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

UGA Extension Office

Agriculture & Natural Resources

From the Newton Extension ANR Blog

Upcoming Programs for Farmers Posted by Ashley Best on Aug 12, 2026
🍅🍅🍅 Farmer Social + Agritourism Insights Wednesday, August 19th | 6:00 – 8:00 PM Food Well Alliance, 970 Jefferson St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Join fellow farmers for an evening of networking, fellowship, and learning. Hear firsthand from a Georgia farmer engaged in agritourism, explore the latest UGA research on agritourism trends and opportunities across […]
Building-in Soil and Market Diversity for Greater Farm and Community Wellbeing Workshop Posted by Ashley Best on Aug 12, 2026
Join the North Georgia Sustainable Growers Network for an evening of hands-on learning, farmer discussion, and networking! Event Details Monday, August 24, 2026 | 5:30–8:00 PMClarke County Extension Office | 275 Cleveland RdRegistration: $14 — dinner and take-home materials included This hands-on workshop will bring growers together to explore practical approaches to building healthier soils and more […]
2026 Journeyman Farmers Certificate Program Small Fruit and Vegetable Production Section Posted by Ashley Best on Jan 5, 2026
UGA Extension Henry County will be hosting the Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program, which is for those interested in starting a farm business or those who have recently begun farming and want to improve their operation. USDA defines a beginning farmer as anyone who has been farming less than ten years continuously. It consists of two parts: the […]

Meet Your ANR Agent

Ashley Best serves as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for Newton County. Her work focuses on equine education, pasture and forage management, and providing research-based support to local landowners, farmers, and backyard growers. Ashley offers farm visits, soil and forage testing, educational workshops, and hands-on guidance to help the community make informed decisions about sustainable agriculture. With a strong background in equine and a passion for connecting people to practical resources, she is committed to supporting the growth and resilience of Newton County’s agricultural community.


ANR Staff Listing

Upcoming Events

  • Sep 14 Wildlife Identification Workshop Ever wondered what wildlife species live around your property—or what animal left those tracks, bones, or other signs behind? Join us for a hands-on wildlife identification class designed to help participants recognize common Georgia wildlife and better understand the animals they encounter. Participants will get up close with real wildlife skulls, skins, and other specimens while learning how physical characteristics such as teeth, skull shape, fur, and body structure can help identify different species. The class will also cover common wildlife signs and clues that can help you determine what animals are using your property. Whether you're a landowner, outdoor enthusiast, hunter, gardener, or simply curious about Georgia wildlife, this interactive class will give you practical skills for identifying the wildlife around you.
    • Covington, GA
  • Sep 28 Building a Business 101 Expert Panel Ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship but unsure where to begin? Join us for an interactive panel discussion featuring seasoned business leaders and financial experts. Whether you are refining a fresh concept or ready to launch, this forum is designed to give you actionable clarity on the resources available in our community and the key financial, operational, and strategic steps required to get started. You will leave with direct insights from people who have successfully navigated the journey and the exact tools you need to build your business from the ground up.
    • Covington, GA

Below are some of UGA Extension's most broadly useful resources for those involved in agriculture on the farm, in schools, and around the home.

Production Agriculture

Statewide Variety Testing Which varieties should you plant? The variety testing team does the work and research for farmers.
UGA Weather Network Reliable weather information for agricultural and environmental applications, including soil temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and more.
Pesticide Safety Education Everything you need to achieve certification and maintain the knowledge to safely and effectively make use of restricted-use and all other types of pesticides.
Sustainable Agriculture A collection of resources for those interested in production and marketing practices that are profitable, environmentally sound, and that improve the quality of life for farmers, farm workers, and the community.
Ag Budgets and Economics Resources for production economics, farm management, marketing, situation and outlook, risk management, financial management, farm policy, labor, and taxation.
Farmgate Value Report Annual county-level reports documenting the value of all food and fiber commodities grown in the state.

Home & Garden

Soil Testing Ensure that your soil is productive! Get your soil tested to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth.
Pest Management Recommendations for pest control around homes, on pets, in the home garden, and more.
Household Water Quality Water quality has an immediate and a prolonged effect on the health of your household. This publication series contains basic information about home water quality and treatment.
Home Garden Publication Series Topics include garden planning, soil preparation, weed control, pollination, disease and insect control, harvesting, and preserving.
Georgia Green Industry Professional Development The UGA Center for Urban Agriculture offers professional training and certifications for the Georgia Certified Landscape Professional, Georgia Certified Plant Professional exam and Super Crew employee training series.
Georgia Green Landscape Stewards The Georgia Green Landscape Stewards program provides fact-based information to help businesses and residences in Georgia implement sustainable green practices in their landscape.

Schools

Community and School Gardens This Community and School Gardens blog is designed to help community and school gardeners succeed by connecting them to UGA Extension and other research-based resources.
Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources Whether you'd like to help protect the environment, teach your students how to avoid chronic diseases with healthy food and physical activity, or train food handlers in your cafeteria, University of Georgia Extension can help.