Agriculture & Natural Resources
While Dawson County has one of the fastest growing populations in Georgia, we should not forget that our rural heritage, strength and diversity is what draws many people to live in Dawson County.
Agriculture has been, is and will continue to be an important sector of the economic base of Dawson County. In 2017, the gross value of agricultural products produced in Dawson County was $47,000,000. Agricultural production also creates an economic positive ripple effect. It is estimated each dollar of agricultural production generates seven dollars in economy. (For example: farm supply sales, trucking and labor.) It should be noted a high percent of Dawson County's tax digest is from agriculture.
Poultry is still the foundation of Dawson County’s agriculture. With nearly 200 poultry houses and new ones being built yearly, Dawson County is one of the largest poultry producing counties in Georgia. The modern poultry farm requires an initial average investment of $200,000 per house. The poultry industry provides jobs on and off the farm.
Livestock such as beef cattle, horses, swine and sheep all add to our agricultural base. The number of horses has increased greatly in recent years. It is estimated the number of horses to be around 800 and cattle over 2,,900. With horse numbers high and the cattle population equally high, boarding facilities and feed stores have added to our local economy.
The Commercial Green Industry is another important and growing component of Dawson County’s agriculture. As the number of homeowners has increased in our county so has the demands for ornamentals and bedding plants. This is evidenced by the increasing number of hydroponic gardens, greenhouses and garden centers in Dawson County.
Other Agricultural Productions add even more the diversity of Dawson County agriculture: corn, hay, vegetables and sheep. Dawson County is a leading county in the production of pumpkins.
Tourist visiting Dawson County farms have had a tremendous positive impact on our economy. An example is Burt’s Pumpkin Farm where nearly 200,000 people visit each year. In the past few years, Uncle Shucks Corn Maze, Buck's Corn Maze and Bradley's Pumpkin Patch have added to the list of agritourism.
Farmers love and depend on the land for their livelihood and thus are good stewards of the environment. By working together in planning for the future, agriculture, residential and industrial growth can be enjoyed by future generation. The beauty of Dawson County is valued by all of us.
The Extension’s role as it relates to agriculture is taking unbiased research based knowledge and providing it to citizens. This is done by office phone calls, educational programs, laboratory test, farm visits, mass media or whatever means to get the needed information to our residents of Dawson County.
The Dawson County Cooperative Extension of the University of Georgia is truly helping citizens in learning for life.
Expert Resources
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When examining horses for conformation, either when considering a purchase or competing in horse judging contests, it is important to break things down into key principles to avoid becoming overwhelmed when putting the overall picture together. There are five main criteria to evaluate when examining a horse’s conformation: balance, structural correctness, way of going, muscling, and breed/sex character (also known as type). This publication describes each of these criteria in detail.
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This guide helps Georgia residents at risk of flooding to collect and organize essential items into three bags to prepare your household for water-related disasters like hurricanes.
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If your home is affected by a flood or other water-related disaster, fabric and clothing can become contaminated by floodwater, airborne mildew, or sanitation system failure. This guide provides steps to safely clean salvageable clothing and fabric items in order to save money, reduce waste, and keep people safe.
Georgia Bee Information
?Click the link for more information
Georgia Private Pesticide Applicators Exam
The Georgia Private Pesticide Applicator Exam may be completed online. Click here to access the ??Please ensure you have access to a working printer before you begin the exam to print the Private Pesticide Applicators License Application.
Please print and complete both forms?to ensure you have all documents needed to obtain your license. After all paperwork is completed bring all documents by the Extension office to complete the process. If you have questions, please call our office at 706-265-2442.
Extension News
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Takeaways The cotton jassid, Amrasca biguttula, also known as the two-spot cotton leafhopper, was first detected on okra in early July in Seminole County, which perches at Georgia’s far southwestern border abutting Florida and Alabama. Within weeks, the pest had spread north from Florida and surged across most of Georgia’s cotton-producing counties. New pest to […] -
Arch Smith, retired 4-H state leader who has served the organization for 40 years, was honored with the 2025 Georgia 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4-H Gala on August 23. -
A career in human resources isn’t quite what Madelyn Jackson imagined when she enrolled in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a biological science major.
Extension Services Available?
Many services are available through the 黑料网 County Extension Office are free with the exception of certain laboratory charges.
Services Include:
- Educational programs on various topics related to agriculture and natural resources.
- Laboratory Services include: Soil testing, water testing, analysis of fertilizers, testing of hay and feeds, poultry litter testing, water test for aquaculture, and plant tissue testing.
- Identification and Control recommendation for weeds, insect pests, and plant diseases.
- Training and supervision of Master Gardener volunteers.
- Trouble shooting visits to farms and home landscapes.
- Educational literature and free
- Nutrient Management Planning for Poultry Farms and .
- Coordination of local Livestock Association Meetings and events.
- Training of pesticide applicators.
Contact Us:?
For more information on agriculture in Dawson County contact the Dawson County Extension office at (706) 265-2442 or email?clarkmac@uga.edu?or?uge1085@uga.edu.
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