Extension News September 2025

September Employee Spotlight

Amamda Gann

Making the Best Better

Meet our very own 4-H Youth Development Agent, a dedicated professional who celebrated her two-year anniversary with Extension this past April. With a background in elementary education, she has a clear passion for working with young people and helping them realize their full potential. Her role as a 4-H Agent is all about making the best better. She advises county 4-H clubs, leads after-school programs, and develops school enrichment initiatives. For her, the most rewarding part of the job is watching kids learn something new or achieve a difficult goal. "Seeing the look of accomplishment on their faces" is what makes it all worthwhile.

This summer was especially busy and fulfilling. She planned 12 different Summer Fun Day camps, which gave more than 120 young people the chance to learn new skills. From cooking and sewing to building a circuit board and glazing pottery, the camps provided hands-on experiences and a creative outlet for participants. She hopes they continue practicing their newfound skills and even teach them to others.

When she isn’t helping youth, she loves spending time with her husband and 17-year-old daughter. The family enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and trying out different restaurants. A fun fact is that she’s a huge music lover who recently checked off a bucket-list item: seeing George Strait in concert. She also loves to sing, but you'll have to catch her in her car to hear her performances. She and her family have two dogs, a chocolate Lab named Cocoa and a Golden Retriever named Dixie.

Her biggest inspiration is her mom, who has been a tremendous example of strength and selflessness. She’s seen her mom care for her family, putting everyone else first, especially after the passing of her father five years ago. This dedication to others is a value she clearly shares.

When asked where she'd travel if she could go anywhere tomorrow, she said Hawaii. But until then, she’ll be content with a comforting bowl of Southern-style chicken and dumplings and the daily smiles of the kids she serves.

Surry County 4-H Clubs

Summer Fun has ended, and school is back in session. That means it’s time to think about joining a 4-H Club! We currently have 6 active clubs in Surry County, and a new one starting soon! The Beulah Club is a general club that focuses on various 4-H topics throughout the year. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Beulah Community Center. The Pilot Mountain Club is also a general club, covering a different topic each month. They meet on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Methodist church in Pilot Mountain. Our 4-H County Council is a group of teens who are interested in developing leadership skills and helping to plan and implement activities and projects for our Surry County 4-H program. They meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from 5:00-6:00 pm. We are currently working on a new meeting location in Mount Airy. The 4-Hooves Equine Club is for those who are interested in horses and learning about their care. You do not have to own a horse to be part of this club. They meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at a farm in Ararat from 6:30-7:30 pm. Our Caprine Clovers Club is for those who are interested in learning about Dairy Goats and their care. They meet at a farm in Dobson. We also have an enrichment group for our homeschooling families in Surry County. We learn about a different 4-H topic each month. They meet on the 1st Thursday of each month from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Extension Office in Dobson. We have a new club, which will be starting up in Mount Airy this fall! They will be meeting at the Jones Family Resource Center. A meeting day and time will be announced soon. If you would like more information about any of our clubs or would like to register your child for 4-H, contact Amanda at (336)-401-8025 or agann@ncsu.edu.

Volunteers and Meeting Facilities Needed

We would love to see 4-H Clubs serving youth in all areas of our county! We are currently looking to start a club for our families in the Elkin/State Road area. To be able to start these clubs, we need adult volunteers to serve as leaders and a facility for the youth to hold their meetings. If you love working with youth and would like to share your time and talents for a great cause, please consider becoming a volunteer! Clubs can meet a minimum of once per month, so it only takes a bit of your time. The impact that you can make in the lives of our youth outweighs the sacrifice of your time! If you don’t think you can commit to being a volunteer, but you have a facility that would work well for meetings to be held, please consider hosting a 4-H club. For more information on becoming a volunteer or hosting a 4-H Club, contact Amanda at (336)-401-8025 or agann@ncsu.edu.

Break the Fast with Breakfast

Morning schedules can be hectic, but it is important to remember breakfast. We may think about what to eat for breakfast, but have you actually thought about the "word breakfast" and what it means? Breaking the fast, eating or drinking something after an extended period of time. For most of us, it may have been several hours since we had dinner or an evening snack. September is Better Breakfast Month and the perfect time to remember to not leave home in the morning without it (whether you eat it quickly at home or take it with you for a mid-morning snack).

Our bodies need “fuel” (food) to start our day out right. We have heard it before; breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Studies have shown that students (and adults) who eat a healthy breakfast are better able to focus throughout the day, are less likely to be absent, and have more energy. For students in school, breakfast can improve test scores and decrease behavior problems.

Eating breakfast first thing in the morning, before school or leaving for the day for work, can be a challenge. Between getting backpacks and bags packed and matching shoes on the correct feet, it is easy for breakfast to get lost in the shuffle. With a little planning, you can make quick and healthy breakfasts your family will enjoy. The goal for breakfast is to include at least three food groups.

Try these fun treats that are almost too cute to eat.

Turtle Apple - Slice an apple in half, letting the bright skin be the shell. Add grapes or mandarin orange slices for the head, legs, and tail. The kids will love making their own turtles on their plates, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting fruit first thing in the morning.

Eagle’s Nest - Place half a peach, cut-side-up, on a plate; that’s your nest. Fill it with a spoonful of low-fat cottage cheese and use raisins for little “eggs.” It’s sweet, creamy, and protein-packed to keep your family going until lunch.

For a warm option, make Banana Breakfast Rolls. Spread a mix of low-fat cream cheese, honey, and cinnamon onto a whole wheat tortilla. Add a banana, roll it up, and toast it in a skillet until it is golden. Slice it into rounds for easy grabbing on the way out the door.

A quick budget tip - Shop seasonally. Look for what is in season or what is on sale. Don’t forget to look for “seconds” at your local farmer’s market. These are slightly blemished or silly-shaped fruits and veggies, which may cost less but still taste great.

All the ingredients in these recipes are SNAP-eligible, and SNAP benefits can make back-to-school meal prep easier and more affordable. If you’d like help applying for SNAP or checking your eligibility, contact More In My Basket at 1-855-240-1451 for free assistance.

With a little creativity, breakfast can be the easiest and most fun part of your morning. To reinforce the benefits of eating breakfast with your family, check out our new StoryWalk - Breakfast With Brody, at Dobson Square Park. This story that MOVES you shows the difference in Brody’s day before and after eating breakfast. Brody decides it is even worth getting up a little bit earlier to allow time to enjoy his first meal of the day.

Stocking A Basic Healthy Pantry

1. Choose a space for your pantry. If you have no dedicated space for a pantry, remember that any indoor place that is cool and dry could work. It’s best also to keep your pantry near your kitchen. Be creative.
2. Consider the food items you eat regularly. Make a list of foods you eat at least once a week. Include the main ingredients of meals you cook. For example, you have spaghetti two nights a week and chicken on the weekends. For these, you always need the same items: pasta, chicken, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, a loaf of Italian bread, a couple of eggs, etc. Write these items on your list.
3. Take note of the MyPlate. Your staples should include a little from all the food groups. Select the healthier versions of each item, low-sodium broth, olive oil, vinegars, dry beans, onions, sweet potatoes, nuts or nut butter, whole-wheat pasta, etc. To keep them fresh and bug-free, try mason jars with screw-on lids or resealable carryout containers.
4. Keep frequently used ingredients on hand. Consider the refrigerator and freezer as an extension of your pantry. What refrigerator or freezer staples do you use often? Frozen vegetables, chicken, apples, oranges, eggs, milk, cheese, condiments, etc.
5. Keep your pantry well stocked. Each week as you are planning your weekly meals and shopping list, check your pantry. What are you getting low on? Watch for sales on items you use often (pasta, canned tomatoes, stock, etc.) and stock up.

Select items for your healthy pantry that you use often.

These might include:

• Herbs and Spices: basil, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, parsley, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Baking Supplies: whole wheat flour, AP flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, brown sugar, and unsweetened cocoa.
• Liquids: olive oil, canola oil, vinegars, honey, cooking sprays.
• Cans and Jars: tomatoes, beans, peanut butter, tuna, vegetable or chicken stock, applesauce, fruit canned in juice, and corn.
• Package Goods: oatmeal, cereal, nuts, cereal bars, whole wheat crackers, popcorn, and BBQ sauce.
• Dry goods: sweet potatoes, white potatoes, onions, garlic, and winter squash such as butternut squash, acorn, or spaghetti squash.
• Pasta and Rice: brown rice, white rice, whole wheat pasta, elbow pasta, couscous, and barley.

One Pot Pantry Pasta

Ingredients:

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 pound fettuccine or spaghetti (whole wheat preferred)
• 8-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, broken into pieces
• 1-28 ounce can of low-sodium diced tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 2 tsp. dry basil
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Add 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth to a large skillet that is wide enough to hold the pasta and at least 2 inches deep. On top add fettuccine, frozen spinach, diced tomatoes (with juices), onion, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Give the ingredients a gentle stir and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
2. Turn heat to high and allow pot to come to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. After 15 minutes, give the ingredients a good stir. Cover and let sit for 10 – 15 minutes. This will allow the pasta to absorb the rest of the pan juices.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serves 6

Chocolate Milk

Milk contains many essential nutrients and can be included in your diet in a variety of ways! Dairy farmers help ensure this wholesome product gets to your table with the best quality. Cows are fed a balanced diet called a ration to meet all of their nutrient requirements and are milked two to three times a day on most dairy farms, including weekends and holidays! In North Carolina, there are approximately 45,000 milk cows. Each of these cows produces 21,000 pounds of milk per year. In total nearly 1 billion pounds of milk is produced in NC. Milk contains 13 essential nutrients; vitamin D, calcium, protein, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, iodine, and potassium, to name a few! These nutrients contribute to bone and heart health, muscle repair and growth, immune support, and more. For most adults, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of dairy per day. This can include milk, of course, but also other dairy products like cheese or yogurt. September 27th is National Chocolate Milk Day! Flavored milks contain all of the nutrients listed above, along with added sugars and flavors. This makes it a popular choice for children and even adults! Chocolate milk can also be a good post-workout recovery drink due to its carbohydrate and protein ratio.

Let’s celebrate national chocolate milk day by enjoying a glass of milk and learning more about dairy! Check out the link here: https://cals.ncsu.edu/discover-nc-dairy/ to take a virtual tour!

Sources: https://www.americandairy.com/dairy-diary/5-reasons-parents-and-kids-love-chocolate-milk/ https://www.americandairy.com/dairy-diary/13-essential-nutrients-in-milk/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20protein%2C%20calcium,%2C%20potassium%2C%20se https://www.usdairy.com/dairy-nutrition/products/milk

Image: https://www.thespruceeats.com/chocolate-milk-recipe-2355494

Seeding Lawns

Seeding a lawn in North Carolina’s Piedmont region is best accomplished using cool-season grasses, especially tall fescue—known for its year-round green color, shade tolerance, and resilience under moderate foot traffic. For optimum establishment, seed in the early fall (mid-August to early October); if you miss that window, mid-February to early March offers a less ideal but acceptable alternative. Use a blend of two to three improved cultivars, such as newer varieties of tall fescue, to broaden genetic diversity and boost performance. Sow at a rate of about 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet and ensure good seed-to-soil contact—consider light raking or rolling. Though Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, and perennial ryegrass can be included in blends for improved texture or shade tolerance, tall fescue remains the most reliable base for Piedmont lawns. For more information, contact your local Extension Center at 336-401-8025. A good resource to have on hand is Carolina Lawns. It can be found on-line at AG-69 Carolina Lawns.

Fall Webworms

They are creepy and altogether icky! They call them the Fall Webworms (Hyphantria cunea). Fall webworms are out in full force this fall! If you do not believe, just look in the trees along any roadside. They are a common sight in North Carolina during late summer and fall, creating large silken webs at the ends of tree branches where caterpillars feed on leaves. Although these webs may look alarming, the damage is mostly cosmetic, and established trees usually suffer no lasting harm since defoliation occurs late in the growing season.

Fall webworms feed on many plant species, including pecan, walnut, persimmon, and ornamentals, but management is rarely necessary. Small webs can be pruned or pierced to expose caterpillars to natural predators, while sanitation, such as removing old webs and leaf litter can reduce future infestations. For most homeowners, the best approach is patience—fall webworms are unsightly but generally harmless.

USDA: Family-Owned Farms Account for 95% of US Farms, Finds Census

The data also shows that the number of family farms decreased by 8% (almost 159,000 farms) since 2017 PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 19, 2025

WASHINGTON — Family farms comprise 95% of all U.S. farms, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

The farm typology report primarily focuses on the “family farm,” defined as any farm where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer. The report classifies all farms into unique categories based on two criteria: who owns the operation and gross cash farm income (GCFI). GCFI includes the producer’s sales of crops and livestock, fees for delivering commodities under production contracts, government payments, and farm-related income.

“Classifying America’s 1.9 million farms to better reflect their variety is critical to evaluating and reporting on U.S. agriculture,” said NASS Administrator Joseph Parsons. “Typology allows us to more meaningfully explore the demographics of who is farming and ranching today as well as their impact on the economy and communities around the country.”

The data shows that small family farms, those farms with a GCFI of less than $350,000 per year, account for 85% of all U.S. farms, 39% of total land in farms, and 14% of the value of all agricultural products sold. Large-scale family farms (GCFI of $1 million or more) make up less than 4% of all U.S. farms but produce 51% of the value of all agricultural products.

The data also shows that the number of family farms decreased by 8% (almost 159,000 farms) since 2017. Mid-size, large, and very large farms experienced increases of 2%, 40% and 65%, respectively. The number of small family farms fell 10% (low sales) and 7% (moderate sales), respectively.

Other key findings from the 2022 Census of Agriculture Farm Typology report include:

• Farm specialization varied between the farm size groups. The majority (56%) of small farms specialized in cattle (31%) or other crops such as hay and forage production (25%). Over 60,000 (55%) of mid-size farms specialized in grains and oilseeds, while large-scale farms were more varied in production specialization.
• Small family farms account for 44% of all direct sales to consumers, compared to 18% for mid-size family farms and 19% for large-scale family farms.
• Compared to producers on mid-size and large-scale family farms, small family farm producers are more likely to be women, age 65 or older, and report living on the farm operation. They were also more likely to report having served in the military, to work off the farm, and to be a new/beginning farmer (farmed 10 years or less).

Access the full farm typology report and additional information such as maps and data highlights on the nass.usda.gov. Typology data is also available in the NASS quickstats.nass.usda.gov - USDA NASS

Crop Yield Contest Information for 2025

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 here in North Carolina. The purpose of these crop yield contests is to ultimately recognize farmers who are pushing themselves to strive for higher yields, but also to collect production information that helps crop researchers stay cutting-edge by using those production factors in current research trials.

The North Carolina Corn Yield Contest is sponsored by the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina and is administered through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Anyone who grows an acre of corn, or even more, in North Carolina may enter the contest. However, the harvested area of the contest entry must be at least one acre in measured size from within a single field. Applications for the North Carolina Corn Yield Contest must be submitted no later than November 28 of 2025.

The North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest is sponsored by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association and is also administered through the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Anyone who grows at least three acres of soybeans here in North Carolina may enter the contest. However, the field, or portion of a field, entered into the contest must be one contiguous area with at least three acres in measured size. The field, or portion of a field, entered into the contest must also be composed of at least three to four measured sides. Applications for the North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest must be submitted no later than December 5 of 2025.

News from NCDA&CS

Ag Disaster Crop Loss - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2025

NCDA&CS beginning to send out Ag Disaster Crop Loss checks for 2024 losses, including for Hurricane Helene; more to follow

RALEIGH – The first group of checks have been sent to farmers who applied for disaster assistance through the 2024 Ag Disaster Crop Loss, with more to follow in the coming weeks, said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in announcing the first group of payments. The first round of checks was sent to farmers in Western N.C.

The payments are part of a total of $478 million in ag disaster assistance crop loss funds appropriated by the N.C. General Assembly earlier this year to help farmers statewide who suffered almost $5 billion in ag losses in 2024 from Hurricane Helene, a drought, Tropical Storm Debby and Potential Cyclone 8. This includes an additional $25 million for infrastructure losses the General Assembly approved in a separate bill. Another application period is required for the $25 million in infrastructure funding and information on that will be announced at a later date.

“Getting disaster relief out to our devastated ag community has been a priority for the department, and I appreciate farmers’ patience as we have worked through the process of verifying damage and losses and processing the over 8,500 applications we received,” Troxler said. “I want to thank members of the General Assembly for recognizing the urgency behind these funds and for continuing to support our ag community in the aftermath of the worst ag disaster this state has experienced.”

Checks will be sent out by category, so farmers may receive multiple checks depending on the category their losses fell into, Troxler added. In addition, if farmers have farms and farm losses in different counties in North Carolina, payments would be made by counties.

The categories are:

• Aquaculture
• Program crops
• Specialty crops
• Nurseries to include fruit trees, Christmas trees and turf
• Infrastructure, with work still underway to determine infrastructure cost-share payments

“Nursery crop payments will be made in two installments, with farmers receiving a partial payment in the first check,” Troxler explained. “Farmers should look for information on the check stub, which details what category the check covers.”

To calculate the disaster payments, the county the farm is located in, the county average yield, state average price, county loss percentage and reported acreage were among the factors considered. Other known federal payments to farmers in 2024 were also considered.

If farmers have questions, they can contact the department at 866-747-9823, email at agdisaster@ncagr.gov or check for Frequently Asked Questions under the Ag Disaster Crop Loss Program block on the department’s website at www.ncagr.gov