Ag Fact of the Day

"Farmers participate in conservation programs that prevent soil erosion, preserve and restore wetlands, clean the air and water, and enhance wildlife habitat. Careful stewardship has spurred a 50 percent decline in erosion of cropland by wind and water since 1982." - Farm Bureau's Food and Farm Facts Pocket Guide, American Farm Bureau Federation.

Tri-Livestock Competition

So proud of my Jones County Skill-A-Thon team! We attended the Tri-Livestock Competition this past Saturday and came back with something to show for it! See placings below. WAY TO GO JONES COUNTY!!!

Participants: Cheyenne Pike, Eddie Almanza, Anthony Almanza, Logan Murphy, Ashley Murphy, Paul Pike

TOP JR. TEAM - Skill-A-Thon
TOP JR. TEAM - Stockmen's Bowl
TOP JR. TEAM - OVERALL

10th place Livestock Judging JR. Individual - Eddie Almanza
6th place Livestock Judging JR. Individual - Ashley Murphy
2nd place Livestock Judging JR. Individual - Paul Pike

6th place Skill-A-Thon JR. Individual - Logan Murphy
5th place Skill-A-Thon JR. Individual - Paul Pike
1st place Skill-A-Thon JR. Individual - Ashley Murphy

Ag Fact of the Month

Myth: "Use of pesticides is causing environmental and human illness problems. Meat contains more pesticides than do plant-source foods."

Fact: "Government data indicate that, for both plant and animal foods, there is no evidence of chemicals at anything more than a fraction of tolerance levels proven to be safe. USDA's official report for 1989 on residue monitoring of meat showed no violative pesticide resides in beef."

Resource: "Beef Promotion and Research Board by the National Cattlemen's Association."

Farmers Manage Deer Program

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Guy and Judy Gardner 
guyandjudy@ncwf.org   919-250 8441 or 919-608-3386

Farmers Manage Deer – Turning Problems into Profits

Farmers Manage Deer, a two-year program, which will kick off in January 2013, aims to help farmers reduce often uninsurable crop loss caused by deer. For two weeks during the fall 2013 deer hunting season the North Carolina Wildlife Federation will lease land from row crop farmers and recruit sportsmen.  Hunters will harvest deer according to a property-specific plan with excess venison donated to charity.  N.C. Hunters for the Hungry will process donated deer at NCDA&CS certified facilities.  “One deer can provide an average of 160 meals,” said Guy Gardner, manager of the Farmers Manage Deer program.

To enroll your land, to pledge volunteer support, and/or to learn more about the NCWF Farmers Manage Deer project you are invited to attend a Farmers Manage Deer Town Hall meeting at the Onslow County Multipurpose Complex, 4024 Richlands Highway, Jacksonville NC 28540 on February 12^th 6:00pm. Registrar: Nita Walton, NC Coop. Ext., 910-455-5873; or contact Guy and Judy Gardner by phone at 919 608 3386 or by e-mail to: guyandjudy@ncwf.org.

“This grant is a wise use of funding,” said State Sen. Harry Brown, R-Onslow. “This statewide program helps so many people by aiding farmers and agriculture as well as the local community.”   

“Deer are the chief culprits in causing an estimated $29.4 million in damage to North Carolina crops” stated Steven Troxler, Commissioner, North Carolina Department of Agriculture in his letter of support to this project. 

Pending the success of the project, William Upchurch, executive director of the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, hopes the program can serve as a model that can be applied to other crops and other areas that may be experiencing deer overpopulation.

 “This is a positive opportunity to get local civic-minded groups involved as well.” said Guy and Judy Gardner, managers of this program.  Hosting a drop-off site, transporting venison to the processor, and funding the processing costs of deer donated are examples of how the community can get involved.

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to all NC wildlife and its habitat since 1945. www.ncwf.org

Winter Weed Identification and Control in Bermudagrass Pastures Q&A

By: Margaret A. Bell, Livestock Agent - Craven & Jones Counties

Adapted from Leon Warren’s “Winter Weed Identification in Coastal Bermudagrass Fields” presentation at CCA Training.

*Why should I be concerned with grass weeds and broadleaf weeds?

Grass weeds interfere with hay drying and growing pure stands. Grass weeds are not typically a health concern except johnsongrass. Broadleaf weeds are noxious, toxic, and due to their prickly nature, make it hard or impossible for livestock to graze them.

*Why is it important to identify your weeds early?

Early identification will help you control the weeds before your actual crop gets thinned out. You may be able to save money because younger plants usually require less herbicide. Some mature plants can not be controlled by herbicide no matter the rate. Weed seeds will not be killed by herbicides, just the parent plant- not offspring.

*When is the best time to control weeds in winter annuals and cool season perennials?

Usually October through December because weeds are young and actively growing. There are many factors that affect the best time to control weeds such as germination. Another good time to control winter weeds is February through April because they are starting their final growth spurt. However, you don’t want to wait too late by allowing the weeds to seed out.  

*When is a bad time to try to control weeds in winter annuals and cool season perennials?

Usually December through February is a bad time to try to control your winter weeds. However, you can apply glyphosate and paraquat to winter weeds on dormant bermuda during these months.

*Is it permitted to pump hog waste on dormant bermuda in the winter?

No, because nitrogen will not be utilized and you increase the potential for runoff in streams and ditches. However, you can apply hog waste to cover crops such as cereal grains and winter grasses because they are actively growing in the winter.

*What are several common winter weeds that I need to look out for?

Henbit – winter annual broadleaf; common chickweed – winter annual broadleaf; white clover – perennial broadleaf; curly dock – perennial broadleaf; wild mustard – winter annual broadleaf; wild radish – winter annual broadleaf; Carolina geranium – winter annual broadleaf; Shepard’s purse – winter annual broadleaf; spiny sowthistle – winter annual broadleaf; hairy bittercress – winter annual broadleaf; common dandelion – perennial broadleaf; buckhorn plantain – perennial broadleaf; buttercup – annual / perennial broadleaf; horseweed – annual broadleaf; vetch – winter annual or perennial broadleaf; cutleaf evening primrose – biennial broadleaf; wild garlic – clump forming perennial.

***ALWAYS READ LABELS. Cooperative Extension agents can help you identify your weeds and help recommend a weed control program. However, it is very important you always read labels and adhere to restrictions – in livestock, especially hay and grazing restrictions. For more information, contact your local Cooperative Extension livestock agent.

Handling Swine Safely

By: Margaret A. Bell, Livestock Agent

Craven & Jones Counties

Adapted from “Safe Animal Handling, Pork Checkoff and Pork Information Gateway Fact Sheet.”

There are many opportunities for workers to get hurt while handling swine. This could happen at any age and stage of the pig, when the worker is moving pigs, unloading / loading pigs, and processing pigs. In this article, we will discuss different responsibilities of workers and how to avoid being injured while performing their duties.

General

When pigs are being transported, they become very stressed. They should be moved as quickly, quietly, and efficiently as possible. However, you don’t want to move the pigs too fast, as to cause injury to either the pigs or the handler. Pigs have a range of vision that spans almost 360 degrees, so it is a good idea to have chutes and ramps with solid sidewalls so they will not get distracted. In addition, pigs have a tendency to move to well-lit areas from dimmer areas. Many producers will put spotlights onto a ramp so pigs will move more easily. Always move pigs in a manageable size group. For example, when you are moving pigs into the nursery, do not move more than 20 pigs at the time. When entering the finishing barn, do not move more than 10 pigs at the time. When you are leaving the finishing barn, do not move more than five pigs at the time (think about how big they are now!). When you are moving breeding stock, do not move more than five pigs at the time.  Most of the injuries on hog farms happen when handlers are interacting with pigs. There are several items to keep in mind to avoid injuries. You should know the characteristics of the pigs hearing and vision, maintain clean and organized houses, and when you are around the pigs, stay calm and touch them gently. Don’t move quickly or expose the pigs to loud noises, clutter alleyways, or overcrowd chutes / pens.

Farrowing

In the farrowing barn, workers must be careful with various hazards as well. These include power washing, electrocution, fires, and stressed animals. Always pay close attention to plugs, cords, and electrical outlets. Employees should receive proper training on how to safely work with electrical fixtures. Make sure to always replace temporary cords with permanent cords. It is also important if you wash sows to be very careful. Be aware of where you place yourself in relation to the animal.

Processing

During processing, there are many potential hazards that could affect the well-being of the workers. These include needle sticks, cuts, punctures, etc. while giving shots, clipping teeth, cutting tails, ear notching, castrating, and tattooing. Ensure workers are taking ample breaks to reduce fatigue as well as properly handling and holding the animals.

Injecting Pigs

Many times workers will injure themselves when they are injecting sows in crates by getting their hands caught between the crate and the sow. Immediately report any accidental injection or antibiotic injections to the supervisor. When injecting pigs, try to keep your hands in a neutral position, always read labels, and only use products the way they are meant to be used. Don’t carry needles in your pockets or put your hands between a sow and the crate.

Breeding

Many injuries occur because of boars. Injuries to the boar could occur do to slippery floors. The boar could also become aggressive if other boars are around or if he has trouble mounting the sow. When workers are breeding animals, they should always use sorting panels, be able to get out of a specific area quickly, not be in between the boar and the sow, and make sure the boar’s tusks are removed. When removing dead animals, try to get them out as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it is to move them. Do not pull or strain your muscles pulling a dead pig out. It is helpful to use a hog cart or a hand truck before using only human assistance. Keep pens clean and dry when breeding pigs and always watch out for the boar. Don’t sit down to collect semen or stand too close to the boar.

Weaning and Nursery

Always keep animals in a small, manageable group and get assistance when possible to move or lift animals. Try not to lift pigs alone and if you have to then position yourself parallel to the pig you’re lifting. Always use good lifting techniques as to not injure your back.

Finisher

Make sure you properly load and unload animals in the finishing house, as they could be nearing 300 pounds at this stage of life. Always use sorting panels and don’t try to stop pigs from getting past you with your knees. Try to remain calm and only load small groups at one time. Pigs are harder to handle, the more stressed they are.

Managing the Overweight Horse

Adapted from "Trimming the Fat: Weight Loss Strategies for the Overweight Horse, Fact Sheet, Maryland Cooperative Extension." 

Horses that carry excess body weight are at an increased risk for many health problems. These include laminitis, decreased athletic and reproductive performance, and a greater risk for heat stress. In this overview, you can learn about ways to combat overweight horses. However, you should always work closely with your veterinarian to determine the cause of obesity in your horses. It may be related to their exercise level and diet or it could be related to their metabolic and physiological condition.

It is very important to periodically evaluate your horse's body weight and body condition score (BCS). There are three different ways you can measure body weight. 1) livestock scale 2) heart girth weight tape or 3) calculate body weight by using the measurement of the horse's heart girth (HG), and body length (BL). Use this equation: W = ((HG) squared x (BL)) / 330. Body condition score is also very important. It is measured from 1 - 9 with 9 being extremely fat. This score measures the amount of fat that a particular horse stores a different locations including withers, shoulder, ribs, loin, neck, and tailhead. Horses that are nearing a BCS of 7 are at a higher risk of developing health problems.

Various methods for reducing your horse's weight:

* Set a target weight loss
* Increase exercise level
* Reduce feed intake
* Change the type of diet
* Reduce access to pasture
* Feed horses separately
* Use drugs, medications, and supplements as a last resort

Horses need to lose excess weight gradually and over several months. Horses can safely lose one BCS per month (about 50 pounds). Horse owners need to be careful with their horses losing weight too rapidly, as they may develop bad behaviors (wood-chewing, bedding ingestion, etc.). Try not to monitor your horse's weight loss too often (weekly is too often) because it could discourage you. It is very important that a horse maintain it's ideal body condition once it reaches that weight / BCS. Horse owners should be diligent to watch their horse's rations, needs that arise that may change or alter the quantity of feed the horse receives, and the animal's overall health. Don't forget to contact your veterinarian to discuss the best weight loss plan for your horse.

See the full article here.

Submitted by: Margaret A. Bell, Livestock Agent
Craven and Jones Counties