By Blake Carter, ANR Agent, UGA Extension
Hey everyone, it has been a busy summer so far both personally and at the Extension Office. It has been a few months since my last article and I wanted to highlight a few things that have taken place since then, as well as share some new ways to get timely updates on what is happening in the ag world around our area.
Starting with some big events that have happened and are currently scheduled to take place soon, July 12-19 I had the opportunity to attend the National Association of County Agricultural Agents conference in Dallas, Texas. At this conference, agents from across the U.S. meet to share research, programming ideas, and get recognized for the work they do in their communities.
I was blessed to be able to share two research and education posters and deliver two presentations on local programs and initiatives that are being done in Effingham County.
Effingham County Extension Ag and Natural Resources received recognition as a national finalist for educational programming related to cattle production and farm business management. Alongside the national finalist awards, we also received state recognition for the agricultural awareness award and the bound book award for collaborating with South Effingham Middle School STEAM for its Pumpkin Cookbook. These opportunities and accomplishments further support the agricultural heartbeat that is still alive and well in this rapidly evolving county. It was a pleasure to represent the County on a national stage.
On Aug. 5, the Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year judges will visit Effingham County and meet with Georgia Farmer of the Year, Bruce Redmond with Shilo Farms. This visit will be a large part in determining the Southeast Farmer of the Year at this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie. If you see Bruce, please send your best wishes as he and his family continue in this judging process. This honor has not been given to a farmer from Effingham County before, so it is a huge opportunity to share our county and our growers’ stories with the rest of the Southeast.
Finally, I wanted to share a new way to receive timely updates on agriculture news in our area. A fellow agent and I have started a new podcast called “Tillin’ it Like it Is”. This podcast is geared toward producers, educators, community members, and anyone else interested in agriculture and natural resources. Each episode will feature fellow Extension Agents and Specialists, timely crop updates, and local updates on what the host has been seeing in their community. We have already posted our first three episodes. You can find more information on our Facebook page “Tillin’ it Like it Is,” or by following us on your favorite streaming service. Most platforms should be free to listen to once you have downloaded the app.
