Shark Farmer Podcast/ Agriculture Farm

Summary: In this episode of the Shark Farmer Podcast, host Rob Sharkey interviews Lee Lancaster, a marketing specialist at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and author. They discuss Lee's upbringing in Eastman, Georgia, his education, and his career path, including his work with Vidalia onions, Georgia's state vegetable. Lee shares insights into the history of the Vidalia onion, the importance of protecting its trademark, and the historical context of the farmer's strike in the late 1970s. The conversation also touches on agricultural traditions, public education initiatives like the Baby Barn, and the restoration of antique cotton gins. takeaways Lee Lancaster grew up in a John Deere dealership and developed a passion for agriculture early on. The Vidalia onion is unique to Georgia and is known for its sweetness due to specific soil conditions. Counterfeit Vidalia onions have been an issue, leading to protective laws to maintain the integrity of the brand. The farmer's strike in the late 1970s was a sig