Georgia Farm Bureau's January 31 Field Notes

January 31, 2024

www.gfb.org

Vol. 6 No. 2

McDUFFIE COUNTY CANINE WINS AFBF FARM DOG OF THE YEAR DeKalb County pooch voted People’s Choice Pup When it comes to dogs, Georgians have become accustomed to winning on a double scale. At the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City in January, two Georgia canines wagged away with top prizes in the AFBF Farm Dog of the Year contest.

Skippy, owned by McDuffie County Farm Bureau members Don and Laura Adams, was named 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year. Casper, owned by Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau member John Wierwille, won the title of People’s Choice Pup after a social media voting campaign.

Farm Dog of the Year, Skippy Four-legged friends often play a vital role on family farms and ranches, prompting Farm Bureau to launch the Farm Dog of the Year contest several years ago – now a popular feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention.

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

“It has been a pleasure partnering with Purina for the sixth annual Farm Dog of the Year contest, providing the public a glimpse of daily life on the farm,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.

“Although farmers and ranchers love what they do, it’s well known that farming can be stressful.

Farm dogs can help ease the burden, because they often play a dual role as both working dogs and companions to farm families.”

Rounding up livestock and chasing off predators are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs. The contest celebrates farm dogs that work alongside farmers and ranchers as they sustainably produce nutritious food for families and their pets across America.

Skippy is a 4-year-old mixed breed with Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Catahoula hound in her lineage. She has been with the Adams for about two years. Working livestock – helping move beef cattle where they need to go – is Skippy’s primary role on the farm.

Purina donated prizes for the contest. This included $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products for Skippy.

“Purina is proud to support the sixth annual Farm Dog of the Year competition with the -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 2 of 20 Continued from previous page American Farm Bureau, and we applaud this year’s winner, Skippy,” said Jack Scott, vice president of sustainable sourcing at Nestlé Purina PetCare. “We believe people and pets are better together, and Skippy’s role on the farm along with her bond to Donald perfectly exemplifies what this contest is about.”

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

A panel of judges with expertise in the pet care industry, veterinary medicine and communications reviewed more than 100 nominations to select the 2024 Farm Dog of the Year.

Judging criteria included the dog’s helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and their role in making life better on and off the farm. Farm Bureau members submitted written responses to questions, photos and video clips to nominate their dogs for Farm Dog of the Year.

People’s Choice Pup, Casper Casper, owned by Georgia Farm Bureau member John Wierwille, was named People’s Choice Pup. More than 100,000 people voted online in the People’s Choice Pup part of the competition.

Casper receives a trophy plate and Purina products. A $1,000 cash prize will be directly donated to Atlanta-based LifeLine Animal Project at Wierwille’s request. LifeLine cared for Casper after he was injured by coyotes while protecting his flock of sheep.

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

Wierwille’s Ewe Can Do It Naturally landscaping business serves clients across Metro Atlanta and cities within three hours of Atlanta.

Georgia Farm Bureau previously featured Casper in its twice-monthly newsletter, GFB Field Notes. That story can be found at https://gfb.ag/heroiccasper.

ROPERS FINISH IN TOP 10 FOR AFBF AWARD Paul, Morgans also represent Georgia in national competition Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Cole and Nicole Roper, Andy Paul, and David and Lindsey Morgan put Georgia Farm Bureau’s (GFB’s) best foot forward in national competitions during the American Farm Bureau Convention in Salt Lake City.

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

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

“Our big message was the impact. No matter what we’re doing, whether it’s on our farm, or me in the classroom, or with our daughter, being able to leave that lasting impact [about agriculture] -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 3 of 20 Continued from previous page on the next generation is what we wanted to get across, no matter what we do,” Nicole said.

Cole added, “We are super proud to be able to represent not only our county, but our state as well. We’ve practiced hard and we’ve put in a lot of time and effort. We just left it all on the table here.”

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

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

“Everybody was so passionate, and everybody was so talented,” said Paul. “The thing about it was, we sit down at the table, we do our opening statements and then it’s time to discuss it for 25 minutes, and everybody cares about the agriculture industry, and I think that’s really cool to be a part of that.”

Matthew McClanahan of Tennessee won the national competition.

The Morgans, from Pierce County, gave their presentation on Jan. 20 for the AFBF Achievement Award, which recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn most of their income from production agriculture.

Lindsey said she would recommend young farmers and ranchers try their hand in the Farm Bureau competitions.

“What do you have to lose?” Lindsey said. “You have nothing to lose to sign up and at least try.

You know, the younger you start, you can kind of build your resume up and get more experience.”

The benefits, David said, make the effort worthwhile.

“We got to further our networking with people, not just in our state, but nationwide,” David said. “It was good to see everybody that had an operation and see things they do on their operations.

Maybe it’s something we can bring back and utilize on our farm.”

The Morgans run a diversified operation. David is a third-generation farmer who grows cotton, peanuts, vegetables and a variety of grains as cover crops. He also owns timber land and provides land-clearing services. Lindsey teaches social studies at Ware County High School.

Daniel and Megan Roberts of Minnesota won the Achievement Award.

Young farmers and ranchers interested in competing in 2024 should contact their county Farm Bureau office manager or district federation manager for more information. Entries will be accepted beginning in April.

GFB Field Notes page 4 of 20 FARM FAMILY MENTAL WELL-BEING SERVICES REVOLUTIONIZED A landmark alliance is launching free, anonymous, online mental health and well-being services to provide a nationwide safety net of confidential and on-demand support to farmers, ranchers and farm families.

The Farm Family Wellness Alliance’s groundbreaking solution was unveiled at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 Convention. The program harnesses the best resources to build farm family wellness—access to a community, including a network of farmers and ranchers who understand the challenges and rewards that come with the agricultural way of life.

Access to services starts at Togetherall, a safe, clinically moderated peer-to-peer community, where members around the world are there to listen, support and give members’ mental wellbeing a boost. Through an anonymous profile, users can access a global network of peers, backed by the safeguarding of licensed clinicians overseeing the community around-the-clock. Access to the platform is available to members of a farm family aged 16 and older.

In addition to Togetherall’s global community, farmers and their families will have access to an agricultural sector sub-group to share or read others’ experiences in a safe, judgement-free zone.

“Farming is tough even on the best days. That’s why Farm Bureau has been committed to helping farmers and ranchers across the country get connected with the tools and resources they need to promote mental health and well-being—and to check in on their friends, neighbors and loved ones. Togetherall will help us all to do just that,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall.” It’s OK not to be OK, but it’s not OK not to reach out when you’re hurting. We are grateful for how this partnership will strengthen our rural communities and provide the support we all need.”

The Farm Family Wellness Alliance is made possible through a coalition of organizations, including Farm Foundation, American Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Credit, CoBank, Iowa Farm Bureau, CHS, Land O’Lakes, National Farmers Union, 4-H, FFA, Agriculture Future of America, Togetherall and Personal Assistance Services. This coalition makes it possible to offer services to farm families nationwide and deepens the impact of an earlier pilot initiative started in Iowa with the addition of the Togetherall peer-to-peer support platform.

“Farm Foundation has been working towards the goal of improving farmer access to mental health and other wellness services for several years, with the Farm Family Wellness Alliance pilot starting in 2020 after the derecho in Iowa,” said Shari Rogge-Fidler, president and CEO of Farm Foundation. “We are pleased to have been able to bring together this coalition of farmer-serving organizations into a partnership that allowed us to expand the program nationwide and will offer so much direct and immediate benefits to American farmers.”

Togetherall also offers a range of well-being tools, such as self assessments and access to additional support services through a partnership with Personal Assistance Services. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, financial health, improving sleep and more.

“Navigating the challenges of farming can be tough, and other farmers are often the only other people who can understand the unique stressors of the industry. Anonymous, safe, online peer support is a critical component on the mental health support continuum, and especially important in reaching communities such as farmers, who may otherwise not reach out for support,” said Matthew McEvoy, CEO of Togetherall. “We are thrilled to partner with the Farm Family Wellness Alliance to offer Togetherall’s online, clinically moderated, peer support community to all farmers -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 5 of 20 Continued from previous page and their families across the US.” The landmark alliance bringing Togetherall and Personal Assistance Services to farm families represents a broad swath of agricultural organizations, illustrating the far-reaching impacts of mental health and well-being in rural America.

“Farm Credit recognizes the challenges America’s farmers and ranchers face, especially related to mental health and stress. Fewer resources exist in rural areas as compared to urban areas,” said Todd Van Hoose, president and CEO of Farm Credit Council. “This free, anonymous, and safe access to mental health support offers assistance in a way nothing has before for rural Americans.

We appreciate Farm Foundation’s leadership in bringing this resource to fruition.”

To learn more about the Farm Family Wellness Alliance and the services available through the Togetherall platform, visit www.farmfoundation.org/farm-family-wellness-alliance/.

AFBF CELEBRATES SUCCESSES, SETTLES POLICY AT CONVENTION The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 convention, held Jan. 20-23 in Salt Lake City, opened with President Zippy Duvall celebrating the organization’s successes and words of encouragement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and keynote speaker Greg Harden, associate athletic director for student counseling at the University of Michigan. It closed with the annual AFBF Meeting of Voting Delegates, where the organization sets its policy stances for the coming year.

In between, an assortment of workshops on the economic landscape, consumer engagement, mental health and more offered approximately 4,500 Farm Bureau members, including some 140 from Georgia, opportunities to learn about ways to improve and expand their farm operations.

Georgia was one of the state Farm Bureaus recognized with AFBF Awards of Excellence.

Georgia received awards for Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach and Leadership & Business Development categories.

The Jan. 23 policy session included discussions that pertained to many interests of Georgia farmers, starting with a detailed walkthrough of the farm labor section of the AFBF policy book.

The delegates voted in favor of reforming the tournament style pay for poultry producers and fighting for a higher cotton marketing loan rate.

“We stressed the importance of getting a new farm bill done and how urgent it is to get it done now. Labor was another hot topic, especially around stabilizing the wage rate and ensuring that we can make progress on year-round labor workers,” Duvall said. “Another takeaway was artificial intelligence and the need to seize opportunities related to AI while ensuring farmers’ data is protected. A fourth takeaway relates to contract poultry growers. Our delegates called for a fair pay structure and more transparency among poultry companies.”

During his annual address on Jan. 21, Duvall noted Farm Bureau successes in 2023, including the Supreme Court decision on the Waters of the U.S. rule, partnerships to address climate change, and the work of the AFBF Foundation for Agriculture, which published the book of the year, "I Love Strawberries."

Duvall noted exciting opportunities developing in biotechnology and carbon markets.

He also announced a partnership with the Ad Council to advance awareness of farmers' mental -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 6 of 20 Continued from previous page health issues.

Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed the closing general session, where he announced more than $200 million in loans and grants for fertilizer production and renewable energy.

“I think it’s important for us to recognize as a country the incredible contribution that is made by farmers and ranchers and producers that, indeed, makes our country the strongest and most powerful in the world,” said Secretary Vilsack during the closing general session. He also discussed conservation, consolidation and loss of farmland.

In addition to general session programming, eight workshops were offered, covering a variety of topics.

Representatives from the chairpersons and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees discussed the challenges and opportunities in drafting and passing a new farm bill the “Farm Bill Update” workshop.

One of the toughest issues facing lawmakers is how to fund the farm bill. “There is no new money,” said Parish Braden, staff director for the House Committee on Agriculture. “We’re at a time of fiscal restraint.”

The panel also recognized the importance of passing a farm bill in a timely manner. Mike Schmidt, senior advisor for Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, said, “We think there is a path for it.

Time is running short, but there is a path for it.”

Farm Bureau’s advocacy extends to the courts. The “Farm Bureau and the Courts” workshop updated attendees on AFBF’s efforts in several important cases, including California’s Proposition 12, WOTUS, and Sackett v. EPA. During the workshop titled “Intersection Between Farmers & Companies Within the Supply Chain,” representatives from downstream in the food chain shared how they work with farmers as partners in their sustainability efforts, such as carbon sequestration.

Hans Specht, manager of global agriculture at Kraft Heinz, Mallory Flanders, regional sustainability specialist at Cargill, and Tara Vander Dussen, co-host of the Discover Ag podcast and a New Mexico dairy farmer, encouraged farmers to share their stories of the sustainability practices already in place on their farms.

“We have to get the messaging out to consumers that regenerative agriculture is a spectrum,” Vander Dussen explained. “Every year, maybe you’re doing something that’s a little bit better than before and then you’re partnering with a Cargill or a Heinz to learn how to be even better, so sustainability isn’t a ‘yes or no’ conversation.”

In a wide-ranging talk about leadership and self-knowledge, Harden shared his experiences working with big-name Michigan athletes Desmond Howard, Tom Brady and Michael Phelps.

Harden noted that self-love and self-acceptance are two keys to eliminating and replacing selfdefeating attitudes and behaviors.

“Human beings are the only creatures with the ability to decide they are not going to be the same today as they were yesterday,” Harden said in front of a slide that said, “Don’t be the same. Be better.”

The 2025 AFBF Convention is scheduled for Jan. 24-29, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

GFB Field Notes page 7 of 20 GA PEANUT SHOW INCLUDES AWARDS, CROP & FARM BILL UPDATES Georgia peanut growers attending the 47th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference held Jan. 18 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center had a total immersion in all things peanuts. About 100 exhibitors displayed the equipment, products and services they offer to help growers produce their peanut crop. More than 1,000 people turned out to attend the one-day event the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) sponsors each year.

Members of The University of Georgia Peanut Team staff presented an educational peanut production seminar covering the 2023 peanut crop’s yield and quality and what to expect in 2024.

They also discussed weed, disease and nematode management for 2024, and sustainability issues for Georgia peanut production. The peanut seed seminar highlighted peanut varieties available for 2024.

Dr. Scott Monfort invited peanut growers to tune into the UGA Peanut Team’s “All About the Pod” podcast available on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3JSXq7ZTzhTVPUfUD8YxwR Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-about-the-pod/id1638194766 or via the team’s webpage https://peanuts.caes.uga.edu .

Peanut growers, industry leaders & supporters honored During a breakfast held the morning of the show, the GPC and Agri Supply recognized five peanut growers as Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year. GPC directors started this award several years ago to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see Georgia’s peanut industry continue to thrive. A grower from each of the GPC Districts is selected each year. The 2024 recipients are: GPC District 1 – Donald Shirah, Camilla/Mitchell Co.; GPC District 2 – Gerald Fowler, Sycamore, Turner Co.; GPC District 3 – Lee Cromley, Brooklet/Bulloch Co.; GPC District 4 – Sam Crenshaw, Cordele/Crisp Co. The GPC District 5 award was presented posthumously to Richard Morrison of Lumpkin/Stewart Co. Each of these outstanding growers are or were Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members. Donald Shirah is a Mitchell Co. Farm Bureau Director. Gerald Fowler is a past chairman/member of the GFB Peanut Commodity Advisory Committee and currently serves as the Turner County Farm Bureau vice president. The late Richard Morrison is a past Stewart Co. Farm Bureau president/director.

During the event lunch, the Georgia Peanut Commission presented more awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry or promotion of peanuts. Award recipients are: Distinguished Service Award – John T. Powell, executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association & The Peanut Institute; Research & Education Award – Dr. Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension soil fertility specialist; and the Media Award – Dal Cannady, former bureau chief for WTOC-TV in Savannah.

Mallory Harvey of Baxley was presented with the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission & BASF. This award is presented to a Georgia peanut farmer based on the applicant’s overall farm operation, environmental stewardship practices, and leadership & community service activities. Harvey grows 1,500 acres of peanuts and cotton along with breeder hens for Pilgrim’s Pride. He strives to utilize innovative stewardship practices on the farm to reduce his carbon footprint and water usage. Harvey is active with a number of community and agriculture organizations in Appling County including Farm Bureau.

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GFB Field Notes page 8 of 20 Continued from previous page Harper opposes nemesis nations owning U.S. farmland, promotes GDA 150th anniversary Growers heard updates on peanut and general ag issues from several speakers during the lunch.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper commended the Georgia Peanut Commission and other ag organizations for working last year to get additional peanut research positions funded for the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Harper discussed his commitment to ensuring the Georgia General Assembly passes legislation this year that prevents nations or their citizens who have an adversarial relationship with the U.S. from buying U.S. farmland.

“I’m working with legislators to ensure that Georgia farmland remains for Georgia farmers and cannot be bought by foreign adversarial nations,” Harper said. “At the end of the day, agriculture is a national security issue.”

Harper encouraged Peanut Show attendees to join the Georgia Department of Agriculture in celebrating its 150th anniversary with events and promotions throughout 2024.

Lepicier gives National Peanut Board Update As of Jan. 1, Ryan Lepicier is the National Peanut Board’s CEO & president following Bob Parker’s retirement Dec. 31. Lepicier, a 15-year NPB employee, is no stranger to marketing and advocating for peanut nationwide.

He said the NPB has set three priorities for 2024: 1) Promotion. “Peanut butter consumption reached an all-time high in 2023 to about 4.4 lbs per person,” Lepicier said. “We’re proud of the role your National Peanut Board played to make this happen along with the Georgia Peanut Commission and other peanut organizations. In 2024 our theme will be ‘We Grow Comfort.’ This will allow us to talk to school nutritionists and parents about the health benefits of peanuts and to address peanut allergy issues.”

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

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

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

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

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

Redding gives farm bill update Bob Redding with the Redding Firm, which represents the National Peanut Federation in Washington, D.C., gave an update on what’s happening in D.C. regarding the farm bill.

“Congress decided to delay voting on a funding bill until early March. Since Congress can’t agree on a funding bill, the likelihood of them completing a farm bill lessens,” Redding said. “The -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 9 of 20 Continued from previous page longer we go, the more likely it will be 2025 before we have a new farm bill.”

The legislation Congress finalized on Jan. 18 extends funding at current levels for some government agencies through March 1, and others through March 8. The two-part deadline is an extension of the current deadline originally conceived by House conservatives to avoid a massive omnibus spending bill to fund the government. But many conservative Republicans opposed the stopgap measure to keep the government funded.

Redding warned that Congress didn’t budget enough money to fund existing farm programs and new smart climate programs the Biden Administration wants. “There’s not enough money to do everything everyone wants to do in this farm bill. Increasing the peanut reference price is the No. 1 priority for the National Peanut Federation.”

KMC & Amadas award door prizes At the end of the peanut show, Kelley Manufacturing Co. presented the Grand Door Prize to Jim Deen, Broxton, Ga. Deen received one season’s use of a new KMC peanut combine and the option of purchasing the combine from a KMC dealer with $15,000 off the list price at the end of the 2024 season, as well as a cash prize.

Amadas Industries provided its biggest Grower Door Prize to Zach Brown of Sumner, Ga. Brown received a custom Grizzly cooler and a certificate towards the purchase of a new Amadas selfpropelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. Ted O’Steen of Ambrose, Ga., won the second Amadas door prize of a custom Grizzly cooler and a certificate for Amadas parts.

Georgia Peanut Commission announces ’24 officers In related Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) News, the commission’s five district directors reelected Joe Boddiford of Screven County to continue serving as GPC chairman at its January board meeting. This is Boddiford’s third consecutive term serving as chairman. He previously served as chairman in 2000. He represents the GPC’s District 3.

“I look forward to working with Georgia peanut farmers and our industry partners to help enhance the peanut industry and the profitability of farmers,” Boddiford said. “Farmers can contact me at any time if they have suggestions for the work of the Georgia peanut Commission on their behalf.”

Other officers elected during the GPC board meeting include GPC Dist. 5 Director Donald Chase of Macon County as vice chairman and GPC Dist. 4 Director Rodney Dawson of Pulaski County as treasurer. Additional board members include GPC Dist. 1 Director Tim Burch of Baker County and GPC Dist. 2 Director Ross Kendrick of Turner County.

Georgia’s peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. Nomination meetings are held every three years for each of the district director positions on a staggered schedule. Georgia Farm Bureau conducts the nomination meetings as an objective third party.

GPC District Directors Burch and Boddiford were renominated to their respective positions with no opposition during meetings held Dec. 13, 2023. They will each serve a three-year term ending -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 10 of 20 Continued from previous page on Dec. 31, 2026.

The GPC represents more than 4,500 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on GPC programs visit www.gapeanuts.com.

AG FORECAST: ECONOMIC OUTLOOK, FARM BILL UPDATE & FARMER OF THE YEAR

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

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

Georgia’s economic development successes, stronger demographics, resilient labor market and having households in strong financial health are reasons UGA agricultural economists think Georgia will only see an economic slowdown instead of a recession. However, a misstep by the Federal Reserve with interest rates, a financial crisis or an energy price shock could each trigger a recession according to economic analysis provided by the UGA CAES. CAES economists say inflation will continue to ease, but don’t expect prices to fall to prepandemic levels.

Risks threatening the U.S. economy this year include possible defaults and delinquencies on loans, especially in commercial real estate, because of higher interest rates implemented to slow inflation. The geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine/Russia, and China pose another risk, Munisamy said.

The CAES hosted its annual event at the UGA Tifton Campus to give Georgia farmers, ag lenders and ag leaders a broad view of where the state’s No. 1 leading industry stands economically.

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

Georgia’s 2022 net farm income was $5.2 billion per USDA data, Munisamy said, making our state 13th for net cash income. This is the highest net farm income Georgia has seen since 2017 when it reached about $3.5 billion and 2014 when it was about $3 billion. Georgia’s net farm income dropped to just over $2 billion in 2020. Munisamy said Georgia’s 2023 net farm income is likely to fall to the last 10-year average of $3 billion.

However, farm expenses have steadily risen since 2020 and reached an historic high of about $9 billion in 2022. Farm input costs continued to increase last year, but when adjusted for inflation remained below 2014’s record highs. Ag production expenses are expected to drop slightly this -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 11 of 20 Continued from previous page year with the largest changes seen in interest, fertilizer and pesticide costs.

Higher labor costs pose a threat to Georgia’s 2024 ag economy. Unexpected increases in fertilizer or chemical costs are other possible risks. Georgia fruit and vegetable growers continue to lose income due to cheaper imports coming in to the U.S. from Mexico and South America during Georgia’s growing season.

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

This year, Munisamy expects there could be a higher export demand for Georgia poultry products due to population and income growth overseas coupled with limited supplies of other meats such as beef. But he cautioned that geopolitical conflicts could dampen export demand.

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

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

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

Farm bill showdown March 1 is a crucial date for the fate of the farm bill.

“Now that Congress delayed voting on the funding bill until early March – March first is the trigger point for the USDA and ag funding. March eighth is the deadline for resolving funding for other programs,” said Bob Redding, president of the Redding Firm, which represents multiple ag organizations on Capitol Hill. “Something has to happen either another continuing resolution to last until the end of the fiscal year, or they actually do the bills, or the government shuts down.”

Appropriation bills for Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD programs also expire March 1, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Appropriation bills for Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services-General Government, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations programs expire March 8.

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

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

“There’s no additional money for the farm bill, so we’re operating [writing a new bill] with no new cash,” Redding said. “Crop insurance and production risk programs are losing shares.

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GFB Field Notes page 12 of 20 Continued from previous page Nutrition programs are still the biggest segment of the farm bill.”

According to a report issued by Senate Ag Committee Republicans based on numbers provided by the Congressional Budget Office last May, federal nutrition programs, such as school lunch and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), account for 81.1% of farm bill spending at $1.22 trillion. Crop insurance programs account for 6.7% of the farm bill budget at $101.3 billion. Commodity and related programs make up 4.5% of the bill’s budget at $68.6 billion and conservation programs to protect soil, water and air are allocated $60 billion at 4% of the budget.

Last year Georgia farmers Karla Baker Thompson and Daniel McMillan testified during hearings before Congressional members working on the farm bill, Redding said. Thompson and McMillan both asked Congress to: allocate more funding for crop insurance programs, increase row crop reference prices to help farmers contend with their input costs that have increased significantly since the last farm bill was written; and the chance for farmers participating in commodity programs to do a voluntary update of their base acres for crops to let younger growers into the programs.

Farm bill politics Redding stressed the importance of farmers supporting Political Action Committees to advocate for ag issues as production agriculture’s power lessens.

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

Redding said although 92% of all production agriculture happens in Republican districts, support from Democratic lawmakers is vital to pass a farm bill.

“We’re blessed in Georgia that Reps. Sanford Bishop and David Scott are supporters of the farm bill,” Redding said.

Rep. Bishop plays a crucial role for ag funding as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and as the ranking member of its subcommittee on Agriculture. Rep. Scott is the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee.

Bruce Redmond named Georgia Farmer of the Year A highlight of the Ag Forecast was UGA Extension announcing Effingham County’s Bruce Redmond as the 2024 Georgia Farmer of the Year.

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

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

GFB Field Notes page 13 of 20 Continued from previous page of certified Bahiagrass seed in the Southeast Redmond has served on his local USDA Farm Service Agency Committee for seven years and is a supporter of 4-H and the Effingham Young Farmers association and an Effingham County Farm Bureau member.

He was named the 2023 Effingham County Friend of 4-H, the 2022 Georgia Outstanding Young Farmer by the Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the 2012 Young Farmer of the Year by the Effingham Young Farmers association.

In 2021, he was recognized as the Conservationist of the Year by the Ogeechee River Soil and Water Conservation District, who honored his father with the same recognition in 1993.

Redmond and his wife, Jillian Redmond, have three daughters, Lainey, 8; Ellie, 4; and Shiloh, 2.

“This is a great moment to remember the greatest asset of Georgia agriculture, and that's the Georgia farmer. Never forget that,” said Mark McCann, assistant dean for UGA Extension, who presented the award. “Each year, we solicit nominations from county agents across the state for outstanding and innovative farmers.”

GFB Field Notes page 14 of 20 GA VEGETABLE COMMISSION REFERENDUM Feb. 1-March 2 Mail balloting The Georgia Dept. of Agriculture has mailed ballots to eligible Georgia vegetable growers to vote on whether to continue the Georgia Vegetable Commission marketing order which allows assessment of one cent per marketing unit of vegetables as described in the current marketing order. The marketing order applies to growers with 50 acres or more of total annual production of the following crops - beans, bell pepper, specialty pepper, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, greens (including collards, turnip greens, mustard, and kale), squash (including yellow, zucchini and winter squash), sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Funds collected by the Georgia Vegetable Commission are used for research, education, and promotion of these crops.

It is the policy that the commission allocates at least 75% of the money collected toward research projects by the University of Georgia and other research institutions that best serve the Georgia Growers. Read the 2023 Commission Report here. Previously funded research has addressed but has not been limited to: whiteflies, fungal disease diagnoses & control, viral diseases, variety development, fumigation, and weed control. The Georgia Vegetable Commission was established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2006 at the request of Georgia vegetable growers. The marketing order must be reapproved by a vote of the eligible vegetable growers every three years by a two-thirds affirmative vote. If you are a qualified grower and have not received a ballot in the mail by Feb.10, please contact Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gove or call 404710-1196. Ballots must be postmarked by March 2 to be counted.

GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION RESEARCH DAY & NPB NOMINATION MEETING Feb. 7 9 a.m. NESPAL Building UGA Tifton Campus Tifton Nomination Election of National Peanut Board members Noon

The National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory (NESPAL) is located at 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton. This event provides growers and industry representatives an opportunity to hear the latest reports and newest information available on peanut research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) in 2023. GPC awarded $706,139 to peanut research facilities in Georgia during 2023. This effort funds 35 research projects from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation & water management, as well as pests, weed and disease management.

The agenda for the GPC Research Report Day is available online at www.gapeanuts.com. At noon, during the Research Day, the Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a nominations election to select two nominees each to serve as a member and alternate to the National Peanut Board for terms to begin Jan. 1, 2025. All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate. Eligible producers must be engaged in the production and sale of peanuts, or own, or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop. Casey Cox Kerr of Camilla is the current Georgia National Peanut Board member and Wesley Webb of Leary serves as the alternate. The terms for the current Georgia board member and alternate expire Dec. 31, 2024. The USDA requires two nominees for each position of member and alternate. The National Peanut Board will submit Georgia’s slate of nominees to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.

The NPB encourages inclusion of persons of any race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. NPB encourages all persons who qualify as peanut producers to attend the meeting and run for nomination. It is

GFB Field Notes page 15 of 20 USDA’s policy that membership on industry-government boards and committees accurately reflect the diversity of individuals served by the programs.

CROP INSURANCE FOR FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN Feb. 15 deadline to enroll or 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 2024 crop year is February 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the February 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. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2024 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies -Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has over 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

31st ANNUAL UGA FOCUS ON GENETICALLY ENHANCED EPDs BULL SALE Feb. 8 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Noon Athens This sale will include 30 Angus and Hereford Bulls, three registered Angus open heifers and 25 Angus-cross commercial open heifers. For more information, please contact Carroll T. Cannon at 229-881-0721 or 229-881-2705 or by email at CannonMarketingCompany@gmail.com.

GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 13 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 Georgia State University Blue Lot located at 76 Fulton St. SW, 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 DISTRICT 8 FARM SAFETY DAY Feb. 23 SW Ga. Research & Ed. Ctr. 8:30 a.m. Plains This second annual event will cover mental health, trucking safety and surprise inspectinos, grain bin safety, farm electrical safety, livestock safety and harvest safety. Registration is free and can be done by visiting www.gfb.ag/D8FarmSafety. The registration deadline is Feb. 20. Lunch will be available as a donation fundraiser for a local youth ag organization.

GFB Field Notes page 16 of 20 GEORGIA CITRUS ASSOCIATION 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Feb. 27 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tifton The seventh annual Georgia Citrus Association Conference takes place on February 27th in Tifton.

Get the latest on disease, pests, cold protection and this year a special Farm to Market growers panel that you won't want to miss. The Georgia Citrus Association is growing, so become involved today! Memberships, which include your conference ticket, are $75 now and $100 at the door.

Limited vendor space and sponsorships are available. Early bird pricing ends February 16, so visit georgiacitrusassociation.org to register today. https://geca.memberclicks.net/conf24?servId=10685#!/ USDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM March 1 deadline to apply The USDA is accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue food and agriculture career paths.

Administered through USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities that were established in the Morrill Land Grand Act of 1890. USDA partners with these 1890 universities to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarship recipients attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship also includes work experience at USDA through summer internships. Scholars accepted into the program are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with USDA upon successful completion of their degree requirements by the end of the agreement period. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program awarded 100 scholarships in the 2023 cohort of 1890 Scholars.

Learn more and apply online at USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. For more information, contact partnerships@usda.gov.

GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS March 1 deadline to apply The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $70,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field. The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories. Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program during the 2023-24 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. College Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for students who will be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college and major in an area of agriculture or an ag-related field of study, such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, or commercial truck driving. Visit https://gfb.ag/gfatechscholarshipmajors for a list of eligible schools and majors. Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for college students who have at least two semesters of college remaining to receive an undergraduate

GFB Field Notes page 17 of 20 degree from a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program. Applicants must be majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or an ag-related field. UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship - This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program specializing in large animal/food animal practice. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2023. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application.

The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring of 2023. Scholarship checks will be sent to the qualifying college/university the recipient is attending and placed in their school account upon verification the student has met all qualifications for the scholarship. Scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors will be distributed for spring 2024 upon receipt of first semester college transcript indicating the recipient is pursuing an ag-related course of study and has at least a 3.0 GPA. GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS March 8 deadline for county offices to submit entries Contact your county Farm Bureau office to learn deadline for its local contests Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students 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 ninth through twelfth 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. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. Middle school students will be given a blank bookmark and asked to draw a picture that depicts some aspect of Georgia agriculture. Students may use crayons, markers or colored pencils to create their bookmark that illustrates agriculture.

High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting Georgia agriculture. Artwork submitted in the high school art contest 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. Artwork entered in both contests will be judged on 1) how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in the artist’s county or Georgia and 2) artistic merit.

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. Contact your county Farm Bureau to learn its February deadline for entering the contests. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries to Georgia Farm Bureau for the state contest by March 8. Entries are limited to one per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit

GFB Field Notes page 18 of 20 www.gfb.ag/contests. Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture and to access info about Georgia agriculture.

GFB AG IN THE CLASSROOM EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS March 22 (Registration deadline March 8) UGArden, Athens April 12 (Registration deadline March 29) Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton Georgia Farm Bureau is hosting three Ag in the Classroom Educator Workshops & Tours in 2024 to introduce teachers to resources and teaching strategies to incorporate agriculture into their classrooms using curriculum that meets required teaching standards for STEM and STEAM. All workshops are open to any Georgia teacher. Teachers can choose from any of the three dates/locations. Each workshop will begin at 8 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend the workshop is $35, which includes lunch. Each workshop has a capacity of 30 teachers. Workshops are for teachers who have not previously attended a GFB Educator Workshop in the past two years.

Teachers interested in attending may register at www.gfb.ag/Spring24Workshop by the deadline or until the 30 slots for each class or filled. County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to recruit a local teacher who hasn’t previously attended a GFB Educator workshop to attend and to consider paying the teacher’s registration fee, reimbursing the teacher’s mileage to/from the workshop &/or covering the hotel cost for the night before the workshop if the teacher is traveling a long distance.

Teachers or county Farm Bureaus with questions should contact Lauren Goble at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5135.

2024 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST Feb. 13 5 p.m. EST deadline to register Registration has been extended for the 2024 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. Registration is required prior to submitting samples and must be completed online. Products must be registered and paid by 5 p.m. EST Feb. 13. All entry fees are non-refundable. Held annually since 2007, Flavor of Georgia has launched new products into success and garnered more publicity and sales for products already in the market. From rural farmers to urban businesses, successful and talented food artisans have emerged from all over Georgia to create delicacies from the abundant agricultural products our state has to offer. More than 1,500 products have entered the contest since it began. Products are to be submitted between March 11-13. Finalists will be notified via email on March 15, and the final round will be held at the Classic Center in Athens on April 4 during an event open to the public. To register and see full contest rules and more information about Flavor of Georgia, click here. https://flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/registration.html.

2024 CROP YEAR ARC & PLC ENROLLMENT March 15 deadline to enroll The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting enrollment in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year, and the deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15. For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit the ARC and PLC webpage or contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also make elections and complete enrollment online by logging in here with level 2 eAuth.

GFB Field Notes page 19 of 20 GFB COOKBOOK TO SUPPORT IMPACT FUND March 18 deadline to submit recipes or order a book Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is extremely excited to announce the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Cookbook. Anyone is welcome to submit their favorite recipes. Those who submit recipes will receive credit next to their recipe, so be sure to include all the requested information. The process is simple and convenient. To submit your recipe today, click the link here, submit your recipe, and/or pre-order your Georgia Farm Bureau Cookbook. (https://georgiafarmbureau.regfox.com/2023-pac-cookbook-). The deadline to submit all recipes is March 18. The deadline to pre-purchase a cookbook is March 18. Cookbooks will be printed and delivered in June. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will directly benefit the Georgia Farm Bureau Federal ImPACt Fund. To purchase a cookbook, you must be a current Georgia Farm Bureau Member, though memberhip is not required to submit a recipe. If you would like to purchase a cookbook and aren’t yet a Georgia Farm Bureau Member, we invite you to join today. You can become a member HERE, and once completed, you can pre-purchase your book from the link provided. (https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today) For more information, contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org.

16TH ANNUAL PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 23 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

Downtown Square Blakely Early County’s day-long celebration of Georgia peanuts begins with a 5k and Fun Run. It includes a parade, over 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course, free entertainment, and much more. Free specialty products such as fried peanuts and grilled PB&J sandwiches will be served.

Visit www.peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut Proud Festival Facebook page for all the details.

Call 229-724-7322 for more information.

USDA VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS April 11 deadline for electronic applications April 16 deadline for paper applications The USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries. To learn more, read the full Grant Opportunity Announcement. (https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-sa-vappg-foa-01172024.pdf)

GFB Field Notes page 20 of 20 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.

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT Ongoing Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.