2018 Tyrrell County Program Impact Report
Approved: January 17, 2019
I. Executive Summary
In 2018, the Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension Service Staff focused on the following objectives with in the county; Community Development, Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Risk Readiness, Profitable and Sustainable Agriculture Systems, Safety and Security of our Food and Farm Systems, School to Career, Urban and Consumer Agriculture and volunteer Readiness. The Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension Team works together to make sure our programs meet the goals within these objectives. This year we have connected with new agencies and organizations to help build stronger partnerships and positive impacts within our county.
As a team, the Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension Service reached 4,368 youth and adults through their face-to-face programming efforts and 11,349 through non-face-to-face contact. Together the Extension Office secured $63,621 in grant funds, fundraisers, and donations to support our efforts. Extension Agents also sustained/recruited 208 youth and adult volunteers working a total of 2,351 hours in 2018.
Andrea Gibbs joined the Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension Team in May 2018 as the new Area Agriculture Extension Agent for Hyde & Tyrrell Counties. The main focus of the agriculture program for the 2018 year was to establish relationships with Tyrrell County Producers. Most contacts were made by on-farm visits or assisting farmers with the North Carolina Agriculture Disaster Program after hurricane Florence and Matthew. Fifty-one out of 58 registered farmers completed the NC Ag Disaster application process with the assistance of the Agriculture Extension Agent. Pesticide re-certification courses were provided in which there are 45 private pesticide applicators in Tyrrell County and helping producers take soil samples and use them to make appropriate applications to the land before planting season.
The many aspects of Medicare can be confusing - how do I sign up for Medicare? What is Part A? Part B? Part D? How do you select Supplemental Insurance? Why not get a Medicare Advantage Plan? SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) counselors answer these questions and more every day. Individuals making the choices that are best for them helps them save money, which can then be used for the essential - food, shelter and medications. The wrong choices could quickly lead to financial hardship. In Tyrrell County, Dee Furlough has served as the SHIIP Coordinator for almost 20 years. In addition, other SHIIP Counselors are Michelle Haney, Dee Dee Bullock and Erielle Cooper. The Coordinator writes grants to help support Medicare outreach in the county, and in return, agrees to submit contact information on a monthly basis. The busiest Medicare time is during Medicare Part D Open Enrollment (October 15 - December 7). In 2018, during this 8 week period, Tyrrell County Extension met personally with 123 clients and saved them a total of $175,174 - that's an average of $1424 per person. Many of the folks we assisted receive Extra Help to help pay for their Part D plans and their medications, and our outreach to them helped them afford their much needed medications.
According to Psychology Today, about 28% of high school graduates are considered deficient in leadership skills, and very few considered highly skilled. Adults and teens need more guided opportunities to grow their leadership skills in a controlled environment. This year the Tyrrell County 4-H program offer 4-H SPIN Clubs. 4-H Spin Clubs offer short term opportunities for adults and teens to volunteer in leadership roles. A predetermined set of objectives and goals along with suggested lesson plans and activities were provided to the volunteers and gave them a guided role to grow their leadership skills. Interviews were done before and after the SPIN Club during predetermined times with both leaders and teen volunteers. Both leaders and the teen volunteers felt the club went over very well and are excited to continue as volunteers for the program. They felt the guides lessened the stress of coming up with their own activities and leading the group. The teens put on a successful "4-H Career Fair" in which the Cloverbud club members learned what Tyrrell County and North Carolina 4-H can offer them as they grow.II. County Background
Tyrrell County is located in northeastern NC. It is bordered on the north by the Albemarle Sound, on the east by the Alligator River, on the south by Hyde County and on the west by Washington County. The land area is 389.9 sq. miles or 249,555 acres. The USDA Farm Service Agency records indicate that there are 64,590 acres in farm land. The major crops are corn, wheat, soybeans, cotton, and Irish potatoes. Tyrrell ranks 9th in wheat and 6th in corn production. Total cash receipts from farming, including government payments, in 2015 was $53,158,798. Agriculture is the largest industry, as well as the largest private employer, in the county. Federal, state and local government, including the school system, employ the most people.
Large land owners in the county include Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (111,000 acres - Most of it in Tyrrell Co.), Buckridge Coastal Reserve (27,000 acres), Palmeto-Peartree Preserve (10,000 acres) and Weyerhaeuser Timber Company.
According to the North Carolina Commerce in 2015, Tyrrell Counties estimated population is 4,217. That is an estimated 4% decrease since the 2010 Census. 56% of the population is white, 41.6% is black and 6.4% is Hispanic. Of persons over 25 years old, only 69% are high school graduates and only 8% have a bachelors degree or higher education. The median household income is $33,759 and an estimated of 21.8% of the population lives below the poverty level. Tyrrell County is classified as a Tier I county and is therefore eligible for certain government sponsored programs and grants.
Tyrrell County Cooperative Extension served as a stakeholder in the Community Health Assessment conducted by the Martin, Tyrrell & Washington County Health Department. According to the assessment the committee recommended the following as priority health areas for 2015 – 2018. 1. Physical Activity/Nutrition/Healthy Weight 2. Chronic Diseases (including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes) 3. Access to Care/Transportation 4. Substance Abuse Prevention 5. Communicable Disease Control (STDs)
Since many of these issues are reflected in the Cooperative Extension Objectives list, the agents in Tyrrell County chose the objectives listed below to focus on in 2018.
Profitable and Sustainable Plant Production Systems
*Variety Field Trials
*Agriculture Winter Roadshow Meetings
*Blackland Farm Managers Tour
*Farm Visits
*Field Days
Safety and Security of our Food and Farm Systems
*Serve Safe Trainings
*Home Preservation Classes
Volunteer Readiness
*4-H Volunteer Trainings
*Extension Community Association Support
Community Development
*Partnership Building
*Community Planning
School to Career
*S.T.E.M. Programming
*4-H School Enrichment
*4-H Clubs
*Summer Camp
*4-H Special Interest Activities
*Leadership & CItizenship Development
Urban and Consumer Agriculture
*Gardening Classes
*Home Visits
Healthy Eating, Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Risk Reduction
*SNAP-ed Programming
*Cook Smart/Eat Smart
III. Objectives to Address the Cooperative Extension Long Range Plan
North Carolina's plant production systems will become more profitable and sustainable.
| 31 | Number of crop (all plant systems) producers increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, and/or skills as related to: 1. Best management production practices (cultural, nutrient, and genetics) 2. Pest/insect, disease, weed, wildlife management 3. Financial/Farm management tools and practices (business, marketing, government policy, human resources) 4. Alternative agriculture, bioenergy, and value-added enterprises |
| 4 | Number of Extension initiated and controlled County demonstration test sites (new required for GLF/PSI reporting) |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 31 | Number of crop (all plant systems) producers adopting best management practices, including those practices related to nutrient management, conservation, production, cultivars, pest management (weeds, diseases, insects), business management, and marketing |
| 725000 | Net income gains realized by the adoption of best management practices, including those practices related to nutrient management, conservation, production, cultivars, pest management (weeds, diseases, insects), business management, and marketing |
| 25 | Number of producers reporting increased dollar returns per acre or reduced costs per acre |
| 15 | Number of producers reporting reduction in fertilizer used per acre |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Agricultural producers, workers, food handlers and consumers will adopt safer food and agricultural production, handling, and distribution practices that reduce workplace and home injuries/illnesses, enhance food security, and increase the quality and safety of food that North Carolinians prepare and consume.
| 15 | Number of commercial/public operators trained |
| 30 | Number of pesticide application credit hours provided |
| 15 | Number of participants participating in AgriSafe personal protective equipment (PPE) selection or fit testing |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Individuals and groups will acquire leadership and decision making capacities needed to guide and actively participate in local and state organizations.
| 17 | Number of adults increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 14 | Number of adults assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
| 8 | Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 5 | Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 17 | Number of adults increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 14 | Number of adults assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
| 8 | Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 5 | Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Community members, organizations and local government will engage in collaborative dialog and decision-making to build economically, socially and environmentally resilient communities. This will be done through inclusive engagement, partnership building, and/or community planning.
| 19 | Number of participants increasing knowledge and skills in convening and leading inclusive, representative groups (including limited resources, new resident, or immigrant groups) for evidence based community development |
| 19 | Number of participants developing skills in leading community, economic, and/or disaster planning and change |
| 4 | Number of residents that increase their knowledge in disaster preparedness planning, mitigation and recovery |
| 10 | Number of participants who increased their awareness, knowledge or skill in business related topics (e.g., management, product development, marketing, business structure options, business law and/or liability) |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 1 | Number of businesses created, retained, or expanded due to Extension’s community and economic development programming |
| 1 | Number of local food councils in which Extension is involved |
| 19 | Number of participants who report new or expanded leadership roles and opportunities undertaken |
| 7500 | Dollar value of in-kind resources (funding, in-kind service or volunteers) contributed to Projects or Programs in which Extension was critically involved by an organization or community to support community or economic development work |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Adults and youth will apply financial management practices to increase their economic security, which include to: meet basic necessities, increase savings, reduce debt, and build long-term assets.
| 169 | Number of people gaining knowledge and/or skills to increase family economic security (such as; how to access: SNAP benefits, SHIIP Medicare Part D; food cost management, cost comparison skills, shop for reverse mortgages, select long term care insurance, etc.) |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Futures that Work: School to Career Pathways
| 3 | Number of teachers trained in 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum |
| 90 | Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) |
| 45 | Total number of female participants in STEM program |
| 7 | Number of high school age youth (students) participating as members of 4-H clubs |
| 14 | Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge of career/employability skills |
| 7 | Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge of entrepreneurship |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 3 | Number of teachers using 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum in their classrooms |
| 90 | Number of youth (students) gaining knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) |
| 14 | Number of youth (students) gaining career / employability skills |
| 7 | Number of youth (students) gaining entrepreneurship skills |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Consumers and communities will enhance the value of plants, animals, and landscapes while conserving valuable natural resources and protecting the environment.
| 68 | Number of participants improving knowledge, attitude, skills and aspirations regarding gardening and landscape practices including plant selection and placement, turfgrass management, soil management, growing food, water conservation and water quality preservation, storm water and erosion management, green waste management, pest and wildlife management |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 17 | Number of participants who use extension-recommended best management practices in landscapes, turf, and gardens, including pest (insect, weed, disease) management, fertility management, water conservation, water quality preservation and pruning techniques |
| 140 | Number of participants who use extension-recommended pest management practices in homes, public facilities, businesses or in community pest management programs |
| 22 | Number of participants selecting appropriate landscape plants (adapted, drought tolerant, appropriate size, etc.) |
| 10 | Number of participants implementing extension-recommended practices to conserve water use and protect water qualtiy |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Youth and adult program participants will make healthy food choices, achieve the recommended amount of physical activity and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases.
| 114 | Number of adults increasing their fruit and vegetables consumption |
| 27 | Number of youth increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption |
| 25 | Number of participants increasing their physical activity |
| 86 | Number of participants who consume less sodium in their diet |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
IV. Number of Contacts Made by Extension
| Type of Contact | Number |
|---|
| Face-to-face* |
4,991 |
| Non face-to-face** |
7,214 |
| Total by Extension staff in 2018 |
12,205 |
* Face-to-face contacts include contacts that Extension personnel make directly with individuals
through one-on-one visits, meetings, and other activities where staff members work directly
with individuals.
** Non face-to-face contacts include contacts that Extension personnel make indirectly with
individuals by telephone, email, newsletters, news articles, radio, television, and other means.
V. Designated Grants Received by Extension
| Type of Grant | Amount |
|---|
| Contracts/Grants |
$5,940.00 |
| Gifts/Donations |
$3,226.00 |
| In-Kind Grants/Donations |
$0.00 |
| United Way/Foundations |
$4,455.00 |
| User Fees |
$0.00 |
| Total |
$13,621.00 |
VI. Volunteer Involvement in Extension Programs
|
4-H:
|
127 |
144 |
1,254 |
$ 3,555.00 |
|
Advisory Leadership System:
|
81 |
2,207 |
2,622 |
$ 54,491.00 |
|
Extension Community Association:
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
$ 0.00 |
|
Extension Master Gardener:
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
$ 0.00 |
|
Other:
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
$ 0.00 |
|
Total:
|
208 |
2351 |
3876 |
$ 58,046.00 |
* The number of volunteers reflects the overall number of volunteers for multiple events.
VII. Membership of Advisory Leadership System
- Tyrrell County Advisory Committee
- Brian Ashford
David Clegg
Gail Ryan
Kali Beach
Leroy Spivey
Pam Swain
Sarah Exum
Sharon Diggins
Steve Bryan
Ann Ward
- Agriculture Advisory Group
- BFMA Officers and Board of Directors
Hal Bateman
Bryan Foster
Jeff Sparks - 4-H Committee
- Karen Clough
Selma Boucher
Susan Swain
Buddy Swain
Mark Clough
Bridget Spruill
Miriam Fauth
Heather Foster
Bree Atkinson - FCS Advisory Committee
- Faye Queen
Nan Liverman
Edelmira Kemp
Melanie Armstrong
Dee Dee Bullock
- Hispantic/Latino Advisory Council
- Matthew Banks
Paula Brickhouse
Dee Dee Bullock
Beatriz Calderon
Jack Donoghue
Concesa Hernandez
Edelmira Kemp
Monica Mauffrey
Nola Ransom
Ernesto Rivera
Sonia Salazar
Regina Sanchez
Griselda Solis
Martina Verdin - Tyrrell County Livestock Committee
- Pam Swain
Buddy Swain
Karen Clough
Bree Atkinson
Daniel Corbin
Lee Scripture
Lee Ann Schreckengost
Selma Boucher
VIII. Staff Membership
Natalie Wayne
Title: County Extension Director, Hyde & Tyrrell
Phone: (252) 926-4489
Email: natalie_wayne@ncsu.edu
Candice Christian
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Consumer and Retail Food Safety
Phone: (919) 515-9148
Email: Candice_Christian@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: The overall goal of the Area Specialized Agents (ASAs) in Consumer & Retail Food Safety is to support FCS Agents in delivering timely and evidence-based food safety education and information to stakeholders in North Carolina.
Erin Eure
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Fruits & Vegetables
Phone: (252) 357-1400
Email: erin_eure@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides educational opportunities and technical support to commercial fruit and vegetable growers, agents, and industry in northeastern NC.
Gene Fox
Title: Area Agent, Agriculture - Consumer Horticulture
Phone: (252) 946-0111
Email: gene_fox@ncsu.edu
Dee Furlough
Title: Area Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences
Phone: (252) 796-1581
Email: dee_furlough@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Nutrition, Food Safety, Local Foods
Steve Gabel
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Aquaculture
Phone: (252) 482-6585
Email: steve_gabel@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Responsible for aquaculture educational programs for the NC NE extension district.
Andrea Gibbs
Title: Extension Agent, Agriculture - Field Crops
Phone: (252) 926-4488
Email: andrea_gibbs@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Andrea’s areas of responsibility include field crops, fresh market and wholesale vegetable crops, commercial and home agriculture, & pesticide education and certification.
Michelle Haney
Title: County Extension Administrative Assistant
Phone: (252) 796-1581
Email: michelle_haney@ncsu.edu
Marissa Herchler
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Animal Food Safety (FSMA Programs)
Phone: (919) 515-5396
Email: marissa_herchler@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Marissa is an Area Specialized Agent for animal food safety, with emphasis on the new Food Safety Modernization Act rules, as they apply to feed mills in North Carolina. Please contact Marissa with any FSMA related questions, or PCQI training inquiries.
Lynette Johnston
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Food Safety
Phone: (919) 515-0303
Email: lynette_johnston@ncsu.edu
Danny Lauderdale
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Nursery and Greenhouse, Eastern Region
Phone: (252) 237-0111
Email: danny_lauderdale@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provides programming to commercial ornamental nursery and greenhouse producers in eastern North Carolina.
Bill Lord
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Water Resources
Phone: (919) 496-3344
Email: william_lord@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Water quality education and technical assistance
Lauren Nelson
Title: Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (252) 796-1581
Email: lauren_nelson@ncsu.edu
Margaret Ross
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Poultry
Phone: (252) 670-8254
Email: margaret_ross@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Working with commercial poultry producers to assist in writing nutrient management plans and conducting educational programming.
Chip Simmons
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Food Safety
Phone: (919) 414-5632
Email: odsimmon@ncsu.edu
Scott Tilley
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Field Crops
Phone: (252) 793-4428
Email: scott_tilley@ncsu.edu
Mitch Woodward
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Watersheds and Water Quality
Phone: (919) 250-1112
Email: mdwoodwa@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: NC Cooperative Extension's Goals include:
- NC's natural resources and environmental quality will be protected, conserved and enhanced.
- NC will have profitable, environmentally sustainable plant, animal and food systems.
Protecting our environmental resources, particularly drinking water quality, is a top priority in NC. NC Cooperative Extension is a leader in teaching, researching, and accelerating the adoption of effective water quality protection practices.
IX. Contact Information
Tyrrell County Center
407 Martha St
Columbia, NC 27925
Phone: (252) 796-1581
Fax: (252) 796-2881
URL: http://tyrrell.ces.ncsu.edu