24 LC 112 2255
Senate Resolution 694
By: Senators Goodman of the 8th, Watson of the 11th, Anderson of the 24th, Walker III of
the 20th, Echols of the 49th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the Georgia Department of Agriculture upon its 150th
1
anniversary; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the years immediately following the American Civil War were turbulent for3
agriculture in the State of Georgia, with farmlands in the state neglected, poorly tended, and4
improperly improved; and5
WHEREAS, scientific information concerning sound agricultural practices was not readily6
available to the farmers of this era; and7
WHEREAS, the State Horticultural Society, backed by many farmers, became interested in8
and provided active support for the improvement of agricultural practices in the state through9
the establishment of a state Department of Agriculture; and 10
WHEREAS, at this time, no state in the country had a legally constituted department of its11
government concerned primarily with farming and agricultural problems; and12
S. R. 694
- 1 - 24 LC 112 2255
WHEREAS, recognizing the need for action to improve agricultural practices in the state,
13
the 82nd General Assembly of Georgia, at its 1874 regular session, enacted HB 438, which14
created the Department of Agriculture; and15
WHEREAS, the balloting on this bill, which was introduced by Edgar M. Butt of Marion16
County, resulted in a tie vote, which was broken by Augustus O. Bacon, Speaker of the17
House of Representatives; and18
WHEREAS, this act was approved on February 28, 1874, by James M. Smith, Governor of19
the State of Georgia; and20
WHEREAS, since the establishment of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, there have21
been 17 commissioners: Thomas P. Janes, John T. Henderson, R. T. Nesbit, O. B. Stevens,22
Thomas G. Hudson, J. J. Connor, James D. Price, J. J. Brown, Eugene Talmadge, George C.23
Adams, Tom Linder, Columbus Roberts, Phil Campbell, Thomas T. Irvin, Gary W. Black,24
and Tyler Harper; and25
WHEREAS, through the dedication, determination, and ability of these commissioners and26
the employees of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the farmers of Georgia have27
received immeasurable assistance in developing agriculture into Georgia's most important28
industry; and29
WHEREAS, the prosperity of thousands of Georgia's families is a result, in large measure,30
of the efforts of the Georgia Department of Agriculture; and31
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the Georgia Department of Agriculture32
be recognized on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its creation. 33
S. R. 694
- 2 - 24 LC 112 2255
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
34
recognize and commend the Georgia Department of Agriculture upon the grand occasion of35
the 150th anniversary of its creation and extend best wishes for continued service to the36
farmers of this state.37
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed38
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia39
Department of Agriculture.40
S. R. 694
- 3 -