Newton County Extension highlights $51M farm-gate value, equine programs and volunteer projects

Ashley Best, extension agent with the University of Georgia Extension in Newton County, briefed the board on local agricultural activity and Extension programs on April 15.

Best said the Newton County farm-gate value exceeds $51 million and the county supports more than 1,800 agricultural jobs. She listed the county’s top commodities as horses, beef cattle and straw but said organic fruits and vegetables — currently spread across multiple commodity categories — are likely to be combined and could rank among the top commodities next year.

Extension activities and accomplishments

Best described 2024 activity including 43 site visits, 290 diagnostic samples, 18 adult programs and five youth programs; she said she had more than 1,900 face-to-face contacts, 500 phone calls and over 900 emails last year. She described statewide equine outreach as a strength of her program (the “Elevated Equine” program), noted Master Gardener volunteer activities and said two county hay producers placed first in the Southeastern Hay Contest.

Community engagement and partnerships

Best said Extension hosted agent trainings and on-farm research projects and that volunteers help maintain pollinator gardens and demonstration plots, including a newly installed demonstration garden on Pace Street. She said the Master Gardener roster in Newton County included seven volunteers (five trained, two trainees) supporting multiple local projects.

No board action was requested; commissioners thanked Best and a commissioner noted a personal interaction with the agent in the community.