Our Impact
Making A Difference in Our County
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.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Johnson County agriculture continues to be strong. Row crop acreage is in the range of 10,000 to 11,000 acres, with peanuts and cotton leading the way. Cattle and timber are locked in as front-runners for agricultural value leaders in Johnson County. Producers in Johnson County continue to produce quality products. Several forage producers are producing premium quality hay and silage. Peanuts in Johnson County continue to yield nearly 2.5 tons per acre. Our overall cotton yield is well over (2 bales) 1,000 lbs. of lint per acre. Wheat and Oats are still in high demand, especially when it comes to prepping wildlife food plots. Cattle numbers continue to grow. The county has multiple producers who are backgrounding and finishing cattle, in addition to the normal cow/calf operations. The Johnson County Area Cattlemen’s Association continues to grow. Johnson County ANR agent serves as chapter advisor. The quarterly meetings continue to be well attended. The association has nearly 90 members and 50 sponsors. Johnson County Extension continues to find ways for pesticide license holders to earn continuing education hours. License holders have been offered both virtual and face to face trainings that have met CDC guidelines. In 2020, Johnson County Extension ANR agent was named Agent of the year by the Georgia Cattleman’s Association We continue to submit a good number of soil, water, and feed samples. Entering 2021, I hope Johnson County Extension can continue building good productive relationships in the community.
Johnson County 4-H 2020 Review
Johnson County 4-H began improving communication via technology and creating/promoting virtual learning opportunities. Previously scheduled programs and events that would have normally been face-to-face were converted into an online format and available to all students who were interested. In an attempt to reach students, families, and members of the community, programs such as Zoom Into Science, Plugged Into 4-H, Set Sail with Georgia 4-H, Virtual Summer Camp, and other virtual learning opportunities are just a few of the many programs that were promoted. These programs focused on a variety of topics ranging from STEM to healthy living to agriculture. The lessons were exceptionally educational and a valuable resource for youth and their families while they practiced safe social precautions in their homes. During this time, Johnson County 4-H focused on fostering leadership, citizenship, and togetherness by building relationships with families, listening to the needs of the community, and partnering with other local entities to act against the effects of COVID-19 in our area. The monthly Junior and Senior 4-H clubs continued to meet virtually, and constructed plans for monthly service projects including acts of service, maintaining connections with friends and family, and taking advantage of online learning through 4-H. Project HOPE was created in May, 2020, which allowed students to design appreciation cards for our local heroes (medical staff, school system employees, police and fire personnel, etc.) and they be delivered to them appropriately. 4-H Family Trivia Night was another product of youth creativity, and allowed students and their families to join Extension Staff in a virtual, general trivia game night.