David Hall
Fourth-generation farmer teaches Georgians how to conserve water and improve efficiency — at home and in the field
Where are you from?
I'm Georgia-born and Georgia-raised — from a small town called Allentown in middle Georgia.
Allentown, Georgia
Allentown, Georgia
What is your role with UGA Extension and what does a typical day on the job look like?
I'm a water educator – there is never an average day, and that is what I love about my job.
Seriously, I may be working with kids of all ages (K-5 up to college kids) teaching anything about water. My topics are age-sensitive and cover the water cycle, water pollution, water conservation at home and on the farm. Also, I use the EnviroScape model in many activities, which is great in getting the kids engaged much as possible with questions and learning.
I also really enjoy lecturing college students on real-world scenarios dealing with making center pivots as efficient as possible.
Hall uses the EnviroScape model to teach kids about water conservation in the landscape.
Hall uses the EnviroScape model to teach kids about water conservation in the landscape.
During labs, we put boots on the ground and perform an actual uniformity test on a pivot located on the campus. We all then enter the data collected in the field and interpret ways we can improve efficiency.
I also speak at field days and production meetings with farmers to help educate them on all the possible ways to make their irrigation systems efficient. I perform mobile irrigation labs on-site where center pivots are problematic or farmers question the efficiency of the system.
By conducting the tests, I am able to check and see if the system is pumping the water required by the design and if the sprinklers are applying water uniformly across the field.
I can supply farmers with a correct application chart and also show them areas of a center pivot that need maintenance. The audit can lead to increased potential yield and profits.
Water conservation and using water wisely through application, scheduling and using tools such as soil moisture sensors will ensure our natural resource of water for the long term. Home well health education and well water quality are a major part of my duties.
Whether I am performing a third party water sampling for a homeowner or helping a customer determine issues with their private well water and means to correct it are all very important.
I just love interacting with people! My job allows me to reach many people and to never meet a stranger!
Why did you choose to be a part of UGA Extension?
I actually was working with Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission for 11 years and many of our organization’s employees merged with Extension. It was the best outcome for me because I basically kept doing the same work in the same areas but now I am able to expand my expertise even greater.
Who doesn’t love the Georgia Bulldogs, anyway?!
To me, the greatest part about Extension is that we are here to help people with unbiased research and perform services that can not be obtained anywhere else.
My job crosses over and meshes with 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources so easily. It allows me to help and educate so many different people!
What has been the best experience you've had so far as part of Extension?
Without a doubt, it’s a tie.
The first was the opportunity to speak with Extension specialist Wes Porter at the Cotton and Rice Conference in Memphis, Tennessee, discussing the economics of soil water moisture sensors.
The second was my collaborative efforts to design, publish and distribute a quick reference irrigation guide for farmers producing cotton, corn, peanuts and soybeans.
Hall Farms, a UGA SMART Farm in central Georgia
Hall Farms, a UGA SMART Farm in central Georgia
Hall with his family
Hall with his family
How has your experience as part of Extension changed you?
I can honestly say that personally I have not changed, but I have gained a world full of great new friends and a new appreciation for unbiased research.
What do you like to do outside of work — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I am part of a fourth-generation farm that produces corn, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, hay and cattle.
Needless to say it keeps every free second occupied. I feel it gives me some authority on my irrigation topics because I not only discuss means of efficiency, I do what I preach.
I feel I can relate and build relationships with farmers because I know the sweat, planning and risks it takes to produce a crop. My church and my family are my life!
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