Event highlighted Gilmer agriculture
Some parts of farming haven’t changed much since the Stone Age.
Other parts would sound like science fiction even a decade ago.
The North Georgia Ag Expo Saturday, March 14, at Clear Creek Middle School put both these sides of the profession on display.
Even in high school, Gilmer FFA students have displayed their skill with both.
The event celebrated the variety of farmers and agricultural businesses in Gilmer County, offering a chance for those interested in learning more about agriculture.
To the FFA, the event was also a way to say thanks.
“The agricultural community supports us and allows us to do a lot of the stuff that we’re able to do,” FFA advisor Michael Bushey said.
The event included several Gilmer agricultural businesses displaying their work.
One highlight of the event was a new farming drone.
The machine, about the size of a motorcycle, is designed to fly over fields while spraying pesticides, fertilizer and herbicides.
“Technological advancements are increasing the efficiency and are able to do more with a whole lot less,” FFA student John Oliver said.
The drone has many advantages compared to a crop duster plane or ground-based spray systems.
Spraying an acre with it costs roughly half what using a plane would cost. It’s more precise, and the downdraft from the drone’s propellers means it can coat plants more thoroughly.
“As they make more advancements, that’s only going to be more sustainable financially for the farmers,” Oliver said.
No matter how much technology changes, farming requires devoted and careful work.
Gilmer FFA student Cassie Norman brought her goat, Boogie and her pig, Fergie, to show at the expo.
“[Fergie] is just the sweetest,” Norman said.
The animals’ glossy coats and plump bellies don’t just happen. Each animal represents hours of hard work.
“It’s a lot of early mornings and late nights in the barn,” she said.
When you have a goat and a pig, your day starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m.
The more types of animals you care for, the harder it gets to address their needs.
“Each of these animals has a different routine, different hair and different feeding,” Norman said.
Raising animals is highly rewarding. She has found it to be a gateway into friendships with other farmers across America.
“When we get to these big shows, you just meet everybody,” Norman said.