As swarm season approaches across Northwest Georgia, local beekeepers are preparing by setting out honeybee swarm traps designed to safely capture and relocate swarming colonies.
Residents interested in growing their own vegetables can take part in an upcoming Vegetable Gardening Class hosted at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.
The class will be held February 25 at 6 p.m. at the Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road. Participants will learn about site preparation, soil fertility, planting practices, and more to help prepare for the upcoming growing season.
Those wishing to attend are asked to call 706-857-0744 to reserve a spot. Organizers note that the program is offered through UGA Extension – Chattooga County and is an equal opportunity event. Anyone needing reasonable accommodation or language access services should contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at least three weeks prior to the program date.
For more information or to register, call 706-857-0744 or email chattooga.extension@uga.edu.
Young Farmers Director Lauren Jarrett has released a February update for the Chattooga County Young Farmers Association, highlighting upcoming educational programs and certification opportunities for area agricultural producers.
The group’s program on Catching Honeybee Swarms with Brandon Ray, North Region Ag Education Director, originally planned for February 5, has been rescheduled due to a weather-related schedule change for the presenter. The meeting and educational class will now be held on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 PM at the Chattooga Ag Center, with a meal provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by Tuesday, February 10th to help organizers get an accurate meal count.
Jarrett also announced that a pesticide credit class for Chattooga, Floyd, and Gordon County Young Farmers is scheduled for February 19th.
Young Farmers Director Lauren Jarrett has released a February update for the Chattooga County Young Farmers Association, highlighting upcoming educational programs, certification opportunities, and recognition of local agricultural leaders.
State Senator Jason T. Dickerson of Canton has introduced Senate Bill 415, legislation aimed at banning the production, distribution, and sale of lab-grown meat in Georgia. Lab-grown meat, also known as cultured or cell-based meat, is produced by harvesting animal cells and growing them in a controlled environment rather than raising livestock.
Anyone interested in starting beekeeping can “start your beekeeping journey” at a Beekeeping Short Course hosted by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The class will be held at the Walker County Ag Center, and organizers say seats are limited with registration available online.
The cost is $65, and the course is designed to cover the basics needed to get started with beekeeping. Organizers say the fee includes the book First Lessons in Beekeeping, a binder with handouts, lunch, a one-year membership to NWGBA for new members, and a chance to win door prizes.
The event is sponsored by the Northwest Georgia Beekeepers Association, Walker County Extension, Forester Farms & Apiary, and the Georgia Honey Bee License Plate Grant. For more information, visit the association’s event list online or email info@nwgabeekeepers.com
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun the final phase of its 2025 Agricultural Resource Management Survey, a nationwide effort to collect detailed economic information from farmers and ranchers to help guide agricultural policy and decision-making.
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall (left) presents Chattooga County Farm Bureau President Bill Bryan with the Planter Award during the 88th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Convention on Jekyll Island.
Chattooga County Farm Bureau continues to demonstrate its commitment to agriculture education and community involvement across Northwest Georgia. The organization says it is grateful to be an active part of the local community and values opportunities to interact with residents and students to promote agricultural awareness.
Georgia Agricultural Education has announced that Lauren Jarrett has been selected as the new Adult Education Program Coordinator for the Georgia Agricultural Education Program.
Chattooga County Young Farmers have a busy slate of events coming up in December and January, including a Christmas party, a chance to meet Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner, and the group’s annual awards banquet.