October Newsletter - Burke County

October is National Eat Better, Eat Together Month

This is a time to refocus what we may have lost during a busy summer routine and get back to sharing a meal as a family. Make it a goal to eat at least one meal as a family and encourage other families to do the same.

Our busy lifestyles make it seem impossible to eat together for every meal but make it a goal to eat at least one meal a day as a family this month and see if the habit sticks. A strong family connection gives each member the support they need to make it through some of life’s toughest spots. Family meals provide a valuable opportunity for children and parents to reconnect.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports that children of families who regularly eat together are more likely to have higher intakes of fruits and vegetables and have a healthy weight, and are less likely to have behavior problems or use drugs, cigarettes or alcohol when they get older.

Involving kids in preparing the meal creates confidence and provides them with a life-long skill. Also, children are more likely to consume what they have helped prepare. Here is a quick video for kids about how to set the table. No matter the age of the family member, no one should be left out. From plates to boiling water, there’s a task for everyone. Don’t forget the cleanup!

Nickels for Know How Referendum Coming November 17, 2022

Nickels for Know-How was started in 1951 as a voluntary assessment on feed and fertilizer produced and purchased in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services collects the money from manufacturers of feed and fertilizer. Manufacturers build the cost (15 cents/ton) into the price of their products.

This money is then transferred to the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation where the funds are used to support research, teaching and extension programs at NC State University.

Tractor Supply Paper Clover Fundraiser
October 5 - 16, 2022

Tractor Supply began a partnership with 4-H in 2010 and has since helped raise over $14 million through their Paper Clover fundraisers. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 69,000 students by providing them with hands-on learning experiences through projects in STEM, agriculture, healthy living, and civic engagement.

100% of funds raised through the Paper Clover fundraiser directly benefits 4-H and the kids and teens they work with - 90% of donations directly support 4-H youth in the state it was raised, and the remaining 10% supports national 4-H programming.

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Go by Tractor Supply October 5 - 16, 2022 and purchase a paper clover to support 4-H in Burke County and North Carolina!

October Lawn & Garden Tips

It’s time to treat wild onion and garlic in the lawn. These perennial weeds can be controlled with applications of 2,4-D (Weed b Gon) in October and again in March.
Leaves are starting to fall. Keep them raked off of turf grass. Prolonged accumulation of heavy leaves can quickly smother existing lawn grass.
Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Moderate temperatures make it much easier for plants to become established.
Start planting fall bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. Plant in well-drained soil and purchase large, firm bulbs.
Fall is a good time to apply lime to the lawn. A rule of thumb is 75 lbs. of lime per 1,000 sq. ft.
Make sure water hoses are drained and disconnected from the faucet before the first freeze.

Adding Value to Your Calf Crop

In many ways, adding value means implementing management practices to maximize dollars received for your calves on sale day. Dehorning; castration; adequate frame and muscling; and avoiding body condition extremes at sale time all help add value. Through the use of superior bull and cow genetics; controlled breeding seasons so that calves sell in larger, more uniform lots, preconditioning; and a complete health program give opportunity for producer premiums. Other one-time practices that can impact your check might include minimizing presale shrink and optimizing fill in the sale ring. For example, research shows that preconditioned calves entering the feedlot will have lower morbidity and mortality, gain faster with greater feed efficiency and finish in less days on feed with a lower total cost of gain. One study showed a $55 per head advantage for preconditioned calves by the end of the feeding period.

While your calves are in the ring, buyers visually appraise them, determine their value and place a bid, based on their estimate of how your calves will perform in the next phase of production. It is a good idea for producers to document their value-added management practices and provide this information to buyers on sale day. A buyer may share part of that future value with you in the form of a premium, but it will never equal the full value of the management and expertise represented in your calves.

What your middle schooler will receive:

A free family meal each week
New skills for making friends and talking to others
Enhanced listening skills for better communication
Group games and art projects, along with art supplies

Parents will receive:
Data driven lessons for easier communication within the family
Evidenced based research and information on developing brains and behavior of your middle schoolers.
Behavioral phrases for listening and being heard
Art supplies and fun assignments to try at home

Upon graduation of the program:
An all expense paid trip for the family to the Millstone 4-H Camp!!

This is a 10 week program held at the beautiful Burke County Agricultural Building. The program will start in early September. It will be held on Monday or Thursday nights, for approximately three hours per session.

This is a family fun night out designed to help you and your middle school aged children learn simple, yet effective ways to communicate without stress. It is designed to last a lifetime, and is a community driven program.

Please call us for more information. Class size is limited.
828-764-9480, or email tlhall6@ncsu.edu

Senior Advanced Planning

Seniors oftentimes find themselves unexpectedly needing additional care as they age. Tough decisions end up being made by a family member so advanced planning is a fantastic gift to give your loved ones that will be facing these decisions as you age.

Schedule time to talk to your family. Discuss any concerns you may have about senior living and what you would like to experience in a best and worst case scenario. Bring up what your visions are for your later years and help paint a clear picture of your financial situation in order to know what options are available to you. Gather your monthly and annual income, any insurance premiums and other monthly expenses, owned real estate, as well as Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits.

Meet with professional advisors including an elder law attorney to help prepare legal documents and your physician who will be able to provide input on the appropriate level of care you may need.

There are many levels of care available that can help you prepare for the aging process. A move to a senior living community earlier on gives you the opportunity to continue things you love, but also allows you to spend less time doing the things you don’t love, like landscaping and housekeeping.

Thinking about and discussing these topics can be tough but planning now can ease the stress later on and help your family know they are carrying out your wishes. If you are interested in learning more about this process, schedule an appointment with Brandi.