NC Cooperative Extension-Caswell County Center

October 2024 Newsletter

WHAT'S INSIDE .....

Upcoming Trainings and Workshops

Learn about saving strategies and financial wellness while you prepare for holidays and gift-giving Join North Central District Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for a virtual seminar October 8th at 12 noon. To register visit go.ncsu.edu/holiday-budgeting

Caswell Cooperative Extension & Boone Tractor will be hosting a New Holland and Great Plains Demo Day on October 11th, 2024. The Demo day will run from 10AM-4PM with lunch provided.

The Demo day will be held at 4844 Walter's Mill Road Providence, NC 27315.

For more information please contact Ag&Hort Agent Matt Solomon at 336-694-4158 ext. 6

To register visit: go.ncsu.edu/2024precisionag

Bull Breeding Soundness Exams

If there are any producers interested in Bull Breeding Soundness Exams please let Bailee know. There will be one in Granville County on October 18th. If you would like to attend the Granville one or have an in-county testing please let Bailee know you can contact her by phone or email at: 336-694-4158 ext. 5 or bailee_sheffield@ncsu.edu

There will be a Women in Ag workshop on November 7th, 2024 in Alamance County at 7351 Beale Rd, Snow Camp, NC. This workshop will be a hands-on and packed with valuable information.

The registration link is https://alamance.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/09/women-in-ag-workshop/

Poultry Processing Workshop November 16th 9:00AM-3:00PM at Alamance Community College For more information contact Lauren Langley at 336-570-6740. To register visit go.ncsu.edu/fallpoultry24

YOUTH EVENTS

4-H Membership

If you have a child between the ages 5-18 (5 year old has had to completed Kindergarten) and would like for them to be a Caswell County 4-H member, contact our 4-H agent Brandi Boaz. If you have any interest in youth camps or any questions regarding additional youth programming contact our office.

Prime Cuts 4-H Club
Thursday, October 17th 6:30 pm
Senior Center

Our club is going to try something new this year. We are going to meet at the other end of the senior center during our Caswell Cattlemen meeting. Please let Bailee or Brandi know if you plan to attend so that you will have a meal- Cost will be

announced.

Youth wanting to know more about showing livestock or plan to show livestock in 2025- please reach out and let Bailee or Brandi know. They can schedule a meeting with you if you need more information or get you lined up to get an animal

North Central District All Around Horse Sense Clinic Saturday November 9th 2024 Colfax, NC 9:00AM-3:30PM For more information contact Sarah Paschall at 336-641-2423 or Morgan Maness at 336-342-8230

4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp (Ages 14+)
4-H Junior Zoo Apprentice (Ages 11–13)

Registration deadline: Dec. 1, 2024
Arrive: Fly or Drive. Everyone should plan to arrive at Busch Gardens in Tampa by 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27.
Depart: Fly or Drive home, but don’t plan to leave Busch Gardens until after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

The world’s largest zoological organization partners with Missouri 4-H to offer 4-H youth an opportunity to discover, learn, laugh and experience one-of-a-kind adventures with animals from around the world.
REGISTER NOW

Learn-by-doing has long been a 4-H motto. Now 4-Her’s will experience this in Busch Gardens’ 335-acre African-themed living classroom by attending the 4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp for youth ages 14+ or by attending 4-H Junior Zoo Apprentice Camp for youth ages 11-13.

Youth in attendance will become amateur zookeepers and discover firsthand what it takes to care for animals from around the world. Assist zoo staff behind the scenes and observe animal care sessions.

Youth in attendance will be living inside Busch Gardens. They will investigate the mysteries of the animal kingdom, getting up-close to animals they have never seen before. And in between life changing moments, participants will enjoy World Class Entertainment in our nation’s fourth most popular amusement park.

In addition, all participants will make lifetime memories spend time working with the animal care specialists at Sea World, touring Sea World Rescue, and sleeping overnight beside our new aquatic friends.
You will return with a keen understanding of animal behavior, science, and nutrition. You will be a better communicator with your own animals and four-footed family members.

Additional Programming Information

The NC Cattlemen's and Beef Checkpoint are having a 2024 Beef Referendum. The Cattle referendum needs your vote.. yes or no!

The referendum is for either continuing or removing the policy of the NC Cattlemen's/Beef Checkoff program receiving $1.00 per head that are sold at the sale barn. The money collected from the sale barns is used to fund youth programming/events, defend against laws and harmful regulations to the beef industry, increase knowledge of the beef industry and provide education opportunities for producers.

You can vote in Person on October 30th or you can use absentee ballots sent to your local Extension Office from October 1st- October 30th.

If you are needing an absentee ballot or more information on the policy, please contact Bailee at the Extension Office by phone or email at 336-694-4158 ext. 5 or bailee_perkins@ncsu.edu

Important dates to remember:

October 17th- Caswell Cattlemen's will meet at 6:30pm and return to normal schedule with dinner, a brief presentation, and meeting. For the October meeting, Kim Woods, livestock and forages agent in Person/Granville County will be the guest speaker for the evening.

** If you have any topics you would like to have presented this fall or have any questions or concerns please address them to Bailee. You can reach her by phone or email at 336-694-4158 ext 5 or bailee_sheffield@ncsu.edu

THINGS TO KNOW ...

A message from Caswell County Local Government & Caswell Fire Association:

To all Caswell County residents,

Hurricane Helene left a devastating mark on Western North Carolina, where families lost their homes, and entire communities were submerged beneath floodwaters. The once peaceful mountain towns now echo with the pain of loss, as shattered lives and broken hearts reflect the overwhelming grief of those who must rebuild from the ruins. Each tear shed is a reminder of the lives changed forever by nature's relentless force. In response to the overwhelming support and numerous inquiries from our community about assisting with hurricane relief, Caswell County departments will organize a donation drive to help direct supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Leaders have been in direct contact with NC Emergency Management and the NC Office of the State Fire Marshal to ensure the donations reach areas of greatest need. A scheduled delivery will be arranged to provide critical support to those hardest hit by the storm.

We are deeply moved by the outpouring of generosity from our residents and are grateful for your willingness to help during this critical time. Thank you for your continued support and compassion as we come together to assist those in need.

Donation details are as follows: The drive will run from October 1st to October 7th, final pickup will take place October 8th, and we would like to ask that no cash or gift cards be donated. While we have multiple drop-off locations, the central storage/holding area will be the Caswell County Parks and Recreation Department. Organizing a collection site in every community can be difficult, as not every fire department has staff or volunteers available during the day, so those agencies are encouraged to post their meeting times or when volunteers will be onsite. Any local businesses, clubs, or other agencies willing to collect supplies or that have received donations can schedule a pickup by calling 743-247-8613.

Current Designated Drop-Off Locations:

Caswell Parks and Recreation
Caswell Health Department
Caswell Sheriff Office
Pelham Fire Department
Lillard’s Family Restaurant
Call us today and add your place to the list

List of ITEMS NEEDED:

Non-perishable food items (canned goods, dry foods, pop top, etc.)
Bottled water
Baby supplies (diapers, formula, wipes)
Toiletries and hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant)
Cleaning supplies (bleach, disinfectants, paper towels)
First aid supplies
Blankets and bedding
White vinegar and peroxide
Pet Food

Prepping our Livestock for Hurricanes and other Natural Disasters

Although we are not currently in the threat of another hurricane or natural disaster, it is always best to try to prepare for emergency situations as your farm allows you too. Natural disasters can come in all shapes, sizes and forms. As we seen with Debby, we can have the threat of the hurricane with high winds and rain that lead to tornados and extreme flooding in some areas. We can also have increased fire dangers through the year that could potentially threaten our farms, as well as the occasional earthquake.

During natural disasters it is important to have a farm and livestock emergency plan in place in case there is a threat of a hurricane or severe storms, do you have one? Do you know what goes into an emergency plan? Check out the tips below.

What are some key features to have in place for our livestock?

Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available- Fill any and all available tubs with clean water before the storm. If you have an automatic watering system, these will not work when there is no power.
Make sure you have plenty of feed, hay/forages stored in as dry and accessible of a location as possible, so that you can access these after the storm has passed.
Gather leads/leashes/halters or any other restraining devices. If you halter a horse during severe weather, make sure halters are breakaway. Horses and other livestock can be left out during severe weather!
Make sure all barn doors are shut and secured.
Have identification tags attached to livestock if possible. For horses you can use cattle ear tags braided into the mane or tail or attached to a halter with information written on the back.
Take a livestock/poultry inventory. Know what you have and where they are!
If you are needing safe handling/facilities for birds out of the weather, dog crates will work for transporting them. If leaving your birds, make sure they have access to dry food and fresh water if possible. Birds will roost higher if necessary.

Evacuating:

If evacuating with your animals, make sure you have proper identification methods and vaccination/medical records as needed.
Make sure you have roughly two weeks of feeds and medications
Know where evacuation locations are: Veterinary Hospitals, Land Grant Universities, stockyards, stables, fairgrounds, etc.
Have transportation for livestock available

For the Barn/Structures:

In the event of flooding, air out your buildings as much as possible before you or your livestock enter.
Also for flooding- move livestock to higher grounds if possible
For high winds (hurricanes & tornados)- secure objects that can fly as best as possible, and secure windows
In the case of earthquakes- check buildings/barns/other structures for integrity or any damage before entering
In the case of fire- move livestock away from the path of the fire if possible
Also for fire- clear away vegetation and other fire fuels, and make a fire line around barns and other structures to help protect your farm.

Being an Evacuation Site:

If you are being an evacuation location or would like to become one, visit: https://www.ncagr.gov/oep/Prepare#veterinaryPlanning.
- On this site scroll down to the header: Animal Disaster Sheltering Resources and take note of their forms and worksheets for being a livestock evacuation location

Evacuation Plan Template (you can use this for any other emergencies as well):

https://www.ncagromedicine.org/pdf/resources/Farm-Emergency-Plan-Template-2014.pdf

Do you have a farm plan ready? If not, reach out to Bailee by phone: 336-694-4158 or email at: bailee_sheffield@ncsu.edu for assistance in creating an emergency plan. For more information visit: FEMA Ready.gov -www.ready.gov/animals

A big Thank you to those who have donated supplies and feed/Hay so far! NCDA and NC EM has been overwhelmed with the response for ALL donations... So here's what you can do.

Fill out the google form OR let your Livestock agent for your area know what you would like to donate to help out. Any and all Hay needs to be staged ON FARM. They currently do not have the storage or ability to collect any more hay (right now). They are working on a solution and are determining what areas are needing it so that it can be distributed accordingly.

So if you are wanting to donate supplies use the form: https://forms.gle/Gp1D3C7EuV7SRQJo6 or contact Bailee at the Caswell County Extension office by phone or email at: 336-694-4158 ext. 5 or bailee_sheffield@ncsu.edu

IF you are wanting to donate water, canned goods (with pop tops) or other dry food supplies, cleaning supplies, new clothes, etc. You can also let Bailee know so that she can assist you with coordinating a drop off to a location that is taking supplies in the near future.

There will also be opportunities to assist locally with donations as livestock and pets, and their families are being evacuated and rescued from Western NC. As those opportunities become available we will assist you in coordinating drop offs for these as well.

Please do not strike out on your own unless you have Coordinated with NC Emergency Management or NCDA and have a plan in place.

If anyone needs anything or has any questions please let Bailee know.

Pressure Canner Gauge Testing

It’s canning season! The Cooperative Extension service offers “free” dial gauge testing on most canners to ensure that your gauge is calibrated correctly in order to yield a desirable product once processed according to a tested recipe. Please give our FCS agent Sonya Patterson a call to schedule an appointment at 336-694-4158 EXT 4. You will only need to bring in the lid with the gauge attached and not the pot.

Ag Chat Article: Kudzu

Submitted By: Anass Banna, Small Farms Agent

New RFID Regulations for Cattle and Swine Producers

Many producers are beginning to wonder what is happening with the new RFID/EID regulation that has come from the United States Department of Agriculture & North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

What is the new regulation?

The new regulation states that eartags applied to cattle and bison will be required to be both electronically and visually readable for interstate movement (out of their home state). Under the regulation these tags must be used in order to qualify for use for the official identification of cattle and bison. Any animal tagged with an NUES (National Uniform Eartagging System, metal tags) after the effective date of November 5th, 2024, will NOT qualify for official identification for interstate movement. Any official ID or NUES tags that are in place before the November 5th effective date will be recognized as an official identification for that animal's life.

So to start off, what is a RFID or EID tag?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and EID stands for Electronic Identification. The purpose of these tags are to increase animal disease traceability.

What do RFID/EID tags do and how do they work?

RFID/EID tags allow state veterinarians to have a quicker response to animal disease traceability. The electronic ear tags will be scanned and can provide farm information for the animal the tag is applied to. State Vets will also be able to track the movements of that animal if they have left the farm.

What is animal disease traceability?

Animal Disease Traceability is allowing our State Veterinarian and their staff to be able to know where diseased animals have been. It will also allow them to know where at risk animals are, where they have been and what they could have been in contact with. Allowing State Vets the ability to track this information, gives them the chance to ensure a rapid response when an animal disease event takes place. RFID/EID Tags will allow State Veterinarians to identify where animals with disease come from. This will allow them to stop the spread of a disease faster by isolating it to certain animals and certain farms.

What animals get these tags?

These tags are currently for Cattle (Beef & Dairy) and Swine. The new regulation covers cattle only for now. Under the new regulation, beef cattle that remain intact for breeding purposes (bulls, heifers, cows) will be required to have an RFID/EID if they are selling cattle outside of North Carolina, or their home state. This is also known as interstate sales. All Dairy cattle must have tags as well as swine that are high-risk disease carriers, cull breeding stock, and show pigs.

How do I get the RFID/EID tags?

First, you must obtain a Premise Identification Number (PIN) or a Location Identification Number. If you already have a PIN then do not feel a form out. If you need a PIN, feel out the form located at: www.ncagr.gov/veterinary/lspremiseregistration/open and from there you can email, fax or mail to NCDA.

After completing the PIN and receiving your information, you can then get your RFID/EID tags. To obtain these tags for free contact the North Carolina State Veterinarian, Michael Martin at: 919-707-3250 or michael.martin@ncagr.gov Producers can purchase tags if they wish from various manufacturers and distributors. Tags will utilize an Allflex tagger.

There will be information handouts regarding RFID/EID information arriving soon to the Caswell Extension Office.

If you have any other questions about RFID tags, the new regulation or any other concern, please contact Bailee Sheffield, the Caswell County Livestock Agent by phone or email at 336-694-4158 ext. 5 or bailee_sheffield@ncsu.edu

Voluntary Ag District (VAD)

There are funds available to provide updated signs for current VAD participants who may be interested in replacing them. For more information call 336-694-9731

Contact our Digital Agent Tyler Cobb if you would like to attend a digital class or have any general tech questions 336-694-4158 ext 8

We are excited to have new and additional equipment for our Caswell residents and neighboring counties to rent for your planting and farming needs. Please see the attached flyer about rental cost and scan the QR code for rental agreement. Additional information will be available soon call our office at 336-694-4158 if you have questions or would like to inquire about equipment rental.

Free Over-the-Counter medication giveaway October 11th 2024 9:00AM-2:00PM Caswell County Parks and Recreation 228 County Park Road Yanceyville NC

Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook @CaswellExtension

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.

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N.C. Cooperative Extension - Caswell County Center, 126 Court Square, Yanceyville, NC 27379, United States
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