January Newsletter - Burke County

Cold Weather Tips for Horsemen
Damon Pollard, Extension Agent, Livestock

With winter finally showing its presence, horse owners can help their horse stay warmer and more comfortable in extremely cold weather by providing some form of shelter, extra nutrition and warm water when the mercury is low. Horses need some type of shelter and it doesn’t necessarily need to be a box stall. Run in shelters work well; however, even a line of evergreen trees or the leeward side of a building helps to keep the prevailing wind from robbing critical body heat from a horse’s long winter coat.

By feeding extra hay or fibrous grain during temperature extremes, you can help your horse generate extra body heat. Feed 5% more hay between 20°& 32°F or 2lbs of whole oats, in addition to the regular grain fed and between 10-20°F, feed 10% more hay, or 4 lbs of whole oats. Feed 15% more hay or 6lbs of whole oats when temperatures are below 10°F. It is best not to exceed more than 6lbs if grain per feeding, and don’t use crimped oats.

Another recommendation is to provide clean fresh warm water to encourage more water consumption and aid in reducing impaction colic. Always provide trace-mineralized salt. Loose salt is better than blocks for horses. If your horses are not consuming enough or any salt, add 1-2oz. to the daily ration, which increases water consumption.

Revealing the Magic of Active Engagement for Children
Brandi Silver, Extension Agent, FCS

As I crafted materials for my upcoming workshops, I couldn't help but notice a
favorite phrase of mine: "Hands-On." This concept isn't just about completing
tasks; it's about diving in and experiencing the joy of learning with your own two
hands. The buzz surrounding my collaborative learning classes, where everyone gets
involved, led me to a delightful realization – this enthusiasm for active involvement
isn't exclusive to adults; children are equally eager to join in the fun. Just like
grown-ups, children thrive when they're actively participating and having fun while
learning, especially when it comes to life skills.

Now, let's talk about something we all can relate to – how we learned those
everyday tasks. Remember the first time you changed your bed sheets or tied a
trash bag like a pro? Chances are, someone showed you the ropes, maybe during
those summer days with grandma. Those were the norm a few decades back –
spending time at home, being bored and learning life skills because you were bored.
I'm on a mission to bring back the joy of chores!

Remember, when guiding children through tricky instructions, showing is the
secret sauce. Just telling them might not cut it; they need to see it in action.
Break down complex tasks into bite-sized steps, let the little ones practice, and
watch their understanding bloom. Want to see the demonstration again?
Absolutely! This magic approach isn't just for workshops; it's perfect for everyday
tasks like tidying up, setting the table, or folding the towels. Let's make learning a
joyous, hands-on adventure for the little ones in your life!

Burke County 4-H will head to the Eastern 4-H Center for summer camp from June 16-21, 2024. Camp is for youth ages 8-12. Spots are limited so sign up now. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Youth do not have to be in 4-H to attend. All activities are facilitated by trained camp counselors and program instructors. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, rock climbing, ecology, crabbing, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, games, and more.

Burke County 4-H campers will be provided fundraising opportunities to offset camp costs. Please contact our office at 828-764-9480 if you have questions or want to sign up.

Visit Eastern 4-H Center for more information on summer camp.