2015 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University VCE-596-25NP

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator,

1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.

Situation Analysis Report

Craig County

2013

Craig County Extension Staff

Amber Robinson, 4-H Youth Extension Agent Andy Allen, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Unit Coordinator Enola Ross, Unit Administrative Assistant

Craig County Extension Leadership Council

Paul Paradzinski – ELC Chair Ralph Bradley Jean Bradley Barbra Winstead J.C. Winstead Carolyn Fleming Carter Fleming Debbie Snead Ben Flinchum Sue Bostic Kirstann Edwards Ann Harrell Gary Green

Introduction

Craig County conducted a comprehensive situation analysis in the fall of 2013. The Extension Leadership Council (ELC), unit staff and key individuals in the community used the Situation Analysis of 2004 as a baseline. By reviewing the economic and demographic data, the group developed a comprehensive look at Craig County and how Extension programming could benefit the community.

Unit Profile

Craig County is located in the mountains of Southwest Virginia about 25 miles Northwest of Roanoke Virginia. Elevation ranges from 1124 to 3800 feet, rainfall averaging 40 inches per year. New Castle, the only incorporated town in the county is also the county seat. It is located in a valley where State Route 42 intersects State Route 311, and Craig Creek and Johns Creek converge. Government offices, schools, banks, retail establishments, and the most populated area are located in New Castle. Paint Bank is a small community located in the northwest part of the county on Potts Creek, State Route 311, near the intersection of State Route 18. Simmonsville is in the Sinking Creek Valley on State Route 42 near the southern end of the county, a rural community surrounded by farm land. There are a number of small communities scattered around the county, but most of the county remains rural with farms and forested areas. County advertisements boast that there are no stoplights in the County. National Forest accounts for about fifty five percent of the land area. Craig County has many resources for individuals that enjoy outdoor activities, and recreation. The 2010 Census states that the county has a population of 5,158. Population is growing slowly with an increase of 103 people or 2% from 2007 figures. The county saw an increase in the number young people under 19, and those between the ages of 35 to 44, and 55 to 74. Declines were seen in the age groups of 20 to 34, 45 to 54, and 74 to 84. For the most part the population seems fairly stable but occasionally families move in as others move out. Median Household income increased from $48,845 in 2007 to $54,120 in 2011. Unemployment is 7.5% which is 1.3% higher than the state average. More than 70% of those employed work outside the county.

Education beyond high school remains below state and national averages but saw significant increases in 2011. The percentage of people with some college education increased from 12% in 2007 to 54% by 2013.

Agriculture, mining, construction, and transportation employment is much higher in Craig than the national average. Education, government, and other services also employ a higher percentage of individuals compared to national averages. Retail, health, and most other forms of employment are below state averages. Population information indicates that 98.97% of the people are white, 0.17% Black or African American, 0.08% Asian, 0.78% two or more races, and 0.52% Hispanic. VCE and the Craig Extension Office strive to notify the public with newspaper articles, newsletters, and personal contacts to make sure that their educational programs and activities are available to everyone.

Craig follows Virginia trends with many factors leading to poor health, diabetes, and obesity. In the section on Social and Economic Factors children living in poverty was 20% in 2012 for Craig County which is a 5% increase from 2010 and 6% higher than the national average. The county is also seeing a decrease in people with low paying jobs and increases in the percentage of individuals making more than $75,000. Agriculture Agriculture remains an important source of revenue for the county. Beef and dairy cattle are the most prominent sources of income in the agriculture segment. Many people in the county are interested in learning more about other livestock, crops, and enterprises utilizing natural resources. Net farm income increased $5,137 per farm from 2002 to 2007 even as farm expenses increased during this period. There has been an 82% increase in the market value of farms, as well as a 64% increase in the value of equipment even as farm numbers declined from 228 to 193. Beef cow numbers decreased 14% which is not surprising following several years of dry weather. Cow numbers increased by 27% on the three dairies in the county. Livestock should remain one of the top agriculture enterprises in the county due to terrain and available resources. Interest in other agriculture enterprises is increasing as farmers look to diversify or land owners look for alternatives for smaller acreages. Many express interest in conservation and preservation of natural resources.

Community and Resident Perspectives In a small community like Craig County most people are aware of issues and how individuals are affected. The ELC members are knowledgeable, know the community and provide excellent insight on the needs and interest of people in the county. Craig County’s ELC is representative of the community and covers many ages. Issues were listed and then weighed as to importance and capacity for Extension resources.

Priority Issues Agriculture The Extension Leadership Council (ELC) expressed interest in a variety of farm educational topics. Livestock, and crops used to feed them, are important for the county and remain a priority. Farm profitability remains an area of high interest. The ELC expressed interest in a variety of topics, such as promotion of agriculture products, animal welfare, agriculture tourism, and informing the public on the importance of agriculture and farmers markets. The Craig County Board of Supervisors is interested in promoting tourism in the county. Previous tourism efforts included many agriculture destinations. Many surrounding counties are looking into agriculture tourism opportunities to increase revenue and provide employment. Because of the amount of timberland in the county, issues regarding forestry, natural resources and wildlife occasionally need to be addressed.

Youth Young people are a priority in Craig County. Parents, grandparents, and the community are very grateful for positive experiences for youth. Learning opportunities outside of school are limited. In the past, 4-H has provided excellent opportunities that allowed young people to learn, travel outside the community, build life skills, learn self-confidence, and leadership skills. It offers young people opportunities for success, and to build knowledge, and experience achievement. The group also encouraged educating young people by visiting area farms and other natural resource attractions in the area. As with any community the group expressed interest in educating parents about so they can provide a safe and productive environment for young people. Community The Craig County ELC felt that the community needed information pertaining to financial education, volunteer services, and a number of safety issues. They stated that information on nutrition and health are important for the well-being of the community. Because of the distance to retail food venues, the availability of land in the county there are opportunities for individuals to produce more fruits and vegetables in their communities. Extension has many resources that can be used to inform interested individuals on how to produce safe and healthy foods in small plots or gardens.

Appendices

Shown on the following pages

Copy of the survey used for this report

Survey to determine needs in Craig County

Please Rank - 1 low (not important)

5 Very important

Agriculture

Rank Ag Legal Issues (fence law, farm vehicles, taxes)

1 2 3 4 5

Agriculture Production/ Profitability

1 2 3 4 5 Agriculture Sustainability/Preservation 1 2 3 4 5 Alternative Agriculture

1 2 3 4 5

Animals/Livestock Production

1 2 3 4 5 Agri-tourism 1 2 3 4 5 Animal Health Issues

1 2 3 4 5

Farm Labor

1 2 3 4 5 Farm Transition 1 2 3 4 5 Local Food

1 2 3 4 5

Management Issues (land, Livestock, bookkeeping)

1 2 3 4 5 Profitability (marketing and production costs) 1 2 3 4 5 Resource Availability (vet services, rental land, custom operators) 1 2 3 4 5 Field Crops/ Commercial Horticulture

1 2 3 4 5

Home Horticulture/Gardening 1 2 3 4 5 Pest/Pest Management

1 2 3 4 5

Public Awareness of Agriculture

1 2 3 4 5 Other

Environmental/ Natural Resources

Rank Environmental Quality

1 2 3 4 5

Forest Health (disease, insects)

1 2 3 4 5 Invasive Species 1 2 3 4 5 Land Use Planning – farmland preservation

1 2 3 4 5

Private Woodland Management

1 2 3 4 5 Property Rights 1 2 3 4 5 Wildlife-hunting, nuisance, sustainability

1 2 3 4 5

Other

Survey to determine needs in Craig County

Please Rank - 1 low (not important)

5 Very important

Families and Communities

Rank Aging Issues

1 2 3 4 5

Aging Population/Long Term Care

1 2 3 4 5 Financial Management (consumer issues, debt) 1 2 3 4 5 Food Safety/ Preservation

1 2 3 4 5

Health: Physical & Mental

1 2 3 4 5 Housing (buying, renting, indoor air quality, energy management) 1 2 3 4 5 Nutrition

1 2 3 4 5

Parenting

1 2 3 4 5 Child Development 1 2 3 4 5 Chronic Disease

1 2 3 4 5

Community Involvement/Volunteering

1 2 3 4 5 Community Planning 1 2 3 4 5 Community Services

1 2 3 4 5

Consumer Issues

1 2 3 4 5 Dependent Care 1 2 3 4 5 Employment Options

1 2 3 4 5

Family activities

1 2 3 4 5 Housing/Home 1 2 3 4 5 Nutrition/Obesity

1 2 3 4 5

Health Care

1 2 3 4 5 Small Business/Entrepreneurism 1 2 3 4 5 Water Quality/Quantity

1 2 3 4 5

Parenting

1 2 3 4 5 Tourism 1 2 3 4 5 Other

1 2 3 4 5

Survey to determine needs in Craig County

Please Rank - 1 low (not important)

5 Very important

4-H and Youth Development

Rank After-School Care

1 2 3 4 5

Character Building (Behavior)

1 2 3 4 5 Communication Skills 1 2 3 4 5 Careers Awareness/Career Readiness

1 2 3 4 5

Leadership Opportunities

1 2 3 4 5 Life Skills/decision making 1 2 3 4 5 Physical activities/Health

1 2 3 4 5

Teen Involvement

1 2 3 4 5 Life Skills/Decision-Making for Youth 1 2 3 4 5 Youth Activities

1 2 3 4 5

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

1 2 3 4 5 Youth Participation in the Community 1 2 3 4 5 Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

1 2 3 4 5

Agriculture Literacy

1 2 3 4 5 Financial Literacy 1 2 3 4 5 Environmental/Nature Resource Education

1 2 3 4 5

Other