December 22, 2015
www.gfb.org
Vol. 33 No. 51
SPENDING BILL AN OVERALL WIN FOR AG BUT NO FIX FOR WOTUS, GMOS Congressional omnibus spending and tax extender bills will benefit agriculture greatly according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Farm Bureau said the bills would provide relief to America's farmers and ranchers, but is disappointed that Congress failed to stop the Waters of the U.S. rule. The bill, which authorizes funding for the federal GFB News Alert will return government through September 2016, passed the House and on Jan. 6. From all of us at Senate on Dec. 18. President Obama signed it the same day. Georgia Farm Bureau, have safe and Merry Both of Georgia’s senators and 12 of the state’s 14 a Christmas! representatives voted in favor of the package. “This tax extender package gives farmers and ranchers critical tools to help them reinvest in their businesses,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “Tax provisions like Section 179 small business expensing and bonus depreciation free up cash flow for farmers and ranchers to put their money to work. New provisions will let our members make important upgrades that reduce costs, increase efficiency and help make their businesses sustainable for generations to come.” A provision to stop the EPA's unlawful Waters of the U.S. rule was left out of the package, as was language that would have set a nationwide standard for labeling of food containing genetically modified ingredients. Congress's failure to act will bring the heavy cost of a patchwork of state labeling mandates to farmers and consumers as early as next month. “We are truly disappointed that Congress did not include legislation to stop implementation of WOTUS,” Stallman said. “The courts have already expressed serious legal concerns about the rule, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office has concluded that EPA broke the law with its covert propaganda campaign to drum up ill-informed support for it. We remain committed to working with Congress to stop EPA and help America's landowners, businesses and state and local governments avoid years in court to overturn the rule. This measure undeniably resulted from an illegal and deceptive process.” AFBF also supports omnibus provisions to repeal country-of-origin labeling requirements, which would effectively prevent Canada and Mexico from initiating retaliatory actions. “Farm Bureau supports COOL programs that are in line with world trade rules,” Stallman said. “Current COOL programs, unfortunately, risk serious retaliation by Canada and Mexico now that the World Trade Organization has approved more than $1 billion in tariffs against American beef, pork and other U.S. commodities if COOL is not changed.”
GFB News Alert page 2 of 8 JASPER COUNTY FARM BUREAU MEMBER KELLY WINS GFB HAY CONTEST Jasper County Farm Bureau member Paul Kelly won the 2015 Georgia Farm Bureau Quality Hay Contest. As the top prize winner in the hay contest, Kelly receives a year’s use of a Vermeer TM1200 trailed mower with the option to purchase it at a reduced price at the end of the year. The contest analyzed the quality of the hay grown by entrants using the University of Georgia’s Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) testing method, which measures nutrient content of the hay. GFB sponsors the annual contest to encourage superior hay production in the state. Entered samples had to have nitrate levels below 4,500 parts per million to be eligible for contest prizes. The winners were announced during the 2015 GFB Convention on Jekyll Island. The average RFQ score among the 2015 contest entries was 114.66. Kelly’s sample of Coastal Bermuda hay had an RFQ score of 142.3. A.J. Bacon of Jeff Davis County (Coastal Bermuda) took second place with an RFQ of 141.8. Eddy Turner of Washington County (Tift 44) was third at 138, while William Sumner (136.2) of Johnson County (Coastal Bermuda) was fourth and Dene Channell (134.5) of Greene County (Coastal Bermuda) was fifth. The average RFQ score for all samples submitted for the contest was 114.66. BARNETT NAMED GENERAL MANAGER OF GFB INSURANCE COMPANY Al Barnett has been appointed General Manager of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (GFBMIC) and its wholly owned affiliates. Barnett has worked in the insurance industry for 38 years. He joined Georgia Farm Bureau in 1987 as a field claims representative, became a district claims manager in 1999 and in 2005 was promoted to director of claims. Barnett became GFBMIC operations manager in 2006 and served in that capacity until becoming interim general manager in October of this year. Barnett and his wife, Cheryl, have been married 40 years and they have two children. Al Barnett
GFB News Alert page 3 of 8 DUPREE JOINS GFB COMMODITIES/MARKETING DEPARTMENT Nathan Dupree joined the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodities/Marketing Department Dec. 21 as a marketing specialist. His primary responsibility will be buying and selling grains for GFB members and working with GFB programs related to feed grains. Dupree graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) Dec. 10 with a Bachelor of Science in diversified agriculture. While attending ABAC, Dupree worked at Branch & Branch Farms in Chula, a cotton and peanut farm. He also interned two summers for Premium Source Ag, managing irrigation systems for the company’s potato farms in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. While at ABAC, Dupree attended First Baptist Church in Tifton and was Nathan Dupree a member of the agriculture fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho, for which he served as vice president for three years. A native of Chatsworth, he is the son of Roger Dupree and Dawn Dupree. He was an active member of the Murray County High School FFA Chapter competing in dairy and horse judging, ag mechanics and ag communications projects. NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS Gayle White, a farmer from Frederick, Oklahoma, was elected chairman of the 12-member National Peanut Board during the Board’s quarterly meeting, held in early December in Atlanta White, who is the Oklahoma member and had been the board’s treasurer, will begin her one-year term Jan. 1. The National Peanut Board also elected Ed White of Newville, Alabama, as vice-chairman; Greg Gill of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, as treasurer and Dan Ward of Clarkton, North Carolina as secretary. These officers will serve one-year terms beginning Jan. 1. The USDA officially installed new board members and alternates, who will begin three-year terms Jan. 1. New board members sworn in were Eileen Jordan (At-Large), Andy Bell (Georgia), Bud Bowers (South Carolina) and Peter Froese Jr. (Texas). New alternates sworn in were Micah Barham (at-large), William Carte (Florida), Neil Lee (Georgia), Neal Baxley Jr. (South Carolina) and Bob White (Texas.). The National Peanut Board recognized the following outgoing board members for their years of service: Vic Jordan (at-large member and past chairman), John Harrell (Georgia, member and past chairman), Rast and White. FAA ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT The FAA has established online registration for unmanned aircraft weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds. The registration currently applies only to hobby and recreation users. Commercial users must continue registration through the paper application system. According to the FAA, the online registration for commercial users will be ready by spring of 2016. Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft and small unmanned aircraft are considered aircraft by the FAA. Failure to register may result in civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years. Feb. 16, 2016, is the registration deadline for unmanned aircraft flown prior to Dec. 21, 2015. For unmanned aircraft purchased after Dec. 21, registration is required prior to its first flight. Registration costs $5, and users who register before Jan. 20, 2016, will receive a $5 refund. For more information or to register visit http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 8 UGA SEEKING EXTENSION AGRONOMIST The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) is seeking an Extension agronomist to work in Southeast Georgia as part of the CAES Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. The position will be primarily located at the Midville Research and Education Center. The position includes developing applied research and education programs for agronomic crops, including peanuts, soybeans, corn and small grains, with an emphasis on cotton. The agronomist will serve as a resource for county agents, farmers and other agribusiness stakeholders. A master’s degree in agronomics is required to be hired at the level of public service assistant. A doctorate degree is required to be hired at the level of public service associate level. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30, 2016. For more information, contact Scott Monfort at smonfort@uga.edu or at 229-392-5457. OGLETREE PART OF ASA DUPONT YOUNG LEADERS Spalding County Farm Bureau Vice President Brian Ogletree is a member of the 32nd class of American Soybean Association (ASA) DuPont Young Leaders. The 2016 program began with a training session at DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, in early December “The ASA DuPont Young Leaders Program identifies and trains new and much needed leaders for the soybean industry,” said ASA President Wade Cowan (Texas). “The program provides training and helps them grow their peer network, which strengthens our industry and allows us to work collaboratively in our local, state and national organizations. This year’s class is exceptional; they’re engaged, talented and passionate about agriculture. The program continues to have an enormous impact on not only the soybean industry but all of agriculture.” Ogletree grows soybeans and a variety of small grains on his family’s Brian Ogletree farm. The December training session was the first phase of a program designed to identify new and aspiring leaders and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers. Representatives from 23 states and Canada participated in training that included educational and skill-building components.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 8 USDA FINALIZES “ACTIVELY ENGAGED” RULE On Dec. 15 the USDA finalized a rule, commonly referred to as the “actively engaged rule,” designed to limit payments through programs in the 2014 farm bill. According to a USDA press release, the rule applies to operations seeking more than one farm manager, and requires measureable, documented hours and key management activities each year. Some operations of certain sizes and complexity may be allowed up to three qualifying managers under limited conditions. The changes apply to payments for 2016 and subsequent crop years for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs, Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP) and Marketing Loan Gains (MLG) realized via the Marketing Assistance Loan program. As required by Congress, the new rule does not apply to family farms, or change regulations related to contributions of land, capital, equipment, or labor. The changes go into effect for the 2016 crop year for most farms. Farms that have already planted fall crops for 2016 have until the 2017 crop year to comply. For more details, producers are encouraged to consult their local Farm Service Agency office. CONGRESS URGES VILSACK TO HELP COTTON INDUSTRY House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Dec. 14 asking that the USDA take steps to stabilize the U.S. cotton industry. A bipartisan group of 100 congressmen signed the letter, including 13 of Georgia’s 14 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. While asking that the USDA take any policy actions that can have a stabilizing effect on the cotton industry, the group specifically requested that cottonseed be designated as an “other oilseed,” a move that would make cottonseed eligible for Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs under the 2014 farm bill. The group pointed out that lower prices for cotton lint and cottonseed contributed to a decline in average market revenue of more than $150 per harvested acre in 2014 from 2013. Current expectations for prices and yields suggest market revenue will decline by another $24 per acre in 2015, according to the letter. “This revenue decline comes at a time when production costs remain at elevated levels, with the differential between costs and market revenue the largest it has been in the past 10 years,” the congressmen wrote. A similar letter is being circulated in the Senate by Sen. John Boozman (R-Arkansas). Georgia Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue have both signed Boozman’s letter, according to the National Cotton Council.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 8 2015 GATE CARDS EXPIRE DEC. 31 The Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) program is an agricultural sales tax exemption certificate issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture that identifies the card holder as an ag producer qualified for the tax exemption. All 2015 GATE cards expire Dec. 31. To renew your card visit http://forms.agr.georgia.gov/gate/ or call 1-855-FARMTAX (855-327-6829) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. There is a $20 fee for online applications and a $25 fee for applications made via mail or phone. Many county Farm Bureau offices will assist their members with online signups or renewals. The GATE card should only be used to purchase items that qualify under the program for the production of ag commodities. GGIA WINTERGREEN HORTICULTURAL TRADE SHOW, CONFERENCE Jan. 27-29, 2016 Infinite Energy Forum Duluth The Georgia Green Industry Association’s Wintergreen is the annual conference and trade show for the horticulture and landscaping industry, featuring education sessions and more than 200 exhibitors. The education sessions include classes on new plants and industry trends, business strategies, pest and disease treatments, irrigation technology, invasive plants and much more. Many classes offer CEUs for pesticide applicators, irrigation contractors and arborists. The trade show includes a “walkabout” to accompany Georgia’s horticultural icons Dr. Mike Dirr, Dr. Allan Armitage and legendary coach and plantsman Vince Dooley in a hunt for the high points of the show. For more information visit www.ggia.org or call GGIA at 888-GET-GGIA. Online registration is available with early bird discounts available through Jan. 6. GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION FORESTRY FORWARD SERIES Jan. 7, 2016 Oxbow Meadows Columbus Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) members and those who depend on Georgia’s working forests are encouraged to attend this reception-style event to learn more about the priorities of the GFA and the challenges facing working forest landowners and the forest industry. Space is limited. To RSVP visit www.eventbrite.com/o/georgia-forestry-association-7811066383. HOUSTON COUNTY MASTER GARDENER SPROUTS Jan. 14-March 24, 2016 Perry Public Library Perry The Houston County Extension office and the Perry Public Library are offering Master Gardener SPROUTS for homeschooled youth ages 6-8 years. This six-session class will introduce youth to the wonder of gardening through a series of activities and books. The class will include hands-on activities, garden journals and reading to teach participants about “ugly vegetables,” Jack’s garden and plants gone wild. Classes will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, Mar. 10 and Mar. 24. Registration is required for participation in MG SPROUTS. Contact the Houston County Extension office at 478-987-2028 for complete details. Registration forms are also available at the children’s desk at the Perry library and online at http://tinyurl.com/mgsprouts.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 8 GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW Jan. 21, 2016 UGA Tifton Conference Center Tifton This annual event organized by the Georgia Peanut Commission runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to view more than 100 exhibits in the trade show, attend educational sessions, earn pesticide application certification and win numerous door prizes. A free lunch will be provided. Call 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com for more information. 2016 AG FORECAST MEETINGS Jan. 21 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton Jan. 22 Unicoi State Park Cleveland Jan. 25 Cloud Livestock Facility Bainbridge Jan. 26 UGA Tifton Conference Center Tifton Jan. 27 Blueberry Warehouse Alma Jan. 29 Georgia Farm Bureau Macon This annual series is supported by an endowment from Georgia Farm Bureau with support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. The keynote topic will be a discussion of sales tax distribution patterns and how tax reform programs, such as the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) and the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), have affected Georgia counties. A study released by UGA earlier this year shows GATE has had little impact on most counties. UGA economists will also provide an economic outlook for 2016. Check-in for all of the meetings, except Tifton, begins at 9 a.m. with seminars starting at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Check-in for the Tifton event starts at 7 a.m., breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by the seminar from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.georgiaagforecast.com, call 706-583-0347 or email carlam@uga.edu. Follow the meetings on Facebook.com/UGACAES or on Twitter @UGA_CollegeofAg and join the conversation with #AgForecast. GA COTTON COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING & UGA COTTON WORKSHOP Jan. 27, 2016 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This event begins at 8 a.m. and includes updates from state and national cotton organizations. The annual Georgia Quality Cotton Awards will be announced after lunch. For more information call 478-988-4235 or visit http://www.georgiacottoncommission.org. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 4, 2016 The Georgia Freight Depot Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol is a chance for Farm Bureau members to meet with legislators and other government officials. Orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room of the historic Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, located next to Underground Atlanta. Free parking at the Turner Field Gold Lot will be available with a shuttle service that runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information contact the GFB Legislative Department at 1-800-342-1192 or your local county Farm Bureau office.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 8 SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Feb. 4, 2016 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Expo will provide up-to-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques, as well as remarks from University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences leaders. Speakers include: UGA’s Dr. Nathan Smith, who will provide a world economic outlook for southern ag commodities; AFBF Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson, who will give a farm bill update; UGA’s Dr. Michael Toews, will speak about stored grain insects and North Carolina State University Plant Pathologist Dr. Christina Cowger, who will present information on fusarium head blight. To register visit www.georgiacrop.com/approvedplants/ or call 706-542-3793. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the door. GEORGIA PORK CONGRESS Feb. 16, 2016 Georgia Farm Bureau 2 p.m. Macon The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2017 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2 p.m. in conjunction with a meeting of the Georgia Pork Producers Association. This meeting will immediately follow the 2016 Georgia Pork Congress that will start at 8 a.m. at the GFB Building. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was deducted. For more information, contact Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818 or call 229-246-8297.