NC State Extension

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

Did you know there's a science behind those blue-ribbon jams at the N.C. State Fair? 🥇 Behind the scenes, our Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center team reviews and judges hundreds of home-canned entries to ensure every jar meets safety, quality and flavor standards before ribbons are awarded.

The official N.C. State Fair Culinary Competition in Preserved Foods is open exclusively to North Carolina residents, and spans 16 divisions with numerous sub-classes — ranging from youth preserved foods, relishes and chutneys to fruit juices, syrups, dried fruits and more.

“Those two judging days each October at the fairgrounds have easily become my favorite days of the entire year as an Extension associate in food safety,” said Candice Christian, an Extension associate in consumer and retail food safety with the Safe Plates program. “The next time you stroll through the exhibit halls at the fair, take a closer look at those preserved food ribbon winners — there’s a whole lot of science and heart sealed under those lids.”

Read more about how the NC State Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences and NC State Extension brings science, safety and flavor to the N.C. State Fair at the link in our comments.

10/07/2026

In more than 30 counties, NC State Extension Master Food Volunteers extend the reach of NC State Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents by helping deliver high-quality, evidence-based food and nutrition programming in their communities.

“The Master Food Volunteer program is a wonderful, wonderful resource,” said NC State Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agent Hayley Cowell. “My volunteers help with anything from in-person nutrition and cooking and fitness classes to cooking demonstrations at the farmers markets.”

Read more about the volunteer program at the link in our comments.

10/03/2026

10/02/2026

We are excited to announce that Liz Driscoll will be stepping into the role of interim assistant director of youth programs for NC State Extension, effective Oct. 1.

Driscoll, an NC State Extension associate who designs agriculture, horticulture and natural resources programs and curriculum for youth, has taken on new leadership responsibilities to help strengthen and modernize Extension’s youth development programming across North Carolina.

“Liz brings a strong track record of collaboration, program development and systems-level thinking, which are essential for advancing the goals of the NC 4-H program and supporting our strategic priorities,” NC State Extension Director David Monks said. “She has demonstrated the skills and strengths needed for this role, particularly in coordinating efforts among Extension's specialists, state 4-H staff and county-based agents.”

Read more about Driscoll and the position at the link in our comments.

09/29/2026

Fiber h**p is a promising industry for North Carolina, but collaboration will be key to overcoming system challenges that could stand in the way. Alternative Crops Extension Specialist David Suchoff and others at NC State are working to build those partnerships.

“Right now, the main challenge for fiber h**p is to get the entire processing infrastructure in place. That is the limiting factor to successful commercialization,” said Suchoff, who also serves as an NC State associate professor of crop and soil sciences and Extension outreach and engagement platform director for the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative.

Read more at the link in our comments.

09/22/2026

We like to think we've got the best autumn leaves around. 🍂 Happy first day of autumn, North Carolina.

Do you have a favorite picture of autumn in our state? Drop them in the comments down below! ⬇️💬

09/18/2026

September is National Fruits and Veggies Month! 🫐🌽 Have you been growing fruits and veggies this summer? Share your harvests in the comments! ⬇️💬

09/16/2026

When you buy local beef, you're directly supporting North Carolina farmers. 🥩

Through MeatSuite.com — a platform administered by NC Choices, which is an initiative of N.C. Cooperative Extension and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) — North Carolina shoppers are connecting with local farmers to fill their freezers.

“We have seen a 30% increase in inquiries, store visits and sales the last month,” said Beth Rhyne, co-owner of R&B Rhyne Farms in Angier, North Carolina . “The greatest request has been for locally sourced beef. Our bulk beef inquiries and sales have gone up significantly. Customers want to know exactly where their meat comes from.”

Learn more about MeatSuite and the North Carolina beef industry at the link in our comments.

09/10/2026

Please join us in congratulating Durham County Horticulture Agent Ashley Troth for receiving the 2026 Distinguished Early Career Award from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee! 🎉

Troth was recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership, measurable program impact, innovation, collaboration, and commitment to the Extension Master Gardener mission.

In just eight years with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Ashley has distinguished herself in all of these areas—strengthening the Extension Master Gardener program in Durham County while contributing ideas, leadership, and expertise to the statewide program.

Read more about her and the recognition at the link in our comments.

NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers, Durham County