Growing Chatham NC Coop Extension - Chatham County - february 2022

4-H Online 2.0

It's Annual Enrollment Time

4-H Online 2.0 is the online enrollment and registration system for North Carolina 4-H. This is where you enter family and individual information that is used by your county and the State 4-H Program to manage and record your participation in the 4-H Youth Development program. If you encounter issues with your re-enrollment, please email Liz Mauney with your specific issues, and we will work to correct the problem immediately. The NC 4-H Online 2.0 Resource website is available to help answer many questions that you may encounter with 4-H Online 2.0. We look forward to your 2022-2023 enrollment and all the NC 4-H Opportunities headed your way from Chatham County 4-H.

Horticultural Science Summer Institute Applications are Now Being Accepted

Dig plants? So do we. Join NC State's professional plant geeks in the Horticulture Department for a week of hands-on fun. Apply now: go.ncsu.edu/hssi

Consider coming to the Horticultural Science Summer Institute, July 10-15, 2022!

This in-person, residential, pre-college program is an action-packed week of plant propagation, tree climbing, chromosome squashing, and friend-making.

Applications are open on NCSU's Reporter system (families will need to create a "Brickyard" account) and we welcome all high school youth to apply.

Once accepted, camp registration is $650, but scholarships are available for 4-H youth ($500 registration fee).

4-H District Officer Applications are Due

For youth ages 13-18 who are interested in running for 4-H District office, please be mindful of the following information and deadline. Youth may run for North Central District President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Reporter, or Member Engagement. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

All applications will be due to the Chatham County Extension Office by February 22nd, 2022 at 5pm. This is a firm deadline for youth wishing to run for 4-H District Office.

Programs to be on the lookout for Next Year

4-H Pen Pal Project: The 4-H Pen Pall program is a great opportunity for 4-H youth. Please look over the flyer and document below to learn more. This experience is for 4-H members only and registration has closed, but if you are interested we encourage you to look into this opportunity for the 2023 year.

The National 4-H Conference offers opportunities for youth to learn, practice, and apply civic engagement skills through workshops, roundtable discussions, agency briefings, and more. These unique and engaging experiences would not be possible without the Youth Leadership Team and Roundtable Collegiate Facilitators who provide leadership to conference activities and events. Today, we are excited to release the Youth Leadership Team application and Roundtable Collegiate Facilitator application. We look forward to working with your Land-Grant Institution to recruit qualified, committed, and diverse individuals to apply and participate in this leadership experience.

4-H Achievement Night Recognition Submission Form

4-H Achievement Night is right around the corner! For this year's virtual event - February 25th at 6pm - additional information can be found in the invitation shared within the newsletter. Please use the form located in the link below to update youth achievements and awards. Graduating seniors, club members, members at large, and youth aging out will all use this form to be recognized.

Responses must be in by February 11th for youth to be recognized in this year's Chatham County 4-H Achievement Night. Thank you!

Join us for 4-H Achievement Night!

Join us as we celebrate the wonderful achievements of our Chatham County 4-H Members from this past year.

Fri., Feb. 25, 2022 - 6pm - ZOOM

Registration is required to obtain Zoom link for the evening.

Eggcellent Eggsplorers 4-H Chicken Chain

Interest Meeting

Show Some Love to Friends and Neighbors

Valentine's Day is a great time to pledge your heart to show some love to friends and neighbors. Check out these 4-H crafting ideas for inspiration!

News from CRD/4-H Extension Agent, Kaley Lawing

Hello all,

As many of you may already know, I am originally from Moore County. It has been a dream of mine to work in my home county. I have been offered the opportunity to not only work in my home county, but to continue my work with our NC 4-H'ers. This is truly a dream come true for me.

I am excited to announce that beginning February 7th, 2022 I will start my new position of 4-H Extension Agent in Moore County.

However, this decision is bittersweet. As I move closer to one family I will also be leaving my Chatham County 4-H family. To my 4-H’ers, their families, 4-H Volunteers, colleagues, and community partners I want to say thank you. You have supported me and encouraged me as the CRD/ 4-H Agent here, and for that I cannot thank you enough. I have made life-long friendships that I know will continue past this chapter of my life.

4-H’ers, I know you all will continue to “Make the Best Better,” and I am so proud of you. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of youth to work with. I wish you all the best moving forward, and I cannot wait to see you continue to grow as the years go by.

Remember that this is not “goodbye,” but simply an “I will see you later.” Thank you, Chatham County 4-H, for everything. Don’t forget to keep in touch!

Extension Gardener Webinar

Vegetable Seed Starting

Feb. 21, 2022 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Growing your own vegetable transplants from seed can give you a head start on the growing season and access to varieties not commonly found as transplants at garden centers. Join Matt Jones (Extension Horticulture Agent) for a webinar for home and community gardeners on planting and establishing vegetables from seed. Participants will learn about seed biology, vegetable variety selection, growing media and containers, growing conditions, and diagnosing common problems.

QUESTIONS? Contact Matt Jones at matt_jones@ncsu.edu

2022 Chatham Landscape and Green Industry Webinar Series

In lieu of our annual, in-person conference, N.C. Cooperative Extension – Chatham County Center is hosting a series of free, online webinars by NC State Extension staff and local industry experts. The webinars provide continuing education and recertification credits for green industry professionals, including landscapers, grounds and turf managers, and greenhouse and nursery producers. Home gardeners and those involved in the management of HOA areas are also welcome to participate.

Schedule of Webinars

(Accessible via Zoom)

Note: To comply with N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and NC Landscape Contractor Licensing Board requirements for earning continuing education credits virtually, license holders will need to have a working video webcam so that we can monitor active participation.

Top Landscape Turf Insects of 2021

February 2, 2022, from 9–11 a.m.

Dr. Terri Billeisen, NC State University

This session will cover fall armyworm and fire ant identification, scouting techniques, and options for management. Other important turf insects and management approaches will also be discussed.

Continuing Education Credits

NCDA&CS Pesticide:2 L, N, D, X

NC LCLB: 2 Landscape

Landscape Business Problem Solving

February 16, 2022, from 9–10 a.m.

Paige Moody, Arbor Enterprises

This webinar will cover problems in your business such as collections, warranty issues, cash flow, and labor shortages, as well as other business problem-solving techniques.

Continuing Education Credits

NC LCLB: 1 Business

Spotted Lanternfly Update

February 23, 2022, at 9–10 a.m.

Stacey Jones, N.C. Cooperative Extension

The Spotted Lanternfly is a destructive invasive insect first found in the US in 2014 in Pennsylvania. Since then, it has moved north and south in various ways. The most recent finding in Carrol County, Virginia, has Spotted Lanternfly knocking on our door. This presentation will update you on the latest information, help you know what to watch for and what to do if you think you have found one.

Continuing Education Credits

NCDA Pesticide: 1 L, N, O, D, X

NC LCLB: 1 Landscape

ISA: 1 Certified Arborist (Pending Approval)

Identification and Management of Common Invasive Plant Species

February 23, 2022, from 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Matt Jones, N.C. Cooperative Extension

This webinar covers the fundamentals of invasive plant species and why they can be problematic in landscape and natural settings. We will highlight anatomical features helpful for identification, and recommended control strategies for some of the most common species.

Continuing Education Credits

NCDA&CS Pesticide: 1 L. N. O, D, X

NC LCLB: 1 Landscape

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy), and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Ginger Cunningham, County Extension Director, at 919.542.8202, ginger_cunningham@ncsu.edu, or in person at the County Extension Office at least 30 days prior to the event.

Register Now for Extension's Farm Tax Webinars!

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center will offer a Farm Tax Webinar Series as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series starting on February 15 and ending in early March. All webinars will be from 6–8 p.m EST.

Target audience: farmers (vegetables & fruits, cut flowers, livestock, hemp, row crops, etc.), nursery growers, beekeepers, aquaculture producers.

February 15, 2022: Farm Tax and Business Info 101

February 22, 2022: Schedule F Income

February 24, 2022: Schedule F Expenses

March 8, 2022: Sales and Property Tax Issues for Farmers

All NC Hemp Growers Must Now Be Licensed Through USDA

As of January 1, 2022 all hemp growers in North Carolina must be licensed through the USDA National Hemp Program. The North Carolina Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, which was overseen by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services under the direction of NC Industrial Hemp Commission ended on December 31, 2021. If you have a NC Industrial Hemp Commission issued hemp growers license, it is no longer valid, even if it was not due to expire yet.

You should not have any hemp growing, in the field, greenhouse, or grow-room, at this time unless you have a USDA hemp production license. You may still have hemp in your possession that you grew in 2021 or earlier under your NC issued license. That is fine, although I suggest you keep a copy of your 2021 NC hemp growers license on hand in case there is any question about it. But if you had hemp growing in the greenhouse or grow-room in December 2021 and it is still growing there now, you should have a USDA hemp production license.

Farmer Survey for New Web-Based Tool

Farmers and other agricultural professionals are invited to fill out an online survey to help NC State Extension develop a new web-based tool.

The purpose of the study is to identify agricultural and community stakeholder needs and interests related to climate information uses, needs, and decision-making for the purposes of informing the development of the Future-Ready Farmer’s Almanac, which will present climate predictions tailored to agricultural producers.

View Recordings of Blueberry Production Webinars

The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension conducted two blueberry production webinars in November-December 2021. NC State Extension presenters Bill Cline and Debbie Roos discussed general blueberry production and blueberry pests and diseases. Over 400 participants from around the state attended the live webinars.

In an online evaluation following the webinars, 97% of participants reported that they would be able to improve blueberry production as a result of what they learned in the webinars.

The webinars were recorded and can be viewed online from the Growing Small Farms website.

Piedmont Regional Beef Conference

Basic Fertilization of Forages

When was the last time you did a soil test of your pasture or hayfield? Do you know what you’re looking at when you get the results? Can you afford to put out the recommended amount of fertilizer or can you afford NOT to? Is your soil pH in the ideal range for growing your type of forages? Get the answer to these questions and more virtually on Thursday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. through a Zoom session with Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, and Yadkin County Centers of N.C. Cooperative Extension.

For more information, email, April Bowman, Extension Agent, Livestock, Forages, and 4-H Youth Development at awbowman@ncsu.edu or call 336-703-2855.

Lambing and Kidding Workshop

2022 Chatham County Hay Directory

This hay directory is provided as a service to hay producers. In order to be included in the new hay directory please complete the form by clicking on the link below. The Hay Directory will be posted on the Chatham County Extension Page once complete.

***This is only for Chatham County residents***

Backyard Birds Interest Form

Currently have some poultry or interested in getting some birds? Click on the link below to complete the 2022 Chatham County Backyard Flock Interest Form that will help me in designing future programs about backyard birds!

Upcoming Forestry Webinars

Timber Management Expenses and Deductions

February 1, 2022, 1 - 2 PM

This webinar is the third of five in the "Forestry Taxes: Learn, Plan & Save Money Webinar Series." Managing your timber costs money, and like any other business, many of your expenses can be deducted from your tax bill. In this presentation, you will learn how to assess your forest management costs and correctly claim your deductions. In addition, presenters will discuss other related topics from how to fill out a “Form T,” to the ins and outs of reforestation costs, and conservation easements. Register in advance.

Keeping More of Your Timber Income Following a Timber Sale

February 8, 2022, 1 - 2 PM

This webinar is the fourth of five in the "Forestry Taxes: Learn, Plan & Save Money Webinar Series." Learn about one of the top ways forest landowners save taxes—receiving capital gain treatment on timber sales. A landowner may only sell their timber a few times in their life but understanding how to maximize profit and minimize taxes when harvesting takes some thought. Join this presentation for a detailed discussion of how to qualify for capital gain treatment under IRC 631(a) & (b), recordkeeping tips, and proper tax reporting. Tax treatments of cost-sharing payments will also be covered briefly. Register in advance with the forestry webinars portal.

Coping With Losses from Nature and Chance

February 15, 2022, 1 - 2 PM

This webinar is the last of five in the "Forestry Taxes: Learn, Plan & Save Money Webinar Series." Growing trees can be subject to forces beyond the owners’ control from weather catastrophes to timber theft and more. While forest landowners can’t plan for these unexpected events, they can learn more about the tax implications for casualty loss, non-casualty losses, timber theft, trespassing, and more. Join this webinar for insights into the best ways to cope with timber losses from nature and chance. Register in advance with the forestry webinars portal.

USFS Fueling Collaboration: Fire and the Wildland Urban Interface in the Eastern US

February 17, 2022, 12 - 1:30 PM

Notions of fire and the wildland-urban interface often bring to mind scenes from the western United States, where catastrophic wildfires have led to catastrophic losses. In contrast, mapping efforts have found that the vast majority of the WUI acres can be found in the eastern United States. This panel will talk about how wildfire, prescribed fire, and climate change intersect in the WUI of the east. Learn more on the Fueling Collaboration Panel Discussion Series webpage.

Tax Tips for Forest Landowners for the 2021 Tax Year

Updated federal forestry tax tips were just recently released for 2021. Click on the link below for the updated federal forestry tips.

The American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides state, local, territorial, and tribal governments with a one-time infusion of funds to meet pandemic response needs and rebuild a stronger, more equitable economy as the country recovers. Within the types of eligible uses, Chatham County has broad flexibility to decide how best to use this funding to meet the needs of our community.

ARPA Community Conversations

What is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)?

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law making funds available to local governments to help the nation recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds can be used to:

• Support public health response,
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency,
• Replace lost public sector revenue,
• Provide premium pay for essential workers, and
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

Join us to share your thoughts about how we can maximize the impact of Chatham County's ARPA funds. Each person will have 5 to 10 minutes to share thoughts with staff. No sign-up or RSVP required.

Location: RAFI

274 Pittsboro Elementary School Road

Pittsboro, NC 27312

Date: 02/03/2022 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Masks will be required

Childcare and activities will be provided for the duration of the meeting

We are working with Interfaith Food Shuttle’s Food truck called The Spinning Plate to offer free food. They will begin serving around 5 PM. We are going to encourage that folks eat in their cars so that we don’t further increase the COVID risk.

We realize that not everyone will feel comfortable meeting in-person, so we also have an online survey that folks can complete to share their thoughts. It will be available on the Chatham County ARPA webpage on February 1st.

Food Safety After a Power Outage

Wondering how long your food is safe after a power outage?

Foods kept in a closed refrigerator can be safe up to 4 hours. Once you're able to open your refrigerator or have hit the 4 hour mark, check the temperature of foods with a food thermometer and toss anything that has been over 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours.

Foods in a full freezer, that was kept closed, can be safe for 48 hours (24 hours if freezer was half-full). The appliance itself and the way food is stored can affect these guidelines. The best way to know if a food was kept at a safe temperature is to use a thermometer.

If you have a freezer thermometer and it reads 40 degrees or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen. Without a thermometer in the freezer, check each food. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.

For more information or clarification, contact ncsafeplates@ncsu.edu.

For storing food in the snow, check out the information below.

Recipes for When the Power is Out

These two simple and nutritious meals can be made with food in your pantry, no cooking needed!

For Those of You Over the Age of 60, Did You Know.....

For those of you over the age of 60, did you know that medical expenses over $35 can be deducted when you apply for food and nutrition benefits? If you're in need of a little extra assistance with buying groceries these days, please consider contacting More In My Basket to see if you're eligible.

Looking for Tara?

Last month, Tara announced that she would be on maternity leave until the late spring/early summer time frame. If you should have a food safety question, please contact Orange County's Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Ivelisse Colón.

What to Look Forward to When Tara Returns in Late Spring/ Early Summer!

• Blood pressure management classes that include nutrition guidance, cooking demonstrations, and kitchen gadgets for you to cook at home and money to spend at the farmers' market! Sign-up to take place in May 2022.
• Raising Good Eaters - a class series about feeding babies and toddlers.
• Pressure cooker instruction and demonstration classes.
• More opportunities to learn about cooking local, seasonal foods, and preserving foods at home safely.

Homegrown | Unboxing Meal Delivery Kits and Food Safety

How to Save Money Heating Your Home This Winter

The days are getting cooler — in fact, some parts of the U.S. have already seen snow. Experts report it’s going to be an expensive winter to heat your home, but there are things you can do now to cut your energy costs.

• Do a home energy audit. It’ll tell you how efficient your heating system is and where your home is wasting energy. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy assessments, or refer you to someone who does. You also can check with your state or local government energy or weatherization office for recommendations, or visit Energy Savers for more resources.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weather stripping for gaps or cracks.
• Check ducts for holes and gaps where sections have separated and air may be leaking. You can seal some leaks yourself with mastic sealant or metal tape (don’t use duct tape).
• Bring your insulation up to Department of Energy recommended levels where your energy assessment shows it’s needed. (Link is provided below)
• Lower your thermostat before you go to bed or head out for the day, or get a programmable thermostat to do it automatically.
• Check filters to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced.
• Consider a budget-billing program. While you won’t pay less, your costs will be spread evenly over the year, protecting your budget from seasonal spikes. If you’re on a fixed income or have trouble paying your utility bills, contact your utility company. There may be energy assistance plans.
• Comparison shop. If you use heating oil, shop around to make sure you’re getting a good price. If you live where you can choose your natural gas provider, comparison shop for gas prices. Learn more at the FTC Consumer Information website.

Bear Creek Man makes NC History in 1961

I came across this article the other day while searching newspapers.com. To my surprise, this Bear Creek resident not only made history in Chatham County, but made history in North Carolina as the first African American tree farmer. This article was published in the March 16, 1961 edition of the Chatham Record.

Mr. E.T. Hanner passed away December 8, 2019. According to his obituary, "before retiring, he expanded this self-employment, (as a tree farmer), to become an Independent Forest Contractor."

"E. T. was passionate about his community and his public service to Chatham County. The travels and experiences he shared with others in the community, while he served as a former President of the Bonlee-Bear Creek Savings Club, was a source of pleasure for him. He has won numerous awards including the Chatham Catalyst Award, presented by the Chatham Economic Development Corp., the Social Service Award, an award from the Black Historical Society of Chatham County, and a NAACP Humanitarian Award. He was a former County Commissioner and served on various boards including the Council on Aging, Department of Social Services, Chatham- Lee Credit Union, and the Goldston Medical Center."

Mr. Hanner was an amazing person; not only was he a tree farmer, but he was also a community leader that many folks looked up to for guidance, a person who loved to sing, and just a ray of sunshine that lit up any room that he entered.

From Our Community Partners

Chatham County News

ALERT Chatham

ALERT Chatham is a program provided by Chatham County Emergency Management that allows you to receive notifications via phone calls, text messaging, e-mail and more based on locations you select. This system will be used to notify you about imminent threats to health and safety as well as other notifications that may affect your home or workplace. Authorities may use the system to send notifications regarding flooding, gas leaks, police activity, and other events in which you may need to take action to protect yourselves, your family, or your co-workers. Chatham County uses the CodeRED® mass notification system platform to send notifications. The system is used county-wide, and may be requested by authorized officials with Chatham County, or the Towns of Goldston, Pittsboro, or Siler City. It is activated through a secure portal by Chatham County Communications or Emergency Management.

Reminder!

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy), and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Ginger Cunningham, County Extension Director, at 919-542-8202, ginger_cunningham@ncsu.edu, or in person at the Chatham County office at least 30 days prior to the event.