EFNEP Article
Is one of your goals for the New Year to start eating as a family at home? Follow these 4 simple rules for cooking and eating more meals at home as a family:
- Plan: choose meals your family will eat for one or two weeks (or whatever works best for you!)
- -Shop: make a list of all the food you will need for your meals. Shop one week at a time and stick to your list.
- -Fix: stick to your meal plan. Make simple and healthy meals for your family.
- -Eat: enjoy meals together as a family without distractions like TV and cell phones.
- Meal planner link - Click the click for Meal Planner to help you plan!
Even though it is cold outside we still need to be active every day! Start active traditions as a family. Some examples are bundle up and talk a family walk after a meal, charades, a dance party, hide and seek. Anything that gets you up and moving to get your heart pumping faster!
In EFNEP classes we learn about all this plus more! If interested or have any questions call Sarah Grinestaff at 688-4811 or email at sarah_grinestaff@ncsu.edu!
FCS Article
February is American Heart Month
According to the CDC heart disease is a significant public health concern in the United States, affecting individuals across all genders and racial/ethnic backgrounds. It remains the leading cause of death for many, with statistics showing that in 2022, heart disease contributed to one out of every five fatalities nationwide.
Heart disease imposes a substantial economic burden on the United States. Between 2019 and 2020, the combined costs of healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity due to heart disease reached a staggering $252.2 billion.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Alarmingly, nearly half of U.S. adults grapple with this condition, yet only one in four effectively manages it. This underscores the critical need for increased awareness and improved control of high blood pressure to safeguard cardiovascular health.
For additional resources check out the following links:
Mitchell County 4-H is Going Camping!
I wanted to reach out to share an opportunity with anyone who might be interested in attending a week-long summer camp at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H camp. This will be a fun-filled week of horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, and more!
Mitchell County has spots reserved for two boys ages 8-12; if we have more interest, I can look into getting more spots (male or female). The fee to reserve a spot is $50, which is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The total cost of the camp is $545 – This includes transportation, housing, meals, a t-shirt, and a weekly store card.
There are scholarships available, but they are due soon, so don’t wait! They have added a scholarship that includes WNC Hurricane Helene-affected regions, so every child in Mitchell County is eligible to apply.
If you are interested in attending camp or have questions, please call the office at 828-688-4811, or you can email erin_silver@ncsu.edu.
Links to Betsy Jeff Penn Information and Parent Guide:
4-H Project Record Books
Calling all active 4-H'ers! Project Record Books are due February 20th to the County Office. These Project Books will be a record of what you've done in 4-H for the 2024 year. Complete a Project Record Book for recognition, and possible monetary awards contingent on the State 4-H Office judging and placement.
Why Project Record Books?
Why Project Record Books? Project record books are an important component of the 4-H Awards Program. If youth win in their project category and age group at the state level, they will receive a cash incentive from the state. Completing a Project Record book has many benefits as listed below:
To give children an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and accomplished through a year. they document new skills and experiences in a written report to measure their achievements and growth.
To encourage children to set goals, pursue strategies to meet those goals, and to overcome obstacles.
To award 4-H members for participation in the 4-H activities which provides an incentive for participation, learning, and achievement.
For more information: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/4-h-awards-incentives-programs-2/
How Do I Get Involved?
Start by contacting Erin Norton at erin_norton@ncsu.edu or calling (828) 688-4811.
If you are ineligible to complete a project record book for this year, that's okay! Start participating in Mitchell County 4-H this year by contacting your local 4-H Agents and finding out which project is for you!
Please contact Erin Norton for more information about Project Record Books, workdays, or if you have intentions to complete a Project Record Book by emailing erin_norton@ncsu.edu
CED/Agriculture
Plant Sale
Be on the lookout for our plant sale information coming out in the next week. The order form will be posted on our website ( https://mitchell.ces.ncsu.edu/ ) and Facebook page. You may also stop by our office at 10 S. Mitchell Ave. in Bakersville for a hard copy of the order form. This year our sale will include the following:
Apples: Red Sheepnose, Honey Crisp, Wolf River, Virginia Beauty, Yellow June, Hawkeye, Carolina Red June,Newton Pippin, Junaluska, Jonagold
Strawberry: Galetta; Seascape, Albion, Earliglow, Jewel
Raspberry: Heritage (Red), Prelude (Red),Nova (Red)
Blackberry (Thornless): Chester, Triple Crown
Elderberry
Blueberry
Asparagus Millennium
Horseradish
Hurricane Helene Tax Considerations for Farm Business Owners
Free Online Webinar
February 17 6:00p.m. - 7:30p.m.
Opportunity to ask questions about how Hurricane Helene impacts taxes for your farm operation
Disaster Assistance
It may still be overwhelming to look around and see the amount of work to be done as we recover and rebuild after Hurricane Helene. I know it may seem at times progress is slow, but our leadership in the county, state and federal level continue to work to overcome obstacles. Not just because this disaster effects us, but historically, there is not another storm that has impacted a region as topographically diverse as what we are faced with in Mitchell County and western North Carolina. It may seem pointless and a waste of time to file the paperwork with FEMA; however, I assure you that it is not even if you receive a denial letter. It is through this documentation that leadership is able to paint an accurate picture of the damage the storm has caused. We have multiple North Carolina Volunteer Organization Active in Disaster (NC VOAD) working with and through our Mitchell Long Term Resiliency Group to continue to bring resources and assistance to families, homes and farms in Mitchell County. They need record of the damage Helene caused to your home and farm even if FEMA doesn't fully meet your needs or denies your claim, in order to assist you. Please visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Mitchell Senior Center in Ledger. Also, for assistance call the Mitchell Volunteer Resource Center (staffed by local individuals) @ 828 660-0818.
Events in Surrounding Counties
Livestock Article
With winter comes cold temperatures and damp weather, both being undesirable for small animals and poultry. Efforts need to be made to ensure the best possible care for outdoor small animals (rabbits) and poultry. Below are some easy methods of preventing sickness, frostbite, and other conditions that commonly accompany winter weather.
Shelter is essential for any animal, especially small animals and poultry. Without shelter, the animals are exposed to the elements and will have to utilize all their energy to stay warm and functional. Animals without shelter will become frostbite and sick. This can result in production loss or even death. The shelter needs to have at least three walls and a space where the animal can escape the wind and moisture. A shelter can be anything from a plastic container with a cut opening to a dog house.
Footing for small animals and poultry is important for health and production. Often small animals and poultry are housed on wire, which can cause injury or death when exposed to the elements and water. Provide each animal with a solid, non-metal surface to remove themselves from the wire at their leisure. This allows the animals to limit their exposure and limit the chance of injury. Solid surfaces such as a hardwood board, blanket, box with bedding, or plastic box top will work.
One of the five required nutrients for any animal is water. This is required for the animal to remain healthy. During winter, water can freeze, limiting the animal’s access and ability to consume adequate amounts. Ensure that all animals and poultry have access to water that is replenished daily and is clean and clear of ice. Heating methods are available and highly suggested. Heaters come in many forms and prevent freezing but can evaporate water quickly. To avoid a dry trough and freezing, provide animals and poultry with bulk waterers that have the ability to be heated safely.
Credits:
Created with images by Patrick Daxenbichler - "Chickens in the own garden, winter time with snow" • Janice - "Original winter rural photograph of an old brown barn n the snow with a fence and tall pine trees"