Chuck's Chat-Welcome to November!

Does anyone else wonder who was responsible for designating each month as a particular "awareness month"?  Just another job in the long list of occupations I don't recall seeing at career day.

One of November's designated awareness labels is National Novel Writing Month.  As a result of being re-elected Montgomery County Farm Bureau President, I am going to continue to compose this monthly message to help inform you of what's going on in Montgomery County Farm Bureau, and/or some local events and happenings.  I am honored to have been re-elected, and I will continue to do my best to fulfill the duties as successfully as my predecessors.

Our recent county annual meeting was a huge success, and there are numerous reasons why.  First and foremost, thank you to all who were able to attend.   Thank you to the board members, agents, staff, and others for their assistance leading up to and during the event.  And a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our silent auction to benefit Jessica Wood.  Item donors, bidders, buyers in person and on-line, and cash contributors combined to make this our best one yet.  We will announce the amount raised very soon.  Stay tuned!

November is also National Georgia Pecan Month and Sweet Potato Awareness Month.  Any coincidence Thanksgiving is also in November?

November is when we start establishing committees for the coming year.  You don't have to be a board member to get involved. Just contact the office if you'd like to help out.  There are plenty of opportunities to go around:  Policy, Membership, YF+R, and Scholarships, just to name a few. 

And speaking of Young Farmers and Ranchers, we would really like to see this program grow in Montgomery County. If you know of someone between the ages of 18 and 35, and either are involved in agriculture or even have an interest, we’d love to visit with them.

The first Tuesday after the first Monday of November is the day to head to the voting booth.  Did you know agriculture had a role in establishing that? Congress passed a law in 1845 designating that day as Election Day. November was selected as it was after harvest and before winter.  Sunday was church service and a day of rest. Wednesday was often market day, so Tuesday was selected because many farmers had a full day of travel to reach their polling place.

November 3rd, head to the polls and vote your conscience.  November 11 is Veterans Day; thank you to all who have served.  And on November 26, thank God and a farmer for your Thanksgiving bounty.  I see November is also National Roasting Month.  Hopefully that means ham, sweet potatoes, and pecan pie at my house.

Until next month,

Chuck Voelker