January 9, 2020
www.gfb.org
Vol. 2 No. 1
LOEFFLER MEETS WITH GFB LEADERS, APPOINTED TO AG COMMITTEE On Jan. 3, Sen. Kelly Loeffler discussed Hurricane Michael and disaster assistance, international trade and immigration reform with Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long, GFB Public Policy Director Jeffrey Harvey and GFB National Affairs Counsel Tripp Cofield in Atlanta. Loeffler was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on Jan. 6, filling the seat formerly occupied by Johnny Isakson, who retired for health reasons. “Sen. Loeffler’s parents and brother are members of the Illinois Farm Bureau. She meet me at the elevator, eager to talk with us about Georgia agriculture and what Georgia Farm Bureau is doing,” Long said. “Our organization looks forward to working with Sen. Loeffler to ensure the concerns of Georgia’s farmers are taken into account as she considers federal policy. We will be glad to serve as a resource on agricultural topics for her regarding how proposed legislation may affect Georgia farmers.” With Isakson’s departure at the end of 2019, committee assignments for Georgia’s two senators have been shuffled. David Perdue announced he will serve on the Senate Armed Services, Banking, Budget, and Foreign Relations committees for the remainder of the 116th Congress, which ends in December. Loeffler will assume Perdue’s seat on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, according to a release from Perdue’s office. “Growing up on the family farm, I understand the vital importance of agriculture to our state, and the issues facing rural communities and local businesses firsthand,” Loeffler said. “On the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will stand with our farmers, advance pro-growth policies, and proudly promote our Georgia Grown products. I will work around the clock to keep America growing.” While Perdue will no longer be on the Ag Committee, he said he would continue working on Capitol Hill as an advocate for the state’s farmers. “Georgia is leading the way on agriculture nationally with Secretary Perdue at the helm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Historically, Georgia has also had strong representation on the Senate Agriculture Committee, and that will not change,” Perdue said. “Kelly Loeffler and I will work closely with Georgia’s farmers and producers to ensure their voices are heard in the United States Senate. Together, we will continue to fight for farm families and rural communities.”
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 11 BEN CAGLE NAMED TO AFBF YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS COMMITTEE Cherokee County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Chairman Ben Cagle has been appointed as one of seven new members of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) YF&R Committee for the 2020-2022 term, which begins in March. Cagle and his wife, Vicki, chaired the Georgia Farm Bureau YF&R Committee in 2019. The YF&R Committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or couple may hold each committee appointment. Committee members are responsible for program planning, which includes the coordination of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s Annual Convention each January and the Harvest for All program. National committee members are nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. Learn more online: Young Farmers & Ranchers, www.fb.org/programs/young-farmers-and-ranchers/. YF&R WINNERS HEAD TO TEXAS FOR NATIONAL COMPETITION AT AFBF Georgia Farm Bureau’s Preston and Kendall Jimmerson, Rachel and Jason Kinsaul and Kaitlyn Marchant have set their sights on Austin, Texas, where they’ll compete for national prizes during the 2020 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, which takes place Jan. 17-21. The Jimmersons are in the running for the national Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award. The Kinsauls will compete for the YF&R Excellence in Ag Award. Marchant is a contestant in the discussion meet contest. The prizes in each competition: 1st Place - A new Ford vehicle ($35,000 maximum value) & paid registration to the 2020 AFBF YF&R Leadership Conference, courtesy of Ford; 2nd Place a Case IH Farmall 50A, courtesy of Case IH; 3rd Place - Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet & top chest; $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH + $2,200 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise (PROTO, DeWalt, Stanley, Lenox & Irwin), courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker; and 4th Place - Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet & top chest; $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH. The Jimmersons, from Colquitt County, recently completed a two-year stint on the GFB YF&R Committee. They produce approximately 1,600 acres of cotton, 475 acres of peanuts, 200 acres of corn and double-crop spring and fall cabbage on about 180 acres. The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. The Kinsauls, from Morgan County, are perfect examples of why Farm Bureau offers the Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes young professionals who work in the ag sector, display a deep appreciation for farming and passionately promote agriculture. Rachel is an ag teacher/ FFA advisor at Morgan County High School. Jason is an ag lender for Rabo Agrifinance working with clients in Southeastern states. Marchant, also a Morgan County Farm Bureau member, takes on state winners from across the country in the Discussion Meet, during which contestants participate in a county-commission style discussion of an assigned topic important to agriculture. Marchant teaches with Rachel Kinsaul at Morgan County High School.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 11 FARM BUREAU SEEKS ENTRIES FOR ART AND ESSAY CONTESTS County Farm Bureau chapters across the state are accepting entries to the 2020 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Middle School Essay Contest and High School Art Contest. The deadline for entries in both contests to be received in the GFB home office is Feb. 28. The essay contest is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students who are being asked to write about the relationship between farmers and the soil, water and trees on their farms. The contest is open to students attending public or private schools and home-schooled children. Students may enter in the county in which they live or attend school but not both. The 10 GFB district winners of the essay contest will receive $100 each. The state winner will receive an additional $150. To enter, click here or contact your local county Farm Bureau office. All entries must be submitted by a county Farm Bureau to GFB. The 2020 GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in 9th through 12th grades. Finished artwork must be on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper and should be created in the colors black, white and gray. Contestants may use a variety of media to create their artwork including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, pen-and-ink, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Entries are limited to one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible. Drawings will be judged on 1) how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in the artist’s county or Georgia and 2) artistic merit. To enter the contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and contest rules. County Farm Bureau contest winners will be entered in GFB district competition. The district winner will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. Two runners-up will each receive $150 cash. All entries must be officially submitted by a county Farm Bureau to the Georgia Farm Bureau home office. Students must be willing to allow Georgia Farm Bureau to reprint copies of their drawings. The winning artwork becomes the property of Georgia Farm Bureau and will be printed in a calendar distributed by Georgia Farm Bureau to promote agriculture. For more information, click here or contact your county Farm Bureau office. The Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee coordinates both contests. CROP INSURANCE DEADLINES NEAR FOR GA TOMATO AND PECAN GROWERS Georgia tomato and pecan producers have until Jan. 31 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to existing coverage for the 2020 crop year. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for fresh market tomatoes in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Mitchell, Seminole and Tift counties. Coverage is available for pecans in select Georgia counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2020 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 4 of 11 USMCA PASSED BY HOUSE, UNDER CONSIDERATION IN SENATE The U.S. House of Representatives passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on Dec. 19 by a 385-41 vote. All 14 members of Georgia’s House delegation voted for passage. On Jan. 3, the bill was received in the Senate, where it was referred to six committees: Finance; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions; Environment & Public Works; Appropriations; Foreign Relations; and Commerce, Science & Transportation. The Senate Finance Committee approved it on Jan. 7. USMCA replaces the North American Free Trade Agreement. According to information provided by the American Farm Bureau Federation, USMCA is expected to increase U.S. ag exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product. The agreement will provide new market access for American dairy and poultry products while preserving the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products. In particular, the agreement gives U.S. dairy producers access to an additional 3.6% of Canada’s dairy market – exceeding what was proposed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Canada agreed to grade U.S.-produced wheat no less favorably than its own. Mexico and the United States have also agreed that all grading standards for ag products will be non-discriminatory. Additional provisions enhance science-based trading standards among the three nations as the basis for sanitary and phytosanitary measures for ag products, as well as progress in the area of geographic indications. The agreement also includes measures that address cooperation, information sharing and other trade rules among the three nations related to agricultural biotechnology and gene editing. GEORGIA SUBMITS REVISED INDUSTRIAL HEMP RULES The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has submitted an updated “Georgia Hemp Plan” to comply with USDA's requirements. Please view the plan here. In accordance with Georgia law, the GDA has also posted revised Hemp Growers and Processors Rules based on federal requirements. The GDA will accept written comments regarding the adoption of Hemp Growers and Processors Rules until 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 6. The Hemp Growers and Processors Rules can be found here. For more information regarding USDA's Domestic Hemp Production Program, visit the USDA’s hemp regulations page.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 11 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA MOVING TO ATHENS There’s no magic recipe for success, but there is a time-proven secret ingredient: The Flavor of Georgia food product contest. For the past 13 years, Georgia food and beverage businesses have found their way into grocery stores and homes across the state after receiving recognition from the University of Georgia’s Flavor of Georgia food product contest. As the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED) in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences gears up for this year’s contest, they are announcing a new ingredient: Georgia’s Classic City. The unique food scene of Athens and UGA’s commitment to growing small businesses makes the city the perfect location to bring the contest into a new decade. The contest has been held in downtown Atlanta since 2007. The competition serves new and established food entrepreneurs alike, with four out of five contest finalists reporting increased interest in their products after the contest. More than 75% of finalists report new business contacts and increased sales. Finalists see an average increase in sales of 20.6%, according to a recent survey of finalists between 2014 and 2019. Registration for the 2020 contest is now open. To enter, visit www.flavorofga.com. The early registration fee is $100 per entry and continues through Jan. 31, 2020. After that date, the price increases to $150 and remains open until Feb. 7, 2020. All entries are featured in the annual product directory, which is seen by leading food industry buyers and media outlets. Contest finalists will be invited to participate in a final round of judging on April 7 at the Classic Center in Athens. An awards reception will immediately follow the final competition. Product categories include barbecue sauces; beverages; condiments and salsas; confections; dairy; honey; jams and jellies; meats and seafood; meat-alternative products; sauces and seasonings; snack foods; and miscellaneous products. There is no limit to the number of products an individual business can submit. PARDUE STEPPING DOWN AS DEAN OF UGA COLLEGE OF AG UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) Dean Sam Pardue notified UGA on Jan. 6 that he is retiring and would be stepping down at the end of the fiscal year. “We have enjoyed our working relationship with Dean Pardue, and we appreciate the work he did for Georgia Agriculture.,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. “We wish him well as he moves into this next chapter of his life.” In an email to colleagues, Pardue noted family concerns and indicated that he and his wife Stacy plan to move back to North Carolina, where Pardue previously served as associate dean and director of academic programs at the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Pardue came to UGA in 2016, succeeding Scott Angle. During his tenure, CAES has introduced a new hospitality and food industry management major in agricultural economics and a PhD program in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. Under his watch, CAES’ overall graduate school enrollment has grown to more than 600, enrollment in summer courses has also increased and CAES asked for and received $5 million for a Poultry Research Center.
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 11 EPA FINALIZES RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD VOLUMES FOR 2020 On Dec. 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020, and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021. While the EPA indicated the rule would keep renewable fuel volumes in line with statutory standards, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kevin Ross criticized how the rule calculates volumes to determine small refinery waivers. The NGCA noted that the final rule uses a three-year average of the Department of Energy (DOE) recommended waivers as an estimate for 2020 waivers rather than an average of actual gallons waived by the EPA. “The Administration has chosen to move forward with a final rule that corn farmers believe falls short of adequately addressing the demand destruction caused by EPA’s abuse of RFS refinery waivers,” Ross said. “While using the DOE recommendations to account for waivers is an improvement over the status quo, it is now on corn farmers to hold the [Trump] administration to their commitment of a minimum of 15 billion-gallon volume, as the law requires. We will use future rulemakings and other opportunities to hold the EPA accountable.” Peterson said the EPA rule doesn’t achieve the mandated volumes. “We’re seeing a final rule out of EPA that doesn’t guarantee the 15 billion gallons the RFS mandates,” Peterson said. “At a time when our agriculture economy is struggling, the EPA has ripped 4 billion gallons of ethanol out of the market and impacted corn prices and rural communities. We also have yet to see the other things that were promised to the biofuels industry and corn farmers to get more ethanol into the market via infrastructure incentives and policies related to higher ethanol blends.” According to the EPA, the key elements of the rules are: “Conventional” biofuel volumes, primarily met by corn ethanol, will be maintained at the 15 billion-gallon target set by Congress for 2020. Cellulosic biofuel volumes for 2020, and thus advanced biofuel volumes, will increase by almost 170 million gallons over the 2019 standard. Biomass-based diesel volumes for 2021 will be equivalent to the standard for 2020, still more than double the statutory requirement. EPA will closely examine the labeling requirements for E15 fuel and move forward with clarifying regulations as needed. EPA has modified the way RFS obligations are determined to better ensure that these volumes are met, while still allowing for relief for small refineries consistent with the direction provided by Congress under the statute. The EPA indicated that proposing effectively 15. 8 billion gallons would net 15 billion gallons. The EPA’s summary of the final rule can be found here.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 11 BORDEN, DEAN FOODS MOVE FORWARD WITH CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPTCIES Major dairy companies Borden and Dean Foods have announced Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings that will allow each to restructure debt. On Jan. 5, Borden announced that it and certain affiliates have initiated voluntary reorganization proceedings in the District of Delaware under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The company intends to use the court process to pursue a financial restructuring designed to reduce its current debt load and maximize value while positioning itself for long-term success. Borden plans to continue operating in the ordinary course of business, under the court’s supervision. Last year, Bordon revived spokescow Elsie, reintroduced its brand in Ohio, and launched several innovative products that earned local and national media acclaim, such as State Fairinspired milk flavors, Gingerbread Eggnog and Kid Builder. The company’s growth last year outpaced the industry as it increased year-over-year sales. “Despite our numerous achievements during the past 18 months, the company continues to be impacted by the rising cost of raw milk and market challenges facing the dairy industry,” Borden CEO Tony Sarsam explained. “These challenges have contributed to making our current level of debt unsustainable.” Sarsam noted the company has filed expected motions that will allow it to pursue day-to-day operations. The company will seek court approval for these requests and intends to work closely with creditors, customers and employees to identify value-maximizing restructuring plans that will benefit all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.bordenfinancialreorg.com. On Dec. 20, 2019, Dean Foods announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas has entered a final order granting the company authority to access the full amount of its $850 million in debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing. Additional information is available on the restructuring page of the Company’s website, www.DeanFoodsRestructuring.com. UGA PROFESSOR EMERITUS IVERY CLIFTON DIES Ivery Dwight Clifton, a former senior administrator and professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Georgia, died Jan. 1. He was 76. During his 27 years at UGA, Clifton served the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a professor, department head and division chair of agricultural economics, interim dean and coordinator, and senior associate dean. He also served at the university level as associate vice president for academic affairs. Clifton, a native Georgian, was the first African American to serve at the dean level at UGA, holding the position of interim dean and coordinator from 1994 to 1995 in the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. During his time as interim dean, he emphasized the value and need for strategic planning and for diversity among the college’s faculty and clients. He joined UGA’s department of agricultural economics in 1976 as an assistant professor after receiving his doctorate from the University of Illinois. He went on to earn a certificate in higher education management from the Harvard Business School Executive Education program in 1982. Prior to his UGA career, Clifton earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Tuskegee University and spent six years with the USDA Economic Research Service. He was a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves after 27 years of service.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 11 2020 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE Jan. 9-12 Savannah International Trade Center Savannah The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is the largest educational conference and trade show in the southeastern United States that unites growers, vendors and suppliers. The conference features more than 70 hours of commodity-specific seminars for peaches, vegetables, Vidalia onions, watermelons, muscadine, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. There are also sessions on business operations, food safety, roadside markets, organic production and precision ag technology. For more information on hotels, educational sessions or to register for the 2019 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, visit www.seregionalconference.org or call 877-994-3842. TOWALIGA SWCD ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION EDUCATION INITIATIVE Jan. 14, 2020 deadline to apply The Towaliga Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is offering funding for educators and other public organizations to install raised garden beds on site. This financial and technical assistance opportunity is available to schools, 4-H educators and other educational partners within the Towaliga SWCD service area, including Butts, Fayette, Monroe, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties. Each project application considered is eligible for $650 in project funding. Project sites will be inspected prior to full application review by the Towaliga SWCD Board of Supervisors. These site inspections will occur between Jan. 16 and 30, 2020, A project coordinator/lead should be available for a meeting between these dates. Paper copies are available at county Extension offices. For more information, contact Towaliga SWCD Program Coordinator Wesley Doyle at wesley.doyle@gacd.us for an electronic copy of the application. All applications and required materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2020. Partially completed applications or those submitted without the requested supporting paperwork will not be considered for funding. 44TH ANNUAL GA PEANUT FARM SHOW & CONFERENCE Jan. 16, 2020 UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tifton Don't miss out on the 44th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will be able to learn more about the latest products, services and peanut research at the show, which is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. The event features the UGA Peanut Production Seminars and the industry-sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar, as well as the annual awards ceremony and door prizes for farmers. The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a blood drive through OneBlood during the show. January is Blood Donor Month, so help save a life by donating during the Farm Show. All donors receive a FREE gift and wellness screening including cholesterol, iron and blood pressure check. Give the gift of life donate blood! Donors can stop by the blood mobile bus any time during the show. For more information visit www.gfb.ag/20GAPnutFarmShow or contact Hannah Jones at 229-386-3470 or hannah@gapeanuts.com.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 11 HEMP PRODUCTION WORKSHOP Jan. 17 Gordon County Extension 9:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Calhoun UGA Associate Profession and Extension Vegetable Specialist Tim Coolong will lead this meeting to cover the known rules and regulations, background on the hemp plant, basic chemistry, harvest handling and processing. Cost is $10 per person and preregistration is required. For more information on how to register, contact Gordon County Extension Coordinator Greg Bowman at 706-629-8685. 2020 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 19-22 Marriott Savannah Riverfront Savannah The annual Georgia Dairy Conference includes educational sessions covering robotic milking, milk quality, marketing, a trade show with more than 80 companies exhibiting and much more! Registration to attend is free for Georgia dairy farmers. Indiana farmer and motivational speaker Damian Mason will present the keynote address. Visit www.gfb.ag/2020gadairyconf to register. For a complete speaker agenda and information on special rate for accommodations, visit our website at www.gadairyconference.com. 2020 GEORGIA AG FORECAST SERIES Jan. 21 Georgia Farm Bureau 9 a.m. Macon Jan. 23 Jaemor Farms 9 a.m. Alto Jan. 28 Toombs County Agri-Center 9 a.m. Lyons Jan. 30 Decatur County Ag Center 9 a.m. Bainbridge Jan. 31 UGA Tifton Campus Conf. Center 7 a.m. Tifton This annual seminar series is presented by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. UGA economists will provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year. Participants will network with UGA faculty and UGA Cooperative Extension agents, local producers and other stakeholders. Attendees will receive a copy of the 2020 Georgia Ag Forecast book, which is designed to provide detailed analysis of major commodities produced in the state. All the meetings except the one in Tifton begin with on-site check-in and coffee at 9 a.m., followed by seminar presentations at 10 a.m. and a networking lunch at 11:30 a.m. The Tifton event begins with 7 a.m. check-in and coffee, followed by a 7:30 a.m. breakfast buffet and the seminar presentations beginning at 8 a.m. For more information or to register, visit http://agforecast.caes.uga.edu. Event sponsors are: Georgia Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Association of Georgia, Georgia Agribusiness Council & Georgia Department of Agriculture. UGA CORN SHORT COURSE Jan. 21 UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This annual event features new research and information on how corn growers can maximize their profits. Topics include insect and disease management, fertilizer management and more. A lunch with exhibitors is included. Registration is $10. To register click here. For more information, contact your county Extension agent or call 229-386-3416.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 11 2020 UGA GRASSMASTERS SERIES Jan. 27-March 9 Ben Hill County Senior Citizen Center Fitzgerald The GrassMasters program is a seven-week series of educational workshops that focus on forage production. Workshops are held every Monday at 6 p.m. beginning on Jan. 27. This program is an introduction to forage production systems and is highly recommended for those “just getting their feet wet” when it comes to planning or improving a forage system. Programs will be taught by the UGA Forage Team members as well as NRCS staff. For more information or to register, click here. OLD SOUTH FARM MUSEUM HOG KILLING Feb. 1 Old South Farm Woodland The Old South Farm Museum will hold an old-fashioned hog killing for demonstration purposes. This event will include sausage making, meat curing, making Brunswick stew, meat skins, smokehouse and more. Interested persons must register to participate. To register, visit www.oldsouthfarm.com for the form. Completed forms should be sent to Old South Farm, 8570 Manchester Highway, Woodland, GA, 31836 by Jan. 27. For more information contact Paul Bulloch at 706-975-9136. GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION 12TH ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 29, 2020 UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Production Workshop conducted by the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The workshop will feature breakout sessions where attendees will learn the latest technical production strategies from researchers whose projects are funded by the Commission’s research program. The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting will follow the breakout sessions and feature speakers from several industry organizations. Following the program, the GCC will host a lunch where door prizes will be given away. The meeting, production workshop, and lunch are open to cotton growers and anyone interested in the cotton industry. The UGA Cotton Production Workshop breakout sessions will be repeated after lunch. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. To register, call (229) 386-3416. GEORGIA FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP Jan. 30, 2020 Lanier County Extension Lakeland A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. This is the first of eight workshops and trapping demonstrations throughout the state. Four of these workshops will be held in Southeast Georgia and four in Northeast Georgia. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, public health and regulations to be followed by a question and answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Other dates and locations are TBA. For more information or to register, visit www.GACD.us/events.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 11 USDA 1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY The 2020 scholarship application cycle is open for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program aims to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other agriculture-related disciplines. All application materials must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2020. Visit www.gfb.ag/1890hsapp for the 2020 high school application and www.gfb.ag/1890sophapp for the 2020 college application. For other questions, email 1890init@usda.gov. GACD OFFERING $1,500 SCHOLARSHIP Feb. 1, 2020 deadline to apply The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) awards one $1,500 scholarship each year to a student majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation-related area. The applicant may be a high school senior, or a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student from Georgia at any accredited college, school, or university in the United States. Applicants in their first semester of college should send their high school transcript and proof of college enrollment. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and need financial assistance. There will be no discrimination on basis of race, sex, or religion. To apply, please fill out the following scholarship application and email to info@gacd.us. Applications are due by Feb. 1, 2020. To access the application visit www.gfb.ag/2020GACDscholarship. WEST GEORGIA SMALL FARM CONFERENCE Feb. 26-27, 2020 West Georgia Technical College Waco This event, free to the first 120 to register, is co-hosted by the Chestatee RC&D Council, Carroll County Young Farmers and the UGA Cooperative Extension in Carroll and Haralson counties. Featured exhibits include small ruminants, crop scheduling, honeybees/pollinators, business practices and more. Todd Anduze of the UGA Small Business Development Center will give the keynote address. For more information or to register call 770-836-8546. The deadline to register is Feb. 17, 2020. GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS March 1 deadline to apply The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, formerly the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, is committed to investing in students pursuing careers in agriculture or a related field. For 2020, the foundation is offering scholarships for graduating high school seniors, rising college juniors and seniors, technical college students and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine students specializing in large/food animals. Visit www.gfb.ag/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools, application instructions and to apply. Applications must be submitted online only by March 1. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be uploaded into the application.