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
Tift County remains one of Georgia’s most agriculturally diverse regions, producing a broad range of commodities including vegetables, row crops, forages, ornamental horticulture, livestock, forestry products, fruits, and tree nuts. In 2024, Tift County farmers endured a turbulent season shaped by economic strain and extreme weather. Persistent input cost inflation and depressed commodity prices placed financial stress on producers, while erratic weather patterns added another layer of complexity. Several intense rainfall events early in the season saturated fields, delayed planting, and forced many producers into costly replanting scenarios. UGA Extension agents in Tift County responded quickly, helping growers evaluate crop loss, navigate replant decisions, and adjust production strategies to mitigate risk.
Later in the season, Tropical Storms and Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds and excessive rain. Though Tift County was not as severely affected as some neighboring counties, storm-related damage still disrupted yields and slowed harvest schedules. UGA Extension personnel continued to offer boots-on-the-ground support, adapting pest, disease, and fertility recommendations to evolving field conditions.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of Tift County’s agricultural community was matched by the dedication of its UGA Extension team. Mental health outreach efforts expanded to support farm families under growing pressure. Agents implemented cotton variety trials to identify cultivars best suited to local growing conditions and shifting climate stressors. Herbicide burndown trials targeted more sustainable weed management strategies, and pest monitoring programs for silverleaf whiteflies and lesser cornstalk borers remained active across row crop and vegetable systems.
The Tri-County Vegetable Extension Agent continued to lead innovative applied research efforts. A key initiative in 2024 focused on integrating cover crops in the row middles of plasticulture vegetable systems. These living mulches, planted between plastic beds, offer a promising strategy to reduce soil erosion, limit herbicide dependence, and decrease manual labor needs. Local trials have helped demonstrate the practical and economic benefits of this conservation practice, supporting greater adoption among vegetable growers.
Throughout the year, Tift County Extension delivered impactful educational programming, facilitated applied field research, and provided one-on-one technical support to growers. By promoting resilience, sustainability, and innovation in the face of adversity, UGA Extension in Tift County remained a cornerstone of the agricultural community, helping producers not only weather the storm but also adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS)
Tift County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) offers programs that enhance the health, wellness, and financial stability of individuals and families it serves. All kindergarten students participate in an oral hygiene care class that teaches proper brushing techniques and helps them identify foods and drinks that are beneficial or harmful to their teeth. First graders take part in a handwashing lesson, emphasizing that proper handwashing is the number one way to prevent the flu virus spread. Reducing the spread of gems increases students’ instructional time and reduces the number of workdays missed by parents. Second graders learn about the five food groups and how these contribute to a stronger, healthier body. Third graders are taught about added sugars and their impact on health, helping to raise awareness of sugar consumption and prevent childhood obesity. Food safety programs enable employees and restaurant managers to earn the National ServSafe® Managers certification. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in six Americans gets sick from foodborne illnesses each year, with 128,000 hospitalized and 3,000 dying as a result. The free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program also helps residents save hundreds of dollars on tax preparation services. Providing resources to support overall community wellness is the top priority for Tift County’s FACS Agent Georgeanne Cook
4-H Youth Development
Through 4-H, young people grow into confident, capable leaders who make a difference in their communities. In Tift County, Extension 4-H leaders reach more than 900 youth across public, private, and homeschool settings, delivering hands-on, educational programming to students in 5th through 12th grades. We visit every 5th-grade classroom in the county and continue engaging students throughout middle and high school, using UGA’s research-based resources to enhance classroom learning.
Tift County 4-H offers something for everyone. From Project Achievement, where students present on topics they’re passionate about, to a variety of competitive teams—like LifeSmarts, Cotton Boll, and Consumer Judging, Poultry Judging, BB Team, and more—there are countless ways for youth to build confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills. Many of our students have earned scholarships through their dedication to 4-H, competed on the national stage, and even served as 4-H camp counselors after high school. These leadership roles allow students to stay involved, give back, and continue growing.
Through every experience, from classroom lessons to competitions, summer camps to service projects, 4-H prepares students for the next step and to be Beyond Ready for life. Whether heading to college, the workforce, or taking on leadership roles in their communities, 4-H’ers leave the program with real-world skills, confidence, and character.
We’ve also partnered with local organizations like Farm Bureau to bring agriculture into the classroom, and our members regularly give back through service to Ronald McDonald House Charities, Meals on Wheels, local nursing homes, and food pantries.
There is truly a place for every young person to thrive in Tift County 4-H, regardless of their background or interests. Whether exploring agriculture, building life skills, or finding their voice, our program helps youth grow into the best version of themselves.