A surprise appreciation lunch was held for the local county extension agent, Ted Wynne, on Sunday, June 7.

The lunch was simply to show Wynne how much he is appreciated in Newton County. Mr. Wynne has been with the county for nine years. As a young boy, Ted was always interested in farming. In fact, he had quite a little business. He had his own chickens and sold the eggs. He also had a small garden and sold vegetables. He grew up in Bleckley County, Georgia (Cochran) and attended Bethany Baptist Church. He is the son of Herman and Ivalene Wynne and he has one sister named Robin. Ted is married to Marcia — they have three boys and a dog.

Ted received his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy in 1989 from the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Shortly thereafter, he began his career with the University of Georgia Extension in Mitchell County and subsequently worked in Ben Hill County, Twiggs County and now Newton County during his 25 year career. Ted is an adjunct speaker for the Leadership Institute of Georgia. He is a board member for the Piedmont Cattleman’s Association and Newton County Farm Bureau. He is also a member of the Georgia County Agent’s Association.

Ted’s career began with youth programs. He first served primarily as a 4-H Agent in both Mitchell and Ben Hill County. He has been involved with youth programs to some extent his entire career. He has conducted youth leadership programs, assisted with livestock programs, such as heifer, lamb and pig shows, poultry and land judging teams, attended summer 4-H camp, and programs to help kids learn to speak publicly.

He loves to help the landowners and farmers as well. He has conducted many programs that have helped to certify participants in many areas; Serv Safe for restaurant managers, pesticide trainings for farmers and commercial landscapers to name a few. He has assisted homeowners with problems ranging from turf management to bug identification and how to get rid of them. Ted has helped the farmer in many different areas also. For example, he has recommended crops that he thinks will be profitable, he assists with pesticide and herbicide applications and has even developed feeding plans for livestock to help reduce cost. He has also helped install several community gardens and teach gardening classes to the young and old alike. The list could go on and on.

The most important thing to mention about all of this is Ted’s genuine desire to help all of the people he comes in contact with to succeed. He makes it a priority to return each phone call and make a home visit if necessary and he does this with kindness and patience, something so rare in today’s society.

Outside of his work, Ted loves to explore natural beauty. He loves to hike and visit state and national parks with his family. He also likes to play golf and of course take care of his lawn and garden.

Addition to the surprise lunch, Ted was presented with a proclamation announcing that June 7, 2013 is Ted Wynne Day in Newton County. He was also presented with his grandfather’s tractor that was restored by Lewis Banks. Many people and many donations pulled together to make this a special day for Ted.