UGA Extension Office

Our Impact

Making A Difference in Our County

In Extension, we translate the science of everyday living for farmers, families, and communities to foster a healthy and prosperous Georgia. For more than a century, we've provided research and education through a network of committed specialists, agents, and volunteers to help Georgians learn, grow and do more. Below is a small fraction of our impact during 2023.

Enhancing the lives of county residents is at the heart of Floyd County Extension's mission. In 2023, we delivered an array of 337 educational programs spanning 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources. These initiatives facilitated over 6,000 interactions with our community members, fostering decision-making and empowerment. Additional outreach endeavors generated over 800 social media posts, newspaper articles and newsletters. Our presence extended to the airwaves with 96 radio programs, ensuring our message reached diverse audiences. Committed to empowerment, resilience and sustainability, Floyd County Extension continues its mission for a brighter and healthier future.

Follow Floyd County Extension on Facebook by clicking HERE

Professional Achievements of faculty members

Abbie

Past and Present Leadership Roles

  • Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Media Chair
  • Georgia 4-H Advisory Board
  • Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Research & Evaluation Committee Chair
  • Georgia Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Jr/Sr Director
  • Mission Make It Planning Committee
  • National Epsilon Sigma Phi Conference Tri-Chair
  • National Epsilon Sigma Phi Professional Development Committee Member

Keith

Present & Past Leadership Roles
• President, National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) a professional Extension Association https://www.nacaa.com/
• Past President, Extension Journal Inc. the governing board for the Journal of Extension https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/

 

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Floyd County 4-H cultivates confident, resilient, and compassionate leaders who actively shape their futures. Its hands-on approach, backed by the University of Georgia, creates a positive ripple effect that lasts a lifetime.

  1. Building Life Skills Through Hands-On Learning:
    • 4-H engages kids in hands-on projects across various domains, including science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement.
    • By actively participating in these projects, young people develop essential life skills such as confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion.
    • Certified adult leaders and staff create a positive environment where learning happens through doing. This is evident through Floyd County 4-H Teams and Project Clubs like Cloverbuds, Culinary Club, Rabbit Club, Poultry Judging, Livestock Exhibition and MORE!
  2. True Leadership Development:
    • In 4-H, true leaders aren’t born; they’re grown.
    • The program provides guidance, tools, and encouragement, allowing young people to take the driver’s seat and make great things happen.
  3. Hands-On Experiences:
    • 4-H recognizes the importance of youth-led experiences.
    • Participants learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas, and use their influence to drive positive outcomes.
    • Adult mentors offer guidance, ask questions, share learnings, and encourage growth.
  4. Long-Term Impact:
    • Studies reveal that 4-H youth are four times more likely to contribute to their community and twice as likely to be civically engaged.
    • They also participate in out-of-school science programs and make healthier choices.
    • The impact extends into adulthood, shaping successful, engaged citizens.

      Follow Floyd County 4-H on Facebook by clicking
      HERE
 
AGRICULTURE
 
In 2023, the Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Training program in Northwest Georgia underwent a transformative shift, adopting a hybrid approach that combined in-person and virtual instruction and introduced a point-based grading system. This innovative strategy not only removed barriers related to computer literacy and technology access but also created a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. As a result, the program experienced increased engagement, expanded its participant base to encompass a diverse range of individuals, and achieved a 100% retention rate in some counties, all while receiving enthusiastic praise from its trainees for its flexibility and quality of instruction.
 
The Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer (MGEV) Program connects UGA Extension, plant enthusiasts, and communities across the state. MGEVs share UGA Extension consumer horticulture programming about the selection and care of plants for ornamental value, recreation, and home food production. Master Gardeners teach community members how to use plants and gardening to improve their environment, personal health, and quality of life.
 
Follow the Floyd County Master Gardeners on Facebook by clicking on HERE
 

 

Download Our Annual Report (pdf)