January 6, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 1
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU BOARD APPROVES 2021 PRIORITY ISSUES During its December meeting, the Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors approved its set of priority issues for 2021. The GFB Board is not limited to these issues, but the priority issues are topics that have come to the board’s attention and merit specific attention in the coming year. The 2021 priority issues are Natural Resources & Environment, Animal Agriculture, Taxes & Budget and General Ag Issues. Here are some key points of interest in the topic areas: Natural Resources & Environment • Preserve and protect the right of privately-owned land to be used for agriculture and from urban encroachment, unreasonable regulation, and frivolous legal action, especially when in a historically designated agriculture zone; • Work to ensure water policy and regulations do not adversely affect agricultural water supply so Georgia farmers remain competitive with producers from neighboring states; • Ensure adequate resources are readily available for producers severely impacted by natural disasters. Animal Agriculture • Enhance safe, reliable consumer access to agricultural products through new market opportunities and supply chains; • Assist livestock producers who have been unfairly targeted by frivolous legal challenges; • Limit regulation of animal agriculture at the farm level; • Provide education to consumers on animal agriculture, while protecting producers from false information and misguided sensitivities. Taxes & Budget • Advocate for funding of agricultural institutions, agencies, youth development programs, and their essential staff to meet industry needs; • Protect the integrity of the Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) and Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA) programs from changes that would jeopardize the future of the program or undermine their original intent; • Provide parity and consistency for ad valorem tax exemptions on agricultural property in a way that reflects the modern tax structures of farms but maintains the provision’s original intent; • Preserve sales tax exemptions of farm inputs through active maintenance of the Georgia -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 15 Continued from previous page Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) program; • Serve as an educational resource to farm businesses navigating complex tax regulations and programs. General Agriculture Issues • Advocate for balanced and equal representation of rural communities through the redistricting process; • Update Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission rules to allow for a more efficient use of producer funds; • Promote secure, clear election procedures that enhance voter integrity, while ensuring only legally registered citizens are allowed to vote and close scrutiny of absentee ballots; • Ensure that new technologies remain available while promoting their responsible use. SECOND COVID-19 STIMULUS BILL PROVIDES $13 BILLION FOR AG PROGRAMS After months of negotiations, Congress on Dec. 21 passed a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package with much-needed financial relief for agricultural producers, funding for food assistance programs, enhancements to the Paycheck Protection Program and funding for expanded broadband access, as well as additional financial resources for agricultural research and farmer stress assistance programs, among other things. The package provides an estimated $13 billion directly to agricultural programs, with $300 million allocated to the Commerce Department for assistance to fisheries. An article from American Farm Bureau Federation economists highlights many of the direct agricultural provisions in the bill. Here are some key provisions in the bill. The bill provides $11.2 billion to the USDA to support agricultural producers, processors, and contract growers impacted by coronavirus, including: • Supporting producers of non-specialty crops (corn, wheat, etc.) by providing a payment in the amount of $20 per planted acre of such commodities. This payment is a supplement to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) which only covered 80% of the price loss due to coronavirus impacts on a portion of the crop marketing for each commodity (40% for corn); • Specialty crop producers can include crop insurance indemnities and disaster payments in their 2019 sales, which was the basis for determining the amount of support under CFAP 2, or by substituting 2018 sales; • Indemnifies losses for producers who had to depopulate their animals due to insufficient processing capacity at a rate of 80% of the fair market value of the animal plus the cost to depopulate, after accounting for other support producers received under EQIP or from the states; • Provides an inventory top-up payment to cattle producers to address a portion of the gap in support provided by both CFAP 1 and CFAP 2 to producers who sold cattle before April 15 and those who sold after; • Supports up to 80% of lost revenue for contract growers who were affected by canceled or delayed contracts; • Supports textile mills which are the primary domestic users of cotton and have seen retail -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 15 Continued from previous page clothing sales significantly impacted by coronavirus stay at home orders; • Provides support for animal disease prevention and response capacity; • Allows the Agriculture Secretary to extend the term of marketing loans by three months, providing producers additional time to repay; • Provides resources for additional commodity and food purchases and grants/loans for additional assistance for producers, processors, and other agricultural entities to respond to coronavirus, including measures to protect workers; • Gives discretion to the Agriculture Secretary to support timber harvesting and hauling businesses; • Allows the Secretary to account for price differentiation (i.e. higher prices for organics) when calculating assistance; • Gives discretion to the Secretary to support domestic biofuels producers; • Directs the Secretary to provide additional assistance to producers of specialty crops, livestock and dairy that had payments under CFAP 1 and 2 reduced by arbitrary payment caps, leaving significant losses uncovered by the original programs. Additional provisions delivered by the Department of Agriculture: • Support for the Specialty Crop Block Grants Program, the Local Agriculture Market Program, the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Program, and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentives Program; • Support for the Agricultural Research Service to address gaps in nutrition research. • Supplemental coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage program for dairies under 5 million pounds that have production left uncovered by the current safety net; • Establishes a Dairy Donation Program for dairy organizations that establish a partnership with a non-profit distributor and provides $400 million for reimbursement of donated dairy products to the partner non-profit distributor; •Establishes a livestock statutory dealer trust to give unpaid sellers of livestock priority in collecting receivables in the event of a dealer default. • Establishes a grant program for small meat and poultry processors to upgrade operations in order to move to federal inspection or a state inspection program that allows for the sale of products across state lines. • Establishes a grant program to allow state departments of agriculture to supplement ongoing farm stress initiatives. • Includes funding to offset the loss resulting from the coronavirus pandemic of quarantine and inspection fees collected to ensure agriculture quarantine inspection activities continue. For more details on the stimulus bill and other funding measures passed by Congress, visit https://gfb.ag/AFBFC19stimsum.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 15 GFB AWARDS HARVEST 20 RESEARCH GRANTS In 2020, Georgia Farm Bureau awarded $119,830 in research grants to seven University of Georgia scientists and their research teams to address eight production and economic issues affecting Georgia farmers. Most research projects were to be completed by Dec. 31, 2020. Recipients of GFB’s Harvest 20 Research grants were Dr. Sudeep Bag, Dr. Timothy Coolong, Dr. Apurba Barman, Dr. Phingsheng Ji, Dr. Adam Rabinowitz, Dr. Tommie Shepherd and Dr. Lawton Stewart. “In 2017, Georgia Farm Bureau announced our ‘Harvest 20 Vision’ as a plan for our organization to lead the way in Georgia agriculture,” said recently retired GFB President Gerald Long. “Part of that vision was for Georgia Farm Bureau to financially support agricultural research in our state to address problems our farmers experience in their fields and with their livestock. As federal and state funds for ag research decline, it’s our job to step up and join other ag organizations to support research that benefits Georgia farmers.” A review committee selected these eight research projects to receive GFB grants: Epidemiology & Impact of Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Disease in Georgia Principal investigator Dr. Bag Antiparasitic Drug Use in Weaned Calves to Increase Producers’ Profitability Principal investigator Dr. Stewart Using Advanced Molecular Methods to Manage Fusarium Wilt in Watermelon Principal investigator Dr. Ji Analysis of Georgia Farm Bankruptcies Principal investigator Dr. Rabinowitz Hemp Variety Evaluation in Georgia Principal investigator Dr. Coolong Documenting Weed Species that Support Silverleaf Whitefly in South Georgia Principal investigator Dr. Barman Real-time Detection of Irrigation Water Contamination by Phytopthora Capsici Principal investigator Dr. Ji Development of Georgia Agribusiness, Farming & Resource Modeling Systems (GAFARMS) Principal investigator Dr. Shepherd 2020 was the third year GFB awarded research grants to Georgia researchers who are tackling problems Georgia farmers are experiencing on their operations. Since 2018, GFB has awarded a total of $255,620 in research grants that have addressed beef, blueberry, cotton, fruit and pecan tree, soybean, vegetable, and poultry production issues. GFB YF&R WINNERS GEARING UP FOR AFBF NATIONAL COMPETITION Jacob and Emily Nolan of Wayne County, Dr. Ashley Yopp of Tift County and Melissa Mathis of Monroe County, the winners of the three Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events, are scheduled to participate in the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) competitive events, which will be held virtually during the AFBF Virtual Convention Jan. 10-13. The Nolans won the 2020 YF&R Achievement Award, given to recognize young farmers who -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 15 Continued from previous page derive their earnings primarily from production agriculture. As the state winners, the Nolans receive $500 and a farm sign sponsored by AgSouth Farm Credit and a John Deere ATV with trailer sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. The Nolans operate a diversified farm that includes cotton, peanuts, wheat, corn, cattle, pecans, fruit and timber. Yopp, an assistant professor of agricultural leadership, education and communications at UGA’s Tifton Campus, won the GFB 2020 YF&R Discussion Meet, which is designed to mimic a committee meeting in which individuals seek solutions to specific issues. Yopp claimed the top prize of $500 and a John Deere two-seat ATV with trailer, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. Mathis, the Monroe County Farm Bureau vice president, won the competition for the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes ag professionals - who earn most of their income from off-farm jobs – for their Farm Bureau involvement and ag advocacy efforts. Mathis receives a $500 award and a two-seat John Deere ATV with trailer sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. She operates three farm/feed stores and is an active ag advocate in her community. The national winners of each AFBF contest will win a new Ford vehicle (up to a value of $35,000). The national second -place winner of each contest receives a Case IH Farmall 50A, courtesy of Case IH. The national third place winner of each contest earns a Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet & top chest and $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH, a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize, courtesy of American Farm Bureau Insurance Services, Inc. (AFBIS) plus $1,850 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise (PROTO, DeWalt, Stanley, Lenox & Irwin), courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. The national fourth place winners get a Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet & top chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH. Meanwhile, AFBF is accepting registration for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention and unveiled the lineup of featured speakers including TV personality Mike Rowe, Navy SEAL Commander Rorke Denver and Land ‘O Lakes President and CEO Beth Ford. For the first time ever, registration fees are being waived to give all Farm Bureau members and anyone interested in agriculture the opportunity to experience one of agriculture’s premier events from the comfort and safety of home. This open invitation is a rare opportunity to attend the American Farm Bureau convention free of charge simply by registering. Registration will provide access to live sessions as well as special on demand programs focused on hot topics in agriculture. Featured live events include Duvall’s annual address, the Ag Innovation Challenge, Young Farmers & Ranchers competitions, Foundation Night In with special musical performances by Sara Evans and Phil Vassar and workshops focused on what farmers and ranchers need to know in 2021. View the full agenda at https://gfb.ag/21afbfconvsked and register for free https://gfb.ag/21afbfregister.
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 15 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU NAMES COMMODITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) recently named the members of its 2021 commodity advisory committees, which give input on their specific crops to help GFB develop its policy stances. Each committee member was nominated by a county Farm Bureau president and serves a oneyear term. GFB committees usually consist of one member per GFB District when possible. Since some commodities aren’t produced in all GFB districts, committees may consist of multiple members from the same districts. The members of the commodity advisory committees are: Aquaculture – 1st District, Terry Bramlett, Fannin County, chairman; 6th District Kim Edge, Treutlen County, vice chairwoman; 2nd District, Steven Patrick, Habersham County; 3rd District, Travis Henry, Douglas County; 5th District, Ralph Adamson, Lamar County; 8th District, Brian Simmons, Pulaski County. Beef cattle – 3rd District Chuck Joiner, Carroll County, chairman; 5th District, Rodney Hilley, Pike County, vice chairman; 1st District, John Howard, Walker County; 2nd District, Colt Hart, Franklin County; 4th District, Ken Boss, Walton County; 6th District, Cecil Graham, Laurens County; 7th District, David Cromley, Bulloch County; 8th District, Matt Berry, Sumter County; 9th District, Justin Long, Decatur County; 10th District, Parrish Akens, Berrien County. Cotton – District 9, David Holton, Mitchell County, chairman; 8th District, Rodney Dawson, Pulaski County, vice chairman; 1st District, Garrett Hurley, Chattooga County; 2nd District, Rick Wansley, Elbert County; 5th District, Jon Davis Huffmaster, Taylor County; 6th District, Chip Roche, Laurens County; 6th District, Jerry Wooten, Jeff Davis County; 7th District, John Douglas Newton, Bulloch County; 9th District, Johnny Dunn, Tift County; Cory Johnson10th District, Bacon County. Dairy – 5th District, Joel Keith, Troup County, Chairman; 6th District, Judd Chambers, Jones County, vice chairman; 2nd District, William Crump, Habersham County; 2nd District, Matthew London, White County; 4th District, Jan Davison, Greene County; 4th District, Albert Hale, Oconee County; 4th District, Jay Moon, Morgan County; 5th District, Kenneth Murphy, Meriwether County; 7th District, Jimmy Franks, Burke County; 9th District, Matt Johnson, Decatur County. Direct Marketing/Agritourism – 6th District, Bridget Hitchcock, Washington County, chairwoman; 3rd District, Jake Carter, Henry County, vice chairman; 1st District, Lanier Warbington, Forsyth County; 2nd District, Michelle McClain, Habersham County; 4th District, Jim Steed, Columbia County; 4th District, Mark Rodgers, McDuffie County; 5th District, Corey Wargofcak, Meriwether County; 7th District, Becca Creasy, Bulloch County; 9th District, Kelli Long, Decatur County; 10th District, Jennifer McMillan, Berrien County. Environmental Horticulture – 3rd District, Mark Porter, Fayette County, chairman; 3rd District, Charles Berry, Newton County, vice chairman; 1st District, Andy Kennemore, Forsyth County; 4th District, Will Ross, Oconee County; 5th District, David Ridgeway, Butts County; 5th District, Gray Riner, Pike County; 6th District, Craig Dominy, Dodge County; 7th District, Kaye Usher, Toombs County; 9th District, Ashley Fowler, Brooks County; 10th District, Rickey Boyd, Berrien -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 15 Continued from previous page County. Equine – 9th District, Gary Walker, Tift County, chairman; 5th District, Darryl Landreth, Troup County, Vice Chairman; 1st District, Molly Childs, Cherokee County; 2nd District, Lauren Dye, Elbert County; 3rd District, Laury Smith, Polk County; 4th District, Jan Templeton, Richmond County; 4th District, Lucy Ray, Jasper County; 5th District, Chanda Thompson, Lamar County; 6th District, Danny Hogan, Laurens County; 8th District, James V. Wood Jr., Wilcox County. Feedgrain/Soybean – 4th District, Jesse Patrick, Putnam County, chairman; 8th District, Joe King, Clay County, vice chairman; 1st District, Alan Scoggins, Walker County; 2nd District, Bren Stone, Hart County; 3rd District, Larry Parrott, South Fulton County; 6th District, Jonathan Hitchcock, Washington County; 6th District, Hugh Veal, Johnson County; 7th District, Danny Sapp, Toombs County; 9th District, Daniel Morrell, Mitchell County; 10th District, Winston Brogdon, Berrien County. Forestry – 5th District, John Mixon, Pike County, chairman; 1st District, John Davis, Whitfield County, vice chairman; 2nd District, Carlton Smith, Lumpkin County; 3rd District, Richard Whitten, Carroll County; 4th District, Lois Schell, Putnam County; 6th District, Kevin Malone, Laurens County; 7th District, Benny Jeffers, Screven County; 8th District, Leonard Kinsley, Houston County; 9th District, Casey Cox, Mitchell County; 10th District, William White, Atkinson County. Fruit – 10th District, Tim McMillan, Berrien County; chairman; 3rd District, Stephanie MinterAdamek, Fayette County, vice chairwoman; 1st District, Tim Mercier, Fannin County; 3rd District, Kevin Mitcham, Newton County; 5th District, Terry Batchelor, Pike County; 6th District, William Moses, Laurens County; 7th District, Aries Haygood, Toombs County; 8th District, Eric Gibbs, Wilcox County; 9th District, Matt Carter, Brooks County; 10th District, Brandon Wade, Bacon County. Goats & Sheep – Chairman Will Cabe, 2nd District, Franklin County; Vice Chairman Charles Batten, 6th District, Washington County; 1st District, Greg Phillips, Whitfield County; 2nd District, Greg Gilman, Jackson County & Nathan Nix, White County; 3rd District, Robert Furr, Polk County; 4th District, Tucker West, Taliaferro County; 5th District, Marty Moncrief, Crawford County & Durward Smith, Pike County; 7th District, Johnny Jones, Toombs County. Hay – Chairman Dexter Shearouse, 7th District, Chatham County; Vice Chairman Harry Thompson, 9th District, Colquitt County; 1st District, Don Keeter, Cherokee County; 2nd District, Paul Seabolt, White County; 3rd District, Doug Smith, Carroll County; 4th District, Dene Channell, Greene County; 5th District, Bill Cline, Coweta County; 6th District, Jamie Tate, Jeff Davis County; 8th District, James Gaston, Sumter County; 10th District, Corey Tyre, Bacon County. Honeybees – Chairman Ben Bruce, 10th District, Clinch County; Vice Chairman Keith Fielder, 4th District, Putnam County; 1st District, B.J. Weeks, Cherokee County; 2nd District, Virginia Webb, Habersham County; 3rd District, Brian Higgins, Cobb County; 5th District, Jonathan Nixon, Crawford County; 6th District, John Pluta, Baldwin County; 7th District, Heather Davis, Toombs County; 8th District, Jesse McCurdy, Houston County; 9th District, Gary Rentz, Brooks -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 15 Continued from previous page County. Peanuts – Chairman John Harrell, 9th District, Grady County; Vice Chairman Robert Curry, 10th District, Berrien County; 5th District, William “Dee” Martin IV, Crawford County; 6th District, Rocky Nobles, Twiggs County; 7th District, Brad Edenfield, Burke County; 8th District, Christopher Martin, Pulaski County & Michael David Selph, Wilcox County; 9th District, Andy Bell, Decatur County & Wes Shannon, Tift County; 10th District, Jared Howell, Cook County. Pecans – Chairman Garrett Ganas, 10th District, Ware County; Vice Chairman Brad Ellis, 8th District, Dooly County; 2nd District, Danny Brooks, Habersham County, 3rd District, Paul Jones, Sr., Clayton County; 4th District, Jim Markley, Morgan County; 6th District, Mark Cook, Washington County; 7th District, Charles James, Toombs County; 8th District, R.G. Lamar, Pulaski County; 9th District, James Exum, Brooks County & Sammy Perkins, Grady County. Poultry – Chairman Steven Green, 5th District, Spalding County; Vice Chairman Bobby Barber, 9th District, Decatur County; 1st District, Darrell Jones, Gilmer County; 2nd District, Clay Black, Stephens County & Thomas Harrell, Madison County; 3rd District, Lawrence Shadix, Carroll County; 4th District, Jackie Copelan, Greene County; 6th District, Derick Wooten, Jeff Davis County; 8th District, Wes Hopper, Wilcox County; 10th District, Walt Pridgen, Coffee County. Swine – Chairman Terry Danforth, 10th District, Berrien County; Vice Chairman Bill Waldrep, 5th District, Monroe County; 1st District, Frank Wright, Gilmer County; 2nd District, Matt Anderson, Habersham County; 8th District, Dania Devane, Randolph County; 9th District, Alan Davis, Decatur County & Andrew Thompson, Brooks County. Tobacco - Chairman Fred Wetherington, 10th District, Lowndes County; Vice Chairman Tim Crosby, 9th District, Brooks County; 7th District, Chance Callaway, Evans County; 10th District, Bo Corbett, Echols County. Vegetables – Chairman Brad Calhoun, 8th District, Turner County; Vice Chairman Brian Robinson, 9th District, Brooks County; 1st District, Andy Futch, Gilmer County & William Smith Jr. Bartow County; 2nd District, Chris Cleveland, Habersham County; 3rd District, Demetrius Milling, Rockdale/DeKalb Counties; 6th District, Jamie Gay, Telfair County; 7th District, Mitchell Pittman, Toombs County; 8th District, Ken Daniel, Sumter County; 9th District, Glenn Heard, Decatur County. Water – Chairman Lee Webster, 7th District, Burke County; Vice Chairman Bubba Johnson, 9th District, Mitchell County; 1st District, William Grizzle, Cherokee County; 2nd District, Jerry Boling, Banks County; 3rd District, Tim Thoms, Fayette County; 4th District, John Redding, Walton County; 5th District, Barry Peters, Monroe County; 6th District, Jerry Newby, Bleckley County; 8th District, Ross Kendrick, Turner County; 10th District, Steve Dixon, Berrien County. Eight GFB members also serve on American Farm Bureau Federation Issue Advisory Committees: Tim McMillan, Berrien County, Agricultural Labor; Jake Carter, Henry County, Energy; Eddie Green, Dooly County, Environmental Regulations; Casey Cox, Mitchell County, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 15 Continued from previous page Farm Policy; John Mixon, Pike County, Federal Lands; Brad Calhoun, Turner County, Food Safety; Garrett Ganas, Ware County, Organic and Direct Marketing; and Wesley Porter, Tift County, Technology. KEMP APPOINTS LOWRIMORE TO HEAD GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Georgia forestry veteran Timothy M. Lowrimore to serve as state forester and director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Following a swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 21, 2020, at the state capitol, Lowrimore will assume his new duties on Jan. 16. “It is especially fitting that Tim Lowrimore rejoins the GFC family in the year of our agency’s centennial,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Chairman Larry Spillers. “Tim is a UGA grad who began his career as a forester at GFC. Since then, he has held a number of leadership positions with a diverse group of public and private forest industry partners. He will be instrumental in setting the tone for 2021 and guiding GFC into the next 100 years.” Lowrimore is a registered forester with the Georgia Board of Foresters. He has more than 20 years of forestry and professional experience. Most recently, he served as public affairs manager for Interfor, one of the largest lumber producers in the world. There, he worked with all levels of government regulatory agencies and community and economic development officials to promote and protect operations and sustainability initiatives. Lowrimore was a senior account executive at Davis-Garvin Insurance Agency, servicing a national portfolio of forestry business; resource manager of Eastern Forest Resources at Rayonier; and director of forest policy at the Georgia Forestry Commission, after rising from forester to senior forester at the agency. Lowrimore has served several professional organizations and has been recognized for numerous achievements. He is current chairman of the Georgia Paper and Forest Products Association and was treasurer for two years. He is a Society of American Foresters Fellow who served on its National Policy Committee for four years, Georgia Forestry Association member, and was Chairman of the Georgia Forestry Foundation in 2016. Lowrimore was Southeastern Division Chairman of the Society of American Foresters in 2014, its Georgia State Chair in 2009 and its Ocmulgee Chapter Chair in 2005. He has also served on the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources’ Deans Advisory Committee, and is a UGA Warnell Jay Hole Society member and past chair. Lowrimore and his wife, Wendi, have two daughters. The family lives in Macon. For more information about the Georgia Forestry Commission, its history, mission and services, visit www.GaTrees.org.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 15 AG FORECAST, MAJOR COMMODITY MEETINGS REWORKED DUE TO COVID-19 The 2021 Georgia Ag Forecast, 2021 Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting and the Georgia Peanut Farm Show have all made scheduling changes out of concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Georgia Ag Forecast, which ordinarily makes stops at multiple locations around the state, will instead be held virtually on Jan. 29. Georgia Farm Bureau is a sponsor for this annual seminar, which is free to attend for 2021. Ag Forecast shares the latest research and information from UGA faculty to help farmers and agribusinesses in Georgia's No. 1 industry. Keynote topics are agritourism and the impact of COVID-19 on Georgia farmers. Breakout sessions will cover livestock and poultry, cotton, peanuts grains and oilseeds, green industry and vegetables; fruits and tree nuts; and forestry and land taxation. To register, visit https://agforecast.caes.uga.edu/. The 2021 Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual format on Jan. 27. The UGA Cotton Production Workshops held in conjunction with the GCC Annual Meeting will be held virtually, as well, but spread over multiple dates in January and February. The meeting program, will feature speakers from several industry organizations: • Darryl Earnest, Agricultural Marketing Service – Cotton & Tobacco Program deputy administrator; • Dr. Ed Barnes, Senior Director, Agricultural & Environmental Research, Cotton Incorporated; • Bart Davis, Chairman, Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of Georgia; • Alan Lowman, Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of Georgia executive director; • Dr. Phillip Roberts, Extension Entomologist, University of Georgia; • Matt Coley, U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol director/producer; • Tom McCall, Georgia Farm Bureau president. Following the annual meeting speakers, the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards for the 2020 crop will be awarded. The meeting is not only for cotton growers, but anyone interested in the cotton industry. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested. Register online at www.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu or call (229) 386-3416. The Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, originally scheduled for Jan. 20-21 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, has been postponed until January 2022. The show, which hosted more than 1,600 attendees in 2020, offers farmers the opportunity to fine-tune their operation and visit with more than 100 industry exhibitors. Awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the United States are also presented at the event. The award recipients selected for the 2021 show will be recognized at the January 2022 event. GPC encourages farmers to participate in 2021 county production meetings via UGA Cooperative Extension in preparation for the 2021 season. Visit www.gapeanuts.com to stay upto-date on the activities of the Georgia Peanut Commission and latest industry news. The Georgia/Florida Soybean/Small Grain Expo, which typically takes place in January, has been canceled for 2021.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 15 USDA, HHS RELEASE 2020-2025 DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS On Dec. 29, 2020, the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2020-2025, the two departments announced in a joint press release. Updated every five years, the guidelines provide science-based recommendations designed to foster healthy dietary patterns for Americans of all ages – from birth through older adults. For the first time, DGA includes recommended healthy dietary patterns for infants and toddlers. The guidelines are designed for use by healthcare professionals and policy makers for outreach to the general public and provide the nutritional foundation for federal nutrition programs. The dietary guidelines should not be considered clinical guidelines for the treatment of disease. The new guidelines build on the previous editions and were informed by the scientific report developed by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, along with comments from the public and input from federal agencies. According to USDA and HHS, the guidelines provide the public with the most up-to-date evidence on dietary behaviors that promote health and may help prevent chronic disease. Steeped in scientific evidence, the key recommendations look similar to those of the past and address two topics that garnered much attention throughout the development of the guidelines – added sugars and alcoholic beverages. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 carried forward the committee’s emphasis on limiting these dietary components, but did not include changes to quantitative recommendations, as there was not a preponderance of evidence in the material the committee reviewed to support specific changes, as required by law. As in previous editions, limited intake of these two food components is encouraged. In fact, this sentiment remains prominent throughout the policy document and complements the four overarching guidelines, which encourage Americans to “Make Every Bite Count” by: • Following a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage; • Customizing and enjoying nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations; • Focusing on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages from five food groups – vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy and fortified soy alternatives, and proteins – and staying within calorie limits; • Limiting foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limiting alcoholic beverages. For consumers, USDA’s MyPlate translates and packages these principles of dietary guidance for Americans in a way that is handy and accessible. To share these messages broadly, USDA offers the Start Simple with MyPlate campaign and a new MyPlate website to help individuals, families, and communities make healthy food choices that are easy, accessible, and affordable, in addition to helping prevent chronic disease. For more information, please visit www.myplate.gov.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 15 U.S. BLUEBERRY GROWERS FORM ALLIANCE TO SEEK IMPORT REMEDIES Blueberry growers across America announced Dec. 16 the establishment of a new coalition, the American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA), to seek relief from rising imports that are harming their businesses. The ABGA will provide information and support to an ongoing U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into the serious injury caused by increased imports of fresh, chilled and frozen blueberries under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974. Blueberry imports are sourced from several countries in the Western Hemisphere. Imports rose by more than 60% between 2015 and 2019. Imports from Peru and Mexico have increased by 1,258 and 268% during that same period, respectively, driving blueberry prices down by double digits, which has had a devastating impact on the domestic blueberry industry. ABGA members are asking for bipartisan support from the U.S. government and Congress to use existing trade laws to remedy the injury to U.S. growers, support hard-working blueberry farmers, and preserve and enhance a U.S.-grown blueberry supply. The Alliance is also warning that in addition to injuring domestic businesses and livelihoods, rising imports expose American consumers to products from countries with poor food safety protocols. “We have been telling Washington about unfair trade practices for years,” said Jerome Crosby, CEO of Pineneedle Farms in Georgia and head of the ABGA steering committee. “Our family farms continue to be harmed by a flood of blueberry imports. We need relief and for our leaders to stand with American growers.” “Many family farms have become a casualty of rising imports and are being forced out of commercial production as other countries increase production to deliberately target the U.S. market,” said Brittany Lee, executive director of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. “If something is not done, we will lose the blueberry industry in the United States.” The ABGA includes blueberry growers in Georgia, Florida, Michigan and California. The ABGA recently received support from a coalition of 32 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the congressional members said: “The significant surge of imports of blueberries in recent years, the timing of such imports during U.S. harvest periods, the extremely low pricing of the imports, and the targeting of the U.S. blueberry market by foreign exporters has had a devastating impact on the blueberry industry. As the commission develops the evidentiary record in this case, it will be clear that imports are a substantial cause of serious injury to farmers. We urge the commission to promptly make an affirmative determination in this regard.” The ITC plans to hold hearings in early 2021 and then deliver a report on blueberry injury and remedies to the White House. Under Section 203, the president then determines what action to take. To support this investigation, Alliance members are providing data and evidence on how blueberry imports are impacting their production, pricing and marketing activities, especially during the critical U.S. spring and summer harvesting seasons. American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) is a national association representing blueberry growers and farmers in the United States. ABGA provides a unified voice for blueberry growers in states across the country, including California, Florida, Georgia and Michigan, advocating on behalf of their interests and for the long-term viability of the domestic blueberry industry.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 15 GEORGIA FARMERS ASKED TO RESPOND TO FOLLOW-UP COVID-19 SURVEY Jan. 15 deadline to participate The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of American life. In an effort to get a more complete understanding of how Georgia farmers have been affected, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and UGA’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED) are jointly offering a follow-up survey to collect information on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting Georgia farms. In May 2020, GFA, GFB and CAED polled more than 850 producers, asking them to describe the early impacts of the disease on agriculture in Georgia. The follow-up survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Agricultural producers located in the state of Georgia are encouraged to complete the survey, which may be completed only once for each farm/ranch operation. The deadline to complete the survey is Jan. 15. Names of farms or individuals will not be recorded for each survey record completed. All information will be kept strictly confidential. For more information, contact Vanessa P. Shonkwiler by calling 706542-9811 or emailing V.Shonkwiler@uga.edu. Questions or concerns about your rights as a research participant to this survey should be directed to the chairperson of the University of Georgia Institutional Review Board by calling 706-542-3199 or emailing irb@uga.edu.
2021 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 18-20 Savannah Riverfront Marriott
Savannah
This “must attend” dairy event provides producers and businesses the chance to network with each other and industry leaders. Dairymen from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, New York and Virginia have attended this conference in the past. Visit www.gadairyconference.com for complete details about the exciting lineup of conference speakers and to register. Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. staff is working to ensure safety protocols are in place to minimize the spread of germs at the event. Masks will be mandatory as the City of Savannah has an ordinance requiring their use. The Savannah Riverfront Marriott is offering room rates at $137. Reservation deadline for rooms is Dec. 27. Individuals should call the hotel at 800285-0398 for reservations. We are closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation and will follow the advice and recommendations of the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Governor of Georgia. CROP INSURANCE DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR TOMATOES, PECANS Jan. 31 deadline to apply Georgia fresh market tomato and pecan producers have until Jan. 31 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to existing coverage for the 2021 crop year. Coverage for fresh market tomatoes is available for growers in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Mitchell, Seminole and Tift counties. Pecan coverage is available in select counties Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2021 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers by visiting the RMA agent locator at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 15 USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM Jan. 31, 2021 deadline to apply The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program provides full tuition, fees, books, room/board & a summer internship to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. When the student has completed the academic & summer work requirements of the scholarship, USDA may convert the student to a permanent employee without further competition. To apply, visit https://gfb.ag/USDA1890scholarsapp. UGA 28TH GENETICALLY ENHANCED EPDs SALE Feb. 11 noon online only The UGA 28th Edition Focus on Genetically Enhanced EPDs sale will be conducted through LiveAuctions.tv2.0. The sale includes 52 Angus bulls, two Hereford bulls, one SimAngus bull, one registered Angus heifer and 10 Angus and Angus-cross commercial heifers. Contact Carroll T. Cannon at 229-881-0721, 229-881-2705 or CannonMarketingCompany@gmail.com for more information. FARM BUREAU ART & ESSAY CONTESTS Feb. 26, 2021 deadline to submit entries to county offices County Farm Bureau chapters across the state are accepting entries to the 2021 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Middle School Essay and High School Art Contests. GFB’s Certified Farm Markets are the focus of both contests. Middle school students entering the essay contest are being asked to discuss how GFB Certified Farm Markets and agritourism in general benefit farmers and consumers. High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting one of the almost 80 GFB Certified Farm Markets located across Georgia. Students may enter the contests in the county in which they live or attend school but not both. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. County Farm Bureau contest winners will be entered in GFB district competition. All entries must be officially submitted by a county Farm Bureau to the Georgia Farm Bureau home office. All entries must be received at local county Farm Bureau offices by Feb. 26, 2021; county Farm Bureaus must submit their county winners to GFB for state judging by March 12, 2021. Visit www.gfb.ag/21artcontest or www.gfb.ag/21essaycontest for contest details. GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who enter the GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 15 DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.