Winter 2022 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.
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Needs Assessment
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center wants to improve our programs and better serve the citizens of Stokes County. Therefore, we have compiled a needs assessment to be distributed throughout our community. The purpose of this needs assessment is to identify important issues and opportunities in Stokes County to help guide and shape our research and educational activities over the next several years. N.C. Cooperative Extension’s mission is to extend research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. By completing this survey, you are helping direct the work of Extension in meeting your needs and delivering educational programs to our community. Additionally, oftentimes, research at the university level can be generated based on needs within communities. Your input is appreciated and very much valued. Also, your answers are anonymous. Thank you for your participation. The needs assessment link is go.ncsu.edu/stokes_needs_assessment
Dear Stokes County,
Stokes County Cooperative Extension would like to express our thanks and gratitude to our community for sticking with us as we navigated through the challenges brought on by COVID-19. For much of 2021, we were still required to be socially distanced and follow mask mandates, but we were able to resume in-person programming! We held several field days, hands-on demonstrations and workshops, and even brought back 4-H Summer Fun camps for our youth!
We appreciate each of you! Whether you stayed connected and engaged through our website and social media, attended a small fruit pruning workshop, sent your children to 4-H Summer Fun, or processed chickens at our mobile poultry processing field day, we thank you! NC Cooperative Extension’s mission is to deliver knowledge that can be transformed into solutions that improve our community. Regardless of how we deliver our research-based educational programs, either on the farm, in the classroom, or virtually to you at home, we want to provide you with relevant, trustworthy information.
Stokes County Cooperative Extension has been very fortunate this past year to have so many friends of Extension and community partners that allow us to serve, connect, and deliver educational programs throughout the county. Also, we are grateful for the new friends and Extension advocates that we connected with during 2021. We have learned so much from you all as well and are thankful for being able to expand our reach in this great community we serve.
We are encouraged that 2022 will be even better than 2021. Stokes County Cooperative Extension is busy planning, developing, and implementing new or ‘renovating’ existing programs for next year. Thank you to our partners, friends, and community for showing back up in 2021; we appreciate your support and commitment.
We wish you and yours a truly wonderful holiday season.
With warmest regards,
Stokes County Cooperative Extension
4-HOnline2.0 re-enrollment will take place during the month of January. If you are a current member or volunteer in the 4-HOnline2.0 system, all you need to do is go into your family’s profile and update information as needed. If you are not a current member or volunteer, you will need to complete a profile at this time. For more details, please visit: go.ncsu.edu/stokescounty4-h.
4-H Events to Remember:
Project Record Books are due January 31st by 5PM. For more information about Project Record Books, please visit: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/4-h-awards-incentives-programs-2/
Stokes County 4-H will be taking a ski trip in February! Be on the lookout for more details come January.
Stokes County 4-H Achievement Night will be held February 25th. We will begin with the meal at 6PM and the awards at 6:30PM. Please make sure to RSVP by February 15th to be included in our meal numbers! go.ncsu.edu/2022stokesachnight. Come celebrate all the great things our 4-Hers participated in in 2021!
Stokes County 4-H is gearing up for Winter 2022 School Enrichment (January and February)! The available school enrichment programs for this winter are:
To sign your class up for a program, please visit go.ncsu.edu/stokesschoolenrichment.
Ag in the Classroom - 1 lesson / can be offered once a month or however is needed - the mission of AITC is to increase agriculture literacy through K-12 education. AITC cultivates an understanding and appreciation of the food and fiber system that we all rely on every day. We have lessons for most grade levels.
Steps to Health - 9 lessons - Steps to Health’s 2nd Grade School program consists of 9 sessions that are designed to educate and inspire North Carolina children to eat smart. Hands-on activities, games, and physical activity are incorporated into each lesson.
4-H Clubs
Stokes 4-H Livestock Team 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.
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.
Jr Beekeepers - Come join us for the 2022 Jr Beekeepers meetings. We will meet March 8th, June 14th, August 9th and December 13th. Youth will learn basics to beekeeping, how to extract honey, and create projects that can be entered into the Stokes County Agricultural Fair, all from the Stokes County Beekeepers Association. Please register for each event in your 4-HOnline profile.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Register at go.ncsu.edu/howtogrowandgarden
Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes-fsma
Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes_bee_school
Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokesblackberry
Interest form - go.ncsu.edu/stokesbeeconference
Blackberry Research Trial
Stokes County Cooperative Extension is participating in a statewide blackberry research trial at our office. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released three new erect thornless “eastern” blackberry cultivars - ‘Galaxy,' ‘Twilight,' and ‘Eclipse.’ These new cultivars have the genetic background that could enable them to do well in the Southeastern United States. Stokes County was selected as one of the 25 testing locations for these new cultivars in North Carolina.
Stop by our office to see the blackberry trial! If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Bryan Hartman at bkhartman@ncat.edu or (336) 593-8179.
The Stokes County Beekeepers Association meets the second Tuesday night of each month at the Stokes County Cooperative Extension Office at 7:00 p.m. This meeting is open to the public, new members are welcome and membership dues are $10 a year. To subscribe to the Stokes County Beekeepers list, email Bryan Hartman and put “subscribe to beekeepers list” in the subject line, I will sign you up and you will receive a welcome message. If you have any questions, contact Bryan Hartman at 336-593-8179. Stokes County Beekeepers Association Website Stokes County Beekeepers Association Facebook Group North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. Read more at: https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/stokes-county-small-farms-horticulture/stokes-county-beekeepers/
Stokes County Plasticulture Equipment Rental
N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center has been awarded the NC AgVentures Grant sponsored by NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The grant was used to purchase plasticulture equipment. We used the award to purchase a Compact Raised Bed Mulch Layer, a Plastic Mulch Lifter, and a trailer for transportation to rent to small farms. The following equipment is to be leased by Lessee.
- Nolt (Red) Mulch Layer with or without Equipment Trailer
- Nolt (Red) Mulch Lifter with or without Equipment Trailer
Using plasticulture as a production method for growing fruits and vegetables has its advantages. Plasticulture has been proven to increase yield (up to three times greater), improve weed control and watering efficiency (water savings of up to 90 percent) and reduce fertilizer costs due to a targeted, more efficient use of applied nutrients. To help the state’s small farmers experience the advantage of these benefits, below are some frequently asked questions about the Plasticulture Equipment Rental.
Who can rent the equipment? Any North Carolina small farmer who wants to try plasticulture to grow crops. We may ask you to share your yield information with us for record-keeping and impact reporting.
How do I rent the equipment? The equipment will be rented on a first‐come, first‐served basis. Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center to request an application and be placed on the schedule. Proper identification will be required when the equipment is picked up. Only one piece of equipment will be rented at a time, depending on the production season. The equipment cannot be rented for more than three days at a time.
How do I return the equipment? The equipment should be returned to the location where it was picked up on the date indicated on the application. Any farmer who does not return the equipment when promised may not be allowed to rent it again and could be subject to a late fee. The equipment should be cleaned before it is returned; a cleaning fee may be applied should the equipment be returned in an unsatisfactory condition. If you are an organic farmer, please note that you are responsible for cleaning the equipment to meet organic certification standards.
Does it cost to rent the equipment? Yes. Rental costs are based on the length of use and due at the time of pick up. One‐day rental ‐ $25 Two‐day rental ‐ $50 Three‐day rental ‐ $75
How do I pay the rental fee? When the equipment is picked up, the farmer should provide either a check or cash for the number of days they will rent the unit and complete all required paperwork.
If you have questions about the Stokes County Plasticulture Equipment Rental program, contact Bryan Hartman, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, at (336) 593-8179 or bkhartman@ncat.edu. https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/06/stokes-county-plasticulture-equipment-rental/
Family & Consumer Sciences
Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes-declutter
Register at go.ncsu.edu/stokes-sentimental-clutter
Carrot Ginger Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cups rough chopped carrots
1 large onion, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
2 stalks of fresh lemongrass use the bottom white part only, chopped or you can use 2 teaspoon lemongrass paste (optional)
4 cups low salt or unsalted chicken or vegetable stock
1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste (found in the international section of the grocery store)
1 tablespoon grated ginger (more to taste)
2 Kafir lime leaves (optional)
Juice from 1 lime
Plain yogurt for topping
Directions:
Heat oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the carrots, onions, lemongrass (if using), and salt and cook until tender over medium heat (about 15 min.). Do not let the mixture brown, adjust heat as needed or add a bit of water.
Add the stock, curry paste, ginger, and lime leaves (if using). Cook for about 20-30 minutes until very tender.
Remove the lime leaves.
Puree with a handheld blender, in batches in a blender, or in batches in a food processor.
Add the lime juice and adjust the seasoning.
Top with yogurt and serve with lime wedges.
Green Bean Casserole
This version has more vegetables and almost half the sodium of classic green bean casserole.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh green beans (trimmed)
1 cup onion (diced)
2 cups mushrooms (diced)
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
16 low sodium whole wheat crackers
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 4 minutes for crisper beans or longer for a softer texture. Then plunge in ice water. Drain and set aside.
Place diced onions and mushrooms in a microwaveable bowl and microwave for about 2.5 minutes on high to soften. Set aside.
Melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in flour with a whisk and cook for about 1 minute (continuously whisking).
Whisk in the milk and cook over low heat until you have a thick white sauce.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Stir the drained green beans, onions, and mushrooms into the white sauce (including any liquid with the onions and mushrooms).
Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with nonstick spray. Crush the crackers and toss cracker crumbs with olive oil and onion powder. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake at 350˚F for about 30 minutes or until the crackers are golden brown.
https://www.myplate.gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/sarahs-green-bean-casserole
Cut down on food waste this holiday season by planning recipes to use leftover meat in different ways. Use the leftover turkey and ham in: sandwiches, casseroles, soups and chilis.
The USDA recommends using leftover turkey within 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it refrigerated at 40 degrees or below, and put your Holiday meal away in the refrigerator within two hours. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-leftover-cooked-turkey
Livestock & Forages
From the Ground Up, register at go.ncsu.edu/groundup - Grass Grows Grass, register at go.ncsu.edu/grass - Species Identification, register at go.ncsu.edu/speciesid
For some producers, lambing/kidding will begin in a few short months. Reducing newborn lamb/kid losses during lambing/kidding is essential for an operation’s sustainability. Making preparations before lambing/kidding begins will be advantageous in the long run. The above list is meant to be a guide and not an exhaustive list of supplies to have on-hand before lambing/kidding begins.
The Why and How of Testing Hay
With the winter feeding season quickly approaching, now is the time to develop a feeding plan. The best place to start when developing a feeding plan is by testing the available feedstuff, which is hay in the case of many cattle, horse, and small ruminant producers. Having hay analyzed for quality (nutritive value) helps determine if the hay will meet the nutrient requirements of the animals, and can also indicate their possible intake amounts. The three main indicators of quality in forages are crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). TDN is essentially energy content, and is also sometimes referred to as digestible energy (DE). NDF can be used to estimate voluntary intake because it is indicative of the amount of “bulk” or “fill” the forage will provide. Because animals of different species and at different production stages have varying nutrient requirements, it’s important to be familiar with what the requirements of your animals are. Because the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Feed and Forage Laboratory is in the process of moving facilities, an agreement was reached with Cumberland Valley Analytical Services in Pennsylvania in order to allow North Carolina producers to continue to submit forage samples for analysis during this move. The usual $10/sample fee is waived during this transition. For more information on submitting samples during the transition, please read this letter. Our office does have a hay probe available for rent to assist in the sampling process. Agents across the state have also developed tutorial videos about testing hay. As always, please contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stokes County at 336-593-8179 with any questions. Read more at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/09/the-why-and-how-of-testing-hay/
Stokes County Cattlemen's Association
December meeting, register at go.ncsu.edu/hay - January meeting, register at go.ncsu.edu/minerals - February meeting, register at go.ncsu.edu/cullin
Equipment Rental
Row Crops
Historic Fertilizer Prices!
A year ago, a ton of 32% liquid nitrogen would cost a farmer about $200.00. Today, that same ton will cost about $600.00! Fall is the time of year when farmers usually restock the nitrogen tank because fall usually offers the lowest prices of the year. In addition, prices have not stopped rising yet!
So what does it mean if this price trend holds through the 2022 spring season? It means fertilizer will be very expensive! Nitrogen is not the only nutrient with high prices. Phosphate and potash are also at or near record high prices. Nitrogen, phosphate, and potash also tend to be the three nutrients most necessary for good plant growth.
High fertilizer prices will affect anybody that uses fertilizer, from home gardeners to cattlemen who graze, to row crop farmers, hay producers, vegetable producers, etc. Reducing nitrogen rates on some crops may be practical, reducing nitrogen rates on other crops may also mean a decline in yield and perhaps quality.
The question becomes how to offset high fertilizer prices – and an excellent starting point is a good soil sample. A soil sample tells you what levels of nutrients you already have. That knowledge allows you to determine the level of nutrient addition you might need to apply. A soil sample also tells you what nutrients may be in short supply. If one nutrient is in short supply, that particular nutrient shortage needs to be addressed in order to achieve peak efficiency from other added nutrients.
For example, in the south, our soils tend to be acidic. We add lime for many of our crops to correct this acidity. Since we also enjoy relatively high amounts of rainfall, our soils are continually moving back towards an acidic level. We measure acidity using a pH scale. If my soil is too acidic for the crop I am trying to grow, addition of fertilizer will never give the desired result. Low pH that is the fertility bottleneck and addition of fertilizers generally will not overcome low pH. Therefore, a good soil sample identifies factors that may be limiting plant growth.
Whether you farm for a living or enjoy a backyard garden and a pretty yard, a soil sample provides you a wealth of information regarding a key factor – the fertility of your soil! Consider taking a soil sample or two to find out if your soils are as productive as they could be.
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, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
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Created with images by JillWellington - "hot chocolate drink winter" • JillWellington - "hot chocolate snow scarf"