Preparing for Winter Storms
As winter weather makes its way to North Carolina, keep food safety in mind with these tips to prepare …
Food Safety & Processing
Recovering From a Power Outage
With winter on its way and storms and wind coming through the state, it is important to know how …
Two Is Better Than One...Especially When It Comes to Canning Lids
The current difficulty in some areas of the U.S. of obtaining needed canning supplies is causing a lot of …
Saving Milk
One of my favorite childhood movies was Heidi. There are many versions but I’ve only seen the one made …
Shortage of Canning Supplies Leads to Unsafe Practices
The rising interest in home canning and the universal shortage of canning supplies has created quite a buzz of …
Where Are the Canning Jars? Is It 1975 All Over Again?
I hold cloudy memories of the 1970s. I remember that decade being aesthetically challenged, but what I most clearly …
Food Safety Concerns With Power Outages and Floodwater From a Storm
Tropical storms, floods, and other natural disasters can cause power outages and floodwater can bring dangerous compounds into your …
Tropical Storm Isaias Food Safety
With current predictions of Tropical Storm Isaias possibly making landfall in North Carolina, there are steps you can take to …
An Accurate 2020 Census Is Important for Farmers and Our Communities
Every 10 years, the census becomes an important topic in Rutherford County but the COVID-19 pandemic reminds us more …
Plan Ahead for Home Canning
If you are thinking about canning food at home this summer, the first place to start is with equipment …
Count on Me NC
NC State Extension, in partnership with NC Department of Health and Human Services, NC Restaurant and Lodging Association and Visit NC, is excited to …
How to Make Fermented Pickles
Interested in fermenting food? Start by making delicious fermented pickles that will be ready within 3-4 weeks. Fermented Pickles Recipe Yields 1-gallon …
How to Make Quick Refrigerator Pickles
Have you made quick pickles before? It’s fast, easy, and fun. Onions, cucumbers, asparagus, parsnips, radishes, and pea pods …
Disinfectants, UV Light, and Heat to Inactivate SARS-CoV-2
Cleaning followed by disinfection of surfaces is a best practice measure for the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral …
Cleaning and Disinfecting
A lot of the guidance around preventing spread of COVID-19 says to clean and disinfect surfaces. But what does …
COVID-19 and Produce Food Safety
Food and food packaging are not considered significant ways of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Many people have …
COVID-19: What Steps Can I Take to Minimize Risk at the Grocery Store
Important steps to consider while you are grocery store to keep you, your family, grocery store employees and other food …
COVID-19 and Grocery Shopping
There are many questions surround grocery shopping and handling food during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no data currently that …
Rutherford County Extension Cooking Class 2020
Cooking School 2020 Update: March 25, 2020 Future cooking classes will be held virtually (for a few months at least). I …
4-H Small Fruit Sale-CANCELED
Where: N.C. Cooperative Extension of Rutherford County office Taking orders now, come by the office or call 828-287-6010. Pick Up Dates: March 25, …
Learn More Using the Resources Below
More Extension Programs at NC State University
- Entrepreneur Initiative for Food
- Food Safety Courses
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Programs Extension Programs
- Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences
National eXtension Resources
Partnerships and Organizations
Publications, Information, and News
Recent Publications related to Food Safety & Processing
North Carolina Production Guide for Smaller Orchard Plantings
North Carolina’s climate and soils are well suited to grow many types tree fruits. This …
3/18/21
The Role of Preconditioning in Food and Feed Extrusion
This Q&A factsheets answers several questions about the preconditioning process in food and feed extrusion.
3/9/21
Producing and Marketing Strawberries for Direct Market Operations
This booklet provides an overview of production costs and marketing strategies that growers should consider …
2/22/21
Advisory Index for Transitioning from Conventional to Reduced Tillage Peanut Production in North Carolina
This advisory index is designed to help growers anticipate peanut response to reduced tillage as …
2/22/21
Soil Fertility Management for Irish Potato Production in Eastern North Carolina
This publication describes fertilizer management strategies for optimum potato yields and to prevent problems (such …
2/17/21 — SoilFacts
Insurance Coverage Options for Fresh Produce Growers
This publication provides information to help produce growers understand the variety of insurance coverage or …
2/12/21 — Food Safety
Suggested Good Agricultural and Collection Practices for North Carolina Medicinal Herbs
This publication provides introductory information about growing and wild-harvesting medicinal herbs in North Carolina. The …
2/11/21
Aflatoxins and Animal Food Safety
This factsheet covers the guidelines and mitigation for aflatoxins in animal food in North Carolina.