UGA Extension Office

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Pollinator Garden, White County 2017
4-H-kids-can-grill-2022White County 4-H'ers learn to grill chicken and corn

What is UGA Extension?

A partnership of the University of Georgia, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. UGA Extension is on the forefront of food safety, technology, research, and education; keeping Georgia’s economy strong and making life better for Georgians. 

UGA Extension White County links the resources of the University of Georgia  and White County to provide educational programs, information, and assistance to citizens. UGA Extension White County helps its citizens by addressing the following initiatives:

  • 4-H Youth Development and Leadership Program
  • Agriculture Programming and Research Opportunities
  • Water Quality
  • Family and Economic Well-Being
  • Conservation and Management of Natural Resources
  • Community Service Learning / Citizenship
  • Improving Nutrition, Diet and Health

Our Mission

Our mission is to extend lifelong learning from the University of Georgia to the everyday lives of Georgians through current, research-based education in agriculture, youth and families,  the environment, and communities.


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Upcoming Events
  • Nov 28 Cattle and Forage Market Outlook Join us to learn more about the cattle and forage market outlook for the upcoming year! If you currently produce cattle and/or forages, or are considering entering the business, this program is for you! The program will be November 28, 2023 at the Hart County Agriscience Center. The program will be from 6:00-7:30pm , but we ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to get signed in. You can register by calling our office at 706-376-3134 or by using the link. We hope to see you in November to look at the cattle and forage markets! Registration Link: https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_daFt9hILhGKy0kK
    • Hartwell, GA - (53.0 Miles)
  • Nov 30 ServSafe Manager One-Day Training Georgia Cooperative Extension provides nationally recognized and accredited ServSafe® training for food service managers from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Upon successful completion of the ServSafe® examination, the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certificate will be issued by the NRAEF. Workshops are offered in multiple locations throughout the state; see each training's contact for details. Registration includes the course, textbook, light refreshments, and exam.
    • Conyers, GA - (63.0 Miles)
  • Dec 1 Northwest Georgia Green Update Join us to hear the latest up to date information from our UGA Green Team experts. The day begins at 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. with registration and refreshments. The schedule is below: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Diseases of Trees and Landscape Plants - Jean Williams-Woodward, UGA Extension Plant Pathologist/Professor 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Urban Invasive Insects- Will Hudson, UGA Extension Entomologist/Professor 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Weed Control in the Landscape - Patrick McCullough, UGA Extension Crop and Soil Sciences Professor 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Lunch on your own 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Diseases of Turf - Alfredo Martinez, UGA Extension Plant Pathologist/Professor 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Trouble Shooting Irrigation - Hands-on Session - Rolando Orellana, UGA Extension Urban Water Management Agent
    • Canton, GA - (49.0 Miles)
See All Events

Testing Services

Soil Testing

If you have questions about your lawn, garden, trees, etc. we always suggest starting with a soil test.

It is not necessary to come by and pick up the bags first. You may bring your dry sample into our office in plastic bags, or even in a bucket;  we will transfer it over to our UGA soil bags. Make sure you bring enough: about 2 cups.

The cost per sample is $10.00 (cash or check) and the results are either emailed or mailed. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00; we do close from 12:00-1:00 for lunch.

For more about how determine your sampling area, etc., check here

Water Testing

Public and municipal water supplies are routinely tested and must meet standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Therefore, these sources usually do not need to be tested unless inhouse contamination is suspected. However, only YOU are responsible for the safety of your well water.

When you pour yourself a glass of water to drink, it may appear clean, taste good, and you may expect it to be safe. However, many sources of water we assume are safe may contain dissolved minerals, organic compounds or even live organisms at harmful concentrations. Contaminated water used for drinking and cooking may affect your health. This concern merits a bacterial test:

  • Total Coliform / E. coli (Colilert®) - $36.00 (test), $10 (overnight UPS label)
    This test requires the sample be collected and shipped in a special bottle. Come by our office to get your kit, which includes bottle, instructions, and box. Follow the instructions to pull your sample, enclose a check for $36 inside the box. Come by our office and purchase an overnight UPS shipping label for $10 and ship to the lab. Sampling must be done on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and must be received at the lab in Athens WITHIN 24 HOURS of sampling.

 


Soil sample bags

-High concentrations of certain minerals in your water can result in quality issues such as unpleasant taste and odors or staining of bathroom fixtures and/or laundry. For this you'll need a more basic test:
  • Basic Water Test (Minimum Sample Amt.: 4 oz.) - $25.00

For this test, you can bring your 4-oz. sample to our office in a clean container; we'll handle the shipping. Included in this test are pH and Hardness, Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), Phosphorus (P), Boron (B), Magnesium (Mg), Silica (SiO2), Potassium (K), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), and Zinc (Zn).

Water samples should be collected from the kitchen faucet or from the faucet used most often for drinking.

Samples will be sent to a laboratory at UGA and results will be available in 7-10 business days.

Other extensive testing is available, including the Home Loan Closing Test (see details below:)

  • Home Loan Closing Test (W33B) - $85.00 (+ $10 overnight shipping label when applicable). Comprised of four tests* commonly required for home closings. Ask your lending agency for specific details about what is needed in your situation. Normal turnaround time is 5-10 business days; RUSH shipping may be available. Call us for more information