The N.C. Cooperative Extension of Union County office is located at the Union County Agricultural Center off of HWY 74E in Monroe. Our county website and social media platforms enable us to connect with audiences throughout the entire county. Our Extension agents and program assistants assist citizens of Union and surrounding counties in the areas of Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, and Wellness & Nutrition. We are very excited about our most recent partnership with the Enquirer-Journal to provide a weekly column to showcase our programming, impacts and seasonal topics that are of interest to readers.

Agriculture efforts at the extension office range from commercial agriculture, horticulture, and pond management, to small farms to urban forestry. Commercial agriculture in Union County generates just under $500 million dollars in cash receipts back to the local economy. This is accomplished through industries in field crops, dairy & livestock production, and poultry. The Extension Master Gardner℠ volunteer program of Union County is one of the largest in North Carolina and is always looking to add new members. We have a beautiful teaching garden and subsequent nature trails that the Master Gardner volunteers of Union County have responsibility over, and annual plant sales throughout the year. We work with community partners and private industry to provide continuing education and re-certification to farm workers and green industry professionals. Small farms in Union County are as diverse and multifaceted as the county itself. On any given day you will find the products of our local producers ranging from pasture-raised protein to artisan fruits and vegetables being sold at the Union County Farmer’s Market, or through subsequent roadside stands. Our urban forester works with local municipalities guiding tree ordinance plans for new development and provides workshops on proper tree care.

Extension programming in wellness and nutrition addresses issues with obesity, healthy eating habits, safe food handling practices, and healthy lifestyle education. We provide food handlers with Serv-Safe and Safe Plates certification, while at the same time providing limited resource parents and children with skills that enable them to make healthier food choices. Programs are held not only at the Ag Center but at local community centers and neighborhood clubhouses. We currently partner with numerous city and county organizations to provide educational resources that improve the health and lives of Union County Citizens.

Union County 4-H makes positive, life-changing impacts on youth through STEM programs of in-school enrichment, and after school and community club activities that contribute to the education, scientific knowledge, self-realization, independence and confidence of young people in this county. Annually Union County 4-Her’s travel all over the state to attend workshops, participate in competitions, and speak their voice to local and statewide legislators on the issue of policy and procedure. Union County 4-H strives to develop the leaders of our future and do so focusing on issues of our local community as well as topics of state and national importance. Partnerships with the Union County Library system as well as Union County Parks & Recreation allow us to reach youth from all avenues of life to provide them with activities and skills to guide them in becoming well-rounded members of our community.

This is just a small sample of what the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Union County does for the lives, health, and prosperity of Union County. We welcome you to join our exceptional staff by participating, volunteering, or checking out our updates on social media regarding the latest activities, workshops, or educational programs that are going on. We not only provide services here at the Union County Agricultural Center but also throughout the entire county at local libraries, schools, and neighborhood community centers. We strive to support our community and help improve the lives of those citizens. We look forward to hearing from our readers and are always interested in thoughts and ideas on ways we can improve our programming.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service provides information you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. It specializes in agriculture, 4-H youth development, communities, food and nutrition, and the environment. To learn more about our programs, please visit our website.