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Development workshop enlightens farmers, Extension agents

by Russell Boone

Posted on Mar 06, 2018

(From Left) Michael Jackson, executive director of Aunt Katie’s Community Garden; Al Burns, business and cooperative specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Richard Miller, part time farmer and David Martin, CEO of Widget Development and Training pause for a break during the Professional Development Workshop March 2.

(From Left) Michael Jackson, executive director of Aunt Katie’s Community Garden; Al Burns, business and cooperative specialist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Richard Miller, part time farmer and David Martin, CEO of Widget Development and Training pause for a break during the Professional Development Workshop March 2.Farmers, Extension agents and individuals interested in acquiring up-to-date information about farm loans, farming techniques and product certification gathered at Fort Valley State University’s Agricultural Technology Conference Center March 2.

From 8 a.m.-3 p.m., a crowd of more than 25 people attended the Professional Development Workshop sponsored by FVSU’s Cooperative Extension Program and the Southern Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education (SARE) program.

Workshop attendees listened to presentations from representatives of various agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Georgia Department of Agriculture (Georgia Grown), Alabama Cooperative Extension, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension.

Topics of discussion included goat and sheep production, how to increase farm productivity, maintaining accurate records using the Quick Book computer program, organic farming and how to secure loans from the USDA.

Richard Miller, an electrical contractor and part-time farmer, said he learned about different practices and processes needed to farm his 5 acres where he grows produce such as greens and peas. “A lot of the practices I learned today will definitely be implemented as soon as I get back home,” Miller said.

The Upson County native said the information he received about subjects concerning surface water, irrigation methods and how to safely run his operation is very informative.

David Martin, CEO of Widget Development and Trading Company coordinated the event.

For more information about future FVSU Extension workshops, contact Martin at (404-695-0141) or e-mail davidmartin@widgetdtc.com.

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  • FVSU Agriculture College