Controlling Algae in Livestock Water Tanks
Livestock producers who water their animals in water tanks often battle with algae buildup during the summer months. Algae growth is just a nuisance and some algae are toxic. So what can producers do?
First, it's a good idea to clean the tanks periodically. It is often tough to empty them for cleaning, so some forethought into allowing them to run dry is often the first step. Some tanks have built in drains and can be emptied in this fashion. If no drain is present, simply turning the water off and allowing the stock to drink the tank dry is often easier than turning the tank over and dumping the water. A stiff brush with a long handle will ease the task of cleaning the tank and is a real time and back saver. Scrub the sides and bottom and rinse thoroughly to reduce algae buildup, and impede its development.
Producers can utilize chemical products to kill algae. There many commercial products designed and formulated to kill, or reduce algal growth in both tanks and ponds. Copper sulfate is one such product and can be used in water tanks. There are formulations on the market that are effective for this purpose. You can buy copper sulfate and mix your own as well, however, care must be given to achieve the correct parts per million in a particular water tank volume. There are guidelines available and Cooperative Extension can provide more information on this process. Copper sulfate is highly corrosive, so exposing metal tanks or pipes to this mixture can shorten the life of both pipes and tanks so keep exposure to a minimum. Using copper sulfate to treat algae growth can be harmful to sheep as they are not tolerant of high copper levels, so use caution with sheep.
Common, unscented household bleach also works as an algaecide. By adding 2-3oz. of bleach per 50 gallons of water, producers can reduce algae problems in livestock watering tanks. Done properly, both of these treatments are safe for livestock, and animals need not be withdrawn, however, keep in mind these treatments are probably more effective if given time to maintain concentration for a few minutes.
With a few minutes devoted each week to stock tank maintenance, producers can provide their animals a clean source of water free of algal growth, and who knows, it could also boost livestock performance.
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Pests of the Vegetable Garden Workshop
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Morganton Ace Hardware
10:00 am
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Cloverbud Science Day - Summer Fun!
Monday, June 10th
9:00am - 12:00 noon
Youth will enjoy hands-on activities while learning about physical, earth and life sciences through activities developed specifically for this age group. Activities may include bubble mania, air racing, super seeds and creepy crawling things. Register at our office Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 4:30.
Cost of the Class is $10 (plus one-time registration fee of $10)
Class is limited to 15 participants
Ages 5-9
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Tomato Trivia
Tomatoes are an interesting crop. Folks used to think they were poisonous-can you imagine that? Originating in Peru they were taken to Mexico where explorers found them in the 1400s and introduced them to Europe. They first came to the U.S in the early 1800s but were not eaten because they were rumored to be poisonous. For many years they were simply grown because they were pretty!
In the 1600s the French named the tomato "pomme d'amour" or love apple because they believed it had aphrodisiac properties. Aphrodisiac or not, the American public has developed a love affair with the tomato. Each American eats an average of 22-24 pounds of tomatoes per year. It is most often consumed as catsup or tomato sauce and 13 percent of all Americans grow tomatoes in a garden.
China is the largest producer of tomatoes with the U.S. coming in at number 2, followed by Turkey, India and Egypt. California is the leader in processed tomatoes (96%) and Florida is number 1 in fresh tomato production.
The USDA reports that there are 25,000 varieties of tomatoes in the world. The heaviest tomato ever grown was in Oklahoma in 1986. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 12 oz., it was sliced and made in to 21 tomato sandwiches in the U.S.
Now to the biggest question: Is it a fruit or a vegetable? Botanically, the tomato is a fruit but in 1893 the Supreme Court ruled that the tomato would be classified as a vegetable so that it could be taxed under tariff law. I guess money trumps science!
That's it for today. Whether you eat tomatoes in the form of catsup as a French fry condiment, consider it to be a necessary ingredient in salsa or can't wait for that first tomato sandwich of the season that has to made with Duke's mayonnaise and white bread, the tomato has an interesting and colorful history. Perhaps that aphrodisiac thing isn't so very far-fetched after all!
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School will be out soon and it's time to think about summer activities for the kids. Burke County 4-H to the rescue! The Summer Fun schedule is available on our website. There are lots of fun and educational activities to choose from. Registration is underway at our office. Spaces are limited so plan to register early.
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Empowering Youth & Families Program
Empowering Youth & Families Program (EYFP) is a 12-session special interest club for youth ages 10-14, in partnership with their caregivers, to improve family relationships and communication, develop civic engagement skills, provide service learning opportunities, and combat the opioid crisis in our community.
EYFP focuses on family relationships and communication and will build on the strong foundation already in place, but the goal of the program is much larger than just learning and growing as a family.
At the end of the twelve sessions, a retreat for youth and their families is held at a campground. Youth and families from each county join with families from other counties to design community outreach events to engage people in their counties in the conversation about opioid prevention. After the retreat, youth and their caregivers continue with service learning to stage their community event. Youth and their families in the program will reach and teach their counties to help prevent opioid misuse through knowledge and healthy behaviors.
Our next program begins in September. For more information please contact Erica Baxter at 828-764-9480 or by email at
erica_baxter@ncsu.edu
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4-H Summer Fun Science Days 
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Ages 10 & up
Tuesday, June 11th - Kitchen Chemistry
Meet in the kitchen to play with food, learn food facts, experiment with everyday kitchen products and foods. Please bring a bag lunch and drink.
Wednesday, June 12th - Science Tinkering
Through making, tinkering and engineering, youth will learn 21st century skills and the value of "design thinking". A visit from the Innovation Station (mobile STEM unit from A & T University) will lead youth through a special hands-on activity. Do not miss this bus! Waiver is required.
Please bring a bag lunch and drink.
Thursday, June 13th - 5,4,3,2,1
Blast off with a day of rocketry, powering exciting experiments to go and pushing activities to their full steam ahead point!
Please bring a bag lunch and drink.
Each class is $15 (plus one-time registration fee)
Class sizes are limited to 12 participants.
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June is Men's Health Month 
Throughout June, Men's Health Month focuses on improving the lifestyles of men. While there are several approaches to improving overall health, diet and exercise are the targets of any changes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading causes of death among men are heart disease, cancer, and accidental death. Men are also less likely than women to visit the doctor for checkups. Follow these tips to observe Men's Health Month and take control of your health!
- Learn your preventable risks - Many risks for chronic disease can be prevented or managed through exercise and a healthy diet.
- Take steps to create healthful habits - Men should shoot for 150 minutes (or about 30 minutes, five times a week) of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. For a healthy diet, try eating the Med Way. The Mediterranean-style eating pattern is delicious, simple, and satisfying and has been shown to promote health and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases. Visit medinsteadofmeds.com for recipes and more info on eating the Med Way.
- Schedule routine tests for early detection of disease - Talk to your physician about the steps to take or Talk to the men in your life about making an appointment for a checkup.
- Learn your risk factors and document your family history with your physician - Genetics, age, and ethnicity can affect risk factors for disease. Talk to your doctor to become more aware about what non-preventable risks you may be facing.
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Friday, June 14th
9:00am - 3:00 pm
Become the ultimate explorer by learning basic outdoor survival skills, knot tying and more. This adventure will also cover basic first aid & safety, gear essentials and how to be a good environmental steward. We will travel to South Mountain State Park. Please bring a bag lunch and drink.
Cost of the Class is $12 (plus one-time registration fee of $10)
Class is limited to 12 participants
Ages 9 & up
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Fly Control Using Ear Tags 
Insecticide-impregnated ear tags or "Fly Tags" are a convenient way to control pasture flies (especially horn fly). Tags are inserted in late spring, or early summer, and your fly control program travels with the animal. However, continued use of tags with the same insecticide for several consecutive seasons can lead to populations of the horn fly that have resistance to a whole class of related insecticides. This will cause a shorter than normal period of fly control, and testing would be needed to confirm resistance.
To further complicate the issue, there are several other things that could cause reduced fly control. Fly Tags have a limited duration of effectiveness. The 12- to 15-week "fly control clock" starts when tags are inserted. Applying them too early in the spring can mean control "runs out" before fly season is over. In addition, Horn flies can move in from untreated nearby herds and keep populations high, making control seem less effective. As well, above average precipitation can keep manure pats moist longer, making them more suitable for horn fly breeding as opposed to hot, dry summers when they dry quicker and are less hospitable for horn fly maggots.
There are several ways producers can get the most out of their ear tag-based fly control program. First, rotate insecticide classes annually. Currently there are three options-organophosphates, pyrethroids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons-but dozens of brand names. Check the label for the name of the active ingredient in the tag to be sure you know what you are using and record the choice each year. Next, always apply tags after horn fly numbers reach about 100 per side per animal. This will prevent applying them too early. It takes more than 100 flies per side to have an impact on weight gain. Lastly, supplement fly tags with dust bags, oilers, sprays or pour-ons, if needed.
Staying on a pro-active program will keep resistance problems at bay, and you will help keep your cattle more comfortable, healthy, and productive during the active fly season.
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Small Engine Repair
June 17 - 20
9:00 am - 3:00 pm each day
Take a small engine apart and learn how to put it back together. The instructor will use Crankin Engines Curriculum and participants will receive hands-on training and some tools
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Please bring a bag lunch and drink.
Cost of the class is $80 (plus a one-time registration fee)
Class is limited to 12 participants
Ages 13-18
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4-H Update
June
Saturday, June 15
District Activity Day - Presentations
McDowell County High School
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NC State Extension is committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, political beliefs, family and marital status, sex, age, veteran status, sexual identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, or disability.
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