Our Impact
Making A Difference in Our County
We're working hard for the citizens we serve. Here are some examples of successful projects from the past year:
AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM
Research is the backbone of UGA Extension. Specialists and researchers provide reliable data and information to farmers, producers, homeowners and the general public for many different aspects of production and life. Much of this research is done in partnership with county agents. Real-world trials and research plots at the county level provide these specialists and researchers important inputs and data points as well as giving our stakeholders the opportunity to contribute and participate in the research themselves. Randolph County Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources agent continues to assist specialists in several different research projects. A grain sorghum variety trial in Randolph and Clay Counties evaluated hybrids with sugarcane aphid and anthracnose tolerance, including those with grass herbicide technology. Results identified two high-yielding varieties well suited to the area, while data showed that grass-tolerant technology currently lags top yielders by up to 24 bushels per acre. The trial demonstrated that selecting the wrong variety could reduce yields by as much as 37 bushels per acre. Using local trial data, producers can make economically sound variety decisions, impacting 1,585 acres of grain sorghum planted in 2024 and representing an estimated $381,192.50 in potential economic impact at an average price of $6.50 per bushel.
4-H PROGRAM
4-H
The principal at the public elementary school and 4-H have joined forces to improve the social and academic skills of the youth in 5th grade. 4-H was asked to join the vision to prepare youth for the real world both academically and socially. To assist the principal with her goals of increasing instruction effectiveness, the school day was extended allowing more dedicated science instruction, adopting new science curriculum as well as partnering with 4-H to pace and enrich lessons, integrating hands-on extension work for students in 5th grade. This high leverage move was to reframe the day to ensure students were receiving direct science instruction needed to build confidence and mastery.
The program gave students the enrichment needed to move forward in reading, writing, and speaking. Thus, providing the 4-H’ers an opportunity to take part in Project Achievement, giving them a real-world experience to use the skills learned to research, write, and present to peers. Many of them also chose science topics basing their presentation on some of the science topics that were covered with them during in-school meetings.
This support has created a ripple effect across all subject areas, with science achievement being one of the most visible areas of growth, such as the number of beginning learner in science was reduced by 51% in one year—now having 31% increase in proficient science performance from 2024 to 2025. With three years in the new ELA curriculum implantation, there was an increase in developing learners to 57% and 22.5% of proficient learners. The school’s partnership with 4-H further amplifies student confidence and communication skills. For the past two years, this school has had the highest number of DPA (District Project Achievement) participants—and every student has placed. Students receive dedicated practice time during connections, supported twice weekly by the 4-H agent and County 4-H Program Assistant and school administrators and staff. Before competition, a community judging night is hosted where local volunteers score speeches using the official rubric and provide feedback, giving students a final opportunity to refine their work.
FACS PROGRAM
UGA Family and Consumer Sciences Extension programs and publications provide chronic disease education, prevention and management programs for Georgians that are at risk for or suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and/or cancer. Our local office can provide publications and assist residents with programs in adjoining counties. With education, we are more likely to adopt skills regarding the prevention or management of their chronic disease. By learning skills that can address chronic disease, we can reduce the cost of health care for both employer and employees, time lost from work, and reduced need for public assistance through disability payments.