Byrom R. Holden
Admissions Representative
Nashville Auto Diesel College
Direct Line- 615-406-0213
Toll Free- 1-800-228-NADC
[log in to unmask]

A special thank you to our 2010 state winning Creed Speaker, Ms. Addie Thomason, from Franklin County
and state winning Extemporaneous Speaker, Ms. Jeannie Bradley, from Towns County for giving permission to show their video of their speech, judge's questions and comments made by professional speaking coach Dr. Joan Curtis.

The videos are posted on a UGA channel network that hopefully you can click on and watch with your classes and students preparing for competition. 

Computers will need the program QuickTime program.
This is a free program you can download to your computer.  http://quicktime-download.info/

Click on the below links to watch 2010 State Winning Creed and Extemporaneous Speakers.

Creed: 
http://podcasting.gcsu.edu/4DCGI/Podcasting/UGA/Episodes/30013/8385.mov

Extemporaneous:
http://podcasting.gcsu.edu/4DCGI/Podcasting/UGA/Episodes/0/5647.mov

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• Gas that sits in a mower all winter can clog the carburetor. Either run the engine long enough to empty the tank or add a commercial stabilizer.  Add stabilizer every time you fill up your gas container since it helps engines run cleaner. This time around, remember to operate the mower for 5 minutes so that the stabilizer can reach the carburetor.
• Change the oil. Routine oil changes will extend the life of the engine. Be sure to refill the oil reservoir to the designated mark on the dipstick, remembering that too much oil can be as bad for the engine as too little. (To dispose old oil properly, take it to a local service station or recycling center.)
• Charge the battery. If your mower or tractor has a battery-powered starter system, periodically charge the battery throughout the winter. Otherwise, it will fail much sooner because it will not hold a full charge. Unlike your car, mower engines can not fully recharge your battery while mowing.

• Replace the spark plug(s). Spark plugs typically need replacing every 100 hours of operation.  You’ll know right away from the corrosion if yours is spent. If the plug is in good shape, it’s a good idea to remove it, pour an ounce of motor oil into the cylinders, crank the engine a few times, and then reinstall the plug.
• Sharpen blades. Save yourself the hassle next spring by getting your blades sharpened now. Keep a second blade on hand for when the first one is being sharpened. Change blades every month during the mowing season to keep dull blades from butchering grass.
• Service the air filter. Refer to the owner’s manual to see if you should clean or replace the filter and how frequently.
• Replace the fuel filter. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions. Mowers usually don’t have a fuel filter, though many lawn tractors do.

Hay fires -- causes & prevention

Hay fires can cost farmers thousands of dollars in terms of building replacement, feed replacement and lost revenue. Proper storage practices can reduce hay fires significantly.

·         What causes hay fires?
The most common cause is excessive moisture. Forage crops are always contaminated with countless microorganisms. After baling, a small supply of air and a favorable moisture level cause the microorganisms to begin to feed and multiply, generating heat in the process.
There are, of course, causes of hay fires other than spontaneous ignition. Some of these causes are lightning striking nearby trees or fences, arson, contact with electric fences and sparks from cigarettes, welding or nearby fires.

·         Preventing hay fires
Ideal hay curing weather has less than 50 percent relative humidity and some wind. Be aware that the moisture content of hay will increase overnight when the air is humid, especially if there is dew or fog. New hay should be checked frequently for possible heating. If the temperature reaches 130°F, move the hay to allow increased air circulation and cooling.

·         Proper hay storage
Hay which is to be stored uncovered outdoors should be formed into the tightest packages possible to resist penetration by rain. Place bales where air can circulate freely. Protect them from ground moisture and runoff by placing them on a bed of gravel, old tires, poles or pallets.
If storing hay inside, be sure the barn roof and any plumbing do not leak. Likewise, provide adequate drainage so water will not enter the barn during storms. Wetting from a leak can allow bacterial activity to increase and result in a fire.

http://www.cfbf.com/rhs/safety3.cfm

Teachers,

The Area V & VI Extemporaneous Speaking CDEs are still a few months away
(February), however, now is the best time to start preparing your students.
I would really like to see us have an increase in Extemp. participants this
year.  The topics for the Area CDEs are attached. Hopefully this will help
as you prepare your students. If you need any help or assistance please
contact any of us in the South Region office.

TO:                 Area VI Teachers

FROM:           Von G. Peavy

South Region Area Agriculture Mechanics Teacher

DATE:           November 11, 2010

RE:                 2010 Area VI Middle School O/M CDE

 Attached are the results of the 2010 Middle School Lawnmower

O/M CDE. Scores have been checked and rosters approved. Results

are now official.

Thanks to all participants and advisors for making the 2010 Area VI Middle

School Lawnmower Operations & Maintenance Career Development Event

a great success!

Congratulations go to Anthony Dixon and Advisor Edmond Thrift of the  

Bacon Middle FFA Chapter for placing First and to Dawson Ward and

Advisor David Atkinson of the Coffee Middle FFA Chapter for placing Second.

These two winners will represent Area VI at the State competition on Friday-

February 18, 2010 in Perry during the Ga. Jr. National Livestock Show.

Good luck to both members and their advisors!

Special thanks to the Waycross Exchange Club Fair for providing the facilities,

hospitality, and awards and to Waycross Tractor Supply for providing the

mowers for the event.