North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Stanly County

06/26/2026

After harvesting wheat in June, many local farmers plant soybeans directly into the wheat stubble. These are called double-cropped soybeans!
This practice helps maximize land use, protects the soil from erosion, and allows growers to produce more food and fiber from the same acreage in a single growing season.
Let us know in the comments if you knew this!

06/25/2026

🍓 What a fantastic day in the kitchen with an amazing, diverse group of preservers!

Today’s canning class was a huge success. Our participants rolled up their sleeves and mastered both boiling water bath and pressure canning methods.

We successfully put up:
Sweet, vibrant berries using the water bath method
Fresh, crisp green beans using the pressure canner
A massive thank you to our incredible Extension Master Food Volunteers and our wonderful summer intern! Your expert guidance kept everything safe, smooth, and fun.Now our students are ready to stock their pantries with confidence.

06/24/2026

In-person event 6/26/26. Class time: 9am-11am at Anson Cooperative Extension. 2 hrs. A B D G H I K K(SA) K(PU) L M N O T X.

06/23/2026

FREE Eat the Med Way: Summer Senior Series! ☀️
Ready to take simple steps toward a healthier you this summer? Join N.C. Cooperative Extension and Family & Consumer Sciences Agent Hayley Cowell for an exciting, interactive health and cooking series at the Stanly County Senior Center (283 N 3rd St, Albemarle)!
Here is what we have lined up for you:
🥗 JULY 1 @ 2:00 PM | Stay Cool: No-Cook Med-Style Meals
-Beat the summer heat with zero stove time.
-Assemble heart-healthy, low-prep pantry meals.
-Master simple knife techniques.
-Learn low-sugar ways to satisfy sweet cravings.
🌿 AUGUST 5 @ 2:00 PM | Flavor Lab: Cooking with Herbs & Spices
-Ditch the salt shaker without losing flavor.
-Cook with fresh summer herbs and warm spices.
-Boost heart health and manage blood pressure.
-Experience a hands-on kitchen flavor lab.
Cost: 100% FREE!
📞 Reserve Your Spot Today: Space is limited! Sign up at the Senior Center front desk or call 704-986-3769 to save your seat.
For specific event questions, contact Hayley Cowell at 704-983-3987.

06/23/2026

Wrapped up our June Dino Snacks at the Badin Library today!! We will have more classes at our library branches in July.
Here are some fossil facts for you…

🦕 🦖 UNCOVERING THE TRUTH: 5 Mind-Blowing Dinosaur Fossil Facts! 🦖
Ever wondered how we know so much about creatures that lived millions of years ago? It is all thanks to the incredible clues they left behind!Here are five fast facts about dinosaur fossils that will break your brain:
🦴 They Aren't Actually Bones!
Fossils are actually rocks. Over millions of years, minerals replace the organic bone material, turning it into stone.
💩 P**p Fossils Are Real!
Scientists study fossilized dinosaur dung. These are called coprolites. They tell us exactly what dinosaurs ate!
🦕 Soft Tissue Can Survive!
Scientists have found fossilized dinosaur skin, feathers, and even blood vessels.
🗺️ Found On All 7 Continents!
Dinosaur fossils have been discovered everywhere on Earth. Yes, even under the ice in Antarctica!
🦖 The Most Complete T-Rex?
Her name is Sue. Scientists found over 90% of her actual skeleton. She lives at the Field Museum in Chicago!Which fact surprised you the most? Drop your favorite dinosaur emoji below! 👇

06/22/2026

🦖 RAW-some fun at the Norwood Public Library this afternoon! 🦕
Our little paleontologists had the best time learning about Fossils and making (and eating!) a delicious Dino Snack. 🧑‍🍳✨
Missed out on the fun? Good news! We are bringing the exact same Dino Snacks Class to the Badin Branch tomorrow at 10:30 AM.
Bring your appetite and your imagination!

06/22/2026

Our office had the pleasure of hosting the South Central District 4-H District Activity Day event. What a wonderful day! Read all about it here:

ALBEMARLE, NC – After months of anticipation, N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Stanly County Center successfully pulled off this year’s 4-H South Central District Activity Day event. While local…

06/22/2026

Make sure to stop by the Farmers Market and get some fresh goodies!!

06/19/2026

🦕 ROAR-ing Good Time at the Library! 🦖

Our FCS Agent & Jr. EMFV had a blast at the Locust Public Library today for our "Dino Snacks" class!
We had an awesome turnout of creative kids who learned all about fossils. They even made their own prehistoric tar pit cups—a healthy, low-sugar treat packed with delicious fresh berries! 🍓🫐
We wrapped up the prehistoric party by burning off some energy with an active Dino Stomp dance. 💃🕺
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a morning of learning, healthy snacking, and dancing!
Stanly County Food & Wellness

06/16/2026

Pressure canning season is officially here! 🍅✨
Stanly County FCS Agent Hayley Cowell is in the Extension office teaching Summer Intern Lily and Jr. EMFV August how to test a dial gauge pressure canner.
Before you start preserving your harvest this year, make sure your equipment is safe and accurate.

Why Test Your Gauge?
• Safety first: Dial gauges can become inaccurate over time.
• Spoilage prevention: Incorrect pressure leads to under-processed, unsafe food.
• Peace of mind: Ensure your hard work doesn't go to waste.

Get Yours Tested For Free!
• The Cost: 100% free service.
• The Provider: NC Cooperative Extension.
• Frequency: Recommended once every year.
• How to get it done: Call our office to make an appointment.
Drop your canning questions below! 👇