N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center

06/10/2026

This visitor flew into our booth at NC Trail Days. We had never seen an insect like this, so of course we had to find out who our visitor was. In researching, we discovered it is a kudzu bug, a true bug (they have sucking mouth parts). These bugs like to feed on kudzu, soybeans, various legumes, and wisteria. For more information see the link.
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/kudzu-bug-a-nuisance-and-agricultural-pest

Submitted by Cynthia Beane, Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer

06/10/2026

If you are interested in applying for the SNAP/FNS program in North Carolina, you can contact the More In My Basket team. They offer toll free lines that you can call Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm.

Their team offers SNAP assistance in English, Spanish and Portuguese. More In My Basket can answer your questions about SNAP, run an eligibility screening and help you with the application over the phone. For other languages, your local Department of Social Services will provide language translation upon request.

Call More In My Basket today at 1-855-240-1451 (English and Portuguese) or 1-888-382-7105 (Spanish).

06/10/2026

Siloam ECA club enjoyed a Hot Cross Bun demonstration by fellow club member Carole Simpson at their June 8 meeting. The delicious yeast rolls with a glazed cross on top were served as part of the lunch along with a decorative focaccia bread created by Marion Venable. Member Sue Wilkins shared a story and showed her favorite apron she wore as a girl when doing 4-H demonstrations. Aprons hold special stories and memories for many and will be highlighted at future meetings. The Siloam club will be having their traditional 4th of July celebration on July 4th - complete with a bake sale, old fashioned children's games and chances on a beautiful patriotic quilt maid by club member Betty White. Proceeds from the quilt will be used to benefit the many local projects of Siloam ECA. For more information contact the Surry County Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 336-401-8025.

06/08/2026

June 6, NC Trail Days
Thanks to the 96 people visiting the NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Surry County. Our topic for the event was Gardening Through a Drought; a very concerning topic this year for North Carolina. Many visitors took a spin with the Wheel of Drought and gave thoughtful answers to the questions. Drought tolerant seeds of purple cone flower, along with information on drought mitigation on properties were distributed to those stopping by. It was a great day, however warm, to spend with everyone.

Submitted by Cynthia Beane, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

06/06/2026

Stretching your SNAP benefits doesn’t have to be a struggle! 🛒

With a few smart moves, you can fill your cart with healthy, delicious meals without breaking the bank. Here are 3 quick tips for your next grocery run:

🍲Go for store brands: Skip the big names and reach for the "generic" or store-brand versions. They usually have the exact same ingredients but cost way less.

🫘Buy staples in bulk: Stock up on rice, dried beans, and oats. They are filling, shelf-stable and cost much less per serving than pre-packaged meals.

📱Download Store Apps: Clip digital coupons before you go and check the weekly circulars to plan your meals around what’s on sale.

To learn more about the SNAP program, visit the morefood.org website or call the More In My Basket team toll-free at 1-855-240-1451.

06/05/2026

We are excited to announce two upcoming workshops focused on spotted lanternfly (SLF) identification, monitoring, and management in North Carolina.
These events, in Surry and Henderson Counties, will provide the grape community with practical information on recognizing tree of heaven, SLF life stages, understanding current distribution and risk, and preparing vineyard systems for monitoring efforts later this season.
Sign up for one of these FREE workshops!
https://grapes.ces.ncsu.edu/news/spotted-lanternfly-monitoring-workshops/

06/05/2026

Red, white, and beautiful!
We are absolutely loving our new display case celebrating America's 250-year anniversary! A huge shoutout and thank you to the Siloam ECA club members for sponsoring this stunning setup.
Don't just look at the pictures—stop by our office to check it out in person!

06/05/2026

Happy Fathers Day! A reminder to all you Dads out there...June is Men's Health Awareness Month. Take time to check up on yourself as well as your insurance coverage to make sure you and your family are protected. Questions? Call us at 855-408-1212 or visit Medicare and Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) | NC DOI at https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/medicare-and-seniors-health-insurance-information-program-shiip

06/04/2026

This week we are reading "Going to Sleep on the Farm." This sweet story takes us through the bedtime routine of all of the animals on the farm. June is Dairy Month so is the perfect time to think about the cows on the farm and all of the delicious dairy foods made from milk that we enjoy each day. How many can you and your family name? What is your favorite? Often I have children group eggs into the dairy foods category because they are located near the milk at the grocery store. Since eggs come from chickens, they definitely are not a dairy food, but are an excellent choice of low cost protein. Scrambled eggs, omelets, hard boiled eggs, egg salad, the list goes on. Think of how you may be able to use eggs as part of a quick, easy and inexpensive breakfast, lunch or dinner this summer.

https://youtu.be/fmxBI9xWTL0?feature=shared

06/02/2026

No school may give us a little more time to just enjoy the moment! This week we are reading Tisha and the Blossoms. It seems that Tisha has to hurry all day long. When her mother picks her up from school, they decide to change up their routine and take time to count birds, look at the clouds and enjoy a picnic. Think about what you and your family can do to make each day just a little bit special. Dinner on a blanket on the living room floor may be just what you need on a rainy day! Food art is lots of fun. See how creative you can be with some fresh fruits and vegetables. Make memories doing the simple things.

Happy eating and reading!

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