UGA Cooperative Extension
Carroll County Extension Office:
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Present Agriculture
Home to more than 1,100 small farms Carroll County supports more agricultural operations than any county in the state. Our strong beef cattle and poultry industry drives a $172 million a year agricultural economy made up of a committed farm populace.
Current local agricultural initiatives are focused on the future in addition to the present. Carroll Co. citizens, with strong support from elected/community leadership, recognize the importance of a viable agricultural economy and their proactive efforts reflect that commitment. Agriculture is an essential component of sustainable communities. For agricultural enterprises to achieve sustainability, not only here but worldwide, farmers/ranchers must position themselves as close as possible to their end-product user.
Future Agricultural Initiatives Being Investigated
Wine Grape Industry
From the mid 1880’s until 1908, a thriving wine grape industry was present in this region. At the time Prohibition shut down the industry, there was estimated to have been 12,000 -15,000 acres of grapes in production in this area of Georgia/Alabama.
County leadership envisions the re-establishment of a local wine grape industry, not only as an agricultural enterprise but also as a tourism initiative. A recent feasibility study conducted by the University of Georgia feasibility study supports the vision and work is underway to move this initiative forward.
Multi-Species, New Generation, Eco-Friendly Meat Processing Facility
Discussions about a multi-species, USDA inspected, meat animal processing facility in our area has been ongoing for several years however until recently, the timing did not appear right. Community/elected leadership recognize the need for a facility and pledged support. This initiative continues gaining momentum as area producers attempt to identify methodology that will allow them to escape the current meat animal production model that for the last 60 years was built on cheap corn and cheap oil. If our region is to maintain a grazing livestock industry in the future, this facility is essential. For those interested, the processing facility model we’re emulating can be viewed at www.northcoastmeats.com
Carroll Tomorrow, the Burson Center and Chamber of Commerce staff is working with the University of Georgia Center for Agri-Business and Economic Development pulling together final details of a feasibility study and business plan development for this initiative.
AG Center Services
- Soil analysis
- Water analysis
- Plant tissue analysis
- Feeds and forages
- Special analysis
- Pesticides and hazardous waste
- Pesticide certification information
Gardening Information
- Vegetable Gardening Calendar
- Home Vegetable Gardening
- Soil Testing
- Always do a soil test before planting your garden
- Minimal charge
Have a Question?
Would you like to know how to can vegetables? Or, what is this weed growing in my yard? Or maybe, when can I sign up for 4-H?
If you have questions like these and would like an answer through e-mail, please follow the link below to have the appropriate agent help you out:
Contact
For more information on Carroll County ANR, contact our office at (770) 836-8546.
