Sussex County 4-Hers have a long and distinguished track record of receiving state and national recognition for their skills and talents. The agriculture and resource management program provides information and educational programs for both homeowners and farmers. Over 1,000 consumers contact the office annually with specific inquiries ranging from insect identification, weed and plant disease questions and solutions, soil testing, lawn care, and related horticultural issues. In 1998, a Master Gardener program was implemented. The first class of 22 volunteers graduated in 1999 and subsequent classes are underway.
Programs designed for farmers focus on farm profitability and subject matter updates.
Periodic regional meetings are held with surrounding counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Each year, FCS provides approximately 60 classes and speaking engagements reaching approximately 1,000 county residents. FCS also reaches about 26,000 households with a weekly column in the Sunday New Jersey Herald and about 3,000 households with periodic cable TV shows. Over 1,000 telephone calls from consumers are answered each year. What You Need to Know.