Georgie Cartanza

Education

B.S. General Agriculture, Delaware State University

Area(s) of Expertise

Poultry Extension

Bio

Georgie Cartanza is the poultry Extension Agent for the University of Delaware's Cooperative Extension program. She works with poultry farmers, integrators and the public to build awareness and understanding about best management practices and the industry's impact on her community. 

Georgie has more than 25 years of experience in the poultry industry and research, outreach and education. She has worked for two of the largest integrators on Delmarva and has been a poultry farmer for the past 16 years, the last six as an organic producer. Inspired by the challenges we face and public perception, she works to bridge the gap between perception and reality. Some of the programs offered for poultry growers include Optimizing Performance During Cold and Warm Weather; Troubleshooting for Performance; Understanding How Settlements are Calculated; Managing House Conditions for Bird Health and Performance, Biosecurity, Mortality Management, and Litter Management Techniques. She also hosts biannual field days for poultry growers to have educational opportunities. 

Georgie's "Follow the Flock" program brings outreach to local schools and lets students follow the growth and progress of a poultry flock from beginning to end. One of her favorite ways to connect with students is participating in STEAM days at schools sharing career opportunities in the poultry industry and the role of math, science and technology in the production of chickens. Georgie also collaborates with the 4-H program offering an Embryology Program in Sussex County. She also helps offer programs to connect the community with the poultry industry. These programs explain how the poultry industry has evolved, helping to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions people have about how poultry are grown and why they grow so fast, share the practices growers are implementing to be environmental stewards and the economic importance of poultry to Delaware's economy.

Georgie has received awards for her work in environmental stewardship from the conservation district and the Governors' Conservation award. In 2017, Georgie became the first Nuffield International Farming Scholar from the United States. As a Nuffield Scholar, Georgie explored innovations to help improve the sustainability of commercial poultry. 

Georgie has a bachelor's degree in General Agriculture from Delaware State University.

In her spare time, Georgie loves cutting grass, fishing, dancing and singing and posting for her Facebook followers! She enjoys time with her children playing games and watching them play football and lacrosse.