Mustangs Grow Pumpkins: Farm to Table and Everything in Between
4-H and Youth Programming
Blake Carter
County Extension Agent
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service
Springfield
Abstract
Effingham has a rich history rooted in agriculture production, having produced vegetables and crops as early as the late 1700’s. Based on the USDA farm report, since 2017 small farms have increased by 37% totaling 254 farms in the county. Though the number has increased, geographically the locations of the farms have primarily been seen to originate in the Northern and most rural part of the county. Effingham County has a population of nearly 70,000 individuals, and of that, 26.5% are persons under 18 years of age. It is extremely important to educate the youth in the county in its history, as well as make it a priority to educate students on where their food comes from, and the agriculture industry. The Southern portion, including the city of Guyton and Rincon, has seen severe reduction in agricultural land and farms over the last decade. The limited farmland and agricultural exposure for students in that part of the county, give those students a different experience with agriculture than the students on the North side. South Effingham Middle School (SEMS) is located in between Rincon and Guyton, Georgia. The location is prime to start making strides to educating the youth in the community on agriculture, since they are the students furthest removed. At SEMS, each grade (6th - 8th) has an overarching PBL (Problem Based Learning) that they must work towards addressing and solving throughout the school year that links the agriculture standards. In 2022-23 and 2023-24, at least one grade level has worked on the pumpkin patch project at Honey Ridge Agricenter. The collaborative efforts between SEMS and the local ANR Agent have yielded a successful pumpkin garden this school year, leaving a lasting impact on both the educational environment and the broader community. Through initiative, students witnessed the entire pumpkin growth process, gaining insights into horticulture, teamwork, and sustainable agriculture. The garden serves as an outdoor classroom, offering hands-on learning experiences that foster an appreciation for the environment and community pride. The thriving pumpkin patch stands as a testament to the positive transformation when Extension, schools, and communities unite.
Authors: Blake Carter
-
Blake Carter County Extension Agent, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31329