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Tuesday afternoon, Rotary members held their weekly meeting at the Kirbo Center.

Hugh Moye, Decatur County Agent of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was there to discuss the background of agriculture in Decatur County, the agriculture team’s services, and the pattern of agriculture economics in the state and, more specifically, in Decatur County.

Moye stated that the mission of Extension is to ensure lifelong learning across the state on science and education programs in agriculture. Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development, and Agricultural and Natural Resources are the three program areas. “Agriculture affects economics, from businesses to banks and homeowners. Agriculture is the largest industry in the state of Georgia. With over $74 billion indirect and direct economic impact.” Agriculture is also the largest in most states. For instance, while tourism is Florida’s number one industry (thanks to Walt Disney and the beaches), the second largest is agriculture.

Afterward, Moye stated that he provides agricultural and natural resources services. He stated, “I always say boots on the ground. I’m out there with the grower and the farmers in the field. I want to do on-site consultations. I also do phone call consultations, but I always tell the people when they call into the office that you might want me to stop by.”

Moye explained that the services included soil fertility, sending the soil to the labs, and analyzing it in Tifton or Athens. They provide the recommended fertilizer for farmers or homeowners. Moye also offers pest management, planting crop varieties, water quality testing for irrigation systems and home wells, herd health and management for cattle and livestock, lawn care with different types of grasses and weed control, landscaping, and gardening. Some services may not be available in Bainbridge, but they are offered in other local areas in Georgia.

Next, Moye discussed agriculture economics, starting with the Farm Gate Value. The Farm Gate Value is measured by the value of production at the farm level. In other words, the agricultural commodities coming out of the Farm Gate. The Farm Gate doesn’t factor in the cost of the improvements, such as morphine and other things. So, it represents the gross value rather than the net profit. Since 2018-2023, the Farm Gate level has increased to above $337 million. The top five commodity groups in Decatur County are vegetables, road crops, poultry, and livestock. Road crops and poultry have decreased, and livestock and forestry have increased. The fluctuation is due to input calls and the market. The top 10 commodities for the county are sweet corn, cotton, borer corn, pecan, and peanuts. Peanut productivity has increased, but there are concerns about the impact of diseases and market prices on this growth.

Lastly, Moye engaged in a Q&A session with members, and Tommie Howelle ended the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.