Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - February 4, 2015

February 4, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 5

GA COTTON COMMISSION MEETING FEATURES MARKET INFO, AWARDS The Georgia Cotton Commission celebrated its 50th anniversary, provided the annual Cotton Production Workshop, gave growers a chance to meet representatives from companies that produce products for their farm operations and presented the 2014 Quality Cotton Awards during its 8th Annual Meeting on Jan. 28 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center.

Van Hiebert of Jefferson County won the Best Cotton Award, the top award given in the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards. The awards were presented at a luncheon during the GCC Annual Meeting.

National Cotton Council Senior Vice President John Maguire gave an overview of important dates and information for cotton growers who are considering using the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) under the 2014 farm bill. He stressed that payments made under STAX would be combined with other farm payments, and the overall payment limit is $125,000.

Maguire also reviewed changes in the political landscape in Washington and some key issues the NCC will be working on in 2015.

Cotton Incorporated Senior Vice President Mark Messura discussed the organization's continuing efforts to maintain cotton's image with consumers, manufacturers and retailers. One initiative, called Cotton LEADS, is a collaborative project between the U.S. cotton industry and the cotton industry in Australia. Messura gave several examples of advertising from synthetic fiber manufacturers where cotton production is shown in a negative light.

Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall spoke during lunch, sharing his views on leadership and the importance of being involved in organizations that represent agriculture's interests or government bodies that have jurisdiction over agriculture.

Georgia Cotton Commission Board Member Steven Meeks presented a crystal carving of the U.S. Capitol building dome to Debbie Cannon, who worked on the staff of Sen. Saxby Chambliss and served as farmers' first point of contact in their interactions with Chambliss' office.

Other winners in the Quality Cotton Contest: Region 1 – Mark Thompson, Pulaski County (less than 500 acres); Brad Griffin, Turner County (500-1,000 acres) and Willis Collins, Turner County (more than 1,000 acres). Region 2 – Hiebert, Jefferson County (less than 500 acres); Alton Walker, Burke County (500-1,000 acres); Dean Johnson, Burke County (more than 1,000 acres). Region 3 – Sawyer Wider, Brooks County (less than 500 acres), River Bottom Farms, Lanier County (500-1,000 acres); Dewitt Farms, Brooks County (more than 1,000 acres). Region 4 – Charles and Percy Tolbert, Early County (less than 500 acres); North American Farms, Seminole County (500-1,000 acres); Sapp Brothers Farm, Mitchell County (More than 1,000 acres).

GFB News Alert page 2 of 9 ISAKSON VOICES AG TRADE CONCERNS WITH CHINA, SOUTH AFRICA On Jan. 27 Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), questioned U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman about status of global trade negotiations critical to Georgia during a Senate Finance Committee hearing to review the president’s 2015 trade policy agenda.

Isakson raised concerns over the significant decline in the trading price of cotton, from 80 cents to 85 cents a pound and now down to 55 to 57 cents a pound.

As the U.S. cotton’s largest export market, Isakson pointed to the harmful impact of China’s stockpiling reserve program through the government purchases of domestic cotton, allowing China to subsidize their producers at twice the world market price of cotton.

Isakson asked what could be done through the WTO or other means to stop China from manipulating cotton prices and suppressing the cotton market. Froman responded that his office is currently engaging with China on this issue and taking a fresh look at where subsidies are being provided, how it’s distorting the market and how that should play into global trade.

On a separate trade issue, Isakson and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) wrote to Froman to emphasize their opposition to illegal anti-dumping duties imposed by South Africa on American chicken. The senators repeated their warning that if South Africa’s duties were not dropped before the Senate considers the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) this spring, they would work to prevent South Africa from continuing to enjoy the significant trade benefits afforded by the law.

“South Africa levied antidumping duties on U.S. poultry fourteen years ago, effectively blocking our companies from accessing the market,” the senators wrote. “In 2013, the WTO ruled against China in an almost identical system of antidumping duties imposed on U.S. poultry.

There is now precedent within the WTO that South Africa’s antidumping duties do not conform with international trade regulations. However, despite repeated attempts by the U.S. government and U.S. poultry industry to remove these duties, they have remained in place.”

The African Growth and Opportunity Act has served as the cornerstone of the U.S. commercial relationship with Africa since its enactment in 2000, successfully expanding U.S. trade with African countries that show a commitment to good governance and democratic principles. It has improved the trade environment both for U.S. and African businesses, and has spurred significant economic growth.

In another trade development, China has announced it would reduce import tariffs on in-shell and shelled pecans from 25 percent to 10 percent. Commercially produced in 14 states, pecans are the only native tree nut grown in the United States. Approximately 80 percent of the world’s pecan production is located in the United States. The U.S. pecan crop totaled 302.8 million pounds in 2012, a 12 percent increase from 2011. Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District is the largest pecan producing Congressional District in the nation, with production for all pecans (improved varieties and native and seedling) reaching 100 million pounds in 2012.

“We are proud of our pecans here in Georgia and I am happy to be able to welcome this win for our state’s industry,” said Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-2nd District). “With lower import tariff rates, the boost of trade to China will bring jobs and revenue right back home to Middle and Southwest Georgia.”

GFB News Alert page 3 of 9 PERDUE NAMED SENATE AG SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) announced that Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.) will serve as Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Resources.

The subcommittee is responsible for oversight on the EPA’s regulation of pesticides, conservation of natural resources, biotechnology, and forestry. Senator Perdue will also serve on two other Agriculture Subcommittees: Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade and Rural Development and Energy.

AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN CALIF. COMMERCIAL TURKEY FLOCK The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5N8 avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock in Stanislaus County, Calif. This is the first finding of HPAI in commercial poultry during the ongoing disease incident in the Pacific Flyway. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States, Canada, or internationally and there continues to be no public health concern according to an APHIS press release.

Samples from the flock, which experienced increased mortality, were tested at the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS) and the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa confirmed the finding. APHIS is partnering closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), which has quarantined the facility.

APHIS and CDFA have initiated an incident command response, and APHIS will assist CDFA in depopulating the remaining birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the involved flock will not enter the food system.

H5N8 has not been shown to present a health risk to the public. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. These virus strains can travel in wild birds without them appearing sick. People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds.

Federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in the nearby area, following existing avian influenza response plans. These plans also will include preventing the movement of risky animals or products out of the immediate area to prevent further disease spread. The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and in migratory wild bird populations.

USDA will be notifying the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of this detection as part of USDA’s ongoing reporting of all HPAI findings. USDA also continues to communicate with trading partners to encourage adherence to OIE standards and minimize trade impacts. OIE trade guidelines call on countries to base trade restrictions on sound science and, whenever possible, limit restrictions to those animals and animal products within a defined region that pose a risk of spreading disease of concern.

All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds, and to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state and federal officials, either through your state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at www.healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 9 EPA, CORPS OF ENGINEERS WITHDRAW WOTUS INTERPRETIVE RULE The EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially withdrew their interpretive rule regarding the applicability of Clean Water Act Section 404(f)1(A) on Jan. 29, completing an action originally announced by President Obama on Dec. 16, 2014.

The exemptions from Clean Water Act permits for discharges of dredged and/or fill material will continue to apply for normal farming, silviculture, and ranching activities, as well as for other qualifying agricultural activities under 404(f)(1). The agencies made it clear that withdrawal of the interpretive rule does not impact the agencies' work to finalize their rulemaking to define the scope of the Clean Water Act. American Farm Bureau Senior Director of Regulatory Relations Don Parrish said the interpretive rule was put into place to misdirect concerns the EPA and Corps expected farmers would have about the proposed rule the agencies introduced last spring to expand the definition of navigable waters under the Waters of the United States Rule.

“Congress took budget funds away from the EPA that would have been used to enforce the interpretive rule,” Parrish said. “Through the budget, Congress told EPA, ‘We provided these normal farming exemptions that included conservation practices. EPA and USDA, you can’t narrow these exemptions.’ Congress’ budget action only addresses what is considered normal farming. It has nothing to do with the geographical scope of what EPA and the Corps are trying to do to expand its jurisdiction of what is defined as navigable waters.”

EQUINE CHAMPIONS CELEBRATED AT STATE CAPITOL Georgia equine champions in a variety of disciplines and breeds were honored during ceremonies at the Georgia Capitol on Feb. 3. Approximately 250 champions were recognized, including 16 world champions, who were introduced in the Georgia Senate. The champions and their families were served a catered lunch from The Varsity and heard remarks from Gov. Nathan Deal.

Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine (ACCE) Chairman John Clements and Commission member Ann Jones visited the well of the Georgia Senate, where they were presented with a resolution proclaiming the day as Georgia Youth Equine Champions Day. “In the horse business, this is our future,” Clements said. “These kids are going to make us or break us later on. If these kids weren’t interested in it, we wouldn’t have a market later on.”

The youth equine champions had a group photo taken on the steps inside the state capitol with Gov. Nathan Deal. The event also gave equine competitors a chance to meet state legislators.

“Most of these kids don’t get to come to the capitol,” Clements said, noting that it’s important for the students to have first-hand interaction with elected officials.

Deal spoke to the equine champions, expressing the state's pride in their accomplishments and emphasizing lessons they learn from their pursuits with horses.

“One ingredient that causes you to be successful is determination,” Deal said. “You can't ever give up. You have to stick with it.”

Georgia Farm Bureau conducted a raffle for this Winston Royal King 16-inch saddle, which was won by Brian Laughhunn of Bartow County. The raffle raised $1,485, which will be used to help kids to attend the 4-H equine school in Perry this summer.

The Equine Youthc Champions Day event is hosted each year by the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine (ACCE), which announced the first Trial Ride and Chuck Wagon Cookoff to take place in August. For more information contact Clements at 478-2980347 or tiejc@bellsouth.net.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 9 DEAL DECLARES THIS WEEK “PRESCRIBED FIRE AWARENESS WEEK” Governor Nathan Deal is helping raise awareness about the importance of fire to healthy forests by proclaiming Feb. 2-8 “Prescribed Fire Awareness Week.”

“Prescribed burning of Georgia forest lands is a valuable tool for protecting the forest from devastating wildfires and managing valuable wildlife species,” states the proclamation, signed Feb. 4 at the Georgia Capitol. The document notes that professional foresters and other land resource managers use prescribed burning for improving forest health, reducing hazardous fuels and enhancing reforestation.

Prescribed Fire Awareness Week was established in 2005 through the efforts of the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Georgia Prescribed Fire Council. It is observed annually during the first full week in February as a time to recognize this safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.

For more information on prescribed burning, visit the GFC website at www.GaTrees.org or contact your local GFC office. To learn more about the Georgia Prescribed Fire Council and how prescribed fire is being used in Georgia, visit www.garxfire.com.

PECAN PRODUCTION DOWN, BLUEBERRY RANKING VERIFIED Georgia peach and pecan production declined from 2013 to 2014 and the state’s blueberry production in 2014 surpassed all other U.S. states, according to the final citrus and tree fruit and nut crop report by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released Jan. 27.

The NASS final 2014 statistics confirmed preliminary reports from October that Georgia became the top blueberry-producing station. Georgia growers produced 98 million pounds of blueberries in 2014, a 29 percent increase over their 2013 production. Georgia overtook Michigan as the No. 1 blueberry-producing state.

The pecan crop in Georgia declined by 18 percent, from 89 million pounds in 2013 to 73 million pounds in 2014.

The state’s total peach production increased slightly from 35.25 million pounds in 2013 to 35.5 million pounds in 2014.

MONSANTO OFFERS GRANTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS Farmers in 34 Georgia counties have until midnight April 1 Central Time to 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 1877-267-3332 to submit a nomination or to read complete rules and eligibility requirements.

Once nominated, school districts will be notified and sent an invitation code to apply for their choice of a $10,000 or $25,000 grant. Nominated school districts have until midnight April 15 CT to submit their applications. Public charter schools are eligible if their National Center for Education Statistics ID is located in an eligible county.

Nominations are limited to one per farmer. Grants promoting math and science will be awarded based on merit, need and community support, which is based on the number of farmer nominations a school district receives.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 9 GEORGIA BLUEBERRY COMMISSION REFERENDUM UNDER WAY Georgia blueberry growers who annually produce one ton or more of blueberries that are commercially packed and marketed can vote in a mail ballot referendum until Feb. 20 to determine if they will continue the Georgia Blueberry Commission (GBC) Marketing Order.

This order authorizes the assessment growers who annually produce a ton or more of blueberries pay to fund the research, consumer promotion and education activities of the Georgia Blueberry Commission. The assessment rate has been set at $5 per ton since the marketing order began in 2009, according to information distributed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announcing the referendum. If you are an eligible blueberry producer and did not receive a ballot, please contact GDA Commodity Commissions Manager Andy Harrison for more information about the referendum at 404-586-1405 or andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.

2015 GA/FLA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Feb. 5 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. The registration fee is $20. For more information contact the Georgia/Florida Soybean Association at 706-542-3793 should you have questions or comments.

SOUND AND SENSIBLE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP Feb. 5 Clarke County Extension Office 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Athens Hosted by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), this workshop is intended to enlist new farmers and ranchers and help them learn how to become National Organic Program (NOP)-certified. It will provide information and expertise to farmers interested in NOP and answer questions regarding organic farm practices and NOP certification. This event is free, and lunch will be provided. For more information contact NCAT's Gulf States Regional Director Rockiell Woods at rockw@ncat.org or call 479-575-1385. To register, visit www.ncat.org/events.

GFB OFFERING COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Feb. 6 Deadline to apply Georgia Farm Bureau is offering 10 Scholarships for Agriculture for high school seniors who plan to pursue a college undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural. The top three students will each receive a $3,000 scholarship. The remaining seven students will each receive a $750 scholarship. Students submitting an application must currently be a Georgia high school senior and plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 2015-2016 academic year.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in April. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information or an application. Applications must be approved and signed by the Farm Bureau president of the county in which the applicant lives or attends high school. You may also download a copy of the application by visiting http://bit.ly/gfbschols.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 9 NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD NOMINATION MEETING Feb. 11 UGA NESPAL Building 8:30 a.m.

Tifton The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a meeting to select two nominees to represent Georgia on the National Peanut Board and two nominees to serve as alternate. All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to attend the meeting and are eligible for nomination. Eligible producers are defined as those who grow and sale peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop. USDA requires each peanut producing state to nominate two nominees for the position of board member and two for alternate. The National Peanut Board will submit Georgia’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments. John Harrell of Whigham is the current Georgia NPB Board member. Andy Bell of Climax serves as the alternate.

GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION RESEARCH REPORT DAY Feb. 11 NESPAL Building, UGA Tifton Campus 9 a.m.

Tifton This event provides growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research projects funded by GPC in 2014. The GPC, on behalf of Georgia’s 3,500 peanut farmers, awarded $318,780 to peanut research facilities in the state during 2014. The agenda for the GPC Research Report Day is available online at www.gapeanuts.com. All research reports will be available online following the GPC Research Report Day. UGA 23RD ANNUAL FOCUS ON EPD'S BULL SALE Feb. 12 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens Sale begins at noon. Contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu for more information.

BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING Feb. 26 Brooks County Extension 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Quitman This training is for beef producers who have never been certified under the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program or those who need to renew their certification. RSVP by Feb. 12. A meal will be provided. For more information please contact Kurt Childers at 229-561-3466 or email him at kurtchilders@windstream.net.

GEORGIA PORK CONGRESS Feb. 17 Georgia Farm Bureau 2 p.m.

Macon The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2016 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 2015 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.

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VETERANS AND SMALL FARMERS WORKSHOPS Feb. 19 Fort Valley State University Pettigrew Center Fort Valley 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.

SMALL FARM CONFERENCE Feb. 26-27 Unicoi State Park Helen This conference will educate farmers with small-scale operations on ways to improve their operations and make them run more efficiently and profitably. Registration for the conference is $225 per person. However, through sponsorship from the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District, the first 120 people to reserve a spot will receive a fully-paid scholarship for the event. Registration must be received by Feb. 20. For more information or to register contact the GSWCC Region II office in Athens at 706-552-4479.

EXPORT SEMINAR FOR FOOD & AG COMPANIES Feb. 24 World Trade Center(131 Hutchinson Island Rd.) 12:30 p.m. - 5p.m. Savannah This free seminar will cover the basics of exporting U.S. food and ag products. Learn how USDA programs can cut your international marketing budget in half, how to connect with foreign distributors, how to finance and protect your international transactions and about export readiness, foreign market research and assistance and shipping across international borders.

Advance registration is required.

To register visit www.susta.org/services/outreach_events_SavannahGA15.html For more information contact Kristin Core at Kristin@susta.org or call 504-569-5986 or contact Shehzin Jafar at sjafar@georgia.org or call 404-962-4036. Event is organized by the Southern U.S. Trade Association, Georgia Dept. of Economic Development and World Trade Center Savannah.

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.

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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.

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.