#ChattoogaCountyExtension

September 3, 2026

Rebecca Thomas To Be Honored For 30 Years Of Service With UGA Extension

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The University of Georgia Extension in Chattooga County will honor Rebecca Thomas later this month as she retires following 30 years of dedicated service to local youth, families and the community.

A retirement celebration for Thomas will be held Tuesday, September 29, from 1 until 5 PM at the Chattooga County Ag Center, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.

Organizers are inviting friends, former and current 4-H members, families and community members to drop by during the afternoon for refreshments and fellowship while recognizing Thomas’s three decades of service.

During her career with UGA Extension, Thomas has been a familiar face to generations of Chattooga County residents, particularly through her work with Chattooga County 4-H. The retirement celebration will recognize what organizers describe as her extraordinary journey of leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to the youth, families and communities she has served.

The celebration is open from 1 to 5 PM on September 29, allowing visitors to stop by throughout the afternoon to congratulate Thomas and wish her well in retirement.

August 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program Coming To Chattooga County

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Cattle producers from across northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge of herd management, nutrition, marketing and other areas of the cattle industry when the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program comes to Chattooga County this fall.

August 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Extension To Host 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program

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The Chattooga County Extension Office is now accepting registrations for the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program, an educational series designed for cattle producers looking to expand their knowledge and improve herd management.

The program will be held Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 40 Middle School Road in Summerville.

The registration fee is $100, which includes all in-person sessions, educational materials, a UGA Beef hat, and meals. The registration deadline is September 8.

The Master Cattlemen’s Program is offered through UGA Extension and covers a variety of topics related to beef cattle production and management.

Those interested can register online through the UGA Beef Team website or contact the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744 for additional information or assistance with registration.

July 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Extension Encourages Producers To Have Hay Tested

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Chattooga County Extension is encouraging livestock producers to have their hay and other stored forage tested while this year’s hay crop is being harvested.

Forage testing provides information about the nutritional value and overall quality of hay, helping producers make better decisions when developing feeding programs for times when fresh grass is unavailable. Hay quality can significantly affect livestock health, growth, performance and the amount of supplemental feed needed during the winter.

University of Georgia Extension specialists say appearance alone cannot reliably determine the nutritional value of a particular supply of hay. A laboratory analysis can measure factors such as crude protein, fiber, digestibility and total digestible nutrients, allowing producers to build a feeding plan around the actual needs of their animals.

A representative sample is important for accurate results. UGA recommends using a clean forage probe and collecting samples from multiple randomly selected bales rather than simply pulling hay from the outside of a bale.

With hay now being cut and stored across the area, Chattooga County Extension says this is a good time for producers to test their forage and begin planning for the upcoming winter feeding season.

July 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Home Gardeners Report Poor Tomato Harvests Across Northwest Georgia

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Many home gardeners across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia are finding that this year’s tomato crop hasn’t lived up to expectations. While tomato plants may appear healthy, many are producing fewer tomatoes than normal, dropping blossoms before fruit develops, or producing fruit that cracks, rots, or ripens unevenly.

July 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

UGA Extension Bringing Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County This Fall

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Cattle producers across Northwest Georgia will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve herd management this fall as the University of Georgia Extension brings the 2026 Northwest Georgia Master Cattlemen’s Program to Chattooga County.

The eight-week program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet each Monday at 6 p.m. through November 2 at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

Participants will hear from University of Georgia specialists and industry experts on a wide range of topics, including beef quality assurance, herd selection, cattle economics and marketing, herd health management, parasite control, facilities, nutrition, reproductive management and forage management.

The registration fee is $100 and includes a notebook, program hat and meals. Registration is open through September 8.

To register, call the Chattooga County Extension Office at 706-857-0744, scan the QR code on the program flyer or visit bit.ly/49yrFld.

Extension officials say the program is designed for both new and experienced cattle producers looking to strengthen their management skills and improve the profitability of their operations.

June 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Extension Urges Public To Watch For Spotted Lanternfly

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Chattooga County Extension is asking residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that can cause serious damage to trees, crops, and ornamental plants.

May 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Drought May Impact Chattooga County Hay Quality And Yields

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Chattooga County Extension officials say hay is finally being cut across much of the county, but recent drought conditions could have a noticeable impact on both yield and quality this season.

According to Chattooga County Extension, the dry weather may lead to lower hay yields, reduced nutritional value, and more weeds in local hay fields. Officials say that makes forage testing especially important for farmers and livestock owners who depend on hay for feed.

Extension officials say producers should not assume the quality of their forage without proper testing. Hay testing can help determine key values such as protein percentage, total digestible nutrients, and relative forage quality.

Those numbers can help livestock owners better understand whether their hay will meet nutritional needs or whether additional feed supplements may be necessary.

Farmers are encouraged to test hay as it is harvested and review the results carefully before relying on it through the season.

More information is available through the Chattooga County Extension Office.

April 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City Of Summerville Celebrates Arbor Day With Tree Planting At Dowdy Park

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The City of Summerville marked Arbor Day on Friday with a ceremonial tree planting at Dowdy Park, highlighting the importance of trees and environmental stewardship in the community.

City leaders planted a Kwanzan flowering cherry tree as part of the celebration, adding both beauty and shade to the popular public space. The Chattooga County Extension Office, through UGA Extension, was also on hand to support the event by providing free literature on proper tree planting and care to attendees.

Arbor Day is observed annually across the United States as a time to encourage individuals and communities to plant and care for trees. The holiday dates back to 1872, when it was first celebrated in Nebraska as a way to promote tree planting on the largely treeless plains. Since then, Arbor Day has grown into a nationwide tradition, with communities recognizing the environmental, economic, and health benefits trees provide.

Trees play a vital role in improving air quality, reducing erosion, conserving water, and enhancing the overall quality of life in cities and towns. Events like Summerville’s Arbor Day celebration help raise awareness about those benefits while encouraging residents to take part in preserving and expanding green spaces.

April 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Extension Shares Tips On Beneficial Insects For Spring Gardens

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With spring gardening season now underway, Chattooga County Extension is reminding local gardeners that not every insect in the garden is a bad thing.