Chatham County

Livestock & Forages Newsletter

- AUGUST 2024 -

Here's what's waiting for you in this newsletter 

• NC State Fair - Forage Contest

• Cattle Industry Assessment Vote

• Chatham Agribusiness Council

• Lambing & Kidding School 

• Animal Waste Classes 

• Grazing 300 - Forage Webinar 

• Silvopasture Tours

• Small Ruminant Ethnic Market Webinar (TONIGHT) 

• Chatham County Youth Livestock Show

• Sheep & Goat Field Day - King, NC

• Piedmont Wool Pool (Get paid for your wool) 

• Cattle Reproduction School 

• Chatham 4-H Club Excels at Greensboro Dairy Show 

• Chatham Chicken Chain for 4-H Youth

• Chatham County Needs Assessment 

NC State Fair Forage Contest

Forage Sample Must be Submitted by Sept. 15th

If you produce forage, consider submitting a forage sample to enter into the State Fair Forage Contest. This is a great way to see where your hay stands nutritionally as well as have the opportunity to compare to other producers in the state. 

Reach out to Dalton Suits (Livestock Agent) to learn more about the process of submitting forage samples to the lab in Raleigh. Click the button below to be directed the North Carolina Department of Agriculture's website to learn more about the contest. 

VOTE on

NC Cattle Industry Assessment 

Beginning October 1st, 2024

The North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association has scheduled a referendum for October 30, 2024, to decide on continuing the North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment. This assessment proposes a one-dollar fee per head of cattle sold in the state, aimed at advancing various aspects of the cattle and dairy industries. Funds would support youth programs, research, education, promotion efforts, and issues management. The referendum, if passed, will maintain the assessment established since 1957, with provisions for refunds and recurring referendums every six years upon request. Voting will be conducted at local North Carolina Cooperative Extension offices, with absentee ballots available from October 1, 2024. More information on voting to come. 

Chatham Agribusiness Council

Next Meeting: October 16th

Meal: 6:30pm

Meeting: 7:00pm

The Agribusiness Council is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. They provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to support businesses, farmers, and industry professionals. Through programs and initiatives, they aim to drive innovation, enhance sustainability, and promote the economic vitality of the agricultural community.

Membership Dues: $20 per year
Meeting Schedule: Meet three times a year or more as needed.

For additional information reach out to Chatham County Cooperative Extension and we would be happy to connect you with the Agribusiness Council. 

Lambing & Kidding School

NC State will be hosting another lambing and kidding school this fall at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs, NC. The school will take place September 14 from 9 am - 5 pm. Space is limited to 25 participants to ensure hands-on learning opportunities

2 Virtual Animal Waste Classes

November 7th, 9-12 AM

November 19th, 1-4 PM

Enhance your expertise and fulfill recertification requirements with our upcoming Virtual Animal Waste Classes. Each session provides 3 hours of credit and covers essential topics for effective animal waste management.

November 7th | 9 AM - 12 PM

• Ventilation: Learn best practices for optimizing air flow in animal facilities.
• Weed Management in Forages: Explore strategies for controlling weeds to improve forage quality.
• Crop Pesticide Updates: Stay informed on the latest pesticide developments (2-hour credit applied for).

November 19th | 1 - 4 PM

• Regulatory Updates: Get up-to-date on the latest regulations affecting animal waste management.
• First Aid: Gain crucial skills for handling emergencies in the field.
• Generator Maintenance: Discover tips for maintaining generators to ensure reliable operation.
• Sludge Management: Learn effective techniques for managing sludge to protect the environment.

Forage & Grassland Management Webinar

August 22nd - 3:00-4:00pm

For questions, contact mscastil@ncsu.edu

2 Silvopasture Tours

September 5th - 1-3pm (Burgaw, NC)

September 6th - 10am-12pm (Goldsboro, NC)

We’re excited to invite you to our 2024 Silvopasture Tours in North Carolina! Dive into the world of silvopastures and see firsthand how integrating trees with pasturelands can enhance your farming practices.

Important Details:

• Registration: Secure your spot by filling out the information below. If registering multiple attendees, please complete a separate registration for each person.
• Space: Limited to 40 participants, so register early to ensure your place.
• Further Information: Specific address and agenda will be sent via email after your registration.

We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you and exploring the benefits of silvopastures together.

Small Ruminant

Ethnic Market Webinar 

TONIGHT (Aug. 6th 8:00-9:15 PM) 

Join for an engaging webinar with Kathryn Piper, co-founder of Five Pillars Butchery House in Unity, Maine. Kathryn and her husband have successfully established a halal slaughter facility dedicated to providing local and sustainable meat processing solutions. With recent USDA funding to expand their operations, their mission focuses on enhancing local food production and promoting holistic, ethical meat processing practices.

4-H Youth Livestock Show

The Chatham County Livestock Show will be held Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center located at 1192 US Hwy 64W Business, Pittsboro, NC 27312.  The show is open to all youth that have not reached their 19th birthday prior to January 1, 2024.  All youth under the age of 8 (including Cloverbuds aged 5-7 and PeeWees under the age of 5) will NOT be judged under competition, but will exhibit non-competitively and receive a participation ribbon.  Exhibitors will automatically be entered into their showmanship classes.

Sheep & Goat Field Day

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension for a training on parasites (worms, flies, etc.), vaccines, and drawing blood on small ruminants at this exciting field day. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray, and sunscreen. Feel free to bring a bag supper. Light snacks will be provided. This event will be held just past 1404 Covington Rd King NC

Please register by 8 a.m., Monday, August 12 go.ncsu.edu/sheepgoat24.

In addition, there will be a Wool Pool held from 5-6 p.m. at the Field Day. PLEASE register for the Wool Pool add-on when you register for the field day. Learn. more about the Wool Pool at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/07/2024-piedmont-nc-wool-pool/.

Contact your County Livestock Extension Agent or April Bowman, 336-593-8179, or awbowman@ncsu.edu with questions.

Piedmont NC Wool Pool

The Wool Pool will be held from 5-6 p.m. and we do ask that you register for the Wool Pool and the Sheep and Goat Field Day that will follow from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. by visiting https://go.ncsu.edu/sheepgoat24. Both events will be held just past 1404 Covington Road, King, NC.

Cattle Reproduction School

September 10th, 2024

Join us on September 10th for the 2024 SE NC Reproduction School at the Sampson County Extension Office in Clinton, NC (55 Agriculture Pl).

This workshop series is conducted as a 1-day workshop, composed of a morning classroom session where we discuss reproductive management, timed artificial insemination and estrus synchronization, and bull selection and mating. This is followed by an afternoon hands-on covering of pregnancy testing methods ( palpation and blood analysis).

For more information, contact your local livestock extension agent.

Lunch will be provided!

Rafter T. Wranglers Club Excels at Junior 4-H Dairy Show

The Rafter T. Wranglers 4-H Club made a strong showing at the recent Junior 4-H Dairy Show held in Greensboro, NC, with their enthusiastic members achieving notable success. The club participated with zeal and talent, securing top positions in various categories.

Click the button below to read the full article! 

Chatham Chicken Chain

July 30th-31st, 2024

🚀 Join the Chicken Chain! 🚀

Ready to take on a fun, feather-filled adventure? Dive into the world of 4-H with our Chick Chain program and become a champion in raising and showcasing your very own chicks!

🐥 What’s in Store? 🐥

• Raise Your Own Chicks: Learn the ins and outs of chick care from day one!
• Show Off Your Skills: Compete in exciting 4-H shows and see how your chicks measure up!
• Build Lifelong Skills: Gain responsibility, leadership, and a whole lot of fun!

🎉 Why Join? 🎉

• Hands-On Learning: Get practical experience with animal care and agriculture.
• Meet New Friends: Connect with fellow 4-H members who share your passion.
• Win Prizes & Recognition: Earn awards and accolades for your hard work and dedication!

🌟 How to Get Started: 🌟

1. Sign Up: Enroll in the Chick Challenge program.
2. Get Your Chicks: Receive your adorable new feathered friends.
3. Start Raising: Follow our expert tips to nurture and grow your chicks.
4. Show & Compete: Enter local 4-H shows and strut your stuff!

🗓️ Don’t Wait! Spots are limited!

Click the button below to learn more about the program and cost. 

Your response is needed. 

Additional Events

Click the buttons below to be directed to additional information.

Helpful Links  

Click the buttons below to be directed to additional information. 

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.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

N.C. Cooperative Extension - Chatham County Center, Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, 1192 US-64 BUS, Pittsboro, NC 27312, United States
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