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We Are Stoked to Serve You! NC Cooperative Extension, Stokes County

Fall 2020 Newsletter

Our Mission - North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.

La Extensión Cooperativa de Carolina del Norte se asocia con las comunidades para ofrecer educación y tecnología que enriquecen la vida de los habitantes, la tierra y la economía de Carolina del Norte.

A Message from Our County Extension Director:

Hi! I am Dr. Emily Cope, the new County Extension Director for Stokes County. I am a North Carolina native, former 4-H’er, and a North Carolina State University Animal Science alum. Prior to joining Stokes County, I worked as the Animal Science Extension Specialist at North Carolina A&T State University, specializing in small ruminant programs. I traded our Carolina pines for Caribbean palms for a few years to accompany my husband in St. Kitts while he attended veterinary school. While in the Caribbean, I worked for Ross University School of Veterinary medicine as their Research Administrator. Additionally, I worked closely with the St. Kitts Department of Agriculture to help local producers reach higher finishing weights on small ruminants. Before returning to North Carolina, I ventured over the Blue Ridge to the Smoky Mountains where I earned my doctorate degree in ruminant nutrition and physiology from the University of Tennessee. Now, I live in Lexington with my small animal veterinary husband (Andrew), 2 boys (Wyatt and Eli), and chocolate lab. I have a love for family, farming, and food. My family enjoys spending time on the family farm where the pastures are spotted with paint quarter horses and angus cattle. I am very excited about joining Stokes County Cooperative Extension and look forward to meeting the community.

Are you considering raising sheep or goats? Have you recently gotten sheep or goats and need to learn more? N.C. Cooperative Extension will be offering an online series for new and beginning producers.

Introduction to Sheep & Goats – October 8, 2020 During this introductory session, you will learn the difference between sheep and goats and their purposes. We will discuss meat vs dairy vs fiber and which one may be the right fit for your operation.

Fencing & Facilities for Sheep & Goats – October 22, 2020. If you plan to raise livestock, you need to have appropriate fencing and facilities. It will look different on every farm, but there are some basics you must consider. We will discuss pasture layout, fencing, and working facilities.

Beginner Nutrition for Sheep & Goats – November 12, 2020 Knowing what and how much to feed your animal is paramount to helping to keep them healthy. Nutrient requirements change based on the animals’ stage of production. Join us for this session to gain an understanding of how to feed your animal to its potential.

The series will be offered through Zoom. All sessions will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. EST. Registration for each event is separate. Click on the above links to register for the sessions you want to participate in.

If you have any questions, please email April Bowman, 4-H, Livestock & Forages Extension Agent – Forsyth County, Emily Cope, County Extension Director -Stokes County, Sara Drake, Livestock Extension Agent-Davidson County, or Phil Rucker, Livestock Extension Agent – Davie & Yadkin Counties. Read more at: https://davidson.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/08/sheep-goat-webinar-series-for-beginners/?fbclid=IwAR1TGVwiqFE44lXjpKF524Hg5knqYn7Ft6ZYv-MRefEIwuyMv--5msQSzMM

Current News

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is taking further action to prevent and respond to COVID-19 outbreaks among the agricultural workforce, delivering critical personal protection equipment for use by agricultural workers across the state.

“Agriculture is vital to our economy and food supply and it is critical that we protect farmworkers and their families from this virus,” said Governor Cooper.

Farmworkers are deemed an essential workforce and it is imperative that people who cultivate and harvest North Carolina’s wide variety of crops are protected. Stokes County Cooperative Extension has disposal and reusable masks, as well as hand sanitizer available for farms and agricultural operations. Supplies are limited, so please contact Stokes County Cooperative Extension office to pick up today.

Join Stokes County Cooperative Extension for a virtual competitive exhibits program. The cancellation of the State Fair is disappointing for many of us, so in an effort to continue to celebrate agriculture, foster creativity, and engage togetherness we are launching a virtual contest. The Stokes County Virtual Competitors Fair will include categories such as cake decorating, largest produce, best looking vegetable, costume contest with pets, and more. Photo entries must be submitted by 5 pm on October 9th to emily_cope@ncsu.edu. Entries will only be considered if a competitor poses with entry. For more information on rules, a complete list of categories, and contest information please email emily_cope@ncsu.edu

4-H & Youth Development

Hey everyone! I am Taylor Furr, 4-H & Youth Development Agent for Stokes County Cooperative Extension. I’d like to share a little about myself, as well as the 4-H program.Originally from Harrisburg, NC, I was a very active 4-H’er from the age of 5 to 18 in Cabarrus County. My family was very involved in 4-H and still is to this day, with my younger brother and sister being active members and my mom being a volunteer. Our family bleeds green! I attended Western Carolina University where I studied Inclusive Education, which is a focus of special education and general education (Go Cats!). Following graduation, I moved to Stokes County in 2016 and started as the 4-H agent right in the thick of 4-H season - summer (any 4-H’er will tell you summer is our busiest time of the year)! Becoming a 4-H agent was much different compared to beingbeing a 4-H member. The skills that I learned as a 4-H member helped me tremendously as I transitioned from member to volunteer to now agent. When I am not playing the 4-H agent role, I enjoyed spending time with my family and dog, Red, as well as learning more about makeup and skincare. My primary focus as the 4-H agent is youth development, providing educational materials and activities to youth ages 5-18. Here in Stokes County there are several great 4-H opportunities for youth to participate in. Currently, we have 5 4-H clubs in Stokes County: a dog club, horse club, shooting sports team, livestock team, and a community club. Another option for youth is our Summer Fun programming which offers a wide variety of activities from zip lining or overnight camps, to attending a teen wide event in Raleigh for 4-H Congress, or learning a little bit about 4-H Robotics (just to name a few). Additionally, 4-H has a very active presence in our local schools, being involved in programming with our teachers and youth. Two favorite programs offered in our Stokes County schools are the 4-H embryology program and the Steps to Health program. Stokes County Cooperative Extension 4-H program has a lot to offer our local youth. The sky's the limit because we focus on anything from cooking and sewing to electricity and robotics. There is a wide variety and anything that youth are interested in, we have it here in 4-H! 4-H stands for head, heart, hands, and health and our motto is “To Make the Best Better” 4-H believes that our youth “Learn by Doing”, so we pride ourselves on a lot of hands-on learning. That's a little bit about me and a very small snippet of the Stokes County 4-H program. You can go follow us on our Facebook and Instagram page and of course on our website to find out more information about the 4-H program here in Stokes County. We always welcome new members to our programs.

UPCOMING 4-H EVENTS

September 8th - 4-H Night - STEM from 4pm-6pm via Zoom. Registration is free - register here.

October 6th - Learn Grow Eat Go Interest meeting at 6pm via Zoom. Registration is free - register here.

October 13th - 4-H Night - Bees from 4pm-6pm via Zoom. Registration is free - register here.

November 12th - 4-H Night - Teens from 4pm-6pm via Zoom. Registration is free - register here.

December 10th - Gingerbread Contest at 6:00pm. More information will be available on our website closer to the date. Registration is free - register here.

Nature Adventures with NC 4-H Camps

Register here: Nature Adventures with NC 4-H Camps

September 18thCoastal Ecology – The Eastern 4-H Center is located on beautiful Bulls Bay in north eastern North Carolina. As part of the Albemarle Sound, The Eastern Center is situated in a marine estuary where the freshwater of North Carolina’s rivers meets the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean. This creates a dynamic and diverse environment for life. In this session, students will explore the vibrant ecology of the Albemarle Sound, learning about the plants and animals that make this unique ecosystem their home.

October 1stBeaver Pond Explorations – Did you know that beavers are one of the only species that changes the physical world around them in order to survive? In this session, students will take a virtual tour of the beaver pond habitat at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center to learn about this important North Carolina animal and its habitat. Students will explore this decades old, mature beaver pond habitat, learn how to identify evidence of beaver activity, and discover why beavers are so important to many other plants and animals.

October 14thPine Forest Ecology – Did you know that Millstone 4-H Camp is located in one of the most beautifully restored Longleaf Pine forests in the south eastern US? Did you also know that Longleaf Pine forests are home to many rare plant and animal species? In this session, students will explore this unique pine forest ecosystem along with the help of a wildlife expert at Millstone 4-H Camp. Students will explore how and why the Longleaf Pine declined in the 20th century and how restoring these important trees helps many different species.

October 27thStories in the Stars Astronomy – Have you ever wondered how the constellations got their names? In this interactive session, students will investigate the myths or stories behind specific constellations in the night sky. Students will work with their own cluster of stars to create a constellation and a story to go with it. Students will learn about current astronomical events, how to locate constellations in the night sky, and explore what they can find in the night sky right now.

November 9thNature Crafts – The natural world is all around us. In this hands-on learning session, students will learn about North Carolina birds, toads and frogs and then use what they’ve learned to build nature crafts that will help them observe the natural world in real time. Students will build simple bird feeders and toad homes. Students will then use their crafts to collect data, make observations and develop inferences based on evidence about the natural world and the species they find there.

November 20thOutdoor Survival Skills – 4-H gained national attention last year when two girls in California who were lost in the woods for several days credited their survival to skills they learned in 4-H. In this interactive session, students will learn survival skills including the Rule of 3, the Ten Essentials, how not to get lost, and how to survive in the wilderness. Then students will apply what they’ve just learned with a mock survival scenario where they have to make decisions about how to survive. This can be done in groups in a traditional classroom, or individually for virtual classrooms or homeschool set-up.

December 8thShark Teeth and Fossils – Eastern North Carolina is home to some of the most dense fossil soils around. In this session, students will learn where and how to find them as well as identify some of the many species that can be found. Students will explore different types of fossils and dive deep on shark teeth specifically. The session instructor will share his personal fossil collection to show and tell what he’s found over the last ten years.

A program of Garden Fun for your family delivered to your door from North Carolina 4-H and the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University.

Only 50 boxes will be produced each rotation, so make sure to sign up early!

4-H Clubs

Buckets & Boots 4-H Livestock is a club that specializes in livestock judging and skillathon. The club’s goal is to give youth a chance to better understand livestock. For more information, contact Brandon Hartman at 336-830-5292 or brandonhartman755@gmail.com.

Northern Stokes Shooting Sports Club is for North Stokes High School area youth who are interested in shooting sports. For more information, contact Ben Hall at 336-593-8134 or ben.hall@stokes.k12.nc.us.

School Skippers is a community club with a diversity of ages that does service projects and studies centered on various themes. For more information, contact Christian Moorefield at 336-351-4858 or 3littlesmiles@gmail.com.

Sauratown Trailblazers is a horse club with a diversity of ages that focuses on various types of horse projects and studies. You do not have to own a horse to join! For more information, contact Jessica Dowell at 843-655-6956 or dowellim@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook!

CloverPaws 4-H Club is for youth ages 5-9 who have interest in dogs. This club in particular will not be for youth to bring their dogs, except for special occasions. It is for youth to learn more about dogs in general, before working and training their dog. Youth will also learn arts and crafts related to dogs. For more information, contact Pam Davis at 336-341-7524 or pamshoredavis@gmail.com.

4 Paws 4-H Club is a dog club for youth ages 9 and up that focuses on dog training, dog sports, projects and studies. For more information, contact Pam Davis at 336-341-7524 or pamshoredavis@gmail.com.

TheraPaws 4-H Club is a special interest club for youth ages 12 and older. Youth MUST be willing and have the desire to serve others. Their focus will be more community service driven. Youth will train their dog to become therapy dogs. Dogs WILL have to pass a temperament evaluation before they are able to participate in the club. For more information, contact Pam Davis at 336-341-7524 or pamshoredavis@gmail.com.

At-Large is a for a child who would rather not join a particular club, then he or she is an At-Large Member. At-Large members , along with club members, are allowed full 4-H privileges. For more information, contact Taylor Furr at 336-593-8179 or tfurr@ncsu.edu.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Hey, I am Bryan Hartman, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for N.C. Cooperative Extension - Stokes County. I have grown up in Stokes County my whole life on my family’s farm in Walnut Cove. My love of Agriculture started at an early age where at 3 years old I was already helping bottle feed calves. I was a very active 4-H’er in Stokes County where I focused on Animal Science, Horticulture and Leadership. While I enjoyed participating at the County level through presentations and project books, I had sought opportunities to be challenged in leadership capacities. My main dream was to be a State 4-H officer, and that dream became a reality when I was named State Secretary-Treasurer. 4-H opened many opportunities for me to pursue other leadership positions, like serving as Co-captain of my high school swim team at South Stokes High School. Another highlight was severing on our school’s chapter of FFA (Future Farmers of America) as a member of the officer team all four years of high school, I was thrilled to be elected as President my senior year. I wanted to continue the family legacy of attending North Carolina State University, the same as my father, two uncles, and my aunt. I was accepted into the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences where I studied Agriculture Science with minors in Horticulture and Animal Science. While at State, I was involved and served as an officer in the Animal Science Club, Agriculture, Extension, and Education Club, and Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program. I had the privilege of joining the N.C. Cooperative Extension team in April 2018 in my beloved Stokes County. It was good to be home where I could serve as an active citizen in the community that gave so much to me growing up. My extension work focuses on commercial vegetable and fruit production, high tunnel crop production, harvesting and handling fresh produce, and beekeeping. A couple of my community partners that I work closely with are the Stokes County Beekeepers Association and the Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Stokes County. The best part of my job is the hands-on training I get to offer to our community. A favorite training of mine that I offer each year is my hands-on pruning demonstration classes for blueberries, blackberries, and grapes. I really enjoy these workshops because we go to a local farm where I can provide technical assistance to the stakeholders on the proper pruning techniques. A bonus for our pruning participants is that we have been able to provide pruners for them to take home for later use. In addition to workshops and demonstrations, I help maintain the Community Garden at the Extension office which serves as a teaching tool for our community. Outside of my Extension role, I proudly serve as an active member of the Walnut Cove Lions Club, where my grandfather served as a member too. Also, I still continue to help on the family farm, sharing my knowledge of soil science and horticulture. If you have any questions please reach out, I’d be happy to assist.

PESTICIDE X & V CREDIT CLASSES

In person Pesticide X & V credit classes will be offered in September at the Stokes County Extension office. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 8 spots are available for each class, so make sure to register early!

X Credit will be offered September 14, 2020 from 1pm - 3pm. Registration is required - register here.

V Credit will be offered September 21, 2020 from 9am -11am. Registration is required - register here.

UPCOMING CLASSES

September 14th - Want to learn more about starting your own fall garden? An Intro to Fall Gardening class will be held from 10am - 11am via Zoom. Registration is free. Register here.

September 29th - A Shiitake Mushrooms class will be held from 10am -11am via Zoom. Registration is free. Register here.

October 13th - An All Things Pumpkin class will be held from 10am to 11am via Zoom. The class will include how to plant pumpkins, choose your pumpkin, cooking pumpkin and fun decorating ideas! Registration is free. Register here.

October 20th - Do you dread fall leaves? Join us for a Composting class from 10am - 11am via Zoom. Registration is free. Register here.

November 2nd - A Fall Pruning class from 10am to 11am via Zoom. Registration is free. Register here.

The Stokes Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association 2020 Bulb Sale has gone digital. Check out the video preview of the bulbs that are being offered this year.

How to order - To order bulbs go to go.ncsu.edu/stokesbulbsale. If you have any questions call the Stokes County Cooperative Extension Office (336-593-8179) and your message will be forwarded to a Stokes Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

About the NC State Extension Master Gardener Program - Interested in becoming part of this volunteer program that is dedicated to promoting research-based, sustainable gardening? Visit Become a Volunteer to learn how you can become part of the Extension Master Gardener℠ program.

About the Stokes County Extension Master Gardener Program - If you would like more information on becoming a Master Gardener Volunteers of Stokes County or have questions, please contact Bryan Hartman, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent at bryan_hartman@ncsu.edu or by phone (336) 593-8179.

Family & Consumer Sciences

Hi all! My name is Patti Snyder and I am the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stokes County. I grew up in the Rural Hall/Tobaccoville area and moved to Stokes County when I was a Freshman in Highschool. I attended West Stokes High School, where I played softball, was a Wildcat swimmer, and even a cheerleader. After high school, I attended South University in High Point where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. I currently reside in Pinnacle with my husband, Daniel, and our daughter, June. In March 2018, I joined N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stokes County as the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent. My primary focus areas are food safety, health, and nutrition, as well as parenting. Throughout the 2 years, I have been with N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stokes County, I have had so many great experiences. I get to work with so many great young minds in our County’s schools, teaching them about health and nutrition. One great experience for me as an agent so far was working with Spark Fitness and Performance, a local gym in King, to build an obstacle course that was displayed at the 2018 Stokes County Agricultural Fair. Additionally, I have worked with other community members to establish two new Farmers Markets in Stokes County. Along with working for the Stokes County Cooperative Extension, I am on the Stokes Arts Council Board and a King Rotarian. I enjoy working with many community organizations and meeting new people. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve this community and I look forward to working with you all in the future.

Please help Patti gather information on how to better serve you through Extension programming. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OTNtahh8bJ7779hGfVE-10owprXV0Iu-jJtdOy8kE7Q/edit?usp=drive_web

"Did You Know?"

1. Consuming 3 cups of foods from the Dairy Group each day will provide you with the recommended amount of calcium and other important nutrients like potassium and vitamin D.

2. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce risk of heart disease, protect against certain cancers and help lower blood pressure.

3. Physical activity simply means movement of the body that uses energy. Walking, gardening, briskly pushing a baby stroller, climbing the stairs, playing soccer or dancing the night away are all great examples of being active.

4. Adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy. At least 150 minutes of aerobic activity and at least 2 days a week of muscle-strengthening activity.

5. Food waste is the single largest component going into municipal landfills. Be mindful when you plan your meals and how you can repurpose those leftovers, this can help you save money and reduce food waste.

UPCOMING CLASSES

September 14th - LIFT Virtual - classes are offered Monday and Wednesday at 9:30am and 5:30pm until November 4th. Registration is free. Register here.

October 5th- Walk Across NC Virtual/F2F - classes are offered Mondays at 8am until November 9th. Registration is free. Register here.

Every Wednesday - Parenting classes are offered weekly on Wednesdays from 12pm-1pm Parenting via Zoom. To register, contact Patti at (336) 593-8179 or patti_snyder@ncsu.edu.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: The most flavorful spaghetti sauce I have ever eaten. This recipe is so simple and so tasty! You more than likely have all of these ingredients in your kitchen, so why not give it a try!

Energy Ball: Quick and healthy snacks are everything a Mother dreams of! I send these to daycare with my daughter and she LOVES them!

Chicken Nuggets: Are you looking for a quick and healthy weeknight meal? Well look no further, I’ve got just what you are looking for! Check out the video to see this 30-minute dinner recipe.

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Created By
Amy McKenzie
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