Georgia Young Farmers Program An Educational Journey into

Georgia Young Farmers’ Program “An Educational Journey into Georgia Agriculture” Draft November 9, 2006

Our Background… The Georgia Young Farmer Program is administered by the Department of Education. The Georgia Young Farmer Association is a component of the Georgia Young Farmer Program. - The GYF Association is the Leadership aspect. - The GYF Program is to provide instruction in agriculture.

Our Program’s Mission… “…to provide educational, leadership, and networking opportunities to agriculture education students and adults interested in agriculture, which assist them in achieving their personal goals and creating a more viable and sustainable agriculture industry in Georgia. ”

Our Association’s Mission… …“to provide lifelong learning, leadership development, and networking opportunities to our members and to increase agricultural awareness among all citizens. ”

Our History… Initiated in 1951 — An outgrowth of the Veterans’ Farm Training Program 1951 -1971 — Served as an instructional program coordinated by a full-time young farmer teachers 1971 — Georgia Young Farmers Association was organized as an extension of the instructional program The purpose of Georgia’s program is for the coordination of state level activities and to provide leadership activities for young farmer members.

Our Teachers… …teach one in-school class. …provide organized and instructional classes for members. …offer Leadership Training to all members. …are available for on-farm instruction. …are the Advisors of the Local Georgia Young Farmer Chapter. …will provide individual instruction upon request. …stay up-to-date with technology that will be helpful to GYF members. …provide instruction for special groups, such as our Young Farmer Spouse Program.

Our Goals… To provide instruction to meet the current needs of the agricultural industry. To provide instruction to meet the needs of cutting edge technology in agriculture. To provide opportunities for farmers and agribusiness to share the best practices.

Our Goals… To provide opportunities for farmers and agribusiness to participate in group discussions. To provide instruction for skill development to meet the needs of the agricultural industry. To provide instruction for the application of leadership and personal skill development in the agricultural industry.

Our Goals… To provide an opportunity for farmers and agribusiness to expand the mental capacity of the agricultural industry. To provide instruction to increase the managerial skills needed to operate an agricultural enterprise. To provide an opportunity for individuals to increase the values for our society.

Our Leadership… County Young Farmer Chapter Officers Regional Directors State Officers

Our Awards… Outstanding Chapter President Outstanding Chapter Outstanding Farm Family Spokesperson for Agriculture Outstanding Young Farmer Member Terrell Weeks Memorial Scholarship

Our Opportunities… Leadership Technical On-farm Assistance Networking Opportunities Community Improvement

Our Importance… -Young Farmer Programs are based on community needs. -In a research study by Lee and Associates, Superintendents and Local School Board Chairpersons were found to value Young Farmer Education. Young Farmer Programs are Important to the Community. 1 = Strongly Disagree 5 = Strongly Agree Young Farmer Program Adult Education Superintendents 3. 54 3. 84 Local School Board Chairs 4. 04 4. 17

Our Locations… GYFA had 3850 members in 2005. There were also 77 charters in 2005. GYFA has claimed the largest membership in the nation for over 24 years. There are forty-nine full time YF teachers in Georgia.

Our Members are… …not just farmers. …farmers, part-time farmers, producers, processors, salesmen, as well as, doctors, teachers, and community leaders. …anyone who is in support of agriculture and agriculture education. …people like YOU!

Our Contacts… If you are interested in becoming a Georgia Young Farmer Member, please contact your local chapter or regional office. If you are interested in starting a Georgia Young Farmer Program in your community, please contact your region office or the state office listed below. Georgia Young Farmer Association ABAC 34 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31794 229. 386. 3429 Fax 229. 386. 3457