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Summary

Northwest Georgia poultry growers receive training through Extension programming that will hopefully improve their net farm income.

Situation

With an annual Farm Gate income of over $60 million commercial broiler production is Walker County's top agricultural commodity. In recent years, there has also been a tremendous increase in the number of residents with backyard flocks for both meat and egg production. Along with these trends also comes the recent increase threat of Avian Influenza and the effects it would create on the poultry industry.

Response

Over the past two years, Walker County Extension offered a series of meetings targeting both the commercial and backyard poultry producers in northwest Georgia. For the commercial growers, the meetings focused on improving efficiency in the process of heating, cooling, and ventilating their houses to reduce their energy bills and to improve bird health and performance. UGA Extension poultry specialist were keynote speakers for these events. A backyard flock management class was conducted to inform “small” poultry producers of the impact that proper housing and nutrition can make on the success of their home flock. During this same two-year period, two egg candling classes were conduct in Walker County through the coordination on the Extension Office. These classes help backyard egg producers learn important food safety measures while dealing with their eggs and obtain an “Egg Candler's” certificate to help them meet the Georgia Department of Agriculture's requirement, if they sell their eggs. Proper bio-security was addressed in all of the meetings to make each grower more aware of the steps they can take to reduce their chances of having to deal with an Avian Influenza threat.

Impact

During the last two years, over 250 poultry growers in northwest Georgia have received training in Walker County focusing on poultry production. Over 90% of the commercial growers in Walker County attended at least one, if not both, of the two programs targeting that group. Over 150 backyard poultry growers are now “certified” egg candlers and can legally sell their eggs. These same growers now have the knowledge to ensure they are using methods to sell a safe, wholesome product. Throughout the series of classes and workshops email addresses were collected to create a list serve for this “poultry group” to improve the easy and speed of communication with this group if an Avian Influenza event ever occurs.

State Issue

Animal Production

Details

  • Year: 2016
  • Geographic Scope: Multi-County
  • County: Walker
  • Program Areas:
    • Agriculture & Natural Resources

Author

  • Edwards, Norman R.
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Extension Impact