Recent Posts
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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…
Posted in: Agriculture and Natural Resources -
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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Georgia is the leading producer of poultry in the United States. With the poultry industry being so important in this region and the source of many livelihoods, it is no shock that 4-H Poultry Judging is so popular among youth. Participation in 4-H Poultry Judging can kickstart a child’s love for raising chickens and egg…
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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.…
Posted in: Agriculture and Natural Resources -
In late 2022, the Oglethorpe County 4-H Club began a new community service project called ‘Students Serving Seniors’ where teens assist senior citizens in the community with small jobs inside the house or around the yard. The four H’s of 4-H, that represent the four pillars of our great organization, Head, Heart, Hands and Health…
Posted in: 4-H Youth -
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…
Posted in: Agriculture and Natural Resources
