rlstew2
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Sometimes, people wonder how our lives lead us to where we are—and I think I’m a good example of that. Many of you might not know that, despite being the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent for Lincoln County, I didn’t actually grow up involved in agriculture. I spent my childhood in the suburbs of New…
Posted in: Animal Agriculture -
As I write this article, we are gearing up to host our first-ever Homesteading Conference at the Lincoln County Agriculture Center in collaboration with Wilkes and Hart County UGA Extension. Homesteading is often defined as a lifestyle focused on self-sufficiency—growing food, raising livestock, reducing waste, and learning sustainable skills. Many homesteaders eventually add livestock such…
Posted in: Animal Agriculture -
In the last week or two, we’ve had quite a few calls in the Extension office about Joro spiders. I even joked with my staff that I’ve allowed two to build webs on my back porch so they can catch mosquitos and I can enjoy sitting outside as we head into fall! These spiders (and…
Posted in: Insects and Pests -
Public water systems in Georgia are regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) under the Safe Drinking Water Program. These systems undergo daily, monthly, and annual testing to ensure households have safe drinking water. Results are published each year in a Consumer Confidence Report, which for Lincoln County residents is available on the City…
Posted in: Water -
In the last few years, more and more people have started to turn their love of baking, canning, and creating treats into small home businesses. These products, known as “cottage foods,” are non-perishable items made in a home kitchen and sold directly to consumers. Cottage foods are considered low-risk because they are non-potentially hazardous. In…
Posted in: Food -
Here in Lincoln County, we’re fortunate to have farmers who produce and sell beef and other livestock products, helping put fresh, local food on your table. Raising livestock involves more than just the farmer — it supports local businesses like feed and hardware stores, equipment repairs services, processors, and retail outlets that sell local meats.…
Posted in: Food -
Pollinators are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem and critical to the well-being of humans. There are over 100,000 different varieties of insects and over 1,000 other species that serve as pollinators. These species are essential for the reproduction of over 225,000 different flowering plant species, including over 150 food crops. The annual value…
Posted in: Garden -
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…
Posted in: Program Announcements -
I received a call the other week about an odd phenomenon on a client’s porch- hundreds of tiny crawling insects grouped together, forming a large, crawling mass. This type of behavior – traveling together en mass, is actually fairly common for several insect species including specific types of insect larvae and caterpillars. In this case,…
Posted in: Insects and Pests -
Lincoln County native Madi Welch has officially stepped into the role of 4-H Extension Educator. Born and raised in Lincoln County, Madi is deeply rooted in the community and is proud to return to her hometown to give back in a way that aligns with her passions: youth development, agriculture, and community service. After earning…
Posted in: 4-H