LABOR, TARIFFS KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED IN GFB TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Georgia Farm Bureau members visited Washington, D.C, March 11-13, meeting with the Georgia congressional delegation and sharing concerns about agricultural labor, the farm bill, and disaster and economic assistance. GFB members went to the offices of eight of Georgia’s 14 districts and both senators. The group also heard presentations from the European Union Delegation to the U.S.
The GFB group emphasized the onerous farm labor costs under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR). For 2025, the AEWR for Georgia is $16.08. Fred Wetherington of Lowndes County noted that administrative and logistical expenses pushed the actual cost of foreign laborers up by more than $3 per hour.
“It's way out of control and it makes no sense,” said Wetherington, who volunteers as the Lowndes County Farm Bureau legislative director. He came away encouraged that congressional staff acknowledged the problems that come with using the H-2A agricultural labor visa program.
“I feel like both sides of the aisle, folks I've talked to on this trip, it seems like compared just a few years ago that there's a lot of recognition that the program is broken,” Wetherington said.
On March 11, GFB members received briefings from American Farm Bureau Federation staff on international trade, labor and the national political landscape.
AFBF Senior Director for Government Affairs Dave Salmonsen walked GFB members through a timeline of tariff-related actions dating back to Feb. 10.
Here is the timeline Salmonsen presented:
Feb. 10 - The U.S. announced a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports.
Feb. 13 - The “fair and reciprocal plan” for tariffs was ordered by President Donald Trump, who tasked the office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the Commerce Department to develop the plan, which they are required to submit by April 2.
March 4 - The U.S. placed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. Canada implemented a 25% tariff on approximately $21 billion worth of U.S. products. AFBF has noted that this includes $5.8 billion worth of Canada-bound U.S. ag products.
March 6 - The tariffs on Canada and Mexico were delayed until April 2.
March 7 – The U.S. announced potential tariffs on Canadian lumber and dairy products. -continued on next page March 19, 2025
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March 10 – China implemented retaliatory tariffs.
March 12 – The U.S.’ 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports went into effect.
Salmonsen said the Canada softwood lumber duties have been a point of dispute since the 1980s.
The first portion of the Canadian retaliatory tariffs applied to U.S. poultry, dairy, grains, fruit, vegetable oils, alcohol, vegetables, peanut butter, bakery goods and pasta, condiments, sugar, tobacco, and coffee/tea/spices.
Since Georgia leads the nation in poultry production and produces approximately half of U.S.grown peanuts, those items are of particular interest to Georgia growers, but Canada’s approach on U.S.-produced alcohol has drawn particular attention.
“They like to hit the politicians,” Salmonsen said. “Every retaliation list around the world leads with bourbon. Not just because it starts with a B, but because of Senator [Mitch] McConnell and they also are put on wheat and corn and other things.”
China’s retaliatory tariffs closely resemble those implemented in 2018. China increased tariffs on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton by 15% and placed an extra 10% in tariffs on soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, seafood and fish, meat and meat products, animal by-products and fats, edible oils and fats, and honey.
Farm labor costs out of control
AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub provided analysis of the farm labor situation, which she said could be a factor in forcing the U.S. to import more food.
“We simply don't have the people to produce it here in the U.S. and if we're going to start putting tariffs on goods, if we're going to start reducing immigration even in these legal pathways for guest workers, we're going to have to import more.”
She noted that only 28% of rural Americans are of “prime working age,” (between 35 and 55 years old), while 20% of rural Americans are at least 65 years old. About 45% of U.S. farm laborers are foreign born with either questionable work authorization documentation or none at all. Ayoub said that tendency to sue to settle disputes is an underacknowledged aspect of the immigration discussion.
“We always kind of get called out in agriculture for having undocumented workers, but we don't really tell that other side of the story - the US litigation culture and the ability of people to sue for this, that and everything. There’s employer liability that goes along with questioning documents.”
The number of H-2A positions certified has grown ten-fold over the past 20 years, from around 40,000 in 2005 to 384,900 in 2024.
Meanwhile, the AEWR in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina increased by 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, trailing only Florida (9.9%) in terms of percentage increase.
AFBF Director for Government Affairs Joe Gilson reviewed Capitol Hill movement on the farm bill, which was extended to Sept. 30 under the American Relief Act of 2025 passed in December.
Farm bill spending in 2025 is expected to top $1.4 trillion, 79% of which is allocated to nutrition programs. A total of 18%, or $265.5 billion, is expected for crop insurance, commodity programs -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page and conservation programs.
The extension, Gilson said, does not include funding for so-called “orphan” programs like the feral swine eradication program and approximately $100 million for agricultural research.
Gilson also noted that net farm income from 2022 to 2024 is forecast to increase for cattle and calves, poultry, specialty crops and dairy according to the Farm Bureau calculations using USDA Economic Research Service data, but net farm income is expected to decrease for producers of cotton, hogs, corn, wheat and soybeans.
Georgia farmers briefed on EU agriculture, trade topics
In a meeting on March 11, staff with the European Union (EU) Delegation to the U.S. briefed Georgia farmers on the trade landscape between the EU and U.S.
The EU consists of 27 nations on the European continent and Ireland, with a total combined population of approximately 550 million people. Dr. Silke Boger, agricultural counselor to the EU Delegation, provided a statistical comparison between U.S. and EU farms.
“You have about 350 million people in the U S. We have 450 million. We have considerably less land, so the demand is higher,” Boger said. “The population density is higher, everything takes place in much less space and that has an impact on what you do, how you regulate and how you need to regulate, what you can do on land and how you can use it.”
While the U.S. has about 1.5 million farms, the EU has more than 9 million. The average U.S. farm has 460 acres, compared to 43 acres per farm in the EU. U.S. farms are generally more diversified, while many EU farms produce more specialized crops.
The total value of U.S. farm production in 2023 was $521 billion, compared with the EU’s $581 billion.
The per-acre production value on U.S. farms in 2020 was about $587; in the EU it was $1,463 per acre, Boger said.
The EU and U.S. are each other’s largest trade and investment partners. Boger noted that in 2023, the two entities swapped $1.7 trillion worth of goods, services and investments – an average of $4 billion per day.
Boger said total trade activity between the EU and Georgia supports about 180,000 jobs in the state. Georgia’s top agricultural export to the EU is peanuts.
Of EU exports to the U.S., about one-fifth is wine, followed by spirits, beer, water and soft drinks (mainly mineral water).
The top ag product the U.S. exports to the EU is soybeans (about 22%), followed by tropical fruit/nuts (21%) and spirits (7%).
Boger pointed out that new EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Cristophe Hansen, who began his duties in that post on Dec. 1, 2024, is tasked with establishing a new vision for agriculture and food on the continent, with the goal of ensuring farmers there can earn equitable income for their production while improving the EU’s food sovereignty.
GEORGIA BUSINESS LEADERS VOICE SUPPORT FOR TORT REFORM
Business and industry associations supporting Gov. Brian Kemp’s tort reform bills Senate Bills 68 & 69 held a press conference March 13 at the Georgia Capitol. Representatives of agriculture, trucking, manufacturers, convenience stores, hotels and hospitals shared how their businesses are being harmed by out-of-control lawsuits.
The Georgia Senate passed the bills the first week of March. At press time, the House is expected to vote on the legislation March 20.
Russ Wilburn, a cattle and hay producer from Barrow County, spoke on behalf of Georgia farmers.
“As a first-generation farmer I have been fortunate in pursuing my dream of farming. For young farmers, like me, the barrier to entry is enormous from high land prices, capital investments in equipment and high input costs that have doubled in the last few years such as labor, fuel and fertilizer. In addition, insurance premiums have also skyrocketed for Georgia farmers who are small business owners. Couple those factors with the majority of commodities suffering from low prices, the future of agriculture can be dire,” Wilburn said. “If we want to continue to produce food and fiber domestically instead of importing it from other countries, we must ensure the next generation has these opportunities without the fear of frivolous lawsuits where the scales tend to be tipped and risk losing what they have worked so hard to build. Whether it is moving equipment down the road, hauling commodities to market or having the general public out to enjoy your farm, there should not be this out-of-control threat of litigation. I greatly appreciate and would like to say thank you to Governor Kemp along with the House and Senate leadership and all those that have worked so hard to bring some balance back to our legal system.”
Wilburn is the Barrow County Farm Bureau president and is a Georgia Farm Bureau 4th District director.
Other speakers included: Michael Edward of Mannington Mills; Haley Bower-Frank with the Clipper Petroleum convenience stores; Frank Phair, vice president of hotel operations for Legacy Ventures; Charles Tarbutton, president of B-H Transfer Company; and Caylee Noggle, Georgia Hospital Association president & CEO.
Charles Tarbutton, president of B-H Transfer Company, discussed how lawsuits are negatively affecting the trucking sector.
“Recent large lawsuit settlements have caused businesses to be pressured to settle lawsuits without claimants proving injury has been caused by the company being sued,” Tarbutton said. “There are over 75,000 truck drivers in Georgia who are the little guy, and we spend every day with a target on our backs. I implore members of the General Assembly to listen to the facts and study SB 68 & 69. These bills will have a long-term positive effect for Georgia businesses and Georgians.”
Tarbutton said one out of 12 Georgia jobs is in the trucking industry, and his company has employees from 325 families. Seventy percent of Georgians depend on trucking to get the goods -continued on next page
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they use to where they need to go, Tarbutton said.
In response to claims made that the tort reform legislation would prevent victims of sexual trafficking from seeking justice against hotels that turn a blind eye to trafficking or employees who may be involved, Phair said preventing trafficking is one of his company’s top priorities.
“We’ve trained our team members to spot victims of sex crimes and trafficking, and we have security systems and cameras,” Phair said. “The safety of our guests is always our No. 1 priority.”
Phair said his company’s premiums have gone up 119% in four years even though they’ve had no claim against them.
Representing 150 Georgia hospitals statewide, Caylee Noggle said, “We [hospitals] expect to be held accountable for our actions, but we need a fair and balanced legal system so that our providers feel safer in providing health care. Senate Bill 68 is a critical step to continue improving Georgia’s health care system.”
Haley Bower-Frank, with Clipper Petroleum, shared a case brought against an Atlanta convenience store after the occupants of two cars parked in a store’s parking lot fought and a passenger in one of the cars was shot. None of the people involved in the incident entered the store to shop nor bought fuel at the store’s outside pumps. The gunshot victim sued the convenience store citing negligence that it had no security guard on duty.
“It was obvious in watching the video of the incident that no security guard – armed or unarmed – could have broken up this altercation,” Bower-Frank said. “The question becomes do we settle and watch our insurance rates go up or do we challenge and spend money on legal fees. Our industry is under fire. Georgia small businesses need tort reform because the pressure of lawsuits is crushing our business.”
Michael Edward of Mannington Mills said Georgia does not have a fair justice system for businesses.
“Too many lawyers are trying to convince Georgians that they can get ahead by getting hurt and filing a lawsuit instead of working hard to get ahead,” Edward said. “We need tort reform.”
You can learn more about the proposed tort reform legislation and contact your state representatives to ask them to vote for the bills at https://gfb.ag/takeactiontortreform
USDA ISSUING ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO PRODUCERS
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced on March 18 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.
Authorized by the American Relief Act, of 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities. USDA -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 16
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will send the applications soon after the signup period opens on March 19. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. From March 19 through August 15, they can visit http://fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application.
Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates
The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:
Wheat - $30.69
Eligible oilseeds:
Corn - $42.91
Canola - $31.83
Sorghum - $42.52
Crambe - $19.08
Barley - $21.67
Flax - $20.97
Oats - $77.66
Mustard - $11.36
Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton - $84.74
Rapeseed - $23.63
Long & medium grain rice - $76.94
Safflower - $26.32
Peanuts - $75.51
Sesame - $16.83
Soybeans - $29.76
Sunflower - $27.23
Dry peas - $16.02
Lentils - $19.30
Small Chickpeas - $31.45
Large Chickpeas - $24.02
Producer Eligibility
Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit http://fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.
Applying for ECAP
Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page by applying online at http://fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.
If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:
• Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
• Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
• Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
• Form CCC-943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).
• AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
• Form SF-3881, Direct Deposit\
Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.
If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.
ECAP Payments and Calculator
ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.
For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator.
EPA TO REVISE WOTUS RULE
On March 12, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that EPA will work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to deliver on President’s Trump’s promise to review the definition of “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS.
According to an EPA press release, the agencies will move quickly to ensure that a revised definition follows the law, reduces red-tape, cuts overall permitting costs, and lowers the cost of doing business in communities across the country while protecting the nation’s navigable waters from pollution.
“We want clean water for all Americans supported by clear and consistent rules for all states, farmers, and small businesses,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall, who attended the -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page announcement, applauded the move.
“Farm Bureau appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency for taking a step toward providing clarity in how farmers and ranchers should comply with the Waters of the U.S. rule,” Duvall said. “The Supreme Court clearly ruled, almost two years ago, that the government overreached in its interpretation of what waters fell under federal jurisdiction, but inaction and vague implementation guidelines by EPA led to permitting delays, litigation and uncertainty. I'm pleased that EPA Administrator Zeldin has listened to the concerns of farmers and is making strides toward getting rid of the guesswork. The foundation he laid today is the first step toward creating clear WOTUS implementation guidelines, which will help farmers protect the environment while ensuring they can grow the food America’s families rely on.”
The previous definition of WOTUS, Zeldin said, “placed unfair burdens on the American people and drove up the cost of doing business. Our goal is to protect America’s water resources consistent with the law of the land while empowering American farmers, landowners, entrepreneurs, and families.”
The definition of WOTUS guides Clean Water Act implementation, including whether farmers, landowners and businesses must secure costly permits before they can pursue a project.
The EPA indicated it will seek targeted information on the key challenges that Americans are facing. The agency will also undertake a rulemaking process to revise the 2023 definition of “waters of the United States” with a focus on clarity, simplicity and improvements that will stand the test of time. While this rulemaking process takes place, the agency will provide guidance to those states implementing the pre-2015 definition of “waters of the United States” to ensure consistency with the law of the land.
The EPA said its review will be guided by the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, which stated that the Clean Water Act’s use of “waters” encompasses only those relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water forming streams, oceans, rivers and lakes. The Sackett decision also clarified that wetlands would only be covered when having a continuous surface connection to bodies of water that are “waters of the United States” in their own right.
ROLLINS VISITS GEORGIA FARMS, ENGAGES WITH STATE LEADERSHIP
On March 12, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins traveled to Atlanta to deliver remarks to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Secretary Rollins and Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper then met with elected officials at the Georgia State Capitol, participated in a roundtable discussion with farmers, and toured a local cattle operation.
“Georgia’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities are at the heart of American agriculture. Their insight is essential as we work to strengthen the industry for future generations,” said Secretary Rollins. “Ensuring they have the infrastructure and resources needed to prosper is critical work, and NRECA plays a key role in that effort. USDA remains committed to supporting Georgia -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page agriculture and rural communities across the country.”
Secretary Rollins began her day at the PowerXchange, NRECA’s annual meeting, to deliver remarks about USDA’s continuous efforts to help electric cooperatives sustain and revitalize rural communities across the country.
Following her remarks, Rollins went the Georgia State Capitol to meet with elected officials to discuss the state’s current agricultural priorities.
Rollins then visited the University of Georgia’s Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm to engage in a roundtable discussion on topics including combatting avian flu, expanding global markets, and farm bill priorities with local farmers. She wrapped up her trip with a tour of Precise Cattle, a family farm in Watkinsville.
GDA ASKS GEORGIANS TO REPORT YLH EMBRYO NESTS
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is urging Georgians to stay vigilant for Yellowlegged Hornet (YLH) embryo nests, the initial stage of hornet nest formation. With the approach of spring, Yellow-legged hornets will emerge from overwintering.
Early detection and control of embryo nests is critical, as targeting them now prevents YLH queens from producing workers, ultimately reducing the formation of secondary nests later in the year. It is vital that the queen is controlled along with the nest.
“We are continuing to ask for the public’s help in our effort to eradicate the Yellow-Legged Hornet from our state,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “By reporting sightings of embryo nests early, we can stop the queens from spreading and minimize the damage they cause. It's crucial that we work together to protect our state’s #1 industry agriculture.”
Mated queens overwinter (similar to hibernation) and emerge in the spring to find food, establish an embryo nest, and begin producing workers. Embryo nests range in size from a ping-pong ball to a tennis ball and are often found in sheltered spots, such as the eaves of buildings.
What Georgians Can Do:
Stay Alert: Look out for embryo nests, which are typically smaller than primary and secondary nests. Embryo nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or other elevated locations.
Report Sightings: If you believe you've discovered an embryo nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact the GDA Plant Protection Division at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the queen is properly eradicated.
For more information about yellow-legged hornets, visit https://agr.georgia.gov/yellow-leggedhornet
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DIFFERENT HPAI STRAIN FOUND IN MISSISSIPPI POULTRY FLOCK
On March 17, the Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH) announced that poultry from a commercial broiler breeder chicken flock in Noxubee County tested positive for H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Noxubee County abuts the Mississippi border with Alabama, west of Tuscaloosa.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has previously documented H7N9 low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) in U.S. wild bird surveillance this year and in previous years, but this is the first HPAI H7 case in commercial poultry in the United States since 2017.
This H7N9 virus is a fully North American (AM) virus of wild bird-origin and is unrelated to the Eurasian H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus currently circulating in the United States. Some AM H7 LPAI viruses detected as part of APHIS’ wild bird surveillance are closely related to this HPAI virus, indicating a recent spillover of wild bird-origin LPAI virus.
The flock was experiencing high mortality, and samples tested at the Mississippi Veterinary Research & Diagnostic Laboratory, a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, were presumptive positive for HPAI then confirmed as H7N9 at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
The state veterinarian quarantined the premises, and the MBAH coordinated a joint incident response with federal animal health officials in Mississippi. The birds on the property were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds did not enter the food system.
The MBAH is actively working with federal partners and the poultry industry to increase monitoring of flocks statewide.
This finding is the third case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in Mississippi since the spring of 2023. Since November 2024, HPAI has been detected in migratory waterfowl in multiple areas of Mississippi.
Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with avian influenza in birds remains low. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.
Biosecurity remains the most effective tool against the introduction and spread of avian influenza. Visit APHIS’ Defend the Flock Resource Center for additional materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit.
Avian Influenza (AI) is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you have concerns about AI in birds, call the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Anyone who sees unusually high numbers of dead wild birds in a single location should report this to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.
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Continued from previous page
For more information about HPAI & biosecurity tips visit:
Protect Your Flock (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Avian Influenza FAQ (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Defend the Flock - Resource Center USDA APHIS)
Protect Your Livelihood PDF (For commercial poultry producers)
AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
HOLMES APPOINTED GEORGIA COMMISSIONER OF LABOR
On March 18, Gov. Brian Kemp announced the appointment of Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Joined by her family and supporters, she will be sworn into office on April 4 and serve the remainder of the term won by Bruce Thompson in 2022, who died last November.
“As someone who has a proven track record of success in economic development and education, I know she will bring the same level of dedication to this position that she has to the people of Dougherty County and the surrounding area,” Kemp said. “I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hardworking people of Georgia.”
Holmes is president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. Under her leadership, the organizations build economic opportunity, community, and a path forward for Albany’s future by solving businesses’ greatest challenges, working with decisionmakers to inform smart policy, and partnering with employers and educators to build a modern and adaptive workforce.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances that drive job growth, tap into our state’s talent and enhance Georgia’s competitiveness," said Holmes. “I’m grateful to Governor Kemp for the opportunity to build on this work, pledging to always put Georgians first as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. I look forward to working alongside my fellow constitutional officers and Team Georgia as champions of our great state.”
Previously, she served as vice president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC), overseeing the development of its brand, marketing campaigns, and its successful business retention and expansion program which facilitates existing industry job creation and capital investment in Albany-Dougherty County.
Prior to her work at the ADEDC, Holmes was the senior business writer with The Albany Herald, where she earned four Georgia Associated Press awards for excellence in journalism. In 2018, she was appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and also served as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force to help design the state’s innovation blueprint. Earlier this year, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Holmes to the House Rural Development Council.
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes is fluent in Spanish. She graduated as a double major from Florida Southern College, where she studied Journalism and Spanish. Holmes lives in Albany with her husband, David, and their daughter.
Field Notes page 12 of 16
CELEBRATE MARCH – NATIONAL PEANUT MONTH
March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration March 4 by hosting the 2025 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 7,200 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Peanuts and peanut butter were promoted during the event by industry partners serving grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. Governor Brian Kemp presented a proclamation recognizing March as National Peanut Month while Sen. Russ Goodman, chairman of the Georgia Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the Georgia House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee presented resolutions recognizing the importance of Georgia’s peanut industry.
“Peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, and the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at 50 percent for the 2024 crop,” said Joe Boddiford, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.”
Sponsors and exhibitors included the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Kroger, Georgia Farm Bureau, National Peanut Board, Peanut Proud, Atlanta Community Food Bank, The Peanut Institute and the University of Georgia Peanut Team.
As part of the celebration, peanut butter valued at $10,000, was presented to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Atlanta Community Food Bank provides food and grocery products to more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. According to Kyle Waide, president & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the need for food assistance is not going away.
“The Food Bank has seen a 60 percent increase in the need for food assistance over the past three years. We are distributing food in record volumes to 240,000 households each month,” Waide says. “Peanut butter is a protein-rich food that can be a versatile pantry staple for a family or individual in need. We are grateful to the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud for this generous donation that will help serve the 13 percent of the state’s population and 1 in 5 Georgia children who are food insecure.”
Coincidentally, March is National Nutrition Month – a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
For additional details and photos from the 2025 PB&J Day, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at GaPeanuts.com
19TH ANNUAL CHEROKEE COUNTY AG EXPO
March 22 River Church, 2335 Sixes Rd. 10 a.m. – 2 p..m. Canton
This free event features a tractor and petting zoo, display booths from more than 20 agricultural organizations and lots of door prizes. The Ag Expo is open to the public. For more information, contact Denise Forward at 770-479-1481 or dbforward@gfbco.org.
CROP AND DAIRY SAFETY NET PROGRAMS
March 31
April 15
DMC application deadline
ARC/PLC application deadline
The USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting applications for key safety-net programs –Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) as well as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). ARC and PLC provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most American farms. Meanwhile, DMC provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for more information on these programs.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
April 12, May 17, Sept. 20 & Oct. 25 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Trail classes are from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Western Classes not to start before lunch. Riders must be members of Kel-Mac to accrue points towards year-end awards. Age divisions for competition are as follows: Small Fry: 10 and under; Junior: under 14 years of age; Senior: 14 years and over. Novice: Rider is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Green Horse: Horse is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Entry fee per class is $12. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kel-mac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. Signup for shows on the website. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $170,250 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 49 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 16
2025 GEORGIA FARM DOG CONTEST
May 1
Entry deadline
Do you have a special farm dog that herds or guards your livestock? Maybe it keeps you company as you do your daily chores and provides stress relief. Maybe it has done something heroic. Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its 2025 Georgia Farm Dog Contest until 10:59 p.m. on May 1 or until 200 entries are accepted. Contest is open to GFB members ages 18 and over. The grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card and be recognized at the 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo. For contest rules and the criteria dogs will be judged by, visit https://gfb.ag/25farmdogcontest Special thanks to GFB Insurance and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture for helping GFB sponsor the contest!
GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATIONS
May 1 deadline to apply
Centennial Farm applications are open to all qualifying candidates. Farms play a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of our state, serving as the bedrock for economic, cultural, and familial traditions for generations of Georgians. Several farms boast a legacy spanning more than a century, and Georgia recognizes their historical significance through the Georgia Centennial Farm program. Nominees must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres of the original purchase, actively involved in agricultural production, and must generate at least $1,000 in annual farmgenerated income. In addition, farms must have been continuously farmed by members of the same family for at least 100 years or be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Qualifying Georgia Centennial Farms are honored each October at an awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. The Georgia Centennial Farm program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; Georgia Department of Agriculture; Georgia EMC; Georgia National Fair and Agricenter; and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information, please contact Rose Mayo, Historic Preservation Division Outreach Coordinator, at 770-855-2586 or rose.mayo@dca.ga.gov. The postmark deadline for applications is May 1, 2025. Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centennialfarmsapply (https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/historicresources/centennialfarms)
UGA WARNELL SCHOOL OF FORESTRY BOBWHITE QUAIL SURVEY
The Martin GAME Lab at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA is looking for private landowners in Georgia to take part in a brief survey about their opinions on bobwhite quail management for a study titled "Bobwhite Restoration, Incentives, and Research". The purpose of the study is to better understand landowners’ opinions on bobwhite quail management and cost-share programs landowners would enroll in to manage their properties for bobwhite quail. Visit https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_3aRgLcUioS8uy0u to take the study. Thank you in advance for helping with in this study.
GEORGIA PIVOT SURVEY
A research team from the University of Georgia, University of Nebraska, University of Florida, Fort Valley State University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is conducting a survey to understand the recovery of farms following windstorms. Farmers are asked to participate. This survey asks about your farm, damage inflicted by recent hurricanes, and recovery since the hurricane. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, depending on the types of structures on your farm and the damage the farm experienced. Questions 11-15 are voluntary, answer if you would like. Your participation is completely voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. To participate, visit https://forms.office.com/r/JZGAxfKfRG For more information, contact Wes Porter at wporter@uga.edu, or Joshua Dawson at dawsonj01@fvsu.edu, or call 229-386-7328.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, visit the project website.
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES
Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207. More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 16
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2024 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.