Cabarrus County Cooperative Extension / 4-H

06/05/2026

Supporting agriculture starts with protecting the land that makes it possible. Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs) help preserve farms, forests, and open spaces while strengthening our local agricultural community. Stay tuned to learn more about how VADs benefit both farmers and residents! 🚜🌾

06/05/2026

The Summer 2026 Cabarrus County Livestock & Field Crops Newsletter is here!

This issue includes seasonal reminders and updates to help you get ready for summer, including news about the Voluntary Agriculture District Program, entering agricultural goods in the Cabarrus County Fair, and upcoming meetings and events.

If you ever need help, Agriculture Agent Sarah Newman is always happy to come out to the farm to look at pastures, hay, livestock, or management questions and help however she can. Feel free to reach out anytime to schedule a visit.

If you would like to receive the newsletter or be added to the livestock & field crops email list, send me a message or email me at
[email protected]
or call 704-920-3317

Please share with anyone involved in agriculture in Cabarrus County!

06/04/2026

Join us on June 18th from 9 AM–12 PM in Concord, NC for a hands-on learning experience at Green Leaf Farms!

Participants will learn the step-by-step process of poultry processing from start to finish in a supportive, guided environment. Whether you’re new or looking to build your skills, this is a great opportunity to gain real, practical experience.

1639 St Johns Church Rd, Concord, NC
Register here: https://cabarruspoultryprocessing2026.eventbrite.com

Questions? Contact Sarah Newman at 704-920-3310 or [email protected]

06/03/2026

Learn practical cattle...

06/03/2026

This weekend!

Join us for the 2026 NC Beef System Field Day! We’re heading to the mountains for a full day of innovation, hands-on demonstrations, and expert insights designed to help your farm thrive.

📅 Event Details
When: June 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Mountain Research Station
Address: 265 Test Farm Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786

Cost: FREE (Lunch is on us!)

🔍 What’s on the Agenda?
We’ve packed the day with the latest in agricultural tech and management strategies:

Nutritional Efficiency: Learn how to maximize your herd's performance while managing costs.

Forage & Drones: See how drone technology is changing the game for pasture management.

Virtual Fencing: Explore the future of grazing without the wire.

Equipment in Action: Live hay equipment demonstrations and a full trade show featuring industry leaders.

🎟️ How to Join
Registration is completely free, but it helps us get the lunch count right! 🍔

Secure your spot here: go.ncsu.edu/beeffieldday2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with fellow producers and see the latest beef industry tech in action. See you in Waynesville!

05/29/2026

Join us for Tomato and Salsa Canning Workshop?

Register for July 2 at 10am: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/cabarrus-county/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyNjY3OTI=

Register for July 13 at 6pm: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/cabarrus-county/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyNjY4MDk=

This workshop is designed for anyone interested in learning more about safely canning acidified foods, such as tomatoes, salsa, and pickles at home. This hands-on class will cover foods that need to be acidified to be processed using a boiling water canner, equipment needs, and safe tested recipes.

Date and Time:
July 2nd, 10:00am - 12:30pm
July 13th, 6:00 - 8:30pm

Location:
The Pamela C Outen Teaching Kitchen
715 Cabarrus Ave West
Concord, NC 28027

Registration Fee:
$20.00, includes supplies

Accommodation Requests: Persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by June 17th to Suzanne Doad, 704-920-3310 or [email protected]

alt text: the above information with decorative pictures

05/27/2026

Had so much fun teaming up with Rowan County Cooperative Extension, Rowan Farm Bureau, and Cabarrus Farm Bureau to make this event such a success! Thanks to everyone who came out to support local agriculture!

05/26/2026

ECA Travel Club Trip

The Educational Travelers Club invites you to join them in a trip to Greenville, SC on Thursday, June 18th. They are planning to depart from the Extension Office at 8:00 AM and return around 6:30-7:00 PM. The cost of the trip is $55 for members and $58 for non-members and includes roundtrip motorcoach fare and a tour of Downtown Greenville with a tour guide who will speak on various local places, including an 1800's carriage factory, the original Duke's Mayonnaise factory, the Riverwalk, early textile mills, Einstein connections, the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum, and other places of interest. Lunch will be on your own at Gather GVL, a group of restaurants that serves everything from burgers and chicken to Japanese food, Mexican food, and even lobster rolls. There are 20 seats remaining and registration ends on June 4th. To register, mail your completed registration form with a check made payable to "Educational Travelers" to Judy McClendon, 2521 Centergrove Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083. If you have any questions, please call Darlene Davis at 704-244-0366.

Contact Suzanne Doad at [email protected] to receive a copy of the registration.

05/22/2026

Join us for our DIY Terrarium Workshop!

Register at: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/cabarrus-county/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM2NjAwOTc=

Create Your Own Self-Sustaining Mini Ecosystem!

Join us for a hands-on DIY Terrarium Workshop, where you'll learn how to design and build your very own closed terrarium—a beautiful, low-maintenance miniature world perfect for any space!

Each participant will receive:
✨ A glass jar with a built-in light lid
🌱 A selection of terrarium-friendly plants
🌿 Fresh moss and natural decorative elements
🪱 A colony of springtails (beneficial microfauna) to help keep your ecosystem clean
💧 All necessary materials and guidance to create your very own living terrarium

This workshop is perfect for plant lovers, beginners, and anyone who enjoys creative, eco-friendly crafts. You'll leave with a self-sustaining terrarium that’s as beautiful as it is functional!

Date: June 8, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:00pm
Location: 715 Cabarrus Ave W, Concord, NC 28027
Cost: $40.00

Alt text: all the above information with decorative pictures.

05/22/2026

Meet the Cabarrus County Cooperative Extension Summer Interns! We are so excited to have them join us this summer!

Hi! My name is Emily Ward, and I am a sophomore at North Carolina State University majoring in Agricultural Business Management with minors in Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Economics. I’m originally from Stanly County and have been involved in agriculture for years through FFA leadership, livestock evaluation, and hands-on farm experience caring for a variety of animals. I currently serve as an Agriculture and Resource Economics Ambassador at NC State and am passionate about agricultural advocacy, leadership, and community involvement. This summer, I’m excited to serve Cabarrus County through North Carolina Cooperative Extension and North Carolina A&T State University while continuing to grow my knowledge and passion for the agriculture industry!

If you see them in the office or out in the field make sure to stop and say hello!