UGA Extension agents, staff and trained volunteers keep local communities informed through county Extension offices. We offer reliable information and programs in the areas of agriculture, food, families, the environment, and 4-H youth development. Let us help you learn, grow, and do more!
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.
4-H Youth Development
The University of Georgia 4-H program offers a variety of educational opportunities for youth ages. Two of the most impactful programs include project achievement and summer camp. Project Achievement helps 4-H’ers to develop leadership, creativity, public speaking, record keeping, time management, and a host of other skills. While summer camp encourages self-confidence, respect, teamwork, resiliency, independence, decision making, and flexibility. All of these skills are important in the work place.
Project Achievement and summer camp give 4-H’ers an opportunity to learn and explore different careers through different experiences. To afford more 4-H’ers with the opportunity to attend these events, Mrs. Graham works with local business and county government to secure funds to pay 100% of the cost to attend Project Achievement and scholarships each year to attend summer camp. This gives more 4-H’ers the opportunity to experience both activities. Haralson County 4-H has had numerous 4-H'ers in just 2023 alone find their passion that lead them to their careers through these two events.
In the 2023-2024 4-H program year, Haralson County has had 1,020 youth impacted by this development. We had 65 youth attend District Project Achievement, 80 4-H'ers engaged in 4-H Summer camp. We have 2 4-H'ers from our county selected to be on Junior/Senior Northwest District Board.
4-H youth are encouraged to seek opportunities on the state level as well. Hastings Phillips was selected to perform with the 4-H performing arts group, Clovers and Company. Four 4-H'ers attended 4-H State Congress. Haralson County was awarded awards at District Project Achievement.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Haralson County Extension office helps farmers and homeowners with inquiries regarding soil fertility, pesticides, water usage, home gardening and crop and pasture management on a daily basis. Through the Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory at UGA, we conduct soil, feed and animal waste testing. The Haralson County Extension office helps its community members to correctly identify plants, insects and weeds. The office enjoys collaborating with organizations like the National Resources Conservation Service, Haralson County Cattlemen, Haralson County Farm Bureau and neighboring extension offices to provide educational programs and events for the agricultural community.
There are many upcoming programs planned for the next year in conjunction with multiple organizations. The current Agricultural and Natural Resource Educator is here to further assist any of the community members with anything they may need, whether that means helping to identify a rogue flower in a home garden or helping a land owner to understand the results of a soil test, the Haralson County Extension office is here to help all members of the community.
