Polk County Cooperative Extension

09/04/2026

Fall Checklist:
•Stockpiling: Pull livestock off selected pastures by mid-September. Mow or graze down to 3–4 inches to remove mature forage and promote fresh, high-quality growth.
•Fertilization: Apply 40–60 lbs of Nitrogen per acre in early autumn, ideally ahead of a rain. Timely soil moisture combined with available nitrogen fuels late-season leaf development.
•Overseeding: Drill fescue, orchardgrass and clovers into thin sod. Orchard and legumes improve overall forage quality and dilute endophyte toxicity risks in toxic tall fescue stands.
•Deferred Grazing: Allow fescue to accumulate until growth stops after a hard freeze or until grazing is needed. Strip-graze stockpiled pastures using polywire electric fencing during late fall and winter to maximize utilization efficiency.
•Stubble Height Management: Avoid overgrazing below a 3-inch canopy height before winter dormancy to protect the root reserves necessary for early spring green-up.

09/03/2026

Free Pesticide Recertification Class - September 17, 2026 from 10am to 3:30pm. Call 828-894-8218 to register.
Pre-registration is required.

08/31/2026

🔊🔊🔊 Reminder upcoming webinar, Sept. 17, 2026, 3-4 pm EST. STRATEGIES FOR W**D MANAGEMENT IN TALL FESCUE PASTURES. Dr. Navdeep Godara, NC State University. Free registration 👉 https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/3Xe2zjVvRnaqQarPvHXfow #/registration

NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences NCState Beef Extension NC State Extension North Carolina Cattlemen's Association

08/14/2026

| Is Crabgrass a paddock powerhouse? 🌾🐴

Don't let lawn care commercials fool you—in livestock and equine pastures, volunteer or planted Crabgrass (Digitaria) is often a blessing in disguise!

Here is the quick breakdown on why you should welcome crabgrass in your pastures:
• 🌿 High Nutritive Value: Crabgrass ranges from 8% to 14% crude protein with high digestibility—often outperforming other warm season forages, like Bermudagrass, during the scorching summer heat.
• ☀️ Drought Tolerant: While cool-season grasses go semi-dormant in July and August, crabgrass steps up to fill the "summer slump".
• 🐮 Highly Palatable: Cattle and horses love the taste, and its stems remain digestible even as the plant matures.
⚠️ Pasture Management Tip: While great for livestock, keep an eye on easy keepers as crabgrass is highly palatable and highly digestible (i.e., high in calories).
💬 Drop a picture in the comments: Crabgrass has really thrived with the recent summer rain.

Do you embrace crabgrass in your fields during August, or try to mow it out? Let’s talk pasture management! 👇

08/11/2026

08/04/2026

Get a head start on your holiday gifting this year and create something special for family and friends. Reserve your spot before the class fills!Only 3 spots are still available for our first Adult Sewing for the Holidays class!

In this class, you'll learn how to make Mason Jar Cozies and reusable bowl covers two simple, handmade projects that make thoughtful holiday gifts.

Get a head start on your holiday gifting this year and create something special for family and friends. Reserve your spot before the class fills!

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7jPAtfQE2VHMCQJV4SZYB5PGlGkbXx768JjiFgtsKyxdEbA/viewform?usp=dialog

08/04/2026

Spots are still available in our August Adult Sewing & Mending Class! Join us to learn practical mending techniques, including how to create and apply your own fabric patches.

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKcrBdceNK3IjjKj5kQmlKAwX_B_KW4pbCVvukzXMASccBsg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113121167275623264681

08/03/2026

Let’s be real: the transition from "lazy summer snacks" to "structured school lunches" can feel like a professional sport. 🏃‍♂️💨 Between the morning rush and after-school practice, meal planning isn't just a luxury, it’s a sanity saver!

Here are 3 quick tips to keep your kitchen organized and stretch your food budget to its max this semester:

Pivot to Plant Proteins: Beans, lentils, and eggs are nutritional powerhouses that cost a fraction of meat. 🍳 Swap one beef meal for a bean chili or lentil pasta to see instant savings.
Buy Generic & Bulk: Store brands are often the exact same quality as name brands. Grab large bags of oats or rice instead of pre-packaged cups—you’re paying for the convenience, not the food! 🍚
Shop discount grocery stores: These stores focus on low prices and bare bones store layouts. You may need to bring your own bags.
Shop Your Pantry First: "Inventory night" is a lifesaver. Use that lone jar of sauce or box of crackers before buying more. 🕵️‍♀️
Don’t forget to use your SNAP benefits!

If you need any assistance with the SNAP program, contact the More In My Basket team at 1-855-240-1451 today!

SNAP Requirements (Post #9): Do you know what SNAP is but are you not sure if you qualify for this food assistance program? Here are some of the requirements in North Carolina:

Applicants’ total income must meet the income limit set for that household size
Able-bodied adults aged 18–64 without a child underage 14 may be required to work or participate in training at least 20 hours per week
Must be a NC resident

07/28/2026

Jay's Lawn and Landscape - Call for pasture management quotes - 828-894-7078.

Send a message to learn more

07/27/2026

Call for quotes on pasture management services - 828-863-4343 - Green Creek Farm Supply