Growing Chatham
April 2024
General Updates
JOB POSTING AVAILABLE: 4-H Program Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator (Chatham County Center)
Come join our team! We're looking for a new 4-H Program Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator for Chatham County!
Photos From the 2024 Chatham County Ag Fest
The Chatham County Spring Ag Fest on March 23, 2024, was a success with a great crowd in attendance in spite of intermittent rain throughout part of the event. The Spring Ag Fest is a celebration of Chatham County’s agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. Visitors enjoyed over 60 indoor and outdoor exhibits highlighting local farms, farmers’ markets, sustainable agriculture, agricultural support and advocacy, agribusiness, beekeeping, livestock, forestry, green industry, wildlife, conservation, and much more. Visitors enjoyed watching several events at the Livestock Arena, including a Parade of Breeds for Beef and Dairy Cattle, a dog herding demonstration, and games for the kids.
Visit Cooperative Extension's Growing Small Farms website to see photos from the event.
Summer camp season is quickly approaching!
Check out what we have to offer this summer.
Registration for Chatham County Summer Camps opens April 15th!
4-H Adventure Day Camp (Weeklong Camp)
Who: Youth ages 5-12
What: Fun-filled day camp for 5-12 year old's. Campers will participate in educational sessions, craft sessions, recreational games, fishing, paddle boating, and much, much more! Campers will need to bring a bag lunch each day, except for Friday (4-H will provide an end-of-camp celebratory luncheon that day). Enrollment space is limited.
When: June 10-14 (Mon. – Fri.), 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(Note: No arrivals before 8:20 a.m. Campers must be dropped off and picked up on time; a fee will be assessed for late pick-ups.)
Where: Northwest District Park
(2413 Woody Store Road, Siler City, NC 27344)
Cost: $100 (Limited number of need-based scholarships are available; please inquire with the Cooperative Extension/4-H office for more information on how to apply.)
Junior Master Gardener Camp (Weeklong Camp minus Wednesday)
Who: Youth ages 8-14
What: Enjoy a fun-filled week with enthusiastic Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Chatham County. Come and learn about plants, fruits, veggies, soil, insects and ecology through games and hands-on activities. Think nature walks, terrariums and scavenger hunts! Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed toe shoes to be prepared for an awesome week! Enrollment space is limited.
When: June 17-18 & 20-21, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Note: No arrivals before 8:50 a.m. Campers must be dropped off and picked up on time; a fee will be assessed for late pick-ups.)
Where: Northwest District Park
(2413 Woody Store Road, Siler City, NC 27344)
Cost: $75 (Limited number of need-based scholarships are available; please inquire with the Cooperative Extension/4-H office for more information on how to apply.)
Kitchen Creators Camp with Ms. Tara
Who: Youth ages 11-15
What: Exciting day camp opportunity for 11-14
year olds with a focus on cooking! Campers will
join Tara Gregory, FCS Agent for the Chatham
County Center, to learn some new skills
(and delicious recipes) in the kitchen! Campers
will be making their lunch during the camp
session. Enrollment space is limited to 12 youth
per session.
When: Eight sessions will be offered on the following dates: July 16, 18, 23, 25 & August 6, 8, 13, 15, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Note: No arrivals before 9:20 a.m. Campers must be dropped off and picked up on time; a fee will be assessed for late pick-ups.) Each session varies with content and recipes, so youth attending multiple sessions will have the opportunity to try out new recipes
Where: Chatham County Cooperative Extension Teaching Kitchen (1192 US Hwy 64W Business, Pittsboro, NC 27312)
Cost: $35 per day session (Limited number of need-based scholarships are available; please inquire with the Cooperative Extension/4-H office for more information on how to apply.)
4-H Health Rocks Camp
Who: Youth ages 10 – 12
What: TBA
When: July 1 – 3,10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Note: No arrivals before 9:50 a.m. Campers must be dropped off and picked up on time; a fee will be assessed for late pick-ups.
Where: TBA
Cost: $60 (Limited number of need-based scholarships are available; please inquire with the Cooperative Extension/4-H office for more information on how to apply.)
Betsy-Jeff Penn (BJP) 4-H Residential Camp (Reidsville, NC)
When: July 28 – August 2 (Weeklong, Overnight Camp)
Who: Youth ages 8-14
What: Accredited by the American Camping Association, youth will travel to Reidsville, NC to spend a fun-filled week at the BJP 4-H Educational Center. Campers will take part in swimming, canoeing, environmental education programs, ropes courses, archery, horseback riding, crafts, and much, much more! Enrollment space is limited.
When: July 28th – August 2nd; Campers will report to the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center (1192 US Hwy 64W Business, Pittsboro, NC 27312) to depart for Reidsville with transportation provided by Chatham County 4-H.
Where: BJP 4-H Educational Center (Reidsville, NC) **Note: Transportation to/from BJP 4-H Camp will be provided by Chatham County 4-H. Campers must arrive on-site at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center on Sun., July 28th for transport. Campers will be picked up from the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center on Fri., August 2nd.**
Cost: $450 (Limited number of need-based scholarships are available; please inquire with the Cooperative Extension/4-H office for more information on how to apply. Registration fee covers all expenses for the week: transportation, food, crafts, insurance, t-shirt, and $15 in camp store funds.)
4-H
Chatham County 4-H Achievement Night Recap
Chatham County 4-H had another successful achievement night to celebrate all the great things the 4-H'ers did in 2023. With about 70 people in attendance, 4-H'ers and their families had the opportunity to look back on their past accomplishments and be recognized for all their hard work. We are so proud of all our members!
Nance Family Meat Goat Leadership Institute
The Nance family feels a strong
commitment to the development
of our future meat goat industry
leaders. They would like to give
each youth who is willing to
work hard and go the extra mile
an opportunity to pursue
training in leadership.
The Institute is designed to equip young people with the necessary tools needed to become an effective leader. Additionally, youth will be challenged to take the skills acquired at this event and put them into action in their home counties, districts, and at the state and national levels.
Click here for more details and to access the application
4-H NC State Horsebowl and Hippology Contest Update
The Chatham County Hosekateers participated in the 4-H NC State Horsebowl and Hippology Contest on March 9th. In the Horsebowl event, a team of juniors and seniors (Hannah Oberman, Claire Stoeckel, Brooke Peterson, Grace Matthews, and Mary McLaughlin) emerged as champions. In the Hippology competition, both a junior team (Claire Stoeckel, Brooke Peterson, Grace Matthews, and Mary McLaughlin) and a senior team (Hannah Oberman, Graham Zeiders, Makenah Allred, and Sydney McDermott) competed. The junior team claimed the reserve champion title, while the senior team secured the champion spot. Individual awards were also received. Congratulations to the Horsekateers for their outstanding performance, their hard work has truly paid off!
Eggcellent Eggsplorers Chicken Chain Show
Two Chatham County 4-H'ers competed in the Eggcellent Eggsplorers Chicken Chain Show on 3/9/24. The EECC project was put on between Chatham, Guilford, Alamance and Moore counties. The Eggcellent Eggsplorers 4-H Chicken Chain is a multi-county chicken project where youth receive day-old chicks, then raise them to show at about 6 months later. Youth gain valuable skills in responsibility, life cycles, animal husbandry, and money and budget management. 4-Her Ari White of Chatham County placed 1st in the Intermediate Showmanship portion of the show.
You're Invited to Betsy's Bash and the
60th Anniversary Celebration of the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center
on May 18th, 2024!
Friends and Family,
We cordially invite you to attend the second annual Betsy's Bash on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center from 4 - 8pm. The 2024 Bash will also celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Penn 4-H Center and will be a truly spectacular event that you don't want to miss!
This second annual celebration and fundraising event will honor the legacy and impact of Mrs. Betsy Penn and her vision for a 4-H Center focused solely on the health, wellbeing, and education of the youth of North Carolina.
Your $50 event ticket will include a meal, a s'mores dessert, adult beverages, and live music from the Sassafras Bluegrass Band.
All proceeds from the event will support the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center. If you would like to support the center by becoming an event sponsor, please refer to our sponsor packet for more information on sponsor levels and benefits. For questions, please contact the center at 336-349-9445 or by email to Center Director Stacy Burns at stacy_burns@ncsu.edu.
With Gratitude,
Penn's Pals
Purchase tickets to Betsy’s Bash
The Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center has been a marvelous resource for the youth of Chatham County to learn and grow while experiencing the outdoors. Contact the local 4-H office to learn how your child can participate in all that it has to offer in Summer 2024!
Home Gardening
Grafted Heirloom Tomato Plant Sale
The Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteers of Chatham County are again offering an online grafted tomato sale while supplies last. Plants are $6 each and are available to order now. Plants can be picked up by appointment at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center on May 3rd and 4th, 2024.
Common Insects of Wildflower Plantings within North Carolina Turfgrass: A Field Guide
Urban insects play crucial roles in our lives, whether as pollinators of plants, prey for other animals, decomposers, or as a connection to the natural world. Insects face myriad threats from urbanization, including habitat loss, improper pesticide use, invasive species, and reduced food availability. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to understand and conserve our insect neighbors.
Planting native wildflowers is one way to support insect populations. These habitats not only attract pollinators; they also provide habitat, refuge, and other resources to many diverse insect types.
This guide is not a comprehensive manual for all insects in wildflower plantings. Rather, we introduce readers to some of the most common visitors to gardens in North Carolina, particularly in turfgrass-dominated areas. By sharing these insects, we hope to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ecology of urban wildflower gardens.
Common Insects of Wildfower Plantings within North Carolina Turfgrass A Field Guide | 1
New “Easy Edibles” Tag in the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Many thanks to Scott Zona and the Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox team for adding a new tag, “Easy Edibles‘. Use the direction to identify the edibles most likely to thrive in your landscape.
Highlights of Outstanding Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Accomplishments in 2023
The 2023 NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ annual report, celebrates the contributions of over 3900 Extension Master Gardener volunteers working under the leadership of Extension professionals in county Extension centers across North Carolina helping North Carolinians learn and grow sustainable gardens, landscapes, and communities.
The report highlights the diversity of volunteer work in counties across North Carolina and features stories of our collective impact improving lives and growing our state.
Guide to Understanding and Addressing PFAS in our Communities
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an emerging issue of concern for North Carolina and its residents. The occurrence of PFAS may have significant effects on our health and the environment.
This Extension publication is a guide to understanding and addressing PFAS in our households and communities. Information in this publication may be helpful for Extension agents, community members, and others who are interested in learning more about PFAS and their potential impact on our lives.
This publication addresses the following questions:
- What are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?
- How could I be exposed?
- What are the possible health effects from exposures?
- Can I have my water or soil tested for PFAS?
- Is it safe to eat from a home garden affected by PFAS?
- Is it safe for my livestock to graze on land affected by PFAS?
- How can we reduce our exposure?
- How are regulatory agencies addressing PFAS?
In addition, this publication concludes with a list of resources.
Figure 1. PFAS are found in a wide range of products.
Source: istock.com/grafikazpazurem
Sustainable Ag
Piedmont Region Organic Production Focus Group
As part of the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnerships Program (SE TOPP), Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA) is leading a series of focus groups evaluating barriers to certified organic production in North Carolina and South Carolina. CFSA plans to host six focus groups, three in North Carolina and three in South Carolina, encompassing different regions of each state.
Piedmont Region Organic Production Focus Group
April 12, 6-7 PM
Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center
Pittsboro, NC
These focus groups aim to gather information from certified organic farmers and those transitioning to organic farming regarding their experience with obstacles in acquiring and keeping their certification— and the effectiveness of government programs.
The groups will provide valuable insight into how organic farmers are coping with the challenges of transitioning to organic farming and the effectiveness of available programs. Information gathered will be used to identify areas of improvement to help farmers become and remain certified organic.
As part of the SE TOPP program, the content gathered will be used to aid Carolina partners in future programming to support producers in acquiring organic certification. Challenges identified will be discussed with SE TOPP regional leads, and all the way up to USDA. In the focus groups, producers will be briefed on the group’s objectives, the utilization of collected data, and measures taken to safeguard contributors’ anonymity.
There is no cost to attend the event and dinner is included. Pre-registration is required by April 10.
Ground-Nesting Bees Should Be Appreciated, Not Feared!
Usually in early spring I start getting calls from people nervous about seeing hundreds of bees hovering over their lawn (actually they don’t know if they are bees or wasps but they worry their kids will get stung). Several folks over the years have told me about the environmentally toxic methods they have used to try and destroy the bee nests which is unfortunate because not only are they poisoning their soil and groundwater but they are also needlessly killing off a beneficial early season pollinator that poses no practical threat to humans.
We have approximately 560 species of native bees in North Carolina, and about 70% of them, close to 400 species, nest in the ground. The vast majority of bees are solitary, meaning they work alone to provision their nest with food (pollen) to raise their young, unlike social bees (e.g., honey bees and bumble bees) which work together as a colony to raise their brood.
Learn all about these bees and why you don’t need to fear them on the Growing Small Farms website where you will see lots of photos of different species of ground nesting bees and their nests.
Ground-nesting bees can be found in different types of soil from sandy to clay on sparsely vegetated areas like lawns with patchy grass. Examples of ground-nesting bees include mining bees, cellophane bees, sweat bees, digger bees, long-horned bees, and mallow bees.
As a group, ground-nesting bees are active from February through November, although each species usually has a fairly short time period that it provisions its nest.
For example, some of the earliest and most visible bees are the mining bees that start nesting in late February/early March. These mining bees are actively nesting from about early March to around mid-April. They are important pollinators and provision their nests with pollen from early blooming plants.
Piedmont Farm Tour
April 20-21, 2024
The 27th annual Piedmont Farm Tour will be Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. both days.
Once a year these scenic and sustainable farms producing food, flowers, and fiber across seven piedmont counties open to the public to raise awareness of local agriculture and raise funds for Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA).
The farm tour is a great opportunity for kids, foodies, locavores, gardeners, new or aspiring farmers, locals, and visitors to connect with our farmers and gain a better understanding of what it takes to produce vegetables, fruits, meats, flowers, local foods, and value-added products that we all enjoy purchasing at local farmers’ markets.
This year’s farm tour features 31 farms, eight of which are on the tour for the first time. Complete details about the Piedmont Farm Tour are on the CFSA website, including a list of all the farms and link to purchase a ticket.
Farm Tax Webinar Recordings
Available for Viewing Online
The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension conducted a Farm Tax Webinar Series in February and March for farmers, nursery growers, beekeepers, and other ag professionals. Each webinar was approximately two hours long and included a presentation plus a question and answer session.
All four webinars are available for viewing.
Topics include Farm Tax and Business Info 101; Schedule F Income; Schedule F Expenses; and Farm Sales Taxes & Exemptions. Visit the Growing Small Farms website for links to the recordings and additional farm tax resources.
Livestock
Click on the link to register
Chatham County Fencing School
A few spaces still remain for the
2024 Fencing School in Chatham County on April 9th!
See here for more information and the link to register via Eventbrite
Extension:
We're eager to share our expertise with you.
We’re Here to Help
From improved breeding techniques to dairy record management systems, we deliver research and expertise to support those in the business of managing and caring for animals.
The animal science department works in cooperation with NC State Extension to educate the public on the latest technology and information through short courses, events and clinics.
And our 4-H programs and Livestock Science Camp encourage youth to explore career opportunities in animal agriculture and animal science.
Forestry
Tree Improvement Webinar Series
Begins April 2024
Module 1 - Introduction to Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement | April 5th
Module 2 - Modes of Selection in Tree Improvement Programs | April 12th
Module 3 - Breeding Designs and Genetic Gain in Tree Improvement Programs | April 19th
Module 4 - Employing Tree Improvement Concepts for Resistance Breeding | April 26th
All modules are available via Zoom and begin at 1pm EST.
Arbor Day is a time to celebrate trees and recognize their many benefits to our lives. As Arbor Day falls on Friday, March 22nd this year, come join us for a week-long celebration highlighting key parts of trees and forestry:
Monday – Introduction to Arbor Day
Tuesday – Human Health Benefits from Trees
Wednesday – Environmental Benefits
Thursday – Economic Benefits
Friday – Celebrate Trees! Plant a Tree!
2024
WEBINAR: Tune Up Your Tree Farm Inspector Skills
April 10, 2024
12:00-1:30pm
Do you get frustrated filling out the Tree Farm inspection form? Are you confused about what to put in the notes sections or how to answer the indicator questions? If so, this training is for you!
In this interactive webinar, Dave Halley and Bryan Hulka, both seasoned Tree Farm inspectors, will teach you how to properly fill out an inspection form and will provide specific guidance on each of the eight certification standards. As the N.C. Tree Farm Program begins assigning this year’s re-inspections, this is a timely webinar for trained inspectors who want additional support on how to produce inspection reports correctly the first time.
NC State Extension Helps People Tell the Trees in the Forest
During a recent county program in Wilkes County, Simon Gonzalez highlighted the work of Area Specialized Agent (Forestry) Nathan Gatlin and his efforts to educate the public on tree identification during the sparse winter months.
Home Safety & Nutrition
Cuisines Around the World Highlight Italian
Explore the richness of Italian cuisine, renowned for its diversity shaped by the distinct characteristics of its 20 regions. Each region, influenced by its unique geography and terrain, offers a fascinating array of flavors and culinary customs.
In Northern Italy, where lush green mountains and fertile valleys abound, you'll discover a cuisine characterized by subtle flavors and comforting richness. Staples like butter, cream, and basil feature prominently, lending dishes such as creamy risotto and hearty osso buco their distinctive appeal. With dairy and beef cattle grazing on the verdant pastures, the region boasts delicacies like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and handmade stuffed pastas like ravioli and tortellini.
Traveling southward, the landscape transforms, giving rise to the robust flavors of Southern Italy. Abundant seaports and a warmer climate influence the cuisine, showcasing ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, olives, and olive oil. Here, you'll find heartier pastas such as penne and orecchiette, often paired with spicy dishes featuring red pepper flakes. The Mediterranean climate also fosters the growth of a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, eggplant, broccoli rabe, fennel, and escarole.
Experience the essence of Italian cuisine with a simple yet nutritious recipe featuring escarole and beans. Buon appetito!
Escarole and Beans
By Barbara Baron MS, RDN, CND FAND
Makes 3-4 cups
Equipment:
❏ Stock Pot
❏ Strainer or colander
❏ Salad spinner
Ingredients:
1 1⁄2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
5 cups escarole greens*, chopped
1⁄4 - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth**
1⁄2 teaspoon low sodium chicken bouillon or salt, to taste
1 can, 15.5 oz cannellini beans
1 piece parmigiano-reggiano cheese rind (optional)
1⁄8 - 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
*Escarole can be found at some local farmers’ markets. In Good Heart Farm grows escarole.
** To reduce sodium, rinse beans, and use a low-sodium chicken broth.
Directions:
1. In a large stock pot, bring heat to medium. Add olive oil and garlic, and saute until fragrant (1-2minutes).
2. Add the chopped escarole, toss and coat the leaves with the garlic and oil in the pan and allow the eaves to wilt (not burn). If using bouillon seasoning, dissolve in chicken broth, and add to escarole.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a low simmer. For stew-like consistency, start by adding 1/4 cup broth, add more as needed; use 3⁄4 to 1 cup of broth for soup-like consistency.
3. Add cannellini beans with liquid from the can and cheese rind. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Serve garnished with crushed red pepper flakes and with a side of Italian bread.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish for lunch, as a primo(first) dish, or as a side vegetable dish.
Home Food Preservation Calendar
Yummy and Easy Snacks
Home Finance
Organize Your Important Household Papers: Introduction
One of life’s most important lessons is distinguishing what is trivial from what is not. While we’re tempted to lump our personal documents among life’s petty details, their significance can be major. How quickly could we access our birth certificates, immunization records, wills, vehicular titles, or even three-month-old credit card statements? Did we file them away and, if so, where? How long would it take to find—or replace—them?
A systematic plan for keeping track of important papers can save hours of anxious searching. When something happens to us, it allows our loved ones to readily locate our health-care powers of attorney, insurance policies, medical records, and outstanding bills. If we experience fire, flood, or theft, we can lay our fingers on essential documents without delay. If we’re meeting with an attorney or financial adviser, we can prepare in an hour rather than a week. Even on an everyday basis, systematic recordkeeping makes it easier to pay bills on time, find receipts, and share paperwork chores. What’s not to like about that?!
In this lesson, you will:
- Identify and inventory important papers
- Organize your home office space
- Organize and/or replace important papers
- Set realistic goals for getting organized
Ag History
Technology Revolutionizes Farming and Home Life
Technology Evolution: A Reflection on Everyday Innovations
Often, we overlook the significant changes in technology that have occurred over the years. When we incorporate technology into our daily routines, it's easy to forget that these tools are designed to simplify our lives. Take tractors, for instance. In the past, fields were plowed with mules pulling plows. The introduction of tractors revolutionized this process, making field work much more efficient. Similarly, consider toilets. Before indoor plumbing, people had to venture outside to use outhouses. Today, we might find it inconvenient to brave the cold for a restroom break, but without the invention of modern toilets, that would still be the norm, just as it was for our ancestors.
