The 8th annual Southeastern 4-H Crop Scouting School was held July 28-30, 2025. 4-H members from Seminole, Worth, Mitchell, Miller, Early, Decatur and Grady Counties in Georgia along with 4-Hers from Jackson County Florida attended this collaborative 3-day event. The crop scouting school highlights agriculture scouting techniques and career possibilities.
On the first day, participants stopped in Miller County at Birdsong Peanuts where the shipping manager discussed peanut shelling and led a tour of the facility. Additionally, students visited Cedar Head Farms to observe and learn about corn shelling, deepening their understanding of crop production techniques. Next, a visit to the historic Griggs Commissary and Turpentine Farm offered a fascinating look into the evolution of agriculture, highlighting the advancement of agricultural practices. At Donalsonville Sod Farms, students were able to see sod being harvested and gained knowledge about weed and insect management practices. The first day’s event concluded at AAA Aviation where students engaged in hands-on learning to understand proper mixing techniques for agricultural applications—an essential skill for ensuring safe and effective crop treatments.
Decatur County 4-H’ers visit AAA Aviation in Seminole County
The second day of the Southeastern Crop Scouting School took 4-H’ers across state lines to Headland, Alabama where the day began with a visit to Golden Peanut. Here students gained insight into how peanuts are evaluated and prepared for market as they toured the buying point and grading room. Alabama Peanut Producers Association in Dothan was the next stop. Here, students learned the organization’s role in promoting the industry and supporting peanut growers. The final stop of the day was Adam Temple’s Farm in Ashford, Alabama. Mr. Temples discussed his farm operations, on-going farm research, and innovative ways to enter the agriculture industry. Crop Scouting School’s second day offered a well-rounded look at the peanut sector and practical career insights for aspiring agricultural professionals.
L-R, Aubree Neuman, Evan Patrick, Madison Patrick and Kirksey Bell Hayes
The final day of Crop Scouting School began with a visit to Frey Farms. The students explored the progression of sweet corn production, harvest, processing, and storage. Inside the pre-cooler, 4-H’ers learned how corn is prepared for shipment, with an emphasis on the importance of proper post-harvest handling. Next, attendees headed to a Frey Farms watermelon field to learn about production practices, scouting techniques and marketing strategies for specialty crops. Afterwards, the group was joined by the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District Mobile Irrigation Lab to learn about pivot uniformity and the importance of irrigation efficiency.
The Southeastern 4-H Crop Scouting school wrapped up its educational experience with a relaxing afternoon at Blue Springs Park in Mariana, Florida where group participants cooled off in the refreshing spring waters. It was the perfect end to 3-days of hands-on learning and agricultural exploration.
For information about 4-H youth development programs that empower young people through hands-on learning in science, health, agriculture, civic engagement, and leadership, contact Decatur County Extension at 229-248-3033.
