N.C. Cooperative Extension-Alexander County Newsletter November 2024

NC AgVentures Farm Grant

The Ag Ventures Grant is accepting applications NOW!

Maximum grant award is $8000
Application cap is 250
Deadline to apply is December 13th at 6pm.

NC AgVentures is an NC State Extension grant program that provides grants to family farms, and local non-profit community organizations to develop agricultural projects which will increase farm profits. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their operation.
There are two grant options:

The first option is a Farmer Grant for independent family farms with an established farm operation. Some previously approved projects have included the purchase of equipment that will cut labor costs, constructing a farm store or produce packing shed, or kitchen equipment for preparing value-added products. The grant funds cannot be used to purchase land or animals.

The second grant option is a Community Grant for local non-profit community organizations and government organizations that work with local farms. Some examples would include a Farmers Market that could use the funds to expand the market or purchase SNAP equipment for sales, a Livestock Association could use the award to purchase portable cattle handling equipment to be rented by farm members.

Highlights for both grants:
Awards up to $8000
Grant awards are taxable income
Grant recipients provide 15% of the total project cost (cash, not in-kind)
Grant applicants must work with an Extension Agent on the project proposals for farm grants
Grant recipients should have insurance that will cover the activities of the grant project.
Grant recipients will be asked to provide two project reports that include receipts and photos to document grant project expenditures.
All applications must be submitted through the online application submission portal.

More Information on the AgVentures Grant** If you are interested in applying for an AgVentures Grant, please contact Cari Rosenbalm or Allison Brown at 828-632-4451 or cari_rosenbalm@ncsu.edu or allison_brown@ncsu.edu.

The Alexander County Cattlemen's Association will meet Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:30 pm at the NC Cooperative Extension-Alexander County Center. “Knowing Your Cow Herd Impacts Bull Selection” will be the educational topic. An auction for various items will be held to raise money for the scholarship fund. Please bring your dues for the new year to this meeting and remember they have increased. A meal will be provided.

Please register by Friday, November 8th at noon by calling 828-632-4451 or emailing allison_brown@ncsu.edu .

Tips for Winter Feeding

Winter is the most costly time of year for cattlemen. Stored feeds are expensive because it takes time and energy to harvest and store feed. Grazing is less expensive because animals harvest their own feed. To fine tune your feeding program consider these points.

Take a hay sample to learn the energy, protein, and mineral content. Not all hay is the same quality, for $10, you can discover the quality of your hay. Growing animals and lactating moms require the best groceries. A hay sample also helps you match your purchased feeds to your hay on hand. Your local agent can help you sample and interpret the test results.
When pastures are shorter than 4 inches, provide supplemental hay. When grass is shorter than 4 inches, animals just can't take enough bites of short grass to fill their belly. When providing hay be sure to supply enough hay so the boss animals don’t keep the timid animals away. Provide enough hay for two or three days. This allows all the animals to get their share.
Record body condition scores on the herd. Keeping up with body condition is a very easy and effective way to monitor how well your feeding program is working. If animals are losing condition, then your feeding program needs immediate evaluation.
Grouping animals allows for them to be managed for their needs. Group heifers, thin cows, and old cows together. Separate lactating cows from dry cows. Grouping keeps animals from being over fed and others under fed. Re-group cattle during the winter as needed if body condition changes.
Cull chronically thin cattle, old cows, and cattle with dental or health problems. Cull open animals.
Adjust rations as calving season approaches. Provide more energy and protein to meet their increasing needs.
Provide minerals at all times. Minerals are essential for optimum animal performance. Check the minerals in feed supplements and supply free choice minerals in needed.
Provide adequate shelter from wet or cold weather. This does not have to be man made shelter. Natural shelter, like a wooded area, is adequate shelter for animals with a good winter coat. Animals with a muddy coat are less able to tolerate cold temperatures. Keep mud to a minimum around waters and feeding stations.

Take the time to develop a sound winter feeding plan that will meet both the needs of the animals as well as be cost effective. Working with a nutrition professional or your local Extension Agent will put money in your pocket. And once you have a winter plan, remember #3, body condition score your animals and make changes if needed.