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University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Fall2008
Fall 2009
Engineering
Independence
TEACHING • RESEARCH • EXTENSION a publication forFour alumni
all 2009 and friends
• Southscapes •1
From Ag Hill
Volume Five • Issue Two
Southscapes is published semiannually Dear Alumni and Friends,
for alumni, friends and supporters
of the University of Georgia College Growing up hearing stories about the Great Depression On the Cover
12
of Agricultural and Environmental makes us wonder if the economic conditions we face today
Sciences by the CAES Office of College
Advancement and produced by the CAES
will set a new benchmark for future generations. In the Engineering Independence
midst of these volatile times, there are stories of struggles
Office of Communications. and triumphs. There are also opportunities to make cultural,
William “Billy” Fletcher describes his office as half doctor’s
pragmatic changes that often can only be born of necessity.
And, there are some bright-shining lights in this dim office, half body shop. Fletcher (left) is using his CAES
economic picture. engineering degree as a prosthetist.
Sharon Dowdy
Managing Editor Agriculture is among the brightest.
Brad Haire/Faith Peppers Added pressures of the economic downturn, backlash
John Amis
Juli Fields/Stephanie Schupska
from food safety breaches and pending policy addressing
Amanda Swennes
Copy Editors
climate change are forcing the world to rethink how we Scott Angle
produce, market, trade and transport food. We must reduce
Stanley Leary
Cindy Allen carbon emissions, find alternatives to fossil fuels, increase the focus on food safety and
Graphic Designer carefully consider international policy affecting how we can produce enough food to feed Cover PHOTO BY Stanley Leary
the growing population. How we address these challenges will largely be answered in the
Allie Byrd/Sharon Dowdy classrooms, research facilities and Extension programs of American land-grant universities.
Juli Fields/Brad Haire
4 Prolific Peanut Production Features
4
Faith Peppers /Stephanie Schupska
Contributing Writers Keeping these vital programs moving against the current of dwindling budgets will be a
challenge. I am confident we, and our colleagues across the country, are up to the challenge
John Amis /Allie Byrd/Sharon Dowdy
Paul Efland/Juli Fields/Jim Fitts
Stanley Leary/Doug Makemson
of recruiting, educating and training a strong agricultural workforce. The University of
Georgia continues to draw the brightest minds from across the state, the nation and the
world. It’s our job to make sure those incoming students know about the opportunities
6 Lust for Local
Blane Marable/Stephen Morton available in agriculture. Research
9
Jay Oliver/Dot Paul
Stephanie Schupska/April Sorrow Teachers Make the Grade
Contributing Photographers A recent UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development study shows that by
2016 there will be twice as many agricultural jobs available in Georgia as there are students
graduating from Georgia colleges in agriculture-related programs. That often puts agriculture
10
J. Scott Angle
Dean and Director graduates in the enviable situation of picking a position rather than searching for work. Water Ways
9
College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences
A UGA Career Center survey showed that less than six percent of CAES graduates said they
Teaching
Robert K. Cooper
Senior Director of Development
were still seeking employment, compared to numbers as high as 31 percent in other UGA
colleges. Their starting salaries, including bonuses, are second among UGA colleges behind
15 Q&A with “Bo” Ryles
and Alumni Relations only the Terry College of Business. And, CAES tops all UGA colleges in the percentage of
16
Office of College Advancement students attending graduate school, with 34 percent seeking advanced degrees.
Student Spotlight
Juli Fields
Many students come to CAES following family tradition and dedication to an agrarian way
Director of Alumni Relations
of life. Others choose agriculture as an extension of their curiosity about science. Still others
10
17
Office of College Advancement
find agricultural careers the answer to an altruistic calling to help their fellow man. No CAES Notes
Maria Bowie matter why they choose agriculture, the future is bright.
Outreach
Interim Director
20
Office of Communications
Lead Dogs
Suggestions? Questions? Sincerely,
www.uga-caesalumni.com/southscapes
sharono@uga.edu
23 Alumni Line
6
J. Scott Angle Extension
Dean and Director
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
This issue of Southscapes was funded by the Eterna Fund, a unique, endowed fund that
provides financial assistance to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution Environmental Sciences Alumni Association.
2 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 3
Research
Prolific
Peanut Rx, growers can greatly reduce have peanut research programs. “CAES peanut chips and peanut crackers. They’re
costs,” Beasley said. provides the qualified staff and the also working on peanut pasta, a peanut
Peanuts are also affected by what Georgia Peanut Commission provides puff snack food and a peanut burger.
happens in Washington, D.C., where seed money in a partnership that CAES researchers are developing
Peanut
decisions are made that can help provides needed research for Georgia products with added health benefits, too.
or hurt farmers, said Stanley Fletcher, producers,” Chase said. Funded in part by a multi-year,
a CAES economist and coordinator Planting, growing and harvesting is $1 million U.S. Peanut CRSP grant,
of the National Center for Peanut only half the battle. CAES food science CAES food scientist Anna Resurreccion
Competitiveness. researchers find new and improved ways modified peanuts in her Griffin laboratory
Production
The center created and maintains for people to benefit from and enjoy the to increase their level of resveratrol, an
model farms, which are composites nutritional value of peanuts. antioxidant that protects against cancer,
made from information from real farms. Food scientists and nutritionists heart disease and Alzheimer’s, and delays
They simulate different growing regions have helped to increase U.S. peanut the aging process. These modified peanuts
in Georgia and other states. When a consumption by 14 percent over the past have up to 12 times more resveratrol than
regulatory or policy issue comes up, five years, said Rakesh Singh, head of red wine.
Promoting & protecting the legume’s legacy in Georgia agriculture Fletcher and his staff plug in the scenario the CAES food science and technology “This technology will help increase
to see how it would impact the farms department. the number of product lines made using
and send that information to the right This research is often funded by resveratrol-enhanced peanuts and will
By Brad Haire and Sharon Dowdy decision-makers. Georgia farmers through funds they pay give the manufacturers a competitive
Earlier this decade, the federal advantage,” Resurreccion said.
I
to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
t has been said that if God intended government ended the Depression-era which are administered by the National A chocolate peanut spread, Vitamin-A
to create a place to grow peanuts, peanut quota program, which regulated Peanut Board and Georgia Agricultural fortified peanut butter and a reduced-
it surely was Georgia’s Coastal Plain prices and how many and where peanuts Commodity Commission. calorie, cracker-coated peanut snack
region with its sandy, loamy soil and long could be grown. Today, peanuts compete “[Checkoff] funds are used for were also developed from the project.
growing season. nationally and internationally for market research projects in the Southeastern The fortified peanut butter is sold
“Unfortunately, that same share, something new for the crop, said United States,” Singh said. “So actually, commercially in the Philippines, where
environment makes for near-perfect Nathan Smith, a UGA Cooperative farmers are funding projects that will 35 percent of preschool children are
conditions for disease and insect Extension economist. help create a demand for their crops.” Vitamin-A deficient.
outbreaks,” said John Beasley, a College Georgia is one of the most diversified The Federal Collaborative Research CAES will continue to help the peanut
of Agricultural and Environmental agricultural states in the country, he said, and Support Program for Peanuts, fight its challenges in both the field and
Sciences agronomist. and peanuts are just one part of most housed on the Griffin campus, provides the market place. Its economic weight has
To help farmers fend off diseases and farming operations. $450,000 annually for peanut food loomed large in Georgia for a century,
insects – the legume’s primary enemies – “There are no farms in Georgia that science research, said Tim Williams, the and likely will for centuries more. It’s
CAES faculty and staff conduct hundreds just grow peanuts,” he said. “Many grow program’s director. almost like the state was made to grow
of research trials across the state each three or four other crops along with Peanut products created by CAES them.
year. The information from these tests livestock, too. We gather the information researchers include peanut-butter tarts,
saves farmers millions of dollars and adds growers need and present it in a way that Sharon Dowdy Courtesy of Georgia Peanut Commission
Jay Oliver
millions more to the crop’s value. they can tailor to their own operations to
To stay in business, farmers primarily UGA peanut agronomist John Beasley (left) and research assistant John Paulk collect data from make the best choices on acreage, inputs
need cultivars that can produce high peanut test plots on the UGA Tifton campus. and marketing.”
yields in Georgia’s disease-friendly County agents are also essential to the
environment, he said. For decades, the Then CAES released Georgia Green, departments to create Peanut Rx, an communication chain, as farmers often
University of Georgia peanut breeding a TSWV-resistant variety that literally index tool that assigns numbers to dozens view them as the face of the college.
program has met this need. saved the industry. Last year, the disease of cultivars and production techniques. “Farmers benefit greatly from having
In the mid-‘90s, the Tomato Spotted affected only 1 percent of the peanut It provides guidance on planting date, information and updates on research
Wilt Virus threatened the industry’s crop, costing farmers $2 million to insecticides, row pattern, tillage methods provided to them through their local
sustainability. Old varieties were too $3 million, Beasley said. The program and plant population. Based on their agricultural Extension agent,” said
susceptible to the disease, which continues to release more-improved personal management decisions, farmers Donald Chase, chairman of the Georgia
damaged 12 percent of the 1997 varieties. add the numbers to gauge their annual Peanut Commission research committee.
Georgia produces 45 percent of the peanuts grown in the United States. To help growers increase
crop, costing $40 million in losses or To fight other diseases, CAES disease risk. CAES research benefits both farmers
their markets, CAES scientists have developed a host of new peanut-based products, including the
preventive measures. researchers pool information from several “By using improved cultivars and the in Georgia and those in states that don’t cracker nuts shown above left.
4 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 5
Extension
Lust Local
8:34 a.m. That’s part of the reason the Hawkinsville
By now, egg vendor Tim Gray has sold market opened. Plus, it’s starting to spark
out. Gray increased the size of his flock the town back to life.
for
because of the market, but still can’t keep “Really, these efforts – the farmers
up with the demand. By 11 a.m., most market, working on the river park, the
of the produce vendors will also be sold peaches to the beaches annual yard sale
out, including the peach growers who – they’re all starting to work together to
drive up from Fort Valley. make Hawkinsville a place to come on
The Roswell and Athens markets are Saturdays,” Barentine said.
Extension-led farmers markets meet farmers’ and consumers’ needs just two examples of UGA Extension-led
markets operating across the state. In
By Stephanie Schupska Pulaski County, Extension agent Ronnie
Barentine’s biggest challenge is having
enough produce. His farmers also sell
Saturday, 6:00 a.m.
Stephanie Schupska
during the week, which is why he’s
The sun still hasn’t cracked the night hoping for a location to start a daily
sky with light when Louise Estabrook farmers market.
Stephanie Schupska
In Athens, flowers — whether a single stem
heaves her new red and black or an armful — are part of the farmers market Five years ago, Barentine, a few
tailgating tent into the back of her attraction. transplants from Atlanta, local farmers
truck. She checks to make sure none and the Hawkinsville Better Hometown
Juan Pablo Diaz (right) prepares bags of
of her sticky notes have fallen off her
7:20 a.m. Authority started the Hawkinsville tamales, fried bean dip, guacamole and molé
Back in Roswell, a vendor yells a Farmers Market. Before then, the local for his customers.
poster board before grabbing her
greeting to Estabrook: “Good morning, farmers would travel to Cordele and
cowboy hat.
She’s ready for another summer
cowgirl! How are you?” Estabrook checks Macon to sell their harvests. “They would 8:54 a.m.
him in and then tells her UGA Extension set up at vacant lots around town and Back in Roswell, Leslie Reed is
Saturday at the Riverside Farmers
– Fulton County Master Gardener sell, too,” he said. loading up on her favorite market
Market. Partnering with the City of
volunteers where she wants the Extension The Cordele State Farmers Market purchases. “We do a walk at the river,
Roswell, Estabrook helped start and
tent set up. has been open since the late 1940s and and then we make ourselves ill eating,”
now manages the Certified-Georgia-
At both the Roswell and Athens is one of 15 state farmers markets listed Reed said. She buys tamales by the
Grown market, one of a number of
markets, Master Gardeners are on on the Georgia.gov Web site. Some are dozen from Juan Pablo Diaz of Zocalo’s
fast-growing local markets led by
hand to answer questions ranging from Restaurant. He also sells refried bean dip,
Stephanie Schupska
University of Georgia Cooperative still booming, but that doesn’t make
composting to canning. them easily accessible for all Georgians. molé, salsas and tortillas.
Extension agents.
“Oh, more people are coming,”
Estabrook said. “It gets crazy here.”
6:31 a.m. and directs vendors to their spots in the from,” Tedrow said. “The Athens area has
Estabrook pulls into Riverside Park closed parking lot. responded extremely well to having the 8:00 a.m.
on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. She’s expecting 44 vendors today. market. There’s a tremendous support Estabrook hands me a cowbell. She
On weekdays, she works as a UGA Estabrook welcomed eight vendors when here for the smaller farmer.” doesn’t usually share the honor, but this
Extension agent in north Fulton County. she opened the market last year. The Athens used to have a state farmers Saturday, I’m in charge of walking up and
On Saturdays, she’s the market manager. market’s rapid growth and popularity market, but the building where it was down the market with her, ringing the
“If people can’t make it to my office follows increasing consumer demand for housed now sits abandoned except for bell to ceremoniously open the market.
during the work week, there’s not much fresh, locally grown produce. local farmers who drop off prepaid orders
recourse for them,” she said. “Just for At the same time Estabrook arrives at on Thursdays. 8:12 a.m.
being a sixth day for the office, it’s great.” the Roswell market, to the east in Clarke “Part of my work with Extension is A lady leaves the market with three
Courtesy of Pulaski County Extension
A few minutes later, early-rising County, Extension agent Amanda Tedrow answering the questions of local farmers,” reusable bags full of produce.
runners cut through the fog by the river. is pulling into the Athens Farmers Market. Tedrow said. “And one of their needs was “Sometimes customers bring chairs to
Vendors arrive with their produce, She’s at Bishop Park to help vendors and having a place to sell their produce. So set up in front of their favorite vendors”
breads, flowers, soaps, candles, salsa, set up the Extension booth. we all worked together.” as they wait for the market to open,
coffee and plants. Estabrook checks “There’s definitely been a trend The Saturday market now averages Estabrook said. To be fair, she doesn’t let
her board and adjusts her sticky notes across the country to get back to local 1,500 people. “Opening day we had anyone buy or sell early as many vendors Beans are sold from the back of a truck at the Hawkinsville Farmers Market. Here, a long chat
– each one has a vendor’s name on it – foods and know where your food came 1,800 people,” she said. sell out quickly. and fresh produce go hand-in-hand for farmers and customers.
6 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 7
Teaching
Teachers Make
the Grade By Faith Peppers and
Stephanie Schupska
A sk any former or current
College of Agricultural and
Environmental Sciences student to list
“I have never enjoyed a lab more than
this one,” reported one of Compton’s
students. “Hands-on surgery, assays and
Stephanie Schupska their favorite things about the college and disease experiments clarified a lot of the
Patty Smith (left) and her daughters Caitlin you’ll always hear comments like this... information given in class.”
and Cara judge a pie contest in Athens. Patty’s “My professors always seemed to really Compton’s teaching philosophy is
favorite, the onion tart, won out over the
care about me.” “The faculty gave me as simple as his approach: “Come to
tomato (Caitlin’s favorite), blueberry-carrot
(Cara’s favorite) and blueberry pies. one-on-one personal attention.” “I really class, take good notes and ask questions,
Paul Efland
loved the way Dr. X taught his classes. review your notes periodically and you
Stephanie Schupska
He made it fun and I can still recall the will do fine in this course.”
9:30 a.m.
Kim and Ed Janosik of Sundance Farms in Danielsville straighten their table after a morning filled information today.” Perhaps the greatest testament to
In Athens, Tedrow passes out forks.
with a steady stream of customers at the Athens Farmers Market. CAES is full of faculty who strive Compton’s teaching ability is the number
For $5, customers get four slices and a
to challenge their students in new of education students who take his class
chance to name the best pie. The Vidalia
and creative ways. Poultry science not to learn about poultry, but to learn
onion tart wins out over the blueberry,
tomato and blueberry-carrot. Randall 10:15 a.m. 12:00 p.m. professor Mark Compton and agricultural how to teach.
The vegetables in the Dragonfly The markets close down with the economics professor Michael Wetzstein Across campus, Michael Wetzstein is
Abney and his wife Carolyn, who baked
Farms’ booth have dwindled down to a clang of a bell in Roswell and with the are just two examples. known for the textbook on microeconomic
the savory pie, moved to Athens in part
few peppers and a squash. David and clunk of tables being folded in Athens. “Students describe Dr. Compton theory he authored that is now used at
because of the farmers market.
Marie Arnal of the Atlanta Bee Factory The Hawkinsville market will stay open as ‘electric,’” said Mike Lacy, MIT and Harvard, as well as his 30-year
“When we came here last year,
are mixing up more honey lemonade. into the afternoon, giving attendees poultry science department head. teaching tenure. His day-to-day passion
there was just a corner of tents,” she
“People absolutely love the market,” plenty of time to buy a Mennonite-made “His enthusiasm in the classroom is for his students and for his field sets him
said. “Now, there’s no more room to put
Estabrook said. “From the viewpoint cake or a watermelon or two, as well as legendary.” apart.
another tent. They’re really doing a good
of the vendors, it has truly become a continue a conversation. Compton, who teaches avian “His approach to teaching is a unique
job with things.”
anatomy and physiology, is perhaps so blend of high energy, constant interaction
Dot Paul
family unit. We’ve all become good
9:45 a.m. friends.” Until the market closes at noon, 12:07 p.m. orthodox that he is unorthodox. When and humor,” said former student Anna Above: Michael Wetzstein; Below: Mark
Estabrook will circulate through the Estabrook hugs Will Jackson before most professors turn to technology to Kelso. “I found I was able to stay with Compton
In Roswell, chefs show the crowd
market answering questions, chatting he drives away in his truck. He says he enhance classroom lectures, he reverts to him as he described complex concepts
how to make an easy summer soup
with vendors and helping out where she’s works harder as a farmer now than he did the old-fashioned chalkboard. And, his and economic models. Because he our profession,” said Octavio Ramirez,
called gazpacho. It’s filled with market
needed. when he worked on “all of the computer students love it. invested so much of himself into each head of the CAES Department of
staples like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions
Last year, she spent this time begging systems in the 1960s and 70s” at the “He wasn’t into all the new class, I felt inspired to do the same.” Agricultural and Applied Economics.
and garlic.
vendors to sell at the market. Now she Atlanta Journal-Constitution. PowerPoint presentation-type stuff,” said T. Jeffrey Price, who completed his Wetzstein also helps his colleagues
one student of Compton’s chalkboard doctorate under Wetzstein and now step ahead in their careers. CAES
10:00 a.m. doesn’t have room for more. Estabrook finishes a discussion with a
Master Gardener as her husband and son drawings. “It was more personal,” she works for the Virginia Department of associate professor Luanne Lohr said he
A local acoustic band, Synerganic,
11:47 a.m. pack up her tent. She’s completed her said, “drawing your attention in and Transportation, agrees. was the first person in the department to
fills the air with music and the market is
Estabrook gathers children volunteers Saturday Extension work, and she’s happy allowing for participation.” “When dropping in to speak with offer peer evaluations.
at its most crowded.
to ring the cowbell to close out the about a job well done. After all, being “My attention never left that Michael, I would often find him reading “I credit Dr. Wetzstein’s continued
Soap maker Jennifer Rosenthal of
market. at the market is “good visibility for UGA blackboard until the end of class and researching material for upcoming willingness to review my course materials
Indigo Bath and Body says the Roswell
Cooperative Extension – Fulton County,” where not a smidgen of it had been left lectures, even though he had taught and respond to my suggested changes
market is about more than just food. It’s
she said. undiscovered.” the class 20 times before,” Price said. with improving my overall teaching
also about education. Children who visit
For more information on Georgia Compton often uses a mix of CD “He has both the gift and passion for performance,” she said. “In 14 years at
her booth learn how soap is made, which
farmers markets, visit www.pickyourown. study aids, a quiz show contest and teaching.” UGA, I have never heard a student say
she views as an introduction to chemistry.
org/GAfarmersmarkets.htm or www. comprehensive labs to provide a unique “His teaching skills and devotion to anything negative about Dr. Wetzstein.”
localharvest.org. educational experience for his students. student learning are widely renowned in
8 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 9
Outreach
Water Ways
responsible irrigation and forestry them to the many habitats along the Flint
practices in southwest Georgia, donated River and the creatures that call its banks
133 acres of his land to Mitchell County home. There they learned how it all can
to lease to CAES to establish the park. be protected for future generations to
Since his death, Stripling’s family has enjoy.
continued to be water management and And on the third day, there was
4-H’ers Navigate Water Education Camp conservation leaders in the area. To help
the 4H2O summer campers, the Stripling
splashing, as campers visited Water
World in Dothan, Ala. They learned how
family donated 75 percent of the camp’s water is used for entertainment, lessons
By Brad Haire
total cost, estimated to be $100 per the kids likely already knew.
P laying under the water sprinkler isn’t an unusual
way for children living in Georgia to cool off on a
hot summer day. Standing under one that can dump a
thousand gallons in just minutes is. And it’s a cool
way to learn an important lesson about the state’s
most valuable resource.
B efore they can respect it or better
conserve it, children need to learn
the important roles water plays in their
Dougherty, Baker, Worth and Decatur
counties saw firsthand how water is used
wisely for farming in their area and why.
lives. From streams and rivers to irrigation They learned how the Floridan
and food to just plain refreshing fun, aquifer – the region’s largest underground
Brad Haire
Rad Yager
Brad Haire
water touches everyone, said Jennifer water supply – is recharged with rainfall
Grogan, county 4-H agent for University during a typical year, and how a pump Left: Steve Rainey with the Georgia Youth
Science and Technology Centers tests the
of Georgia Cooperative Extension and well are used to draw water from it an ecological treasure not just for the student. They will continue to do so for To measure any improvements in the
water quality of the Flint River outside the Flint
in Mitchell County. It’s the essential and other sources. Experts showed them state, but for the entire country.” the next several years, too. students’ water-related knowledge, Yager RiverQuarium in Albany, Georgia.
ingredient to life and a healthy economy, cutting-edge technology that farmers use For this reason, the Stripling Stripling’s son, Charles, charged the said, they took a written test before the
particularly in southwest Georgia, she camp. They took the same test again after Center: Learning how water is used to
to conserve water, putting just the right park facility has been a platform for students at the camp to become their
help farmers grow healthy, plentiful crops,
said. amount on fields to grow healthy crops educational programs for adults in the own leaders and wise users of water for the camp. For the sixth-graders, scores a Decatur County 4-H’er helps take a
Grogan started the three-day 4H2O while protecting rivers and streams. area for several years, he said. This their generation. improved by 60 percent. The seventh- measurement to calibrate a center pivot
summer camp last year to literally get the The 4-H’ers also helped calibrate a summer was the first time an in-depth “You will be learning a lot about graders more than doubled their scores. irrigation system.
hands of area 4-H’ers wet with learning. 260-foot center pivot irrigation system. program was developed at the park for water during this week, but you will “I felt that this camp was a great Right: 4-H students get wet under a center
“Many kids don’t understand about They played tug-of-war with a tractor. such a young audience. deal with the issue of water use and success for our children in south Georgia. pivot irrigation system at the UGA C.M.
water. They think you just go turn on Who won? It depends on who you ask. The park is in the heart of the state’s management for the rest of your life,” The hands-on experiences at this camp Stripling Irrigation Research Park.
the faucet and there it is,” Grogan said. “We feel like these 4-H’ers are heaviest agricultural water-use area: Stripling told the inaugural campers. “We helped the children better understand
“With this camp, we want them to our future leaders and policymakers, the Dougherty Plain. It is where water are proud you are here. Let this be the about our water and how precious it is
understand the connection of all aspects and they need to start understanding research and outreach programs are first day for you to begin your education to our community,” said Jenny Cranford,
of water, which is one of our main the complexity of our water resources conducted by both UGA College of on how to be responsible stewards of a Mitchell County teacher who attended
focuses in 4-H.” and water demands,” said Rad Yager, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences water and its management.” the camp along with her son Palmer.
On a hotter-than-normal June day outreach director for the Stripling park. and U.S. Department of Agriculture After the lesson in agricultural water “The camp gave me lots of ideas and
at the UGA C.M. Stripling Irrigation “Our regional economy is very much scientists. use, the students spent their second day resources that I can use in my 5th grade
Research Park near Camilla, Ga., 68 tied to our water resources. ... Southwest In 2000, then 80-year-old C.M. at the Flint RiverQuarium in Albany, Ga., science class.”
middle school 4-H’ers from Mitchell, Georgia’s rivers, creeks and swamps are Stripling, an early advocate of where ecological experts introduced
10 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 11
Engineering Independence
CAES graduate lends more than a hand to his patients Having been a 4-H summer camp patients with wound and edema care and
counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, the guides them through the process of being
Story by Sharon Dowdy opportunity was tailor-made for him. fitted for prostheses. On the other, he and
Photos by Stanley Leary Fletcher served as an ACA counselor for his staff build artificial limbs.
T
oday, Fletcher is using three summers. “We help patients [who have] partial
his University of Next, Fletcher enrolled in graduate missing fingers [and] those who are
Georgia biological school at the University of Connecticut to missing both arms up to the collar bone,”
engineering degree study prosthetics and orthotics. Fletcher said.
as a prosthetist and “My undergraduate degree at Georgia
(Continued on next page)
orthotist with Hanger Prosthetics and really prepared me for graduate school,”
Orthotics Inc., in Columbus, Ga. His he said. “My UGA background was such
career choice allows him to treat patients that a lot of my [graduate] classes felt
just the way he envisioned and use Billy Fletcher (right) inspects William Gibson’s like repeats of material I had already
knee rotator. The device, which rotates 360 been taught. I learned how to apply it
the engineering skills he honed while
degrees, allows Gibson to cross his legs and
studying at CAES. easily change his clothes. clinically at graduate school.”
“I wanted to be a family physician Soon Fletcher was working on his first
and know people from birth to death,” In the end, he followed in his year of residency at Shriners Hospital in
Fletcher said. “Now I’m forming those parents’ footsteps and became a Georgia Springfield, Mass.
kinds of relationships.” Bulldog. During his junior year at CAES, “My Shriners Hospital experience
His parents were both UGA alumni Fletcher explored the idea of becoming a was truly invaluable,” he said. “In that
(William “Bill” Fletcher, Jr., BSA, ’74 Ag. physical therapist. Following his mother’s year alone, I was involved in fitting more
Mechanization and Patricia Fletcher, suggestion, he volunteered at a physical than 50 patients for arms. I saw more arm
FCS, ’75 Home Economics Education). therapy office and soon discovered that amputees in a year than some prosthetists
His mother, Patricia, is a retired UGA wasn’t the job for him. do in an entire career.”
Cooperative Extension agent and his Next he decided to test drive With his career well under way,
W
becoming a prosthetist. He called Fletcher married his college sweetheart,
hen he enrolled in college, Billy Fletcher (’03, father, Bill, is a diehard bulldog fan. You’d
think UGA would have been first on four prosthetics offices in search of an Katherine Doster (’02, BA, history
BS, Biological Engineering w/Biomedical Emphasis) Fletcher’s college choice list. It wasn’t. internship. “I was willing to work for free education, ‘04, MS, physical education).
“I was thinking about medical school, and everyone said ‘no’ except for Hanger The couple first met during 4-H district
planned to become a small-town doctor. You know, but biomedical engineering allows you in Athens,” Fletcher said. “I worked project achievement at Rock Eagle. They
to take premed required courses without with them for a semester and asked a now have two daughters, Carter, 3, and
the kind that knows all his patients by name and ultimately treats limiting your career options,” Fletcher million questions.” (With more than 600 Larkin, 1.
said. offices, Hanger is the world’s largest Fletcher returned to his home state for
their children and grandchildren, too. Wanting to become a biomedical clinical provider of artificial limbs. The another year of residency with Hanger
engineer, Fletcher first looked at Georgia company was established by Civil War in Macon before joining the company
Tech’s offerings. Confederate soldier J.E. Hanger, the war’s full-time.
“They didn’t have a program, but first amputee.) Today, he describes his Columbus
they were willing to make one for me,” By a stroke of luck, Fletcher found a office as a “combination physician’s Bilateral below-knee amputee Jonathan
he said. “Mercer had a program, but the flyer publicizing an Amputee Coalition office and body shop.” Clemens comes to Billy Fletcher for
adjustments to his prostheses.
tuition was more expensive.” of America camp in need of counselors. On one side of the building he helps
12 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 13
&
with Roger “Bo” Ryles
“I’m with my patients for hours on end, and I build strong bonds with them.
Seeing the fruits of my labor help someone get up and walk is incredible.”
By Sharon Dowdy
(Continued from previous page) A Lasting Legacy & A Hard Act to Follow
Longtime State 4-H Leader Roger “Bo” Ryles retired from the CAES
The most advanced prosthetic hands
this August. Ryles’ connection to 4-H began when he was a child in
available now work with sensors. “When
a patient thinks about opening the hand, elementary school, grew with his work as a teenage camp counselor at
it opens,” Fletcher explains. “When your Rock Eagle, thrived when he was a young adult working as a county agent
muscles fire, they give off a signal and
the computer picks up on it and controls and flourished when he advanced from district 4-H coordinator to state
what the hand does.” 4-H specialist and finally Georgia 4-H leader and director. Before leaving
Blane Marable
Fletcher and three of his CAES
the program, which now serves more than 166,000 Georgia students,
classmates (Scott Guetter, Jeff Lepis
and Kristina West) developed a similar Southscapes sat down with “Dr. Bo” to get a few parting words of advice. “Bo” Ryles
prosthetic hand during a senior
engineering course (ENGR 4920) in
which students perfect and refine When did you decide you wanted partners with schools. Our relationships Where would you like to see
products that are already on the market. to work for the state 4-H program and credibility are very strong. Georgia 4-H in five to 10 years?
Billy Fletcher (right) meets with John Thomas Jr. to discuss his OttoBock C-Leg. The computerized
“That team set the bar too high for and did you have an early goal to
leg analyzes Thomas’ gait 50 times per second and adjusts to the terrain and his speed. The Georgia 4-H Foundation Board, As current and needed as it is today.
my future students,” said CAES professor someday lead the program? Advisory Committee, Master Club and I’d like to see 4-H’ers enjoying all new
Tim Foutz who, along with other UGA too, he said. “We buy the feet and then With Columbus so close to the I was first introduced to 4-H as a fifth Counselor Alumni are all working more cabins at Rock Eagle, a 4-H professional
engineering faculty, teaches the course. we provide the physics behind how it Alabama/Georgia state line, he also grader at Eastman Elementary School. in concert and have much broader on staff in every county and more in our
“After three or four meetings I just let all works together,” Fletcher said. “We treats sports injury patients from Auburn In high school, the idea of becoming a representation and we have developed largest counties, an increased presence
them go and they ran with it.” custom manufacture the interface that the University. county agent emerged. By the time I was a strong group of specialized 4-H in our urban centers and continued
Color swatches are used to match patient will be able to wear.” “I could be designing medical a senior at Dodge County High School, I agents. The UGA Public Service Faculty enhancement of the school partnership.
skin tones and some prosthetic arms are When it comes to selection, the components like artificial knees and was certain I wanted to be a county agent promotion system has significantly I’d like to see us as a national leader
realistically designed, from the hair on patient has a lot of decisions to make. sitting at a computer all day long using and work with 4-H’ers. Being an effective enhanced our academic standing and in 4-H science efforts and serving an
the forearms down to the moons on the “Patients can choose to cover their AutoCAD,” he said. “But I get to take a 4-H agent was my dream. District and credibility as educators. I feel 4-H is expanded role as the source for youth
fingernails. prosthetics with synthetic skin or not,” he patient who has an amputation, who’s state opportunities come along as a better known and understood in state leadership development. I’d like to see
Today, prosthetics may cost as little said. “Men don’t seem to care and many gone through a huge psychological natural progression of the job. I began to government. I know we recently reached a 4-H Foundation that is even more
as $1,000 for a simple partial hand actually want their limb to look high- change, and help them get to a point consider those opportunities based on the best time in modern history of prosperous in securing support for 4-H
prosthesis, up to well over $100,000 for tech. Ladies usually like to have them where they are crying with excitement strong encouragement from coworkers having cooperation at the national level and another former 4-H’er elected
a computer-controlled shoulder level covered.” instead of sadness. They are so happy and Extension administrators like Don between all partners. I am most proud of governor.
prosthesis, Fletcher said. “Funding for Men also don’t care about the nail when their mobility returns and they Cowan, Melvin Davis, Bill Edwards, the talent and experience of our Georgia
uninsured patients is available through details, but women do and most even are no longer dependent upon others. It Mostly, I know I can only see through
Charles Roland, Tom Rodgers and Tal State 4-H staff.
the Georgia Department of Vocational want to be able to paint the nails, he makes their family at ease, too, to know today’s lens. My biggest hope is that
Duvall.
Rehabilitation, Limbs for Life, the BARR said. that their family member is independent visionary, engaged leaders will be
What do you think are the key leading Georgia’s best youth organization
Foundation and others,” he said. “One of our ladies is a quilter and again.”
How has the program changed and components of Georgia 4-H’s – Georgia 4-H.
Fletcher says most arms are lost in she has a quilted arm,” he said. “We And while he may not be a small-
grown since you were first named success?
electrical accidents or farming accidents have men who request UGA sleeves for town doctor, he and his patients have
while lower extremity losses are most Georgia State 4-H Leader? There are several, including:
their limbs.” He laughs and says other built close relationships as if he were. How do you plan to remain
often due to uncontrolled diabetes. n Being a partner with public education
southeastern conference teams are also “I’m with my patients for hours on We have significantly built on traditional involved in the program?
Twenty percent of Fletcher’s patients at all levels;
available but he can’t understand why end, and I build strong bonds with strengths. The 4-H centers have been
n Sustaining a reputation of leadership So much of my life and my heart is
have congenital deficiencies or have anyone would want one. them. Seeing the fruits of my labor help greatly enhanced. Arch Smith (assistant
with state and local elected officials; with 4-H. I’ll always be ready to help as
suffered a loss due to a traumatic In addition to prosthetics, Fletcher fits someone get up and walk is incredible,” state 4-H leader and now interim state
n Our talented and hard-working staff; needed, yet I understand now is the time
accident. “Most are either work-related stroke, cerebral palsy and spinal patients he said. 4-H leader) played a huge role in
n A supportive administration; for Georgia 4-H to move on with new
accidents or motorcycle wrecks,” he said. with braces and back patients with braces that work. We have surely weathered
n Safe and outstanding 4-H centers; and leadership. I am confident Georgia 4-H
Prosthetic feet have come a long way, and spinal jackets. challenges and reinforced our role as
n Our large, engaged alumni base. will reach new heights of excellence.
14 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 15
Spring
Student Spotlight CAES Notes
Young Scholars program sparks Keeping quality in the classroom
interest in global health
By Faith Peppers
By Allie Byrd O ne of the strongest statements
CAES makes to parents and
students is demonstrated daily through
He won nine teaching awards,
including the prestigious D.W. Brooks
and L.M. Ware Awards, as a testament
C
the devotion of quality faculty in the to his teaching skill. He was a Fulbright
hristine Akoh wants to change professor Joe Frank. She is studying classroom. You hear their names called Scholar and a NATO Fellow, and faculty
the world through agriculture, one Listeria monocytogenes, a food-borne out at award ceremonies. You will read advisor to hundreds of undergraduates
country at a time. pathogen found in produce, raw meat, about them in this magazine. Students and to the Horticulture Club. His ability
A sophomore food science major raw milk and ice cream. will urge each other to sign up for their to communicate and his wide knowledge
from Athens, Akoh aspires to work as a “This pathogen is of great importance classes. And, often, you will find their of horticulture made him a highly sought-
global health advisor and help reduce to both public health and the food after consultant. He had projects in Costa
Courtesy of CAES Horticulture Department
names on scholarships, fellowships and
hunger and poverty and improve health. industry because it causes human internships given in their honor. Rica, Brazil, India, Paraguay, Egypt and
She got her first taste of international listeriosis, a food-borne infection,” Akoh The late Gary Couvillon was one of Japan. And, for 10 years, he was the
agriculture as a high school student said. those special teachers. Couvillon joined Faculty Athletics Representative on the
Allie Byrd
when she was selected for the College (Food science research is closely the University of Georgia faculty in 1963. UGA Athletic Board.
of Agricultural and Environmental connected to Akoh’s home life, too. Her He was named head of the horticulture In honor of his years of dedicated
Sciences Young Scholars Program. father is CAES food science professor department in 1986 and held that service to the horticulture department, Gary Couvillon
Through the program, Akoh worked Casimir Akoh.) position for 12 years. the UGA Horticulture Club has endowed
alongside CAES faculty and assisted with In addition to her studies, Akoh His career in horticulture and at UGA a scholarship in Couvillon’s memory that
research in pharmacology, entomology serves as an Ag Hill representative and was highlighted by major contributions will help the department maintain the of a special professor or advisor, contact
and food science. participates in Minorities in Agriculture, to teaching, research and administration. excellence he exhibited every day. Rob Cooper at (706) 542-3390, rkc@
Courtesy of Young Scholars Program
The program allowed her to travel to Natural Resources and Related Teaching was of paramount importance There is no greater way to honor those uga.edu; or mail a check with detailed
Honduras in 2008, where she planted Sciences. She has traveled to MANRRS to him during his 42-year tenure. He also who dedicated their lives to education information about who you wish to honor
chili peppers and toured farms. She conferences and workshops in South was considered a classical horticulturist, than continuing to provide that same to: CAES Office of College Advancement,
also participated in homestays and took Carolina, Indiana and Washington, D.C. exceptionally well versed in all aspects of level of excellence in their honor. To find 117 Four Towers Building, Athens, Ga.,
Spanish classes. After graduating from CAES in 2012, the discipline. out more about making a gift in the name 30602.
“I love the Young Scholars Program. Akoh plans to attend graduate school
It was my first time doing research and to study global health and nutrition.
traveling abroad,” Akoh said. “Going to Akoh hopes to help achieve the United
Plowing forward 21st Century
Honduras helped me realize I can live Nations Millennium Development
abroad and do international work, and Goals, which include reducing hunger into the
it sparked my desire to want to help and poverty.
T
people in other countries.” Many of the goals are tied to
he College of Agricultural and Environmental
Having graduated from high school, agriculture, she said. She first studied
Sciences recently accepted a donation of two new
Akoh is no longer eligible to participate the goals in an international agriculture
McCormick tractors for use on our research farms. We are
in the Young Scholars Program so now development class taught by CAES
not only testing new varieties of crops, we are testing the
Courtesy of Young Scholars Program
she serves as a chaperone. In her new assistant professor Maria Navarro.
latest in farm machinery to hit the market. The college’s
role, she traveled to Costa Rica in “The class opened my eyes to a lot of
partnership with McCormick International will improve
2009. There she and the Young Scholars global health problems and what federal
productivity and allow us to explore the latest innovations
planted trees for the carbon offset and international organizations are doing
while providing feedback to the company. CAES Dean
program, milked cows, watched birds to help,” she said. “I became interested
and Director Scott Angle accepted the tractors during the
and visited coffee farms. From working in a food science laboratory in international agriculture and global
(top photo) to spending time in Costa Rica Southeast Research and Education Center Field Day held
Akoh used her time as a Young issues and learned key elements that
with her host mother Elizabeth Mata (center Aug. 19 in Midville. “Partnerships with global companies
Scholar to jumpstart her education photo), Christine Akoh is enjoying her CAES make international development
like McCormick International allow us to remain a cutting
at UGA. Through the UGA Honors educational experience. The college’s Young organizations successful.”
edge college of agriculture and provide outstanding
Scholars Program allowed her to travel abroad
Program’s Center for Undergraduate opportunities for our faculty, staff and students to utilize
to Costa Rica and Honduras (bottom photo).
Research Opportunities, or CURO, She now serves as a student mentor for the the latest technology available,” said Angle, shown in the
Stephen Morton
Akoh is working with CAES food science program. foreground with CAES administrators Joe West, Steve Brown
and Bob Shulstad.
16 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 17
CAES Notes CAES Notes
Supporters toast viticulture programs, College gardening show goes regional
professorship By Faith Peppers
A
By Faith Peppers fter a 10-year run, the final episode of Gardening In
Georgia with Walter Reeves, a Georgia Public
M ost Georgians know wine by
the bottles they buy it in. But
some know wine by the grapes that hang
Broadcasting television series produced by the College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, will air this fall and
Your Southern Garden, a new regional show, will take its
in abundance in their fields. place. The new show, a CAES production in cooperation with
Georgia’s wine grape growers are the University of Florida IFAS Extension, will air across the
adding a touch of Italy and Sonoma Southeast.
Valley to the mountains of north Georgia. Your Southern Garden is a one-of-a-kind program geared
The industry is growing so quickly that specifically for the Southeast and unique to land-grant television
it has tripled its acreage in the past five programs. It features UGA and UF experts, top-notch sources
years. from local gardens, green industry businesses and homeowners
To provide the state’s wine grape
Sharon Dowdy
in the region.
and wine-making industry with the “We aim to give gardeners in this growing region a program
research and outreach it needs, the full of educational information they can use outside today,” said Host Walter Reeves and the Your Southern Garden production crew are
University of Georgia is expanding Scott Angle, CAES dean and director. “It also allows us to pool busy traveling across Georgia and Florida filming shows that will air next
programs in viticulture – the science spring. Cameraman Brad Nourse films a segment with Reeves (center)
regional resources and talent to deliver the best product we
April Sorrow
and CAES Griffin Campus horticulturist Tony Johnson.
of growing grapes – and enology – the can.”
study of wines and wine making – and Richard and Sherri Smith hosted “An Alfresco Evening on the River,” a CAES fundraising event Show host Walter Reeves, a retired UGA Cooperative
establishing a new professorship. held June 11. About $85,000 was raised to help fund a new UGA viticulture professorship.
Extension agent, will continue to bring the same down-home Your Southern Garden will air throughout the Georgia
Georgia’s 2008 grape crop was worth flavor to this new project. Working closely with UF and UGA Public Broadcasting viewing area, across north Florida and
$10.5 million, up from $6.4 million in on June 11. “An Alfresco Evening on the “A first-class academic program in Extension specialists and researchers, Reeves will show viewers down to Tampa. Check local listings for showtimes in your
2003. The state’s 26 wineries generate River” featured wine, entertainment and viticulture and enology with extensive how to put the universities’ expertise to work in their lawns and area.
$41 million per year and provide 430 food from Atlanta-area chefs at the home internship opportunities will help today’s gardens.
jobs throughout the state’s economy. of Richard and Sherri Smith in Atlanta. CAES students become the leaders of the
This rapid growth has created a More than 170 people attended the Georgia wine industry tomorrow,” Ezzard
critical need for research scientists, event, which raised about $85,000. said. She and her husband, John, have
a trained workforce and regional
outreach efforts, said J. Scott Angle,
“This event began a campaign to
raise funds for a $250,000 endowment to
hosted interns at their Tiger Mountain
Vineyards in Rabun County, Ga., for the
Food Safety Discussion in January
dean and director of the UGA College of support this important new professorship,” past two summers. Food safety experts from the UGA Center
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. said Martha Ezzard, a member of For more information or to contribute for Food Safety, including Director Michael
“It is our job, as a land-grant the CAES Advisory Council. Ezzard to the endowment, call the CAES Office of Doyle, will deliver the latest food safety
university, to provide cutting-edge co-chaired the event along with Carla College Advancement at (706) 542-3390 updates and pending food safety policy
changes at the 2010 Georgia Ag Forecast.
research, sound economic development Fackler and Donna Masinter. or visit www.caes.uga.edu/alumni.
And, UGA economists will give the annual
advice, outreach training and classroom
agricultural economic outlook. Mark your
education to support the emerging calendar today for the location nearest you:
industries in Georgia,” Angle said.
January 25: Rome
“This professorship will give us a prime January 26: Gainesville
opportunity to help foster this new January 27: Statesboro
industry in Georgia.” January 28: Tifton
The person in this position will work January 29: Macon
with industry leaders to address research For more information, and to register, visit
needs, engage world-renowned wine www.georgiaagforecast.com.
makers and grape growers and boost
Georgia Ag Forecast is a University of
agritourism in Georgia.
Jim Fitts
Georgia College of Agricultural and
To help get the professorship started, Environmental Sciences program made
Event co-chairs (left to right): Dr. John Ezzard, Martha Ezzard, Dr. Carl Fackler, Carla Fackler, possible through an endowment from
the college hosted a fundraising event Donna Masinter, Michael Masinter, Dr. Scott Angle and Teresa Angle. the Georgia Farm Bureau.
18 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 19Lead Dogs Lead Dogs
40s
1940s
60s
1960s
Lee E. Blakely, BSA–Food
Sam G. Lang IV, BSA–
Agronomy ’71, owns Fairway
Green in Raleigh, N.C.
Fairway Green is one of the
80s
1980s
Angela Stewart DeLorme,
90s
1990s
Carmen Bennett, BSA–
William “Bill” Lanier, BSA– most successful lawncare
Agronomy ’49, received Science ’62, of Visalia, Calif., BSA–Ag Economics ’81, owns Animal Science ‘97, MEd–Ag Joy Carter, BSA–Ag Communications ‘97, MAL–Ag
businesses in the country, Leadership ’07, director of communications for the Georgia
the Georgia Farm Bureau received the 2009 Award and practices with Angela Education ‘02, is a math
consistently recording an Peanut Commission, was recently honored with the Andy
Commodity Award in of Merit from the American Stewart DeLorme, P.C., a law teacher at Louisville Middle
annual 10 to 15 percent Markwart Horizon Award. The award was presented by the
recognition of a lifetime of Dairy Products Institute. firm specializing in real estate, School in Louisville. She
growth rate. In 2003, Fairway American Agricultural Editors’ Association’s Professional
service to Georgia agriculture. Blakely was recognized for wills, trusts, probate and small earned National Board
Green was recognized Improvement Foundation and John Deere. The annual
A native of Candler County, his service to the nation’s business law. Certification in 2004 and is
by Lawn and Landscape award is given to an AAEA member who embodies the
Lanier began farming row dairy industry. He retired in in the process of completing
magazine as one of its youthful vigor, energy, passion, dedication and creativity
crops, raising livestock and 2008 after a distinguished Glenn Smith, BS–Ag her dissertation for a Ph.D. in
“Top 10 Companies in the shown by Markwart in his volunteer work for AAEA.
growing timber at the age career in the dairy industry Economics ’82, is vice curriculum and instruction.
Green Industry” nationwide. Editor of The Furrow, Markwart died in 2006 from heart
of 20. He is a World War working with companies president of global operations She is married to Pete Bennett
In 2004, Landscape Hall Harden, BSA–Ag problems. Carter serves as president of the Georgia
II veteran and served as a such as Land ‘O Lakes and for TraceGains. Smith joined (BSA–Ag Education ‘98,
Management magazine Economics ’91, has been FFA Alumni Association and co-chair of the Affiliate
Seabee in the U.S. Navy. Saputo Cheese & Protein. the organization in 1999 MAEX–Ag Extension ‘01)
and the Professional Lawn named senior director of sales Advisory Committee for AAEA. The winner receives a
He served as president of He continues to serve as a and served as USA county and they have two daughters,
Care Association of America for Georgia Farm Bureau $2,500 stipend. Carter plans to use the stipend to attend
the Candler County Farm dairy industry consultant manager from 2001 until Ali Grace and Adeline
named Lang its Lawncare Insurance Companies. the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists
Bureau for 21 years and and is also chairman of the 2008. TraceGains delivers Belle. The family lives in
Person of the Year. annual meeting in Belgium in April 2010. (Pictured left to
president of Georgia Farm organizing committee for positively assured traceability Waynesboro.
Bureau from 1964 until 1970. the 2011 International Whey to food packers, processors right: Gil Gullickson, chairman of the AAEA Professional
Dot Harris, BS–Agronomy Improvement Foundation; Joy Carter, Andy Markwart
He also served six terms Conference. and retailers to help secure Doug Makemson, BS–
’78, works in the Athens Horizon Award winner; and Barry Nelson, John Deere
the supply chain.
70s
in the Georgia House of USDA–Natural Resources Horticulture ‘92, is a metal
Representatives. In 2004, he manager of media relations.)
Conservation Unit as assistant sculptor whose art is exhibited
Britt Davis, BSA–Agronomy
was inducted into the Georgia
Agricultural Hall of Fame.
1970s state conservationist for
’84, works for Georgia Power
around the United States. The
representational sculptures are
operations. Harris has worked
He is a past recipient of the Land Resources as a land made from steel, stainless steel,
Doug Makemson
for NRCS since 1983. She
Progressive Farmer Man of Indra Deo Singh, Ph.D.– management specialist in their copper and brass. Almost all of
transferred from Ohio to
the Year in Service to Georgia Agronomy (Genetics & Jackson Lake office. Davis the raw materials Makemson
Georgia in 2005.
Agriculture Award and was Plant Breeding) ‘71, is an works to make sure all leased uses are recycled from businesses, scrap yards and farming
named the Georgia Tree international expert on lots on the lake are up to activities. (The steel and chrome sculpture pictured above,
Paul E. Sumner, BSAE–
Farmer of the Year in 1995. cultivation and processing of standards and that everything “Henry,” was created from a John Deere hay baler.) The use
Ag Engineering ‘78,
tea and crop diversification. within the shoreline stays of thick or non-corrosive material ensures his work will last
MS–Ag Engineering ’80,
Gene Ragan, BSA–Agriculture He is currently a consultant within the guidelines of the when exposed to the outdoor environment. In the 1980s,
was presented the 2008
company’s Federal Energy
Courtesy of Joy Carter
’45, received the 2009 to the tea plantations in Makemson focused on farming activities. He says he
Donnie H. Morris Award of
Distinguished Alumnus India and abroad, develops Regulatory License. created “the time-honored performance art that all farmers
Excellence in Extension by the
Award from the ABAC human resources for the do: the winding windrows of cut hay, the field of hay bales
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable
Alumni Association. Widely tea industry, provides Phillip Schretter, BSA– ready to move in the afternoon slanting sun, the forms and
Growers Association. Sumner
known for his role in farm technical support to finance Horticulture ’87, serves as textures of the vegetable garden and the sounds of animals
is a senior public service
journalism, he is a member management, directs research grounds superintendent at chewing contentedly in the barn.” In 1994 he transferred
associate for the UGA CAES
00s
of the National Association and development, prepares Armstrong Atlantic State his energy to metal sculpting. His work can be viewed at
Department of Biological and Timothy Daly, MS–
of Farm Broadcasting Hall user-friendly literature on tea University in Savannah. www.makesculpture.com.
Agricultural Engineering.
of Fame. His stint of 40-plus and gives technical support
to the government of India on
He also serves as president
Schretter joined the university
in 1993.
2000s Entomology ’03, is a
Gwinnett County Cooperative
years working in agricultural of the Florida Quarter Horse
policy-related issues of the Lisa Ann McKinley, MAEX– Chris Tuten, BSA–Bio Extension Agent. He lives in
broadcasting is believed to be Association. Mary Ann Davis Parsons,
tea industry. Singh lives in Ag Extention ’93, is an Sciences ’97, is a financial Snellville.
the longest in the nation at a BSA–Ag Communications
Siliguri, Darjeeling, India. environmental scientist advisor with Douglas National
single television station. He ‘02, MAL–Ag Leadership
for EPA’s Water Protection Bank. Jessica Cudnik, BSA–
and his wife live in Dothan, ‘06, was recently named
Division. She recently Horticulture ’04, works
Ala., and celebrated their 50th interim executive director of
received a Superior Sharon Standridge, BSA– in product development /
wedding anniversary in 2008. the Georgia 4-H Foundation.
Find us on Facebook and become a friend of the Accomplishment Recognition Microbiology ’98, is an technical sales in the flower
Award and a Time Off Award associate professor of biology Parsons has been with the seed division of American
UGA CAES Alumni Association.
for her work conducting at Middle Georgia College in 4-H Foundation since 2005, Takii Seed in Salinas, Calif.
Search “Ag Alum.” previously as director of
multiple CAFO inspections Lyons. American Takii Inc. sells only
during 2009. development. (Continued on next page)
20 • Southscapes • Fall 2009 Fall 2009 • Southscapes • 21You can also read
