Offers Resources for Farmers and Gardeners
BY MILES LAYTON
EDENTON — From award-winning youth presentations to hands-on agricultural support and food preservation workshops, the Chowan County Cooperative Extension Service is buzzing with activity this summer. Highlighting its commitment to education, outreach, and community engagement, the Extension office is celebrating local youth success while also preparing for a month of events that serve farmers, gardeners, and home food enthusiasts alike.
Chowan County 4-H Shines at District Activity Day
Four young 4-H members from Chowan County made their community proud on Tuesday, June 24, as they competed in the 4-H District Activity Day held at Martin Community College. Their impressive efforts earned them top honors and a chance to advance to state-level competition.
Sam Norton won a gold medal for his engaging and informative presentation on North Carolina turtles, highlighting the unique characteristics and conservation importance of the state’s native species.
Allie Norton also earned a gold medal for her environmental-themed talk about the importance of picking up litter and keeping public spaces clean. Allie’s passion for sustainability and youth advocacy stood out among the judges.
Meanwhile, Meagan Conner delivered a thoughtful and creative presentation comparing digital and traditional forms of art. Her gold-medal performance in her age group showcased both her technical knowledge and appreciation for artistic expression.
Felicity Layden, a Cloverbud participant, delighted the audience with a fun and energetic presentation about Pokémon Go, demonstrating her enthusiasm and poise at the podium. While Cloverbuds are not scored for competition, their participation is encouraged and celebrated as a foundation for future leadership.
Allie, Sam, and Meagan have earned the opportunity to represent Chowan County at the State 4-H Presentation Finals, which will take place July 21 in Raleigh.
Canning Class: Pickled Beets on the Menu
Community members interested in learning how to safely preserve summer vegetables are invited to a hands-on canning class later this month.
Hosted by Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Mary Morris, the class will focus on pickled beets, a seasonal favorite in home pantries across eastern North Carolina. The session will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Chowan County Extension Office.
Participants will learn about proper canning techniques, food safety guidelines, and best practices for preparing and storing pickled vegetables.
“Home Food Preservation is a great way to preserve summer’s bounty to be enjoyed all year. Summer Canning Classes are offered each year to teach consumers research based techniques to safely preserve foods at home,” Morris said.
Those interested can register by contacting Mary Morris at mary_morris@ncsu.edu. Space is limited, and early sign-up is encouraged.
V Training for Farmers Scheduled July 21
The Extension Office is also gearing up to support the local farming community with a V Training session for pesticide license recertification, scheduled for Monday, July 21 at 9 a.m. at the Chowan County Extension Office.
Led by Agriculture Agent Wil Haines, the training is part of the state’s required continuing education program for licensed applicators and growers who use restricted-use pesticides.
Farmers interested in attending should call Wil Haines at 252-482-6585 for more information or to register.
Disease Alerts from NC State Plant Pathology Lab
With wetter weather patterns developing across northeastern North Carolina, the NC State Vegetable Pathology Lab is urging growers to stay informed about common plant diseases that thrive in damp conditions.
Sarah Richardson, Chowan County’s Commercial Horticulture Agent, recommends producers and gardeners review disease management guides and monitor crops closely during the rainy stretch.
Growers with concerns or looking for technical assistance can reach out to Richardson directly through the Extension Office for help diagnosing plant health issues and accessing NC State’s vast network of research and resources.
About the Chowan County Extension Service
Part of the NC State University Cooperative Extension network, the Chowan County Extension Service plays a vital role in the region by offering research-based programs that serve agriculture, youth development, family wellness, and environmental education.
Through its partnerships with local government, schools, and statewide institutions, the Extension Service helps residents navigate everyday challenges—from crop production to youth leadership, from healthy eating to community resilience.
This summer, the office continues to build momentum across its program areas. Whether it’s young people heading to Raleigh to represent their county on the big stage or farmers sharpening their skills in the classroom, the message from Chowan Extension is clear: the future is growing here.
For more information about upcoming events, resources, or how to get involved, residents can call the Chowan County Extension Office at 252-482-6585 or visit the NC Cooperative Extension website.
