NC Cooperative Extension - Buncombe County

08/16/2026

Entry deadlines are approaching quickly for competitions at the 2026 NC Mountain State Fair, taking place Sept. 11-20! ⏰

The deadline for all Cooking Competitions and the Gospel Singing Contest is TOMORROW! All general exhibits and livestock division entries have until Aug. 28th. Please see the 2026 Catalog on our website below to register for a competition today!

Register here: https://www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/exhibitors/heartbeat-ofair-focus---expo-exhibits

08/16/2026

Don't forget to get your fair entries to your county extension agents for the Pony Express that will help get your entries to the fairgrounds! The deadline is Aug. 28.
To learn more about the Pony Express, visit https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/06/pony-express-program-returns-deliver-nc-mountain-state-fair-entries-fairgrounds
To register for general and livestock competitions, visit https://www.wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/exhibitors

08/14/2026

There are still spots in this hands on Tomato Canning Class at Avery's Creek Community Center. The class is Sat August 22nd and will be from 9am to 12pm. Cost is$10 and you can register by calling (828) 255-5522.

One of the best foods for learning how to can is tomatoes. We’ll be having a hands-on class at Avery’s Creek Community Center on Saturday August 22nd from 9am – 12pm. In this hands-on class we cover…

08/14/2026

Do you have entries for the Mountain State Fair and you don't want to drive them over to the fair grounds? Use the Pony Express to deliver your non-perishable entries.

Mountain State Fair Pony ExpressDo you have entries for the Mountain State Fair and you don't want to drive them over to the fair grounds? Use the Pony Express to deliver your non-perishable entries.…

08/13/2026

This workshop series, directed at North Carolina landowners, who want practical, trustworthy information, will bring local farmers, landowners, and resource providers together for workshops focused on forest management and registration, income producing opportunities, how to improve productivity, where to find support, and a discussion about heir property and succession planning. This event is designed for agricultural and forestry landowners, but all are welcome.

This workshop series, directed at North Carolina landowners, who want practical, trustworthy information, will bring local farmers, landowners, and resource providers together for workshops focused…

08/12/2026

As many of us know a hurricane or even a strong summer storm can lead to extended power outages and flooding can threaten your food supply, your bank account, and your peace of mind. Some storage and budgeting practices can help protect what you have as well as keep you and your family safe during an emergency. Being prepared can go a long way in supporting peace of mind.

As many of us know a hurricane or even a strong summer storm can lead to extended power outages and flooding can threaten your food supply, your bank account, and your peace of mind. Some storage and…

08/10/2026

With 1,074 farms and 78,245 acres of farm land, Buncombe County serves as a powerful segment of North Carolina’s agricultural economy.

The USDA Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, with the next being in 2027, is our state’s most comprehensive source of agricultural statistics. Today, that data is more important than ever for North Carolina and for Buncombe County. Learn how you can be included in the upcoming census below.

With 1,074 farms and 78,245 acres of farm land, Buncombe County serves as a powerful segment of North Carolina’s agricultural economy.The USDA Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, with…

08/09/2026

The Mountain State Fair is just around the corner. It is a fun way to highlight your preserving and cooking skills by entering their contests and taking the chance to bring home some blue ribbons this year. Check out the various contest they have and make plans on entering. The deadlines are approaching!

The Mountain State Fair is just around the corner. It is a fun way to highlight your preserving and cooking skills by entering their contests and taking the chance to bring home some blue ribbons…

08/08/2026

One of the best foods for learning how to can is tomatoes. We’ll be having a hands-on class at Avery’s Creek Community Center on Saturday August 22nd. In this hands-on class we cover canning tomatoes with a water bath canner and a pressure canner. We will also discuss freezing and dehydrating tomatoes as other options for preserving them for future use. Contact our office at 828-255-5522 to register.

One of the best foods for learning how to can is tomatoes. We’ll be having a hands-on class at Avery’s Creek Community Center on Saturday August 22nd from 9am – 12pm. In this hands-on class we cover…

08/08/2026

WNC Agricultural Options is now accepting grant applications from farmers diversifying or expanding their businesses. WNC AgOptions is funded by the North Carolina To***co Trust Fund Commission and works in partnership with WNC Communities and N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Applicants are encouraged to participate in information sessions listed below.

***The Intent to Apply deadline is October 9, 2026. *** All applicants must contact their county Cooperative Extension Agent before this date to discuss their projects.Extension agents remain a resource for farmers throughout the year as they complete their projects.

WNC AgOptions offers grants to farmers in the following counties/units: Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga and Yancey counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

More information can be found at: https://wncagoptions.org/