Our Impact
Making A Difference in Our County
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is working hard for its constituents. The following are examples of Extension’s impact in the county over the past year.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Brantley County Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program offers many services to local clientele. The program offers soil, water and plant analysis through the university’s laboratories, as well as in-office and on- site consultations on a wide array of issues. The Extension agent assists clients with issues such as pond management, lawn health and maintenance, gardening issues and strategies, forestry, horticulture and livestock care and maintenance. UGA Extension agents play a vital role in the success of the agricultural industry through the distribution of university-based research for clientele to use on their farm or home. Agriculture in Brantley County has a farm gate value of $50 million annually.
4-H Youth Development
Brantley County 4-H is excited to have the participation of fourth through sixth grade students, in addition to middle and high school students. Participation grew in 2019, and we can’t wait to see what else is in store as we increase membership and activities. Highlights from this past year include participation in 4-H events such as District Project Achievement, Livestock Judging, Archery, Community Service, Summer Camp, National 4-H Week, holiday activities, fair Booths and more.
4-H’ers in Brantley County also have the opportunity to attend programs over the summer. This year we splashed into summer at Summer Waves, bowled and enjoyed all you can eat pizza at Strike Zone, tested our artistic abilities with a local artist during art class, toured the great Okefenokee Swamp learning about their heritage and animals, and ended it with summer camp at Burton on Tybee Island. Thirty-five campers and five adults spent the week on Tybee enjoying the beach, River Street, recreational time, herpetology, beach and marsh ecology and many more fun classes and adventures.
Each program averaged 15 4-H’ers of all ages, and our awesome volunteers, bus drivers and staff members. Our Livestock Judging team attended the State Contest in Athens, placing fifth in the state for their first time ever. We have a top 10 individual and several top 10 swine, cattle, and sheep/goat placings. 4-H‘ers continued their education in local contests and even brought home first place at the Callahan Fair Livestock Judging Contest. Students are preparing for a fun trip back to Athens in March. Brantley County 4-H is excited about our continued growth, and we look forward to continuing to “make the best better.”