Did you know that Lincoln County Extension programs are planned and developed based on the needs of our community? There are a few different ways we determine what types of programs to run each year, and I wanted to clarify exactly what that process looks like.
First and most importantly, we conduct needs-assessment surveys on a regular interval. Basically, we send out an email or paper survey asking our community to identify topics they’re interested in- livestock, fruits and vegetables, wildlife, gardening, beekeeping, etc. We then compile those answers and rank them based on how many people indicated a desire to learn about them! This method is how we wound up with the Hobby Flock Seminar Series in 2020 and 2021. Our survey for 2022 is now available at our office and online (https://tinyurl.com/2022LCEFeedback), so please take a moment to fill it out for us! Another place we ask for suggestions is in post-program evaluations. If you’ve attended a program with us, you’ll know we ask you to complete a short survey afterwards. Topics identified in those surveys help guide our future programs!
The second way we come up with topics is word of mouth and questions we see in the office. When multiple people bring similar questions or comments to us, we listen! This is how we’ve gotten started on programs like our Small Pecan Producers Meetings, our So You Want To Be A Farmer program, and our Pond Management class back in 2020. Another group that influences our program is called our “Extension Leadership Team.” This is a group of volunteers who help provide guidance and feedback to our Extension office in terms of staffing, management, and program needs.
The final way we come up with programs is through evaluation of our county agriculture values and state topics of importance. Each year, we publish a Farm Gate Value Report for Lincoln County, which evaluates the amount and economic value of agriculture commodities in the county. Based on this report and others from a state and national level, we identify areas that might need some relevant education opportunities. For example, the increase in new and beginning farmers from the last USDA Agriculture Census is what led to our SYWTBAF program in 2021. The other method for programs is simply ideas that I come up with- for example, the annual equine seminar series is held primarily due to my personal background and passion for equine education—and while it might not influence as much of Lincoln County directly as our other programs, it has still reached over 1000 participants in three years!
Lincoln County Extension needs the input and support of our community in order to effectively identify and meet your needs. This year, we are planning a variety of programs including ones focused on new and beginning farmers, equine health, pecan production, a small farm certification program, forestry and wildlife, small flock, and several others. If you are have additional ideas for programs or educational topics you’d like to see us bring to the community, please let us know at uge3181@uga.edu or 706-359-3233.
