Robyn Stewart
Did you know that the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has over 100 specialists across 15 different fields from Economics to Animal Science, Horticulture, Forestry, and more? Here at the Lincoln County UGA Extension office, part of our mission is to bring the research, teaching, and experience of these specialists into our county.
A primary way that extension agents support their counties is by supplying nonbiased research based information. This research comes from recognized institutions that follow specific protocols and guidelines for the research they conduct. All UGA scientific research undergoes a peer-review process in order to be published. This process is where experts in a field of study look at the research project and its objectives, design and execution, results, statistical significance, and practical application. The review process is lengthy and in depth, which weeds out poorly designed, inconclusive, or biased research. There is a lot of “research” on the internet or from private sources that has not been peer reviewed through this process. In extension, all of the information we provide will be from peer reviewed, scientifically based, and university approved sources.
While a primary goal of UGA Specialists is to conduct non-biased, applicable research, more importantly is what they do with the data they collect. While the research papers themselves may be harder to access (but available in publications like the Journal of Animal Science), the major results and data from specialist projects can usually be found in the UGA Publications Database. UGA Specialists have created this database of publications that compile the most up-to-date research on different topics for public access and use. These articles present non-biased scientific information in a way that a homeowner or farmer can easily understand and apply to their own practices. Topics can be very specific, such as managing nitrates in cattle diets, or very broad, like nutrition for horses. If you’d like to browse articles on your own, they can be accessed at https://extension.uga.edu/publications.html. If you need help locating a publication or prefer to speak with an agent directly, please call 706-359-3233.
In addition to our existing research and publications, specialists are available via phone and email for public access on a case-by-case basis to answer specific questions. It may be that the publications or existing resources do not target a specific question one may have, or there may be a concern that isn’t addressed at all. For example, in Lincoln County, I have had an entomologist identify some beetles brought in by a farmer, and I’ve had a plant pathologist identify a disease on some trees that weren’t doing well. We typically ask that you reach out to the Extension office with your inquiry so that we can ensure the right specialist is contacted for the right reasons.
In addition to having publications and virtual support from them, the Extension office is also able to bring specialists in for specific programs. In doing so, we are able to provide face-to-face contact with experts in different subjects, especially subjects that are not the specialty of the local agent. For example, Dr. Casey Ritz, a UGA Poultry Specialist, came to the Lincoln County Hobby Flock Series on February 10th to present and answer participant questions.
UGA Specialists are an incredible asset to the Extension system and to the citizens of Georgia. All of their services are provided at no charge and they are some of the top experts in their fields. If you have a question for a specialist or are interested in having a specialist present for a specific occasion, please let us know at uge3181@uga.edu or 706-359-3233.
