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
Foliage-feeding insects can cause severe damage to the leaves and stems of a peanut plant, which is the lifeline of the plant. Correct identification of insects is vital in making the correct insecticide choice in controlling the pests. Without proper identification of the pests, some insecticides could be ineffective on the pests being targeted. This seemed to be an unusual year in Dodge County, with multiple species attacking the plants in high populations all at the same time. There are approximately 5,000 acres of peanuts produced in Dodge County each year, with an economic value of $5 to 5.5 million. The Agriculture and Natural Resources agent estimates are that 80% of the peanut acres in the county had to be treated for foliage-feeding insects this growing season, compared to 30% percent in recent years. Proper identification of insect species is crucial in the choice of insecticide used. In all situations scouted this year, proper identification was made and damage was limited to a minimal amount.
4-H Youth Development
Dodge County Extension/4-H along with Georgia Farm Bureau, Dodge County Farm Bureau, P & G Livestock, local farmers, 4-H livestock exhibitors, Dodge County Board of Education, Dodge County Elementary School and Cornerstone Christian Academy embarked to provide a week long, hands-on agriculture awareness experience after observing a significant lack of knowledge among younger students regarding not only the importance of agriculture in our lives but the significant impact it holds in Dodge County. Efforts to bridge the gap between students, farmers and the educational components within the area began with programming offered through Dodge County 4-H .
Throughout the week, students from Dodge County Elementary School and Cornerstone Christian Academy enjoyed dress-up days, which signified 4-H (Dawg Day, Farmer Day, Clover Day, and Career Day) and learning experiences provided by local farmers and 4-H livestock exhibitors as they toured the on-site animal farm.
Fifth-grade students from those same schools also had the opportunity to visit The Georgia Ag Experience. Featuring a unique STEM-based educational program, students across Georgia have the opportunity to explore agriculture through a fun, hands-on approach. The 36-foot mobile classroom highlights Georgia Agriculture on the road. They visit Georgia elementary schools and community organizations, targeting students in grades 3 to 5. The Georgia Ag Experience uses technology and digital learning so students can take a deep dive into different agricultural commodities. Prior to their journey through the Georgia Ag Experience, those same fifth-grade students took part in in-class club meetings with Dodge County 4-H, which used curriculum specifically created to prepare them for their upcoming activities. The curriculum was developed in part by professors at the University of Georgia in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the Georgia Ag Experience Team. The lessons introduced students to Georgia and local agricultural products while gaining an understanding of the significance of the topographical regions of Georgia.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Although Dodge County does not have a Family and Consumer Sciences agent based in the county Extension office, we strive to assist local residents with their questions. Common questions cover food safety, food preservation, mitigating mold and mildew, healthy meal planning, nutrition, family budgeting, and much more. These issues and others are answered through a wide variety of free 成人影院 Extension publications available at the county office and phone conferences with Family and Consumer Science agents from surrounding counties. Neighboring FACS agents often conduct programming that our county residents are welcome to attend.