Agriculture & Natural Resources

Welcome to Burke County!

From cotton, corn and peanuts to pines, locally grown vegetables and livestock, Burke County has an impressive amount of agriculture. Burke County has the largest acreage in farmland and is diverse in all areas of production. Production agriculture continues to fuel the economy of Burke County with an overall farm gate value of $150,991,173, ranking 15^th in the state! Agriculture impacts the economy of the county to the tune of more than $2 million in total output and represents more than 1,469 jobs. Annually, farmers grow around 80,000 acres of row crops. Many areas of food and fiber production are represented in Burke County.

Burke County Ag News

Row Crop Update 8.20.19 Posted by Katie Burch on Aug 20, 2019 Corn Harvest Some are done, but for some harvest continues. With possible shower delays, there is a chance for weeds like morningglories, which can lead to high moisture and trash, stopped up combines and slowed progress. According to Dr. Prostko, “Growers who have annual morningglory problems might want to consider...

Non-Irrigated Peanut Conditions Posted by Katie Burch on Aug 9, 2019 Based on what we have seen, the irrigated peanut crop, on average, looks good across the county/state. With the abnormally dry, hot weather conditions the non-irrigated peanut crop is raising concern. We have seen fields in non-irrigated situations that have dry, wilted, some dead areas. With poor canopy health, this...

Midville Field Day Posted by Katie Burch on Aug 9, 2019 Please join us for the Annual Midville Field Day!

SIlverleaf Whitefly Information
Managing Silverleaf Whiteflies in Cotton

Scouting Silverleaf Whiteflies in Cotton

Understanding Generic Base
Genertic Base Conversion Options with Seed Cotton Program

Testing Services

Soil	Routine	$6.00
Soil	Organic Matter	$10.00
Soil	CAST (Calcium Soil Test - Peanut Pegging Zone)	$5.00
Soil	Potting Mix, Greenhouse, Nursery Media Test	$40.00
Water	Basic Water Test	$23.00
Water	GA Certification for Drinking Water Providers	$133.00
Water	Total Coliform/E. Coli	$36.00
Water	Home Loan Closings	$88.00

Other Testing Services:

Feed & Forage Analyses
Animal Wastes Analyses
Plant Tissue
Biosolids, Sludge and Non-Animal Wastes
Nematodes

Soil sample bags and water sampling bottles are available at the Burke County Extension office.

How to take a Soil Sample

Please contact the Extension office at (706) 554-2119 if you have questions on other testing services.

Georgia Private Pesticide Applicator Exam

How do I obtain a Private Pesticide Applicatior License?

Step 1: Purchase course access for the interactive Private Applicator training program through the Georgia Professional Certifications storefront. The cost is $25.00.

Step 2: Complete the new Private Applicator Training Course on Georgia Professional Certifications website. Use the username and temporary password sent to you by Dr. Mickey Taylor. Follow instructions carefully.

You must pass the final test of each module with a 70 or higher.

Step 3: Print Certificate of Completion once you have completed the course and take to your county Extension Office.

Before you take the exam, please ensure that you have access to a working printer.

Step 4: Certify that you are engaged in production by completing the Private Pesticide Applicator License Application and complete the Verification of Lawful Presence.

Step 5: The Georgia Department of Ag Pesticides office will review your application and, when approved, send it to the Licensing Division, who will print and issue your license.

We will assist you in your application submission.

Below are some of UGA Extension's most broadly useful resources for those involved in agriculture on the farm, in schools, and around the home.

Production Agriculture:

Statewide Variety Testing Which varieties should you plant? The variety testing team does the work and research for farmers.

UGA Weather Network Reliable weather information for agricultural and environmental applications, including soil temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and more.

Pesticide Safety Education Everything you need to achieve certification and maintain the knowledge to safely and effectively make use of restricted-use and all other types of pesticides.

Commodity Resources

Sustainable Agriculture A collection of resources for those interested in production and marketing practices that are profitable, environmentally sound, and that improve the quality of life for farmers, farm workers, and the community.

Ag Budgets and Economics Resources for production economics, farm management, marketing, situation and outlook, risk management, financial management, farm policy, labor, and taxation.

Farmgate Value Report Annual county-level reports documenting the value of all food and fiber commodities grown in the state.

Search for UGA Extension Publications

Home & Garden:

Soil Testing Ensure that your soil is productive! Get your soil tested to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth.

Pest Management Recommendations for pest control around homes, on pets, in the home garden, and more.

Household Water Quality Water quality has an immediate and a prolonged effect on the health of your household. This publication series contains basic information about home water quality and treatment.

Home Garden Publication Series Topics include garden planning, soil preparation, weed control, pollination, disease and insect control, harvesting, and preserving.

Georgia Green Industry Professional Development The UGA Center for Urban Agriculture offers professional training and certifications for the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, Georgia Certified Plant Professional exam and Super Crew employee training series.

Schools:

Community and School Gardens This Community and School Gardens blog is designed to help community and school gardeners succeed by connecting them to UGA Extension and other research-based resources.

Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources Whether you'd like to help protect the environment, teach your students how to avoid chronic diseases with healthy food and physical activity, or train food handlers in your cafeteria, University of Georgia Extension can help.