Welcome to the Newsletter from Lincoln County Cooperative Extension. 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.

Bloom into March

March is a busy and exciting time for agriculture in Lincoln County as farmers welcome the official start of spring. Warmer temperatures and longer days signal planting season for many crops, while fields and pastures begin to green up across the county. Livestock operations are also in full swing, with many cattle producers in the middle of calving season and giving close attention to herd health and nutrition. Poultry and equine owners focus on spring vaccinations and parasite management to keep animals healthy as temperatures rise. Agriculture in Lincoln County truly begins to bloom this month, setting the foundation for a productive year ahead.

Spring is in the Air

March marks the arrival of Spring a season characterized by the return of Daylight Saving Time, rising temperatures, and a sense of renewal. To me, Spring is the most inspiring time of year; it brings the promise of new beginnings and a noticeably brighter outlook. From the first bloom of fresh flowers to the sight of new life in nature, it truly is a magical transition. A season of "springing forward" and enjoying warmer days. A time of year representing a fresh start and the beauty of nature’s rebirth.

4-H Youth Development

The month of March is filled with green shamrocks, which shouldn’t be confused with four-leaf clovers, and our amazing 4-H activities. As we get back into the swing of things, our 4-H SPIN Club is taking center stage. This season, the club will be traveling the globe to explore the history, culture, and foods of various continents. Giving our 4-Hers a global perspective not only highlights what makes different countries unique, but it also helps inspire their goals for the future.

Cultivating this worldview leads perfectly into one of the exciting opportunities we offer: the NC 4-H International Exchange Program. This outbound program provides youth with a true cultural immersion experience, allowing delegates to live with volunteer host families in countries like Costa Rica, Taiwan, Argentina, South Korea, and Japan. This year, I am excited to share that a 4-Her from our very own East Lincoln High School 4-H Club has been accepted into the 8-week Japan program. This is an amazing opportunity for him to experience something entirely new over the summer. This program is entirely self-funded, so we are looking for community and business sponsorships to make his journey a reality. Please reach out if you would like to donate.

We are also bringing the wonders of the world into local classrooms by launching our spring Winged Wonders curriculum. Students will learn about environmental stewardship through hands-on activities, which includes raising Painted Lady butterflies from larva to adulthood to witness the mystery of their life cycle. Please contact me if you would like your child's teacher to add this amazing program to their classroom.

Finally, congratulations to our 4-Hers who completed and turned in their 4-H Project Books. They are currently being graded at the county level, with blue-ribbon winners advancing to Districts and potentially the State level. It is a wonderful way for youth to build their writing and creative skills. Whether you are interested in global exchange, school enrichment, or local clubs, there is a place for everyone here. Contact me to learn more or get your children enrolled.

2026 Plant Sale

Ordering will end Wednesday, March 4th, with plant pick-up Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th. Order link

Call the office with any questions (704) 736-8461

Horticulture

There are many gardening tasks to perform in March to start the year off strong. Here are a few to keep in mind as we prepare for spring.

Finish pruning fruit trees, hedges, and summer-blooming trees and shrubs before spring-growth begins. Hold off on pruning spring-blooming trees and shrubs to maximize flowering, instead prune these after blooms begin to fade. Try to avoid any pruning before rain or high humidity to help reduce the spread of disease, as well try not to prune just before severe freeze to prevent winter damage to pruned areas.

Most trees and shrubs can be planted in March, whether they are bare root or in a container. Fruit trees can be pruned at planting to help train them towards their mature shape, but avoid pruning woody perennials at planting if they have begun spring growth to prevent excessive stress. Instead, wait a few weeks for the plant to adjust to the transplanting before any pruning cuts are made.

Many vegetable and flower seeds can be started indoors in March for April or May transplanting. Keep seedlings warm according to type and provide ample light and gentle air circulation for healthy seedling development. As seedlings grow, pot them up to promote healthy root systems and prevent plants from becoming root bound.

FCS

Family & Consumer Sciences

I’m so ready for warm weather to stay! The ECA had a great Leadership Summit in Monroe, NC as they learned new ways to lead Lincoln County. Members have been brainstorming how we can help the community in new ways, with our next meeting being Wednesday March 11th at 1pm, if you are interested in joining. The Catawba and Lincoln County partnership went well for our first class on teaching broth canning and we have a chicken canning class March 18th in Catawba. I will be leading a Lunch and Learn class each Tuesday from 11am - 12:30pm in March focusing on improvements to your health. The cost is $5 and covers the cost of sampling “healthier options”. If you are interested in joining, be sure to register by the Monday before the class. Keep an eye on the Lincoln County Family and Consumer Science Facebook page for the most up to date class offerings.

Pesticide Credits

March 25th @ 5:15-7:15 PM = Pesticide Training X Credits

June 3rd @ 8:30-10:30 AM = Pesticide Training X Credits

June 3rd @ 10:30-11:30 AM = NCDA&CS Required Pesticide Certification & Training Standards Update

April 9th from 8:30 to 9:30 AM = EPA Approved Paraquat Training

Please call ahead to reserve your spot for Paraquat Training (704) 736-8461

Location: Lincoln County Extension Office

Trevor Reese, Horticulture Agent

Livestock

March Forage Management Tips from Production and Utilization of Pastures and Forages in North Carolina:

• Fertilize cool-season grasses to increase production.
• Dig weed free bermuda grass sprigs and plant them before growth begins. Consider using a herbicide.
• Control winter annual weeds in dormant bermuda grass with herbicides, burning or grazing pressure.
• Watch for grass tetany as rapid grass growth and cool, wet weather prevails-supplement with high mag mineral.
• Scatter manure from areas where animals congregate.

2026 North Carolina Feeder Cattle Sales

Dates: March 19th, June 18th, August 13th, September 24th, and November 12th.

Location: Norwood Stockyard - Stanly County Livestock Market - 1,000 head - weaned

Time: 6pm

Telephone: (704) 322-9770 or (704) 322-0840 or (704) 550-7920

Consignments are required for each sale. Consignment and Tag Request Forms along with sale information are available on the website.

For further information, call: NC Cattlemen’s Association: (919) 552-9111 or NCDA&CS, Div. of Marketing: (919) 707-3100

Calendar of Events

4-H SPIN Club Meetings - 4-H Club meetings with specific SPecial INterest topics covered at each

meeting, like sewing, cooking, or other life skills. Will start back in February 2026.

4-H Plant Sale - Orders open for the 2026 Plant Sale from January 12th through March 4th, to help raise funds for the Lincoln County 4-H Youth Development Programs. Order online with credit card or in the office with cash or check. No mail in orders accepted - cash/check only accepted in office.

Springing into Health Class - Lunch and Learn class each Tuesday in March, focusing on improvements to your health. The cost is $5 and covers the cost of sampling “healthier options”. If you are interested in joining, be sure to register by the Monday before the class. Contact Brittany_Spangler@NCSU.edu to register or with questions.

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

Plant Sale Order Pick-up - Pick-up your plant orders from the Citizen Center’s basement. Call the office with any questions: (704) 736-8461

Pesticide Credits - 2 hours of X credits for Pesticide License holders. Trevor Reese, Horticulture Agent, is hosting the training.