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MITCHELL COUNTY CENTER
July 2023
Beginning July 1, 2023 our new hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Our office will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Agriculture News
Pesticide and Fertilizer Recycling Programs


An inquiry the Extension Center receives quite often during the summer months concerns a Pesticide Collection program. The answer is yes. In 2022 Mitchell County collected over 1,000 pounds of unwanted pesticides. North Carolina does have an established collection program with very specific guidelines in terms of items accepted. First and foremost, this is an exclusive program, pesticides only! The program aims to collect unwanted, banned, or out of date pesticides. This helps to reduce the risk of improper disposal and costly cleanups. Materials are collected by an NCDA contracted Hazardous Material

collection company and shipped for incineration. Mitchell's last county wide collection date occurred in May of 2022.

So, what if one needs to dispose of pesticides before an established collection date? Please contact Shane Biddix at 688-4811 or sabiddix@ncsu.edu to set up a date for collection. Mitchell County is fortunate to have partnered with Avery County Extension in securing a site for pesticide storage until pickup can be arranged. Remember to be safe, do not smell or have containers close to one's face if the product does not have a label. If the product appears to be leaking, clean up the spill with an absorbent like kitty litter bag and bring it in for disposal. Also, most containers will fit inside a 5-gallon plastic bucket. A good idea for storing pesticides to prevent spills and leaks. This is a no judgement program, if you have out of date or unwanted pesticides, please set up a date for collection.
 

EXTERNAL PESTS ON LIVESTOCK

Summer is a prime time for the emergence of external pests, such as flies and ticks. To avoid economic loss in the livestock industry, producers should use Integrated Pest Management practices to manage and control pests.  See more

Weed Control in Pastures

What and Why?

Weeds grow at a more rapid pace than desired grasses. In doing so, they "snuff-out" the grasses in pastures by taking up the soil’s nutrients and shading the immature grasses from much needed sunlight. This decrease in growth of desired grasses contributes to Livestock not adequately growing and gaining, decreasing overall profits.  See More
Family Consumer Science
News

Summer is here and our gardens in Mitchell County are really taking off after a cold June! Looking at all the tomato plants flowering, makes me think of tomato sandwiches. I love tomato sandwiches! After I have sandwiched my way through the beginning of tomato season, I know that those little plants will grow huge and soon we will all be overrun with tomatoes.

Tomatoes, squash, and herbs, oh my!

When our gardens give us more than we can eat fresh, it's time to can, freeze, dry, and ferment that green bounty so that we can enjoy it throughout the year. If you don't have a garden of your own, you can preserve produce from the farmers market, friends and family’s gardens or the supermarket. Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season means cost savings for you, especially if you keep an eye out for sales.

This year, it is especially important to make the most of what we have. Inflation and ending COVID benefits mean less food access for many in our community.

Here at Extension, we are offering a class series teaching the skills you will need to safely preserve all kinds of foods.

Thursdays, 11 am-2 pm at the N.C. Cooperative Extension Mitchell County Center, 10 S Mitchell Avenue, Bakersville.

$10 per class

July 13th Intro to Fermentation - Cheese

July 27th Intro to Fermentation - Pickles

August 10th Intro to Dehydration

Sign up online or call us at 688-4811
 

Register for Intro to Food Preservation Classes here





                             

                                   4-H ALIVE PROGRAM

Congratulations, Aaron Sherrill and Tanner Buchanan, both have completed the ALIVE program in conjunction with the NC Cooperative Extension office, Mitchell County Center and JCPC.  The ALIVE program goal is to reduce recidivism rates among at-risk youth while also utilizing new experiences and opportunities that will encourage healthy life choices and behaviors.  

Without a doubt, Aaron and Tanner will become the super successful person they are determined to be.  Enjoy your success, you have earned it.
 
For more 4-H Summer Fun Activities read here
4-H Electric Congress

North Carolina 4-H Electric Congress is an educational event designed to recognize excellence in the Electric Program throughout the state. Electric Congress travels from region to region of the state, thus allowing for a variety of programming opportunities for everyone. Four-H members participate in educational workshops, meet Power Company Representatives, learn about careers in the energy industry, and interact with other electric winners.

The 76th 4-H Electric Congress will be held July 11th - 13th at UNC Wilmington. This is an all-expense paid trip for youth that have participated in the electric project and are eligible to attend.  Participants must be 11 years of age (by Jan.1st) and registered in 4-H online.

If you are interested in learning more and seeing if you are eligible to attend, please call the 4-H Office at 688-4811.
4-H Online Enrollment is Open

All 4-H members, leaders and parents must re-enroll for the 2023 year to participate in 4-H opportunities.  In addition, if you are new to the program and want to participate in any 4-H events, activities, or programs, please go register in 4-H online.



Try these recipes and send us an email and tell us how you liked them!
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made
to Spring Williams-Byrd @ 828-688-4811
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