Since 2021, Jackson County Extension/4-H has hosted a Summer Farm Tour to educate youth about local agriculture through hands-on visits to diverse agricultural operations. Led by ANR Agent Greg Pittman and 4-H Educator Jonathan Page, the two-day program includes stops at places like 7 G’s Christmas Tree Farm, Johnson Farms, Potts Brothers Farm and Meat Market, and Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm. Participants learn about various aspects of agriculture, from Christmas tree farming and horse care to livestock processing and the evolution of farming practices, while also engaging in interactive activities like geocaching on the Jackson County AgriTourism GeoTrail.
The tour concludes at McMullan Farms, where students explore pond and stream ecosystems and their connection to agriculture and sustainability, ending with a fishing session. This program offers valuable experiential learning opportunities that deepen youth understanding of agriculture’s vital role in the community. Jackson County 4-H is part of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and provides ongoing resources and education related to agriculture and youth development.
