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> In eastern North Carolina, crops are likely to need potassium and sulfur this year

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> Wildlife damage to N.C. field crops totals $29.4 million

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> N.C. Cooperative Extension - Bladen County Center
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 Timely, Reliable Information for Southeast Agriculture


Sandra R. Cain

For Better Living 

Encourage your Children to Eat More Vegetables

 

 Believe it or not, it is possible to raise kids who like eating a wide

 variety of vegetables. The secret is to never bribe or threaten them

 about eating green or orange things. Just follow as many of these

 simple steps as you can.

 

 * *

 

 *Enjoy a variety of vegetables yourself*

 

 The most important thing that adults can do for children’s eating is

 to model healthy habits. If you enjoy eating a wide variety of foods,

 including vegetables, children will see that as the normal thing to do.

 There’s no need to make a big deal about your enjoyment, just make

 vegetables a tasty part of every meal. If you eat vegetables, so will

 your children.

 

 *Grow a vegetable garden*

 

 Most adults know that the taste of freshly picked vegetables cannot be

 beat. Kids love to pick and eat almost anything that they have grown

 themselves. There is more than one way to grow your own fresh vegetables.

 You could use a container on the porch. If you have space, dig up a

 backyard plot. If you can’t do this, take your children with you to

 the grocery store or produce stand. Let them her you pick out the

 vegetables to buy.

 

 *Cut up vegetables for meals and snacks*

 

 Children usually like the taste and texture of raw vegetables better

 than cooked ones. Serve a small plate of bite sized vegetables at every meal.

 Try broccoli trees, baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices,

 sweet pepper pieces or sugar snap pea pods. Add some low-fat Ranch

 dip. Kids will naturally get into a crunchy, healthy habit.

 

 *Serve bright, colorful vegetables*

 

 Everyone eats with their eyes first. Children and adults will find

 bright and colorful vegetables more appealing. Overcooked, mushy

 vegetables are likely to turn everyone off. When cooking vegetables,

 keep them brightly colored and crunchy in texture. The best way to do

 this is to steam or microwave them for just a few minutes.

 

 *Be adventurous with vegetables*

 

 When children see vegetables as tasty and fun, they are much more

 likely to enjoy eating them. Buy new items and try new recipes. These

 are some easy ways to make nutrition fun for children. Need ideas for

 making vegetables more adventurous in your kitchen? Visit

 www.foodchamps.org for recipes, games, coloring sheets and more!

 

 Source: N.C. Department of Health and Human Services

 

 Italian Mixed Vegetables

 

 1 package (24 ounces) frozen California blend vegetables

 

 ¼ cup water

 

 ¼ cup reduced-fat Italian salad dressing

 

 ¼ teaspoon salt

 

 ¼ teaspoon dried basil

 

 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano

 

 In a large nonstick skillet, bring vegetables and water to a boil.

 Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Uncover.

 Cook and stir until liquid is reduced. Add the salad dressing, salt,

 basil and oregano. Cook and stir until heated through. Yield: 6 servings.

 


Bladen County Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD)

 

On June 4, 2007, the Bladen County Commissioners approved Bladen County to become part of the Voluntary Agriculture District (VAD) program.  The purpose of this program is to encourage the voluntary preservation and protection of farmland from non-farm development. The Bladen County Voluntary Agricultural Districts will be governed by an Agricultural Board composed of five members.  These members will be

 appointed by the Bladen County Board of Commissioners.

 

To be qualified for the Voluntary Agriculture District program, farmland must: 1.) have a FSA issued farm or tract number and 2.) the property shall be certified by the USDA FSA, NRCS, Bladen County Extension, and the Bladen SWCD as being a farm on which at least two-thirds of the land is composed of soils that: have good farming qualities and are favorable for crops, livestock, ornamentals, Christmas trees or timber common to Bladen County.

 

You can enroll your farm in the program by picking up an application from the Bladen County Cooperative Extension Office and returning the completed application with a check payable to Bladen County Cooperative Extension in the amount of $65.00.  This $65.00 will provide you a membership sign for your farm.

 

For applications and information, contact Bladen County Cooperative Extension at 862-4591.


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