Extension News

March Employee Spotlight

Melanie Billings, Secretary

Meet the Face of Our Front Office

If you’ve called our office or stopped by the window on Wednesdays or Thursdays, you’ve likely been greeted by a familiar, friendly face. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Melanie Billings, our secretary and receptionist, who has been a cornerstone of the NC Cooperative Extension-Surry Center team for five years.

The Heart of the Office

For our featured staff member, no two days are ever the same, and that’s exactly how she likes it. Whether she’s answering complex inquiries over the phone or assisting clients at the front window, she finds her greatest joy in supporting the vital work Extension does for our community.

"I love helping our agents and volunteers be their most successful," she says. "Each day brings something new."

While she’s proud of every project she touches, it’s the personal connections that make her job truly rewarding. Her philosophy is simple: she finds inspiration in almost everyone she meets.

From Science Labs to English Gardens

Beyond the front desk, there is much more than meets the eye! Here are a few things you might not know about her:

• A Second Act: Before joining Extension, she spent her career as a high school science teacher.
• The "Rock" of the Family: She is an avid geologist at heart and has been collecting rocks most of her life. You can find pieces of her collection scattered across her house, in her garden, and even on her desk.
• Anglophile at Heart: She is a "huge" fan of British gardening. If she could jump on a plane tomorrow, she’d be headed for a tour of the castles and gardens across England, Scotland, and Ireland.
• Off the Clock: When she isn’t at the office, you’ll likely find her in her own garden, curled up with a "cozy" murder mystery, or enjoying a warm bowl of her favorite comfort food: homemade vegetable soup.

Next time you’re in the office, be sure to say hello and maybe ask her about her latest garden find or her favorite rock specimen!

Build Your Own Dressing

Serving Size: 1 teaspoon Ingredients

• Choose 3 tablespoons of acid
• Lemon juice
• Rice vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Sherry vinegar
• Balsamic vinegar
• White wine vinegar
• Cider vinegar
• Choose ½ cup or less oil
• Olive oil
• Safflower oil
• Canola oil
• Vegetable oil
• Choose ½ teaspoon add-ins
• Herbs
• Spices
• Dijon mustard
• Minced shallots
• Minced garlic
• Parmesan cheese

Directions 1. Place all ingredients in a jar or plastic container and shake to mix together. 2. Store in the refrigerator. Separation is normal. Shake or stir prior to using. Try these great combinations: Lemon Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ tablespoon oregano

Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ tablespoon oregano

Source: Cooking with EFNEP

Nutrition Month - Making Healthier Choices for Your Eating Habits

  Though it may be common knowledge that healthy eating should be a part of your meal planning, it can be a challenge to find the right information to follow. Try these tips on how to eat healthier, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fruits

If you already include fruits in your diet but struggle to branch out beyond apples, bananas, and grapes, try mango, pineapple, and kiwi or other fruits you don’t normally eat. Add new fruits to your cereal, yogurt, or fruit salad.   The good news is that frozen, fresh, or canned fruits are all great choices. Remember canned fruits may contain added sugars or syrups. Look for fruit varieties that come packed in water or the fruits’ own juice.

Vegetables

Add a variety of vegetables to your salads or side dishes. If you choose to grill or steam them, add herbs and spices (such as Italian seasoning or pepper) to give the vegetables flavor. You can also sauté (pan-fry) your vegetables using a small amount of cooking spray. Frozen and canned vegetables may be less expensive than fresh while retaining the same nutrients as their fresh counterparts. But just like fruits, look for options without added salt, butter, or cream sauces.

Meats

If you enjoy adding meat to your diet, choose leaner cuts such as chicken breast or white-fleshed fish. Remove any visible fat from the meat before cooking and bake or grill instead of frying. Cooking with unsaturated oils (olive, sunflower, and rapeseed) is also a plus.   Avoid processed meats, such as salami, sausages, and bacon, as much as possible. Swapping red meats for fish, chicken, and turkey is also a great idea.   If you need another protein replacement, consider purchasing chickpeas, beans or lentils.

Reducing Sodium Intake

Consuming too much sodium may elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. When grocery shopping, look for packaged foods labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium” or “no salt added.”   The Nutrition Facts label on product packaging will provide all the sodium information you need. Check the amount of sodium per serving (as well as the number of servings per container), then choose the option with the lowest amount of sodium.   When it comes to fresh items, check if saline or salt solutions have been added to the product. If so, find another brand without these. You can also ask your grocer if they have a low-sodium shopping list available.   When cooking at home, reduce the amount of salt used in your meals. Some alternatives to adding salt to recipes are using garlic, citrus juice, and salt-free seasonings and spices. Avoid sauces, mixes and instant products that are flavored with salt.

Comfort Foods

Eating healthier does not have to mean eating things you don’t like. You can still enjoy comfort foods even if they are high in calories, fat or sugars if you do so occasionally, not every day.   Besides eating comfort foods less often, you should also eat smaller amounts of these types of food or look for lower-calorie versions of that product. For example, in a macaroni and cheese recipe that calls for whole milk, butter, and full-fat cheese, you can remake it by using nonfat milk, less butter, and low-fat cheese. Adding spinach, tomatoes, or any of your other vegetables will also help balance the meal.   By taking these easy steps, you can make a big difference in the foods you are consuming every week. Combine that with some exercising and you will be working toward a healthier lifestyle for yourself as well as your family.   Each of the healthy swaps listed above can be done with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. If you are interested in applying for SNAP and live in North Carolina, reach out to the More in My Basket Team at https://morefood.org or by calling their toll-free phone 1-855-240-1451.

Sources:  https://www.cdc.gov/salt/reduce-sodium-intake/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/salt/reduce_sodium_tips.htm  

Programs

Diabetes & You

Extension at Home

March SHIIP

Spring Gardens

With longer days and temperatures on the rise, March is a great time to begin thinking about your spring gardens! It’s a great opportunity to get your children involved in the planning process. Draw out a plot and design your gardens or flower beds now. Talk about whether your gardens will be in full sun, partial sun, or shade and which plants will grow best there. It is also a good time to test your soil and add any needed nutrients. Though it is still too cold for most vegetable and flower plants outdoors, you can start your seeds indoors using materials you likely already have. Rotisserie chicken containers, strawberry containers, or any clear clamshell-type food containers can be great for a mini greenhouse! Just layer a couple of inches of seed starting mix, sprinkle your seeds, gently cover them, and moisten the soil with a spray bottle. Then close the lid of the container and place it in a sunny windowsill. Kids can even enjoy decorating the outside with markers. Check your soil every few days to ensure that it is moist. Within a week or two, your seeds should have germinated, and the kids will have seedlings to care for. By the time the weather warms to allow for transplanting your plants outdoors, you should have nice mature plants with strong roots.  As an added bonus, all of the public libraries in Surry County now have seed libraries! This is a project completed by our Surry County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. You may take 3 packets of seeds at no cost each time you visit the library! This would be a great hands-on learning opportunity for your children! After you have selected your seeds, ask the librarian about children’s books on gardening or to go along with the type of seeds you will be planting. Happy gardening!      

Programs

Check out our Surry County 4-H Facebook page for new updates and programs.

4-H Camp

Have you registered in 4-H Online? If not, now is the time! All youth must be registered for this calendar year before they can attend club meetings, participate in enrichment programs, register for Summer Fun, or attend 4-H camp. Don’t miss out on the fun! The enrollment process should take less than 15 minutes to complete. If you have questions, feel free to contact Amanda Gann at (336) 401-8025 or agann@ncsu.edu.

Selecting for Improved Productivity and Adaptability in Fescue Environments

An extensive area of the southeastern U.S. is widely known among cattle producers as the Fescue Belt, where most pastures are dominated by endophyte-infected tall fescue. This forage shares a relationship with an endophytic fungus that produces ergot alkaloid compounds. While these alkaloids help the plant tolerate drought, frost, pests and heavy grazing pressure, they cause a disease in livestock known as fescue toxicosis. Symptoms include decreased feed intake and growth rate, reduced reproductive performance, elevated respiration and body temperature, and reduced blood flow to the extremities. Retention of the winter hair coat is another negative effect that increases susceptibility to heat stress during the summer. Considering these challenges, it pays for producers to periodically evaluate the performance of their herd, set minimum production standards and use clear selection strategies to move their herd in the right direction. Most beef operations in the Fescue Belt are commercial cow-calf farms that market weaned calves as their primary product. For these operations, selection strategies should be designed around three goals: stronger performance, higher productivity and improved profitability. These goals should be supported by accurate and reliable records, as the decisions will only be as good as the information upon which they are based. An effective record-keeping system clearly defines the production and financial data to track, how often to collect it, and how to keep it consistent and accurate over time. When records are well organized and user-friendly, they not only guide day-to-day decisions but also improve decision-making during challenging conditions, such as drought or high feed costs, and help producers obtain greater profits on favorable cattle markets. For cattle to thrive in the Fescue Belt, they need traits that improve tolerance to heat stress and fescue toxicosis, maximizing their adaptability and productivity. At North Carolina State University, researchers developed and promoted a data-driven approach called the "fescue toxicosis selection method" (FTSM) to classify animals as either tolerant or susceptible to fescue toxicosis. The FTSM focuses on monitoring changes in bodyweight, body condition scores and hair shedding scores in grazing cattle throughout the spring, when exposure to higher concentrations of ergot alkaloids in fescue pastures typically occurs. During this period, susceptible cattle often show lower bodyweights and body condition scores, along with higher hair shedding scores because they retain more of their winter hair coat. In contrast, tolerant animals stand out in the herd with greater weight gains and body condition scores, and lower hair shedding scores compared to susceptible cows (Figure 1). Research has also shown that cows that begin shedding their winter hair coat earlier in the spring tend to wean heavier calves. For this reason, producers should start recording these traits early in the spring and continue monitoring them into the summer. Cows that do not begin shedding until the summer, as well as those that fail to shed at all, should be removed from the herd.

For selecting cows and replacement heifers, reproductive efficiency is one of the primary factors to consider. Fescue toxicosis reduces blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which may lower progesterone concentrations, complicating pregnancy establishment and increasing the risk of abortion. Regular estrous cycles and acceptable pregnancy rates serve as good indicators of cows that are better adapted to the fescue environment. In practical terms, every female retained in the herd should conceive early in the breeding season, deliver a live and healthy calf, rebreed within 80 to 90 days after calving and wean a calf weighing roughly half of her own bodyweight. Females that fail to meet these parameters should be closely evaluated because they raise maintenance costs, complicate herd management and raise daughters that may inherit similar deficiencies. Functionality traits should also be included in selection criteria because they directly impact both the productivity and longevity of cows in the herd. In endophyte-infected pastures located on steep slopes or extensive areas, cows should have strong feet and legs to support movement during grazing periods. The soundness of eyes, mouth and udder should be carefully examined, as problems in any of these areas can reduce a cow’s ability to raise a calf, as well as increase management needs and production costs. Disposition and docility should also be considered, as cows with aggressive behavior complicate routine management tasks and pose a risk to the people involved in these activities. The same selection mindset should carry over to bulls and artificial insemination (A.I.) sires. Whether using A.I. or natural service, sires should be registered, backed by reliable pedigrees and supported by complete expected progeny differences (EPDs). For operations in the Fescue Belt, Calving Ease (CE), Weaning Weight (WW) and Yearling Weight (YW) EPDs remain important because they influence both weaned market calves and replacement heifers. For producers using Angus genetics, Hair Shed (HS), Foot Angle (Angle) and Claw Set (Claw) EPDs are additional tools that support structural soundness and heat and fescue adaptability in the Southeastern environment. In conclusion, implementing effective selection strategies in beef operations located in fescue environments can significantly improve both productivity and profitability. Adopting a data-driven approach, such as the FTSM, helps identify cattle that maintain high performance and productivity despite exposure to fescue toxicosis, while also increasing the likelihood that their offspring will inherit traits that promote adaptability to these conditions. For these efforts to succeed, ensure the decisions rely on accurate record-keeping systems, as outcomes are only as reliable as the data behind them.

Beef Meeting

The Surry County Cattlemen's Association hosted Dr. Benjamin Rajo, a livestock specialist from NCSU who is stationed at the Mountain Research Station. Dr. Rajo presented research on how to identify desired genetics in cattle to help tolerate fungus associated with Kentucky-31 fescue through winter coat evaluation. Thank you to Dr. Rajo and our Surry County Cattlemen's Association for this well-attended program.

Programs

Small Ruminant

Understanding Forage

Pasture and Field Weeds

Ropes, Knots, & Mechanical Advantage for Large Animal Rescue

(FOR-PEART-02)

Scheduled for April 9- 8 am – 12 pm

This course is being offered through Emergency Management and may be helpful to livestock producers. It is not unusual for animals to find themselves in sticky situations from time to time. This may include an animal getting their head stuck in a tree knot or feeder. If you have had animals for any amount of time, you probably have experienced this. This course will help participants identify potential hazards and review equipment, communication signals, knots, hitches, and bends, as well as mechanical advantage systems and building drag systems that could help prevent some of the predicaments animals find themselves in. This will be a hands-on class. The class will be held at the Forsyth County Fire Department at 3000 Aviation Drive in Winston-Salem in the Training Room. Registration is required. To register, go to https://terms.ncem.gov/TRS/courseDesc.do?sourcePage=courseSearch&cofId=180058.

Upcoming Specialized Pesticide Recertification Trainings

On March 11th at the Yadkin County Agricultural Building, there will be various specialized pesticide recertification training for private pesticide applicators. Starting at 9 am that morning there will be a private pesticide commodity fumigation training for private pesticide applicators that have added the commodity fumigation endorsement onto their private license. Due to current North Carolina Department of Agriculture regulations, it is now required that any private pesticide applicator have the commodity fumigation category added onto their private license in order to purchase and use various commodity fumigant products within grain bins. The commodity fumigation training will be required for private pesticide applicators to achieve every three years, just like their typical private pesticide credits. Therefore, any private pesticide applicator that is up for renewal in the year 2026 and needs to receive credit for the commodity fumigation training should make plans to be in attendance at this training. Also provided on March 11th at the Yadkin County Agricultural Building, shortly following the private pesticide commodity fumigation training, there will also be a Paraquat recertification training held for folks with an active private pesticide license. Due to the recent label changes around Paraquat, or any herbicide product containing the active ingredient of Paraquat Dichloride, the United States Environmental Protection Agency requires any person who wishes to use these products to go through additional recertification training every three years. In-person Paraquat recertification training courses can be offered locally through North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Attendees must successfully complete the in-person Paraquat training material, along with passing the associated exam with a 100%. Plus, North Carolina Department of Agriculture pesticide licensing credits of N, O, D, and X will also be available to attendees. If you are interested in attending either of these specialized pesticide recertification training courses or simply have questions about either of these newer pesticide product regulations, please call 336-401-8025 for more information.

Spotted Lanternfly

  

RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed an established presence of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Davidson, Rowan, and Caswell counties, bringing the total number of counties where established populations of this destructive pest have been found in the state to seven. Breeding populations have been found along Interstate 85 and I-285 corridors through Davidson County and as far south as Salisbury in Rowan County. It is likely these originated from populations established in Forsyth and Guilford counties. Separate infested areas were found in the Pelham area of Caswell County, which is connected by U.S. Highway 29 to infestations in Danville, Va. and Reidsville and Winston-Salem.   Survey and response efforts are ongoing at the recently identified sites.   “NCDA&CS has ramped up surveillance statewide since this pest was first detected in Kernersville in 2022. That has led to additional findings of established populations in Caldwell and Rockingham counties in the spring of 2025 and now findings in Caswell, Davidson, and Rowan counties,” said Dr. Bill Foote, director of the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division.   This pest has been rapidly spreading since it was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has now been found in all states that border North Carolina.   “Spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to the state’s wine and grape industries and can feed and cause damage to over 100 species of plants, including fruit trees, maples, and other common plants. They lack effective natural enemies in the U.S., and populations of this pest grow quickly, often becoming a nuisance.” Foote said.   These insects often hitchhike to new areas on vehicles and equipment stored outdoors and can be moved any time of year. The egg masses they lay in autumn survive harsh winters to hatch in early spring – sometimes in new locations if moved by an unsuspecting person.   “Spotted lanternflies like to feed high in the treetops, but they are not good at telling the difference between a truck tire and a tree trunk,” said Amy Michael, entomological programs manager. “Taking a moment to check your person and vehicle for insects or egg masses and removing any you see goes a long way in preventing lanternflies from spreading. Squishing or scraping now can save you a lot of pest control later.”   Surveys conducted by the Plant Industry Division are expected to continue year-round in infested counties to determine if the pest is in additional locations. Treatments for spotted lanternflies are conducted by licensed NCDA&CS operators from April through October each year. Sites that have a high likelihood of spreading the pest to new areas, such as commercial properties and lots under development, are prioritized for treatment. Residents seeking management recommendations are encouraged to reach out to their county’s Cooperative Extension Office at https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/.   “Early detection and rapid response are critical in the control of spotted lanternfly,” Foote said. “Increased public awareness and reporting allowed NCDA&CS to find and respond to these new populations swiftly and efficiently in 2025.”

If you see a suspect spotted lanternfly or spotted lanternfly egg mass in North Carolina, please submit a picture through the online reporting tool at https://www.ncagr.gov/SLF

Congratulations AgVentures Grant Recipients

The NC AgVentures Farm Grant Program, an NC State Extension initiative, provides competitive grants to North Carolina family farms and local nonprofit community organizations to support innovative agricultural projects that increase farm profitability. This year, 250 applications were submitted from across the state, making the competition especially strong. We are proud to congratulate Surry County’s 2026 grant recipients - Jay Hill of Jay Hill Farm, Darrell Merritt of Merritt Farms, and Nadine Patterson of Bramble and Butterfly, LLC - on this outstanding achievement and their commitment to strengthening local agriculture.

College Scholarship Opportunity

Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Surry County are accepting applications for their 2026 Horticulture Scholarship. Students who will attend or are attending college in the fall in a horticulture or agriculture-related field are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is valued at $2,000. Detailed information and application forms are available from the Extension website www.surry.ces.ncsu.edu or by contacting Extension at 336.401.8025. The application deadline is May 1.

February Master Gardener Meeting

Master Gardener volunteers of Surry County enjoyed Dr. Alison Northup, owner of Piedmont Plants Nursery, as she presented on the importance of genetic diversity for native plant survival at the February Master Gardener volunteers of Surry meeting. We cannot wait to visit her nursery in Rural Hall!

Beekeeper School

Close to 40 folks came out on Tuesday, February 19th, to participate in class 2 of the 2026 Bee School taught by our Surry County Beekeepers Association. Thank you, Davie Simpson, President, for sharing your bee expertise.

Programs

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Horticulture Workshops Scheduled for March

Seed Starting

Ready, Set, Grow! Starting seeds indoors gives you a jump start on spring flowers and vegetables. Let us show you how! Come join in the fun be prepared to get dirty. *All supplies will be provided.   Friday, March 20                  10:30 am                   Charles H Stone Memorial Library Tuesday, March 31              6:00 pm                     Surry Extension Office Dobson   Registration is required. Call the Extension Center at 336.401.8025 to register.

Pitcher Plants vs. Pesticides

Participants will learn a pesticide-free way to control garden pests. Participants will learn how to plant and maintain a pitcher plant. *All supplies will be provided.   Thursday, March 12 2:00 pm Mount Airy Senior Center (336-415-4225) Thursday, March 19 2:00 pm Mount Airy Public Library (336-789-5108) Thursday, March 26 1:00 pm Pilot Mountain Senior Center (336-368-3803) Registration is required. Call the location of your choice to register.