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Extension News N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center

Our Mission

North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolina.

2023 Bee School

The 2023 Bee School is wrapping up this month. What a success, with 100 adult and 14 youth students. This has been the largest bee school we have seen!

Thank you, Surry County Beekeepers Association, for teaching these classes. New beekeepers cannot wait to set up their own honeybee hives!

100 adults attended the first night of the Surry County Bee School.
14 youth attended the Junior Bee School. Eugene Brown, Surry County Beekeeper, discussed the anatomy of honeybees.

Ready to Grow Your Garden?

Plant Hardiness Zone

Know your plant hardiness zone. Zones are important when selecting the best plants to grow in your location. The zones are based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. This data is collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture created a map that shows the zones. This map can be found at: Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Most of Surry County is zone 7a with the southern most area of the county being 7b.

Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Examine Saved Seeds

Saving seed can save money if you properly store the seed from year to year. Stored seeds are more likely to remain viable if kept cool and dry. Conducting a germination test on the seed is a good idea and will give you an idea if the seed is viable. For more information on saved seed, visit the Life Expectancy of Vegetable Seeds article by James Romer, Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University.

Starting Seeds

It is best to start most seedlings four to 12 weeks before the last spring frost. The average last frost date for our area is April 22. The last frost could be up to ten days before or ten days after this date. The seed packet should have specific information for your particular seed. Attend one or seed starting workshops or webinars to learn more!

Plastic Layer for Rent

Attention local commercial produce and fruit growers!

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center now has a plastic layer for rent. If interested in laying plastic mulch in your field with this equipment, call our office at 336-401-8025 today to schedule!

Visit NC Farms App

The Visit NC Farms App connects the dots in communities across North Carolina. Using cell phone technology, residents and visitors can find farms closest to them with products and activities that interest them.

Visitors can use the app to explore farms and fisheries, pick your own, farmers markets, and local food and drink that are off the beaten path and unique to each community. While the app targets connecting people to farms, there are more travel interests highlighted. The app can be downloaded for FREE from the Apple App Store or the Android App Store.

New, Free, Local Television Station

"Surry on the Go" is a free television station that features local information, weather and high school sports. Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Mount Airy, Dobson, Surry County and the public schools within Surry County will all have programming on "Surry on the Go". Look for Extension videos to be found here as well! A streaming app is available on Roku, Fire, Apple TV, and Android and Apple smartphones and tablets.

The channel is available on Surry Communications Cable Channel 7 and Spectrum/Charter Cable. To download "Surry on the Go", type "surryonthego" as one word on Roku, Fire, Apple TV, Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Crabgrass Control

Written by Fred Yelverton, Turfgrass Specialist, NC State University

From previous research, we know that crabgrass germinates with 24-hour mean soil temperatures average about 53-55 degrees at a 2- to 4-inch depth for several consecutive days. Because the climate in North Carolina is quite varied (ski resorts in western North Carolina and palm trees in eastern North Carolina), the actual date of the critical soil temperature varies significantly. Traditionally, in the southeastern part of the state, we know that PRE herbicides should be applied and watered in by about March 2, in the Piedmont about March 15, and in western NC about early April (depending on the elevation). Based on observations of crabgrass emergence and data from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), recommendations for controlling crabgrass in 2023 is to apply preemergent herbicides at least two weeks earlier than the dates stated above.

For more information on crabgrass control in your lawn, call our office at 336-401-8025.

New Agent Role

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry Center welcomes Bailey Wood to her new role as the county’s Livestock Extension Agent. Bailey is from Stephens City, Virginia where she grew up raising livestock and being involved with 4-H and FFA. She graduated from Virginia Tech where she studied Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science. Bailey will be working with local livestock producers to identify problem areas that limit long-term productivity. She will continue with the existing livestock program and incorporate educational programs that will address rising production issues. These programs will help livestock producers implement best management practices into their farming operations, develop strategic plans for sustainability, and incorporate new management skills into their operations. Bailey hopes to enable producers to better manage renewable resources, such as soil, water, nutrients, and crops. The programs will be open to anyone who is interested in livestock production no matter the level of their experience.

Beef Tips

Calving Season Preparation

Whether you have already started your calving season, or it is coming up, preparing for that time of year is important. Some things to have on hand could include OB gloves, OB chains, lubricant, paper towels, halter/rope, frozen colostrum/colostrum replacer, bottles, and an esophageal feeder (1). While this isn’t an all-inclusive list, having these items together so that you can grab them easily can help making calving season run smoother. Having a veterinarian-client relationship can be very helpful too. With your supplies, you can also keep your veterinarians phone number so if problems come up, you have the number to call. Understanding the stages of calving can be helpful too. There are three phases: preparatory, delivery, and cleaning (2). The preparatory phase can last from 2 to 6 hours and consists of the calf rotating into position, dilation of the cow, and the water sac rupturing. The delivery phase should take 1 hour or less. Normal calf presentation is when the front feet are on either side of the head. If this phase lasts longer than 2 or 3 hours or the calf is in an abnormal position, the delivery may require assistance. The final stage is cleaning which typically lasts 2 to 8 hours and this is when we should see the placenta passed. It is very important to the cow’s health for the placenta to pass and if it does not, assistance may be needed. We hope that these tips will aid you in a successful calving season!

Nutrient Requirements of Gestating and Lactating Beef Cows

Nutrient requirements of cattle increase in the third trimester into lactation. There is a lot of growth that happens for the calf during this time with 75% of their growth occurring in this phase. We also know that milk production takes a lot of energy, as it is the most nutrient demanding phase for cattle (1). The connection between how we feed cows during pregnancy impacts the calf’s development, this is called fetal programming. Ensuring our cows have adequate energy and protein during pregnancy can improve the calf’s productivity throughout life (1). Be aware that trying to play catch up during the last trimester to put weight on the cow can have negative effects if done too quickly; it can lead to larger calves that have the potential for issues during calving (1). To know how much is needed to supplement, forage testing can be done, and we can look at the difference between the requirements and what the forage is already providing to determine what supplements may be needed (2). Body condition scoring is also a great tool that we can use to monitor if nutritional needs are being met. Generally cows should be at a 5 at calving to increasing fertility and the ability to become pregnant again (2). Paying attention to nutrition can have positive effects for your operations productivity and profit.

  1. Preparing for Calving Season written by Olivia Amundson, Former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist
  2. Beef Cow Nutrition During Calving and Early Lactation written by Ken Olson, Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist with contributions by Adele Harty, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist

Grass Tetany

While we are all looking forward to green grass this spring instead of the mud of winter, we do have some nutrient requirements to consider. Grass tetany occurs when Magnesium (Mg) levels are low in beef cattle. Normally the risk of grass tetany increases with older, lactating beef cattle because Mg is required at a higher level (1). Grass tetany most often occurs in the spring, but it can happen in the fall and winter when forages begin to grow rapidly or when potassium and nitrogen levels are higher in their feed because these nutrients impact how magnesium is absorbed (3). Symptoms of grass tetany normally progress in the following order: separation from the herd/irritability, muscle twitching in the flank, wide-eyed/staring, muscular incoordination, staggering, collapse, thrashing, head thrown back, coma, and death. There are treatment options available, but because these symptoms occur rapidly, normally over 4 to 8 hours, prevention is the best practice (2). Since Mg is not stored in the body to be used when needed, cattle need to be consuming enough through minerals to meet requirements (1). A high magnesium mineral (12 to 15% at 4 oz. daily) provided a few weeks prior to turning cattle out on a lush pasture in the spring is recommended to ensure Mg levels in the body are sufficient and to prevent grass tetany. Feeding high magnesium minerals year-round doesn’t have any negative effects and can give you peace of mind all year in preventing an imbalance (3).

  1. Preventing Grass Tetany in the Lactating Beef Cow this Spring written by Karla H. Jenkins, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management, and Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist
  2. Grass Tetany: Now Is the Time To Prepare written by Adele Harty, former Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist
  3. Preventing Grass Tetany from Master Grazer, UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment

What is a Quarter of Beef?

Here in Surry County we have many beef cattle producers, which presents the opportunity to purchase local beef. Beef can be sold in individual packages from farmers if they have their meat handlers license, or consumers can purchase by the quarter, half, or whole. So what does purchasing beef this way mean? Considering a live weight of 1,200 lbs. of a finished beef animal and an average dressing percent of 63%, we can expect a carcass weight of 756 lbs. The carcass weight still includes bone and excess fat, as this is the weight “on the rail.” From this weight, the carcass is broken down into various primal cuts which normally are trimmed of excess fat, these larger cuts are shown below. Depending on whether you prefer bone-in or boneless cuts, this could leave you with around 500 – 600 pounds or 350 – 400 pounds respectively. These larger primal cuts are then broken down into the retail cuts, which are what you see at the grocery store. One great thing about buying beef by the quarter, half, or whole is the ability to determine how you want these cuts made. The options available are determined by the processor, which are inspected facilities, and usually the consumer is given a cut sheet for how they want these broken down. When buying beef this way, it is important to ensure you have enough freezer space for all that you have purchased. Whether you choose to buy beef directly from a farmer or from the store, rest assured those farmers worked very hard to provide different options of buying safe and high-quality products.

Figure 1. Beef Carcass Primal and Sub-primal Cuts

Bringing Home Chickens

Chickens can be a great addition that supply eggs for your family. Before you bring home chickens, there are some things to consider first. Checking in on ordinances for your area is the first step, this will determine if you are able to have chickens on your property. If you can raise chickens, keep in mind that they will need housing, fresh food and water daily, and that the eggs will need to be gathered regularly. There also are feed costs, housing costs, and other expenses to consider. If you can ensure they are cared for every day of the week, then the fun part begins. Selecting the number and breed of chickens can be an exciting step. Different breeds of chickens will lay different amounts and types of eggs so be sure to select a breed that fits your needs. Generally chickens lay one egg every 24-26 hours, and this will decline as they age. Chickens also are dependent on hours of daylight for egg production so this will decline in the winter as there are less hours of daylight. Whatever breed you decide, if you purchase them as a chick, it will be 4 – 6 months before they are old enough to begin to lay eggs. Since chicks do not have feathers, they also require more care such as a heat lamp and brooder box. You can shorten this process by buying pullets (hen less than a year old) or hens that are ready to begin laying. Chickens will need different types of feed throughout their life as well, so be sure to keep that in mind. There are many aspects of raising chickens, but these are a great place to start as you consider if raising chickens is right for you!

2022 Surry County Corn Yield Contest Results

Every year for traditional grain producing crops, such as, corn, soybeans, and wheat, there are associated yield contests that farmers are encouraged to participate in. The purpose of crop yield contests is to recognize farmers who are pushing themselves to strive for higher yields, to collect production information that can be distributed to other farmers throughout the state, and to also allow crop researchers to use those production practices into current, and future research projects.

Typically, the yield contests are organized by the associated representing commodity group associations, including the North Carolina Corn Growers Association, the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, and also the North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association. This year Surry County was fortunate enough to enter a total of five different fields into the North Carolina Corn Growers Association Corn Yield Contest. All five of these fields were entered into the western region of the contest under the “dryland” division, meaning that the corn raised on these fields did not implement any irrigation practices throughout the growing season. As a result, these five fields placed 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, and 12th respectively.

It is also important to note that four out of the five fields entered into the North Carolina Corn Growers Association Corn Yield Contest, were also entered into the National Corn Growers Association Corn Yield Contest, which represents all 50 states here in the United States. As a result, the fields placed 1st, 3rd, and 4th in the conventionally tilled, dryland division for the state of North Carolina, within the National Corn Yield Contest. We are proud of the farmers who represented these fields being entered into crop yield contests, and we are looking forward to encouraging more farmers to participate in them in the future.

The Month of March for A Farmer

For a farmer the month of March is all about preparation for the upcoming growing season. We all know that once we reach March, we are on the threshold of Spring, which means warmer temperatures are on the horizon. For tobacco farmers this is the time period where they are continuously monitoring the young tobacco plants growing in a greenhouse that will be trans-planted into the field around the beginning of May.

Now when we consider the preparation of a grain farmer, this is where things can start getting busy. If they have planted winter wheat they are planning to harvest by the summer, this is when a topdress application of fertilizer should be consider to ultimately give the wheat crop the nutrients it needs to allow for a sufficient harvest. Also, around this time period is when other fertilizers are being applied to crop lands, whether that is synthetic based, or sources of animal waste.

Sometimes the month of March can get interesting when it comes to weather. There is always the possibility of a late snow that can catch us by surprise, and keeps colder temperatures lingering around. In contrast, no matter what the weather is like a farmer will be preparing his equipment before it is time to start planting. The sprayer will need to be ready to control any weeds that have had the chance to grow over the winter, and the planter will also need to be ready to start planting corn by the time April comes around.

Surry County Soybean Production Meeting

On March 3rd from 9 am to 11 am at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center, there will be a soybean production meeting for local area farmers. At this soybean production meeting farmers will be able to learn about soybean production best management practices, and other general information to implement ahead of the upcoming growing season.

The speakers that will be featured within this meeting is Dr. Rachel Vann, the Soybean Extension Specialist from North Carolina State University, Dr. Dominic Reisig, the Entomology and Plant Pathology Extension Specialist from North Carolina State University, and also Dr. Luke Gatiboni, the Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Extension Specialist from North Carolina State University.

Farmers who also attend this meeting will be able to fulfill their Auxin Herbicides Best Management Training, that is required to receive before purchasing any herbicides that contain synthetic auxin chemistry. North Carolina Department of Agriculture pesticide licensing credits of N, O, D, and X will also be available to attendees. If interested in attending please call 336-401-8025 to register.

New Early Soybean Re-Plant Coverage Date Announced

The United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency has announced that the new crop insurance re-plant coverage date here in North Carolina has now been moved to April 1st. The new date is 15-21 days earlier than normal in years past across different geographic regions here in North Carolina. With the announcement of the new coverage date this will allow farmers to maximize the potential yield benefits of planting soybeans in early to mid-April, while also being able to maintain crop insurance coverage of possible re-planting.

When soybeans are planted earlier than the beginning of May this allows for more growth of nodes on the soybean plant, which nodes on the soybean plant will develop into a flower, that will result in pods, that produces soybean seeds the combine harvests in the fall. Therefore, with the possibility of more nodes on a soybean plant there is a possibility of achieving a higher crop yield overall.

Farmers across the state of North Carolina have been interested in planting soybeans in April due to the associated possibility of higher yields, which the Soybean Extension Program from North Carolina State University has realized. For the past several years the Soybean Extension Program from NC State has partnered with the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association, to conduct field research trials that will produce data to support the USDA Risk Management Agency moving the crop insurance earliest re-plant coverage date earlier within the growing season. This type of field research trials has been conducted within the area in Yadkin County in 2019, and also in 2021.

Article has been revised from Dr. Rachel Vann, Soybean Extension Specialist from North Carolina State University.

Extension to Continue Auxin Herbicide Training

North Carolina Cooperative Extension will continue the Auxin Herbicides Best Management Practices training again for 2023. This training is required for any private pesticide applicator to complete before purchasing herbicides with auxin chemistry, especially when it relates to dicamba products. Any applicators who use Enlist products are not required to receive the training, but are encouraged.

Just like in previous years there will be live Zoom training opportunities that will be provided by North Carolina State University Weed Specialists Dr. Charlie Cahoon, and Dr. Wesley Everman. There will only be a total of five live Zoom training opportunities that will last until the end of March. If you are a private pesticide applicator who needs to complete their auxin training, and are interested in participating in the live Zoom trainings call 336-401-8025 to receive more information.

There will also be another opportunity to complete the auxin herbicide training at the Surry County Soybean Production Meeting, that is scheduled for March 3rd, at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center. This is an in-person event that will take place from 9 am to 11 am, where North Carolina State University Specialists are presenting about soybean production best management practices. If you are interested in attending this meeting please call 336-401-8025 to register.

Eating Seasonally with Roasted Root Vegetables

Next time you visit the grocery store, don’t settle for flavorless; eat seasonal! Start exploring to find the flavors that suit you in winter, spring, summer, and fall. (There’s something delicious to eat during all). By selecting produce that’s in season, you will already be choosing more flavor, and by cooking it, even in the simplest of ways, you will be unlocking more! It won’t be long until warm weather arrives, and we will have spring vegetables. For now, try this easy Roasted Root Vegetable recipe to enjoy the warm comforts of winter’s vegetables. You’ll also reap the benefits of eating your nutrient-dense colors of red, orange, purple, and more. You can take the flavor even further by putting these veggies in a wrap or on a sandwich. Add some shredded chicken or hummus for protein. Throw in some leafy greens and you have a colorful, nutritious meal. Want more info? Join us on Thursday, March 2, 11:00 am for our March Extension at Home – Helping You Improve Your Life - virtual class where we will focus on Eating Seasonally with Roasted Root Vegetables. For more class information or to register, visit https://go.ncsu.edu/extensionathome.

Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe

Diabetes and You - One Pot Meals

Are you or someone you know trying to watch your carbohydrate intake? Dislike doing dishes and cleaning up a messy kitchen? Enjoy food, fun and fellowship while learning? Join us at the Extension office kitchen on Wednesday, March 29, 11:30 am for an in-person class on One Pot Meals. We will be demonstrating and sampling new recipes and learning more about diabetes from Kelly Whittington, RN, BSN, CDCES, Diabetes Education Quality Coordinator with the Surry County Health & Nutrition Center. The class is free, but spaces are limited. Please call 336-401-8025 and reserve your seat today.

March Is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the fourth-most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

It affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older.

Screening and early detection are vital.

Medicare provides preventative benefits including certain colorectal cancer screening services. Ask your healthcare provider what screenings are best for you. Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable!

Living Well with Cooperative Extension

Health is a lot more than how one looks and feels. Conversations about health should include all eight dimensions or areas of wellness— mental, social, emotional, spiritual, financial, occupational, environmental, and intellectual. That’s the focus of Living Well Month, a national event in March promoting overall wellness and the education provided by Extension Family and Consumer Sciences to improve the lives of people, families, and communities. Check out these videos for ideas on how you can improve your environmental health by taking back your space https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIn4ltTW7tQ&authuser=0 and improve financial wellness by learning 3 ways to save money fast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCErrj7ZjRE

Be watching for more tips to make every month a “Living Well Month” on our N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County website and Facebook page.

Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Ends March 31st

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan, now is the time to make sure you have the plan that best meets your needs. If you’re unhappy with your Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), you have options. Each year, there is a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31. During this time, if you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your health plan, you can do one of these:

  • Switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan with or without drug coverage.
  • Go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. If you switch Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare with or without a Medicare drug plan, your new coverage will start the first day of the month after your new plan gets your request for coverage.

Keep in mind, if you go back to Original Medicare now, you may not be able to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy. For assistance with Medicare questions, contact NC SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak to a SHIIP counselor. In Surry County, Cooperative Extension serves as the SHIIP coordinating site. You may call the Extension Office at 336-401-8025 to make an appointment with a local counselor. The Medicare Plan Finder can help you find, compare, and enroll in a new Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare drug plan. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and want to change your plan, check out your options today. Remember, the Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period ends March 31. (SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents. They do not sell, endorse, or oppose any product, plan, or company. If you have questions about your specific plan, we encourage you to contact your insurance agent or insurance company.)

Step it Up

On your mark, get set, walk! Are you walking enough? You might have heard that the magic number doctors recommended is about 10,000 steps a day. Yes, that are a lot of steps, but remember every step counts. Therefore, instead of using the drive-thru this month, why not park and walk inside?

A brisk 10-15 minute walk during your lunch break might be just what your body needs to relax and unwind. Inviting your spouse, children or friend for a walk after dinner could help improve communication and digestion.

The more steps the more health benefits. Therefore, after checking with your doctor, start slow and increase your steps gradually. You can do it! On your mark, get set, WALK!!

Eat More Vegetables

Who wants to lower their risk of developing cancer? One way to do this is to eat a variety of vegetables. Many of the vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that our bodies need every day. Do you eat vegetables raw or cooked? They are delicious either way. Be careful, however what you add to the vegetable. If you coat it and deep fry it, you have added extra fat to the vegetable. Try steaming vegetables or using them in a stir fry. Do you eat 2 ½ cups of vegetables a day? This should be our goal. This month, try a vegetable that is new to you. Check out these recipes for ideas to try new vegetables.

Credits:

Created with images by imartsenyuk - "The work of the beekeeper in the apiary. The beekeeper takes out a honeycomb frame with bees from the hive." • showcake - "Hand seeding for planting into soil,Wheatgrass Seeds" • Zblaster - "The man press button on smart television remote control." • Brian - "Cattle in a Pasture" • Luke - "Trio of hens out in the field overlooking a lake." • izzzy71 - "Cornfield in summer" • apimook - "soybeans for food texture background" • Mikhailov Studio - "Ready for harvest ripe Soy pods on stem in the fields closeup view against sunlight summer time" • fahrwasser - "Fall seasonal roasted vegetables" • vladstar - "Running shoes - woman tying shoe laces" • sommai - "vegetables and fruits on white background"