April 23, 2014
www.gfb.org
Vol. 32 No. 16
DEAL SIGNS BILL UPDATING FLINT RIVER DROUGHT PROTECTION ACT Gov. Nathan Deal signed SB 213 in an April 16 ceremony in Cordele, amending the Flint River Drought Protection Act (FRDPA) to provide the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) flexibility in how the law is administered. “It has always been one of my top priorities to ensure that the future of Georgia’s water supply is never handicapped by shortage or uncertainty,” Deal said in a press release. “This legislation will enable the Environmental Protection Division to react in a common sense manner during a drought, which will protect southwest Georgia farmers from lawsuits, conserve our natural resources and keep our farms running efficiently.” SB 213 includes new efficiency requirements for farm irrigation systems and clarifies the EPD’s role in managing water in periods of prolonged drought, particularly concerning the suspension of water withdrawals around flows for certain threatened and endangered species. Georgia Farm Bureau supported the bill. “Access to water is crucial for the health of our farms, our communities and our state’s economy,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “It’s clear the Georgia General Assembly recognized the importance of updating the Flint River Drought Protection Act in a way that also maintains the ability of farmers in Southwest Georgia to irrigate.” The bill was initiated out of concerns that the FRDPA as originally structured did not provide significant environmental benefit and was not financially viable. Under the original FRDPA, which became law in 2000, the EPD director was required to determine whether drought conditions exist in the Flint River Basin by March 1 each year. In years when the EPD declared drought conditions, it required an irrigation reduction auction under which farmers would be compensated for pulling agricultural land out of irrigation. The new bill makes the irrigation reduction auctions optional at the discretion of the EPD director. It requires agricultural water withdrawal permits in the Flint River Basin to achieve irrigation application efficiencies of at least 80 percent by 2020, and limits the bills coverage to four Flint tributaries - Spring Creek, Ichawaynochaway Creek, Kinchafoonee Creek and Muckalee Creek. SB 213 provides for augmentation of those streams to provide water for vulnerable aquatic life in them. During times of augmentation, SB 213 allows for restrictions on surface water withdrawals downstream from the augmentation site. SB 213 passed both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly in March. It was sponsored in the Senate by Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) and carried in the House by Buddy Harden (R-Cordele).
Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 PECAN AND TOBACCO REFERENDUMS PASS, VEGETABLES VOTED DOWN Georgia pecan and tobacco producers recently approved assessment increases for their respective commissions to fund their promotion, education and research programs, while Georgia vegetable growers chose not to continue the Georgia Vegetable Commission. Nearly 81 percent of ballots returned in the Georgia Pecan Commission’s assessment referendum were in favor of increasing the pecan assessment to 1 cent per pound for in-shell pecans effective Aug. 1. The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans received 225 ballots out of 659 mailed, and 182 voted in favor of raising the assessment. Currently, pecan growers pay 1/2 cent per pound at the time of sale. The pecan referendum was conducted by mail from March 1 to March 30. Nearly 91 percent of the ballots returned in the Georgia Tobacco Commission’s assessment referendum were in favor of increasing the tobacco assessment from the current 30 cents per hundred pounds to 50 cents per hundred pounds with a provision that the assessment could be increased to 75 cents at a future date after notifying producers and holding a producer meeting. Of the 155 ballots mailed to growers, 66 valid ballots were received, and 60 of those were in favor of raising the assessment. The tobacco referendum was held Feb. 19-March 20. Under state law governing agricultural commodity marketing orders, 25 percent of the mailed ballots must be returned for the ballots to be counted and a 2/3 affirmative majority is required for passage. The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Vegetables reaffirmation vote was held in February and did not pass. Because the reaffirmation referendum failed, the ACC for Vegetables expired on March 31 according to a memorandum from Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. Assessment payments due through that date should be mailed no later than April 30. Vegetables sold after March 31 are not subject to the assessment. Reaffirmation votes for Georgia’s agricultural commodity commissions are required every three years. TATTNALL JUDGE DENIES BLAND ONION INJUNCTION REQUEST After an April 15 hearing in the Tattnall County Superior Court, Judge D. Jay Stewart declined a request to block Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black from enforcing a regulation setting an authorized packing date for Vidalia onions, according to published reports. Tattnall County farmer Delbert Bland asked the Tattnall County Superior Court for an injunction against Black after a Fulton County court ruled on March 19 that Black did not have the authority to impose the rule. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is appealing and took the stance that the rule would remain in effect until the appeal is heard. Stewart referred Bland back to the Fulton County court, noting that the March 19 ruling included an injunction to stop enforcement of the pack date rule. April 21 was set as the 2014 packing date in the GDA rule, which was released last fall as Black’s response to growers’ complaints that early shipping had resulted in poor quality onions being sold to the public. Previously, growers were allowed to ship early if their onions received a U.S. No. 1 grade from federal inspectors. Bland, who grows 3,000 acres of Vidalia onions, began packing and shipping onions the day after Stewart’s ruling.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 FSA ACCEPTING SIGN-UPS FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications for disaster assistance programs re-established and strengthened by the 2014 farm bill. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) will provide payments to eligible producers for livestock deaths and grazing losses that have occurred since the expiration of the livestock disaster assistance programs in 2011, and including calendar years 2012, 2013 and 2014. LIP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law. LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire. Enrollment is also underway for producers with losses covered by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) in 2011, when the programs expired, through 2014. ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as wildfires. TAP provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters. Producers who wish to enroll in these programs should contact their local FSA office or USDA Service Center. EARTH DAY OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW FARM STEWARDSHIP SUCCESSES Earth Day was observed around the globe on April 22 using the theme “Green Cities.” According to www.earthday.org it is the world’s largest secular observance, with more than 1 billion people in 192 countries working to protect the environment. U.S. farmers have been practicing environmental stewardship for generations because it is in their best interest to do so. “Farmers have long maintained that if they take care of the land, it will take care of them,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “It just makes sense. They benefit from pristine natural resources just like everyone else.” U.S. farmers have made significant improvements in efficiencies and reduced the amount of resources required to produce food, fuel and fiber that Americans depend on every day. For instance, U.S. crop production has improved by 360 percent since 1950 despite a 70 million-acre decline in planted acreage. Since 1982, America’s farmers have reduced erosion from wind and water by 50 percent. Since 1980, U.S. dairy farmers have reduced the amount of feed required to produce milk by 40 percent. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN FOR EPA WATER RULE The EPA rule regarding the definition of “Waters of the United States” was published in the Federal Register on April 21, officially opening the 90-day comment period, which lasts until July 21. Georgia Farm Bureau opposes the rule. To make a comment, visit http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880-0001 and click “Comment Now!”
Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 Condolences to the family of long-time Gordon County Farm Bureau Director Sam Payne, who passed away on April 15. GEORGIA CATTLEWOMEN’S ASSOCIATION REGION II MEETING April 25-27 Forrest Hills Mountain Resort & Conference Center Dahlonega The Georgia Cattlewomen's Association invites you to three days of fun, fellowship and educational opportunities! There will be social media training, leadership development, ANCW business and updates, as well as lots of fun like a Winery/Farm Tour and trail walking. The registration form can be found at http://www.gabeef.org/gcwa/index.html. For more information contact Melissa Miller at millerm@uga.edu or 813-928-2437. NEWTON COUNTY AG DAY ON THE SQUARE April 26 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Covington This event, sponsored by the Newton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers, features a modern and antique tractor show. The event includes peddle tractors for the kids, arts and crafts, live music and more. For more information contact Crystal Powell at 770-786-7201. BEYOND THE FARM GATE SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINARS April 28 NW Ga. Trade & Convention Center 8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Dalton May 5 UGA CAES Four Towers Building 8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Athens These free workshops, funded through a USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Grant, will help farmers gain the skills they need to establish and maintain an effective online presence to meet their online marketing needs. Space is limited. Visit www.beyondthefarmgate.org to register. Contact Chris Morgan at 706-542-7102 or acm@uga.edu for more information. GEORGIA FORESTRY FOUNDATION ARTWORK AND SLOGAN CONTESTS April 30 Deadline for entries Georgia students in grades 5 through 12 are invited to participate in a contest to express the value of Georgia’s sustainable working forests through submission of a creative artwork and slogan. There are two levels of competition: fifth through eighth and ninth through 12th grades, with one winner from each level. Each winning entry will be awarded a prize valued up to $35,000, which includes a $15,000 cash award to the school, $2,500 cash award and forestry camp scholarship to the student, educational opportunities for teachers from the winning schools, a field trip for students in the grade level of each winning student, and materials featuring the winning artwork and slogan. For more information visit http://www.forestry4Rfuture.org or call 478-992-8110. FARMLAND PUBLIC SCREENINGS May 1 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema 7 p.m. Atlanta May 2 & 3 Douglass Theatre 7 p.m. Macon Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Moll’s new feature length documentary, Farmland, offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of six young farmers and ranchers across the U.S. during much of 2013. Georgia Farm Bureau member Leighton Cooley and his family are among the featured farmers. Visit http://www.farmlandfilm.com for additional information about the film and to watch the trailer. For more information about the Atlanta showing visit http://www.landmarktheatres.com or call 404-879-0160. Tickets for the Macon showing are $7 and may be purchased in advance by phone at 478-742-2000 or online at http://www.douglasstheatre.org.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM NOMINATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1 The Georgia Centennial Farm Program, which recognizes historic farms and encourages their preservation, is taking nominations. Visit http://www.georgiacentennialfarms.org to download an application or contact Charlie Miller, Centennial Farm Awards Committee chairman at 404-6515287 or by email at Charlie.miller@dnr.state.ga.usApplications must be postmarked by May 1. Selected farms will be honored during the Georgia National Fair in October. NORTHEAST GEORGIA BACKYARD POULTRY WORKSHOP May. 1 Comer Travel Museum 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Comer The UGA Cooperative Extension Service is offering this workshop, which covers breed selection, housing and nutrition as well as egg sales and prevention of disease and parasites. Cost is $10 per person, including dinner and class materials. For more information visit http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/?public=viewStory&pk_id=5110 or contact the Madison County Extension office at 706-695-2281 or aspeir@uga.edu. PUTNAM COUNTY DAIRY FESTIVAL/ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW June 7 Streets around Putnam County Courthouse Eatonton This celebration of the Putnam County dairy industry features road races, entertainment, barbecue and introduction of the Dairy Family of the Year. The antique tractor parade begins at 10 a.m. at Putnam County Elementary School, and the tractor exhibition begins at noon at Farmers & Merchants Bank. Deadline to enter a tractor in the exhibition is May 2 and the entry fee is $10. For application and other event information contact Glenda Ridley at 706-4730763 or glendar@pceatonton.org. MONROE COUNTY HERD SALE May 3 Sleepy Creek Farm 12:30 p.m. Forsyth This sale will feature 85 bred heifers. 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. All heifers will sell confirmed safe in calf to calving ease Angus bulls. 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.ugaextension.com/monroe GFB ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR PHOTO CONTEST Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its 5th Annual Picture Agriculture in Georgia Contest open to any GFB member who receives no income from photography. Cash awards will be presented in two categories – Farm Bureau Members and Farm Bureau Employees. Prizes for the member category are: 1st Place - $150; 11 Honorable Mentions - $75 each. The winner of the member category will be featured on the front of the 2015 GFB Young Farmer Calendar. Prizes for the employee category are: 1st Place- $100; 2nd Place- $75; 3rd Place- $50. Only digital photos that are a minimum of 1 megabyte (MB) in file size may be submitted with a limit of two entries per person. All photos must have been shot in Georgia in 2013 or 2014. Photos altered in any way will not be judged. All photos become the property of GFB. Digital photos must be sent as a JPEG file attachment via email to yf@gfb.org by 4:30 p.m. on May 6. If children or people are included in photos, you must complete a Model Release Entry Form that must be received by GFB at the time of the deadline. Visit your county Farm Bureau office for contest rules, entry instructions and the Model Release Form or visit the GFB website at http://www.gfb.org.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 2013 YOUNG HARRIS/UGA BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 15-17 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 15 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 16 and 17 provide training and certification, including individual and colony biology, low-tech beekeeping, occupational safety and much more. Registration fees for 18 and older is $120 for May 16, $100 for May 17 and $199 for both days. For ages 11-17, fees are $59 for May 16, $49 for May 17 and $99 for both days. Two-day registration and additional fees apply for advanced courses and exams on May 15. Participation is capped at 175 people, and classes generally fill up quickly. For more information, visit http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/youngharris/. NRCS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR KEY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from Georgia farmers and ranchers for specific initiatives under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications are due by May 16. EQIP is a voluntary program that funds conservation practices based on state identified natural resource concerns. The specific initiatives being funded under this sign-up are on-farm energy, seasonal high tunnels, organic operations, working lands for wildlife and longleaf pine. Interested producers should visit their local NRCS office for information on this sign-up period. Applications are taken on a continuous basis but only those applications received by the cutoff will be considered for this sign-up. For more information about EQIP or other technical or financial assistance programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local service center: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs. NRCS WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE Eligible producers in four Southwest Georgia watersheds (Lower Deep Creek, in Turner County; Upper Piscola Creek, Middle Piscola Creek and Lower Piscola Creek, in both Brooks and Thomas Counties) must apply by May 16 for FY 2014 funding under the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s National Water Quality Initiative. The producers will invest in voluntary conservation actions to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities. Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS will provide funding and advice to producers to install conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces in watersheds with impairments where the federal investment can make a difference to improve water quality. For more information about NRCS’ programs, initiatives and services in Georgia, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov. TEAM AG GEORGIA SPRING WORKSHOP May 29 Central Square Complex 8 a.m. Douglas This free one-day workshop, which includes a complimentary lunch, is for small, beginning and limited-resource farmers. Workshop sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a farm tour. Topics include organic/naturally grown certification, small farm financing, olive production, an update on USDA programs, timber and wildlife management and much more. Registration is required and the deadline to register is May 19. To register online visit http://ww.teamaggeorgia.com. For more information contact Neal Leonard at neal.leonard@ga.usda.gov or 706-546-2207.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP DEADLINE Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students have until May 24 to apply to attend a one-week residential camp the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission is offering June 8-12 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Natural resource experts will give lectures, guide field trips and lead hands-on activities to enhance students’ understanding of Georgia’s natural resources during the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW). The camp focuses on the value and protection of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, water and mining resources. More than $18,000 in college scholarships will be awarded during the event. Tuition is $150 per student but scholarships are available for students who have not previously attended the event. Visit http://abac.edu/nrcw to download the camp application and more information. Contact Luke Crosson at lcrosson@gaswcc.org or 229-995-6001 for more information. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 27 NW Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Workshop begins at 6 p.m. For information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu. GA. HEIFER EVALUATION AND REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 28 NW Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu. GFB ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR YOUNG FARMER CONTESTS Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting applications for its Young Farmer Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. . GFB members between the ages of 1835 may apply for these awards. Applications are available at county Farm Bureau offices Finalists for each of the competitive events will be named at the GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference to be held July 10-13 on Jekyll Island. Applications for each contest and the leadership conference will be accepted through May 30 at 4:30 p.m. The preliminary rounds of the discussion meet will be held at the leadership conference. For more information on these awards or the conference, please visit http://www.gfb.org/yf or stop by your county Farm Bureau. The GFB Achievement Award will recognize an outstanding young farmer or couple whose primary income is derived from farming. The GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award will recognize an outstanding individual or couple whose primary income is not derived from farming. Extension agents, FFA advisors and ag lenders are examples of individuals who may apply for this award. The GFB Discussion Meet is a competitive event designed to simulate a committee meeting where young farmers discuss topics relevant to agriculture today and explore solutions to issues facing them as agriculturalists. The state winner of each award will be announced during the GFB convention in December. The winner of each contest will compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Diego, Calif., Jan. 11-13, 2015. Details on state and national prizes will be available at a later date.