Upcoming Events
April 14th - Toecane Beekeepers Ribbon Cutting
April 15th - 4-H Presentation Orientation
April 24th - Chick to Chicken Orientation
*See Website for Details*
EFNEP Article
April is National Pecan Month
- Pecans have fiber, healthy fats, protein and more than 19 vitamins and minerals!
- Pecans are also low in carbs and sodium.
- Remember to eat them in moderation, a serving size is 1 oz ( usually 20 halves)
Use the MyPlate link below to look at recommendations for the 5 Food Groups for you and your family. Plus, other nutritional information!
https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan
Stretching is a great way to reduce stress and promote calmness! Stretching improves your flexibility, posture, blood flow, and could help prevent injuries. Try stretching for 2-3 times a week for at least 10 minutes.
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
April is Financial Literacy Month.
Take charge of your financial future with these ten essential tips for budgeting, saving, credit/debt, and financial knowledge.
UPCOMING CLASSES
The following classes will be held at the Mitchell County Senior Center at 12:30pm on the dates listed:
Wednesday April 30th - Getting to Know SNAP Wednesday May 7th - Getting to Know SNAP Online
Mitchell County 4-H Summer Fun 2025
It's that time of year again everyone! Registration for 2025 Summer Fun is open TODAY! You must come to the office to register and registration will not be held until spots are paid for. For full descriptions please visit our website!
Our lineup for this year includes:
- Jams and Jellies (5-7, 8-13)
- The Illumination Station (8-13)
- Lego Legends (8-13)
- Trip to the Hands-on Discovery Center in Gray TN (5-13)
- Kitchen Chemistry (8-13)
- Advanced Computer and Robotics (13-18)
- Cook Camp (5-7, 8-13)
- Sharp Shooters Camp (8-18)
- Christmas in July (5-7, 8-13)
- End of Summer BASH! (All Ages)
If you have questions or are interested in participating, please call the office at 828-688-4811, or you can email erin_silver@ncsu.edu or elnorton@ncsu.edu
CED/Agriculture
Those whom ordered plants from us may pick up your order Wednesday, April 9th or Thursday April 10th at Bowman Middle School. The hours are 9am - 4pm both days. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you.
On April 1st the NCDA opened applications for the Ag Crop Loss Program for those who experienced a verifiable loss of agriculture or aquaculture commodities or farm infrastructure as a result of a Presidential or Secretarial declared disaster (including contiguous counties) in 2024. you can access the application and IRS Form NC Sub W-9 at https://www.ncagr.gov/agdisaster You may also come by our office for assistance with this application.
What do you do with your damaged forest?
On Saturday, April 12th 10am -1pm at the Burnsville Town Center, EcoForesters are partnering with Blue Ridge Resource Conservation & Development, Southern Blue Ridge Prescribed Burn Association, NC Forest Service and Cooperative Extension to present resources available to landowners for:
- Wildfire Mitigation
- Debris Removal and Forest Mulching
- Forest Restoration
- Non-native Species Control
- Stream Restoration
- Landslide Seeding
To register go to www.ecoforesters.org/outreach-events
Weed Control in Pastures
What and Why?
Weeds grow at a more rapid pace than desired grasses. In doing so, they “snuff-out” the grasses in pastures by taking up the soil’s nutrients and shading the immature grasses from much needed sunlight. This decrease in growth of desired grasses contributes to Livestock not adequately growing and gaining, decreasing overall profits.
Where?
Weeds thrive in areas where soil is compacted or disturbed. Areas such as high traffic areas, holding pens, feeding and water areas, and shelter areas, become the most densely populated with weeds. Once the weeds mature, they release seeds and spread to other parts of the pasture by wind, birds, or even on the hair or hooves of the livestock; thus, making the pasture become more populated with non-nutritious weeds.
How and when to control?
The opportune time to control weeds is when the plants are in an immature stage of life. This is when the weeds reach 4-6 inches in height for most species. At this stage, the weeds have leaf growth but are still vulnerable. It is suggested that at this stage, an herbicide be used that best fits the weed species, desired pasture species, and the livestock operation. This stage typically occurs around mid to late-April in this area. Proper timing depends greatly on weather and temperature. If temperatures are lower, the timing may need to be later in April or May.
When timing is ideal, most herbicides are administered through a spraying technique. The herbicide is sprayed over all species of grass and weed throughout the pasture. The Herbicide then attacks the broad leaf species, killing the plant. Knowing what desired forage species are present in a pasture before an herbicide cab be chosen is crucial to the success of the herbicide. If a desired species is considered a broad leaf, the herbicide will attack this plant too, eliminating it.
Benefits.
Killing weeds in a pasture will allow the desired species of grasses to grow and thrive, providing livestock with much needed nutrition. This optimal nutrition will increase the growth and gains of an animal, increasing the quality of product and profitability of an operation.
Credits:
Created with images by Elizabeth C. Waters - "sunrise over farm" • Patrick Jennings - "Grazing Cows" • astrosystem - "Farmer working and picking blueberries on a organic farm - modern business concept."