was determined by field crops agent to be minimal and spraying was discouraged. Prompt attention and advice not to treat may have saved these growers as much as $10/acre on over 2000 acres amounting to approximately $20,000 savings in application and pesticide costs.

Record #: 166 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Love, Georgia P.

Educating youth on the value of agriculture and environmental quality is an important job as a field crops agent. A high school youth in Robeson County approached field crops agent about doing a soil project for her school's science fair. Information provided by the agent and guidance for conducting the project helped her win at her high school and go on to win an award at the state level, which qualified her for a trip to Michigan. Great appreciation was expressed to agent and Extension awareness was increased.

Record #: 167 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Avery
Person Reporting: Pitman, J M

The Avery/Watauga County's Cooperative Extension Center along with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture organized and conducted a county wide "Pesticide Disposal Day" on Saturday, May, 5, 2001. Over 100 local farmers participated from the adjoining counties. The poundage collected was 550lbs.

Record #: 168 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H

Through four commercial applicator recertification classes, five private applicator recertification classes, and one private applicator certification class taught by Extension, 227 applicators became more knowledgeable about pesticde use and safety and adopted one or more practices associated with responsible pesticide use,

Record #: 169 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H

Through an Extension/NCDA&CS-organized and promoted Pesticide Disposal Day, Wayne County citizens disposed of approximately 175 containers of unwanted pesticides, totalling 1200 pounds of chemicals.

Record #: 170 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H

Wayne County Extension piloted a Nutient Management Training program required under the Neuse Nutrient Sensitive Waters Rules. Extension personnel trained some thirty-seven agrichermical dealers and farmers, while organizing the basic educational materials into a logical training module and developing an outline and other resource materials for future use across the state.

Record #: 171 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H

Wayne County Extension developed a nitrogen management planning computer spreadsheet and associated resource and information sheets to assist farmers with development of comprehensive nutrient management plans (NMP's). Extension Neuse Crop Management Project personnel worked one-on-one with twelve producers to develop written NMP's for some 10,000 acres in Wayne County.

Record #: 172 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Burke
Person Reporting: Ammons, O R

Working in cooperation with North Carolina Department of Agriculture the Burke Extension Center sponsored a Pesticide Disposal Collection day. Approximately 180 containers weighing 983 pounds were collected and disposed of in the proper manner. This collection was four times the amount collected at the last Disposal Day in 1998. The cost associated with collecting and destroying one pound of pesticide for an individual is approximately one hundred dollars. The free disposal day saved Burke County citizens $98,300 dollars plus the benefits of a cleaner environment for all citizens.

Record #: 173 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Harnett
Person Reporting: Nicholson, Don G

Dunn Parks and Recreation used a product on and around a baseball field that moved from the application area into the grassy areas. The product was purchased from a source that did not provide complete labelling. After finding out the active ingredient, bromacil, I let them know that it could be deactivated by applying activated charcoal to the affected area, assisted in finding a charcoal source and educated them in how to apply it to achieve the desired results. The alternative to the charcoal treatment was to do complete soil removal, replacement, and resod the area. The treatment was successful. The action taken saved Dunn P&R sveral thousand dollars in man-hours, materials and equipment costs, plus the potential loss of the use of the playing field for a tournament to be played in July. I will be using this incident to illustrate the importance of pesticide education.

Record #: 174 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Lee
Person Reporting: Hall, John V

Used plastic pesticide containers create a disposal problem for farmers and other pesticide applicators. Containers that are improperly cleaned and disposed of can create an environmental hazard. After securing two grants from the Pesticide Trust Fund, Cooperative Extension in conjunction with Lee County Public Works Department, established a permanent pesticide container recycling center at the county landfill site. This center is open six days per week and is manned. Grant funds were also used to provide pressure rinse nozzels to applicators. More than 3000 properly rinsed containers have been recycled during the first six months of 2001.

Record #: 175 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Lee
Person Reporting: Hall, John V

Unused and outdated pesticides become environmental hazards when they are improperly stored on farms and in home storage areas. Cooperative extension staff worked with the Pesticide Division of NCDA to conduct a pesticide disposal day in conjunction with Lee County's Hazardous Household Waste Collection Day on May 5. Farmers, landscape professionals, and homeowners disposed of 2,095 pounds of old pesticides at this event.

Record #: 176 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Howe, Lewis S

An area nursery producer had a grassy weed problem in 5,000 containers of liriope. She needed a expedient recommendation to remove this weed so the plants could grow without competition. I had the weed identified by the NC State Herbarium. During the time of waiting for the identification, I advised the grower of the plan of action to start. As a result of my training, relationship with the producer, the quick identification from the Herbarium, and specialist confirmation of the management plan, the weed was controlled and crop saved with wholesale value of $10,000.

Record #: 177 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Coite, Eileen

52 operators of animal waste management systems were offered a ten hour training to obtain their operators license from the N.C. Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission (WPSOCC). Operators traveled from as much as 150 miles away to attend the training, which was the only training being offered prior to the June Certification exam, which they would be required to take upon completion of training. 36 of the 52 operators had taken and passed the June certification exam as of July 2001.

Record #: 178 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 3
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Bolick, B F

Alternatives to burley tobacco have been a focus for Watauga's NCCES agents for a long time. With the local interest in organically produced vegetables a major effort is being made to produce organic/transitional broccoli on tobacco farms for our local market. With our cooler climate it is possible to grow most crucifer crops in the summertime when it is impossible at lower elevations. Having the ability to supply fresh produce at off-seasons ensures a higher price and stable markets. A father-son tobacco farm has agreed to try this crop in 2001. They have had good success so far and the hope is to recruit more growers for the fall planting to harvest by Thanksgiving.

Record #: 179 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Richard

State regulations require farmers who apply restricted use pesticides to be certified. Once farmers are certified they must complete recertification training every three years. During 2001 30 farmers in Tyrrell County needed to be recertified. To address this need this agent conducted three recertification programs. A total of 27 producers attended the trainings and became recertified. One additional training will be held to give the remaining 3 applicators an opportunity to be recertified.

Record #: 180 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Richard

Plastic pesticide containers can add significantly to the pounds of refuse going into landfills. In an attempt to reduce the number of these containers being landfilled, the Tyrrell County Extension Service sponsors a plastic pesticide container recycling program. During the first half of 2001 approximately 1500 2.5 gallon plastic pesticide containers have been collected.

Record #: 181 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Richard

In an effort to reduce the hazard from out dated or unwanted pesticides the Tyrrell County Extension Service sponsored a Pesticide Clean Day. As a result of conducting this Clean Day over 400 pounds of pesticides were collected and disposed of in an evironmentally safe manner by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Record #: 182 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Major renovations of a swine lagoon advanced in late winter through early summer. Cooperating weather saw the advancement of multi-agency and private business planing and consulting to correct an aging and ailing lagoon dike. Advice and suggestions resulted in a plan requiring less than $80,000 to renovate the existing facility as opposed to dismantling and constructing a new facility for over $175,000.

Record #: 183 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Five water model demonstrations were completed for the third year with over 95% still a new audience of farmers (160) and classroom youth (55). Probing questions and groundwater contamination discussion resulted from the basic hydrogeology visually presented.

Record #: 184 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Grandy, Tommy R

Through networking with state agencies, Currituck Extension sponsored a wildlife habitat program for interested landowners. Presentations were presented by the N. C. Wildlife, the N. C. Forest Service, NRCS and NCCE that highlighted the different services they provide landowners. Utilizing information from this program, one landowner contacted the Wildlife Resources Commission, and in cooperation with the other agencies developed a long term wildlife stewardship plan. The wildlife stewardship plan will enhance wildlife for years through forestry practices, wildlife food plots and management of wetlands and ponds.

Record #: 185 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Thompson, Harold G

Because farmers are required to be certified pesticide applicators to apply restricted use pesticides to their local farmers, Cooperative Extension provided the recertification training for these local farmers. A total of 75 local farmers and agri- business people participated in three pesticide recertification programs offered locally and received their certifications. As a result of this training local farmers are reporting a reduction of illnesses associated with pesticide application and fewer trips to a doctor for these illnesses. A savings of one trip to the doctor per year per farmer is saving our local farmers approximately $7000 per year. In addition fewer days missed from working due to illness is improving the farmers efficiency at approximately $3000 countywide.

Record #: 186 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Graham
Person Reporting: Collins, Randy

In February of 2001, a local burley tobacco producer in Graham County began construction on the first full-sized tobacco float-bed greenhouse that has ever been built in the county. The producer's decision was made after he attended a tobaco tour offered by Graham County Cooperative Extension. The tour took place in Yancey County, and included stops at several large tobacco greenhouses. During these stops, producers in Yancey County discussed how the use of greenhouses could make raising burley tobacco easier and more profitable. Greenhouse owners also demonstrated how easy the greenhouses were to construct.

Record #: 187 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Graham
Person Reporting: Collins, Randy

In April of 2001, the Smokey Mountain Native Plants Association started work with Extension researching the cultivation and growth of goldenseal in Graham and surrounding counties. Thirteen producers recieved 180 goldenseal roots each which were donated by Extension. The roots were planted in 4x10 foot plots and will be featured in this year's Speciality Crops Program. The association will continue to work with Extension this fall as they will be participating in a ramp research project.

Record #: 188 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 3
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Whitt, Larry N

After working for several years with livestock producers on watering alternatives, one producer working with Cooperative Extension and the Natural Resources and Conservation Service personnel has decided to put in place an alternative watering system using a water ram and an existing farm pond. The plan calls for installation of a watering trough using the water ram to supply the water and placing the trough on a geothermal filter pad with rock and concrete. The pond is to be fenced off and the dam repaired where the animals have eroded the soil in the dam over time. The producer is excited about doing this since he has been planning this for the past three years.

Record #: 189 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-11
CEMP: 3
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Gurganus, Rod R

As an agent that handles both agriculture and horticulture, I am exposed to people who are quite knowledgeable about agricultural issues and people who know very little about agriculture. Those that are lacking in agricultural knowledge are usually "many generations removed from the farm", and are often native to another state. Many of these people have become involved with our Master Gardener program, and they ask lots of questions about the crops we grow, production practices, pesticides, and fertilizers. Each week, I have a golden opportunity to stress the importance of Agriculture in Beaufort County to 12 Master Gardeners, and they in return can educate others who might have similar questions.

Record #: 190 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-04
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Harrell, Norman E

The costs of growing tobacco continues to escalate each production year with net returns decreasing. To address this situation, Cooperative Extension identified an area where tobacco producers could reduce input costs while allowing for faster application and less material handling. Through the use of demonstrations and production meetings, five tobacco producers have adopted the use of alternative liquid nitrogen sources on six-hundred acres of tobacco reducing material cost by an average of $20 per acre. Additionally, tobacco producers have adopted less expensive blends and higher analysis fertilizers on approximately six-hundred acres of tobacco resulting in a savings of $7.00 per acre. These changes in fertilizer programs have resulted in a total fertilizer saving for tobacco producers of $16,200.

Record #: 191 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 3
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Smith, R M

When the tobacco disease known as "blue mold" was reported in various fields across Pitt County, NC, farmers were alerted of the need to spray protective fungicides to prevent the widespread infection of this disease. Proper identification of this disease is crucial in order to growers to take the correct action and avoid the unnecessary cost associated with pesticides. When Mike White, tobacco grower from the Chicod area contacted the Pitt County Extension Center for assistance in disease identification, he was unsure if blue mold was the disease was causing problems in his tobacco field. As a result of a one-on-one counseltation with Mitch Smith, County Extension Director, it was determined that blue mold was not the problem but was a leaf symptom caused by dry, hot conditions. This correct disease diagnosis saved White a total of $300.

Record #: 192 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Little, William E

Wilson County has started a Insect Scouting School for Vegetables each year in June. This started three years ago. The first year we had 18 people in attendance, the second year we had 21 and this year we were up to 32 attendees. This program is gaining in numbers and information we are able to give to the clientel. Along with this scouting school we participate in a toll free number to get updates on insect population pressure each week.

Record #: 193 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 3
Location: Richmond
Person Reporting: Coffer, Bertram W

As poultry producers continue to adapt to new environmental regulations, some individuals need one-on-one asssistance in learning how to fill out the required records. Older producers in particular are not used to completing such records and calculations. After spending an hour with a particular producer and his wife in their home, they are now comfortable with and able to correctly maintain the proper records. This ability will allow them to better manage their waste in and environmentally sound manner and to avoid expensive fines from the state regulators.

Record #: 194 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-06
CEMP: 3
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Danny M

The Pitt County Horticulture Program began working with TruGreen ChemLawn about 3 years ago due to a number of problems occuring on centipedegrass lawns they treat in the Greenville area. At that time they were applying 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year to centipede lawns they maintained. This high nitrogen rate (3 times the rate we recommend) coupled with the high mowing height most homeowners use on centipede (2 inches) results in high amounts of winter kill and disease problems. Through a continued relationship, site visits, sharing of information and literature, this year TruGreen ChemLawn's Greenville Branch has reduced its annual nitrogen application rate on centipedegrass to .75 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Based on the average number of centipedegrass lawns they treat 450 and the average size (.2 Acres), that is a total nitrogen reduction of 2970 pounds per year.

Record #: 195 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-06
CEMP: 3
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Williams, Ricky

Caswell County conducted a Pesticide Pick Up Day for county residents in April 2001. We collected over 200 pounds of old and unwanted pesticides. We plan to do this again to target homeowners specifically.

Record #: 196 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-12
CEMP: 3
Location: Gaston
Person Reporting: Drechsler, Peggy A

North Carolina is home to many important non-poisonous snake species. People are ignorant about snakes, and many harmless snakes that are important to a healthy ecosystem are needlessly killed annually. Gaston County Extension posted web pages to help people identify snakes, learn about their usefulness, and explain their importance in the environment. Over 1,000 people monthly read thes pages, and agents receive about 25 emails monthly from people who formerly killed all snakes. Now people are learning to live with snakes instead of indiscriminately killing them.

Record #: 197 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-16
CEMP: 3
Location: Montgomery
Person Reporting: Galloway, Roger K

A hazardous waste collection day was organized this spring to collect unused and unwanted pesticides. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department cooperated by collecting and disposing of old hunting ammunitions. While the pesticide collection was less than 100 pounds, some of the pesticides were restricted pesticides owned by uncertified homeowners. Ammunitions were collected from 7 individuals.

Record #: 198 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-25
CEMP: 3
Location: Mitchell
Person Reporting: Vance, Jeffery K

The Mitchell and Yancey Centers of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service teamed up to present a pesticide licensing class for Private Applicators whose license had expired and for persons wishing to obtain a public, dealer or commercial license. The morning was spent teaching a test review and during the afternoon an NCDA&CS Pesticide Inspector administered the test. This localized class saved fourteen people the expense of traveling a minimum of fifty miles and two hours time if they had taken the same test at a regional location.

Record #: 199 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

In Cleveland County, Extension organized a pesticide collection day to encourage homeowners, businesses, and farmers to turn in outdated or otherwise unwanted pesticides for safe disposal. Extension agricultural agent Steve Gibson collaborated with the NCDA&CS Pesticide Disposal Assistance Program to coordinate the activity, held July 19, 2001 at the County Extension Center. The activity was promoted via newsletters, direct mail and newspaper and received tremendous support. During the collection day, 401 containers with a total weight of 4,026 pounds including 3 drums of pesticides were collected. The pesticide collection prevented the unsafe introduction of these materials into the environment through improper disposal and enabled numerous citizens to improve safety by removing potentially hazardous materials from their property. Two participants expressed their unsolicited appreciation for this opportunity to our county manager and commissioners.

Record #: 200 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-15
CEMP: 3
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

Employees at Wellington-Hamrick Concrete Products in Cleveland County were experiencing a problem with nuisance mosquitoes at their work site. Concerned about worker comfort and health, corporate management contacted NCCE for assistance. County extension director Greg Traywick and extension entomologist Dr. Charles Apperson visted the site to assess the problem and to make control recommendations. The company eliminatated mosquito breeding areas by draining water from concrete drain boxes and by removing scrap tires from the property, thereby solving their insect pest problem at minimal expense without the use of pesticides.

Record #: 201 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-15
CEMP: 3
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

The playground at Shelby Presbyterian Church was heavily infested with sand wasps, and the groundskeeper had been stung numerous times. Concerned about the safety of the more than 100 children who use the playground facility in their pre-school program, church leaders called on NCCE for assistance. County extension director Greg Traywick and extension entomologist Dr. Charles Apperson visited the site to assess the problem and to make control recommendations. Using a combination of tillage and conscientious pesticide application, the church was able to eliminate the insect problem and to provide their children with a safe play environment.

Record #: 202 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Alamance
Person Reporting: Cobb, Roger N

The City of Burlington again in 2001 offered to pay farmers in both watersheds a monetary fee to leave off any atrazine on their corn in order to keep atrazine from getting into the drinking water. This was a very successful program in 2000. In 2001 a program was held for the farmers in the watershed in the winter and Dr. Alan York conducted a corn weed control test in the watershed to look at atrazine alternatives. A tour was held for at this location. We are waiting for the results from the stream sampling for the spring to see if any atrazine was detected and if so at what amount.

Record #: 203 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Hoke
Person Reporting: Walters, Keith B

The misapplication of pesticides is a common and costly problem among private applicators. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Hoke County Center in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture offered recertification classes with an emphasis on preventing the improper application of pesticides. Applicators learned about worker protection standards, pesticide record keeping, sprayer calibration, and minimizing spray drift. Fifteen applicators completed their initial certification and were licensed and 33 applicators were recertified. By using calibration wallet cards and sprayer labels, provided as a part of the training, applicators have proper guidelines available to follow before each pesticide application. Proper pesticide application provides economical savings, priceless environmental protection, and worker safety. Due to the current laws we will continue to offer this training for private applicators.

Record #: 204 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-30
CEMP: 3
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Winslow, Frank

I presented pesticide education classes giving 52 farmers the opportunity to meet the educational requirements to renew their Private Pesticide Applicators License. Farmers need this license in order to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Many of these pesticides are very important tools that farmers need and use to produce a profitable crop. Withou this license a farmer would have to hire a custome commercial applicator at the rate of $4.00 to $5.00 per acre to apply these products.

Record #: 205 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-13
CEMP: 3
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Shoulars, E S

A program about farm equipment safety on roadways was presented to Rockingham County tobacco farmers at winter tobacco meetings. A slide set and script provided by NCDMV provided basic hazard and safety information compiled from crashes involving farm vehicles. Farmers indentified the most hazardous situations that they encounter when transporting equipment on roadways. Pre and post tests indicated that all participants learned about laws and safety procedures for operating farm equipment on public roads.

Record #: 206 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-13
CEMP: 3
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Shoulars, E S

Two tobacco production meetings for Rockingham County growers held on February 8 provided updated production and management information to growers. Information was provided on the required heat exchangers to cure nitrosamine free tobacco and the program offered by Flue Cured Stabilization Cooperation to assist in updating barns. Sufficient burns have been retrofitted to cure over 95% of the Rockingham County tobacco crop.

Record #: 207 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-24
CEMP: 3
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Day, Derek S

Used motor oil, hydralic fluid, brake fluid, and other oils can be an environmental hazard by contaminating surface and ground water. One gallon of motor oil can contaminate 1 million gallons of fresh water. Due to the educational efforts of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, over 8200 gallons of used motor oil was collected over a two day period. Most of this motor oil was collected from farmers and do-it-yourselfers who would normally have improperly dumped this oil in a storm drain, ditch, or the woods.

Record #: 208 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Cynthia

Because landscapers and other professionals in the green industry need certification NCCES taught a six-week multi-county Certified Plant Professional training. There are about 40 people in the class and this testimonial was given, "Thanks to you, Danny, and Lewis for the classes. Even though I'm not id'ing all of them correctly, I could not possibly pass this exam without your help."

Record #: 209 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-03
CEMP: 3
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Whitt, Larry N

One Caswell county livestock producer wanted to look at alternative watering sources for his cattle, so he came up with an idea with help from Cooperative Extension and financial assistance fron NRCS.He developed a spring site that will water all his cattle and allow them not to rely on getting water from the creek,therefore, improving water quality in the stream and reduced erosion on the stream banks.This producer was extremely pleased with his new arrangement.

Record #: 210 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-04
CEMP: 3
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

During 2001, Cleveland County's Multi-Agency Conservation (MAC) Team comprisedby NC Cooperative Extension, Cleveland Soil & Water Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service, worked closely in several key areas. The team shared the workload in helping 25 poultry producers develop and successfully implement approved litter management plans. They also collaborated in collecting soil samples, background information and field data in support of the statewide Phosphorus Loss Assessment Study. The MAC Team supported Cleveland County Farm Bureau and the local farming community in the development and adoption of a Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program. They also formed a soil quality team to evaluate the biological, chemical, and physical benefits of long-term no- till and to share that information with relevant agencies and farmers.

Record #: 211 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-08
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Little, William E

A program was conducted for the Wilson Ladies Club during the month of September. The topic was chemical safety and uses around the home. The group of about 30 ladies were interested in the uses of chemicals they use in the garden and yard and the best and safe way to use the products. We covered many aspects of chemical uses and the correct methods of applying chemicals for insect and weed control in home areas.

Record #: 212 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-23
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Harrell, Norman E

The cornear worm (CEW) is a significant pest in cotton production. The insect can reach large numbers and is capable of reducing yields substantially by feeding on squares and bolls. Cooperative Extension addressed the CEW problem by promoting an integrated pest management program. Four blacklight traps were located in Wilson County to monitor the CEW moth flights. Various delivery methods were utilized to reach clientele. Farmers selected 66% of their varieties that were genetically modified to contain the Bt toxin, which increased control of the CEW and reduced the number of pesticide applications. They also learned to correctly identify the insect, proper scouting procedures, economic threshold levels, and correct pesticide selection. These integrated pest management practices allowed for correct pesticide applications in a timely manner to the crop that resulted in $53,213 in improved value of insect control provided. In addition, there was a $12,500 value for improved scouting techniques.

Record #: 213 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Cynthia

Because landscapers and garden center clientele need more knowledge in plant material the Wilson and Pitt County Cooperative Extension Centers held a six-week training for the Certified Plant Professional exam. Thirty in the class took the exam with a 63% passing rate on both the written and plant identification parts of the exam. If you did not take the training class there was only a 33% rate of passing. Because of this training class and passing the exam several will receive pay increases by their employer.

Record #: 214 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Wood, Alton E

The Pasquotank County Center conducted a 3.0 hour credit recertification class for all categories of commercial pesticide applicators/dealers on Thursday, October 25, 2001 entitled "Knowing Your Pesticides." Thirty-three individuals attended the class. All the attendees took both the pre- and post-test with the average scores being 78.7 and 73.1, respectively. The portions of the test that were most frequently missed were the math problems. All participants felt that they gained new skills or knowledge, which would be useful to their jobs/businesses. On a scale of 1(poor) to 10 (excellent), the participants gave the class an average of 8.1. When asked what this class would have been worth had they paid for it, the participants gave it a total value of $1,069.99.

Record #: 215 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Little, William E

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to the Produce Markets in the Atlanta Terminal. This was part of a study tour to visit the buyers of sweetpotatoes from several states. The purpose was to see what buyers like and dislike about our package product of sweetpotatoes. With NC being the number one exporter of sweetpotatoes in the US it is important that we keep our standards above the rest of the market. I was selected to serve on this group known as STF (Sweetpotato Task Force) from the work on sweetpotato packing lines and test research.

Record #: 216 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Little, William E

The Wilson Cooperative Extension Service received a grant from the NC Pesticide Trust Fund in the amount of $4,150.00. This grant will be used in our training process for recycling chemical containers which is an on-going program here in Wilson. The funds will be used to purchase quick rinse nozzels to flush containers out for recycling purposes.

Record #: 217 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Breedlove, Donald E

The number one reason given by most licensing ground maintenance workers for attending educational events is to prevent license expiration. Cooperative Extension, in a joint venture with the Turfgrass Association, NC Department of Agriculture and private companies provided an opportunity for both additional renewal credits and skill enhancement. One hundred and forty-four workers from central to western NC were pre-tested on fertilizer and liming basic practices prior to the presentation. Seventy percent of the participants had inadequate knowledge of Extension's resources or practices in turfgrass. At the conclusion, all gained resource knowledge of potential savings and environmental hazards of improper fertilization.

Record #: 218 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Coite, Eileen

Animal Waste Management Operators were offered six hours of continuing education coursework, split in to three two hour sessions at the Wayne County Center. Certified operators are required by the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to obtain six hours of continuing education credit every three years. Useful information is provided to enhance their land management skills and preserve the environment, while enhancing crop yields and livestock production. At this training, agents provided producers with training on weed management in pastures and sprayfields, nitrate management and it's effect on beef cattle, and using soil and waste analyses for improved agronomic practices. 146 operators received training, representing nine eastern NC counties. A pre/post test was given to operators during the weed management training, revealing an improvement of 18%, with pre-test scores averaging 66%, and post-test scores averaging 84%. 50% of the participants scored 100 on the post test. Feedback from training participants included "I learned a lot of good information that I did not know", and "Excellent, well organized, very practical, and appropriate".

Record #: 219 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 3
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Groce, Samuel E

Chatham County is a rapidly changing county. The economy of the county has traditionally been agriculture and textiles. In the past decade Chatham has had a rapidly growing population of urban dwellers moving to the country. With the amount of animal agriculture in the county there have been some clashes between the two groups. The Chatham County Center has been instrumental in working with ag groups and the county agricultural advisory board in developing a Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance. The ordinance was passed by the county commissioners on Novemeber 5, 2000. This ordinance will help protect farmers and farmland from nuisance suits and save farmers money in fighting nuisance suits brought against them.

Record #: 220 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 3
Location: Gates
Person Reporting: Rayburn, Marjorie L

Throughout the summer, children and youth in Gates County learned about insects. At a summer day camp and library summer programs, participants learned about the different kinds of insects, how they live, what they eat, and how they grow. They collected insects and spiders using sweep nets and learned to identify common types. They learned that the beautiful butterfly had to eat lots of plants (sometimes "good" ones) while it was a caterpillar. Participants gained a greater appreciation for insects and spiders and their roles in the ecosystem. Even those who were "scared" of insects and spiders and thought they were "yucky", became interested enough to get close and handle them.

Record #: 221 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 3
Location: Greene
Person Reporting: Johnson, Louie H

Proper nitrogen rates in tobacco production are a major program focus of Cooperative Extension in Greene County. Tobacco nitrogen requirements have been addressed by Extension through six on farm test, six educational productions meetings, 12 volunteer educators and numerous farm visits. The results of educational program effort was reduction in nitrogen to 43 to 58 pounds per acre by 70 farmers on 2,500 acres of tobacco which averaged a yield of 3600 lbs per acre. Reduced nitrogen has saved farmers over $100,000 in fertilizer, labor, sucker control, and curing gas while improving leaf quality. Also over the long term environmental benefits can be expected from reduce nitrogen use.

Record #: 222 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 3
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Bunton, Kathy

The Iredell Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension assisted 75 poultry growers develop and maintain their legislatively mandated waste management plans. The 75 growers soil tested 4110 acres of hay, pasture, and crop land, analyzed 20,735 tons of poultry litter and applied the litter at agronomically correct rates. By utilizing poultry litter as the nutrient source for their crops as compared to a commercial fertilizer, the growers realized a savings of $298,170.

Record #: 223 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Campbell, Thomas M

One nursery adopted drip irrigation and one golf course changed irrigation practices and fungicides used to control an epidemic of dollar spot fungus on its golf greens. Both the nursery and the golf course adopted pre- and post- emergent weed controls with herbicides recommended by extension.

Record #: 224 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Campbell, Thomas M

Potato growers saved $140,000 on 5,000 acres by using insecticides and fungicides only when recommended after scouting confirmed economic thresholds were reached for European Corn Borers, Colorado Potato Beetles, Wireworms and Late Bright fungus. The estimated savings came by subtracting the costs of present practices from those practical 25-30 years ago.

Record #: 225 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Campbell, Thomas M

Twenty-nine farms were assessed for phosphorus usage as part of a state-wide water qualify survey. Pasquotank County Solid Waste Department now owns an experimental rotating composting drum to test digestion of yard wastes, mixed papers, and seafood processing scraps. The machine was obtained with a $30,000 grant arranged with assistance from Extension.

Record #: 227 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Gerda D

All active pork producers with lagoons systems must become a certified operator by attending a 10 hour class and passing an exam. Since I have a new manager in the county, I made an effort to meet him. The first time I did, he was telling me about signing up for a $300 course to get his waste operators license. I questioned this and after checking realized he had signed up to attend a course that was not for certifying operators. I saved him $300 in this one case. Since that first visit, he has been free to call on me several times for other information.

Record #: 228 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Harrell, Norman E

Aphids can be a destructive insect, but are normally a minor pest of flue-cured tobacco in North Carolina. However, economic threshold levels can be reached to justify treatment. A producer was spraying an organophosphate, an insecticide, for aphid control on his tobacco crop during an on-farm visit. Harrell and the producer scouted the tobacco and found that beneficial insects and a fungal disease that attacks only aphids reduced the aphid population below threshold level. As a result of properly scouting the tobacco, the farmer did not treat two-thirds of his tobacco acreage and saved him $1000 in insecticide and application expenses. This recommendation also resulted in the reduction of 48 pounds of active ingredient of the insecticide being applied to the environment. In addition, aphids are building resistance to organophosphates and a reduction in applications reduces the likelihood of resistance.

Record #: 229 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Woolard, Glenn E

421 people participated in the YOUTH DAYS at the CHATHAM COUNTY FAIR (325 youth and 96 adults) on September 5 and 7, 2001. Youth Days were conducted by the Chatham County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Groups rotated through twelve educational stations: beekeeping, beef cattle, horses, baby chickens, insects and gardening, sheep, vermi-composting, alternative agriculture and beneficial insects, forestry, foods and nutrition, bird feeders, and enviroscape (soil and water conservation). Youth participants were preschool through grade 3. The school teachers and parent volunteers were highly complimentary about the event's structure and the quality of the educational experience. The County Fair Association was very grateful to the Cooperative Extension staff for their leadership and extra effort in planning, promoting, and conducting the Youth Days. The number of educational stations were expanded from eight to twelve. The number of youth days were increased from one to two days.

Record #: 230 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Woolard, Glenn E

The eleventh annual CHATHAM COUNTY FARM TOUR held on October 11, 2001 had about 85 participants. The farm tour was conducted by the Chatham County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. The tour was part of the Farm-City Week celebration. Tour stops included a hosta plant farm, a diversified agritourism farm (pick your own strawberries, mums, and a corn maize), a free range livestock farm, and a fruitcake and gourmet food production facility. 68% of the participants completed the post-evaluation. 74% said they gained "a lot" of knowledge about the farm stops on the tour. 84% rated farming as "very important". 53% rated the tour as "outstanding". Participant comments included: "Gained respect for the farmer and farming"..."I learned a lot and have a greater appreciation of what it takes to supply food for my table"..."Most enjoy meeting wonderful local people who hold such fine values".

Record #: 231 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Woolard, Glenn E

Over 800 people attended the third annual FARM FUN DAY. It was held on November 17, 2001 at the National Guard Armory in Siler City. The event was conducted by the Chatham County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Farm Fun Day is the anchor event for the County Farm-City Week celebration. Activities included: a petting barnyard, pony rides, agricultural exhibits, kiddie tractor pull, apple pie cooking contest, modern and antique tractors and farm equipment, taco farm exhibit, pumpkin face painting contest, youth wood shape painting, border collie goat herding demonstration, dog obedience demonstrations, antique chainsaws, crosscut sawing, and entertainment Fifteen local businesses donated $2,800 to sponsor Farm-City Week. 113 participants completed a post evaluation. 95% rated Farm Fun Day as "good" or "outstanding". 93% know more about agriculture and agri-business as a result of Farm Fun Day. 98% indicated they would attend again next year.

Record #: 232 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 3
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

Application of swine lagoon effluent to bermudagrass is a common method of waste management for swine producers in Pitt County. However, some still lack the expertise to properly manage bermudagrass for hay and/or forages. For this reason, a "Bermudagrass Workshop for Waste Operators" was conducted by the extension livestock agent. Thirty-nine (39) producers were educated on bermudagrass management at this workshop which included class and field participation. These participants received 2.5 hours of continuing education credit while learning practices to increase bermudagrass production.

Record #: 233 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 3
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Ducharme, Diane

Increasing volume of calls from clientele indicate a heightened interest in the ornamental industry. The cooperate efforts of Buncombe County's Commercial Horticulture agent and Tobacco/Livestock agent enabled an offering of an introductory workshop on nursery production operations. NCSU specialist, Dick Bir and two local nursery growers divided the 3 hour format, offering both researchbased knowledge and real life startup experience for participants. Agents covered topics emphasizing budgets, regulatory costs, soil & water considerations, site selection, weed management, plant and equipment sources, sources of further information, and presented participants a 32 page workshop brochure for their reference library. Information attracted both new and novice nursery professionals, helping with the initial setup of an operations, but also with the constant critics of an expanding business.

Record #: 234 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 3
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Ducharme, Diane

Buncombe County Beekeepers Chapter has always had a very strong role in the guidance of beekeepers in the western north Carolina mountains. This year, one of the goals was to create an educational tool for the Mountain State Fair Beekeepers Booth. Verbal, pictorial, and interactive displays were developed and integrated. Pictures of a bees life and importance in the agricultural community was illustrated by local school children. NCDA apiculturist displayed the handling of live bees and comb development, and an observation hive allowed students to find the illusive queen bee. Picture displays were complemented with verbal displays to illustrate the social activities of bees, composition of a hive, average composition and benefits of honey, anatomy of bees, spring management, lifecycle, and bloom times for honey plants. End results is an instructional tool for beekeepers with pictures and references at their fingertips to entice and educate.

Record #: 235 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Wake
Person Reporting: Woodward, Mitchell

The Wake County Center of the North Carolina Extension Service held an Agricultural Water Quality Workshop. The workshop featured practices recently installed on farms including : Nutrient Management, wheat fertilization, water management, buffers. Compliance with the Neuse Rules was also discussed. The event was covered by 3 media outlets including the N, reaching hundreds of thousands of NC residents.

Record #: 236 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Lowery, Charlie A

An unwanted pesticide collection day was held in the year 2000. In spite of all the publicity to allow residents to dispose of these pesticides, two area farmers still did not take advantage of this day. The agricultural agent assisted these farmers by taking these pesticides to a collection day on November 1, 2001 in a neighboring county 75 miles from the Robeson County Center. The total amount removed from these two farms was 1327 pounds. This was done without charge to the grower and saved them $30,521.

Record #: 237 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Lauderdale, Danny M

From August through early October, the Pitt County center successfully hosted along with Wayne and Wilson Counties its third Certified Plant Professional training and second Certified Plant Professional test. Thirty training class participants took the test. Nineteen passed for a passing rate of class participants of 63%. Of those who took the exam and did not participate in the class only 33% passed. Training makes a difference!

Record #: 238 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Darkow, Ann

It is important that citizens understand the role and importance of agriculture in the world today. A series of eight feature articles were highlighted in the newspaper during the 2001 Farm City Week Celebration. The various aspects of agriculture from production to table were recorded in a pictoral and personal interview style. This resulted in an enhanced attitude by the general public about how agriculture affects the environment and also the economy of Beaufort County. Additinal articles featured local producers throughout the year.

Record #: 239 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M

The American Society of Agronomy has designated 277 individuals as Certified Crop Advisors in North Carolina. In order to maintain this certification, these individuals are required to particpate in 40 hours of recertification credit evenly divided between 4 different categories in a two year period. In the past, training opportunties for this certification were very limited. Therefore, the Southeast District Association of County Agricultural Agents developed an annual training program to meet the needs of Certified Crop Advisors in Eastern NC. In 2001, 83 Certified Crop Advisors participated in the SEDACAA-CCA School and received 5 hours of credit in each of the four certification categories. Certified Crop Advisors now have sufficient training opportunities to maintain their certification and improved their technical skills.

Record #: 241 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M

Over 175 tobacco producers transplanted their tobacco crop with tobacco transplants produced in floatbed greenhouses this year in Duplin County. This production method has been developed and refined through research conducted by NCSU Extension Specialists over the past 10 years. Greenhouse transplant production education was provided to growers this year through production meetings, newsletters, problem- solving farm visits. Extension programs have resulted in a higher percentage of usable transplants, improved disease management, and higher quality transplants. As a result of producing transplants in greenhouses, producers have avoided the use of use 67,500 pounds of methyl bromide every year. In addition, tobacco growers have greatly decreased labor costs and are able to transplant in a more timely fashion. Tobacco producers are saving 313,926 dollars annually because of decreased labor and fumigation costs.

Record #: 242 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M

Cooperative Extension in Duplin County has trained scouts to monitor pests in cotton in recent years. Each year scouts are assisted with timely information regarding pest thresholds, emerging pest problems, and pest monitoring information. In addition, Cooperative Extension volunteers facilitated the operation of a Black Light Trap in Duplin County. The operation of this trap provides valuable information which allows cotton producers and scouts to employ proper scouting intervals and timely insecticide applications. In 2001, special emphasis was placed on scouting for stink bugs. As a result, approximately 9,500 acres of cotton was treated for threshold levels of stink bugs in a timely fashion. Additionally, over 25,000 acres of cotton in the county was scouted for cotton bollworm and was treated in accordance with economic thresholds. The result of this program was appropriate pest control with the least amount of pesticide application possible.

Record #: 243 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Spivey, Bryant M

Seven Duplin County agribusiness suppliers have participated in Extension programs by distributing Extension publications, advertising Extension programs, and attending production meetings conducted by the Extension Service. Additionally, agribusinesses have provided financial sponsorship in the amount of 2,000 dollars for Extension programs in 2001.

Record #: 244 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Graham
Person Reporting: Collins, Randy

In October of 2001, the Extension Centers of Graham, Cherokee and Clay Counties began a three-county Master Gardener Program, the first multi-county program attempted in this area. The group plans to finish their training in the spring, and plan to do some community beautification projects during the summer. The group has currently learned how using IPM practices can help the environment by using less pesticides, and about 20 members have adopted these practices already.

Record #: 245 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mitchell, Charles

I encoraged individuals who were scared of having to take the commercial pesticide test to take it. There were many who were spraying chemicals on others property without a licensed. I targeted each of them and held a training to better prepare them for the test and they took the test on December 13. I received calls the week after from some of the individuals to let me know they passed the test. They also thanked me for all I did to help them receive their license so they good apply pesticides legally. Some even said they know how to correctly apply certain pesticides now after going through the training.

Record #: 246 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 3
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Reeves, Kenneth R

This year completed the third year of a three county, multi-agency effort to recognize farmers for the positive management practices that they had implemented to improve water quality. The program entitled "Tri-county River Friendly Farmer" received funding from the Pigeon River Fund and Carolina Farm Credit. Five farmers from each county were recognized at an annual awards program and the five farms and farmers in Buncombe County hosted a summer tour for county residents to observe the Best Management Practices installed by farmers. This unique program received national publicity in an article in the Progressive Farmer.

Record #: 247 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Lenoir
Person Reporting: Gonzalez, Paul

The Division of Water Quality was contacted on behalf of a Lenoir county livestock producer. The DWQ said that he was not in compliance with proper permitting regulations and he had 15 days to do so. Upon further review it appeared that some of his documentation had not been received in the proper offices so it was resubmitted. The producer was them found to be in compliance and avoided possible enforcement actions and civil penalties which could have amounted to many thousands of dollars.

Record #: 248 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Anson
Person Reporting: Melton, Richard V

Training to assist animal waste system operators continues to be an important issue for this area. In 2001, seven new operators were provided with the necessary 10 hour training to allow them to take the certification test. Also, 19 area operators were provided with 2 hours of continuing education training.

Record #: 249 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Rashash, Diana

The Battelle InStreem aeration system is being evaluated in both a swine nursery and a portion of the New River (Wilson Bay). Results at both sites have been very favorable. In fact, the City of Jacksonville is entering into an agreement with Battelle to purchase the three aeration units currently in use in Wilson Bay. If all continues to go well, this could be a viable way to improve water quality and reduce organic solids in bottom materials.

Record #: 250 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Coggins, Troy E

During 2001, 10 Davidson County bee keepers received their private pesticide certification for the first time. They needed to use a restricted use product, Check-mite , to protect their hives from Varroa mite and small hive beetle. I presented information about Check-mite at a monthly bee keepers meeting. I explained the situation in regards to it being a restricted use product, and how to become a certified private pesticide applicator. These 10 individuals representing more than 75 honey bee hives followed through by obtaining their certification. They are now be able to increase net return to their agriculture enterprises by cost effectively protecting their hives, by not using ineffective and costly products, and by applying the product at the correct time at the correct application rate. Net return should increase on average by 20.00 per hive for a combined increase in return of more than $1,500.00.

Record #: 251 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Rutherford
Person Reporting: McGuinn, Janice R

During 2001, Rutherford County's Voluntary Farmland Preservation was initiated. The Cooperative Extension Service has networked with NRCS, FSA, Farm Bureau, the Agricultural Advisory Board and the Graphic Arts Dept. at Isothermal Community College in lanching the program. During the fall, applications began to be accepted and approved by the Agriculture Advisory Board. To date, 11 farm operations with 2,845 acres are enrolled. Each partipated in the program receives a 12 x 24 sign with Rutherford County logo for the Farmland Preservation Program. The logo was designed by a local graphic arts student at the Community College.

Record #: 252 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Lowery, Charlie A

A pesticide container collection day was set for Robeson County by the agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. News releases were sent and mailings sent to those on the agricutlural mailing lists. Master Gardener volunteers monitored the five sites that were adjacent to the household waste recycling sites. As a result of Cooperative Extension's efforts, 13,255 cleaned containers were collected for recycling which saved the county $225335 in disposal fees.

Record #: 253 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 3
Location: Cherokee
Person Reporting: Clement, Doug M

A Tri County two day Grazing School was conductd in Brasstown. Cherokee, Clay and Graham County Natural Resources Conservation Service and Cooperative Extension secured funding to acquire specialist from N.C. Sate University to provide training on grazing systems that could be utilized by animal farmers in the area. Over 40 particpants received training on designing grazing systems economically and and enviromentally sound while maximizing grazing acres available.

Record #: 254 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-26
CEMP: 3
Location: Lenoir
Person Reporting: Godwin, Peg

A local wholesale nursery is going through growing pains. A buy out by a larger out of state company has resulted in many changes. A doubling in production and staff changes have provided opportunity for this agent to help find answers to problems. The nursery has contacted me several times recently to assist with getting plant disease and insect diagnosis. The nursery is pleased that Extension is willing and available to help.

Record #: 255 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-26
CEMP: 3
Location: Stokes
Person Reporting: Boyles, Jeffrey D

Private and commercial pesticide applicators (201) attended training classes that improved their skill and knowledge in the safe handling and effective application of pesticides that will not harm other people or the environment. The training also contributed to there being no reports of accidents, injuries or violations in the county involving pesticides.

Record #: 256 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H

Wayne County Extension collaborated with the Wayne County Solid Waste Department and U.S. Ag Recycling to operate a plastic pesticide container disposal program for the county. Solid Waste Department personnel manned Extension- monitored collection sites weekly from April through October, inspecting and acceppting approximately 6000 pounds of containers for recycling. U.S. Ag Recycling personnel peridically collected and ground the plastic. The recycling effort saved an estimated 50 cubic yards of landfill space.

Record #: 257 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Tucker, Mark A

Many citizens do not have an adequate understanding of or appreciation for the importance ofagriculture and its complex relationship with the environment. The CES in Forsyth County recognizes that this need is magnified in an Urban County. Therefore the CES has partnered with the Dixie Classic Fair, Farm Bureau and many volunteers including Master Gardeners and our local Farm-City Committee to provide educational opportunities for youth and adults. In 2001, Kindergarten Day at the Dixie Classic Fair was chosen to be a focus point for educating our youth about agriculture. 14 volunteers assisted the Extension staff with providing educational information, much of it hands-on, to over 2000 youth and teachers and provided information packets to be used in the classroom to 60 teachers. Volunteers, collaborating groups, and teachers and have been quite supportive of the activity and have indicated their desire to continue the activity.

Record #: 258 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Pleasants, Robert H

Extension personnel with the Neuse Crop Management Project in Wayne County worked closely with twelve producers to operate a cotton petiole nitrate monitoring project for the county. Extension trained the cooperators to take the appropriate samples on over fifty fields and assisted them with results interpretation and consequent nitrogen management decision. Extension then used the data obtained to advise other county producers, by way of a newsletter, on the potential need for in- season nitrogen adjustments across the county.

Record #: 259 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Mitchell
Person Reporting: Vance, Jeffery K

A pesticide certification class was held for the Toe Cane Beekeepers Association. This class was a joint effort between the Mitchell and Yancey County centers pesticide coordinators. The four hour training was presented during two of the associations monthly meetings. Eleven of the beekeepers were certified as private pesticide applicators. This certification allows them to use the product Checkmite which has a Section 18 label making it a restricted use pesticide. In this class we tried to target information specifically for beekeeping, such as having the area Pesticide Inspector II present a presentation designed just for Checkmite. This class was successful by licensing these beekeepers in a timely manner with specific information.

Record #: 260 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Yadkin
Person Reporting: Keith, Nancy W

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Yadkin County Center held its first environmental field day for all sixth graders (450 students) in the county. The focus areas for the day were soils, forestry, wildlife, water quality, conservation and recycling. These topics were directly correlated to the North Carolina state sixth grade science curriculum. The event was a tremendous success in the fact that all agricultural agencies in a multi-county area (CES, NRCS, Soil and Water, Forestry and Wildlife) worked together on a first time program to present information about environmentally sound practices of the purpose of improving overall environment.

Record #: 261 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Holmes, Kathryn A

December 4th a Greens Industry Meeting was held in Rockingham County. The program dealth with pesticides, transporting pesticides, labels on pesticides, and plant diseases of ornamentals. The seventy-eight attendees were able to get 3 pesticide recertification credits for ornamentals and turf, dealer, or public and 2 credits for right- of-way. Two speakers reminded the people about the warning words on the label and the different protective gear and storage required. The clients mentioned they enjoyed the discussions about which pesticides control what problems and which ones do not or are not labeled for that plant. The clients also mentioned how informative the information on timing of the pesticides was to them and their clients.

Record #: 262 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Holmes, Kathryn A

On three dates in the past year it was arranged with NCDA to have both public and private pesticide applicator exams offered in Rockingham County in the evening for interested clients. Two of the exams were held at the Rockingham County Cooperative Extension Office. All sessions had an informal review session before hand. Fifty seven people came to the exams and 44 passed the exam with a 70 or above score. All the attendees stated they appreciated being able to take the test locally and in the evenings withc are more convenient.

Record #: 263 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Bateman, Kenneth R

According to the 2000 census, Johnston County is the fastest growing county in the state of North Carolina. The county also has the distinction of having more farms than any other county in the state. This means that significant natural areas have to be protected. The real problem is identifying these natural communities of rare species of plants and animals. Cooperative Extension worked with Hary LeGrand of the N. C. Hnatural Heritage Program and the Triangle Land Conservancy, The County of Johnston and local citizens to produce an inventory of such natural areas. The results of this project was a publication, "An Inventory of Significant Natural Areas in Johnston County, North Carolina," and a public forum to share the information with citizens. The documentation of areas on land is a source of pride for local land owners but the document will be used by policy makers to make decisions.

Record #: 264 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Pamlico
Person Reporting: May, Fred

Farmers have adopted no-till at greater ac. each year in Pamlico County. This year there has been a 25% increase of no-till in soybeans, cotton, wheat and corn. One grower stated that by using no-till he could plant 200 more ac. using 3 less people. He figures that he reduces his cost per ac.$20 for soybeans, $15 for wheat, $32 for corn and $43 for cotton. Over his 2200 ac no-till, this farmerhad an increase of income of over $50,000 from changing to no-till. He further states that as result of his using no- till he is able to plant and harvest more timely fashion.

Record #: 265 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 3
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Nash, David L

Vegetation on coastal dunes in Brunswick County is often fertilized to increase growth and coverage by the plants. Municipalities and private property owners apply fertilizer to dunes as part of their coastal erosion management plans. Highly soluable forms of nitrogen, such as ammonium nitrate, are frequently used to supply nitrogen to the plants. In 2001, the NCCE-Brunswick County Center worked with a local fertilizer supplier to formulate a 30-10-0 fertilizer using a controlled-release nitrogen product. This formulation is research-based to supply the correct ratio of nutrients to the dune plants. The nitrogen is less likely to leach into the groundwater than other forms previously used.

Record #: 266 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: McKnight, Carl R

Cattle producers are concerned about water quality and how future environmental regulations could affect them. NRCS/DSWCD have cost share programs available, but few cattle producers are aware of them. The Davidson County Cooperative Extension Service and NRCS/DSWCD conducted a twilight meeting for beef producers to explain cost share programs available for installing watering systems that can help to elimate stream bank erosion and pond dam destruction with the resulting cleaning drinking water for cattle. This meeting was deemed a success because 8 producers out of 35 requested further information and site evaluations for their farms.

Record #: 267 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-29
CEMP: 3
Location: Haywood
Person Reporting: Skelton, Bill L

Opportunities for recertification credits for pesticide applicators in Haywood County have been limited in the past. On December 7, 33 certified applicators recieved 2 hours of credit for their "Ornamentals & turf" license at a "landscape management" program offered by the Haywood County Extension Center. These individuals have to get a total of 10 hours over a 5 year period so regular opportunities are important. The training they received will allow them to maintain their certification.

Record #: 268 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Avery
Person Reporting: Moody, Jerrold T

In an effort to increase the wildlife habitat, Avery CES, local government, NC State Specialist, and local growers are working together to identify and propagate plantings on field borders that will enhance our small fowl, deer, and small mammal populations. The working group has developed some information and will implement 3 habitats to follow in the year 2002. This will enable the growers to be viewed as stewards of not only their farms but of the local flora and fauna.

Record #: 269 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Caldwell
Person Reporting: Nagy, Seth H

Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Service has actively promoted its pesticide container recycling program. This year over 3,000 containers have been collected and recycled. This saves the county $13,000 in landfill disposal costs (each cubic foot of landfill space is $17.50). In addition, this program is a visible paradigm for recycling in the community and helps with other programs, i.e., hero (oil recycling), corrugated box collection containers, and lead acid battery recycling.

Record #: 270 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-07
CEMP: 3
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Vaughn, Kenneth E

Iredell's effort to support farming in the face of widespread development took a step forward when the county adopted a voluntary farmland preservation ordinance. Cooperative Extension lead a local citizen effort encourging the Board of County Commissioners to adopt the ordinance. Cooperative Extension will provide technical assistance to the seven member board appointed to administer the program in Iredell. The protections are the first in Iredell, one of North Carolina's top agricultural counties. Farmers agree to keep their lands in agricultural production and out of development in return for protection against nuisance lawsuits and condemnation proceedings. "We need to have something to provide a shield for people like me who want to deep farming," said south Iredell hay frmer Joe Mills.

Record #: 271 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Gurganus, Rod R

Through training events sponsored by the Beaufort County Extension Service, 151 Commercial Applicators received a total of 272 hours of recertification credits. 53 private applicators were recertified and 7 new private applicators were trained and licensed. The commercial credits were offered at private applicator recertification meetings and at Field Day events such as the Beaufort County Wheat Field Day, The Blackland Farm Managers Tour, and the Blackland Cotton Tour.

Record #: 272 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Hyde
Person Reporting: Gibbs, Malcolm O

An environmental scan in 1995 revealed a water quality issue in the community of Engelhard. A shoreline survey conducted by DEHNR in Hyde County found 55 direct and indirect discharges of septic systems into Far Creek, a very important primary nursery area of Pamlico Sound. It was determined by meetings with community leaders, NCCE Specialists and personnel from DEHNR that an innovative waste management system would be needed. Specialist from Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Extension Forestry helped design a waste management system with a research component for the community. After a series of public meetings to make the community aware of the issue, community leaders sought and were granted 5 million dollars funding from the General Assembly to build the system. The system will be operational in early 2002 thus saving tons of nutrients degrading the water quality of Far Creek.

Record #: 273 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Grandy, Tommy R

Currituck agriculture producers, maybe as a result of lower commodity prices, are employing cultural practices that reduce crop cost. Farmers are show more consistency with using notill or minimum tillage practices, utilizing more soil sample results to evaluate crop nutrient needs, the use of weed mapping as well as crop scouting techniques. Beside cutting crop costs such as in the amount of fertilizer and pesticides used, and trips over the field, this changing trend by the county farmers is having a positive impact on the environment and water quality. Agriculture producers are showing more interest in timber as a crop and utilizing marginal cropland to improve wildlife habitat. The mind set of county farmers is changing to produce crops more economically, and to preserving our farmlands to be more environmentally safe for futures to come.

Record #: 274 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: New Hanover
Person Reporting: Barkley, David V

Over 170 Landscapers and Horticultural workers participated in the two day training of Professional "Green Industry" personnel at a program cosponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service Agencies from New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties along with several area commodity groups. The workshop provided valuable updates for workers in plant production and landscape maintenance and these participants were able to visit vendorsat the trade show portion of the meeting. This was our first meeting of this type and we received many favorable comments about how successful the program was. Future implications suggest that we do this again next year in a similar format and find better facilities to offer such a widely attended meeting. Professionals also received Pesticide Recertification Credits for this meeting and the information presented reminded them of safety issues and how they should protect themselves, their workers, the general public, and the environment when applying pesticides.

Record #: 275 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: New Hanover
Person Reporting: Barkley, David V

Landscapers and Horticultural workers participated in several training classes sponsored bythe New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Service. The workshops provided valuablecultural practice demonstrations involving landscape design, installation, and maintenance topics. This resulted in the students and professionals gaining valuable hands on experiences, building their skill levels, and developing competencies needed to advance in the "Green Industry" workplace. The Extension Arboretum benefitted by the much needed labor provided by the participants to complete and maintain various gardens in the arboretum. Impacts were: labor costs held to a minimum, knowledge gained by workers in exchange forlabor, and budget constraints eased with $dollars saved.

Record #: 276 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: New Hanover
Person Reporting: Barkley, David V

A Certified Plant Professional course conducted for green industry workers culminated in 86 people taking the Certification Exam. The 12 students that took the review course all passed the exam while several students not participating in the course failed one or both parts of the exam.

Record #: 277 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: New Hanover
Person Reporting: Barkley, David V

A phosphorus soil test was conducted in the county at five farm locations to measure the amount of phosphorus loss due to erosion factors. The data will be used to establish baseline data that may help in defining strategies to protect water from phosphate pollution.

Record #: 278 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

By assisting with a multi-state grant proposal, three poultry growers requested immediate information to move ahead on their own with various species of tree plantings around poultry houses to visually screen, filter dust, shade the houses and provide wind breaks for energy savings. Several others agreed to be cooperators for any possible future on-farm demonstrations.

Record #: 279 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Hoover, Gregory M

At the recommendation of Cooperative Extension, a commercial hydroponic greenhouse vegetable grower has adopted the use of solution analysis to better manage plant nutrients. Maintaining the proper nutrient levels and the balance of nutrients has a major influence on crop yield and quality and influences disease and insect management. This low cost, potentially cost savings change in nutrient management will result in a 10-15% improvement in yield, reduce disease and insect pesticide applications and improve fruit quality. Net revenue to the grower should increase $7,000 or more per year.

Record #: 280 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Howe, Lewis S

Landscape businesses and retail garden centers are asking for training for their personnel in basic horticultural subject matter and plant identification. Cooperative Extension took the leadership in teaching the Certified Plant Professional (CPP) course during August and September 2001. Horticultural agents from Pitt, Wilson, and Wayne counties provided taxonomic information on 300 plants for this six class course to prepare them for the written and plant ID tests. Our success rate for 2001 was 68 percent which appears low, but those green industrists not taking the course had a passing rate of 27 percent. Some businesses offer salary incentives for their employees that pass both CPP tests.

Record #: 281 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 3
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: Beer, Brian

In 2001 a new insecticide for controlling mites and small hive beetle in honeybee hives was approved for use in North Carolina. The new product, Checkmite, is a restricted use pesticide and requires users to have a private pesticide applicators license. Very few area beekeepers held a private pesticide applicators license at the time Checkmite was approved. To address the need of local beekeepers, Stanly County Extension Center held a special private applicator certification meeting. Attendees received the usual private applicators license training, plus additional training on proper use of Checkmite. At the conclusion of the training, participants received their private applicators license, which allows them to purchase the only small hive beetle control product currently available. Surveys indicated that 90 percent of the participants had a large increase in knowledge on the subject of proper handling, storage and application of pesticides around honeybees.

Record #: 282 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Scotland
Person Reporting: Morrison, David E

Pesticide containers can present a hazard to the environment if they are not disposed of properly. As a result of meetings held by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service with farmers, pesticide container recycling increased approximately 10 fold from 450 pesticide containers recycled in 2000 to 4426 in 2001. This effort resulted in fewer pesticide containers that were disposed of improperly and will result in less environmental contamination.

Record #: 283 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-01
CEMP: 3
Location: Scotland
Person Reporting: Morrison, David E

Low commodity prices have forced farmers to look at new ways to reduce costs of production while maintaining yields. Local industries produce waste byproducts that must be properly disposed. Farmers attending an educational meeting of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service were informed of the proper use of a paper byproduct to increase soil pH. Education concerning use of this product helped them to properly utilize this product to reduce costs. 18,000 tons of this waste byproduct to increase pH have been utilized by farmers in Scotland County. This product has saved farmers approximately $72,000 in cost of production.

Record #: 284 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

Protecting the environment is a main concern for farmers as well homeowners in Watauga County. The Watauga County Sanitation Department, Watauga County Extension Service and local County Officials organized two Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticide Collection Days. During these two collection days, May 5 & Sept 22, 1230 pounds of pesticides were collected. Most of these pesticides would have probably ended up in the local landfill or the woods if a service had not been provided to collect them. Several people who brought pesticides to the collection site said that they did not know what to do with them until they saw the information for the Collection Days. Some of the pesticideswhich were collected were banned chemicals such as lead arsenic and DDT.

Record #: 285 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

Keeping farmers up to date on issues concerning pesticides along with recertification procedures is an important part of the NC Cooperative Extension Service's Programming efforts. In 2001 in Watauga County, 12 people received their private applicators license, 123 private applicators were recertified and 74 commercial applicators received commercial credit. By having a local Pesticide Program, it makes it much easier for farmers to maintain their license and receive continuing education about pesticides.

Record #: 286 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Gurganus, Rod R

Beaufort County Extension Agents teamed with local NRCS to train farmers for participation in the nutrient management program. During each of the three meetings, farmers were exposed to the latest data on nutrient management, nutrient leaching and availability of nutrients to plants. As a result, 38 farmers recieved training that enabled them to write their own nutrient management plans and participate in the program. The training also reduced the amount of fertilizers used on those farms by 10% to 25%.

Record #: 287 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Halifax
Person Reporting: Whitehead, Arthur J

The NCCES has utilized the Peanut Leafspot Advisory for many years and with tremendous success. However, the disease Web Blotch was wide spread in Halifax County and is much more difficult to control with the fungicides available today. Because of this, we advised growers to switch from using the advisory who had web blotch to a 10 day fungicide spray cycle. This helped these growers keep their peanuts healthier long enough to allow them to mature. Losses in some cases to web blotch were 2000 pounds/acre. Timely treated fields maintained yields in the 3000 to 3500 pound range.

Record #: 288 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Halifax
Person Reporting: Whitehead, Arthur J

Educating the public on the history and importance of agriculture is not an easy task. In 2001, the Halifax Cooperative Extension Service spearheaded the effort to host the Halifax County Harvest Days. This 2 day event promoted agriculture, heritage crafters, military displays, horse shows, agriculture museum, antique farm equipment, live entertainment and even 4 paratroopers from Fort Bragg. We were able to host an estimated 8 to 10,000 people who were exposed to what extension has to offer through our displays and demonstrations. We also worked with the Roanoke River Antique Tractor Club, the Retired Military Officers Organization and the County of Halifax.

Record #: 289 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 3
Location: Halifax
Person Reporting: Whitehead, Arthur J

The NCCES networked with NRCS across the state to gather soil samples from growers farms for the purpose of determining phosphorous levels present in our soils and to ultimately provide input for upcoming phosphorous rules which may be implemented in the near future. I along with a local NRCS agent gathered the required 15 samples from randomly selected farms across the county. Hopefully, this will result in regulations that will consider all those affected and will be based on sound science and not based on the opinion of a few.

Record #: 290 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-09
CEMP: 3
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Brooks, G T

Granville County's plastic pesticide container program was able to recycle more than 1000 plastic containers in 2001. This number is not as great as some counties but this saved valuable land fill space for Granville County.

Record #: 291 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-09
CEMP: 3
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Spaulding, Eric V

An Agricultural Health Study conduced in North Carolina and Iowa revealed that Pesticide applicators recognize pesticide exposure as a major health and safety threat in their occupation. As a result, Extension Pesticide Education programs placed more emphasis on identifying specific methods to reduce or eliminate those hazards. 437 Private and 65 Commercial Pesticide Applicators saved a total of $597,600 by implementing strategies to protect themselves, their families, and employees from pesticide exposure and the groundwater from contamination while using pesticides. Local farmers are voluntarily requiring at least one employee to obtain a pesticide license in order to mix, load, and apply pesticides. As a result, pesticide applicators have reduced legal liability, increased employee familiarity with pesticide products used, reduced pesticide exposure, and exceeded required levels of safety training for employees. Applicators saved $241,180 by using pesticides more efficiently, $251,000 by avoiding regulatory fines, and $105,420 by avoiding pesticide worker illnesses.

Record #: 292 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 3
Location: Yancey
Person Reporting: Holloway, Stanley

Through involvement in a cooperative programming effort between Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and Yancey Soil and Water Conservation District, thirty-one livestock producers utilized over $120,000 in State Cost Share Funds to improve water quality in Yancey County. These producers combined installed 24 livestock watering tanks, 5 one acre Heavy Use Areas, a Feed Animal Waste Storage Facility, developed 22 springs, and constructed over 2400 feet of livestock exclusion fencing. As a result of these on-going efforts, more than 650 acres, previously improved for soil erosion, prevented an estimated 1625 tons of soil loss. Water quality in Yancey County continues to improve as a result of this program.

Record #: 293 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-11
CEMP: 3
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Coordinating an investigative effort ended with an amiable agreement between a town and the farmer receiving the town's waste treatment facility sludge. Site visits and records reviews attempted to determine the problem and cause of failed crops following sludge application to the fields. Involved were several county Extension agents, Extension specialists, a private consulting firm, NCDA regional agronomist, the farmer and the town. While the actual cause of the crop failures was not fully determined, factual evidence was reviewed (e.g., soil test results) with agreement to resolve the situation in order to continue a working relationship.

Record #: 294 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-14
CEMP: 3
Location: Durham
Person Reporting: McKenzie, Paul

Latinos comprise a large proportion of the labor force in the landscape industry. Since many do not speak English, there is difficulty in training them on safe pest control practices. To address that need, NCCES partnered with NCDA to offer pesticide training in Spanish. On Nov. 19, 2001 at the Triangle Landscape Symposium, approximately 20 Latinos attended training in Pesticides, Insect Control, and Weed Control. Those attending increased their knowledge and became safer workers.

Record #: 295 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Shoulars, E S

Pesticide Recertification required on a three year cycle was completed by 120 farmers in four classes offered by Rockingham County Cooperative Extension. These farm applicators learned how to reduce drift in pesticide applications avoiding off-target damage and residues. They also were updated on record keeping regulations, sprayer calibration and safe and safe handline using personal protective equipment to reduce exposure.

Record #: 296 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-18
CEMP: 3
Location: Alleghany
Person Reporting: Edwards, Bob D

Contracting of tobacco has grown widespread in virtually one year. To answer all queries concerning contracting, a Multi State Tobacco Contract Forum was made available to burley growers in a several county area including VA, NC and TN. All contracting concerns serving the area were present to discuss their programs. Nearly 100 growers participated. They had the opportunity to walk from company to company and compare contracts without any heavy pressure. Extension took a total unbiased stance and only provided the growers a forum to learn. The forum was well received by the growers and contracting companies. The nearest traditional auction market still in operation is over 150 miles away. Therefore, nearly 100% of the burley grown in Alleghany was sold under contract. Preliminary evaluations have shown that growers are very pleased with the contracting concept, many times averaging close to $.10 more per pound than the auction markets.

Record #: 297 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-06
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

The goal of the Eggecombe 4-H livestock program was to increase participation by a teamwork effort between Lesa Walton and Ralph Blalock, Jr. The 2001 enrollment is at an all time high. Edgecombe 4-Hers have increased in all categories(mkt. steer,mkt.hogs,mkt.lambs,meat goats,&cloverbud goats) with a total of 90 4-Hers enrolled with 36 of these 4-Hers are new to the program.

Record #: 298 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Sheldon, Brian

Development and Delivery of On-Farm HACCP Educational Programs for Improving the Safety of Poultry Products a. Issue: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued new estimates that about 5,000 people die and 75 million get sick each year from food borne illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture\'s Economic Research Service estimate that the cost of food borne illness to society is at least $9.2 to 10.2 billion or more a year. These outbreaks are associated with many different foods yet contaminated meat, poultry, and egg products are the most frequently reported vehicles. To address these problems, Congress authorized the USDA to enact rules and regulations calling for meat and poultry processors to develop and implement HACCP programs (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point programs) for systematically managing food safety. This scientifically-based program encompasses a systematic approach to analyzing a company\'s operation for all potential food hazards (microbiological, chemical, and physical) that could reach the consumer, then putting procedures (controls) in place (where possible) to control the hazards. Although significant strides have been made in reducing the incidence of Salmonella contamination on raw poultry carcasses since adopting HACCP, clearly more is needed to further reduce Salmonella, other bacterial pathogens (i.e., Campylobacter) and chemical and physical contamination. It appears that regulatory agencies are clearly poised towards requiring HACCP-like approaches on the poultry and red meat production side. In response to the likely regulatory requirement for an across the board on-farm HACCP program for poultry producers, faculty members comprising the North Carolina State University Poultry Coordinating Committee and representing the Departments of Poultry Science, Food Science, Entomology, and Biological and Agricultural Engineering elected to proactivity develop and deliver an on-farm HACCP training program to North Carolina poultry producers. What Has Been Done: In phase 1 of the education program, four 6-hour preliminary On-Farm HACCP workshops were scheduled and delivered across the state from July through August of 2000. These initial workshops were targeted at complex managers, live production managers, hatchery managers, breeder managers, growout managers, company veterinarians and nutritionists, processing managers, head service persons, and county Extension field faculty. The objective of these workshops was to introduce poultry producers to the seven general principles of HACCP, to provide some on-farm HACCP plan development activities, and to seek input, feedback, and future support as we plan for Phase 2, the actual training phase. Over 140 participants representing all of the state\'s major poultry integrators were present at one of the four workshops. Based on written exit surveys, 98% of the participants indicated that the workshops were beneficial to their understanding of on-farm HACCP principles and that they would be interested in participating in phase II training [the development of integrator- specific on-farm HACCP plans for each primary phase of production (i.e., breeder operation, hatchery, growout, feedmill, etc.)]. Prior to initiating phase II training, two poultry integrators have been identified, one representing broiler producers and the other turkey producers, and agreed to work with the Poultry Coordinating Committee in developing generic on-farm HACCP plans that will be used as general models for the subsequent phase II training. Impact: In the first phase of this project, all of the mid-level managers in attendance and representing the major North Carolina poultry integrators were trained on the seven fundamental principles of HACCP. Specific on- farm HACCP examples applicable to each phase of poultry production were presented which aided in the overall understanding of this food safety program. Although not mandated at this time for poultry producers, it is clear that the guiding principles of HACCP will eventually be required on the farm. Clearly being ahead of this regulatory event will give North Carolina poultry producers a head start in meeting compliance deadlines. Ultimately, this training will lead to the production of safer poultry products and fewer incidences of foodborne illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated poultry products.

Record #: 299 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Anderson, Ken

NORTH CAROLINA LAYER PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT TEST

a)Issue: This extension program has been on going since 1958 in cooperation with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and the Primary Breeders of Commercial Egg Strains, and in August 2000 the 34th flock was hatched and placed. The initial purpose of the test was to provide strain evaluations in a common environment to the producers in North Carolina. b)What has been done: In recent years, the test and the support it provides has given the industry an avenue with which to examine common problems with the environment, management, and animal welfare of different strains of Leghorns. This test is the only one of its type remaining in North and South America and is one of only five remaining in the world. c)Impact: With the addition and enhancement of the research to include industry problems and environments, the importance of this test has increased to the industry. The NCLP&MT reports are sent to all the producers in North Carolina and an additional 315 reports are sent to producers and industry representatives throughout the US and 16 different countries. The primary breeders and egg companies are utilizing the test in increasing intensity to compare and evaluate the strains and the different environments which are imposed upon them. The breeders have increased their support to cover the costs of publication and postage.

Record #: 300 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Anderson, Ken

NATIONAL EGG QUALITY SCHOOL a)Issue: Recently the USDA has gone through the process of a Risk Assessment of Salmonella enteritidis in shell eggs. In response, the industry has looked at new technologies to help producers to achieve the requirements which may be placed upon them in light of the findings of the Risk Assessment. Therefore, the egg industry is in need of continuous training for production and processing personnel in order to keep them current with today's changing technologies and regulations in production, processing and distribution of eggs for the consumer. b)What has been done: The curriculum is designed to give students the latest information about egg quality and the factors affecting quality. Training begins with the basics of egg formation then proceeds through egg abnormalities, interior and exterior egg quality, conserving egg quality, and biological quality with an introduction to HACCP. Individualized instruction and "hands on" laboratories continue to be the trademark of the school. The students are divided into small groups with an instructor who works with the students throughout the course and laboratories. The students are given a written and laboratory practical exam at the end of the school to earn their certificates. c)Impact: In 2000, 80 students from 23 states, one US territory, and Canada joined more than 4,500 alumni from around the world who have attended this school or the Eastern/Midwest Schools over the past 69 years. This school continues its emphasis on the preservation of shell egg quality and ensuring that consumers today are purchasing the highest quality product. In addition, emerging issues of microbial quality and HACCP plan development are new topics included in the school. One goal of the school is to bring in food handlers from across the country and introduce them to egg quality and how to preserve it.

Record #: 301 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Anderson, Ken

MID-ATLANTIC LAYER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP a)Issue: Due to the integration in the regional egg industry (Virginia, North and South Carolina) the extension specialists from the participating states combined efforts to provide high quality educational programs to the egg industry. b)What has been done: By joining resources and effort nationally known speakers could be brought in to speak to a larger audience. The format is designed to stimulate discussion and exchange of ideas among the participants and the speakers. c)Impact: The Mid-Atlantic Layer Management Workshop provides producers, flock supervisors, and middle management within the egg industry current information on production practices and important issues facing the egg industry in the tri-state area.

Record #: 302 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Ferket, Peter

Issue: Health issues are ranked as the primary concern among turkey producers, especially as related to enteric problems, immune function disorders, and leg abnormalities. Many of these health issues are either directly or indirectly related to nutrition. Young turkeys are particularly susceptible to health problems. These health problems are the primary reasons average growth performance in turkeys is about 15% below genetic potential, based on exhaustive survey data. This loss in growth potential costs the North Carolina turkey industry at least $25 million annually. Appropriate nutritional applications are among the most cost effective means to alleviate turkey health problems. What Has Been Done: North Carolina State University has been the leader in turkey nutrition and management. Research and extension programs were conducted to demonstrate the beneficial effects of several nutritional factors on disease resistance and maintenance of gut health. Elevated levels of vitamin E, vitamin C, and organic trace minerals improved immune function and disease resistance. Enteric disorders and poor nutrient utilization has been demonstrated to be alleviated by dietary inclusion of betaine, enzymes, and certain feed formulation characteristics. This information was given to the turkey industry through industry meetings, the Carolina Poultry Nutrition Conference, popular press, and journal publications. Impact: The turkey industry has adopted several of the nutrition and management strategies developed and disseminated through research and extension programs. This information helps the turkey industry minimize the losses associated with immunodeficiency, enteric problems, and leg abnormalities. The turkey industry has adopted many of the technologies researched and taught by NCSU to improve health status in their birds. Enteric problems, such as Poult Enteritis and Mortality Syndrome (PEMS), have been put under control because of industry-wide management and nutrition adaptations. The annual economic impact of this program is estimated to be approximately $4 million.

Record #: 303 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Grimes, Jesse

Issue: The poultry industry has traditionally used pine shavings as the material of choice for litter bedding for broilers and turkeys. However, sources and supplies of pine shavings are continuing to dwindle while the cost has continued to increase. Therefore, the poultry industry is committed to exploring and examining new materials for litter bedding. In cooperation with Tom Carter and Mike Williams, I have participated in research to examine other bedding materials and processes to permit re-use of old litter. What has been done: Several projects have been conducted. One project explored the recycling of wood shipping pallets, which had been ground and processed, for broiler litter. Two experiments were conducted. In both trials, the broilers reared on the processed pallet litter performed equally as well as those reared on traditional pine shavings. A second study was conducted to examine the use of organic agriculture crop residue waste material processed into paper and then cut into appropriate sizes for litter bedding. Several trials were conducted using broiler chickens. After each trial, adjustments were made in the material. After the last trial, the new litter was performing as well as the pine shavings. In addition, the broilers reared on the new material were performing as well as those reared on pine shavings. A third study was conducted to examine the usefulness of heat treating old turkey litter to be re-used as a bedding material. Litter from a previously reared flock of turkeys was heat treated with a patented process at two different temperatures. Both temperatures adequately killed existing bacteria. The heat treated litter was then re- used as litter bedding material for market turkey hens as compared to new pine shavings. The hens reared on the old heat treated litter performed equally as well as those reared on the new litter. Impact: The results of each of these studies have potential positive impact for the poultry industry. In each study, waste materials (wood pallets, agriculture crop residue, and old turkey litter) were processed and utilized as useful and needed litter bedding material for broilers or turkeys. The potential impacts include providing new litter materials for the poultry industry and decreasing the waste load in several agriculture sectors.

Record #: 304 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Wineland, Michael

Issue: Continuing education of poultry personnel- NC Broiler Breeder and Hatchery Management Conference The personnel involved in the day to day management of the broiler breeder and hatchery segments of the broiler industry are very mobile. This results in the continual on the job type training of these personnel. Most individuals lack formal training which would allow them to understand the physiological and/or nutritional response of the birds to the management imposed upon them. If the service personnel have a basic understanding of these responses, and additional scientifically based information the management should improve. What has been done: The North Carolina Broiler Breeder and Hatchery Management Conference is a meeting conducted to offer continuing education to the management and service personnel of broiler breeder and hatchery segments of the poultry industry. It is a one and one half day meeting of lecture and laboratory type presentations to bring to the participants the latest and most up to date material concerning broiler breeder and hatchery management. The meeting is jointly organized by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the NC Breeder-Hatchery Assoc. Impact: The meeting is attended by approximately 300 individuals, the majority from throughout the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Additional participation has come from Canada, Mexico, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Louisiana, Indiana, and California. The evaluations returned by the majority of the participants always give the meeting a very good to excellent rating. Written comments are always made rating it the best Broiler Breeder Meeting in the US, including the meeting sponsored by the U.S. Poultry and Egg Assoc. The meeting also affords the participants and speakers to meet informally. This informal interaction provides a forum for the academic and industry personnel to discuss other important and potential problems.

Record #: 305 of 2196
Date: 2001-02-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Wineland, Michael

Issue: Improved hatchery management There are hundreds of thousands metabolically active embryos growing in the incubators of a hatchery. The environment these eggs are exposed to need to include a optimal temperature, humidity, oxygen and carbon dioxide environment, and egg orientation. The environment however is extremely variable because of egg shell properties, embryonic metabolic rate, the physical constraints of the hatchery building, and the type of management imposed upon the eggs within the incubators. Additionally, recent genetic selection for specific attributes in the processed broiler to meet specific market needs has also created a challenge to the hatchery manager. What has been done: Educational material has been developed and used in workshops to improve the knowledge of the hatchery worker with respect to how their management influences chick yield and viability. Additionally, due to the biological nature and changes in the embryos because of increased selection pressure for economical traits the conditions used to incubate hatching eggs need to be altered. Research is being conducted at NC State University to determine the physiological response to typical temperature, humidity, oxygen and carbon dioxide environment, and egg orientation to help determine the changes needed. Impact: Increasing the knowledge of the hatchery worker allows them to understand what is happening with regards to the developing embryo and how to use the information, and the data they collect to take appropriate action for improvement through the quality process when the results are outside of expected standards. The research being conducted will allow changes to be made to the egg=s environment to optimize viability and performance of the chicks.

Record #: 306 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-26
CEMP: 4
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Andrews, Amy

As part of my educational programming, I began to take steps toward starting up a new Horse Bowl team for my counties. After the first meeting, it was my plan to spark the young interested members by scheduling horse farm visits in order to help us learn about the different horse breeds that we would later be quizzed on during competition. So, as our first trip, I thought it would be both educational and beneficial to visit a nearby miniature horse farm owned by very nice people who I had met earlier as a result of assisting them with their pasture planning. A short list of 8 girls turned into 27 mothers and children who gathered at the farm to learn about the tiny horse breed. I never would have expected such a large turnout for this type of event. Everyone was able to learn about and pet a miniature, as well as take home educational brochures prepared by the owners and breed association.

Record #: 307 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

Two Edgecombe beef producers were faced with problems that could force their operations out of business. One producer was faced with declining health that made him unable to manage the cow herd properly. The other producer was interested in managing but neither producer knew what the proper arrangement should be. Extension was called on to help provide answers. Several lease arrangments were evaluated. After modifing several to adapt to both their needs a suitable aggrement was signed that kept both parties in production and planned to expand.

Record #: 308 of 2196
Date: 2001-04-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Gaston
Person Reporting: Drechsler, Peggy A

Farmers have an increasing need for current, accurate farm financial and waste management records. Computers are an ideal tool for record management, yet farm- orieted training opportunities in computer selection and use are limited. The Extension \"Farm Computer Operator\" training program helps farmers learn hands-on computer skills. One older farmer attending a training course on computer selection (the first class in the program series) bought a farm computer that same day and has already entered his 2001 farm financial data for the first quarter.

Record #: 309 of 2196
Date: 2001-04-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Miller, Matthew S

The Wilkes Area Stocker Cattle Sale was held April 11, 2001. There were 59 consignors from 13 counties that sold 734 head. This sale generated an estimated $50,000 premium over weekly auction prices for these cattlemen. Networking opportunities with the NC Cattlemen\'s Assoc., NCDA and local livestock market were positive. This sale taught cattlemen lessons in genetic selection, nutrition, health and management programs in addition to marketing. In general, small producers are targeted for this activity but positive spin off effects benefit the entire industry.

Record #: 310 of 2196
Date: 2001-04-30
CEMP: 4
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Miller, Matthew S

An educational meeting for cattle producers was held April 24. 62 producers attended. Program topics included \"Summary of Wilkes Area Stocker Sale\" \"Newly Labeled Forage Herbicides\" and \"Beef Cattle Health Issues\". Surveys revealed that producers increased awareness and increased knowledge on these topics.

Record #: 311 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-01
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

One beef cattle operation approached extension with ideas of expanding their operation. Extension provided the needed information for the producers to arrive at the farm goals for their livestock segment. Half blood Simmental Angus crosses were choosen as the goal to be produced. Extension was asked to help find the proper genetics to begin this venture. Two loads of half-bloods totaling 105 head of females and two half-blood bulls were located in Kansas and shipped to Edgecombe Co. The producers are in business with plans to expand to 300 cows with Extensions help. Hurrican Floyd nearly deleted this operation

Record #: 312 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-22
CEMP: 4
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Miller, Matthew S

A regional Progressive Farmer Farm Safety Day Camp was held in Wilkes Co. on May 12, 2001 at Shew Farms. Over 100 youth and 75 adults including parents and volunteers increased knowledge and awareness of farm safety at this 5 hr. camp. Youth from ages 8 to 15 were targeted and attended eight learning stations where interactive, hands on sessions on tractor safety, lawn mower safety, large animal safety, firearm safety, ATV safety, electrical safety, fire safety and first aid safety were presented. Evaluations by participants and instructors where ovwhelmingly positive.

Record #: 313 of 2196
Date: 2001-05-22
CEMP: 4
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Miller, Matthew S

Record #: 314 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-08
CEMP: 4
Location: Burke
Person Reporting: Morris, Shannon L

After three years of below average rainfall the need for more drought hardy pasture forages became evident. Even though the western part of the state did not have a history of hybrid bermudagrass production, there was sufficient crop history at two experiment stations and some local golf courses to warrant on farm experimentation. A source of spriggs was located in Georgia and a sprigging machine was found in another county. A forage specialist with considerable experience with this forage was invited to Burke County to speak to interested producers. Extension coordinated the arrival and movement of the sprigs and equipment to facillitate the work. A total of 15 acres was sprigged on 4 farms. If the new forage species meets expectations additional acreage will be planted in the future.

Record #: 315 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-12
CEMP: 4
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Miller, Michael P

An internal parasite screening test and educational meeting was held March 15 with 90 producers in attendance representing 4,500 cattle. Eighty-five fecal samples were analyzed for the presence of internal parasite eggs. An increase of $90,000 is estimated to be realized due to increased cattle performance by the owners attending.

Record #: 316 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-14
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

Out of a possible 25 dairy farms, 18 Rowan County dairy farm owners reported saving an estimated $250 per cow per year on 15% of their milking herd as a direct result of Extension educational programming efforts. Updated and research based intramammary infusion techniques coupled with proper milking procedures were recommended. The 18 dairymen reported a total of $87,750 in recovered milk loss in one year.

Record #: 317 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-14
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

A Dairy Crossbreeding meeting was conducted by Extension as a way of introducing a new way of looking at the power of genetics with regard ot heterosis. Out of state researchers and dairymen, with crossbreeding experience as relating to dairy cattle, were brought in to discuss the benefits of crossbreeding dairy cattle, such as, increased milk fat and protein, increased vigor and longevity and increased feed conversion. As a result, 4 Rowan dairymen all beginning to introduce crossbreeding in their herds. One dairy estimates he will save over $400 per cow per year on feed alone. His herd size is 240 cows which translate into a savings of $96,000 per year.

Record #: 318 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-14
CEMP: 4
Location: Henderson
Person Reporting: Talley, Chris

Our youth are generally migrating further away from agriculture each year. Therefore, we need to offer those that are interested activities that will not only keep them interested, but will benefit them in the future. In May of 2001 I introduced livestock judging to our local 4-H livestock group in hopes of creating a competitive judging team. By competing on a livestock judging team participants will learn how to identify different breeds of livestock, compare livestock for merit or value as either breeding or market animals, be able to identify an animals desirable and less desirable traits, be able to improve other livestock projects by being able to properly select the best animal for a particular purpose, will be able to make decisions and defend them logically in a well organized manner, make complex decisions based on a variety of information, and will learn to appreciate other opinions

Record #: 319 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-19
CEMP: 4
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Bunton, Kathy

April has been designated as "Poultry Month" in North Carolina by Governor Mike Easley. To celebrate the $277 million income generated by the poultry industry in Iredell, Wilkes, and Alexander Counties, the first ever "April Poultry Month" tabloid was published. The 12 page newspaper insert was sponsored by 21 local poultry companies and industry supporting agri-businesses. 15,000 citizens of Iredell and surrounding counties were reached with information on the economic inpact of the poultry industry to North Carolina and the three county area, nutritional value of poultry products, and safe food handling practices. Feature articles on local growers were also published. This was a team effort of the area specialized poultry agent and the family and consumer education agent in Iredell County.

Record #: 320 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 4
Location: Catawba
Person Reporting: Carpenter, Jeff S

Local cattlemen continue to use Extension recommendations in the nutritional management of their herds. Fourteen producers continue to use locally available byproducts in creep feeders, heifer and stocker rations. Approximately 172 tons of these materials have been utilized in 2001 for a savings of $8,600. A custom trace mineral program is also utilized by local cattle producers who benefit from bulk purchasing and the improved health and reproductive performance from feeding this supplement. In 2001, 29 tons have been fed for a savings of $5,825 over the price of comparable supplements.

Record #: 321 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Northampton
Person Reporting: Lifsey, Heather N

Many participants in the HertfordNorthampton 4H Livestock Show and Sale are not from an agriculture background and don't consider themselves livestock producers. As a result, they are unaware of practices they may be doing to decrease the quality of the meat animal they are raising. To emphasize the importance of good production practices, participants were required to attend a Meat Quality Assurance training. This training was sponsored by the Northampton County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension and organized by the Livestock Agent. Showmen identified different routes of medicine administration, areas to avoid giving injections, and practiced drawing medication into a syringe and injecting into a banana. They also discussed feed and medication labels, identifying the different items listed, particularly the withdrawl times. These skills were then used when working with their animals so that buyers could be assured of purchasing healthy, high quality market animals.

Record #: 322 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Hughes, Ronald

Finding activities for young people that occupy free time, develop responsibly and have financial rewards is challenging. A project involving caretaking of an animal fits this description. Guided by Cooperative Extension, hours of volunteer labor are poured into fund-raising, workshops and event planning. In Johnston County the highlight of the program is the spring show and sale. The 2001 event boasted 148 participants, 7 heifers, 8 steers, 84 lambs, 96 hogs, 14 goats, a total of 209 animals. The sale of the animals signals the end of the showing activities. Record books and clean-up still remain for the young people. The sale totaled over $120,000.00 with $3000.00 worth of scholarships being presented. Many of the children retain their earnings in a savings account or college fund. Learning responsibility, both personally and financially, self respect, sportsmanship and gaining lifelong friendships are the results of a successful youth livestock project.

Record #: 323 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

The average age of the farmers in Randolph County is 55 years old and fewfarmers have a plan to handle their estates when they pass on. The NC Cooperative Extension Service in cooperation with Southern States and Randolph Livestock Association sponsored an Estate Planning Seminar with emphasis on taxes, wills and power of attorney, and overall estate planning. 60 farmers participated in the seminar and each received a notebook with many handouts covering estate planning that was not covered at the seminar. Over 50% indicated on the survey that they had no estate plan. All indicated that this would save them money in the long term. One attendee stated....."outstanding service Cooperative Extension is providing us" and "very timely to hundreds of land and business owners who are now seeing their asset (mostly land) values explode into estate tax problem. All indicated we should continue to offer this program.

Record #: 324 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

More educational opportunities are needed for horse owners since the horsenumbers continue to grow in Randolph County. Cooperative Extension formed an advisory committee of horse owners from throughout the county to direct the program in the right direction. From this committee the Randolph County Horsemans Association was formed and charged with planning horse programs for the county. This will allow many more educational meetings to be conducted to meet the needs of the horse owners of the county with the guidance of the Livestock Agent.

Record #: 325 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

Computers are becoming more important on farms everyday and farmers don'thave the time to take computer classes in a formal setting. The Randolph Cooperative Extension Service offers a 2 night basic beginner computer class for farmers. Topics ranged from how to turn the computer on to learning to use the internet as well as information on what type of operating system that would be right for their farming operation. The computer skills of the 20 farmers and wives attending varied from not owning one to having one but using it very little because of lack of knowledge. From the survey, attendees stated that they liked the informal setting of the class and that they felt more at ease using the computer. One gentleman stated "I never really used our computer for fear of locking it up" and "after the class I went home and started surfing the web."

Record #: 326 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-22
CEMP: 4
Location: Poultry Science
Person Reporting: Anderson, Ken

National Egg Quality School SALISBURY, Md. -- About 80 people from all phases of the egg industry attended the week-long National Egg Quality School (NEQS) conducted in this Eastern Shore town. Egg producers, processors, vendors, consumers, and government inspectors representing more than 20 states and several countries including Belgium, Canada, and Mexico studied all aspects of egg quality with national experts during four days of intensive learning sessions and laboratories. The National Egg Quality School began in 1993 when the Eastern and Mid-Western Egg Quality Schools merged. The core emphasis of the school is always shell-egg quality, from farm to table. That includes physical quality of the egg as well as microbiological. Emphasis on microbiological quality of the egg is a fairly new development, which began in the early 1990s as a response to concerns about Salmonella bacteria.

Record #: 327 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-25
CEMP: 4
Location: Chatham
Person Reporting: Groce, Samuel E

Chatham County has been in a drought situation since 1998. Farmers have lost pasture and income due to this condition. The Chatham Farm Service Agency and the Chatham County Center have worked together to obtain accurate records of rainfall and temperatures and use this information to apply for government diaster programs. This cooperative effort led to Chatham County again being eligible for the Livestock Assistance Program. This year's payments to livestock producers in Chatham County totaled $369,968.00.

Record #: 328 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-26
CEMP: 4
Location: Yadkin
Person Reporting: Keith, Nancy W

Cow comfort plays a major role in obtaining optimum herd health and production for dairy producers. A producer came to me with major issues involving cow comfort and the decision was made to build a new facility for increased bunk space, better ventilation, improved cow movement and overall cow comfort. I worked with him on design of the facility. Since moving into the new facility he has seen an increase in milk production, healthier cows and fewer problems with less stressed cows. Increases in milk production alone is estimated at $24,000 thus far.

Record #: 329 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-26
CEMP: 4
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: Beer, Brian

Cattle producers have been receiving beef quality assurance (BQA) education for several years. They have been told what happens when injections are given to cattle and the effect it can have on meat quality, but seeing is believing. The Stanly County Extension Center, with cooperation from a major animal pharmaceutical company, held a live BQA demonstration. Participants saw first hand the effect that injection site reactions have on the retail cuts of beef. Cattle producers were allowed to see and feel the adverse effects of injection given in improper locations or with incorrect technique. 100% of the 51 participants reported an increase in knowledge regarding the importance of proper injection technique and placement. A survey of selected participants showed that the lessons learned at this event influenced practices used the next time producers vaccinated their cattle.

Record #: 330 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Copeland, H J

4-H animal projects are a very popular teaching method to develop life skills while learning animal science. Youth were taught various disciplines including showmanship, recordkeeping, management, etc. 127 youth from Chowan, Gates and Perquimans Counties had 160 unduplicated 4-H animal projects (166 pigs, lambs, and steers). Evaluation was positive and consisted of personal observations and feedback to agent and directors.

Record #: 331 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Copeland, H J

Independent pork producers are becoming a rarity in NC. We have many producers with the skills to raise hogs but a viable market for small scale production is becoming a problem with the vertical integration of the pork industry. Extension is cooperating with a private company that markets pasture-based pork to explore expansion of their market on the east coast to upscale restaurants and trendy specialty food shops. Hopefully, it will develop into a viable market for small family farms interested in growing hogs for a niche market.

Record #: 332 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Copeland, H J

13 of my hog farmers applied for the state offered buy-out program of hog lagoons. Extension provided informational meetings, answered questions in both a formal and private setting, and kept customers apprised of all related matters. Two farms were selected (one in Gates and one in Perquimans) of the total fourteen statewide. This represents a hugh savings for those farms wanting to exit the hog business.

Record #: 333 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Copeland, H J

78 parents and youth involved in the 4-H livestock program attended the pilot program for Meat Quality Assurance for NC 4-H'ers. 45 youth received certificates acknowledging their completion of a course taught by Yoder regarding the use of proper animal husbandry skills ensuring a safe meat product raised in an ethical manner.

Record #: 334 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Sawyer, M R

The Region 10 REINS Program continues to thrive. One additional volunteer has been certified this year and that brings the total certified volunteers to 10. REINS volunteers have obtained a grant for $1500.00 to implement a program for expansion of the REINS organization. In addition, the region has recruited a Master REINS Volunteer to surplant the agent coordinator and work towards a stronger volunteer run program. Volunteer continue to make field visits, consultations and work with youth groups.

Record #: 335 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

The Ayden State Graded Stocker Calf Sale was held at East Carolina Stockyard in March. Twenty-nine (29) cattle producers marketed 203 cattle at an average weight of 539 lbs. This sale generated over $100,000 in income for these producers.

Record #: 336 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

Pitt County's County Animal Response Team (CART) continues to meet to finalize a CART plan. County officials became more aware of the need for CART with the publicity with Foot and Mouth Disease and a program on this disease provided by Extension. While all three components of CART for Pitt County are not yet complete, the component on Dead & Disposal was completed this spring. Search & Rescue, Field Operations, and Feed & Shelter sub committees continue to meet.

Record #: 337 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

The Pitt County Spring Livestock Show was held at the county fairgrounds in April. Twenty youth showed lambs and ten showed cattle. Youth also participated in a poster contest and livestock "skillathon". The show is conducted by Extension's Youth Livestock Committee and receives financial support from Farm Bureau, Southern States, Pitt County Fair, and 4-H Livestock Club.

Record #: 338 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

A $18,000 grant was awarded the agent, Martha Mobley, from NC A&T State University in April 2001 to develop an educational and marketing program for goat producers in Franklin County. A "Franklin County Goat Producers Cooperative" was legally formed with forty producers joining. On June 19th, they had to take a "certification" training session and pass a written exam in order to be certified. As of July 2nd, they are directly marketing their "value-added" product to area grocery stores and convenience center targeting the growing hispanic population. Educational programs continue throughout the summer, ranging in topics from "herd health" to "reproduction." This is the first-ever project of this kind in N.C. A board of directors was established along with a local volunteer attorney assisting the cooperative. Much press coverage is being given this pilot project.

Record #: 339 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

Over $3,000 was saved in purchasing bulk minerals and $2,000 saved in the spring of 2001 by purchasing cattle dewormers on contract for the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association. This project was initiated by the Agricultural Agent, Martha Mobley. The agent has spoken to several area cattlemen groups in neighboring counties to start the same type of money-saving projects.

Record #: 340 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

The Pitt County Extension livestock agent trained fifteen 4-H members this spring in livestock judging. These 4-H members attended many practice sessions at various farms and were successful in competition at three spring livestock judging contests. After more practice, the team had a successful day at the state 4-H livestock judging contest in Raleigh. Pitt County's junior A team was first overall, while the B team was eighth, and C team was eleventh. The senior team placed second among all teams in the senior category. Many Pitt County youth were recognized for individual awards including the top senior scorer and top junior scorer.

Record #: 341 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

On May 15, 2001, 750 3rd graders from throughout Franklin County participated in the 6th Annual Animal Agriculture Field Day in Louisburg. Twelve area livestock producers taught 12 educational "stations" on their species of animal. Topics ranged from "Biosecurity on the Farm" to "Swine." Many volunteers assisted with the project. Many positive comments were received from the teachers, parents and students. This program was funded by a grant from United Way, Franklin County.

Record #: 342 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Coite, Eileen

Four youth represented the North Carolina 4-H Horse Program, competing in national contests from August to November of 2001. One team member represented Wayne County. Team members and coaches traveled across the state, viewing several different breeds of horses, in preparation for the contests. The team was coached by Extension Horse Husbandry, as well as a horse program agent and volunteer, from Wayne and Johnston Counties. Competitions were held at the Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships in Mempis, TN, the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH, and the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, KY. The NC team took first place at the Southern Regional Contest, 8th at the Congress, and first again at Eastern Nationals. The Wayne County participant also received first place in Conformation Judging and second place overall at the Eastern National competition. Team members gained valuable skills in decision making, horse evaluation, and public speaking through oral reason communications at these contests.

Record #: 343 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Miller, Michael P

A Regional Beef Conference was held on January 11, 2001 with 115 beef producers in attendance. Updates on Johne's Disease gave producers new insights on ways to prevent this costly disease. Based on expected adoption rates of recommendations, a loss prevention of $255,000 is expected.

Record #: 344 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Leagans, Edward H

Educating our publics on Foot and Mouth disease--its financial implications as well as public perception and quarantine possibilities led to 2 educational meetings. 1) for producers, & 2) for governmental officials who would be involved if FMD hits this area. A state Vet. spoke to over 60 producers from Forsyth and Stokes Counties on what FMD is, how it is spread, how to keep it off their farms, as well as what signs to look for on the cloven footed animals. 3 local TV stations attended and presented programs on FMD. A state Vet. presented the 2nd program also. The 30 in attendance learned what FMD is, how it is spread and ramifications if it hits the Winston Salem/Forsyth County area. Plans were begun in case it hits. Cooperative Extension took the lead on these efforts withhelp from NCDA andAnimal Control Dept.

Record #: 345 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Rucker, Phillip R

For years a local beef producer had been content with the price they received for their calves. Selling truckloads added value but improperly castrated calves and lack of uniformity kept this producer from even greater profits. Updating the cattle working facilities, to reduce stress on human and calves was our first accomplishment. With satisfactory facilities, the producer improved herd management practices. Properly castrating young bulls, improving herd health (vaccinating and deworming) as well as implementeing a shorter breeding and calving season led to calves much closer in age and size thus increasing uniformity. Utilizing growth implants added even more weight and value to the calves. As a result of the improved facilities and management, the producer marketed calves that were heavier, healthier and more uniform than ones marketed before. This producer received $50 more per head due to these improvements. On the 100 head they market each year, an additional $5000 of income was realized with little additional out of pocket expense.

Record #: 346 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: Henderson
Person Reporting: Talley, Chris

In North Carolina we have a lot of new horse owners who are not aware of best management practices for equine production. An adult horse club was initiated in Transylvania in March of 2001. The main purpose of the club is to distribute educational information to persons with horse interest. The club not only consists of beginners, but also of seasoned equine enthusiast. Through the club participants are able to learn BMP's and also get a chance to trade ideas amongst each other. So far topics this year have covered pasture management, vaccines for horses, and horse first aid. Several members have already adopted some of the BMP's covered in these meetings. We currently have 25-30 members and hope to grow over the summer.

Record #: 347 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: McDowell
Person Reporting: Deluca, Mario

The McDowell Youth Foundation initiated a goat chain project to involve McDowell youth in an inexpensive educational livestock project. Applications were accepted through April30. 8 applicants were accepted and a meeting was held to explain the basics of the project. Each child received a doe on June 1. 2 management workshops were held to teach the children the skills needed to manage and feed their goats. The youth will attend a fitting and showing clinic in July to learn how to show their goats and will participate in t he McDowell 4-H and Youth Livestock Show in Sept. After the show, all participants must turn in a 4-H project book in order to complete their contract. Upon completion of their contract, the does will become the property of the 4- H members.

Record #: 348 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: McDowell
Person Reporting: Deluca, Mario

The McDowell Agricultural Center was in need of major renovations. The facility is used for numerous Extension programs including the Agriculture Awareness Field Day, Conservation Field Day and Safety Field Day, AI School, McDowell Youth Livestock Show, and livestock educational programs. Many of the members of our advisory leadership system serve as coordinators, facilitators, instructors or volunteers for these activities and currently are directors on the McDowell Agric Center Board. In 1995 this group initiated a two phase plan to renovate the facility. Once these renovations to the facility were made, further resources were needed to allow the facility to become self-supporting. By early spring, all resources needed were secured and by summer of 2001, all labor will be completed. These renovations and upgrades will represent over a $100,000.00 increase in the value of the facility which will be realized due to the efforts of Extension volunteers.

Record #: 349 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

The plant and animal science curriculum continues to have the largest total participating of all 4-H curriculum areas. In Pasquotank County, as a result, 96 different youth have participated in livestock judging, exhibition and project work. Over $36,000 were received by participants and $4,000 in scholarship. Also, Pasquotank County was first and second in the state sheep and swine respectively, at the 2001 livestock judging contest.

Record #: 350 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 4
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

A joint Perquimans/Pasquotank beef producer meeting was held. Over thrity-five producers learned about culling, nutrition and consumerism. The N. C. Cattleman's Association conducted a very successful "taste test" which taught participants about the different retail cuts of beef.

Record #: 351 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-01
CEMP: 4
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Coite, Eileen

Nine Wayne County youth participated in the youth livestock judging program. Of the nine, six had participated previously, and three were learning for the first time. In addition, six of the same youth practiced for and participated in the state Livestock Skillathon Contest. Several farm visits were provided for team practices in preparation for the upcoming contests. After these workouts, the teams traveled to the state contests. The results were exceptional. The Wayne Junior Team placed third overall in the judging contest, ranking second in both sheep and swine, and fifth in oral reasons. The Wayne Senior team placed fourth overall, first in swine, second in sheep, and fifth in oral reasons. One individual on the senior team took first place in the swine division, and ninth overall in the senior division of the contest. Another senior participant in the Skillathon Contest took fifth overall, being his first time participating. Participants gained valuable skills in decision making, livestock selection and evaluation, as well as developing their skills and knowledge level of general livestock production.

Record #: 352 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-01
CEMP: 4
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Coite, Eileen

Equine Infectious Anemia is a deadly infectious disease affecting all equines. The only protection from this disease is prevention, through blood testing and identifying carriers of the virus. Testing must be done by a licensed Veterinarian. For this reason, two Equine Infectious Anemia Clinics were offered to horse owners in Wayne and Greene Counties the winter of 2001. REINS volunteers in these counties provided assistance to local veterinarians in order to provide this service. Horse owners were also given the opportunity to have their horses vaccinated for other diseases at this time. The clinics saved 47 horse owners approximately $2000 total by participating in the clinics, through saving on farm calls, as well as reduced rates on Coggins Testing and vaccinations.

Record #: 353 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 4
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Bolick, B F

Involving young people in understanding the importance of livestock production to the local economy of Watauga and the surrounding counties is really important to me as an agent. With the recent interest in foreign animal diseases I was asked to talk to the 7th and 8th grade science classes at Hardin Park Elementary. Most of these kids have no idea how much money our livestock industry brings in nationally and how serious a disease outbreak would be for them. These 75 young people were fascinated at how the industry works to bring them a clean, safe product at a reasonable price. They expressed their increased knowledge by the different questions they asked at the beginning of my talk versus the questions asked at the end of the program. Telling them at school will plant that knowledge for them at home and in society.

Record #: 354 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

A new reporter covering a variety of current animal issues accepted an invitation to visit a typical poultry farm. A weekly column turned into a feature article covering a wider range of topics than previously targeted. Working relationship between Extension, contracting company and three additional farmers were enhanced. The reporter returned to the farm the next weekend on personal time with her children so they could see farming and animals up close.

Record #: 355 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

A reorganization of the Robeson County Livestock Association in January resulted in nine monthly educational meetings. Fundraising resumed with over $2,100 raised from local businesses. An official board was elected with officers and eight board members. The group sponsored meetings with meals, information reproduction, and speaker travel expenses.

Record #: 356 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Grandy, Tommy R

Sixteen youth participated in 4-H livestock projects in 2001. After being trained in the proper care and ethical treatment of their animals,for the first time, 4-H youth and their parents signed an ethical treatment agreement before the livestock show. All the youth performed excellent with two placing in showmanship, and one showing the grand champion lamb and reserve champion hog. Not only was success realized at the show, but with 4-H youth showing support before county commissioners, Currituck County adopted an ordinance that will permit short term educational livestock projects to be done in residential areas. This is first known ordinance of this kind in North Carolina.

Record #: 357 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Gerda D

The district wide horsemanship school resulted in all of the children in either learning a new skill or improving their skills. The evaluations showed the following results (scale used is 1-10 with 1 being poor to 10 excellent): Riding before average: 6 after program : 8 Equitation before : 5.5 after : 6.7 Showmanship before : 5 after : 7.3 Photography before : 4 after : 8 Manner,ethics before : 6.5 after : 8 Form to Func. before : 4 after : 8

Record #: 358 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Gerda D

I presented a station at the farm safety day camp for 5-8 year olds that discussed animal safety. We discussed how livestock see differently than humans and how to move around them safely. Also in the discussion was how to approach large and small animals, what is rabies and how to prevent it in animals and how to prevent exposure to it by people. Youth were allowed to approach a horse in the way taught to reinforce how to work around a large animal. In the evaluation forms this age was to mark a smiley face or frown face to indicate their reaction to the station. My station had 38 smiley faces and no frowns.

Record #: 359 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Gerda D

Direct marketing of cattle is a good way to put a few additional dollars into the producers hands. Richard Lichtenwalner, Jeff Copeland and I worked together to put truck load lots of uniform calves together from local producers. In the counties that I work 5 producers participated. A total of approximately 225 head of calves were marketed from those counties. Estimated additional dollars received was $8000 more than if they had been sent through the weekly auctions.

Record #: 360 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Day, Marti P

Extension educational programs highlighting the benefits of decentralizing livestock water prompted two producers to install underground watering systems. As a result, they are providing their livestock with cleaner, healthier water and minimizing erosion potential from stock trailing to and congregating around central water sources. Other benefits to providing water at remote sites are increased animal performance as less energy is wasted in traveling to and from central water sources and the decreased labor required to provide an adequate water supply. One producer's pastures also contained streams which were fenced to exclude livestock traffic. The environmental benefits of livestock exclusion are well known.

Record #: 361 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Day, Marti P

Twenty-seven livestock producers and horse owners increased their knowledge of forage production and utilization attending a four day Extension short course on pasture managment taught here in the county. Proper selection, establishment and maintenance of forages is the keystone to profitable livestock production and healthy horse-keeping. When livestock and horses consume most of their nutrients in the form of fresh forages as opposed to stored forages, feed costs are cut in half, labor is minimized, treatment for digestive disorders is decreased and overall animal health is improved. All these factors combine to improve profitability. Several of the producers who attended the school are operating on less than 20 acres and therefore need to maximize production per acre. Adoption of practices to improve forage production and utilization was over 50% as reported in a post-attendance survey.

Record #: 362 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hucks, Mark D

No doubt 2001 will be remembered because of the epicemic of livestock diseases across the world, foot and mouth and BSE, and the threat of them coming to the United States. We have had quite a few calls from conceerned citizens in Nash County. As well as sending out written information, we had an informational meeting on Foot and Mouth on May 26, 2001. This gave producers and citizens an opportunity to learn about Foot and Mouth as it compared to BSE. As a result a local senior citizen tour to England, Belgium, and Germany was cancelled, and citizens anxious about traveling exchange students learned how to handle travelers. Everyone left feeling more informed.

Record #: 363 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 4
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Duckett, Steve W

Some programs are hard to place a dollar value on, and the 4-H livestock program in Buncombe Co. is certainly a prime example of this concept. Our 4-H livestock judging teams won the junior division of the state 4-H livestock judging contest at Raleigh in the sheep division in 2001. We had the 4th and 15th overall jr. teams, and the 10th place senior team. These young people put in 56 hours of practice from March to June in formal workshops. They also spent many hours at home practicing terminology and learning the body parts of animals. In a strict dollars and cents environment, this program barely makes sense. In terms of youth learning public speaking skills and enhancing their ability to reason logically and defend their choices in a public arena, this program is priceless. The future is unknown, but if this program allows one youth to reach their

Record #: 364 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 4
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Whitt, Larry N

Last fall the Cooperative Extension Service and the people from Southern States held a workshop on identifying weeds and using various chemicals for weed control in pasture and hay crops. This winter the Cattlemen's Association had a program on weed control, and during our Annual Cattlemen's Tour weeds and their control were discussed. After all these meetings and discussions, several cattlemen decided to do something about their weed problems. One producer bought and utilized Ally (a weed control chemical) on 100 acres that had Spiney Amaranth infestation. Another producer built his own spray tank to control weeds in his pastures, and two additional producers contracted with Southern States to spray their hay fields for weed control. Other producers have entertained the idea of spraying in the future to control some of their more serious weed problems.

Record #: 366 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 4
Location: Richmond
Person Reporting: Coffer, Bertram W

Increased use of animal waste as a fertilizer source for hay, has made the recommended practice of forage testing more important and valuable. High nitrate levels as a result of over application of animal waste have caused several livestock deaths in our area. After personal contact, sample taking assistance and an educational meeting, one of our producers now regularly samples all hay before selling it. He uses it as a marketing tool to show horse owners that his hay is safe and of high quality. This practice has helped him cultivate repeat customers and avoid liability for sick animals.

Record #: 367 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-06
CEMP: 4
Location: Moore
Person Reporting: Wood, Randy B

With the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Europe many questions and concerns have been expressed by livestock producers in Moore county. Recently, the Cooperative Extension Service has been working to inform and educate livestock producers on this disease. Several mailings, newspaper articles, and farm visits were done to keep up to date of the situation. Also, working in cooperation with the NCDA Veterinary Division, a public meeting was held to provide farmers with the latest information and to give them a forum to ask questions and air their concerns about this potential disaster. Forty Six livestock producers attended this meeting. Nearly all the producers attending said that they were going to adopt the biosecurity best management practices that were recommended at the meeting. Furthermore, over 75% of the producers that were contacted two weeks after the meeting had at least one farm biosecurity practice in place.

Record #: 368 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-06
CEMP: 4
Location: Moore
Person Reporting: Wood, Randy B

Last year, The Extension Service in Moore county assisted a cattle producer that was having mortality in his calf crop. We identified the problem as Fescue Toxicity. Working in cooperation with an area vet, we were able to solve the problem without him loosing any additional calves. This past year, we have continued to work with this same producer to change his nutritional program to further offset the negative effects of Fescue Toxicity. As a result of our efforts, not only did he have zero mortality, but he was also able to grow his calves to their target weight 60 days faster than in the past several seasons. He calculated that this profited him an additional $8,500 than he has made in the last several years.

Record #: 369 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

On April 3, 2001 a Helena Elementary Farm Day educational Extension program was presented to 677 students in Person County at the request of the Person County School System. The students learned how to plant pine seedlings and tomato plants; to identify livestock species; to promote water quality in the Neuse River Basin and on farms; to grow vegetables in greenhouses; to look at tractor safety; to learned about hay and feed qualtiy; and, to veiw agriculture the way it use to be with draft horses and antique tractors. Rick Chambers, principal of Helena Elementary School, stated that, "This program Joey Knight coordinated and implemented was the best elementary educational program that he has seen. This allows us to bring the farm to the students in which 95 percent are from non-farming backgrounds." With front page local newspaper coverage and praises from Helena teachers and Principal Chambers; there are several schools in the county that want to be involved in future programs like this one.

Record #: 370 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

Sixteen Person County 4-H'ers participated in the Central Piedmont Junior Livestock Show and Sale this year with the educational efforts of the Person County Livestock Extension Agent. This valuable learning experience enabled 4-H'ers to make wise investments and clebrate the joys of profit as well as the disappointments of loss. they learned what the real world is like and develop self esteem in the process. One 4-H'er bred his sow and raised the market hogs toward winnings of Reserve Grand Champion Individual and Reserve Grand Champion Pen-of-Three. This has been his second year in the row for champion market hog winnings at the district livestock show.

Record #: 371 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

Over the past 10 years there has been such a great demand from farmers and their spouses for an annual agriculture tour to other states. Also with the majority of contract farming on swine and tobacco farms, other means of farm income has been looked at. With this in mind, programming for a diversed agriculture tour to Ohio was implemented in June to look at new technologies in the field of agriculture production. The 46 passenger bus was filled up in 35 minutes after advertising to citizens of Person County. The participants learned about raspberry, strawberry, apple, aqualculture, and blueberry production systems as well as direct marketing strategies used to market agriculture products. Several farmers have adopted these alternatives in order to give some of them supplemental farm incomes.

Record #: 372 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

With the success of buying cattle mineral in large volumes at discount prices, Person County beef cattle producers requested the Extension help in purchasing dewormers in volume at discount prices. Twelve cattle producers adopted this management practice together and saved approximately $3900. These savings have attracted 15 other producers in wanting to participate in the program.

Record #: 373 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

As a result of beef cattle educational meetings, a beef cattle producer adopted the growth implanting management practice after requesting an Extension herd health demonstration. The producer increased feeder calf weaning weights 13 percent with a net profit of $25 per feeder calf sold. This increased the net profits of the minority limited resource farmer by $625.

Record #: 374 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

On June 14, 2001 an educational Extension meeting was conducted to the Person County cattle producers at the Southern Livestock Center in Oxford, North Carolina. Since then approximately 30 producers have sold cattle at the new market and praised the new market for higher prices achieved than surrounding markets. New marketing strategies such as selling cattle on the internet at the Southern Livestock Center has enable Person County producers to increase incomes by $5000 thus far. The new market has enable producers to cut down on travel time by 50 percent. The new market has enable producers to have their feeder calves graded. This enables the producer a premium dollar for medium frame cattle.

Record #: 375 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

A tobacco farmer requested Extension help in starting up a beef cattle enterprise. The father was dying with cancer and wanted Extension Agent Joey Knight to help educate his son on managing the recently, purchased 80 cow-calf herd. The producer adopted the cattle management plan which has enabled him to increase his profits by $5000. Since the herd was purchased, 3 performance tested bulls were purchased; pasture fertilization has improved by 50 percent; sick and old cattle were culled and sold; a herd health vaccination program has been implemented; and, a holding facility has been built. In addition to increased profits, cattle body condition scoring has increased by 50 percent.

Record #: 376 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

Fifteen beef cattle producers requested the Extension educational efforts in selecting proper genetics from Performance Tested Bull Sales in Virginia and North Carolina. These 15 producers purchased a total of 18 tested bulls ranging in price from $1200- $4500 each. Through effective bull selection 80 percent of genetic improvement occur in these cow-calf herds with minimum calving difficulties. Utilization of these superior sires increased the net returns per commercial calf by $15. Producers are now able to utilize EPD's in properly selecting bulls. For the past 13 years an average of 12 tested bulls have been purchased each year and brought back to Person County beef cattle farms.

Record #: 377 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

One tobacco farmer requested assistance from the Extension Service in starting back into the beef cattle business. With the farmer adopting the Extension recommendations, a herd health management program was implement as well as tested performance bulls purchased. With this program in place; the producer's cattle was healthier, better performing, and fewer cattle to treat. The producer was able to reduce drug usage by 35%, decrease costs and cull rates by 35%, improve animal health, sustained profitable beef production, and reduced meat residues and carcass blemishes.

Record #: 378 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

Five livestock producers have requested assistance from the Extension Livestock Agent in developing Division of Water Quality (DWQ) Plans. Two producers adopted the Wettable Acres Plan which allow them to evenly applied swine manure onto cropland. Two producers were able to get their operating permits from DWQ. One producer was able to follow a lagoon closure plans and save $10,000 in fines. These five producers have been able to save at least $10,000 in consulting fees alone. One of the DWQ inspector's stated that, "Extension Agent, Joey Knight, is the main contact person in Person County when it comes to waste management and water quality. I call Joey before I call the client, health department, and/or NRCS."

Record #: 379 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 4
Location: Catawba
Person Reporting: Carpenter, Jeff S

Higher prices for commercial fertilizers in 2001 forced many farmers to reconsider their traditional fertilizer purchases in the spring. Extension assisted two producers in reevaluating their forage supply to see if an opportunity existed to reduce fertilizer expenses. After considering the low stocking rate on these farms, the extensive acreage of pasture available and the hay storage on these farms, it was determined that fertilizer application could be foregone in the spring of 2001. As of December both farmers reported an adequate supply of pasture forage and enough hay to get through a normal winter feeding period. The savings amounted to approximately $6,900 on 230 acres.

Record #: 380 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

The Rockingham County Hay & Straw Directory was established and maintained by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service due to demand from livestock producers to purchase and sale hay. 42 area growers were included in the 2001 listing in which over 275 copies were sent or handed out to livestock producers on request. Along with the hay directory publication, extension provided information about quality hay production, forage testing, and tips on selling and purchasing hay. As a result of this information and directory , extension has helped growers market their product, livestock producers locate forages, and educated clientele about hay production and marketing.

Record #: 381 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

Educational programs and demonstrations were conducted in Rockingham County to farm and nonfarm clientele (Youth, Sr. citizens, school & commodity groups) by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. In 2001, 1200 individuals have been reached by this program which focused on the care of animals, products of animal origin, the economic impact of the animal industry to Rockingham County and North Carolina and the quality assurance practices utilized by livestock producers to ensure a safe food supply. Issues such as waste management, animal welfare and that animals are the ultimate recyclers were also covered. A major concern and challenge for the livestock industry and the extension program is education of the public about production animal agriculture. Livestock production is in the hands of the public and our youth and we must feed their knowledge, in order to feed the world of the future.

Record #: 382 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-23
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

The original use of cattle identification was for the purpose of ownership. Now, probably the most useful reason for having a cattle identification system for beef cattle is for production records. High investment and annual maintenance cost make identifying cattle and record keeping essential items in beef cattle production. Thus far in 2001, Rockingham County Extension has assisted 2 beef cattle operators in freeze branding and ear tagging their cattle for the first time. Without a good identification record keeping system, cattle producers are limited on making accurate management decisions such as culling, breeding, and replacements which are essential elements of the cattle production & business.

Record #: 383 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

Breeding selection is an important aspect of cattle management. The evaluation of cows, heifers and bulls for performance is the most important component for making improvements in a beef herd. In 2001, 25 producers were assisted in evaluating bulls as potential herd sires and for cow & heifer replacements. Through the assistance provided by the Rockingham County Extension Service it is estimated that over $6000 has been saved from the culling low performers and will also make the producers money from the selected bulls through the improved performance levels of the calves.

Record #: 384 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

Keeping livestock healthy is first and foremost in livestock production. A main focus in the livestock educational program in Rockingham County is educating and demonstrating livestock health management practices. Cattle producers contacted Extension for assistance in solving a problem of calves dying. So far this year, there has been higher than normal losses of calves due to the disease Blackleg. This is an easily preventable disease which can be prevented by vaccination. These producers had never had the disease on their farms before and did not have a vaccination program in place. As a result, vaccination programs on each farm was implemented thus prevented the loss of thousands of dollars in future income by prevention of possible death loss due to Blackleg. Extension also discussed and provided educational materials about herd health, quality assurance practices and gave hands on vaccination demonstrations for producers.

Record #: 385 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

One Edgecombe cattle producer called on extension to help design a management program that would enable this small producer to meet debt needs with the aid of beef income from the farm. A total management and reproductive program was designed to fit this limited income farmers needs. After 7years the calf weights have doubled, the pregancy rate this year was 100% and the added income has saved the farm. Additional managent practices are being added to help make further advances.

Record #: 386 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Spivey, Karen

Nitrate poisoning of livestock is a costly problem that can be avoided by utilizing chemical forage analysis. An Onslow County cattle producer who attended a local Extension seminar on nitrate management adopted the practice of forage sampling and used the Extension Center's hay probe and sample courier service. The agent received a copy of the analysis results and called the client to make sure he understood the danger involved with feeding the hay, measuring 1.26 and 1.58% nitrate. The client had mistakenly noted the "as sampled basis" numbers on the report, which were lower than the "dry matter basis" numbers, and felt that it would be acceptable to feed. The agent explained the feeding precautions needed, preventing the producer from feeding the hay free choice to the herd. The producer appreciated the agent's action which potentially prevented the loss of cattle.

Record #: 387 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-23
CEMP: 4
Location: Jones
Person Reporting: Simmons, William G

Smaller non-contracted pork producers need alternative purchasing and marketing opportunities to survive and continued work with Eastern Foods appears to potentially offer some help. EFI applied for and recently received a $450,000 grant to use in their marketing efforts. Their plan is to production certify members who market animals through EFI and I'm involved in writing the certification program. The coop is working on product labels which I'm helping with also. Products should be available with the EFI label in September, 2001.

Record #: 388 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-23
CEMP: 4
Location: Jones
Person Reporting: Simmons, William G

I recently completed a week long Environmental Management System (EMS) Auditor training program and passed the 2 hour comprehensive test to become certified. With this new knowledge of EMS and the ISO 14001 standard it's related to, I helped 2 producers apply for $3,000 grants to help them become EMS certified and part of a 9 farm pilot program allowing them to become one of the first individual farms in the US to be EMS certified. Both have been selected as grant recipients and our training (for the farmers and their Extension coaches) will begin in mid September. It is estimated that the certification will take 12 to 14 months to complete.

Record #: 389 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Cave, T B

Under the leadership of Bryan Cave, Livestock Agent in Surry County, a group of beef producers from the county traveled to Caprock Industries, a feedlot in Texas, to begin plans to develop a marketing agreement between the feedyard and local beef producers. The group of 4 producers from the county met with the Procurement Manager for the feedyard and discussed ways that producers and the feedlot could work together for the better for both parties. The trip was a success and a new marketing tie has been forged. Producers will receive a premium by participating in this effort.

Record #: 390 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Cave, T B

Beef producers in Surry County have undertaken a new marketing procedure for their calves under the leadership of Bryan Cave, Livestock Agent in the county. Four producers have grouped their calves together to make a tractor trailer load of similar type cattle. This makes the cattle worth more to a buyer. Producers are backgrounding the calves, getting them on feed and vaccinating them for better health. The producers are working together to make their cattle more valuable and should receive a premium of $5-8 per 100 lbs. on a 50,000 lb. tractor trailer load resulting in $2,500-$4,000 more for their calves at sale time.

Record #: 391 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Cave, T B

Beef producers in Surry County are still working together to purchase their livestock minerals as a group. The producers are buying a free-choice mineral for their cattle at a savings of $4.50/bag. This savings has amounted to a savings of over $9000 in purchase price this year alone, with savings of over $45,000 over the short 2 1/2 years of the program. In addition, many producers are now using minerals for the first time. This has resulted in over $100,000 in cattle performance and savings for the past two and a half years.

Record #: 392 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Cave, T B

Surry Beef Producers are buying their cattle dewormer as a group and have saved over $10,000 in purchase price to date by purchasing as a group. This has meant a tremendous difference to the small and part time producer who can now buy dewormer at a substantial savings over shelf price. Including the added performance of cattle that have been dewormed with purchase savings, producers have an estimated increased net return of $50,000 per year.

Record #: 393 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-11
CEMP: 4
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Andrews, Amy

As a result of concentrating on improving the forage systems in my area, the first forage demonstration feild was planted this summer on a local producer's farm. Thanks to Onslow County's Agricultural Agent, Karen Spivey, I was introduced to area seed representatives and contacted them later to collaborate with them about a few forage oppurtunies that would help local producers decide which varieties could benefit their production situation. My forage program was sponsored with five fifty-pound bags of seed to plant a 10 Acre pasture of a new variety called Pen Leaf Pearl Millet. The millet did very well throughout the summer. The producer and I learned alot about seedbed preparation and the importance of plant nutrient and soil analysis. The demonstration also saved the producer $150.

Record #: 394 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-01
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

Four beef producers were looking to market their calves collectively in truck load lots. Extension was asked to assist in this marketing effort. Calves were weaned, vacinated, and bunk broke. A list of potential buyers was created and contacted for bids. The bids were difficult to compare due to the estimated weights that were used. Extension was called upon to help choose the most profitable bid. The resulting advice yeilded these producers additional income totalling $1217.90

Record #: 395 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-19
CEMP: 4
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

Cleveland County's agricultural community relies almost exclusively upon tall fescue to meet the grazing and hay needs of its livestock and horses. The disadvantages of this situation include a limited seasonal forage supply and endophyte-related performance losses. County Extension director Greg Traywick worked with local farmer Gene McCurry to evaluate performance, persistence and nutritional value of World Feeder�, a hybrid warm-season perennial bermudagrass. Results were shared with 60 commercial hay and livestock producers and horse owners on September 24. As a result of the educational program, eight producers have taken steps that will lead to the establishment of 50 acres of this high-yielding variety next spring. Expected impacts include: increased forage yields (250 additional tons), added income from sale of horse-quality hay, and measurably improved animal performance.

Record #: 396 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-07
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

Two new 4-hers made the decision to participate in the 4-h steer program. The parents are alumni of the 4-h program. Edgecombe extension agents were called upon to help secure animals for the 2001-2002 project. The notice came late and all sources had been exhasted. Due to the collaboative efforts between a neighboring agent and agents in South Carolina animals were located and secured to begin the project. Another generation of 4-hers begins due to the combined efforts of cooperative extension agents.

Record #: 397 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-09
CEMP: 4
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Traywick, Greg B

Cleveland County Extension Director Greg Traywick worked with Lawndale resident Ron Mauney to develop and implement strategies for eradicating kudzu on his farm. The family property had been untended for a number of years and was heavily infested with the vine, which was overtaking large hardwood trees, a barn, and outbuildings. The kudzu control program initially utilized a combination of physical removal and herbicide application. Later, the property was fenced and heavily stocked with meat goats. Initial observations suggest that satisfactory control will be achieve within 2-3 years, thereby enabling the landowner to build a home on the site. Complete control is expected within 7-10 years.

Record #: 398 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-01
CEMP: 4
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Coite, Eileen

Hurricanes and dangerous summer storms are expected when living in eastern North Carolina. For this reason, REINS region 13 and the Wayne County Animal Response Team held a workshop to assist horse owners in preparing their farms for hurricanes. A video on hurricane preparadeness for horse farms was shown, followed by a presentation by a veterinarian on the ideal disease prevention and vaccination program, and a presentation on structural soundness evaluation, given by a civil engineer. Hurricane tie straps and other structural support devices were available for display, and given out as door prizes to participants. REINS and CART volunteers demonstrated the use of identification bands for horses, and attendees received identification bands to take home for each horse at their farm. A group breakout session provided an opportunity for horse owners to begin working on an emergency action plan for their farm. Educational material was distributed on items for first aid kits, emergency kits, and general information on preparing for hurricanes.

Record #: 399 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Miller, Michael P

A program on farmland preservation was presented to 95 property owners on the advantages of placing property in an agricultural district as a way to protect their farming rights and to inform non-farm citizens of the farmland preservation program in Iredell County. Four property owners have expressed interest and if successful they could add 600 acres to this program.

Record #: 400 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

Rowan County 4H Dairy Youth exhibited 101 animals at the county show and 80 animals at the district show. Over $3500 in donated moneys were paid to youth as show premiums. Six project club calves were sold by 4Hers averaging $1550 net revenue for each young person.

Record #: 401 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

25 Rowan farmers improved their skills at two Extension artificial insemination breeding clinics saving them an average of $2000 (each) annually in breeding costs.

Record #: 402 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

34 local dairymen, who attended milk quality meetings, reported average increases in profitability of $1500 per year on their farm as a result of adopting practices introduced at these meetings.

Record #: 403 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

After attending a Dairy Crossbreeding meeting and adding crossbred animals to their herds, 3 area dairymen reported increased profit margins by as much 10% as a result of an increase in feed conversion and increased milk fat production.

Record #: 404 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Williams, J T

23 Dairymen retained their Operators License and completed all six hours of continuing education requirements by attending an Extension led Animal Waste Training Field Day in Rowan County.

Record #: 405 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: McDowell
Person Reporting: Deluca, Mario

Utilization of forage continues to be the most cost effective method of feeding beefcattle in NC. The McDowell beef cattle advisory committee identified weed control as a major problem of pasture management. A forage field day was held for livestock producers to help identify the main weed problems in pastures, see the effects of various herbicides on these weeds and to inspect the potential of new varieties of Bromegrass. This field day was attended by 75 producers. Over 50 weeds were mapped and identified on site. Producers were able to view the results of 5 different herbicide treatments in a test plot and hear presentations given by company representatives on three new herbicides. These producers represented over 1000 brood cows. Information received could easily help these producers save 10-15% on their winter feeding costs of $120 per cow or an overall savings of $18,000.

Record #: 406 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-10
CEMP: 4
Location: McDowell
Person Reporting: Deluca, Mario

Winter feed costs continues to be the overwhelming majority of operating expenses forNC cow-calf operations. However, indiscriminately reducing feed to brood cows could cause reduced rebreeding rates, reduce calf vigor and reduce cow productivity overall. Basing the feed rations on body condition scores is a way to best utilize feed resources. A workshop was held to teach producers how to body condition score (BSC) brood cows. 20 producers attended the workshop and were train in utilizing BSC. These producers represented 500 cows and will be able to realize a 10-15% increase in the economic returns of their brood cows over the next couple years from the increase in conception rates and calf productivity. This program could represent an economic increase of $17,500 to these producers.

Record #: 407 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 4
Location: Buncombe
Person Reporting: Duckett, Steve W

Horse industry people in Buncombe County identified basic forage management and the economics of horse ownership as an information need for new and prospective horse owners in the area. The Mimi Page Foundation sponsored a clinic to educate new horse owners on basic information and asked cooperative extension to present information on costs of horse ownership and forage management. Seventy adults and youth attended this clinc. The information provided allowed the prospective horse owners to gain insight into the full economic costs of horse ownership, and helped them manage their financial and farm resources to get the most from owning the horse without placing the owner in a bad financial situation, or jeopardizing the horse's well being.

Record #: 408 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 4
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Whitt, Larry N

Due to cattle producers in both Caswell and Person being concerned that some of their bulls might not be fertile; myself, and the livestock agent for Person County set up breeding soundness exams for producers for both counties and any surrounding area producers. We tested eighteen animals with two not passing the exam. Finding out these non-breeders potentially could have saved two calf crops and allowed these producers to go ahead and sell those animals, thus reducing their feed costs even more. If you consider seventy calves potentially being lost at $400.00 each, then this could have saved or prevented loses of $28,000, plus additional feed costs. This represents potentially hugh losses or gains to livestock producers. Everyone involved expressed interest in doing this again next year.

Record #: 409 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hucks, Mark D

Most livestock producers understand the need for a good health care program. However, the huge diverstiy of products available, plus the need for proper timing of administration, and the pricing of products confuse this decision making process. Often practices are not done in a timely manner or are put off altogether. An educational program on diseases and vaccinations was conducted. An annual calendar of practices was developed. Also, an inventory worksheet was developed. As a result, 21 farms cooperatively purchased $31,000 in biologicals (dewormers, vaccines, implants, etc). This year on these farms practices will be implemented in a timely manner at a savings to these producers.

Record #: 410 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hucks, Mark D

Selling uniform truck loads of similar feeder cattle is a proven way to capture premiums. Large western ranches have been selling this way for years. Truckload dictates 50000 lb. contracts. This equates to approximately 100 head of 500 lb. calves. Very few N.C. beef producers have herds this large. An Excell spreadsheet was developed to take current average daily gains on individual calves from different farms and project a calf weight on a common sale date, then sort calves into uniform truckloads. This program allows neighboring farms to group feeder cattle together. Nash County beef producers sold 12 truckload lots of cattle this year that were advertised nationally. Six of these loads were put together from 9 different producers.

Record #: 411 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hucks, Mark D

As producers move toward cooperatively marketing feeder cattle, it becomes more important to have similar genetics in the groups that are sold together. As a result of truckload sales that extension helped put together this year in the county, producers are aligning their genetics. Ten beef producers purchased 24 bulls for a total of $54,000.

Record #: 412 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hucks, Mark D

Because of 4-h livestock participants interest, we continue to work with the stockman's bowl program and livestock judging. These programs give livestock exhibitors and others another avenue to compete with the knowledge they acquired during their projects. This year our stockman's bowl team placed second at the state contest. Three of our individuals were eligible to compete for the state team going to the national contest. One of the individuals made the team. N.C. team placed 4th at the nationals. In livestock judging, Nash County had the 6th place individual at the state livestock judging contest. This individual was an alternate that went to the national contest. The success of these individuals has increased interest here at the county level. No doubt the experiences these kids have will stay with them the rest of their lives.

Record #: 413 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-17
CEMP: 4
Location: Burke
Person Reporting: Morris, Shannon L

In 1999 Burke County purchased a minimum tillage seed drill. Extension was tasked with scheduling its maintenance and use. The drill was sold in the fall of 2001 after being used by 77 farmers to plant forages on 1,160 acres. The rental fees paid by farmers, coupled with the monies received when the drill was sold resulted in no net cost to the county. The use of the drill saved farmers an estimated $22,500 in fuel, labor, and machinery costs. Citizens benefited from the estimated 11,600 tons of reduced soil erosion losses and attendant stream sedimentation.

Record #: 414 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 4
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Gerda D

Many people in NC have a public pesticide license in the animal category. However, there are very few training sessions dedicated to this category in order to get recertification credits. Several years ago, I offered a 2 hour course for these license holders. I decided to skip last year(2001); however, this year several people asked me to do it again. In August I had 8 people attend a 2 hour class. We discussed the different types of mosquitos, looking at them under a microscope and the diseases that they can transmit to animals. We also discussed the vaccinations or preventative treatments available. All comments from those attending(some from 8 hours away)were positive.

Record #: 415 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 4
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Rhodes, Gerda D

Washington county is a relatively poor county when compared to others in NC. For this reason our office has coordinated the annual Farm-City Festival. Besides educationing the public about the farming industry, we also provide an arts and craft vending area where local artisans can sell their products. Because this is the Saturday before Thanksgiving, many people will begin their Christmas shopping. By doing an informal survey an hour before the festival closes, we know it has brought in between $12,000- $20,000 dollars for the day to the vendors depending on the year.

Record #: 416 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 4
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Blalock, Ralph E

Edgecombe 4-hers involved in the livestock program at the N.C. state fair have continued to increase. Volunteer leaders & 4-hers wanted to represent ED. CO. to its best in all entries. The Herdsman award takes into account the total effort required in exhibiting Jr. livestock at the N.C. State Fair. ED. CO. has won the lamb award two years in a row and placed in the top 5 in the Jr. heifer show 5 years in a row with two first place awards. Plans are in place to continue the tradition.

Record #: 417 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 4
Location: Perquimans
Person Reporting: Copeland, H

People take the source of their food and clothes for granted in a country so blessed with an abundance of production agriculture. 281 second graders in Chowan and Perquimans Counties participated in their respective Farm Day Adventures highlighting farm stops and the cotton gin. The Family and Consumer Science Agent with plenty of active participation from students makes individual pumpkin pie tarts. Extension agents man seven sites and explain the products derived from the featured agricultural commodities. Teachers, students, farmers, and agents give the extension sponsored event high marks.

Record #: 418 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 4
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

As a result of planning with the REINS volunteer, an on site Horse Production Summer Field Day was held. Thirteen (13) participants learned about hoof care, body condition scoring and nutrition.

Record #: 419 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 4
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

As a result of an environmental field day, 153 youth learned about animal welfare, food science and the economic contribution of animals to society.

Record #: 420 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Day, Marti P

Fifty-seven participants in an educational workshop learned safe procedures for navigating commonly encountered obstacles on a horseback trail ride. Twenty volunteers helped to organize and facilitate the workshop and teach inexperienced riders new techniques for managing reluctant horses in everyday situations. Safe horse handling and riding practices were the primary teaching goals of the workshop. Every participant reported having learned something new that would help them in their day to day horse handling.

Record #: 421 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 4
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: Burke, Travis B

The animal science curriculum continues to have the largest amount of participation in 4-H nationwide. In Pasquotank County since July 1, 2001, 28 different youth procured earnings of over $8,000 through participating in a combined total of over 900 hours of 4-H livestock project work. Also, 2 participants were first and third in senior and junior divisions of the Eastern Showmanship Circuit.

Record #: 422 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Rowan, J

The Pitt County Extension Livestock Agent supervised seven youth livestock shows at the 2001 Pitt County Fair as well as overseeing the exhibition of livestock throughout the week of the fair. Two hundred thirty-three (233) persons participated in these livestock events which helped to develop skills in participating youth while also providing over $10,000 in premiums and awards.

Record #: 423 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Northampton
Person Reporting: Lifsey, Heather N

Northampton County has a growing population of youth interested in horses. To address this need, the Northampton County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service hosted "Horsin' Around", an educational program for youth and their parents. The program was coordinated by the Livestock Agent and Horse Advisory Committee. Local riders, mostly youth, demonstrated different riding techniques, followed by demonstrations on care and maintenance, safety, equipment, and purchasing a horse. Information from various breed associations was available for attendees to pick up. Several mentioned how well the event ran and requested Horsin' Around become an annual event.

Record #: 424 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Northampton
Person Reporting: Lifsey, Heather N

Northampton County has a growing population of horse owners. In order to meet the programming needs of this community, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service's Livestock Agent formed a horse advisory committee. The advisory committee is instrumental in planning programs, securing presenters, raising sponsorship money, and advertising. One volunteer writes a monthly newsletter that is distributed to horse owners in 4 counties. Programs the committee has been involved with include horse health, youth education, and liability issues. Through the work of this committee, a number of horse owners have been identified and become involved with extension.

Record #: 425 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Leagans, Edward H

West Nile Virus hit this year. This deadly virus carried by mosquitos, affects humans and horses. Through TV,radio, newsletters and producer meetings, CES educated its clientele on ways to discourage mosquito populations--mainly make sure there is no standing stagnant water.

Record #: 426 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Cherokee Res.
Person Reporting: Mcclellan, Sarah

The Cherokee Reservation Cooperative Extension hosted the Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Assistant State Veterinarian to share technical information about potential foreign animal disease threats to our livestock and petting zoos. We met with the Tribal Vice-Chief, Tribal Emergency Management, Tribal Fish and Game, Tribal Tourism, Tribal Fairgrounds Manager, Jackson and Swain County Livestock agent, the local large animal veterinarian, our regional State Veterinarian Technician, the National Park Service, the owners of three local petting zoos, the Smoky Mountain Animal Response Team. The results include: 1. The establishment of an emergency management MOU between the tribe and the State. 2. Clarification of the Standard Operating Procedure if a case is reported to the tribe or the Extension office. 3. One petting zoo owner shared, among peers, that they have a hand washing station in place. 4. Better relationships and open communication among participating agencies and local tourism businesses. 5. Increased technical

Record #: 427 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

Meat goat numbers are increasing in the Randolph County and also the number ofcalls requesting information and with that the Cooperative Extension conducted a general goat herd health meeting. This was a new audience that had not been reached before. 21 goat producers attended the meeting and all 21 indicated on the evaluation that the meeting increased their knowledge about goats and 75% of participants said they learned 2-3 new things that they could take back and implement immediately on their farms. All of the producers indicated a need for more goat informational meetings and a goat advisory committee will be formed to design these meetings and meet the needs of the goat community.

Record #: 428 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

With more educational opportunities needed for horse owners in Randolph County, the Cooperative Extension, with the help of the new Horse Advisory Council, started a Horseman's Association in the county that would plan, organize and conduct educational meetings for the horse owners. The Association has been organized only 5 months and they have over 70 members and have held 3 horse educational meetings with guidance from the livestock agent. The board of directors already have the meeting schedule arranged 2002.

Record #: 429 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Foushee, Barry S

The livestock community of Randolph County was concerned about what would happen if there was an out break of Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) in the county and to put a stop to some of the misinformation going around, the Cooperative Extension held a second educational meeting on FMD and this time focused on the protocol for handling an out break of FMD. Over 210 producers attended educational programs and received information that they can use to answer questions they may get about FMD from other producers and the general public. As a result of these educational efforts, most of the misinformation was stop and producers have increased knowledge of FMD and who would be in charge if an out break happened. They also know what they can do to minimize their risk on their operation and feel better prepared to answer questions from people outside the livestock community.

Record #: 430 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Spivey, Karen

Emergency preparedness is an important issue in hurricane-prone Southeastern NC. A REINS Program volunteer secured a grant from FEMA's Project Impact to conduct an Incident Command System (ICS) training on May 31-June 1, 2001. 21 individuals from New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Onslow, Duplin, Craven, Jones, Pamlico and Wayne Counties received training and certification in ICS levels 100 and 200. Participants included Animal Control officers, Agricultural Extension Agents, REINS volunteers, Emergency Management staff, and County Animal Response Team (CART) members. Understanding of the ICS management protocol and terminology will improve their preparation and qualification to respond in situations requiring CART activation.

Record #: 431 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Spivey, Karen

The manager of a new feed/supply dealership recently contacted his county Extension agent for advice on whether to purchase a particular lot of hay for resale to his horse owner clientele. He indicated that he had a sample bale of it, but didn't know if it was good hay or not. The agent met with the store manager and demonstrated and explained how to visually evaluate hay to estimate quality. The agent then took a sample of the hay and submitted it for chemical analysis through NCDA&CS. Upon completion of the analysis, the agent interpreted and explained the results, which indicated that the hay was of low feed quality. The manager made the decision not to purchase that lot of hay, and indicated that he now better understood how to make an informed hay purchase decision.

Record #: 432 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Frinsko, Michael O

At the request of a hybrid striped bass producer, this office assisted his obtaining diagnostic services from the NCDA Rollins Diagnostic Laboratory. The lab agreed to conduct specific bacterial testing on a sample of his fish, which was a requirement of a Florida buyer. Because this did occur, the produceris now able to complete the sale which is estimated to be over $45,000.

Record #: 433 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Frinsko, Michael O

In conjunction with the Wildlife Resources Commission, this office developed a protocol for area fish farmers to receive special permits for triploid black carp. These fish are used to help manage a parasitic disease which claims an estimated loss to the hybrid striped bass industry of $1,000,000 annually. The parasite also has affected catfish fingerlings in the Mississippi Delta. Future annual savings to the area aquaculture industry may, therefor, be estimated to be over $1,000,000.

Record #: 434 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Frinsko, Michael O

A new Edgecombe County catfish producer called for assistance with a parasitic disease outbreak affecting his new fingerlings. Mortalities from Hennaguya can be as high as 50% . There are no known cures. My recommendation was to maintain high oxygen levels using supplemental aeration. After following this recommendation mortalities soon dropped. Total losses were approximately 1.5%. By following extension recommendations, the producer may saved a potential $67,500 in future production income.

Record #: 435 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 4
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Frinsko, Michael O

A new fish processor requested assistance in equipping and training a harvest crew used in obtaining catfish. This office located a new, more efficient, research-based seine technology and brought it to their attention. The equipment has been purchased and is now in use. The new seine has in many circumstances cut the harvest time by as much as 500%. Labor savings, alone, may be as high as $25,000 annually.

Record #: 436 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In 2001 the Cooperative Extension Service in Rockingham County formed the County Animal Response Team or CART, which is a coordinated effort between local Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Governmental agencies, Commodity groups and concerned citizens. This group consist of more than 30 people that look at the planning & response to animal issues during natural disasters or emergencies. Everyone knows that human issues come first but also realize that the animal issues must be addressed that proved to be so troublesome in the aftermath of hurricane Floyd. The goal of the CART is to complete and maintain a current animal disaster response plan for Rockingham County.

Record #: 437 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In 2001 the Cooperative Extension Service in Rockingham County arranged for an area veterinary practice (by bid), to insert a microchip for permanent electronic identification for horses. The only way to positively identify horses is by utilizing a permanent method of identification which can prove ownership. With the number of displaced horses that occurred during hurricane Floyd (or any disaster) and the resent threat of theft in the area, horse owners expressed a need to have their horses permanently identified. Through this effort 23 horses were permanently identified.

Record #: 438 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Hughes, Ronald

Johnston County, North Carolina s goat industry is rapidly changing. New producers are entering the business at a steady rate and are interested in basic goat management information. Cooperative Extension and the Johnston County Goat Producers Association have kept up by offering a Hands on Goats field day. The fall gathering is designed to offer goat keepers training on such things as deworming, hoof trimming and marketing. Mini seminars offer expert advice during the event. The participants sample goat products such as meat, milk, cheese, and soap. Hoof care attracted interest this year. Unkept hoofs can cause a major problem with foot rot leading to economic losses due to lameness. Five new seedstock producers learned to properly trim feet. Sound animals will be worth $20.00 to $50.00 more as breeding animals. The five herds average 25 does. Selling half their production as breeders they will increase income $1250 to $3125.

Record #: 439 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Johnston
Person Reporting: Hughes, Ronald

Keeping up with new advancements in swine waste management is a major task facing today s North Carolina pork producer. Because each producer must be certified to apply waste and because they must receive 6 hours of continuing education over a three year period, seven agricultural agents in eastern North Carolina committed their annual regional swine conference to at least 2 hours of credit each year. Realizing the benefits of attending this evening meeting over 60 producers took advantage of the expert information offered by North Carolina State University Specialists and other pork industry personal. This year s topics were centered around lowering waste output and alternative uses of swine waste. Attendees received credit hours toward their 6 hours and will avoid penalties and fines associated with lack of adherence to the law.

Record #: 440 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Mitchell
Person Reporting: Hyatt, J G

Mitchell County recently formed a County Animal Response Team to deal with emergencies that impact the animal population. Two of the members recently received training in large animal rescue that will enable us to be better prepared to handle those situations.

Record #: 441 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Haywood
Person Reporting: Thompson, Skip L

New treatment methods are being developed for parasitic pathogens of trout and were highly successful during the summer parasite season. A project was initiated on two trout farms in Transylvania County to address parasitic pathogens. Equipment and training was provided to identify parasites and assess parasitic loading. Assistance was provided in employing and evaluating treatment options, regimes, and efficacy. Potentially, the losses could have exceeded 400,000 fish with an economic value of approximately $130,000. The economic cost of the program, including fish lost, was about $20,000.

Record #: 442 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Anson
Person Reporting: Melton, Richard V

The selection and continued evaluation of bulls improves the genetic potential of beef herds and the reproductive efficiency of those herds. In 2001, twenty-six beef producers were assisted in evaluating 319 bulls for purchase. Of those, 15 bulls were actually purchased for farm use. Fifteen producers from four states were assisted in evaluating 71 bulls on a feed/gain test held in the area. The continued evaluation of bulls once they are selected for use in a herd is also very important. In 2001, 8 bulls were examined for 4 producers during a bull reproductive test day. Of those, one was found to be very questionable as a breeder. He was culled as a result. That one bull had the potential to cost that beef producer anywhere from $700 to $9000 in lost income.

Record #: 443 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Anson
Person Reporting: Melton, Richard V

Marketing of beef calves plays an important role in developing and maintaining the profitability of any beef enterprise. Nineteen hundred head of Anson County calves were marketed through graded and off-farm truckload sales. Through participation in these type events, Anson County beef producers added over $58900 to their net incomes.

Record #: 444 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In 2001, the Rockingham County Mounted Horse Patrol was started as a result of Rockingham Counties Animal Response Team, formed by the Cooperative Extension Service. The Rockingham County Sheriff asked for assistance in putting together a Mounted Horse Patrol Unit that would act as a part of the CART. This unit could be utilized in Nondangerous situations such as looking for lost Alzheimer patients or lost children. When asking for volunteers to respond, they must be trained, and Extension has helped develop a training program. 26 individuals have completed the first phase of the training program "Basic Horsemanship Skills" and 40 individuals have been through basic CPR. This will be a continous training process. This effort will prove to be a valuable asset to Rockingham County and could possibly help save lives.

Record #: 445 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Anson
Person Reporting: Melton, Richard V

The evaluation of brood cows and potential replacement heifers plays an important role in improving the productivity of any beef herd. Fourteen producers were assisted in evaluating 600 females for their herds in 2001. Five producers were assisted in evaluating 250 active brood cows with 30 being culled for various productivity reasons. Nine producers were assisted in evaluating 350 potential replacement heifers. 120 heifers were selected from that group as replacements.

Record #: 446 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Anson
Person Reporting: Melton, Richard V

Improved management and management techniques help to increase the profitability of any beef operation. In 2001, Anson County beef producers increased their net incomes by $18,900 dollars through improvements in their herd nutrition, forage management and herd health programs. The actual actions included the use of by- product feeds to increase calf sale weights, the adoption of managed intensive grazing practices which increased farm stocking rates and an increased understanding of the need for sound herd health programs.

Record #: 447 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Warren
Person Reporting: Elliott, Marcia

The annual Bull Reproductive Soundness Exam was a success this year. Producers from six counties brought a total of 60 bulls to be tested. This test is a very important tool and can save a producer thousands of dollars. If the bull is proven to be deficient or border-line, the producer can choose to discard the bull and opt for a more sound breeder that will ensure that his cows will become pregnant. Open cows are lost opportunities.

Record #: 448 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Warren
Person Reporting: Elliott, Marcia

Due to the increasing interest in meat goats in Warren and Vance counties, I decided to add a meat goat show to the livestock show that is held in conjunction with the Vance County Regional Fair. This was the first time I had been in charge of putting together a livestock show. I was a bit overwhelmed, to say the least, but everything went off without a hitch because I had a number of fellow extension agents offer their help. I think the decision to add a meat goat show was a good one because it attracted children from three counties to participate. It turned out that the meat goat show was the largest category of the whole show.

Record #: 449 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In 2001 Agricultural Extension Agents conducted two workshops covering liability for landowners & agricultural producers in Rockingham County. Liability is a very serious issue that could be very expensive and cause major problems for the farm and landowner. The first workshop "Farm & Landowner Liability" covered general aspects of liability when others come on their property for recreation, tours or to work, and posting of property. The second workshop "Horse & Livestock Liability" covered the many aspects of liability related to owning livestock. There were ninety-two participants in these workshops and according to surveys, 100 percent responded that they could apply this information to there situation, 92 percent said that as a result of theses programs would save or make them money and 88 percent ranked the programs as excellent.

Record #: 450 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In the late fall of 2001 Extension in Rockingham County conducted a Beef tour that traveled into central and eastern North Carolina touring Beef Cattle operations and the Southern Livestock Center. Eighteen producers participated in this event and 100 percent said that they brought home new ideas and enjoyed the tour very much. Producers also indicated that they had made many new contacts that will benefit them in their management and in the future in the areas of breeding & marketing programs, equipment and fencing supplies.

Record #: 451 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In 2001 a Rockingham County High School Senior was selected to receive a $500 scholarship to further their education. Area cattlemen asked Extension in Rockingham County to assist in providing application and selection criteria for the scholarship and to utilize contacts with area High Schools. This is a beneficial program for an area High School student that may not be able to afford a post High School education. One of the main requirements is that they must attend an accredited North Carolina Community College, College or University. This years recipient is attending North Carolina State University.

Record #: 452 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 4
Location: Rockingham
Person Reporting: Chase, Ben E

In 2001, North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Rockingham County was asked by 5 livestock producers for assistance with the design of livestock working facilities. Properly designed working facilities will cause less stress & less bruising to the animal, take less time to work, and prevent livestock workers from getting hurt. Three of the five designs from this year have been constructed and put into place which will make and save those producers money.

Record #: 453 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

With the incoming questions about bull breeding effectiveness, a bull breeding soundness evaluation clinic was conducted for the second year by the Extension Service. There was a 66% increased in bulls tested this year from the previous year and 7.5% of the bulls were unsound for breeding purposes. One producer from Caswell County saved at least $18000 in loss income from future sold calves. Also, the adoption of this management practice led the cattle producer to keep the cattle breeding sequence on tract and on time.

Record #: 454 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-08
CEMP: 4
Location: Anson
Person Reporting: Sikes, J R

Protecting the animal industry in Anson County is very important to the economic well being of the county and its' citizens. With a history of natural weather diasters in this area, it is critical that plans be in place to deal with such hazards in a timely and protective manner. To assure that such plans are in place, Cooperative Extension provided the leadership in developing a County Animal Resposne Team (CART) and networked with Emergency management Services, Natural Resources, Health Department and local government officials to write a CART Plan for Anson County. Thsi plan addresses natural diasters and problems of infectious diseases and how the county will respond to these problems when they occur. This plan was placed ont the NC Department of Agriculture web site so it would be readily available to anyone involved in diaster planning efforts.

Record #: 455 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 4
Location: Person
Person Reporting: Knight, Joseph E

Through extensive educational efforts over the past two years provided to a local hog farmer and businessman by the Cooperative Extension Service, independent swine producers will have a marketing outlet for 200 finish hogs per week to Hursey Meat Center in Burlington, North Carolina. Over the past two years the permit application from DENR for the lagoon at the facility became a point of controversy as misinformation was spread about the facility and the potential impact of the wastewater lagoon on the area. This meat center will be the salvation for the independent swine producers from Person and surrounding counties since large cooperations have taken over the hog industry in North Carolina. This slaughtering facility will help independent swine producers provide consumers with pork products with over 1.2 million dollars in gross revenues from Person County.

Record #: 456 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Ashe
Person Reporting: Young, Charles M

Through statewide contacts within the meat goat industry, I arranged a statewide meat goat in Ashe County. The program attracted over 50 producers who learned about marketing, health care, housing and fencing. It gave our local producers a chance to interact and learn with other producers from across the state. As a result of the meeting, there has been an increase in requests for goat information from the Extension office, and our local producers are implementing new ideas on the topics presented. The number of goats and goat producers are increasing as information about their adaptability and profitably is becoming better realized.

Record #: 457 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Yadkin
Person Reporting: Keith, Nancy W

Worked extensively with an area dairy producer who was having problems with reduced milk production, reproductive problems and thin cows at calving. After working with him on a complete nutrition program (lactating cows, dry cows and heifers) he has seen an overall increase in milk production of 13 pounds per cow/day ($5800.00/mo), healthier cows at calving and increased milk production in early lactation and overall improved body condition scores.

Record #: 458 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Ashe
Person Reporting: Young, Charles M

With assistance from volunteers, I arranged two local livestock shows, reaching over 100 youth. These shows encouraged and taught youth how to make decisions while working with livestock, to better prepare them for other interests and life skills. As a result, Ashe and Alleghany had 12 youth participate at the State Fair, further broadening their education and life experiences. Also, several youth participated in presentations on both the district and state level, with one youth placing Gold in livestock presentation at the state level. Youth in the livestock program also participated in Dairy Bowl, Dairy Judging, and Dairy Foods judging contest on the national level, with high placings and at least $500 in scholarships.

Record #: 459 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Rucker, Phillip R

A local beef producer wanted to improve the herd's quality and bottom line. After looking at the management and genetics, I determined the nutrition program and herd records needed improving. Implementing a few cost effective management practices would also be worthwhile. Changing from bagged feed to bulk grains and mixing feed saved over $50 per ton. We enrolled the herd into the Beef Cattle Improvement Program (BCIP) to provide accurate cattle production information to aid in the culling and replacement female selection processes. Implemented controlled grazing and creep grazing to utilize pastures more efficiently. Began utilizing growth implants in feeder calves, to increase efficiency. This resulted in a minimum $10 per calf extra net profit. Due to reduced expenses, more efficient management practices and sounder marketing strategies, the goals of improved quality and a sounder bottom line have been accomplished for this producer.

Record #: 460 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Parsons, James T

The Duplin County Animal Response Team (CART) developed a plan to be used in response to animal needs/issues in the event of a disaster. This plan is one of the models that the State Animal Response Team has on their website for other counties to view and use as a guide for developing other CART plans.

Record #: 461 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Duplin
Person Reporting: Parsons, James T

Input from poultry industry leaders and I was instrumental in writing the current draft on NCDA's Foot and Mouth Eradication Procedures. The initial plan was to destroy all poultry within a 2 or 6 mile radius of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Since poultry are not susceptible to the disease the question was why kill all poultry in the designated quarantine area. Because of our input, poultry will most likely not be euthanized unless the poultry is on the same farm as the FMD outbreak. However, the poultry, trucks, and equipment will have to be disinfected. This will be a tremendous savings to the poultry industry.

Record #: 462 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Lee
Person Reporting: Hall, John V

A tobacco farmer who had started a small beef cattle herd called Lee County Cooperative Extension and requested help with some sick calves he had recently purchased from a local auction sale. Upon arriving at his farm, it was evident that the calves had shipping fever which had also spread throughout the entire cow and calf herd. To complicate the problem, the farmer had no handling facilities for his cattle. Three calves had already died. The agent acted immediately to help secure and install a temporary cattle shute and head gate and assisted the farmer with vaccinating the entire herd to treat the shipping fever. This new knowledge gained by the farmer saved the rest of his herd and he has implemented a new herd health program for the farm. The farmer now shares his knowledge with his neighboring farmers who raise cattle.

Record #: 463 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Davie
Person Reporting: Rucker, Phillip R

The populations of Davie and Yadkin Counties are steadily increasing. Much of the growth is "Urban Dwellers" moving to "The Country". "Farm Life" is new to these new residents. They do not understand how food is produced, processed and "magically" appears on grocery store shelves. Utilizing the Food For Thought program, I organized a tour showing youth and parents how meat and poultry products were raised, processed and packaged for consumption. 35 kids, parents, volunteers and myself toured beef, swine and poultry operations and a local grocery store to see the final products. Participants were unaware of the work, time and expense needed for food production. This tour prompted numerous questions. Visiting the grocery store meat department made the biggest educational impact. The availability of these products is no longer taken for granted. The educational impact was tremendous and will hopefully help producers and consumers better understand each other in the future.

Record #: 464 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 4
Location: Richmond
Person Reporting: Coffer, Bertram W

The threat of foreign animal diseases and the associated economic impact has become more pronounced this year due to the outbreak of FMD in Europe and increased terrorist activity. The burden of control and containment will rest on the county and its resources during the critical first days as the state mobilizes its resources. Accurate and accessible information on the county's livestock is critical to the success of containing an outbreak. Extension collaborated closely with Richmond county emergency managment and the county planning department to develop a GIS map of the major livestock faciliters in the county. The final product was a current, precise, computer accessible map that can be used for a FAD outbreak as well as natural disasters, and land use planning.

Record #: 465 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-30
CEMP: 4
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Bolick, B F

With the outbreak of several serious animal diseases in other countries and the war on terror beginning it is critical for Extension to position itself locally to be a major information source. I met with the Emergency Management staffs in both Avery and Watauga counties on several occasions. We are continuing to work on what we need to do locally if there is an outbreak of an FAD in our area. I appreciated the opportunity to work with the counties on a new level and they really welcomed the wealth of information we could provide when they need it. This could be an important area for us to focus on in these changing times.

Record #: 466 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Gaston
Person Reporting: Drechsler, Peggy A

Many NC farmers do not know their production costs and are not comfortable with financial planning. Due to Extension efforts to teach farmers how to analyze their own financial status, fifteen dairy producers entered their annual financial figures onto an Excel financial analysis sheet, then compared their performance with the group's average to find places for improvement. One farmer who completed the sheet in both 1999 and 2000 improved his net income by correcting problems revealed by his financial sheets. This farmer now knows his production costs. He took his financial sheets to a lender and was approved for financing when he had previously been rejected.

Record #: 467 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Grandy, Tommy R

Currituck 4H youth continue to standout with the excellent showmanship skills and dedication to raising and exhibiting their livestock projects. However, without the dedication of two volunteers, Randy Roberts and Eddie Morgan, the recognition the Currituck youth receive at livestock shows would not be possible. They become personally involved, just not their child, but with each child who wants to show an animal. They help locate quality lambs, hogs and steers for youth, showing them how to care for their animals, and teach them showmanship skills, all on their own time. These volunteers are to be commended for their time and generosity they have given to the Currituck 4H livestock program, and to the recognitions it has earn.

Record #: 468 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: McDowell
Person Reporting: Sandfoss, Molly A

Carp pond operators are knowledgeable in the business aspects of operating a carp pond. However, they are unaware and lack knowledge in water quality and fish health management. Workshops, educational newsletters, and one-on-one field visits have been used to educate these operators. By adding aeration, fish are less likely to have low oxygen that often causes stress resulting in disease and mortality. Disease and mortality result in loss of income to the owner. Since initiating this program, aeration has been installed at 26% more sites to improve water quality and fish health. Three operators have commented about the education that they have received has helped to decrease and/or stop mortality. One operator commented that the information she had learned in a workshop helped her to identify a water quality problem.

Record #: 469 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Cabarrus
Person Reporting: Pless, Carl D

Extension and Cabarrus Co. Cattleman's Association educated citizens about the important economic contribution that the beef industry makes to the area at "Beef Day" at the Intimidators Ball Park and by an educational exhibit at the Cabarrus County Fair. Over 2000 people were served samples of a new beef product at the ball park and over 2500 were served at the Fair. Information on food safety and the contribution that beef can make to a nutritious diet was made available at each event.

Record #: 470 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Cabarrus
Person Reporting: Pless, Carl D

Extension is helping livestock producers to identify a variety of marketing opportunities producers can use to increase their farm income. One feeder cattle producer sold a load of 86 feeder steers through the statewide tel-auction at a $5000.00 premium to the price that similar cattle brought at state graded feeder calf sales. Niche markets have been successfully used by several producers. One dairy farmer reported gross sales of $16,000.00 per month from selling part of his milk as fresh Mexican cheese to local and regional Mexican stores. One lamb producer is selling fresh lamb to high in grocery stores. Several feeder calf producers have started using state graded feeder calf sales to increase income up to $30.00 per head.

Record #: 471 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

The Golden Leaf Foundation awarded a $150,000 grant through NCSU, Crop Science, to expand the newly established Franklin Ct. Goat Producers Cooperative, announced in November 2001. With the funding, additional marketing and training will be conducted in 2002. This pilot project adds value to the small, part-time farmers livestock enterprise, goat meat; provides valuable education; and unifies the farmers to work as one unit - a cooperative. The agent, Martha Mobley, was honored and recognized by the cooperative for her outstanding assistance and guidance with the program in December, 2001.

Record #: 472 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Franklin
Person Reporting: Mobley, Martha L

The Franklin County CART program was formed during 2001 with area livestock producers, pet owners, and county officials serving on the board. Martha Mobley serves as co-chair of the group. During 2001, the group developed a formal "CART" Plan of Action for the County along with development of various committees. With the threat of "Hoof & Mouth" Disease in 2001, this committee was very active in establishing protocols and agendas in case of an emergency.

Record #: 473 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

A newly organized multi-county Extension Poultry Advisory Committee convened, generating and prioritizing about 18 topics and issues. Over half of these were addressed during the year with some form of educational programming method - several through the creation of a new, first time Southeast North Carolina Area Poultry Conference. The growers were targeted as the primary audience because of the relatively new (less than 10 years) farming enterprise poultry production is in the area. About 65 attended from seven counties and two states with high survey ratings given to building maintenance demonstrations and reference materials provided.

Record #: 474 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Various news releases and mailings informed farmers and citizens alike about the potential threat of foreign animal diseases. This triggered news media coverage and requests for animal related businesses to distribute materials to their own mailing lists (e.g., veterinarians).

Record #: 475 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Backyard poultry inquiries peaked with disease and other common questions repeatedly asked. Further fact sheets were developed to supplement those available with 45 known individuals receiving distribution through direct mail and exhibit displays at farm related events.

Record #: 476 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Email correspondence with farmers and various agency personnel increased due to more adoption of the internet and the need for timely notification in the event of a crisis such as a foreign animal disease outbreak. The list involved 35 folks with a dozen emails over a three month period with weekly updates of UDA and State Veterinarian offices. Direct email responses with growers about production grew to over 25 concerning various issues and topics of inquiry, often referencing information available on internet websites.

Record #: 477 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

Robeson County Fair - Summary and Review of 2001 Livestock Shows/Events: 73 different youth from 8 counties participated in livestock related events (usually showing several times) with over $ 5,000 premiums distributed. Public awareness of foreign animal diseases was increased throughout the facilities with use of state coordinated poster information. One new class of show species was added (pygmy goats).

Record #: 478 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

One poultry grower held off purchasing well water treatment equipment until he had acquired vital information and spoken with several knowledgeable contacts. Repeat water sampling and testing showed the new wells continued to improve, averting a $1,000 - $2,500 expense.

Record #: 479 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 4
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: Beer, Brian

Feed cost is a large expense for livestock operations. The use of alternative feedstuffs can help reduce this cost on beef cattle operations. A local purebred cattle breeder approached the Agricultural Extension Agent with the Stanly County Extension Center about the possibility of utilizing alternative feedstuffs to grow and develop his bulls for marketing to local commercial cattlemen. The Agricultural Extension Agent assisted the producer by formulating a ration that met the bull's nutritional requirements while utilizing alternative feed ingredients that reduced feed cost. The new ration reduced the cost of developing the bulls by approximately 720 dollars when compared to his conventional ration. The producer was pleased with the weight gain and condition of the bulls that were fed the alternative ration and plans to use alternative feedstuffs in the future.

Record #: 480 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Henderson
Person Reporting: Talley, Chris

On October 9th Transylvania County Cooperative Extension along with Soil and Water and the Transylvania Cattleman's Association put on a field day with area cattle producers concerning water quality and BMPs for watering cattle. 10 area cattle producers visited two farms where they were able to view two different production practices and facilities designed to protect waterways. One farm had installed gravity flow water tanks and fenced out the streams, the other had recently built a feed waste facility designed to keep cattle from being fed near streams, and allows for composting of waste. This facility is designed to cut down on cattle waste running into streams and erosion. Producers obtained a better understanding of the importance of keeping cattle out of streams for the cattle's safety and water quality. They also learned that by offering alternative water cattle would stay out of the streams.

Record #: 481 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 4
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Miller, Matthew S

The Wilkes Area Feeder Calf Sale was held Oct. 3, 2001 at Kilby's Livestock Market, N. Wilkesboro. There were 51 consignors from 11 counties that sold 839 head. In general, the Graded Sale brought a healthy premium and returned consignors an estimated $65,000 over weekly auction prices. The educational aspects of this sale resulted in exposure and increased awareness to the type of cattle that the industry demands. Lessons in genetic selection, nutrition, management and marketing are positive outcomes of this sale. Networking opportunities with NC Cattlemen's Assn. , NCDA and the local livestock market were positive.

Record #: 482 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-03
CEMP: 4
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Miller, Matthew S

The NC Angus Field Day was held in Wilkes Co. on Aug. 11 at Reedies River Angus. The Wilkes Cooperative Extension Service assisted in developing the educational program including on farm herbicide demonstration and a fungus friendly fescue demonstration. Approximately 200 people attended this event and gained knowlege on forage and cattle production to increase profitability.

Record #: 483 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-04
CEMP: 4
Location: Moore
Person Reporting: Wood, Randy B

Beef cattle production in North Carolina has long been a sideline that many producers are reluctant to treat as a business. For the last year, a cattle producer in Montgomery County has been working with the Cooperative Extension Service to make his cattle operation a profitable venture. Bull selection, marketing, and calf management were three areas that were targeted as areas for improvement for this producer. Using the areas identified, several changes were made to his cattle operation. In the first year alone, before very few of his management changes had even had a chance to make an impact, the producer increased his income from his calf sales $5/per hundred weight, which resulted in a profit increase of over $7500 in the first year.

Record #: 484 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-04
CEMP: 4
Location: Moore
Person Reporting: Wood, Randy B

Recently, the Cooperative Extension Service in Montgomery County was contacted by a landowner for assistance in managing some pasture land he had recently purchased. In the process of educating this landowner on nutrient management and herbicide usage, the future plans for this land was discussed. The landowner was going into the cattle business. After discussing with him at length his expectations and goals for this venture, it was apparent that his understanding of the profit potential for the relatively small tract of land was unrealistic. It was recommended to him, based on his situation, to consider meat goat production instead. The producer is still considering this option, but has definitely ruled out a cattle operation once he had been given a realistic outlook of this venture. Not only would the producer have been unable to manage a beef farm, but would have lost a considerable amount of capitol as well.

Record #: 485 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-10
CEMP: 4
Location: Robeson
Person Reporting: Cochran, James E

A very successful direct roadside marketer of produce, sought information on expanding to a new location with more entertainment and educational emphasis, including a farm animal petting/feeding area. Layout designs were formulated as well as information and selection of the most appropriate animals. Of major concern was proper layout that takes into consideration people traffic flow, animal and public safety. Part of the safety considerations were minimizing potential transfer of bacteria to youth and produce. High profile foreign animal diseases of the year were also considered. Such extensive pre-planning is known to save initial development dollars.

Record #: 486 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-13
CEMP: 4
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Andrews, Amy

As an outcome from a conversation I had with Mike Regans, a new Mentor Group was started in the southeast district for new livestock agents. Mike Regans meets monthly with Eileen Coite, Paul Gonzalez and me to serve as a mentor for us. Mike answers any and all questions we present and goes out of his way to help us learn while encourageing us. Mike has helped us set up educational programs for our producers and has piloted us through other programs in order to insure that we learn and gain vauluable skills such as programming skills that are necessary in becoming successful agents.

Record #: 487 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-13
CEMP: 4
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Andrews, Amy

As a result of our newly established Southeast District Mentor Group which Mike Regans started, producers have gained new knowledge. During November, I assisted Mike Regans and Eileen Coite with instructing a Sprayfield and Pasture Man. Training offered to all producers. The training was worth 6 cont. ed. credits for animal waste operators. Evaluations proved that of 146 producers from 9 counties, 100% stated that the objectives of the triaining were met and 67% evaluated me as a "very effective" speaker. Test averages increased from 66% to 84%. 50% made 100%

Record #: 488 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-13
CEMP: 4
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Andrews, Amy

November 2001 I had a conversation with a producer who stated topics he thought other producers in the area needed. January 23rd, 2002 I have scheduled a meeting (with a sponsored meal) on the topic this producer mentioned as well as a few other topics stated at the Livestock Advisory Committee Meeting during the past summer. This is a success that proves local producers' needs are being met through programming strategies. These strategies are some I have learned as a new agent from my Director Billy Dunham and Wanda Sykes' "Jumping into Programming."

Record #: 489 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Day, Marti P

Fifty-eight youth exhibiting their project animals in the areas of meat goat, horse, dairy goat, beef, poultry, rabbit and sheep participated in the 2nd Annual Granville County 4-H Barnyard Bonanaza. Twenty-one volunteers helped organize and run the two-day event structured to promote good sportsmanship, sound animal husbandry, proper livestock handling and accurate record keeping skills. Being a composite show with many different species also exposed the participants to many aspects of the livestock industry. The youth involved learned life skills that will help them grow and mature into effective leaders in tomorrow's livestock industry as well as being productive members of society.

Record #: 490 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-16
CEMP: 4
Location: Granville
Person Reporting: Day, Marti P

Granville County horse owners tested 107 equines at the 2nd Annual Granville County Coggins Clinic. Local veterinarians donated their time to draw blood for the coggins tests which check for Equine Infectious Anemia. At the clinic, horse owners viewed an educational display and learned about controlling the main vector of the disease - the biting horse fly. Horse owners participating saved over $1600 in veterinary fees and were kept in compliance with state regulations that require all equines - horses, ponies, donkies, mules and zebras - to have a negative coggins report within one year if they are bought, sold, gathered or transported within the state or across state lines. 14 volunteers donated their time to aid in making the clinic a success.

Record #: 491 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-29
CEMP: 4
Location: McDowell
Person Reporting: Smith, Daniel

Beekeeping is an important agricultural enterprise in McDowell County. Beekeepers derive income from the sale of honey, beeswax and other products from the hive. Honeybees also help to pollinate commercial fruits and vegetables in our county as well as many fruits, vegetables and seed in the home garden. It is estimated that over 1/3 of the managed bee colonies in North Carolina were lost in the 90's to introduced pest. It is also estimated that 90% of the wild bee colonies have been destroyed. In addition, the beekeeping industry faces new pest such as the small hive beetle. In order to help beekeepers learn how to control these pest and have better management of their hives the Cooperative Extension Service conducted a beekeeping educational program last year. Thirty two people attended this program where information was presented on pest and disease management, safe pesticide and drug use, hive management, equipment for beekeeping and on starting beehives. From this initial meeting

Record #: 492 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-01
CEMP: 5
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Whitaker, Elaine W

Surry County Extension is committed to improving the quality of child care in Surry County by providing professional training, educational materials, and technical support for child care providers. In 2000, I applied for and received a Smart Start grant for $7000 to replicate "Read Me A Story" kits designed by specialists to improve nutritional knowledge as well as a multiplicity of developmental skills. 53 participants representing 29 child care homes or centers have received hands-on training and a kit for their centers. One teacher commented, "This kit is wonderful because it provides me with ready-to-use nutrition activities that I am required to do with my children every week. I love it!".

Record #: 493 of 2196
Date: 2001-03-23
CEMP: 5
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Simmons, Ann

Many working parents struggle to find quality child care. The star rating system gives parents an indicator of the quality of child care facilities. Ratings range from 1-5 stars. The Agent works with child care providers to help them improve their facilities. As a result of the Agent helping some home child care providers obtain grant funds for improvements, they have improved safety, health, and nutrition practices in their facilities. One provider who received a 3-star rating after the improvements were made, said that the licensing consultant and the parents were very happy about the changes she made.

Record #: 494 of 2196
Date: 2001-04-06
CEMP: 5
Location: Mitchell
Person Reporting: Dillon, April

The new star rating license system for child care providers has increased the need for school age care training. Fifteen child care providers received training by the 4-H Extension Agent on school age activities for children. The training was hosted by the Mitchell-Yancey Child Care Resource and Referral Agency. All fifteen providers indicated that the training provided them with new knowledge and skills in school age activities for children. Seven providers also indicated that they would like to receive additional training from the 4-H Agent on school age activities.

Record #: 495 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-18
CEMP: 5
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Reece, Susan

.North Carolina ranks 39th in the nation on the health and well-being of children. Pitt County offered The Be Active Kids program that gives teachers the tools to promote exercise and a nutritious diet to 4 and 5 year olds. The demand for this program was over whelming with 85 people paying for the class. At least 20 people were turned away. Cooperative Extension partnered with Start With Your Heart to offer the $120 (approximate value) kits to the day care providers.

Record #: 496 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-12
CEMP: 5
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Hester, Katherine O

To address the need to improve the educational level and competency of day care providers, I conducted eleven staff development training sesions reaching 300 daycare providers. Topics covered were playground safety, Be Active Kids, Rated License for School Age youth, BSAC, Food Safety and Sanitation ,"Ritalin is not the Answer." and Totally Cool Kids( sharacter development.Evaluations indicated that 100 % of those attending gained new ideas, new knowledge and new skills which would be used in working with children and increasing personal knowledge of curruculum and age appropriate activities for children. Sixty persons indicted and increase knowledge of teaching presschoolers about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity. Trainings offered by CES have mede it possible that 57 % of Davidson County Children in licensed childcare centers were in 3,4 or 5 star quality care. The N.C. average is 47%.

Record #: 497 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Hester, Katherine O

To address the issue of improving the quality of school age child care providers, Three BSAC training classes were conducted. Evaluations of BSAC trainings indicated that forty-one providers attending trainings increased their level of knowledge regarding school age children, developing age appropriate activities and creating a positive learning environment for school age children. Currently due to staff development training, Davidson County has three centers with a 5 star rating, fifteen with a four star rating, and twenty-one with a three star rating. This is an increase of 13 centers from 2000. There are eight more waiting to hear from the Division of Child Development.

Record #: 498 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Hester, Katherine O

To address the issue of helping parents provide quality child care for their children, I have been involved in the organization of a resource and referral agency for the County. The Child Care Connection is a newly formed organization providing resource and referral services for parents in the county. The organizations is a ourgrowth of Smart Start Funding. As a result of Extension's involvement on the advisory board, The organization is moving toward self sufficiency and is beginning the process of writing by-laws and becoming a 501C-3 corporation. Staff will continue to serve on this board and work for improvement in child care for Davidson County.

Record #: 499 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-26
CEMP: 5
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: Laws, Daphane

Wilkes COunty 4-H is in its 6th year of having the SUMMERFEST program in Wilkes County Schools. We are pleased to announce that our program has expanded throughout the county to serve the childcare needs of working parents. This year with a grant received from the Dept. of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development Child Care Development Fund and the Dept. of 4-H Youth Development,N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences N.C. State University, the program has more resources to further promote the 4-H "Learn by Doing" philosophy. 4-H is conducting Hands-On Workshops in several project areas. Also, participants are enjoying Swim Days at a local pool thanks to collaboration with the Town of North Wilkesboro, Recreation Department.

Record #: 500 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-27
CEMP: 5
Location: Swain
Person Reporting: Roberson, Jessica L

A substantial need exists for child care workers to obtain credit hours. A multi-county child care conference involving Clay, Cherokee, Swain, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Cherokee Indian Reservation, and Haywood was presented to over 194 child care providers. Participants received credit hours for attending the following classes: Appalachian Heritage, Preventive Discipline Strategies, Art Adventures, and several other topics. Participants stated that the workshops were very informative and they planned to implement the ideas they learned into their plan of work.

Record #: 501 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Carter, Lucille M

Day care home providers are constantly looking for new ideas to prepare and serve their clients and meet the dietary guidelines set up for day cares. An educational program was given to help the providers with new ideas for recipes and hints to get them to try new foods. Pizza was the theme of the program utilizing whole wheat flour in dough, more vegetables on pizzas and also fruit pizzas. Children seem to like pizza and are willing to try new variations of it. Cutting the food in a different shape is a simple change they will try thus helping them to have healthier diets.

Record #: 502 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Orange
Person Reporting: Fuller, Iris W

During the 4-H summer fun activities, a partnership with the Hillsborough Community Police division has been established. There will be at least one officer participating as a volunteer for all summer activities to include: 4-H Congress, Betsy-Jeff Penn Overnight Camp, and each week at the 5 week middle school day camp program. These efforts will continue to build positive networks between the agencies as well as building trust between law enforcement and youth in the community.

Record #: 503 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Orange
Person Reporting: Fuller, Iris W

The 4-H embryology program has doubled this spring from approximately 400 to 800 youth participating in this hands-on enriching experience. This expansion is due to expanding our presence in all after-school programs and excellent follow-up and resource assistance provided to the teachers and after-school directors. There has been an overwhelming response received from our returned 90% evaluation forms stating what experiences the children learned during this unit.

Record #: 504 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Macon
Person Reporting: Knapp, Renay C

One hundred sixty four child care providers attended a regional child care conference. Skills and knowledge were gained in areas that improved the quality of child care in western North Carolina and enabled the providers to increase thier training hours. One child care provider reported the conference helped her renew her enthusiasm, increased her appreciation of the diversity of the children and increased her desire to teach the children even more.

Record #: 505 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Teague, Karee M

The after-schools in our county are in need of engaging, enriching activities for students. Many of the after-school programs lack curriculum based on the experiential learning model. Watauga County 4-H has been establishing a rapport with the afterschools. This semester, we provided an Adventures in Learning training to 9 after-school providers, representing 4 after-schools. The participants received an Adventures in Learning curriculum created by the 4-H School Age Child Care Department. The curriculum provides hands on learning experiences in a variety of topics, such as science, consumerism, plants and animals. Participants learned how they can apply the curriculum to their afterschool sites. As a result, participants stated that they gained new knowledge and would apply new ideas to their work. They also stated that they would utilize the curriculum in their programs.

Record #: 506 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Jones, Mary H

Collaboration is necessary to support the child care community. Cooperative Extension's Family and Consumer Education (FCE) agents work together or with other agencies to train child care providers who in turn provide improved care to young children. In 2000 Vance County's FCE office coordinated the first local child care conference. In 2001 the FCE agent served on the planning committee for the effort led by the Child Care Resource and Referral director. FCE agents in Vance and Franklin Counties teamed up to present two 2-hour training sessions for providers in a 3-county area.

Record #: 507 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Stokes
Person Reporting: Greene, Christine

BE ACTIVE KIDS training was held on March 24 with 23 child care providers participating and receiving 4 hours credit toward renewal of certificates. Providers were impressed with kits of materials which they reported helped them teach pre- schoolers more about nutrition. For example, after stories with pictures and drinking milk, children would say "milk is good for me". With the flannel board they learned what foods go in the food groups on the food guide pyramid. Stories also included actions which helped children get more exercise thus improving their health and wellness.

Record #: 508 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Swanson, Barbara D

A new memorandum of understanding was signed on May 1, 2000 between the NC Department of Public Instruction and the NC Department of Health and Human Services. The intent of this memorandum is to require school age programs receiving subsidies operated by the Department of Public Instruction to meet minimum health and safety standards and to be monitored by the Division of Child Development to receive a license from the Division. In order to assist school age providers in meeting this mandate, four, seven hour Basic School Age Care programs were conducted in two counties reaching 90 providers of school age care. In turn, these providers reach 2828 children with quality school age programming. As a result of training, providers are practicing effective planning, environmental design, age appropriate activities, group management techniques, and safety, health & nutrition with their classes.

Record #: 509 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 5
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: McCaskill, H N

Youth benefit from having goals and aspirations and the belief they can attain these goals. The site director for the Wayside Elementary School Prime Time Program has worked with 4-H to implement the Giraffe Program for the past three years. The children, kindergarten through fifth grade, learn about the accomplishments of "heroes" such as Michael Jordan and United States Presidents. Through the Giraffe Program, the site director and care providers are able to demonstrate to the children that leaders can come from modest backgrounds. The site director reports that she sees an increase in the children's self esteem, as well as, their awareness of the ability to raise themselves above their current financial and socio-economic status if they work hard and set high goals. She states that she sees this demonstrated through improved homework completion and better cooperation and teamwork among the children.

Record #: 510 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 5
Location: Rowan
Person Reporting: Simmons, Ann

Research shows that many youth don't get the level of physical activity and nutritious foods that promote good health. The Be Active Kids curriculum gives child care providers the tools they need to promote physical activity and healthy eating. Thirty- nine (39) child care providers participated in a Be Active Kids training session had very positive comments about the program. Some had heard about it from last years attendees. All expressed excitement about using it. One provider told the Family & Consumer Educator that she started using it in her program right away and both children and their parents were excited about it.

Record #: 511 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 5
Location: Northampton
Person Reporting: Van-Rijn, Suzanne P

The Northampton County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Center provides quality, safe school-age care programs at three sites located in elementary schools. For many parents, this is not only a convenient option, but is the only option as there are few day care centers in the county. One parent isa single mother on public assistance who has difficulty holding a job due to her low educational background. She is unable to assist her child with his homework. One of our volunteers, a high school senior, has taken this child as his special friend and helps him each day until his homework is complete. This parent attributes her child passing the End of Grade tests directly to the assistance he received during homework time at the after-school program.

Record #: 512 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 5
Location: Montgomery
Person Reporting: Bruton, Millie C

Troy Public Housing and Montgomery County 4-H received one of the School Age Care grants available through the Division of Child Development. A new afterschool program was implemented at the housing authority providing 25 new slots for school- age youth. Working with CES, the program applied for and received a license in the spring of 2001 making the program the only licensed stand along program for school- age youth in the county. As a result of their involvement with the SACC grant process, the Troy Housting Authority applied for and were granted funds to implement a before school program in the fall of 2001.

Record #: 513 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 5
Location: Hertford
Person Reporting: Howard, Deborah J

One day care provider doing an extra physical activity outdoor learning experience to complete CDA requirements. Fifteen children were involved in these activities. Gained skills in small and large muscel development and coordination. Several activities are in the planning stages - children's festival, regional day care training, BSAC - have had a request from Head Start for seven providers, Be Active Kids training.

Record #: 514 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 5
Location: Bladen
Person Reporting: Votaw, Ann M

In an effort to improve the quality of child care, Cooperative Extension in Bladen conducted a series of workshops for 84 child care providers. Child care providers learned to implement safer play practices, improve workplace attitude, nutrition, food safety and school age care strategies. Participants report that they have put skills gained from the training into practice and that these skills have improved the quality of care.

Record #: 515 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 5
Location: Dare
Person Reporting: Patton, Rosie

In an effort to improve the quality of child care in Dare County and Eastern North Carolina, a series of educational programs have been offered in a variety of locations throughout the Northeast district focusing primarily on School Age Child Care. With many school age programs seeking to become licensed for the first time due to the memorandum of understanding between the Division and DPI, there has been an increased demand for BSAC. Sixty-four providers attended 4 sessions offered by the Dare County team consisting of the County Director, FCE Agent and ASQ Coordinator. Sessions were held in Tyrrell, Gates, Pasquotank and Dare County.Providers stated that the interactive sessions gave them tools and information that could be put to work immediately in their program.

Record #: 516 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-30
CEMP: 5
Location: Lee
Person Reporting: Condlin, Susan C

200 child care providers have participated in Extension's professional development programs designed to improve the quality of care for children. Providers have been able to accumulate over 15 contact hour credits (CHCs). The Penn State BetterKids Care Satellite program was downlinked for our providers. CCR&R purchased the videos of the broadcast for their library. Using the same instructor, CPR and 1st Aid classes have been taught for several years. The instructors have noted an increase in the safety skills demonstrated and feel the providers are better able to handle emergency situations. As parents struggle to find safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable child care they seek our assistance. 15 parents have used Extension resources in identifying and locating child care. 12 persons interested in opening a child care facility have received assistance in "knowing where to start". Parents and potential providers are referred to CCR&R for additional information.

Record #: 517 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 5
Location: Washington
Person Reporting: Kinion, Sharon L

I have enjoyed being able to provide Be Active Kids to Childcare Providers in Washington County. It was one of the best received trainings I have ever presented. It was lots of fun, useful and easy to implement. I was excited to see evidence in several Centers I visited that the curriculum was actually being used. One center had made picture recipes of the snack rocketship salad. The providers love the tote boxes full of goodies. Positive changes that have occured are that the children are more willing to try new foods, they think about foods that are good for them, and have a better attitude towards physical activity. Research shows that many children have diets that are too high in fat, low in fiber, and low in fruits and vegetables. Be Active Kids is making a difference in Washington County.

Record #: 518 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 5
Location: Graham
Person Reporting: Phillips, Latresa

Appalachian heritage is an important component of education in Western North Carolina. Teresa Garland and Latresa Phillips recognized the need for children to learn about their heritage and developed an appalachian heritage kit. The kit was used at a Regional Child Care Conference where 61 teachers learned craft ideas, recipes, stories, games all centered on mountain heritage. As a result of this program, hundreds of appalachian children will gain knowledge and respect about the region they call home.

Record #: 519 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 5
Location: Chowan
Person Reporting: Farless, Shari T

Due to a stated need from the child care providers, monthly educational programs have been provided on topics they felt were important to their homes/centers and would benefit their clients. 81 child care providers who are responsible for 403 children have been reached through these efforts. Playground Safety, Nutrition, Disciple Problems and Building Self Esteem in Children are some of the educational opportunities. Comments such as:"I learned about keeping the children safer outdoors", "I now know how to prepare nutritious foods my kids will eat" and "I understand the role that DSS plays in the protection of children, I did not understand this at all". Will continue to partner with other agencies to deliver programs that are needed to help these providers to keep abreast of child care issues.

Record #: 520 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 5
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Stanley, Pearl

Brunswick County Child Care Providers (57) received 15 credit hours to enhance their skills in human development, health, safety and CDA. Eighteen were certified in ARC Human Development Units by scoring 80% or above on unit evaluations. Two Family Child Care Providers received National CDA Credentials from T.E.A.C.H. Child care training is giving providers the opportuity to upgrade educationally and economically.

Record #: 521 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 5
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Furlough, Elizabeth V

Standards and qualifications for child care providers are constantly changing and upgrading. To meet the training needs of providers of school-age children, the FCE agent hosted a BSAC training. Presenters from Tyrrell and Dare did a one-day workshop focusing on the BSAC principles that 13 providers participated in. Those who completed the training gave high evaluation marks and expressed how they felt more competant to work with youth.

Record #: 522 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-03
CEMP: 5
Location: Craven
Person Reporting: Reid, Ivy

Craven County received $25,000 from 4-H Youth Development/SACC and the Division of Child Care to increase the quality of school age care in five different programs. A program coordinator was hired to consult with the programs and as a result - one program received a five star rated license (the only one in the county) and increased their spaces by 25, one program received a three star, one program received a letter of compliance and their star rating is contingent on the administrator testing out of the Administration Credential in July, and two programs who have never sought licenses before are establishing their compliance history so they will be licensed after school begins in August. Overall over 220 school age children were able to take advantage of quality school age programs.

Record #: 523 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 5
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Pointer, Donna P

Quality child care is a critical need in Caswell County and in order to meet this need the CES is administering a grant for Child Care Resource and Referral. Mary Newcomb is a new home care provider who received consultation and assistance through our CCR&R program. She states that "this program has helped me to obtain education on early childhood (issues) and running a family child care. Workshops enable my learning and participating in certain programs. This program helps me provide the best care for the children in my family child care. I feel a lot better informed."

Record #: 524 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 5
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Pointer, Donna P

Child care quality continues to be an issue in Caswell County and all agree that staff development is a major factor in the quality of care in centers and homes. Donna Earp is a lead teacher in one day care center. She states that "I have benefited from the training CCR&R (through Extension) has provided. It is nice to stay in the county to receive in-service training hours and receive resources to take back to your center. I have worked in child care for a long time and the morale among providers has improved; they feel better about what they do and are rewarded for all their hard work."

Record #: 525 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-05
CEMP: 5
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Womack, Deborah D

Child care providers should render quality child care to young children because it is very important to working parents in Forsyth County. Cooperative Extension and Smart Start Technical Assistance Center provided educational information to 69 teachers and directors via classes and workshops. 75% of the child care providers were new to the profession. In sessions, providers developed age-appropriate learning plans for teaching infants - preschoolers as well as ways to interact and discipline them firmly and fairly. By participating in the trainings, the providers said that they felt more confident in teaching young children which enhanced the child's self-esteem as well as his physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

Record #: 526 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-12
CEMP: 5
Location: Union
Person Reporting: Baker, Gloria H

To assist with improving child care in Union County, a monthly newsletter, "Creative Caring," is produced by the county staff and mailed to 98 child care centers and approximately 150 families each month. This newsletter not only markets Cooperative Extension, it also is eagerly awaited by each recipient to provide brief educational information and useful, meaningful, daily activities for child care providers and parents to do with their children. As a result, child care is improved and provider/child and parent/child relationships are improved. Many recipients continually vocalize appreciation for this monthly mailing.

Record #: 527 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-13
CEMP: 5
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Murray, Candace

Through Extensions joint educational programs with Wilson County's CCR&R, 184 child care providers reported an increase in teaching and management skills for providing quality child care. As a result of these educational efforts and as a result of enhanced funding through Smart Start there are now four centers with a five-star rating. At the beginning of the year there were only two with a five-star rating. There are nine centers that have achieved a four-star and 13 with a three-star rating this year; up from A and B rated centers from last year. Agencies networking together has made this difference!

Record #: 528 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Whitaker, Elaine W

Improving child care though opportunities for child care professionals is an important aspect of the Surry County Extension Center. A series of educational opportunities for day care professionals was offered during the past year. Penn State's Better Kid Care Teleconferences were offered on a monthly basis. The videos and information packets from the teleconferences were made available for checkout by child care teachers and administrators after the program. Workshops offered for teachers and administrators included Be Active Kids and Read Me A Story. Kits were distributed to each center participating in each of the workshops. Kits for Read Me A Story were made possible through a Smart Start Grant. These workshops provided information to professionals representing 465 children. According to post evaluations, these kits continue to be used in the centers to improve nutrition, health and school readiness for children.

Record #: 529 of 2196
Date: 2001-09-26
CEMP: 5
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: Ivey, Lori S

The 4-H Agent worked with a licensed school-age care program to secure grant funds through the school-age care project. The program received $5,000 in grant funds that were used to make program improvements and resulted in a four star rating through the Division of Child Development. The 4-H Agent worked with the center directors to identify areas for improvement and needed equipment purchases. Some of the impacts reported by center directors were: "the light table has especially benefited ADD, ADHD and Down Syndrome children; the new rugs and bean bags have created a softer environment and have helped reduce the noise level; new storage units have made items more accessible for the children; dividers have provided privacy for classrooms; resource books have helped teachers to develop more efficient lesson plans and have given them new ideas for teaching children."

Record #: 530 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-10
CEMP: 5
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Clemmons, J G

The Onslow County Partnership For Children stresses training as the key to the quality development of child care workers. In a document entitled "Celebrating Our Successes" FY 2000/01, child care staff training was highlighted. Of the 849 child care staff members trained, 24% or 202 individuals received training via Extension's Caring For Children Training Program. Extension's efforts ranked as the number two source for the child care worker seeking training. The 4-H Agent and the Family Consumer Science/County Extension Director were recognized by the Partnership, at their awards banquet held in October 2001, for providing such high quality training opportunities to those working in the child care arena.

Record #: 531 of 2196
Date: 2001-10-25
CEMP: 5
Location: Greene
Person Reporting: Rothwell, Shenile

Play It Safe, a four-hour playground safety training for childcare providers was given cross- county in Lenior, Duplin and Greene counties. This year a total of five-hundred twenty two childcare providers recieved two-thousand and eighty-eight hours of continuing education credits. This training is mandated by the Department of Child Development. Providers learn about why play is important to a child, different types of surfacing, injuries and hazards on the playground due to equipment, protrusions and entanglement, playground inspections and each participant did their own playground audit. Evaluations showed that each participant learned how to prevent hazards and injuries on the playground and what to look for in a plyground audit. Over the six years that I (Shenile Rothwell) have taught playground safety their has been less injuries on the playground. Also in collaboration with Smart Start Childcare Resource and Referral, the training is a criteria for applying for a grant to get playground equipment and surfacing fo their playground. To date,

Record #: 532 of 2196
Date: 2001-11-06
CEMP: 5
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Swanson, Barbara D

Field trips provide valuable learning experiences for youth in care settings. Concrete experiences are essential for youth development and field trips, planned and implemented appropriately will enrich any care program. Careful planning and proactive, protective measures must be taken to insure a child's safety and security in their environment. Planning also reduces the risk of injury or harm to children in the child care setting. Cooperative Extension staff implemented a six hour school age care provider training designed to assist teachers with planning and implementing high quality, safe, field trips. Utilizing the Get Ready, Get Set, Go Field Trip and Transportation Safety curriculum, 34 school age care providers designed a field trip and then physically took the field trips during the training. Following the training, 82% of program participants reported gaining significant knowledge of field trip planning procedures. 18% reported moderate gains in field trip planning knowledge.

Record #: 533 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-06
CEMP: 5
Location: Currituck
Person Reporting: Kight, Georgia U

In an effort to improve the quality of child care, Cooperative Extension conducted educational workshops to enhance the skills of child care providers. 95 percent of survey respondents put skills gained from the trainings into practice and stated that these skills had led to improved quality of care at their site. A conference was held for 175 child care providers offering 10 different educational workshops including: legal issues, star rating, science, literacy, food safety, and stress management. 99 percent of respondents reported that the learning objectives and information presented was clear, and the training provided them with new knowledge and skills.

Record #: 534 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-06
CEMP: 5
Location: Swain
Person Reporting: Roberson, Jessica L

Be Active Kids Child care workers are required to earn a certain number of training hours in order to continue working. Extension presented the program, "Be Active Kids" for 22 child care employees in Swain and Jackson Counties. Participants learned about a curriculum they could initiate in their center to encourage children to develop positive attitudes towards physical activity and healthy eating. Several workers stated that they thought this new curriculum would be a valuable resource to use in their classroom.

Record #: 535 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-06
CEMP: 5
Location: Swain
Person Reporting: Roberson, Jessica L

Fall Holiday Ideas To assist in meeting the needs for child care training hours, Swain and Jackson County Extension Services collaborated to present the program, "Fall Holiday Ideas." Twenty-seven child care workers attended the two workshops. Participants learned various ideas and activities based on uncommon holidays such as Alphabet Day, Johnny Appleseed's Birthday, and Book Day. Many of the participants reported that they planned to incorporate the knowledge they gained into their daily lesson plans.

Record #: 536 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 5
Location: Lincoln
Person Reporting: Goodwin, Carolyn H

Childcare students in high school are usually girls. This year there was a young man in my Infant/Child First Aid class. He began working in one of the after school sites as a caregiver. It was very evident during class that he wanted to know all he could to make sure he would be able to take care of a child who was injured in his care. He made 100% on the course test, which does not happen often in this class. He also performed his practicums at a very high level. Having observed his class work, I encouraged him to go on to school and major in early childhood education instead of the associate degree in childcare services, which he had planned on doing. I was very pleased to see his application in the Teaching Fellows Scholarships indicating that he plans to get an education degree.

Record #: 537 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-07
CEMP: 5
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Mansure, Margie

In Watauga County, there is an estimated need for 100 infant and 70 toddler childcare spaces. In wages alone, the cost of infant/toddler care is $150.00 per month more than for older children, yet fees charged are the same. With NCCES leadership, a childcare committee created an incentive program for centers, providing grants of $500.00 for each space created plus continued support of $100.00 per month per space. The center must maintain 5 star ratios and charge at least $100.00 more than for older children. In the past 6 months, 37 new spaces have been created.

Record #: 538 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-12
CEMP: 5
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Hall, Sandy

Nash County Cooperative Extension through the 4-H Program received a $26,000.00 grant to provide a summer program in collaboration with the Nashville Cooley Library. The main objectives were to provide a safe place for 30 children ages 5 - 12 as well as emphasize the library's summer reading program called Seekers and Dreamers. In a little less than 10 weeks, these 30 children read close to 500 books. Parents reported that the reading opportunities helped their children improve their reading skills and they believed their children had become better readers because of this program.

Record #: 539 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-12
CEMP: 5
Location: Onslow
Person Reporting: Clemmons, J G

Approximately 2-3 months after a Caring For Children class has been taught, a behavioral survey is sent to find out if the child care provider has implemented any of the new knowledge gained. From July to December 38% of the surveys have been returned. Examples of implementation as appearing on surveys from providers: As a result of the Be Active Kids Training I now play outside more with the children and serve better snack foods which are healthy. Because of the Fight BAC class I thaw my meats differently and do not let the children eat raw dough. Hand washing at my center has increased due to the Fight BAC class. I have taught the children how and when to use the phone to call 911. More aware in general in how to fight bacteria and the problems they cause for humans.

Record #: 540 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 5
Location: Chowan
Person Reporting: Farless, Shari T

This year, 39 training hours were offered to child care workers. Since July, 233 participants have enrolled in 18.5 hours of training, one of which was a child care conference. The focus for the last half of this year was the Sesame Street curriculum Training and asthma education. Comments from those who received training included "I like learning how to improve our centers for better ratings", "Interacting with people in my field" and "Informtion on how to work with children who have disabilities".

Record #: 541 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-13
CEMP: 5
Location: Greene
Person Reporting: Dixon, W S

In the second week of June, at Snow Hill Primary School 14 staffmembers nervously watched as 165 children arrived for the first day of 4-H Discovery Day Camp. Teachers and campers quickly jumped into action. The 6 weeks that followed were filled with ball games, splash day,water melon feeds,learning activities based on 4-H curriculumn,crafts,singing and field trips. There were many highlights, but one stands out, seeing the grin on Dr. Ort's facr as campers performed the 4-H motto set to music. In the last hour of camp parents, teachers and camperssaid good by.

Record #: 542 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 5
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Hester, Katherine O

Evaluations of BSAC trainings indicated that sixty-eight providers attending trainings increased their level of knowledge regarding school age children, developing age appropriate activities and creating a positive learning environment for school age children. Currently due to staff development trainings, Davidson County has two centers and one day care home with a 5 star rating, fifteen with a four star rating and thirty-four with a three star rating.

Record #: 543 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 5
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Hester, Katherine O

Eleven staff development training sessions were conducted reaching 300 providers. Evaluations of sessions indicated that sixty persons showed an increase in awaremenss of the importance of taching preschoolers about eating healthy foods and the importance of including more physical activity in the classroom. Thirty-one providers were trained to conduct playground safety audits to meet state guidelines and seventy- one reported gaining knowlege of food safety and sanitaion. Twenty were trained in character development of children. Trainings offered by Cooperative Extension have made it possible that 52 centers are rated 3 or higher. This equated to more than one- half of the registered centers in the county rated with 3 or more stars.

Record #: 544 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-14
CEMP: 5
Location: Tyrrell
Person Reporting: Furlough, Elizabeth V

Children who are not read to at an early age are often not ready to begin school and are at a disadvantage to their more read to peers. To reinforce the message that reading to children is important, the FCE agent presented a program on Literacy to staff and parents at the local Head Start Center. With the resources of Extension and Children's Television Network, the agent presented a program that explained the importance of reading to children, the advantages of such, and how to include reading as a daily activity. The program was also presented in Spanish with the assistance of an interpreter. As a result, the FCE agemt presents Read Me a Story to Head Start Children weekly and parents became more aware of the issue at hand and know where they can find additional resources for providing their children with a head start for life.

Record #: 545 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-17
CEMP: 5
Location: Haywood
Person Reporting: Holland, Marna M

The tragic events of September 11 created a need for developmentally-appropriate information for child care providers and parents on how to address the situation. The agent sent two mailings of n materials to the 45 child care centers in the county. Additionally, a display was constructed for the county fair in late September which consisted of handouts for parents of preschool-adolescent age children. A press release from NCCE was also featured on the front page of the local newspaper. Feedback from providers and parents was very positive.

Record #: 546 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 5
Location: Pasquotank
Person Reporting: McCombs, Kelly L

Daycare providers from various facilities attended the "Be Active Kids" training. There were 13 participants at this training. The size of their facilities ranged from 12 children to 70 children. All participants reported that this training increased their awareness of the importance of educating preschoolers about healthful eating. Ten out of 13 participants reported that they would use the Be Active Kids leader lessons in their classrooms very soon.

Record #: 547 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 5
Location: Madison
Person Reporting: Kindley, Eve

Many elementary students don't have the opportunity to learn character education during the school day. Madison County 4-H collaborated with Madison County Schools to operate their after school programs and 4-H has implemented a character education program as part ot he life skills emphasis. 110 children have learned about what it means to be a 'giraffe', someone who will risk something to stick their neck out for others. Children recognized 'giraffes' in the community, "Those firemen that wen into that burning building-they were giraffes." Parents surveyed commented that "Our children have learned the true meaningof what it means to be a hero...that any person can be a hero." Children's behavior in the after school program has noticeably changed as children as making an effort to reach out to new students, and pointing out ways they can be helpful in the classroom and at home.

Record #: 548 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 5
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Whitaker, Elaine W

In 2001, a series of seven "Better Kid Care" satellite workshops were offered for day care providers and other interested citizens for the past year. The workshops originate from Penn State University and offer a variety of educational topics regarding child care. The workshops included a group participation segment designed to involve participants and offer quick, easy activity ideas to take home. 221 individuals have been enrolled in one or more of the workshops during the past year. Evaluations show that participants have gained knowledge and have made positive changes in child care centers (including discipline, nutrition and food related activities and problems, science activities, and other age appropriate activities).

Record #: 549 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 5
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Whitaker, Elaine W

Twenty-nine day care professionals working with 836 children have participated in Be Active Kids workshops in Surry County in 2001. The object of the workshops were to provide training for day care personnel to ultimately improve nutrition and physical activity of children in their care. The workshops were presented by FCE and 4-H Agents. Hands-on and group activities were methods of presenting enjoyed by participants. Each participant received a Be Active Kids kit to use in their day care center or day care home. All participants report gaining new skills and an increased awareness or the importance of educating preschoolers about healthful eating and including physical activity in the preschool curriculum as a result of the training.

Record #: 550 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-18
CEMP: 5
Location: Surry
Person Reporting: Whitaker, Elaine W

1102 children have benefitted from workshops presented by FCE and 4-H Agents in Surry County in 2001. Grant funds allowed the compilation of Read Me A Story kits to use in teaching day care providers the importance of educating preschoolers about nutrition. Each kit contained 10 pre-school books and a notebook of activities and Age- appropriate hands-on activities were used to teach providers how to use the information in the kits. Kits were distributed to individuals completing the training for use in day care centers. Eight weeks after the workshops, 63% of providers report observing positive changes in the children with respect to healthful eating (for example: more likely to try new foods); 58% of those responding report they have observed positive changes in the children with respect to fruit and vegetable recognition.

Record #: 551 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 5
Location: Harnett
Person Reporting: Greene, Connie M

Out of the 3,333 registered child care slots in Harnett County, there are approximately 450 available for school aged youth. There is a need to provide additional slots for Harnett's 8,104 children, kindergarten thru fifth grade. Cooperative Extension and Harnett County School Board teamed up to provide additional slots. A planning meeting was arranged, through the County School Liaison, with the participating principals, superintendent, and Cooperative Extension staff, to discuss concerns and share information on school policies and school age care requirements. As a result, a Memorandum of Understating was established, with each school offering an AfterSchool program. Through this positive collaboration, and continuous open communication, we are able to provide 175 additional school age child care slots, and are currently serving 130 additional children. This collaborative effort saves a typical parent, of two school age children, approximately $1,600 per year, while providing safe and quality care in convenient locations.

Record #: 552 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 5
Location: Iredell
Person Reporting: Carter, Lucille M

Having had some training in playground safety and Iredell County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent was asked to serve on a church playground planning committee. The communittee met several times deciding on types of areas to be futured as well as equipment. The agent was able to give some tips on planning the play area. Some of the existing equipment was able to be used by upgrading it and moving it to a mulched in area. The church plans to offer after school care in the future so special attention was given to be sure all the licensing guidelines were followed. Fund raisers held by the church, work days by volunteers set the play ground up for reality. The church applied for a 12 - 15 thousand dollor grant but was awarded $25,000 because of the collaborative efforts.

Record #: 553 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 5
Location: Wilson
Person Reporting: Murray, Candace

Since the mid-year's report about Extension's networking and training for child care workers, there have been an additional 50 childcare workers that have gained knowledge and skills for caring for Wilson County's youngest children. There have also been two additional day cares to recieve a 5 star rating resulting in a total of 6 day cares with a 5 star rating. That number is up from only 2 day cares at the beginning of the year with a 5-star rating. There are still 9 day cares with a 4 star rating and 13 with a 3 three star.

Record #: 554 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 5
Location: Brunswick
Person Reporting: Stanley, Pearl W

Brunswick County Child Care Providers (151) received 30 credit hours to enhance their skills in human development, health, safety and Child Development Associate. Twenty-three were certified in ARC Human Development Units by scoring 80% or above on tests. Two Family Child Providers received National CDA Credentials from T.E.A.C.H. and one has enrolled in the Community College's Early Childhood Education Program.

Record #: 555 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-19
CEMP: 5
Location: Randolph
Person Reporting: Garkalns, Susan C

To fulfill training requirements, staff from day care homes and child care centers are required to obtain a specified number of hours (continuing hours of credit or CHC) each year, following credentialing. Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Randolph Community College and the Randolph County Partnership for Children, is committed to providing a wide selection of quality training opportunities. 139 providers received training through Cooperative Extension, Randolph County Center for a total of 401 CHC's by participating in one or more of the following: Be Active Kids, Water Works Wonders, Active Learning for Ones, Safe Foods/Healthy Children, Stress Management for Adults, Theme Weeks with Science Activities and Sensible Safe Play. Each participant received a notebook of ideas, lesson plans, and resources to be used in the child care setting. As a result providers saved $8,610.00.

Record #: 556 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Teague, Karee M

Watauga County 4-H continued its collaboration with the Snowday Child Care Program. This semester completed our fourth season of providing child care on days when school is closed due to snow and holidays. The program was established in response to the high number of snowdays in our county and the expressed need for parents to continue working. The 00/01 program served over 100 youth. To help enhance the quality of the program, 4-H encouraged the enhancement of arts activities and themes. We selected the themes of Winter, Heritage, and Spring. 4-H procured a $400.00 grant to fund art and craft activities such as quilting, weaving, candle making and basket weaving. The youth also made a cooperative quilt. The felt pride in their artistic accomplishments. As a result of providing stimulating activities for youth, fewer children were left in unsupervised situations and parents took less annual leave.

Record #: 557 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Avery
Person Reporting: Greene, Connie B

The Avery County Child Fest for the year 2001 was held June 2, in Crossnore, NC. The NCCES was able to distribute information concerning parenting skills and children's health to the 175 children and parents who attended the Fest. Parents and Child Care providers took the opportunity to ask questions which increased their understanding of these important issues.

Record #: 558 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-09
CEMP: 5
Location: Avery
Person Reporting: Greene, Connie B

Child care providers need to earn educational training credits every year. This added expense for providers who are already under paid even though they are major caregivers for our most precious commodity, our children. Each year, Extension Agents in Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, Madison, and McDowell Counties work with the Regional Child Care Task Force to provide an educational conference in areas seen necessary by the providers. August 18th was a special day for the providers where they earned 56 hours of credit and had a nice lunch. Most of the employers pay the nominal fee for the conference and it enables the providers to be able to earn their credits close to home, save money, and spend less time away from their families. The 23 providers from Avery County said that the classes had given them many ideas which could be implemented to improve their programs.

Record #: 559 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Alexander
Person Reporting: Mosley, Margo

Be Active Kids: Child care providers play a vital role in helping shape positive health habits in preschoolers. Training through Extension gives providers new knowledge, skills and strategies for teaching healthful eating and physical activity. Thirty-one providers were trained in the Be Active Kids (BAK) curriculum that encourages healthy eating and physical activity in 4-5 year olds. Results show that 77 per cent of providers trained gained new knowledge; 87 per cent gained new skills; 80 per cent increased their awareness of the importance of physical activity in the preschool curriculum and 77 per cent increased their awareness of the importance of educating preschoolers about healthful eating. Follow-up surveys showed that 50 per cent were now using the curriculum and they planned to continue using it in the future. Of those who had not yet used the curriculum, all reported they planned to use it in the next 30 days.

Record #: 560 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Graham
Person Reporting: Garland, Teresa A

4-H Childcare programs help Graham County families. 4-H provided after-school care for thirty-three K-6 students. During the summer, 4-H provided full-day care for seventy-five elementary school youth. By providing quality childcare, 4-H enabled other family members to work. Youth received a safe place to stay, help with homework, help with basic skills, exercises in character development and social skills, and opporunities to try hands-on science activities.

Record #: 561 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Reece, Susan

Children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to contracting a food borne illness. Therefore 14 daycare providers participated in a 3 hour food safety training. Based upon pretest-posttest evaluations a 14 % increase in knowledge was realized. Evaluations indicated most participants (90%) felt the training provided new knowledge/skills.

Record #: 562 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Beaufort
Person Reporting: Chase, Susan

Eight FCE agents teamed up to provide an educational conference for child care professionals that had a desire to improve their personal and professional techniques and enhance their classroom environment. One hundred and fifty one child care providers registered to attend the "Building Quality Child Care" conference held at Martin Community College. Six contact credit hours were given to participants.

Record #: 563 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-20
CEMP: 5
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Reece, Susan

With the increase of terrorist treats, stress has gripped Americans. A stress awareness and management program was delivered to 30 day care providers. Based upon evaluations, 95% of the attendees learned new stress coping skills and knowledge. According to a pretest-posttest evaluation, knowledge was increased by 16%. This same program was also delivered to 29 day care jproviders at Martin CC. Based on pretest-posttest evaluations knowledge was increased by 9%.

Record #: 564 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-11
CEMP: 5
Location: Wilkes
Person Reporting: West, Judy

For the school year 2000-2001,Wilkes County 4-H SACC served 523 children in after school and summer programs.EDSTAR Educational consultants report that although a high quality program that provided supervised care was important to all participants, some students had a higher level of need than others. 28% of participants in the after school program were reading below grade level when the school year began. Approximately 22% lived with a single parent, 32% qualified for reduced price lunch, and 12% qualified for special education services. Additionally, 9% of particpants' parents did not complete high school. Reports also show an 11% increase in students reading at grade level or above on EOG an 6% increase in math at grade level or above or EOG.

Record #: 565 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Hertford
Person Reporting: Woodard, Sandra E

Pre-school children in Hertford County are at risk for health problems and obesity related to their diet and lack of physical activity. In an attempt to address this issue, NCCES offered two Be Active Kids curriculum training sessions for child care providers from Head Start, Pre-K and K teachers, Child Care Centers, Health and Wellness Center, Child Development Teachers from Hertford County High School and Roanoke-Chowan Community College. Of the 33 providers attending the training, 27 of the 33 plan to implement Be Active Kids curriculum/activities immediately. Participants responded that the training provided new knowledge and skills as well as increased knowledge of the importance of including physical activity and healthy eating in preschool curriculum in order to address the obesity issue of children in Hertford County. It is estimated that 676 children will be reached with this curriculum. Future trainings are planned to train child care providers to incorporate

Record #: 566 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Vance
Person Reporting: Jones, Mary H

A child entering child care at 6 weeks of age and exiting at age 5 will spend more hours in care than in school the next 12 years! Childhood obesity rates have doubled to 14% in 10 years! Type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically among children. The above facts establish need for teachers to be well trained to provide healthy foods, physical activity and teach children about good food. NC Cooperative Extension's Family and Consumer Education agent and Out For Lunch preschool teacher in Vance County teamed up to present a high energy training for 30 child care teachers using Extension's new Read Me a Story curriculum. Teachers participated in art, music, reading, games, and food activities based on 12 children's books with food themes. As a result Head Start is ordering the curriculum and 3 teachers have asked to borrow materials. Trainings will continue in 2002 to reach additional

Record #: 567 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Wake
Person Reporting: OSullivan, Jenny M

Youth programming in Wake County does not meet present demand and often does not address violence and substance abuse prevention. Wake County 4-H Youth Development, under the federally funded Safe Schools, Healthy Students program, continues to solicit community-based organizations for applications to receive start-up funds for new youth programs. To qualify, a program must serve a minimum of 20 high- risk youth, and implement a life-skills, substance abuse and violence prevention curricula. Three community-based organizations each received $10,000 in start up funds this year. Funded programs range from an after-school and weekend tutorial program, boxing as a recreational sport, and a theatre based youth initiative. Three additional $10,000 awards will be distributed in early 2002. As a result, six new youth programs will be launched, which will allow more than 120 youth to participate in positive activities and be exposed to substance abuse, violence prevention and life skills training.

Record #: 568 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Wake
Person Reporting: OSullivan, Jenny M

One of the assets identified by the Search Institute as a building block of healthy development that helps youth grow up to be caring, healthy, and responsible is constructive use of time. Young people who spend three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater, or other arts are more likely to succeed. The Fuquay-Varina Youth Initiative (FYI), a non-school hour program for middle school youth, strives to provide high quality programming that exposes youth to new experiences and develops their natural assets and interests. Two of the youth enrolled in the program expressed a desire to learn how to play guitar. FYI partnered with a locally owned music store to provide lessons for them over the summer. These youth have graduated from FYI, but they continue to take music lessons and have joined a church band. More youth will be receiving lessons this upcoming year.

Record #: 569 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Wake
Person Reporting: OSullivan, Jenny M

The Fuquay-Varina Youth Initiative (FYI) was recognized by a local drug prevention non-profit organization, Fuquay-Varina Citizens Against Drugs (CAD). Due to FYI's work with youth, CAD recognized the after school program as a "safe haven" for youth in the community. As a result of this designation, FYI will receive designated funds (up to $40,000) from a federal grant to provide additional prevention/education services for youth. This partnership between FYI and CAD has resulted not only in this leveraging of additional resources to support quality programming, but also in increased involvement of CAD volunteers at FYI to support a variety of ongoing services for youth.

Record #: 570 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Wake
Person Reporting: OSullivan, Jenny M

The Wake County 4-H Support Our Students (SOS) program at Daniels Middle School continues to meet the needs of a very diverse group of students. This after school program provides a variety of educational and recreational opportunities designed to increase academic success, promote healthy behaviors, and develop life skills. Each month one student is voted "Showcase Student of the Month." Recent recipients of this honor include Long and Shavosha. Long was born in Vietnam and has lived in the United States for four years, Shavosha moved to North Carolina from her home state of Louisiana not long ago. These youth have different interests and cultural backgrounds, but both have been successful in SOS, and attribute part of their personal success to their experiences in SOS.

Record #: 571 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-21
CEMP: 5
Location: Cherokee
Person Reporting: Clement, Doug M

Funds were secured to provide a summer long youth summer program in the Hiwassee Dam community of Cherokee County. Over 25 youth received 10 weeks of care while receiving hands on life skills experience through 4-H programs. The program was conducted in a community in which summer programming had not been available.

Record #: 572 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 5
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Helton, Jackie L

"4-H to the Rescue" was how the poster size thank you card read from the Sunshine House Child Care Center and its children to the Forsyth County 4-H Program. Our 4-H summer staff jumped in to help the center when their lead teacher for school aged care was injured and unable to implement his summer program that he had planned. The 4- H staff planned, bought materials, networked with the center director and other center staff, and implemented three programs per week at the center to ensure that the 30 school aged children received the highest quality program possible. The center was able to provide a quality summer program for the youth and families even with the absence of their lead teacher. The center also praised the 4-H program in their monthly newsletter to all parents and has planned to become more involved in 4-H.

Record #: 573 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-27
CEMP: 5
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Helton, Jackie L

The Hispanic and Latino communities in Forsyth County have a strong need for transportation for their children to participate in community programs. St. Leos Catholic Church has worked with over 20 organizations to provide a Hispanic Summer Day Camp for children 5-13 years old. In 2001, the organization who had provided a bus to get children from their communities to the day camp was unable to provide that service this year. Forsyth County 4-H received grant funds to provide three buses and drivers to transport the children form their communities to the St. Leos Camp. Sister Joan, the St. Leos Hispanic Day Camp Director, stated, "Without 4-H providing the transportation for the camp only 10 of the 153 youth would have been able to participate in the camp this year". The youth were able to learn lifeskills, eat a balanced lunch, and socialize in a safe environment.

Record #: 574 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Forsyth
Person Reporting: Womack, Deborah D

In Forsyth County, having quality child care is first and foremost on the minds of parents having to put young children in a child care facility while they have to work.Therefore, it is important that the children are safe at all times and being exposed to educational learning experiences. Cooperative Extension continues to network with Smart Start Technical Assistance Center to provide educational information to 58 teachers and directors via classes.60 percent were new to the profession.In classes, providers developed age-appropriate learning plans for teaching infants and preschoolers that focused on the child's intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.Participants,also, learned ways to work with toddlers/preschoolers in behavior management skills.By participating in the classes, the providers gained more confidence in working with children as well as additional techniques to try in their lesson plans.By enrolling in the classes, the turnover rate is declining because the child care providers are learning new

Record #: 575 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 5
Location: Wayne
Person Reporting: Scott, Howard

Wayne County 4-H is the only organization that is providing training for school age child care centers. Starting in the fall of 2000, all child care centers that have school age programs must attend a seven-hour training designed by the NC Department of Human Services' Child Care Section. To meet this need in the county, seven-hour classes have been taught to 68 child care providers. In their evaluations, the participants have said, "I wish I had learned as much from theother trainings that I have taken as I have from the trainings I take from 4-H", "I will surely be able to take what I have learned from this workshop and apply it to my class at the center." 92 of the participants rate the training as excellent. Wayne County conducted its sixth annual School Age Care Conference. This conference was attended by 103 providers and provided five hours of continuing education credit for the care giver. Workshops offered included: team bulding, curriculum character education, inclusion of special needs youth and more. Over 82 of the participants said they will be able to use information learned at the conference.

Record #: 576 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-28
CEMP: 5
Location: Mitchell
Person Reporting: Dillon, April

Lack of adequate training increases the stress level of child care providers and ultimately leads to leaving the profession. Thirteen 4-H staff members participated in 26 hours of child care training provided by the 4-H Agent, 4-H Program Manager, Emergency Medical Technician and Department of Social Services. In addition, staff members participated in monthly staff development meetings where they learned more about programming for a school age audience. As a result of being made aware of additional training opportunities, four staff members attended the NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference, five staff members attended the NC School Age Care conference and three staff members attended the "1-2-3 Magic! Who's In Charge" seminar. Staff members have shown greater confidence in their skills of leading enrichment programs and have shown an increase in knowledge about quality child care. Staff members are developing more of their own enrichment activities.

Record #: 577 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-30
CEMP: 5
Location: Northampton
Person Reporting: Van-Rijn, Suzanne P

The Northampton County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service recognizes the need for safe, quality, and affordable child care in the county. During the summer a $29,000 grant was received through the Department of 4-H, School Age Child Care Program to implement a summer day camp program in two sites in the county. Transportation was provided to one of the sites. Northampton County Public Schools provided the sites at no charge. 45 youth were reached through this program. They were exposed to many activities that they would not normally have the opportunity to experience such as swimming lessons and karate lessons as well as a variety of arts and crafts, recreational and educational activities. Each Friday, the group took an educational field trip.

Record #: 578 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-30
CEMP: 5
Location: Lee
Person Reporting: Condlin, Susan C

In partnerships with the Health Department, Parks & Recreation, Child Care Consultant and Partnership for Children, the FCE program continues to educate and provide necessary credit hours to child care providers in order to improve the quality of child care and increase providers knowledge in specific child development areas. In accordance with state statutes workshops have included "Be Active Kids", "Playground Safety", BSAC, Food Safety, Nutrition and the Penn State Satellite Training. Program evaluations continue to indicate a need for subject matter training. 80 providers received 30 hours of training. A BAK survey, showed 12 facilities had used the kits and they reported the children demonstrating a willingness to try new foods. Providers showed positive attitudes about the importance of teaching healthy eating and physical activity. Providers agreed the training had provided them with new knowledge and skills and were very complimentary of both the training and materials delivered.

Record #: 579 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 5
Location: Pitt
Person Reporting: Scott, Alexis

Pitt County Family & Consumer Education continues to educate and provide necessary credit hours to child care providers. Both center providers and family home providers participated in four, 2 hour credit hour trainings. The goal of improving the quality of child care in Pitt county as well as increasing provider knowledge in required subject matter was successful. Our program serviced 122 providers which produced a total number of 2440 credit hours. 101 evaluations were returned. In total 869 children and 1013 parents were directly affected by the increase in knowledge provided by the trainings. A documented 56 participants increased their knowledge by 100% and 42 participants increased their knowledge by 50%. Pitt County will continue to work toward improving the quality of child care in the county.

Record #: 580 of 2196
Date: 2001-12-31
CEMP: 5
Location: Caswell
Person Reporting: Pointer, Donna P

Quality child care continues to be a major area of emphasis for the NCCES in Caswell County. As the agency hosting the Child Care Resource and Referral office CES has a major impact on both the child care providers and families. One infant/toddler room was recently being set up at a local day care center. The CCR&R Program Assistant developed a needs assessment for the room and administered the infant-toddler rating scale and the environmental rating scale. She then offered technical assistance on all aspects of the scale that needed improvement. A second rating scale determined that the room had improved in all areas.

Record #: 581 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 5
Location: Ashe
Person Reporting: Blackburn, Linda

A state of art training lab has been developed to be used for training for staff. The lab includes a training room, two rooms set up as model classrooms (one for grades K-3 and one for 4-8) and an extensive Resource Lab including programmatic and professional information. This lab allows county staff to meet together, plan, train, bond with staff working with the same age group and have hands on experience in school-age care topics. The lab has added support to the staff and developed a professionalism not previously seen. As staff are trained, feel they have support and view themselves as professionals, they stay longer and even view their position as a permanent position. This in turn reduces staff turnover which allows for more stable and higher quality programs for staff, parents and participants.

Record #: 582 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 5
Location: Ashe
Person Reporting: Miller, Jennifer

4-H Summer Parks is an eight week summer program for children grades 1st through 8th. Each group is divided according to thegrade of the child. This summer in Group I,there was a little boy who was typically not a very social child. This child also had seizures and was nervous about this condition. During summer parks the boy unfortunately had a seizure. Even though staff members were very nervous they did not relay this to the child but kept him calm throughout the seizure and until his parents came. The parents also praised the summer program for helping the boy bloom into a very personable and friendly child. In a letter from the parents they said, We feel that we are so blessed to have teachers and programs that are not afraid of things that are different .

Record #: 583 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 5
Location: Ashe
Person Reporting: Blackburn, Linda

Four year age we began to look at staff development plan for School-age Care providers because there was no syllabus for school -age providers. Wilkes Community College worked with us to devise a plan for our staff. Most semesters about 25% of the staff availed themselves of the opportunity to continue their education. This last semester 12 of our 28 staff were in continuing education classes. At this time of the 28 staff in our school-age care providers 12 have at least had Credentials I and II or the equivalent. It is evident that program quality has improved with the increase of training of the staff. Staff are better able to understand the youth with which they work and are able to met the needs of the youth.

Record #: 584 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-17
CEMP: 5
Location: Cleveland
Person Reporting: Abasiekong, Nancy

Improving the quality of child care in Cleveland County is a goal for our community and the state. Cleveland County has approximately 100 child care centers and homes. One of the ways we are addressing this issue is through quality enhancement grants. Approximately 33 centers/ homes participated in 2001. An assessment is done on each center/home using the ITERS, ECERS or FDCRS assessment tool. Returning participants must increase their scores by a designated amount in order to receive funds. Plans and recommendations are developed with each center/ home based on their scores and areas where improvement is needed. Each plan is reviewed and recommendations made by the review team for each assessment score of 3 or below. Plans are developed for interior equipment and playgrounds. Technical assistance and follow-up is provided for each participant. Participants pay a 10 percent match. 926 children were impacted.

Record #: 585 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-24
CEMP: 5
Location: Stanly
Person Reporting: Ivey, Lori S

There are 58 after-school programs in Stanly County. NC Cooperative Extension is the major source for training school-age care providers. Each instructor hired in a licensed program must complete the seven-hour Basic School-Age Care (BSAC) training. Through BSAC we have reached 47 school-age care providers. 42 of the 47 providers reported that the trainings provided them with new knowledge/skills or that the information would help them improve their teaching skills.

Record #: 586 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-06
CEMP: 6
Location: Durham
Person Reporting: Sellars, Delphine

Durham Center's Community Outreach Division produced and distributed it first Newletter, "Shared Visions" in January 2001. This newsletter is produced quarterly and distributed to 500 residents and community/human service agencies and organizations. Content of the newsletter focus on current issues affecting Durham County, highlights of individual community organizational activities/projects and plans/activities of Extension for the fiscal year. Recipients of the newsletter have called for additional information regarding services and/or activities mentioned in the newsletter. In addition, citizens not currently on the newsletter mailing list are calling requesting that they be added. "The content of your newsletter is very informative and easy to follow. We enjoy reading all of the information and anxiously await your next issue." are standard responses from Extension clientele.

Record #: 587 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-15
CEMP: 6
Location: Davidson
Person Reporting: Lopp, Robert D

In Davidson County a commissioner appointed a grass roots tourism committee to develop tourism that would broaden the predominately textile and furniture base. In the first year the group assessed tourism sites within the county, refurbished some of the sites and distributed 30,000 brochures promoting tourism. The Extension Service coordinated agritourism efforts. The horse industry emerged as one that was interested in establishing trails and offering trail rides for the public. The Extension Service also led the effort to write the Golden Leaf Tobacco grant for a multipurpose facility. Currently Extension is looking toward coordinating a tourism day in the county to create awareness and promote the tourism effort.

Record #: 588 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-12
CEMP: 6
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

There are economic and environmental benefits to a renewable energy transition. Appalachian Regional Initiative for Solar Energy (ARISE), with leadership from Cooperative Extension, is working to bring about such a transition in Watauga County. Watauga was designated as a "solar community" in 1998, and in 1999 became a local partner in the Million Solar Roofs Initiative, an initiative to combat global climate change through the installation of 1 million solar energy systems by 2010 in the U.S. THE SOLAR CONNECTION: Renewable Energy Options for the High Country Workshop was attended by 110 consumers in March. The workshop included a series of excellent speakers on topics such as energy efficiency and passive solar construction, photovoltaics, wind power, micro-hydroelectricity to NC State Solar Tax Credits. Evaluations show that 98% of participants gained awareness about Renewable Energy Options, with 69% giving concrete things that they will do to coserve energy.

Record #: 589 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-15
CEMP: 6
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

When the High Country AMIGOS' Hispanic Women's Group started meeting at the Agricultural Conference Center in the fall of 1998, the women did not want to be separated from their children. There was no need for child care--the children stayed close to their mothers. This spring, the women wanted to know about Day Care Centers and they also expressed a need for Child Care workers to care for their children while they had their English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes. Cooperative Extension got the Head Start Director to visit the Hispanic Women's Group to tell them about the program. Presently, four (4) 3-year-olds have been enrolled to begin Head Start in August.

Record #: 590 of 2196
Date: 2002-01-02
CEMP: 6
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Tucker, David

The Farm/City Banquet is wonderful opportunity for the people working in the "City Environment" to come together with the "Country Folk" and celebrate the past years achievements. For the year 2001 as a way to bring these groups even closer together a Farm/City Exchange was organized. We let both groups exchange jobs for part of a day to let one another experience their job related activities. These exchanges were video taped and played for the 280 people attending the farm city banquet. The video was a complete success with everyone laughing and experiencing the Farm/City Exchange. Everyone commented that it was a great idea and we plan to expand on the video program next year.

Record #: 591 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 6
Location: Macon
Person Reporting: Knapp, Renay C

History is an important factor to communities in Macon County. Two communities lead the way in preserving their historical sites. One community has their community center, an old methodist church, listed on the North Carolina Historical Registar and is working on the National. Another community has a section of their community, including the old post office, general store, and elementary school, listed on the National Historical Registar. They are also working to restore an abandoned black methodist church and grounds, including the cemetary.

Record #: 592 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 6
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

The most recent census indicates that the Hispanic/Latino population becomes biggest U.S. Minority! North Carolina is one of the newly emerging magnets for Hispanic people-increasing by 355 percent between 1990 and 1999. Communication and language barriers need to be addressed. High Country AMIGOS, with Cooperative Extension being a key leader, has increased the English as a Second Language (ESL) classes from two classes per week to five classes per week. Many Mexicans who work on local Christmas Tree Farms are in these classes.

Record #: 593 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 6
Location: Watauga
Person Reporting: Counts, Sue

North Carolina is one of the newly emerging magnets for Hispanic people-increasing by 355 percent between 1990 and 1999. The Watauga County Cooperative Extension began serving this population in 1998 with the birth of the High Country AMIGOS. Transportation is one of the main barriers. The County Director wrote a proposal for a 15-passenger van which would be owned by the St. Luke's Episcopal Church, but would be used primarily by the High Country AMIGOS for transporting the Mexican men and women to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and other classes. In June, it was announced that the funds to purchase the 15-passenger van are now available.

Record #: 594 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 6
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Dickens, Joe W

The Rocky Mount Opportunities Industrialization Center has directed the Summer Youth Employment Program in Nash and Edgecombe Counties for several years. The guidelines for this program changed and the new guidelines required the participants in the program to participate in a Leadership Development Program. The Rocky Mount O.I.C. called the Edgecombe County Extension Center and a Leadership Development Program was developed that met on Saturday morning, 9 - 12 Noon. Cooperative Extension developed and presented the training.

Record #: 595 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 6
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Dickens, Joe W

The Edgecombe Entrepreneur Organization, the Ebonette Club of Tarboro Inc., Women With A Vision, American Association of University Women and the Tarboro Human Relations Commission sponsored the 2nd Annual After School Bash at Indian Lake in Tarboro on June 9, 2001. This event started a year ago as an activity for school children that had been affected by Hurricane Floyd. The event was so successful, the students requested the After School Bash become an annual event. Over $1500 in products, food and supplies were donated to feed and entertain 500 youth and adults in attendance.

Record #: 596 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-28
CEMP: 6
Location: Edgecombe
Person Reporting: Dickens, Joe W

The Edgecombe Entrepreneur Organization was organized in 1988 by the Edgecombe County Cooperative Extension Center. The group of small business owners meet monthly and have educational programs about things that affects their businesses. One of the goals of this group has been to build a community facility where they could host community activities. One of the things this group needed was the 501(c3) non-profit status. The group was recently granted 501(c3) status.

Record #: 597 of 2196
Date: 2001-06-29
CEMP: 6
Location: Nash
Person Reporting: Gibson, John A

With the present outlook for agriculture in the eastern section of the state looking not at all favorable for the economhy of farmers, it was suggested that a look in a new direction be undertaken. Working in conjunction with the City of Rocky Mount's Parks and Recreation Department, the Nash County Tourism Bureau and the Nash County Cooperative Extension Service, a meeting was held to discuss the feasibility of introducing Agri-tourism into the area. Several farmers, ranchers and dairy operators were identified and invited to a meeting to discuss the agri-tourism market and its possibilities as an income generating source. It was agreed to do a test run of a ag tour in the county and determine how best to proceed from their. The test run was held and it was decided to do further study on how to present your message to the general

Record #: 598 of 2196
Date: 2001-08-06
CEMP: 6
Location: Durham
Person Reporting: Sellars, Delphine

As a part of its community devlopment, Durham's Extension has conducted a series of focus groups centered around the Health Disparities of African American in Durham County. Focus groups have been held at local minority churches, neighborhood organizational meetings and PAC district meetings. These focus groups have been conducted in collaboration with Durham Health Partners through a grant from Durham County Health Department. As of the end of June 2001 over 150 residents have shared their views on what they consider to be the most important health issues and discussed ways to eliminate the existing health disparities. Major goals of this activity are the contributions it will make to the "County Health Stragetic Plan and the development of Durham County's Health Resourse Booklet, which will be distributed to all participants.

Record #: 599 of 2196
Date: 2001-07-02
CEMP: 6
Location: Graham
Person Reporting: Collins, Randy

The Smokey Mountain Native Plants Association, a group organized through the help of Extension, has organized a local Farmer's Market for Graham County. The group plans to feature products from Graham County that are strictly home grown, in order to help boost the county's ecomomic resources. The group also hopes to use some of the proceeds from the market to fund some of th