HPAI CONFIRMED IN SECOND COMMERCIAL POULTRY FLOCK IN ELBERT CO.
On Jan. 22, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a second positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Elbert County.
The premises, referred to as Elbert 02, is located about 210 yards away from Elbert 01, the first positive commercial flock announced late Jan. 17 after detection on Jan. 15. Elbert 02 had approximately 130,000 broilers onsite. The first infected premise had about 45,000 broilers onsite at the time of detection.
On Jan. 17, samples that were collected from the second commercial poultry operation for routine, premovement testing by the Georgia Poultry Lab Network returned a positive result for HPAI. The GDA was notified of the second positive result by the Georgia Poultry Lab Network on Jan. 17. That detection enabled GDA staff to initiate operations on the ground without waiting to receive additional confirmation from USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. Additional confirmation through NVSL is needed before an HPAI event is publicly announced, and that confirmation was received from NVSL late in the evening on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
“The close proximity of the affected premises allowed our team to respond to both cases concurrently, and while those operations continue, our law enforcement officers are maintaining a secure perimeter to prevent further spread,” Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper said in a released statement. “I want to thank our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and our partners, who have worked 12-plus hour days during a holiday weekend in the bitter cold to protect our state’s No. 1 industry and the farm families who fuel its success.”
The GDA’s Emergency Management & State Agricultural Response Team deployed immediately to the initially affected premises (Elbert 01) and expanded to include Elbert 02 to conduct depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and disinfecting operations. Operations occurred concurrently due to the close physical proximity and the positive detection at the Georgia Poultry Lab Network of the second location. Depopulation of Elbert 01 and Elbert 02 was completed in -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page the initial 48 hours after detection. Disposal and cleaning & disinfecting operations are ongoing, and GDA Law Enforcement officers continue to maintain a secure perimeter around the affected premises.
Animal disease response protocols require immediate action when HPAI is detected to successfully mitigate further spread of the disease. In the case of Elbert 02, a positive result from the Georgia Poultry Lab Network enabled the Georgia Department of Agriculture to initiate operations on the ground without waiting on confirmatory results from USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory. However, further confirmation of HPAI by NVSL is needed prior to a case being announced publicly in Georgia. While NVSL testing will provide additional information on the HPAI virus involved in these cases, the additional information does not change the Department’s protocol and need to initiate an immediate response.
This is the second detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Georgia, and the sixth detection overall in Georgia since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. The first four detections were in wild birds or backyard poultry flocks.
The suspension of poultry activities for sales (auction market, flea market, or other livestock market), shows, swaps, meet ups, and exhibitions involving live birds remains in effect until further notice. Retail sales of poultry products like meat and eggs as well as poultry production and processing operations are not impacted by the suspension. More information on suspended activities is available here, and notifications will be issued when the suspension is lifted.
The Centers for Disease Control reports there is no evidence that anyone in the United States has gotten infected with avian influenza A viruses after eating properly handled and cooked poultry products or eggs. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses.
“HPAI remains a serious threat to our state’s economy, Georgia’s #1 industry, and the health and safety poultry in our state, and our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture responded immediately to start depopulation, disposal, and cleaning & disinfecting operations,” said Agriculture Commissioner Harper.
All commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius remain under quarantine and will continue to undergo increased surveillance testing for a period of at least two weeks. Given the close proximity of Elbert 01 and Elbert 02, an additional quarantine radius was not required and a permit from the GDA is needed to move poultry and poultry products moving into, out of, and within the control area.
Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks:
Move poultry with outside access indoors.
Continue strict biosecurity practices, including a clear line of separation on the farm.
Monitor flocks for clinical signs of HPAI.
Birds may become quiet, not eat or drink, have discolored combs and feet, or die suddenly with no signs of disease.
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Report unexplained mortality in your birds immediately.
Avian Influenza (AI) is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you have concerns about AI in birds, call the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Anyone who sees unusually high numbers of dead wild birds in a single location should report this to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds
For more information about HPAI & biosecurity tips visit:
Protect Your Flock (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Avian Influenza FAQ (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Defend the Flock - Resource Center USDA APHIS)
Protect Your Livelihood PDF (For commercial poultry producers)
AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
THURMOND FINISHES SECOND IN AFBF DISCUSSION MEET
Cain Thurmond of Jackson County finished second nationally in the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet to headline Georgia Farm Bureau’s entries in AFBF’s YF&R competitive events.
Cason Anderson of Houston County competed for the AFBF YF&R Achievement Award, which recognizes farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Kaitlyn and Kaleb Marchant of Oglethorpe County vied for the AFBF YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, which highlights agriculturalists who earn the majority of their income from off-farm sources.
Georgia’s Cleve Jackson, of Floyd County, was named to the AFBF YF&R Committee for 2025. Jackson served the last two years on the GFB YF&R Committee, including the chairmanship in 2024.
Thurmond receives a $25,000 credit toward a new Case IH piece of equipment (value of $25,000). Case IH, located in Racine, Wisconsin, is the sponsor of the 2nd-place runner-up award. His second-place finish was the highest by a Georgia competitor since Steve Wilson of Henry County won the event in 1980. Thurmond was Georgia’s first Final Four qualifier since Becca Creasy of Bulloch County in 2019.
Abby Campbell of Ohio won the competition. In the Final Four round, she, Thurmond and other finalists Hayden Ballard of Utah and John Norwood of North Carolina sought ideas to facilitate access and ownership of agricultural land for beginning farmers.
The discussion meet is a series of committee-style meetings in which contestants hash over issues and solutions related to a specific ag-related topic. Thurmond emerged from a field of 32 -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page contestants from across the U.S.
Thurmond is a system relationship manager with Farm Credit Services of America. He and his wife, Whitney, live in Jefferson. The Thurmonds own the Storey Garden & Grove, a Christmas tree farm scheduled to open winter 2026. They also have a small pecan orchard.
A first-generation farmer who lives in Perry, Anderson grows pecans on a total of 1,020 acres across multiple counties. He also grows sweet corn and provides custom farm work.
He serves on the Houston County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as the corporate secretary and YF&R chairman. He represented GFB’s 8th District on the state YF&R Committee in 20192021.
The Marchants won the 2024 GFB YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, given to recognize agriculturalists aged 18-35 who are active Farm Bureau members, promote agriculture in their community, and earn most of their income from something other than production agriculture.
The Marchants live in Winterville. Kaitlyn works for the Georgia Department of Education as the North Region ag education coordinator. Kaleb is pursuing a PhD from UGA and manages the beef and sheep unit at the UGA Double Bridges Farm in Winterville.
Thurmond, Anderson and the Marchants won the GFB competitive events last July. Look for entry announcements for the 2025 competitions this spring. For more information about the GFB YF&R program visit https://www.gfb.org/connect/young-farmers.
GFB MEMBERS STEP UP & DRIVE FORWARD AT AFBF CONVENTION
Georgia had a strong presence at the 106th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention Jan. 25-28 in San Antonio. Jackson County’s Cain Thurmond won second place in the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. Habersham County Farm Bureau received a County of Excellence Award for its Summer on the Farm Camp and had a booth in the center aisle of the trade show. Georgia Peanut Commission representatives handed out its ever-popular red bags of roasted peanuts Magnolia Loom, based in Sandersville, sold its signature t-shirts made of Georgia Grown cotton sewn in the U.S.
About 160 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members attended the AFBF Convention held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Attendees had the opportunity to hear motivational and educational speakers with messages designed to help them “Step Up and Drive Forward” as Farm Bureau leaders and county volunteers. There was also time to enjoy San Antonio’s Riverwalk, which adjoins the convention center, visit the Alamo, and eat local cuisine.
Some 120 members of the GFB delegation enjoyed a day trip to Fredericksburg, Jan. 24, where they toured the town and National Museum of the Pacific War. The outing included a lunch of Texas BBQ catered by Kreuz Market.
Saturday: Women’s Leadership meetings & Habersham County recognized Convention activities kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 25 with 11 GFB members representing Georgia at the regional caucus and national Women's Leadership events at the convention. GFB -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page appreciates the following for serving as delegates at these meetings: Alicia Berry, Julie Hardy, Terri Marks, Carol McQueen, Lindsey Morgan, Missie Petty, Lisa Rainwater, Angie Roberts, Romy Strickland, Lauren Stanley and Jane Wooten.
Other Saturday events included Cain Thurmond of Jackson County competing in the preliminary rounds of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet. Kaleb and Kaitlyn Marchant of Oglethorpe County gave their Excellence in Agriculture presentation. See the article in this newsletter about the YF&R competitions for complete details.
Also on Saturday, Habersham County Farm Bureau (HCFB) was one of five counties invited to give a brief presentation about their County Activity of Excellence project during a session on the Cultivation Stage in the AFBF trade show. HCFB Office Manager Madison Bennett explained how the county held a four-day camp last summer for kindergarten through 4th-grade students that highlighted a different Georgia commodity each day - dairy, beef, poultry & cotton. The camp included virtual video tours of farms that produced each commodity, lessons about the commodity and a hands-on craft.
AFBF presented certificates to 24 counties nationwide for their outstanding county programs and gave each county a booth in the trade show to share their programs with Farm Bureau members from other states who might be interested in replicating the idea in their county.
“We wanted to offer a summer day camp to connect students with farming,” HCFB Office Manager Madison Bennett said. “We highlighted some of the major commodities grown in Georgia or that students consume a lot of.”
Another big draw at the trade show for GFB members was the chance to have their photo taken with one of the longhorns provided by Ralph Fisher’s Photo Animals based in LaGrange, Texas. The gentle giants patiently let thousands of people pet them and pose for photos for hours. Fisher’s animals have been featured in movies and late-night talk shows.
During a session in the trade show titled The Silent Storm: From Struggle to Strength, LaDonna Gatlin, sister to the Gatlin Brothers and suicide attempt survivor, shared her story. Gatlin told how she got to the point where she took 31 sleeping pills. She talked about perpetual anxiety, where the brain's fight-or-flight functions do not disengage. Gatlin shared the stage with AFBF's Jessica Cabrera and Emily Buckman and discussed the organization's Farm State of Mind program and the Togetherall suite of services available to help with mental health challenges. Sunday: Flapjack breakfast, AFBF awards & Flying without Fear
Many GFB members started the second day of the convention at the AFBF Foundation Flapjack Breakfast. The foundation announced it's 2025 Book of the Year - The Soil in Jackie's Garden by Peggy Thomas & illustrated by Neely Daggett.
In the opening session on Sunday morning, GFB President Tom McCall carried Georgia’s flag during the parade of flags to start the convention. AFBF President Zippy Duvall gave his annual address, noting the organization's Year of the County President in 2024. During his speech, Duvall praised county Farm Bureaus for their work to support their communities, pick up pieces after -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page storms and seek ways to connect farms with consumers. He also summarized key federal issues on which AFBF has led the charge, including recent legislation to fund the government and extend the farm bill.
GFB and other state Farm Bureaus were recognized during the opening general session for their outstanding member programs and advocacy work. GFB was honored for earning all four of the AFBF Awards of Excellence presented in these program areas: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development. GFB also received an AFBF Foundation Scholar Award for being the state Farm Bureau that donated the most money to the foundation in its membership category.
During the mid general session on Sunday afternoon, AFBF presented its Distinguished Service Award to Collin Peterson, who was a staunch supporter of agriculture for the 30 years he served in the U.S. House of Representatives During his time in the House representing Minnesota’s seventh congressional district, he served on the Agriculture Committee, including as chair from 2007-2011 and 2019-2021. He was instrumental in negotiating passage of the 2008, 2014 and 2018 farm bills.
Now retired from Congress, Peterson continues to focus on important work for agriculture. He is the founder of the Midwest Council on Agriculture, a group that advocates for agriculture and economic policy that supports long-term sustainability of the industry.
Decorated fighter pilot and founder of the non-profit Folds of Honor, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, inspired the audience to honor the sacrifice of America’s servicemen and women. Rooney shared the obstacles he overcame to establish his charity that provides scholarships to disabled service members and their family members. He also authored "Fly Into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness."
Sirius, a 6-year-old Maremma sheepdog owned by Florida Farm Bureau members Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, was named the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Daisy, owned by Kentucky Farm Bureau members Shelby and Lora Ennis, was named People’s Choice Pup, decided by an online voting competition. AFBF and Nestlé Purina PetCare partnered to give Sirius $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food and other Purina products. Daisy receives a trophy plate, Purina products and a $2,500 cash prize.
Monday: Farm Bill Update & Living Up to Your Potential
A farm bill session held at the American Farm Bureau Convention drew a standing room crowd as farmers across the U.S. gathered to hear what the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania) and Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-Minnesota) had to say.
“Our number one task as the Agriculture Committee is to get this farm bill done and get it across the finish line,” Thompson said. “I want to get a farm bill done in 2025 because you [farmers and ranchers] need it. We don’t want to have to come back to Congress at the end of the year and ask for more financial assistance.”
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The latest continuation of the 2018 farm bill the last Congress passed in December expires Sept. 30.
“In the last session of Congress, the House Agriculture Committee traveled together and visited 41 or 42 states holding listening sessions on the farm bill. We wrote it from the outside in,” Thompson said. “We’ve got a great foundation for a bill we can build on.”
Thompson said he doesn’t have a time frame for passing the farm bill other than “sooner rather than later.” The House Ag Committee is expected to hold its first meeting in February to get the ball rolling.
Both Thompson and Craig encouraged farmers to return to their home states and work to educate all members of their Congressional delegation – Democrats and Republicans- on the importance to our national security of getting a farm bill passed and the importance of the 12 programs it contains in addition to nutrition such as crop insurance, support programs, conservation programs, research/education.
They stressed that it would take bipartisan support from members of both parties to pass the farm bill.
Motivational speaker Eric Boles a former NFL wide receiver, delivered the keynote address at the closing session of the AFBF Convention in San Antonio.
Boles encouraged convention attendees to live up to their potential in all areas of their life. Potential, Boles said, is dormant ability and must be transformed into performance to achieve success. Boles said there are four reasons people don’t grow: 1. They say they’re ok the way they are; 2) fear of the future/unknown; 3) fear of failure & 4) fear of rejection. Regarding the fear of failure, Boles said it’s important to prepare your children, employees or team mates to realize life can be hard but not to give up when things become tough. Boles warned against avoiding doing hard things because of fear.
He encouraged leaders to share their stories of fear and failure with those they lead or mentor to encourage them.
Tuesday: AFBF adopts policy & McCall re-elected to AFBF Board
Georgia Farm Bureau directors represented Georgia in the annual meeting of voting delegates at the AFBF Convention on Jan. 28. GFB had 12 delegates who participated in the business session where state delegates from across the U.S. determined the position AFBF will take on policy issues pertaining to agriculture and related topics for the next year. The policy the voting delegates considered originated with county Farm Bureaus across the U.S. and was approved by their respective state Farm Bureaus before advancing to AFBF meeting.
“When you get farmers from across the U.S. together all of us have different issues we’re concerned about depending on our commodities or the part of the country we come from, but all of us have the same concern of taking care of farmers,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “Today we’ll discuss and decide what AFBFs policy will be to represent American farmers in D.C. for the next year. The biggest thing is getting a modern farm bill passed and that it includes good disaster relief provisions for future events. Getting a new farm bill passed is what everyone nationwide is -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page working for.”
Policy the AFBF voting delegates approved covered passage of a new farm bill, enacting regulatory reform, and creating new markets for U.S. farmers. Delegates also adopted policy supporting the development and sale of domestically sourced sustainable aviation fuel.
They strengthened policy on alternative energy production, including increasing the responsibility of energy companies to manage land used for development, and prioritizing energy production on land not suitable for agriculture.
Recognizing the challenges of maintaining a strong agriculture workforce, delegates voted to stabilize labor costs to avoid drastic swings that put the economic sustainability of farms at risk. They also recommended the AFBF board study potential alternatives to the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate methodology used for the H-2A program.
On trade, delegates added policy in support of a United States Mexico Canada Agreement review process to encourage new opportunities while protecting U.S. agriculture from unfair competition.
Delegates also directed AFBF to press more forcefully for reform of the current requirements for small-scale meat, dairy and value-added processing facilities.
GFB President Tom McCall was re-elected to a two-year term to represent AFBF’s Southern Region on the AFBF Board of Directors along with the state presidents from Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Oklahoma.
AFBF SIGNS ONTO LETTER SUPPORTING ROLLINS AS AG SECRETARY
Georgia Farm Bureau is one of more than 400 organizations to sign a letter in support of Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Agriculture.
The groups wrote the letter on Jan.15 to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Arkansas) and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota). The co-signed grups included farmers, ranchers, growers, hunters, forest owners, conservations, cooperatives, state departments of agriculture, renewable fuel producers and agribusinesses.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Milk Producers Inc. and the Georgia/Florida Soybean Association signed onto the letter, as well.
In voicing support for Rollins, the groups noted her life-long involvement in agriculture, including baling hay and raising livestock in Texas and spending summers working on her family’s farm in Minnesota and participating in all levels of 4-H and FFA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture development from Texas A&M.
Rollins served as deputy general counsel and policy director for former Texas Governor Rick Perry, where together they advanced many agricultural priorities. She championed rural priorities across the federal government as Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term.
The groups asked the Senate Ag Committee and the entire Senate to promptly confirm Rollins as the next Secretary of Agriculture.
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PEANUT SHOW HONORS FARMERS, SUPPORTERS, PROVIDES UPDATES
All things related to Georgia peanuts were highlighted at the 48th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference Jan. 16 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) sponsors the one-day event each year. Peanut growers had the opportunity to view products and services of about 90 exhibitors. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational seminar covering production issues including the 2024 peanut crop’s yield and quality, tropical spiderwort, leafspot disease, and Southern corn rootworm management. Peanut researchers from the Universities of Georgia, Auburn and Florida, along with researchers from USDA and the National Peanut Research Laboratory discussed the pros and cons of various peanut varieties their programs have developed.
Peanut farmers & industry supporters honored
The day kicked off with a breakfast during which the GPC and AgriSupply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Award to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts. The GPC started 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. A grower from each of the GPC Districts is selected each year. The 2025 recipients are: GPC District 1 - Martine Phillips of Miller County; District 2 – Billy Senkbeil of Worth County; GPC District 3 – Daniel Johnson of Pierce County; GPC District 4 – Wayne Peavy of Dooly County and GPC District 5 – Sauls Partnership of Randolph County. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the Georgia Peanut Commission.
During the Peanut Farm Show lunch, the Georgia Peanut Commission presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts. Award recipients were: Distinguished Service Award – T.E. Moye, Jr., president of Georgia Federal State Inspection Service; Research & Education Award – Tim Brenneman, University of Georgia professor and plant pathologist; and the Media Award – Jim Wallace, retired news anchor for WALB TV.
The Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF presented the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer of the Year Award to Ryan Ireland of Turner County. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer, 45 years or younger, based on the applicant’s overall farm operation, environmental and stewardship practices, leadership and community service activities. Ireland grows peanuts, cotton, corn, wheat, hay and cattle. He strives to incorporate new and innovative ways to increase yields and be a natural steward of the land. Ireland chooses to focus on water retention, disease control and overall soil quality.
Washington, D.C. Update
Bob Redding with the Redding Firm that represents the U.S. Peanut Federation in D.C., gave an update on Washington happenings. Redding discussed the American Relief Act of 2025, which Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024. This legislation extends the 2018 farm bill until Sept. 30, included $21 billion in disaster aid for agriculture losses nationwide caused by natural disasters in 2023 & 2024, and included $10 billion in economic aid -continued on next page
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to help farmers recover from low commodity prices and high production costs.
“It’s important for Georgia that the ag disaster funds are to be distributed via block grant programs administered by state departments of agriculture as the Hurricane Michael relief money was,” Redding said. “With the ag economic relief, farmers can expect payments of $76.30 an acre for peanuts and almost $85 an acre for cotton. It may be about half the amount of money we needed, but we did work hard for this and it was tough to get this money.”
Redding said the House Agriculture Committee is expected to move a new farm bill sometime in the first quarter of this year and the Senate Agriculture Committee will issue their bill after that.
“We hope to see action taken on the farm bill in the first or second quarter so we can get a new farm bill passed in 2025,” Redding said.
Koehler announces 2026 retirement & search for his replacement
Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) Executive Director Don Koehler announced his plans to retire on Aug. 1, 2026, at which time he will have served 40 years in his position.
“I love each and every Georgia peanut farmer. You have been my life for 38 and a half years. It’s been a blessing to be here working for you,” Koehler said. “I think it’s my obligation to help facilitate a smooth transition.”
Koehler said the GPC has put together a job description and is beginning the search for his replacement.
“We are looking for someone with a huge passion for agriculture, specifically peanuts,” GPC Chairman Joe Boddiford said. “The Georgia Peanut Commission needs someone with great leadership qualities, exceptional communication talents and a strong advocate for Georgia’s peanut farmers.”
Ideal candidates will be energetic leaders with experience in agriculture. This position operates in a high-pressure environment and requires a great deal of commitment of time on the part of the individual. It is also a very diverse position which requires an individual with broad vision to truly lead. It requires a combination of depth and vision, people skills, management ability, and dedication to the purpose of the Commission.
For more details about the position and job description, please visit the Georgia Peanut Commission’s website at gapeanuts.com/executivedirector.
National Peanut Board Update
Dena Malsom, National Peanut Board vice president of marketing & communications & chief marketing officer, gave an update on the work NPB is doing on behalf of U.S. peanut growers.
“Since 2001, the National Peanut Board has invested over $48 million in peanut research to make sure the quality of peanuts is something we enjoy eating every day and to help growers increase your yield,” Malsom said.
She said the NPB is focusing its advertising efforts on Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012 who are ages 13-28, to increase demand for peanut products.
“If you don’t see our marketing efforts it’s because we’re advertising on social media and streaming platforms geared towards Gen Z. Gen Z is really focused on health and peanuts have a -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page beautiful story to tell,” Malsom said.
The NPB is also working to return peanut products to school menus. Malsom said about 50% of U.S. schools don’t serve peanut products.
“We want schools and colleges to know they can safely serve peanuts despite students with allergies,” Malsom said. “We’re providing operating plans that schools to follow to safely serve peanuts.”
Last fall, the NPB introduced Little Peanut, a toy plushie, to educate parents & healthcare providers that feeding small amounts of peanut foods to infants at the right stage of development – typically around 4-6 months of age – can help prevent children from developing a peanut allergy. Parents can learn more at https://www.littlepeanut.tips/growing-adventurous-eaters/.
Prizes awarded
Robb Lane, of Omaha, Ga., won the grand door prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Co. Lane 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 2025 season, as well as a cash prize.
Melissa Williams of Lenox, Ga., received the grower door prize provided by Amadas Industries Melissa received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate towards the purchase of a new Amadas self-propelled peanut combine, pull-type peanut combine, peanut digger or peanut dump cart. Joey Williams of Lenox, Ga., received a customized Grizzly cooler and a certificate for Amadas parts.
DEER CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CONFIRMED IN LANIER COUNTY
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) has confirmed through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories that a hunter-harvested deer sampled for routine surveillance in Lanier County has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This is the first case of CWD detected in Georgia. The case was announced Jan. 23.
The sample was taken from a 2 ½-year-old male white-tailed deer harvested on private property. Immediately following the positive confirmation, WRD staff implemented the CWD Response Plan and are taking additional samples from the area.
“I want to assure our hunters that deer hunting will continue to thrive in Georgia, despite this current discovery,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “Working together with our hunters and all Georgians, we will manage CWD and maintain healthy deer herds.”
The DNR CWD Response Plan is in effect and a CWD Management Area is established. The CWD Management Area includes the county where the positive sample was found and any county that touches a 5-mile radius around the location of the positive sample. The current CWD -continued on next page
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Management Area includes Lanier and Berrien counties.
The critical next step is to determine the geographic extent and prevalence rate in that Management Area (i.e., how far it has spread and what percent of deer have CWD). The Department will do that with landowner cooperation through “cluster sampling” in the immediate area.
CWD was first discovered in 1967 in Fort Collins, Colorado. CWD is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose caused by infectious, misfolded proteins called prions. There are no current treatments or preventative vaccines.
CWD in deer, elk ,and/or moose has been reported in 36 states and 3 Canadian provinces: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming as well as Canadian provinces Alberta, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hunters harvesting a deer, elk, or moose from an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested for CWD prior to consuming the meat and do not consume the meat if the animal tests positive.
How You Can Help Prevent Spread
• Don’t move live deer. Moving live deer is the greatest risk for introducing CWD to new areas.
• Dispose of carcasses properly and don’t bring whole carcasses into Georgia from out of state or move whole carcasses outside the CWD Management Area. Any carcass parts you don’t intend to consume should be left on the property the deer was killed, sent to a landfill, or buried.
• Report sick or abnormal deer to your nearest WRD Game Management Office.
The Georgia DNR with its partners – Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study – will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.
For more information on Chronic Wasting Disease, visit https://georgiawildlife.com/CWD
The DNR is holding a series of in-person and virtual information sessions to educate the public about CWD and learn about DNR’s response.
Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Cook County Cooperative Extension Office at 206 East 9th St. Adel, 31620
Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. Virtual on the DNR Wildlife Resources Division Facebook Page
Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Lanier County High School Auditorium at 52 West Patten Ave., in Lakeland, 31635
Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Lowndes County Historic Courthouse at 100 East Central Ave., Valdosta, 31601.
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ELAP LIVESTOCK DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Jan. 30 2024 losses deadline to apply
The USDA Farm Service Agency reminds livestock producers that the deadline to apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) is Jan. 30 for losses due to specific adverse conditions that occurred in 2024. ELAP provides emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farmraised fish to assist with losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as wildfires, that are not covered by other FSA disaster assistance programs. Producers interested in applying for ELAP assistance for calendar year 2024 should contact FSA at their nearest USDA Service Center by the Jan. 30, 2025, deadline.
FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION FOR SPECIALTY CROPS
Jan. 31 Deadline to apply
The USDA Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program covers a percentage of a specialty crop operation’s cost to obtain or renew its on-farm food safety certification, as well as a portion of related expenses. Eligible FSCSC applicants must be a specialty crop operation, meet the definition of a small or medium-size business, and have paid eligible expenses related to certification. Details about payment rates and limitations are available at farmers.gov/food-safety To learn more about FSCSC, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
FRESH MARKET TOMATOES AND PECAN CROP INSURANCE
Jan. 31 deadline to enroll/renew
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 2025 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 2025 crop year. 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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://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 more than 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 www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 20
INFO SESSION: EPD ISSUING WATER PERMITS IN LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN
Feb. 6 Stripling Irrigation Park 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Camilla
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), Harvey Drilling, and Stripling Irrigation Park are hosting an information session regarding the Dec. 18 announcement that the EPD will begin accepting applications April 1 for groundwater withdrawal permits in portions of the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee River Basins. Sub Area 4 of the Flint River Basin is included. This is an opportunity for anyone to have questions answered by EPD staff. These permits will be for drought-restricted wells so this will be a chance to learn about the restrictions and regulations that apply to the new ag water permits. The meeting is from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Stripling Irrigation Park in Camilla. Lunch will be provided. If you have any questions, please email or call the Harvey Drilling office at 229-435-0204. Visit https://gfb.ag/epdresumeswaterpermits to read more about the EPD’s Dec. 18 announcement.
GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Feb. 11 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.
32nd ANNUAL UGA FOCUS ON GENOMIC ENHANCED EPDs BULL SALE
Feb. 13 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Noon Athens
This sale will include 35 Angus Bulls, three registered Angus open heifers and 30 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.
Field Notes page 15 of 20
2025 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST
Feb. 13 deadline to enter
March 13-14 First round UGA Griffin Campus
April 17 Final round Athens Contestant registration for the 2025 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest is now open! Some exciting new changes are coming to the competition this year, so be sure to mark your calendars! Each entry is featured in the digital product directory, including a professional product photo and brief overview, which gets seen by leading food industry buyers and media outlets. Finalists will receive branded press releases, the use of the Flavor of Georgia logo on their label and promotional materials, and the opportunity to present their product to a panel of food industry experts. Contestants who enter three products can get a fourth product entry free. The entry fee is $100 per product. The first round of judging is moving to the UGA Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) on the UGA Griffin Campus! There will be three days (March 10-12) of in-person product drop off at UGA FoodPIC. All contestants will receive feedback from our first-round judges: the Southern Crescent Technical College Culinary Arts program. Contestants who advance to the final round of the competition will be able to sell their products during the reception and awards ceremony! The reception and awards ceremony has a brand new name: Savor the State: A Flavor of Georgia Tasting Experience. For more information and to register, visit https://flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/.
SWEET MARKET CORN CROP INSURANCE
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 2025 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. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2025 crop year. 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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://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 more than 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 www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 20
GFB DISTRICT 8 FARM SAFETY DAY
Feb. 21 UGA Southwest Ga. Research & Education Center Plains
Check in and refreshments begin at 8 a.m. Event begins at 9 a.m. & ends at 1:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Mike Reynolds, founder of HERO Agriculture, which helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life through farming and agriculture. The event offers networking opportunities and Air Evac will be there, with a chance they’ll do a fly-in, as well as on-site vendors. Event is free but those attending are encouraged to register at https://gfb.ag/D8FarmSafety.
GA PORK PRODUCERS MEETING AND NATIONAL PORK BOARD ELECTION
Feb. 28 State Farmers Market
1:30 p.m. Macon
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2026 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at this meeting in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of Georgia Pork Producers Association. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information, contact Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga., telephone 1-229-254-9355.
AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
March 1 application deadline
The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for 2025 from welding students across North America. In 2024, the AWS Foundation awarded scholarships to more than 1,200 welding students, providing financial support ranging from $1,000 to over $10,000 per recipient. These scholarships benefited students attending more than 400 academic and training institutions across all 50 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. The AWS Foundation’s scholarships support welding education at every level, from short-term training programs to degree-based learning. In 2024, 64% of scholarship recipients pursued technical school education, addressing the critical need for skilled welders in construction and manufacturing industries; 25% of scholarship recipients were female, far surpassing the industry participation rate of 5.6%. Scholarships are available to all students in welding and related fields; all are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help fund their education. Applications are available at scholarship.aws.org.
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 20
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS
March 1 deadline to apply
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $65,000 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 2025-26 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 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, 2025. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application. The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring of 2025. 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 2026 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 Field Notes page 18 of 20
2025 GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS
March 7 deadline for county Farm Bureaus to submit entries
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests. 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. Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students or teachers should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules and to learn the county’s February deadline for entering the contests. 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. Entries are limited to one per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest. All artwork submitted in both contests must be original and becomes the property of Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) once submitted. GFB may use artwork from both contests on various products distributed or sold by the organization to promote agriculture. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.gfb.ag/contests. Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture, https://www.gfb.org/connect/farm-markets to find a farm near you or https://gfb.ag/UGA24agsnapshots to access info about Georgia agriculture.
63rd ANNUAL GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
March 12-14 Augusta Marriott Convention Center Augusta
GCA’s Annual Convention is the place to be to find the best program for education and networking in the cattle industry around Georgia! The convention features a phenomenal tradeshow, educational sessions, social opportunities and much more! There is sure to be something for everyone! For more information or to register, click here.
Field Notes page 19 of 20
2025 FARM STRESS SUMMIT
March 13 Ga. Southern Continuing/Professional Education Center Statesboro
This free event that runs from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. is open to all who want to help combat farm stress in Georgia’s rural communities. This event aims to connect community leaders with existing resources and establish partnerships across organizations. Lunch will be provided. Key priority audiences include medical providers, counselors, faith leaders, Extension agents/specialists, Georgia Farm Bureau members and staff, farmers, agribusiness owners/operators, policymakers, ag lenders, local elected officials, county/city municipal staff, and pharmacists. Social workers, family counselors and marriage/and family therapists may earn 2.5 CEU general contact hours for attending. Participation is limited to the first 140 registrants due to the venue size. After event is full, a waitlist will be started and registrants will be notified if space becomes available. Visit https://gfb.ag/25farmstresssummit to register. Organizations interested in having a free exhibit at the summit should complete a survey by Feb. 24 available at the previously mentioned registration site. The event location is 10449 US Hwy 301, Statesboro, GA 30458. It is being sponsored by UGA Extension, UGA College of Public Health, UGA School of Social Work, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, the Southern Ag Exchange Network, Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University, Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture.
CROP AND DAIRY SAFETY NET PROGRAAMS
March 31
April 15
DMC application deadline
ARC/PLC application deadline
The USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting applications for key safety-net programs –Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) as well as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). ARC and PLC provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most American farms. Meanwhile, DMC provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for more information on these programs.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, visit the project website
GFB Field Notes page 20 of 20
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES
Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207. More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
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 2024 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
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.