Tips for the Trail
Damon Pollard, Extension Agent, Livestock

Summer is a time when many horse owners enjoy trail riding. In our area, we a blessed with many trails within an hour’s drive, and many of these are on state or federal lands. When riding in these areas, ask the Ranger or Manager where the best trails are and always carry a map with you when riding. Some prefer a GPS to a map but always familiarize yourself with landmarks as you ride. You can use some form of trail markers to mark you trail but always remove them on the return trip. A small first aid kit, knife, flashlight, whistle and cell phone are crucial items. It is best not to ride alone, but if you do, let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Also, consider putting an ID tag somewhere on your horse with your horse’s name, your name and address, phone and cell phone number in case you and your horse are separated, so that the finder may reach you by cell phone.

Always carry appropriate health papers and current Coggin’s Test with you when riding. Some trails wind through seepages and along streams, so use caution when traversing a muddy trail. Ride only in areas designated for horseback riding, and avoid private lands unless you have landowner permission. Cross streams and tributaries where designated and stick to established trails when possible to minimize environmental impacts. By following these simple precautions you can enjoy the trail and keep you and your horse safe this summer.

Garlic, an herb in the onion family, has been celebrated for over 5,000 years for its medicinal and culinary uses. Originating in Asia, this ancient plant has made its way into kitchens and medicine cabinets worldwide, prized for its distinctive flavor and potent health benefits. In recent years, garlic has gained even more recognition due to its antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. These properties may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is not just a flavorful addition to meals; it is also packed with important nutrients. According to Michigan State University Extension, garlic contains Selenium, Manganese, Vitamin B6, and sulfur compounds, all of which play crucial roles in maintaining good health. Selenium and Manganese are vital for antioxidant functions, helping to protect the body from oxidative stress. Additionally, garlic may help improve the bioavailability of iron, making it easier for the body to utilize this essential mineral.

Culinary Uses of Garlic
While most people are familiar with using garlic cloves in cooking, the garlic plant has more to offer. The University of Maryland Extension notes that garlic scapes, the flower stems of hardneck varieties, can be used similarly to scallions, adding a mild garlic flavor to dishes. The intensity of garlic’s flavor is at its peak shortly after chopping or crushing due to a chemical reaction that occurs when the garlic cells are broken. This reaction is responsible for the pungent taste that garlic is famous for, while roasting garlic results in a sweeter, milder flavor.

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If you are looking for something to add to your fall garden this year or looking to start a fall garden and want something easy. Look no further than Garlic! You either love or hate garlic and if you are the former then this article is for you!

Plan to plant your garlic sometime around September to November. It’s important that you source good quality garlic seed for your garden. Planting garlic from the grocery store does not always work. Garlic is a very hardy plant and is easy to grow with little maintenance.
When planting your garlic, you will need to remove the outer shell or “paper” to get to the cloves. Depending on the variety you choose,  you could have up to 16 cloves per bulb. Be careful not to tear into the skin of the clove as this can cause rotting to occur on the clove. It's always a good idea to plant the biggest cloves in the garden and save the smaller ones for cooking. Try not to plant your bulbs upside down. You want the pointy side up and blunt side down. You will make your hole about six to eight inches deep.

After planting, in about 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll see some green sprouts come up. Once the frost hits, the bulbs will get their much needed cold temperatures to mature. In the spring, you will see some green growth come up. Make sure to remove these sprouts after they reach about 10 inches tall. These stems are associated with flower growth and can inhibit the growth of the bulb. Don’t toss out those stems as they can be added to dishes for cooking. These stems are called Scapes.

If planted in early fall, the bulbs should be ready around. Look for when the mature leaves begin to die back. You want to get to the bulb on time as the bulb can start to separate after a while. Using a fork, or shovel gently loosen the soil and pull up the bulb. Be careful not to pull from the leaves as you can damage the bulb this way. At this stage you can tie the garlic into braids and set them to cure in dry areas. The average time for garlic curing is four to six weeks.

If you have any questions on when or what to plant in your garden, don't hesitate to call our office at 828-764-9480!

What is Empowering Mountain Food Systems?

EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) is part of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), which launched in 2019 to focus on expanded opportunities and capacity for food and farm businesses across the Western NC region. EMFS works with 12 mountain counties from Cleveland to Swain. CEFS is collaborating with NC Cooperative Extension and the Small Business Centers throughout the region.

With a renewed focus on business assistance and supply chain resolutions, EMFS has a couple of new exciting opportunities to get involved and grow your business.

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Sheep and Goat Flock Vaccinations

There are many diseases for which sheep and goats can be vaccinated, but there is probably only one vaccine that is universally recommended for all flocks: CD-T. This is a combination vaccine, where “C” and “D” stand for clostridial perfringens types C and D. The “T” represents tetanus caused by clostridial tetani.

Clostridial perfringens type D is better known as enterotoxemia, pulpy kidney, or overeating disease. It is a common disease of sheep and goats that normally affects lambs and kids over one month of age.

Clostridial perfringens type C is better known as bloody scours or lamb dysentery. This usually affects lambs and kids during their first several weeks of life. Both diseases are usually brought on by changes in the diet. Tetanus (lockjaw) can occur anytime there is an open wound into which the tetanus organism can gain entry; however, lambs and kids are usually at risk when tails are docked, or they are castrated, or disbudded.

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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University works in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.