LUMBERTON — If you read this column often, you have probably heard the saying North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, is the best-kept secret around. That’s funny, since our organization exists in every county in North Carolina and on the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s reservation. In Robeson County, our staff helps large and small farmers, commercial and consumer horticulture producers, livestock producers, families and youth through our 4-H program. These programs are often free or at a reduced rate to folks thanks to supporters. As you can see, we have a lot to offer on the surface.
After reading that last sentence you might be asking yourself, “What does she mean by on the surface?” Well, simply said, there is more to our staff than meets the eye. For example, we offer lots of classes and hold certifications that could help and/or enhance your professional and/or personal lives.
Many folks know Mac Malloy is our county extension director and field crops agent. He serves as the direct contact for our farmers who work with row crops. He is also wonderful about scheduling a variety of pesticide classes for folks who hold a pesticide license to recertify easily and get their credits way before they are due.
Taylor Chavis is our livestock agent. With her vast knowledge of all things farm animal she is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), Pork Quality Assurance (PQA), and FAMACHA certified. What does all that mean? Well, she is able to teach folks how to raise beef and pork using the most current scientific practices to offer best herd management and is able to teach these courses to certify others. With FAMACHA she is teaching folks who raise sheep and goats to recognize the potential parasite infestation in animals early, and allow them to intervene at the appropriate time, which reduces the use of dewormers by 90% and means a healthier product for all.
Mack Johnson is our horticulture agent. He coordinates the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) Program. These volunteers are certified and do a variety of projects throughout the community, support our 4-H youth gardening projects and even have a plant sale coming up around Mother’s Day weekend. This is a grass roots group that is about more than pretty flowers — they are addressing issues and educating others. They can speak at a variety of functions and educate folks in a variety of areas, from making hypertufa pots to best pest management practices. These folks are highly trained, passionate and amazing.
Last but not least is yours truly. I am certified as an Emily Post Etiquette Instructor and can teach youth and business etiquette. I also am certified as a Real Colors Instructor. Real Colors is a personality instrument that allows teams to communicate more effectively and be more dynamic while it encourages self-awareness and growth. Somehow, I have also embraced my technology geek and teach social media and technology on topics ranging from best practices to marketing and even AI exploration, for both youth and adults.
If you would like to know more about what we do at Cooperative Extension, please reach out to any of us at 910-671-3276 or register for our email updates from our newly designed website at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu. No matter what, please help us become the worst-kept secret around.
