University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Applications for the UGA Extension summer 2025 internship program close next month! Don't miss this chance to: ✅ Earn a paycheck ✅ Design and complete a unique research project ✅ Gain college credit (with department approval) 💡 Great opportunity for students at The University of Georgia (or students at other Georgia universities!), especially those in agriculture-related fields. This program offers invaluable experience in Extension and outreach. ⏳ Deadline to apply: January 17, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/eY-fbadd

The University of Georgia has selected 25 exceptional professionals for the 2025-26 Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry (AGL) cohort. This innovative, 18-month leadership program brings together experts from agriculture, forestry and allied sectors across Georgia. Participants enjoy tailored education on leadership development, legislative advocacy, conflict resolution and emerging industry issues through experiences in Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Cortona, Italy. 🌱 Since its inception, AGL has transformed careers: ✅ 100% of past participants say the network they gained benefits their future. ✅ 62% achieved promotions or job changes during the program! A very warm welcome to all of the exceptional leaders in the 2025-26 cohort. Full list of cohort participants is available here: https://lnkd.in/e6kvEedG

Hurricane Helene dealt a heavy blow to Georgia’s agricultural sector, causing destruction that rippled through our economy and supply chain. 🌾 The storm caused significant losses across key industries: ➡️ Cotton: Harvest losses up to 60% with reduced quality, creating financial strain for growers already facing low market prices. ➡️ Timber: Over 8.9 million acres affected, with estimated losses of $1.28 billion, a fivefold increase compared to Hurricane Michael. ➡️ Pecan orchards: Mature trees lost, impacting productivity for years to come. These losses don’t just affect farmers—they impact consumer prices and adjacent industries. Transportation networks, feed suppliers and packaging facilities all feel the strain as agricultural production is disrupted. UGA Extension is working with industry leaders to: ✅ Assess damage and connect producers with recovery programs. ✅ Facilitate access to financial assistance, such as the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Relief Fund. ✅ Provide expert guidance on long-term strategies like timber salvage, crop diversification and disaster preparedness. Learn more about the recovery efforts and the role of Extension in supporting Georgia’s no. 1 industry as we rebuild together: https://lnkd.in/e65M9wWv

A new study from UGA reveals the immense, invisible contributions that women in rural farming make — from managing households and childcare to working full-time jobs and handling farm finances. 💡 Lead researcher Anna Scheyett calls them “the backbone of farming families.” Despite the isolation, stress and long hours farming can create, these women are proud of their roles and the life they help create for their families. Read more about this important research 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGxyqkBJ -- University of Georgia - School of Social Work

The forests of Georgia are full of edible and medicinal treasures. Our Master Forager program is helping curious adventurers learn how to safely identify, harvest and enjoy nature’s bounty year-round. 🍃 ✨ With expert guidance from UGA Extension agents like Brooklyne Wassel, graduates of this hands-on program are gaining new skills, building deeper connections to nature and even creating unique recipes like goldenrod jelly, yaupon holly tea, kudzu quiche and chanterelle burritos! This one-of-a-kind program is so popular that it’s already got a waitlist for future classes. 📝 🌲 Interested in joining the next cohort? Get inspired by their story and start your own foraging journey. 🌱 🍂 Find a taste for the wild: https://lnkd.in/eWZfqgDp Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the page to see if you can spot all of the hidden forageables! -- #foragedfood #wildharvest

Georgia Simmons is making the most of her semester in Washington, D.C.! ✨ This CAES student and Georgia 4-H alum is interning in Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office, where she’s helping with policy work in agriculture, energy and more. ⚡ Read our article about Georgia's time in the Capitol: https://lnkd.in/eDwK-fWk

We’re excited to announce that George Vellidis has been named the first permanent director of UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture (IIPA)! 🌾 🚜 With over 70 faculty members, IIPA is at the forefront of leveraging data-driven tech like AI, robotics and satellite imagery to enhance agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Under Dr. Vellidis' leadership, the institute will continue to position Georgia as a global leader in precision agriculture. 🌍 Congratulations, Dr. Vellidis, on this well-deserved role! 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/diwhhDhd

Discover a new side of nature with our Master Forager Program! From kudzu quiche to pine needle tea, participants explore the many ways Georgia’s wild plants can nourish and heal. Led by UGA Extension agents with a passion for outdoor education, the program offers a unique, seasonal look at our state’s rich flora: https://lnkd.in/eWZfqgDp -- #MasterForager #GeorgiaNature #WildForage

UGA plant pathologist Bob Kemerait recently led a team of UGA Extension specialists to the Philippines as part of the Fulbright Specialist Program. Known for his commitment to Georgia’s agricultural community, Kemerait brought his expertise to a new stage—collaborating with local farmers and university partners to address critical plant disease challenges. Our team gained invaluable experience that will enhance their work here in Georgia, including diagnosing downy mildew in melon fields and sharing best practices in crop management! Read more about Kemerait’s experience and the work of UGA Extension abroad: https://lnkd.in/exHj9A7q. -- UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences UGA Department of Plant Pathology #PlantPathology #Sustainability

New science shows that introducing peanut-containing foods at 4-6 months can reduce the risk of peanut allergies by up to 86%! 🚼 But many parents aren’t getting this information from their pediatricians, so our UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension specialists are stepping up. Nutrition expert Ali Berg and her team are sharing this potentially life-saving information through hands-on programs for parents and childcare providers. 💡 Did you know? You can safely feed peanuts by stirring peanut butter into applesauce or breast milk. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eUa7mGQ7