Agriculture and Natural Resources
In Georgia, agriculture isn’t just a way to make a living. It’s a way of life, too. UGA Extension helps preserve that way of life with information for producers and consumers of Georgia’s agricultural products.
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Georgia ranks as the top poultry-producing state in the nation with Oglethorpe County being ranked 6th in poultry and egg production statewide. Because of the concentration in size and location of poultry flocks in commercial production, producers must practice daily biosecurity protocols and develop best management practices for their farms. If you’re a poultry farmer…
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The 2024 State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest was held Friday April 26, at the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena in Athens. Dairy Judging introduces participants to the industry standards for Holstein and Jersey cow breeds. Each student will acquire a better knowledge of dairy cattle and develop skills in identifying types and grades of livestock while learning the…
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In Georgia 4-H, youth can exhibit many types of livestock animals. The age requirements and other rules vary depending on what type of animal you plan to show. This is the time of year that many of our 4-H’ers are selecting new animals for the next school year. Give Shanna a call at our office…
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Purchasing local beef in bulk quantities can be a great option for many families. Buying an animal to have butchered gives the consumer a choice in how the animal is fed, processed, and packaged. Families can pool resources together to split an animal into halves or quarters in consideration of their budgets and available freezer…
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By Shanna Reynolds, Oglethorpe County Extension The production of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in our area and throughout the state has been on the rise for several years. As small farms gain popularity, the limited education opportunities for these farmer groups has been evident. Planners of a new adult education program hope to fill…
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Feed costs typically determine profitability on a cattle farm, so it’s no surprise farmers continue to be innovative with feeding strategies. In the southeast, livestock producers can take advantage of long growing seasons and generally abundant rainfall. But even here, meeting feed requirements during the winter represents a major fraction of a farm’s variable costs.…
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Crape myrtles are incredibly popular in Georgia. They are versatile flowering shrubs/trees that provide an abundance of summer color with minimal maintenance. Their ability to withstand drought, disease resistance, and insect hardiness has earned them a spot in many local landscapes. Crape myrtles grow and flower well under our less-than-desirable soil conditions. They have a…
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It seems that nearly every call I get in my office some days ends with the same initial recommendation; to run a soil test. Why do my boxwoods have spots? My tomatoes didn’t produce for me this year like they have in the past? How much chicken litter should I have spread on my pastures?…
Posted in: Agriculture and Natural Resources -
Several of our citizens have observed and reported what appear to be dead elm trees throughout the county in recent weeks, so I thought it a good time to explain what is happening. If you haven’t noticed these brown spots throughout wood lines before, you certainly will after reading this. The damage is widespread and…
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Calling all beef cattle producers…. Oglethorpe County Extension is hosting Dr. Brent Credille of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine for a lunch hour lecture on Beef Herd Health. This class is open to anyone, but RSVP is required. Call 706-743-8341 to RSVP by noon on September 6, 2023. Cost of attendance is $10 per…