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.
ANR Impact:
The Cotton Jassid, Amrasca Biguttla is an invasive insect from the Indian subcontinent. This insect was first detected in the United States in Florida back in 2024. The insect commonly known as two-spot cotton leafhopper, was then identified in a neighboring county and the hunt began for the insect across Southeast Georgia and Wayne County. Even though the Cotton Jassid was first disovered in early July in Seminold County, it was found in Wayne County by July 22nd, 2025. Over the course of ten days the insect was then identified in every cotton field across Wayne County. The insect feeds by piercing leaves and injecting a toxin that causes tissue in the plant to yellow, curl and die. This damage disrupts photosynthesis in the plant which is essential for cotton boll development. Since this particular insect was new to the region cotton farmers and crop consultants knew nothing about how to identify, scout or control the spread of this new pest. The UGA Extension agent in Wayne County contacted all cotton farmers and crop consultants as soon as the Cotton Jassid was identified in the adjacent county of Appling. The agent also sent emails and hand delivered the Cotton Jassid update from Dr. Phillip Roberts (UGA Extension Cotton Entomologist). Providing pictures of the insect and the damage accrued by the insect, along with spray guides to help control the spread of the new insect. Cotton has historically been Wayne County's largest row crop with a Farm Gate Value of 6.3 million dollars in 2023. Through combined efforst UGA Extension was able to communicate with all cotton farmers and crop consultants and given up-to-date proactive information on managing the spread and damage of this new insect.
4-H Impact
Homelessness is a growing concern nationally and locally, impacting the well-being of thousands of individuals. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness in the the United States has increased by 18% from 2023-2024 with over 771, 480 people, that is 23 out of every 10,000; experiencing homelessness. The idea for the Angel Tree for the Homeless project originated when Manny Harris, a local 4-H youth, asked his mother, 4-H Agent Donna Harris, if anyone in the community did anything for the homeless at Christmastime. This question highlighted a gap in local support and sparked a effort to provide a collaborative community service initiative. A Christmas tree was set up at the Extension Office, adorned with paper angels, each representing and opportunity to help. Some angels listed essential items needed by Tabitha's Place. Tabitha's Place is a local soup kitchen that also has a bathhouse, washer and dryer for the homeless to use. Essential items such as towels, toiletries, laundry detergent, snacks were also collected to aide the facility with everyday care for homeless individuals. Other angels on the tree provided information to "adopt" specific individuals and even families in need of items for the holiday season. Wayne County 4-H youth and community members partnered to launch the Angel Tree for the homeless project, providing meaningful holiday support to local individuals experiencing homelessness. This initiative strengthened community connections while fostering empathy, leadership, and service among 5th through 12th grade participants.
FACS Impact: Food Safety in Southeast Georgia
Foodborne illness is a common and costly, yet preventable public health problem. Food Safety Education is being taught in Wayne County to address the risk of foodborne illness. Extension is the only source for residents of Wayne County for foodservice workers to receive ServSafe Manager Certification. The Wayne County FACS agent, in collaboration with other Family and Consumer Sciences agents, offers ServSafe training in Wayne and surrounding counties several times per year. Additionally, since 2015 there have been over 100 newspaper articles that have addressed food safety and/or food preservation for local readers. The agent attends four food-safety trainings per year with state specialists to incorporate the most up-to-date information on food safety for public clientele.