January 2022 E-News

Does Your Family Make New Year’s Resolutions?

Another New Year means another set of resolutions or goals. Most resolutions we make are individual, like losing weight, eating healthier, moving more, doing better at work or school, etc. These are easy to give up on because they lack accountability. This year, think about switching things up a little and creating resolutions as a family. What are some things you want to do together this year? What part will each family member contribute to making this happen?

As you start planning 2022, here are some ideas for family resolutions or goals: spend more time together, save money, get unplugged, spend more time outdoors, eat more meals together (and maybe even prepare those meals together!), exercise together, serve your community together, lighten the family load by setting expectations and sticking with them.

In our Empowering Youth and Families Program, we discuss many of these family activities and the idea of setting goals. We encourage having regular family meetings to maintain continued accountability for each member in the house. Family meetings are the perfect time for playing games, making lists, and keeping things in check. Creating a list of resolutions can be fun and beneficial to the entire household. Many of the goals you set as a family can also function as individual goals. You simply gain someone to help you stick to them. Now, grab your favorite mug full of hot chocolate, list-making supplies, and your family members – and start brainstorming!

To learn more about the Empowering Youth and Families Program, contact

Niki Maness at 828.688.4811 or email: niki_maness@ncsu.edu.

4-H Animal Science Anywhere!

Do you know a youth interested in livestock? Would they like to learn more about animal identification, feeding, digestion, diseases, or careers in the livestock industry (and more!)? Are they 8-14 years old? If yes, join us for the 4-H Animal Science Club interest meeting scheduled for 5:30-6:45pm, Tuesday, January 11, 2021 at the Extension Center in Bakersville! We’ll discuss club meetings and topics and how to get involved! To register, call Eve Kindley at 828.688.4811 or email emkindle@ncsu.edu.

Extension Advisory
Council Meeting

The first meeting of Mitchell County Cooperative Extension's Advisory Council for 2022 is set for 8am, Tuesday, January 16. With the uncertainty of the new Covid-19 variant, we’ll start off the year with a virtual meeting. Members will receive the link via email prior to the meeting date.

For more information about Cooperative Extension and the Advisory Council's role in Mitchell County, please contact Eve Kindley, County Extension Director, at emkindle@ncsu.edu or call 828.688.4811.

Winter Months Are for Preparation

Winter is upon us and the cold months provide the gardener or farmer with the opportunity to prepare for the coming year’s growing season. Let’s examine some of those opportunities; now is a good time to perform preventative maintenance on tractors and other power equipment. This can save the gardener or farmer time and money. Also, due to current supply chain issues it allows for lead time so one isn’t down for an extended period of time waiting on parts for repair. Winter is also a great time to look for year-end closeouts and specials on equipment and other seasonal supplies.

Seeds, yes go ahead and determine what seeds you can order and germinate inside your home or by constructing a small germination chamber. Germination information and plans for chamber construction are available on the NCSU Cooperative Extension website under the publication tab. Please keep in mind that there was a seedling shortage last year and you can avoid this by germinating your own transplants. This also allows you the opportunity to grow some new or hard to find varieties. Plus, there are seed companies that offer discounts for placement of early orders. So, take advantage of this and order some seeds for the coming season.

In regards to amendments, hopefully you have taken advantage of NC Cooperative Extension’s soil testing service and have a soil report on hand. This report provides information on the composition of your soil and what nutrients are plentiful or lacking for quality plant growth. Winter months are a great time to make use of this information in order to determine if soil correction or maintenance are required. Early use of this data allows the gardener or farmer an opportunity to monitor availability and cost of amendments which aids in making a cost -effective purchase. So, get busy and be prepared for the upcoming growing season.

For more gardening information, please contact Shane Biddix, Extension Agent, Horticulture at 828.688.4811 or email Shane_Biddix@ncsu.edu.

Avoiding Colic
and Dehydration
in Horses and
other Livestock

Colic is a term used to describe a gastric upset causing pain in horses. Colic can be severe and end in death if not treated promptly. There are multiple types of colic, some more severe than others. The onset of these severe types of colic are more common in the winter due to cold or frozen water, inclement weather and a lack of forages. Producers can take specific measures to help prevent the onset of colic. Below are three easy methods that could prevent a horse from colic this winter.

Water

One of the five essential nutrients is water. For an animal to properly function, they must consume a large amount of water per day. During winter, water supply can be limited or animals may avoid drinking due to temperature. If not consuming enough water, horses are more prone to colic. Below are three ways to help provide and increase a horse’s consumption of water.

Provide unlimited amounts of clean water daily
Ensure that water trough is unfrozen by installing a water
trough heater
Soak your horse’s daily grain in warm water, making a mash.

Forage/ Hay

In order to properly digest grain, horses must have adequate amounts of quality forage throughout the day. This can be in the form of hay or hay pellets, with baled hay being the best option. Limiting hay to one feeding per day may cause gastric upset, which can lead to colic. Below are three easy methods to ensure that your horse is receiving enough quality forage that will aid in the prevention of colic.

Ensure that provided forage is leafy, not stalky, and free of poisonous weeds, mold, and dust.
Ensure that forage is of good nutritional quality by sending off analysis.
Provide free-choice, unlimited amounts of quality forage

Shelter/ protection

As with any animal, proper shelter from the elements is crucial to good health. As for horses, improper shelter or protection from the elements can be a critical factor that plays in their digestive health and wellbeing. Horses that are not protected from the wind and rain are more likely to drop in body temperature, making their body function improperly. This can lead to dehydration, lethargy, colic, and even death. Below are three easy methods of shelter or element protection that you can provide for your horse to help avoid sickness, including colic.

Provide the horse with a three-sided shelter or barn.
Stall the horse in inclement weather

(horse needs to be accustomed to stalling)

Blanket the horse with a waterproof heavy lined turn-out blanket
during inclement weather and below freezing temperatures.

For more information, please contact Michelle South, Area Livestock Agent,
at 828.688.4811 or email Michelle_South@ncsu.edu