Welcome to the Newsletter from N.C. Cooperative Extension, Lincoln County Center. We are pleased to have such a great community to serve and help support the mission and vision of Cooperative Extension in this wonderful county that we live in. Thank you for your continued support and dedication! This publication is for upcoming events and information from our Agents.

August Already

by Rachel Evans

August brings the full, lingering warmth of summer, defined by humid afternoons and vivid sunny skies. From the mountain peaks of the Blue Ridge to the sunny beaches of the Outer Banks, high temperatures often giving way to late-afternoon thunderstorms. Coastal waters are at their warmest, inviting beachgoers to enjoy the surf, while inland, local farmers' markets overflow with late-summer harvests of sweet corn, juicy watermelons, and fresh berries. As the month winds down, the state slowly prepares for the shift toward autumn, making August a quintessential time to slow down, head to the water, and embrace the rhythm of a Carolina summer.

Farmers Market

by Tanya Binafif

Come visit the Lincoln County Farmers Market and support our local farmers, growers, and producers. The market is open every Tuesday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Whether you are looking for fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, or simply want to connect with the people who help feed our community, the Farmers Market is a great place to visit. Whether you visit a local farmers market, shop at a farm stand, or simply thank a farmer for their hard work, August is a wonderful time to celebrate the dedication of our agricultural community. Supporting local agriculture helps strengthen our local economy and ensures fresh, locally grown food remains available for everyone.

4-H Youth Development

by Tanya Binafif

As we wrap up another incredible summer with Lincoln County 4-H, we are reflecting on the many memories, friendships, and learning experiences created throughout our summer programs. This summer was filled with excitement, exploration, and opportunities for youth to build new skills and discover new passions.

From week-long day camps and overnight camping experiences to Summer Fun programs and community partnerships, our 4-H staff had the opportunity to meet and work with so many new faces throughout the summer. Each program provided youth with hands-on learning experiences designed to encourage curiosity, confidence, and personal growth.

Our Summer Fun programs were a huge success, with youth diving into scientific exploration and discovering the world of STEM through engaging activities and experiments. Discovery Camp encouraged youth to explore the world around them through educational field trips, hands-on activities, and real-world experiences.

Overnight camp helped youth strengthen important life skills, build independence, and create lasting friendships through teamwork, challenges, and shared experiences. 4-H Congress provided another opportunity for youth to grow as leaders, connect with other 4-H members across the state, and develop skills that will serve them well into the future.

This summer, Lincoln County 4-H youth expanded their horizons both locally and globally. Through 4-H programs, youth connected with new cultures and experiences, including opportunities that reached all the way to Japan through the 4-H International Exchange Program.

Thank you to our families, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who helped make this summer unforgettable. We are proud of the growth, accomplishments, and memories made by our 4-H youth and look forward to continuing to provide opportunities for youth to “Make the Best Better” throughout the year!

Horticulture

August Commodity Fumigation, Private V Training, and Pesticide X Credits available as listed below:

• Commodity Fumigation, 9/2/2026, 4-5pm at the Cleveland County Center, Category: Z(CF) - 1 credit hour
• Private V Training, 9/10/2026, 1-3pm, & 5:30-7:30pm at the Lincoln County Center, Category: V - 2 credit hours per class
• Pesticide X Credits, 9/10/2026, 3-5pm at the Lincoln County Center, Categories: A B G H I K L M N O T D X K(SA) K(PU) - 2 credit hours

Fried Apple Pies

ECA

Call (704) 736-8464, any Monday or Tuesday in August between 10am and 2pm to order your Fried Apple Pies from the ECA. Proceeds support the Lincoln County ECA Scholarship fund and other charitable efforts.

Livestock & Field Crops

by Bella Roeske

Hello everyone!

I have been in the Field Crops and Livestock position for about six weeks now, and it has been a pleasure meeting so many of the growers and producers here in Lincoln County. I’m still making my rounds, so if we haven’t met yet, I hope we will soon! In the meantime, please feel free to stop by the Extension office, give me a call, or send me an email if you have any questions or would like to visit.

This month, I’ll be launching a Field Crops and Livestock newsletter that will include updates on grants, funding opportunities, local events, and relevant news from our state universities. To receive the newsletter, please visit the Lincoln County Extension website and subscribe to the Livestock and/or Field Crops newsletter options. Although there are separate subscription options, I will send just one monthly email covering both topics. I’ll also continue doing my best to share information in person with as many growers and producers as possible.

In the July Lincoln County newsletter, I mentioned that the rain would come eventually, and it certainly has for many of us. While the moisture is welcome, it also means it's important to keep a close eye on your fields for late-season weed surges and disease development, especially in soybeans. Scout fields regularly and be prepared to implement your preferred management practices if these issues arise.

This weekend is the 9th Annual Southwest Piedmont Corn and Soybean Field Day, which will be held at ASR Grain Company in Shelby, NC, on Saturday, August 8th. If you are interested in attending and have yet to register, use this link. The flyer can be found on the Lincoln County Extension website and Facebook page.

Additionally, for my Lincoln County cattle farmers, please join the Catawba County Cattlemen’s Association meeting on August 11th at 6pm located at the Ag Resources Center on 1175 S Brady Ave. in Newton. Food is provided.

Lastly, Lincoln County Cooperative Extension will be offering our final pesticide recertification classes of the year in early September. Mailers have been sent to active license holders with class information, as well as to individuals with expired licenses who may be interested in renewing by retaking the private applicator exam. Two opportunities to earn Private V credits will be held on September 10 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln County Center, with each session providing two V credit hours. An X-credit class will also be offered on September 10 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the Lincoln County Center, providing two X credit hours. If you are unable to attend on September 10, additional credit opportunities will be available through Cleveland County Cooperative Extension. Please contact the Lincoln or Cleveland County Extension Centers for more information. As a reminder, private pesticide applicators must earn 2 hours of V credit and 2 hours of X credit by September 30 of the third year following certification to maintain their license.

FCS

Family & Consumer Sciences

Farmers Markets are still full of local fresh produce for August like: apples, Brussel sprouts, butter beans, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, field peas, figs, garlic, grapes, green beans, green peppers, honeydew, hot peppers, kohlrabi, leafy greens, okra, peaches, peanuts, pears, plums, raspberries, rutabaga, spring onions, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Calendar of Events

NCSU Farmers Market - Each week Cooperative Extension provides a venue for our local farmers to connect with our community members at the Farmers Market Pavilion on East Waters Street. Our hours are unique, Tuesday from 8:00am til 1:00pm, which helps our farmers within our community to have an additional day to sell items. In addition, we invite a food truck to set up during the Farmers Market. Come Out and visit us each Tuesday until the end of November!

Donation Station - The Donation Stations seek to improve access to fresh, locally-grown food while supporting the farmers who grow it. It is designed to combat local food insecurity whole raising awareness that a healthy local food system must include every member of the community.

Fried Apple Pies - Order your fried apple pies from the ECA any Monday or Tuesday in August to be picked up the following Thursday or Friday. Call (704) 736-8461 between 10am and 2pm to place your orders. Pick up time will be communicated at time of order, pick up location will be Citizen Center in Lincolnton.

4-H Stablemates Club Meeting - The Lincoln County Stablemates 4-H club is for youth interested in horses. Contact the Club Leader with any questions: Karen Williams- kkwill2025@yahoo.com

4-H Fishing Club - The Lincoln County 4-H Fishing Club is for youth interested in fishing. Contact the Club Leader with any questions: Edward Stroup- edwardstroup@gmail.com