November 2025 Newsletter Mitchell County Cooperative Extension

Upcoming Events

Post Helene Water Quality Community Meeting - November 20th 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Extension Office Closed on Veterns Day, November 11th and for the Thanksgiving Holiday November 26th(at noon), 27th, and 28th

*See Website for Times and Details*

EFNEP Article

November is American Diabetes Month!

• Healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes not only helps to manage your blood glucose (blood sugar), but it also helps you have a better relationship with food
• Eating more non-starchy veggies (spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, ect.), opting for lean meats or plant-based proteins, choosing quality carbohydrates, and low-fat versions of cheeses and dressings, will all help you meet your health goals
• Click the link below to learn different ways to control diabetes in a healthy way!
• https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes

1. It's holiday season, so that means lots of delicious cooking! Make sure you are following the 4 Food Safety Rules CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK, AND CHILL.
2. Click the link to read a blog about a food safe holiday!
3. https://ncefnep.org/have-yourself-a-food-safe-holiday-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNksmtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrt4P3FMMK6nESMmryDJto32psDLfur6UQIIbOtItZ2Vzss7bi-7ERFFJFVE_aem_6oEdZw8siC5HAin0PT5AjQ

• Holiday Meals can be done on a budget if you shop smart. This year some stores have gotten on board with this and are offering "holiday bundles" for $40.
• Aldi “Feast for 10” Bundle https://www.aldi.us/products/thanksgiving/feast-for-10/k/259
• Walmart Thanksgiving Value Meal https://www.walmart.com/i/shoppable-lists/Thanksgiving-value-meal/929

With the government shutdown and the talk of Snap benefits not being available for this month, please use the resources in the your county. Go to food pantry's, local churches, food hubs. Do not go hungry, if you need help locating some resources call the office at 688-4811 and we will help you find a resource!

The holiday's is a great time for the family to get together and do some fun activities!

Some examples: Play games or sports outside, Enjoy nature, Cook together, Do crafts, Have a singing and dance party! All kinds of ways to be active and to keep those bodies moving.

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

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!

🦃 Turkey Day Prep

The turkey has traditionally been star of most Thanksgiving meals but in order to make sure the star is ready for their debut, you need to plan ahead. One of the biggest mistakes people make when preparing a frozen turkey for the first time is either not allowing enough time for it to thaw or thawing it improperly.

There are three approved methods for thawing your turkey safely. You can use your microwave, thaw in your refrigerator, or by using cold water. Thawing in the refrigerator is the safest method and also yields the best results. However, it also takes the most time. You need to allow around 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. Keep in mind that your turkey can safely remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days after thawing, so if you are worried build in a little buffer time for your piece of mind.

Never thaw a turkey on the counter. When a turkey is left out for more than 2 hours its temperature becomes unsafe. Although the center remains frozen the outside will reach an unsafe temperature. Germs grow rapidly in "danger zone", which includes temperatures between 40℉ and 140℉. No one wants a side of food poisoning with their meal, so be sure to thaw your turkey safely.

Mitchell County 4-H Young Livestock Program Spotlight

Mitchell County 4-H Young Livestock Club meets at 5 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month at the Extension Center in Bakersville. The age of the youth participants is 5-12. Members explore animal science concepts including species, basic care, animal identification, showmanship, anatomy and more!

For more information, please contact Erin Silver (erin_silver@ncsu.edu) or call us at 828-688-4811.

By: Erin Silver

CED/Agriculture

Soil Samples

Fall is the perfect time to take soil samples! Understanding what’s in your soil is one of the most important steps you can take toward improving plant health, maximizing yields, and saving money on fertilizers. A soil test reveals the pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter in your soil—helping you make informed decisions about lime and fertilizer applications for the upcoming growing season.

By testing your soil regularly (every two to three years), you can track changes in soil fertility, avoid over- or under-application of nutrients, and ensure your crops receive exactly what they need.

Don’t miss the free testing window!

Soil samples received by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Agronomic Division before November 27th are analyzed free of charge.

From November 27th through March 31st, a $4 per sample fee applies.

Collect your samples early and beat the rush! Sample boxes and forms are available at l Cooperative Extension - Mitchell County office, where staff can also assist with proper sampling techniques, submission and interpreting results.

Post-Helene Water Quality Report

Tractor Production Planning Meetings – Required for 2026 Sales

All vendors must participate in a Production Planning Meeting to be eligible to sell to TRACTOR in 2026. Meetings will begin in January and can be scheduled virtually or in person. We understand many of you like to plan early, so if you’d like to reserve your spot now, please reach out to Tractor at (828) 536-0126— scheduling will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mitchell County’s Extension Master Gardener program is expanding!

Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) are volunteers who engage the community through education and outreach and answer questions about all types of gardening. To prepare volunteers for this service, in-person attendance at a 12-week training is required. The training will take place in 2026.

Novice gardeners are as welcome to apply as are lifelong gardeners. Successful EMGs generally share three key attributes: 1) They are interested in gardening, 2) They are interested in learning, and 3) They enjoy sharing what they have learned with others.

Interested residents are invited to add their name to the list to receive more information as it becomes available. Call Kelli Grindstaff at 828-688-4811. Be sure to leave your name, a current email address and a phone number.