April 11, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 15
FORAGE CONFERENCE, BEEF EXPO HIGHLIGHT CATTLEMEN’S MEETING Beef cattle producers received information on a variety of cattle-related topics during the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association’s 51st Annual Convention and Expo April 5-7 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Carroll County cattle producer Chuck Joiner was sworn in as president of the GCA for the next year, assuming the gavel from outgoing president Steve Blackburn, and for the first time, the GCA Forage Conference was held in conjunction with the convention. On April 4, UGA Forage Extension Specialist Dr. Dennis Hancock moderated the conference, which included tips on identifying and preventing Bermudagrass stand decline, forage selection for cattle producers, the economics of Bermudagrass vs. Bahiagrass and keys to forage profitability among others. GCA Convention speakers included University of Georgia Livestock Woodall Economist Curt Lacy, who attributed the rise in beef prices to decreased cattle numbers and a stable domestic demand for beef and increased beef exports. “It’s a good time to be in the cattle business. Obviously prices have been very, very good this year as prices are thirty dollars a hundredweight above where we were this time last year and fifty dollars above two years ago,” Lacy said. According to the USDA, the U.S. calf crop reported in January was 35.3 million calves. The USDA estimated the total number of cattle and calves in the U.S. in January at 90.7 million, a decrease of 1.9 million head from 2011. Lacy said the decrease, due largely to drought conditions in the southeast and southwest, was smaller than expected, and as the weather recovers and ranchers rebuild their herds, replacement heifers are going to be in demand. Tom Brink, president and CEO of J & F Oklahoma Holdings, Inc., which owns Five Rivers Cattle Feeding in Greeley, Colo., shared what feedyards look for in feeder cattle. Brink said the ideal feeder animal has a breed composition that's 50-75 percent Angus to provide marbling, 2550 percent Continental breeds to provide muscling and leanness and up to 25 percent other breeds to provide characteristics desired by the cattle producer. Brink recommended preparing calves for the feedlot by vaccinating them and weaning them months before shipping them west. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black discussed the revamped Georgia Grown program the department is unveiling and Colin Woodall, of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discussed legislative efforts the NCBA has made in the past year on behalf of cattlemen. The Georgia Farm Bureau Beef Cattle Committee also held its spring meeting during the convention.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 9 ROBERTS, STABENOW BILL WOULD SET UP AG RESEARCH FOUNDATION Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) introduced a bill on March 29 to establish a public/private agricultural research partnership. The bill, S. 2274, would complement the USDA’s research, education and economics mission areas and has the goal of leveraging private funding to support new agricultural research ventures. Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) also co-sponsored the bill, which is supported by American Farm Bureau. Current funding for food and agricultural research is less than 2.5 percent of the USDA’s budget. “Agriculture research must remain a priority for our nation, especially given the role food plays in national security and stability,” Roberts said in a press release. “Establishing this foundation is an innovative way to generate new sources of funding for agricultural research by leveraging our public investment in agricultural research with private donations during a time of federal budgetary constraints. This foundation model has a proven track record of success and will complement and maximize the use of tax dollars in agricultural research while establishing a consistent and growing resource for researchers that will benefit the agriculture industry as a whole.” S. 2274, titled the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), authorizes the establishment of a non-profit organization and includes provisions outlining its structure, including an appointed board of directors from various sectors of agriculture. BILLS INTRODUCED TO BLOCK DOL CHILD LABOR REGULATIONS Two bills that would prevent the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from finalizing or enforcing proposed child labor rules were introduced in Congress in March. H.R. 4157, the Preserving America’s Family Farm Act was submitted by Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa) on March 7, and companion bill S. 2221 was introduced in the Senate on March 21 by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). In September 2011 the U.S. Department of Labor published a notice of proposed rulemaking that would amend and expand a number of existing hazardous occupation orders as they relate to the employment of youths under the age of 16 on farms and ranches. Under the proposal, routine farm chores like driving tractors, milking cows, cutting weeds and building or repairing fences would likely be considered illegal unless the farm on which the youth worked was wholly owned by his or her parents. The proposed rule changes how the DOL interprets the existing parental exemption for family farms, restricts the ability of youth to work on common farm equipment like tractors and expands the definition of power-driven equipment to include any equipment operated by any power other than human hand or foot power, including wind, electricity or battery power. It also changes and hinders the ability of youth in training and educational programs to gain real-life experience working on a farm and restricts youths’ ability to work with livestock. The DOL is currently reviewing approximately 18,000 comments on its proposed youth labor rule.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 9 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STRESSES SAFETY OF LFTB After reports that one of the largest manufacturers of lean finely textured beef (LFTB) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 2 due in part to public outcry over perceived issues with the product’s safety, the Georgia Department of Agriculture held a press conference on April 4 to counter misinformation about LFTB. AFA Foods, which processes more than 500 million pounds of beef annually and provides ground beef products to major retailers and multiple national quick-serve restaurant chains, filed for Chapter 11 after demand for ground beef products declined, according to published reports. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black countered myths about LFTB, stressing that it is safe for human consumption, describing how it is produced and outlining steps that the Food Safety Inspection Service and the GDA Meat Inspection Section (GMIS) take to ensure the safety of meat products for U.S. consumers. “The connotation of eating LFTB has left many consumers questioning the ground beef products they consume, but there are no human health hazards associated with it. The fact is, this process aids in keeping ground beef lower in fat and at lower risk for pathogens,” Black said. “The production process used to produce LFTB was developed more than 30 years ago and the product is widely used in many major beef processing facilities in the U.S.,” said GMIS Director Glen Echols, noting that Georgia currently has no state-licensed establishments utilizing LFTB in production. “The mechanical process allows the recovery of more lean muscle tissue per carcass, resulting in higher yields of product; the end result is a leaner ground beef that costs less for consumers.” Ammonium hydroxide, the additive used in LFTB processing, was approved in 1974 and is used today in a variety of food products, including baked goods and confectionaries. In ground beef production, the additive is used in gaseous form to increase pH levels and kill pathogens such as E. coli, which can cause food borne illnesses. The USDA has said it will allow schools that purchase ground beef through federal school lunch programs to opt out of using ground beef containing LFTB, and according to published reports, the USDA has said it will approve processors’ requests to voluntarily label products that contain LFTB. BILLS TO REPEAL ESTATE TAX INTRODUCED IN HOUSE, SENATE Bills have been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate that would repeal the federal estate tax and avoid the the reduction in the estate tax exemption in 2013. S. 2422, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act, was introduced on March 28 by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and has 34 cosponsors, including Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). It would do away with estate taxes, insure stepped-up basis and cap the lifetime gift exemption at $5 million. S. 2422 is companion legislation to H.R. 1259, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011, introduced by Kevin Brady (R-Texas) last year. H.R. 1259 has 205 co-sponsors, including eight of the 13 representatives from Georgia. Without congressional action, the estate tax exemption will shrink to $1 million per person with no spousal transfer, and the top rate will be 55 percent. American Farm Bureau supports both bills, maintaining that estate taxes hit family-owned farms operations especially hard and that the lack of permanency in estate tax law makes it difficult for farmers to plan for generational transfer of their family businesses.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 9 USDA WARNS OF FRAUDULENT LETTERS AND CALLS USDA officials have been notified that additional fraudulent letters and at least one fraudulent phone call have been received by individuals in a number of states. The letters and call purportedly come from a USDA procurement officer and seek personal information. These letters are false and in no case should a recipient respond with personal and financial information. USDA is investigating this matter through the Office of the Inspector General. If you suspect you have received such a letter or have been called by someone representing themselves as being from USDA seeking personal information, please contact USDA at: procurement.policy@dm.usda.gov or call 202-720-9448. GA. PEANUT COMMISSION HOLDING REAFFIRMATION REFERENDUM The Georgia Peanut Commission is holding its reaffirmation referendum through April 15. State law mandates that a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs. The last referendum in 2009 passed with 87.4 percent of the voters in favor of reaffirmation. Peanut producers who do not receive a ballot may obtain one by calling the commission at 229-386-3470 or writing to the commission at P.O. Box 967, Tifton, GA, 31793. Individuals who receive ballots but no longer farmer are asked to write “no longer producing” on the certification envelope and return it to the commission. NRCS OFFERING INCENTIVES IN PIGWEED CONTROL PROGRAM The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia will provide an additional $1.1 million in financial incentives for an initiative in the currently participating counties of Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor and Wilcox, to control glyphosate-resistant palmer amaranth, more commonly known as pigweed. This project area has received approval for expansion to include the counties of Appling, Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Calhoun, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Irwin, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Mitchell, Schley, Sumter, Tift, Telfair, Turner, and Worth. Applications must be received by April 18 to be considered for funding. UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR FSA PROGRAMS Below are upcoming enrollment deadlines for programs administered by the Farm Service Agency: April 23 Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) May 1 Certification of planted acres for tobacco June 1 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payments (DCP) June 1 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment Program (SURE) July 15 2011 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) July 15 Certification of planted acres (all crops except tobacco) Aug. 1 Farm Reconstitutions (changes) for 2012 crop year Sept. 30 Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Dates vary Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), check with FSA service center for dates) and Crop Insurance (Contact a crop insurance agent or the regional Risk Management Agency (RMA) office.) For more information about FSA programs visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov
Leadership Alert page 5 of 9 2012 OTTAWA FARMS STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL April 14-15 Ottawa Farms Bloomingdale This annual event is filled with family fun, including cloggers, hayrides, cow train rids, a wild west show, the Mobile Dairy Classroom, Corn Cannon, pig races at the Ottawa Speedway and much more. The strawberry field will be open for visitors to pick their own strawberries and a variety of farm products at the Ottawa Farms General Store. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 14 and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 15. Admission is free for children under age 6 and $5 for everyone age 6 and up. For more information call 912-748-3035. AG LABOR LUNCH April 17 Nashville Community Center Nashville This free luncheon, scheduled from 12-1:30 p.m., will focus on the labor needs of agribusinesses and resources available from the Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) to help farmers address their labor needs. The event, co-sponsored by the Berrien County Chamber of Commerce and the Berrien County Farm Bureau, will cover the federal H-2A program, general labor laws and child labor issues. A representative of the Georgia DOL will be present to discuss the issues with farmers. The event lunch and reservations are required by April 12. For more information or to register to attend call Crissy Staley at 229-686-5123. MOUNTAIN BEEF CATTLE FIELD DAY April 18 Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center Blairsville Georgia cattle farmers will gain useful research-based information at this free event, which is sponsored by AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Pasture Management Systems and Resaca Sun Feeds. The field day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch and refreshments, Topics include pasture ecology, soil and fertilizer management, beef cattle efficiency, weed control in pastures and hay field and fly control. For more information, call 706-745-2655. USDA SUSTAINABLE AG & CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS April 21 Dillwood Farms Loganville May 17 Camp Westminster Conyers June 14 Love is Love Farm and Oakleaf Mennonite Farm Atlanta These three workshops, offered by the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation and Development Council, will show participants organically grown crops in various stages of development along with a variety of production practices. Information about how to become eligible for USDA programs will be presented. Registration is free but must be done in advance. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/LBdf2b. For more information, call the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service at 770-963-9288, contact Willie Torrey at 678-376-9518 or visit http://www.ebtfarmersmarket.com. INAUGURAL GOLDEN ONION COOKING COMPETITION April 22 Vidalia Community Center 12:30 p.m. Vidalia This competition, presented by the Vidalia Onion Committee, will serve as the official kick-off of the 35th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival. This professional competition will feature chefs from across Georgia preparing dishes featuring Vidalia onions. Prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 9 35th ANNUAL VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL April 26-29 Vidalia This four-day event offers the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, a children’s parade, outdoor music concerts, arts and crafts festival, street dance, car show, the Kiwanis Onion Run, the Vidalia Onion Festival Rodeo and the famous onion-eating contest. For more information visit http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com. 13TH ANNUAL PANHANDLE MULE DAY April 28 Panhandle Mule Farm 9 a.m. Reynolds This heritage of breaking land comes to life at this annual event, which is designed for the entire family to enjoy. Mule Day features plowing, hay cutting and baling demonstrations, and antique engines, tractors and farm implements will be on display. Lunches and refreshments will be available through Crowell Methodist Church, and there will be live entertainment. For more information, call Steve Montgomery at 478-837-1044. FORT VALLEY FARMER’S MARKET SEEKS VENDORS The Fort Valley Farmer's Market is seeking farmers, vendors and civic clubs to sell at the weekly market that will operate in downtown Fort Valley from May 5 through October. The market, located at the intersection of East Church and Lowe Street next to the Passenger Depot in downtown Fort Valley, will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. The Fort Valley Farmer's Market supports the Georgia Made, Georgia Grown market plan, which means products sold at the market should be grown or made locally. Approved market items include fresh produce, plants, flowers, crafts and homemade baked goods. Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and vendors may set up on the days of their choice. Vendor fees are $20 for the season or $5 per weekend. On June 8 and 9, the Georgia Peach Festival is held in Fort Valley, and the Farmer's Market is busy with entertainment and crafts. On Sept. 7 and 8, Fort Valley hosts the Com South Hambone Jam, the final event of the Georgia BBQ Association, and the Farmer's Market is very busy that weekend. For more information, call the Fort Valley Main Street/Downtown Development Authority at 478-825-5986 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 2012 YOUNG HARRIS/UGA BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 10-12 Young Harris College 8 a.m. each day Young Harris This event, one of the most comprehensive beekeeping educational events in the Southeast, offers classes for beekeepers at all levels of experience and the annual honey show. May 10 is dedicated training and certification exams for journeymen and master beekeeper qualifications, as well as the Welsh honey judge training, the first licensing program for honey judges in North America. May 11 and 12 provide entry-level training and certification, including individual and colony biology, low-tech beekeeping, equipment construction and much more. Registration fees for 18 and older is $96 for one day and $152 for two days. For ages 11-18, fees are $44 for one day and $70 for two days. Participants are urged to preregister by April 30. On-site registration is allowed on a space-available basis, but classes generally fill up quickly. For more information, visit http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/young-harris/index.html or contact Samantha Holland at YHCbees@uga.edu or 706-769-1736.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 9 GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1 Applications are being accepted for the Georgia Centennial Farm Program, which recognizes farms continuously operated by members of the same family for at least 100 years. The program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia EMC and the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Application forms are available online at http://www.georgiashpo.org/historic/centennial_farms. For more information, contact Steven Moffson at 404-651-5906 or steven.moffson@dnr.state.ga.us. 4TH ANNUAL ST. JUDE ANTIQUE TRACTOR RIDE May 5 Lane Packing 10 a.m. Fort Valley The ride, which begins and ends at Lane Packing, is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The event includes a lunch and tractor contests like a slow tractor race and barrel maneuvers. Riders will pay a $25 entry fee per tractor and donations from non-riders are welcomed. For more information contact James Emory Tate at 912-375-8367 or Neil Skipper at 478-286-1940. TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL May 5 Ga. Highway 23, west off I-75 exit 122 Byromville This annual festival features family-oriented fun for everyone. Events, include a 10 a.m. parade, exhibits, the local museum, game, rides, food, entertainment and much more. For more information visit http://www.turkeycreekfestival.com or contact Mary Jo Jeter at mjojeter@yahoo.com or 478-244-1318. USDA PIGFORD SETTLEMENT CLAIMS FILING DEADLINE May 11 is the deadline for claims to be filed in the USDA Pigford II settlement case. The settlement arises from a class action lawsuit against USDA that alleges the department discriminated against African-Americans who applied for or attempted to apply for farm loans or other farm benefits between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996. The settlement applies only to African-American farmers who meet specific eligibility requirements, including the requirement that they previously submitted a request to file a late claim in the 1999 Pigford I class action Consent Decree. Claimants must register for a claims package by calling 1-877810-8110 or 1-866-950-5547 or visiting the website www.blackfarmercase.com. A claims package will be mailed to claimants. EARLY DAYS OF YESTERYEAR May 11-12 Copeland Hall, Bowdon-Tyus Road Bowdon This free event will feature antique farm equipment and engines, tools, antique cars, entertainment, activities for children, vendors and food. For more information, contact Gearald Fielder at 770-228-9502 or GFIELDER@aol.com. MONROE COUNTY HERD SALE May 12 Sleepy Creek Farm 12:30 p.m. Forsyth More than 80 bred heifers will be fore sale during the event. Data available on the heifers includes A.I. breeding and sire EPD’s, pelvic area, frame score, disposition score, weight per day of age and average daily gain. For more information contact the Monroe County Extension office by phone at 478-994-7014 or by email at uge2207@uga.edu. Information about the sale may also be found online at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/monroe/HERDProgram/herd.html.
Leadership Alert page 8 of 9 GEORGIA COTTON WOMEN SCHOL. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15 The John M. and Connie H. Mobley Memorial Scholarship is presented annually by the Georgia Cotton Women to the child or grandchild of an active Georgia cotton producer with priority given to children of Georgia Cotton Women members. In the event there is no child or grandchild of a GCW member eligible for the scholarship, the GCW Scholarship Committee has the discretion to present the award to another qualified candidate. This scholarship was established by the late John M. Mobley. It was continued by his wife Connie and is now carried on by their family. The $1,500 scholarship will be payable one-third each quarter or one-half each semester. Scholarship applications may be downloaded at http//:www.georgiacottonwomen.org. For more information contact Charlotte Wingate at 229985-1435 or Nancy Coleman at 229-941-2930 or rosehillfarms@windstream.net. The deadline for application is May 15. BEEF MONTH PROMOTION WORKSHOP May 19 Ga. Farm Bureau 10 a.m.-2p.m. Macon The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and Georgia Beef Board (GBB) is holding this workshop to help county cattlemen’s associations and county Farm Bureaus prepare to promote beef in June, Georgia Beef Month. GBB staff will distribute beef month materials and discuss promotion ideas. Representatives of county cattlemen’s associations will share promotion activities they’ve used in the past. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Communications Daren Williams will provide media training and cover how to talk about beef with consumers. The event is free but attendees are asked to RSVP by May 15 by calling Brooke Williams at 478-474-1815 or emailing her at brooke@gabeef.org. HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 30 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu CAES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS June 1 Deadline to apply for Transfer Scholarship The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association is accepting applications for its Transfer Scholarship for students considering transferring into a CAES program in fall 2012. For more information or to download the application form, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html. COTTON SCOUT SCHOOLS June 11 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton June 19 Southeast Research and Education Center Midville These programs, which run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offer basic information on cotton insects and scouting procedures. The programs will serve as a review for experienced scouts and producers and as an introduction to cotton insect monitoring for new scouts. For more information about the Tifton session, contact Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. For information about the Midville session, contact Peyton Sapp at 706-554-2119.
Leadership Alert page 9 of 9 GEORGIA EGG ASSOCIATION 51st ANNUAL MEETING June 20-22 King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort St. Simons Island The Georgia Egg Association meeting offers educational sessions, reports from the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. The association will also hold its awards banquet, a spouse’s breakfast and much more. For more information, call 770-932-4622. 2012 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 20 University of Georgia Griffin Campus 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Griffin Registration is now being accepted for this unique educational event, sponsored by UGA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the NRCS. The field day will provide information on ways land value can be enhanced. More than 25 topics will be showcased, including wildlife opening management; pond management; management for wild turkeys, doves and quail; selling and marketing timber; prescribed burning, cost-sharing assistance programs, GPS/GIS use in managing land and invasive insects, disease and plants. Registration is $25 before Sept. 3 and $35 after. Fee includes lunch, and those who register in advance will receive an Agroforestry & Wildlife Field Day baseball cap. For more information, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.