April 6, 2011
www.gfb.org
Vol. 29 No. 14
PROJECTED CORN, COTTON ACREAGE UP, PEANUTS AND SOYBEANS DOWN Looking to make the most of commodity prices that are approaching historic highs, particularly in cotton, Georgia growers are expected to expand their acreage planted in cotton and corn while pulling back on peanuts, hay and soybeans. The USDA 2011 prospective plantings report, released March 31 by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is a survey-based estimate of what farmers say they intend to plant this year. The first estimate of what is actually planted will be released the end of June. There is some disagreement over the extent of the acreage changes in the state. The USDA predicts Georgia’s peanut producers will plant 4 percent fewer acres this year than they did in 2010, (down from 565,000 acres to 540,000 acres). University of Georgia Extension Peanut Agronomist Dr. John Beasley predicts that the state’s peanut acreage could be reduced by 20 percent or more and that acreage planted in cotton could grow to as many as 1.85 million acres. “Our UGA ag economists indicate that $1.20 cotton is equivalent to $717 [per ton] for peanuts,” Beasley said. “ The highest contract offer I've heard on peanuts is $600 per ton, which is equal to approximately $1.00 per pound of cotton.” The NASS report indicates Georgia’s cotton producers will increase their acreage by 9 percent, from 1.33 million acres in 2010 to 1.45 million acres in 2011. Nationally, the NASS is predicting a 15 percent rise in cotton acreage from 10.97 million acres last year to 12.56 million acres. UGA Extension Economist for Cotton Dr. Don Shurley said the NASS projections for cotton acreage are lower than most expectations and predicted national cotton planting of 13 million acres or more. With tight global stocks and strong global demand, corn acreage is expected to grow by 12 percent in Georgia, from 295,000 acres in 2010 to a projected 330,000 acres in 2011 according to the USDA. A 5 percent increase is anticipated nationally. Georgia growers are expected to cut their hay acreage by 12 percent, from 650,000 acres to 570,000 acres. The state’s plantings in soybeans are also expected to decline, from 270,000 acres in 2010 to 210,000 acres this year, a reduction of 22 percent. Winter wheat is projected for significant growth in the state, from 170,000 acres in 2010 to 250,000 acres in 2011, a 47 percent expansion. Georgia’s tobacco growers are projected to plant 12,000 acres, a 5 percent increase over the 11,400 acres they planted in 2010. The projected numbers for Georgia plantings of oats (50,000 acres) and sorghum (45,000 acres) reflect no change from the 2010 acreage.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 DEAL ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER EXPANDING LOG TRUCK WEIGHT LIMITS Responding to requests from the forestry industry in Georgia, Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order on March 31 allowing higher weight limits for trucks hauling timber damaged by more than a dozen South Georgia wildfires that burned over 35,000 acres last month according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Separate blazes in Long County and Brantley County were determined to have been intentionally set. Deal’s executive order allows vehicles with required Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) special permits to haul weights up to 95,000 pounds for 90 days on approved routes. The executive order is similar to one issued by then-Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2007 following a set of wildfires that damaged portions of the Okefenokee Swamp. Perdue’s order allowed log trucks to carry up to 90,000 pounds. The move allows wood damaged by the wildfires to be salvaged, and the Georgia Forestry Commission is working to identify the necessary routes for moving wood from the burned sites to mills. “Governor Deal’s prompt response to the need to remove damaged timber from wildfire sites will be a tremendous benefit to the affected private landowners. It is encouraging to know that our governor is aware and sensitive to the devastation and quick to act,” said Georgia Forestry Association President Steve McWilliams. Deal declared a state of emergency due to fires in Long, Bacon, Coffee and Clinch counties on March 25, activating the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan and mobilizing state resources needed to contain and extinguish fires in those counties. The use of federal funding was authorized in fighting two of the wildfires, on Mosley Road in Coffee County and Elan Church Road in Long County. For information about obtaining permits, call the Georgia DOT at 800-570-5428.
CLARIFICATION ON FUMIGANT RULES The March 23 issue of Leadership Alert reported that workers handling soil fumigants are required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be outfitted with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), medically cleared for use of the SCBA and have the SCBA fitted. According to the EPA, operations using fumigants are required to have one SCBA on site for use in rescue operations, if needed, when a methyl bromide or chloropicrin combo product is used that contains 20 percent or more chloropicrin or when a methyl bromide product that contains less than 20 percent chloropicrin is used. The designated SCBA user has to have medical clearance and the fit test. The EPA also requires a minimum of two handlers at each operation to be medically cleared and fit-tested for air-purifying respirators (APRs). The APRs are to be used at the onset of symptoms of sensory irritation when methyl bromide/chloropicrin combo products are used containing 20 percent or more chloropicrin and when methyl bromide products that contain less than 20 percent chloropicrin are used. A minimum of one handler has to be medically cleared and fit-tested for an APR when an operation is using metam sodium/potassium or dazomet.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU MOURNS THE PASSING OF BETTY NASH Betty Nash, wife of former Georgia Farm Bureau President Bob Nash and life-long champion of agriculture, died on April 4 after a battle with cancer. She was 85. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Nash is survived by their daughter Cynthia Douglas and her husband Steve Douglas of The Rock, son Clifford Nash and his wife Laverne of Moultrie and son Charles Nash and his wife Alexis of Chicago, nine grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. Mrs. Nash was a member of Barnesville First Methodist Church. “ Georgia Farm Bureau would not be where it is today without the efforts Mrs. Betty and Bob put into it. Her lifetime of service to agriculture and agricultural education was remarkable,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “Betty was truly a shining light for our organization, and our hearts and prayers go out to her family.” Mrs. Nash grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Oklahoma A&M University. She and Bob were married for 64 years and worked side-byside for more than 50 years at every level of the Farm Bureau organization, including service on the American Farm Bureau Board of Directors. The couple worked to establish the Georgia Cattlemen’s and CattleWomen’s Associations and supported 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. They joined Georgia Farm Bureau when they moved to the state in 1957. Well-known for her refreshments and decorating skills, Mrs. Nash coordinated, hosted and assisted with numerous county, district and state Farm Bureau events, including Ag in the Classroom activities, farm tours, local meetings and health fairs through the years. Mrs. Nash was named Georgia CattleWoman of the Year in 1990 and is a past recipient of the American National CattleWomen’s Educator Award. In 1998, she was named Upson County’s Outstanding Partner in Education, and in 2009 the couple received the Thomaston-Upson County Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award. The Nashes were honored in December with the 2010 Georgia Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor Georgia Farm Bureau gives its volunteer leaders. Condolences may be sent to 5416 Barnesville Hwy., The Rock, Ga., 30285. Visitation will be held April 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home in Barnesville. Funeral services will be held on April 7 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Barnesville. BRYAN COUNTY FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT DANNY PAGE PASSES AWAY Bryan County Farm Bureau President Danny Page died April 3 after a brief illness. He was 52. Page, who was elected as Bryan County Farm Bureau president in 2008, was trained as an EMT and later as a Nationally Registered Paramedic and flight paramedic. He returned to work on his family’s farm in 1997 and also served as coroner of Bryan County for 8 1/2 years. He was recognized by Bryan County 4-H and the Bryan County High School Future Farmers of America for his contributions to their organizations.“We at Georgia Farm Bureau were saddened to learn of Danny’s death,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “His service as a county president and work in the community will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Page family.” A member of Ellabell United Methodist Church, Page was preceded in death by his father Hughlynn Page. He is survived by his son Shaun and his wife Angel of Ellabell, his mother Marian Edwards Page of Ellabel, his sister Patti Newman of Ellabell, and fiancee Tania Barker of Ellabell. Condolences may be sent to 770 Page Rd., Ellabell, Ga., 31308.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 GEORGIA OLIVE GROWERS ASSOCIATION SPRING SEMINAR April 11 Civic Center 209 S. HWY 221 Lakeland Alan Greene, the world’s recognized pioneer of super-high-density orchards in California, and Adam Englehardt, current farm manager of the California Olive Ranch (largest SHD olive producer in California) will deliver the primary presentations. Topics discussed will include the market for domestic olive oil, an update on orchards and an overview of super-high density cultural practices. The seminar will end with a field visit to Shaw Orchards. Please RSVP to sam@georgiaolivefarms.com. For more information call Jason Shaw at 229-561-0960. GEORGIA WATER RESOURCES CONFERENCE April 11-13 Ga. Center for Continuing Education Conference Center Athens This biennial event is an open forum to discuss current water policies, research, projects and water management in Georgia. The conference will feature oral discussions, poster presentations, panel discussions, workshops and field trips. Panel topics include: sustainable infrastructure, water planning and management at regional and state levels and many more. To register or for more information, visit http//:www.gawrc.org. TEAM AGRICULTURE GEORGIA SPRING WORKSHOP POSTPONED April 12 UGA Campus Conference Center Tifton Due to a potential federal government shutdown, this workshop has been postponed. There are tentative plans to reschedule the workshop for May 10 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. For more information contact Lauren Bush at 770-254-7374. UGA GRIFFIN CAMPUS SPRING OPEN HOUSE April 12 2 to 6 p.m. Griffin Campus Student Learning Center Prospective students interested in learning more about the University of Georgia’s academic offerings in Griffin are invited to attend the spring open house. The event is free and open to the public. Academic affairs staff, including advisors and faculty, will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about the educational opportunities available at the Griffin Campus. Eight undergraduate majors are now offered, plus graduate programs in agricultural leadership and mathematics education For more information, contact the UGA Griffin Campus Office of Academic Affairs at 770 412-4400 or email griffin@uga.edu. For more information about the degree programs offered at UGA’s Griffin Campus, see www.uga.edu/griffin.
37TH ANNUAL GREAT SOUTHLAND STAMPEDE RODEO April 14-16 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena 2600 South Milledge Ave. Athens Event includes bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing competitions. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo starts at 8 p.m. each night. At the gate, Friday and Saturday night tickets are $16 for adults and $13 for students and children (preordered, they're $13 for adults, $11 for students and children). Thursday night, preordered tickets are $10 for kids and students and $12 for adults; at the gate prices for Thursday night will be $12 for children and $15 for adults. Children three and under are free each night. Tickets can be preordered by calling 706- 542-9374 from April 4 through April 14. Seating is limited. Doors will be closed to general admission once attendance has reached maximum capacity. April 15 is "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" night. For every person who comes to the arena wearing pink, $1 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information, call 706-542-9374 or visit www.uga.edu/bandb/GSSRodeo.html APRIL 15 IS DEADLINE TO VOTE ON PEANUT ASSESSMENT INCREASE The deadline to submit ballots in the referendum on raising the checkoff assessment for peanuts is April 15. The referendum will determine whether the assessment will be raised from the current $2 per ton to $3 per ton. If you are a peanut grower and have not received a ballot, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission at 229-386-3470.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 NATIONAL AGDISCOVERY PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 15 Fort Valley State University will host this USDA-sponsored program June 20-July 1 for students ages 14 to 17. This program offers observation opportunities and participation in veterinary care and management of goats, sheep, cattle and other animals. The experience includes field trips to various farms, UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. A completed application package should be postmarked by April 15 and submitted to the USDA. Application packets can be downloaded at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/agdiscovery. For more information about the program, visit the AgDiscovery site, or contact Dr. Seyedmehdi Mobini, interim head of the FVSU Department of Veterinary Science at mobinis@fvsu.edu or 478-825-6424. TEAM SUCCESS APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 15 High school students who will be juniors, seniors or college freshmen next year from 13 Middle Georgia counties have the chance to participate in an eight-week program this summer that gives them the chance to intern with the Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Extension Program and the Extension agent in their county. From June 6- July 29 students will work with Extension agents assisting with their community programs. Students from Bulloch, Burke, Crawford, Dougherty, Hancock, Houston, Irwin, Laurens, Macon, Marion, Peach, Talbot and Twiggs counties are eligible to participate. Students must have a 2.0 GPA, be 16 as of April 15 and complete an application and essay. For more information or an application, visit http://www.ag.fvsu.edu/teamsuccess.cfm or contact Kena Torbert at 478-825-6573 or torbertk@fvsu.edu. NATURALLY REMARKABLE PLANTERS AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 15 This award, developed by Planters and the National Peanut Board (NPB), will recognize peanut farmers who are implementing sustainable practices and making positive social changes in their communities. A diverse panel of peanut industry experts will judge applications on sustainability, effectiveness and originality. A winner will be chosen to represent the nation’s three growing regions: one each from the Southeast, Southwest, and Virginia-Carolinas. Each winner will receive: a three-day trip to New York for themselves and up to three family members in August and a donation of $10,000 in their name to a community land revitalization project of each winner’s choice. Visit http://www.PlantersAwards.com to apply. BIG IRON CRANK UP April 15 & 16 Bowman Event kicks off April 15 at 7 p.m. with a game of bingo and prizes at the Bowman VFD. On April 16 enjoy a day of arts and crafts, antique engines and tractors at the Bowman Park from 8 a.m. – until. For more information visit http://bowmanga.net or contact Tiffany Gibbons at tiffanygibbons94@gmail.com or call 706-245-5432. UGA CAES ALUMNI G-DAY TAILGATE April 16 Connor Hall, UGA Campus Athens The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association is hosting a tailgate for alumni, friends and students before the annual spring G-Day game. Tailgate begins at 10 a.m. in front of Connor Hall. The G-Day game kicks-off at 1 p.m. Admission is free! The CAES Alumni Association will provide hamburgers and hotdogs while supplies last. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs and other tailgate supplies. Tailgate games will be available for kids of all ages! To help us plan more appropriately, please RSVP to the CAES Alumni Office at ocamgr@uga.edu or call 706542-3390. GA HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE April 19 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Starts at12:30 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-6627 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 13TH ANNUAL SOUTHLAND JUBILEE April 16 Historic Downtown Square Greensboro Enjoy a display of classic cars, arts, crafts, food and entertainment during this family event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Greene County Farm Bureau will display exhibits highlighting Georgia’s agricultural commodities, which will highlight peanuts this year. The event also includes a petting zoo of miniature animals. For more information call Cail Hammons at 706-453-7674. UGA MOUNTAIN BEEF CATTLE FIELD DAY Apr. 20 Ga. Mountain Research Center 9 a.m. Blairsville Topics will include forages, beef cattle efficiency and beef quality assurance. Market trends, stocker feeding, EPDs and use of antibiotics will also be covered. Event is free including lunch and refreshments. The field day is co-sponsored by AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Godfrey's Feed and Resaca Sun. For more information call 706-745-2655. GEORGIA AGRITOURISM ASSOCIATION WORKSHOP April 26 The Rock Ranch 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. The Rock Program is designed for teachers, parents and farmers or anyone interested in agritourism. Workshop participants will experience a field trip in action at The Rock Ranch so wear comfortable shoes. Registration is $50 per person and includes lunch. To register or for more information contact Jeff Manley at 706-647-6374 or manley@therockranch.com. NATIONAL BEEF COOK-OFF ENTRY DEADLINE April 30 is the deadline for entering the 29th National Beef Cook-Off. Submit your best beef recipes for a chance to win up to $25,000 in cash and a trip to the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show in Washington D.C., in November. The contest is open to legal United States residents who are 18 years of age or older as of February 1. Entries must be the original recipe of the entrant. The contest is a national search for extraordinary recipes that demonstrate the benefits and versatility of cooking with beef via four contest categories: the 5:30 p.m. dinner crunch, retro recipes, fuel up with beef and stir-crazy solutions. Visit http://www.beefcookoff.org/aboutcontest.aspx to enter or for more information. GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATION DEADLINE May 1 The Georgia Centennial Farm Program was created to draw attention to historic farms and to encourage their preservation. Nominees must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres actively involved in agricultural production or generate at least $1,000 in annual income. In addition, farms must be continuously farmed for at least 100 years and owned by members of the same family for at least 100 years or be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Qualifying Centennial Farms are honored each October at a special award ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Georgia. Since 1993, the program has recognized 379 farms around the state. The Centennial Farm Program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division; Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; Georgia Department of Agriculture; Georgia Forestry Commission; and the Georgia National Fair and Agricenter. Applications are available on HPD's Web site at http://hpd.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=119.For more information, contact Centennial Farm Awards Committee Chair, Steven Moffson at 404-651-5906 or steven.moffson@dnr.state.ga.us MAY 5 IS DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is accepting applications for the 2011 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funded by the USDA through the farm bill. The program funds projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Visit www.ams.usda.gov for a list of all eligible crops. Applications must be submitted to the GDA by 5 p.m. on May 5. For more information visit http://agr.georgia.gov or contact Jeanne Maxwell at 404-657-1584 or Jeanne.Maxwell@agr.georgia.gov.