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

August 5, 2025

August Tips

• We have been having problems with internal parasites due to our hot and unusually wet conditions. Contact April if you need help doing a fecal egg count. Only deworm the animals that need to be dewormed (targeted deworming).

• Formulate a plan for your fall fertilizer application. Fescue can benefit from some Nitrogen the first of September. Apply Phosphate and Potash as called for on your soil report results. Put out 15 lbs Phosphate and 40 lbs Potash per ton of hay harvested from hayfields.

• Plan to graze your Fescue before fertilizing, and then consider stock-piling it for winter grazing (let your fall growth accumulate for grazing in the dormant season after frost).

• It will soon be fall planting time. Apply any needed herbicides at least 45 days before planting (anyone got any horse nettle???). Forty-five days before September 15 was Aug. 1st! See the planting guide at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/planting-guide-for-forage-crops-in-north-carolina. 

• Order grass seed NOW!

• If you plan to renovate KY31 Fescue fields to novel endophyte in the future, I would recommend planting an annual like wheat, triticale, oats, or rye (not ryegrass) this fall, and warm-season annuals next spring

• Do maintenance on your no-till drill, or contact Soil and Water about renting or 336-593-2490.

• Continue to dilute KY-31 Fescue toxicosis with hay, legumes (clover), etc., as well as to help cover any "summer slump" in forage growth with hay.

• Begin to scout for Fall Armyworms.

• Consider adding electrolytes to yours stocks' cool, clean water to help compensate for sweating, panting, etc. 

• Check your pastures for the deadly Jimson Weed and other poisonous weeds. Contact April if you need help with identification. Jimson weed can be dug up fairly easily.

(Left) Jimson weed seed pod (each of the black circles inside is a seed); each pod contains 600-700 seeds and each plant has 50 or more seed capsules (Michigan State University)

(Right) Jimson weed plant and flower; alternate, toothed leaves (no prickles), plants 1-6 feet tall

Insecticides

External parasites are happy about the hot, wet weather we've been having. Our local livestock supply stores have a good selection of insecticides in stock (Pyrethroids such as Permethrin, Coumaphos). You have to READ the label to know what you're getting. There are lots of options for cattle, some for sheep, a few for swine, but hardly any for goats, so you may need to talk to your veterinarian for an off-label drug recommendation. At least one product has two levels of concentration. The lower level controls most flies. The higher concentration is also labeled for ticks, so know what you're buying. Other things to consider:

• Some insecticides can be poured directly onto the animal, but are usually administered by weight. Remember that we have scales and cattle panels that may be rented to assist you with that. 

• Other Iabels advise you to dilute the insecticide into a spray to be applied. 

• Some can only be applied to livestock premise and not directly to the animals. 

• Still others can be applied as a rub, a face flag, or back rub. 

• Finally, read the withdrawal time for milk, and/or slaughter.

Again, the label is the law when it comes to applications.

NC 4-H Livestock Judging, Skillathon, and Quiz Bowl

We are proud to announce that the Stokes/Rockingham 4-H Livestock Judging Team is the 2025 NC State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Champions! This win marks the perfect end to an incredible chapter. 2020 was the first year that Nate Bowman, Ana McAuley, and Michelle Hartman were on the team together, and this year’s state contest was their final time competing as a team, as the girls are aging out. Over the past five years, we’ve had the privilege of watching them grow into outstanding judges, teammates, and leaders. Fortino Cruz-Castillo joined the team in 2024 and quickly became a valuable addition to the group, rounding out a strong team. They not only sharpened their ability to evaluate livestock but also learned invaluable lessons in teamwork, critical thinking, logic, and perseverance. In 2024, the team placed second in the State Contest by only one point. They came back with one goal in mind: not to lose by a point. This year, they rose to the occasion and brought home the win! We couldn’t be prouder of this group’s dedication, growth, and the way they’ve represented Stokes and Rockingham Counties. Their hard work has truly paid off, and they’re leaving behind a legacy that will inspire the next generation of team members for the two counties. We would also like to recognize Chaney Leonard and Fortino Cruz-Castillo for participating in the NC 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest. Chaney, Fortino, Nate, and Ana also participated in the Quiz Bowl competition, going against the Reserve Champion team of Bladen County in the first round. Please join us in congratulating Nate, Ana, Michelle, and Fortino on an unforgettable season and a well-earned win!

• High Team Overall, Reasons, Cattle, and Goats
  

• 2nd High Team Sheep and 3rd High Team Swine
  

Nate Bowman - High Individual Overall, 2nd Reasons, 2nd Goats, 3rd Cattle, 4th Swine, 5th Sheep

Ana McAuley - 8th High Individual Overall, High Individual Reasons, 3rd Goats, 7th Sheep, 8th Cattle

Michelle Hartman - 15th Overall, 4th Cattle, 4th Reasons, 10th sheep

New World Screwworm

The New World Screwworm is moving closer to the Texas border. Watch this <thirty minute video from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Division, to be aware of what to look for, how to report cases, and response protocols. (Give it a minute to load.)

Trailer Bedding and Transport Quality Assurance

• Trailers hauling livestock should have a non-slip floor (a rubber mat, or a wire panel that is securely held down by ample staples).

• Bedding should also be used. Avoid straw during summer. Damp shavings (about 2 inches deep) or wet sand (about 1 inch) deep can help absorb heat.

• Clean the trailer after each use to prevent injuries from slipping, and help prevent disease spread.

• Summer time temperatures and high humidity can be stressful. Haul in the early morning.

• Access the Livestock Trucking Guide by Dr. Temple Grandin from the National Institute for Animal Agriculture

See the chart below from https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/climate/heat-index/ for the real feel temperature for humidity and actual temperature and take these numbers into consideration when hauling.

Beef Quality Assurance

• Whenever the label permits, injections should be given subcutaneously.

• However, some products are labeled for intramuscular use only and should be given in the neck (this includes estrous synchronization products).

• Cattle may sometimes flinch when giving intramuscular injections which can cause the needle to bend or break.

• To help prevent cattle from moving make sure they are properly restrained in a squeeze chute.

• It may also help to touch the neck or slightly rub the back of your hand on the neck prior to an intramuscular injection to reduce how much cattle react when giving an intramuscular injection.

Stokes County Cattlemen's Association

The Stokes County Cattlemen's Association will hold monthly educational meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 from September through May.  The September meeting will focus on cattle handling facilities and includes two farm visits and a meal. Registration will be shared in the September newsletter but save the date for September 11th. 

Fermenting Poultry Feed

When you take your regular chicken feed and allow it to ferment in a controlled air-free environment, you can improve the gut health of your chickens, and increase the nutrition in the feed, which results in healthier chickens and better eggs. However, the feed can also mold, lose certain nutrients, spoil, and attract flies. Learn more about the risks, and how to ferment feed from this article written by NC State Poultry Specialist, Sam Mwangi. 

REMINDERS

Annual Forage Webinar Series

Below is the schedule for the annual Forage Webinar Series. All webinars will be from 3 to 4 pm in the dates indicated below:

• 8/20, USDA-NRCS Conservation planning and financial assistance on grazing lands, by Bill Moss (USDA-NRCS), register here.

• 9/17, Buying versus producing hay for livestock managers, by Dr. Charley Martinez (University of Tennessee), register here.

• 10/8, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to frost-seed clovers in stockpiled tall fescue pastures, by Dr. Miguel Castillo and Seth Nagy (NC State University, NC Cooperative Extension), register here.

Emergency Response Training

Sometimes we have notice that a disaster (Hurricane) may be headed our way that could result in livestock emergencies, but other times we get no warning. No one expects their horse to get stuck in the hay manger, a calf to stick its head in a hollow tree, a cow to get cast in ditch, but it happens. Be prepared for these type of situations by training for them! If you don't use the Ropes, Knots & Mechanical Advantage training, I will give you your money back!  (oh, wait. It is a FREE training). What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

Ropes, Knots, & Mechanical Advantage for Large Animal Rescue (PEART 02)

September 24, Forsyth Cooperative Extension Center, 1450 Fairchild Road, Winston-Salem, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Do You Sell Hay? Add It to our New Hay Directory

Hay dealers are encouraged to create an account on our brand new NC Hay Finder Directory.  Visit https://www.nchayfinder.com/, and click Create a Listing, create your account, and then list your product. Photos (that match the listing) are encouraged. Avoid label claims like "herbicide free", "organic", etc. 

CANCELED - Wool Pool

The third annual Stokes County Wool Pool has been canceled for August 12.  We hope to be able to hold the pool in 2026 if you're inclined to save your wool.

Deer/Lamb Processing - Registration Open

Stokes County has a very large deer population that cause destruction of crops, fences, and vehicles. Register for a butchery/meat cutting workshop on August 21 in Boone OR August 28 in Lillington from 6-9 p.m. 

2025 Graded Feeder Calf Sales

The 2025 Graded Feeder Calf Sales will be held August 15, September 25, and November 13 at the Stanly County Livestock Market in Norwood. Visit https://www.norwoodfeedercalf.com/ for more information. Take note of the sale requirements, and tag request including a set double vaccination protocol, and weaning schedule. 

FYI

(These are not Extension Sponsored events, but we thought they were worth sharing.)

Tree Seedlings For Sale

The N.C. Forest Service is accepting orders for their annual tree sale of over 40 varieties. Seedlings can be ordered by phone at 1-888-NCTREES (1-888-628-7337) or at www.buynctrees.com. 

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides emergency relief and indemnity for predator loss, extreme weather, etc. This is handled through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), but the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act made some changes to the program, so I wanted to bring it forward to your attention for you to ensure that you know what is needed to gather and submit for documented losses. Visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-indemnity for more information or call 336-593-8128. 

ECP is also administered by FSA and offers financial and technical assistance to producers to repair and restore farmland affected by natural disasters. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/emergency-conservation-program-ecp

Grassland Conservation Reserve Program

Enrollment is open for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (GCRP) now through August 8 through the Farm Service Agency. 

To be eligible for FSA Programs a crop report of all crops including haying and grazing land is required each year by July 15^th for spring seeded crops and grasses and fall seeded crops by January 15^th.

2025–2026 Cost Share Funding Now Available

The Stokes Soil & Water Conservation District has received its 2025–2026 allocation and is now accepting applications for Cost Share funding to support the installation of best management practices that reduce erosion and improve water quality and quantity on agricultural land. The ACSP program helps provide an average 75% reimbursement on practices installed.

Funding is available for:

• Agricultural livestock and irrigation wells                                          
• Cover crops
• Stream exclusion/Livestock Watering Facility systems
• Cropland or Grassland Conversion
• Abandoned Well Closures
• Many more practices

Amelia Harold—Soil and Water Director (aharold@co.stokes.nc.us)

Drew Bray—Natural Resource Conservationist (dbray@co.stokes.nc.us)

336-593-2490

Piedmont Fibershed Yarn Hall

Saturday, August 23, 2025 · 1–3PM
Generations Center, 114 W. Thirtieth Street, Winston-Salem, 27105
Free and open to all · Light refreshments provided

Register Here

A Yarn Hall is our creative twist on a town hall—a space where stories (yarns!) and textiles come together. It’s part conversation, part hands-on making, and all about weaving connection between people, place, and possibility.

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Calendar of Livestock Events

TODAY Create your listing with https://www.nchayfinder.com

Aug 8-10 NC Jr. Beef Roundup, Fletcher

CANCELED -- Aug 12 Wool Pool - https://go.ncsu.edu/woolpool25 - CANCELED

Aug 15 Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Stanly County Livestock Market, Norwood

Aug 16 Yadkin-Davie 4-H Livestock Show

Aug 20 USDA-NRCS Conservation Planning and Financial Assistance on Grazing Lands Zoom, 3-4 pm

Aug. 21 Deer and Lamb Processing/Butchery Workshop, 6-9 p.m., Boone, https://go.ncsu.edu/deerlambprocessing

Aug. 25 Patrick County Feeder Calf Tel-O-Auction

Aug. 28 Deer and Lamb Processing/Butchery Workshop, 6-9 p.m., Lillington, https://go.ncsu.edu/deerlambprocessing

Aug. 31 Entry Deadline Stokes County Fair - GO.NCSU.EDU/STOKESAGFAIRLIVESTOCK

Sept 1 Entry Deadline Carolina Classic Fair - https://carolinaclassicfair.com/competitive-entries/

Sept 9 -13 Stokes County Fair - GO.NCSU.EDU/STOKESAGFAIRLIVESTOCK

Sept 11 Stokes County Cattlemen's Meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Save the date

Sept 15 NC State Fair Livestock Entries Due - https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair/livestock

Sept 17 Buying Versus Producing Hay for Livestock Managers, Zoom, 3-4 pm

Sept 18 Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Ed, V and X Credits, 700 Main St. Danbury

Sept 24 Ropes, Knots, and Mechanical Advantage, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Sept 25 Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Stanly County Livestock Market, Norwood

Sept 27 Biltmore Fall Production Angus Sale

Oct. 3-12 Carolina Classic Fair - https://carolinaclassicfair.com/livestock-schedule/

Oct. 8 Unmannned Aerial Vehicles to Frost-Seed Clovers in Stockpiled Fescue, Zoom, 3-4

Oct. 9 Stokes County Cattlemen's Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 16-26 NC State Fair - https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/ncstatefair/livestock

Nov. 13 Graded Feeder Calf Sale, Stanly County Livestock Market, Norwood

Nov. 13 Stokes County Cattlemen's Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

**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: Matt Lenhardt, matt_lenhardt@ncsu.edu or 336-593-8179. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least {10} days before the event.”


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