Here at Lincoln and Wilkes County Extension, we believe the best educational programs start with you. Extension is needs-based, meaning we develop and deliver educational programs and content based on the interests, questions, and concerns of our communities. Whether you’re curious about gardening, raising livestock, or identifying an insect or bird, we want to hear from you. Communication with you is the most important part of what we do. When we notice a consistent pattern of questions or concerns coming into our office, we work to develop educational resources that meet that need. It’s a two-way street—your input helps guide our efforts, and in return, we provide content that matters to you. And remember, Extension programs aren’t just for farmers and ag producers—they’re for everyone.
Robyn Stewart, ANR Agent in Lincoln County has offered a variety of programs this year. Our annual UGA Horse Owner’s Webinar Series was offered virtually in Feb-Mar, and our virtual Equine Exchange Lunch and Learn continues to be held monthly. Robyn helped plan and run many events in surrounding counties, including the UGA Beef Cattle Short Course, the UGA Sheep and Goat Production Summit, an Irrigation Workshop, and a Pecan Field Day. A two-part Spring Gardening program was offered, with sessions on ornamental plants and fruits and vegetables. Most recently, a Mushroom Growing Workshop was hosted with Sam Landes. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel several programs relating to grazing management, wildlife habitats, and low-risk pesticides this year due to lack of participants. Your interest and participation truly make a difference in whether programs can go forward! This fall, we are planning programs related to: egg candling, cut flower production, homesteading conference, fruit tree grafting, first time farming, and soil biology and native grazing.
Allison Bailey, ANR Agent in Wilkes County, has also offered educational programs to her community. Early in the year, Allison provided a lunch and learn program on Radon awareness, and will repeat a similar program in September. Other offerings include coexisting with native wildlife, native plants for homeowner yards, and edible roots vegetable gardening. Allison also partners with the Wilkes County Cattlemen’s, with a notable program being the meat cutting demonstration held in May. Upcoming this fall, Wilkes County will offer a pesticide CEU day, a homesteading conference, and a radon awareness program.
So far in 2025, Lincoln and Wilkes Extension have provided a wide variety of agriculture and natural resources programming for farmers and homeowners alike. As we plan for what’s next, we’d really love to hear from you. What would you like to see offered? What’s been helpful? What’s missing? Please call us (706-359-3233), email us (rlstew2@uga.edu), or drop by the office to let us know. Your interest and support help us shape better programs and serve our communities more effectively. We hope to hear from you soon!
