In the Furrow

Burke County is well known for producing cotton, peanuts, corn and other row crops. More recently attention is being drawn to dairy production in the area. Burke County has nine dairies that represent slightly more than 14 percent of the $84.2 million total farm gate income. Not only do we have a growing dairy industry, we have some top quality producers as well.

Recently Franks Dairy Farm was recognized with a Georgia Cream of the Crop Dairy Production Award for 2009. The awards were given at the 59th annual Georgia Milk Producers Convention held Feb. 1, 2010. The Franks Dairy was one of 23 dairies from across the state to receive this award. Georgia currently has 262 operating dairies.

This production award was given to dairies who met certain production and butter fat standards for the year. The 2009 minimum standards that had to be met for their category were 15,931 pounds of milk or 714 pounds of butter fat. Producers make their money, in part, on the pounds of milk produced and butter fat percentage in their milk. That is the reason that these standards are used for the Cream of the Crop Awards.

If you would like more information on the county’s dairy industry or related topics, contact the Burke County Extension Office at (706)554-2119.