Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - February 25, 2015

February 25, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 8

GFB MEMBERS DISCUSS AG ISSUES DURING GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL Georgia Farm Bureau members from across the state braved record cold temperatures Feb. 19 to attend the organization’s annual GFB Day at the Capitol.

Members met at the Georgia Freight Depot at Underground Atlanta for an orientation session that morning before walking up to the Capitol to meet with their legislators.

GFB President Zippy Duvall thanked GFB members for traveling to Atlanta despite the frigid conditions.

“I can’t tell you how important this day is. You’ll walk across the street to meet with your legislators at the Capitol and visit with them during lunch, but the real importance of the day is that Deal we can bring together this many people in one day. It shows Georgia Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization, and it puts the faces of our members we’ve been telling the legislators we represent in front of them.”

Duvall, his wife, Bonnie, and GFB’s three vice presidents – GFB 1st Vice President Gerald Long, North Georgia Vice President Bernard Sims and Middle Georgia Vice President Robert Fountain Jr. - visited the Georgia Senate where Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Sen. John Wilkinson recognized GFB as being the state’s largest general farm organization.

Gov. Nathan Deal spoke at the event luncheon GFB held at the Georgia Freight Depot attended by more than 500 GFB members and state officials.

Speaking of the pending lawsuit that Florida has filed against Georgia in the U.S. Supreme Court over water, Gov. Nathan Deal thanked Georgia farmers for their willingness to install meters on their irrigation systems that measure the amount of water the farmers use.

“Florida’s main complaint is that Georgia uses too much of the water that flows through our state into their state. They don’t care whether the utilization is due to more homes in metro Atlanta or for irrigation in South Georgia. They just say Georgia is using too much water,” Deal said. “I have to compliment agriculture in regards to [irrigation] metering. It has allowed us to dispute exaggerated claims of irrigation use. It has allowed us to document your water usage and it’s not just somebody guessing.”

Deal said he is proposing that the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission be administratively attached to the Georgia Department of Agriculture to meet zero based budgeting requirements.

“Last year the Soil and Water Conservation Commission was one of the agencies that went through the zero based budget process, and the recommendation that came out of the analysis -continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 10 GFB Day at the Capitol, continued was that we could save money if the commission was put under the Environmental Protection Division and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Farm Bureau opposed that last year and it didn’t get done, and we left things as they were. This year we’ve had another proposal to administratively attach the commission to the Georgia Department of Agriculture and everything else will be left as it is. We cannot jeopardize the future of this state by having regulations and rules that contradict themselves. It will get us involved in lawsuits all over the state. I hope you can support this new version of the proposal.”

Deal said he understands the importance of the GSWCC and local GSWCC supervisory boards.

“I will continue to be a supporter of agriculture in our state.”

To see more photos from the event visit http://tinyurl.com/GFBCapitol15 PULASKI COUNTY FARM BUREAU DIRECTOR WINS NATIONAL HONOR Pulaski County Farm Bureau Director Christopher Martin and his wife Ginger were one of four couples named National Outstanding Young Farmers for 2015 by the Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA) Fraternity during the National Outstanding Young Farmers Awaards Congress held Feb. 12-15 in Cherry Hill, N.J. After serving as a crop consultant for years, Christopher and his wife, Ginger, began farming 12 years ago. They grow cotton, corn, wheat, peanuts, and rye on 3,400 acres near Hawkinsville.

Along with raising their two children, Grantson, 19, and Wellsley, 17, Christopher and Ginger have engaged in many community and agricultural organizations.

The Martin farm has hosted extensive research, development, and plot testing for state agencies and private companies. The Christopher and Ginger studies include a “rolling rye” pilot program through the NRCS with an objective to provide sunlight-blocking ground cover to Martin diminish the germination of pigweed during primary crop planting.

Others receiving the honor were Chad and Ravelle Garone of California, Randal and Kristi Melvin of North Dakota and Ryan and Misty Bivens of Kentucky. They were selected from a group of 10 finalists for the award based on their progress in an agricultural career, extent of soil and water conservation practices, and contributions to the well-being of the community, state, and nation.

BRAKE HERBICIDE GETS GA EXEMPTION; EPA REGISTERS PRESIDIO SePRO’s Brake F16 herbicide has received a Section 18 emergency use exemption for 35,000 acres in Georgia to combat glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, commonly referred to as pigweed. Brake is approved for use in 2015 in 91 Georgia counties. For a list of the approved counties and distributors visit http://brake.sepro.com/counties.

Meanwhile, Presidio Fungicide has been registered by the EPA for use on tobacco, according to a press release from Presidio manufacturer Valent Corporation. This new label use provides tobacco growers with a new tool for controlling blank shank disease and blue mold disease.

The new tobacco registration is an expansion of the existing Presidio label, which includes cucurbits, fruiting vegetables, brassica, leafy vegetables, root and tuber vegetables (except potatoes) and grapes. For more information on Presidio, visit www.valent.com/presidio.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 10 GFB PRESENTS GRAND CHAMPION PRIZES AT STATE LIVESTOCK SHOW More than 1,500 4-H and FFA members from across Georgia competed in the 2015 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show held Feb. 18-21 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. The exhibitors showed more than 2,500 head of livestock at the show.

Georgia Farm Bureau sponsored the six grand champion prizes for all species shown during the show.

“These children competing at this show are the future of agriculture in our state. To be able to see these children come out with their families and compete is great,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “To watch them interact and compete is inspiring. Even if they don’t win they’re happy for the other kids that win. Showing teaches them responsibility and things you need to be a productive adult. It instills a work ethic in them. Nothing that’s good in life comes easy. They work to get here.”

FFA member Jacob Collins from Houston County won the Grand Champion Breeding Heifer Award of $2,500 with his registered Percent Simmental. Collins, a junior at Perry High School, is the son of Bryan and Shelley Collins of Perry.

Another Houston County FFA member, Gavin Wright, won the Grand Champion Market Barrow prize of $1,500 with his crossbred hog. Wright, a freshman at Veterans High School, is the son of Jimmy and Jackie Wright of Bonaire.

Crisp County 4-Her Maddie Dean won the Grand Champion Market Steer Award of $5,000 with her Shorthorn. A fourth-grader at Crisp County Elementary School, Dean is the daughter of Rick and Dia Dean of Cordele.

Wilcox County 4-H member Monica Schaapman won the Grand Champion Commercial Dairy Heifer Award of $1,500 with her commercial Holstein bred and raised on her family’s dairy farm. Schaapman, a senior at Wilcox County High School, is the daughter of Harry and Ailene Schaapman of Abbeville.

Coffee County FFA member Jessie Youngblood won the Grand Champion Market Gilt Award of $1,500 with her crossbred hog. Youngblood, a senior at Coffee County High School, is the daughter of Jimmy and Lisa Youngblood.

Elbert County 4-Her Ansley Ruff won the Grand Champion Breeding Ewe Award of $1,000.

Ruff, the daughter of Greg and Shannon Ruff of Elberton, is a junior at Georgia Cyber Academy.

Exhibitors compete in the grand champion drive of the market steer show during the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in Perry, Ga., Feb. 21.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 10 FERAL HOGS, PERMITTING KEY TOPICS AT GPPA MEETING New rules for nutrient management permitting and a discussion on the control of feral hogs highlighted the 2015 Georgia Pork Producers Association (GPPA) Annual Meeting, held Feb. 17 at the Georgia Farm Bureau office in Macon.

Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Cobb led a discussion on ways to control feral swine, which carry diseases and destroy crops. Cobb said that while Georgia’s commercial hog populations are free of brucellosis and pseudorabies, those are diseases carried by feral hogs.

“There’s no way we’re going to kill all the feral pigs in the state of Georgia. There’s too many of them here, so we’re going to be stuck with feral swine in some fashion from here on,” Cobb said. “What we have to do is find a way to control them.”

Domestic hogs that are kept outside (for a farmer who might raise just a few at a time) may come in contact with feral hogs and become exposed to disease.

The larger issue, Cobb said, is when hogs are released into the wild. While the Georgia legislature enacted a law to prohibit the practice, enforcing it has been extremely difficult. Cobb noted that a number of stakeholder organizations have formed a Feral Swine Working Group to generate potential legislative solutions to empower law enforcement agencies with tools to more effectively deal with the issue of feral swine.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Concentrated Animal Feeder Operation (CAFO) Manager Courtney Canterbury provided an update on new requirements allowing some hog producers the opportunity to obtain discharge permits for their farms. Federal rules no longer require producers to obtain a discharge permit, but rather give them the option to obtain a State Animal Feeding Operation Land Application System (LAS) permit. Canterbury noted that state rules still require producers with more than 3,000 hogs obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issued two new LAS General Permits in 2014 for medium and large farms and has begun reissuing permits under the new LAS general permits in 2015. Canterbury noted that some farmers holding NPDES permits have the option now to transition to a large or medium LAS permit. Those who already have LAS permits will have to submit a Notice of Intent application to be covered under the new LAS General permits or obtain a different permit either a large or medium LAS designation depending on the size of their operation.

Depending on the producer’s current permit coverage, the application process involves filling out a Notice of Termination of the old NPDES or LAS permits and applying for the new LAS General permits. Canterbury also noted that producers with nutrient management plans (NMPs) that were signed prior to March 15, 2011, will be required to write a new NMP. The GPPA heard a review of diseases threatening commercial hogs from Dr. David Reeves of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as a presentation from Stephen Herring of the National Pork Board.

Herring discussed the NPB’s new strategic plan using the slogan “People, Pigs and Planet,” emphasizing the importance of transparency in farm activities. Herring said the NPB has developed a common industry audit to relieve farmers of being required to have a separate audit done for each packing company. The common audit covers record-keeping, facilities, animals and caretakers.

The NPB is also making the Safe Pig Handling Tool available at no charge to farmers. The tool is a series of training videos, with both English and Spanish versions. The NPB put the videos on flash drives so no internet connection is required to watch them. Herring noted that the videos can be shown to individuals or used in slide presentations for group settings. To order the Safe Pig Handling Tool call 800-456-7675.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 10 McLAIN FARMS NAMED VIDALIA ONION GROWER OF THE YEAR The Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) announced its Grower of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee and the new Service Excellence award during their annual banquet on Feb. 7.

Approximately 250 people attended the “Denim and Diamonds” themed banquet at the Hawks Point Golf Club in Vidalia.

The 2014 Grower of the Year was awarded to McLain Farms. McLain Farms is a 2nd generation family farm, owned and operated by brothers, Brett and Rusty McLain. McLain Farms began growing Vidalia onions in 1985 with just 12 acres and built their first cold storage in 1994. McLain Farms has continued to grow and expand its facilities, which now grows over 375 acres of onions.

Derek Levy, a local account manager for Bayer CropScience was awarded the committee’s debut Service Excellence Award. This award was established to recognize dedication and diligence to the Vidalia Onion industry.

During the banquet, Senator Jack Hill was inducted into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame for his instrumental work in establishing the Vidalia Onion Research Center. Senator Hill was instrumental in solidifying the collaboration between the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

DEAL APPOINTS SIX TO FORESTRY REGISTRATION BOARD On Feb. 13 Gov. Nathan Deal reappointed James Johnson, John Mixon and Leonard Kinsley to the State Board of Registration for Foresters. Deal appointed Brian Stone, Dotty Porter and Babe McGowan as new members of the boad.

Stone, who lives in Macon, is the appraisal services manager at Forest Resource Consultants, Inc. He is a state registered forester and a state certified general real property appraiser.

Porter, of Blackshear, is a trustee with Sessoms Timber Trust, a family held timber company in South Georgia. She is active in the Georgia Forestry Association and serves on the board of directors.

Johnson, of Good Hope, retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission in 2014, having served in various capacities including firefighting, field forester, forest health coordinator and chief of the Forest Management Department.

McGowan, of Pinehurst, is self-employed and a founding partner of Innovative Forest Management, LLC. He is a member of the Longleaf Alliance, Georgia Forestry Association and the Society of American Foresters. McGowan graduated from Americus High School, Georgia Southwestern College and Warnell School of Forest Resources. He and his, fiancé, Michelle, reside in Pinehurst.

Mixon, of Zebulon, is chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Forestry Committee, is a forestry consultant and the president of John W. Mixon and Associates, Inc. He worked with the Georgia Forestry Commission for more than 34 years, serving as director for 12 years.

Kinsley, of Perry, is also a member of the GFB Forestry Committee. He owns Fall Line Forest Management, is a member of the Georgia Forestry Association and serves on the board of directors of the Houston County Farm Bureau, of which he is also past president.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 10 UGA STUDY: ONE TAX NOT TO BLAME FOR LOCAL REVENUE DECLINE Beginning in 2013, many of Georgia’s local governments started seeing downward trends in tax collections, causing local budget-makers some concern. The causes of local tax dips are hard to pinpoint, but some are pointing to the GATE, or Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption.

GATE is a two-year-old program, created by Georgia House Bill 386, that offers qualified agricultural producers a sales tax exemption on agricultural equipment and production inputs.

The program refined and replaced the Agricultural Certification of Exemption (ST-A1).

Several tax changes went into effect in Georgia in 2013. Perhaps the biggest changes were to the ad valorem and sales taxes for automobiles, and tax exemptions for energy. To help identify the root of the decline, economists at the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development conducted an analysis to determine the causes of the tax collection decreases that local communities are facing.

Here are the findings of that analysis: In looking at the Georgia Department of Revenue’s published commodity reports of sales tax distributions by county, broken down by business type as defined by North American Industry Classification System codes, it’s clear that shifts occurred over the two-year period since the tax changes went into effect.

The classification system divides the state’s tax collections into sectors: accommodations, automotive, construction, food and bar, general merchandise, home furnishings, manufacturing, miscellaneous, other retail, other services, utilities and wholesale.

When comparing 2011-2012 tax distributions to 2013-2014 tax distributions, the sector changing the most dramatically (as a fraction of the entire sales tax distribution made to counties) was automotive (-7 percent), while gains were made in food and bar (+2 percent), general merchandise (+2 percent), other retail (+2 percent) and construction (+1 percent) sectors.

All other sectors essentially stayed the same in terms of proportion of the whole.

Items allowed under the GATE program fall into several of these categories, including those that saw increases.

Looking at the 24-month period before and after tax changes in terms of counties, the average Georgia county sales tax distribution declined by 7.9 percent. There were 134 counties that showed decline.

After removing data for the automotive sector, only 73 counties showed decline. The average change, without automotive, for all counties becomes a decline of only 0.31 percent.

Average Georgia county sales tax distributions actually went up by 5.9 percent over the time period when including the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) distributions (from another Georgia Department of Revenue report) with sales tax distributions. But 20.8 percent, or 33 counties, did show negative growth in the time period compared once TAVT distributions are included.

These reports help shed light on sales and TAVT tax distributions to Georgia localities before and after the tax changes. However, exact causation of the decline cannot be pinned down to one specific tax or tax exemption because sales taxes can be affected by a wide variety of national, state and local economic conditions.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 10 UGA ACCEPTING CAES ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association invites you to make nominations for its Young Alumni Achievement Award, Alumni Award of Excellence and the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Young Alumni Achievement Award is for alumni who are 35 years old or younger and who have achieved excellence in their chosen field and/or in their community. The CAES Alumni Award of Excellence recognizes extraordinary CAES alumni 36 years or older. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals making unusual and extraordinary contributions to agriculture and agribusiness industries in Georgia.

The Young Alumni Achievement and Alumni Excellence awards must be received by Feb. 28. Hall of Fame nominations must be postmarked by March 15. For more information or to make nominations for these awards, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html.

GA VEGETABLE COMMISSION REFERENDUM SET FOR MARCH 1 - 31 A referendum will be held from March 1 to March 31 to decide whether to re-establish a marketing order authorizing an assessment to fund activities of the Georgia Vegetable Commission. The referendum, which will be conducted by mail ballot, will allow vegetable producers to determine if they will pay to fund research, promotion & education activities coordinated by the commission. The commission is proposing to establish a marketing order for bell peppers, specialty peppers, beans, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, greens, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Growers, who produce 50 acres or more of the vegetables listed above, would pay an assessment of not more than 1 cent per marketing unit for each vegetable. For more information about the referendum contact Andy Harrison of the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-586-1405 or andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.

UGA CAES ALUMNI FRESHMAN AND TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS March 1 deadline to apply The CAES Alumni Association awards five scholarships for incoming freshmen to deserving students who have been accepted by The University of Georgia for study in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Selection is based on the student's scholastic achievement, leadership ability, and extracurricular involvement as they pertain to agricultural or environmental related areas. To access the application form for the Freshman Scholarships visit http://tinyurl.com/caesfrschol. The CAES Alumni Association also awards two non-renewable scholarships to the most outstanding transfer students from two- and four-year colleges who will be enrolling full-time at CAES. Selection is based on the student’s ability to make significant contributions to the academic and co-curricular campus environment. http://tinyurl.com/caestranschol.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 10 GA VEGETABLE COMMISSION EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS March 2 Lighthouse Restaurant 6 p.m.

Americus March 3 Ricky’s Steaks and Buffet Noon Bainbridge March 3 J. Harvey’s Buffet 6 p.m.

Moultrie March 4 Mama June’s Home Cooking Noon Valdosta March 4 Chatters Restaurant 6 p.m.

Lyons March 5 Golden Corral Noon Cordele March 5 Golden Corral 6 p.m.

Tifton The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is hosting these meetings about the upcoming referendum vote for the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Vegetables (GACCV). An overview of the proposed marketing order will be presented and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. A meal will be provided. For more information, contact GFVGA at 706-845-8200.

PB&J DAY AT THE CAPITOL March 3 Georgia State Capitol, South Wing 9 a.m – noon Atlanta This event, hosted by the Georgia Peanut Commission and the National Peanut Buying Points Association, kicks off National Peanut Month and is free to all visitors. The Georgia Peanut Commission is accepting registration for exhibitors and sponsors. For more information, contact Joy Purvis at 229-386-3471 or joypurvis@gapeanuts.com.

UGA PECAN SCHOOL March 4 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. – noon Tifton This activity was formerly known as Pecan “Scout” School and is held every other year. The Pecan School will cover the basics of pecan production. Topics include pecan cultivars, fertilization, identification of nutritional deficiencies, management of insects and disease. A question and answer period will follow the formal presentations. Growers can drop their questions in a bowl during the break and the speakers will answer during the question and answer period. Registration is free and will be carried out on site.

4TH ANNUAL GOLDEN ONION CULINARY COMPETITION April 26 Vidalia Community Center time TBA Vidalia The Golden Onion Competition, part of the 2015 Vidalia Onion Festival and sponsored by the Vidalia Onion Committee, is a professional cooking competition that showcases the Vidalia Onion and offers a platform for chefs from across the state to display their skills and creativity.

Admission to the event is free. Recipe booklets will be available for purchase for $10. March 6 is the deadline to enter. A total of 12 of the state’s leading chefs will compete for top honors.

Entry fee is $75 for Georgia Restaurant Association members and $150 for non-members. The entry form is available online at http://tinyurl.com/onionchef. For more information contact Melinda Goodman at 414-967-5755 or media@vidaliaonion.org.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 10 VETERANS AND SMALL FARMERS WORKSHOPS March 12 Gwinnett Technical College Busbee Center Lawrenceville These one-day workshops are designed to provide veterans and small farmers with knowledge of funds and programs available to them. Each workshop begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and runs through 4:30 p.m. Topics include the 2014 farm bill, micro-irrigation, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) veteran ranking process, small vs. large farms, organic certification, seasonal high tunnels, and more! Early registration and payment of the $20 fee can be completed online at http://conta.cc/1vjYPvM or call 678-376-9518 with any other questions.

Please select specific workshop location under session section of link.

ANIMAL WASTE OPERATOR & PLANNER CERTIFICATION TRAINING March 19-20 UGA Livestock Arena 2600 S. Milledge Ave. Athens All permitted livestock operations (other than dry poultry operations) must have a certified animal waste systems operator and an implemented nutrient management plan written by a certified planner. This training has been combined into one training with break-out sessions on the second day for topics specific to each group. Both certifications require completion of this course and passing an exam administered by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture (GDA). This is the only operator/planner certification course of 2015. More information on Animal Waste Programs is available at: http://www.agp2.org. The March 19 class begins at 10 a.m. Lunch and break refreshments are provided. Session ends by 6 p.m. March 20 class begins at 8 a.m., morning and noon breaks, lunch and refreshments provided. Session ends by 3 p.m. with exam. Participants are asked to pre-register by March 13. Visit http://tinyurl.com/wastetraining for registration form to complete and registration instructions. Training fee for attendees who are pork or dairy producers or with the GDA will be paid by Georgia Pork Producers, Georgia Milk Producers or GDA. For all other attendees, registration is $150 per person for operators and $200 per person for planners. For more information contact Melony Wilson at: 706-310-3466.

USDA EXTENDS CSP ENROLLMENT PERIOD Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have until March 13 to apply for the USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to ensure they are considered for this year’s program funding. The USDA will award $100 million this year through CSP, and the program is expected to enroll up to 7.7 million privately owned acres this year, according to a USDA release.

Although applications are accepted all year for the program, applications received after March 13 will be considered for future funding. Applications should be submitted to local NRCS offices.

As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land, which will help determine the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant's conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.

ALFALFA IN THE SOUTH WORKSHOP March 17 UGA Livestock Instructional Area 9 a.m.

Athens This workshop will focus on how to successfully use alfalfa, including how to grow your own nitrogen and feed supplement by interseeding alfalfa into bermudagrass. Subjects covered include: site selection, establishment protocol, soil fertility, harvest management, and how to use this high quality and cost-effective crop. Cost is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments, an “Alfalfa in the South” notebook, and other publications on alfalfa production and use in the South. To register, call Cathy Felton at 706-310-3464 or send an email to feltonc@uga.edu.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 10 AG SAFE FARM SMART AWARENESS EVENT March 28 Ag-Pro 10 a.m.

Carnesville This event to promote ag safety is sponsored by Franklin County Farm Bureau, AgGeorgia Farm Credit and Ag-Pro. The event will feature kid-friendly activities, tractor and implement demonstrations and educational speakers. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by March 14 to Franklin County Farm Bureau Office Manager Rebecca Whitfield at 706-384-2222 or rmwhitfield atgfb.org.

MONSANTO OFFERS GRANTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 34 GA COUNTIES April 1 deadline to apply Farmers in 34 Georgia counties may nominate a public school district for grants of up to $25,000 from Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Fund. Eligible counties are Appling, Baker, Berrien, Bleckley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Early, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Sumter, Tattnall, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Wilcox and Worth. Visit www.growruraleducation.com and click the “Farmers Nominate Now” button or call 1-877-267-3332 to submit a nomination. Complete rules and eligibility requirements are posted on the aforementioned website.

NEWTON COUNTY AG DAY ON THE SQUARE April 18 On the Square 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Covington This event, sponsored by the Newton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers, features a modern and antique tractor show and lots of family fun. For more information, contact NCFB Office Manager Crystal Powell at 770-786-7201.

38th ANNUAL VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL April 23-26 Various locations Vidalia This festival celebrating Georgia’s official state vegetable and includes an air show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, country band Lonestar in concert, the Golden Onion professional chef competition, the Vidalia Onion Recipe Contest and much more.

For more information visit www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.