January 27, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 4 No. 3
AFBF ADOPTS 2022 POLICY BOOK, DUVALL RE-ELECTED On Jan. 11 during its annual meeting of the delegates, the American Farm Bureau Federation ratified its 2022 AFBF Policy Book, which dictates the legislative direction Farm Bureau takes as an organization on the federal level. The grassroots policy process, always an important one, is especially significant this year as 2023 farm bill discussions ramp up. Additionally, former Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall was re-elected to his fourth term as AFBF president. Delegates also re-elected Vice President Scott VanderWal for his fourth term. “Delegates from all 50 state Farm Bureaus and Puerto Rico came together to demonstrate the power of grassroots leadership,” said Duvall. “The policies set forth will guide Farm Bureau in its mission to advocate for farmers and ranchers and build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our entire nation and world.” Georgia Farm Bureau submitted more than 30 policies for review in the AFBF policy process – the second most submissions of any state. Georgia’s submissions covered a variety of topics, including the upcoming farm bill, COVID-19, tax provisions such as stepped-up basis, and commodity-specific issues. The majority of Georgia’s policies were either adopted or considered covered by existing policy. Nationally, key policy topics ranged from milk pricing and beef market transparency to urban agriculture. Long-standing frustration over imbalances in the meat industry led to calls for greater transparency in livestock markets. As farmers’ labor struggles continue, delegates approved additional policies that build on existing AFBF policies regarding the need for employee stabilization and reforms to the guestworker program. Delegates voted to bring more transparency to the federal milk pricing system. Several changes to policy include support for a more consistent format for milk checks and a review and audit of the producer price differential on milk. Delegates also called for USDA to publish resources that show how each Federal Milk Marketing Order operates and differs by region. Delegates updated policy on biofuels to include renewable diesel. The addition recognizes the innovation and potential that sustainable biofuels play in providing environmental benefits while -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 2 of 13 Continued from previous page creating opportunities for America’s farmers. As farmers and ranchers continue to increase their reliance on digital technologies, delegates voted to support raising the standard for federal broadband projects to be at least 100 Mbps for both uploads and downloads. Recognizing the growth of urban agriculture and importance of ensuring the success of all forms of agriculture, delegates voted to create new policy to support its continuation and acknowledge its economic contributions. Beyond policy changes, delegates also elected members to serve on the AFBF Board of Directors and national program committees. The AFBF Convention featured more than 50 speakers and more than 4,000 registered attendees. Registered attendees may view selected workshops and sessions on-demand on the convention website until April 11. The 2023 American Farm Bureau Convention will be held Jan. 6-11, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU ESTABLISHES IMPACT FUND On Dec. 7, 2021, after nearly two years of diligent evaluation and consideration, voting delegates at the 2021 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Annual Meeting unanimously endorsed the creation of the GFB Impact Fund, a political action committee (PAC), to advocate on behalf of agriculture, farmers, and rural communities. This fund consists of both the GFB State Impact Fund that will support state candidates and follows state PAC rules and the GFB Federal Impact Fund that will work with federal candidates and follow federal rules. The following week, the GFB Board of Directors unanimously voted to put it into action and simultaneously authorized the GFB Mutual Insurance Company to match every dollar contributed to the GFB State Impact Fund by Feb. 28, 2022, up to $500,000. With election season on the horizon, it is vital to get the PAC up and running as quickly as possible. Support for the GFB State Impact Fund can come from county Farm Bureaus, GFB members, local farm businesses or others who share the Georgia Farm Bureau mission. This additional tool will allow the organization to support candidates for public office who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing and strengthening the agricultural industry, regardless of political affiliation. With enough support, GFB can ensure agriculture’s voice has a seat at the table to protect agriculture for the next generation. Each contribution to the GFB State Impact Fund is voluntary and will support candidates who support agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau values. To learn more about the GFB Impact Fund, please contact Katie Duvall at kgduvall@gfb.org. All contributions are solely voluntary and not tax deductible. Each contribution must be accompanied by the contribution form to be accepted. To contribute to the GFB State Impact Fund, please send your check and the donation form to: GFB State Impact Fund, Attn: Katie Duvall, 1620 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210. The printable version of the donation form can be accessed here. To make a donation online, click here.
GFB Field Notes 3 of 13 JEANNA FENNELL NAMED GFB CORPORATE SECRETARY Georgia Farm Bureau announced on Jan. 27 that Jeanna Fennell will be the organization’s next corporate secretary, effective Feb. 1. Fennell, who is currently GFB’s assistant corporate secretary, will assume her new role when current GFB Corporate Secretary Jon Huffmaster retires Jan. 28. “Jeanna brings a wealth of experience at Georgia Farm Bureau to this new appointment. That includes being the former director of our claims litigation department and being our senior counsel on staff, which includes her experience the past three years as assistant corporate secretary. She takes this important role at a critical juncture as we pursue our long-term strategic goals,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “She will continue serving as senior counsel while adding her duties as corporate secretary. Jeanna’s organizational skills and legal knowledge continue to serve our members, volunteers and staff well.” Before joining GFB as director of claims litigation in 2010, Fennell worked in private practice at the Macon law firm James, Bates, Pope & Spivey. She was promoted to GFB Senior Counsel in 2015 and assistant corporate secretary/senior counsel in 2019. As senior counsel, Fennell provides legal guidance to all departments of Georgia Farm Bureau and oversees the human resources department. A native of Dooly County, Fennell graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts degree and cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. Fennell lives in Macon and is mother of two boys, Pete and Charlie. GEORGIA PEANUT SHOW DRAWS FARMERS FROM THE FIELD There was an air of excitement as farmers and vendors interacted at the 45th Annual Georgia Peanut Show held Jan. 19 & 20 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. The show organized by the Georgia Peanut Commission, returned from a one-year hiatus due to the COVID19 pandemic last year. More than 100 exhibitors displayed their products and services used to grow Georgia Peanuts. Georgia Farm Bureau was proud to participate as a vendor as it has for many years. Kelley Manufacturing Co. (KMC) provided the use of a new peanut combine (choice of a 4 or 6-row) for a year to one lucky door prize winner attending the Georgia Peanut Show. Congratulations to Jamie Jackson of Collins for winning the grand door prize drawing! Jackson will have the option to purchase the combine after the '22 season from an authorized KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price. Amadas Industries sponsored the grower door prize at the '22 Georgia Peanuts Farm Show. James Dean of Broxton won a certificate for his choice of: $10,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine or $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Amadas 4 or 6row pull-type peanut combine or $3,000 toward buying an Amadas peanut dump cart. Mason Roberts of Sylvester won $1,000 to buy parts for Amadas equipment. Both gentlemen also won a Grizzly cooler. Members of the University of Georgia Extension Peanut Team and peanut breeders from Southeastern land grant universities and the USDA gave updates on production issues and new peanut varieties during sessions offered Jan. 19 and 20. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 4 of 13 Continued from previous page ’21 crop synopsis According to a tonnage report issued on Jan. 17, Georgia’s 2021 peanut crop produced 1.67 million tons with an average yield of 4,465 lbs/acre, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist Dr. Scott Montford said. “The 2021 crop was one of the largest yields for Georgia in the past 10 to 15 years,” Montford said. “Last year’s crop set us up where we’re going to have some [supply stock] overages, which might drive down contract prices for this year’s crop.” He added that the large average yield per acre is because non-irrigated acres fared well last year due to more rain and cooler temperatures. While the eastern and central part of Georgia’s peanut belt benefited from last year’s weather, Montford acknowledged that many peanut growers in Southwest Georgia experienced lower yields due to excess rain and cooler temperatures. “Southwest Georgia received more rain from July through October,” Montford said. “East and Central Georgia fared better because it had some dry spells throughout the growing season. Statewide we had cool weather in April and cooler than normal temperatures for much of May. Temperatures were close to average in June followed by one of the coolest Julys that we’ve had in a long time. A hot August was followed by below average temps in September then a warm October. The temp units didn’t drive this crop as they usually do. That’s one reason this crop didn’t fill out like it usually does.” Farmers need winter weather While the mild weather South Georgia has experienced so far this winter has kept heat costs down, row crop growers may pay for it come summer. “We want colder temperatures. We want to send soil temperatures plummeting, but so far we’re experiencing warmer temperatures, which means a potential bigger problem with thrips and nematodes,” said UGA Extension Plant Pathologist Dr. Bob Kemerait. “Two days of freezing temperatures doesn’t make up for a lack of cold weather. In my opinion, the winter we haven’t had this year is setting us up for an increase in thrips and nematodes and tomato spotted wilt virus.” Kemerait said farmers will probably see a cost increase for the fungicides they need to combat disease and nematodes and may experience shortages of generic products azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and tebucaonazole. Premium fungicides will most likely be readily available unless peanut acreage goes way above 2021. To grow peanuts in ’22 with fungicide products in tight supply, Kemerait advises growers to use the Peanut RX website at www.peanutrx.org to evaluate the level of threat from diseases and make appropriate changes to reduce the risk. Growers can also use results of the Peanut Rx website to tailor their fungicide programs for specific fields. Growers should make contingency plans for using alternate products if a particular product is not available when needed. Managing crop fertility needs vs. price While farmers are looking at higher fertilizer prices than they’ve seen in more than a decade, UGA Extension Agronomist Glen Harris put the situation in perspective. “There are no silver bullets in this game of dealing with higher fertilizer prices, but farmers dealt with high fertilizer prices in 2008 and prices for some fertilizer components aren’t as high as they were then,” Harris said. In 2008 the average price of nitrogen was 85 cents/pound while it was 95 cents/pound by end of -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 5 of 13 Continued from previous page 2021, Harris said. The average price of phosphate in 2008 was 85 cents/pound while it reached 65 cents/pound last year. Soluble potassium had an average price of 80 cents/pound in 2008 while it was just under 70 cents/pound last year. “Be sure to take soil samples of your fields to determine what your soil needs,” Harris advises. Harris recommends that farmers follow the four Rs approach to properly fertilize their fields: use the right source; apply at the right rate; apply nutrients at the right stage of growth and apply in the right place (to areas in field where needed). “Even now with fertilizer prices being higher, for corn and cotton crops, you need to fertilize your fields based on the yields you want. It will still pay because commodity prices are good,” Harris said. “If commodity prices go down, that will be a different story.” Peanut Commission honors industry contributors On Jan. 20, the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) honored growers, businesses and numerous individuals who have made a positive impact on Georgia’s peanut sector during their careers as educators, researchers, innovators and policy makers. During an awards breakfast, the GPC and Agri Supply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to growers representing each of the commission’s five districts. Winners were: District 1 – Bob McLendon, Leary; District 2 – LeRoy Howell, Adel; District 3 – Ralph Sandeford, Midville; District 4 – James and Dean McCranie, Eastman; and District 5 – Ronnie Lee, Bronwood. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the GPC, which offers this award to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continue to be the highest quality. During a lunch program, the GPC presented Shane Branch of Baxley its Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by BASF. This award recognizes a Georgia peanut farmer for the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. Shane farms in Appling County with his dad, Randy, and brother, Brandon. They farm 2,100 acres growing peanuts, cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, cabbage and watermelons. Shane strives to utilize innovative stewardship practices on the farm to reduce his carbon footprint and water usage. He is also active with a number of community and agriculture organizations within his county and across Georgia. GPC honored four individuals with its Distinguished Service Award: Evans Plowden Jr., a lawyer representing the American Peanut Shellers Association; Michael Reed, retired chief of staff for Congressman Sanford Bishop; Dr. David Bridges, president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; and Armond Morris, retired chairman of the GPC. The GPC Research and Education Award went to Dr. David Lee, retired vice president for research and executive vice president of the University of Georgia and a second award went to the University of Georgia for its support of peanut research. Recipients of the GPC Media Award were Ron Smith, retired editor of Southwest Farm Press, and The Ocilla Star. The GPC Innovator Award went to Lewis M. Carter Jr., owner and former president of LMC. GPC Special Awards were presented to Gerald Long, retired Georgia Farm Bureau president, and Dedria Smith, director of -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 6 of 13 Continued from previous page the Georgia Department of Agriculture Tifton Seed Lab. Kendrick joins GPC Board After the awards were presented, Tift County Probate Judge Suzanne Carter Johnson administered the oath of office to Ross Kendrick, Donald Chase and Rodney Dawson as Georgia Peanut Commission Directors for the GPC 2nd, 5th and 4th Districts respectively. Each were nominated to represent their districts during nomination meetings held Dec. 20 and 21. Kendrick replaces Armond Morris as the GPC 2nd District director after Morris decided not to seek renomination after serving on the commission a total of 41 years. Other GPC Directors are Joe Boddiford of Sylvania & Tim Burch of Newton. The GPC directors will elect a new chairman at their February board meeting. WINE & GRAPE COMMISSION REFERENDUM DATES EXTENDED The Georgia Department of Agriculture is re-issuing ballots to wine and grape producers for the referendum to approve the Georgia Wine & Grape Commission marketing order and set the assessment amount growers will pay. Ballots are being reissued because the return envelopes that accompanied the first ballots did not indicate that voting producers were to print and sign their names to verify their vote. The re-issued ballots will be on different-colored paper, and ballots returned from the first ballot issue will not be counted. The voting period, originally set for Jan. 15 – Feb. 14, will now run from Feb. 7 to March 9. In order for the marketing order to be approved, at least 25% of the ballots mailed to the best available list or eligible producers of record must be returned and 66.3% of the returned ballots that are declared valid must have voted affirmatively. The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Wine and Grapes was created by HB1093 of the Georgia General Assembly in 2020 at the request of Georgia wine producers and was signed into law in August 2020 by Governor Kemp. The establishment of the Georgia Wine & Grape Commission allows the creation and passage of a marketing order by vote of the affected producers of Georgia wine and grapes. If approved, this marketing order will allow for an assessment of all Georgia produced wine by producers who produce 1,000 liters or more on an annual basis. The funds collected by the Georgia Wine and Grapes Commission shall only be used for the purpose(s) of research, education, and promotion of Georgia produced wines and the Georgia wine industry. Decisions on how the funds will be used will be determined by the five members of the Georgia Wine and Grapes Commission, which consists of Georgia wine producers appointed by the Georgia Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee. The proposed marketing order would allow an assessment between a range of 5 cents ($0.05) to twenty cents ($0.20) per taxable liter of wine. The payment of the assessment to the Georgia Wine and Grape Commission shall be monthly and reported on the Georgia Wine and Grape Commission reporting form. The Georgia Department of Revenue has licensed 86 wineries in the state. The Georgia Deparment of Agriculture has sent each a ballot. If you own a winery that produces and sells a minimum of 1,000 taxable liters of wine/year and did not receive a ballot please call 404.586.1405 to request one.
GFB Field Notes 7 of 13 DHS IMPLEMENTS VACCINE RULES FOR H-2A WORKERS ENTERING U.S. On Jan. 22, the Department of Homeland Security began requiring non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination, according to information provided by the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. These new rules apply to all non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for both essential and non-essential reasons. These changes were first announced in October 2021. Since then, there have been extensive efforts by industry associations and congressional offices to have this regulation overturned. While work continues to overturn the ruling, the rule is now being implemented. This means H-2A workers arriving after Jan. 22 will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. For purpose of entry into the U.S., the only vaccines accepted are those authorized for emergency use or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization, which include Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson These restrictions are temporary and will remain in effect through April 21, unless amended or rescinded prior to that date. Non-U.S. individuals traveling to the United States via land ports of entry or ferry terminals, whether for essential or non-essential reasons, must: • verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status; • provide proof of a CDC-approved COVID-19 vaccination, as outlined on the CDC website; • present a valid Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document, such as a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, or Enhanced Tribal Card; and, • be prepared to present any other relevant documents requested by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer during a border inspection. COVID-19 testing is not required for entry via a land port of entry or ferry terminal. For additional information, Guidance from DHS is provided here. (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/10/29/fact-sheet-guidance-travelers-enter-us-land-portsentry-and-ferry-terminals) If GFVGA members have questions or need additional information contact the GFVGA office (706-845-8200) or Chris Butts, Executive Vice President, cbutts@asginfo.net (706-540-2813). USDA APPOINTS COTTON BOARD MEMBERS On Jan. 11, the USDA announced the appointment of eight members and eight alternate members to serve on the Cotton Board. All appointees will serve three-year terms through Dec. 31, 2024. Re-appointed members are: Adam Hatley, Mesa, Arizona; George Teel Warbington, Vienna, Georgia; Jeff Posey, Roby, Texas; Julie Davis Holladay, Lubbock, Texas; Randy Braden, Midland, Texas; Michelle Tarry, Maplewood, New Jersey; Sonja Chapman, Boonton, New Jersey; Tara Hoffmann, New York, New York. Re-appointed alternate members are: Ava Lynn Alcaida, Parker, Arizona; Jason French, Snyder, Texas; Steve Olson, Plainview, Texas; Brett Schniers, Wall, Texas; Patricia R. Lesser, Kentfield, California. Newly appointed alternate members are: Caroline P. Collins, Waynesboro, Georgia; Joe -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 8 of 13 Continued from previous page Cuervo, Frisco, Texas; Scott C. Wagner, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Cotton Research and Promotion Act of 1966 authorized a national cotton research and promotion program that is both industry-operated and funded. More information is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cotton Board webpage or on the board’s website at www.cottonboard.org. GFB BROADCASTING PIONEER JIMMY LEE DIES Jimmy Lee, a long-time fixture on Georgia Farm Bureau broadcast media, died on Jan. 14. He was 86. Jimmy was born and raised in Perry and was a graduate of Perry High School. He attended both Middle Georgia College in Cochran and Mercer University in Macon. He proudly served in the Georgia Army National Guard from 1953 to 1967. In 1967, Jimmy began producing the weekly Georgia Farm Monitor program for the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation that was carried on 42 radio stations and WMAZ-TV in Macon. He later created the “Georgia Farm Monitor” television network that was broadcast statewide for Georgia Farm Bureau on 18 television stations with Macon’s WMAZ as the flagship station. Over the years, Lee produced and hosted 936 half-hour television shows with never a repeat show. In 1970, Lee joined the GFB staff as director of radio and television services and in 1977, he was named information director. In addition, from 1980 until 1985, Lee produced six daily radio programs for the Georgia News Network (GNN). He also produced a monthly radio essay that was distributed nationally by the American Farm Bureau Federation on 200 radio stations. In 1984-85, Lee was co-host with Steve Bell, from University of Georgia, on a farm show, “The Georgia Farmer,” on the Georgia Public Television network. The half-hour show was a collaboration between Georgia Farm Bureau, the University of Georgia, and Georgia Public TV. It won top farm show in the nation from the American Farm Bureau. In 1985, Lee left Georgia Farm Bureau but returned in 1997 as a commodity promotion specialist and occasionally produced features for the “Georgia Farm Monitor.” During all his years in broadcasting, Lee received numerous honors and awards, including the American Foundation of Agriculture National Farm Broadcaster of the Year in 1972. He received the top award in the nation from the American Farm Bureau Federation for his television and radio shows for nine different years, from 1970 through 1984. In 2006, Lee was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Lee retired from Georgia Farm Bureau in 2007 and began serving as a multi-media producer for the Georgia Peanut Commission. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Avery and Josephine Holloman Lee; his brother, Joneal Lee; and his beloved wife of 61 years, Iris Odell Lee. Lee is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Cheryl Lee of Juliette; his grandchildren, Breana “Breezy” Lee and Colby Lee; one great-grandson, Avery Lee; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. Condolences for the family and special memories of working with Jimmy may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com.
GFB Field Notes 9 of 13 VILSACK: U.S. HOLDING CHINA ACCOUNTABLE FOR TRADE SHORTFALL U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said during remarks at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention on Jan. 10 that the Biden Administration would continue working to push China to live up to its purchase commitments under the Phase One Trade Agreement. Vilsack said he wants to build trust with U.S. farmers with regard to trade. “I think it starts with China, and we all know and appreciate the fact that we have a Phase One trade agreement with China," Vilsack said. "During that period of time, we saw sales to China increase over what they were during the trade war. But here's the deal with our Chinese friends, they're about $16 billion light over what they committed to purchase.” Vilsack said United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai continues to communicate to her Chinese counterparts the importance of living up to the agreement and making up that $16 billion deficit. Beyond meeting purchase requirements under the Phase One Agreement, Vilsack noted that China continues to impose barriers to trade that it agreed to remove, hurdles like sanitary and phytosanitary standards, tariffs and other tactics.
GFB Field Notes 10 of 13 CROP INSURANCE FOR TOMATO, PECAN PRODUCERS Jan. 31 deadline to apply/re-enroll The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market tomato and pecan growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year is Jan. 31. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Jan. 31 sales closing date to do so. 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 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 2022 crop year. RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at www.farmers.gov/coronavirus. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. GRAIN BIN RESCUE TRAINING Feb. 5 Franklin County High School Cafeteria 8 a.m. Carnesville Farmers and firefighters are invited to attend this free event being hosted by the Georgia Farm Bureau 2nd District. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Event will include classroom and hands-on training. Attendees should wear long pants & closed toe shoes, bring a hard hat and safety glasses if you have them. Participants will receive 8 hours of continuing education credit. Franklin County High School is located at 6570 Georgia Highway 145 in Carnesville. For more information, contact Cole Hart at 706-498-2771. To register, email Katie Murrray at kamurray@gfb.org by Jan. 31. GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 8 Georgia Freight Depot & State Capitol 9:30 a.m. Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room at the Georgia Freight Depot. The Depot is located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, one block northwest of the Capitol, at Underground Atlanta. After orientation, GFB members are encouraged to visit with their legislators at the Capitol and return with them to the complimentary lunch at the Depot beginning at noon. Lunch invitations will be sent to all legislators, but a personal invitation from you would be especially helpful and effective. Complimentary security parking is located at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel parking deck, located at 165 Courtland Street NE, and the shuttle bus service will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Renee Jones at 478-474-0679, ext. 5130 or rejones@gfb.org.
GFB Field Notes 11 of 13 29th ANNUAL UGA FOCUS ON GENETICALLY ENHANCED EPDS SALE Feb. 9 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens Sale will feature 43 Angus bulls, 4 Hereford bulls, 4 SimAngus bulls, 2 Registered Angus open heifers, and 12 Angus-cross commercial open heifers. For more information, call Carroll T. Cannon at 229-881-0721 or 229-881-2705 or email CannonMarketingCompany@gmail.com. Sale is at 2600 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Ga. 30605. FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST Feb. 15 deadline to enter This annual contest, which began in 2007, features delicacies from the state’s farmers, agribusinesses and food artisans in eleven categories. Initial judging will take place March 7-9 and final judging will be held April 21 at the Classic Center in Athens. For complete contest rules and entry information, visit https://flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/. CROP INSURANCE FOR SWEET CORN GROWERS Feb. 15 deadline to enroll/renew The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market sweet corn growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year is Feb. 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Feb. 15 sales closing date to do so. 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 sweet corn in Toombs County. 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 2022 crop year. RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at www.farmers.gov/coronavirus. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. 60th ANNUAL GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEETING Feb. 16-18 Marriott Savannah Riverfront Savannah The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting is back in person and celebrating its 60th anniversary at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront! Events include the annual awards lunch, trade show, workshops on a variety of cattle-related topics, the annual Cattlemen’s Ball and much more! The GCA will unveil “Herds & Heritage,” the newly published history of Georgia’s cattle industry. To register for the convention, click here. For more information, call 478.474.6560 or send an email to gca@gabeef.org.
GFB Field Notes 12 of 13 GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOKMARK/HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS Feb. 25 deadline for entries Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests through Feb. 25. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled 6th, 7th and 8th-grade stu dents statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in 9th through 12th grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. One state runner-up in the art contest will receive $150 cash. Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office at your office phone number here or visit www.gfb.ag/22artcontest and www.gfb.ag/22bookmarkcontest. GEORGIA FARMERS, AG WORKERS RURAL STRESS SURVEY The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is partnering again with the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University to study the mental well-being, stressors, and coping mechanisms for Georgians in farm occupations. These organizations kicked off a survey Jan. 3 that runs through the end of February. Visit www.gafarmsurvey.org to participate. Responses will remain anonymous. Participants will receive $10 for taking the survey. FLINT RIVER S&W CONSERVATION DISTRICT EDUCATION GRANTS March 4 deadline to enter The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District will award $2,000 in grant funds through the Agricultural & Environmental Education Grant for K-12 programming within the district’s nine counties. The grant opportunity promotes conservation education and provides additional resources for both formal and non-formal educators looking to engage their students in agriculture and/or natural resources education. In-school teachers, as well as 4-H and FFA educators are encouraged to apply. Grant funds will be awarded to projects that help expand knowledge and teach the importance of the environment to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Youth participating in the selected projects will better understand the value of soil and water conservation. Educators in Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, and Seminole counties are eligible to apply. The application and additional details regarding grant criteria are available online at www.flintriverswcd.org/education. Please direct any questions to abby@flintriverswcd.org. The application deadline is March 4 and awardees will be announced by May 13. Projects selected for the grant funding should be completed by May 5.
GFB Field Notes 13 of 13 2022 PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 26 Downtown area Blakely Come celebrate all things peanut at the annual Peanut Proud Festival on the town square. The daylong celebration begins with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a Street Dance. In between are a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course, free entertainment, and much more. Come sample specialty products such as fried peanuts and grilled PB&J sandwiches. Go to www.peanutproudfestival.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram for all the details. WINTERGREEN 2022 June 21-23 Gas South Convention Center Duluth Wintergreen, Georgia’s premier multi-day trade show and conference for the green industry, boasts more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of attendees each year. The event offers three days of industry educational sessions and updates to keep producers ahead of the competition. The Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. For more information, visit www.mywintergreen.com. GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.