“Agriculture in Macon County”
On Monday, January 19, the speaker series “Where We Live: History, Nature, and Culture,” will host a program by Christy Bredenkamp, NCSU Extension Director, who will deliver a talk titled “Agriculture in Macon County Through the Lens of Extension.”
This slide presentation will offer an overview of Macon County’s current agricultural landscape—from beef cattle production and baling hay, to growing tomatoes and corn, as well as harvesting cut flowers, honey, and Christmas trees. Drawing from Extension work in Macon and in neighboring Swain and Jackson counties, the presentation will explore:
How agriculture contributes to Macon County’s economy
Programs available to farmers, gardeners, and youth
Community partnerships that advance agriculture education and opportunities
Historical insights gathered from local farmers and rare collections from NC State’s Digital Library.
In the mid-1990 Christy began her Extension career with NCSU as a Horticulture Agent in Swain and Jackson Counties. Responsibilities included educational programs in the forms of workshops, field tours, and face to face farm or home visits for commercial farmers and home gardening clientele, including opportunities, training, and technical assistance to beekeepers, Christmas tree growers and nursery, vegetable and specialty crop producers.
In early 2020, Christy became the Director for Macon County Cooperative Extension Service with responsibilities in commercial and home horticulture, and community development.
The event will take place on January 19th at 6:30 p.m. at the Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center, 51 Cowee School Drive, Franklin, NC 28734. Admission is free and open to the public.