June Newsletter - Burke County

Improving Beef Cattle Herds

One of the best ways to boost beef cattle profits is to use genetics to improve the efficiency of your herd. Prioritize traits to meet the goals of your operation. This will provide as many pounds of beef as possible off every available acre at a minimal cost.

Herd efficiency does not always equate with a maximum rate of gain. For example, you might be able to get more pounds per acre by putting 20 medium-sized cows on a pasture that only would support 15 big cows. Additionally, the smaller cows might improve your profitability under drought conditions because they would require fewer resources to remain reproductively fertile than the larger animals.

The breeding system should match the right bull to a set of cows to maximize the production level. When making any management decision, always rank each trait on its economic importance to the operation. It is important to focus on those factors for which you are getting paid. For example, if you sell all progeny, choose a bull with the genetic traits to maximize production. However, if you produce replacement heifers, select a bull with moderate growth and frame size and maternal characteristics that match your nutritional resources.

Use the following criteria to select all sires. They should be reproductively and structurally sound, pass a visual appraisal of such traits as body capacity and muscling, and have performance traits measurable by expected progeny differences (EPDs) if possible.

In addition to genetics, you can improve the profitability of a beef cattle operation by developing a good health program, controlling feed costs, harvesting forages at the right maturity to maximize quality, and using growth implants in non-replacement calves.

Extension Master Gardeners Class of 2022

A new class of Extension Master Gardener volunteers has graduated in Burke County. The nineteen participants attended a thirteen-week program of classroom work and hands-on activities before becoming Master Gardeners. As Extension Master Gardener volunteers they will give volunteer hours to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension here in Burke County that will assist the Extension staff in better meeting the gardening needs of Burke County residents. Burke County is one of 84 counties in North Carolina with a Master Gardener program and the class is held once a year, starting in January.

These volunteers, under the leadership of Extension Horticulture Agent, Donna Teasley, work with churches, schools, county fairs and other groups to educate people on how to become more successful gardeners.

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program has been active in Burke County since 2003 and has produced more that 275 Master Gardeners during that time. These community-minded gardeners are a valuable asset to Cooperative Extension and are one of our greatest resources.

If you would like more information about becoming an Extension Master Gardener volunteer you can contact our office at 764-9480.

Mental Health Awareness

Trying to tell the difference between expected behaviors and what could be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always easy. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person. Extension recommends being aware of the common signs discussed in a video from the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). The video highlights 10 Commons Signs of Mental Health Conditions. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. They provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.