Agriculture & Natural Resources
While Dawson County has one of the fastest growing populations in Georgia, we should not forget that our rural heritage, strength and diversity is what draws many people to live in Dawson County.
Agriculture has been, is and will continue to be an important sector of the economic base of Dawson County. In 2017, the gross value of agricultural products produced in Dawson County was $47,000,000. Agricultural production also creates an economic positive ripple effect. It is estimated each dollar of agricultural production generates seven dollars in economy. (For example: farm supply sales, trucking and labor.) It should be noted a high percent of Dawson County's tax digest is from agriculture.
Poultry is still the foundation of Dawson County’s agriculture. With nearly 200 poultry houses and new ones being built yearly, Dawson County is one of the largest poultry producing counties in Georgia. The modern poultry farm requires an initial average investment of $200,000 per house. The poultry industry provides jobs on and off the farm.
Livestock such as beef cattle, horses, swine and sheep all add to our agricultural base. The number of horses has increased greatly in recent years. It is estimated the number of horses to be around 800 and cattle over 2,,900. With horse numbers high and the cattle population equally high, boarding facilities and feed stores have added to our local economy.
The Commercial Green Industry is another important and growing component of Dawson County’s agriculture. As the number of homeowners has increased in our county so has the demands for ornamentals and bedding plants. This is evidenced by the increasing number of hydroponic gardens, greenhouses and garden centers in Dawson County.
Other Agricultural Productions add even more the diversity of Dawson County agriculture: corn, hay, vegetables and sheep. Dawson County is a leading county in the production of pumpkins.
Tourist visiting Dawson County farms have had a tremendous positive impact on our economy. An example is Burt’s Pumpkin Farm where nearly 200,000 people visit each year. In the past few years, Uncle Shucks Corn Maze, Buck's Corn Maze and Bradley's Pumpkin Patch have added to the list of agritourism.
Farmers love and depend on the land for their livelihood and thus are good stewards of the environment. By working together in planning for the future, agriculture, residential and industrial growth can be enjoyed by future generation. The beauty of Dawson County is valued by all of us.
The Extension’s role as it relates to agriculture is taking unbiased research based knowledge and providing it to citizens. This is done by office phone calls, educational programs, laboratory test, farm visits, mass media or whatever means to get the needed information to our residents of Dawson County.
The Dawson County Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia is truly helping citizens in learning for life.
Extension Publications
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Vegetable Garden Calendar (C 943) The recommendations in this circular are based on long-term average dates of the last killing frost in the spring and first killing frost in the fall. Every year does not conform to the "average," so you should use your own judgment about advancing or delaying the time for each job, depending on weather conditions.
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Native Plants for Georgia Part I: Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines (B 987) This publication focuses on native trees, shrubs and woody vines for Georgia. It is not our intent to describe all native species — just those available in the nursery trade and those that the authors feel have potential for nursery production and landscape use. Rare or endangered species are not described. Information on each plant is provided according to the following categories: Common Name(s)/Botanical Name/Family, Characteristics, Landscape Uses, Size, Zones and Habitat.
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Time Management: 10 Strategies for Better Time Management (C 1042) Learn 10 strategies for better time management, including knowing how to spend your time, setting priorities, using planning tools, getting organized, scheduling, delegating, and avoiding procrastinating, wasting time, and multitasking.
Georgia Bee Information
Georgia Private Pesticide Applicators Exam
The Georgia Private Pesticide Applicator Exam may be completed online. Click here to access the Exam link Please ensure you have access to a working printer before you begin the exam to print the Private Pesticide Applicators License Application.
Please print and complete both forms to ensure you have all documents needed to obtain your license. After all paperwork is completed bring all documents by the Extension office to complete the process. If you have questions, please call our office at 706-265-2442.
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A Shared Harvest At Mark’s Melon Patch, UGA Extension plays a key role in supporting agritourism and farming traditions through expert advice and collaboration.
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Vidalia AI A multidisciplinary team of UGA researchers aims to enhance the competitiveness of Vidalia onion growers in Georgia.
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Expanding Vegetable Production Looking ahead to the potential for climate change to shift agricultural production in the U.S., UGA researchers examined the potential ecological impacts of a shift from row crop to vegetable production in the Southeast.
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AUTM UGA industry partners and startups released a record 66 new products.
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Science and Ag Hill The University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony on Oct. 30 to celebrate the completion of the first phase of renovations to modernize research and instruction facilities and infrastructure on UGA’s Science and Ag Hill.
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Scratching the Surface Researchers in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are studying how pastured and free-range chickens impact ecosystems on integrated crop-livestock farms.
Extension Services Available
Many services are available through the UGA County Extension Office are free with the exception of certain laboratory charges.
Services Include:
- Educational programs on various topics related to agriculture and natural resources.
- Laboratory Services include: Soil testing, water testing, analysis of fertilizers, testing of hay and feeds, poultry litter testing, water test for aquaculture, and plant tissue testing.
- Identification and Control recommendation for weeds, insect pests, and plant diseases.
- Training and supervision of Master Gardener volunteers.
- Trouble shooting visits to farms and home landscapes.
- Educational literature and free publications.
- Nutrient Management Planning for Poultry Farms and biosecurity for birds.
- Coordination of local Livestock Association Meetings and events.
- Training of pesticide applicators.
Contact Us:
For more information on agriculture in Dawson County contact the Dawson County Extension office at (706) 265-2442 or email clarkmac@uga.edu or uge1085@uga.edu.