Check out our website for information that you might have missed:
https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/

Aug. 25, 2024

Check out all the exciting updates from 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as Horticulture in our Fall newsletter at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/newsletters-3/. 

Soil Sample Delivery

You can submit soil samples for no fee April through November to the NCDA&CS Agronomic laboratory. Kits are available for free in our office and at LTD Home and Garden (let us know if any where else keeps them in stock).  April will deliver soil samples to the laboratory in Raleigh on September 19, October 15, and November 26. Feel free to leave your samples at the office the day PRIOR to these dates for free deliver. We are NOT responsible for any lost samples and the lab will trash any samples that aren't completed properly! Learn more about how to take a soil sample, and how to complete your paperwork online (you still need to print a copy, but I guarantee they can read that and can't promise anything with your handwriting...) on our website. 

Raising Chickens

We are hosting a workshop series in September on Raising Chickens. It is geared towards those youth that are raising and showing poults as a part of our 4-H Poultry Project, but anyone that registers is welcome to attend! 

• September 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m. - Brooding Webinar

• September 12, 2024, 6:30 p.m. - Nutrition/Housing Webinar

• September 19, 2024, 6:30 p.m. - Health Webinar

Cattlemen's Meeting, September 12, 6:30 p.m.

The Stokes County Cattlemen will meet on Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 at the Stokes Extension Center at 700 Main Street, Danbury, NC.  Help us plan out the 2024-25 meeting calendar. Share what issues you've been facing, what programs you would like to have, and meet the Livestock and Forages Extension Agent, April Bowman. The meeting is free and you do NOT have to be a member of the association to attend. 

Pasture Walk

Come identify weeds, look at a rotational grazing system, see how cost-share assistance helped one farm put in automatic water, and more! Hear from Amazing Grazing, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and N.C. Cooperative Extension on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. north of King in Capella. Topics include:

• EQIP - Environmental Quality Incentives Program

• Ag Cost Share Programs - Conservation Plans

• Rotational Grazing

• Co/Multi-Species Grazing

• Weeds and grass varieties

• Soil Sampling

• Conservation plan

• NC Farm Link

• Livestock Guardians

Bring a chair and your own refreshments/food. There will be a small squatty potty for emergencies only. Register at https://go.ncsu.edu/stokespasturewalk. 

Pesticide Re-certification

On September 18, there will be both an X and a V Pesticide training at the Stokes County Cooperative Extension Center at 700 N. Main Street, Danbury, NC 27016.

V, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

X 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Learn more and register at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/pesticide-x-and-v-credits-workshop/. 

Fall Armyworm

The Fall Armyworm has been reported in Stokes County. They can wreak havoc in pastures, hayfields, and lawns overnight.  Learn more at

https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/fall-armyworm-reported-in-stokes/

Jimson Weed

Many of you saw the Stokes County Livestock Facebook post stating that we have had another local case of Jimson weed killing some mature cows. Scout your pastures for this deadly plant. It has large, tubular, white, or purple flowers with large leaves. If bruised or crushed, it gives off an unpleasant odor. Scout for this weed, pull it up by the roots (while wearing longs sleeves and gloves), and place it in a trash bag. Do not compost it! The seeds are the most dangerous part of the plant, but the plant itself is also dangerous. https://cefs.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/Jimsonweed.pdf

AgVentures Grants

Applications open October 14, 2024. Grants "should" be due the first of December.  Applicants must work closely with their Extension Agent on the grant application.  The maximum grant is for $8,000. You cannot spend any funds until AFTER you receive grant approval. If you think that you may want to apply, let's begin the process sooner rather than later.  Drop me an email at awbowman@ncsu.edu or call 336-593-8179 to schedule a visit. You can see previous grant awards to get some ideas. https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/

NC Farm School

We will be co-hosting a Farm Business School this spring along with Yadkin, Davie, and Forsyth Counties. Participants will have the opportunity to create a business plan and explore the economics of different farm enterprises. Spaces are limited. If you are interested in learning more, please email awbowman@ncsu.edu so that you can be the first to know. 

Fall is Cattle Field Day Season

NC Simmental Field Day and Sale

Friday, September 6: Field Day Events consisting of demonstrations, sale cattle viewing and beef dinner. Saturday, September 7: 50th NC Simmental Consignment Sale (Fall Harvest Sale). Event will be held at Shuffler Sale Facility, 444 Union Grove Road, Union Grove, NC

https://www.ncsimmental.com/

North Carolina Hereford Field Day

The NC Hereford Association and Mitchem's Farm 3C invites you to attend their Annual Field Day on Saturday, September 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program will focus on Black Baldy calves and forage management. Please RSVP by September 1. Learn more at: https://cleveland.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/hereford-field-day-saturday-september-14/

NC Angus Association Field Day

The NC Angus Association Fall Field Day will be held October 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Roseboro. 

Performance Livestock Open House

Sept. 19 Open House Performance Livestock, Martinsville, Virginia, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

NC Cattle Assessment Referendum

The NC Cattlemen's Association has announced that the Assessment Referendum vote will take place on October 30 at NC Cooperative Extension offices. Cattle producers at least 18 years of age (as of 10/30/24) should vote in the county that they reside in. Absentee ballots will also be available after October 1. Visit https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/nc-cattle-industry-assessment-referendum/ to learn more. 

Mobile Poultry Processing Training (MPU)

There will be an MPU training on Saturday, November 9 from 9:30-1:30 at the Stokes Extension Center. Learn more and register https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/mobile-poultry-processing-training-fall-2024/.

Parasites and Deworming

We will be doing an internal parasite and fecal egg counting course for livestock producers in November. There are links in our calendar below and on our website. You can also learn more at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/how-to-reduce-internal-parasites-in-livestock-when-to-deworm/.

There will also be a course in Laurel Springs on September 24 from 1-5 p.m. to learn how to check lower eyelids for anemia caused by the Barber Pole worm, commonly called, FAMACHA. Learn more at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/blueridgewomeninagriculture/1273812

Farm Help Needed

We have had quite a few requests for farm help. Mostly after-school, but some weekends, and on special occasions. Several horse farms, but also some cattle farms. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to April Bowman, awbowman@ncsu.edu, 336-593-8179. 

NC Farmer and Young Farmer of the Year Awards

Nominate yourself for the NC Farmer or Young Farmer of the Year awards! The application process Is an easy one. Someone is going to win $5,000. It might as well be you!  Applications are due October 14 and the top three applicants will be invited to the North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Celebration on November 14 in Raleigh. Apply at https://www.ncfarmerappreciation.com/farmer-of-the-year. 

Team Beef

North Carolina has joined a Run/Walk Project and is seeking atheletes to represent us at athletic events September through April. Participants will receive a stipend to be used for registration and swag. The deadline to apply is October 1. The goal is to have a mix of folks with and without agricultural backgrounds, different locations in the state, and diverse experience levels. Hence, there is a spot for you whether you recently started walking to adopt a healthier lifestyle or are an experienced athlete. Learn more/sign-up here. They also have a SWAG store that anyone can order from! Check it out! 

REMINDERS

Forage Contests and Livestock Shows

Stokes County Fair, page 44 (hay, silage, eggs, and livestock), entries due Sept. 1

Carolina Classic Fair, page 22 (hay, and silage), page 51 (livestock), entries due Sept. 6

NC State Fair Forage entries due Sept. 15; requires a nutritional forage sample from NCDA&CS

NC State Fair Livestock

View more information about the Stokes County Fair, Carolina Classic Fair, and the NC State Fair livestock shows here. 

Re-seeding Pastures in the Fall

September 15 - October 15 is considered the ideal time to plant Tall Fescue. That means you should be:

• ordering seed
  

• reserving the no-till drill at your local farm store or our Soil and Water Conservation office
  

• applying herbicides (if needed and just before a rain - we are too dry now for the herbicide to be taken up by the plant).
  

Learn more at https://grasslandrenewal.org/2024/07/16/timely-tips-july/?mc_cid=851d5854f9&mc_eid=c07166f59c.

See other planting dates and recommended depths at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/planting-guide-for-forage-crops-in-north-carolina. 

Upcoming Virtual Forage Meetings

• The science behind organic soil amendments for pastures, Alex Woodley, NC State, September 19, 3-4 pm. Registration link. 

• Stockpiled tall fescue for winter grazing, Miguel Castillo, NC State, October 3, 3-4 pm. Registration link. 

FAQ & Email Updates on Our Website

We have added a few Frequently Asked Questions to our website. Visit it at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/stokes-county-livestock-forage/frequently-asked-livestock-questions/. 

You can also access copies of previous email updates from our site at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/stokes-county-livestock-forage/stokes-livestock-email-updates/. 

Livestock Emergency Response Trainings

Visit the North Carolina Animal Emergency Response Working Group website/ NCAERWG to access the list of upcoming trainings and to register. Registration is required.

Forward This Email to a Friend

Calendar of Livestock Events

Sept 1 Entries due for the Stokes County Fair

Sept 3 Va-NCSU Fall Katahdin Ram Sale

Sept 4-5 Beef Reproductive Strategies Conference, Athens, GA; https://beefrepro.org/arsbc/

Sept 6 Entries due for the Carolina Classic Fair

Sept 6 NC Simmental Association Field Day, Noon through Supper, Shuffler Farms, 444 Union Grove Rd, Union Grove

Sept 7 NC Simmental 50th Fall Harvest Sale, Shuffler Farms, 444 Union Grove Rd, Union Grove

Sept 11 Goat show at the Stokes County Fair, 5 p.m.

Sept 12 Stokes County Cattlemen's Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 13 Sheep show at the Stokes County Fair, 5 p.m.

Sept. 14 Hog show at the Stokes County Fair, 2 p.m.; Cattle Show, 3 p.m.

Sept. 14 NC Hereford Association Field Day, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., https://www.facebook.com/nchereford

Sept 15 Entries due for the NC State Fair

Sept 17 Egg-cellent Eggs due for 4-H Egg Judging Contest https://go.ncsu.edu/2024eggcontest

Sept 18 Last day to deliver Soil Samples to the Extension Office for September delivery

Sept 18 Pesticide X and F credits offered, Stokes County Extension, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sept 19 Organic Soil Amendments for Pastures, Zoom, 3-4 p.m.

Sept. 19 Open House Performance Livestock, Martinsville, Virginia, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Sept 24 Pasture Walk, 6:30 p.m. - King, NC 

Sept 26 Feeder Calf Sale, Stanly County Livestock Market, Norwood

Sept 28 4th Annual Sheep and Goat Festival, 9 am-4pm, Dublin, VA, https://www.nrvsheepandgoatclub.com/

Oct 1 Absentee Voting Opens, NC Cattle Referendum

Oct 3 Stockpiled Tall Fescue for Winter Grazing, Zoom, 3-4 p.m.

Oct 4-13 Carolina Classic Fair, Winston-Salem

Oct. 12 NC Angus Field Day, Roseboro, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Oct. 14 AgVentures grant information released; https://agventures.ces.ncsu.edu/grant-program/

Oct. 15 Last day to deliver soil samples to the Extension Office for October delivery

October 17-27 NC State Fair, Raleigh

Oct. 29-30 Cattle Artificial Insemination Course, Raleigh

Oct. 30 In-person Voting for NC Cattle Referendum, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Nov. 5, Reduce Parasites/When to Deworm Your Livestock, 6:30 p.m.

Nov 9 Mobile Poultry Processing Training, Danbury, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Nov 9, District 4-H Horse Clinic at Piedmont Saddle Club in Colfax for youth and their parents - Save the Date - you don't want to miss this FREE clinic. 

Nov 14 Feeder Calf Sale, Stanly County Livestock Market, Norwood

Nov 19 Fecal Egg Counting in Livestock, 6:30 p.m., Danbury

Nov 25 Last Day to deliver soil samples for free delivery and free testing in 2024! 

**Disclaimer: The use of brand names and/or any mention or listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by NC State University or our partners, nor discrimination against similar brands, products or services not mentioned.

Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the  product label.

N.C. Cooperative Extension promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon one’s race; color; religion (including belief and non-belief); sex, including but not limited to pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical condition, parenting and sexual harassment; sexual orientation; actual or perceived gender identity; age; national origin; disability; veteran status; genetic information; or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Kim Gressley, ksgressl@ncsu.edu and/or 336-703-2851. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least {10} days before the event.”


Click here to unsubscribe

NOTE: This link will unsubscribe you from ALL emails from N.C. Cooperative Extension, Forsyth County Center. To unsubscribe from one email list (ie, livestock) contact April Bowman, at awbowman@ncsu.edu, or 336-593-8179.