Extension E-News
May 2020
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You Can't Buy Happiness...But You Can Buy Local
Now is the perfect time to support our producers/farmers by buying meats, vegetables, microgreens, fruits, baked goods, flowers and more locally! We can have delicious, fresh food and support these folks, too! It's a win-win situation for all! Please visit Mitchell County Local Foods to learn more about where to find the freshest food around! Let's support local businesses that support the area where we live, work and play.
Learn more >>
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I
mpact Survey to Assess Financial Impacts of
COVID-19 to Your Agritourism Operation
Farmers are some of the most creative entrepreneurs and continue to pivot to address shifts
in consumer demand as a result of COVID-19.The COVID-19 economic impact survey is to include all agribusinesses that offer agritourism activities and guest experiences.The data will be compiled for policymakers and other authorities that may be considering disaster relief funds to support recovery efforts for North Carolina's agritourism industry as a whole. Results will be aggregated together to protect your farm's identity. Please answer all questions to the best of your ability.
Complete the survey TODAY
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Soil Sample Analysis Continues on Limited Basis
NC Department of Agriculture's Agronomic Division continues to take safety measures to provide a safe work environment for employees while maintaining functioning labs to meet essential agricultural needs. Until further notice, our labs will be operating on a limited basis, accepting only samples deemed essential. The samples being accepted include the following: soil diagnostic (agricultural samples only), nematode diagnostic, nematode pinewood, nematode molecular diagnostic, plant tissue, solution, soilless media and waste samples not covered by the NCDEQ waiver on liquid animal waste. The lab is happy to invoice clients for sample fees, but payment must be received prior to the release of a report. Keep in mind there is NO fee for standard soil tests through November!
If you have a need to submit soil samples, there is a self-serve box located outside the NC Cooperative Extension, Mitchell County Center's door. Pick up boxes and instructions, fill soil boxes and return to the self-serve box. These will be collected and mailed periodically. It is helpful to call Vonda Vaughn, Administrative Assistant, at 828.467.4557 and let her know samples have been placed in the box for pick up.
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Watch Out for Black Vultures
In various parts of the country, including North Carolina, Black Vultures have become an increasingly large problem for livestock producers. There have been several cases of Black Vultures attacking livestock, including newborn calves, resulting in great injury and even death. Vultures have a very keen sense of smell and can smell embryonic fluid and blood, attracting them to the potential food source. There is documentation of Black Vultures attacking sheep, lambs, and calves.
For those having problems with predators killing or injuring livestock and are unsure of the culprit, contact Michelle South, Area Extension Agent for help in determining the predator and what livestock management practices can be implemented to discourage them.
Since Black Vultures are a federally protected bird, a permit must be obtained before action can be taken. For those having issues with Black Vultures attacking livestock, please contact Danny Ray, WNC District 8 Wildlife Biologist for information on obtaining both a state and federal permit.
Informational links:
Contact Michelle South, Area Extension Agent, Agriculture - Livestock at (828) 387-5748 or
email
mcsouth@ncsu.edu
with any questions or concerns.
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Making Sourdough Bread at Home
Home baking has become a new favorite pastime for many as we find ourselves spending more time at home. The smell of fresh-from-the-oven homemade bread is both comforting and delicious! You have your sourdough starter ready - now what? Learn how to prepare and bake a
scrumptious sourdough loaf.
"But I don't have any starter!" you exclaim. No worries, you can make sourdough starter in 4 simple steps (make sourdough starter in 4 simple steps the link to this:
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| Homegrown | Sourdough Starter in 4 Simple Steps |
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2020
Mitchell 4-H
County Activity Day
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For more information and to register
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4-H Web Pages - Check it out!
Mitchell County 4-H is excited to offer several online options to keep up with 4-H happenings on the NC Cooperative Extension, Mitchell County Center's web page! New web pages have been created with information on everything from upcoming events to volunteer opportunities.
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Summer Fun
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Per NC State University and NC State Extension, all summer programming has been moved to online programs. Overnight camp has been canceled. We received final guidance from NC State University regarding summer 4-H programs. While the message specifically mentions camps, it refers to all
K-12 face-to-face events and activities conducted by NC State University employees and representatives. This impacts residential camps held at our three 4-H camps/centers, events held on the NC State campus, and all face-to-face programs conducted in the counties until NC State Extension lifts restrictions on Extension programming.
4-H State Staff are heading up an effort to provide a virtual option for District Activity Days and State 4-H Presentation Finals, as well as virtual options for NC 4-H Congress and North Carolina 4-H Citizenship Focus. The camp leadership team will also be looking at ways to provide virtual opportunities at our camps. We will also begin to prepare for virtual 4-H Summer Adventures programs. Everyone who participates in our summer programs must complete 4-H Online registration, so if you have not registered yet, please go ahead and do that.
We are all disappointed that we must take these actions but this is the responsible thing to do. Our greatest concern is for the health and safety of everyone. Please take all appropriate measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Our staff is committed to continuing to provide services and resources for Mitchell County citizens. Staff are working remotely during this time and are available by phone and email.
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How to Write A Good Email to A Teacher
21st century writing involves a lot more emails, not just for adults but for teens as well. In
less than a paragraph, emails make an impression on the person reading them. At some point, teens/teenagers will find themselves having a question about an assignment and having to compose an email to get this answer. Below are tips for sending excellent emails that will help with receiving a quick and helpful response.
Use formal greetings:
Students are used to speaking with their peers but it's important to be formal when speaking with a teacher. Students that start emails with "Hey" or no greeting is an incorrect way to
start an email. Start with a greeting that is friendly and courteous to the recipient. For example, start with "Dear Mr. Smith" or Hi Ms. Brown."
Other Examples:
* Dear (Name),
* Hi (Name),
* Good morning (Name),
* Good evening (Name),
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