NEWTON, N.C. (WHKY) — Catawba County is highlighting Cooperative Extension and the services it provides residents as part of its September Catawba County 101 series.

Cooperative Extension connects research and educational resources with the community, offering programs covering agriculture and livestock, horticulture, health and nutrition, local foods and youth development through 4-H.

The county office operates through a partnership between Catawba County government and North Carolina State University. Programs and services are generally open to the public, although some are designed for specific audiences.

Extension programs are intended to turn university research into practical information residents can use at home, on farms and in the community.