Georgia agriculture [1976]

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6/ 10R6IA AGRICULTURE
Published by the Georgia Department of Agriculture Tommy Irvin, Commissioner

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is happy to publish this booklet as a service to the citizens of the state, its students and its friends from neighboring states who are interested in our progressive, diversified and ever expanding agricultural industry.
In years past, in cooperation with statistical agencies, this department has published booklets which were primarily of a statistical nature appealing to the economist and agricultural historian, but often too detailed for the young student or layman. These booklets are available upon request if you desire more detailed information.
However, we felt that many people requesting information on our farming industry would be more interested in the overall picture of Georgia's agriculture. We trust that you will find this new format a ready reference of Georgia's major agricultural products, of the agricultural agencies in our state, and that it will answer the student's and layman's questions on agribusiness.
As Commissioner of Agriculture I would like to extend an invitation to each of you to come and tour our building or to call on me and this department if at any time we may be of service or assist you in any way.
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INDEX
Introduction Department of Agriculture history Agricultural Facts History of Georgia Soils of Georgia Geography and Climate Georgia Cash Farm Income Georgia's Main Crops Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions Georgia State Farmers Markets Georgia Agricultural Organizations Georgia Agribusiness Council Georgia Firsts and Facts

1 3, 4, 5
5, 6 7
8, 9, 10 10
11, 12 13-26
26 27, 28 29, 30, 31
31 32, 33

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Georgia Dept. of Agriculture
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is the oldest such Department in the United States having been created in 1874.
The department operates primarily as the law enforcement arm of agriculture cooperating with other agencies in educational, statistical and promotional programs. The laws enforced by this department are designed and passed by the Georgia Legislature for the purpose of serving and/or protecting the farmers and consumers of our state from inferior quality products, and unscrupulous dealers. Within the limits of these laws, the department protects the pocketbook of Georgia citizens in areas where they are unable to do so themselves, such as checking weights and measures, fuel content, labeling of food products, etc.
This work is accomplished under the supervision of the Commissioner of Agriculture who is a constitutional officer. The Corn-
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missioner of Agriculture is chosen in the same general election at which the Governor and other executive officers are elected for a four year term. He may succeed himself as many terms as he is elected.
The Assistant Commissioner, Animal Industry Division, directs the veterinary services of the department including livestock disease control, meat inspection activities, licensing and bonding of livestock auction markets, meat slaughtering and processing plants. Two laboratories assist in this work, one is a diagnostic service to veterinarians and the other for brucellosis control.
The Assistant Commissioner in charge of Consumer Protection is concerned with those areas directly related to the food industry such as enforcement of the quality egg law, grade A milk law, inspecting retail and wholesale food stores, processing plants and warehouses. A chief area of concern in this division is correct labeling of food products processed in Georgia.
The Assistant Commissioner, Marketing and Commodities Promotion, supervises the operation of the state's farmers markets, warehouses, international trade programs, and serves in an administrative and advisory capacity for the agricultural commodity commissions established for various Georgia products.
The Assistant Commissioner of Plant Industry is in charge of the operation of all programs within the Department effecting seeds and plants. This includes the chemical laboratories in which seed, plant food and grain are tested, laboratories in which seed are germinated, the entomology division which is responsible for the protection of agricultural, horticultural and apiary industries and the conducting of pest control programs as well as regulating pest control applicators.
In addition the plant industry division operates a separate pesticides unit concerned with the safe and effective use of pesticides in Georgia.
Other areas of service in the Department include the fuel and measures division which is concerned with the correct weighing and measuring of all products sold in the state and with quality standards of fuel offered for sale.
Divisions of agricultural field forces and consumer field forces cooperate with the various offices within the Department in accomplishing the inspection work for the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations charged to the Commissioner of Agriculture.
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The Special Services Division acts as a liason between the Department to the people in assisting and disseminating information. The Information and Education Division publishes a FARMERS AND CONSUMERS MARKET BULLETIN weekly as well as maintains a library of information which is sent to Georgia citizens upon request. A Home Economist is employed by this Division for the purpose of assisting Georgia consumers .with questions directly related to the operation of the home and utilization of food products.
District Headquarters: Georgia has been divided into five dis-' tricts for administrative and supervisory purposes. District headquarters are located as follows: District I - Cartersville; District II Griffin, Georgia 30223; District III - Augusta Highway, Thomson, Georgia 30824; District IV - 451 Radium Springs Road, Albany, Georgia 31701; District V - Railroad and Myrtle Streets, Uvalda, Georgia 30473.
District Headquarters: Georgia has been divided into five districts for administrative and supervisory purposes. District headquarters are located as follows: District I -- Cartersville; District II -- Griffin, Georgia 30223; District III -- Augusta Highway, Thomson, Georgia 30824; District IV -- 451 Radium Springs Road; Albany, Georgia 31701; District V -- Railroad and Myrtle Streets, Uvalda, Georgia 30473.
AGRICULTURAL FACTS
During the 20 years prior to 1973, American's disposable income increased 114%; food costs, including added built-in services, increased only 78%; other consumer goods increased 124%; and consumer services increased 118%.
About 1.3 billion acres of land used for agriculture with 4.3 million people working on it, supply the raw materials for most of the 1500 pounds of food consumed by each American annually.
The value of assets on American farms on January 1,1974 totaled $460 billion - up 15 percent over 1973.
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Agriculture and agribusiness provide employment for approximately 16 million people - about one-fifth of the total U.S. labor force.
Exports in the fiscal year 1972-73 accounted for nearly threefourths of U. S. wheat production, two-thirds of rice output, about half of the soybeans and nearly two-fifths each of the cotton and tobacco crops. What a boost to the U. S. balance of payments!
GEORGIA
Gross income from Georgia farms was over 2.1 billion in 1973 slightly more than double that of 10 years ago - business growth at its best.
Farm production expenses were over $1.3 billion in 1973, representing a real economic stimulation to a wide range of related business enterprises. Mortgage debt and property taxes alone totaled $100 million.
Georgia's agriculture is first in peanuts, pulp for paper and in pecan production; second in both eggs and broilers; fourth in watermelons and sixth in tobacco
production.
Georgia leads all states in the amount of forest land in private ownership. Over two-thirds of land area is in forest producing over a billion board feet of lumber, and better than 7 million cords of pulpwood for approximately 300 saw mills and 15 paper mills in the state.
Georgia's farm real estate was valued at over 5 billion dollars in 1973. Total farm mortgage debt amounted to $839 million.
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA
Georgia, named for King George of England, was the last of thirteen original colonies. It was then inhabited by various tribes of the Creek and Cherokee Indian nations with the original area including land from the Atlantic up between the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers from whose headwaters it extended to the South Seas. In 1783 the western boundary was changed to the Mississippi River and in 1802 the Chattahoochee River was established as the western boundary.
When Georgia became a state in 1777, there were only seven large counties. One was called Liberty, to commemorate the patriotism of the famous Midway settlement, while the others were named for English champions of Colonial Rights: Burke, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, and Richmond. Wilkes was the eighth county added in the same year. The state now contains 159 counties, second in number only to Texas.
Under the State Constitution of 1777 the first Legislature met in Savannah; but this city was never the official state capital. In December, 1778 Savannah was captured by the British and from then until 1784 the Legislature met in Augusta with the exception of two terms, one of which was held at Heard's Fort in Wilkes County and the other at Ebenezer in Effingham County. Augusta was made the first official capital of the State in 1786; but was succeeded by Louisville in 1795. In 1806 the seat of state government was moved to Milledgeville and lastly to Atlanta in 1867.
According to a 1971 census there were 76,000 farms in Georgia This was the smallest number recorded in any census since 1870. The average size in 1971 was 224 acres and the average value of land and buildings was $59,900. Farms occupy 48 percent of the land area in the state.
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THE SOILS OF GEORGIA
There are six major geological divisions in Georgia: (1) the Flatwoods, (2) the Coastal Plain, (3) the Sandhills, (4) the Piedmont, (5) the Limestone Valley and Ridges, (6) and the Mountain area. There is a vast range of soil, climatic and topographic conditions and these conditions are discussed in detail in county soil surveys available from the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.
(1) Flatwoods. This area is characterized by nearly level Page 8

topography and poorly drained soils. Bladen, Leon, Rains and associated series are the soils with poorest drainage and production in these areas is limited to pine timber and turpentine. Tobacco, corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans are grown on some of the better drained upland soils, such as Norfolk, Lakeland and Lynchburg.
(2) Coastal Plain. Most of these soils have sandy surfaces, and are acid and infertile in the native state. The well-drained upland soils are well suited to production of such adapted crops as cotton, corn, peanuts, tobacco, pastures, small grains and soybeans. The major soils are divided into two groups: the yellow soils of the middle Coastal Plain and the brown and red soils, found primarily in the western part. The major soil series of the yellow group are Tifton, Marlboro and Norfolk. The brown and red soils consist of Orangeburg, Faceville, Greenville and Magnolia.
(4) Sandhills. The Sandhills section, also known as Fall Line Hills, is a narrow belt of deep sandy soils extending from Columbus to Augusta. The topography is rolling to hilly and the major soils, Lakeland, Gilead, Hoffman and Norfolk, are infertile and droughty. Since the area is not adapted to row crop and pasture production, it is covered largely with thin forest growths.
(4) Piedmont. This area comprises nearly one-third of the state's land area. Terrain of the Upper Piedmont is hilly to steep and the topography is rolling, while the Lower Piedmont consists of broad inter-stream areas with undulating to gently rolling topography. The major series of the upland, well-drained soils are Cecil, Madison and Davidson. Much of the original topsoil has been eroded in this area, but where it remains, soils are adapted to row crops such as cotton, corn and soybeans. Small grain and pastures appear more often in the badly eroded soils. Appling and Durham are the major series of the gentler slopes of the Piedmont, and when properly limed and fertilized, are capable of producing high yields of cotton, corn, soybeans, small grain and pastures.
(5) Mountains. The Mountain area is made up of steep mountain slopes and narrow valleys in the northeast and more gentle slopes with broader valleys and high plateaus in the southwest. The major soil series on the steep slopes are Porters, Hayesville, Talladega and Fannin. Some of the slopes are not too steep for corn and small grains, but pasture and timber production claim most of the area. The more productive soils occur in the alluvial terraces and river bottoms and produce corn, small grains, soybeans, and excellent pastures. Congaree is the major stream bottomland soil and when limed
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and fertilized, it is the most productive. (6) Limestone Valleys and Ridges. This area consists of limestone,
sandstone, and shale ridges. The soil series are Muskingum and Armuchee (on the ridges), Clarkesville, Fullerton, Farragut, Sequoia, Dewey, Decatur, Colbert and Hartsells. The Decatur and Dewey series are the most productive upland soils in the area, but the majority of the soils, with proper management, can be suited to most crops grown in the area.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi River; the land area is 37,429,120 acres or 58,483 square miles. It lies between 82 degrees and 87 degrees west longitude and 31 degrees and 35 degrees north latitude. The altitude varies between zero on the coast to 4,768 feet at Brasstown Bald in Union County.
Georgia's climate is temperate with an average "freeze free growing season" of 290 days at the coast decreasing gradually northward to 190 days of "freeze free growing season" in the extreme northeast. Average daily maximum temperature for the warmest month (July) ranges from 85 degrees in the extreme northeast to about 93 degrees in the north to 73 degrees on the lower coast. Average annual rainfall ranges from a maximum of more than 70 inches in the extreme northeast to less than 45 inches in the east central part of the state. The average for the majority of the state is in excess of 53 inches.
The state is divided into two major soil areas on a line approximately through Augusta and Macon to Columbus, the upper portion of the state being the Southern Appalachian Region and the lower portion being the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain. In these two major areas are inclirded eight soil provinces with soils ranging in types from deep phase sand to heavy clays with sandy and clay loams between these extremes.
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Georgia Cash Farm Income

This graph shows how Georgia went from primarily a cotton economy to one of the most diversified in the nation.

Livestock & Products Percent of Total 32.1

Crops Percent of Total 66.7

Government Payments 1.2

GEORGIA CASH FARM INCOME 1974 Total S209.145.000 (No Government payments)

Percent ot Total 86. 8%

1924

Other Chickens 1.6% Other Livestock .2%

1948 is
Georgia Cash Farm Income * Total $526,131,000
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Georgia Cash Farm Income
1973
Georgia Cash Farm Income Government Payment 2.8

Livestock & Products Percent of Total 58.1

Crops Percentage Total 39.1

Today, our farm products are not dependent on any one crop but rather we. through diversification, can supply food and fiber for people in most all areas.
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CORN

Corn Production by Counties, 1972 Georgia Crop Reporting Service
1 dot = 50,000 Bushels

Corn is more widely grown than any other Georgia crop. Each county has some acreage. Yields were very low until 1948ffihen hybrids better adapted to Southern conditions were developed. With improved fertilization, cultural practices and mechanical harvesting, yields above 20 bushels per acre have been recorded every year since 1954. Most of Georgia's crop formerly was used as feed on the farm where produced. Today corn is considered a cash crop on many farms with 1,670,000 acres throughout the state and a cash farm income of $101,592,000, 23% of crop sales.
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COTTON
Cotton Production by Counties, 1972 Georgia Crop Reporting Service
1 dot = 1,000 Bales
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Cotton has been a mainstay of Georgia agriculture for more than a century and a half. Though it is no longer King, it is still important in many areas of the state. The first cotton estimates were reported in 1866 listing 805,000 acres producing 246,000 bales. From 1900 to 1920, cotton truly was King and 2.7 million bales from 5.2 million acres were harvested in 1914. A seriously reduced yield due to the boll weevil and the depression of the early 30's virtually destroyed the cotton economy in many counties, and only after the beginning of World War II did prices reach 20 cents. Today, alternate income sources and shortage of labor and controls since 1950 have caused a decline in acreage, only 375,000 acres planted, mostly in the Upper Coastal Plains. Cash farm income from the production of cottonseed and lint amounted to $111,834,000 in 1973, 16.5% of crop sales.
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TOBACCO
Tobacco Production by Counties, 1972 Georgia Crop Reporting Service
1 dot = 200,000 Pounds

Georgia produces two varieties of tobacco -- bright leaf or flue-cured used primarily in the manufacture of cigarettes, and shade tobacco used in wrappers for cigars. Fluecured production is concentrated in south central and southeast Georgia, most being grown in 44 counties. War-inflated prices produced an average price per pound of tobacco at 57 cents per pound in 1917, but Federal Government production controls and price supports became effective in the 30's, reducing prices to 6.7 cents per pound in 1931. Today, tobacco is a valuable crop because of the favorable prices received for the much sought-after Georgia varieties and increased yields per acre. Tobacco claims 9.5% of crop sales, with 1,618 pounds per acre on only 60,530 acres throughout the state. 1973 statistics show a cash farm income of $91,165,000. At present, Georgia ranks sixth in the nation in production of tobacco.
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SOYBEANS

Soybeans Production by Counties, 1972 Georgia Crop Reporting Service
1 dot = 10,000 Bushels

Soybeans have developed very rapidly as a major crop in Georgia. The increasing

use of soybeans in manufactured products for both human consumption and livestock

and poultry feeds in the United States and abroad has created a strong demand for

this crop. The decline in cotton acreage reduced the cottonseed meal available for

livestock feeds and fish meal production has not been able to meet demands of the

poultry industry. Soybean meal can be substituted directly for cotton seed meal and, with supplementation, can replace large parts of fish meal formerly used in poultry

,

feeds. 1924, the first year of soybean estimates showed an average yield of 5 bushels

per acre. 1973 estimates reveal 21 bushels per acre, with concentrations in the central

and east central portion of the state. Soybean production amounts to 12.1% of total crop sales.

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PEANUTS

Peanuts

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Production by Counties, 1972 Georgia Crop Reporting Service

1 dot = 1,000,000 Pounds

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Georgia leads the nation in the production of peanuts. 512,000 acres of peanuts concentrated in the southwest and southcentral areas produced an income of

$217,430,000 in 1973, 23.4% of total crop sales. Farmers throughout the state tried to

grow peanuts as an alternate source of income to cotton but low prices in the 30's dis-

couraged planting except in the most productive areas. With little fertilizer used and

the peanut plants, as legumes, supplying their own nitrogen, the crop drained other

plant foods from the soil. Improved fertilizers and cultural practices now have

corrected this situation. Government price support programs helped improve and

stabilize peanut prices and World War II stimulated demand. Highest total produc-

tion was reached in 1973 when 1,344,000,000 pounds were produced.

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VEGETABLES
Value Vegatables Sold by Counties 1969 Census of Agriculture 1 dot = $20,000
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Georgia has made considerable progress in recent years with its upward trend in both production and quality of its vegetables. Volume of vegetables processed, especially frozen products, has increased. Some vegetables are not produced in substantial volume in other sections of the country and much of the nation's supply comes from Georgia. In 1944, Georgia led the nation in watermelon, pimiento pepper and sweet potato production. It continues to rank high in these productions. Other major crops grown are tomatoes, cabbage, snap beans, squash, okra, turnip greens and sweet corn. Truck crops produce a farm income of $62,651,000 in 1973,1.6% of crop sales.
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PEACHES

Number Peach Trees All Ages by Counties
Farms With Sales $2500 and Over 1969 Census of Agriculture 1 dot = 10.000 trees
Peach County - 479,290 trees Crawford County - 421,400 trees

Peaches were planted by early settlers to supply fruit for family use. Development of the Elberta variety by the Rumph family in Macon County laid the foundation for development of the state's peach industry. Though there were more than TA million trees in 1900, it was 1920 before any commercial movements were recorded. Peak average price per bushel $5.25 in 1943 and the highest value was over $21 million in 1945. The number of peach trees in Georgia has declined in recent years. Production of peaches in 1973 revealed 100,000,000 pounds and $15,487,000 income. Georgia ranks fourth in the nation in the production of peaches, with concentrations in central Georgia.
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PECANS
Number Pecan Trees All Ages by Counties 1969 Census of Agriculture 1 dot = 2.000 trees
Dougherty County - 212.928 trees Mitchell County - 20.285 trees
Pecans, a tree nut, probably grew wild when the first white settlers came to Georgia. Interest in pecan production was stimulated by the discovery and propagation of the "improved varieties", usually larger with a thinner shell than the seedling pecans. Interest in pecans has been particularly keen in the Albany area. There were a quarter of a million nut trees in Dougherty County in 1920, and nearly 600,000 pecan trees in 1925 -- about one-fourth of the state's total. Dougherty County still ranks first in the nation in number of trees. Georgia leads the nation in production of pecans, of which the Stuart variety is most prominent. 1973 statistics show a production of 100,000,000 pounds.
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WHEAT
Wheat Production by Counties, 1972 Georgia Crop Reporting Service
1 dot = 5.000 Bushels
Georgia's climate is not particularly favorable to wheat production. Insect damage delays planting to fall or winter and spring rains encourage rust and other fungus disease that reduce wheat yields. Wheat acreage in Georgia reached 520,000 acres in 1876, but declined to only 93,000 in 1908. World War I flour shortages and the depression spurred interest, though it was 1926 before 11 bushels per acre were harvested. Now, wheat is distributed through Georgia on 120,000 acres and produced a yield of 3,240,000 pounds in 1973.
HOGS AND PIGS
Hogs and Pigs on Farms, December 1, 1972
Georgia Crop Reporting Service 1 dot = 1,000 Hogs and Pigs
More than 80 percent of the 310,000 farms in Georgia in 1920 had hogs and pigs. Most of the pork was consumed on the farms where produced, until after the late 30's when sales surpassed value of home consumption each year. The highest number of hogs reached 2,350,000 in 1919 and were valued at $17.50 each. Values declined during the depression to $3.40 a head in 1933. Today swine production has become specialized and some farmers have several hundred brood sows producing two litters of 8 to 10 pigs each per year. This enterprise contributes $191,204,000 to the state's cash farm receipts, 9.4% of total income from farm commodities.
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CATTLE AND CALVES
Cattle and Calves on Georgia Farms 1973 Georgia Crop Reporting Service 1 dot = 1.000 Cattle and Calves
Specialization has become widespread in Georgia's cattle industry since World War II. Many dairymen now buy their milk in cartons, while until the late 1940's the family milk cow was commonplace. On January 1,1970, Georgia ranked 21st among the states in number of all cattle and calves and 29th in number of milk cows. Prior to 1900, the value of cattle averaged less than $15 a head, quite a contrast to $205 a head that they are bringing for 1973. Cattle and calves accounted for 11.3% of the state's cash farm income with a production of $231,066,000.
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CHICKEN AND EGGS
Number Broilers Sold by Counties 1964 Census of Agriculture 1 dot = 500.000 Broilers Foresyth County 23.941.081 Broilers
The chicken and egg business in the state during the last decade has increased tremendously and is a marked change from the small individual farm flock that was prevalent in 1940. Georgia did not produce as many eggs as its people consumed prior to 1957. Up until this time a considerable portion of eggs used to hatch broiler chicks were supplied by other states. Since then, both segments of the industry have continued to grow and it is probable that as much as half the 1968 commercial egg production was shipped outside the state. California is the only state that exceeds Georgia in egg production, even though Georgia ranks first in the nation in all chickens and eggs (including broilers). The income from eggs is exceeded by only one commodity broilers. 1973 totals show an income of $268,812,000, 13.2% of cash farm receipts.
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BROILERS
Number Broilers and Other Meat Type Chickens Sold - Less Than 3 Months Old
by Counties Farms With Sales $2500 and Over
1969 Census of Agriculture 1 dot = 500.000 Broilers
The production of commercial broilers in Georgia had its beginning in the mid 1930's. In 1934, the first year estimates were made, there were 400,000 broilers produced in the state. Today it is not uncommon to see broiler houses of 10,000 capacity and broiler farms of 40,000, all produced under contract. More than 85% of production is exported. The peak in broiler production in Georgia was reached in 1966 when 456 million birds were produced and had a value of $225 million. Georgia now ranks second in broiler production to Arkansas with a total of 413 million birds and a value of $366,762,000, more income than from any other farm commodity.
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Forest Products
Pulpwood Production 1971 (Forest Service USDA) 1 dot = 3,000 cords
Four species of pine -- loblolly, slash, longleaf and shortleaf -- furnish the bulk of forest products in Georgia. Oak, gum and poplar are the most commonly used hardwoods accounting for 80 percent of the hardwood timber produced.
Georgia's pulpwood industry began in the early 1930's when Dr. Charles Herty developed a method using pine pulp in paper board and kraft paper production.
The turpentine/rosin (now called naval stores) production developed as one of Georgia's first industries and yielded approximately 85 percent of the nation's total in 1974.
Naval stores as a by-product of paper pulp manufacture is an important source of wood chemicals and has replaced gum resin as the largest source of turpentine and rosin. Gum resin is produced by cutting grooves in the living pine tree and collecting the resulting flow of gum in metal cups attached to the tree. Only slash and longleaf pines yield gum resin.
Georgia manufactures many other products which originated in the forest, such as furniture, plywood, and particle board. Forest products industries were Georgia;s third largest employer in 1971.
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HORSE AND PONY INDUSTRY

In the last ten years the equine industry in Georgia has experienced unprecedented rate of growth.
In 1969 in cooperation with the Cooperative Extension Service, the Georgia Department of Agriculture made an effort to survey the horse and pony population. The sample survey indicated that at that time there were probably more than 150,000 horses and ponies in the State.
However as this was a first effort many equestrians feel that that estimate is conservative and therefore an accurate or definite estimate of this economically valuable industry cannot be stated.
Of interest, however, was the number of breeds represented in the State, most prevalent being the Quarterhorse, the Shetland Pony and the Tennessee Walker. Mixed breeds accounted for a large portion. Other breeds ablely represented included the Welsh Pony, American Saddlebred, Appaloosa, Standardbred, Arabian, Palomino, Thoroughbred and Morgans.

GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL

COMMODITY COMMISSIONS

In 1961, the Georgia Constitution was amended to provide for Agricultural Commodity Commissions, commodity groups that would join together by assessing themselves for promotion of their particular product. Since that time Georgia producers of Apple, Cotton*, Eggs*, Milk, Peaches, Peanuts*, Soybeans, Sweet Potatoes and Tobacco* have voted to form an ACC for the purpose of promotion, marketing, sales and improvement of the respective commodities. Five producers of the respective Commodity, the Commissioner of Agriculture, President of the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, State Auditor and Attorney General compose each Commodity Commission.

*A.C.C. for Cotton P.O. Box 5958 Athens, Georgia 40604

*ACC for Peanuts P. O. Box 967 Tifton, Georgia 31794

*ACC for Eggs State Farmers Market 16 Forest Parkway Forest Park, Georgia 30050

*ACC for Tobacco P.O. Box 396 Tifton, Georgia 31794

Information regarding the other Community Commissions may be obtained by writing the Commodity Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, 19 Hunter, St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

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Georgia State Farmers Market
Atlanta Market The State Farmers Market in Forest Park, Georgia, near Atlanta is considered to be the finest as well as the largest facility of its kind in the world. Due to this unique reputation, marketing specialists from other states and throughout the world visit Georgia frequently to pattern improvements or new markets for their states or countries from the Atlanta facility. Also a world trade center, the Atlanta Market offers produce to be bought and sold from most every country in the western hemisphere. Almost 85 million dollars worth of produce receipts pass through this facility annually supplying homeowners and supermarkets throughout Georgia and neighboring states.
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22 STATE MARKETS
In addition to the Atlanta Market, Georgia operates 22 other state farmers markets from Cairo to Blue Ridge. These markets, especially those in the smaller counties generally specialize in fruits and produce indigenous to their particular area.
Albany -- specializes in field peas, peaches, and lima beans with a business valued at approximately $141,000 annually. Athens -- over $175,000 of produce marketing especially in tomatoes, limas and watermelons. Augusta -- one of our largest markets, with SlA million per annum with emphasis on green corn, watermelons and southern field peas. Blue Ridge -- our corner on Georgia's apple and bell pepper market with $254,000 in receipts annually. Cairo -- 2 million dollars a year sold with over 180,000 bushels of okra accounting for a large part of this total revenue. Columbus -- more lima beans pass through this market than any other Georgia market -- 16,171 bushels at last count. Cordele -- 1 Vi million cantaloupes! Watermelons and southern field peas make up the main commodities with receipts of over 3 million per annum. Donalsonville -- our watermelon specialty center helping bring this market's annual receipts to over 7 million dollars. Glennville -- this southeast Georgia market does a good business in pnions and tomatoes with a business of $996,651.15 annually. Jesup -- over $180,000 of produce marketing, specializing in watermelons, southern field peas and lima beans. Macon -- receipts of over 10 million per annum compiled of mainly sweet potatoes, cabbage and collards. Moultrie -- watermelons, cantaloupes and cabbage are the main crops with receipts over IV2 million. Pelham -- three and a quarter million dollars worth of produce is sold in this southwest Georgia market annually. Savannah -- business valued at almost 6V2 million per year with largest sales in sweet potatoes and peaches. Thomasville -- Georgia's second largest market with over 15 million dollars in receipts. Tifton -- watermelons, cantaloupes and sweet potatoes with business valued at approximately $448,578.00 annually. Valdosta -- 2'/2 million dollars in sales with watermelons and sweet potatoes the main commodities.
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Agricultural Organizations

Agricultural Experiment Stations University of Georgia College of Agriculture 105 Conner Hall Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/542-2151

Primary function is to conduct scientific investigations into all aspects of agriculture, particularly as it affects the people of Georgia. Branch stations located in Griffin, Tifton, Blairsville, Calhoun, Eatonton, Midville and Plains.

Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
P. O. Box 1907 Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/546-2266

An agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture that administers by means of farm committees, programs dealing
with supply-demand payments, conservation of soil and water
resources, disaster insurance previsions and certain emergency programs.

Cooperative Extension Service University of Georgia College of Agriculture Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/542-2340

The Extension Service is the educational arm of Agriculture. Their primary purpose is to provide a county agent and home economist to serve every county in the state.

Farm Credit Bank Federal Land Bank P. O. Box 1499 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 (southern regional office)

Local farmer-owned organization through which farmers obtain longterm (up to 40 years) loans.

Farmers Home Administration 355 East Hancock Street Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/546-2162

Source of credit for farmers and others in rural areas who are unable to make loans through conventional agencies.

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Four-H Cooperative Extension Service Hoke Smith Annex University of Georgia Athens, Georgia 30602 Ph. 404/542-1971

Four-H is the youth phase of the Extension Service through which educational projects, in farming, homemaking, career development, citizenship, leadership and other youth development activities are carried out. Local groups organized through your local county agents.

Future Farmers of America 323 State Office Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 Ph. 404/656-4077

Aim of the F.F.A. is the development of agricultural leadership, cooperation and citizenship, organized through vocational agriculture programs in most Georgia schools.

Georgia Crop Reporting Service 1861 W. Broad Street Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/546-2237

Responsible for carrying out the Federal-State crop and livestock estimates and reporting services. This involves collecting, summarizing, evaluating data and releasing same relating to crops, livestock, poultry, prices and production resources pertinent to Georgia.

Georgia Farm Bureau 2374 Ingleside Drive Macon, Georgia 31204 Ph. 912/746-0581

Free, independent non-governmental voluntary organization of farm and ranch families united for the purpose of handling their problems and formulating action to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity and social advancement, thereby promoting the national welfare.

Livestock Market News 220 Federal Building Thomasville, Georgia 31792 Cattle - 912/226-9511 Swine - 912/746-1559
Soil Conservation Service P. O. Box 832 Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/546-2275

Federal-state agency responsible for daily quotations on the livestock market.
Gives technical assistance to individuals, groups, organizations and units of government in conservation land use planning and treatment. S.C.S. also has primary responsibility for the national soil survey, watershed protection and resource conservation and development.

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Soil Testing Service 2400 College Station Road Athens, Georgia 30601 Ph. 404/542-5350

Conducts tests to determine fertilizer requirements of the soil. Test results advise how much of what kind of plant food you should give your plants, soil
sample bags and instructions available from your county agent.

U.S.D.A. Agricultural Marketing Service
1718 Peachtree Street, N.W. Room 220 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Ph. 404/526-5155 Ph. 404/526-5981 - food stamp office

Administers a nation wide commodity market news program; marketing agreements and orders for milk, fruits, vegetables and selected, etc.; marketing regulatory programs to protect farm handlers and consumers from financial loss due to careless, deceptive or fradulent marketing practices; help producers promote foods and direct foods in abundant supply for use in the nation's school lunch program.

U.S.D.A. Animal / Plant Health Inspection
1718 Peachtree Street, N.W., Room 220 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Ph. 404/526-5155

Established to conduct regulatory and control programs to protect the wholesomeness of meat and poultry products for human consumption and to protect and improve animal and plant health for the benefit of man and his environment.

AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL

The Georgia Agribusiness Council, GAC, is a statewide organization of individuals, firms and related groups dedicated to promote and represent the agricultural interests of Georgia. Formed in 1966, it works to bring about a closer relationship between the agricultural and business leaders of the State. It also works to bring in agricultural-related industry to Georgia.
The program and policies of GAC are guided by a slate of Officers and a Board of Directors, elected by the membership. Administrative offices are located at 19 Hunter Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia. Charles E. Crowder is Executive Director.
The major goals of the Georgia Agribusiness Council are: Promote an increased awareness of Georgia's largest industry agriculture.
Agribusiness development - new and expanded agribusiness operations in Georgia. Promote domestic and export markets for our State's agricultural products.

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GEORGIA FIRSTS AND FACTS
Georgia was one of the original thirteen colonies and was one of the first four states to ratify the Constitution.
The first State Agricultural Experiment Station was founded in Savannah in 1735.
Georgia was a leader in providing higher learning at public expense and was the first to charter a state university -- the University of Georgia in 1785.
In 1793 Eli Whitney patented the first cotton gin which he invented. This gin was placed in operation near Washington. Georgia was the first state to grow cotton for commercial use and the first successfully operated cotton mill in the South, the Bolton Factory, was built in Wilkes County, Launcelot Johnstone, a Georgian, perfected the process by which cotton seed oil could be made from previously discarded cotton seed.
On May 20,1919, "The Savannah" was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. It departed from Savannah en route to England.
The first railroad in America was built on a platform near Savannah in 1820. The horse-drawn railroad operated for 46 years.
The first gold mining operation of importance in the United States was at Dahlonega, where a U. S. government mint was located from 1838 to 1861.
Wesleyan College at Macon was the first chartered college in the world for women. It opened in 1839.
In 1874 Georgia instituted the first State Department of Agriculture in the United States.
Bauxite, used to manufacture aluminum, was discovered in Georgia in 1887.
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Georgia Congressman Tom Watson secured the first federal appropriation for Rural Free Delivery in 1893. This service was started in 1896.
On March 2,1912, the Girl Scouts of America was formed in Savannah by Juliett Lowe. Her childhood home in Savannah has been purchased by the organization and made National Girl Scout Center.
In Charleston County lies a partof Okefenokee Swamp, one of the greatest submerged areas in North America, exceeded in size only by the Everglades of Florida and Dismal Swamp of Virginia. The Wren's nest, the former home of Joel Chandler Harris in Atlanta, received its name when a wren built her nest in the mailbox, and rather than disturb her, Mr. Harris built another mailbox. Mr. Harris is remembered as the creator of the "Uncle Remus" stories.
The 893 acres of tree-shaded squares and parks in Savannah, a city which abounds in historic houses and monuments, are an extension of the original ground plan designed by General James Edward Oglethorpe, who founded the colony of Georgia in 1733.
The first woman United States Senator was Mrs. Rebecca Felton of Cartersville. She took office in 1922, appointed by former Governor Thomas W. Hardwick.
The largest solid granite body in the world is Stone Mountain and is located near Atlanta. The mountain and 3,800 surrounding acres have been purchased by the state and developed into a beautiful recreation area and national tourist attraction.
The oldest orphanage still in service in America is Bethesda, near Savannah, opened in 1740. Bethesda, meaning "House of Mercy" served as a hospital aid during the War Between the States.
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UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA LIBBAR ES
3 ElDfl D5bfi3 D
Received OCT 111976
DOCUMENTS UGA LIBRARIES