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
With a new Agriculture and Natural Resources agent starting in June, the agriculture program in Troup County has gotten back off the ground in a big way. The agent conducted 62 site and home visits in the first few months on the job to assist homeowners and farmers with farming and landscaping concerns. The agent became integrated into the local outdoor community by giving presentations to local citizens and setting up informational booths at local events. With upgrades to the technology both in our office and available to agents to take into the field, we have multiplied the capabilities and speed of service available to the community. Homeowners and farmers can now text pictures of concerns to the agent, who can identify problems and find resolutions in a more timely manner.
4-H Youth Development
For years, Troup County 4-H has provided various opportunities to youth and is proud to have served more than 400 students in 2019. Students participated in leadership activities, community service and citizenship projects, contests, summer camps, judging teams, conferences, science activities and special-interest clubs such as shotgun. Through a $50,000 grant secured by Troup County — of which $25,000 came from the Callaway Foundation — a shotgun course was built. Shooters attended the District Invitational and State Qualifier, with one shooter placing in the Junior division. In 2019, Project Achievement topics included computer science, international poultry, workforce preparation and career development, forestry and wood sciences, and performing arts. We also conducted 26 monthly club meetings in 10 schools and covered a variety of topics. Troup County 4-H is focused on growing even more in 2020 and is excited about what the future holds for the youth of our county.