Extension News July 2025

Tools to Avoid Heat Related Issues

Extreme temperatures are challenging in our summer months. Even short periods of heat can be taxing on the body, and it can result in a heat-related illness. Sometimes outdoor physical activity may be unavoidable. However, many of these heat-related illnesses can be preventable by using tools provided by the National Weather Service. Such tools include the Heat Index (how temperature feels to the human body in the shade) and the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) before going outside. Many folks are familiar with the Heat Index while knowing very little about the WBGT.

According to the National Weather Service, the WBGT is a forecasting tool for expected heat stress on the human body when it is in direct sunlight. It uses a wet bulb, a black globe, and a dry bulb to estimate the effects of temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation on humans. It is available up to 7 days in advance. This would be another tool for athletes, outdoor workers, military, or anyone who will be outdoors to use to help prevent heat-related issues.

Our WBGT can be found on-line at http://econet.climate.ncsu.edu/wbgt. You may also find more weather information at http://www.weather.gov/arx/wbgt. Once here, type in your city, state or zip code.

NOT Wanted: Spotted Lantern Fly

The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive plant hopper that is trying to move into North Carolina. And we do not want it! It is a nuisance to our agriculture industry. The threat is real to fruit trees, to many ornamental plants, and especially to grapevines. It has been spotted in Kernersville, Reidsville, Greensboro, Winston- Salem, and our rest area on I-77. Use extreme measures when spotting this pest! Take a picture. Report it. Pictures of the SLF and details on how to report are on the flyer that follows. If you have questions or concerns, you may call our office at 336.401.8025.

Fire Ants

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is actively scouting for Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA). These little pesky insects are a nuisance and health concern to humans, livestock, and wildlife, as they produce a dreadful, painful sting. There are 77 counties in North Carolina that are considered infested with them. They are on the move, and like everyone else, it seems Surry County may be an ideal location. Report any fire ants that you find to NCDA&CS (same information as on the flyer above), or you may call our Extension Center at 336.401.8025.

Identification Tip: RIFA can be identified by the presence of two-nodes petiole, which is the narrow waist connecting the thorax and abdomen. No other ants have this characteristic.

2024 Hay Contest Results

Hay testing is an important practice for livestock owners, so they know exactly what they are feeding and how/if a supplement is needed to meet animal nutrient requirements. Livestock animals require different levels of nutrients depending on the stage of production they are in. For example, a dry cow will require fewer nutrients than a cow in lactation. The hay analysis through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services provides the quantity of TDN (or energy), protein, fiber, fat, minerals, and more. Knowing the nutrient analysis of hay allows producers to better use resources, improve the care of their animals, and provide insight on how to improve hay quality in the future.

Last year our second annual hay contest was held, and we look forward to continuing the contest again this year! Hay samples were anonymously judged by other livestock agents based on physical samples and nutrient analysis. There were several categories for entry; all winners are listed below!

Fescue: Dry

• 1st Cutting, Fescue/Orchard Grass - Molly Willey
• 1st Cutting, Fescue/Mix - Mark Johnson
• 2nd Cutting, Fescue/Orchard Grass - Andy Simpson
• 2nd Cutting, Fescue/Clover Mix - David Bledsoe
• 2nd Cutting, Fescue/Mix - Mark Johnson

Fescue: Wrapped

• 1st Cutting, Fescue/Orchard Grass - Mike Johnson
• 2nd Cutting, Fescue/Orchard Grass - Austin Stoltzfu
• Cool Season Annuals: Wrapped
• 1st Cutting, Pure Oats - Mike Gillispie

Warm Season Annuals: Wrapped

• 1st Cutting, Pearl Millet - Austin Stoltzfus

Warm Season Annuals: Dry

• 1st Cutting, Sorghum/Millet - Richard Smith

Judges Choice:

• 1st Cutting, Fescue/Orchard Grass - Molly Willey

We appreciate everyone who participated and are very grateful to our judges who had the difficult task of ranking these excellent samples! If you are interested in participating this year or would like the full list of categories for entry, contact Bailey Wood at 336.401.8025.

Soybean On Farm Test Results from 2024

The North Carolina Soybean Producers Association started an initiative a few years ago called the On-Farm Trials Network, or OFT for short. The main goal of the OFT network is for local county Extension agents to conduct localized on-farm research that complements small-plot field research work being conducted by North Carolina State Extension Programs. One protocol that local county Extension agents could implement last year was the North Carolina Soybean Growth Habit Comparison, which ultimately compared the two growth habits of soybeans, one being determinate growth and the other being indeterminate growth. Some background information behind this protocol appears to be that more early maturing soybean varieties are being planted by farmers, which has developed lots of questions as to which of the two unique growth habits will offer a possible yield advantage.

The research plot was planted with two different soybean varieties, one being Asgrow brand AG56XF2, and the other being Don Mario brand DM55F62 in 2024. Just for more reference, the Asgrow brand variety served as the determinate growth type, and the Don Mario brand variety served as the indeterminate growth type. The research plot, when planted, included strips of two varieties where yield data and other various in-season data points were collected.

Another thing to mention before diving into the results of this research plot is the 2024 growing season was a harsh year for crop growth. The planting season started out with wet soil conditions, which later turned into historic drought conditions almost through the month of August, until finally Tropical Storm events brough much-needed rainfall to finalize crop maturity. As a result of these weather conditions throughout the 2024 growing season, the research plot was harvested on November 19th, where the indeterminate growth variety averaged 51.3 bushels per acre, compared to the determinate growth variety averaging only 46.1 bushels per acre. Despite the indeterminate growth variety outyielding the determinate growth variety on average throughout the research plot, there in fact was no statistical difference between the two varieties in terms of an economic advantage for the farmer.

Despite the yield results showing no statistical difference in terms of the two growth habits of the soybean varieties planted in this research plot, we ultimately understand and recognize that farmers still have various questions about the advantages of indeterminate and determinate soybean growth. Therefore, this same research plot will be planted again for the 2025 growing season following the exact same principles. So stay tuned for more results coming!

Summer Art

Now that school is out, you may be looking for fun ways to keep the kids entertained this summer! Art is a great way to let the kids be creative while having fun! You don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money on art supplies. Use what you already have on hand to create an afternoon of fun! Try some of these fun art projects this summer! The best part is when they get messy, they can hose off outside and stay cool at the same time!

1. Water balloon painting- Fill water balloons with watered-down washable paint. Lay a large piece of white paper in the bottom of a kiddie pool. Let the kids throw the balloons and create their own splatter art!

2. Wildflower Suncatcher- Gather flowers from around your yard. Lay out a piece of wax paper or clear press- and-seal plastic wrap. Lay out your flowers to create your design and then top them with another piece of wax paper or plastic wrap. Lay a heavy book on top of them for 24 hours to press them. You can then glue popsicle sticks to create a frame and cut off the excess paper. Add a yarn hanger so you can hang them on a window to give you a sense of summer year-round!

3. Diecast Car Painting- Let the kids gather their diecast cars, trucks, and tractors. Put some washable paint into a paper plate. Roll out a long piece of white paper onto the porch or sidewalk. Let the kids run the wheels through the paint and then “drive” them across the paper to make designs. When they finish, they can have a car wash to clean them up!

4. Play Dough Fossils- Let the kids go on a nature walk and gather interesting items such as twigs, rocks, shells, feathers, acorns, leaves, and flowers. They can then press the items into play dough to make an imprint and create “fossils.”

5. Rock & Shell Painting- If your kids love gathering rocks and shells and have a collection of them laying around, try letting them paint them. They will need to use acrylic paint, so it won’t wash off of them, so wear old clothes or a smock to protect clothes. They can paint rocks to look like ladybugs, bees, frogs, and other animals. The shells can be painted, and you can even add rhinestones or glitter to them. They can then use them to decorate inside of flowerpots or in other outdoor spaces.

6. Frozen Toy Surprise- Fill a container with water and add small plastic toys and trinkets. You can even add a little bit of food coloring or glitter to make for a more dazzling appearance. Freeze it for several hours. Release the block of ice from the container onto a tray. Give the kids a screwdriver and a small hammer and let them “excavate” the block of ice to see what kinds of surprises are hiding inside!

Pizza Pocket

Check out this version of this easy handheld meal. Even better, it has all five groups!

Are you team pineapple on pizza or not?

Pizza Pocket

Makes 1 servings

Ingredients

• Non-stick cooking spray
• 1 whole wheat tortilla
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon crushed pineapple
• 1 tablespoon ham, diced
• 1 tablespoon low-fat mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Make a cut halfway up the tortilla.
2. Spread tomato sauce on the bottom left quarter of the tortilla.
3. Add the pineapple, ham, and cheese to separate quarters.
4. Fold the tomato sauce section up over the top quarter. Fold this double section to the right and then one final fold so you have a wedge.
5. Spray a pan or skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Add the tortilla wedge to the pan. Cook until golden brown and cheese is melted, flipping the tortilla at least once.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: 186 Calories, Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 2g, Protein 9g, Total Carbohydrate 26g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Sodium 473mg.

Stay Hydrated – Stay Safe

Feeling thirsty? If so, did you know you may already be dehydrated? In hot or humid weather, we need to make sure we get enough liquid to help lower our body temperature and to replace what we lose through sweating. Less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion are other symptoms of dehydration.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), it is important to drink water when it’s hot outside or when you’re doing physical activity. Consuming water provides your body with the ability to:

• Regulate normal temperature.
• Lubricate and cushions joints.
• Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.
• Rid waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

Don’t like the taste of water? Infused water may change your mind. Infused water is created by adding fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs to water. The best flavor is created by allowing the produce to sit in the water for several hours before serving. Many recipes are available for infused water, but they do not always mention how to prepare and store the water safely. Keep the water at or below 41°F. Temperature is the only reliable way to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Steps to Control Risk

1. Use good quality, unbruised produce. Bruised spots can introduce unwanted bacteria.
2. Wash hands thoroughly before preparing.
3. Rinse produce before adding it to water.
4. Use clean knives, prep surfaces, and containers while preparing produce.
5. Keep the temperature of infused water at or below 41ºF.

If infused water is kept out of the refrigerator, consider:

• Keeping enough ice in the water to keep the temperature at 41ºF or below. To test the temperature of the water, use a digital tip sensitive thermometer after preparing and note the time. Check the temperature at least every two hours, stirring the water first before testing to get an accurate measurement. If above 41ºF add ice as necessary to bring it down to 41ºF or below, stir, and test again.
• Allowing infused water to sit out at room temperature no more than 4 hours. This is only safe if the temperature started at or below 41ºF. Throw out the infusion after 4 hours at room temperature. Wash and sanitize the container before making a new infusion.

Sources: Mayo Clinic and NCSU Safe Plates

Strawberry Mint Water

Great for warm summer days, alongside a meal, or just to quench your thirst. Serve in a clear glass to show the vibrant colors of the fruit-infused water. Helpful tip: The longer you let this beverage chill in the fridge, the more flavor it will have.

Serves 8 | Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces) | Prep time: 5 minutes | Chill time: 30 minutes or more | Total time: 35 minutes or more.

• 1 cup strawberries, washed and halved
• 4 sprigs mint, washed
• 1 cup ice
• Water

Add halved strawberries to a 2-quart drinking pitcher. Slightly twist mint sprigs to release flavor and then add to the drinking pitcher. Top with ice and then add water. For more flavor, chill for 30 minutes or more before serving.

Nutrition Information per Serving: (Based on consumption of strawberries and mint) Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces). Vegetables: 0 cups. Fruits: ¼ cup. Calories: 6 calories. Carbohydrates: 1 gram. Fiber: 0 grams. Protein: 0 grams. Fat: 0 grams. Sodium: 10 mg

Source: Med Instead of Meds

Pressure Canner Testing

Now is the time to get your dial gauge pressure canner checked for accuracy before you begin your canning season. Please contact the extension office at 336.401.8025 to schedule an appointment. It just takes a few minutes and can make the difference in the safety and the shelf life of your home-processed canned foods. (You just need to bring the lid with the gauge attached. Not the whole canner.)