April 4, 2018
www.gfb.org
Vol. 36 No. 7
BILLS FAVORABLE TO AG PASS GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY Georgia farmers could benefit from a number of bills passed in the 2018 session of the Georgia General Assembly, which concluded on March 30. Among them are protections for livestock producers, a clarification of rules for the Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA), measures to improve oversight of the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) and setting statutory responsibilities for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The General Assembly also approved a number of ag-related provisions in the state budget. Language requiring consultation with animal husbandry experts before charges are filed against farmers for alleged animal cruelty, was included in House Bill 956, which was sponsored by Rep. Clay Pirkle (R-Ashburn). The livestock producer protection, which originated with Senate Bill 257 sponsored by Sen. Bill Heath (R-Bremen), sought to implement this involvement with food animal veterinarians early in an investigation to provide the best care for animals, to protect farmers from false accusations. Two measures concerning CUVA were passed in one bill and sent to the governor for final approval. Senate Bill 458, introduced by Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa), will clarify the intent of CUVA and add accountability for counties that wrongfully restrict access to the program. The bill includes language from HB 373 sponsored by Rep. David Knight (R-Griffin). Following an update to last year's inclusion of “farm entities” as qualified participants, Wilkinson's bill clarifies that farm entities are treated the same as individuals regarding the ability of those age 65 and older to pull out at a reduced penalty rate. Knight's changes specify that a new plat or survey is not required to exclude a residential area, and provides accountability by repayment of attorney fees to individuals who are wrongly charged a breach. House Bill 866, sponsored by Rep. Sam Watson (R-Moultrie), strengthens the integrity of the GATE program. The bill allows sharing of information between the Georgia Departments of Agriculture and Revenue to investigate and enforce the rules of the program. The bill also doubled the threshold qualification to $5,000 annual aggregate sales of agriculture products and moved to a $150, 3-year GATE card with the goal of ensuring only qualified users access the program. -continued on next page
GFB News Alert page 2 of 11 Continued from previous page Companion actions House Resolution 51 and House Bill 85, both sponsored by Rep. Jay Powell (R-Camilla), could end up benefitting the state’s forest landowners. HR 51 authorized an amendment to the state constitution on the language of HB 85, which would establish a new tax class of timberland and adjust the formula for determining the fair market value of forest land enrolled in the Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA). This action would provide flexible options for landowners if it is signed by Gov. Nathan Deal and then receives at least 50 percent of a statewide vote in November. Sen. Larry Walker III (R-Perry), sponsored SB 451, which codifies the responsibilities of agriculture water metering with the EPD, establishes procedures for permitted withdrawals to be metered, and requires EPD to contract out meter reading, maintenance, repair, and replacement. The General Assembly also approved the state budget, which included $1.7 million for a new Rural Innovation and Prosperity Center, $223,823 for research on whitefly management and $171,400 for disease-resistant turf, $726,740 for several positions with the UGA Cooperative Extension Service, $150,000 for young farmer programs in Polk County and at the Pataula Charter Academy in Calhoun County, $100,000 for a Young Farmer Executive Director position, $1.1 million for the Veterinary Medicine Experiment Station and $179,205 for a Georgia Forestry Commission deputy director position. For more details from the 2018 Session of the Georgia General Assembly, visit https://www.votervoice.net/iframes/GFB/newsletters/29125. CHINA IMPOSES TARIFFS ON DOZENS OF U.S. FARM PRODUCTS On April 2 China’s Ministry of Commerce announced new 15 percent tariffs on 120 U.S. products and increased tariffs on eight others by 15 percent in response to U.S. tariffs on imports of Chinese steel and aluminum. In a separate action, China announced on April 4 a 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans. Of the 128 products on the April 2 list, 92 are fruits and nuts. Pecans, pork and soybeans are among the affected commodities produced in Georgia, which is the top pecan-producing state. While pecans are not named specifically in the list of targeted products, they fall under the listed category of “other fresh or dried nuts,” according to the U.S. Pecan Growers Council (USPGC). The USPGC indicated that about 20 percent of U.S. pecan production is exported to China. In 2017, U.S. pecan producers shipped 30,551 metric tons of in-shell pecans and kernels, valued at more than $197 million. With the increased tariff, Chinese customers will be paying 22 percent duties on U.S. pecans. “While significant, the new tariff is still below the 24 percent level which has been in place for quite some time,” the USPGC said in a prepared statement. “There remains uncertainty about the effect of the increase. Its impact may depend on the length of the dispute. It is to be hoped that at some point a settlement will be reached to resolve the dispute.” The tariffs on U.S. pork products are increased by 25 percent. China buys 61 percent of all U.S. soybean exports and more than 30 percent of total U.S. soybean production, according to the American Soybean Association. In 2017, Georgia growers produced 6.3 million bushels of soybeans.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 11 APRIL 20 IS VIDALIA ONION PACK DATE The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the Vidalia Onion Committee announced March 26 that the pack date for the 2018 Vidalia Onion season April 20. Beloved by worldrenowned chefs and home cooks alike, the versatile Vidalia will be available in stores and farmers market after the pack date. Vidalia onions are grown and hand-cultivated exclusively in 20 southeast Georgia counties by 80 registered growers. Vidalias are known for their sweet, distinctive flavor and are available for a limited time in the spring and summer. Each year, the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel, state agricultural scientists and the Department of Agriculture determine the pack date based on soil and weather conditions in South Georgia during the growing season. The Vidalia trademark is owned by the state of Georgia as a result of the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986. To be called a Vidalia, the onions must be cultivated in the South Georgia soil in one of the 20 counties of the recognized growing region from a special Granex seed and packed and sold after the official pack date each year. In 2017, Georgia grew more than 11,000 acres of Vidalia onions, according to Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Troy Bland. Vidalia onions represent about 40 percent of the U.S. sweet onion market and are sold in every state. Visit www.vidaliaonion.org for more information. Follow the season’s news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION INCREASES RESEARCH FUNDING IN 2018 During its March meeting, the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) Board of Directors approved $581,896 in research project funding for the 2018-19 research budget year. The research projects approved include 34 proposals submitted from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment. The peanut industry continues to grow in Georgia and from that growth we are able to increase research funding again for the 2018 year,” GPC Research Committee Chairman Donald Chase said. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions in the state and are excited about the potential benefits of these projects for farmers in the state and the entire peanut industry.” Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research, promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, and pests, weed and disease management. Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,238,996 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers. For more information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit www.gapeanuts.com.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 11 FEDERAL SPENDING BILL ADDRESSES MULTIPLE FARM ISSUES On March 23, President Donald Trump signed the FY 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which extends funding for the federal government through Sept. 30. The bill includes several key agricultural provisions. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the bill amends the cooperative tax deduction (Section 199A) to restore balance to commodity markets and reestablish fairness between cooperative and non-cooperative farmers. Section 199A, part of the tax reform bill passed in December, provided tax incentives to farmers who sold their products to cooperatives, creating a competitive imbalance. Language in the omnibus bill corrected this issue. The bill included $15 million to assist pecan farmers who could not previously access disaster assistance after damage to orchards resulting from hurricanes last fall, according to Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga. 2nd District). “Many of our pecan growers struck by Hurricane Irma weren’t able to qualify due to the 15 percent [tree] mortality requirement,” Bishop said. “The recent legislation lowers the mortality rate to 7.5 percent and makes it retroactive to 2017. This should open the Tree Assistance Program to many pecan growers.” The omnibus bill clarifies that air emissions from animal waste at a farm are not applicable under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) said farmers and ranchers were never intended to be subject to CERCLA requirements. In addition, the legislation gives agricultural haulers a reprieve from the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate through Sept. 30, the end of fiscal year 2018. Farm groups, including Georgia Farm Bureau, opposed the ELD mandate, contending it conflicts with animal welfare concerns for haulers transporting livestock and insects. Other provisions important to agriculture and rural communities include a pilot program related to county-level agricultural risk coverage payments under the farm bill; critical forest management reforms, including allowing the U.S. Forest Service to adjust its cap when its fire-suppression budget goes above the 10-year average; a pilot program to allocate $625 million for broadband service in underserved and unserved areas; and funding for a wide array of federal programs within USDA, the Food and Drug Administration and other departments and agencies. Roberts’ statement and summary can be read here: http://bit.ly/Robertsagprovisions. A Senate Appropriations summary of funding for agriculture-related programs can be read at http://bit.ly/agappropssummary.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 1 MONROE COUNTY’S JAMES VAUGHN NAMED 2018 GA FARMER OF THE YEAR Monroe County Farm Bureau member James Vaughn has been named the 2018 Georgia Farmer of the Year, according to a University of Georgia press release. Under his leadership, Vaughn Farms has grown from a 500-acre cattle farm to a 5,590-acre diversified farm. Working as a team, Vaughn and his wife, sons and daughter grow Bermudagrass hay for local and wholesale markets, raise cattle for the specialized beef market, sell bred heifers and registered bulls, grow 4,000 acres of timber and train cutting horses. Vaughn also provides legal assistance in farm-related areas as a partner in the law firm of Vaughn, Wright and Boyer LLP. After graduating from college and law school and practicing law in Savannah, Vaughn returned to Monroe County to take over the farm his father established in the 1950s with a small herd of registered Angus cattle. Today, Vaughn Farms has 425 cow-calf pairs; 50 are registered and the others are purebred commercial James Vaughn Angus. Recognizing the benefit of niche marketing, Vaughn direct markets feeder calves to southwest Iowa. Beef from the farm is sold into export following harvest through an integrated market for nonhormone-treated cattle. Vaughn markets Vaughn Farms cattle through the Georgia/Iowa Family Farm to Family Fork program. The hormone-free marketing program seeks marketing premiums for cattlemen who produce safe, quality, consistent beef using humane and hormone-free procedures. Vaughn was nominated by Caitlin Bennett Jackson, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent in Monroe County. Vaughn and his wife, Beth Vaughn, work on the farm and hold down full-time off-farm jobs. He is a local attorney and she chairs the board of a community bank. Two of their sons, Matthew and Jordan Vaughn, joined them in the farm business full time. Benjamin Vaughn, also an attorney, holds a forestry degree and assists with timber management and production. Their daughter, Jennifer Vaughn Hickson, is an equine veterinarian assistant. She lives in South Carolina but shows cutting horses on the circuit with Jordan Vaughn. Vaughn protects the ecosystems on the farm and outside its boundaries by maintaining stream buffers and roads and using sustainable methods. Through his involvement with the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, Vaughn Farms hosts an annual farm tour to emphasize the economic impact of agriculture. At this year’s Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, James Vaughn will represent Georgia and compete against farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 11 GOODSON PECANS TEAM WINS TOP PRIZE IN FLAVOR OF GEORGIA CONTEST Lee County Farm Bureau members David and Melody Goodson, co-owners of Goodson Pecans of Leesburg, claimed the grand prize at University of Georgia’s 2018 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest with the Goodson Pecans Honey Cinnamon Pecan Butter. The annual contest, conducted by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, is a chance for food businesses to showcase their new products. A team of food industry experts and grocery buyers chose Goodson Pecans Honey Cinnamon Pecan Butter as the best of 33 finalists. They rated the products on qualities including innovation, use of Georgia theme, market potential and flavor. In addition to the grand prize, Goodson Pecans also won first place in the miscellaneous category. Gov. Nathan Deal, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean and Director Sam Pardue congratulated the category and grand prize winners during Flavor of Georgia Day, part of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta. For more information about Goodson Pecans, visit www.goodsonpecans.com. The winners in the other categories: Finalists’ Choice Award and Honey Category - H.L. Franklin’s Healthy Honey Creamed Healthy, H.L. Franklin’s Healthy Honey, Statesboro; Barbecue Sauces - Lane’s BBQ Sorta White BBQ Sauce, Lane’s BBQ, Bethlehem; Beverages Olympus Greek Mountain Blueberry Citrus Tea, Olympus Greek Mountain Teas, Lawrenceville; Confections: Brown Butter Crunch Gelato, Honeysuckle Gelato, Atlanta; Dairy Products - New World Chocolate Milk, Rock House Creamery, Newborn; Jams and Jellies - Wild Elderberry Pepper Jelly, Fairywood Thicket Farm, Fairburn; Meat and Seafood - Applewood Smoked Bacon, Pine Street Market, Avondale Estates; Condiments and Salsas - Sourwood Balsamic Vinegar, Built by Bees, Atlanta; Sauces and Seasonings - Cajeta, Bootleg Farm, LLC, Springfield; and Snack Foods - Sugar and Spice Cashews, High Cotton Company, Sandy Springs Showcase events like the 2018 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest help entrepreneurs spread the word about their products. Many participants have landed spots in regional and national grocery chains like Whole Foods, Ingles, Fresh Market, Earth Fare, Kroger and Harvey’s. Category winners received an award and membership in the state Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown program, statewide notoriety and bragging rights. All winners and finalists earn the right to have their products stamped with the 2018 Flavor of Georgia logo. They also gain exposure to grocery buyers and food industry professionals who judge the final round of the contest. For more information about the contest, visit www.flavorofga.com or follow @FlavorofGA on Twitter and Instagram.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 11 GNFA ANNOUNCES GA NATIONAL JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AMBASSADORS The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) has announced the first Georgia National Jr. Livestock Ambassador Team. The ambassadors will represent the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter by serving a one-year term showcasing the livestock and equine industry on site and throughout Georgia. Each member of this team exhibits livestock projects throughout the various GNFA show. The ambassadors are Cale Howington (Jackson County), Victoria Barber (Colquitt County), Gabe Roberts (Houston County), Taylor Barber (Decatur County), Levi Martin (Houston County), Payton Jackson (Banks County), Garrett Griner (Colquitt County), Courtney Conine (Mitchell County), Dawson Adams (Coffee County) and Kylie Whitworth (Madison County). The ambassador team was introduced at the 2018 Georgia National Rodeo on Feb 24. In addition to showcasing the livestock industry, the ambassadors will have the chance to learn from some of the best in their respective fields, enabling them to broaden their understanding of agriculture while networking with state leaders, agricultural officials and setting goals toward future educational and career decisions. NRCS, FLINT RIVER DIST. TAKING CLIMATE RESILIENCY APPLICATIONS On March 30, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) announced enrollment for the Climate Resiliency project in Georgia, Florida and Alabama is under way. The deadline for eligible producers in Georgia to apply is April 20. This multi-state project was selected for funding through last fiscal year’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The project area is the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, Flint and Ochlocknee river basins in each respective state. The 62 Georgia counties include Banks, Calhoun, Carroll, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clay, Clayton, Cobb, Colquitt, Coweta, Crawford, Crisp, Dawson, Decatur, Dekalb, Dooly, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Grady, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Harris, Heard, Henry, Houston, Lamar, Lee, Lumpkin, Macon, Marion, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Monroe, Muscogee, Paulding, Peach, Pike, Quitman, Rabun, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell, Towns, Troup, Turner, Webster, White, Worth, Union and Upson counties. Farmers in these Georgia counties looking to improve water use efficiency, energy efficiency and soil health on cropland; mitigate wildfire risk, increase carbon sequestration, and enhance wildlife habitat on forestland; enhance soil health, manage nutrients and improve water quality on grazing land as well as animal feeding operations, should visit their local USDA Service Center and submit their Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200) before the April 20 deadline. The Flint River SWCD, based in southwest Georgia, will lead this multi-state project that begins in the headwaters of northeast Georgia, heading southwest to the Gulf of Mexico. More information on NRCS conservation programs can be found at http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov under the Programs tab.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 11 NASS STILL ACCEPTING RESPONSES TO CENSUS OF AG Farmers still have time to be counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Although the first deadline has passed, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is accepting census information through the spring to get an accurate picture of American agriculture. Federal law requires everyone who received the 2017 Census of Agriculture questionnaire to complete and return it, even if they are not currently farming. NASS will continue to follow up with producers with mailings, phone calls and personal visits until a response is received. To avoid these additional contacts, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their census online at www.agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. For questions or assistance filling out the census, call toll-free (888) 424-7828. GFB TAKING LISTINGS FOR HAY DIRECTORY Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or offering custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Because this directory is now offered online, hay can be listed or removed from the site as your inventory dictates. To participate, please complete a submission form available at your county Farm Bureau office or online at http://www.gfb.org/membership/hay.cms. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. WATER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS April 5 Bulloch County Extension Office Statesboro April 23 Pierce County Extension Office Blackshear April 24 Terrell County Extension Office Dawson April 25 Turner County Extension Office Ashburn May 15 Appling County Extension Office Baxley May 16 Fort Valley State Ag Technology Center Fort Valley May 29 Ashantilly Center Darien This series of workshops will explain the efficiencies of impact sprinklers, drip irrigation systems and how to develop an irrigation water management plan. Registration is $15 per person to help cover instructional materials and a meal. To register online visit www.tinyurl.com/CRSSWater or contact your local UGA or Fort Valley State Extension agent or NRCS conservationist. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEETING & BEEF EXPO April 5-7 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry There is something for everyone at this annual event that presents all things beef! The GCA will award approximately $15,000 in scholarships. The theme of this year's convention is “Georgia Grown.” There will be a session on marketing local beef on April 6 and Georgia Grown products will be showcased throughout the convention. Other events include the annual silent auction to support the Georgia Cattlemen's Foundation and the Cattlemen’s Ball. Visit http://bit.ly/18GCAConvention to register. For more information call 478-474-6560.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 11 GEORGIA FORAGES CONFERENCE April 5 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This annual event, held in conjunction with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Beef Expo, features presentations on cow/calf vs. stocker cattle on summer and winter pasture varieties, supplementation strategies in pasture-based systems, grazing alfalfa for profit and more. Registration for the Georgia Forages Conference is $40 per person, which covers the program, instructional materials and lunch. For more information or to register, visit www.georgiacattlement.org or call 478-474-6560. GROWMARK FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS April 13 deadline to apply The GROWMARK Foundation offers a $1,500 scholarship program for students in the United States and Ontario, Canada, pursing two- or four-year degrees or trade school certification in an agriculture-related field. Applicants must complete an online application which includes academic information, community service and leadership activities and essay questions regarding agriculture and cooperatives. Applications will be judged by a panel of agribusiness professionals. High school seniors or students at any level of higher education may complete the application, which can be found at www.growmark.com/scholarship. CHEROKEE COUNTY CANDIDATE FORUM/MEET & GREET May 1 Cagle’s Family Farm, 5267 Conn’s Creek Rd. 6 p.m. Ball Ground This event, sponsored by Cherokee County Farm Bureau, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Cagle’s Family Farm, invites all local, state and national candidates running for office in 2018 to attend. Each candidate will have the opportunity to speak if they have opposition. Those candidates with no opposition will be introduced. Questions from the audience will follow. Current elected officials will also be introduced. Everyone will have time to meet & greet the candidates before and after the event. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troop #465. Soft drinks, water and peanuts will be provided by Cherokee County Farm Bureau. Please RSVP by April 27 to the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Office at sfpahl@gfb.org or 770- 4791481 ext. 0. GEORGIA COTTON WOMEN SCHOLARSHIPS May 1 deadline to apply College students who will be entering freshmen or rising sophomores at a Georgia college for the 2018-2019 academic year and are the child or grandchild of a Georgia cotton producer or a cotton industry employee may apply for two scholarships coordinated by the Georgia Cotton Women Inc. (GCW). The John M. and Connie H. Mobley Memorial Scholarship is presented to the child or grandchild of an active Georgia cotton producer. The $1,500 scholarship will be payable one-third each quarter or one-half each semester. The Georgia Cotton Women Scholarship is presented annually to the child or grandchild of a Georgia cotton producer or a cotton industry employee and who is the child or grandchild of a GCW member. This $1,500 scholarship is also payable onethird each quarter or one-half each semester. Applications are available by emailing georgiacottonwomen@gmail.com.
GFB News Alert page 10 of 11 GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS May 1 application deadline Applications are now open for the 2018 Georgia Centennial Farm awards. To qualify, a farm must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres actively involved in agricultural production, and produce $1,000 in annual farm-generated income. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To apply for recognition in 2018, visit http://georgiashpo.org/centennialfarms to download an application or contact Sarah Love at 770-389-7856 or sarah.love@dnr.ga.gov. 2018 PICTURE AGRICULTURE IN GEORGIA PHOTO CONTEST May 18 deadline to enter Georgia Farm Bureau is now accepting entries for the 2018 Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest. The contest, administered by the GFB Young Farmer and Rancher Committee, gives GFB members an opportunity to showcase agriculture and encourage appreciation of rural Georgia. The contest is open to any Georgia Farm Bureau member who receives no income from photography. To enter, email entry forms and photos as attachments to yf@gfb.org, with “Photo Contest” in the subject line. Entry forms and complete contest rules may be accessed on the GFB website at http://gfb.ag/PhotoContest. The deadline for entries is May 18. 5TH ANNUAL MADISON COUNTY GOAT SALE May 19 Brush Creek Farm 9 a.m. Colbert The sale is a platform for Madison County FFA members to sell show quality goats. Viewing begins at 9 a.m. followed by lunch at 11 a.m. and the sale at noon. Brush Creek Farm is located at 1631 Moriah Church Road in Colbert. For more information contact Madison County Middle School FFA Sponsor John Lastly at 706-783-2400 ext. 1228 or jlastly@madison.k12.ga.us. SYNGENTA AGRIGULTURE SCHOLARSHIP May 25 Deadline to apply Syngenta invites eligible university students to apply to its annual Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program. University students currently pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in crop-related disciplines are eligible to compete for $20,000 in scholarship awards. Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled as of spring 2018 in an accredited agriculture program at an eligible university. Syngenta will award scholarships to a bachelor’s and master’s level national winner, selected from a pool of 4 regional winners in each category. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the fall. For more information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic, eligible universities and application guidelines, please visit www.syngentaus.com/scholarships.
GFB News Alert page 11 of 11 GFB YOUNG FARMER & RANCHER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE July 19-21 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island This can’t-miss even for GFB farmer members between the ages of 18 and 35 is a great opportunity to meet members from around the state, attend educational workshops in areas such as leadership development, financial planning, advocacy, urban agriculture, and current industry trends Attendees will learn first-hand how our YF&R members are “Gaining Ground” in our industry and in our organization. Registration is $75 per person. The deadline to register is June 1. For more information or to register for the Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference visit http://gfb.ag/18YFRconference. GFB YOUNG FARMER & RANCHER COMPETITIVE EVENTS June 1 deadline to enter Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for the Young Farmer & Rancher competitive events the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture and the Discussion Meet. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old. The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture. The Discussion Meet is a series of committee-style discuss topics important to agriculture. The winners in all three contests will be honored at the GFB Convention in December and will qualify for national competition, to be held at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in New Orleans next January. To enter the competitive events, contact your county Farm Bureau office manager or GFB Young Farmer & Rancher Coordinator Erin Nessmith at ennessmith@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS June 1 deadline to apply The American Agri-Women (AAW) Foundation is taking applications for Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarships – the Jean Ibendahl Scholarship and the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship. These two scholarships are available to any farm, ranch, or agribusiness woman or her daughter to pursue accredited courses in agriculture leadership, communications, rural sociology, medicine, or any other courses directly related to agriculture. The Ibendahl Scholarship is available to high school graduates and women ages 18 – 23. The Bertels Scholarship is available to women who are returning students in agriculture and are 24 years or older. Both scholarships are for $1,000. Applications must be postmarked by June 1. Applications are available at http://bit.ly/aawschollys.