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March 11, 2015
www.gfb.org
Vol. 33 No. 10
GFB CONFERENCE GIVES MEMBERS NEW AG PROMOTION TOOLS
The almost 300 Georgia volunteers and staff members who attended the organization’s annual
Educational Leadership Conference held at Stone Mountain March 6-7 gained skills to take their
ag promotion efforts to new heights.
Madison County Farm Bureau member Trisha Lastly,
the 2014 GFB Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture
winner, delivered the keynote speech at the opening
session. Lastly shared the presentation she gave at the
American Farm Bureau Convention in January while
representing Georgia in the national competition.
Lastly, who grew up on a row crop farm in Tift County
and has taught agriculture for almost nine years, shared
her passion for inspiring the next generation of farmers
and agribusiness leaders. She shared her motto for her
hands-on teaching method, which is “Tell me and I’ll
forget. Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll
understand.”
Lastly pairs her students with local Farm Bureau
members to let the students learn about production agriculture.
Carmen Power, the 2014 GFB Georgia Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award
recipient, shared activities she uses in her class to teach her fourth and fifth-grade students about
agriculture. Power discussed how she uses the book “Tops & Bottoms” by Janet Stevens to teach
her students the types of produce that grow above and below ground. She brings types ofvarious
produce into the classroom for the students to sample.
Power uses agriculture to teach her students the scientific method by answering the question
“Can you use part of a plant to grow a new plant?” Her classes conduct an experiment by rooting
the appropriate part of various vegetables that will propagate and then record their observations
as the cutting develops roots and grows into a plant. She also has her students plant seeds of the
same vegetable to observe how the plant grows from a seed.
Chris Fleming, Ag in the Classroom coordinator for Tennessee Farm Bureau, discussed how
farmers can use technology such as FaceTime available on iPhones and iPads or Skype to give
students a virtual tour of their farm and teach how they grow their crops. Fleming said these are
more affordable options than mobile classroom labs used by some state Farm Bureaus that cost
as much as $100,000 for the lab and an additional $100,000 for its annual upkeep.
Elbert County Farm Bureau Director Mandy Williams, who is an avid photographer, shared
-continued
GFB News Alert page 2 of 10
Educational Leadership Conference, continued
her tips for taking great photos that tell a story. She stressed the importance of backing up digital
photos from a computer to external hard drives and encouraged her audience to use the rule of
thirds when composing photos so that there is something of visual interest in each third of the
photo.
GFB 2nd Dist. Field Rep. Clay Talton gave GFB volunteers a crash course on using their
iPhones and iPads to take photos.
Attorney Will Thompson encouraged farm owners to begin the process of planning who will
take over the family farm or agribusiness when the current owners are gone. Thompson said
honest communication between generations and all family members is crucial to successful
planning. He stressed the importance of parents teaching their children why they made the
business choices that they did.
GFB HOLDS GALA TO KICKOFF ITS FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE
Georgia Farm Bureau members and Georgia agriculture leaders from 75 counties across the
state enjoyed a festive evening March 7 as the organization held its inaugural gala for the GFB
Foundation for Agriculture at the Atlanta
Evergreen Marriott Resort.
GFB President Zippy Duvall thanked gala
attendees for their support of the organization’s
new foundation and outlined the foundation’s
mission, saying, “This foundation is going to
give us the ability to partner with people
involved in agriculture to educate people outside
of agriculture. It’s going to allow us to tell our
story and educate them so they understand we
have their best interests at heart. I believe in an
America that understands agriculture and
believes in our goal to make sure every child has
food to eat.”
Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell,
who also grows timber with his wife, Rose Lane
on their Middle Georgia farm and is a GFB Farm Gala emcee Will Thompson asking ag
trivia questions.
Bureau member, performed at the event.
Telfair County auctioneer Neil Stanley used his talent to entice gala attendees to “Buy with
their hearts not their heads” as they bid on a variety of items raising $5,500 for the foundation.
As of March 7, the foundation has received more than $125,000 in donations. Cobb County
and Paulding County Farm Bureau were recognized for having made $10,000 donations each.
Carroll County Farm Bureau has pledged a five-year $25,000 contribution to the foundation of
$5,000 per year in memory of the late Alvin Chambers, who was a long-time CCFB leader.
Donations may be made on the foundation website at http://www.gfbfoundation.org or checks
made payable to the GFB Foundation for Agriculture may be mailed to the foundation care of
GFB Field Services at P.O. Box 7068 Macon, Ga. 31209.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 10
GFB LEADERS RECOGNIZE HENRY WEST FOR 30 YEARS ON GFB BOARD
Gordon County Farm Bureau (GCFB) President Henry West was recognized March 2 at the
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) 1st District Leadership Meeting for representing the district on the
GFB Board of Directors for 30 years and for being a GFB member for 43 years. West retired
from the GFB Board in December. GFB President
Zippy Duvall, GFB North Georgia Vice President
Bernard Sims and GFB 1st District Directors Bill
Bryan and Wesley Hall presented the resolution to
West.
West, who is pictured receiving a proclamation from
GFB President Zippy Duvall, also received a
resolution honoring his service passed by the GFB
Board of Directors in December.
“Georgia Farm Bureau is the strong organization
that it is today because of the service of county and
state leaders like Henry West,” Duvall said. “We are
indebted to Mr. Henry for the time he committed to
Georgia Farm Bureau for 30 years representing GFB’s first district on the state board, attending
numerous meetings on the district, state and national levels to work for farmers’ interests.”
West, who started serving as GCFB president in 1981, served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to
1950 and in the active reserves for nine years. He built his first broiler houses in 1954 and
expanded into raising cattle and hay. West continues to farm with his son, Terry.
In an interview with GFB media, West credited GFB’s policy development process for the
organization’s success.
“I think our policy development program and process is something we need to keep going. It
gives us ideas to go by and gives us issues. Some we win and some we don’t. One thing Georgia
Farm Bureau has always tried to do is work with the state leadership,” West said.
HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PASSES LEGAL WORKFORCE ACT
The House Judiciary Committee on March 3 passed the Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 1147) by
a 20-13 vote. The bill, introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) would require employers to
check the work eligibility of all future hires through the web-based E-Verify system. Georgia
employers are already required to E-Verify use under state law.
The bill was expected to be debated on the House floor this week.
Georgia Farm Bureau opposes the bill. On March 2, GFB President Zippy Duvall wrote to
committee members Doug Collins (R-9th District) and Hank Johnson (D-4-th District) expressing
opposition to the bill. Collins voted for it while Johnson voted against it.
“If Congress passes a stand-alone enforcement bill, farm production in the United States will
be negatively impacted, and that will affect farmers and consumers alike,” Duvall wrote.
Farm Bureau’s stance is that federal mandates for employers to use E-Verify must be based on
an employment eligibility verification system that is simple, conclusive and timely; that it
provide an affirmative defense for employers acting in good faith; that it allow for status
adjustment of workers not authorized prior to implementation and be preceded by full
implementation of a usable agricultural worker program.
To read the bill in its entirety, visit https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/housebill/1147/text.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 10
CATOOSA’S LYLES NAMED GEORGIA FARMER OF THE YEAR
Catoosa County Farm Bureau member James David Lyles and his wife Tara were introduced
as the Georgia Sunbelt Farmer of the Year and the Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest
winners were announced during the 2015 National Ag Week Kickoff at the Georgia Freight
Depot in Atlanta on March 10.
The Lyles raise beef and poultry and grow
hay on their farm in Ringgold. They will
represent Georgia in October at the 2015
Sunbelt Expo, where they’ll compete with nine
other state winners for the title of Swisher
Sweets Sunbelt Agricultural Expo Farmer of
the Year.
The 11th annual event featured dozens of
exhibits offering information and food samples
from commodities produced in Georgia,
allowing hundreds of visitors the chance to
James David Lyles, Tara Lyles and Georgia
graze on a wide variety of meats, snacks and
Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black
treats.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black welcomed the crowd to the Georgia Freight
Depot for the 11th Georgia Ag Day and reflected on the event’s progress from the initial
Governor’s Ag Awareness day with approximately 75 people on the capitol steps to a
multifaceted celebration.
UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean Scott Angle spoke about the
growth of agriculture in the state and the fact that there are job opportunities for college-educated
ag professionals.
“One of our problems - and this is our challenge, probably the challenge for everyone in this
room - We only train about half of the needed college educated workforce in agriculture in the
state of Georgia,” Angle said. “We need to continue to tell the message to all the young people in
this state that this is a wonderful industry, that jobs are well-paying and you can have a great
career because not only do you get a job quickly when you graduate out of an agricultural
program, but you can go home at night and feel good about what you've done, because you've
helped feed a hungry country and a hungry world.”
Adriana Coppola of A&A Alta Cucina Italia took the top prize in the Flavor of Georgia
contest, winning with her Balsamico al Mirtillo (blueberry balsamic vinegar), which also won in
the salsas, chutneys and condiments category.
Other category winners were: Barbecue Sauces - Wynn Bakke of Causey Foods, Causey's
Hot BBQ Sauce; Beverages - Erin Boettger and Chris Paulk of Paulk’s Pride, 100% Purple
Muscadine Juice; Confections - Geoff Repella, Byrd Cookie Company, Georgia Peach Cookies;
Dairy Products - Ken and Deana Bibb, Proper Pepper Get Back Jack Pimento Cheese; Jams
and Jellies – John and Kimberly Conner, Fairywood Thicket Farm, Strawberry Lavender Jam;
Marinades, Sauces and Rubs - Dave and Carol Legasse of the Salt Table, Tybee Island Coastal
Seasoning Blend; Meat and Seafood - Del and Debra Ferguson of Hunter Cattle Company,
Grass-Fed New York Strip Steak; Miscellaneous - Robert and Dana Edmondson of Ziegler
Honey, Georgia Wildflower Honeycomb; Snack Foods - Ross Harding of Verdant Kitchen,
Savannah Snaps; People’s Choice Award - Eric Wisham and Abbey Bowen of Wisham Jellies,
Cranberry Pepper Jelly (voted on by attendees at the event).
GFB News Alert page 5 of 10
MEETINGS GIVE VEGETABLE GROWERS INFO ON REFERENDUM
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) held a series of meetings
March 2-5, providing information about the work of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity
Commission for Vegetables (ACCV), which is holding a referendum through the end of March
to determine whether it can implement an assessment to fund research and promotion activities
for 14 vegetable crops.
During the March 5 session in Cordele, GFVGA Director of Communications Samantha
Kilgore gave an overview of ACCV activities since it was established in 2006. Since 2008, when
growers passed the first ACCV assessment referendum, ACCV assessments have generated more
than $775,000 for vegetable production research, funding 79 studies to help vegetable growers
ward off pests and improve production efficiency.
The ACCV was the first multicrop commodity commission in Georgia, and Kilgore said it is
unique in that 75 percent of its funding is designated for research. The assessment was
reaffirmed in 2011 but voted down in 2014. Kilgore said there is still money to fund projects in
2014 and 2015.
“From our standpoint this referendum and the commission in general are very beneficial to the
vegetable industry in terms of research and increasing production,” Kilgore said.
Sweet corn is no longer among the crops that would be subject to the assessment, while
eggplant, beets, specialty peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli and carrots have been added. Also
included are bell peppers, beans, cabbage, cantaloupes, cucumbers, greens, squash and tomatoes.
If approved, the assessment would be one cent per marketing unit. Only farmers who grow
more than 50 acres of vegetables would be subject to the assessment.
UGA Vegetable Entomologist Dr. David Riley noted that the ACCV gives important guidance
to the university's research in vegetable production.
“This commission is a direct line that allows the grower to say, ‘This is an important thing and
we want you to give it your attention,’” Riley said.
ACCV Vice Chairman Dick Minor urged vegetable growers to vote in the referendum and
asked them to encourage other vegetable growers to vote. Ballots were mailed the last week in
February.
“The point of the commission is to generate money to support our industry and develop
research that’s going to help us grow the vegetable industry in the state of Georgia,” Minor said.
Under state law, 25 percent of the ballots sent out have to be submitted as votes and two thirds
of those have to be in favor in order for the referendum to pass.
“We’re trying to get positive votes but also just trying to get votes in general, because it would
be a shame if this were voted down because not enough people participated,” Kilgore said.
Farmers who grow more than 50 acres of vegetables and did not receive a ballot should
contact Andy Harrison of the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-586-1405 or
andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 10
MONSANTO TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2015 FARM MOM OF THE YEAR
Monsanto Company has opened nominations for its 2015 America’s Farmers Mom of the
Year contest. Nominations will be accepted now through March 31.
Anyone can nominate their favorite farm mom, whether it’s their mom,
sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member. Just visit
www.americasfarmers.com during the nomination period and submit a
brief essay online or by mail that explains how the nominated farm mom
contributes to her family, farm, community and agriculture. Be sure to
address all four areas, as a panel of judges from American Agri-Women
will use that as part of the criteria they use to help Monsanto select five regional winners.
The five regional winners will be announced at the end of April, and each winner will receive
a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the winners will then be posted to www.americasfarmers.com,
where the public can vote for one national farm mom winner. Announced just prior to Mother’s
Day, the national winner will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize above and beyond her
regional prize, for a total of $10,000.
For more information on the program or for complete eligibility requirements and official
contest rules visit www.americasfarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave.,
Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.
MORE PEDV CASES CONFIRMED IN GEORGIA
A total of seven cases of Porcine Epidemic Diahrrea virus (PEDv) have been confirmed in five
counties across Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
The virus is lethal to pre-weaned pigs and can cause extensive economic losses to swine
farmers, but does not affect other livestock or humans and does not present a food safety issue.
State officials continue to emphasize the importance of biosecurity measures to keep control
of PEDv.
The first known cases in the state were detected at the Georgia Junior National Livestock
Show, held Feb. 18-21 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. During the event two
pigs were observed with symptoms of the disease and samples were taken for tests, which came
back positive. There were more than 1,300 hogs in the show from approximately 90 different
counties, potentially all of which were exposed.
The GDA anticipates positive tests in all areas of the state where pigs in the show are raised
and housed.
The incubation period for PEDv is 36 hours. Symptoms can emerge four to five days after
exposure and vary widely depending on the age of the pig affected. Symptoms include off-feed,
vomiting, diarrhea and increased mortality. Pigs can also be carriers of the virus without showing
symptoms.
Biosecurity is the key to preventing spread of the disease. It is important to limit travel and
commingling with other swine associated events or personnel. The disease can be spread by pig
to pig contact and by contaminated equipment, chutes, trailers, vehicles, clothing and personnel.
All equipment should be cleaned and disinfected and all sick animals isolated. It is important for
producers to regularly observe their herds for evidence of disease.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 10
AVIAN INFLUENZA FOUND, MINN., MO., ARK. TURKEY FLOCKS
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in a
commercial turkey flock in Pope County, Minn., on March 4. This is the first finding in the
Mississippi flyway. It is the same strain of avian influenza that has been confirmed in backyard
and wild birds in Washington, Oregon and Idaho as part of the ongoing incident in the Pacific
flyway. In January, China banned imports of U.S. poultry and eggs because of the confirmation
of H5N2.
APHIS confirmed the presence of H5N2 in a commercial turkey flock in Jasper County, Mo.,
on March 9. According to APHIS there is no immediate public health concern as a result of the
H5N2 detections. APHIS is cautioning all bird owners to continue practicing good biosecurity,
preventing contact between their birds and wild birds and reporting sick birds or unusual bird
deaths to state and federal officials. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks
can be found online at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.
On March 11 APHIS confirmed H5N2 in a flock in Boone County, Ark.
An APHIS stakeholder announcement dated March 10 indicated that no human infections with
these viruses have been detected, noting that proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to
an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills bacteria and viruses.
SC POULTRY FARMERS LOSE 300,000 CHICKENS IN ATTACKS
Poultry farms in multiple South Carolina counties have lost a total of approximately 300,000
chickens in a series of attacks, according to published reports.
A report in The State newspaper in Columbia indicated at least 16 farms were targeted and the
lost birds were worth approximately $1.7 million. One farmer lost approximately 200,000 birds.
Pilgrim’s Pride, for which all of the affected farms raise chickens, has offered $50,000 in
reward money for the attacks. Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett told the Observer that the
attackers are familiar with alarm systems that also control ventilation and temperature inside the
poultry houses.
“The chicks, you have to maintain the temperature at 95 to 100 degrees, and when they get
older it’s 65 to 70 degrees,” Garrett told the newspaper. “(The suspect) knows what to do with
the temperature setting needed to maintain 70 degrees and he is turning it up and killing them.”
Anyone with information about the attacks is asked to contact the Clarendon County Sheriff’s
Office at 803-435-4414.
The State report said federal officials, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and
officers from three South Carolina counties are also investigating.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 10
VETERANS AND SMALL FARMERS WORKSHOPS
March 12
Gwinnett Technical College Busbee Center
Lawrenceville
These one-day workshops are designed to provide veterans and small farmers with knowledge of
funds and programs available to them. Each workshop begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and
runs through 4:30 p.m. Topics include the 2014 farm bill, micro-irrigation, Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), veteran ranking process, small vs. large farms, organic
certification, seasonal high tunnels, and more! Early registration and payment of the $20 fee can
be completed online at http://conta.cc/1vjYPvM or call 678-376-9518 with any other questions.
Please select specific workshop location under session section of link.
USDA EXTENDS CSP ENROLLMENT PERIOD
Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have until March 13 to apply for the USDA
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to ensure they are considered for this year’s program
funding. The USDA will award $100 million this year through CSP, and the program is expected
to enroll up to 7.7 million privately owned acres this year, according to a USDA release.
Although applications are accepted all year for the program, applications received after March 13
will be considered for future funding. Through CSP, participants take additional conservation
steps to improve the resource conditions on their land, including soil, air and habitat quality,
water quality and quantity, and energy conservation. Applications should be submitted to local
NRCS offices. As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field
personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land, which will help determine the
conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant's
conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.
ANIMAL WASTE OPERATOR & PLANNER CERTIFICATION TRAINING
March 19-20
UGA Livestock Arena 2600 S. Milledge Ave.
Athens
All permitted livestock operations (other than dry poultry operations) must have a certified
animal waste systems operator and an implemented nutrient management plan written by a
certified planner. In previous years this has been two separate trainings - one to certify farm
owners/employees to properly manage animal waste systems the other to certify people to write
nutrient management plans. More information on Animal Waste Programs is available at:
http://www.agp2.org. Participants are asked to pre-register by March 13. Visit
http://tinyurl.com/wastetraining for registration form to complete and registration instructions.
Training fee for attendees who are pork or dairy producers or with the GDA will be paid by
Georgia Pork Producers, Georgia Milk Producers or GDA. For all other attendees, registration is
$150 per person for operators and $200 per person for planners. For more information contact
Melony Wilson at: 706-310-3466.
AG SAFE FARM SMART AWARENESS EVENT
March 28
Ag-Pro
10 a.m.
Carnesville
This event to promote ag safety is sponsored by Franklin County Farm Bureau, AgGeorgia Farm
Credit and Ag-Pro. The event will feature kid-friendly activities, tractor and implement
demonstrations and educational speakers. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by March 14 to
Franklin County Farm Bureau Office Manager Rebecca Whitfield at 706-384-2222 or
rmwhitfield@gfb.org.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 10
ALFALFA IN THE SOUTH WORKSHOP
Mar. 17
UGA Livestock Instructional Arena
9 a.m.
Athens
This workshop will focus on how to successfully use alfalfa, including how to grow your own
nitrogen and feed supplement by interseeding alfalfa into bermudagrass. Subjects covered
include: site selection, establishment protocol, soil fertility, harvest management, and how to use
this high quality and cost-effective crop. Cost of the one-day workshop is $25 and includes lunch
and refreshments, an “Alfalfa in the South” notebook, and other publications on alfalfa
production and use in the South. To register, call Cathy Felton at 706-310-3464 or send an email
to feltonc@uga.edu.
CHEROKEE COUNTY AG EXPO
March 19
City Center
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Woodstock
This free event is sponsored by Cherokee County Farm Bureau, the Cherokee County Extension
Office, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodstock. Georgia
Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall are
scheduled to speak. The expo will feature locally grown foods, plants, animals, and hand-crafted
products, with representatives from farmers markets, 4-H, FFA and master gardeners. For more
information visit www.cherokeeagexpo.info.
Peanut Proud Festival
March 28
Town Square
Blakely
This all day event kicks off with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a street dance. In-between is a
parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids' zone and an obstacle course, and free entertainment. For
more information or schedule of events, please visit peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut
Proud Festival Facebook page.
MONSANTO OFFERS GRANTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 34 GA COUNTIES
April 1
deadline to apply
Farmers in 34 Georgia counties may nominate a public school district for grants of up to $25,000
from Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Fund. Eligible counties are Appling,
Baker, Berrien, Bleckley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp,
Decatur, Dooly, Early, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell,
Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Sumter, Tattnall, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Wilcox and
Worth. Visit www.growruraleducation.com and click the “Farmers Nominate Now” button or
call 1-877-267-3332 to submit a nomination. Complete rules and eligibility requirements are
posted on the aforementioned website.
BAYER SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR BEEKEEPING AWARD
Bayer CropScience is seeking nominations for its third annual Bee Care Community Leadership
Award, which recognizes an individual who uses their interest in and commitment to honey bees
to benefit their community. The award, an initiative of Bayer’s North American Bee Care
Program, provides a $5,000 grant to the winner to be used in support of a community beekeeping
project. The winner will also receive an all-expense paid trip to a reception in Washington, D.C.,
during National Pollinator Week June 15-21. Any beekeeper or individual with a focus on
honeybees may apply. Individuals interested in applying for the award can obtain an application
at www.pollinatorweek.bayer.com. The deadline to apply is April 3.
GFB News Alert page 10 of 10
NEWTON COUNTY AG DAY ON THE SQUARE
April 18
Downtown Square
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Covington
This event, sponsored by the Newton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers, features a modern
and antique tractor show and lots of family fun. For more information, contact NCFB Office
Manager Crystal Powell at 770-786-7201.
38th ANNUAL VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL
April 23-26
Various locations
Vidalia
This festival celebrating Georgia’s official state vegetable includes an air show featuring the U.S.
Navy Blue Angels, the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, country band Lonestar in concert, the
Golden Onion professional chef competition, the Vidalia Onion Recipe Contest and much more.
For more information visit www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
June 7-11
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton
The camp, for rising 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students with a desire to learn more about
Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide,
focuses on the value, protection and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil and water
resources. Tuition is $150 per students who register by May 1 and $175 for those who register
after May 1. The deadline to register is May 28. In many cases tuition assistance is available
through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, businesses and individuals. Georgia natural
resources experts in a variety of fields will lead classroom and field trip activities to help
interested young people learn the basic principles and the responsible use of natural resources.
For more information, visit www.abac.edu/nrcw or contact your local office of the Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural
Resources Wildlife Division or UGA Extension Service.