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.
LIBERTY COUNTY 4-H’ERS WIN STATE LAND JUDGING COMPETITION
We all depend on soil for survival. Georgia 4-H Land Judging is preparing youth to protect and improve land through leadership training and a state competition. This program gives youth an appreciation for soil and the opportunity to learn soil structure, the power of erosion, classification and proper land treatment. Georgia 4-H Land Judging teaches youth how to evaluate soils and understand best land uses in a fun, hands-on environment. Land Judging is all about doing. Youth determine soil properties by getting their hands dirty. Students from cities, towns and rural areas can enjoy and excel in Land Judging. A farm background might be helpful, but it certainly isn’t necessary. Four Senior Liberty County 4-H’ers will compete at the National competition in April.
AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Superior research and education is the driving force of agricultural innovation, and no one knows this better than UGA Extension. Liberty County has a new agricultural and natural resources agent who has been working hard to meet producers and is eager to maintain a high level of programming that will deliver unbiased education. Farmers have been dealing with decreases in commodity prices, which have increased the importance of Extension programming to keep farming profitable and sustainable. The new Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent will address these issues, as well as pasture management, cotton, peanuts, corn, organics and livestock. Organic backyard fruits and vegetables and timber are the biggest crops in Liberty County.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCESPROVIDES NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension provides nutrition education programs and educational materials for adults and youth. Consumers are more likely to make better food choices for themselves and their families when they have been provided with nutrition education. These practices will lead to healthier youth who attend school regularly with better academic success and adults who have the ability to eat healthier and lessen the occurrence of expensive chronic diseases. By improving the overall health habits of Georgians, fewer hospitalizations and medications will be required, reducing health care costs for individuals, taxpayers, small businesses and corporations.