Growing Chatham
Growing Chatham
March 2024
March 2024
General Updates
Our office will be
Friday, March 29th
for Good Friday
Chatham County Parks and Recreation's EGGstreme Spring Fling
Sat., March 16th
10am - 1pm
Central Carolina Community College
(Pittsboro Main Campus)
Community members are invited to enjoy the many different activities that The EGGstreme Spring Fling has to offer. There will be festival-style activities and multiple other community organizations hosting other spring-themed activities, including the Maple View Mobile Ice Cream Truck. Starting at 11:00 a.m., there will be field games including a sack race and water balloon toss. The egg hunts will begin at noon and will wrap up the event.
Chatham County Spring Ag Fest 2024
is just around the corner!
Scroll down to explore the thrilling activities in the NEW 4-H Kid Zone under the 4-H section! Also, get to know Farmer Ed, who will add a touch of agricultural magic to the Chatham County Spring Ag Fest, sponsored by Chatham County Farm Bureau. Don't miss out on bringing the kids to the Chatham County Spring Ag Fest 2024!
Farmland Preservation Program Explained
Andrew Waters provides details about the Farmland Preservation Program in Chatham County, NC.
4-H
Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at Spring Break Camp!
Looking for something local to do for spring break? Join some of our enthusiastic Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGV) at their “Nature at Home” Jr. Master Gardener spring break camp!
During Chatham County School’s 2024 spring break, the EMGV are hosting a fun-filled week at the Chatham County Ag Center
(1192 US 64W Business, Suite 400, Pittsboro, NC).
DATE: April 1 – 5
TIME: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
AGES: 8 – 14
Cost: $75.00
Come and learn about plants, insects, soil, ecology, and more through games and hands-on activities. Think planting, butterfly nets and make your own pizza! The theme this year is Nature at Home – campers will take away ideas that can be implemented at home. A field trip to the NC Botanical Garden (transportation provided) is a much-anticipated part of the camp activities. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes to be prepared for an awesome week! Enrollment space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up!
New to the Chatham County Spring Ag Fest:
The 4-H Kid Zone!
Explore the BRAND NEW 4-H Kid Zone at the Chatham County Spring Ag Fest 2024! This exciting zone will feature a variety of agricultural-themed games and activities. Making its debut at the Chatham County Spring Ag Fest is the Ready, Set, Grow Magic Show with Farmer Ed. A big thank you to the Chatham County Farm Bureau for sponsoring Farmer Ed and his captivating Ready, Set, Grow magic show! Take a look at the video below for more details about the Ready, Set, Grow Magic Show.
STEM-tastic! 4-H STEM Day rocked the house!
The 4-H Crew put on a full day program with some of our 4-H'ers ages 7-13. We did some circuit work, put our paper airplane designs to the test and built some super sweet bridges to see if we could help our Lego people cross. During the day we took time to make our own personal pizzas to enjoy for lunch! These are just a few things we do in 4-H programs. If you are interested, register your youth aged 5-18 in 4-H Online today!
4-H Photography Workshop
Join Chatham 4-H as we learn more about the art of photography from Michael Stano, award winning photography artist and member of the Chatham County Artists Guild.
Registration through 4-HOnline required to participate in the engaging and interactive three part workshop, taking place on April 9th, 16th, and 23rd (2024). Each workshop session will be held at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center on the N.C. Cooperative Extension side. The workshops will run from 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. on the scheduled Tuesdays. 4-H members 9 years of age and older are welcome to register.
April 9th, 16th, & 23rd | 3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. | Ages 9-18
Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center (West Side)
1192 US-64 Bus, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Home Gardening
Native and Invasive Plants of Creeks and Streams Webinar
This webinar will review some of the best native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials for streams and creeks. We'll examine each species' ecological
function and horticultural value,
as well as resources for wildlife-friendly
landscaping from NC State Extension.
Identification and management of invasive species near riparian areas will also be explored.
Fertilizer: Introduction
Make Your Garden a Haven for Moths
Moths are the unsung heroes of plant pollination. On a worldwide scale, there are twice as many species of pollinating moths as there are bees, and there are six times as many pollinating moths as there are pollinating butterfly species.¹ Moths don’t get the respect they deserve for the services they provide plants. Moreover, moth larvae (caterpillars) are important food sources for songbirds, and adult moths are important food for our native bats.
The Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox makes it easy to find moth-friendly plants for your garden. Just type “moth friendly” or “moth caterpillar host” in the search box to see lists of plants that will attract moths.
Sustainable Ag
Webinar on Using REAP Grants to Fund Energy Improvements on Your Farm
North Carolina Cooperative Extension of Chatham County is conducting a webinar on March 12 for farmers interested in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects (and getting grants to help fund them!).
REAP the Benefits of Energy Improvements on Your Farm: Using REAP Grants to Fund Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements
March 12, 2024
6:00-8:00 p.m.
We have a great panel of speakers to talk about the REAP program, how it can benefit your farm, how energy efficiency audits help save energy, renewable energy projects on the farm, how to get REAP funding application support, tax incentives for energy improvements, and successful on-farm REAP energy projects.
Webinar on Sales Tax Exemptions on Farm Products & Inputs
March 4, 2024
To be exempt, what registration must I make? What records must I keep to prove any exemptions available to me? Where do I remit any sales taxes I’m obligated to collect?
Producers may also qualify for an exemption from paying sales taxes on inputs they purchase – but how do you qualify (and stay qualified)? How do you sign up? Do beginner farmers qualify?
To find out the answers to these questions, join us for this FREE webinar on March 4. Pre-registration is required.
Find out more about this webinar and access the registration link.
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension is conducting a Farm Tax Webinar on March 4 about sales tax exemptions for farmers as part of a series on farm tax issues.
Producers of farm products are generally exempt
from collecting and remitting sales taxes on those items – but what about value-added items such
as meat cuts, jams, pickles, baked goods, flower
bouquets, etc.?
2024 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook Is Now Online
The Southeastern Vegetable Extension Workers Group has just released the 25th edition of the Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook. The handbook represents a joint effort among Extension specialists and researchers from 12 land-grant universities in the U.S. who work in the area of vegetable production.
This handbook comprises up-to-the-minute information developed from research and Extension projects conducted across the southeast. It contains the information that you need to manage your vegetable crops, including which varieties to plant, planting dates, fertilizer recommendations, cover crop selection and conservation tillage options, pesticide selection, fertigation, postharvest handling, alternative pest management tools, as well as many other topics.
Visit Cooperative Extension's Growing Small Farms website to view or download the handbook.
Spring Chores in the Pollinator Garden
Sustainable Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos discusses the major chores she and her volunteers tackle in March to get Cooperative Extension's Demonstration Pollinator Paradise Garden ready for spring.
View photos and read all about it on the Growing Small Farms website.
Livestock
Special thanks to Lauren Langley, Alamance County Extension Agent Agriculture - Livestock and Forages, for providing information about upcoming programs that may be of interest to you all.
CLICK or
Click Here
Pittsboro Pesticide Safety School
WHEN: March 19th-20th, 2024
WHERE: Chatham County Ag & Conference Center
1192 US 64 West Business
Pittsboro, NC
This 1.5-day school is in-person, with instruction occurring between 8:30 AM-5:00 PM on day one and 8:30-11:30 AM on day two. Only one category session may be chosen since the sessions happen at the same time..
For Pesticide Safety School details and additional info, please visit here.
Register for the Pittsboro Pesticide School
Forestry
Rowan County Forestry Field Day
WHEN: March 14th, 9:30am-3:30pm
WHERE: NC Cooperative Extension
Rowan County Center (Salisbury, NC)
Registration fee: $20 per person
(lunch and transportation during
the field tour will be provided)
Join Nathan Gatlin, Western Area Specialized Agent - Forestry, with NC State Extension for a forestry field tour in Rowan County to showcase practices such as site preparation, tree planting, thinning, and prescribed burning.
WEBINAR:
Silvopasture Producers Share Their Stories and Answer Questions - A Panel Discussion
WHEN: March 5th, 1-2pm
Advance registration not required.
Learn from the experiences of various silvopasture producers in this final webinar of the six-part series. This panel discussion will be a question-and-answer format where participants can ask their burning questions. Each producer in this series will have presented their story in an earlier webinar, and in this webinar discussion, follow up with your questions. This is the sixth webinar in a six-part series targeted towards landowners, farmers, producers, and natural resource professionals.
WEBINAR: Exploring Succession and Estate Planning - A Panel Discussion
WHEN: March 15th, 2-4pm
Join Penn State Extension specialists and NC State Extension Specialist, Dr. Kurt Smith, to learn about the issues associated with heirs’ properties and land succession planning (also called estate or legacy planning). Participants will learn strategies for succession planning and successfully transitioning landownership to maintain forest health landownership and minimize family conflict.
Who is this for?
-Forest owners
-Foresters
-Land managers
-Lawyers
-Conservation district staff
-Natural resources educators
What will you learn?
-What heir's properties are
-Common issues with land transitions and succession planning
-Strategies for successfully transitioning landownership to maintain forest health, land ownership, and minimize conflict
-The difference between different succession planning styles
Earn Credits: 1 Society of American Foresters (SAF) Credit
Silvopastures in North Carolina - What Have We Learned?
Dr. Miguel Castillo, NC State University Associate Professor and Grassland Science Specialist, explains how silvopastoral systems function as a type of agroforestry marked by the intentional integration and management of trees, forages, and livestock. Silvopastures have been broadly accepted as an integrated approach to sustainable land management, while providing options to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Learn more about research conducted by Dr. Castillo and his colleagues at facilities here in North Carolina.
Two common silvopastures in North Carolina with pine as the tree component and native grasses or tall fescue as the forage component. Pictures were taken in Goldsboro during summer (July) for the native grass pasture and in the fall (October) at Burgaw for the tall fescue, North Carolina.
Home Nutrition
Get a grip on one of the most important tools in your kitchen! This workshop is designed for a hands-on learning experience. Participants will learn about commonly used knives, various types of cuts, and will practice safe cutting techniques.
Bring your own knives from home or try out a variety of knives in the teaching kitchen.
Each participant will take home a start base of ingredients for a homemade vegetable soup!
WHEN: Tuesday, March 26th
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
COST: $10.00
Space is limited to 12 participants
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Nordic Cuisine
Nordic cuisine, rooted in the culinary traditions of five distinct countries - Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, presents a fascinating journey through simplicity, tradition, and a deep connection with nature. Despite their individual identities, these nations share remarkable similarities in their approach to food, reflecting a shared heritage and landscape. Let's delve into the essence of Nordic cuisine.
Simple, Clean Flavors and Seasonal Produce
At the heart of Nordic cuisine lies a commitment to simple, clean flavors that highlight the freshness of seasonal ingredients. Whether it's the sweet-tart burst of lingonberries in Sweden, the earthy richness of wild mushrooms in Finland, or the briny freshness of Norwegian seafood, Nordic dishes celebrate the bounty of nature. Relying on locally sourced, seasonal produce not only enhances the taste of dishes but also fosters a deep connection with the land.
Proteins and Foraged Foods
Nordic cuisine showcases a diverse array of proteins, reflecting the region's rich natural resources. From wild game and abundant seafood to tender pork raised on small farms, Nordic dishes celebrate the bounty of land and sea. Additionally, the Nordic tradition of foraging is evident in the widespread gathering of wild mushrooms and berries, adding depth and complexity to dishes while honoring the foraging heritage of the region.
In Swedish tradition, Humanskost embodies country-style cuisine, characterized by hearty fare rich in meat or fish. Staple dishes like potato dumplings, yellow pea soup, meatballs, and blood sausage evoke a sense of comfort and tradition, reflecting the culinary heritage of the region.
Root Vegetables, Fermented Dairy, and Whole Grains
Root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips, form the backbone of many Nordic dishes, offering hearty sustenance and earthy flavors. Fermented dairy products like Icelandic skyr and Finnish viili are cherished for their tangy taste and probiotic benefits. Whole wheat and whole grain breads are a common mealtime feature to Nordic meals.
Nordic cuisine is a captivating tapestry of tradition, simplicity, and a deep reverence for nature.
Preservation Techniques
The culinary heritage of the Nordic countries is steeped in ancient preservation techniques that have stood the test of time. Techniques such as smoking, curing, drying, fermenting, and pickling were integral to survival in Viking times and continue to play a vital role in Nordic kitchens today. From gravlax, the iconic cured salmon of Sweden, to Icelandic fermented shark, these age-old methods impart unique flavors and textures to traditional dishes.
High Coffee Consumption: A Cultural Ritual
Coffee holds a special place in Nordic culture, with Scandinavians ranking among the world's top coffee consumers. Integral to Swedish culture is the cherished ritual of Fika, a coffee break that goes beyond refreshment to become a cornerstone of daily life. Whether taken mid-morning or in the afternoon, Fika is an opportunity to pause, connect, and savor the moment, and often accompanied by something sweet.
Poached Cod with Grated Horseradish
By Karin von Zelowitz, MS, Leg. dietist
Makes 2 Servings
Equipment:
❏ Medium Sauce Pot
❏ Small Sauce Pot
❏ Peeler
❏ Grater
Ingredients:
4 – 6 yukon gold or small yellow potatoes
2 cod filets; 6 oz each, fresh or frozen
10 oz sugar snaps or green peas
1 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh horseradish root; finely grated
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 hard-boiled egg; peeled and chopped
Garnish: Fresh dill, chopped
Salt and white pepper to taste
Nordic Cuisine
Root Vegetable Soup
By Karin von Zelowitz, MS, Leg. dietist
Makes 4 Servings
Equipment:
❏ Peeler
❏ Medium Pot
Directions:
1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender
2. Bring a shallow pot of water to a boil, salt the water generously. Add the cod and reduce the
heat to simmering. Cook the cod for 5-6 minutes. You should be able to see it just starting to
flake.
3. Boil the Sugar snaps/green peas in salted water for about 2 minutes or until tender (but they
should still have a slight crunch).
4. Peel the Horseradish with a potato peeler and grate finely
5. Melt the butter
6. Plate the fish, put the eggs on top, then Horseradish and pour some of the butter
over and sprinkle some chopped Dill on top. Serve with potatoes and vegetables.
Recipe Notes
- The water-to-salt ratio is 1 quart of water to 1 tablespoon of salt
- Prepared horseradish can be used as alternative but fresh horseradish root is ideal
Directions:
1. Peel, rinse, and cut all the vegetables into the same-size pieces
2. Saute the vegetables in oil for a few minutes
3. Add chicken stock and simmer until the vegetables are soft
4. Add salt and pepper to taste
5. Sprinkle parsley on top
Ingredients:
1⁄2 rutabaga (AKA swede)
2-3 carrots
1⁄2 celeriac root (AKA celery root)
1-2 parsnips
1 leek rinsed and sliced
1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral oil
32 fluid ounces of chicken stock
Salt and pepper
2 sprigs of curly leaf parsley
Home Finances
Estate Planning
Protect Yourself, Your Loved Ones, And Your Assets
Utah State University Extension
Estate Planning And Why It's Important
An estate plan is a set of legal documents that protect you, your loved ones, and your assets. Estate planning goes beyond simply having a will. An estate plan will also cover issues like who receives guardianship and custody over your children or who makes medical decisions for you if you're unable to do so. The most important reason to have an estate plan is to make sure that what you want is clear and your requests are honored now and even after you pass away.
What is included in the toolkit
This 40-page toolkit is designed to help you begin the estate planning process. It is not intended to substitute for legal advice but it is intended to clarify some of the documents involved in estate planning so that you can determine what you would like to accomplish with your own estate plan. The toolkit includes documents and checklists to provide further assistance and protection for you and your assets.
What you can get out of the toolkit if you download it
You will be able to download the documents so that you can gather the information and securely store and organize the important documents needed for the efficient planning of your own estate plan.
Download the FREE Estate Planning Toolkit
from Utah State University Extension
Ag History
Century Farms in Chatham County
Childhood Memories: Growing Up on the Norwood Family Farm
“Do you remember? I guess that was the most upset daddy ever got at us when we were in the wheat field. We went into the field and then we just pushed all this wheat down, made rooms, you know, dining room and a kitchen and a bedroom. And we just had the grandest playhouse in that wheat field. And so we just couldn't wait to tell our parents about it. Well, Daddy was not so pleased.”
Leonora Norwood Ingle
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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Dr. Ginger Cunningham, ginger_cunningham@ncsu.edu and/or 919-542-8202. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least {10} days before the event.
