February 16, 2011
www.gfb.org
Vol. 29 No. 7
AG FORECAST MEETING SPOTLIGHTS CROP PRICES, IMMIGRATION, EPA A UGA economist indicated crop prices were likely to remain high through 2011 and into 2012 and Sen. Johnny Isakson said the federal government needs to step in to curtail illegal immigration during the 2011 Ag Forecast meeting at the GFB home office on Feb. 10. The last of five Ag Forecast meetings featured presentations from Dr. Scott Angle, dean of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Beverly Sparks, UGA associate dean for Extension, USDA Food and Nutrition Specialist Kirk Farquharson, Russell Johnston from Johnston Dairy and Dr. Don Shurley, UGA Extension economist. Shurley indicated that crop prices would continue drawing high prices through 2011 and into 2012, tempered by rising input costs for fuel, fertilizer and land rent. Shurley said overall, crop producers should enjoy profitability through this year, though the high commodity prices for crops translate to high input prices for livestock producers who depend on crops for feed grains. “What's good for the grain farmer in terms of high prices results in high feed costs for the livestock producer,” Shurley said. “So livestock prices are up, cattle prices are up. Milk will be up a little bit, broiler prices are up [and] the feed costs are going to increase. On the livestock side gross income will increase, but the big question is whether profitability will increase.” Sen. Johnny Isakson discussed coming federal budget cuts, noting that sacrifices are going to be required in most if not all government programs. The key for agriculture, he said, will be continued efforts to keep elected officials informed on its importance. “My plea to you is when we get to the farm bill, make your case,” Isakson said. He also discussed Congress’ approach to curtailing EPA regulations and immigration reform on the federal level. “I regret that states are having to try and deal with [immigration] because the federal government has not.” Sparks outlined the staffing changes being made to county extension offices. GFB President Zippy Duvall stressed the importance of the organization's partnership with UGA and the value the university’s research carries for Georgia farmers. He also urged attendees to continue monitoring developments on agricultural issues in Atlanta and in Washington. USDA Senior Program Specialist for the Food and Nutrition Service Kirk Farquharson discussed the USDA’s Farm to School program. Russell Johnston of Johnston Dairy Farm in Newborn talked about his experiences converting from only producing milk to bottling and marketing the farm’s milk directly to consumers.