GFB News Magazine

Stories, photos & funds sought for Georgia Cattle History Book

Posted on August 9, 2019 8:00 PM

By Jennifer Whittaker, Georgia Farm Bureau News

The Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation is working to publish a hardback book that chronicles the history of Georgia’s cattle industry – both beef and dairy. The steering committee for the project is asking all Georgia beef and dairy families to share their photos, especially old ones, and the stories of their family farms or experiences with the cattle industry.

“We want this book to reflect the whole history of Georgia’s cattle industry, not just the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association,” explained John Callaway, co-chair of the book committee. “We’re looking to include information about sale barns, projects and programs the University of Georgia, Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Department of Agriculture have conducted through the years to improve and support our cattle industry. We also want the stories of Georgia 4-H and FFA members who have been involved in dairy and beef cattle projects and showing cattle.”

The intent of the book, Callaway said, is for it to serve as an educational tool that preserves the history of Georgia’s cattle industry but also looks toward the industry’s future. Plans are for the book to be unveiled at the 60th Annual Georgia Cattlemen’s Convention in April 2021.

Anyone with stories or photos illustrating Georgia’s cattle history may submit them to be considered for inclusion in the book by sending them to Michele Creamer at michele@gabeef.org or by mailing them to the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 27990, Macon, Ga, 31221. Photos will be returned. Please adhere a post-it-note to the back of all photos submitted with your name, address and phone number.

The Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation is also accepting donations to finance the project. Gifts in honor or memory of loved ones who have contributed to the cattle industry are encouraged. All donations to the foundation are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation and designated for the “History Book.”

Checks should be mailed to the same address as photos. Contributors should include a note with their name, address, phone number, email address, donation amount and the name of the person they are making the tribute do- nation in honor or memory of. If the donor belongs to a local cattlemen’s chapter or county Farm Bureau, please include the chapter/county name.

The foundation will recognize the top three groups that raise the most funds for the book. The foundation is encouraging GCA chapters, county Farm Bureaus, breed associations, Young Farmer chapters and other ag organizations to compete for recognition as a top fundraiser for the book. Donors who give $1,000 or more will be recognized in the book for their contribution and will receive hard copies of the book.