UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between UGA CAES and UGA FACS.

Translation Disclaimer

 close

Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that person’s own risk. UGA Extension is not responsible for any damages, costs, liability, or risk associated with any use, functionality, and/or content of the website translations.

For more information, visit the Language Translation page.

Jackson County
UGA Extension Office

Our Impact

Making A Difference in Our County

UGA Cooperative Extension in Jackson County experienced a successful 2025 program year across the Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) and 4-H programs, reaching thousands of residents. With strong support from local schools, county leadership, volunteers, producers and community partners, Jackson County Extension continued to deliver high-quality, research-based programs that strengthen youth development and support the county’s agricultural community.

Download Our Annual Report (pdf)

4-H Youth Development

During the 4-H 2024-2025 program year, partnerships with schools, county leadership, community organizations and local businesses expanded youth access to agricultural education, strengthened community mental health awareness and resulted in significant upgrades to youth nutrition and healthy living programming through the Jackson County 4-H Teaching Kitchen. During the 2024-2025 program year, 1,395 youth were enrolled in Jackson County 4-H programs. Monthly in-school club meetings were delivered to fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms, ensuring equitable access to research‑based enrichment aligned with academic standards and positive youth development principles. Youth also participated in after-school programs and specialty clubs, including competitive judging teams, all four SAFE disciplines (BB, shotgun, .22 rifle and archery), leadership opportunities, cooking programs and summer camps. Collectively, these programs strengthened leadership, confidence and life skills while reinforcing strong connections between youth, schools, families and community partners.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Jackson County hay production has a farm gate value of $10,395,000 and is ranked first in the state for the number of hay samples analyzed. Local producers submit samples for analysis and share test results with the end-users to determine hay prices and audience. The county is ranked third in the state in hay production. 

The ANR agent and program assistant provided one-on-one assistance through farm visits, soil and forage testing, pasture/hayfield recommendations, and livestock guidance. Educational workshops, including pesticide applicator training, forage management sessions and the Bee Keeping 101 program, equipped producers with practical knowledge to improve productivity, environmental stewardship and overall success.

Producers chose to test hay after being educated and encouraged to sample hay over the last several years.  Producers better understand that the timing of harvest and fertilization of hay affects the quality of the hay that is intended for cattle production.  Producers understand that the $5,712,000 hay crop may not always be the quality needed to keep their $8,123,625 cow/calf production at its highest level of production.