Extension News October 2024

Amanda Gann

4-H Youth Development, Agent

It’s 4-H Fundraiser Time!

National 4-H week is held annually during the first week of October. This year, it will be held October 7th through the 12th. This is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our 4-H’ers and for alumni to share how 4-H helped to shape them into the person they are. This is also when the fall Paper Clover Campaign is held at Tractor Supply stores around the country. When customers visit a Tractor Supply store, they can purchase one or more Paper Clovers for $1 each. They can then write their name on the clover to be displayed in the store to show their support. We are very fortunate to have two stores in Surry County, one in Elkin and the other in Mount Airy. The money raised at these stores during the Paper Clover Campaign is placed in a fund set aside for our Surry County 4-H’ers. This money helps to provide scholarships for youth to attend 4-H Summer Camp and leadership development opportunities, such as 4-H Congress. We hope that you will visit one of our Tractor Supply stores during this week and make a donation to support our 4-H’ers!

Another way that you can support our Surry County 4-H programs is by purchasing items during our annual Dewey’s Bakery fundraiser. The fundraiser will kick off on Monday, October 7th, and run through Friday, October 25th. Items available for purchase include the famous thin and crispy Moravian style cookies in a variety of flavors, sugar cakes topped with cinnamon and sugar, cheese straws, as well as cake cups, which are a portable way to enjoy your favorite flavor of cake from Dewey’s Bakery. All items are priced at $10 each, and Surry County 4-H receives a 50% profit from each item sold. Items will be ready for pick up on Friday, November 1st, just in time for the holidays. All of the cookies and cheese straws come wrapped in airtight packaging and will stay fresh for weeks. They make the perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, friends, family…or to enjoy yourself throughout the holiday season! Sugar cakes and cake cups are delivered fresh. If you would like to save them for later, you can simply freeze them to preserve their freshness, and then thaw them when you are ready to serve them! All of the money raised during our Dewey’s Bakery fundraiser supports our local 4-H programs. These include materials for our clubs, providing afterschool programs for our youth, providing monthly enrichment programs for homeschooling families in our community, providing school enrichment programs to schools across our county, as well as providing materials for our Summer Fun programs. To place an order, you may see a local 4-H’er or call or stop by the Extension Office to place an order. We hope that you will consider supporting Surry County 4-H during our fall fundraisers! We appreciate your support, as it helps us to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of our youth in Surry County!

Bailey Wood

Agriculture - Agent Livestock

Beef’s Role in a Healthy and Sustainable Diet

One thing that makes beef great is that it can be a part of both sustainability and a healthy diet. Beef cattle and other ruminant animals consume plants that we are unable to eat and upcycle those nutrients into nutrient dense beef that we are able to consume and that we enjoy eating! Many times, cattle are also able to utilize land that is unsuitable for other types of agricultural production. Beef cattle eat a variety of grasses and can also utilize by-products from various plant-food productions, like beet-pulp or cottonseed hulls. By eating things that would otherwise be wasted, cattle turn these products into high-quality protein products. Speaking of high-quality protein, that is not the only health benefit from beef products. Three ounces of cooked beef provide 10 essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Beef products can even be a part of a heart healthy diet along with eating a variety of nutritious foods, including an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. There are even 9 cuts of extra lean beef that carry the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check certification, including favorites like extra lean ground beef (96% lean, 4% fat), Bottom Round Steak (USDA Select grade), and Top Sirloin Steak (Boneless, Center Cut, USDA Select grade). More than half the fatty acids found in beef are monounsaturated fatty acids, the same type of healthy fat found in avocados and olive oil and about one-third of beef’s saturated fat is stearic acid, the same fat recognized as beneficial in chocolate for its neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels. Beef also pairs perfectly with many fruits and vegetables, helping you get a wide variety of nutrients into your diet! Check out the link below for how to make beef pot roast with cider gravy and maple sweet potatoes, perfect for fall as the weather gets cooler!

Sources:

https://www.kansasbeef.org/health-wellness/surprising-facts-about-beef-and-heart-health https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/raising-beef/beef-in-a-sustainable-diet

Amanda Royall

EFNEP - Youth Program Assistant

Food Facts

Cutting Through The Fat

  • Polyunsaturated fats - lowers total blood cholesterol. It is found in fish, margarine, and vegetable oils such as corn and sunflower oil.
  • Saturated fat- raises blood cholesterol. It is found in animal products and coconut and palm and palm kernel oils.
  • Monounsaturated fat: research shows this type of fat may lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol while raising “good” (HDL) cholesterol. It is found in olive oil and canola oil.
  • All fat adds calories to your diet. Limit your fat intake.

Seydel Cropps

EFNEP - Extension Program Associate

Carmen Long

Family and Consumer Sciences, Area Agent

Fall Pantry Pointers

Have you ever given thought to how important your pantry is? How long do you spend every week to check what you have stored?

Your pantry can be your greatest ally when it comes to storing food properly and making sure that what you buy lasts longer. Shelf-stable items, for example, are a great addition to any pantry throughout the year. Shelf-stable refers to foods that can be stored safely at room temperature. Choosing to purchase shelf-stable items is a great strategy for both your food budget and your meal planning.

Three pantry staple items that you may want to have in your pantry at home are milk, canned chicken, and dry lentils.

Milk

Milk is a versatile and essential ingredient in many households, used in everything from breakfast cereals to baking. However, fresh milk can be a challenge for those who live alone or are on a tight budget, particularly when it comes to storage and spoilage concerns.

Many of us grew up with dried or powdered milk in our cabinets. If you have gone down the cereal aisle, you may have noticed a newer dairy product-boxed milk. Shelf-stable powdered or boxed milk makes it easier to keep a stocked food supply than milk from the dairy case.

Traditional milk is heated up to at least 161 degrees for 15 seconds to kill harmful bacteria in the milk. This is the pasteurization process to kill bacteria.

Shelf-stable boxed milk, or aseptic milk, is still the dairy beverage we know, but the pasteurization process is a little different. Shelf-stable milk uses ultra-high temperature pasteurization, or UHT pasteurization. UHT involves heating the milk to between 270 and 280 degrees for about two seconds and then quickly chilled. Following the ultra-high temperature pasteurization, the shelf-stable milk is put into an airtight container and sealed to contain the freshness.

Shelf-stable milk can be stored unopened in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cabinet, for up to 6 months. Make sure to check the container’s packaging for the date. Once you are ready to use it, make sure you put the opened container in the fridge to keep it fresh. After it is opened, drink the milk within 7 days.

Shelf-stable milk retains the same nutritional benefits as refrigerated milk. Whether you choose whole or low-fat options, you can be confident that you’re not compromising on nutritional value. More companies are offering non-dairy alternatives in shelf stable options as well.

Shelf-stable milk is a budget-friendly, versatile, and convenient pantry staple that can help you save money and reduce waste.

Canned Chicken

Canned chicken offers the convenience of fully cooked chicken without having to turn on the stove or sacrificing nutritional value.

One of the biggest advantages of canned chicken is its long shelf life. Unlike fresh poultry, which needs to be consumed or frozen within a few days, canned chicken can sit in your pantry for months, ready to be used whenever you need it. This reduces waste and ensures you always have a protein option on hand.

Canned chicken is fully cooked and ready to eat, which saves you time in the kitchen. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to casseroles and sandwiches. The broth in the can of chicken can be added to your recipe if you are making a soup or casserole that calls for added liquid. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or preparing a hearty dinner, canned chicken fits seamlessly into your meal plan.

Dry Lentils

When it comes to budget-friendly and nutritious food options, dry lentils are a standout choice. These small legumes pack a powerful punch in terms of both health benefits and culinary versatility. If you are looking for a plant-based alternative to eating and cooking meat, try out lentils.

Dry lentils are incredibly inexpensive compared to other protein sources like meat and even some other legumes. A small investment can yield a large quantity of cooked lentils, making them a cost-effective option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, dry lentils have a long shelf life, allowing you to buy in bulk without worrying about them spoiling.

Lentils can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and casseroles. Their mild flavor allows them to absorb the spices and seasonings of any recipe, making them an excellent base for a variety of cuisines.

Unlike some other dried legumes, lentils do not require soaking before cooking. They cook relatively quickly, usually within 20-30 minutes, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights. They also come in various types-such as green, brown, red, and black—each with unique flavors and textures to suit different dishes. Try this recipe from USDA MyPlate for Lentil Stew for a quick and easy fall meal.

Lentil Stew

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 onion (large, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 10-ounce packages of frozen sliced carrots or 2 ½ cups of fresh sliced carrots
  • 1 cup dry lentils (rinsed and drained)
  • 3 cans diced tomatoes, low-sodium (14.5 ounces each)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or to taste

Directions

1. Wash hands with soap and water.

2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.

3. Add chopped onion.

4. Cook for 3 minutes, or until tender.

5. Stir in garlic powder, carrots, lentils, tomatoes, water, and chili powder.

6. Simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.

More In My Basket

If you would like to find more tips about how to store your food, how to use SNAP benefits in North Carolina, or if you are interested in learning new and healthy recipes, visit the More In My Basket website at morefood.org.

This NC State Extension program also offers SNAP application assistance. For more information or to set up an appointment, call 1-855-240-1451 for English and 1-888-382-7105 for Spanish.

Sources:

https://thedairyalliance.com/blog/5-questions-about-aseptic-milk-and-pasteurized-milk?rq=shelf%20stable%20milk https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-shelf-stable-milk https://www.dairydiscoveryzone.com/blog/shelf-stable-aseptic-milk-everything-you-need-know https://www.campbellsfoodservice.com/product/white-premium-chunk-chicken-breast-with-rib-meat-in-water/ https://www.tastingtable.com/1534312/canned-chicken-brands-ranked https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/lentils/ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=76&contentid=16370-1

Ryan Coe

Agriculture - Field Crops, Area Agent

Surry County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Every year, Surry County Public Works, in partnership with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center, conducts a collection event for any household hazardous materials for proper disposal. The next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event for the county has been scheduled for October 26th. The event will take place at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Mount Airy from 9 a.m. until around 2 p.m.

Some of the items that will be accepted at the upcoming collection event include paints or paint strippers, thinners, weed killers or pesticides, solvents, drain solvents, gasoline, oils, acids, and pool chemicals. The event is free and open to any Surry County resident, but no commercial waste materials will be accepted. For more information, feel free to contact Surry County Public Works at 336-401-8376.

Program Dates and Time

October Horticulture Workshops: "Awesome Amaryllis"

Join Extension Master Gardener volunteers during our October “Awesome Amaryllis” workshop. Participants will need to bring a clean, sterilized container 6-8 inches in diameter and no more than 8 inches in depth. Containers may be plastic, metal, ceramic, or terracotta, but must have one or more drainage holes. All are welcome. Registration is required.

Call specific locations to register

October 17, 2024 - 2:00 pm Mount Airy Senior Center (336-415-4225)

October 24, 2024 - 1:00 pm Pilot Senior Center (336-368-2012 Ext. 1052)

Extension At Home, Budgeting For The Holidays, Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 12:00

Have you registered in 4-H Online for 2024? 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.