GFB MEMBERS TALK PRIORITY ISSUES DURING GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Almost 500 Georgia Farm Bureau members participated in GFB Day at the Capitol on Feb. 14, taking the opportunity to discuss the organization’s priority issues with elected leaders.

Though the Georgia General Assembly was in recess, GFB members were still able to interact with their state representatives and senators, many of whom attended the GFB luncheon at the Georgia Freight Depot.

Participants were encouraged to raise legislators’ awareness on GFB’s 2012 priority issues -- water, taxes & budget, animal agriculture, metal theft and farm labor.

“It’s vitally important,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “We’re here every day during the session, working the issues every day. But when 500 people leave their farm on their dollar to give their time to talk about the issues that we’ve been talking about all during the session, it puts a force behind it. The representatives and senators up here realize we’re speaking for a lot of people.”

Gov. Nathan Deal spoke at the luncheon, praising GFB for being a cohesive element in the state’s social fabric. Deal discussed a variety of topics, including recently announced education initiatives, steps the state is taking to improve health, taxes and emerging overseas markets for Georgia agricultural commodities.

Deal pointed out that pine trees grown in Georgia are now being used to generate electricity in the European Union, noting that the venues at the London Olympics this summer will be lit using energy generated through the use of Georgia pine tree pellets.

He also discussed the ongoing challenges Georgia faces with its water supply, praising farmers for their willingness to participate in various water-related conservation and measurement projects being conducted by the state. Florida and Alabama on Feb. 13 petitioned the Supreme Court to review the appellate court ruling that allowed metro Atlanta access to water from Lake Lanier.

“I am working hard to get this water war over with,” Deal said. “It is being used as a negative tool against us in the recruiting of businesses, because most businesses when they come are going to want to know that there is an adequate water resource, especially if they are manufacturers, and that is the kind of new business and new jobs we are looking for.”

During the GFB luncheon, Georgia Tobacco Commission members Daniel Johnson and Paul Folsom presented a framed tobacco print to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, to be hung in the Georgia Department of Agriculture building along with art depicting the state’s other commodities.

February 15, 2012 www.gfb.org Vol. 30 No. 7

Leadership Alert page 2 of 10 FORSYTH CO. FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT CARROLL CASTLEBERRY DIES

Long-time Forsyth County Farm Bureau President Carroll Castleberry died Feb. 12. He was 85.

Castleberry served as Forsyth County Farm Bureau president since being elected for the first time in 1979. He also sat on the Georgia Farm Bureau Poultry Advisory Committee and the Farm Service Agency County Committees for Dawson, Hall, Forsyth and Lumpkin counties. Castleberry spent 40 years on the Forsyth County AG-Ga. Farm Credit Board and served terms on the Forsyth County Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service (ASCS) Committee and the Georgia ASCS State Committee.

In addition to his agriculture-related work, Castleberry served 12 years on the Forsyth County Board of Education, two terms on the

Forsyth County Planning and Zoning Board and eight years on the Forsyth County Hospital Board.

“We at Georgia Farm Bureau were saddened to learn of Carroll’s death,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “His lifetime of service as a county president and work in the community will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Castleberry family.”

Castleberry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Florene; son Wade Castleberry and his wife Vicki Castleberry; daughter Cathy Grindle; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Olen Castleberry and his wife Mary Ruth; sister Hilda and her husband Royce Bennett; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be sent to 6570 Keith Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506. EQUINE CHAMPIONS HONORED, STUDY RESULTS SHARED AT CAPITOL

More than 170 championship horse riders were honored during activities at the Georgia state capitol and the Georgia Depot in Atlanta, and some preliminary findings of an equine economic impact study were announced during the 2012 Youth Equine Champions Day on Feb. 7. The study, conducted by the UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development, indicates the 2011 economic impact of Georgia horse industry was $868.7 million. Among the other findings, 2.4 percent of Georgians own horses and the equine industry contributes more than 6,500 jobs in the state.

The youth champions, all of whom either won a state championship through 4-H or the Georgia Federation of Saddle Clubs or qualified for national or world competitions, sat in the gallery of the Georgia House of Representatives. Brianne Bielecki of Gwinnett County, winner of Palomino Horse Breeders Association showmanship and horsemanship world championships, was recognized by the House and spoke to its members.

“I had this crazy dream that one day I’d be recognized by a lot of people,” Bielecki said. “I basically went out there and told myself that I have nothing to prove and I just want to do my best, and it was good enough.”

Each champion was presented a certificate during lunch activities at the Depot, which included a brief speech from Gov. Nathan Deal and video messages from Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.

“You may not ever, as an adult, show a horse or do anything other than just have a few that you can ride, but I assure you that the things you have learned as a young person will stand you in good stead no matter what you choose to do,” Deal said.

Castleberry

Leadership Alert page 3 of 10 GFB PRESIDENTS RECEIVE MEMBERSHIP, LEGISLATIVE BRIEFINGS

County Farm Bureau leaders from across Georgia gathered in Macon Feb. 7-8 to attend the Georgia Farm Bureau Presidents’ Conference where they attended workshops designed to help the county chapters recruit members, strengthen their grassroots legislative efforts and build stronger overall county chapters.

GFB President Zippy Duvall welcomed 11 first-term county Farm Bureau presidents to the GFB headquarters for an orientation meeting Feb. 7. New presidents attending the meeting were: Stanley Bass, Colquitt County; Lee Nunn, Morgan County; Gene Brunson, Taylor County; Donny Jones, Evans County; Russ Moon, Madison County; Hank Youngblood, Worth County; Clegg Griggs, Dooly County; Wayne Talton, Houston County; Chris Rogers, Jefferson County; Butch Copelan, Monroe County; and Greg Bird, Camden County.

During the full conference on Feb. 8, GFB Legislative Director Jon Huffmaster gave an update on the 2012 session of the Georgia General Assembly and discussed the importance of building relationships with elected officials.

“The key to the success of Farm Bureau is that when we, your legislative staff, meet with your state or national legislators, they visualize you, their constituents whom they have met back home,” Huffmaster said.

During the membership workshop at the conference, Clayton County Farm Bureau President Paul Jones, Lamar County Farm Bureau President Ralph Adamson and Johnson County Farm Bureau President William Tanner gave tips on how their counties were able to expand their membership in 2011.

GFB Field Services Director Mike Copeland announced GFB's 2012 “75 Day” membership contest. The contest will run for 75 days in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary. The county from each of the organization’s 10 districts that has the largest percentage increase in active membership during the contest will win Kindle readers for all county employees and $150 in Lowe’s gift cards for the county president. In addition, one county from each of the organization's three membership divisions will win a large smoker grill for winning the GFB Membership Award, which recognizes county Farm Bureaus for growing membership and member programs.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman delivered the keynote speech, discussing the uncertainties surrounding the 2012 farm bill in light of the national budget crisis. “It’s going to be very difficult to get a farm bill passed in 2012. There’s talk about extending the current farm bill, but I don’t think that’s going to happen without stripping out some funding for some programs,” Stallman said.

Stallman said the key to a successful farm bill is flexibility and that AFBF is proposing that the next bill include a deep loss safety net program where the federal government would cover crop loss up to 70 percent with farmers buying crop insurance to cover the remaining 30 percent, if they choose to purchase additional coverage. Market loans would be maintained as a cash flow tool. Stallman said the proposal would work with specialty crops and is a way to expand the farm bill from helping just a few crops to benefiting any crop covered by crop insurance. Stallman also said the organization will evaluate the U.S. Department of Labor’s re-proposed rule changes to the child labor rules.

Stallman

Leadership Alert page 4 of 10 CONGRATULATIONS TO BARTOW COUNTY 4-H! The Bartow County 4-H Consumer Judging Team, which won the title of Grand Champion for having the highest team score at the Western National Roundup, held Jan. 5-8 in Denver, Colo. Thanks for representing Georgia well! GA. PEANUT COMMISSION SEEKING FUNDING FOR AN ENTOMOLOGIST The Georgia Peanut Commission is encouraging all farmers and industry representatives to contact their state legislators request funding for a peanut entomologist at the University of Georgia. There is an opportunity to fill limited positions at the University of Georgia that have been vacant for a while. The Commission Board Members have made this a top priority due to the increased insect pressure farmers have faced in recent years. Find your Georgia state senator and representative online at http://www.senate.ga.gov/senators/en-US/SenateMembersList.aspx and http://www.house.ga.gov/Representatives/en-US/HouseMembersList.aspx.

PLANNING FOR 2020 AT UGA Feb. 21 North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Tech Acworth Feb. 29 Vidalia Onion Research Center Lyons The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is currently planning its future, developing its official 10-year strategic plan. To get public input, the college has scheduled several regional meetings across the state. The college prepares students for jobs in Georgia's No. 1 business, agriculture, conducts cutting-edge research and educates the public through UGA Cooperative Extension offices across the state. Six regional meetings have been set from 8:30 a.m. until. Like UGA’s current strategic plan, the CAES plan targets 2020. Participants are encouraged to register for the regional meetings at http://www.caesplan.caes.uga.edu/index.html. NRCS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WETLANDS IMPROVEMENT General proposals for the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) may be submitted by eligible partners for individual projects, watershed-wide or larger geographical area. WREP is a voluntary conservation program that works through partnership agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations and tribes. All proposals should be submitted to the Georgia NRCS State Office by Feb. 17. Please submit proposals to: Sharon Holbrooks, Easement Specialist, 355 E. Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601 or sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov and you may contact the State Office with questions at 706-546-2272. Proposals submitted by fax or through the http://www.grants.gov website will not be accepted. ORNAMENTAL/FRUIT TREE PRUNING CLASS Feb. 17/24 UGA Griffin Campus 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Griffin Learn to prune ornamentals and fruit trees through this course, to be held at the Research and Education Garden on Ellis Road. In addition to proper pruning techniques, participants will learn what equipment to use, when, where and how to prune certain plants and techniques for creating a professional looking landscape. Participants will also learn pest prevention through pruning. Taught by UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences horticulturists Bodie Pennisi and Bob Westerfield, the class will consist of both indoor lectures and outside, hands-on demonstrations. The cost of the course is $49, which includes lunch and break refreshments. Pre-registration is required by calling 770-229-3458.

Leadership Alert page 5 of 10 FOOD CHECK-OUT WEEK 2012 IS FEB. 19-25 With the theme “Stretching Your Grocery Dollar With Healthy, Nutritious Food,” Food Check-Out Week will be held Feb. 19-25. The third week of February was selected for Food Check-Out Week as a bridge to National Nutrition Month in March. Since the program was initiated in the mid-1990s, Farm Bureau members have donated approximately $3 million in food and monetary contributions to Ronald McDonald Houses and other worthwhile charities during Food Check-Out Week. GEORGIA JUNIOR NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW Feb. 22–26 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia National Junior Livestock show is an annual event that brings together students from across the state. The event at the Agricenter in Perry gives 4-H and FFA members an opportunity to show off all of the hard work it took to raise and handle their animals. For more information, visit www.gnfa.com. 2012 GEORGIA NATIONAL RODEO Feb. 23–25 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Sanctioned by the PRCA, the Rodeo features specialty acts, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping. barrel racing and bull riding For tickets and information contact the Box Office 478-987-3247or visit http://www.gnfa.com. GFB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEB. 24 Students wishing to apply for one of 10 Georgia Farm Bureau Scholarships have until Feb. 24 to apply. The scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or related agricultural fields. Students submitting an application must currently be a Georgia high school senior and plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 2012-2013 academic year. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information or an application. A copy of the application may also be downloaded from the GFB website by visiting http://www.gfb.org/programs/aic/EducationLinks.htm. Applications must be approved and signed by the Farm Bureau president of the county in which the applicant resides or attends high school. Winners will be announced in May. GEORGIA DOL AG PRACTICES SURVEY DEADLINE IS FEB. 24 The Georgia Department of Labor is conducting a voluntary survey of the state’s fruit and vegetable growers to determine the “valid prevailing and common agricultural practices in Georgia.” The results of the survey will be used by the U.S. Department of Labor to determine employee benefits and working conditions to be provided by Georgia agricultural employers who use the H-2A program. The survey can be filled out online at http://www.research.net/s/AGSurvey2012. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable growers who did not receive a survey should contact the Georgia DOL Agricultural Services Unit at 404-232-3500.

Leadership Alert page 6 of 10 FEB. 28 IS SALES CLOSING DATE FOR CROP INSURANCE IN GEORGIA The sales closing date for crop insurance in Georgia is Feb. 28 for producers of cabbage (Rabun County only), corn, cotton, flue-cured tobacco, grain sorghum, peanuts and soybeans. This is the last date to purchase a new policy or change the level of coverage for an existing one. Contact a multi-peril crop insurance (MCPI) agent for more information. A list of agents is available at http://www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/. GFB SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING 101 WORKSHOP March 1 GFB Home Office Auditorium 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Macon The Georgia Agritourism Association along with the Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market and Young Farmer programs will be hosting this workshop, designed to teach volunteers the basics of utilizing social media to tell the story of agriculture. Attendees will be shown how to set up a Wordpress blog, a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a Google account to allow use of Gmail and YouTube. The course will also offer training on loading content to those platforms. Cost is $10 per person and the fee includes lunch. Participation is limited to 50 people. Please register by Feb. 27 by calling 1-800-342-1196. UGA CONDUCTING FERAL HOG SURVEY The Warnell School of Forestry at the University of Georgia is conducting a survey of randomly selected landowners in Southwest Georgia to gauge the extent and economic impact of feral hogs. The survey is being conducted by Dr. Mike Mengak, a UGA professor of wildlife ecology and wildlife outreach specialist. Responses are anonymous and will be kept confidential. Landowners who received the survey are urged to fill it out and return it by March 1. Wildlife students from the Warnell School will compile the results and issue a report on their findings by late spring. For information, contact your UGA Cooperative Extension office or Dr. Mengak at 706-583-8096 or mmengak@uga.edu. CAES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS March 1 Deadline to apply for Freshman Scholarship June 1 Deadline to apply for Transfer Scholarship The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association is accepting applications for its Freshman Scholarship, for freshmen entering UGA in fall 2012 and the Transfer Scholarship for students considering transferring into a CAES program in fall 2012. For more information or to download the application form, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html. 8TH ANNUAL FFA WILDLIFE CAMP BANQUET March 3 Old Wal-Mart Building, Hwy. 278 Covington The Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center is hosting a smoked pork chop dinner to benefit the FFA Wildlife Camp and FFA Horse Camp. The banquet will feature a live auction, a silent auction and raffles for hunting and fishing supplies, a variety of guns, outdoor gear, a hidden treasure gun safe and more. Individual tickets are $25 apiece and sponsorships start at $200. Ticket order forms and banquet flyers can be downloaded at http://georgiaffacamp.org/WildlifeCamp.htm. For more information, contact Marketing Director Beverly Stahl at 770-786-6926, ext. 3 or BStahl@GaAgEd.org.

Leadership Alert page 7 of 10 5th ANNUAL SOUTHEAST HAY CONVENTION March 6-7 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The convention, dedicated to growers who are serious about commercial hay production and want a thorough “A to Z coverage” of the subject. Sessions will cover hay production economics and outlook, climate, fertilization, pest control, marketing tips, irrigation and many more. Registration before Feb. 17 is $170 for the first person and $100 for each additional person from the same farm. After Feb. 17, it is $195 for the first person and $125 for each additional person. Deadline to register is March 2. Fees cover instructional materials, lunches and refreshments. For more information about the confvention, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forages/events/SHC12/SHC12.html or contact Dr. Dennis Hancock by email at dhancock@uga.edu or by phone at 706-614-2275. TIFTON BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE March 6 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Registration starts at 9 a.m. For more information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. TIFTON PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE March 7 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM GENERAL SIGN-UP The USDA will conduct general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) from March 12 to April 6. CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encourased to evaluate their options under CRP. For more information on CRP or other FSA programs, visit your nearest FSA service center or http://www.fsa.usda.gov. NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD NOMINATION MEETING March 15 Georgia Peanut Commission headquarters 1:30 p.m. Tifton During this meeting, the Georgia Peanut Commission will select two nominees each for member and alternate to the National Peanut Board (NPB). All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate. Eligible producers are those who are engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop. ��John Harrell of Whigham is the current Georgia National Peanut Board member and Andy Bell of Climax serves as the alternate. The term for the current Georgia board member and alternate expires December 3. ��NPB encourages all persons who qualify as peanut producers to attend the meeting and run for nomination. It is USDA's policy that membership on industry-government boards and committees accurately reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs. For more information on the nomination meeting, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission at 229-386-3470 or via email at info@gapeanuts.com.

Leadership Alert page 8 of 10 UGA CAES ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS DEADLINE IS MARCH 15 The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association invites you to make nominations for its Young Alumni Achievement Award, Alumni Award of Excellence and the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Young Alumni Achievement Award is for alumni who are 35 years old or younger and who have achieved excellence in their chosen field and/or in their community. The CAES Alumni Award of Excellence recognizes extraordinary CAES alumni 35 years or older. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals making unusual and extraordinary contributions to agriculture and agribusiness industries in Georgia. Hall of Fame nominations must be postmarked by March 15. The Young Alumni Achievement and Alumni Excellence awards must be received by March 15. For more information or to make nominations for these awards, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html. RAY CITY OLD FASHION PLOW DAY March 17 Ray City This event features an antique tractor show and plowing demonstration with antique tractors and mules and horses plowing in the field just like they did 100 years ago. Parade begins at 11 am and plowing to follow. Arts & Craft vendors, Food vendors, fun and games for kids, bluegrass gospel concerts featuring the bluegrass gospel band, the Wauka Mountain Boys, a baking contest with prizes, frying pan toss contest, and much more. Free admission. Join us for a day of agricultural history. For more info contact Greg Harrell 229-237-3223. GFB CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT SEMINAR March 26–27 GFB Home Office Macon Individuals interested in running for public office will have a chance to gain valuable tips on how to conduct an election campaign during the campaign management seminar, hosted by Georgia Farm Bureau in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation. The event will be facilitated by AFBF Director of Grassroots/Political Advocacy Cody Lyon and will cover various aspects of campaign strategy, fund-raising, interaction with media and much more. The fees to attend are $150 for Farm Bureau members, $200 for non-members and $75 for candidate spouses and campaign managers attending with their candidates. Enrollment is limited to 30 people and the registration dadline is Feb. 24. For more information, contact the GFB Field Services or Legislative department at 478-474-8411. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION 51ST ANNUAL CONVENTION April 4-7 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This jam-packed four-day event covers all things beef, including a forage conference conducted by UGA’s Dr. Dennis Hancock; a herbicide calibration clinic offering CEU credit hours; Pfizer Cattlemen’s College seminars on the topics of political/regulatory issues, risk management, nutrition and road safety; a livestock marketing seminar conducted by UGA’s Dr. Curt Lacy; the annual awards banquet; a “Beef Rocks” seminar hosted by the Georgia Cattlewomen’s Association; the GCA general membership meeting; angus, hereford, commercial heifer and club calf sales; the annual Cattlemen’s Ball; coffee and donuts with new Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Cobb and a new products and junior awards luncheon. For more information or to register, visit http://www.gabeef.org/gca/conventionregistration.htm.

Leadership Alert page 9 of 10 GEORGIA BEEF AMBASSADOR CONTEST April 7 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia Beef Ambassador Contest, held in conjunction with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention and Beef Expo, is open to you ages 12 – 20. Its purpose is to advance youth knowledge of the nutritional values, cooking principles, safe handling and versatility of beef, as well as the importance of beef as an agricultural product. Contest entry forms must be received by March 1. Contest rules and entry forms can be found at http://www.gabeef.org/gcwa/contest.html. 2012 OTTAWA FARMS STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL April 14-15 Ottawa Farms Bloomingdale This annual event is filled with family fun, including cloggers, hayrides, cow train rids, a wild west show, the Mobile Dairy Classroom, Corn Cannon, pig races at the Ottawa Speedway and much more. The strawberry field will be open for visitors to pick their own strawberries and a variety of farm products at the Ottawa Farms General Store. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 14 and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 15. Admission is free for children under age 6 and $5 for everyone age 6 and up. For more information call 912-748-3035. INAUGURAL GOLDEN ONION COOKING COMPETITION April 22 Vidalia Community Center 12:30 p.m. Vidalia This competition, presented by the Vidalia Onion Committee, will serve as the official kick-off of the 35th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival. This professional competition will feature chefs from across Georgia preparing dishes featuring Vidalia onions. Prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com. HEIFER EVALUATION &REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE April 24 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229/386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. 35th ANNUAL VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL April 26-29 Vidalia This four-day event offers the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, a children’s parade, outdoor music concerts, arts and crafts festival, street dance, car show, the Kiwanis Onion Run, the Vidalia Onion Festival Rodeo and the famous onion-eating contest. For more information visit http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com. GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1 Applications are being accepted for the Georgia Centennial Farm Program, which recognizes farms continuously operated by members of the same family for at least 100 years. The program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia EMC and the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Application forms are available online at http://www.georgiashpo.org/historic/centennial_farms. For more information, contact Steven Moffson at 404-651-5906 or steven.moffson@dnr.state.ga.us.

Leadership Alert page 10 of 10 EARLY DAYS OF YESTERYEAR May 11-12 Copeland Hall, Bowdon-Tyus Road Bowdon This free event will feature antique farm equipment and engines, tools, antique cars, entertainment, activities for children, vendors and food. For more information, contact Gearald Fielder at 770-228-9502 or GFIELDER@aol.com. MONROE COUNTY HERD SALE May 12 Sleepy Creek Farm 12:30 p.m. Forsyth More than 80 bred heifers will be fore sale during the event. Data available on the heifers includes A.I. breeding and sire EPD’s, pelvic area, frame score, disposition score, weight per day of age and average daily gain. For more information contact the Monroe County Extension office by phone at 478-994-7014 or by email at uge2207@uga.edu. Information about the sale may also be found online at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/monroe/HERDProgram/herd.html. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 29 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 6 p.m. Contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706/624-1398 - pworley@uga.edu for more information. HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 30 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu GEORGIA EGG ASSOCIATION 51st ANNUAL MEETING June 20-22 King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort St. Simons Island The Georgia Egg Association meeting offers educational sessions, reports from the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. The association will also hold its awards banquet, a spouse’s breakfast and much more. For more information, call 770-932-4622.