G
rowing
C
hatham
September 2024
September 2024
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General
The Chatham County Center will be closed on September 2, 2024, in honor of Labor Day.
Chatham County Invites Public Review of Draft Digital Inclusion Plan
PITTSBORO, NC—Chatham County seeks community input on its draft Digital Inclusion Plan, aimed at enhancing broadband access and digital literacy for all residents.
The Chatham County Digital Inclusion Plan, which began as a community project initiated by the Digital Inclusion Plan Coalition and Innovate Chatham, outlines strategies for improving broadband infrastructure, increasing affordability and access to computing devices, and promoting digital literacy across the county.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback to ensure it addresses the community's needs effectively. The public review period is open until September 30, 2024, and comments can be submitted through the Chatham Community Nexus platform.
No-till Drill Rental
The Chatham Soil & Water Conservation District offers two options of no-till drill for rental. Residents interested in renting the no-till drill may reach out to staff at (919) 545-8353. When planning to rent the no-till drill, please call in advance to schedule an appointment.
Opportunity to Apply for Cost Share Programs
The Chatham Soil and Water Conservation District announces an opportunity to apply for cost share through the North Carolina Ag Cost Share Program (ACSP), Ag Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) and Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP).
These are voluntary programs offering technical and financial assistance for installing Best Management Practices to address nonpoint source pollution.
4-H
Chatham County 4-H Livestock Show
Come join us for a free, family-friendly event – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Heifer Show – 9:30 a.m. start
Lamb Show – 11:30 a.m. start
Goat Show – 2:00 p.m. start
Chatham 4-H proudly sponsors its annual youth livestock show in conjunction with the AgCarolina Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit Showmanship Circuit. Youth are allowed to participate in the Chatham County 4-H Livestock Show regardless of their participation on the circuit.
Sponsored by:
NC State Fair Registration Deadline
Don't forget! The entry registration deadline for the NC State Fair is Sept. 15th.
KIDS VOTING IN CHATHAM!
Chatham County 4-H will be partnering with our wonderful local libraries to bring Kids Voting to our county! This is a great program with lots of opportunities for civic engagement. Join us as we kick-off the season on September 13th!
NC YouthVoice Chatham County 4-H Delegate: Emma Langley
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and its partners, 4-H Youth Development and Boys & Girls Clubs of North Carolina, proudly sponsored YouthVoice, August 9-10, 2024, in Forsyth County. Each year, YouthVoice offers opportunities to talk with local county officials, learn about the role of county commissioners as the governing body for counties and the county budgeting process, and develop strategies to further youth leadership and communication skills. This year, the Chatham County 4-H delegate was Emma Langley, and we appreciate
Emma representing Chatham County so well and advocating for the need to support and protect agriculture within the county. Great job, Emma!
Emma Langley with Chatham Commissioners
Home Gardening
Native Perennials for the Home Garden
Extension Gardener Workshop and Webinar
October 1, 2024
9:00-11:00 a.m. (in-person)
&
6:00-7:30 p.m. (Online)
Photo: Jim Robbins CC By NC ND 3.0
Natural areas are being replaced with managed landscapes of non-native turf and plants that may not support native wildlife as much as native vegetation. But with the right selection of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses, you can attract and support birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife to turn your landscape back into a healthy, functional ecosystem.
Join Matt Jones (Extension Horticulture Agent) and the Master Gardener Volunteers of Chatham County for a presentation and hands-on demonstration on how to garden with native herbaceous perennials and grasses. Participants will learn why native plants are so important for local food webs, how to select plants based on their adaptation to site conditions, aesthetic value, and their capacity to support beneficial insects and other wildlife vital to ecosystem health. We will also explore examples of native perennials adapted to different site conditions and how to provide habitat or leaf, nectar, and pollen forage throughout the year. Master Gardener Volunteers (SM) will help demonstrate proper planting and establishment techniques.
Register for the in-person workshop: 10/1/24 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Register for the online webinar: 10/1/24 6:00- 7:30 p.m.
These classes are part of the Extension Gardener series of workshops that are open to everyone.
QUESTIONS? Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent, Matt Jones.
Firescaping: Managing Your Landscape to Reduce Vulnerability to Wildfire
Every year, hundreds of wildfires occur across North Carolina, threatening lives and structures. Fortunately, there are actions like firescaping that NC communities
NC Forest Service
and residents can take to reduce their risk. Firescaping is a specific type of landscape design and maintenance that occurs around structures (e.g., homes,
businesses) to reduce wildfire risk. With the increased chances of more frequent wildfires associated with climate change, this is a topic all landowners in fire-risk areas should be aware of!
Join the NC State Extension Master Gardener (SM) volunteers of Chatham County for a workshop on how to reduce the risk of fires in your landscape. These Extension Master Gardener volunteers were part of a six-week training from the University of Georgia and NC State Extension on firewise landscaping, and now they are here to share this information with you! They’ll cover fire history and behaviour, plant flammability, plant selection, and home wildfire risk assessment.
Register for the in-person workshop: 10/3/24 6:00-7:30 p.m.
These classes part of the Extension Gardener series of workshops that are open to everyone.
For more information on this topic, see our factsheet Fire Resistant Landscaping in North Carolina
QUESTIONS? Contact N.C. Cooperative Extension Agent, Matt Jones.
Fall Armyworms in Turf
Fall armyworms are approximately 1-1½ inches long, depending on instar, and can vary in color from a green to mottled brown, to almost black (Figure 1). Fall armyworms have wide black stripe running down each lateral (side) of the body. Sometimes, you will be able to distinguish four black dots on the dorsal (back) side of each segment of the abdomen and a light-colored, upside-down “Y” marking on the head capsule (Figure 2). Fall armyworms, similar to some other immatures of moth species, have four pairs of prolegs attached to the abdomen. Adult moths are more difficult to distinguish from other species. Each moth has a wingspan of approximately 1-1½ inches, the hind wings are white (same as cutworms) but the fore (front) wings have a noticeable white spot near the center of the wing (Figure 3).
Figure 1. Fall armyworm larva. M. Bertone
Figure 2. Fall armyworm head capsule. D. S. Reiland
Figure 3. Fall armyworm markings. L. J. Buss, UF
The Fungus Among Us: Why Mushrooms Grow In My Yard
Sustainable Ag
Registration Open for Fall Pollinator Garden Tours!
Fall tours of North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden in Pittsboro start in early September!
The garden features over 225 species of perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, and 85% of them are native to
North Carolina. This is a great opportunity to visit the popular gathering spot for honey bees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects in addition to their human admirers! The tours are led by Chatham County Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos.
Register Now for Farm Tax Webinar on Depreciation
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Chatham County Center is conducting a Farm Tax Webinar on September 19 about depreciation and recovering the cost of capital assets. It has become evident from our past farm tax webinars that based on the number of questions we have received from farmers over the years, the topic of depreciation deserves its own webinar!
These farm tax webinars have received rave reviews from farmers.
NCDA&CS Offers Organic Certification Cost-share Assistance
Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024, can apply for assistance through the program. Applications must be postmarked by Oct. 31.
Beneficial Insects in the Pollinator Garden
Cooperative Extension's Demonstration Pollinator Pollinator Paradise Garden not only supports hundreds of species of pollinators but also many beneficial predators and parasitioids that help control garden pests. Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos is passionate about photographing and documenting insects and insect interactions in the garden to teach visitors about the exciting world of biological control.
This photo shows a predatory anchor bug nymph (a beneficial insect) feeding on a milkweed beetle larva (a plant pest) on common milkweed.
Livestock/Equine/Forages
Hay Equipment 101 - Alamance County
September 10, 2024
6:30 pm
ACCA Building: 7351 Beale Rd. Snow Camp, NC
Topic: Hay Equipment 101 Sponsored by Asheboro Kubota
Guest Speaker: Jason Roberts, Southeastern Hay Tools Specialist, Kubota
Dinner: Hamburger w/ toppings, chips, cookie, water/tea
Cost: FREE, Sponsored by Asheboro Kubota
complete the form by clicking here.
Questions?
Please contact:
Kenny Owens: 336-382-9848
or Lauren Langley, 336-570-6740 or lauren_langley@ncsu.edu
NC State Fair Forage Contest
Forage Sample Must be Submitted by Sept. 15th
If you produce forage, consider submitting a forage sample to enter into the State Fair Forage Contest. This is a great way to see where your hay stands nutritionally as well as have the opportunity to compare to other producers in the state.
Reach out to Dalton Suits (Livestock Agent) to learn more about the process of submitting forage samples to the lab in Raleigh. Click the button below to be directed the North Carolina Department of Agriculture's website to learn more about the contest.
2 Silvopasture Tours
September 5th - 1-3pm (Burgaw, NC)
September 6th - 10am-12pm (Goldsboro, NC)
We’re excited to invite you to our 2024 Silvopasture Tours in North Carolina! Dive into the world of silvopastures and see firsthand how integrating trees with pasturelands can enhance your farming practices.
Important Details:
Registration: Secure your spot by filling out the information below. If registering multiple attendees, please complete a separate registration for each person.
Space: Limited to 40 participants, so register early to ensure your place.
Further Information: Specific address and agenda will be sent via email after your registration.
We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you and exploring the benefits of silvopastures together.
VOTE on
NC Cattle Industry Assessment
Beginning October 1st, 2024
The North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association has scheduled a referendum for October 30, 2024, to decide on continuing the North Carolina Cattle Industry Assessment. This assessment proposes a one-dollar fee per head of cattle sold in the state, aimed at advancing various aspects of the cattle and dairy industries. Funds would support youth programs, research, education, promotion efforts, and issues management. The referendum, if passed, will maintain the assessment established since 1957, with provisions for refunds and recurring referendums every six years upon request. Voting will be conducted at local North Carolina Cooperative Extension offices, with absentee ballots available from
October 1, 2024.
More information on voting to come.
Chatham Agribusiness Council
Next Meeting: October 16th
Meal: 6:30pm
Meeting: 7:00pm
Location: Best Foods Cafeteria, Siler City, NC
The Agribusiness Council is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. They provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to support businesses, farmers, and industry professionals. Through programs and initiatives, they aim to drive innovation, enhance sustainability, and promote the economic vitality of the agricultural community.
Membership Dues: $20 per year
Meeting Schedule: Meet three times a year or more as needed.
For additional information reach out to Chatham County Cooperative Extension and we would be happy to connect you with the Agribusiness Council.
2 Virtual Animal Waste Classes
November 7th, 9-12 AM
November 19th, 1-4 PM
Enhance your expertise and fulfill recertification requirements with our upcoming Virtual Animal Waste Classes. Each session provides 3 hours of credit and covers essential topics for effective animal waste management.
November 7th | 9 AM - 12 PM
Ventilation: Learn best practices for optimizing air flow in animal facilities.
Weed Management in Forages: Explore strategies for controlling weeds to improve forage quality.
Crop Pesticide Updates: Stay informed on the latest pesticide developments (2-hour credit applied for).
Click Here
Session 1 Sign-up
November 19th | 1 - 4 PM
Regulatory Updates: Get up-to-date on the latest regulations affecting animal waste management.
First Aid: Gain crucial skills for handling emergencies in the field.
Generator Maintenance: Discover tips for maintaining generators to ensure reliable operation.
Sludge Management: Learn effective techniques for managing sludge to protect the environment.
Click Here
Session 2 Sign-up
Forestry
Chatham County Forestry Impacts
With recently released data, NC State Extension has published county-level economic contributions for the forestry sector for 2022. On a state-wide level, the significance of forestry to our economy cannot be overlooked: With over 18 million acres of timberland across NC, the forest sector was the top manufacturing sector in the state, supporting over 2,700 more jobs than the food manufacturing sector in North Carolina.
Here in Chatham County, we have 245,334 acres of privately owned timberland. The forest sector here had a total economic contribution of approximately $438 million in industry output to the county's economy. For more information, please visit the "Chatham County Forestry Impacts 2022" factsheet here.
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Guide for NC Producers: Pine Forest Landowners
North Carolina agriculture generates approximately $13 billion in sales each year, but in most years agricultural productivity is negatively affected by hurricane damage. Hurricanes have always been a threat to North Carolina, but new research suggests that their intensity is increasing as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Increasing water temperature will not necessarily result in more hurricanes per year. As recent events have shown, it will likely mean more slow-moving, higher category storms that produce destructive winds and flooding. To address this threat, and allow producers to remain resilient and productive, the USDA Southeast Climate Hub, along with other USDA agencies and university Extension experts, developed the following guide to help landowners with their pre-hurricane planning for long-term preparedness of their pine stands:
Fire Safety Outdoors
Follow guidance from the NC Forest Service to ensure that careless debris burning does not occur in our state. Careless debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires in North Carolina, and with the state's growing population and wildland urban interface, wildfire risk also grows. You are the best defense against wildfire.
Family & Consumer Sciences
Click here to register for this workshop
Learn how to safely preserve your favorite foods at our Pressure Canning Workshop
Family Cooking Class at Wren Memorial Library
A monthly 1-hour cooking and food exploration workshop for kids of all ages. This is a hands-on learning experience! Only the child(ren) participating needs a ticket, guardians do not.
Cuisines Around the World: Greek
Greek cuisine was formed from centuries of cultural exchanges and historical influences. For example the Roman conquest enriched Greek cuisine by blending in elements like phyllo pastry, which became central to beloved dishes such as spanakopita. During the Ottoman period, Turkish culinary practices left a lasting mark on Greek food, with iconic dishes like moussaka and tzatziki becoming staples of the Greek diet.
Family life is central to Greek culture, where deep appreciation for ancestors and heritage is woven into everyday life. The vast majority of Greeks are Christian Orthodox, and Easter is the most important holiday, celebrated with great reverence and tradition. Greek music, with roots that stretch back to ancient times, and distinctive architecture, which varies from the islands and villages to large cities, reflect the country’s rich history.
Food plays an integral role in Greek culture, with mealtimes often being long, family-style affairs. Traditional meals include vegetable casseroles or legumes served with cheese and bread, with lunch being the largest meal of the day. Greek mezze, small plates meant for sharing, are a staple of social gatherings, a tradition shared with other cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire.
In Greece, culinary traditions vary between the islands and the mainland. Coastal regions and the Greek islands primarily dine on fish and seafood, reflecting their proximity to the sea, while mainland Greece leans towards meat and dairy, often sourced from local farms. Historically, meat was reserved for special occasions rather than daily consumption.
Key Ingredients
Olive oil & Olives: Koroneiki, early harvest
Herbs: thyme, oregano, mint, dill
Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
Legumes: lentils, beans, chickpeas
Dips: tatziki, melitzanosalata, tyrokafteri
Produce: eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, greens (xorta), potatoes, onions, garlic, lemon, figs, plums, watermelon
Fish & Seafood
12 Popular Greek Dishes
Greek cuisine is celebrated for its variety of flavors and traditional dishes, each with its own unique ingredients and preparation methods. Here are some of the iconic dishes that define the rich culinary heritage of Greece:
Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice and pine nuts, often seasoned with herbs like dill and mint.
Souvlaki: A popular street food, this dish consists of skewered meats, typically pork or chicken, grilled to perfection and often served with pita, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables.
Spanakopita: A savory pie made from layers of flaky
phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese,
and herbs, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Moussaka: A hearty casserole that layers spiced ground beef with eggplant and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown.
Saganaki: A simple dish of fried cheese, often made with graviera or kefalotyri, that is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, traditionally served as an appetizer.
Loukaniko: Greek sausage made from pork or lamb, seasoned with herbs and spices, and often flavored with orange zest or fennel seeds.
Ochtapodi: Octopus, typically grilled or marinated and served as part of a meze platter, showcasing the Greeks’ mastery of seafood preparation with tender, flavorful results.
Horiatiki: Also known as Greek salad, this refreshing dish combines feta cheese, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and is dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Pastitsio: A lasagna-style casserole featuring
layers of ground beef and pasta, topped with a rich
béchamel sauce and baked to perfection.
Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey, offering a rich and satisfying treat.
Galaktoboureko: A delectable dessert of custard baked in layers of phyllo pastry, creating a creamy and crispy confection.
Loukoumathes: Fried dough puffs drizzled with warm honey, cinnamon, and nuts, providing a delightful combination of sweetness and spice.
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
By Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN
Makes 4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup extra virgin Greek olive oil
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 1⁄2 cups (about 20 ounces) canned peeled tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1⁄2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
- Feta cheese and bread, for serving
Directions:
1. Heat 1⁄4 cup olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until
translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and potatoes and toss to coat in the oil. Then add the green beans,
tomatoes, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
3. Pour in enough water to come about a third of the way up the pot. Cover and simmer for
about 45 minutes or until the green beans are tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley. Add additional salt, pepper and olive oil if
desired. Serve with feta and bread.
Home Finances
Recovery After a Natural Disaster
Recent floods from Tropical Storm Debby have affected most of the east coast of the United States. Extensive damage to homes and property means that millions of people are working hard to recover from the storms. They are taking care of themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors—and their financial lives.
How to recover and rebuild your finances
Floodwaters can damage homes, autos, and other property.
Floods and power outages can make it hard to locate important
papers and information. Our tips can help you
work with financial companies to handle problems
before they cause more expenses.
The guide helps you:
Manage payments for your rent or mortgage
Stay ahead of problems that could affect your credit
Work with insurers on damaged property
Keep up with your bills and other payments
One worksheet helps keep your information handy
Organizing your important financial account information in one place can help you feel prepared in case a disaster happens. You can fill out Your Disaster Checklist to be sure you can quickly find the names and numbers you’ll need.
Lista de pasos para proteger sus finanzas durante un desastre
Submit a complaint
If you’re having trouble with a financial company that you can’t resolve, you can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372).
Ag History
L.R. Harrill, the Man that Challenged North Carolina 4-H
In 1940, North Carolina 4-H achieved a milestone with 55,632 members across various 4-H clubs established that year. L.R. Harrill, the state 4-H club leader at N.C. State College, set a goal to reach 60,000 members by the end of 1941. Despite having 1,613 active clubs in North Carolina in 1940, Mr. Harrill aimed for 1,700 clubs by the end of 1941, urging youth across the state to accept his challenge.
Presently, the participation numbers have far exceeded those of 1940, showcasing remarkable growth:
- 188,255 participants in 4-H activities
- 19,532 participants in 4-H clubs
- 137,427 participants in school enrichment programs
- 9,652 adult volunteers supporting 4-H
- 4,600 participants in 4-H camping programs
From young Cloverbuds to college-age students, 4-H offers hands-on experiences tailored to youths' interests, guiding them as they explore their own interests and passions during their formative years. Looking at the statistics for 2023, with Mr. Harrill's vision in mind, the growth is truly astounding.
4-H programs encompass various areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement, empowering youth with confidence and life skills to contribute positively to the world. These young 4-H members are the future leaders shaping tomorrow:
- 17,452 youth improved their leadership and personal development knowledge
- 29,635 youth enhanced their communication and expressive arts skills
- 27,527 youth expanded their knowledge of health
L. R. Harrill revealing the plaque placed on an ambulance donated to the United States Army Medical Department in honor of former 4-H club members now serving in the armed forces
Attribution
4-H Youth Development (UA023.008), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries
LEARY RHINEHART HARRILL
1897 - 1978
L.R. Harrill once said, "It's a great thing to produce a Grand Champion 4-H steer, but unless you do something to produce a grand champion boy or girl, you have failed in your greatest responsibility."
L.R. helped boys and girls develop many a grand champion steer. And throughout his 37-year career as a pioneer in youth agricultural education and leadership, his work helped produce many grand champion boys and girls.
L.R. organized 4-H work and play throughout the state, enrolling and motivating more than 3 million young people; directed 4-H'ers onto higher education; contributed to the changing economic profile of North Carolina with a program to improve agricultural production records and rural living conditions; and guided the successful rural movement into an urban phase during the decade of his retirement.
His legacy reaps immeasurable benefits for the rural and urban people of this great state. Those members he and his agents cultivated grew in to men and women whose own children joined 4-H and who became adult volunteers for club functions and planning.
As the first state 4-H leader, his philosophy in developing a statewide program was to move slowly in order to grow soundly. From an initial four counties in 1926, he developed a statewide 4-H program by 1939.
His mission became international as the USDA asked him to visit Australia, where he introduced the essence of 4-H movement, and when his "North Carolina 4-H Leaders Handbook" was translated into German.
Over the years, L.R. received awards from such organization as National 4-h Camp, State 4-H Leaders, USDA, N.C. Farm Bureau, N.C. General Assembly, N.C. Wildlife Federation and from his alma mater, the NCSU Watauga Medal, its highest, non-academic award. The L.R. Harrill 4-H Scholarship Endowment was established in 1963, and the Youth Center at the N.C. State Fairgrounds is named for him.
Elected to the North Carolina
AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME
1988
ATTRIBUTION
4-H Youth Development (UA023.008), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries
Agricultural extension pioneers I. O. Schaub, L. R. Harrill,
and Clarence Poe
Created Date
1951
Jane S. McKimmon,
ATTRIBUTION
4-H Youth Development (UA023.008), Special Collections Research Center at NC State University Libraries
L. R. Harrill being awarded a medal at the Jane S. McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University
1978
