June Newsletter - Burke County

Pictured (left to right) NC Cooperative Extension Agent -Damon Pollard, Avery Pollard, Emily Shuping, Ella Abernathy, and Burke County Cattlemen’s Association President- Dallas Miller.

Congratulations Scholarship Winners!!

The Burke County Cattlemen’s Association presented three $1000.00 scholarships to eligible High School Seniors, College Undergraduate or Graduate students pursuing a degree in an agricultural or science field. The winners for 2023 were Emily Shuping, Ella Abernathy and Avery Pollard.

Welcome Sophia Mozgala

NC State Extension announced that Sophia Mozgala is completing an Extension internship this summer with the Burke County Center.

An Extension summer intern works with Extension personnel to deliver hands-on, educational programs. Job shadowing and mentoring help interns learn about the mission and work of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

“Extension makes a positive difference in the community every day. We provide educational programs that connect communities with research-based information. Our internship program is another way we help prepare students for challenging and rewarding careers in food, agriculture, natural resources, and family and consumer sciences” said Dr. Richard Bonanno, Associate Dean of the NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director of NC State Extension.

Sophia is a rising sophomore from NC State University majoring in horticulture science, and is a native of Hickory, North Carolina.

Identifying & Preventing Root Rot
Taylor Campbell, Extension Agent, Horticulture

Healthy roots are always white. Brown roots can be a symptom of phytophthora root rot, a fungal disease. Phytophthora root rot develops when roots are compacted in an exceedingly wet, warm environment. The fungal pathogen develops in these conditions and begins feeding on the roots, which causes the roots to rot. Root rot causes yellowing leaves and leaf drop, as well as bare patches in the foliage. By the time you notice these symptoms, the damage has already been done. Root rot is irreversible once the roots start to decay. Roots can sometimes be salvaged, but this is uncommon. Prevention is key. Start with buying healthy plants. Don’t be afraid to remove plants from pots at the store to look for healthy white roots. Once you get it home to plant it, be sure you plant in a location without constant standing water. If you are planting in a container or pot, be sure the pot has a drainage hole as root rot is very common among potted plants. Aerating the soil can also be beneficial to allow oxygen into the soil, as oxygen promotes healthy root growth. Avoid irrigating more than necessary, as all plants are susceptible to root rot.

Hardware Disease in Cattle
Damon Pollard, Extension Agent, Livestock

Hardware disease, also known as traumatic reticuloperitonitis, is really not a disease at all. It is an injury to the reticulum caused by ingestion of such things as small pieces of wire, nails, staples and other small metal objects. The symptoms of hardware disease include depression, a poor appetite, and a reluctance to move. Cattle may have indigestion and exhibit signs of pain when defecating and may stand with an arched back. A “grunt” can often be heard when the cow is forced to walk. If the object penetrates close to the heart and migrates forward, a fatal infection can sometimes occur.

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Where to Get Your Fruits & Veggies
Taylor Campbell, Extension Agent, Horticulture

As we close out the month of May, take advantage of May veggies such as green onions, hot peppers, leafy greens, radishes, snowpeas, and sweet potatoes. Grab some fruits such as blueberries and strawberries. As we get closer to June, expect asparagus, beets, brussel sprouts, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, squash, and zucchini. In-season fruits will include watermelon, plums, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and greenhouse tomatoes. This list is by no means exhaustive. The best way to source in-season, local produce is to check out your local farmers markets, roadside stands, and farm stores. Many of these locations are able to accept EBT and WIC. Support local farmers and your own health and buy local, in-season produce.