Spring 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau News

Georgia Duo are Bluegrass Treasures

Protect & Improve Your Mental Clarity

Corporate Transparency Act Unconstitutional

FETCHES

Contents

pages 6 - 8

Two Georgia dogs wagged away with national titles Meet AFBF Farm Dog winners Skippy and Casper.

pages 10 & 11

Georgia 2024 economic outlook better than U.S.; farm bill uncertain

pages 12 & 13

Little Roy and Lizzy are Georgia treasures

If you haven’t heard these Lincoln County natives, put 'em on your playlist. Better yet, make plans to attend their festival & see them live.

page 14

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.

Protect & improve your mental clarity

Stress can make our brains foggy. Learn how to reset your mind & emotions.

page 16

Departments

page 4

View from the Field

page 5

Public Policy

pages 24 & 25

Ga. Foundation for Agriculture

page 26

Young Farmers & Ranchers

page 29

Women's Leadership

page 31

Ag in the Classroom

page 18

page 20

Peanut Show introduces NPB leader & UGA peanut podcast Corporate Transparency Act ruled unconstitutional Bacon wins GFB Hay Contest; Redmond 2024 Georgia Farmer

GFB News Staff

Kenny Burgamy Director

Jennifer Whittaker Editor

Jay Stone News Reporter

Jared McGukin Graphic Designer

Logan Thomas Photographer

pages 22 & 23

County Farm Bureaus & volunteers honored for outstanding work

page 27 page 28

YF&R members compete in AFBF contests

Smartt’s Principles for Living

page 30

Meet the ’24 GFB Ambassadors

FOLLOW US ON THESE PLATFORMS @GAFARMBUREAU

On The Cover:

Donald & Laura Adams on their cattle farm with their herding dog, Skippy, the 2024 AFBF Farm Dog of the Year.

Photo by Big Foot Media

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.

View from the Field

Tom McCall, GFB President

We’ve had a cold winter across a lot of our state, and I am looking forward to spring and all the opportunities the new season brings for family fun and good food. There’s nothing like spending more time outdoors. Especially after we spring forward with the time adjustment.

The longer days of spring and planting seed for summer always give me hope and an optimistic spirit that we as farmers need to keep going forward.

Some of my favorite memories from this time of year include our grandkids, Winn, Wilkes, and McCall, fishing from the pond on our family’s farm in Elbert County.

Anyone who has heard me speak at a Georgia Farm Bureau event most likely has heard me say, I don’t own that property in the small community of Fortsonia, I’m just borrowing it from my grandkids.

Just like you, I’ve done what I can to protect that farmland for my family and future generations.

As our state’s Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has said repeatedly, “You may not think about it every day, but agricultural products and the security of our food supply are the most important elements when it comes to our national security.”

Agriculture is Georgia’s number one economic sector and employs over 323,300 Georgians. What we get to do as producers is very important, and everyone depends on us whether they realize it or not.

As we experience the change of seasons, and you’re planting your summer crops or raking that first cutting of hay, take a minute to enjoy the beauty of nature and realize how fortunate we are to have the privilege of farming to feed and clothe the world. Take time to be thankful for friends, being connected to the land, and what organizations like Farm Bureau provide. We're blessed our families get to share in this rewarding experience of farming, enjoying the outdoors and taking care of God’s creation for future generations.

Just as spring’s arrival on the farm makes me optimistic for another year of farming, I believe the outlook of our organization is bright, and I am optimistic about Farm Bureau and the future.

As your Georgia Farm Bureau president, I sincerely want to THANK YOU for allowing Jane and me to work for you, represent you in the legislative arena at the state and national level, and support your farms. We like helping ensure you and your families have the potential for a wonderful and rewarding life.

We appreciate each of you!

Tom McCall, GFB President

GEORGIA

News

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: 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: Cleve Jackson, Floyd Co.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CHAIR: Stephanie Branch, Rabun 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 2024 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.

Bristol & Katie McCall Archer with daughter McCall Archer; Tom & Jane McCall; Rachel & Al McCall with sons, Winn & Wilkes/Photo by: Dana Nunnery

Farm Bill, Labor & Poultry: top issues in D.C.

By Ben Parker

The 118th Congress returned to D.C. in January facing a daunting agenda – to reach consensus on federal appropriations. House and Senate Republicans were faced with crafting border security legislation and an aid package for Ukraine the Senate’s Democratic majority would pass.

The continuing resolution Congress passed Jan. 18 extended funding for Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction/ VA and Transportation/HUD programs in the 2024 budget to March 1. Funds for Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services-General Government, Homeland Security, InteriorEnvironment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations programs were extended to March 8.

Congress tackling other crucial legislation, such as a new farm bill, is in jeopardy if it doesn’t complete the appropriations process. Last year Congress extended the farm bill through the end of September. With this being an election year, if Congress cannot agree on farm bill language by June, it seems highly unlikely we will see a modernized version until 2025.

The farm bill may be the most talked-about agriculture issue, but it is far from the only issue facing American agriculture.

Agriculture labor and the burdensome H-2A program are high on the list. The arbitrary increases in adverse effect wage rate

(AEWR) and poor trade policy for seasonal crops mean U.S. growers are competing at a significant disadvantage.

To address this, Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) led a House letter to the appropriations committee calling for the implementation of a three-year AEWR freeze in the next spending bill. The letter received bipartisan support from members across the country. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) led a Senate companion letter sent to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees Feb. 6.

Beneficial changes to poultry production contracts are underway as well. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service recently implemented a crucial regulation, the Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting Tournaments, commonly called the transparency rule. This rule took effect Feb. 12 to enhance competitiveness among poultry producers. The final rule outlines four key requirements designed to empower producers in their dealings with integrators.

First, the rule mandates that disclosures about former payments or potential payment rates be provided to broiler producers at specific points in the contracting process to provide a historical perspective on market rates.

Second, integrators are required to establish a governing framework to ensure the accuracy of information provided during the contracting process to foster accountability throughout the contract period.

Third, integrators employing the poultry grower ranking system must share data on flock performance at arrival and settlement to provide growers with valuable insights into chick quality and production outcomes.

Finally, contracts must specify the "minimum number of placements annually" and the "minimum stocking density for each flock," bringing transparency to contract terms. The transparency rule represents a significant stride in addressing challenges producers face when engaging with integrators to enhance grower rights and decision-making.

GFB will continue working with Georgia’s U.S. Congressional delegation to address these priorities. We encourage our members to engage with them ahead of the November elections to advocate for agriculture.

Ben Parker is the national affairs coordinator in the GFB Public Policy Department. He may be reached at btparker@gfb.org or 478.474.0679, ext. 5217 .

FETCHES NATIONAL FARM DOG AWARD

By Jay Stone

Skippy, a four-year-old mixed breed with Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Catahoula hound in her lineage, wagged away with the top prize in the 2024 American Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest.

Owned by McDuffie County Farm Bureau members Don and Laura Adams, Skippy was announced as the winner at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in January.

“I didn’t expect anything [when we entered], and when they called with the Top 10 [dogs in the contest], we were floored,” Laura said. “I was happy to be in the Top 10. I certainly didn’t expect to win it.”

Four-legged friends play a vital role on family farms and ranches, prompting AFBF to launch the Farm Dog of the Year contest in 2018. Rounding up livestock and chasing off predators are among the many tasks farm dogs perform. Learning which dog won the contest is now a popular feature of AFBF’s Convention.

Skippy has been with the Adamses for about two years. Helping the couple move beef cattle where they need to go is Skippy’s primary role on the farm.

Skippy, a herding dog owned by Donald and Laura Adams of McDuffie County, is the 2024 Farm Dog of the Year./Photo courtesy of AFBF & Big Foot Media

Skippy to the Rescue

“Skippy’s a partner, she’s a pet and she helps us with the cattle every day,” Donald said. This assistance was necessary after a 2019 farm accident, in which a hay bale fell on Donald, left him paralyzed from the neck down. Eventually, he regained the ability to walk, using two canes.

“Being able to keep the cows and having something for me to live for every day… she has contributed to that immensely,” he said.

The Adamses received Skippy from P.H.A.R.M. (Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri) Dog USA, which supports farmers and farm family members with physical, cognitive or illness-related disabilities. The couple learned about the program while Donald was a patient at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. P.H.A.R.M. founder Jackie Allenbrand matched the Adamses with Skippy.

Laura shed more light on the farmer-farm dog connection and what having Skippy means to them: “Skippy and Donald had an instant bond from day one. Getting a farm dog changed our lives.”

P.H.A.R.M. Dog trainer Don McKay worked with Skippy to develop her cow herding skills. McKay spent three days helping the Adamses learn what Skippy can do, the commands she follows, and helped the dog adjust to the size of the Adamses’ herd of about 200 cattle.

“Skippy is right there with you. If you go into a pen, she’s keeping the cows away. If you’re walking cows into a pen, she’ll get ahead of you, watch the gate and not let any turn back,” Laura said. “You can put her at the gate and watch them go in and feed and not worry about closing the gates. There’s just so much she does every day, it’s hard to describe. She’s there as a partner helping you every day.”

Treats for a good girl

AFBF, with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare, recognized Skippy, three regional runners-up and a People’s Choice Pup on Jan. 21 during an AFBF convention general session.

Farm Bureau members submitted written responses to questions, photos and video clips to nominate their dogs for Farm Dog of the Year.

A panel of judges with expertise in the pet care industry, veterinary medicine and communications reviewed more than 100 nominations to select the contest winner. Judging criteria

included the dog’s helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and its role in making life better on and off the farm.

“It’s well known that farming can be stressful. Farm dogs can help ease the burden, often playing a dual role as working dogs and companions to farm families,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Purina donated the contest prizes: $5,000, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products for Skippy.

“Purina is proud to support the sixth annual Farm Dog of the Year competition with American Farm Bureau,” said Jack Scott, Nestlé Purina PetCare vice president of sustainable sourcing. “Skippy’s role on the farm and bond to Donald exemplify what this contest is about.”

Three other regional runners-up in the contest each received $1,000, a trophy plate and Purina products.

See AFBF’s video about Skippy at https://gfb.ag/FarmDogSkippy. Learn more about P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA at https://pharmdog.org .

More than a dog.

Versatile, intelligent, and hardworking farm dogs play a special role on the farm or ranch. Georgia Farm Bureau is on a mission to highlight a few of our furry heroes through the 2024 Georgia Farm Dog Contest. Enter by May 1, 2024 at gfb.ag/EnterFarmDogContest.

Laura & Donald Adams and their dog, Skippy, call it a day after working cattle. Photo courtesy of AFBF & Big Foot Media

CASPER

THE PEOPLE'S PUP

By Jennifer Whittaker

Maybe it was Casper’s fluffy, polar bear cuteness and the novelty of having eyes with two different colors. Maybe it was the valor Casper showed in protecting his sheep and then-pregnant mate, Daisy, from multiple coyotes.

Regardless, Casper, a Great Pyrenees, captured the hearts of America, receiving enough online votes to win him the People’s Choice Pup title. American Farm Bureau coordinates the annual contest supported by Purina.

Owned by Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau member John Wierwille, Casper received a trophy plate and Purina products. A $1,000 cash prize was donated directly to Atlanta-based LifeLine Animal Project at Wierwille’s request. LifeLine cared for Casper after he was injured by coyotes in November 2022 while guarding his sheep.

“Thank you to all the folks at the American Farm Bureau Federation and Purina,” Wierwille said in a Facebook post after Casper was announced the winner at the AFBF Convention in January. “Thank you also to everyone who voted for our brave, determined, and goofy livestock protector.”

Casper is one of six livestock guard dogs Wierwille uses to protect the sheep he leases to clients to clean brush and invasive plant species off their property.

Wierwille’s Ewe Can Do It Naturally landscaping business serves clients across Metro Atlanta and cities within three hours of Atlanta. When Wierwille leases his sheep, he often sends at least one dog with the flock to protect it against coyotes, hawks, owls and two-legged thieves.

The Wierwilles have a small farm in Decatur raising sheep, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.

“Casper is a goofball. He loves other animals. He lets chickens sit on his head, and he’ll walk up to the sheep and just lay his head on their backs,” Wierwille said.

While he has the gentle, loving disposition Great Pyrenees are known for, Casper is living proof that his breed will turn into ferocious warriors to protect any livestock or family members threatened by predators.

In the wee hours of Nov. 4, 2022, a pack of coyotes threatened to attack sheep Casper and Daisy were guarding near the Wierwilles’ home. Casper took out three coyotes that made it inside the pen and then leapt the 4-foot hog wire fence to pursue the rest of the pack. Daisy, only nine days away from delivering their puppies, stayed with the sheep.

Casper was missing for two days. When he returned home, he was so badly injured Wierwille feared the dog wouldn’t make it. But thanks to multiple surgeries at an emergency vet clinic followed by extensive care for 30 days at LifeLine, Casper made a full recovery.

“Great Pyrenees are so loyal,” Wierwille said. “I couldn’t do my job without them because I can’t be out with my sheep 24 hours a day, but the dogs can.”

2024 Georgia Economic Outlook BETTER THAN NATIONAL

By Jennifer Whittaker

Georgia’s chances of experiencing a recession this year are only about 33% compared to the United States' higher probability of just under 50%. That was a positive takeaway from the 2024 Georgia Ag Forecast held Jan. 26 in Tifton.

Dr. Gopinath Munisamy, distinguished professor of agricultural marketing at the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES), expects the U.S. economy will see a slowdown in its gross domestic product (GDP) – the market value of all the goods and services produced here. He forecasts Americans will invest less this year and there will be a modest increase in the unemployment rate. We will probably see slower growth in U.S. government spending and in exports of U.S. products.

Georgia’s economic development successes, stronger demographics, resilient labor market and having households in strong financial health are reasons Munisamy thinks Georgia will only see an economic slowdown instead of a recession.

However, a misstep by the Federal Reserve with interest rates, a financial crisis, an energy price shock or escalations in geopolitical conflicts could each trigger a recession according to UGA CAES economic analysis.

CAES economists say inflation will continue to ease, but don’t expect prices to fall to pre-pandemic levels.

FARM NET INCOME FALL EXPECTED

On the national level, the USDA is forecasting that the net farm income for 2023 will be $151.1 billion, down $31.8 billion from 2022’s net farm income of $182.8 billion. Munisamy says the net income drop can be attributed to: crops and livestock prices falling about 5% from 2022; an increase in production expenses and interest rates of about 3.5% for crops and livestock; and a 22.3% decrease in government payments.

Georgia’s 2022 net farm income was $5.2 billion per USDA data, making Georgia 13th in the U.S. for net cash income. This is the highest net farm income Georgia has seen since 2017 when it reached about $3.5 billion and 2014 when it was about $3 billion.

Munisamy said Georgia’s 2023 net farm income is likely to fall to the last 10-year average of $3 billion. This is better than 2020 when Georgia’s net farm income was just over $2 billion.

Farm expenses have steadily risen since 2020, and Georgia reached an historic high of about $9 billion in 2022. Farm input costs continued to increase last year. Ag production expenses are expected to drop slightly in 2024 with the largest changes seen in interest, fertilizer and pesticide costs.

Higher labor costs pose a threat to Georgia’s 2024 ag economy. Georgia fruit and vegetable growers continue to lose income to cheaper imports from Mexico and South America during Georgia’s growing season.

EXPORTS MATTER

Georgia exported $3.86 billion worth of agricultural commodities in 2022, Munisamy said, ranking Georgia 18th in the U.S. for ag exports. Cotton, poultry & eggs, peanuts, fruits & vegetables, and tree nuts are the major commodities Georgia exports.

This year, Munisamy expects there could be higher export demand for Georgia poultry products due to population and income growth overseas coupled with limited supplies of beef.

“Because fruit and vegetables are considered crucial to a balanced diet there is no support in Congress to limit imports and also because Congress is afraid of creating a trade war,” Munisamy said.

Dr. Gopinath Munisamy delivered an economic status report for U.S. & Georgia agriculture.

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

China is one of the biggest importers of row crops, especially cotton. How much China imports will depend on their economy and the cost of U.S. commodities on the world market and how much other countries, like Brazil and India, produce.

“I think we need to keep markets open rather than sanctioning markets,” Munisamy said. “We stopped selling pork to Russia, and they became one of the biggest pork exporters. Finding new markets to replace trade relationships already established is expensive and takes time.”

FARM BILL SHOWDOWN

At press time in late February, farmers were waiting to see if Congress would write a farm bill or pass another continuing resolution by the March 1 deadline when the agriculture appropriation bill was set to expire.

There’s a good possibility the deadline for submitting the 2025 budget will come before the new farm bill is finished, said Bob Redding, an agricultural lobbyist.

The most recent farm bill was set to expire Sept. 30, 2023, but Congress passed a continuing resolution last year to extend it through the end of fiscal year 2024.

“There’s no additional money for the farm bill, so we’re operating [writing a new bill] with no new cash,” Redding said.

“Crop insurance and production risk programs are losing shares. Nutrition programs are still the biggest segment of the farm bill. ” According to the Congressional Budget Office, federal nutrition programs account for 81.1% of farm bill spending at $1.22 trillion. Crop insurance programs account for 6.7% of the farm bill budget at $101.3 billion. Commodity and related programs make up 4.5% of the bill’s budget at $68.6 billion, and conservation programs are allocated 4% of the budget at $60 billion.

Farmers are seeking more funding for crop insurance programs, an increase in row crop reference prices to counter higher input costs, and a voluntary update of their base acres to allow younger growers into the commodity programs.

FARM POLITICS

Redding encouraged farmers to support political action committees (PAC) to advocate for ag issues as production agriculture’s power lessens.

“The Southeast doesn’t have a strong reputation for supporting PACs, but as our numbers decline this is going to be an avenue to get a voice,” Redding said. “Support of a PAC is the piece that needs to increase in the Southeast.”

Although 92% of all production agriculture is in Republican districts, support from Democratic lawmakers is vital to pass a farm bill, Redding said, praising Georgia Democrats Sanford Bishop and David Scott for their support of agriculture.

Bob Redding discussed the status of the farm bill.

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

Little Roy & Lizzy

ARE GEORGIA TREASURES

By Jennifer Whittaker

Think you don’t like bluegrass music? Listen to Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long. You’ll soon be smiling and tapping your feet. If you’re already a fan, you know they’re a treasure.

The Lincoln County natives formed their band, The Little Roy and Lizzy Show, in 2009. Since then, they’ve made a name for themselves as a premier, high-energy bluegrass act performing across the U.S. They’ve hosted 10 music festivals and released eight albums with a ninth due out this spring.

Before forming their band, the duo released four albums together and a fifth with bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, Little Roy’s longtime friend. Lizzy has two solo albums.

Does Little Roy’s name sound familiar? That’s because he played banjo and guitar 58 years in The Lewis Family, America’s first family of bluegrass gospel.

Formed by James Roy Lewis, in 1951, three generations of Lewises performed together before disbanding in 2009 due to deaths and illness. The family called the youngest of eight children Little Roy to distinguish him from “Pop,” also called Roy.

Little Roy, 82, has known Lizzy most of her 40 years.

“I found Lizzy when she was about eight. Her dad stopped at the mailbox and said ‘Stop by the house. We’re having a picking,’” Little Roy recalled. “That’s when I first heard her play the fiddle. Lizzy would want me to come over and teach her stuff. One day she said, ‘Show me the banjo.’ As Lizzy got older, she’d stop by after school. I was gone so much performing with the Lewis Family, so I got her a VHS tape of Murphy Henry showing how to play six songs on the banjo.

I told her ‘Don’t call me until you’ve learned to play all these songs.’ Well, she had that down in two weeks.”

After that, Roy and Lizzy began performing together at churches in the area every chance they got. Lizzy also played with The Lewis Family in its last years.

Lizzy, too, comes from a musical family. “My Great Uncle Jimmy played fiddle. My Granddaddy Raleigh played guitar, and my Aunt Paulette could play any style on the piano from Liberace, Scott Joplin, to church music,” she said.

Little Roy recalls playing with Lizzy’s family 40 years before she was born. “It just all went down the line,” he said.

Fast forward to Little Roy and Lizzy’s current band.

“Right now, we have some of the best pickers in the world,” Little Roy said. “We’ve got two brothers from California, Josh and John Gooding, on mandolin and guitar. Our bass player, Holger Olesen, is from Minnesota, and Hunter Berry, our fiddler, played with Rhonda Vincent.”

Lizzy said, “What’s so good about our group is everyone can play multiple instruments. We can rotate around.”

Little Roy, who Lizzy calls “one of the fastest pickers,” primarily plays banjo but also plays guitar and autoharp. Lizzy sings, plays fiddle, banjo, guitar, and is straightman to Little Roy’s comedic antics that often feature his signature red suspenders.

Visit www.littleroyandlizzy.com for YouTube videos, buy CDs and future tour dates. Visit gfb.ag/littleroyandlizzy to read more.

Protect & Improve Your Mental Clarity

By Jennifer Whittaker

Having mental clarity – the ability to think clearly in complex situations and make smart decisions quickly –helps farmers.

“Having mental clarity is as important for a farmer as having good seed and soil,” said Dr. Anna Scheyett, coordinator of UGA Extension’s Behavorial Health Team.

Scheyett discussed tips for improving your mental clarity and protecting it from stress while speaking at the Southeast Fruit & Vegetable Growers Conference in January.

Having a good memory, quick thinking, good judgement and being able to identify the source of a problem are signs you have mental clarity, she said.

MENTAL CLARITY ENEMIES

We’ve all been there - times when we have rushing thoughts, cluttered thinking or information overload. Some describe it as feeling foggy, fuzzy-headed, spacy or confused.

Chronic stress can destroy our mental clarity.

“Sometimes your brain is not your friend,” Scheyett emphasized. “Just because your brain is telling you something doesn’t mean it’s true.”

Short-term enemies to making good decisions include: sleep problems, medication side effects, overeating, inactivity, using substances, being really angry or sad.

Ignoring short-term problems can lead to long-term chronic fatigue, chronic self-neglect and chronic stress, which often lead to health or behavioral health problems.

Chronic fatigue comes when we work long hours every day with no stress outlets, Scheyett said. Living on energy drinks and crackers is an example of chronic self-neglect.

“Chronic stress signals our bodies to make excess cortisol. If your cortisol level never goes down it starts damaging

your body with inflammation that can lead to diabetes or heart disease,” Schyett said. “It can also lead to depression.”

SHORT & LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

RPM is a short-term method for managing stress Scheyett recommends. Recognize you’re not thinking straight. Put decisions on hold if possible. Make a plan for responding to stressors.

“Sometimes you can’t fix a stressor, but you can manage your stress response to keep stress from harming you,” Scheyett said. “Recognize the things you can’t control, such as the weather, and the things you can.”

Scheyett said long-term solutions are sometimes needed. “If you can’t get mental clarity and things don’t get better or feel wrong, go see a doctor.”

PREVENTING, MANAGING & COPING WITH STRESS

Scheyett recommends the SAFER method: Sleep, Awareness of stress, Focus on positives, Eat well/drink water, Reach out to others.

Activities that increase your brain’s ability to rewire itself also help prevent stress. Naps, word or number puzzles, learning a second language, or doing routine things differently can help.

To manage your stress response, Scheyett advocates breathing from your diaphragm, listening to positive music or using apps designed to lessen anxiety with soothing sounds or images.

“You can do these things in five to ten-minute intervals while you take a shower or sit at a red light,” Scheyett said. Scheyett urges people to adopt coping strategies that address or lessen their stress rather than provide an escape.

One of the biggest tools that we don’t utilize as producers is our neighbors.

A recent study done at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University with assistance from the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture quantifies what many in agriculture have known — farming comes with extraordinary stress. Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities wants you to know resources are available when the stress becomes overwhelming.

GEORGIAGEORGIA

PEANUT SHOW INTROS

NPB LEADER & UGA PODCAST

By Jennifer Whittaker

Ryan Lepicier, the National Peanut Board’s (NPB) new CEO & president, is no stranger to promoting peanuts nationwide. Lepicier, a 15-year NPB employee, began his new position Jan. 1 following Bob Parker’s retirement Dec. 31.

Speaking at the 47th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference the Georgia Peanut Commission held in January, Lepicier said the NPB has three priorities for 2024:

1.

Promotion. “Peanut butter consumption reached an all-time high in 2023 to about 4.4 lbs. per person,” Lepicier said. “We’re proud of the role your National Peanut Board played to make this happen along with the Georgia Peanut Commission and other peanut organizations. In 2024 our theme will be ‘We Grow Comfort.’ This will allow us to talk to school nutritionists and parents about the health benefits of peanuts and to address peanut allergy issues.”

2.

Driving Impact of the NPB programs by evaluating their success to decide which ones they continue.

3.

Educating consumers about peanut allergies and how early introduction to peanuts can alleviate or reduce children’s peanut allergies.

“The National Peanut Board continues to support research to eradicate peanut allergies and to educate parents and school nutritionists that early introduction of peanut products to children can alleviate or reduce peanut allergies,” Lepicier said.

In December, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases released an early analysis of data from a clinical trial that shows 165 children and adolescents who received injections of the drug Xolair – a drug already approved for asthma and chronic hiveswere able to consume higher doses of foods they were allergic to, such as peanuts, eggs and milk, without triggering an allergic reaction, compared to those who were treated with placebos.

Visit https://nationalpeanutboard.org/peanut-allergy-prevention/ to learn more about NPB’s work to help children with peanut allergies.

ALL ABOUT THE POD

University of Georgia Peanut Team members delivered presentations covering the 2023 peanut crop and what growers can expect in 2024.

Dr. Scott Monfort invited peanut growers to tune into the UGA Peanut Team’s “All About the Pod” podcast available on Spotify https://gfb.ag/spotifyallaboutthepod, Apple Podcasts https://gfb.ag/appleaathepod or https://peanuts.caes.uga.edu.

“This is our way of bringing you to the coffee shop every Friday to talk about peanuts,” Monfort said. “We discuss issues growers are experiencing as they’re happening. We used the podcast last fall to give growers recommendations for harvesting.”

Monfort told growers not to make any drastic changes to how they grow peanuts based on the yield or quality of their 2023 crop “Stay on course with proven things,” Monfort said.

Cool and wet weather during the 2023 planting season prevented some seeds from coming up, and plants that did were delayed in blooming by 10 to 16 days, Monfort said. Three weeks of dry weather with high temperatures that began in mid-July during the peak bloom period cost growers yield as did cool temperatures in September.

Although Georgia’s overall peanut production was up 9% in 2023 from 2022, yield per acre was down about 140 lbs./acre according to the 2023 USDA Crop Production report.

National Peanut Board CEO & President Ryan Lepicier/ Photo courtesy of NPB

During a breakfast held at the Georgia Peanut Show, the Georgia Peanut Commission & Agri Supply honored five Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year.

A farmer from each GPC District is selected annually. GPC Chairman Joe Boddiford, far left, & AgriSupply Rep. Angela Carter, far right, congratulate the 2024 recipients, from left: GPC

District 1 – Donald Shirah, Mitchell Co.; GPC District 2 – Gerald Fowler, Turner Co.; GPC District 3 – Lee Cromley, Bulloch Co.; GPC

District 4 – Sam Crenshaw, Crisp Co. The GPC District 5 award was presented posthumously to Richard Morrison of Stewart Co. and accepted by his son, Winston Morrison.

GPC

industry thrive. Each of these growers are or were Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members.

and

help Georgia’s

The GPC also presented awards to individuals for their service to the peanut industry. The 2024 GPC Award recipients are:

Distinguished Service Award – John T. Powell, American Peanut Shellers Association & The Peanut Institute executive director; Research & Education Award – Dr. Glen Harris, UGA Extension soil fertility specialist; Media Award – Dal Cannady, WTOC-TV/ Savannah former bureau chief; and Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award - Mallory Harvey of Appling Co.

Photo courtesy Ga. Peanut Commission

directors present this award to honor farmers who exhibit passion, diligence, leadership

desire to

peanut

By Jay Stone

CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT:

U.S. Dist. Judge rules unconstitutional

On March 1, a federal judge ruled the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) of 2021 unconstitutional, blocking the federal government from enforcing the regulation that went into effect Jan. 1.

Judge Liles Burke of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama found the CTA is not justified under powers the U.S. Constitution gives Congress.

Burke noted, “It would be a ‘substantial expansion of federal authority’ to permit Congress to bring its taxing power to bear just by collecting ‘useful’ data and allowing taxenforcement officials access to that data.”

The National Small Business Association (NSBA), which brought the suit against the U.S. Treasury Department, said the CTA database is “ripe for data security issues and confusion which could saddle small-business owners with hefty penalties or even jail time.”

It is likely the district judge’s ruling will be appealed, but for the time being small businesses do not have to comply with the CTA.

“The CTA has from the very beginning been poor policy that unfairly targets America’s small businesses,” said NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “This ruling justifies the concerns of millions of American businesses about how the CTA is not only a bureaucratic overreach, but a Constitutional infringement.”

CTA EXPLAINED

The CTA would have required small businesses, including many farmers, to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report identifying anyone with a 25% or greater ownership stake in the business or anyone who has decisionmaking or operational control over the business.

There would have been exemptions for business entities already under extensive regulatory requirements, but many farms may not have qualified, National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) Staff Attorney Micah Brown Brown said.

“A lot of the small businesses and ag entities are likely not going to meet any exceptions, so they would be required to report this,” Brown said.

An ag business would be exempt from the BOI reporting requirement if it qualifies as a “large operating company.”

The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) defines a large operating company as one that meets all of the following criteria: Employs more than 20 people full time in the U.S.; has a physical operating location in the U.S.; filed a federal income tax return or information return in the U. S. for the previous year; $5 million in gross receipts or sales was reported on IRS Form 1120, consolidated IRS Form 1120, IRS Form 1120-S, IRS Form 1065, or other applicable IRS form; and its gross receipts or sales from sources outside the U.S., as determined under Federal income tax principle, are excluded from the entity’s amount of gross receipts or sales and the amount remains greater than $5 million.

An ag business would have qualified for an exemption if it is a subsidiary of an exempt entity.

Photo by istock.com

THE GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION (GCC)

named its 2024 Trustees Award recipients at its annual meeting in January.

GCC Executive Director Taylor Sills, left, and GCC Chairman Bart Davis, right, congratulate the award recipients, from left, Ronnie Lee, Chuck Coley and Bob McLendon. The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of Georgia cotton. The award is named after Georgia’s Colonial Trustees who aspired for the colony to produce agricultural products for England, which led to a garden being planted in Savannah where potential crops were tested, including cotton. Read more about the recipients at gfb.ag/24gcctrusteesaward

Matador metal pole barns

Photo by Jay Stone

Bacon wins GFB Hay Contest

By Jay Stone

Laurens County Farm Bureau member Jeff Bacon won the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Quality Hay Contest. As the top prize winner in the hay contest, Bacon receives a year’s use of a Vermeer Mid-Sized Trailed Mower, with the option to buy it for a reduced price at the end of the year.

The contest drew 47 entries. The GFB Hay Commodity Committee has held it since 1992 to encourage superior Bermudagrass hay production. Vermeer has provided the first-place prize since 1999.

Hay samples entered in the contest were analyzed using the University of Georgia’s Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) testing method, which measures nutrient content and digestibility of the hay. Bacon’s sample of Bermuda hay had an RFQ score of 163. The average RFQ score for all entries was 144.

Entered samples are required to have nitrate levels below 4,500 parts per million and moisture content of 18% or less to be eligible for contest prizes.

Garren Hall, Franklin County, took second place with a 155 RFQ to win $200 and a cooler. Guerry Hall, Franklin County, placed third with a 148 RFQ to win $100. Michael Powell, Atkinson County, came in fourth with a 143 RFQ.

Tony Petty, Gordon County, was fifth with a 142 RFQ.

Bacon previously won the contest in 2016. He placed second in 2022.

Redmond Georgia Farmer of the Year

By Jennifer Whittaker

UGA Extension named Effingham County’s Bruce Redmond as the 2024 Georgia Farmer of the Year at the Georgia Ag Forecast held Jan. 26.

Redmond will vie against farmers from nine other Southeastern states for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year title. The award recognizes excellence in agricultural production and farm management along with leadership in farm and community organizations. The winner will be announced Oct. 15 at the Sunbelt Expo luncheon.

Redmond started farming on his own growing peanuts and cotton. He took over the family's operation, Shiloh Farms, after his dad, Larry, died in 2018. Today, Bruce farms 2,800 acres of rented and owned farmland, including both dryland and irrigated acres of peanuts and cotton. Shiloh Farms has grown certified Tifton 9 Bahiagrass seed since the 1990s and is now the largest producer of certified Bahiagrass seed in the Southeast.

Redmond has served on his local USDA Farm Service Agency Committee for seven years. He supports Effingham 4-H and the Effingham Young Farmers Association and is an Effingham County Farm Bureau member.

Jeff Bacon

Effingham County Extension Agent Blake Carter, left, congratulates Bruce Redmond on being named Georgia Farmer of the Year.

Photo by Maggie Wooten.

GFB mourns loss of Nora Goodman

Nora Goodman, who served as a Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) 3rd District Director since December 2003, died Jan. 9. She was 83.

“We are deeply saddened at the loss of Mrs. Nora, who served GFB and agriculture with dignity and grace,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “She was a constant, welcoming presence at Farm Bureau gatherings and kept a strong commitment to the state’s farmers. She will be missed.”

Goodman, of Temple, had been a GFB member for 45 years. She served as the Paulding County Farm Bureau president since 2003. Beginning in 2005, she served on the GFB Forestry Commodity Advisory Committee.

“Nora represented the GFB directors on Farm Bureau’s Forestry Commodity Advisory Committee for many years, and she missed very few of our meetings,” said GFB Forestry Committee Chairman John Mixon.

Goodman was an active member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s and Tri-County Cattlemen’s Associations, was a director of the Georgia Agriculture Land Trust and served as a director of the Paulding County Hospital Authority.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Dr. Jim Goodman, in 2003. The Goodmans ran their cattle farm together. At the time of his death, Dr. Goodman was a GFB 3rd Dist. director and PCFB president.

Mrs. Goodman was a certified registered nurse anesthetist. She obtained her nursing degree at Georgia Baptist hospital and later attended the Mayo Clinic.

Her son, John Achter, died in 2022. She is survived by two sisters, a sister-in-law, seven nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.

NORA GOODMAN

County Farm Bureaus Volunteers Honored &

By Jennifer Whittaker

During its 2023 annual convention in December, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) recognized county Farm Bureau chapters that excelled in their member programs and ag advocacy activities last year. In its second year, GFB’s Rewarding Excellence in Ag Programs (REAP) award, offered three tiers of recognition - cultivator, planter and harvester - for each of the organization’s membership categories (small, medium and large). Harvester is the top tier of recognition.

Counties receiving the second tier REAP Planter Award were small membership category: Crisp, Marion, Taliaferro, Treutlen and Warren; medium membership category: Bryan, Greene, Jeff Davis, Polk and Screven; large membership category: Coffee, Colquitt, Elbert, Franklin and Henry.

Counties receiving the third tier REAP Cultivator Award were small membership category: Ben Hill, Jasper, Long, Putnam and Upson; medium membership category: Decatur, Dougherty, Floyd, Monroe and Toombs; large membership category: Barrow, Habersham, Haralson, Madison and Newton.

to the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau District Volunteers of the Year for their extraordinary efforts to promote agriculture

their local communities.

Congratulations

in

Pictured from left are: Dist. 3 Cam Floyd, Douglas Co.; Dist. 4 Christan Rosier, McDuffie Co.; Dist. 5 Melissa Mathis, Monroe Co.; Dist. 7 Charlene Morgan, Effingham Co.; Dist. 9 John Takash, Dougherty Co. and Dist. 10 Peggy Lee, Bacon Co. Not pictured are: Dist. 1 Frank Wright, Gilmer Co.; Dist. 2 Zach McCann, Banks Co.; & Dist. 6 Fran Watts, Treutlen Co.

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

Banks, Berrien, Clarke, Dawson & Harris. County office managers accepting the awards were, seated from left: Katy Seagraves, Clarke; Vanna Boykin, Berrien; Tammy Wood, Dawson & Julie Jackson, Banks. County presidents accepting the award were, standing from left: Dale Wood, Clarke;

in GFB’s large membership category were: Carroll, Cherokee, Effingham, McDuffie & Walker. County office managers accepting the awards were, seated from left: Jennifer Dixson, Carroll; Rhonda Stargel, Cherokee; Kim Cora Kay, McDuffie; & Theresa Pevey, Effingham. County presidents accepting the award were, standing from left: past pres. Lawrence Shadix, Carroll; William Grizzle, Cherokee; Mark Rodgers, McDuffie; Stuart Exley, Effingham; & Mike Bunn, Walker. Not pictured Carroll Co. Pres. Doug Smith & Walker Co. OM Kyla Compton.

in

were: Bacon, Crawford, Dooly, Turner & Worth. County office managers accepting the awards were, seated from left: Karen McCurdy, Turner; Faye Sparrow, Dooly volunteer; Jeanne Taylor, Bacon & Connie Melton, Worth. County presidents accepting the award were, standing from left: Edward Harris, Crawford; David Lee, Bacon, & Ronald Sumner, Worth. Not pictured Dooly Co. OM Angie Burton & Pres. Teel Warbington; & Turner Co. Pres. Ross Kendrick.

County Farm Bureaus earning the REAP Harvester Award

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

County Farm Bureaus earning the REAP Harvester Award

GFB’s small membership category

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

County Farm Bureaus earning the REAP Harvester Award in GFB’s medium membership category were:

Lamar Vickers, Berrien; Wayne Bennett, Dawson, Jimmy Morrison, Banks & Harris Co. Sec./Tres. James Bryant. Not pictured Harris Co. Pres. Gilbert Andrews & O M Linda Luttrell.

Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

MEDIUM GROUP

LARGE GROUP

SMALL GROUP

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture thanks everyone who supported our organization during 2023. On behalf of all students, teachers, and farmers who benefit from your support, we appreciate you! We couldn't have achieved so much this year without your help. Whether you supported an event, provided an in-kind donation, or made a general donation, we celebrate our GFA family of supporters.

McGahee-Griffin Stewart, Inc.

Merck Farms

Mike Jones Ford

Omega Technology Group

Pearson Farm Petro South

Potlikker Farm

Poultry Research Association

R T Farms

Residence Inn Jekyll

Sapiens International Corporation

Savannah Bee Company

School Work Custom Rods

Skipper Family Farms

Snapping Shoals Round Up

Southern Oak Contractors

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Stripling's General Store-Tifton

Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, Inc.

teXga Farms

The Sandblasting Shop

The Summit Group

Tidewater Ag & Construction

Tisbest Philanthropy

Tortuga Jacks

Trailwave

Truist Bank

Truserv Pest Solutions

Truth in Nature

UGA College of Veterinary Medicine

Vidalia Apicultural Services

Villas by the Sea

Wade Tractor & Equipment, Inc.

White Co. Farmers Exchange

Young, Thagard, Hoffman, LLC

County Farm Bureaus

Bacon County Farm Bureau

Banks County Farm Bureau

Bartow County Farm Bureau

Berrien County Farm Bureau

Bibb County Farm Bureau

Brooks County Farm Bureau

Bulloch County Farm Bureau

Burke County Farm Bureau

Calhoun County Farm Bureau

Carroll County Farm Bureau

Catoosa County Farm Bureau

Chattooga County Farm Bureau

Cherokee County Farm Bureau

Clarke County Farm Bureau

Clay County Farm Bureau

Farm Credit Associations of Georgia

Fat & Fine Crab Shack

FB Alliance Insurance

General Mills Your Cause, LLC

Georgia Agribusiness Council

Georgia Christmas Tree Association

Georgia EMC

Georgia Farm Bureau Inc.

Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

Georgia Farm Bureau Sales Department

Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

Georgia Grown Citrus

Georgia Organics

Gogo Jewelry

Gresco

Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC

Habersham Co. Sheriff's Office

Holly Cantrell DMD, MS, PC

James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP

Jekyll Beverage Center

Jekyll Hotel Owner

Jekyll Island Beachfront Hotel, LLC

Joseph's Jewelers

Langscapes

Lexicon Strategies LLC

LP Service, Inc.

Mar-Jac Poultry, Inc.

Marriott Courtyard

Maxwell's General Store

Mcclain Cattle Company

Clayton County Farm Bureau

Cobb County Farm Bureau

Colquitt County Farm Bureau

Cook County Farm Bureau

Crawford County Farm Bureau

Dawson County Farm Bureau

Decatur County Farm Bureau

Dodge County Farm Bureau

Dougherty County Farm Bureau

Douglas County Farm Bureau

Early County Farm Bureau

Echols County Farm Bureau

Effingham County Farm Bureau

Emanuel County Farm Bureau

Franklin County Farm Bureau

Glynn County Farm Bureau

Gordon County Farm Bureau

Grady County Farm Bureau

Greene County Farm Bureau

Gwinnett County Farm Bureau

Habersham County Farm Bureau

Hancock County Farm Bureau

Harris County Farm Bureau

Hart County Farm Bureau

Henry County Farm Bureau

Houston County Farm Bureau

Jackson County Farm Bureau

Jeff Davis County Farm Bureau

Jefferson County Farm Bureau

Jones County Farm Bureau

Laurens County Farm Bureau

Liberty County Farm Bureau

Lincoln County Farm Bureau

Lowndes County Farm Bureau

Madison County Farm Bureau

McDuffie County Farm Bureau

McIntosh County Farm Bureau

Meriwether County Farm Bureau

Mitchell County Farm Bureau

Monroe County Farm Bureau

Morgan County Farm Bureau

Muscogee County Farm Bureau

Newton County Farm Bureau

No. Fulton County Farm Bureau

Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau

Paulding County Farm Bureau

Peach County Farm Bureau

Pike County Farm Bureau

Polk County Farm Bureau

Randolph County Farm Bureau

Richmond County Farm Bureau

Rockdale/Dekalb County Farm Bureau

Schley County Farm Bureau

Screven County Farm Bureau

Seminole County Farm Bureau

So. Fulton County Farm Bureau

Spalding County Farm Bureau

Talbot County Farm Bureau

Terrell County Farm Bureau

Thomas County Farm Bureau

Tift County Farm Bureau

Treutlen County Farm Bureau

Troup County Farm Bureau

Turner County Farm Bureau

Union County Farm Bureau

Upson County Farm Bureau

Walker County Farm Bureau

Walton County Farm Bureau

Ware County Farm Bureau

Warren County Farm Bureau

Washington County Farm Bureau

Wayne County Farm Bureau

Webster County Farm Bureau

Wheeler County Farm Bureau

Wilcox County Farm Bureau

Wilkes County Farm Bureau

Worth County Farm Bureau

In Kind Donors

920 Cattle & Co.

Abenity

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

aGROWkulture

Alliance Theater

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

Atlanta Braves

Atlanta History Center

Aussie Acres Ranch

BarkBox

Beautiful Briny Sea

Berry's Tree Farm

Biron Organic Teas

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Bull and Briar

Calhoun Produce

Candler County Farm Bureau

Carroll County Farm Bureau

Cartecay Vineyards

Center for Puppetry Arts

Chapman Trading / Magnolia Loom

Cultured Ag

Edward Rowan Art

Ellis Brothers Pecans

Food Well Alliance

Fresh Harvest

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia EMC

Georgia Farm Bureau Administration Team

Georgia Farm Bureau Incorporated

Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

Georgia Grown Citrus

Georgia Pecan Growers Association

GFB Accounting

GFB Facilities Management

GFB Federation IT

GFB PR/Marketing

GFB Public Policy

Godfreys Feed

Green House Spa

Harrison Poultry

High Museum of Art

Hunters HD Glasses

Ivey's Outdoor & Farm Supply

James Madison's Montpelier

Jiffy Lube

Jom III Gallery, LLC

Kendra Scott Lane Southern Orchards

Life Line Screening

Local Three

Macon Memorabilia

MAR-JAC Poultry, Inc.

Moon Dairy

Oliver Farm Artisan Oils

Onward Reserve

Panaprint, Inc.

Paulk Vineyards

Peach State Pride

Penn Farms

Perry Lane Hotel Savannah

Pittman's County Market

Richland Rum Distillery

Shaw Inc.

Sleepy Hollow Farm Small Bites Adventure Club

Southern Proper

Springer Mountain Farms

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Strategic Promotions, Inc.

Tellus Science Museum

The Dairy Alliance

The Daylily Store / Horner Farms

The Westin Jekyll Island

Tito's Handmade Vodka

Vis a Vis Salon

Wholesome Wave Georgia

A huge thank you to every individual who donated. Scan this QR to find your name on our website!

Every effort has been made to present a complete list of donors who made financial or in-kind gifts between January 1 – December 31, 2023. If we have omitted or misspelled your name, please accept our greatest apologies and contact the GFA Office at info@gafoundationag.org.

JOIN THIS LIST & DONATE TODAY!

To learn more about supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, please scan the QR Code above or visit our website!

Gafoundation.org/donate gafoundationag.org georgiaagaexperience.org @gafoundationag.org

YEAR IN REVIEW

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is developing a pipeline for Georgia’s next generation offarmers and agricultural leaders. Through early exposure to agriculture, classroom learning, higher education, farm-based mentorship and professional learning, our programs provide a structured path that fosters growth and sparks a passion for agriculture during a student's educational journey.

EDUCATING GEORGIANS ABOUT AGRICULTURE

HIGHER EDUCATION FOR GA STUDENTS

GROW SEED

24,563 PEOPLE REACHED

647 TEACHERS

65 COUNTIES VISITED

331 VOLUNTEERS

33 COMMUNITY EVENTS

36,144 MILES DRIVEN

70 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

$65,000 Worth of scholarships awarded 116 Applications from 72 counties 4 Scholarship categories 26 Scholarship recipients

“Being selected as one of the top agriculture students in Georgia and being awarded the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship confirmed to me my choice of career path in agriculture. The field of agriculture has always been appealing to me and the more I study it the more passionate I am about educating future populations about the importance on where their food, fiber, and fuel comes from. This scholarship is allowing me to focus on my future career as an agricultural educator and take advantage of the numerous educational and hands-on learning opportunities available for me at the University of Georgia.”

• Reported findings from 2022 baseline farmer well-being research to local & national organizations as well as Georgia Farm Bureau communities.

• Identified a need to support GFB communities with best practices on how to support farmers in their counties.

• Developed a fundraising plan. Successfully received a $100,000 grant from the Georgia Health Initiative in November 2023.

• Established regular meetings with the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance (GAWA), a coalition of various stakeholders in farming and health.

• Participated in a two-day working session to create a strategic plan for GAWA aimed at improving farmer well-being in Georgia.

• Assisted GAWA with finding its first Executive Director John McElveen.

• Plans for 2024 include hiring part-time staff for training support, advising best practices for programming to county Farm Bureaus, and developing an incentive and awards program.

SUPPORTING FARMERS' NEEDS: FARMER WELL-BEING HIGHLIGHTS

Received 19 grants totaling $318,000 through grant-raising efforts made in 2022 and 2023.

Raised over $57,000 in pledges and gifts through Georgia Farm Bureau Employee Giving.

Hosted two new events in 2023: the GFB Spring Shootout and Christmas on the Farm Bingo at the GFB Convention.

Distributed 13,800 4-H Farm to Fork Booklets to elementary school stud ents through a partnership between GAE Mobile Ag Classroom and Georgia 4-H.

Partnered with GDBHDD to promote the 988 suicide prevention line by sending cobranded materials to Georgia farmers.

Expanded the Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Classroom’s reach by visiting more counties in Georgia. We have now visited 80% of Georgia counties since 2021.

Financial support for the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture comes from donors such as you. Your gift to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture helps ensure that programs such as the Georgia Ag Experience can continue to educate students and teachers across Georgia about the importance of agriculture. Invest in the next generation by giving the gift of agriculture today! If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.gafoundationag.org/donate If you prefer to pay by check, you may also download the donation form on our website and mail it in along with your generous gift. Your contribution is tax-deductible under IRS 170(b)(A)(VI) and 501(c)(3)and may be designated to support a specific purpose that is important to you or left unrestricted to be used where the need is greatest.

Adam Jaycob Stone University of Georgia, Class of 2027 Agriculture Education Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship Recipient

YF&R Update

Meet Your Peers, Sharpen Skills with GFB YF&R Program

By Breanna Berry

This will be an exciting year for participants in Georgia Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Programs! YF&R opportunities are open to any Farm Bureau member ages 18-35 interested in agriculture. Our program is open to all in this age group who work in any agricultural sector – farming, ranching, ag lenders, ag teachers, ag product representatives, ag marketers, etc. College students with an interest in ag are also welcome.

GFB will hold its annual YF&R Summer Conference July 17-20 on Jekyll Island. This event is a great way for young people who love agriculture to network with other agriculturalists, sharpen their leadership skills, hear updates on current ag issues and learn more about Farm Bureau while having fun. The conference is kid friendly.

A cornerstone of GFB’s YF&R program is our award programs – Achievement Award in Agriculture; Excellence in Agriculture Award; and Discussion Meet. The achievement award recognizes YF&R members for their farming operations and leadership activities. The excellence in agriculture award honors YF&R members who earn most of their income off the farm but are ag advocates. The discussion meet simulates a meeting where participants talk about current ag issues and explore possible solutions.

Award winners will be announced at the summer conference. State winners will represent GFB at the American Farm Bureau Convention next January in San Antonio, Texas.

Registration information for the conference, GFB YF&R awards and the annual YF&R Photo Contest will be released in early March. Look for information on GFB social media or contact your county Farm Bureau.

The application deadline for awards and conference registration is June 1. Photo contest entries are due by June 7.

GFB encourages existing and potential YFR members to apply for our awards and participate in our YF&R activities.

GFB held its 3rd Annual Legislative Drive-In Feb. 12 in conjunction with GFB Day at the Capitol. Johnna Miller of AFBF conducted an advocacy training session to prepare county Women’s Leadership and YF&R Committee members to visit with their legislators. We’ll report more about this event in our next issue.

Visit www.gfb.ag/yfr or contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information about the awards, photo contest and to register for the conference.

JUNE 1: Deadline for YF&R Awards & Conference Registration

JUNE 7: Photo Contest Entry Deadline

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.

Members of the 2024 GFB YF&R Committee are from left: Luke Andrews & not pictured Allie, Lamar Co., GFB 5th Dist.; Cole & Nicole Roper, Franklin Co., 2nd Dist.; Kaitlyn & Kaleb Marchant, Oglethorpe Co., 4th Dist.; Lindsay and Statham Sapp, Wilcox Co., 8th Dist.; Committee Chairs Emilia & Cleve Jackson, Floyd Co., 1st Dist.; Vice Chairman Knapp Boddiford, Screven Co., 7th Dist.; Haley & Seth Scruggs, Bibb Co., 6th Dist.; Kelsie & Ryan Highsmith, Echols Co., 10th Dist.; Camille & Colt Calhoun, Miller Co., 9th Dist.; and Cam Floyd & not pictured, Joni, Douglas Co., 3rd District. /Photo by Jay Stone

ROPERS FINISH IN AFBF TOP 10

By Jay Stone

Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) members Cole and Nicole Roper, Andy Paul, and David and Lindsey Morgan put Georgia Farm Bureau’s (GFB’s) best foot forward in national competitions during the American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City in January.

“Cole and Nicole, Andy, and David and Lindsey set great examples for what we want our next generation of leaders to be,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “We’re proud of them for their outstanding representation of Georgia Farm Bureau. I look forward to seeing them in leadership positions whether with GFB or local and state government using the skills they have learned through our Young Farmers & Ranchers program.”

The Ropers, from Franklin Couwwnty, finished in the top 10 for the AFBF Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes young farmers and ranchers who make most of their income from something other than self-owned production agriculture. Cole is a broiler supervisor for Fieldale Farms. Nicole is an ag teacher. Together they operate Cole’ Sweet Corn, selling their corn and beef to drive-up customers.

The Ropers, who won the GFB YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award last July, were one of 37 state winners who gave presentations before judges Jan. 20. The top 10 made additional presentations on Jan. 21. The top 10 were recognized during the AFBF closing general session on Jan. 22, when national winner Justin Hargrove of Tennessee was announced.

Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau member Paul, a public relations representative with Georgia EMC, advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the AFBF Discussion Meet, where groups of four or five contestants discuss issues facing agriculture and potential solutions. The first two round-robin rounds on Jan. 20 centered on diversity and inclusion in agriculture and sustainability in farming. The Sweet 16 round on Jan. 21 focused on young farmers’ access to capital.

Matthew McClanahan of Tennessee won the AFBF competition.

The Morgans, from Pierce County, competed for the AFBF Achievement Award, which recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn most of their income from production agriculture.

The couple run 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, who grew up on a farm, teaches high school social studies.

Daniel and Megan Roberts of Minnesota won the Achievement Award.

Young farmers and ranchers interested in competing in 2024 should contact their county Farm Bureau office or district federation manager for more information in mid-March. June 1 is the deadline to enter GFB’s 2024 YF&R contests.

Georgia’s AFBF YF&R competitive event contestants were from left: Achievement Award, David & Lindsey Morgan, Pierce Co.; Discussion Meet, Andy Paul, Oglethorpe Co.; and Excellence in Agriculture, Nicole & Cole Roper, Franklin Co. / Photo by Jay Stone

Smartt’s Principles for Living

By Jennifer Whittaker

Everyone wants to work with people until they do, Lisa Smartt joked as she delivered the keynote speech at Georgia Farm Bureau’s Women in Ag Summit. To understand Smartt’s heart, consider that she lists friend on her business card before speaker and author.

“The people business is a lot like losing weight,” Smartt said. “It’s an easy thing to understand but a hard thing to apply.”

As she shared her 10 principles for living, the room rolled with laughter.

SMARTT’S PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING:

1. Never Think You’re Superior.

“Wealthy and poor people face the same four problems: relationship troubles; rebellious children; addiction issues; and financial problems,” Smartt said. “Don’t treat anyone as being inferior.”

2. Realize There Are Two Types of People.

“Type A push to get things done. Type B forget to meet deadlines,” Smartt said. “We need Type A people, so we have completed projects. We need Type B people to love us and encourage us. Each type should extend the other grace.”

3. Forget Hurtful, Untrue Things.

“When we’re down, we tend to replay negative, hurtful things people have said about us,” Smartt said. “PBS has lied to children by telling them ‘If you can dream it, you can be it.’ That’s not true. We can’t all be professional athletes or super models, but you can be the best YOU God intended.”

4. Don’t be oversensitive.

“If you get your feelings hurt 10 times a day, the way to solve this is to think about others,” Smartt said. “When people say something to us that’s snappy, filter it through love.”

5. Help people even when they disappoint you.

“Sometimes you have to help people even when they did something stupid and messed up,” Smartt said. “Do it because it’s about your integrity and not theirs.”

6. Own your mistakes.

“You can’t grow from a position of an excuse,” Smartt said. “There are reasons why we struggle with things, but you and I are the ones responsible for our lives.”

7. Don’t lose your soul.

“Workaholics: Picture your friends and family who will sit in the front row at your funeral,” Smartt said. “When it comes to work and commitments outside your family, ask ‘Am I jeopardizing my relationships with the people who will sit in the front row at my funeral for someone who won’t be there?’ ”

8. No gossip.

“It doesn’t matter what name you give it. Don’t do it,” Smartt said.

9. If you can’t forget, forgive.

“There are some things people do that we can’t forget,” Smartt said. “Choose to forgive every time you remember so you don’t drink the poison of unforgiveness.”

10. Be merciful & gracious.

“Give second chances. Everybody who has an addiction wishes they had chosen a better way to deal with their struggles than their addiction,” Smartt said. “I’m not saying live and let live. Love me enough to hold me to a standard but be merciful about it.”

Smartt recommends Coach John Wooden’s advice: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you are. Your reputation is what others think you are.”

Women's Leadership Update

Women's Leadership Committee Plans for 2024

By Breanna Berry

Meet the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee! Pictured from left are: Missie Petty, Murray Co., Dist.1 ; WLC Chairwoman Stephanie Branch, Rabun Co. Dist. 2.; Kaylee Goodson, Paulding Co.

3;

The Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) had a successful year of programs in 2023. This included district meetings for county WLC members in each of GFB’s 10 districts.

At these events, attendees usually visited a farm, had an educational lesson and enjoyed a meal. Planning is underway for this year’s district meetings. Be on the lookout for announcements about the 2024 District Women’s Leadership Meetings from your county offices and on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group.

In November, the GFB WLC hosted its 2nd Annual Women in Ag Summit in Savannah to provide personal and professional development to women in Georgia agriculture. Breakout sessions covered topics such as Ag in the Classroom, ag advocacy & legislation, meat counter myths, farm to school lunchroom opportunities, and conquering an interview. Lisa Smartt delivered an entertaining and encouraging keynote address on working with others.

The committee will host the 2024 Women in Ag Summit Nov. 11-12 in Savannah, so mark your calendars! Summit details and registration info will be sent to county Farm Bureau office managers and publicized when finalized.

Many thanks to the ladies who represented GFB at the Annual Meeting of the American Farm Bureau Women at the AFBF convention in January. GFB delegates were: 2023 WLC Chairman Kathy Sanders, 2024 Chairman Stephanie Branch, 2024 Vice Chairman Julie Hardy, Jane Wooten, Alicia Berry, Lindsay Morgan and Laney Kirk.

WLC partnered with the YF&R Committee to host the 3rd Annual Legislative Drive-In Feb. 12 in Atlanta to prepare WLC and YF&R participants to engage with state legislators during GFB Day at the Capitol.

Georgia Farm Bureau Leadership Programs Coordinator Breanna Berry may be reached at bcberry@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232

Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to volunteer with your local Women’s Leadership Committee.

Dist.

Angie Roberts, McDuffie Co., Dist. 4; Amy Moncrief, Crawford Co., Dist. 5; Jane Wooten, Jeff Davis Co., Dist. 6; Lauren Stanley, Toombs Co., Dist. 7; Alicia Berry, Sumter Co., Dist. 8; WLC Vice Chairman Julie Hardy, Thomas Co., Dist. 9; & Lindsey Morgan, Pierce Co., Dist. 10. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

GFB announces '24 Federation Ambassadors

The GFB Federation Ambassadors kicked off their year with a weekend orientation on February 2-3 at the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Home Office in Macon. Promoting GFB as a membership organization is the ambassadors’ main purpose.

During their orientation, the ambassadors worked on team-building exercises, met GFB staff, and learned about all things Farm Bureau. They also created a mission statement for their year of service: To engage and inspire Georgia’s current and future agriculturalists while equipping them with the information and resources GFB provides.

The ambassadors will promote GFB through a variety of member recruitment, public relations and brand awareness campaigns. Ambassadors will work alongside GFB staff and industry professionals on projects and events throughout Georgia. Their year will conclude at the 2024 GFB Annual Convention on Jekyll Island. Federation Ambassadors are chosen for their interpersonal skills, passion for ag advocacy, innovative thinking and overall enthusiasm. To serve as an ambassador, candidates must be over the age of 18 when selected, commit to the hours of service and present an exceptional application. They must maintain good academic standing while in service to the program.

To learn more about the program, contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org, visit www.gfb.ag/ambassadors or follow @gafarmbureau on Facebook and Instagram.

Meet the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Federation Ambassadors, from left: Dawson Johnson, Pierce Co., Faith Railey, Berrien Co., Summer Smith, Houston Co., Aubrey Fraser-Tarpley, Stephens Co., & Adam Stone, Carroll Co. / Photo by Keaton Walker

Ag in the Classroom Update

GFB accepting entries for AITC Teacher

By Lauren Goble

This Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) award recognizes a Georgia educator for his or her excellence in incorporating agriculture into their lessons while meeting Georgia curriculum standards. Agricultural concepts can support the teaching of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM); science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM) as well as science, technology, emotional learning, art and math (STREAM).

The Georgia AITC Teacher of the Year award allows county Farm Bureaus to nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond to teach his or her students about Georgia agriculture. GFB looks forward to recognizing one of these teachers as the 2024 Georgia Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year.

Visit https://gfb.ag/camp23aitcteacher to learn how Mount Zion Elementary teacher Samantha Camp introduces her students to agriculture while meeting curriculum standards.

“Students love getting outside, getting their hands dirty and loving on animals. I felt students needed to be exposed to

farming careers at an early age. This way, students will learn the importance of farming and growing crops to survive,” said Camp, who teaches kindergarteners through fifth grade students.

Carroll County Farm Bureau (CCFB) volunteers have teamed up with Camp to lead hands-on activities for her STEM students that reiterate the things they learn about in class.

May 3 is deadline to submit applications. The winner receives a $500 cash award & a trip to the 2025 National Ag in the Classroom Conference.

High school/middle school/elementary school ag teachers are not eligible for this award.

Teacher should have a close partnership with their local Farm Bureau.

If interested in applying, contact your local Farm Bureau office. Visit www.gfb.ag/contact to find your county Farm Bureau’s contact information.

Applications must be submitted online. Visit www.gfb.ag/teacheraward for more information & to apply.

2024 National AITC Conference June 24 – 27/ Salt Lake City, UT Visit www.agclassroom.org/conference for more information & to register.

Georgia Farm Bureau Educational Program Coordinator Lauren Goble may be reached at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5135. Visit www.gfb.ag/AITC for the latest AITC news & for resources to teach children how their food is grown.

Carroll County teacher Samantha Camp, second from right, is the 2023 Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. GFB President Tom McCall, right, Georgia EMC Public Relations Representative Andy Paul and Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Executive Director Lily Baucom present the award to Camp. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

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