2000 - 2004
Plan of Work
The University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Cooperative Extension Service
Agricultural Experiment Stations
and
Fort Valley State University
College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs
Cooperative Extension Program
Agricultural Research Station
July 15, 1999
Fred Harrison, Jr. Gale A. Buchanan
Interim Dean and Director Dean and Director
College of Agriculture, Home Economics College of Agriculture and
And Allied Programs
Environmental Sciences
OVERVIEW STATEMENT
GEORGIA
State-wide Research and Extension Plan of Work
University of Georgia/Fort Valley State University
Georgia, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a land area of 57,919 square miles which makes it the largest state east of the Mississippi River (24th overall). The total area of the state’s three largest counties - Ware, Burke, and Clinch (2,565 square miles) - is greater than the area of the entire state of Delaware (2,489 square miles). Georgia falls within five major physiographic regions: The Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast, the Ridge and Valley Province and the Cumberland Plateau in the northwest, the Piedmont across Georgia’s center, and the Coastal Plain in the south. Elevations range from sea level to 4,784 feet at Brasstown Bald in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As the twenty-fourth largest state, Georgia’s 1998 census population was 7,642,207. The 1990 census reported 30% of Georgians were age 19 or younger, below the 36% national average; 10% of the state’s 1990 population were 65 or older compared with 8% nationally. Of the state’s citizens, the 1990 census reported that 71% of Georgians were white, and 27% were black. These statistics and demographics provide a challenge to the extension and research programs of the state’s land grant universities.
The Georgia Plan of Work encompasses a five-year period beginning October 1, 1999. The plan addresses major agricultural issues as well as many other problems facing rural and urban areas, the environment, families and youth. The plan represents a coordinated effort between the state’s 1890 and 1862 institutions -- Fort Valley State University (FVSU) and the University of Georgia (UGA), and includes joint planning between Experiment Stations and Extension units at both universities.
The joint POW was developed with the guidance of advisory committees at both county and state levels, as well as from input from the academic departments at FVSU’s College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs and UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Family and Consumer Sciences and School of Forest Resources.
Additionally, USDA agencies including ERS (Food and Rural Economics Division), FSA, AMS, NASS, and Rural Cooperative Service provide important data and information to the input analysis process. Research and extension personnel from FVSU and UGA as well as Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association review research and extension publications. Producer input is provided through personal communications, Boggs Rural Life Center Advisory Council, and Georgia Organic Growers Association.
The Animal Science Program at FVSU also has a well established commodity advisory group composed of county extension agents and small ruminant producers. This group meets regularly to advise on priority areas. The action will be further enhanced by adding consumer groups and marketing agencies. The United States Sheep Seedstock Alliance provides input in addition to the boards of the Dorper and Katahdin breed associations. Producer interact through personal communication while the Georgia Sheep and Wool Growers Association provide input at the board meetings. A home page which is under development will enhance communication between the Fort Valley State University personnel and the stakeholders.
Fort Valley State University has a well established crop commodity advisory group made up of county extension agents, crop producers and processors, and marketing agencies. This group meets regularly to advise on important research areas. This process will be further enhanced by including such groups as growers, processors, consumers and marketing specialists. A home page which is under development will enhance communication between the Fort Valley State University personnel and the stakeholders.
At FVSU, the regional research project (S-276), working groups, and their affiliated states and institutions will be interlinked to the initiative established at the Fort Valley State University.
The production and reproduction of small ruminants is affected by environmental factors such as quality and type of foraging material, feed resources, and ambient conditions. To address these multi-faceted management issues, 1890 Land-Grant Universities including Fort Valley State, Langston, Virginia State, Prairie View A & M , Alabama A & M, Maryland at Eastern Shore, and Alcorn in collaboration with the USDA/CSREES, have already initiated multi-state goat project. Various agronomic and horticultural crop commodities requiring adaptation and production in different growing conditions will be subjected to multi-state and regional collaborative research efforts. This will include existing Regional Research projects (RR-7, SRIEG-62, NC-140 etc).The bioactive and medicinal plants Regional Research project recently initiated by the 1890 Land-Grant Universities will enhance the scope of multi-state collaboration..
Discussions are underway to define multi-state efforts in place and those that might be developed to better serve clientele. These programs range from multi-state meetings to shared faculty to regional “Virtual Centers”. Specific plans will be submitted in an addendum to this POW when guidelines become available.
This POW is an overarching plan that encompasses far more of the research and extension activities that will be conducted during the next five years than is funded through federal formula funds. These issues are of critical importance to state and county partners as well as the private sector and producer organizations.
The matrix on the following page details research and extension activities developed in this plan:
|
Goal 1 |
Goal 2 |
Goal 3 |
Goal 4 |
Goal 5 |
1862 Extension |
Performance Goals 1-1, 1-2, 1-4, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8 |
Performance Goals 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6 |
Performance Goal 3-1 |
Performance Goals 4-1, 4-2, 4-6 |
Performance Goals 5-1, 5-4, 5-5, 5-6, 5-7, 5-8 |
1890 Extension |
Performance Goals 1-3, 1-5 |
Performance Goal 2-4 |
Performance Goal 3-2 |
Performance Goals 4-3, 4-4, 4-5 |
Performance Goals 5-2, 5-3, 5-7, 5-8 |
1862 Research |
Performance Goals 1-9, 1-10, 1-11, 1-12, 1-13, 1-14, 1-15, 1-16, 1-17, 1-18 |
Performance Goals 2-7, 2-8 |
Performance Goal 3-3 |
Performance Goals 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12 |
Performance Goal 5-9 |
1890 Research |
Performance Goals 1-19, 1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-23, 1-24, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28, 1-29, 1-30, 1-31, 1-32, 1-33, 1-34, 1-35, 1-36, 1-37, 1-38, 1-39, 1-40 |
Performance Goals 2-9, 2-10 |
Performance Goal 3-4, 3-5 |
Performance Goals 4-13, 4-14, 4-15, 4-16 |
Performance Goals 5-10, 5-11 |
UGA’s Extension Service has 172 offices in 158 of Georgia’s 159 counties. FVSU has 14 county agents, 13 of which are housed with UGA extension faculty. Extension programming is delivered as both individual county effort and as multi-county programming through clusters of counties comprised of two to four counties per cluster.
The research programs of FVSU and UGA are conducted through the Agricultural Experiment Stations system. The UGA Agricultural Experiment Stations consist of three major campuses located in Athens, Tifton and Griffin, Georgia, as well as several research and education centers located strategically throughout the state.
UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) recently has conducted an extensive, comprehensive program review of its research and extension programs. This review included both internal and external input including faculty and staff, clientele, alumni and stakeholder groups. The results of this review have been used in the formulation this POW. Additional guidance has been provided by UGA’s CAES Advisory Council through their critical review of programs and suggestions for improvements.
The POW is under review by the Program Development Team which is comprised Program Development Specialists and Coordinators from Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H and Youth, as well as faculty from both FVSU and UGA. This review is an on-going process, and future annual reviews and changes in the POW will be the responsibility of this team.
The research portion of the POW undergoes scientific peer review prior to each project being submitted. All scientists are required to have active projects for expenditures to be made. Each project is peer reviewed by both internal and external reviewers and must be approved by the Dean and Director prior to submission to the Cooperative State Research, Extension and Education Service.
At FVSU, proposals, plans of work, progress reports, and the research findings to be disseminated from Agricultural Economics, Animal and Plant Sciences, are peer reviewed
by internal and external review committees and professional associations. Any modifications in these programs will be subjected to internal and external review and justification.
Multi-state and integrated research/extension activities at FVSU include:
∙ Regional Research Projects.
∙ Publication in peer-reviewed journals.
∙ Presentation at professional conferences, symposia, and workshops.
∙ Newsletters, Pamphlets, Commodity Sheets, and other popular publications.
∙ County, State, and National fairs, Agricultural Exhibitions, Field Days, and Public meetings.
Additional multi-state activities and integrated research/extension programs will be detailed in a forthcoming addendum to this POW.
For additional information about this plan of work, contact:
Gale A. Buchanan Fred Harrison, Jr.
Dean and Director Interim Dean and Director
College of Agricultural and College of Agriculture, Home Economics and
Environmental Sciences Allied Programs
University of Georgia Fort Valley State University
Athens, Georgia 30602 Fort Valley, GA 31030
(706) 542-3924 (912) 825-6296
caesdean@arches.uga.edu harrison@mail.fvsu.edu
Goal 1. An agricultural production system that is highly competitive in the global economy
1862 and 1890 Extension
Statement of Issue:
Today, agriculture remains the largest segment of Georgia's economy. Georgia agriculture is more than just growing food and fiber. It's processing, packaging and transporting farm products, too. Agriculture contributes more than $50 billion annually to Georgia's $180 billion economic output. One in six Georgians works in agriculture, forestry or ag-related fields. Almost half of the state's manufacturing jobs are in agribusiness.
New and developing technologies must be integrated into effective management strategies.
Rapid diagnostic and predictive tools are needed. If pest and disease problems in agriculture are anticipated in advance, there will be less need for crisis management.
In summary, agricultural supply and demand conditions continue to change. Markets develop, new markets emerge, and production pressures and opportunities continue to evolve. Even without these changes society gains from a more efficient agricultural production system. However, the major payoff of research and extension in agricultural production is to provide the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. In fact, the adaptation and implementation of these new technologies is a major challenge facing agriculture in Georgia today.
Many Georgians believe that the state’s historically profitable farming sector is not sustainable. Industry risks, environmental concerns, low prices, little or no farm equity, fewer institutions making loans to farm operations and a trend toward single-product operations have convinced some rural and urban residents that farming sustainability and profitability are mutually exclusive. Yet, the production, marketing, and selling of fruit, vegetables, agronomic, forestry crops and animal units provide the primary and secondary income for Georgia farmers. To remain competitive in our rapidly changing global economy, these farm operators must adopt new cultivars/rootstock that are more tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses affecting plants and animals, cultural systems that improve production efficiency and promote sustainability, and post harvest handling practices/packaging that improve crop/animal utilization and product safety. Before new cultivars, production systems or pos harvest practices can be recommended, they must be thoroughly evaluated under Georgia environmental conditions. In keeping the industry competitive, we also need to understand the basic processes associated with these applied problems.
Performance Goal 1-1: To increase the quantity and quality of value added products produced by farmers for local or regional markets.
Output Indicators:
Number classes taught.
Number of media (TV shows, radio shows, articles, etc) spots used.
Number of exhibits, handouts, flyers, etc. distributed.
Number of refereed journal articles published.
Number of presentations made to professional, scientific and consumer groups.
Number of meetings/training/programs/workshops held.
Number of educational resources developed.
Number of demonstrations, field days, and research station open houses held.
Number of news articles written, radio and television news productions.
Number of companies represented at workshops.
Number of companies requesting technical assistance by telephone or on-site.
Number of companies reached by extension educational materials.
Number of companies that considered feasibility of incorporating value added products.
Number of meetings/training/programs/educational workshops held.
Number of industries participating in outreach programs that will adopt measures.
Outcome Indicators:
Number of new and value-added products
Number of producers adopting, producing and marketing new or value-added products
Number of companies utilizing new or value-added products
Dollar value of value-added products produced and marketed
Program Components:
The value-added potential of processed agricultural products provides job opportunities for all sectors of the population and enhances the value of food, fiber, and ornamental production. Profitability of agriculture and job availability may be increased by developing alternative uses and markets for conventional agricultural products. The use of biotechnology to create new materials from agricultural products (industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, oils, etc.) creates new opportunities for Georgia’s agriculture.
There is a continuing opportunity to enhance value-added potential, and to provide additional employment, through new technologies and approaches for storing, processing and reformulation of food, fiber, and ornamental products. Changes in demographics and locations of food, fiber, and ornamental production at the local, state, national, and global levels, require improved means of storage and transportation of food, fiber, and ornamentals.
1. To develop and/or evaluate new commodities that meet critical needs or niche markets adapted to local conditions.
2. Increase new crop cultivars, animal breeds and genetic improvements.
3. Evaluate viability of new further processed products.
4. Evaluate potential new products and processes developed from agricultural and natural-resource-based production residues and industrial by-products.
5. Help support and advise economic marketing opportunities for new products.
6. Assess impact of new and value added products on farm profits, sustainability and environmental quality.
7. To increase the total number of new and value-added Georgia natural- resource-based goods and services products introduced into state, regional, national and international markets.
Internal and External Linkages:
Linkages between discipline areas and program areas with the College of Agriculture are essential to addressing this goal. Stakeholder input in developing and addressing needs for and direction of research is a first step. This will rely on linkages with commodity groups and organizations which are both local and national in scope. Adaption and implementation of developed technology is dependent on the link between research and extension. Many other state and national agencies will be and are key members of the team (ie. Georgia Department of Agriculture, USDA- NRCS etc.)
Target Audiences:
Georgia farmers and consumers
Federation of Southern Cooperatives
Supermarket buyers/managers
Program Duration: Intermediate (five years), fiscal 2000-2004
Allocated Resources:
EFT 2000 2001 2002 2003 2003
Professional 24 25 26 28 30
Paraprofessional 15 16 17 19 20
Volunteer 0 0 0 0 0
Funds
Formula 263,214 265,000 270,000 275,000 280,000
State 1,986.786 2,000,000 2,100,00 2,250,000 2,400,000
Matching 263,214 265,000 270,000 275,000 280,000
Existing Educational and Outreach Programs:
Currently programs exist for almost every commodity represented in Georgia to increase their value through value-added processes or the development of new products or crops. A few examples of current efforts would include:
Horticulture, Food Science and Agricultural Economics are cooperating with the development and production of sweet carrots in southeast Georgia as new crop. Agents in several counties are adapting and utilizing this as a new alternative crop for their farmers.
Cattlemen in Georgia currently have an opportunity to explore adding value to their calf crop by retaining ownership of their calves while on feed in other states. A cooperative program between cattlemen and the Extension Service in both Iowa and Georgia is allowing producers to gain experience and understanding of the process.
Commercial aquaculture is a new and expanding enterprise in Georgia. Through research and extension efforts between Florida, Georgia and Alabama a tri-state conference and coalition has evolved.
Performance Goal 1-2: To increase the efficiency of GA agricultural production, agribusiness and natural resource management
Output Indicators:
Number classes taught.
Number of media (TV shows, radio shows, articles, etc) spots used.
Number of exhibits, handouts, flyers, etc. distributed.
Number of refereed journal articles published.
Number of presentations made to professional, scientific and consumer groups.
Number of lesson plans and handouts developed.
Number of meetings/training/programs/workshops held.
Number of educational resources developed.
Number of demonstrations, field days, and research station open houses held.
Number of newsletter articles, publication articles dealing with ag production practices.
Number of news articles written, radio and television news productions.
Number of teachers trained.
Number of teachers using curricula on monthly basis.
Number of companies represented at workshops.
Number of companies requesting technical assistance by telephone or on-site.
Number of companies reached by extension educational materials.
Number of meetings/training/programs/educational workshops held.
Number of industries participating in outreach programs that will adopt measures.
Outcome Indicators:
Program participants will be able to economically and efficiently modify existing practices.
Program participants will adopt the use of proper practices and recommended methods.
Program participants will use improved technologies and methods.
Program participants will improve their understanding of how practices impact cost and profitability.
Program Components:
Ways to enhance management methods in agriculture are by developing management systems that integrate pest- and disease-resistant cultivars and breeds, developing plant and animal germplasm with resistance to pests and diseases, developing monitoring systems to detect pest and disease outbreaks, and developing improved methods for extending information on comprehensive management systems that focus on plant and animal health.
There are means to improve soil quality by developing improved agricultural systems through long-term multi disciplinary studies of rotational and other management effects on soil quality. Genetically improved crops and livestock can be gotten by conducting regional trials to evaluate production potential, adaptability, and quality characteristics of plant cultivars and animal breeds and by developing and releasing, using traditional and molecular methods, advanced germplasm for use by breeders.
1. Evaluate the efficiency of new fertilizers, chemicals, application systems, etc.
2. Increase the efficiency of cultural and husbandry practices, pest control and post-harvest handling.
3. Develop, test and demonstrate new, more environmentally sound and energy efficient methods.
4. Increase reproductive efficiency.
5. Increase education efforts on econ. marketing options.
6. Improve health of plants and animals.
7. Evaluate environmental/economic impacts of increased efficiency.
8. Develop, test, and implement techniques for propagating rare and endangered plant species native to Georgia and the Southeastern U.S.
9. Enhance business management skill of agricultural producers and natural resource managers.
10. Provide information and technical assistance to mitigate impacts of natural and weather-related disasters or events that negatively impact agricultural production.
Internal and External Linkages:
Linkages between discipline areas and program areas within the College of Agriculture are essential to addressing this goal. Stakeholder input in developing and addressing needs for and program direction is a first step. This will rely on linkages with commodity groups and organizations which are both local and national in scope. Agribusiness and lending organizations can hasten the adaptation of practices with their support.Adaption and implementation of developed technology is dependent on the link between research and extension. Many other state and national agencies will be and are key members of the team (ie. Georgia Department of Agriculture, USDA- NRCS etc.
Target Audiences:
Georgia farmers and consumers
Agricultural cooperatives and corporations
Agribusiness firms
Food Service industry
Program Duration:
Intermediate (five years), fiscal 2000-2004
Allocated Resources:
EFT 2000 2001 2002 2003 2003
Professional 185 185 186 186 186
Paraprofessional 70 70 71 71 71
Volunteer 0 0 0 0 0
Funds
Formula 1,868,821 1,950,000 2,000,000 2,050,000 2,100,000
State 14,106,179 14,500,000 15,000,000 15,500,000 15,750,000
Matching 1,868,821 1,950,000 1,000,000 1,050,000 1,200,000
Existing Educational and Outreach Programs:
Currently programs exist for every commodity represented in Georgia to increase their efficiency of production and profitability. A few examples of current efforts would include:
Poultry Science, Biological & Agricultural Engineering and the Georgia Poultry Federation are assisting poultry producers with efficient methods and management of poultry house ventilation. The program emphasizes the implementation of best management practices for reducing energy costs and maximizing bird performance.
Agronomy, Animal Science and Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee and the University of Georgia in addition to county extension agents from both states are cooperating on the development of new budget software to track profitability of beef cattle enterprises and how management decisions impact profitability.
Cooperative efforts with Milk Commodity and Farm Bureaus across the South has led to Georgia’s participation in the proposed Southern Dairy Compact. Regional and national passage of the program will result in a more stable market for Georgia dairyman.
Biological & Agricultural Engineering and Crop and Soil science have cooperated in a program to reduce irrigation costs while maintaining crop production. The program has emphasized the use of best management practices to reduce water needs and energy costs.
Performance Goal 1-3: Develop and evaluate meat and milk products; fruits and vegetables; agronomic and forestry products that protect the soil resources, improve environmental quality and enhance biological diversity through emerging plant and animal systems.
Output Indicators:
Number of farm plans that implemented Natural Resource Conservation Service guide to nitrate and suspended solid reductions due to runoff in ponds and streams
Number of persons attending producer meetings, field days and conferences where specialist are invited to speak
Number of publications, newsletters produced and distributed on emerging plant and animal management and protection
Exhibits at Sunbelt Agriculture Expositions, Agriculture Showcase and field days
Number of practical on farms demonstrations that are user friendly
Number of hits on home page
Outcome Indicators:
Number of farm operators with completed farm plans including financial records and profit lost statements
Number of producers adopting recommendations that improved profitability potential
Evidence of enterprise diversification and income enhancement
Expanded knowledge base to landowners on how to establish and manage field and stream side buffers, reduction of chemical and pesticide use, and increased animal and plant yields
Key Program Components:
Enhanced profitability of agriculture (animal, fruit, vegetable and agronomic) and forest production methods
Value-added technologies applied through processing and packaging
Niche-market identification through economic and consumer studies
Germplasm assessment through performance testing and breed evaluations under a system context
Internal and External linkages:
Fort Valley State University Research Faculty
University of Georgia Research/Extension Faculty
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Farm Service Agency
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Federation of Southern Cooperatives
Allied Department at Cornell University, Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M University and Langston University
Georgia Meat Goat Association
Georgia Dairy Goat Association
Georgia Sheep and Wool Growers Association
Georgia National Fair
Georgia Forestry Commission
Georgia Farm Bureau
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Target Audiences:
Landowners, farmers/ranchers, general public
People who want to expand their income and diversify their agricultural enterprises
People needing technical assistance with production and financial management
Research, teaching and extension faculty and support staff
Students
Program duration:
Five (5) years
Allocated Resources:
Fiscal - $105,000
|
Year 2000 |
Year 2001 |
Year 2002 |
Year 2003 |
Year 2004 |
Professional |
2.1 |
2.1 |
2.1 |
2.1 |
2.1 |
Paraprofessional |
1.25 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
1.25 |
Statement of Issue:
Changes in Georgia’s demographics, the opening of new markets, income growth globally, development of new production areas, the stress on agricultural production of pests and diseases, and regulatory issues dictate a continuing requirement for increased and more efficient production, and for development of new cultivars, strains, and breeds in animal and plant agriculture. Development of new crop species and animal products at the state, national, and global levels will open new markets and enhance agricultural profitability. At the same time small and part-time farmers need technical assistance to improve farm management practices.
Evaluation and development of new crops, cultivars, and animal breeds are of particular importance. The development of plant cultivars and animal breeds for increased production efficiency, or enhanced resistance to pests and diseases, and their integration into comprehensive management systems could contribute substantially to increased profitability, environmental health and sustainability of agricultural systems. Changes in demographics and locations of food, fiber, and ornamental production at the local, state, national, and global levels, require improved means of storage and transportation of food, fiber, and ornamentals.
Performance Goal 1-4: To enhance the competitiveness of Georgia’s agricultural products
Output Indicators:
Improve the shelf-life Georgia horticultural crops
Number of educational workshops on regulatory and legislative compliance.
Amount of electronic information dissemination on regulatory and public policy issues.
Number of workshops and educational materials on worker safety and health issues.
Number of educational efforts targeted at policy makers on impacts of regulations.
Amount of producer & consumer education on food safety and food quality issues.
Increase producer education in commodity related quality assurance programs
Outcome Indicators:
Dollars of Georgia Agricultural Exports
Number of Georgia crops and products exported
Number of commodities and producers participating in quality assurance programs
Program Components:
The economics of agricultural production are influenced by labor costs, trade and tariff agreements, environmental regulation, and quality and disinfestation requirements for national and international markets. Analysis of all these factors is necessary for sound policy decisions. Agricultural areas are becoming urbanized, thus increasing the interaction and conflict between agricultural and non-agricultural interests; agriculture is being displaced to less arable land requiring different levels of management and input. Among other consequences, disease transmission between wildlife, domesticated animals, and humans is associated with conflicts over land use. Existing systems for providing input to governmental policy makers need to continue to strive to effectively provide a scientific basis for policy decisions.
1. To develop and/or evaluate new commodities that meet critical needs or niche markets adapted to local conditions of production while competing in the global economy.
2. Increase new crop cultivars, animal breeds and genetic improvements to be exported.
3. Evaluate viability of new further processed products and fit for international markets.
4. Evaluate potential new products and processes developed from agricultural and natural-resource-based production residues and industrial by-products and their export potential.
5. Help support and advise economic marketing opportunities for new products.
6. To increase the total number of new and value-added Georgia natural- resource-based goods and services products introduced into state, regional, national and international markets.
7. Increase the efficiency of post-harvest handling storage and transportation of commodities and products.
8 . Increase education efforts on commodity marketing options.
9. Improve health of plants and animals for exportation.
10. Expand the scope of commodity marketing groups.
Internal and External Linkages:
Linkages between discipline areas and program areas within the College of Agriculture are essential to addressing this goal. Stakeholder input in developing and addressing needs for and program direction is a first step. This will rely on linkages with commodity groups and organizations which are both local and national in scope. Agribusiness and lending organizations can hasten the adaptation of practices with their support. Adaption and implementation of developed technology is dependent on the link between research and extension. Many other state and national agencies will be and are key members of the team (ie. Georgia Department of Agriculture, USDA- NRCS etc.)
Target Audiences:
Georgia farmers and consumers
Agricultural cooperatives and corporations
Agribusiness firms
Food Service industry
Program Duration: Intermediate (four years), fiscal 2000-2004
Allocated Resources:
EFT 2000 2001 2002 2003 2003
Professional 68 70 71 72 73
Paraprofessional 37 37 38 38 39
Volunteer 0 0 0 0 0
Funds
Formula 726,471 750,000 775,000 800,000 825,000
State 5,483,529 5,500,000 5,750,000 6,000,000 6,000,000
Matching 726,471 750,000 775,000 800,000 825,000
Existing Educational and Outreach Programs: Commodity based programs are currently underway in most major commodities which rely on export marketing. Cooperative programs include Biological & Agricultural Engineering and Food Science with the base program of the commodity.
Performance Goal 1-5: To improve management practices of small and part-time farmers.
Output Indicators:
The number of cooperators receiving technical assistance
The number of farm/business plans developed
The number of publications, newsletters produced and distributed
The number of people attending educational meetings, trainings and workshops
Outcome Indicators:
The number of cooperators with complete farm/business plans including profit loss statements
Number of people adopting recommendations to improve operation
Community understanding of available economic opportunities
Key Program Components:
Create a better understanding of developing farm/business plans
Improve decision making skills of rural and urban communities
Internal and External Linkages:
Several linkages are needed if education is to be successful. Partnership will be continued with extension, federal agencies, and other universities
Fort Valley State University, University of Georgia Extension Faculty, Farm Service Agency, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Florida A&M University, Alcorn State University, Tuskegee University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Target Audiences:
Disadvantaged small and part-time farmers.
Program Duration:
Five (5) years
Stakeholder Input:
Each year the Agriculture and Natural Resource unit of the Cooperative Extension Program at Fort Valley State University will provide a series of meetings. The purpose of these meetings are to bring together all stakeholders involved in Georgia Agriculture to comment on past and current activities, and proposed plans for future programs. All meetings will be publicly announced through local extension offices, regional newspapers and appropriate newsletters.
Statement of Issue:
Georgia currently has over 10,000 poultry houses in operation with more being built each year. To be competitive in the U. S. Poultry industry, poultry producers in Georgia must utilize the best available technologies and management programs to achieve energy efficiencies and to provide optimum environments for maximum bird growth and performance. The proper operation of ventilation, cooling, and brooding systems is particularly critical in Georgia due to the severe summer climates.
Each year over 1.2 billion broiler hatching eggs and 12 million commercial layer hatching eggs are required to support the broiler and table egg industries in Georgia. It is imperative that the breeder flocks and hatcheries achieve and exceed industry standards with regard to egg production, fertility, and hatchability. Development and application of new management programs for breeder flocks are necessary for maintaining production performances. Hatcheries are in need of improved sanitation and management programs to achieve maximum production of day-old chicks.
Georgia poultry producers spend over a billion dollars per year on feed. Availability of consistently high quality feed ingredients allows the producer to formulate feeds more efficiently. Since feed represents over 70 percent of the cost of producing poultry products at the farm level, producers can achieve substantial savings through effective ingredient analysis and utilization. In addition, poor quality feed ingredients are less digestible and contribute to the amount of manure that must be disposed of.
Performance Goal 1-6: To have Georgia poultry producers remain competitive by utilizing best management programs to minimize energy usage while achieving maximum bird performances.
Output Indicators:
Number of publications produced.
Number of presentations to producers.
Number of workshops conducted.
Number of field studies conducted.
Outcome Indicators:
Number of new poultry houses equipped with state-of-the-art technology and managed with best management practices.
Number of field trials completed and the number of new management applications generated for poultry growers.
Dollar value of adoption of new applications for growers.
Key Program Components:
Field studies related to evaluating new technologies and management programs for reducing energy costs and maximizing bird performances will be conducted. New management programs and ventilation systems geared towards hot weather management will be emphasized. Educational programs, publications, and training materials will be developed as educational tools and methods for disseminating results to growers and integrators.
Internal and External Linkages:
Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia
Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, The University of Georgia
Georgia Poultry Federation
Target Audiences(s):
Poultry producers
Poultry integrators
Program Duration:
Fiscal years 2000-2004
Allocated Resources:
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Professional FTE’s 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Formula Funds $120,000 $123,000 $126,000 $130,000 $133,000
Matching Funds $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $25,000 $25,000 $ 30,000
Existing Educational and Outreach Programs:
This is the continuation of a currently well-developed, on-going program.
Performance Goal 1-7: To improve breeder flock performances and hatchery operations.
Output Indicators:
Number of field studies conducted and completed.
Number of publications produced and distributed.
Number of educational programs conducted.
Number of presentations made.
Number of problem solving activities completed.
Outcome Indicators:
Number of hatcheries achieving or surpassing industry standards.
Number of new management programs adopted from field studies.
Number of breeder flocks achieving or surpassing industry standards.
Dollar value of increased performances for hatchability and fertility.
Key Program Components:
Field trials and applied research projects will be conducted annually relevant to improving breeder flock management and hatchery operation. Educational materials such as brochures, newsletters, videos, and journal articles will be developed for dissemination of results. Workshops, seminars, and short courses will be conducted for training flock managers and hatchery operators. In-house consultation and problem solving activities will be provided to hatching egg companies and hatcheries upon request and need.
Internal and External Linkages:
Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia
Georgia Poultry Federation
U. S. Department of Agriculture
U. S. Poultry & Egg Association
Target Audiences(s):
Breeder flock managers
Breeder flock growers
Hatchery managers
Program Duration:
Fiscal years 2000-2004
Allocated Resources:
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Professional FTE’s 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5
Paraprofessionals .5 .5 .5 .5 .5
Formula Funds $175,000 $184,000 $191,000 $198,000 $207,000
Matching Funds $ 75,000 $100,000 $100,000 $125,000 $125,000
Existing Educational and Outreach Programs:
This is the continuation of a well developed and on-going program.
Performance Goal 1-8: To increase the quality of feed ingredients used by poultry producers for maximum efficiency and least cost.
Output Indicators:
Number of feed ingredient evaluations conducted through the service lab.
Number of research projects conducted related to feed ingredients.
Number of publications and presentations.
Number of requests for feed formulation assistance.
Outcome Indicators:
Number of poultry companies utilizing service laboratory analysis.
Number of feed mills achieving or surpassing industry standards for feed efficiency.
The dollar value of the improved feeding performance.
Key Program Components:
The feed services laboratory at The University of Georgia has established the University as the leading center of nutritive energy determination for poultry in the western hemisphere. The laboratory will continue to make available a wide range of laboratory analyses to enable poultry producers to effectively determine the nutritive quality of their feed. The laboratory will continue to conduct feeding trails and research programs relevant to developing innovative feeding practices.
Internal and External Linkages:
Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia
Georgia Poultry Federation
U. S. Poultry & Egg Association
Target Audiences(s):
Poultry feed mill managers
Poultry nutritionists
Poultry growers
Program Duration:
Fiscal years 2000-2004
Allocated Resources:
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Professional FTE’s 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Paraprofessionals .5 .5 .5 .5 .5
Formula Funds $ 80,000 $ 83,000 $ 86,000 $ 90,000 $ 90,000
Matching Funds $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 60,000 $ 60,000 $ 70,000
Existing Educational and Outreach Programs:
This is the continuation of a well-developed program.
1862 and 1890 Research
Statement of Issue:
Competitiveness of Georgia’s agricultural and forestry systems can be enhanced by adding value to commodities already produced in the state. This can be accomplished by improving product quality and utility, developing new applications for traditional products, improving processing technologies, and identifying opportunities for using by-products and wastes. Increased consumer demand for value-added products will raise prices for the value-added commodities. Thus, development and delivery of science-based information on added value will improve profitability for Georgia’s producers and processors while increasing the potential of industrial growth that can impact rural development. Adding value to food and nonfood commodities is critical to the long-term competitiveness of Georgia’s agricultural and forestry products in domestic and international markets.
Performance Goal 1-9: Enhance the competitiveness of Georgia’s agricultural and forestry products in domestic and international markets by developing value-added products and processes and facilitating the transfer of these technologies from research to the marketplace to increase profitability, employment, and rural development.
Output indicators:
Measures of:
Improvement in quality and utility of value-added food and nonfood products and byproducts
Increased consumer acceptance of value-added products
Development and adoption of value-added processing technologies
Outcome indicators: