New county agent ‘by no means special’
Sydni Barwick '12 becomes Thomas County's first female county agriculture agent.
THOMASVILLE — On the job for a week, Sydni Barwick is believed to be Thomas County’s first female county agriculture agent.
The Thomas County native also will serve as an agent in natural resources.
“I can help farmers and homeowners with any of their questions,” Barwick said.
A 2012 Brookwood School graduate, Barwick earned a degree in agriscience at the University of Georgia. She is pursuing a master’s degree in entomology.
Barwick is in the process of writing her master’s thesis about cow peas, which are known today as various varieties of Southern peas. Prior to the Civil War, the peas were used as forage for cows, she said.
Barwick has done research on how cotton yield is impacted by different factors and worked under an entomologist during her master’s studies.
“Thrips are still an issue with peanuts, but we’re going to have to look for and be vigilant for the burrow bug,” Barwick said. Although she helped someone with a grass issue on one of her first days on the job, Barwick said turfs and ornamentals will be her biggest challenges.
“I have more of an agronomy background,” she said.
Ken Hickey, a longtime Thomas County farmer, is excited about the new county agent.
“I have no doubt that she will do a great job and represent the agriculture industry well here in Thomas County,” said Hickey, who is also a Thomas County commissioner.Hickey could not recall another Thomas County female county ag agent.
Barwick, 24, daughter of Thomas County residents Hubert and Lisha Barwick, said she does not know how her gender will affect her job. “I don’t think it should,” she said. “I’m by no means special.”
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.