Georgia Neighbors - Fall 2008

FARM BUREAU’S

Georgia A

PUBLICATION

OF

THE

Fall 2008 Vol. 13, No. 3

GEORGIA

FARM

BUREAU

Keep Georgia Green!

AMENDMENT #1

Page 4

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Contents Fall 2008 • Vol. 13, No. 3

Preserving the past

12 Family cookbook serves up helpings of love

6

The Williamson sisters, who grew up in Hogansville, wrote a cookbook to preserve their family heritage but ended up saving one sister’s life. Just goes to prove that blood is thicker than water, soup or a special recipe for punch.

Liberty County Farm Bureau member Danny Norman’s love for the past inspired him to establish an extensive collection of antique automobiles and farm equipment and recreate a rural Southern village like the ones found at Georgia crossroads from 1900 to the 1930s.

GFB Certified Farm Markets can help you buy food locally

22

It’s apple season and we know where you can find the freshest Georgia apples straight from the orchard! We also have lists of farms and markets where you can find pumpkins, decorative corn and cotton stalks along with small hay bales. If you’re looking to have a little fun down on the farm, we have 11 farms on our Certified Farm Market list that provide hay rides, petting zoos, corn mazes and special festivals.

Food for thought

Egg Commission Recipe Contest turns 25

24 26 There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about agriculture. Let’s take a look at some of the more common ones.

Contestants competing in the Georgia Egg Commission’s 25th Annual Recipe Contest put on the ritz as they prepared dishes featuring eggs and crackers. We’ve got the winning recipes for you to try. Pictured from left, Debra Brooks, Mary Louise Lever and Karen Slaughter won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the 25th Annual Georgia Egg Commission Recipe Contest.

about the cover

(Photo by Joan Mitchell, shot in Polk County, Georgia) Keep Georgia Green! Vote Yes for Amendment 1. Amendment 1 will offer incentives to Georgia landowners to keep their land in forests rather than selling it for development.

Everyone benefits from beautiful greenspace such as the scene on our cover. For more information turn to page 4 or visit www.keepgeorgiagreen.org.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

departments We, the Farmers ..................... 2 Legislative Update....................4 Insurance Update . ..................8 Member Services Update .....10 Timber Update.......................14 Kid’s Korner............................16 Mortgage Update...................18 GFB Insurance Meetings........23

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All Georgia Farm Bureau members will receive the Georgia Neighbors. However, if you are not a farmer-member and you’d also like to receive the Georgia Farm Bureau News, fill in this coupon and send it to: Georgia Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 7068, Macon, GA 31209. Questions about Member Services?

Call 1-800-633-5432. Call (478) 474-0679, ext. 5334 regarding editorial content.

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Non-members can subscribe to both publications for $15/year.

1

FARM BUREAU’S

Zippy Duvall, President

A Vision of Prosperity Georgia Farm Bureau has a vision - a vision of prosperity for our family farms and for all the wonderful Farm Bureau members we serve across this great state.

Georgia Farm Bureau serves more than 400,000 families every day. Through our membership benefits such as insurance, the Choice Hotels discount, the Dodge rebate and many others, we serve an average of 2.5 family members per household. That’s about one million Georgians who are enjoying some aspect of Farm Bureau membership every day, and we take this responsibility seriously.

Farm Bureau’s goal is to ensure the viability of Georgia agriculture so that all of our members, whether they live in cities or small towns, can prosper and continue to enjoy the affordable, quality food and fiber our farms are producing. Although food prices have risen in the past year, USDA statistics show the average American spends only 10 percent of his disposable income on food each year. In comparison, Japanese consumers spend 14% of their income on food, French consumers spend 15%, Chinese consumers spend 26% and Indonesian consumers spend 55% of their income on food.

These challenging economic times are showing us how interdependent all sectors of the economy are. When one sector of our economy slows, it can send shockwaves through another.

A report released in August by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences shows that agriculture is a driving force in Georgia’s economy.

This report says that Georgia agriculture accounts for 14 percent of our state’s employment – 708,174 jobs – and 13 percent of Georgia’s economic output – some $92 billion in sales.

Georgia’s food and drink manufactur2

ers employ 72,582 people and pull in $30.5 billion annually, more than any other manufacturing sector, according to the report.

Agriculture does more for Georgia’s rural development than any other industry. A thriving agriculture sector fosters an economy that is healthy and strong - an economy that provides more jobs and higher wages so our members can provide for their families’ needs.

In addition to growing the food and fiber that drives Georgia’s economy, our farmers also provide greenspace by maintaining their farms instead of selling out to developers. The pasture and forestland on these farms provide wildlife habitat, conserve soil and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

With rising production costs and increased land values, it’s often a sacrifice for farm owners to keep their land in greenspace. That’s why the Georgia General Assembly and Gov. Sonny Perdue this year passed the Georgia Forestland Protection Act, which would allow forestland to be taxed at its current use value instead of its fair market value. This legislation will go before all Georgia voters this fall as Amendment 1 on the general election ballot.

Voting yes for Amendment 1 will preserve the greenspace all Georgians and visitors to our beautiful state enjoy.

You’ll find more information about Amendment 1 and why Farm Bureau strongly supports it on page 4.

I believe the true key to prosperity is to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and to do it with all your heart.

Second Chronicles 31:21 says: And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered.

That, my friends, is the blessing this organization wants for all of our members. Farm Bureau is a family organization and our board of directors and employees are proud to serve you, our family members. We appreciate your support and loyalty to this organization.

Thank you and may God bless you!

A

PUBLICATION

OF

THE

GEORGIA

FARM

BUREAU

Issued three times a year by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, located at 1620 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Farm Bureau Members: Included in dues — $1 per year OFFICERS VINCENT “Zippy” duvall, President Donald Childs, 1st Vice President BRENT GALLOWAY, Middle Georgia Vice President GERALD LONG, South Georgia Vice President Wayne Daniel, Treasurer/ Corporate Secretary DUKE GROOVER, General Counsel DIRECTORS FIRST DISTRICT: J. Louis Hunt, LaFayette; Henry J. West, Rydal SECOND DISTRICT: Randy Ruff, Elberton; Bobby Gunter Dahlonega THIRD DISTRICT: George Chambers, Carrollton; Nora Goodman, Temple FOURTH DISTRICT: Marvin Ruark, Bishop; William Hutchins, Winder FIFTH DISTRICT: Jim Ham, Smarr; Ralph Adamson, Jr., Barnesville SIXTH DISTRICT: James Emory Tate, Denton; Jimmy Perry Jr., Cochran SEVENTH DISTRICT: Ben Boyd, Sylvania; Gennis Folsom, Glenville EIGHTH DISTRICT: Phil Redding, Bluffton; Don Wood, Rochelle NINTH DISTRICT: Paul Shirah, Camilla; Lucius Adkins, Elmodel TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Alma; Daniel Johnson, Alma YOUNG FARMER CHAIRMAN: Leighton Cooley, Roberta WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR: Kim Brown, Montezuma INFORMATION STAFF Paul Beliveau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Jennifer Whittaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Lillian Davis . . . . . . Publications Manager Brad Harrison . . Publication/Web Specialist Michael Edmondson . . Radio-TV Specialist Mark Wildman . . . . . . Radio-TV Specialist Dean Wood . . . . . . . . . Radio-TV Specialist Rick Treptow . . Senior Radio-TV Specialist Denny Moore . . . . . . . TV Anchor/Producer Vickie Amos . . . . . . . . Office Coordinator ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising.

Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products.

Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in Farm Bureau’s Georgia Neighbors.

For advertising rates and information, contact Linda Fuda at 513-307-7949 or lfudamedia@rcn.com.

Farm Bureau’s Georgia Neighbors was established in 1995. Copyright 2008 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, GA. www.gfb.org

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU MEMBERS (1)

PLUS AN EXTRA

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(2)

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Log on to dodge.com See dealer for a copy of limited warranty and details. Non-Transferable. Not available on SRT, Sprinter, Chassis Cab, diesel vehicles and certain fleet vehicles. (2)Vehicles eligible for $500 cash allowance are Dodge Ram, Ram Chassis Cabs, Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Nitro and Magnum, including specific E85/Flex Fuel equipped vehicles available in 45 states. See Farm Bureau office for details. Properly secure all cargo. (3)Must be a Farm Bureau member for at least 30 days. Farm Bureau is a federally registered collective membership and a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Dodge, HEMI and Mega Cab are registered trademarks of Chrysler LLC. (1)

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

3

Legislative Update

By

Jon Huffmaster

Keep Georgia Green: Vote Yes for Amendment 1 As party politics reach a fever pitch going into November, some voters may wonder if anybody can agree on anything. Well, there is one question on the Georgia ballot with which we can all agree - Amendment 1.

Amendment 1 will offer incentives to Georgia landowners to keep their land in forests rather than selling it for development. Amendment 1 will allow Georgia forestland to be assessed as forestland for property tax purposes rather than its fair market value provided the owners are willing to sign a legal covenant dedicating their land to tree production for 15 years.

Under current law, property taxes on most Georgia forestland are based on the fair market value of the land. As land values have increased, property taxes have risen to the point where many landowners must decide whether it makes economic sense to keep their land in forests or sell it for development. In fast growing regions of the state, the pressure to sell forest properties is intense.

A study conducted by the University of Georgia Center for Forest Business shows that average forestland property taxes increased from $18.57 per acre in 2003 to $29.46 per acre in 2006. That’s an increase of nearly 59 percent!

If you calculate the tax bill for a typical forestland owner, the need for Amendment 1 is obvious, especially when you consider that forest owners get no return on their investment for about 20 years.

For example, 500 acres of average Georgia forestland would generate an annual tax bill of $14,730. Over a 15-year period, the landowner will pay $220,950 in property taxes with no return on the investment! Compare that to selling the land to a developer for quick cash and it’s easy to see why landowners might be tempted to sell.

4

Clearly, Georgia’s property tax system is at odds with the public’s call for more undeveloped land and greenspace.

Passage of Amendment 1 won’t eliminate property taxes on forestland. Landowners will still pay property taxes every year, but their land will be assessed according to the value of that property as a forest instead of its potential use as a shopping mall or subdivision.

Amendment 1 won’t significantly affect the budgets of local govern-

ments. If the change causes a county’s total tax revenue to be reduced by 3 percent or less, the state of Georgia will reimburse half of the lost revenue. The state will reimburse local governments for all losses above the initial 3 percent.

Amendment 1 is good for Georgia’s economy. Georgia is the number one forestry state in the nation. The forest products industry has a $25 billion economic impact in our state, and 150,000 people are employed in forestry. However, that economic benefit is directly dependant on whether landowners consider it fiscally prudent to plant trees on their land. Amendment 1 will make that decision less difficult.

Georgia’s environment will benefit

from Amendment 1. Forests clean the water by helping to control soil erosion and sedimentation in our streams, and they help recharge underground aquifers. Trees also reduce greenhouse gases and increase atmospheric oxygen. Forests broaden Georgia’s biological diversity by providing food and habitat for wildlife. Amendment 1 will help preserve all of these benefits.

Amendment 1 helps everybody.

Part of Georgia’s charm is the appeal of its forests. Forests also provide recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Forests make our lives richer.

Amendment 1 enjoys broad support. Georgia’s General Assembly authorized the bill creating the amendment earlier this year by votes of 159-0 in the House and 46-1 in the Senate, and Gov. Perdue gladly signed the legislation.

In addition to Georgia Farm Bureau, other organizations endorsing Amendment 1 include the Georgia Conservancy, Georgia Conservation Voters, the Georgia Forestry Association, the Georgia Hunting & Fishing Federation, the Georgia Wildlife Federation, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and other business, sportsmen and environmental groups in Georgia.

A yes vote on Amendment 1 will help ensure Georgia continues to be one of the greenest states in the nation. A yes vote on Amendment 1 is good for the environment, good for wildlife, good for the economy and good for Georgians. A yes vote on Amendment 1 is truly a vote you can feel good about.

For more information, visit the Keep Georgia Green web site at www. keepgeorgiagreen.org .

Jon Huffmaster is director of the GFB Legislative Department.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

7.125 x 9.625

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1:21 PM

Page 1

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Anthony Imperato

President of Henry Repeating Arms

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“It’s not a prideful boast. It’s a solemn oath from all of us at Henry Repeating Arms. Every Henry rifle is and always will be made in America by American workers. Decent, hard-working folks just like you who take great pride in their work.

Today, sportsmen purchase Henrys because they are magnificently styled, have the smoothest actions, perform with flawless reliability and bear the great legendary name of Henry.

And don’t overlook the fact that they are surprisingly affordable with features other manufacturers charge twice the price for.

We are a family owned business and we stand behind every rifle that leaves our plant. You’ll find our customer service second to none, and we will do everything we must to guarantee your complete satisfaction.

We invite you to order our free catalog with information on all Henry rifles, a Henry decal and a list of dealers in your area.”

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visit www.henry-guns.com/134 or call Toll Free (877) 406-1134 Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

5

Cookbook serves up helpings of love

F

By Brad Harrison

or the Williamson sisters, seven tight-knit siblings who grew up in Hogansville, Georgia, writing a cookbook was never about making a lot of money or selling a high volume of books. It was about preserving their family history.

In 2005, while the Williamson sisters were enjoying a cruise on their annual “sisters’ trip”, the second oldest sister, Willie Todd, suggested they put together a cookbook of family recipes for the younger generations of the family.

“We gave this book to our children at Christmas that year and it stopped our Christmas party. They loved it,” middle sister Shirley Williamson, of Coweta County, recalled.

Coincidentally, Shirley’s maiden name, Williamson, is the same as her husband, Roger’s, last name.

Shirley contributes recipes to her local paper each week.

When one of the reporters learned about the family cookbook she urged them to publish the book and sell it. After much persuasion, the sisters finally agreed and had orders for 300 copies of Sisters Famiy Cookbook.

As it turns out, the cookbook has served a much greater role than preserving family recipes. In September 2006, just as the cookbook was coming out, Shirley learned that she needed a kidney transplant. The Williamson sisters immediately agreed to use the proceeds from the book sales to help finance Shirley’s medical costs.

“This wasn’t what we envisioned when we started it, but we’ve just been blessed by what’s happened,” said Shirley.

Shirley received a kidney transplant in March, donated by her great niece, Lena Drake, but she still has to make trips to the hospital and must take anti-rejection medicine. Those visits combined with the cost of medicine have created a financially tough situation.

“I don’t know how other people do it. There’s no way we could have done it if this cookbook hadn’t come along,” Shirley said.

The original cookbook, which sells for $10 per copy, went from being a way to make a few extra dollars on the side to helping one of its family members in a time of need.

The cookbook business has taken the Williamson sisters much further than they could have ever envisioned. Word about the book has gotten out around northwest Georgia.

Now, more than 5,000 copies later, the seven sisters have made a name for themselves while also going to bat for a family member’s medical needs.

Demand has been so great, in fact, that a second cookbook is planned for release this fall. The second book, Sisters Family Cookbook, Second Helping, will be sold for $12.

Both cookbooks can be purchased for $20. Shirley said that the new book contains more recipes than the first one and stories about the family, something individuals who bought the first book requested.

6

“It’s been absolutely overwhelming,” Shirley said. “For seven little country girls to be able to do this, it’s special.”

In addition to Willie and Shirley, the other Williamson sisters are Martha Hale, Becky Ott-Carden, Joyce Harlan, Ellen Hubbard and Bobbie Williams. Their mother, Annie M. Williamson, of Hogansville, is the family matriarch.

The sisters have one brother, Amos.

Local businesses have requested copies of the cookbook to sell, and members of the family have learned to keep copies of them book with them when they are out in public, since it is not uncommon for someone to ask to buy a copy.

“It’s been a total blessing. No matter where we go, we’ll usually sell one,” Shirley said. “We’ve had people coming up to us wanting to sell them for us.”

For more information about the cookbook, call (678) 266-0483.

The Williamson sisters, who grew up in Hogansville, wrote a cookbook to preserve their family heritage but ended up saving one sister’s life. Front row, (l-r) Ellen Hubbard, Martha Hale. Middle row: Annie Williamson, Joyce Harlin, Shirley Williamson. Top row: Bobbie Williams, Willie Todd, Becky Ott-Carden.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

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Insurance Update

By

Pat Bradley

New law increases protection uninsured motorist coverage provides If you’re like most people, automobile insurance terms can sometimes be confusing. The meanings of some terms, such as collision, towing, labor and liability, are pretty self-explanatory. However, some terms may not mean what you think they do.

For example, if you elect to purchase the optional coverage of uninsured motorist (UM) from your auto insurance provider, you know you are covered when the wrongful party in an accident doesn’t have any insurance. But did you know that you can also turn to your UM coverage if the wrongful party has insurance, but it is not enough to pay for your damages?

Under Georgia’s current insurance laws, the amount of coverage the wrongful party has reduces the

®

amount of coverage you have available under your policy. For example, if they have $25,000 in coverage, and you have $25,000 in UM, you have no coverage available.

A new law, which goes into effect January 1, 2009, will offer additional UM coverage for Georgia motorists. Beginning in January, under the above scenario, you will have access to the full $25,000 coverage of both the wrongful party’s coverage and the $25,000 from your policy. You will be adding on instead of reducing the UM coverage available. As you might expect, there will be an increase in the premium to purchase this coverage.

Georgia Law requires that the new coverage be automatically added to any policies that have UM coverage.

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If you don’t want the UM coverage and the increase in your premium, you will need to sign a document saying that you reject the UM coverage. If you don’t sign the document, the coverage will automatically go into effect.

Georgia Farm Bureau will mail out notices to all policyholders with UM coverage at least 45 days prior to the renewal of their policies. This letter will give you more details on UM coverage, the options you have and what you should do to exercise your options.

If you have any additional questions, be sure to contact your Georgia Farm Bureau agent at your county Farm Bureau office.

Pat Bradley is the Risk Management & Compliance Manager of the Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

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Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

9

Member Services Update Helping you is what we do best Since November of last year, the Georgia Farm Bureau Member Services Department has been soliciting feedback from you, our members, concerning any positive service experience you may have received from a GFB or county Farm Bureau employee. The response has certainly exceeded our expectations! Here is just a sampling of some of your comments: About Pat Brinson, Dougherty County Farm Bureau Office Manager I have been with GFB for years. EVERY time I have been in the office or called, Pat is pleasant, friendly and ALWAYS ready to help. If I could just have that kind of service everywhere I went, I would be living in a perfect world.

About Ron Kibble, GFB Property Claim Specialist My house burned down in 2007. Ron was the most professional person I have ever dealt with. He was always supportive and helpful. I don’t think I could have survived this tragedy without his help and support. He was my Rock of Gibraltar during this time.

About Johnny Garrison, Pickens County Farm Bureau Agency Manager After our son was involved in an auto accident, even though he was not at fault,

the “Good Hands” company denied our claim. Johnny and the guys at the office in Jasper came through just like they always do, and showed me that I was in better hands with Farm Bureau.

About Karen Clark, Ben Hill County Farm Bureau Secretary Karen is always cheerful, friendly, and very helpful. Karen is very professional.

She is not just the secretary for our county office, she is family.

About Darrell Hobgood, Sumter County Farm Bureau Agent After the tornado of March 1, 2007 in Americus, we were devastated at our loss.

Darrell Hobgood came to us with compassion for our loss and with a professional respect for the Farm Bureau. He worked with us in every way to meet our needs.

He is a man of integrity and concern for his Farm Bureau members.

Georgia Farm Bureau is committed to providing excellent service to our members. To that end, our insurance company is currently undergoing a top-to-bottom review of all of our processes and procedures to ensure your insurance needs are met in the most efficient and effective manner possible. This review, coupled with a long-term plan to upgrade our tech-

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nological systems will ensure that our members continue to receive the topnotch service that you deserve.

Georgia Farm Bureau is also committed to continuing our efforts to add value to your Farm Bureau membership. The Member Services Department continuously assesses member benefit programs to ensure that the discount and service programs available to you through your membership are second-to-none. Watch for new benefit programs that will be added in the next few months.

We want to continue to recognize and reward those employees who have helped you in a special way. We encourage you to nominate individual staff members for this recognition by visiting our Web site at www.gfb.org and clicking on “Service Excellence,” or by sending a letter to Georgia Farm Bureau, P. O. Box 7068, Macon, GA 31209, Attention: Member Services Department. The winner of our Service Excellence Award will win a vacation for two to either (winner’s choice) the Bahamas or New York City! The member who submits the winning nomination will receive $500 cash!

All of us at Georgia Farm Bureau are proud to be serving you. Helping you is what we do best!

Jay Murdock is assistant director of the GFB Member Services Department.

CORRECTION

Phone numbers for two of the museums hosting the Smithsonian Key Ingredients exhibit were listed incorrectly in our last issue.

To contact the McDuffie Co. Museum, which will host the exhibit 1/10/09-2/22/09 call (706) 597-1000. To contact the Butts Co. Historical Society call (770) 7753313. The Georgia Humanities Council is the statewide host of the exhibit. Visit www.georgiafoodtour.org for more information.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

11

Preserving the Past Time stands still at Walthourville Village.

By Jennifer Whittaker

S

tepping onto the premises of Tea Grove Plantation is like stepping onto a life-sized train set. Here, owner Danny Norman, who serves as the Liberty County Farm Bureau president, has recreated a Southern village modeled after the rural communities found across Georgia from 1900 to 1930.

The village, which consists of about 40 buildings, is surrounded by a workable train track and includes a chapel, general mercantile, fire station and, of course, a train depot with an 1890 steam locomotive. Norman named his creation Walthourville Village after the community that once stood here.

“The Walthourville post office sat here from 1905 to 1952, then the village was officially moved to what used to be Lambert,” Norman explained.

“My grandfather ran the general store that housed the post office.”

Tea Grove Plantation is part of property where his great-great grandfather attempted to grow tea in the 1830s, thus the origin of the farm’s name. Norman has records his great12

great grandfather kept that show he paid half a cent for imported tea plants.

His grandfather rebuilt the homeplace in the 1870s and lived on the farm until the 1950s.

“When my father acquired the property he modernized it and tore down all of the buildings. I was only ten to eleven years old, but it broke my heart,” Norman recalled. “It became a goal of mine to replicate what once stood here.”

Rebuilding Walthourville also gave Norman a chance to fulfill a fantasy many boys have.

“I always wanted a Lionel train as a child. When I grew up I figured I’d put in my own railroad. With time, I began to see if you have a train you need other things.”

The village includes a turpentine still, cotton gin, printing press, blacksmith shop, sawmill and gristmill – all workable. Norman began building his village in the early 1970s by constructing a sorghum syrup grinder to grind cane at Thanksgiving. He says the rest of the village mushroomed from there.

“We tried to put back everything you can imagine seeing in a small town,” Norman said.

In addition to his village, Norman has an extensive collection of antique tractors, vintage automobiles, logging and farm equipment. He started working at a local service station when he was 11. By the time he was 12, he had acquired 35 junk cars. Some he bought and some customers gave him.

Today, his car collection consists of about 125 vintage models including a 1931 Ford Model A that won him a National First Place Prize from the Antique Automobile Club in 1994.

Norman bought the car when he was 11, and used it to court his wife, Kathy, in high school.

His 300-piece tractor collection includes a variety of brands but is mostly made up of Fords. He estimates he has bought out about five Ford dealerships over the years as they closed.

In one of his storage buildings, he has recreated a 1950s era Ford tractor dealership using all of the advertising signs, banners, caps and boxed parts he acquired. Vintage political signs for Truman and Eisenhower also hang on the wall. Norman’s dealership houses his Ford tractor collection, which includes just about every tractor Ford Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

built including the first Ford 8N tractor that rolled off the assembly line in 1947.

“It was a very popular tractor after World War II,” Norman explained.

His collection also includes the first tractor he ever sat on when he was three – a Ferguson 30.

“It’s important to me. It brings back memories. It started me on this quest of collecting,” Norman said.

He belongs to about 20 car clubs and has traveled to almost every state to buy pieces for his collection. Every piece of equipment in his collection runs, and he knows how to operate it.

He does the restoration work himself.

“Making something run isn’t that complicated,” he said. “I think it’s important to maintain the equipment in its operational capacity.”

Norman once held an annual festival at the plantation before he lost too many of his volunteers to either declining health or death. He says he would like to hold the festival again, but he must first recover from heart surgery.

“This is the kind of thing that if you don’t share it, you don’t really have anything,” Norman said. “One of the most rewarding things about this is stirring up people’s memories. I have seen people who, when they come to see the collection, get out of the car having a hard time walking. Then, they see a piece of equipment that their grandfather or father used, and their pace picks up.”

The village comes to life every Easter when Norman hosts an egg hunt for his church.

“I think when you give kids an opportunity to be in an environment to learn, there is a percentage that will be intensely interested,” Norman said.

“I just like old things and have a lot of respect for the past. There are a lot of merits to preservation. Everybody can’t do it on this scale, but everyone can preserve something, “ Norman said.

Norman’s grandchildren have already begun their own collections, and he’s established a trust to preserve the collection.

“My endeavor is not to operate a resale business. If somebody doesn’t preserve these pieces, in forty years, they’re going to be gone,” Norman said.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Liberty County Farm Bureau President Danny Norman has an extensive automobile collec60245X:L0126 (4half-ton 1-2 xV-8 4 pickup 1-2) is8/22/08 Page 1 tion.

This 1939 Ford one of his 1:44 favoritePM pieces.

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Timber Update

By

Jim Griffith

Hardwood timber market seeing excellent prices Everyone remembers the 1998 timber market when prices went through the roof. The really unique thing about that market was prices for all timber

products skyrocketed at the same time.

It was an extraordinary market that resulted from numerous circumstances occurring simultaneously. The econo-

Timber Prices for August 2008 The following is a range of prices for pine pulpwood, chip-n-saw and sawtimber in general regions of Georgia. It is important to note that this is a range.

Price will vary by specific location, logability of the tract, quality of wood, amount of volume and access. Time and need of specific buyers could greatly affect any price.

Areas North Middle South

Pine Sawtimber 28.00 - 35.00/Ton 29.00 - 37.00/Ton 30.00 - 40.00/Ton

Pine Pulpwood 4.00 - 8.00/Ton 4.00 - 8.00/Ton 5.00 - 11.50/Ton

Chip-n-Saw 12.00 - 18.00/Ton 11.00 - 19.00/Ton 13.00 - 19.00/Ton

The prices quoted in this report come from timber sales managed by the Forestry Division of the Georgia Farm Bureau Real Estate Company or sales of which our foresters have direct knowledge.

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU REAL ESTATE CO. • (478) 471-0440 Jim Griffith, Broker

Georgia Farm Bureau Real Estate Company jcgriffith@gfb.org

For more information on these and other properties

Visit our web site @ www.gfb.org/realestate

Bacon Co. 135 acres located on county road in rural area. Lots of peace and quiet. Excellent hobby farm and hunting property with planted pines, cropland, hardwoods, and cutover. $2,250/ac. Jim Griffith (478) 747-0812.

Bibb Co. Completely renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in South Bibb County. Like New. New appliances. Big fenced in back yard.

Great for the kids and pets. $124,000. Jim Griffith (478) 747-0812.

Bleckley Co. 47+ acres on Ga Hwy 25. For more information call Anita Mullis (478) 9601223.

Dooly Co. Hotel on I-75 with 3.5 acres. For more information call Anita Mullis (478) 9601223 Schley Co. 15.3 acres on paved rural road.

Planted pines ready to cut with hardwoods along road and creek. Two creeks traverse the property with plenty of high ground. Property is located in the middle of Big Buck Country right outside Buena Vista with easy access to Columbus and Macon.

Sumter Co. 50.2 acre timber investment. $2,500 per acre. Call Jim Griffith (478) 7470812.

Sumter Co. 283 acre timber investment $2,544 per acre. Jim Griffith (478) 747-0812.

Terrell Co. 157.655 acre timber investment. $2,800 per acre. Call Jim Griffith (478) 747 -0812.

Wilcox Co. 1,105 acre plantation. 3 ponds, great road system, equipment shed, etc. Call Jim Griffith (478) 747-0812.

NOW HIRING - BROKERS AND AGENTS. CALL JIM GRIFFITH (478) 471-0440

14

my was good, building was booming and paper-packaging products were in hot demand. This drove up prices for solid wood products and pulpwood.

Although demand for timber was high, the supply was down for several reasons. Canadian timber imports were at bay for the time. The endangered Spotted Owl had shut down logging in the Northwest. In the Southeast, rains came all summer long and set in to stay throughout the winter, resulting in even lower inventory at wood manufacturing supply yards.

This brief period was the perfect storm of circumstances that resulted in landowners receiving unprecedented prices for all timber products. We had not seen such high prices before that time and have not seen them since.

Free trade agreements, global shrinking due to improved communication and transportation, and everincreasing imports into our country are anything but helpful to timber owners who wish to sell their products at those one-time high prices. The increase in international alliances and continued opening of our borders to developing countries that have lower production costs than the U.S. (due to subsidized timber and less stringent environmental regulations) puts us at a competitive disadvantage that keeps our prices where they are.

As the short-lived high demand and low supply of 1998 disappeared, so did our all-time high timber prices.

Many timber owners have held off selling their timber in hopes prices would climb to what they heard a neighbor got for his timber a decade ago. That was 10 years ago and if that is the price a landowner is still waiting on, then they have a long wait yet to come.

Judging from the sluggish economy we are currently experiencing, some might think it’s not the time to consider selling any timber. Although pine sawContinued next page Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

GFB offers college scholarships

Continued from previous page timber prices are somewhat reduced, I am receiving prices for hardwood that Georgia Farm Bureau will award Farm Bureau membership is held before I have never seen before! These high a total of $14,250 in scholarships to 10 being submitted to the home office. Each hardwood prices are for both pulp- high school seniors who plan to pursue county may submit up to four appliwood and hardwood sawtimber. a college degree in agriculture, family cations. You may download a copy of If you hold off selling because of a and consumer sciences or a related field. the application by visiting www.gfb.org neighbor’s advice, you might just miss Scholarships will be awarded to the top and selecting “GFB Programs” and then an excellent peak in the market and 10 applicants. The top three students “Youth Education” and finally “GFB find yourself waiting another 10 years will each receive a scholarship of $3,000. Scholarships”. wondering if the price is ever going to The remaining seven students will each The Georgia Farm Bureau Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Georgia come back around. Will your neighbor receive a $750 scholarship.

The scholarships are available to stuFarm Bureau Mutual Insurance Compachip in to cover the loss you incur due dents whose parents or legal guardians ny in cooperation with the GFB Women’s to their untimely advice? are members of Georgia Farm Bureau Committee.

We have had several smaller cycles as of Sept.

1, 2008.

Students submitting “The purpose of the scholarship in timber prices during the past 10 an application must currently be a high program is to encourage outstanding years. If you are not close enough to school senior and plan to enroll in a unit students to continue their education in the timber market to know when pricof the University System of Georgia or agriculture or a related field of study,” es are rising, you might just miss one Berry College during the 2009-2010 aca- GFB Women’s Committee Chairman of these cycles, especially if it is short demic year to pursue an undergraduate Kim Brown said. “These students are the lived and gone by the time you get degree in agricultural and environmental future farmers, business people, scientists the word on the street. You may need sciences, family and consumer sciences or and politicians who will help lead agriGeorgia Farm Bureau’s independent a related agricultural field. culture and our food and fiber industry forestry professionals looking after For more information or an applica- successfully through the century.” your best interests. Call Jim Griffith at tion, contact your county Farm Bureau Winners will be announced in March (478) 747-0812 to stay on top of the land office. The application deadline is 2009. For more information contact the and timber market.

December 19, 2008. Applications must GFB Field Services Department at 1-800 Georgia Jim Griffith is the general of the9:32 be approved and by the Farm Neigh Fall 08 manager 8/15/08 PM RH08/Express Ad signed Oct. 7/17/08 10:40898-1911, AM Pageext.

1 5365 or e-mail Donna GFB Timber & Real Estate Companies.

Bureau president of the county where Rocker at dhrocker@gfb.org.

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What biotechnology is...

Biotechnology is not new. It has actually been around for thousands of years. From 8,000 B.C. when humans began to modify plants through selective breeding to today’s microbiological techniques, we have been reaping the benefits of biotechnology. The discovery of penicillin as an antibiotic, the commercialization of human insulin to treat diabetes, and the techniques of pasteurization are just a few of the medical applications of biotechnology.

Biotechnology can provide better and safer food production throughout the world by improving our environment, reducing crop losses due to drought, providing better nutrition, creating pharmaceuticals to help control and cure diseases and reducing dependency on non-renewable fuels.

Biotechnology is…

• A powerful tool to increase food production for a growing world while significantly improving the health benefits of our food • An effective way to protect the environment while producing food • A way to produce safe and effective pharmaceuticals For additional information, here are a few resources:

• www.ageducate.org Order “Bringing Biotechnology to Life” DVD and Teacher’s Guide. You can also order the biotechnology “Ag Mag.” • www.biotechinstitute.org • www.whybiotech.com 1 - Biology 2 – Technology 3 – Biotechnology 4 – Gene 5 – Heredity 6 – DNA 7 – Protein 8 – Genome 9– Genetic engineering

A. The transmission of genetic characteristics from parents to offspring.

B. Renewable liquid fuels made from plant matter rather than fossil fuels.

C. The total amount of genetic information in the chromosomes of an organism, including its genes and DNA sequences.

D. A branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms.

E. A group of genetically identical cells or organisms that are descended from one parent.

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10 – Microorganism 11 – Hybridization 12 – Biofuel 13 – Biomass 14 – Clone 15 – Cell 16 – Chromosomes 17 – Genetics 18 – Recombinant 19 – Karl Ereky

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F. Living organisms or living things (plants or animals) so small in size that they are only visible with the aid of a microscope.

G. The study of living things, including structure, function, growth and origin.

H. Deoxyribonucleic acid: an extremely long macromolecule that is the main component of chromosomes and is the material that transfers genetic characteristics in all life forms.

I. A Hungarian engineer who first used the term “biotechnology” in a paper published in 1919; considered the “father of biotechnology.”

J. The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms.

K. The process by which humans modify nature to meet their needs and wants; a product of engineering and science used to solve problems.

L. The genetic material produced when segments of DNA from different sources are joined to produce recombinant DNA. M. Threadlike bodies found in the nucleus, or center part, of a cell that carry the information of heredity.

N. A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and determines a particular characteristic in an organism, such as hair color.

O. Technology used to alter the genetic material of living cells in order to make them capable of producing new substances or performing new functions.

P. Methods and techniques that use living organisms or their parts or products as tools to make products to solve problems and that are useful.

Q. Any of numerous substances that consist of chains of amino acids, containing the elements carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and often sulfur. It is essential for life.

R. Crossing of individuals from genetically different strains, populations or species.

S. Biological material, including corn, switchgrass, and oilseed crops, that can be converted into fuel.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Wanted: Cowboy poets The Booth Western Art Museum is accepting entries for the 200809 Georgia Youth Cowboy Poetry Contest for students in 5th-12th grade. Entries are being accepted now through Feb. 16, 2009. Students will compete in the following age categories: 5th and 6th grades, 7th and 8th grades, 9th-12th grades.

Students will write poetry relative to the theme “The Spirit of the American West.” The top 12 finalists in each grade category will compete at the Booth Western Art Museum on March 15, 2009 in conjunction with the 6th Annual Southeastern Cowboy Gathering.

The Booth Museum will offer free

SM

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Winners of the 2008 Cowboy Poetry Contest are pictured with contest coordinators and sponsors.

cowboy poetry workshops conducted by cowboy poets upon request that will cover the basic structure of cowboy poetry, rhyme schemes and patterns and presentation of cowboy poetry. Workshops are planned for the Augusta, Columbus and Savannah areas. Other workshops

will be scheduled as requested. A minimum of 35 students per workshop is required. Visit www.boothmuseum.org to download entry applications and hear poetry from the 2008 contest. For more information contact Doc Stovall at DocS@boothmuseum.org or call (770) 387-1265.

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Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

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Mortgage Update

By

Terry Layson

GFB Mortgage Services offers FHA mortgages Georgia Farm Bureau Mortgage Services is now offering Federal Housing Administration (FHA) financing. As a FHA direct lender, GFB now offers up to 96.5% loan-to-value mortgages with a 3.5% down payment. We also offer 95% loan-to-value cash out refinancing of first mortgages. This provides GFB members with a way to get the cash they need to survive these hard times.

Our members can consolidate their bills and get into a better position for the future.

Three reasons to consider a FHA loan 1 Lower down payments & easier credit approval FHA Loans have lower down payments and more relaxed credit-qualifying guidelines than conventional loans.

The federal government created FHA loan programs to encourage homeownership. The FHA can help people obtain a loan with little or no down payment. The FHA does not supply the loan; it simply insures the loan to limit the risk to the lender.

Benefits of a FHA mortgage: • A 3.5% down payment, as opposed to a 5% down payment on traditional loans • Low monthly mortgage insurance • Low closing costs, which are regulated by HUD • No credit score requirements • Qualify for a loan 2 years after a bankruptcy • Qualify for a loan 3 years after a foreclosure The FHA loan guidelines are more relaxed than conventional loan guidelines. This includes less strict regulations about past bankruptcies and/or foreclosures, job requirements, use of alternative credit and debt-to-income ratios. The FHA ensures that their 18

interest rates remain competitive with the interest rates of conventional loans.

In fact, lenders will offer you lower, more affordable rates because the FHA insures lenders, so they have less risk by taking you on as a borrower.

FHA loans were originally created to help first-time buyers. However, people who are not first-time buyers may qualify. But, the FHA does not allow anyone to have more than one FHA-insured loan at a time.

The borrower is required to pay an insurance premium upfront, but this premium can be financed into the loan amount directly. The borrower must also pay a monthly premium, which is .5% of the total loan amount divided equally over 12 months. Unlike a conventional loan, the FHA requires a termite report and clearance, as well as a few other property condition standards, to qualify for a loan.

2 Fannie Mae Pricing Adjustments for 2008 New pricing adjustments based on credit scores went into effect for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on March 1.

These adjustments make FHA loans a better alternative for consumers with a sub-680 credit score.

Credit scores between 679 and lower have been divided up into four categories, each with a corresponding percentage of the loan to be paid as an additional fee. Here’s the Credit Score Categories and their corresponding fee percentages: • 660 - 679: 0.750% • 640 - 659: 1.250% • 620 - 639: 1.750%

• 620 or lower: 2.000% If your credit score is, for example, 645 and you were purchasing a mortgage on a $300,000 home, you would be forced to pay a credit-based fee of $3,750. If your credit score is 630 your fee would bump up to $5,250 and $6,000 for a credit score below 620.

Borrowers will have three options for paying their credit-based fees. They can accept a higher interest rate that will account for the fees in a higher cost, build the fee into the new loan amount (only on a refinance) or bring extra cash to the table. Also effective in early March on all loans is a quarterpercent delivery. As of March 1, there is a quarter percent delivery fee on all FHA loans.

3 It’s easier to qualify for FHA Mortgages There are fewer restrictions for a FHA Loan Qualification as opposed to a standard mortgage loan. FHA Loan Qualifications: • You will need to have 2 years of steady employment. Not necessarily by the same employer but it is preferred.

• Your income should be similar or increasing for the past 2 years.

• You should have less than two 30 day periods of late payments on your credit reports.

• If you have declared bankruptcy, then it must be at least 2 years old and you will have to have good credit since then.

• Foreclosures will also need to be older than 3 years and have good credit since then.

• Mortgage payment should be about 30% of your gross income.

If you would like more information about the benefits of a FHA loan, please contact Georgia Farm Bureau Mortgage Services at 1-800-898-11911 Ext. 6309 or visit our Web site at www. gfbloans.com.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Young Farmer Contests offer great prizes Nearly $10,000 worth of prizes will be awarded to Georgia Farm Bureau members participating in the GFB Young Farmer Contests at the organization’s annual convention in December. Dodge, a long-time sponsor of the GFB Young Farmer Achievement Award and the Young Farmer Discussion Meet, will provide $500 cash for the winner of each contest. The contests are open to all young farmer members between the ages of 18 and 35.

Applications for the GFB Young Farmer Achievement Award were judged this summer, and three finalists were selected. Finalists for the award are: Ladon and Kayla Calhoun of Miller County, Cody and Lora Lord of Laurens County and Cory and Janie

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The four finalists in the 2007 GFB YF Discussion Meet were, pictured from left: Clint Weatherby of Cherokee County, contest winner Chad Carlton, of Polk County, Will Boyd of Screven County and Steve Hayden of Spalding County.

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and an expense-paid trip to compete for national honors at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Jan. 11-14, 2009. The national winner will receive a 2009 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 truck.

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CONTEST from page 19 The GFB Discussion Meet will take place during the GFB Convention on December 7 and 8. Topics contestants will discuss during the competition include: How can the aging infrastructure of the U.S. support the transportation of agricultural commodities in the future? How do land-grant universities remain on the forefront of an ever-changing agricultural environment? How do we correct the misconceptions of Farm Bureau? How can Farm Bureau utilize the leaders it has developed in the Young Farmer Program? Complete rules and details of the discussion meet are available at county Farm Bureau offices and from the GFB Field Service office at 1-800-342-1192, ext.

5224. The deadline for entering the contest is November 7.

The discussion meet winner will receive $500 from Dodge, an Arctic Cat 4-wheeler, plus an expense-paid trip to compete for national honors at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Jan. 11-14, 2009, for a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab truck.

Kid’s Korner Answer Key: R

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17 – D 18 – L

19 – I

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Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

MAPS: Tools for Adventure

M

aps aren’t just for navigating road trips. They’re also used for finding shipwrecks, exploring Egyptian pyramids, flying and exploring space.

From Sept. 27, 2008 – Jan. 11, 2009, the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences will host the international traveling exhibition National Geographic MAPS: Tools for Adventure. This exhibit premiered at The Children’s Museum in 2006 and was then displayed at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., in 2007 before embarking on a world tour that will include stops in South America and Europe.

The stop in Macon is currently the only one scheduled in the Southeast during the five-year tour.

Exhibit displays are grouped by land, sea, air and space exploration and include lots of hands-on activities to help visitors navigate their way through new mapping technologies and ancient tech-

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Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

niques. Visitors will be introduced to National Geographic explorers such as Dr. Zahi Hawass, who is responsible for many major archaeological discoveries in Egypt, and Dr. J. Michael Fay, who trekked 2,000 miles across the African Congo in 1999 and 2000 documenting vanishing wildlife.

The museum is hosting special events for the exhibit that include a family day Sept. 27, a lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass on Oct. 2, and a presentation on Nov. 20 by Nagin Cox, who is the Deputy Team Chief of the Spacecraft/Rover Engineering Flight Team on the JPLS Mars 2003 Exploration Rover Mission. For more information about the exhibit or any of the special events, visit www.masmacon.com or call (478) 477-3232.

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21

GFB Certified Farm Markets can help you buy food locally

More people are taking an interest in where and how their food is grown.

By shopping at one of Georgia Farm Bureau’s Certified Farm Markets, you can often buy your food straight from the farmer who grew it. There are 70 farms and markets across Georgia that participate in the program. Many sell the ingredients you need to have a tasty fall - apples, honey, muscadines, pecans, peanuts, sorghum syrup, sweet potatoes and turnips. We also have three farmers who produce naturally grown meat and egg products.

When October rolls around and you’re looking for somewhere to buy a pumpkin, look no further than the nine pumpkin patches on our list. You’ll also find several markets that sell decorative corn and cotton stalks along with small hay bales.

If you’re looking to have a little fun down on the farm, we have 11 farms on

our list that provide hay rides, petting zoos, corn mazes and special festivals.

After Thanksgiving, when it’s time to pick out your Christmas tree, make plans to visit one of our seven Christmas tree farms located across the state.

Visit www.gfb.org/cfmarkets/cfm. htm to access a complete listing of the 70 GFB Certified Farm Markets to help you plan your holiday menus and fall field trips.

Since it’s fall, we’re listing our markets that sell apples and pumpkins or provide agritainment activities.

APPLES ---------------------------------B.J. Reece Apple House Apples, cider, baked goods Ellijay • (706) 276-3048 www.reeceorchards.com Hillcrest Orchards Apples, cider, petting farm, Apple Pickin’ Festival (Sept. & Oct. weekends) Ellijay • (706) 273-3838 www.hillcrestorchards.net Hillside Orchard Farms Country Store Apples, cider, bakery items, boiled peanuts, pumpkins Corn maze (Sept.-Oct.) Fall Farm Day Oct. 25 Lakemont • (706) 782-2776 www.hillsideorchard.com Jaemor Farm Market Apples, pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides Alto • (770) 869-3999 www.jamsjellies.com Little Bend Orchard’s Apple Barn Apples, cider, baked goods, sweet potatoes Ellijay • (706) 635-5898 Luke Orchards Pecans, candied nuts Ray City • (229) 455-3071 Continued next page

22

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Mack Aaron Apple House Apples, cider, bakery items, Ellijay • (706) 273-3600 Mercier Orchards Apples, cider, bakery items, jellies Blue Ridge • (706) 632-3411 www.mercier-orchards.com Panorama Orchards Farm Market Apples, cider, bakery items, jellies, quilts East Ellijay • (706) 276-3813 www.panoramaorchards.com R & A Orchard Apples, cider, bakery items, jellies Ellijay • (706) 273-3821 www.randaorchards.com

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www.marksmelonpatch.com Dawson • (229) 698-4750

Adams Farms Pumpkins Fayetteville • (770) 461-9395 www.adamsfarmfayettevillega.com

Ochlocknee Ridge Farms Pumpkins, jams, jellies, fall crafts Moultrie • (229) 941-5971 www.oridgefarms.com

Berry Patch Farms Pumpkins, Christmas trees, hay rides Woodstock • (770) 926-0561 www.berrypatchfarms.net

Payne Farm & Produce Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, flowers Calhoun • (706) 629-5704

Cagle’s Dairy Farm Canton Corn Maze Aug. 29 –Nov. 16 Resaca Corn Maze Sept. 20-Nov. 9 www.caglesdairy.com (770) 345-5591

Rock Spring Produce Apples, boiled peanuts, jellies Rockspring • (706) 375-6860

Grandpa Jones Pumpkins & More Pumpkins, Indian corn, hayrides, corn stalks and hay bales, concessions and picnic areas Ellijay • (706) 273-2306 www.grandpajonescornmaze.com

The Dacula Briarpatch Apples Dacula • (770) 962-4990

Marks Melon Patch You-pick pumpkins, peanuts, pecans, hayrides and bales, cotton stalks

GFB Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting of Policyholders The annual meeting of the policyholders of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009, at the Georgia Farm Bureau Building, 1620 Bass Road, Macon, Ga. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

GFB Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting of Directors The annual meeting of the board of directors of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held immediately following the annual meeting of the policyholders on Thursday, February 26, 2009, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Farm Bureau Building, 1620 Bass Road, Macon, Ga. Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Poppell Farms Pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, petting farm Odum • (912) 586-2215 www.poppellfarms.com Uncle Bob’s Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins, gourds, crop maze, petting zoo, nature trails Newnan • (770) 253-8100 www.uncle-bob.com The Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins, hay rides, petting zoo, maze, Christmas trees Stockbridge • (770) 954-9356 www.aboutyule.com

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23

Food for Thought

How many times have you received an e-mail warning you about the perils of doing or not doing something only to learn later it was an urban legend? In this miraculous age of technology we live in, misinformation can speed around the world and become accepted as fact before the truth has a chance to be told.

Many activist groups would have American consumers believe that agriculture is harmful to the environment, that our food supply is poisoned and that there is no need for animal agriculture. Below are some of the most common misconceptions about agriculture followed by the facts.

Large, corporate farms produce half of our food.

FALSE! Non-family corporations produce only 6 percent of our food and fiber. Family-owned farms, family partnerships or family-owned corporations produce the remainder of American grown food. Farm families often form partnerships or corporations for legal and business reasons, but they’re still family farms. Only 1% of U.S. farms are non-family owned corporate farms.

Graphic: ©2006 American Farm Bureau® Foundation for Agriculture

Producing ethanol is inefficient because it takes more energy to produce than it yields.

FALSE! Recent news coverage stating this as fact has been proven incorrect.

The research this was based on used old information to calculate energy inputs, crop yields, energy outputs and efficiencies. A study conducted by the Argonne National Laboratory shows that it only takes 0.74 million British Thermal Units (BTU) of fossil energy to produce 1 million BTU of

ethanol. The study showed it takes 1.23 million Btu of fossil energy to produce 1 million BTU of gasoline.

If you include the solar energy inputs used to grow corn, it is true that it takes between 1.5 and 2 BTU to produce a BTU of ethanol, but since the solar energy is free, renewable and environmentally friendly, we shouldn’t care.

Eating a genetically modified fruit or vegetable can change a person’s genes.

FALSE! Whether they are genetically modified or not, all living or once living things contain genes. If you eat corn, do you become corn? Your body digests the proteins and absorbs the amino acids to use them to build proteins. Your body cannot tell where a protein originates. It treats all proteins alike.

The world can support more vegetarians than meat eaters.

FALSE! If all humans became veg-

etarians, there would be less food, not more. Information provided by the United Nations and the Central Intelligence Agency shows that 56.3% of the world’s land is grazing land while only 15.1% is cropland. If we take grazing animals out of the food system there will be less food, not more. Cattle graze and eat forages that humans cannot digest due to the fiber content. Fifty to 70% of a beef animal’s feedlot diet is inedible to humans.

Cattle are also often fed byproducts produced by processing human food such as brewer’s grain from beer, citrus pulp or cottonseed meal. In the U.S., only 2.6 lbs. of grain are used to produce 1 pound of beef.

Global hunger is caused by a shortage of food.

FALSE! The world produces enough food to feed everyone. Even Africa produces enough food to feed that continent. Hunger is caused by economic, political and social reasons.

Some countries induce hunger for political or social reasons. Hunger is also caused by poverty in this country and elsewhere. Poverty results in the inability to purchase food, safely store food or transport food in areas where drought occurs.

Human activity causes all soil erosion.

FALSE! Soil erosion is a natural phenomenon that occurs whether or not humans are present. Consider the creation of the Grand Canyon.

However, human and animal activity can increase or decrease soil erosion.

That’s why farmers implement management practices such as no-till crop production to prevent soil loss.

Farmers use the most chemical pesticides per acre.

FALSE! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that homeowners apply chemical pesticides at a rate eight times higher per acre than farmers do. Homeowners also apply chemical fertilizers at a rate three times higher per acre than farmers. Runoff from yards often runs into municipal sewer systems, which is discharged back into rivers or lakes.

24

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Rising costs impact farmers, too

By Brad Harrison Rising prices at both the fuel pump and the grocery store have impacted almost everyone this year. Georgia’s farmers, who produce many of the products you find at your local grocery store, aren’t exempt from the rising costs.

The skyrocketing price of fertilizer has forced Ben Boyd, a diversified farmer from Screven County, to borrow more than a third more money than he has in past years to produce his crops.

Boyd, who grows corn, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, wheat and cattle, is dealing with more than just a casual input cost on his farm of around 2,500 acres. In 2006, Boyd was paying $7,375 for a truckload of one type of fertilizer. This year, he’s paying $31,250 for the same amount.

That rising cost puts Boyd in a tough spot. With the cost of fertilizer so unpredictable, it is difficult for farmers to determine if they will have the same input cost three months from now as they have today. That, Boyd says, makes it harder for the farmer to make it to the end of the year.

“The risk is just so much higher now because our input costs are so much higher,” Boyd said. “It’s just like rolling the dice. If the input costs go up, as long as you can pay it back, you’re fine. But one year when you stumble, that one year can probably put you out of business.”

So how does a farmer such as Boyd combat the rapidly increasing costs of fertilizer? One way is to scale back the amount of fertilizer used and how it is spread in the fields. Boyd has been using a technique called “spoon-feeding.” He puts out a small amount of fertilizer before planting the crop and two more applications later on. The process, which takes more time than other methods of applying fertilizer, is not without its risks. Since fertilizer relies so heavily on rain, farmers such as Boyd are in a precarious position. If fertilizer is planted and it doesn’t rain, both the fertilizer and large amounts of money are pretty much wasted.

Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

“Fertilizer is one of those necessary evils. You can’t afford it, but you can’t do without it,” Boyd said.

“We’re putting the bare minimum because we’re trying to control our input cost because it’s so high.”

Another way Boyd has tried to gain some ground has been through trying to use an alternative to fertilizer - chicken litter. Unfortunately for Boyd, there are few chicken houses located in east Georgia. That leaves Boyd hoping for a lot of rain to soak the fields of his farm to give him a strong finish to 2008.

“What really concerns me is that we don’t have any fertilizer bought for next year. That’s going to be the one that gets us,” Boyd said.

Still, Boyd and his brother, Will, are hopeful that they will be able to turn their year around soon.

UGA economists predict it will cost Georgia farmers 14 percent more to grow cotton this year than last and 49 percent more to grow corn. The production costs for growing peanuts are up 21 percent from 2007, while the production costs for soybeans are up 49 percent.

Since 2002, costs are up between 40 and 75 percent for these same crops. All of these production cost estimates are for irrigated crops. Drought conditions or sporadic rain make it necessary for farmers to irrigate their crops. Irrigation systems are fueled by diesel fuel or electricity, both of which have seen price

Screven County farmers Will, left, and Ben Boyd have been forced to borrow more money to produce their crops this year than in past years because of rising fertilizer prices.

increases. In 2007 alone, total cash farm expenses rose to $222 billion, according to the USDA. “As supply and demand conditions change, the prices farmers receive are most likely to fluctuate, whereas the cost of production inputs, such as fertilizer, are much less likely to weaken,” explains McKissick. “Rising production costs have eroded many of the benefits farmers are perceived to reap from high commodity prices. For perspective, consider that food prices have increased only about four percent in the last twelve months.”

4

25

Something’s Cooking Egg Commission Recipe Contest turns 25

C

By Jennifer Whittaker ontestants competing in the Georgia Egg Commission’s 25th Annual Recipe Contest May 7 put on the ritz as they prepared scrumptious dishes featuring eggs and crackers. Debra Brooks, of Byron, won the first place prize of $1,000 for her Extreme Cheesecake Bars that included Ritz Bits with peanut butter, chocolate chips and a Ritz cracker crust. Mary Louise Lever, of Rome, won the second place award of $500 for her Savory Spinach Brulee. Karen Slaughter, of Warner Robins, captured third place and $250 for her Nouveau Grahamy Cannoli recipe.

“To celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of our recipe contest we thought of the theme ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and decided to make crackers the featured ingredient required in the recipes in addition to eggs,” Georgia Egg Commission Executive Director Jewell Hutto said. “We also thought it would be the perfect time to let past winners, who normally couldn’t compete, enter the contest.”

Brooks said her goal was to create

Extreme Cheesecake Bars

a simple recipe.

“It didn’t take long to come up with the recipe. I just combined ingredients that everybody loves like chocolate chips, cheesecake and peanut butter.

My children really loved it,” she said.

This was not Brooks’ first time in the winner’s circle. She won the contest in 1997. Normally, the contest is not open to previous first-place winners, but the anniversary exemption allowed Brooks and two other former first place winners to compete.Valerie Holt, of Cartersville, won the contest in 2002 and again in 2003 during the 20th anniversary celebration. Mary Louise Lever won the contest in 1991. Second place winner Karen Slaughter won second place in the contest in 2006.

Other contestants were: Brad Allison of Braselton; Deborah Puette of Lilburn, Ali Merk of Commerce, Carla Garnto of Warner Robins, Betsy Podriznik of Lawrenceville and Virginia Webb of Clarkesville.

“The Spirit and Flavor of Eggs” is the theme for the 2009 Egg Recipe Contest. Total prize money has been

(Makes 4 large squares)

Chocolate, melted

Vegetable Spray 3 cups Ritz crackers, crushed 1/2 cup margarine, melted 2 tbsps. sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 4 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 11/2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring Dash salt 1 cup sour cream 2 cups peanut butter mini sandwich crackers 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks 1 cup milk chocolate chips 11/2 cups toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Lightly spray an 11x16 inch pan with vegetable spray; set aside. Mix together crushed crackers, margarine, sugar and salt.

Spread mixture evenly on the bottom of pan pressing down. Mix together the cream cheese and sugar until well blended. Add eggs, flavoring and salt, stir to combine. Fold in sour cream.

Pour mixture over crust and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle top with peanut butter crackers, chocolate chunks, chips and pecans. Continue baking for approximately 12 minutes. Chill in freezer for at least 15 minutes or longer. Garnish with drizzled, melted chocolate.

26

increased to $4,000. The first-place winner will receive $2,000, second-place will receive $850 and third-place will receive $650. The contest will be held May 6, 2009 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry.

Georgia cooks are invited to enter the contest by submitting their original recipes by April 1, 2009.

Recipes must use a minimum of four whole eggs, serve at least four people, feature a spirit (alcoholic beverage) or flavor (non-alcoholic) that will be apparent to taste, and be prepared in 60 minutes or less.

A brochure containing the complete 2009 contest rules and the 2008 winning recipes is available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Georgia Egg Commission, P.O. Box 2929, Suwanee, GA 30024.

Savory Spinach Brulee (Makes 4 servings)

Vegetable spray 4 eggs, beaten 2 (5 oz.) packages Boursin garlic and fine herb cheese, softened 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained well 1/8 tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated

Extreme Cheesecake Bars Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

Savory Spinach Brulee

1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 11/4 cups Ritz cracker crumbs, divided 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. thyme, finely chopped 1 tbsp. Vegetable oil Thyme sprigs, garnish Heat oven to 350˚F. Spray 4 (8-9oz.) oven-proof ramekins or custard cups with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Using a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, Boursin cheese and mayonnaise, blending until smooth. Stir in spinach and nutmeg. Add cheese and 3/4 cup crumbs, mixing well. Divide mixture into prepared ramekins and place on cookie sheet.

For topping, combine remaining crumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme and oil, stirring to mix. Sprinkle mixture evenly over ramekins. Lightly spray topping with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake for 20 minutes or until just firm. Garnish with thyme sprigs.

in color. Add 4 ounces cream cheese, butter, molasses, brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla; mix well. Combine cracker crumbs and baking powder, and then fold into yolk mixture. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites into batter.

Place a piece of parchment paper onto a large cookie sheet. Spoon 1/4 cup batter onto cookie sheet and smooth into a 4-inch circle. Cook 7 cakes at a time spacing them about 1/2 inch apart.

Bake 7 minutes.

Immediately place cakes tops down on a towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll. Let cool. Repeat with second batch. Makes 14 mini cakes. To prepare filling, cream together 8 ounces cream cheese and marshmallow cream. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and cool whip topping. Chill until ready to use.

To assemble, unroll cakes, spread 1 tablespoon of filling into center of rolled cake. Then add 2 quartered strawberries topped with a tablespoon of filling. Bring tops of cakes together and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with mint and strawberries. Serve with chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Sauce 1 cup heavy cream 1 tbsp. Butter 12 oz. semisweet chocolate 1/4 tsp. vanilla 1 tbsp. coffee liqueur In a saucepan, heat cream and butter on medium heat until butter melts.

Place chocolate in a bowl. Pour cream mixture over chocolate and stir until smooth. Add vanilla and coffee liqueur and stir well.

Nouveau Grahamy Cannoli

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Nouveau Grahamy Cannoli (Makes 14 servings) 5 large eggs, separated 1 (12 oz.) package cream cheese, softened, divided 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled 1 tbsp. molasses 1 tbsp. Brown sugar, packed 11/2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided 13/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 1 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar Powdered sugar for dusting 2 cups marshmallow cream 11/2 cups Cool Whip topping 28 strawberries, quartered Garnish with mint and strawberries Chocolate sauce (recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 425˚F. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until lemon Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

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Advertisement

Old Cookbook Reveals

“Amazing Details of Washington’s Dining Habits”

by Guy Coalter, Special Features Writer

Canton OH, Special - With hundreds of servants at her command... a person would think our first First Lady was a woman of leisure.

Not so... according to a new historical discovery. A long out-of-print volume entitled, “The Martha Washington Cook Book” shows Mrs. Washington personally supervised her entire household staff... and especially the kitchen and dining room servants.

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The family cookbook was given to Martha at the time of her first marriage.

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Handwritten by an unknown hand, there is evidence the recipe book had been in the Custis family for generations. It is quite likely this was a family heirloom dating back to the early 1600s. In all, there were over five hundred classic recipes, dating largely from Elizabethan and Jacobean times, the golden age of English cookery.

Later, Martha Custis became a widow and in 1759 she married Col. George Washington. Washington was to become the Father of our country and its first President. Martha, of course, became our very first, “First Lady.”

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In 1940, the Society gave permission to historian Marie Kimball to study the manuscript and prepare a cookbook entitled, “The Martha Washington Cook

28

Book.” Although now long out-of-print, an Ohio publisher was recently commissioned to reprint a limited edition of this rare and amusing piece of Americana.

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Georgia Neighbors • Fall 2008

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EP, 5G, 6F 8.375 x 10.875 #2409

8/4/08

8:24 AM

Page 1

“Drop Your Cholesterol Like a Hot Potato!”

(By Frank K. Wood)

If you suffer from age-related diseases such as elevated cholesterol, arthritis, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or memory problems, you need 1,001 Home Health Secrets for Seniors. From natural remedies for arthritis to how to avoid falls in your home, it’s in this book and written especially with seniors in mind. � Flatten your tummy in your sleep! � Overweight? Chew this and lose those excess pounds! � Unclog your arteries while sipping this amazing tea! � Enjoying this tasty and popular nut can help cut your cholesterol by 20 points without medication! Documented at a cardiac research center in California. � Is it possible to reverse heart disease naturally in 365 days or less? In eight out of every 10 patients studied, “The arteries that had been clogged were clean. The blood vessels started looking clean and clear as they did before they developed heart disease.”

� This cheap, easy-to-get, home remedy pill might be the “vaccine” that prevents deadly Alzheimer’s disease! � Raise your metabolism and drop pounds with this nutritional supplement. � This arthritis-friendly diet not only eases your pain ... but helps you lose weight and live longer, too! � Get your blood pressure in the healthy range and keep it there — without dangerous drugs. � Lower high cholesterol and help prevent colon cancer! Just spread this on your toast! � If you take this common pill every day, you could add years to your life!

The medical evidence is mounting! � You can help your brain stay young by doing these two things. � Lower back pain? This treatment was rated most effective by 91% of the people who tried it.

TO ORDER A COPY 1,001 Home Health Secrets for Seniors ©FC&A 2008 for $9.99. See coupon.

“When You Should NEVER Eat RICE!” (By Frank K. Wood) If you want to lose weight permanently, boost your memory, and conquer tension, depression, and fatigue without expensive prescription drugs, you need Super Foods for Seniors.

You’ll be amazed at how God-given nutrients can help you recapture your heart health, beat the blues, melt off pounds, and more! These astounding solutions for your health problems will help you to stop suffering and start eating again! � A sharp brain at 70 — it may be as simple as eating two common vegetables! � 6 ways to lose weight that actually work. � The top 10 healing herbs: It’s one secret your pharmacist can’t afford to tell you! � Secret cause of fatigue and muscle spasms — and the foods that can cure you. � A spice that could help prevent 8 types of cancer? Read the amazing research! � Good news — you can eat as much of this food as your body can handle!

It has absolutely no calories, and

what’s more, your body needs it to function at its peak. � This miracle food contains nutrients that coat your arteries like a non-stick spray, keeping your blood flowing smoothly. � People who eat this fruit may not only avoid cancer, but also heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Alzheimer’s, and they could live longer. Take your pick — enjoy it fresh or dried. � One type of fiber is practically a miracle fiber. Just two or three ounces a day can give you incredible health insurance against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and even obesity and cancer! � Wake well-rested and rarin’ to go after a good night’s sleep when you munch a handful of this fruit before bedtime. (It can ease joint pain, too!) � The fruit that can promote weight loss, lower cholesterol, improve insulin levels, and heal fatty livers — even while on a high fat diet!

TO ORDER A COPY Super Foods for Seniors for $9.99. See ©FC&A 2008 coupon.

“Peppermint

Can Heal WHAT?”

(By Frank K. Wood) If you want to treat and prevent ailments and injuries with items from your pantry, medicine cabinet, and kitchen counter, you need OldFashioned Cures and Proven Home Remedies That Lower Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure, Improve Your Memory, and Keep Diabetes and Arthritis Under Control, an informative new book just released to the public by FC&A Medical Publishing® in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Slash your risk of dangerous diseases or reverse their symptoms naturally, maintain a healthy weight, keep your mind sharp, even prevent food poisoning and heal wounds safely and quickly.

Discover hundreds of folk and home remedies that really work, plus delicious healing foods, spices that prevent illness, and so much more.

The authors provide many health tips with full explanations. � It controls blood sugar, cuts triglycerides, even lowers cholesterol. But it’s not a drug ... it’s a spice — and probably in your pantry right now!

Don’t miss out. � Before you use an herbal supplement, you can make sure it’s safe by checking this free resource. Information is your best protection against harmful reactions. � Simple, natural remedies that can lower your cholesterol, clean your arteries, and reduce your blood pressure — for good! � Turn off a craving for sweets and melt off the pounds with an easy pantry

weight-loss secret. � Take a minute to check out these natural ways to ease your back pain! � Avoid high blood pressure and add delicious flavor to your meals with these spices. Bonus: They’re also rich in antioxidants! � Cut back on allergies. Simple tricks to keeping allergens to a minimum! � Loss of balance, muscle weakness, incontinence, moodiness, and dementia ... all caused by a simple vitamin deficiency that your doctor probably can’t detect with a routine blood test!

Learn how to protect yourself. � Tired and sluggish? Find out what kind of foods will give you more energy. � Flush your arteries clean of plaque and fatty buildup with this highly effective, all-natural, and completely safe treatment! � The herb that has as much antiinfection power as penicillin; it not only kills bacteria, but viruses and infectious fungi, too! � Check out 8 foods that practically “force” your body to lose weight! � Let’s face it — wrinkles, puffy eyes, and a saggy jaw can be a real pain. Yet you can fight off the ill effects of aging with an inexpensive cream you probably have in your medicine cabinet.

TO ORDER A COPY Old-Fashioned Cures and Proven Home Remedies for $9.99. See coupon. ©FC&A 2008

Coupon

Learn all these amazing secrets and more. To order your books, just return this coupon with your name and address and a check for $9.99 per book, plus $3.00 shipping and handling to: FC&A, Dept. 2409, 103 Clover Green, Peachtree City, GA 30269. You get a no-time-limit guarantee of satisfaction or your money back.

FREE SHIPPING if you order two or more books!

You must cut out and return this coupon with your order. Copies will not be accepted!

IMPORTANT — FREE GIFT OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 12, 2008 All orders mailed by December 12, 2008 will receive a free gift, Get Well and Stay Well, guaranteed. Order right away!

Name______________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________State_______ Zip____________ � Quantity____ BEPS

Old-Fashioned Cures and Proven Home Remedies That Lower Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure, Improve Your Memory, and Keep Diabetes and Arthritis Under Control

� Quantity____ B5GS 1,001 Home Health Secrets for Seniors � Quantity____ B6FS

Super Foods for Seniors

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