Newton County Extension office outlines programs, cites $51 million in 2024 farm-gate sales

The Newton County University of Georgia Extension Office, a collaboration between Newton County government and the University of Georgia, described its services and staffing and said Newton County farm-gate sales exceeded $51,000,000 in 2024. A staff member presenting the overview said the office has served Georgians since 1914 and draws on university specialists and a statewide network of experts.

The presentation said the office is staffed by two program agents, a program assistant and an administrative assistant and supports three core program areas: agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. Agriculture and natural resources programming includes farm visits, soil and forage testing, workshops and technical guidance for farmers and backyard gardeners, the presenter said.

Family and consumer sciences programming focuses on community well-being through research-based resources and education in nutrition, food safety, financial literacy, parenting and healthy living. 4-H youth development was described as engaging students in kindergarten through 12th grade in hands-on learning in agriculture, STEM, healthy living and civic engagement; the presenter noted Newton County is the birthplace of Georgia 4-H in 1904.

The presenter framed the office's work as extending university research to local residents across agriculture, the environment, families and youth. No formal actions or votes were reported during the presentation.