Oglethorpe County Extension

(Graph/Makenna Reavis)

(Graph/Makenna Reavis)

Fewer young farmers could threaten industry

Makenna Reavis and Jacob Harper
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
For Travis Legg, farming isn’t just a profession, it’s a legacy.  Legg is a third-generation farmer who lives in Smithonia, where he has been producing cattle, poultry and hay since 1995, but he was introduced to the industry by his grandfather and dad.
Dr. Thomas McNair (left) and Cynthia Altman from Wilkes County Veterinary Services conduct a breeding soundness exam on a herd bull at the Northeast Georgia Livestock haul-in facility in Rayle on Monday, October 20, 2025. These exams should be conducted yearly to determine the fertility of bulls before breeding season. (Makenna Reavis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Dr. Thomas McNair (left) and Cynthia Altman from Wilkes County Veterinary Services conduct a breeding soundness exam on a herd bull at the Northeast Georgia Livestock haul-in facility in Rayle on Monday, October 20, 2025. These exams should be conducted yearly to determine the fertility of bulls before breeding season. (Makenna Reavis/The Oglethorpe Echo)

Bull breeding exams are key as prices rise

Makenna Reavis
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Some animals were less than cooperative when farmers from around Oglethorpe County loaded their herd bulls in the crisp morning air late last month.  The process was quite a feat for many, but they said the trek was worth it for valuable information about their bulls’ fertility.
Guillermo Camacho, vice-chair Tim Poole, superintendent Beverley Levine, BOE chair Becky Soto, Susan Robinson and Jake Willcox discuss Shanna Reynolds' request to help fund a full-time extension program assistant on Tuesday. The BOE didn’t take action on the matter. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Guillermo Camacho, vice-chair Tim Poole, superintendent Beverley Levine, BOE chair Becky Soto, Susan Robinson and Jake Willcox discuss Shanna Reynolds' request to help fund a full-time extension program assistant on Tuesday. The BOE didn’t take action on the matter. (Photo/Anna Izquierdo)

Extension asks BOE for funds for assistant

Anna Izquierdo
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The Oglethorpe County Board of Education discussed Oglethorpe County Extension coordinator Shanna Reynolds’ request to provide funding for a full-time extension program assistant at its monthly meeting Tuesday night.
Xander Buska (from left) and Demarco Martinez, who are fifth-graders, and Jameson Duke, a sixth-grader, complete the live bird judging portion of the Area Poultry Judging Competition at the Oglethorpe County Extension Office on April 24. Their skills in handling the birds help them evaluate egg production traits, among other factors. (Photo/Lilly Stone)

Xander Buska (from left) and Demarco Martinez, who are fifth-graders, and Jameson Duke, a sixth-grader, complete the live bird judging portion of the Area Poultry Judging Competition at the Oglethorpe County Extension Office on April 24. Their skills in handling the birds help them evaluate egg production traits, among other factors. (Photo/Lilly Stone)

Eyes on the poultry prize: Youth put skills to the test

Lilly Stone
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
When some students begin their involvement with the poultry judging team, birds are already a part of their lives. For others, it comes later, in unexpected ways.
Members of the University of Georgia Extension Office includes, from left, Shanna Reynolds, county extension coordinator/ag and natural resources agent, Brenda Mattox, administrative assistant, Breanna Jackson, 4-H program assistant. Brad Averill, family and consumer science agent, and Marcus Eason, 4-H youth development agent. (Submitted Photo)

Members of the University of Georgia Extension Office includes, from left, Shanna Reynolds, county extension coordinator/ag and natural resources agent, Brenda Mattox, administrative assistant, Breanna Jackson, 4-H program assistant. Brad Averill, family and consumer science agent, and Marcus Eason, 4-H youth development agent. (Submitted Photo)

UGA Extension Office to host open house event

Kate Hoffman
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The University of Georgia Extension Office will host a drop-in open house from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 55 Oglethorpe Drive in Crawford.
Pigmy rattlesnake (J.D. Willson, SREL/Submitted Photo)

Pigmy rattlesnake (J.D. Willson, SREL/Submitted Photo)

Summer means snakes

Lilly Kersh
Thursday, July 7, 2022
As people spend more time outdoors, encounters with snakes are much more likely than in other times of the year. There are many misconceptions about the reptiles, as well as many safety tips to keep in mind in case you encounter a snake this summer.
Residents can vote early for the runoff, starting at 8 a.m. Monday, June 13, at the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections, which is at 41 Fairground Road in Lexington. (Photo/Jack Casey)

Residents can vote early for the runoff, starting at 8 a.m. Monday, June 13, at the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections, which is at 41 Fairground Road in Lexington. (Photo/Jack Casey)

News Roundup: Early voting to begin Monday

News Staff
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Early voting for the general primary runoff for the county commission District 1 seat between incumbent Phil Sanders and challenger Howard Sanders will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, June 13 at the Board of Elections office.   Early voting will continue through Friday, June 17.