UGA Extension & 4-H in Newton County

06/09/2026

Congrats to the competitors from Newton County: Kaitlin Driggers, Angela Driggers, Elle Walker, Lily Stephens and Trinity Griffith!

05/30/2026

🍄‍🟫🌱 Periods of drought may cause an increased concentration of nitrates in stressed plants.

Animals consuming high-nitrate forage and plant species commonly found in pastures and hayfields will experience symptoms associated with nitrate toxicity or poisoning.

➡️ Our experts are answering the most-asked questions about nitrates in forage systems at the link in the comments!

05/28/2026

🐴 Don't miss our June edition of the Equine Exchange Lunch and Learn! This FREE and VIRTUAL program covers timely topics in equine care and management.

📆 June 1, 2026 | 12–1 PM EST

Choosing a horse feed can feel overwhelming when every bag claims to be the “best.” Join us to learn how to read and interpret feed tags, compare products beyond the marketing, and make more informed feeding decisions for your horse.

The Equine Exchange occurs one Monday each month at 12 PM EST, with sessions recorded for those who cannot attend live.

Register here: https://uga.questionpro.com/t/Ab98TZ7qGt

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]
or call 706-359-3233.
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An Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution. If you are an individual with a disability who may require assistance or accommodation in order to participate in or receive the benefit of a service, program, or activity of UGA, or if you desire more information, please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to this program

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, our Extension office will be closed on Monday, May 26th.

We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27th during normal business hours.

We wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who served.

05/20/2026

Newton Co Master Gardeners were a part of Covington’s Ag Day on the Square. This was a beautiful day and 4 MGEVs volunteered for the Extension table to asssit community members and promote agriculture.

05/20/2026

We had a successful first 4-H horse show partnership with the Flint River Horseman’s Association on May 16th. 4 youth signed up as 4-H enrolled competitors from Bibb, Walton and Monroe Counties. Thank you to our sponsors, the Newton County Rodeo and Purina for providing awesome prizes for our competitors. They got some combination of a full size treat bag, halters, buckets, Newton Rodeo T-shirts and brushes.

We will be hosting another partnership show in the Fall with FRHA.

05/11/2026

🚨 🚨Today, we are taking a closer look at an invasive species that causes major damage despite its small size: the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica).

Not all invasive species are threatening at first glance; the Japanese beetle is a perfect example of this. This emerald colored insect may seem harmless, maybe even beautiful at first, but it has become one of the most destructive pests in the southern United States.

These beetles are especially known for their appetites. Adult Japanese beetles gather in groups and feed on plant leaves, flowers, and fruits, leaving a skeleton-like appearance where only the veins of the plant remain. This damage can reduce a plant's ability to photosynthesize, causing harm to over 300 plant species.

But the destruction doesn't stop above ground. In their larval stage, Japanese beetles live as grubs in the soil, feeding on grass roots, often causing large patches of dead grass in lawns and pastures, which can harm landscaping and agriculture in the area.

What makes this species successful in its invasion is its lack of natural predators in the U.S., which allows populations to grow quickly and spread easily. Their wide diet, along with their adaptability, makes them difficult to control, often requiring a combination of chemical, biological, and cultural management strategies.

So, next time you go out to water your rose bushes and spot one of these metallic insects, don't be fooled by its looks; this tiny invader will try to take over.



📷: Japanese Beetle by iNaturalist user “tygah_shahk” (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/50406188)

05/05/2026

Swipe to see some blooms from our pollinator garden in downtown Covington! We have Purple and White Cone Flower, Scarlett Bee Balm, and Indian Blanket Flower.

05/04/2026

🚀💫 May the fourth, we mean 4-H, be with you! Happy ! 🌍🍀💚

04/28/2026