GFB News Fall 2023

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU

GFB YF&R contest winners named

What do you know about credit?

Yellow-Legged Hornet arrives in Georgia

PRECISION AG INCREASES PROFITABILITY

Contents

pages 6 & 7

Precision agriculture increases farmers’ profitability

Farmers are using various technologies to decrease inputs used to produce their crops.

page 12

Want to subscribe? Join Georgia Farm Bureau to receive GFB News four times a year. Your membership supports farmers & agriculture while giving you access to more than 300,000 discounts. Visit gfb.ag/join.

Credit where credit is due You know your credit score is important, but do you know how it’s determined?

page 13

Georgia peach crop decimated by March freeze

pages 8 & 9

Young Farmers & Ranchers members meet 'For the Love of Ag'

pages 10 & 11

Morgans, Ropers and Paul claim top prizes in YF&R events

page 14

Georgians asked to watch for Yellow-Legged Hornets

This invasive species poses a threat to honeybees.

page 16

Smith leads GFB Crop Insurance Program

Meet Michael Smith, GFB’s crop insurance manager.

Departments GFB News Staff

page 4

View from the Field

page 5

Public Policy

pages 26 & 27

Ag in the Classroom

page 28

Ga. Foundation for Agriculture

page 29

Women’s Leadership

page 30

Young Farmers & Ranchers

Kenny Burgamy Director

Jennifer Whittaker Editor

Jay Stone News Reporter

Jared McGukin Graphic Designer

Logan Thomas Photographer

page 18

Oct. 31 deadline to enter GFB Hay Contest

pages 20 & 21

ATC offers conservation law enforcement degree

page 22

Davis named Georgia Farmer of the Year

FOLLOW US ON THESE PLATFORMS @GAFARMBUREAU

On The Cover:

A drone sprayer being tested by UGA researchers takes flight over corn at the Sunbelt Expo Field Day.

Photo by Jay Stone

For information concerning advertising, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-6529080 or mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. For questions about your membership or member benefits, call 1-800-633-5432. For questions regarding editorial content call 478-474-0679, ext. 5334 or e-mail jawhittaker@gfb.org.

Meet Bart Davis, a diversified row crop and cattle farmer.

View from the Field

Tom McCall, GFB President

Georgia Farm Bureau board members, staff and volunteers work every day to carefully ensure success for our state’s farms. We’re working hard to discover how we can better serve the more than 240,000 families that enjoy some aspect of Farm Bureau membership.

It’s no secret that our members enjoy the benefits of insurance, Choice Hotel discounts, Ford Motor Co. rebates and many more. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we’re fighting to provide for members and non-members, alike.

Farm Bureau's goal has always been to safeguard the agriculture sector and to keep it strong.

An annual report released by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences shows that agriculture is the largest sector in Georgia’s economy. Farming generates $73.2 billion in production as part of the state’s $1.2 trillion economy. Simply put, no other group can make this claim.

As we head into harvest season and our nation faces challenging economic times, it is time for us to not let up and keep “diggin’ in” to continue providing a thriving agriculture sector that remains healthy and strong. By doing so, it fosters a safe and abundant food supply, more jobs, and higher wages so our members can provide for their families’ needs.

Incidentally, “Diggin’ In” is our organization’s theme for the next 12 months. This tagline represents the hard work of men and women who farm 365 days of the year. No matter the weather, economy, personal burdens, or outside pressures, we keep diggin’ in. That means no matter what it takes, we will get the job done.

We’re proud to serve as leaders at Georgia Farm Bureau and encourage you to join us and dig in to help in the fight to preserve agriculture as our number one economic sector!

Tom McCall, GFB President

OFFICERS President

TOM McCALL, Elbert Co.

1st Vice President & South Georgia Vice President

DANIEL JOHNSON, Pierce Co.

North Georgia Vice President

BERNARD SIMS, Catoosa Co.

Middle Georgia Vice President

RALPH CALDWELL, Heard County General Counsel

DUKE GROOVER

Chief Financial Officer, Corp. Treasurer & GFBMIC Exec. VP

DAVID JOLLEY

Chief Administrative Officer

JEFFREY HARVEY

Corporate Secretary & Senior Counsel

JEANNA FENNELL

Asst. Corp. Treasurer & Sr. Director of Accounting

RACHEL MOSELY

DIRECTORS

FIRST DISTRICT: Bill Bryan, Chattooga Co.; Wesley Hall, Forsyth Co. SECOND DISTRICT: Gilbert Barrett, Habersham Co.; Russ Moon, Madison Co.THIRD DISTRICT: Nora Goodman, Paulding Co.; Brad Marks, Newton Co. FOURTH

DISTRICT: Skeetter McCorkle, McDuffie Co.; Russ Wilburn, Barrow Co. FIFTH DISTRICT: Matt Bottoms, Pike Co.; Leighton Cooley, Crawford Co. SIXTH DISTRICT: James Malone, Laurens Co.; James Emory Tate, Jeff Davis Co. SEVENTH

DISTRICT: Gary Bell, Evans Co.; Ben Boyd, Screven Co. EIGHTH DISTRICT: Scotty Raines, Turner Co.; Don Wood, Wilcox Co. NINTH

DISTRICT: Lucius Adkins, Baker Co.; Paul Shirah, Mitchell Co. TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Bacon Co.; Lamar Vickers, Berrien Co. YOUNG

FARMERS & RANCHERS CHAIR: Colt Hart, Franklin Co.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CHAIR: Kathy Sanders, Laurens Co.

ADVERTISING POLICY

All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau News. For advertising rates and information, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-652-9080 or mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. Georgia Farm Bureau News was established in 1937. Copyright 2023 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.

GFB President Tom McCall, his wife, Jane, granddaughter, McCall, grandsons Winn & Wilkes and GFB mascot Lucky./Photo by Logan Thomas

SCOTUS rules against Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule

By Ben Parker

The Biden administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, released in January, was controversial because it proposed egregious federal overreach. Groups from all over scrambled to mitigate the consequences and prevent the rule from taking effect.

Among these attempts was a congressional review act (CRA) resolution of disapproval initiated by several U.S. House and Senate members. This legislative tool allows Congress to formally disapprove of actions taken by federal executive agencies. If both chambers pass a CRA and the president does not veto it, agency rules can be overturned. The House and Senate passed a joint resolution of disapproval, but President Biden promptly vetoed it.

Without the votes needed to overturn a veto, it seemed farmers and property owners were doomed to abide by environmental standards dictated by the rule’s inconsistent significant nexus test. This meant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would police any waters it found “significantly affected” traditional navigable waters in a chemical, physical or biological capacity.

Despite congressional disapproval, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers persisted in implementing the rule before the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Sackett v. EPA, which challenged the constitutionality of the significant nexus test.

States refused to accept defeat and sought justice through their own federal appeals. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr co-led a lawsuit against the WOTUS rule on behalf of 26 states. This yielded two U.S. District Court preliminary injunctions giving 26 states a 2023 WOTUS reprieve. A third judge granted the 27th state a temporary stay of the rule.

These three rulings marked a massive win in the fight against the vague WOTUS rule. With over half of the country protected by the courts’ WOTUS interpretations, it became abundantly clear something was wrong with the EPA’s rule.

We congratulated those involved with the previously mentioned court cases, yet earnestly awaited the decision that could mark the final nail in the coffin for WOTUS 2023. On May 25, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision ruling in favor of Sackett.

The 9-0 outcome found the “significant nexus test” an unlawful and unreasonable method of asserting federal authority. The court stated this test is an instrument meant to drastically increase the federal grasp over not just bodies of water, but dry lands located miles from the nearest “navigable” body of water.

This marked a massive stand by the Supreme Court as every justice rejected the position of the EPA, preventing unforeseen influence over private lands.

The EPA and Army Corps are rewriting the WOTUS rule in an expedited regulatory draft process, using the good cause exemption, which allows them to bypass the public comment period. We see this as another attempt to issue blind rulings exempt from the voices of those it will impact. The Waters Advocacy Coalition, which involves dozens of organizations including AFBF, sent recommendations on how the Biden administration should proceed while abiding by the latest Supreme Court ruling.

Ben Parker is the Georgia Farm Bureau National Affairs Coordinator. He may be reached at btparker@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5217.

Photo courtesy of AFBF

Precision Agriculture Increases Farmers’ Profitability

To be profitable, farmers want the largest yield from the smallest possible collection of inputs. The hardest question any farmer must answer is “How?”

The answer, increasingly, is precision agriculture. University of Georgia Associate Professor of Crop & Soil Sciences Professor Wesley Porter, an Extension faculty member of the UGA Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, describes it as utilizing or applying technology to farm production practices to increase efficacy, efficiency and profitability.

Let’s look at how precision agriculture is already being used in livestock, row crop and fruit/vegetable production and what is being developed.

ROW CROPS

At the University of Georgia Tifton Campus, the agricultural engineering lab is home to ground drones researchers call “Little Red Rover” and “Big Red Rover.” Little Red Rover is slightly larger than most zero-turn lawn mowers. Big Red Rover is about the size of a medium-sized tractor.

Like most farm tractors, the two rovers can be outfitted with a variety of implements: weed trimmers or pullers, sprayers, imaging sensors and more. A key function is using the sensors – conventional and infrared cameras – as crop scouting tools. UGA professor and agricultural engineer Glen Rains said one possible use would be to have sensors interact with action-based attachments so when the sensors detect a pest or a weed, on-board sprayers or other tools can be set up to eliminate them. There are

By Jay Stone

robotic laser weeders that manufacturers say can remove 200,000 weeds per hour.

The goal of using ground drones is to save farmers money. When Little Red Rover reaches market readiness, Rains said its projected cost is expected to range from $25,000 -$50,000.

For small farmers who cannot afford seven-figure prices for large farm equipment, Rains said the smaller rovers might provide a more affordable alternative.

“We’re working to make this scalable. So, a farmer might be able to get five or six of these and use them to do the same kinds of things,” Rains said.

This spring, Rains’ team was awarded a USDA National Institute for Food & Agriculture grant to develop a climate-smart “4-D” (Digital and Data-Driven Demonstration) farm to develop tools like the rovers.

Farmers have had access to airborne drones to scout their crops for several years. Mounted with various types of cameras, these drones can identify problem areas in a field by detecting crop stressors like lack of moisture or disease.

Drones with liquid reservoirs and spray nozzles that can aerially apply fertilizer and crop chemicals are already on the market.

Dr. Simer Virk at the UGA Tifton Campus said that for now, the spray drones are best used to augment farms’ conventional spraying and crop-dusting programs.

“You might have an area of a field that is close to power lines or fences that those [sprayers or planes] can’t reach,” Virk said. “The drone can go in and spot spray to get more complete coverage.”

The Agras T30 drone, which includes a 30-liter tank for crop chemicals.

Photo by Jay Stone

FRUITS & VEGETABLES

There are a variety of ways advanced technology is helping vegetable growers make the most of their resources, and many of them involve taking measurements.

At Lewis Taylor Farms (LTF), sensors are used to measure soil moisture, soil temperature, water quality, nutrient levels and pests. The farm uses computerized drip irrigation systems to direct water to plant root systems, helping the plants use water more efficiently and reduce water runoff.

Electronic sensors are used in the farm’s packing sheds to detect potential food safety issues. Sensors in the farm’s coolers keep temperatures constant to maximize shelf stability.

LTF Director of Food Safety and Purchasing Jessica Brim Kirk says the data generated by these sensors is vital to making management decisions, and she’s open to other technology that would make the farm more profitable.

Item No. 1 on her wish list: Lowering labor costs. The No. 1 obstacle: Replicating the performance of the human hand. Many of Georgia’s fruit and vegetable crops must be planted and harvested by skilled laborers.

“There currently is not a lot out there for in-field production: Things that we can use to help lower our costs of labor and help keep the same production levels in the field without damaging the product,” Kirk said.

Mechanical harvesting equipment has been in development since the 1970s, according to Brandon Wade of Alma Nursery and Berry Farms, but he says progress has been slow. Manufacturers have developed internal deflectors that reduce fruit bruising.

“There's still so much ground that can be made up in the area of mechanical harvesting,” Wade said. “I don't know what the perfect machine looks like. I just know there's got to be something that's better than what we've been doing.”

LIVESTOCK

Counting Chicken Feed

Chickens do not teach their young not to play with their food.

“They eat until they get full and then they play with the feed,” said Franklin County farmer Will Cabe.

Cabe and other poultry producers can use laser-activated machinery to sense when birds stop eating and start strewing food on the poultry house floor. The equipment then closes off the feeders, to prevent wasted feed.

Inside the poultry house, automation has been developed to make environmental controls more responsive. One system opens and closes ventilation slats depending on temperature; if the temperature reaches a certain level, fans pull air over cooling cells and through the house to reduce heat.

These tasks once required producers to physically go to a poultry house. Now, feed, ventilation and water supply can all be regulated remotely using smart phone apps.

UGA’s Poultry Science Department is using wearable and implantable devices to learn more about how chickens use space, in part responding to concerns about animal well-being.

“We just need to understand where they're moving, how they're moving and how that affects their caloric expenditure,” UGA Poultry Science Department Head Todd Applegate said.

Applegate likened the wearables to Fitbit devices worn by athletes.

UGA is also looking into the incorporation of variable speed exhaust fans to reduce electricity use and save producers money on their power bill.

Bullish on reproduction

For years, cattle producers have focused on genetics to raise animals that grow faster, generate greater carcass weight and taste better. To that end, some cattle producers have benefitted from transferring embryos since the mid-1980s, North Georgia veterinarian Dr. Todd Bickett said.

Embryonic transfer involves removing embryos seven days after insemination, evaluating them, and either transferring them to surrogate cows or freezing them for future use.

“We can take the more valuable animals and we can produce multiple offspring out of that more valuable individual,” Bickett said. Bickett said while semen is routinely evaluated through computer analysis, embryos are typically evaluated by human visual appraisal, though computerized processes to grade embryos more efficiently are in development.

In the past five years, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become more widely utilized, Bickett said.

IVF involves taking immature egg cells from a cow’s ovaries, evaluating them, then inseminating and culturing them in a lab. These embryos are transferred to cows the same way as conventional embryonic transfer.

Bickett said IVF is not yet as reliable as embryo transfer in terms of matching conception and pregnancy rates.

“If they can find a way to minimize that gap, it would certainly be beneficial,” Bickett said.

UGA PhD candidate Canicius Mwatta pilots Little Red Rover in a test plot at the UGA Tifton Campus.

Photo by Jay Stone

Young Farmers & Ranchers members meet

FOR THE LOVE OF AG

Attendees at Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2023 Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference learned what to look for in weather patterns, credit scores, and how to share farm happenings on social media.

The annual event, held July 12-15 on Jekyll Island, drew about 300 agriculturalists ages 18 to 35 with the theme, ‘For the Love of Ag.’

GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Chairman Colt Hart said that in addition to offering fellowship, the conference shows attendees how to network and GFB’s strength as an advocacy organization.

“Farmers see maybe what you can do for me or what I can do for you, and see what we [Farm Bureau] are, so when they go to the legislative arena, they can see how strong we might be,” Hart said.

Breakout educational sessions included presentations on understanding debunking meat myths and tips on how to run YF&R programs at the county level. Attendees also met Lucky, GFB’s spokesdog, and learned how she is helping the organization reach new members.

By Jay Stone

Seth Scruggs of Bibb County won the adult category of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s rain-shortened mini golf fundraiser. The Carithers Family of Walton County claimed victory in the kids’ category.

As an on-site service project, attendees formed an assembly line and put together 13,000 prepackaged meals to be distributed in the Brunswick community for a Harvest for All service project.

The spin on weather

Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien Ag Solutions’ principal atmospheric scientist, gave an entertaining and informative presentation on factors that affect weather.

Snodgrass, a former professor at the University of Illinois, started by discussing rotating weather elements. Viewed from above the North Pole, the Northern Hemisphere spins counterclockwise. Snodgrass said that when wind patterns also spin counterclockwise, the result is rain and cooler temperatures. If the wind patterns are clockwise, the result is warmer, dryer weather. These factors work in conjunction with water temperatures in the world’s oceans to generate major

weather events. Warmer water generates energy that fuels tropical cyclones.

Snodgrass noted that this year coastal water temperatures could generate tropical storms or hurricanes that are “homegrown,” that is, they don’t travel across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa. At the time of the conference, the Atlantic along the Southeast coast was in the 90s (degrees Fahrenheit), while water temperatures were near 100 degrees between Florida and Cuba.

Snodgrass emphasized the importance of the Bermuda High, a high-pressure area that provides heat for weather systems. It is often located over Bermuda but moves around the Atlantic.

“If [the] Bermuda High is not nearby to pump in heat, you’re going to get cold,” Snodgrass said.

He noted that forecasts more than two or three days out cannot be taken as givens. The weather in the later days of a 10-day forecast are typically accurate about half the time and beyond 10 days are usually a simple reflection of historical averages.

Snodgrass also offered four lessons on drought: first, farmers should stay current on their knowledge of the moisture in their soils; second, the U.S. Drought Monitor is designed to measure cumulative long-term effects and shouldn’t be viewed as a predictor; third, farmers should pay attention to forecasters who discuss momentum of weather elements. Generally, the desire is for weather systems to keep moving; and fourth, pay attention to the prevailing subtropical high pressure systems – the Bermuda High and its counterpart, the Pacific High.

Snodgrass recommended two alternative weather apps, WhatTheForecast and the Weather Underground. To subscribe to Snodgrass’ Weather Intelligence Report, visit https:// info.nutrien.com/snodgrass_weather. For a comprehensive collection of weather data resources, visit www.ag-wx.com.

Telling agriculture’s story

TikTok sensations Cody and Erika Archie from Bar 7 Ranch in Gainesville, Texas, shared some of the experiences and approaches that have made their videos popular. The Archies have attracted more than 932,000 followers to their TikTok channel. Their videos document their life in agriculture and the working dynamics of their family-run ranch.

Recently they covered their trip to the Southeast, which included the YF&R Conference, hunting pythons in Florida and why Cody’s headrest in his pickup is backward.

“We got started about two years ago. Cody quoted Denzel Washington and that video got 15,000 views,” Erika said. “That’s kind of what got us out there. Since then, we’ve gotten into YouTube. What changed for us is we posted funny content. Before that it was educational, but that was the first time we kind of put our personalities on there.”

The couple also posts content on Facebook and Instagram.

“What we've picked up from a lot of those is you just have to start posting,” Cody said, noting that it’s important to recognize that each platform has its own unique audience. “So that's kind of really all it boiled down to is we just started putting stuff out there. And then the other thing is to put it on multiple avenues.”

GFB’s spokesdog, Lucky, meets future Young Farmers & Ranchers.

Photo by Logan Thomas

Texas ranchers Cody & Erika Archie are famous for their TikTok videos about farm life. / Photo by Logan Thomas

MORGANS ROPERS & PAUL Claim Top Prizes in YF&R Events

By Jay Stone

Congratulations to David and Lindsey Morgan, Cole and Nicole Roper, and Andy Paul for winning state honors in the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. These competitive events were held July 12-15 at the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island.

All three contests are open to GFB members between the ages of 18 and 35.

Each state event winner received a John Deere Gator and a free trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City in January, where each will compete for national honors.

Farm Credit Associations of Georgia sponsor the Achievement Award. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance sponsors all the awards. Lasseter Tractor Company helps to sponsor the John Deere Gators for all three contests.

GFB Achievement Award

David and Lindsey Morgan, from Pierce County, won the achievement award, which recognizes outstanding farmers who make most of their income from production agriculture. The couple runs a diversified operation. David is a third-generation farmer who grows cotton, peanuts, vegetables and a variety of grains as cover crops. He also owns timber land and provides land-clearing services. Lindsey teaches social studies at Ware County High School.

The Morgans co-chair the Pierce County Farm Bureau YF&R Committee. David has been involved in the YF&R program since 2006 and Lindsey since 2011.

The couple lives in Waycross with their daughters Madison, Blythe and Landyn. They received a John Deere 590M four-seat Gator.

Chris and Paige Little of White County and Luke and Allie Andrews of Lamar County were the other finalist families in the GFB Achievement Award competition. The Littles raise cattle for beef and grow rye, wheat and hay. The Andrews raise cattle and broiler chickens while growing hay.

All three finalist families received $500 cash.

From left, Chris & Paige Little and Allie & Luke Andrews were Top 3 Finalists for the YF&R Achievement Award, which was won by Lindsey & David Morgan.

Photo by Logan Thomas

GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award

Cole and Nicole Roper, from Franklin County, won the GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award, which honors agriculturalists who earn most of their income from something other than production agriculture and are ag advocates.

The couple raises cattle and grows corn, which they sell in their GFB Certified Farm Market, Cole’s Sweet Corn. Cole works as a broiler supervisor for Fieldale Farms. Nicole is an agriculture teacher at West Oak Middle School in Westminster, South Carolina.

Cole is a Franklin County Farm Bureau (FCFB) director. He serves on the FCFB Scholarship Committee. Nicole serves on the FCFB Farmers Market Committee and the FCFB Women’s Leadership Committee.

The couple lives in Carnesville with their daughter, Blakely. They received a John Deere 560E two-seat Gator.

Jay Moon of Morgan County and Addie Tucker of Wilcox County were the other finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture Award. All the finalists received $500 cash.

Moon is a dairy farmer and works as executive director of the Putnam County Farm Service Agency. Tucker is an agriculture teacher with Wilcox County Schools.

The GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award finalists gave presentations at the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference outlining their positions on ag issues and their advocacy efforts.

GFB Discussion Meet

Andy Paul advanced through the GFB Discussion Meet to win in the fourth round. Discussion Meet competitors talk about agricultural issues and possible solutions in a committee-style forum. It’s conducted in tournament style, with all contestants going through two preliminary rounds. Then the top 16 compete to see who advances to the final four.

Paul, of Oglethorpe County, works as a public relations representative for Georgia EMC. He is a former state and national FFA president. He and his wife, Jordan, live in Winterville. Paul received a John Deere 560E two-seat Gator.

The other final four competitors were Heather Cabe of Franklin County, Rachel Dunaway of Floyd County and Bristol Wells of Wilcox County. All the finalists received $350 cash.

Topics the contestants discussed this year were: water management challenges; how Farm Bureau can welcome and engage diverse agricultural communities; meeting sustainability goals while feeding a growing population; and how to elect officials who understand farmers’ challenges.

From left, Addie Tucker and Jay Moon were Top 3 Finalists for the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, which was won by Cole & Nicole Roper.

Photo by Logan Thomas

From left, Bristol Wells, Heather Cabe and Rachel Dunaway were final four finalists in the YF&R Discussion Meet, which was won by Andy Paul.

Photo by Logan Thomas

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

By Jay Stone

Farm Bureau Mortgage National Manager Christy Braford says that about 70% of Americans have a credit card by age 25, making it young adults’ most common first credit experience. Only about one in 10 Americans are “credit invisible,” meaning they have no established credit history, she said.

“We'll have older folks that [are] sometimes in their sixties and they've never established credit,” Braford said. “Not having debt is a positive thing until you need to borrow money.”

Braford led a discussion on understanding credit scores during the 2023 GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference.

It takes at least six months to establish credit, Braford said.

Farm Bureau Mortgage National Manager Christy

Braford stresses the importance of establishing a credit history. / Photo by Jay Stone

A person’s credit score is a three-digit number – ranging from 300 to 850 – that is calculated based on one’s credit history. Lenders use it to gauge how likely a person is to repay a debt.

Braford discussed factors that affect one’s credit score.

First, an individual’s credit score will not drop if they marry someone who has a lower score, though it may limit the couple’s ability to obtain a loan on a joint basis.

Credit scores can impact a person’s ability to get a loan. A poor credit rating often means the loan will cost more to repay.

Braford said the costs associated with loans and insurance for mortgages and auto loans can be 25% higher for a person with poor credit than for one with excellent credit.

Braford pointed out that credit scores are dynamic and individuals can control their score. She shared ways a person can improve their credit score: Pay bills on time, pay down revolving debt like credit cards, close accounts wisely and be careful when opening new accounts.

“So, your credit payment history is the most important factor affecting your credit score,” Braford said. “A late payment could stay on your credit report, credit history for quite a while. So, we want to make sure that we've got the history going.”

One factor in calculating a person’s credit score is percentage of that person’s use of available credit. When closing an account, particularly revolving credit accounts, the percentage of use goes up and their credit score can decrease as a result.

Braford also shared information about the Farm Bureau Bank Financial Solutions Program, which is a credit analysis and solution program, offered for free to Farm Bureau members looking to improve their credit.

For more information, contact a Farm Bureau Bank mortgage broker by calling 877-388-5354. A collection of financial resources, including various calculators, loan and credit card rates, and disaster relief information can be found at www.farmbureau. mortgage.

Peach Crop Decimated by March Freeze

By Jay Stone

Georgia’s 2023 peach crop was reduced by as much as 98% after a March freeze followed a warmer-than-normal winter. The loss prompted a secretarial disaster declaration from the USDA.

Jeff Cook, Extension coordinator for Peach and Taylor counties, initially estimated 75% crop loss for commercial peach growers but increased that to 98% crop loss after continued monitoring showed more extensive damage across all varieties and across all peach-producing areas of Georgia.

He noted that with a sales price of 85 cents per pound, the crop loss alone cost the growers an estimated $119.5 million. UGA Extension Economist Sharon Kane estimated the economic impact loss at $71 million, taking into account that the smaller crop means sharply reduced numbers of employees earning and spending money in local communities.

According to Cook, the combined losses – farm gate value from the crop loss and community economic impact loss – is an estimated $190 million.

The warm winter weather prompted peach trees to bloom early, leaving the buds exposed to freezing temperatures that occurred between March 11 and March 23.

“Georgia’s peach growers were hit especially hard by this year’s freeze that effectively negates an entire year of preparation and wipes out all of the investment they had made in producing a crop,” said Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Chris Butts. “We must continue to work to keep Georgia growers on a level playing field while helping mitigate risks that can not only ruin a crop but cause tremendous financial loss as well.”

UGA Plant Pathologist Phillip Brannen pointed out that despite the lost crop, the trees still have to be maintained without the benefit of revenue generated by the crop.

“I’ve been here 23 years, and this would have to be as bad as I’ve seen,” said Brannen. “We’ve had some other freezes in the past that were pretty devastating. We have had grave difficulty just to get 32 peaches out of multiple trees to have enough for a research trial. That just tells you there’s no peaches on these trees.”

In a June 27 letter to peach stakeholders, Cook noted that most varieties of peaches broke dormancy and began to bloom in mid-February after unseasonably warm winter temperatures. By mid-March, most peach varieties in Georgia were at 90% of full bloom. Then on the nights of March 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21, Middle Georgia temperatures dropped below freezing for several hours, and on March 22 much of the area experienced frost conditions.

GEORGIANS ASKED TO WATCH FOR

Yellow-Legged Hornets

By Jennifer Whittaker

The yellow-legged hornet, which attacks and destroys honeybees, has flown into Georgia. In early August, a Savannah beekeeper reported an unusual hornet he found on his property to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).

The GDA announced Aug. 15 that the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the University of Georgia’s (UGA) identification of this insect as a yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina). This was the first detection of a live yellow-legged hornet (YLH) on U.S. soil. As of Aug. 25, three additional YLH sightings on different properties had been reported in the Savannah area.

GDA, USDA and UGA successfully eradicated a YLH nest in a Savannah residential area the evening of Aug. 23, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. The nest was found in a pine tree about 85 feet off the ground.

A licensed pest control company applied cypermethrin to the nest to kill the invasive adult hornets. A licensed tree surgeon climbed the tree, almost to the nest, and applied cypermethrin directly to the nest. As parts of the nest broke away, additional applications were made to the entrance and interior nest. The tree surgeon then cut the nest out of the tree.

GDA is asking the public to report possible sightings of the nonnative species. Visit www.gfb.ag/reportyellowleggedhornet for the latest GDA reports or to report a potential sighting. Questions or concerns may be emailed to yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

YLHs can be dangerous, and everyone is encouraged to use caution in the event of a sighting. If you see a suspicious hornet,

try to take a photo to send to the GDA but keep your distance.

Harper warns that the YLH could potentially threaten honey production, native pollinators and Georgia crops that depend on pollination, such as blueberries, fruits and vegetables, if it is allowed to establish a population in our state.

"Georgians play an important role in helping identify unwanted, nonnative pests," said Harper. "Our experienced team of professionals will continue to assess the situation and are working directly with USDA APHIS and UGA to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia."

The YLH constructs egg-shaped paper nests above ground, often in trees. These nests can become large, housing an average of 6,000 workers.

The YLH is native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia and is established in most of Europe, parts of the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it isn’t native.

The GDA is collaborating with USDA and academic experts to track, trap and eradicate the YLH in Georgia. APHIS and GDA will set out traps to determine if additional YLHs are in the area. If a nest is discovered, it will be eradicated.

There are many valuable pollinator species native to the U.S. that look similar to the YLH but don’t pose a threat to honeybees. To see photos of other pollinator species that may be mistaken for yellow-legged hornets and for more info about how beekeepers can protect their hives visit https://gfb.ag/ugacaesylhinfo

GFB honors England for service to agriculture

Terry England, a former Georgia representative from Barrow County who chaired the House Appropriations Committee for 12 years, is the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Commodity Award recipient.

During his 18 years (2004-2022) in the Georgia General Assembly, England secured funds for UGA Extension and research positions, assisted with the state agricultural water metering program, enhanced Georgia’s agricultural education programs, secured funding for cabins and other buildings at Georgia 4-H and FFA camps, and secured relief for farmers and rural communities devastated by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

“Terry was instrumental in bringing our state’s bank account from basically nothing to having billions in reserve. He worked

By Jennifer Whittaker

for the benefit and protection of Georgia agriculture and our farmers throughout his time as a state legislator,” GFB President Tom McCall said.

On Aug. 1, England began working as chief of staff for Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns.

Terry and his wife, Cindy, are longtime Farm Bureau members. He won the GFB YF&R Discussion Meet in 1991. Terry and Cindy served on the GFB YF&R Committee in 1992 and 1993, when he chaired the committee. The couple served on the American Farm Bureau YF&R Committee in 1994 and 1995. Terry served as a director and county president of the Barrow County Farm Bureau. He is a past member of the GFB Vegetable Commodity Committee.

Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, left, presents Terry England with the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award during the organization’s annual commodity conference held Aug. 10 in Athens.

Tidewater Equipment Company

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

SMITH LEADS GFB Crop Insurance Program

By Jay Stone

The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company is enhancing its commitment to provide quality crop insurance products and service for Georgia farmers. GFB has hired Michael Smith to lead these efforts as its crop insurance program manager.

GFB contracts with three of the leading crop insurance companies - AgriSompo North America, Rain and Hail, and Crop Risk Services. GFB Insurance has more than 70 (and growing) experienced crop insurance agents across the state to help its members protect their investment.

“Georgia Farm Bureau has always been committed to helping our farmers. Crop insurance protection is a key service we offer to help farmers withstand factors outside their control,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We’re fortunate to have Michael on board to guide our crop insurance program, and we look forward to finding new ways of serving our members in communities across the state.”

Smith has more than 21 years of experience in the crop insurance sector. He has been with Georgia Farm Bureau since March 2022 leading the company’s crop insurance program. Smith came to GFB with 20 years of experience with Rain and Hail Crop Insurance, where he held multiple titles during his tenure, most recently as acting Southern Division vice president of marketing.

“Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company insures more farms than any company in Georgia and has the largest network of farm-focused sales personnel in the state,” said GFB Insurance Companies General Manager George Monk. “It only makes sense that we use that network, combined with Michael’s expertise and leadership, to enhance our partnerships with the three leading crop insurers to provide the products and coverages to meet the needs of our state’s farmers. I don’t believe that any insurer is better equipped to provide crop insurance services than GFB.”

Smith grew up in Ocilla in the heart of Georgia’s row-crop country. He spent his early days working in pecan and peach orchards and on produce farms. He also scouted cotton and peanuts through college. Smith graduated from the University of Georgia with a major in business and minor in economics.

Smith and his wife, Libba, have two daughters - Walker, 16, and Whitley, 13. Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance was formed to help farmers manage their risk and is committed to providing the best financial solutions for the agriculture industry. On average, GFB federal crop insurance agents receive four times more training than other agents, so you can be sure that you’re working with the best.

To find your local agent or learn more about GFB’s crop insurance program, visit www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details.

Upcoming crop insurance purchase dates

SEPTEMBER 30 - Barley, Canola, Oats & Wheat Insurance

NOVEMBER 20 - Apple, Blueberry & Peach Insurance

DECEMBER 1 - Apiculture and Pasture Range & Forage Insurance

Michael Smith

AFBF ADVANCES FARMERS’ RIGHT TO REPAIR

On June 15, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CLAAS of America, providing even more farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. CLAAS makes combines, tractors, hay equipment, forage harvesters and precision ag equipment.

The MOU follows similar agreements AFBF reached earlier this year with John Deere, CNH Industrial Brands (which includes Case IH and New Holland), AGCO and Kubota. Combined, the five MOUs cover approximately three quarters of the agricultural machinery sold in the United States.

Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall was a member of the AFBF advisory board that has worked on these agreements.

“The memorandum of understanding with CLAAS demonstrates AFBF’s continued commitment to ensure farmers have access to the tools they need to keep their farms running, and America’s families fed,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “This agreement is another step toward guaranteeing timely repairs for farmers regardless of the equipment they use.”

“CLAAS is delivering on our continuing promise to provide solutions that improve our customers’ businesses, as their success and our success go hand in hand,” said CLAAS Americas Senior Vice President Eric Raby. “We are pleased to announce our MOU with AFBF solidifying for farmers the right to repair.”

The agreement creates a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to access technical manuals, tools and product guides to self-diagnose and self-repair machines, while respecting intellectual property and legislated legal requirements of the manufacturer. It also reconfirms the ability to lease diagnostic tools, purchase products and parts from CLAAS dealers.

USE OF VERMEER MOWER TOP PRIZE IN GFB HAY CONTEST

Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is calling all members who grow any variety of Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest. Hay entered in the 2023 GFB Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers.

GFB’s annual hay contest encourages quality hay production, which leads to higher quality livestock and more return to Georgia hay producers. Producers who have their hay tested every year can see improvements they make in managing their hay fields by looking at multi-year analysis.

RFQ is the best method to compare forages. RFQ provides a number that gives producers a measure of the digestible nutrient content in their hay.

Fully mature alfalfa is given a base point of 100. Since the base price for hay sales and auctions in many parts of the world is the value of poor-quality alfalfa, RFQ provides a mechanism for indexing quality to value.

RFQ for Bermudagrass in Georgia typically ranges from 75 to 120 or higher. If a hay producer sells their hay based on its RFQ, a higher price can be demanded for the higher quality. Livestock producers are more likely to pay these premiums as this hay will yield higher weight gains and require fewer supplements. With quality in mind, it is a good management practice to test your hay after baling. RFQ and other analytical data can help

you manage potential problems with moisture, nitrates or poor digestibility, especially in years with adverse weather.

HOW TO ENTER

Entry forms outlining complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb. ag/HayContest .

There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau.

Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the ‘23/‘24 online GFB Hay Directory available at www.gfb.ag/hay. Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. The deadline to enter contest is Oct. 31. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time.

ENTRY DEADLINE FOR THE 2023

HAY CONTEST IS OCTOBER 31.

Jeremy Taylor is an ag programs specialist in the GFB Public Policy Department. He may be reached at 478-474-0679, ext. 5212 or jrtaylor@gfb.org .

By Jeremy Taylor

The 2023 GFB Hay Contest winner will receive free use of a Vermeer mid-sized trailed mower for a year with the option to buy it at a reduced price. / Photo courtesy of Vermeer Corporation

From left, Franklin Dowell accepts the Vermeer baler from GFB Hay Committee Chairman Harry Thompson, Vermeer Territory Sales Manager Alex Bone and Michael Smith with Smith Family Farm Equipment, a Vermeer dealer. / Photo by Damon Jones

Bermuda Grown in Drought Won ‘22 GFB Hay Contest

By Jennifer Whittaker

Congratulations to Bartow County Farm Bureau member

Franklin Dowell, the 2022 GFB Quality Hay Contest winner! Dowell received a year’s free use of a Vermeer 604R Baler, with the option to purchase it at a reduced price at the end of the year.

Dowell manages Rollins Ranch where he grew the winning hay using his production decisions. The 2022 contest drew 30 entries. Dowell’s sample of Jiggs Bermuda hay had a Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) score of 155. The average RFQ score for all entries was 119.

Dowell said he was surprised when he won because the hay he entered was grown in drought conditions last year with only about an inch of rain in two months.

“I was shocked that it had that much protein in it due to the drought, but Jiggs Bermuda is drought resistant and grows on almost any soil type,” Dowell said. “Jiggs is a good grass.” He brought the Jiggs variety from Texas to plant in Georgia in 2002 and says the variety is easy to establish.

CULTIVATE STRONGER PHONE CONNECTIONS

It’s important to be able to connect with your friends, family, neighbors, and customers over the phone, but that can be hard if you have difficulty hearing. With Georgia Relay’s Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) service, you can eliminate the struggle of using the phone by reading captions of what’s said to you during phone calls. Captions appear on the bright, built-in display screen of the CapTel® phone just moments after the other party has spoken.

Visit GeorgiaRelay.org to learn how to get a CapTel® phone at low or no cost and stay connected!

Athens Technical College Offers Conservation Law Enforcement Degree

Goodman said CLE students utilize the six-acre pond behind the McCall Center and the tract of hardwoods adjacent to the pond to study wildlife.

“Our students will be working in the woods, so this campus allows us to give our students the experience of being in the woods,” Goodman said. “We’ve seen white tail deer, racoons, turtles, squirrels, possums, armadillos, a breeding pair of hawks, a blue heron and an osprey. We’ve also got a beaver that has built two dams and taken down some trees that we’re observing.”

The CLE program requires an internship with a conservation law enforcement agency or related position for graduation. This internship is completed over the summer. In addition to internships, students have many opportunities to network with current and former conservation law enforcement professionals. Classes are held during the day with some online class options available.

M any students who grow up in rural communities are interested in wildlife. Athens Technical College (ATC) offers an associate degree in conservation law enforcement (CLE) that may appeal to them.

The program prepares students for careers as game wardens, park rangers, conservation technicians, or environmental protection technicians, ATC CLE Program Chair Alexia Goodman said. It combines fisheries and wildlife management with criminal justice courses.

“This program gives students a good background in wildlife and lets them know what they’re getting themselves into,” Goodman said.

ATC is one of two schools in the Technical College System of Georgia that offers a conservation law associate. Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro is the other.

• What’s involved?

CLE courses include hands-on labs and outdoor field work including surveying campus for wildlife, equipment operation and research projects. Athens Tech offers its CLE program on its Elberton Campus where it’s housed in the McCall Agricultural Science Complex.

• Pathway to DNR Academy

Graduates of the program will have an associate degree to meet the minimum education requirement to apply for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Game Warden Academy. The average starting salary for game wardens is about $52,000, according to the DNR LE Division website.

Game wardens, also known as conservation officers, forest rangers, and wildlife officers, are peace officers employed by local, state, and federal government agencies. In Georgia, game wardens are certified peace officers through the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council and employed by the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division.

Game wardens are primarily responsible for the enforcement of state and federal natural resources laws related to wildlife, fish, water resources, boating and the environment. On patrols, game wardens investigate suspicious activities, make arrests, give warnings, and write citations. Game wardens may also be asked to testify in court in relation to the cases they are involved in.

“Graduates of this program can apply to attend the Georgia DNR Academy. If we hire them, we’ll pay for them to attend an

From left, Georgia DNR Lt. Colonel Mike England, Athens Technical College Conservation Law Enforcement Chairman Alexia Goodman & ATC CLE student Megan Adkins discuss the merits of the CLE program.

Article & Photos by Jennifer Whittaker

11-week peace officer training and then our 15-week game warden academy,” Georgia DNR Lt. Colonel Mike England explained.

• Why choose the CLE degree?

Meagan Adkins is an ATC student pursuing the CLE degree.

“I knew I wanted to do something with animals. I wanted to be a vet but then realized it was a lot of school and money,” Adkins said. “My advisors told me about this program and it fit. I love this campus. I love the pond and the tree area we use for our studies.”

Adkins is also excited about not having student debt when she graduates with an associate degree in December.

“An advantage of attending a technical college is definitely the cost,” Adkins said. “Of all my friends who have gotten degrees, I’m the one coming out with no debt.”

• GFA Scholarships Available

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture annually offers scholarships to students attending any accredited Georgia technical college and majoring in an area of agriculture or an ag-related field of study, such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, commercial truck driving and wildlife sciences/ management. Visit https://gfb.ag/gfatechscholarshipmajors for a list of eligible schools and majors. Scholarships have already been awarded for this year, but information is available at www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships. Visit this website in October/November for information about the 2024 scholarships.

For more information about the CLE degree, visit www.gfb.ag/ atcconservationlawenforcement or email Alexia Goodman at agoodman@ athenstech.edu .

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pond and tract of hardwoods is an outdoor classroom for Athens Technical College students studying conservation law enforcement on the ATC Elberton Campus. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

Bart Davis

Davis named Georgia Farmer of the Year

By Amanda Budd, UGA CAES

University of Georgia Extension has selected Bart Davis of Davis Family Farms in Colquitt County as the 2023 Georgia Farmer of the Year. He will represent Georgia in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award program.

In August, judges visited the farms of the farmers representing the 10 southeastern states that participate in the programAlabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.The winner will be announced on Oct. 17 at Sunbelt Ag Expo during the award program’s annual lunch.

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean Nick Place announced Davis as this year's Georgia farmer at the Georgia Ag Forecast event Jan. 27 on the UGA Tifton campus.

“It’s a great honor to be nominated as Georgia’s farmer of the year. I’m not one that’s ever been real big on recognition. I’m sure there are farmers out there that deserve it more than I do, but my family and I are honored about it,” Davis said.

Davis began farming 41 years ago in Doerun following the loss of his mother and father during his senior year of high school. Since then, he has grown the then-500-acre operation to encompass 5,000 acres. Today, he focuses on cotton, peanuts and corn, while also managing a cattle operation.

“Farming’s been my life. As a child, that’s all I ever wanted to do is farm and farm for my father,” said Davis. “My wife and I together have built a farm; a row crop farm and cattle operation. We’ve got three kids that are really involved. It’s just an honor to do every day what you love to do.”

Davis has made impressive strides in using precision agriculture technology to ensure the efficiency of his farm, including the use of soil moisture sensors and irrigation in most of his fields. Because of his work with precision agriculture and wildlife stewardship, Davis was recognized as Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever's Precision Farmer of the Year in 2021.

Davis holds various agricultural leadership roles. He has served on the Georgia Cotton Commission Board for the past 10 years and is the current chairman. He is also chairman of the Georgia Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. Nationally, he serves as a voting delegate to the National Cotton Council and represents Georgia on Southern Cotton Growers and Cotton Incorporated. “The recognition of the Georgia Farmer of the Year allows us the opportunity to celebrate the 'cream of the crop' in Georgia agriculture,” said Mark McCann, assistant dean UGA Extension. “These farmers are innovators, early adopters and entrepreneurs who are both lifelong learners and environmental stewards.”

Photo Courtesy of Oak + Willow Creatives

HART NEW GFB DIST. 4 FEDERATION MANAGER

By Jennifer Whittaker

Georgia Farm Bureau welcomed Morgan Hart as its new District 4 federation manager effective May 22. Hart is serving as a liaison between the 17 county Farm Bureau offices in the district and GFB’s state office in Macon regarding GFB member, farm advocacy, and literacy programs. He will supervise county Farm Bureau office managers and work closely with county volunteers.

GFB’s Dist. 4 includes Barrow, Clarke, Columbia, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Lincoln, McDuffie, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Richmond, Taliaferro, Walton, Warren, and Wilkes counties.

Prior to joining GFB, Hart was employed by Athens Seed Company for three years as a sales representative.

Hart received an associate degree of science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in agribusiness from the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.

Growing up in Colquitt County, Hart was surrounded by agriculture and was an active FFA member. He served as a regional vice president on the 2016-2017 Georgia FFA officer team. Hart and his wife, Reaganne, live in Morgan County. They are active members of Beech Haven Baptist Church and avid supporters and alumni of the Georgia FFA Association.

Expo Establishes Farmer of the Year Fund

By Jennifer Whittaker

Since 1990, Sunbelt Ag Expo’s Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award program has recognized 286 outstanding state farmers and evolved into one of the Southeast’s most prestigious farm honors.

Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia participate in the program.

More than $1,284,000 in cash and prizes have been awarded to state and overall winners courtesy of previous program sponsor Swisher and Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Massey Ferguson, Harper Family Holdings, the Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia Farm Bureaus and Alabama Farmers Federation are sponsoring the 2023 award program

along with SE Farm Press/ Farm Progress, Hays LTI and Reinke.

To ensure the Farmer of the Year program continues, Sunbelt Ag Expo has launched the Friends of the Farmer of the Year Fund. To learn more or donate, please visit www. sunbeltexpo.com/foty. Donations are tax deductible.

The Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award rewards: a commitment to excellence in agriculture; efficiency in farming practices; community, state & national leadership service; sound management and financial practices; plans for future development/changes; sound environmental practices; and sound marketing/promotional practices.

Four Georgians have won the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award: James Lee Adams of Camilla (2000); Armond Morris of Ocilla (2002); Robert Dasher of Glennville (2010) and Philip Grimes of Tifton (2014). For a complete list of all past state winners visit www.gfb.ag/expofoyarchive

MORGAN HART

IRWIN CO. FARM BUREAU Continues Mission in New Office

By Jennifer Whittaker

Irwin County Farm Bureau (ICFB) leaders saved their money and talked about building a new county office for years. Their patience was rewarded this summer when they had the chance to buy the former Ag Georgia Credit building after its Ocilla office relocated to Tifton.

“We’d been in the other building since the early 1970s. Being in this new building gives us more exposure to potential new members because we’re now located near the bank and downtown Ocilla,” ICFB President Gary Paulk said. “The most important part of moving to this new office is being able to better serve our members who make this possible.”

ICFB held a ribbon-cutting and open house June 29 to celebrate its new home. ICFB’s new office has a welcoming lobby, a central open office, three private offices, a file room and kitchen. ICFB plans to convert an unfinished room on the second floor into a conference room for board meetings.

“We’re proud for Irwin County Farm Bureau to have the opportunity to move into this beautiful office building and for all of the services it is offering its members and the many things they are doing in their community to promote agriculture,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall said.

Seeing their county Farm Bureau move into a new building is

especially meaningful for longtime ICFB members Vernon and Jean Biggers, who have been ICFB members since 1957.

“In the fall of 1957 Jacob and Judy Paulk, Gary’s parents, came and picked Vernon up to travel around Irwin County to ask people to join Farm Bureau,” Jean recalled. “That same year we started going to [Georgia] Farm Bureau conventions.”

The Biggerses regularly attended GFB conventions through the years, Jean said. They remember the conventions being held in Columbus and Macon before it moved to Jekyll Island.

“It was nice to meet the state Farm Bureau officials, and we made a lot of good friends in Farm Bureau all over the state,” Vernon said.

The Biggerses said GFB held a campaign from the late 1950s into the 1960s to encourage farmers to file income taxes. Vernon helped farmers in his county file their taxes.

“There were so many people who didn’t file income taxes back then, and they needed to in order to be eligible to draw Social Security Payments,” Jean recalled.

She said GFB later offered bookkeeping services to its members. This replaced the volunteer services members and county staff offered.

“Farm Bureau has always just been part of our lives,” Jean said.

Celebrating Irwin County Farm Bureau’s new office are: front row, from left: ICFB Office Manager Angie Hutto, GFB 10th Dist. Director Lamar Vickers, ICFB Vice President John Hudson, ICFB Director Vernon Biggers, GFB President Tom McCall, & GFB 1st & South Georgia Vice President Daniel Johnson. Second row, from left, GFB 10th Dist. Federation Manager Kane Staines, GFB 10th Dist. Director David Lee, ICFB Director Jo Glen, & ICFB President Gary Paulk; and back row ICFB Directors Libby Spicer and Wesley Paulk.

Photo by Logan Thomas

Massei Receives National AITC Award

each year to honor teachers in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for the innovative ways they use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies, technology, engineering and the arts.

Massei teaches gifted students in first through second grades at Kennedy Elementary in Monroe, Ga., using school gardens and animals. Massei plans engaging lessons that highlight agriculture, conservation, environmental stewardship and healthy living. Activities Massei does with her students include: adopting a cow through the Dairy Alliance’s Adopt a Cow program; planting vegetables in the school garden that the students harvest for the school cafeteria to prepare and serve; learning about good nutrition and how to read food labels; and raising goats.

Monica Massei received national honors at the 2023 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held June 27-29 in Orlando, Florida. Massei was one of nine teachers from across the country honored with the 2023 National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award.

The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Farm Credit partner

She received Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2022 Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. Massei has worked with the Barrow County Farm Bureau on Ag in the Classroom projects. The Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom program works to increase agricultural literacy among children and the public through the activities of county Farm Bureau volunteers in their local communities and through teacher training courses held statewide. The program provides tools for effective teaching about agriculture and to assist Georgia educators in implementing the instruction of ag-related concepts in the classroom.

For more information about Georgia Ag in the Classroom and to access educational resources visit www.gfb.ag/AITC .

Fo r th e Nex t He a d of t h e C l a s s

Dr. Carlos Ortiz, left, and Dr. Dionne Toombs, far right, both with the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture, present Monica Massei, second from right, with a National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award as GFB Educational Programs Coordinator Lauren Goble offers congratulations. / Photo courtesy of NATIC

Cook & Pierce County students win GFB Art Contests

By Lauren Goble

Agriculture makes a great subject for art, which the winners of the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School and High School Ag in the Classroom Art Contests prove.

Roseanna E. Bennett of Pierce County sketched the drawing of a beef cow with her newborn calf and pine trees and row crops that won first-place in the high school art contest. Olivia Durden of Dodge County was named the state runner-up for her drawing of a girl holding a chicken.

Bennett won $250 as the state high school art contest winner and $100 as the GFB 10th District winner. Durden won $150 for being the runner-up and $100 for being the GFB 6th District winner.

Payton Furman of Cook County won state honors in the middle school bookmark contest for colorfully depicting the variety of Georgia agriculture. Furman received $150 for winning the state middle school bookmark contest and $100 as the GFB 10th District winner. Visit https://gfb.ag/23hsartcontestwinners to see all of the district winners’ artwork for the 2023 GFB High School Art Contest. Visit https://gfb.ag/23bookmarkwinners to see all of the district winners’ creations in the 2023 GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest,

This marks the 29th year GFB has held its annual art contest for ninth through twelfth-grade students. This is the second year GFB coordinated a contest for sixth through eighth graders to design a bookmark.

“Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Art Contests encourage students to explore agriculture and then create a piece of art inspired by what they learned,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Students who might not otherwise think about agriculture learn about the variety of crops and livestock Georgia farmers raise as they create their drawings.”

GFB received entries for its high school art contest from 62 county Farm Bureaus and entries from 75 county Farm Bureaus for its middle school art contest. GFB district winners for each contest were picked from all county entries submitted from each district. GFB posted the district winners’ artwork for each contest on its Facebook page to allow Georgia’s ag community to select the state winners of each contest.

Contestants in the high school contest were instructed to create a black, white and gray drawing using graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Drawings were judged on how well the artwork represents agriculture in the student’s county or Georgia and for artistic merit.

The middle school contestants were given a blank bookmark and asked to create a design illustrating Georgia agriculture.

Roseanna E. Bennett of Pierce County won the GFB High School Art Contest with this drawing. Visit https://gfb.ag/23hsartcontestwinners to see all of the district winners’ artwork.

GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOKMARK CONTEST DISTRICT WINNERS

GFB 1st Dist. Violet Paul

GFB 2nd Dist. Brylie Justice

GFB 3rd Dist. Gomez Praneo

GFB 4th Dist. Sarah Kate Gardner

GFB 5th Dist. Anna Leigh Coker

GFB 6th Dist. Addison Bowles

Co. GFB 7th Dist. Ever Downs

GFB 8th Dist. Maryanna Chitty

GFB 9th Dist. Phoenix Adams

GFB 10th Dist. Payton Furman

GFB HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTEST DISTRICT WINNERS

Co. GFB 2nd Dist. Darby Earl

GFB 1st Dist. Lincoln Miller

Co. GFB 3rd Dist. Valeria Francia

Fulton Co. GFB 4th Dist. Amanda Li

Co. GFB 5th Dist. Emily Adams

Co. GFB 6th Dist. Olivia Durden

GFB 7th Dist. Layla Abbgy Long Co.

GFB 8th Dist. Kyliee Brown

GFB 9th Dist. Alex Hatcher

GFB 10th Dist. Roseanna E. Bennett Pierce Co. State Winner

Georgia Farm Bureau Educational Programs Coordinator Lauren Goble may be reached at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5135. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to volunteer with its Ag in the Classroom program.

Payton Furman of Cook County won the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest. Visit https://gfb.ag/23bookmarkwinners to see the other district winners’ creations.

The inaugural Georgia Farm Bureau Spring Shootout, held May 19, drew 21 teams with 84 participants competing to earn bragging rights. The event was a benefit for the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA).

The level of competition was incredibly high. Congratulations to Jase Hendricks, a member of the Stripling’s General Store Team, for earning the score as Top Shooter. Other winners were: Top GFB Team: Lucky District 7; 1st Place/First Flight: Ag Georgia Farm Credit; 1st Place/ Second Flight: Stihl Shot, Spalding County; 1st Place/Third Flight: Young, Thagard, Hoffman LLP.

Shooters began their day with a variety of breakfast items and coffee. Complimentary eye and ear protection was available, in addition to a supply of ammo and shotgun rentals.

The teams navigated the beautiful courses at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays in Griffin on assigned golf carts. This allowed participants to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with the views of valleys, ponds and mature forests. Each attendee received a swag bag and camo event shirt. GFA received many compliments from participants about the event. You will not want to miss this event next year!

Amid the friendly competition, good food and memories made, the GFA raised $29,412 - an outstanding amount for our first year! GFA extends a huge thank you to our event sponsors!

GFA Receives Grant to Develop Virtual Ag Game

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is receiving a $200,000 grant from The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (The Partnership) over the next two years to develop an immersive game to teach students about agriculture.

Using a virtual, 3D-based platform, the game is intended to ignite students' interest in farming. Students will play the game on tablets or computers. GFA will offer the game to teachers through its Georgia Ag Experience program.

Through its new game, GFA aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual environments to enhance students' understanding

of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and AgTech developments.

GFA’s game will be developed in partnership with educational gaming company STEMuli and Georgia Farm Bureau. If you are a teacher interested in participating in the pilot program of the game’s development, email info@gafoundationag.org.

The game will use state-approved AgTech curriculum to provide experience and observation learning. Through the game, students will explore agriculture careers, acquire the knowledge and skills to grow food/fiber, and develop sustainable agricultural businesses.

Lily Baucom is executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. She may be reached at lrbaucom@gfb.org. Visit www.gafoundationag.org to learn more about the foundation’s programs or to make a tax-deductible donation.

Women's Leadership Program Update Make Plans to Attend Women in Ag Leadership Summit

By Breanna Berry

The 2nd Annual Women in Ag Summit will be held Nov. 2-3 in Savannah. The Georgia Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee (WLC) members hope this conference will become a gathering place each year for all women in agriculture across Georgia. The conference will have an emphasis on personal and professional development through sessions on education/ outreach, advocacy, and leadership development.

Conference information is available at county Farm Bureau offices and online at https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit . Registration deadline is Oct. 1. Cost is $100.

All ladies involved in any aspect of Georgia agriculture are welcome and encouraged to attend this time of growth, networking and development for women in agriculture!

GFB’s WLC has also started a new Gather and Grow Zoom series. More than 20 attendees joined the first session in April on building and strengthening your county WLC. Sarah Nichols from Newton County was the guest speaker. Nichols discussed her experiences as a county WLC committee chairman and shared helpful tips, ideas for programs, and ways to get people involved. Look for promotion for future sessions to be publicized on GFB social media.

Throughout this summer, GFB District WLC Chairwomen continued to host meetings for the ladies in GFB’s districts to

fellowship, learn about GFB programs and agriculture. These meetings were held at a farm or agritourism destination in each district to highlight a unique aspect of agriculture in the area. At press time, meetings have been held in GFB Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. Attendees have enjoyed touring these venues: Dist. 1- LCCL Strawberry Farm where they picked strawberries; Dist. 2 – Branch Farms on Coleman River. Attendees heard from several speakers on conducting ag lessons; Dist. 3 – Trillium Vineyards and had Ag in the Classroom lessons; Dist. 4 – toured McCorkle Nurseries and Hillcrest Dairy; Dist. 5 – toured Mid-South Packers, Dickey Farms and 3 Lakes Ranch General Store; Dist. 6 – toured Greene Acre Farms and had a lesson on flower arranging from Honey B Flower Farms; Dist. 8 – visited The Station in Pitts and heard from female speakers in ag and arranged flowers from Bub’s Flower Truck; Dist. 9- toured JoNina Farms to learn about growing satsumas. The GFB 10th District is meeting Sept. 13 at Paulk Vineyards.

GFB Leadership Programs Coordinator Breanna Berry may be reached at bcberry@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. Contact your county Farm Bureau to become involved with its Women’s Leadership Committee.

The GFB Women's Leadership Committee (WLC) has held district meetings this summer to bring women in each GFB district together for fellowship and development, like this GFB District 3 meeting at Trillium Vineyards.

GFB Photo Contest Captures Farm Life

By Breanna Berry

Congratulations to Caitlyn Crispell of Tattnall County for winning the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers 14th Annual Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest grand prize of $150!

Crispell’s photo will be featured on the cover of the 2024 GFB YF&R calendar available at most county Farm Bureau offices in December. The calendar will also feature the 11 honorable mention winners, who each received a $75 prize. Honorable mention winners are: Allie Andrews, Lamar County; Allison Bell, Greene County; Austin Waldroup, Troup County; Caitlyn Jackson, Randolph County; Emily West, Taliaferro County; Gillian Raese, Hart County; Lacie McFarlin, Stephens County; Lauren Turner, Decatur County; Megan Odom, Early County; Steven Green, Spalding County; Whitney Sheppard, Screven County.

GFB thanks the more than 100 contestants who submitted more than 200 photos. The GFB photo selection committee narrowed the submissions down to a group of 20. Voting to choose the overall winner and the honorable mentions was held via Facebook in mid-July in conjunction with the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference.

Georgia Farm Bureau Leadership Programs

Coordinator Breanna Berry may be reached at bcberry@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232 for more information. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to get involved with your local YF&R program.

Caitlyn Crispell, a Tattnall County Farm Bureau member, won first place honors in the 2024 GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Photo Contest. Visit www.gfb.ag/23photowinners to see all the winning photos.

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