Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agricultural Education and Community Engagement
Public Outreach and Partnerships
During the quarter, Travis supported multiple public outreach and partnership activities. Assistance was provided at the Harvest Festival, including event setup and breakdown, as well as staffing an Extension table to distribute educational materials and increase awareness of Extension programs. Travis also engaged with agricultural stakeholders by attending the local Farm Bureau Board Meeting and the Chamber of Commerce Ag Promotions Committee Meeting.
Youth and Adult Education
Youth and adult education remained a priority throughout the quarter. Travis participated in Hull-Sanford Elementary School’s Kindergarten Ag Day by bringing livestock and providing age-appropriate instruction focused on agriculture and animal care. Adult education efforts included delivering a 30-minute Backyard Livestock presentation at the Small Farm Conference in Hart County, providing research-based information to small and beginning farmers.
Program Planning and Community Engagement
Travis supported program planning and community engagement by participating in a planning meeting for the Beef Cattle Short Course. He also represented UGA Extension at the Madison County School System Agricultural Facility ribbon cutting ceremony, highlighting the importance of agricultural education and strong community partnerships.
Professional Development
Required professional development was completed through attendance at the Georgia 4-H Livestock Judging Coaches Certification Program, ensuring continued compliance and skill development in youth livestock programming.
Events and Program Support
Travis assisted with hosting the Northeast Georgia Hay Contest Awards Banquet and helped organize and execute the Jinglebell Rockout Pig Show. These efforts supported producer recognition and youth livestock education across the region.
Personal Milestone
Travis welcomed a new baby boy at the beginning of October.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Sharing Knowledge and Supporting Madison County
Madison County FACS Extension continues to deliver educational programming and community support that promotes nutrition, wellness, and essential life skills for residents of all ages.
Educational Presentations & Workshops
Shared the basics of home canning with the Ladies Homestead Group, including hands-on pressure canning testing to help ensure safe and proper techniques.
Wrapped up the final quarterly Lunch & Learn at the Madison County Government Complex with a session on heart disease prevention, highlighting simple ways to reduce sodium in everyday meals.
Professional Development
Attended the Regional FCCLA Advisory Meeting to connect with others, share ideas, and support youth leadership efforts across the region.
Community Outreach
FACS Extension hosted an informational table at the Madison County Employee Health Fair, sharing resources and increasing awareness of FACS Extension programs and services. Emily completed Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) training in preparation for hosting the VITA program during the upcoming tax season, and we are excited to offer these valuable services to Madison County residents this year.
Walking for Wellness Program Launch
The 8-week Walking for Wellness program concluded in late November, engaging approximately 10 community members. Participants took part in weekly walking sessions designed to promote regular physical activity and support overall community wellness.
4-H and Youth Development
Empowering Youth Through Education, Leadership, and Service
Overview of last quarter’s 4-H Programming
During the fourth quarter of 2025, Madison County 4-H continued to provide meaningful educational, leadership, and service opportunities for youth across the county. Programs supported Georgia 4-H focus areas including Agriculture & STEM, Healthy Living, Leadership, and Citizenship, while engaging youth through competitions, conferences, community service, and school-based programming.
From October through December, Madison County 4-H reached hundreds of youth and adult participants through local, district, and state-level activities designed to build life skills, leadership capacity, and community involvement.
Project Achievement & Portfolio Development
Portfolio Workshops – October 21 ( 5 youth, 2 adults) / November 18 (3youth, 2 adults)
Workshops supported youth in developing portfolios and presentations for Project Achievement, emphasizing goal setting, reflection, and public speaking.
Cloverleaf District Project Achievement – November 22 – 9 youth, 2 teen leaders, 4 adults
Madison County was one of only two counties with 100% of participants placing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at the district level.
Placings included:
- Henry Strickland – 1st, Beef
- Paul Cutts – 2nd, Computer, Technology & Data Science
- Easton Brock – 1st, Computer, Technology & Data Science
- Hosanna Lewis – 2nd, Crafts
- Amelia Paul – 1st, Herpetology
- Sarah Wilson – 1st, Historic People
- Sarah Minish – 1st, Interior Design
- Olivia Lawson – 1st, Performing Arts – General
- Jensen Zieser – 3rd, Wildlife
Community Service and Outreach
Rivers Alive Clean Up – October 18 – 4 youth, 2 adults
Participants assisted with environmental cleanup efforts along the Broad River, promoting stewardship and community responsibility.
Halloween Candy Donation & Packing – October 27 – 13 youth, 3 adults
Youth collected and packed candy donations for Madison County’s Early Learning Center and the Hampton House.
Madison County Harvest Festival – October 25 – 3 youth, 3 adults
4-H members assisted with community engagement and program visibility.
Service Clovers – November 19 – 3 youth, 1 adult
Participants created holiday cards for nursing homes across the state of Georgia.
Recreational & Social Programming
Holiday Party – December 19
- 7 youth, 2 adults
County Cluster Holiday Fun Day – December 22
- 12 youth, 2 adults
Madison County partnered with surrounding counties for a holiday experience including a UGA basketball game, shared meal, and Winter WonderLights visit at the UGA Botanical Gardens.
Educational & Competitive Programs
Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging Practices – October | 5 practices – 7 youth, 2 adults
Youth developed skills in agricultural literacy, consumer decision-making, and communication in preparation for area and district competitions.
Georgia 4-H Holiday Card Contest – October | 6 youth
Participants engaged in a statewide creative arts competition promoting self-expression and civic engagement.
Pantry Pride State Contest – October 5
Bailey Bennett was selected as one of the top 16 participants statewide in the Pantry Pride Contest. This competition challenges youth to create a nutritious, cost-effective meal using items commonly found in food pantries. Bailey advanced to compete at the Georgia National Fair, placed 8th overall at the state level, and will have her recipe published in an official Georgia National Fair recipe book.
4-H Day at the Fair – October 10 – 14 youth, 2 adults
Participants attended a statewide recognition day celebrating 4-H involvement at the Georgia National Fair.
Cloverleaf Conference – October 13 – 7 youth, 2 teen leaders, 2 adults
Youth in grades 4–6 participated in leadership workshops, educational sessions, and team-building activities designed to strengthen confidence and communication skills.
Horse Quiz Bowl Practices – October | 3 practices – 3 youth, 1 adult
Participants prepared for equine knowledge competitions emphasizing teamwork and subject mastery.
Cotton Boll & Consumer Judging Area Contest – November 3 – 7 youth, 2 adults
The Madison County Senior Team placed 7th overall, with C.A. Duncan finishing in the Top 25 individuals. The Junior Team placed 6th overall, with Oakley King earning 7th place individually.
School and Club Programming
October Club Meetings
- 6 high school youth
- 12 middle school youth
- 277 elementary youth
- 8 homeschool youth
November Club Meetings
- 6 high school youth
- 14 middle school youth
- 277 elementary youth
- 10 homeschool youth
Monthly club meetings provided standards-based lessons focused on leadership, communication, and citizenship, ensuring consistent engagement across grade levels.
Leadership Conferences & State Events
Junior Conference – November 8–9 – – 5 youth, 2 teen leaders, 1 adult
Middle school youth participated in a statewide leadership conference focused on communication, teamwork, and civic engagement.
Fall Forum – December 13 & 14 – 4 youth, 1 adult
Senior 4-H members attended Fall Forum, a statewide leadership development event. During this event, Bailey Bennett was selected as one of 16 youth statewide to interview for National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C.—a significant leadership achievement.
National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP) – October 27–31
Georgia 4-H hosted the national annual meeting with 100+ Georgia delegates and representatives from 35+ states. Michaela Brown, 4-H Agent, attended to represent Madison County and served on the hospitality committee, supporting statewide and national engagement in 4-H youth development.
Program Impact
- Strong participation across agriculture, leadership, and service program areas
- District and state-level competitive success, including 100% placement at Cloverleaf DPA
- Continued leadership recognition at the state and national level
- Meaningful community service and fundraising efforts supporting local needs
Madison County 4-H remains committed to delivering impactful youth development programming that equips young people with the skills, confidence, and leadership abilities necessary to actively contribute to their communities. Through hands-on learning experiences, leadership opportunities, and service-based initiatives, participants are encouraged to develop responsibility, communication skills, and a strong sense of civic engagement. These efforts continue to strengthen individual growth and the overall well-being of Madison County, while supporting the broader mission and values of Georgia 4-H.
