2025 Year in Review

In 2025, the Halifax County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension continued to serve as a vital engine for local agricultural, healthy living, and youth development. On the farm, Extension drove innovation through regional research that provided growers with data-driven strategies for optimizing production. Beyond the fields, community members benefited from research-based nutrition education and exercise programs across the county to improve daily living habits and improve quality of life. Most importantly, our efforts empowered the next generation through youth development programs and the 4-H Rural Life Center summer day camps, facilitating opportunities that included experiential learning, financial literacy, and workforce readiness, ensuring that Halifax County remains resilient and prepared for the future.

• Conducted a corn variety trial with 20 different corn hybrids in two separate locations, a cotton variety trial with 10 different hybrids, four peanut field trials, a crabgrass forage trial, and a bale grazing field trial is in year 3 of 5.
• Hosted a day of education for 47 timber owners in the county, including a tour of the new Roseburg sawmill.
• Provided 1178 hours of Pesticide Certification and Certified Crop Advisor credits, 63 hours of AnimalWaste Operators, and 124 hours of Beef Quality Assurance continuing education credits for farmers and livestock producers.
• Coordinated a pesticide disposal day where 4766 lbs of old pesticides were received from citizens for proper disposal.
• 24 individuals completed the 16 week grant-funded Health Extension for Diabetes program, gaining valuable knowledge, skills, and confidence for self-management.
• 41 citizens gained knowledge to improve healthy living habits through EFNEP’s “Eating Smart, MovingMore” program.
• 147 community members participated in nutrition education classes to improve their knowledge ofheathy eating habits and food safety practices.
• Provided nutrition education, food safety, and the importance of healthy physical activity to 1124 youth in schools in grades 3-9. Also, through EFNEP 70 adults learned those same skills and how to shop on a budget, money saving tips, and how to eat more nutritious meals at home.
• Facilitated monthly food distribution to 6265 individuals at no cost to them in partnership with theFood Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.
• Facilitated 7 weeks of 4-H Camps at the 4-H Rural Life Center for over 300 participants, and employed12 local youth as summer counselors, providing them valuable workforce development skills.
• Created 31 scholarship opportunities for youth to attend a week of 4-H summer day camp at no cost by raising funds with a scholarship campaign.
• 549 school age youth across the county participated 4-H curriculum activities through hands-on in-school learning.
• 24 youth participated in County 4-H Presentations, 21 advanced to district, 12 placed at the district level, and 4 competed at state level where all received awards for their presentations.
• Hosted the 3rd Annual Northeast 4-H Dairy Project where 16 youth gained valuable life skills while learning to care for their calves.
• 18 at-risk youth were supported to graduate from area schools, 5 of which continued to college and 3entered military service.
• Facilitated enrollment of 14 youth in the Northwest Halifax High School’s Empowerment Zone, and provided transportation to 5 youth for night school to work towards completing their education.
• 1500 community services hours have been completed by 25 court-referred youth, with $2500 in restitution paid to victims.
• Received more than $36,000 in
• sponsorships and in-kind donations to support 4-H and agricultural programming efforts.
• 354 Extension program volunteer hours reached 6328 people with a realized value of $12,316
  

33rd Annual Harvest Days

The 2025 Harvest Days Festival was another successful event! With the support of our county, its departments, and local businesses and organizations, almost 700 4 and 5 grade students from across the county enjoyed Friday learning about the history of our county and the many great opportunities and resources it has to offer. Saturday provided activities for approximately 2000 people to celebrate the our county’s history with tours of the historic Rosenwald School, the newly reorganized and revitalized Agriculture Museum, and 1920’s Farm House. Attendees were also able to visit the 1776 encampment area with musket firing demonstrations and by period re-enactors and view the annual 4-H Poultry Show

Peanut Maturity, Pesticide Disposal and Hurricanes

We play a multifaceted role in supporting local agriculture, driving economic gains, environmental stewardship, and disaster recovery in Halifax County. In 2025, we helped peanut farmers optimize harvest timing across 3,735 acres; by advising a 14-day wait for optimum maturity, we helped increase yields by 630 pounds per acre, realizing a total economic impact of $588,262.50. Commitment to the environment was also a priority, as we partnered with the NCDA&CS to collect and properly dispose of 262 pesticide containers weighing 4,766 pounds. Also, following a difficult 2024 season marked by hurricanes and droughts, we assisted the farming community in accessing their share of $300 million in state relief funds, directly helping over 30 farmers with the application process and ensuring that owners of over 75% of Halifax County’s acres successfully applied for the aid necessary to stay in business.

Pasture Management Strategies & Economics

Many lack the understanding of forage systems in northeastern North Carolina and how proper management of their pastures can decrease costs while increasing forage productivity and soil health. Extension hosted a classroom program in the spring to provide in-depth knowledge of pasture management strategies, economics, and how to implement the practices in their farm. This program was followed by an extension-coordinated field demonstration late summer on a local farm where forage-quality crabgrass seed was planted to allow summer grazing on a pasture that would be renovated in the fall. Fifteen people participated in the program and 100% responded they indicated they had a gained a better understanding of pasture management strategies. The field demonstration volunteer realized a savings of approximately $2,400 during the summer utilizing the crabgrass pasture, and also benefited in receiving $250 of donated crabgrass seed through the project.

Safe Plates for Food Managers

N.C. Cooperative Extension serves as the primary resource for Food Safety Manager certification in Halifax and Northampton counties. This program prepares managers for the American National Standards Institution approved Food Protection Manager Certification. Managers successfully completing the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals Food Manager Certification exam meet the FDA Food Code 2022 requirement for a Certified Food Protection Manager. This certificate not only meets the same requirement in North Carolina but is also good throughout the United States for five years. Managers trained in Safe Plates for Food Managers are equipped to create a work environment that minimizes food safety risks in their restaurants, cafeterias, and grocery stores through best practices, open communication, and thoughtful practice. Through 3 comprehensive courses conducted across Halifax and Northampton counties, 17 food handlers completed training, with 14 participants passing the national accreditation exam to achieve a 82% pass rate.

Fueling Futures

In today’s world of fast food, sedentary lifestyles, and endless screen time, many students face a significant knowledge gap when it comes to basic nutrition and healthy habits. Without essential skills in meal prep, food safety, and balanced eating, young people are often unprepared to make informed choices that support longterm health. In Halifax County, this issue was addressed through EFNEP, which introduced its “Fuel for Life” curriculum to local ninth-grade classrooms. Over six weeks, students participated in hands-on lessons that featured cooking demonstrations and food tastings, making nutrition education engaging, practical, and enjoyable. This approach aimed to reduce resistance to healthy foods, increase confidence in the kitchen, and connect healthy lifestyles to everyday routines. The results were powerful. Students who were hesitant to try ingredients like spinach or cottage cheese were surprised to find they enjoyed nutritious dishes like the “One Pot Pasta,” changing their views on healthy food. More than just individual taste preferences, the broader outcomes were important: 75% of students improved their ability to make healthier food choices, 54% gained confidence in practicing food safety, and 67% reported increased physical activity. These numbers show more than just behavior change; they indicate a shift in mindset. By giving youth practical skills and knowledge, EFNEP helped create a foundation for healthier choices that extend beyond the classroom into homes and communities, emphasizing its vital role in shaping a healthier future generations.

Heroes Unite: Halifax County 4-H Builds Powerful Partnerships to Empower Local Youth

In Halifax County, many underserved youth face barriers to opportunity due to poverty, limited access to enrichment programs, and a lack of positive adult role models. To address these challenges, Halifax County 4-H created HERO Camp—a low-cost summer day camp developed through strong partnerships with local agencies such as the Sheriff’s Department, EMS, and fire departments. To address these challenges, Halifax County 4-H created HERO Camp. This was the theme of the first week of 7 camps that the Halifax 4-H Rural Life Center puts on each summer. HERO Camp was a low-cost summer day camp developed through strong partnerships with local agencies such as the Halifax County Sheriff’s Department, Halifax County EMS, and multiple fire departments throughout the county. Halifax Electric Membership Corporation and Halifax County Forestry also made an appearance and provided engaging and educational demonstrations and activities for the youth. 30 youth, as well as 12 young adult counselors were impacted through these partnerships. This collaboration provided a safe, engaging environment where 30 children in Halifax County could connect with real-life community heroes, gain confidence, and feel supported by the people who serve their community every day. Investing in programs like HERO Camp matters because when a community unites around its youth, it fosters belonging, builds trust, and lays the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future. We look forward to partnering with these local heroes more throughout the year!

Opening Doors Beyond the Classroom: Hands-On Learning for

Halifax County Youth

In Halifax County, financial barriers often prevent Title I students from accessing learning beyond the classroom. To bridge this gap, Halifax County 4-H launched an affordable, hands-on field trip based on the “Busy World of Bees” curriculum. Hosted at the Rural Life Center, 81 first-graders from Belmont Elementary explored the vital role of pollination through a series of interactive stations that provided for education, creativity, and wellness through expert-led presentations on ecosystem health, hands-on pollination crafts and games, and preparation of healthy, bee-themed snacks. This success was made possible through a collaboration between 4-H staff from Halifax and Northampton counties, EFNEP, and the Halifax County Beekeepers Association. By aligning the program with state standards and keeping costs low, 4-H demonstrated that creative partnerships can break down economic hurdles—ensuring all youth have the chance to spark curiosity and enrich their education through real-world experience.

Seeds of Success

Through Operation Restart, at-risk youth of Halifax County were awarded grant funds to build a community garden at the Halifax Agricultural Center to promote food security, healthy eating, and environmental education. Youth cultivated a variety of vegetables and herbs to allow youth and families with restricted grocery store access to gather fresh food. They were engaged through hands on learning, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities, fostering community cohesion and socialization. as well as valuable life skill development. Sustainable gardening practices such as composting and water conservation were emphasized, also teaching youth environmentally-friendly practices.

Commitment Meets Opportunity

Travon Childs is a powerful example of leadership, growth, and dedication. He successfully completed four years of JROTC, building strong discipline and responsibility. Through the Operation Restart Program, Travon participated in the 4-H Dairy Show for several years and became a dependable leader, always willing to assist other students, sharing life skills, conflict resolution, social skills, and personal development. Travon also served his community through food drives packing boxes, helping elderly community members carry food, and always showed respect with a positive attitude and a smile. He remained active in his church as an usher, choir member, maintenance helper, and youth leader. Today, Travon continues to succeed as he has been accepted into Halifax Community College and works as a Shift Leader at Dairy Queen. Travon’s journey shows what is possible when commitment meets opportunity.