Growing Chatham NC Coop. Ext. ~ Chatham County ~ August 2022

Chatham County Teens Take Part in Inaugural 4-H CRECER Program

On July 21st, five teens from Chatham County took part in the inaugural 4-H CRECER Program on the campus of NC State University. CRECER (Cultivating Research Experiences with Community-Engaged Roots) is a unique program geared specifically for Hispanic/Latine students from local high schools in North Carolina to help them prepare as the next generation of STEM scholars. Currently, this program is being conducted by Chatham County 4-H, Lee County 4-H, the NC State University Science House, and NC State University Genetics Program Faculty through the kind assistance of a Burroughs Wellcome STEM grant. We're excited to welcome this first cohort of 4-H CRECER youth scholars to the program and can't wait to see what they will do next!

Chatham County 4-H members Attend NC 4-H Congress

A delegation of Chatham County 4-H members attended NC 4-H Congress, which was held at the McKimmon Center at NC State University this year. Giancarlo Lopez, Reyna Nava Catalan, and Avery Wright represented Chatham County at NC 4-H Congress. This year’s 4-H Congress, held July 16-19, 2022, attracted more than 200 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the state. Conference delegates participated in general sessions, learned together in workshops, recognized award winners, and elected State 4-H Officers for the upcoming year.

Hailey King Performs at NC 4-H Congress

Ms. Hailey King was chosen to perform in the NC 4-H Entertains Talent Show this year. 4-H Entertains is a talent showcase that occurs in conjunction with 4-H District Activity Day (D.A.D.). Ms. King sang "Maybe" from the 1977 musical Annie.

2022 North Carolina 4-H State Presentations Competition

We are so proud of our Chatham County 4-H Clover Creators Club members that participated in in the 2022 North Carolina 4-H State Presentations Competition. 4-H Presentations and Public Speaking allow youth the opportunity to present information by demonstration or illustrated talk for competition. Presentations are judged by subject and age categories (8-10, 11-13, 14-18); Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) may also do presentations, but cannot formally compete. Three Chatham County youth placed either 2nd or 1st place to move from District competition to State Finals. Giancarlo Lopez placed third in the Wheels and Engines Category, and Reyna Nava Catalan placed third in the Open Category with her presentation on Quinceañera. Avery Wright placed second with her horticulture presentation on weeds. Ms. Haliey Zarate-Cruz was presented with first State Participant ribbon for her presentation in the Forestry Category.

Why Are the Leaves of My Basil Turning Yellow?

Does your basil look more like Big Bird than Kermit the Frog, with mottled, yellowing leaves that eventually turn brown? Basil downy mildew (BDM) is a possible cause of these symptoms, but what can gardeners do to combat this plant disease? This summer, volunteers with the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program are working to answer this question. From the mountains to the coast, Extension Master Gardener volunteers are growing basil plants, monitoring them for signs of BDM, and recording data to determine which varieties stand up best to this destructive disease.

Doug Tallamy to Speak in Burlington

A community event presented by Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Alamance County

Recent headlines about insect declines and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. The good news is there’s still time! Tallamy will discuss simple steps each of us can take by adding native plants to our home landscape to increase biodiversity. He will explain why we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope. Tickets are $5.00 and are available at the Paramount Theater Box Office 12-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

For more information, contact N.C. Cooperative Extension, Alamance County center: 336-570-6740 Proceeds to benefit Alamance County native plant projects.

Farm Visit Snapshots: Over the Moon Farm

Grower Emily Merletto grows flowers at Over the Moon Farm in Moncure, a few miles south of Pittsboro. She and her husband also grow vegetables and fruits and raise livestock and honey bees on the farm.

Visit the Growing Small Farms website to see lots of photos of the farm and learn where to buy Emily's beautiful flower bouquets!

Late Spring 2022 Snapshots From Extension’s Pollinator Paradise Garden

In late 2008, I planted a demonstration pollinator garden at Chatham Mills to provide forage from early spring to late fall for pollinators such as honey bees, native bees, butterflies, flower flies, hummingbirds, beetles, and other beneficial insects. The garden features over 225 unique species of perennials, 85% of which are native to North Carolina. The garden is a great teaching tool that I use to conduct workshops and tours for hundreds of folks each year. It has taught me so much and I enjoy sharing this knowledge with others. Below you can see photos of the pollinator garden from mid-May through mid-June. There were over 60 species in bloom in mid-June!

2022 Pollinator Garden Tours

Tours of N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden are led by Agriculture Extension Agent Debbie Roos. The garden features over 225 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, and 85% of them are native to North Carolina. This is a great opportunity to visit the popular gathering spot for honey bees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects in addition to their human admirers! The tours take place rain or shine and will last an hour to an hour and a half depending on group size and interest. There is no charge for the tour but registration is required to limit group size.

Save the Date for the 2022 BEES Academy

Are you a beekeeper with a number of years of experience who wants to increase your understanding of bees and improve your practices? Do you feel like you might need a “booster shot” to update what you learned in your beginner bee school? Wish there was an opportunity to reinforce your experience to maximize your beekeeping success?

If you answered yes, set aside two full days and immerse yourself in theoretical and practical aspects of beekeeping at the 2022 BEES Academy. During live and pre-taped videos from the Beekeeper Education & Engagement System (BEES), Dr. David Tarpy, other members of the NC State University Apiculture Program, and N.C. Cooperative Extension agents will help you build upon your current knowledge of beekeeping by exploring a variety of beekeeping topics.

Each presentation will be roughly 30-60 minutes and will be followed by a short Q&A and discussion period. On the second day, you will have the opportunity to practice and observe important areas associated with bee management.

Date and Location: September 16-17, 2022

Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center

Pittsboro, NC

New Invasive Pest Confirmed in North Carolina

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive agricultural, ornamental, and nuisance pest and an established population has just been confirmed in Kernersville, North Carolina.

The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 100 species of plants including grapes, hops, fruit trees, native trees, roses, landscape plants, and many more.

Visit our Chatham County Farmers' Markets!

Chatham County is fortunate to have three farmers' markets that offer an amazing array of produce, flowers, meats, dairy, baked goods, and other value-added foods and products:

Tuesday: Fearrington Farmers' Market from 4-6 pm

Thursday: Pittsboro Farmers' Market from 3-6 pm

Saturday: Chatham Mills Farmers' Market from 8 am-noon

Upcoming Chatham County Pesticide Classes

Pesticide Safety Recertification Course

Pesticide Safety (V Credit)

This course will cover EPA updates, NCDA&CS environmental programs, proper personal protective equipment, and the relationship between water quality and pesticide performance.

This course will offer 2.0 hours of V credit for the private pesticide applicator license.

Pasture Weeds 101 - August 15th, Chatham County Ag Center, 6-8PM

This class will cover the science behind pasture weeds, identification, prevention, and control.

Chatham County Youth Livestock Team Raleigh Tour Day

On July 14th, five members of the Chatham County Youth Livestock Team travelled to Raleigh to tour two of the NC State educational units. Our day begin at the NC State Small Ruminant Education Unit with a tour led by unit manager, Nicolette Wolf. The team learned about the various breeds at the unit, artificial insemination protocols, newborn processing, feeds and rations, shearing, and were able to watch a hoof trimming demonstration. The team then travelled to NC State’s Main Campus for an informal tour and lunch. After lunch, we visited the NC State Feed Mill Education Unit for a tour led by Marissa Cohen, Animal Food Safety Specialized Extension Agent, and Dr. Adam Fahrenholz, NC State Feed Milling Professor. During this tour, the team was able to walk through the processes of feed milling from ingredient arrival to finished product. Each process was discussed including receiving, grinding, mixing, pelleting, bagging, and the control system. Our final stop was at the Howling Cow Creamery for a sweet treat to finish the day.

Meat Bird Production Workshop for Beginners

Sheep and Goat Care Basics

NC Prescribed Fire Council Annual Meeting

Aug. 10-11, 2022

Join the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council and NC Longleaf Coalition for their joint 2022 Annual Meeting at Millstone 4-H Camp in Ellerbe, NC! Attendees can choose from in-person and virtual options.

Women's Chainsaw Safety 101 Workshop

When: Thursday, August 18, 2022, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Where: Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle, NC

Cost: $10, includes lunch. Scholarships available for those in need.

Registration is required by Friday, August 12. Space is limited.

Come learn the basics of chainsaw safety! Topics will include:

• Personal protective equipment

• Buying and maintaining a saw

• Safe chainsaw operation

• Hands-on experience in basic chainsaw operation

• Answers to your chainsaw questions!

PPE and saws will be provided for those who wish to practice basic operations, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if available.

NC Tree Farm Webinar - Landowner Liability

Webinar Date: August 31, 2022

Webinar Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

This webinar will focus on matters of premises liability and timber protection for forest landowners, including matters of trespass, legal sufficiency of boundary and hazard marking, as well as disputes over boundaries and easements.

Presenter: Robert Andrew Branan, JD, Assistant Extension Professor - Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, N.C. State University

Continuing Education Credits Offered: Society of American Foresters - Certified Forester Education (SAF-CFE) - 1 hour Category 1 Credit [Approved]

Working Forests: A Path to Climate Solutions

Author: David Wear, National Woodlands (Volume 45, Number 3)

In the United States, forests have provided an especially effective “carbon sink,” consistently removing more than 12% of the economy’s annual greenhouse gas emissions through forest growth and utilization. Today’s salient policy question is whether and how forests can remain a cost-effective approach to mitigating future climate changes.

Affordable Connectivity Program

PITTSBORO, NC – Chatham County announces that qualifying residents can now access the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The new long-term benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service.

The $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to a $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

“We know that affordable internet access has been a barrier for many across the county and hope that this support through the Federal Communications Commission will ease that burden for residents,” said Chatham County Manager Dan LaMontagne.

Summer Flavors

The abundance of summer produce lends us many nutritious foods that can be enjoyed with simple preparation. Let’s look at some of the most abundant crops grown in North Carolina this season and, possibly, some new ways to enjoy them.

Summer Squash

Maybe you’re enjoying crookneck yellow squash, Patty Pan squash or a type of zucchini this summer. Summer squash and zucchini will provide you a good dose of Vitamins C and B6 and like all fruits and vegetables, there’s also a bit of fiber. There are many ways to enjoy summer squash.

Peaches

Oh, the delicious fresh peach! Not only a great source of Vitamin C but a good source of Vitamin A as well. A medium peach provides 15 grams of carbohydrates, just the right amount for one carbohydrate choice for those living with diabetes. This fruit will also provide 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein! Peaches are enjoyed as is, of course, but if you’re look for a new recipe for the fresh peaches that are no longer in their prime, try one of the recipes by clicking on the link below.

Cucumbers

It’s not uncommon for home gardeners to find themselves with too many cucumbers this time of year. Cucumbers are a good source of Vitamin K and an 8” cucumber has nearly 2 grams of protein. This refreshing food makes great cold salads and a quick snack when dipped in hummus. Looking for a way to use up those cucumbers? Consider the recipe with cooked cucumbers that can be found by clicking on the link below.

Peach Preservation

Did you ever pick that perfect peach that you just wish would last forever? We'll show you how to preserve one of summer's sweetest treats.

Taking Care of Your Blood Pressure series

Coming in September

Learn about eating to improve your blood pressure, cooking tips and skills to help you prepare nutritious meals and snacks, and stress management techniques in a series of 5 in-person classes.

In addition to the small group classes with FCS Agent Tara Gregory, a Registered Dietitian, you will receive kitchen gadgets to practice the new cooking skills you learn and will receive weekly vouchers to buy fresh, local food at the Pittsboro Farmers’ Market!

Homegrown Air Fryer Tips

Keep your kitchen cooler this summer and use your air fryer instead of the oven.

Back to School Shopping on a Budget

It is that time of year again: Back-to-School shopping! And we know that it will take a chunk out of the monthly budget for sure. If we just take a little time at the beginning of the month to make a plan, you might be able to save yourself a little money and alleviate some stress as well.

• Even if you don't have a supply list yet, you need to set a school supply budget - and try to stick to that budget as best you can.
• Shop at home first; take an inventory of supplies that you still have from last year. If they are still in good shape, maybe you don't need to buy a new one. Also this is a great time to clean out the closet and see what items you will need when shopping. You can also try to sell some of those outgrown clothes for extra spending money for new items.
• Starting early will make this process a lot easier. This will allow you to shop around and try to find the best deals on those major items that your child will need. Watch for many sale ads for school supplies in the beginning of the month.
• If you know that you go through a lot of school supplies throughout the year, this is the time to stock up on those items you use regularly because these will be the lowest prices they are offered all year long.

Taking a little time to plan for Back-to-School shopping will really help you stay on track with your budget. We wish everyone good luck in the next school year!

Let's Test Drive the Willy in 1942

Off Road and into the fields

The Willy Jeep has always amazed me. I remember a classmate's mother used to drive a Willy; she was a mail carrier. The things that this vehicle could do was phenomenal, from the fields to the road, it was literally an all-purpose vehicle that was ahead of its time. Sadly, the Willy faded away in time due to newer and better farm equipment being produced (well, some may disagree with that statement). Find out more about the history of the Willy below, including the USDA's research on how the Willy's could be reused after World War II. I've also included a link to a twenty minute Jeep promo from the 1940's that highlights all of the amazing features that were available on the Jeeps, including the Willy.

From the Farm Collector Magazine

JEEPS ON THE FARM

Willys faced an uphill battle in making a case for a Farm Jeep that could transition “from fighter to farmhand.”

By Barry Thomas

Competition and big farms left Farm Jeep in the dust

A common question heard when our Willys Farm Jeep is displayed at antique machinery shows is, “Why weren’t more Farm Jeeps sold?” The answer is simple: while the Ford 8N (introduced in 1947) was the primary competition, a farmer in 1951 could choose from dozens of tractors. U.S. tractor production reached 564,000 units in 1951. The big tractor producers held 98.8 percent of market share from 1950-’55. Willys would need to fight several small, specialty tractor manufacturers to gain even that 0.2 share.

At the same time, farms were getting larger. The era of “40 acres and a mule” had ended; a 2-bottom plow tractor was no longer big enough for most farmers. Even production of the 8N lasted only a couple of years, replaced by larger and larger tractors. Although three new Jeep models (models CJ3a, CJ3b, and CJ5) were produced in the decade following the introduction of the CJ2a, the Farm Jeep size and capabilities remained the same.

But a market for “light” tractors such as the Jeep existed throughout the 1950s and ’60s, as evidenced by the fact that lifts were being sold, if in ever-decreasing numbers. A Farm Jeep “tractor” was in production for more than three decades, which must be a record for any tractor manufacturer.

The Research

This Jeep does what?