Agricultural Technician Program

Quality Equipment, LLC, is a new ANA member and a John Deere equipment dealer. They strongly support agritourism and hope to become actively involved in future events, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal regions of the state. Right now, they are recruiting students to take part in an exciting Agricultural Technician Program where applicants have an opportunity to “earn while they learn“ a great career.  The best part is, participants can be guaranteed a JOB, at one of 12 locations, when they excel and complete a two year program at Wake Technical College.  This could be a real win/win situation, so please pass this opportunity along to anyone, of any age, who might be interested.

Students can get a free CD and inquire at these two events or stop by any Quality Equipment location for details:

The Southern Farm Show, February 1-3, at the NC State Fairgrounds, booth #601 and 626 in the Jim Graham Building,

Deere Tech Open House,  February 21^st –  building AHT where Quality Equipment and John Deere will have a display

Please, do not hesitate to contact Steve Dove at Quality Equipment (919-346-5410) or Ronnie Lowe at Wake Technical College (919-866-5258) if you would like more information.

Upcoming Youth Livestock Events

*NC Meat Goat Association Annual Wether & Doe Sale*

When: January 14, 11:00 am

Where: Johnston County Livestock Arena, Smithfield NC

Who:  20-25 wether and doe kids will be offered for sale.  These goats will be the desirable age and size for spring shows.

*NC Junior Hereford Association Judging in January*

When: January 28

Where: NCSU Beef Educational Unit

Entry Forms: http://www.nchereford.org/juniors.html

This is a great event for youth interested in Livestock Judging.  For more information on this event feel free to contact Steve Sifford at nchereford@yahoo.com

*Billy Nance Family 4-H Meat Goat Leadership Institute*

When: February 25

Where:  NCSU Beef Educational Unit

Who: Youth ages 14-19 and currently enrolled in High School Entry Forms:

http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/an_sci/extension/animal/4hyouth/ah4h.html (*Due January 13*) This is a great opportunity for youth that have an interest in the Meat Goat Industry. Youth learn about team building, public speaking, and have hands-on portions with goats during this event.  We also include general health care, parasite control, and artificial insemination in goats.

*Eastern Carolina 4-H Livestock School*

When: March 3rd & 4th

Where: Eastern Carolina Ag and Education Center, Tarboro, NC

Who: Youth ages 9-18

More information including the entry forms will be posted in the upcoming weeks.

Perry & Doris Teeter Beef Leadership Institute

When: February 17-19, 2012

Where: Hickory, NC. This event is held in conjunction with the NC Cattlemen's Conference and the kids will spend time at this event as well.

Who: Youth ages 14-19 and currently enrolled in High School

This is a great opportunity for youth that have a sincere interest in the Beef Industry. Youth learn about the Beef Industry while also learning leadership skills, public speaking, etiquette, and setting goals.

Applications are Due January 13

For more information contact Amy at the Extension Office at 372-5597 

2012 APPLICATION

January Clover News

The January Clover News is now available.  Click HERE to view.

Comet Lovejoy travels through the Sun

Some very interesting things are taking place in space this week. The most recent is a comet that has plunged into the sun and survived to come out on the other side. The temperature in the corona of the sun can reach over 2 million degrees Fahrenheit so it was expected for the icy comet to simply disintegrate. NASA has taken some impressive video and there are some great links to follow.

Comet Lovejoy Survives Fiery Plunge through Sun

Comet Lovejoy survives 'death dive' into Sun's corona

4-H Honor Club

Membership in the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club is a great honor for 4-H’ers who have exhibited outstanding 4-H citizenship and leadership throughout their 4-H career. An Honor Club member continues to provide leadership and service to the total 4-H program throughout life.

In order to be eligible for membership, the applicant must have completed three or more years of 4-H club work and shall be at least 16 years of age and not more than 20 years of age on January 1 of the year of application.

Honor Club Applications are due to the Extension Office on January 25th. These must be signed by me before they can be forwarded onto the state office in Raleigh. For more information contact our office at 336-372-5597 or visit the NC 4-H website www.nc4h.org

Honor Club Application

WC District Lock-In

It's time again for the West Central District Lock-in. This year it will be January 13-14, 2012 in Caldwell County. The lock-in is open to youth ages 13 - 18 (must be 13 as of January 1, 2012).
Cost for the event is $15.

You must register by Wednesday, January 4th at 5 pm.
We will be leaving at 4:00 pm from the County Extension Office on January 13 and will return by 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 14th.

Please bring $10 for dinner on the way to the lock-in.

This will be a great time to meet new 4-Hers and participate in some fun workshops.

To register, contact the Extension Office at 372-5597.

Space is limited!!

Geminid Meteor Shower

Don't miss out on the last major meteor shower of 2011. Beginning tonight after 10 pm you should be able to see a great show. You have to pay attention because the meteors streak by at an amazingly fast rate. For more information on the Geminid Meteor Shower visit some of the links below.

Geminid Meteor Shower

Geminid Meteor Shower Defies Explanation (NASA)

Earth Sky

WREATHS FOR LUKE

Luke Hampton is a 17 year old Senior at Alleghany High School in Sparta, North Carolina. His parents are Randy and Benita Hampton. He broke his neck in a wrestling accident during a tournament on Saturday 12/3/11. He’s being transported to the Sheperd Spinal Trauma Facility in Atlanta, Georgia. In order to help the family with expenses some community members have joined together to sell Christmas wreaths.

Wreaths will be for sale for $10 and all proceeds will go to benefit Luke Hampton and family to cover expenses. You can also make donations at the State Employees Credit Union – account # 6100252 and is set up in Luke’s name. Wreaths will be available at the JV and Varsity Basketball games tonight and at the Wrestling tournament this Saturday 12/10 at AHS. Wreaths will also be for sale at 4 Brothers Country Junction, 21 Quick Stop, Glade Valley Country Store, CJ's Hardware and Alleghany Beauty Shop.

This community effort has been made possible by Mike & Julie Sprinkle, C. Grove Farms, Wishon Evergreens and more.

For more information contact Julie Sprinkle (336) 657-0563 , Brad Edwards (336) 200-1708 or Bill Nilo (336) 200-3411.

Holiday Craft Workshop

Cost: $8 ~ Ages: 8+
December 21st (9 – 12)
County Office Building
2nd floor conference room

Come join us for a morning of crafty fun. We will be making crafts for you to keep for yourself or give as gifts. We’ll also enjoy some festive snacks and holiday music. Register by contacting the office at 372-5597.

Registration Deadline is December 9th.