Georgia

Exciting news! Skippy, the 2024 American Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year, has written her very own children's book! This book is a fun read for children and even teaches them the basic commands to use with a farm dog. The book directs readers to Pharm Dog USA and AgrAbility to learn more about the programs that helped Skippy and her farmers. Purchase the book on Amazon by scanning the QR code.

Did you know that Georgia ranks as one of the highest states in the nation for farmland loss? Staff hosted a workshop in conjunction with the American Farmland Trust, Athens Land Trust, The Conservation Fund, and Two Rivers RC&D to help farmers learn how to preserve farmland for future generations. It may have been dreary outside with the rain, but inside, the room was filled with participants who were eager to learn and network!

The University of Georgia AgrAbility Project hosted an "Introduction to Beef Cattle" course on February 28th in Thomaston, Georgia, at the Upson County Sale Barn as part of its Farm Bootcamp Program. The event included classroom presentations as well as hands-on demonstrations and experiences. The course was taught by UGA faculty and staff as well as farmers and industry professionals. The participants were eligible to complete certification for the Beef Quality Assurance Program by the end of the day. The "Introduction to Beef Cattle" course was the first part of the beef cattle series that is being offered.

Other News

Dr. Glen Rains presented farm equipment safety and emergency response training to staff and farm managers on Tifton Campus. There were 28 attendees for the two-hour exercise. This was part of the UGA Tifton Campus Safety Week trainings that included stress management, campus safety, HAZMAT training and worker protection. Picture shows participants after the stress management training with "glitter jars" made during class.

Submitted by Whitney Ostrander