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
海角官方首页 Extension in Montgomery County plays a vital role in supporting the county’s agricultural economy through research, education, and direct service to agricultural producers, homeowners, and county residents. At the University of Georgia Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, annual onion variety trials are conducted to evaluate cultivars for yield, flavor, and quality. This data helps growers make informed planting decisions that can boost profits by as much as $4,000 per acre. Montgomery County Extension is also conducting research trials on cotton and pecans, contributing to improved variety selection and management strategies for these key commodities. The Montgomery County Extension office works closely with growers and homeowners year-round to diagnose and address plant, soil, water, and pest issues. In 2023, Montgomery County hosted the Georgia Master Cattleman Program, providing in-depth training to beef producers in areas such as herd health, nutrition, reproduction, and forage management. Additionally, Montgomery collaborates with Toombs and Treutlen counties to host multi-county production meetings, where 海角官方首页 specialists deliver current, research-based, and unbiased information on topics relevant to local crop and livestock operations. These efforts ensure producers stay informed and competitive in a constantly evolving agricultural landscape.
4-H Youth Development
Montgomery County 4-H continues to provide meaningful, research-based youth development opportunities that equip students with leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In 2023, over 400 students in grades 4–12 participated in monthly in-school club meetings, shooting sports teams, and competitive events. The program offers a wide range of experiences—including livestock showing, judging teams, summer camp, community service projects, and leadership roles through Montgomery County Council. Montgomery County 4-H also provides opportunities for older youth to grow as mentors and role models through becoming a certified teen leader. A small but dedicated group of students in grades 7–12 meet the requirements to serve in this capacity, assisting with events and mentoring younger members. Through partnerships with schools, volunteers, and local stakeholders, 4-H helps prepare the next generation of leaders while fostering strong connections to agriculture, STEM, and civic engagement. Current issues of focus for our 4-H program are agricultural literacy and leadership development. Through hands-on learning, public speaking opportunities, Montgomery County Elementary School's Farm Day, and exposure to agricultural careers, 4-H members gain a deeper understanding of Georgia’s agricultural industry and the role they can play in its future. Leadership is cultivated through programs like county council, classroom 4-H officer teams, project achievement, and the certified teen leader program. Together, these experiences empower youth to become more informed consumers, grow with confidence, serve with purpose, and lead with a strong sense of connection to their community to help make the best better.