Extension Advisory Council
The Burke County Extension Advisory meeting tentatively scheduled for February 24, 2020 has been CHANGED! Please hold Thursday, March 26 for an official REPORT TO THE PEOPLE. In lieu of our February meeting, we are asking that you attend this event on March 26th to hear impacts and accomplishments from Cooperative Extension in 2019. In addition, we will be sharing our plans for 2020 and how you can be involved and engaged.
If you are not a member of the Burke County Extension Advisory and want to know more about this group, contact Spring Williams-Byrd, County Extension Director at
[email protected] or (828)764-9480.
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2020 Census
Established by the US Constitution, the US Census Bureau is required to conduct a count of every person in the United States, including North Carolina. Everyone must be counted no matter their age, residence status or location.
2020 Census information is available now from both the
NC Complete Count Commission and the
U.S. Census Bureau.
The 2020 Census will be the first US Census to allow internet response. The internet response option will be convenient for many, but over 500,000 households in NC do not have internet access.
There are plans for Census staff to be available locally for 2020 Census questionnaire assistance.
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Calling Future Beekeepers 
Honeybees and native bees are essential for the pollination of most of our crops. Many fruit and vegetable crops such as apples, squash and many others would be non-existent without the help of our pollinators. Although lots of creatures including insects and birds aid in pollination, bees are uniquely suited to the task because of their fuzzy bodies, to which pollen clings as they visit different flowers while feeding on nectar. Most people don't realize that bees don't visit flowers to help pollinate them, they are there strictly in search of food for themselves. Pollination is just a lucky by-product of their food gathering expeditions.
There are many native bees that live in our gardens but the honeybee isn't one of them. It was brought to the new world from Europe by settlers in the 1600s who wanted them for honey production. They liked their new home and quickly adapted themselves to the climate of North America.
Beekeeping is a huge industry in the U.S. with tens of thousands of hives crossing the country each year, to aid in pollination of food crops. Hobby beekeeping is also popular for the production of honey for home use and to aid in pollinating home gardens.
Would you like to know more about the art of beekeeping? Would you like to acquire a couple of hives for yourself? The Burke County Beekeeper's Association is offering a Beginning Beekeeper's School in a three week workshop on Saturday, February 15, 22 and 29.
Read more on our website.
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Report to the People 
Our annual "Report to the People," will be held on Thursday, March 26th, 2020 @ 6pm at the Burke County Agricultural Building. This will be an opportunity for citizens, stakeholders, and legislators to hear from Burke County Cooperative Extension staff about the accomplishments and impacts made in 2019.
Go ahead and MARK your calendars now! Watch for more details and invitations in the March newsletter. If you want more information or to be included on the invitation list, please contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke Center Office. (828)764-9480.
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Burke County Small Fruit Production Workshop 
Event Date: February 13, 2020
Location: 1136 Browning View Road, Morganton, NC 28655
Cost: Free
Registration required: Register through
Eventbrite
Workshop Contacts: For more information or to register by phone, contact
Craig Mauney
Office phone: 828-684-3562, Extension 129
Cell: 828-989-7900
Donna Teasley
828-764-9480
Description:
The workshop is aimed at training new growers and market gardeners to considering establishing a direct market channel for growing small fruit on the farm such as a "pick-your-own" operation, on-farm sales as well as other direct market channels such as the tailgate market. The group will discuss strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for the region. Specific topics include cultivar selection, site establishment (soil conditions and planting), fertilization, irrigation, pruning, harvesting, and resources for pest control. Workshop includes a lecture followed by a pruning demonstration at Perry's Berry's Farm. Workshop will include lecture at the Farm, a tour of the blueberry bushes, and a pruning demonstration of blueberry plants.
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Fertilize for Early Pasture 
Burke county livestock producers may be able to reduce hay requirements by fertilizing pastures and getting animals out on pastures earlier than usual this spring. Research has shown that light applications of nitrogen applied in late February and March will provide maximum response in five to six weeks.
Maximum benefit comes from planning. Pastures fertilized early and grazed will need six weeks to recover in mid-summer or early autumn. When fertilizer is applied in late February or early March additional growth should be evident in about 2 weeks. After five to six weeks, pastures should have made enough response to start grazing.
The best candidates for early fertilization would be pastures with a southern exposure or south facing slopes, for maximum exposure to sunlight. Your best soils and most productive forages will respond more than unproductive sites, making the practice more profitable.
In general, no more than one third of total pastureland should be treated with only nitrogen fertilizer. Treating more than this will disrupt the seasonal distribution of available forage.
It should be noted that an increased incidence of grass tetany could occur, so magnesium supplementation should be an integral part of any early fertilization program.
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February is American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.
Your sodium intake is a big player in your heart health. While sodium is an electrolyte that is needed for the body to function normally, too much of it can cause high blood pressure and increase a person's risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. 
Join us for See Ya, Sodium! Low-Sodium Seasoning Blend Workshop on February 20th at 5:30pm to learn all about the effects of sodium on the body, sources of excess sodium, tips and tricks to lower your sodium intake, and how to use more herbs/spices when cooking at home.
Participants will have a chance to sample dishes made with no salt and low-sodium seasonings, and mix some seasonings to take home!
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Take Control - Move More 
I hope you've had a GREAT start to your new year! Last month, I shared about setting goals, specifically about setting goals to help reach a healthier YOU this year. This is possible with applying the 5 skills I shared last month and setting SMART goals (
See January's Take Control article for more details). One area that would help you achieve your health goals is being active and reducing inactivity for a healthier lifestyle. Moving more or being physically active is important for EVERYBODY, regardless of age, ability, or body size. If a chronic condition limits your physical capabilities, be as active as your ability and condition allows.
Before starting or increasing your physical activity level consult your doctor.
There are long-term benefits to being regularly physically active like preventing chronic conditions and diseases. Other benefits are short-term, such as feeling better immediately after you do it. Technology has made life easier but it has also made it easier to be inactive. We need to be mindful of opportunities for moving our bodies more during the day. There are many ways to move more and be less sedentary. Every movement counts, no matter how big or small! Even small amounts of activity add up to big benefits. Daily activities like taking the stairs, doing laundry, playing with children or pets throughout the day, or even parking at the back of the parking lot are examples of ways to be active during the day. These activities are typically low-intensity movements where you can talk through the task. Even though these are low-intensity, these activities add up throughout the day, burn calories, and can contribute to your health. As you start to move more you can also incorporate exercise or planned and structured activity; all of these build to physical fitness. There are three components to physical activity and each component is important.
Read more
This information is provided by the SNAP-Ed Steps to Health - Take Control Program and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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Burke County 4-H
4-H Bee A Beekeeper Program
The program is designed to mentor students for integration into the local beekeeping culture. The Bee A Beekeeper Program is open to any student, age 8-18 and grades 3-12 who are currently enrolled in a Burke County School (public or private).
Applications are being accepted now through February 21, 2020. Contact
Nicki Carpenter, 4-H Youth Development Agent for more information
on applying for the program.
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Saturday, February 22
AB Tech Conference Center in Asheville, NC
Conference Description:
ASAP's Business of Farming Conference
brings together professional farmers from across the Southeast region to network and share resources to grow their farm businesses. Farmers will learn about marketing, business planning, branding, and management from regional experts and innovative peers. The conference is designed for beginning and established farmers as well as those seriously considering farming as a profession.
Early bird registration is $75 per person, or $125 for two farm partners. Ends Feb. 1
Standard registration is $95 per person, or $165 for two farm partners. Begins Feb. 2
Scholarships Available: NC Cooperative Extension is partnering with ASAP to offer Next Generation scholarships to help new and beginning farmers connect with regional farm networks, training, and technical assistance. To apply for free registration for the
Business of Farming Conference follow this
scholarship link to apply for free
registration to ASAP's Business of Farming Conference ($75 value - February 22). Applicants must be farming 10 years or less and be located in WNC.
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Burke County 4-H
West District 4-H Horse Bowl will be held on
Saturday, February 8, 2020 in Fletcher
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Winter Weeds are Lurking in the Lawn
It's winter, right? No gardening chores to do at this time of year, right? WRONG! Only amateurs would think that there is nothing to do in the garden just because nothing is growing. There's tons to do if you want this to be the best gardening year of your life. Timing is the secret to success for the gardener and there are some pretty important things that should be in the works right now to insure that your lawn and garden are top notch.
One of the most important tasks for the winter is weed control. There are some important weeds growing in the lawn at this time of year. They are winter annual weeds and if you don't get control of them now, you never will. Weeds like chickweed, henbit and hairy bittercress are up and growing quickly in the lawn. They'll be blooming within the next month and action needs to take place before that happens. Once winter annuals flower, they produce seeds which lay on the ground until next winter when they start their cycle over again. The only time to control winter annuals is before they bloom.
Broadleaf weed control is effective when used during January and February. Products such as Weed b Gon and Trimec kill only the weeds and not the grass in your lawn. As long as the daytime temps are above 55 degrees, spraying can be done. Use liquids rather than granular weed and feed products for better success. Try to apply when no rain is expected within 24 hours.
There's no time for dawdling! Get out there and get busy. If you need some extra information, give me a call at 764-9480 and we'll talk.
Donna Teasley
Extension Agent - Horticulture
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N.C. Tomato Growers Association's
52nd Annual Meeting and Winter Vegetable Conference and Trade Show
February 19-20, 2020
Crowne Plaza Resort
Asheville, NC
Registration and Conference Information
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Burke County 4-H
Embryology Program
It's time to sign up for the 4-H embryology program. Burke County 2nd Grade Teachers, Home School Groups, and 4-H Clubs can contact our office at 828-7646-9480 to sign up for the program.
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We still have spaces left! Call to sign up!
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Burke County 4-H
Monday, March 2, 2020 - Discovery Day
Monday, March 2nd is a Burke County Public School Workday. 4-H'ers are encouraged to hang out for the day exploring various 4-H interest activities and picking presentation topics. Call our office at 828-764-9480 to sign up. Pack a lunch or bring $5 for lunch order.
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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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