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

February 6, 2026

I am cancelling the February Cattlemen's Association meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, due to scheduling conflicts related to all the recent snow and ice. 

Emergency Animal Response Training

I hope everyone is surviving this icy, snowy, cold weather. The chances are good that if you have social media or have watched the news, you have seen rescue crews pulling an animal out of a lake or pond. The animals walk out on ice and then break through and have to be rescued from the water using rigging, knots, and mechanical advantage with pulley and levers. Others have simply gotten next to a hay feeder or wall to get out of the wind and haven't been able to get their feet back under them to get back up. Maybe you yourself have had an animal get stuck in a hay feeder, stick their head inside a knot of a tree, or get their feet under them on the uphill side. I want to encourage you all to take both Basic Rigging for Large Animal Rescue, and/or Ropes, Knots, and Mechanical Advantage for Large Animal Rescue through the Piedmont Emergency Animal Response Team or PE-ART. You do NOT have to be an emergency responder!

• Ropes, Knots and Mechanical Advantage - April 9 - 8-12 - Forsyth Fire Dept

• Basic Rigging - April 9 - 1-6 PM - Forsyth Fire Dept

• Emergency & Disaster Animal Response Awareness - May 1 - 8-12 - Forsyth Fire 

• Biosecurity in Animal Response Operations and Planning - June 25 - 9-12 - Forsyth Fire

Registration for all courses is through NC TERMS. 

Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) (sugars and starches) and Equine

Join N.C. Cooperative Extension on Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. to learn about Understanding Forage Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) in hay. We will be looking at forage analysis samples and specifically relating this to equine, but it can be applicable for other species. This workshop will be held simultaneously in three locations. Choose which location suits you best:

• Davie County Center, 642 Wilkesboro St., Mocksville
• Davidson County Center, 301 E. Center St., Lexington
• Stokes County Center, 700 N Main St., Danbury

Register using the link above for the location that you prefer. The workshop is free The speaker is Dr. Paul Siciliano, NC State University Professor of Equine Nutrition and Management. 

Stokes County Cattlemen's Association Membership

Have you paid your 2026 Stokes County Cattlemen's Association dues and updated your membership information? Visit https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/stokes-county-livestock-forage/beef-cattle-resources/scca/

Agroforestry Grants

The 2026 cycle of the Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program (CAGP) is open for applications!

The 2026 Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program provides direct financial support and technical assistance for farmers and landowners who seek to join the effort to mitigate climate change through agroforestry. Agroforestry practices and applications sequester carbon, sustain productive and healthy farms and forests, protect water quality, regenerate soils, and enhance biodiversity. Using science-based planning strategies, the ultimate goal of this effort is to increase regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and diversity by supporting and scaling up agroforestry practices across the United States.

This competitive grant program focuses on implementing the following agroforestry practices: alley cropping, forest farming, riparian forest buffers, silvopasture, urban food forests, and windbreaks.

Farmers and Forest Landowners: Submit your proposal before the March 3, 2026 deadline. Learn more about CAGP and other programs, and apply for the grant on the Catalyzing Agroforestry website.

New World Screwworm

At this time, the New World Screwworm is NOT in the United States, but it is inching closer. "Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public. It also has the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities in Mexico and U.S. preparedness efforts" 

Visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm. 

Small Ruminant Workshops

The N.C. Small Ruminant Educational Series is an annual program designed to provide practical, research-based information to help sheep and goat producers improve animal health, productivity, and on-farm management. Each year, this series focuses on timely topics and common challenges faced by small ruminant producers across North Carolina.

Quick Registration Links

• Late Gestation Management – The recording is available on YouTube 

• Lactation Management (Mastitis & OPP) – February 10 (Chatham County) OR online. Register: https://smallruminant-lactation.eventbrite.com

• Urinary Calculi & Coccidiosis – March 3 (Johnston County) OR online
  Register: https://smallruminant-health.eventbrite.com

• Biosecurity (CL, CAE/OPP, Johne’s, HPAI, Footrot) – April 30 (Iredell County) OR online. Register: https://smallruminant-biosecurity.eventbrite.com

Part 2 – Lactation Management: Mastitis & OPP

February 10 | Chatham County

This session will focus on udder health and disease issues that impact milk production and long-term performance. Topics include:

• Recognizing early signs of mastitis and OPP

• Causes and risk factors for udder infections

• Treatment and management strategies

• Prevention practices to reduce future cases

• Long-term impacts on productivity and herd health

Food & networking begin at 6:30 p.m. Zoom program starts at 7:00 p.m.

Eventbrite: https://smallruminant-lactation.eventbrite.com

https://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/2026/01/nc-smallruminant-series/

Save the Dates (more information and registration coming soon)

• Pasture Weed Identification and Management - March 12, 6:30 - Stokes Extension Center
• Wolfpack Roundup Sale and Educational Program (Spring Sheep Sale) - April 18, 2026 in Raleigh, NC and online at https://plauctions.live/home

Febuary Tips

• Begin scouting for weeds. It is possible we could have several days in the 60s and you can begin spraying herbicides.

• Contact us for help Identifying weeds to ensure you are controlling them appropriately.

• Schedule your spring fertilizer applications If hiring a bulk spreader. Hay fields need 32-50 lbs of Nitrogen, 12-15 lbs of phosphate and 40-50 lbs of potash per acre for every ton of hay made IF your soil nutrition was adequate prior to making the hay. On the low side that's a 32-12-40 NOT equal amounts of each!

• Rotating your hay feeding areas can help spread organic fertilizer across your pasture.

• Don't forget your lime. Your fertilizer can't bind properly If the pH Is off. The only way to know that Is with a soil test!

• If you haven't taken a soil sample in the last three years, plan to do that soon. They are $4 now through April when they will be free again. Boxes are available outside our office door, at DNE Supply and LTD both in King. 

• Learn more about soil health, organic matter, fertilizer application and grazing in Confessions of a Regenerative Farmer. 

Youth Livestock Events

NC Showmanship Clinic (Sheep and Goats) February 14 at Lenoir County Livestock Arena (Kinston, NC)

East Coast Extravaganza Livestock Show

February 28-March 1 at Johnston County Livestock Arena (Smithfield, NC)

The Northwest Junior Livestock Show is typically held in June in Winston-Salem, but the 2026 date is TBD. However, all market steers must be weighed in and tagged on February 14 at Ridgecrest Farms (Mark and Dorinda Bray) from 10-1, or February 15 at the Cupid Classic Livestock Show in Lenoir. Please touch base with any one of the committee members via phone call or text ahead of time to let us know what option you will be attending, so we will know who to expect and that we have everyone accounted for before leaving each day.

2026 NWJLS Committee:

Phillip Cave (336) 902-7888

Emily Cave (336) 374-0662

Jackie Shutsky (860) 916-8117

Neil Fishel (336) 408-3324

REMINDERS

NC Forage Conference

Join us on Thursday, February 19 for the annual NC Forage Conference at the Hickory Convention Center. RSVP by February 12th and pay only $50 per person. The cost at the door will be $75. Waste and pesticide credits have been applied for. The featured speaker is Jim Elizondo, an agronomist engineer and ranching consultant. There will also be an Extension update, an introduction of the NCSU Forage Weed Specialist, and a producer panel. Register using the QR code below or at https://www.nccattle.com/nc-forage-grasslands-council/events. Plan to stay Friday and Saturday for the annual NC Cattle Conference at the same location! 

Save the Date for Farmer Appreciation Day, April 23 at South Stokes High School

Cattle and Forage Field Day

You are cordially invited to the field day "Leveraging technology to improve pastures and cattle performance" planned for February 11, 2026, from noon to 4 pm, at the Butner Beef Cattle Field Lab. in Roxboro, NC. 
There will be four field stations plus updates on research activities highlighting the topics of introducing clovers in tall fescue pastures, using UAVs for improving pastures, precision feeding, supplementation to increase fertility, and heifer development and selection (see attached flyer). Speakers include Felipe Silva, Matt Poore, Benjamin Rajo, Johnny Rogers, Seth Nagy, and Miguel Castillo. Registration is required, which includes lunch, by clicking here.

NC Cattlemen's Meeting

Join us for the NC Cattle Conference, presented by Piedmont Custom Meats, the premier cattle industry event of the year, February 20-21, 2026, at the Hickory Metro Center.  Event Highlights:

• Expert Speakers on market trends, animal health, and sustainability
• Trade Show & Exhibits featuring innovative products and services
• Networking & Social Events to build valuable connections
• Youth Programs & Auctions supporting the next generation of cattle industry leaders  

Register to Attend

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. 

FYI

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

Dinner with the Doctors

Join Sullivan Equine Vet. Service for Dinner with the Doctors! This event is focused on nutrition and medical concerns for the aging equine with an educational presentation from Dr. Julie Settlage with Boehringer Ingelheim, and Dr. Marty Adam from Cargill Animal Nutrition. There will also be a special meet and greet with their new DVM Dr. Baez! Date: Tuesday, February 17th, 6:30 PM Location: Copain, 380 Knollwood St. Ste. 1, Winston-Salem, NC Ticket: $25 per person (Please note: a card must be on file to process your ticket) RSVP by February 13th using the Google form provided! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Don’t miss out on a great evening with great food and great company.Google Form: https://forms.gle/w3ANyx781Jh71ub59

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Calendar of Livestock Events

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

Feb 10 Small Ruminant Lactation Management, 7 PM

Feb 11 North Central District Cattlemen's Meeting, and Forage Field Day, Bahama

CANCELLED - Feb 12 Stokes County Cattlemen's Association Meeting, 6:30 p.m. - CANCELLED

Feb 14 Cupid Classic Livestock Show, Lenoir

Feb. 14 & 15 NW Jr. Livestock Show Steer Weigh-in

Feb. 14 Brutes in the Blue Ridge Cattle Sale, Mt. Airy, 1 PM

Feb 16 Surry Co. Cattlemen's Meeting with Dr. Rajo, 6:30 pm, Central Cafe, Dobson

Feb 17 Dinner with the Doctors, 6:30 pm, Copain

Feb 19 North Carolina Forage Conference, Hickory, NC

Feb. 19-21 Wild Horse and Burro Program Adoption Event, Monroe

Feb 20-21 North Carolina Cattle Conference, Hickory, NC

Feb. 21 Locust Hill Farms Cattle Sale, Pelham

March 3 Small Ruminant Preventing Urinary Calculi and Coccidiosis, 7 PM

March 9 Non-Structural Carbohydrates in Hay, 6:30 p.m., 700 Main Street Danbury

March 12 Weed Identification and Management,  6:30 p.m.

March 12 Early entry deadline for Clover Classic Livestock Show

March 28 NC Hereford Association Sale, Union Grove

March 28-29 Clover Classic Youth Livestock Show, Winston-Salem Fairgrounds

April 18 Wolfpack Roundup Sale and Educational Program, Raleigh

April 30 Small Ruminant Biosecurity, 7 PM

**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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