Georgia agriculture shines at ag day event in Atlanta

by Jennifer Whittaker, Editor

Glenn Waller, Washington County Farm Bureau member and district finalist for the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture, talks to elementary students about the conservation practices he uses on his farm.

Georgia agriculture took center stage in downtown Atlanta, March 20.

Shiny Case, John Deere and Ford tractors were on display on the Underground Atlanta plaza outside the World of Coca-Cola museum for the annual Ag Day event hosted by Gov. Sonny Perdue and his Agricultural Advisory Committee at the Georgia Freight Depot.

More than 60 ag organizations participated in the event showcasing the diversity of Georgia agriculture, including SUDIA’s mobile milking demonstration equipped with a live Holstein. Atlanta elementary students, FFA and 4-Hers from across the state, commodity queens and state legislators were just some of the many who attended the event.

“Georgia Farm Bureau strongly supported this event because our organization represents all of Georgia agriculture. As the voice of agriculture, it’s important that we do everything we can to educate the public about all aspects of our industry,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and member of the Ag Advisory Committee said. “We appreciate Governor Perdue’s commitment to agriculture and the fact that he not only recognizes the importance of the industry to our state’s economy, but that he also celebrates it.”

Gov. Perdue recognized Greenview Farms, Inc., in Wayne County, as the 2007 winner of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture. Greenview Farms is a 2,800 acre family farm owned by Jonny Harris and his wife, Toni. The Harris family raises cattle, timber and row crops. Their conservation practices include rotational grazing, conservation tillage and prescribed burning to enhance wildlife habitat.

“Farmers are the original conservationists. This award highlights the people who are doing a great job of conserving the environment on their farm,” Gov. Perdue said.

Other district winners were: Longview Cattle Farm, owned by David and Rita Brown in Senoia; Cabe Brother’s Farm, owned by Chan and Lou Cabe of Carnesville; Waller Farm, owned by Gl

Gov. Sonny Perdue (center) congratulates Jonny (L) and Toni (R) Harris for being named the 2007 recipients of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Agriculture.

enn and Rabun Waller of Harrison and the Don Register Farm, owned by Don and Mary Register of Chula.

Georgia food products competed in the first Flavor of Georgia food contest, intended to promote Georgia entrepreneurs producing products made with Georgia grown commodities. Twenty-seven Georgia businesses were selected from 150 entries to compete for honors in eight categories. Bradley Creek Seafood won the overall competition for their Low Country Pastry.

“Food processing is the largest part of manufacturing in the state of Georgia,” Dr. John McKissick, director of the UGA Center for Agribusiness, said. “This contest is an attempt to showcase some of the better new products in the state and get them in front of potential buyers.”

Category winners in the Flavor of Georgia contest were: BBQ & Hot Sauces – R.P. Hill Exotic Sauce Co. for their brandy mandrin orange BBQ sauce; Candy/Confections – Byrd Cookie Co. for their Georgia peach cookie; Jams/Jellies/Sauces – Byne Blueberry Farms for their blueberry salsa; Meat & Seafood Products – Bradley Creek Seafood’s low country pastry; Natural/Organic-The Savannah Bee Co.’s Tupelo honey; Other Foods – Vidalia Brands, Inc.’s onion & spinach quiche; Snack Foods – Bodacious Food Co.’s traditional cheese straws; Wines – Persimmon Creek Winery’s late harvest reisling.

Brooks County Farm Bureau President Andrew Thompson was a finalist in the meats category for his Peachwood Smoked Porkchops.

“Georgia products are wonderful to eat, and this was a great way to showcase the unique products that are using our Georgia commodities,” Duvall said, after serving as a judge for the contest.