2019 Tyrrell County Program Impact Report
Approved: January 27, 2020
I. Executive Summary
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 2019.
The older we get, oftentimes the more chronic illness we acquire. One already formed group that is afflicted with a variety of chronic illness are the participants at the Senior Citizen's Center. To help address this concern, the Tyrrell Family Consumer Sciences Agent presented the SNAP-Take Control program to participants of the Tyrrell County Senior Citizen's Center. Approximately 15 people completed this program. Folks from throughout the county could attend, but this program was done on Tuesdays when the Gator Line picked up folks from the Gum Neck Community. As a result of the program, participants learned how to use good dietary habits and physical activity to alleviate or avoid a variety of chronic diseases. A pre and post test were administered to the participants and official results will be available shortly. However, participants indicated via word of mouth their A1C was lowered, they exercised more, they included more water in their daily diet, they became label readers, they drank less sugar-sweetened beverages and they included more fruits and vegetables in their diets. All these positive health approaches will help them stay or become healthier to avoid chronic disease.
Proper use of pesticides is very important for the safety of our growers, citizens, environment, and pollinators. Hyde and Tyrrell Counties have a large number of private pesticide applicators. Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington County Agriculture Extension Agents and NCDA&CS pesticide inspectors plan and present several re-certification classes each year. In 2019, there were a total of four V training's, five opportunities for X credits, and four auxin training's for private applicators in the four county area.
Approximately 45 pesticide applicators in Tyrrell County have received training this year. Classes provided updates of label changes, proper practices, and rules for the safe application of pesticides. Twenty two Tyrrell County private applicators re-certified their license in 2019.
In rural Eastern North Carolina, there is a lack of quality educational and affordable day camps. The American Camp Association considers day camps a powerful alternative for youth and families not yet prepared for residential camp. Day camps provide youth a safe environment and allow them to build essential life skills away from their parents and guardians while still returning to the familiar comforts of home each afternoon. Extension Agents from Washington, Tyrrell, and Pasquotank Counties, in partnership with Pettigrew State Park, delivered a high quality, environmentally-focused day camp. Programming included traditional camp activities such as canoeing, archery, fishing, and swimming, along with Park Ranger and Extension Agent led programs focusing on campfire building and safety, snakes, dragonflies, and aquaculture. The programming goal was to improve environmental stewardship, as well as enhance life skills such as teamwork and communication. Youth who participated in this program reported increased interest in science, specifically environmental science. Additionally, youth demonstrated improved knowledge and skills related to environmental education and outdoor living skills. Youth improved communication skills and were able to work together effectively. This program provided an excellent opportunity for youth to become more familiar with 4-H activities and served as a segue for youth planning to attend 4-H Residential Summer Camp.
Plant Production Systems
*Variety Field Trials
*Agriculture Winter Roadshow Meetings
*Blackland Farm Managers Tour
*Farm Visits
*Field Days
Family Consumer Sciences
Food Safety and Nutrition
*Serve Safe Trainings
*Home Preservation Classes
*SNAP-ed Programming
*Cook Smart/Eat Smart
*Extension Community Association Support
Community Development
*Partnership Building
*Community Planning
4-H Youth Development
*S.T.E.M. Programming
*4-H School Enrichment
*4-H Clubs / Spin Clubs
*Summer Camp
*4-H Special Interest Activities
*Leadership & Citizenship Development
*4-H Volunteer Training
Consumer Horticulture
*Gardening Classes
*Home VisitsII. 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 2019.
Plant Production Systems
*Variety Field Trials
*Agriculture Winter Roadshow Meetings
*Blackland Farm Managers Tour
*Farm Visits
*Field Days
Family Consumer Sciences
Food Safety and Nutrition
*Serve Safe Trainings
*Home Preservation Classes
*SNAP-ed Programming
*Cook Smart/Eat Smart
*Extension Community Association Support
Community Development
*Partnership Building
*Community Planning
4-H Youth Devleopment
*S.T.E.M. Programming
*4-H School Enrichment
*4-H Clubs / Spin Clubs
*Summer Camp
*4-H Special Interest Activities
*Leadership & Citizenship Development
*4-H Volunteer Training
Consumer Horticulture
*Gardening Classes
*Home Visits
III. Objectives to Address the Cooperative Extension Long Range Plan
Our family and consumer sciences programs improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
| 3 | Number of adults increasing knowledge of life skills (such as goal setting, stress management, self-care and healthy relationships) |
| 6 | Number of adults increasing their knowledge of community resources |
| 65 | 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.
| 5 | Number of adults increasing their use of identified community resources |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our plant production programs improve production, profitability, and sustainability of the agriculture sector.
| 45 | Number of pesticide applicators receiving continuing education credits |
| 14 | Number of pesticide credit hours provided |
| 1 | Number of Certified Crops Advisors receiving continuing education credits |
| 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 |
| 1 | Number of Extension initiated and controlled county demonstration test sites |
| 18 | Number of Certified Crops Advisors credit hours provided |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 27 | Number of producers reporting reduction in fertilizer used per acre |
| 2000 | Number of acres in conservation tillage or other Best Management Practice |
| 27 | 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 |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our community development programs build strong and thriving communities.
Our 4-H youth development programs grow the skills young people need to succeed in life and career.
| 2 | Number of teachers trained in 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum |
| 71 | Number of youth (students) increasing knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) |
| 36 | Total number of female participants in STEM program |
| 19 | Number of high school age youth (students) participating as members of 4-H clubs |
| 175 | Number of youth increasing knowledge of life skills |
| 71 | Number of children/youth who improved knowledge of local food and agricultural systems. |
| 112 | Number of youth increasing/improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and/or aspirations regarding leadership |
| 71 | Number of youth demonstrating increased knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues |
* 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 |
| 270 | Number of youth (students) gaining career / employability skills |
| 20 | Number of youth (students) gaining entrepreneurship skills |
| 112 | Number of youth using effective life skills |
| 40 | Number of youth willing to participate in conservation actions |
| 175 | Number of youth increasing their physical activity |
| 5 | Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles within Extension |
| 2 | Number of youth volunteers serving in new or expanded roles beyond Extension, including community boards and task forces |
| 5 | Number of youth assuming new/expanded leadership roles in the community |
| 175 | Number of youth increasing their fruit and vegetable consumption |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
Our consumer horticulture programs teach families and communities about environmentally friendly methods for gardening and controlling pests.
Our food safety and nutrition programs create a safer and more sustainable food supply and improve the health and nutrition of individuals, families, and our communities.
| 86 | Number of participants who increase their knowledge of safe home food handling, preservation, or preparation practices |
| 43 | Number of food handlers who increase their knowledge and skills in safe food handling practices |
| 38 | Number of individuals who learn how to prepare local foods, including through use of home food preservation techniques. |
* Note: Values may include numbers from multi-county efforts.
| 54 | Number of adults increasing their fruit and vegetables consumption |
| 7 | Number of participants increasing their physical activity |
| 26 | 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* |
4,276 |
| Non face-to-face** |
103,834 |
| Total by Extension staff in 2019 |
108,110 |
* 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 |
$5,500.00 |
| Gifts/Donations |
$40,000.00 |
| In-Kind Grants/Donations |
$0.00 |
| United Way/Foundations |
$0.00 |
| User Fees |
$0.00 |
| Total |
$45,500.00 |
VI. Volunteer Involvement in Extension Programs
|
4-H |
198 |
162 |
2169 |
$ 4,120.00 |
|
Advisory Leadership System |
52 |
52 |
0 |
$ 1,322.00 |
|
Extension Community Association |
2 |
50 |
25 |
$ 1,272.00 |
|
Other: Agriculture |
3 |
8 |
0 |
$ 203.00 |
|
Other: Community, Family & Individual Development |
4 |
432 |
122 |
$ 10,986.00 |
|
Total:
|
259 |
704 |
2316 |
$ 17,903.00 |
* 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
Colon Bailey
Samantha Combs - 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
Melanie Armstrong
- Hispantic/Latino Advisory Council
- Paula Brickhouse
Dee Dee Bullock
Jack Donoghue
Edelmira Kemp
Elva Lopez
Martina Verdin
Viri Lopez
Lisa Woodley - Tyrrell County Livestock Committee
- Pam Swain
Buddy Swain
Karen Clough
Bree Atkinson
Daniel Corbin
Lee Scripture
Lee Ann Schreckengost
Selma Boucher - Seniors Health Insurance Information Program
- Michelle Haney,
Dee Dee Bullock
Erielle Cooper
Lisa Barker
VIII. Staff Membership
Natalie Wayne
Title: County Extension Director, Hyde and 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: cadescha@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: The overall goal of the Area Specialized Agents (ASAs) in Consumer & Retail Food Safety is to provide North Carolinians with technical food safety information and to support Family and Consumer Sciences agents in delivering timely and evidence-based food safety education and information to stakeholders.
Marti Day
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Dairy
Phone: (919) 542-8202
Email: marti_day@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Responsible for educational programs for dairy farmers, youth with an interest in dairy projects and the general public with an interest in dairy foods and the dairy industry.
Erin Eure
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Agriculture - Commercial Fruits and 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
Brief Job Description: I work in all areas of home horticulture from vegetables and fruit to ornamentals, houseplants, and lawns. I also work with commercial landscapers in the area to provide their continuing education credits.
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, Ornamental 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.
Lori McBryde
Title: Area 4-H Agent, East Region
Phone: (919) 989-5380
Email: lori_mcbryde@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Provide support the Eastern 34 Counties of the Northeast and Southeast Districts in 4-H Youth Development.
Lauren Nelson
Title: Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Phone: (252) 796-1581
Email: lauren_nelson@ncsu.edu
Ashley Robbins
Title: Area Specialized Agent - Dairy
Phone: (919) 542-8203
Email: ashley_robbins@ncsu.edu
Brief Job Description: Marti Day and I are the Area Specialized Dairy Agents - the county-based arm of the Cooperative Extension Dairy Team. We are out here in the counties to help you set and reach your farm, family and business goals. We have collaborative expertise in the areas of Waste Management, Udder Health, Cow Comfort, Nutrition and Forage Management with specialties in (Ashley)Reproduction, Records Management, Animal Health and (Marti)Alternative Markets, Organic Dairy, Grazing Management, and On-farm Processing. We hope to provide comprehensive educational programs for our farmers, consumers and youth for every county across the state. We are here for you by phone, email or text and look forward to working with you!
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 - Grain
Phone: (252) 793-4428
Email: scott_tilley@ncsu.edu
Mitch Woodward
Title: Area Specialized Agent, Watersheds and Water Quality
Phone: (919) 414-3873
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