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

November 3, 2025

November Cattlemen's Meeting

Join us the second Thursday of November, the 13, at 6:30 p.m. for our next Cattlemen's Meeting. ALL livestock producers are welcome to join us for the educational part of the meeting. We will start with a meal at 6:30 p.m. (optional), to be followed by a talk from Mallory Flanagan, DVM from Animal Care Clinic of Madison-Mayodan who is now offering livestock services. Please register at https://go.ncsu.edu/scca, by calling 336-593-8179, or emailing awbowman@ncsu.edu. 

Also, raffle tickets will be handed out for the Cattlemen's Association fundraiser. 

November Tips

• Don't overgraze your forages! Keep your forage height at 4" to allow the plants adequate nutrition for re-growth in the spring.

• Monitor body condition scores (let me know if you need help with this).

• We have seen a lot of foxtail in pastures due to our unusually wet conditions the early part of summer. Think about applying a pre-emergent herbicide (such as pendimethalin) in early spring to reduce the germination of the warm-season annuals. Common brand names include Prowl and Satellite HydroCap. READ the label. This is for established pastures, and these will kill crabgrass, clover, as well as the foxtail. 

• Plan to apply Nitrogen in early spring to give your desirable forages a boost.  

• If you have your weeds under control, don't plan to spray herbicides, then be looking for some good red or ladino clover that you can frost seed into your pastures to add diversity, increase your forage nutritive value, and to decrease the need to apply Nitrogen fertilizer. You can have too much of a good thing, though. Typically, we recommend less than 20% of your pasture as clover. Learn more at https://grasslandrenewal.org/2025/10/14/frost-seeding-of-clovers/. 

• If your hay inventory is short, try to purchase hay now to ensure the best quality. Consider using https://nchayfinder.com. 

Cattle Tips

• Ensure fall calving cows have enough nutrition. Supplement as needed.

• Email awbowman@ncsu.edu or call 336-593-8179 to reserve the County Cattle Chute for the dates you plan to vaccinate, process calves, do breeding soundness exams, etc. 

• Castrate and dehorn calves as soon as possible to minimize stress. 

• Vaccinate calves 21-90 days before selling with two rounds of vaccines with at least 21 days between vaccines. Click here for a suggested vaccine program. 

• Vaccinate replacement heifers two months before breeding, and a booster one month before.

• Vaccinate cows a month before re-breeding (or when your vet. recommends)

• Schedule breeding soundness exams (BSE) for your bull prior to turn-out

• Ensure calves have adequate shelter and wind-breaks for bad weather.

Sheep and Goat Tips

• Our shorter days means that it's peak fertility for our sheep and goats.  Ewes have an average cycle length of 17 days, with most being between 14 and 20 days, while does have an estrus cycle of 18 to 22 days, and they display estrus for 24 to 48 hours. The gestation period ranges between 144 and 152 days. If you haven't turned your ram/buck in, it's not too late.

• Consider "flushing" your herd/flock by supplementing with a high energy diet such as ¾ to 1 pound of whole corn/head/day. Flushing should commence three to four weeks before breeding and continue through one estrous cycle. Flushing increases the ovulation and lambing rate and decreases the early embryonic mortality. Producers should only flush lean animals to avoid overfeeding.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Gentry Homeplace Angus for earning the 2025 Silver Award from the American Angus Association. Launched in August 2025, the Data Driven Herd program recognizes herds who contribute a set of phenotypes on multiple traits of their choosing each year. Earning this recognition communicates their commitment to characterizing their herd through the collection of phenotypic data. 

We had over twenty-five youth that exhibited livestock at the NC State Fair.  

Those exhibitors that placed in the Top Ten in Showmanship are:

• Amber Shutsky, Reserve Champion Senior Plus Meat Goat

• Charlie Slate, Reserve Champion Novice Swine

• Charlie Slate, Fifth Overall Novice Meat Goat

• Carter Slate, Fourth Overall Junior Beef Showmanship

• Ella Hill, Third Overall Novice Sheep Showmanship

• Ella HIll, Fourth Overall Novice Goat Showmanship

Exhibitors Included:

Cattle

• Eleanor Smothers

• Georgia Turrentine

• Michelle Hartman

• Nate Bowman

• Carter Slate

• Amber Shutsky

• Erica Shutsky

Swine

• Annabelle Whitten

• Eleanor Smothers

• Georgia Turrentine

• Carter Slate

• Charlie Slate

• Parker Smothers

Sheep

• Abilene Armstrong

• Alice Armstrong

• Ana Mcauley

• Charli Slate

• Eleanor Smothers

• Ella Hill

• Olive Hill

• Junie Beam

• Lillian Garcia

• Maelynn Hartman

• Parker Smothers

• River Armstrong

• Sami Baughn

• Scott Armstrong

• Samantha Carrick

Goats

• Charlie Slate

• Ella Hill

• Olive Hill

• Sami Baughn

• Amber Shutsky

A special shout out to Michelle Hartman who exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Steer, and the third overall Market Animal!  Georgia Turrentine exhibited the Champion Got to be NC Simmental Heifer. Eleanor Smothers exhibited the Medium Weight Got to Be NC Junior Crossbred Market Barrow. Maelynn Hartman exhibited the Reserve Champion All Other Breed Non-Registered Ewe who was also the Champion Got to Be NC AOB. Ella Hill exhibited the Got to be NC Division 3 Natural Color Champion. Charlie Slate won the Reserve Champion Got to Be NC Crossbred Gilt and Champion Light Weight Market Goat.

The American Wool Council, a division of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), is proud to announce the launch of the Reimagine Wool Digital Poster Contest, a nationwide call for creative thinkers, designers, students, and industry professionals to help unlock the untapped potential of American wool.

Each year, millions of pounds of U.S. wool–especially wool greater than 25 microns–is undervalued or goes unused. This contest invites participants to submit a digital poster that showcases an innovative use, a fresh twist on an existing product, or a new method of processing coarse wool. The goal: spark practical solutions and elevate the value of this miracle fiber.

Top Prize: $1,000 + Networking Opportunities

Finalists will be featured at the ASI Convention in Reno, NV on January 28-30, 2026 where industry leaders will select a winner.

Deadline for Entries: January 1, 2026. Submissions must be original, visually compelling and clearly communicate the proposed idea. Posters should be designed for a printable display that showcases a more sustainable and circular wool economy.

Who Should Enter?

• Agriculture students and educators
• Designers, engineers and entrepreneurs
• Wool producers and processors
• Sustainability advocates and fiber artists
• Anyone passionate about rural innovation and circular design

“This contest is more than a competition–it’s a movement to reimagine the future of American wool,” said Amy Benz, Wool Council member and contest organizer. “We’re looking for bold new ideas that can help bring value to growers.”

For full guidelines, inspiration, and entry instructions, visit https://www.sheepusa.org/reimagine-wool-digital-poster-contest

REMINDERS

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is back. It's been detected in 3 small flocks in Guilford, Union, and Rutherford Counties over the last 3 weeks. Reminder to all Livestock Producers (not just poultry folks) to review and enforce biosecurity protocols to protect their stock and our state's poultry industry. This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, but is highly contagious to other birds, including commercial and backyard flocks of poultry.  Please see NCDA&CS Current HPAI Status for a full listing of positive premises during this outbreak.

For more information about HPAI, please Poultry Extension's Educational Resources Page 

Other things to consider at this time - limit visitors to flocks - if your chicken coop/run has an open or screened top, cover with metal or plastic to prevent wild bird droppings from falling into bird area- remove wild bird feeders or distance them from any backyard flocks as much as possible - provide "enrichment" if your birds are more confined than usual to help prevent birds from pecking one another

AgVentures Grants are Back!

NC AgVentures, a NC State Extension program provides grants to NC farmers and non-profit community groups that work with family farms, for agricultural project ideas that will increase farm profits. The program, which is sponsored by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, will award a minimum of 50 grants to independent family farms. This is a great opportunity for any producer who is thinking of diversifying, improving, or expanding their farm operation. (This grant is not for farm start-up costs or homesteads.)

• This is a competitive grant program. 

• NC AgVentures will award grants up to $10,000.

• Application submission began October 15th, 2025.

The FINAL submission deadline to apply is 6 p.m. December 19th, 2025. You are required to work with N.C. Cooperative Extension to submit this grant and are highly encouraged to submit your rough draft to N.C. Cooperative Extension at least two weeks in advance to allow them to offer feedback and comments.

For additional information visit their webpage: ncagventures.org. 

Poultry Processing Trainings

Caswell County will be hosting a Poultry Processing Class and Demo on Saturday, November 19.  Registration link.

Cattle Producer Webinars

NC State Extension is excited to share a series of upcoming educational opportunities:

November 13 – 12:00 PM- Dairy Market Insights, Trends, and Opportunities Webinar

December 16 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM- Market Dynamics and Price Protection (Offered online and in person – includes a report on the Beef/Dairy Research Project)

These programs are part of the Dairy Winter Management Series, designed to reach a broader audience across both beef and dairy sectors. All sessions will be recorded so you can view them later. You can also find the full details and registration information on the Dairy Portal:  http://go.ncsu.edu/readext?1097980

Cattle Stockmanship and Stewardship Virtual Event

If you were unable to attend one of the in-person s this year, you are in luck, because National Cattlemen's Beef Association is hosting a virtual Stockmanship and Stewardship event on Nov. 18 and 19 from 12pm-3pm EST each day! Join us easily within your home or office and participate in educational sessions on topics like succession planning, cattle handling techniques, animal health and a D.C. issues update. Registration is free for this event.

Meat Suite Training

Support local sales. Reach more buyers. Grow your business. Join NC Choices and Cornell University for a fall webinar series designed to help farms increase profitable sales through MeatSuite.com. MeatSuite.com is a free tool for farmers in New York and North Carolina to connect with local customers looking to buy bulk, farm-raised meat directly. With rising commodity prices, now is the ideal time to update your pricing and expand your customer base.

This series will cover:

• Getting started with MeatSuite to reach more customers.
• Evaluating your pricing strategy to remain profitable.
• Using the tools such as the Meat Price Calculator and Bundle Builder
• Enhancing your online marketing to meet profit goals and customer needs

Whether you're already listed on MeatSuite or exploring its potential, these webinars will help you leverage its free tools to grow your business.

Advance registration is required.

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Sell More Meat Using Farm-Tested Marketing Tactics

Speakers: Casey Roe

Presentation 7:00 – 8:00pm

Location: Zoom (Pre-Registration Required)

Cattle Handling System

The cattle chute and attached palpation cage are on a wheel kit and all can be rented from the county for a fee. Visit https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/rental-equipment/ to learn more. 

Small Ruminant Field Day

Join us Saturday, November 8 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Reidsville to learn about sheep genetics and data collection, estimated breeding values, real world scenarios of ram evaluation and parasite management. Sheep handling systems will also be on display. Our speaker will be Jake Thorne, Small Ruminant Specialist from Texas A&M University and Dr. Andrew Weaver, Small Ruminant Specialist from NC State University. 

REGISTER AT: https://go.ncsu.edu/fallfieldday25

Chainsaw Safety/Natural Disaster Farm Preparedness Workshop 

Join NC State Extension on November 14th and 15th at the Butner Beef Cattle Research Station in Granville County for a hands-on workshop designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge of chainsaw operation and preparing your farm/family/livestock for a natural disaster. The $40 registration fee covers lunch and snacks for both days. 

Below is a flyer with all the details, including registration information.  The event is limited to 20 participants, so please register early.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chainsaw-safety-natural-disaster-preparedness-for-farmers-tickets-1674783655999?msockid=13bf1f90ac7b6274043c0c1bad7963ce

Making Hay Versus Buying Hay

The majority of all livestock producers in Stokes County would be considered on the smaller end of the production scale, thus it makes sense to purchase hay rather than to make your own. "Hay production may no longer be the most efficient or profitable use of your time and resources", Carson Roberts, University of Missouri, Drovers Magazine, retrieved September 17, 2025.

Learn more at https://www.drovers.com/news/beef-production/why-should-i-quit-making-hay. Remember to visit https://nchayfinder.com to locate potential sources for purchasing hay. Find someone that you can trust, and get an established contract with them. If they haven't tested their hay, you can learn more about doing that at https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/stokes-county-livestock-forage/forage-management-resources/forage-hay-testing/.

Poultry Survey

N.C. Cooperative Extension is working to improve the small flock programming offered across the state, including virtually, in person, and via publications. Please complete the following survey to help us determine what programming is needed so we can focus our efforts efficiently. We would love input from small flock producers!
Small Poultry Flock Programming Needs Assessment

October Tips

2026 Forage and Grassland Council Conference in NC

The American Forage and Grassland Council annual meeting is being held in Asheville, NC at the Embassy Suites, January 12-15, 2026. View the agenda and register here. T

2025 Graded Feeder Calf Sales - The final 2025 Graded Feeder Calf Sales will be held 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.)

The Piedmont Fibershed has an online fiber resource directory. Connect with other fiber farmers, weavers, spinners, knitters, dyers, mill owners, and makers. Visit https://www.piedmontfibershed.org/fibershed-resource-directory

Winter Feeding for Sheep

With fall transitioning to winter, many producers will now start to provided stored feeds and forages to their flocks. Join the NC Sheep Producers Association on Nov. 10, 2025 at 8:00 pm (2nd Monday), as we discuss what stored feeds are available to North Carolina producers, how to source them, and how best to feed them. 

More info and online registration at: www.NCSheep.com

*Registration is free, but required to receive the Zoom link.

Flood Map

The Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) provides real-time water levels and flood inundation products across North Carolina. This information is intended for flood preparedness and response. It's a neat tool to look at current water levels. Visit https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/09/flood-inundation-mapping-and-alert-network-shares-risk-information/ to learn more. 

Food Pantries "May" Accept Deer Donations

There "may" be opportunities to donate your deer to a local food pantry. The deer would need to be skinned, gutted, de-boned and placed in a cooler on ice with a tag number and delivered to Mitchell's Meat Processing in Walnut Cove for cutting now through January 3. Mitchell's can also accept deer after that date WITH a valid depredation permit number.  Indicate that the deer is for the food pantry and Mitchell's will handle the rest at no cost to you! This is dependent on funding and CWD regulations. Contact Mitchell's at 336-591-7420 or text 336-310-9538 with questions about deer processing. 

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Calendar of Livestock Events

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

Nov. 6 Beginner Homesteading Series, 6-7 p.m.; Stokes Extension; Fruits/Veg. Production

Nov. 6 Sell More meat Using Farm-Tested Marketing Tactics, 7-8 PM (Virtual)

Nov. 8 Small Ruminant Field Day, Upper Piedmont Research Station, Reidsville, 9 - 4:30

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

Nov. 13 Stokes County Cattlemen's Meeting, 6:30 p.m., with Animal Care of Madison/Mayodan

Nov 13 – 12:00 PM- Dairy Market Insights, Trends, and Opportunities Webinar, http://go.ncsu.edu/readext?1097980

Nov. 14 & 15 Chainsaw and Disaster Safety Workshop, Butner

Nov. 18 & 19 Stockmanship and Stewardship Training for Cattlemen

Nov 19 Caswell County Poultry Processing Course

Dec. 5 NC Agventures Due to April for editing. ncagventures.org.

Dec. 6 Waynesville Bull Test Sale

Dec. 6 NC Sheep Producers Annual Meeting and Educational Program - Save the Date!

Dec. 12 Last day to wean calves for Jan 26 Patrick County Tel-O-Auction

Dec. 13 Butner Bull Test Sale

Dec 16 – 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM- Market Dynamics and Price Protection (Offered online and in person – includes a report on the Beef/Dairy Research Project), http://go.ncsu.edu/readext?1097980

Dec. 19 - FINAL AgVentures grant submission deadline ncagventures.org.

Jan 26 Patrick County Feeder Calf Tel-O-Auction

**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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