What North Carolina Cooperative Extension Is
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is the state's land-grant outreach network, and it keeps a local center in every county. According to the Extension general overview, it offers locally focused services in all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, through 101 local centers. It is a partnership of N.C. State University, N.C. A&T State University, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and local governments. For a farmer, a 4-H parent or a homeowner with a sick shrub, the county center is the front door.
What You Can Get Help With
The overview lists six program areas:
- Agriculture
- Food and Nutrition
- 4-H Youth Development
- Environmental and Natural Resources
- Home and Families
- Community and Rural Development
In practice that means agents who work on crops, livestock, horticulture, food safety and natural resources, plus family and consumer sciences staff and 4-H professionals. The network is organized into five districts: West, North Central, South Central, Northeast and Southeast.
Finding Your County Center
Start at the statewide county centers list. It is an alphabetical list of 101 entries, one for each county plus the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and each name links to that center's own website. The general overview gives go.ncsu.edu/CountyCenters as a shortcut and 919.515.2813 as a statewide phone number. The county sites carry local news, event calendars, agent contacts and program sign-ups.
Two Universities, One Network
N.C. State and N.C. A&T both take part in Extension. Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T describes six core areas: Small Farms, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food Safety, Community and Rural Development, Families, Health and Wellness, and 4-H Youth Development. Its audiences include small and limited-resource farmers, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, farmworkers and veterans, including farmers with disabilities through NC AgrAbility, as well as youth and families. A&T reports serving all 100 counties and working with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Its reported results include about 600,000 total contacts, 30,100 youth reached through 4-H and 8,231 small farmers who gained new farming skills.
If you farm on a small scale or are just starting out, ask your county center whether an A&T agent covers your area.
4-H and Youth Programs
4-H is the part of Extension most families meet first. The 2022 NC State Extension annual report counted 188,255 youth in 4-H activities, 19,588 in 4-H clubs, 4,600 in 4-H camping programs and 9,652 adult volunteers supporting the program. Livestock exhibitors also rely on county centers: DNA samples for State Fair junior market animals are turned in at the local Extension office, per the State Fair livestock page. Call early in the year to ask about clubs, project areas and show dates.
Master Gardeners and Volunteers
The same annual report says the Extension Master Gardener program operates in 83 counties with more than 3,800 volunteers, and that Extension volunteers contributed more than $12 million in time in 2022. Ask your county center whether it runs a Master Gardener program near you.
Soil Testing Through Your County Office
Soil samples go to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services lab in Raleigh, and county Extension offices can carry them there. Per the peak soil season notice, testing is free to North Carolina residents from April 1 through late November. Samples must be physically at the lab by 5:00 p.m. on November 30, with no exceptions, or a $5 per sample fee applies from December 1. Arrival time at the lab counts, not the day you drop the sample at the county office, so do not wait until the last week. The lab at 4300 Reedy Creek Road accepts samples in person, by UPS or FedEx, or through a county Extension office, but not by USPS mail.
Who Pays for It
The 2022 annual report put total Extension funding at $136.9 million: $14.8 million federal, $47 million state, $42.2 million county and $32.9 million from grants, contracts, donations and other sources. County government is the second-largest public funder after the state.
Getting the Most From a Visit
- Call before you drive over, and ask which agent covers your crop, animal or question.
- Bring a sample or photo: leaves, stems, soil in a labeled bag, or the whole sad tomato.
- Write down what you have already tried and when.
- Ask about newsletters, field days and workshops at your center.
- Check both NC State and N.C. A&T offerings if you farm on a small scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Extension centers are there in North Carolina?
101: one in each of the 100 counties and one for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Is there a fee to talk to an agent?
The sources reviewed do not list consultation fees. Ask your county center, and note that some programs, camps and tests carry their own charges.
Does Extension help with youth livestock?
Yes. For State Fair junior market animals, DNA goes to your local Extension office, and agents can verify starting weights for the Performance Market Steer program.
What is the free soil test deadline this year?
Samples must be at the Raleigh lab by 5:00 p.m. on November 30. After that, the $5 per sample fee starts December 1.
North Carolina Listings Covered by This Guide
- Harnett County 4-H Art Showcase
Farm City Week 4-H art contest and display; entries are taken the morning of November 13, 2026, shown during Ag Day on November 14, and released at 2 PM.
- Catawba County 4-H Livestock Club
Monthly evening meeting of the Catawba County 4-H Livestock Club for youth ages 5 and older, hosted by the Catawba County Center in Newton; next meeting Monday, January 4, 2027.
1175 S Brady Ave, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 465-8240 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Catawba County Center Official event details - Hyde County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
The 36th annual Hyde County 4-H livestock show and sale is set for April 28, 2027 at the Ponzer Community Building, with buyer and sponsor registration open for updates.
- Beaufort County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Held each year; the most recent show and sale was March 12, 2026, hosted by the Beaufort County Center in Washington for local 4-H youth.
- Winter Food Preservation: Canning Meat (Catawba County)
Hands-on home canning class for meat at the Ag Resources Center in Newton, $15 with registration closing March 13; the most recent session ran March 18, 2026.
Newton, NC | (828) 465-8240 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Catawba County Center Official event details - Lost Arts: An Overview of Canning Methods (Catawba County)
Evening canning-methods overview led by Donna Mull at the Catawba County Agricultural Resource Center in Newton; the most recent session was Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Newton, NC | (828) 465-8240 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Catawba County Center Official event details - Wilson County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Held each year; the most recent dates were March 25-26, 2026. Steer registration closed November 14 and hog registration December 12 ahead of the show. Agent contact for livestock programs is Hailee Whitehurst.
1806 SW Goldsboro St, NC 27893 | (252) 237-0111 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Wilson County Center Official event details - Eastern Carolina 4-H Livestock Show & Sale
Three-day 4-H show and sale in Rocky Mount, April 6-8, 2026, with hog, goat, lamb and steer shows, a skillathon county challenge, a costume contest, awards, a pig pickin and a Wednesday evening sale.
1175 Kingsboro Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27801 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Nash County Center Official event details - Wake County 4-H Achievement Day
Held each year; the most recent date was April 11, 2026. Youth give speeches and demonstrations from 8 a.m., followed by an afternoon awards celebration at the neighboring Commons Building at 4011 Carya Drive.
4001 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Wake County Center Official event details - Tyrrell County 4-H Livestock Show
Held each year; the most recent show day was Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Columbia, with entry deadlines set by the Tyrrell County 4-H program.
Columbia, NC | Organizer: NC Cooperative Extension, Tyrrell County Official event details - Fill Your Basket at the Farmers Market (Catawba County)
Second workshop in a household food budget series, teaching shoppers to buy local at farmers markets, at the Newton Main library; most recently Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Newton, NC | (828) 465-8240 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Catawba County Center Official event details - Albemarle Area 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Held each year; the most recent dates were April 28-29, 2026 at the Currituck County Center in Barco. Area 4-H youth show and sell market animals.
- Rowan County 4-H Presentations and Talent Show
Held each year as part of County Activity Day; the most recent date was April 24, 2026. Youth ages 5 to 18 give speeches, demonstrations or talent acts before a judging panel after pre-registering in 4-HOnline.
1959 Jake Alexander Blvd W, Suite 1400, Salisbury, NC 28147 | (704) 216-8970 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Rowan County Center Official event details - Washington County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale
Held each year; the most recent show date was May 6, 2026. Youth exhibit heifers, goats, hogs and lambs, keep a digital project log and thank buyers after the sale. Registration deadlines run from December through January.
128 E Water St, Plymouth, NC 27962 | (252) 793-2163 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Washington County Center Official event details - Granville County 4-H Livestock Camp
One-day youth livestock camp at South Granville High School in Creedmoor. Held each year; the most recent camp was Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 9 AM to 2 PM.
701 N Cres Dr, Creedmoor, NC 27522 | Organizer: Granville County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension Official event details - NC 4-H Congress
Held each year in Raleigh; the most recent dates were July 20-24, 2026. North Carolina 4-H teens gather for workshops, tours, service projects and state recognition.
- Randolph County 4-H Livestock Show
Held each year; the most recent dates were August 7-8, 2026. The show grew from one day to two and added sheep classes. Youth register online through the Showman app, with the 2026 deadline set at July 25.
NC | (336) 467-2927 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Randolph County Center Official event details - Johnston County 4-H Rabbit Show
Held each year; the most recent Johnston County 4-H Rabbit Show was August 1, 2026, starting at 9 a.m., with show fees payable to Johnston County 4-H and a showmanship clinic held ahead of it.
Smithfield, NC | Organizer: Johnston County 4-H Official event details - Franklin County 4-H Fun Livestock Show
Practice-style 4-H livestock show for Franklin County youth at the Extension center in Louisburg. Held each year; the most recent date was August 20, 2026, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
103 S Bickett Blvd, Louisburg, NC 27549 | Organizer: Franklin County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension Official event details - Cabarrus County Junior Livestock Show
Junior livestock show at the Cabarrus County Saddle Club in Concord with beef check-in at 7:30 AM and sheep and goat weigh-in at 9:00 AM; held Saturday, August 29, 2026, most recently.
4370 Zion Church Road, Concord, NC 28025 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Cabarrus County Center Official event details - Chatham County 4-H Livestock Show
Held each year; the most recent show was Saturday, September 12, 2026 in Pittsboro, organized through the Chatham County Extension center.
1192 US 64W Business, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | Organizer: NC Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Official event details - Richmond County 4-H Livestock Show
Held each year; the most recent date was September 12, 2026, at Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe. A goat show opens at 11 a.m. with the heifer show tentatively starting around 1 p.m. Part of the 4-H Ag Carolina Farm Credit Circuit.
1296 Mallard Dr, Ellerbe, NC 28338 | Organizer: N.C. Cooperative Extension Richmond County Center Official event details - Duplin 4-H Art and Photography Contest
Agriculture-themed art and photo contest for 4-H members in age groups 5-7, 8-13 and 14-18, with 1st and 2nd place prizes. Held each year; 2026 entries were due Sept 14 and judging was Sept 17.
165-C Agriculture Drive, Kenansville, NC 28349 | Organizer: Duplin County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension Official event details - Pitt County 4-H Livestock Show
Pitt County 4-H livestock show events were scheduled for September 26, 2026 during Pitt County Fair week, with registration opening August 28.
Greenville, NC | Organizer: Pitt County 4-H Official event details - Bath Creek 4-H Club
Beaufort County 4-H club based in Bath that meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM.
Bath, NC - Beaufort County Boots & Bounty 4-H Club
Beaufort County 4-H club meeting in Bath on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 PM.
Bath, NC - Crusaders Shooting Sports 4-H Club
Shooting sports 4-H club in Washington, NC, for Beaufort County youth; meeting days and times vary during the year.
Washington, NC - Cumberland County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Extension office housed in the Agriculture Center in Fayetteville; runs 4-H, pesticide credit classes, the county livestock shows and the Agricultural Hall of Fame (founded 1989).
301 E Mountain Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 | (910) 321-6860 - Duplin County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Kenansville Extension office that organizes Duplin Farm Fest, the 4-H art contest and the farm photo contest for Duplin County producers and youth.
165-C Agriculture Drive, Kenansville, NC 28349 - Edgecombe County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Tarboro Extension office that runs the Edgecombe County livestock show and the 2026 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program for Eastern Carolina youth.
201 Saint Andrew St, Tarboro, NC 27886 - Franklin County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Louisburg Extension center that hosts the Franklin County 4-H Fun Livestock Show and other agriculture and youth programs.
103 S Bickett Blvd, Louisburg, NC 27549 - Gaston County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Dallas Extension center serving Gaston County growers and 4-H clubs, including the 4-H Super Summer 2026 program.
1303 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy, Dallas, NC | (704) 922-0301 - Granville County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Oxford Extension center supporting Granville farmers and 4-H, with livestock camp, the Armory farmers market and Ripe for Revival sessions in Butner and Oxford.
125 Oxford Outer Loop, Oxford, NC 27565 | (919) 603-1350 - Greene County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Snow Hill Extension office for Greene County offering 4-H livestock clubs, a rabbit showmanship program and animal waste operator classes at the county farmers market.
466 US 13 South, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | (252) 747-5831 - Guilford County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Greensboro Extension office that organizes Guilford 4-H programs including the North Central 4-H Rabbit Show registration in 2026.
3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405 - Halifax County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Halifax Extension office that publishes 4-H livestock project information tied to the Eastern Carolina 4-H Livestock Show and Sale.
359 Ferrell Ln, Halifax, NC 27839 - Harmony Homeschool 4-H Club
Homeschool-focused 4-H club in Washington, NC, meeting the first Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM.
Washington, NC - Harnett County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Lillington Extension office behind Harnett County Farm City Week, Ag Day and the 4-H Art Showcase held in November.
126 Alexander Dr, Lillington, NC 27546 - Hertford County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Winton Extension office that co-runs the Hertford-Northampton 4-H Livestock Show and Sale and answers questions for livestock exhibitors.
301 W Tryon St, Winton, NC 27986 | (252) 358-7822 - Hoke County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension
Raeford Extension center that hosts the Hoke County livestock association, beekeepers, 4-H chicken club and other farm and youth meetings.
645 E. Palmer Street, Raeford, NC 28376 | (910) 875-3461
Plus 92 more. Find yours on your county's page in the North Carolina directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.