Troup County Extension agent: Upcoming events with Extension

Published 12:00 am Friday, September 11, 2015

Brian Maddy

Contributing columnist

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Troup County extension is sponsoring classes this fall which might be of interest. We are never too old to learn.

Avoid chainsaw accidents!

The tree care industry has been proclaimed the most dangerous industry in the United States by OSHA.

The chainsaw safety class is for those folks who handle a chainsaw at work or at home. It is an OSHA approved course taught by North American Training.

Certified arborist credits are available. It will be hands on and will include all aspects of safely handling a chainsaw. Tips for effectively limbing and felling trees will be included.

Having certified OSHA trained employees will help in reducing liability insurance costs. This program has already been taught six times throughout the state and has received superb evaluations. According to Ellen Bauske, after being trained, tree care worker’s positive attitude toward safety and their employers for allowing them to attend the training skyrocket.

If you plan on attending, bring that neighbor that scares you or bring that son or brother who doesn’t listen well. Call the office or stop by to register for the class.

The class is Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Resource Management Office at West Point Lake from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch is provided by Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development. There is no cost but seating is limited so make sure you register.

Avoid timber taxes!

On Thursday, Oct. 1, the Troup County Extension Service will be hosting a program dealing with tax issues and selling and harvesting timber.

Many people are unaware of the tax implications of selling timber and learn the hard way. Dr. Ben Jackson of the Warnell School of Forestry will speak about the complex set of federal tax laws governing timber ownership.

Understanding the intricacies of tax law can help timber owners minimize their tax liability. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the Ag Center. Lunch is provided by Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development.

Email, phone or come by the office to register for the class. We have limited seating.

Calling all small chicken flock owners

Small backyard chicken flocks have become popular throughout Georgia.

Troup County Extension is offering a class covering topics that include breeding, nutrition, disease prevention, housing, flock management, laying and egg production. The class will be held at the Jefferson Street Market, 625 Jefferson St., from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Our guest speakers are poultry scientists Dr. Casey Ritz and Dr. Claudia Dunkley from UGA and Dr. Doug Anderson from the Georgia Poultry lab. The cost is $15; lunch is provided.

Call for registration, stop by the office or email: uge2285@uga.edu

What’s going on in Extension?

Jefferson Street Market begins Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to noon at 625 Jefferson St., just off of Dallis Street.

Sept. 15: Troup County Cattleman: Forages and Nutrition; Dr. Lawton Stewart, guest speaker; 7 p.m. Tuesday. Program will start at 7:30 p.m. The $6 meal will be served at 7 p.m. Ag Center.

Sept. 15-16: Georgia Grazing School, Carroll County Extension Office. Cost is $150 for first person and $75 for second person from the same farm. Visit: www.georgiaforages.com or call the office for more information.

Sept. 21: Troup County Association of Beekeepers; 7 p.m. at the Ag Center.

Sept. 24: OSHA Chain Saw Class, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No cost, call the office for details.

Oct. 1: Tax Issues with Timber Sales and Harvest, 7 p.m. at the Ag Center, Dr. Ben Jackson; no cost.

Oct. 29: Small Flock Management Class. Cost is $15; lunch provided. Call the extension office to sign up.

If you have any questions or concerns, stop by or call the office.

Brian Maddy is the ANR Agent for Troup County Extension. The Troup County Extension office is located at 114 Church St. in LaGrange and may be reached at 706-883-1675, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–noon and 15 p.m.