December 11, 2013
www.gfb.org
Vol. 31 No. 50
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HOLDS 76th ANNUAL CONVENTION More than 1,500 Georgia farmers and agribusiness leaders from across the state met on Jekyll Island Dec. 8-10 for the organization’s 76th annual convention. The three-day convention included a tradeshow and commodity conferences where farmers heard updates on policy and production issues impacting Georgia’s major commodities. During the general session on Dec. 9, convention attendees had the pleasure of hearing U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Dist. 1), Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black and American Farm Bureau Federation policy experts. Gov. Nathan Deal addressed GFB members on Dec. 10. While delivering his annual address to Georgia Farm Bureau members, GFB President Zippy Duvall recounted legislative efforts and successes the organization has made on behalf of Georgia farmers during the past year, including federal estate tax reform, blocking legislation to restrict farmers’ use of antibiotics in livestock production and protecting Georgia’s access to water resources. “When we look back at the issues we were facing a year ago, it is very clear we’re winning on many fronts,” Duvall said. “In spite of a tough economy, uncertainty in government, smaller numbers of farmers, and a host of other challenges, we were successful on some important issues.” Kingston, whose district includes Jekyll Island, welcomed the GFB members to Georgia’s coast. He expressed cautious optimism that Congress will pass a farm bill and addressed immigration reform, predicting that if Congress passes immigration legislation it will happen before the end of the first quarter in 2014. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black encouraged convention attendees to share the story of agriculture with consumers in language they will understand. “Farmers speak the language of farm and consumers speak the language of food,” Black said. “We have a language barrier, but I’m convinced we can drop the language barrier, and that’s why the Georgia Department of Agriculture is putting so much effort into the Georgia Grown Program. We can speak to people through food and share science-based information.” Bob Young, American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist and deputy executive director of public policy discussed the farm bill and challenges the farm economy can expect in coming years. AFBF labor specialist Kristi Boswell discussed the status of immigration reform legislation in Congress. Gov. Deal addressed GFB members on the last day of convention, thanking them for the contributions they make to Georgia’s economy.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 GFB PRESENTS 2013 STATE AWARDS County Farm Bureau chapters from Newton, Cook and Screven counties were each honored with the prestigious 2013 McKemie Award during the 2013 GFB convention on Jekyll Island. The McKemie Award is the highest award given to a county Farm Bureau for its outstanding member programs. Newton County, whose president is Keith Mitcham, won in the division that includes county Farm Bureaus with more than 2,230 members. Cook County, whose president is Derrell Bennett Jr., won in the division which includes county Farm Bureaus with between 1,331 and 2,230 members. Screven County, whose president is Joe Boddiford, won in the division includes county Farm Bureaus with up to 1,330 members. Finalists in the more than 2,230 division were Cherokee, Coffee, Colquitt, Elbert, Habersham, Henry, McDuffie, Madison, Stephens and White counties. Finalists in the division for Farm Bureaus with between 1,331 and 2,230 members were Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Jeff Davis, Monroe, Pike Polk and Tift counties. Finalists in the division for Farm Bureaus with up to 1,330 members were Bacon, Crawford, Jasper, Macon, Upson and Wilcox counties. James and Brooke Hitchcock of Washington County won the Young Farmer Achievement Award. The Hitchcocks run diversified row crop farms and raise cattle. Russ and Mandy Moon of Madison County and Charlie and Nancie Sanders of Greene County were the finalists for the Achievement Award. Trisha Lastly of Madison County won the Young Farmer Discussion Meet, the final round of which was held on Dec. 8. Kyle Dekle of Habersham County, Ali Merk of Jackson County and Constance Reid of Greene County were the finalists. Clay Talton of Elbert County won the Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award. GFB presented this award for the first time in 2013 to recognize young farmers who earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture. Talton is the Elbert County Extension Coordinator. The finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture Award were Lauren Boykin of Screven County and Paul Harris of Pierce County. Other state awards presented went to Cherokee County (Outstanding Legislative Program Award), Newton County (Outstanding Young Farmer Committee Award), Bacon County (Outstanding Women’s Leadership Award) and Chattooga County (Outstanding Promotion & Education Award). Pike County Farm Bureau Office Manager Rebecca Rolling won the Outstanding Office Manager Award. Dennis Peavy, who teaches gifted students at Lake Joy Elementary in Perry, received the Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Educator Award. Henry County Farm Bureau, whose president is Ross McQueen, won the more than 2,230 category Membership Award, presented to county Farm Bureaus that increased their membership. Cook County Farm Bureau won the Membership Award in 1,331-2,230 Category and Terrell County, whose president is Kirk Law, won the Membership Award in the under 1,330 category. A photo of the state award winners is on page 7. GFB UNVEILS PEANUT PACKETS WITH HEART-CHECK LOGO In recognition of the American Heart Association (AHA) certifying oil roasted salted peanuts as heart-healthy, Georgia Farm Bureau has added the AHA’s “Heart-Check” insignia to the peanut packets available at county Farm Bureau offices. The packets were unveiled at the GFB booth in the GFB convention trade show on Dec. 8. AHA gave the certification in March.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 LONG REAFFIRMED AS GFB SOUTH GEORGIA AND 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Gerald Long of Decatur County was reaffirmed as Georgia Farm Bureau’s South Georgia Vice President in an unopposed election during the 76th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Annual Convention on Dec. 10. Long, who enters his third three-year term as the vice president representing 53 South Georgia counties, was also designated as GFB’s 1st Vice President. In district director races, Bill Bryan of Chattooga County was elected as a GFB 1st District Director, unseating Wesley Hall of Forsyth County. Bobby Gunter of Lumpkin County was re-elected as a GFB 2nd District director. Swayne Cochran of Jackson County also ran for the position. GFB President Zippy Duvall continues in his fourth two-year term. Bernard Sims of Catoosa County begins the third year of his second Long three-year term as GFB North Georgia Vice President representing 49 counties in North Georgia. Robert Fountain Jr. of Emanuel County begins the second year of his second consecutive three-year term as Middle Georgia vice president. Matthew London of White County was introduced as the 2014 chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee. Elaine Avery of Laurens County was introduced as the 2014 chairman of the GFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Each will serve a one-year term on the GFB Board of Directors. MCWILLIAMS BRIEFS MEMBERS ON TIMBER THEFT When theft of timber happens it can cost landowners tens of thousands of dollars. In a presentation during the GFB Forestry Committee meeting at the 2013 GFB Convention on Jekyll Island, Georgia Forestry Association (GFB) President and CEO Steve McWilliams said forestry stakeholders, including Georgia Farm Bureau, have pieced together proposed legislation that will be introduced during the 2014 session of the General Assembly. The proposed legislation will update Georgia’s statutes on unauthorized timber harvest. GFB policy supports giving investigative and arresting powers to the GFC for timber security cases. “Landowners are finding that they have no recourse when their timber is stolen,” McWilliams said. McWilliams noted that the only place landowners can currently turn is to the county sheriff’s office, which in many cases either lacks the training or manpower to pursue an investigation into allegations of timber theft. The key portion of the proposal would be to give the Georgia Forestry Commission authority to investigate instances of timber theft and make arrests, similar to authority the commission already has for cases of timber arson. To address cases where unauthorized harvest occurs at the edge of a landowner’s property, the proposed legislation would establish immunity from liability for landowners harvesting timber on their own land provided they have had property line surveys done or adjoining landowners agree in writing on the location of the property boundaries. The proposed legislation would also increase the allowed damages that could be awarded in timber theft cases. Currently the awards are set at the value of the timber harvested; the proposal would allow the rewards to be increased to three times the value of the timber plus costs of reasonable reforestation, attorney fees and expenses of litigation.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 GEORGIA TOBACCO COMMISSION ASSESSMENT MEETING Dec. 13 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 10 a.m. Tifton The purpose of this meeting is to inform growers and the tobacco community about a proposed assessment increase on tobacco produced in Georgia to allow continued funding for tobacco research projects. For more information contact commission chairman Fred Wetherington at 229563-8041 or UGA Extension Tobacco Agronomist Dr. J. Michael Moore at 229-392-6424. GEORGIA GROWN CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE Dec. 14 Atlanta State Farmer’s Market 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Forest Park Join the Georgia Department of Agriculture for Christmas carolers, chef demonstrations and holiday cheer! Christmas trees, greenery, garlands and gifts for the entire family will be available at the first-time event. The Atlanta State Farmer’s Market is located off Interstate 75 at exit 237. TOWN HALL MEETING WITH AUSTIN SCOTT Dec. 16 Georgia Farm Bureau Noon – 1 p.m. Macon U.S. Congressman Austin Scott (Ga.-08) invites constituents of Georgia's Eighth Congressional District to this town hall event, during which Rep. Scott will provide a legislative update and address local and national issues currently being debated in Congress, including ongoing farm bill negotiations. BEYOND THE FARM GATE SOCIAL MEDIA SEMINAR Dec. 17 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:45 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tifton This free event, funded under a USDA Beginning Farmer & Rancher Grant, will help farmers gain the skills and knowledge they need to establish and maintain an effective online presence for their farm or ranch. The deadline to register is Dec. 10. To register or for more information, contact Chris Morgan at 706-542-7102 or acm@uga.edu, or visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/aged/beyondthefarmgate/events.html. SEMINAR ON SELLING FARM PRODUCTS TO GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS Dec. 19 Watermelon Creek Vineyard 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Glennville Farmers with small to mid-size farms are invited to learn how to sell their products to the USDA, the Department of Defense and Georgia school systems at this seminar hosted by the Glennville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. Attendance is limited to 100, so early reservations are encouraged. Lunch will be provided. To register for the event, please contact Linda Griffin at 912-654-1616 or via e-mail at: lindagriffin1445@gmail.com Registration forms will be available at each of the fourteen county extension offices. GEORGIA BEEF REFERENDUM PROCESS UNDERWAY Georgia cattle producers have until Dec. 31 to sign up with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to receive a ballot to vote in a state referendum that will determine if an assessment of up to $1 per head is collected to fund the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef. The proposed assessment is separate from the National Beef Checkoff (NBC). For the referendum to be valid, at least 25 percent of the total number of producers who receive ballots must vote. For the referendum to pass, two-thirds of those who vote must vote in favor of the commission. To request a ballot, visit http://agr.georgia.gov/beef-commission.aspx. Those without access to the Internet may contact their county Farm Bureau office for assistance in signing up for a ballot.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ACCEPTING AG CDL EXEMPTION FORMS New federal highway funding legislation that went into effect on July 1 allows expanded exemptions for farmers transporting their own products, equipment or machinery, but a producer must carry a special tag or distinction on the vehicle to receive the exemption. The form may be accessed at http://gamccd.net/FarmVehicle.aspx. The form must be completed online, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the specific vehicle is required. Beginning January 1, 2014, no farm CDL exemptions are applicable without form TR0025 being in the vehicle. Additional information on the exemption for farm vehicles can be found at http://www.gfb.org/legislative/map21.html. NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEANUT FARMER Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. The winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in Tifton. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and Bayer CropScience. The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age, as of January 16, 2014. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia. Applications are due to the GPC office by Jan. 3, 2014. The award application is available online at the GPC Web site, www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at 229-386-3690 or joycrosby@gapeanuts.com. BLUEBERRY MEETING Jan. 8, 2014 Ga./Fla. Tobacco Exchange Warehouse 10 a.m. Alma This meeting is designed for blueberry growers, county agents, and industry representatives. Topics include sprayer coverage field day results, a spotted wing drosophilia update, current disease issues, new research and a horticulture update from UGA Blueberry Specialist Dr. Erick Smith. Lunch is sponsored by BEI International and BBC Technologies. Commercial and private pesticide credits will be given To register, call 912-632-5601 or email uge4005@uga.edu. SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE Jan. 9-12, 2014 International Trade and Convention Center Savannah This annual conference features 10 different crop-specific workshops plus workshops on roadside markets, business operations and food safety. Attendees will also have the chance to receive legislative updates from Washington and Atlanta. For more information or to register, visit http://www.seregionalconference.com. BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 15, 2014 Ramada Conference Center Meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. Call 229-469-4038 to RSVP or for more information.
Perry
2014 GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW Jan. 16, 2014 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This annual event, presented by the Georgia Peanut Commission, will be held in Tifton for the second straight year. The Peanut Farm Show features more than 95 free exhibits, nearly $40,000 in door prizes, a free farmer lunch and pesticide applicator certification classes. For more information, visit www.gapeanuts.com.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 METRO ATLANTA BEEKEEPING SHORT COURSE Jan. 18, 2014 Atlanta Botanical Garden 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Atlanta This complete beekeeping course includes presentations for beginning and experienced beekeepers, covering entomology and botany, as well as displays of beekeeping equipment. Educational materials will be included. To register, visit http://www.metroatlantabeekeepers.org/sc_register.php. The registration fee is $95, which includes lunch and a parking pass. For more information send an email to shortcourse2014@gmail.com or call 678-597-8443. 2014 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 20-22, 2014 Savannah Riverfront Marriott Savannah This annual conference will provide dairymen and managers significant and practical “takehome” information about a variety of on-farm and dairy business practices. A discounted room rate of $119 for single and double occupancy rooms is available, with no parking fees. Contact the hotel at 912-233-7722 or 800-285-0398 to make reservations and mention that you are with Georgia Milk Producers to get the discount. To register, please contact Farrah Newberry at 706310-0020 or gamilkproducers@gmail.com. GA. COTTON COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING & COTTON WORKSHOP Jan. 22, 2014 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton Production workshops will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. followed by the Cotton Commission Annual Meeting, presentation of the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards during lunch and more production workshops in the afternoon. For more information call 478-988-4235 or visit http://www.georgiacottoncommission.org. AG FORECAST MEETINGS Jan. 24, 2014 Georgia Farm Bureau Macon Jan. 27, 2014 Georgia Center for Continuing Education Athens Jan. 28, 2014 Toombs County Agri-Center Lyons Jan. 29, 2014 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton Jan. 30, 2014 Cloud Livestock Facility Bainbridge Jan. 31, 2014 Clarence Brown Conference Center Cartersville Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. Seminar runs from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a networking lunch, with the exception of the Tifton and Bainbridge meetings, which feature breakfast at 7:30 a.m. followed by the seminar from 8 to 9:30 a.m. UGA economists will give the annual ag economic outlook and guest speakers, including experts on farm succession planning. Registration fee is $30 per person for $200 for a table of eight. Advance registration is required by Jan. 22, 2014. For more information or to register, visit http://www.georgiaagforecast.com, call 706-583-0347 or send an email to carlam@uga.edu. Follow the meetings on Twitter @GaAgForecast and join the conversation with #agforecast. 2013 BAYER CROPSCIENCE COTTON BELT CHALLENGE This achievement program recognizes growers who plant a minimum of 50 acres of FiberMax or Stoneville cotton seed. Growers enter by filling out an official entry form and submitting their gin receipts. Deadline to enter is Feb 3, 2014. Entry forms are available at http://tinyurl.com/md6oscb. All regional irrigated and dryland winners in the yield and fiber quality categories will receive 10,000 Innovation Plus points – a $500 valueFor more information visit http://www.cottonbeltchallenge.us.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 7
GFB STATE AWARD WINNERS The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation honored county Farm Bureaus for promoting agriculture and individual members for personal achievement during the organization’s 76th annual convention on Jekyll Island. Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall (standing back row, far right) congratulates the 2013 GFB award recipients (front row seated, L-R): Ross McQueen accepting the Membership Excellence Award on behalf of Henry County; Young Farmer Discussion Meet winner Trisha Lastly of Madison County; Rebecca Rolling of Pike County, who won the Outstanding Office Manager Award; Jeanne Taylor, accepting the Outstanding Women's Leadership Committee Award on behalf of Bacon County; Nanette Bryan, accepting the Outstanding Promotion & Education Award on behalf of Chattooga County; Brooke, Moriah, James, and J.W. Hitchcock of Washington County, winners of the Young Farmer Achievement Award. Back row, L-R: Clay Talton of Elbert County, winner of the Excellence in Ag Award; Derry Bennett accepting the Membership Excellence Award on behalf of Cook County; B.J. Marks and Keith Mitcham accepting the Outstanding Young Farmer Committee and McKemie Award on behalf of Newton County; Len Cagle accepting the Outstanding Legislative Award on behalf of Cherokee County; and Joe Boddiford accepting the McKemie Aard on behalf of Screven County Farm Bureau.