February 10, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 4 No. 4
NEARLY 500 VISIT ATLANTA FOR GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL Georgia Farm Bureau’s strength in numbers was on full display at the 2022 GFB Day at the Capitol Feb. 8. A total of 480 members from around the state registered and carried messages to state legislators about the organization’s stances on issues related to agriculture. GFB President Tom McCall welcomed an overflow crowd to the Blue Room at the Georgia Freight Depot, including dozens of FFA students from around the state who got early experience in the process of advocating for agriculture. “These blue corduroy jackets are our future and we appreciate y’all coming today. I know you’re getting out of school, but the important part is y’all took time to come, and I hope you learn something,” McCall said. McCall emphasized that GFB Day at the Capitol is a prime example of the organization fulfilling its mission. “The purpose of Farm Bureau is to represent farmers in the legislative arena,” McCall said. “That’s what all of y’all are doing today. That’s why it’s so important to get this kind of crowd, grassroots people to go talk to the folks up yonder that make decisions about what we do.” Members made legislators aware of GFB’s stance on the Freedom to Farm Act (House Bill 1150). The bill, submitted by Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella), which would provide protection for farmers against frivolous lawsuits. The legislation amends the state’s current Right to Farm law by eliminating language that leaves Georgia’s family farms open to lawsuits from neighbors who do not like the sights, sounds and smells of agriculture. Members also discussed general agriculture issues, animal agriculture, natural resources and the environment, and taxes & budget – topics the GFB Board of Directors identified as priority issues. After morning visits at the capitol, members and legislators heard from Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Robert Dickey and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Larry Walker III. Rep. Rob Leverett (R-Elberton), elected to succeed McCall in Georgia House District 33, presented McCall with a proclamation thanking McCall for his 26-year run in the Georgia House of Representatives. Kemp discussed the state’s accomplishments over the past year, noting that unemployment in -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 2 of 17 Continued from previous page Georgia is now at 2.6%, which the governor said was the lowest unemployment rate the state has ever had. He shared how many of the new economic development projects are located in places outside the 10-county Metro Atlanta region and talked about efforts to fend off federal government overreach. Kemp also praised Georgia’s farmers for their perseverance through the COVID-19 pandemic. “We appreciate not only your advocacy but what you’re doing out there across the state every day helping feed millions of people all over the world, including our own. But also just keeping your hard-working family values in our communities around the state, which to me and my wife and our family are so important,” Kemp said. “We also just appreciate what you all have done to help us weather this pandemic that we’ve been going through. I believe because of people like you who refused to quit, didn’t listen to the critics and the naysayers, we all helped keep our economy open.” Kemp noted the state’s access to $408 million in American Recovery Plan Act funds, paired more than $300 million in private funds, is helping to expand rural broadband in rural areas. To date, 15 broadband expansion projects around the state have been announced. The governor talked about efforts to expand access to both health insurance and health care. He said that 98% of the state’s counties now have more than one healthcare insurance provider to choose from. Kemp’s budget proposal includes $2.5 million for 136 residency slots and $1 million for Mercer University to address specifically rural physician shortages. Ultimately the goal is to add 1,300 health care practitioners around the state. The governor’s budget proposal would also add up to $1.6 billion in refunds to Georgia taxpayers. Under this plan every citizen filing income tax this April will receive a one-time income tax refund ranging from $250 for single filers to $500 for joint filers. He also asked the legislature to approve $1.8 million for the Georgia Agricultural Trust and $800,000 for the recently announced Georgia Grown Farm to Foodbank Program. “You already know that farmers are a big reason we’re the number 1 state for business. With more than $74 billion in annual economic impact, you are helping lead the way. And what is good for Georgia Farmers is good for all Georgians,” Kemp said. Black told GFB members about three positive tests in migratory birds in Georgia for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and asked for help publicizing the need for biosecurity measures in poultry flocks. Visit www.ga-ai.org for the most recent updates on avian flu in Georgia and biosecurity recommendations for commercial and backyard flocks. Black said the Georgia Department of Agriculture is converting leftover Hurricane Michael relief funds into a loan program to help farmers develop and market value-added products. GFB CONFERENCE TEACHES ADVOCACY, HIGHLIGHTS GFB PROGRAMS While attending the Georgia Farm Bureau Presidents’ Conference held Feb. 2 in Augusta, county leaders learned to effectively advocate for agriculture and gained insight into the organization’s new county awards program, marketing efforts, Certified Farm Markets Passport, ag literacy and leadership programs. “I hope you learn a lot and thank you for coming,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We’ve -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 3 of 17 Continued from previous page got great programs we want to familiarize everyone with, and we’ve added the GFB Impact Fund. Our marketing and field services staff are going to discuss programs and resources their departments offer to help you as county leaders grow your Farm Bureaus and take care of our members.” 7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates Roger Rickard, founder and president of Voices in Advocacy , encouraged county Farm Bureau leaders to speak up for agriculture by sharing the Louis Armstrong quote, “If you don’t toot your own horn there is no music.” Rickard gave a short civics lesson pointing out that the U.S. doesn’t have a government ruled by the majority but rather a majority ruled by those who participate. “There are always challenges ahead and things are always changing. If you keep a low profile, you’re going to have little influence and you will be vulnerable to government legislation, government regulations, policy decisions that others make and media attacks from people who don’t understand what you do and why you do it,” Rickard said. Rickard stressed the importance of citizens getting to know their elected officials. “You can’t accomplish anything unless you have a solid relationship with someone,” Rickard said. “You have to establish relationships before a need arises.” When necessity requires you to make an ask of an elected official you don’t know well, approach them politely and respectfully, Rickard said. “Always lead with a smile and not an angry attitude,” he advises. To be an effective advocate, Rickard recommends following these steps: 1) Believe you make a difference when you talk to your elected official; 2) Be informed about your subject. Don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t have all the answers. Find a reliable source to get the answer, then provide it; 3) Discuss the issues. Don’t be afraid to talk to your neighbors about how an issue will affect all of you. Share what you think is right for your community. Listen to opposing viewpoints; 4) Go on the record with your position. Share your story by writing letters to the editor or talking to reporters. Think about the pertinent information you want your audience to know and how you want your audience to feel; 5) Be a resource for your elected officials. Introduce yourself to them and offer yourself as a resource for any questions they may have about agriculture. Tell them if you don’t know the answer, you’ll put them in touch with someone who does; 6) Volunteer & recruit other volunteers; 7) Contribute your time and/or contribute your money to organizations and/or Political Action Committees that share your values. “Political Action Committees are important because the contributions they make let elected officials know you understand what they go through to represent you,” Rickard said. Rickard stressed the importance of voting for all levels of elected officials stating that we, the citizens of the U.S., elect about 538,000 officials nationwide from the U.S. president and vice president, U.S. Congress (535 seats); state legislators (7,300); state governors, lieutenant -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 4 of 17 Continued from previous page governors and other state officials (400) to local officials like commissioners, mayors and sheriffs (529,000). GFB establishes Impact Fund Conference attendees learned more about the political action committee (PAC) started after GFB voting delegates overwhelmingly endorsed creating it at the organization’s 2021 convention. The GFB Board of Directors then unanimously voted to establish the GFB Impact Fund and authorized the GFB Mutual Insurance Company to match contributions made to the GFB State Impact Fund by Feb. 28. Each contribution to the GFB State Impact Fund is voluntary and will support candidates from both parties who support agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau values. To learn more about the GFB Impact Fund, contact Katie Duvall at kgduvall@gfb.org. To contribute to the GFB State Impact Fund online, please click here. If you prefer to contribute to the fund by check, please mail your check and this form to: GFB State Impact Fund Attn: Katie Duvall 1620 Bass Road Macon, GA 31210 Contributions to the GFB Impact Fund are not tax deductible. Each contribution must be accompanied by the contribution form to be accepted. It’s time to advocate! GFB Advocacy & Policy Development Coordinator Katie Duvall briefed county leaders on what’s happening at the Georgia capitol as the ’22 legislative session is in full swing. “This is the time of year when Georgia Farm Bureau needs our grassroots network to advocate,” Duvall said. To keep up with the bills Georgia legislators are considering that affect agriculture, Duvall encouraged members to visit www.gfb.ag/legislativereports to sign up for GFB’s Legislative reports, which are published weekly while the Georgia General Assembly is in session. Duvall stressed the importance of county Farm Bureaus holding events like farm tours or legislative breakfasts/dinners to help their members meet their legislators on weekends or months when the legislature isn’t meeting. “A face-to-face interaction is 34 times more successful than just sending an email,” Duvall said. “It’s also very hard to change an elected official’s mind overnight. That’s why it’s important to build relationships with them and have ongoing conversations.” GFB commercials changing ag’s image GFB Marketing Team members Whitney Mooney and Jennifer Parson introduced county leaders to some of the commercials GFB is airing on digital platforms and on TV to address misconceptions consumers may have about farmers and to introduce consumers to GFB's values of family, faith and support for local communities. Macon County farmer Donald Chase, who grows peanuts and raises poultry, is featured in an ad that highlights things farmers do while growing row crops that protect the environment. County leaders could show this ad when speaking to civic groups or schools to let consumers or students -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 5 of 17 Continued from previous page “meet” a farmer. A new ad will begin airing in coming weeks featuring Jamie Cromley from Bulloch County that highlights GFB's Certified Farm Markets and the safe, nutritious food Georgia farmers produce. You can view the ads at https://www.gfb.org/membership/testimonials.cms . County leaders were also reminded that the best way to stay current on organizational, state and national ag news is to subscribe to GFB Field Notes – the electronic newsletter GFB publishes bimonthly. All Georgia farmers and members of Georgia’s ag community are welcome to subscribe at www.gfb.ag/fieldnotes. Get involved with Women’s Leadership, YF&R, Ag Literacy & Farm Passport Programs County leaders learned how to use the Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers & Ranchers Committees to recruit new members and help them advocate for agriculture. The Women’s Leadership Committee is putting a new emphasis on making ladies feel more comfortable speaking up for agriculture and contacting their elected officials through a series of events to be held throughout the year. The first was a Legislative Drive-In workshop held Feb. 7 in cooperation with the YF&R Committee that trained attendees to make short videos to post on social media sharing their participation at GFB Day at the Capitol and the issues they were discussing. In early March, GFB will release information about applying for all YF&R award contests – Achievement Award in Agriculture; Excellence in Agriculture Award; and Discussion Meet. Registration information for the YF&R Summer Conference, to be held July 14-16 on Jekyll Island, and the annual YF&R Photo Contest will be released in early March. The application deadline for awards and conference registration is June 1. Photo contest entries are due by June 10. GFB Educational Programs Coordinator Lauren Goble discussed how county Farm Bureaus can increase ag literacy in their communities by recruiting teachers to take online educator workshops. Counties can also partner with their local libraries to offer library programs for children such as teaching kids how to plant seeds or make ice cream. The 2022 Certified Farm Market Passports will be sent to county Farm Bureau offices in time for the March 12 kickoff, GFB CFM Coordinator Kelly Henry said. County Farm Bureaus can earn points for the new REAP Awards program for passports that are returned at the end of the year by participants in your county. She suggested county Farm Bureaus put a label with their county Farm Bureau name somewhere on the passports the county hands out. To learn more about Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom Program visit https://gfb.ag/AITC. To learn more about GFB's Women's Leadership Program visit www.gfb.ag/WomensLeadership . For more info about our Young Farmers & Ranchers' Program visit www.gfb.ag/yfr .Visit www.gfb.ag/cfm to learn more about the Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market & Passport program.
GFB Field Notes 6 of 17 GEORGIA’S TOP COTTON PRODUCERS FOR ’21 CROP HONORED The 2021 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were presented at the 2022 Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting on Jan. 26. The Georgia Cotton Commission and Bayer Crop Science/Deltapine co-sponsor the awards, which are administered by the University of Georgia Cotton Team. Yangxuan Liu with the UGA Cotton Team conducted the analysis and presented the 2021 Georgia Quality Cotton awards at the annual meeting. The purpose of the awards is to recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and to identify their production practices to help other growers improve their yields. The winning producers and their gins received a plaque and the winning producers received $500 cash. The UGA County Extension Agent for each winner was also recognized as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season. The awards are given in three cotton acreage categories: 1) less than 500 acres, 2) 500 to 1,000 acres, and 3) greater than 1,000 acres within the four regions of the state. Winners are determined by the loan value and premiums of their cotton. The winners’ excellent achievements are due largely to their management practices and expertise. The 2021 Best Cotton Award – presented to the Georgia cotton producer with the highest loan value and premium - went to Pulaski County’s Cole Thompson. His crop had a loan value of 57.70 cents/lb and a premium of 5.70 cents/lb. Congratulations to the following regional winners: Region 1 – West Georgia Less than 500 acres: Grower – Cole Thompson, Pulaski County; Ginner – Arabi Gin Company, Arabi; Extension Agent – Jay Porter. 500-1000 acres: Grower – Eddie Luke Farms, Crisp County; Ginner – Arabi Gin Company, Arabi; Extension Agent – Joshua Grant. 1000+ acres: Grower – Scotty Raines Farms, Turner County; Ginner – Sconyers Gin and Warehouse, Sycamore; Extension Agent – Guy Hancock. Region 2 – East Georgia Less than 500 acres: Grower – Alton Walker, Burke County; Ginner – Bryant’s Gin, Bartow; Extension Agent – Peyton Sapp. 500-1000 acres: Grower – Robert & Richard McElmurray, Burke County; Ginner – Farmers Gin & Storage, Wadley; Extension Agent – Peyton Sapp. 1000+ acres: Grower – S & M Farms Partnership, Jefferson County; Ginner – Farmers Gin & Storage, Wadley; Extension Agent – Pamela Sapp Region 3 – Lower Southeast Georgia Less than 500 acres: Grower – Bert Ponder, Tift County; Ginner – Omega Gin, Omega; Extension Agent – Justin Hand. 500-1000 acres: Grower – Millirons Farms, Lowndes County; Ginner — BCT Gin Co., Inc., Quitman; Extension Agent – Joshua Dawson. 1000+ acres: Grower – Herbert Price Farms, Brooks County; Ginner – BCT Gin Co., Inc., Quitman; Extension Agent – Michasia Dowdy. Region 4 – Lower Southwest Georgia Less than 500 acres: Grower – John Bulloch, Thomas County; Ginner – Boston Gin Co., -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 7 of 17 Continued from previous page Boston; Extension Agent – Sydni Barwick. 500-1000 acres: Grower – Mourning Dove Farms, Miller County; Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin, Inc., Donalsonville; Extension Agent – Cindy Meadows. 1000+ acres: Grower – Heard Family Farms, Decatur County; Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin Inc., Donalsonville; Extension Agent – Cindy Meadows. AG FORECAST: INPUT COSTS EXPECTED TO LEVEL OUT IN 2022 By Maria M. Lameiras for CAES News The lingering effects of the global pandemic continue to ripple through Georgia, with persistent supply chain issues and inflation affecting bottom lines. But a strong overall economic outlook and confident consumer spending signal recovery in 2022, according to UGA agricultural economists at the 2022 Georgia Ag Forecast, held at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center and virtually on Jan. 28. Overall, average incomes are about 8% above pre-pandemic levels and high rates of savings accumulated during the pandemic means consumers are well-positioned to absorb currently inflated prices, said Jeffrey Dorfman, state fiscal economist for Georgia and a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “In January 2020 Americans were saving about 7% to 8% of their income, then you get to the pandemic, and it spikes up to about 33%,” said Dorfman, adding that concern about job security during the pandemic led many people to increase the amount they were saving, which was bolstered by federal stimulus aid payments. “The rate of savings didn’t drop below 10% to near normal levels until September 202. Just in Georgia that adds up to about $75 billion. This is literally the first time in United States history that we had a recession and people got richer. Savings went up, credit card debt went down, and the average Georgian’s credit score went up six points. That’s not normally how it works in a recession.” All of those factors position individuals to better absorb the economic slowdown expected as pandemic-related federal aid stops and federal interest rates continue to rise in the coming months, causing incomes to drop an average of 2% as a result, he said. “Normal economic growth can replace that in about six to nine months, so what I expect is an economic slowdown as we go through the end of winter into the spring and summer, then we will sort of return to normal again,” Dorfman added. Agricultural impacts For agricultural producers, sharp increases in costs — an average increase of 41% for fertilizer, a 35% increase in shipping costs and a 32% rise in the cost of pallets — experienced in 2021 are likely to level out to some degree, but Dorfman encouraged producers to use caution when calculating future returns on 2022 crops. “I don't think prices are going to keep going up from here, but they could easily stay at these levels,” Dorfman said, adding that good commodity prices and comparatively low interest rates will help producers weather the 2022 season with careful planning. “Normally (producers) have a number in their head of what a good price is for your peanuts and your corn and your cotton and your squash and your blueberries. You also kind of have a feel for your production costs … but -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 8 of 17 Continued from previous page this mental model can’t go this far away from normal and remain accurate.” Dorfman suggests that all producers “put pencil to paper or build an Excel spreadsheet — you need to have the price you pay for every input and how much of every one of those inputs you use per acre or per bushel or per pound on what you're producing.” “You need to figure out if that box of squash costs me $20.53 to produce, I'm looking for a price of at least $22 a box before I agree to a price because the formula in your head just won't work when prices are double what they were,” he said. “Make sure you have crunched the numbers, and you can’t just do it once a year like they used to. You have to do it every time you buy, every single time those prices change, recompute your break-even price.” Georgia producers are encouraged to take advantage of the crop comparison tools available from the UGA Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and UGA Cooperative Extension. The tools help producers run side-by-side comparisons of potential costs and returns on various crops. Commodity outlooks Dairy Demand is currently strong for dairy products for all needs in domestic and export markets. Sales of manufactured dairy products are not as strong, so milk production both in the U.S. and overseas is tightening due to lower prices and herd cycling. Supply chain issues and inflation may impact dairy prices. Per capita milk consumption has grown substantially since the 1980s, increasing to more than 100 pounds per person in the U.S. including all dairy products. While cheese consumption dipped between 2019 and 2020 due to restaurant closures during the pandemic, it is estimated that cheese consumption will rise to about 12.5 pounds per person in the U.S. in 2022. Yogurt sales are strong and steady, while butter prices are increasing marginally. Fluid milk consumption has declined steadily over time and that trajectory has become increasingly steeper since 2010, however it has been flattening out over the past two years. While milk production expanded then contracted rapidly in 2020 and 2021, production will grow at a much slower pace and milk prices are expected to rebound in 2022. Beef and Pork Demand is strong across all meat categories, including beef, pork and poultry. Elevated retail prices for meat are likely to remain high throughout 2022 due to inflation and strong demand both domestically and for exports. While export demand for pork is still very high as a result of the swine flu epidemic in Asia, the pork industry is rebuilding in the region, which may signal a decline in demand over the next few years after a period of 3.5% to 4% growth each year over the past several years. Pork production and prices are expected to decline slightly in 2022. Feed prices will moderate in 2022, but nonfeed production costs may rise due to inflation. Export demand will remain strong for the immediate future. Beef cow numbers will continue to decline as the current herd liquidation continues, and demand will remain strong, which means high beef prices in the grocery stores are likely to continue to trend upward throughout 2022. Beef cow and calf prices will improve at all levels of the production chain. Feed prices will moderate as corn and soybean prices decline. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 9 of 17 Continued from previous page Poultry Broiler production for 2021 is forecast slightly ahead of the prior year, with a modest increase driven by higher live weights but materially offset by slaughter reductions where labor shortages have persisted. Higher input costs, principally labor and feed grains, are creating significant cost pressures for integrated broiler companies, thus absorbing a significant share of the added revenues being generated by higher market prices. Leading indicators suggest moderate production increases in 2022, but this will be heavily dependent upon continuing improvements in overall labor availability. Demand is extremely high and stocks throughout the industry are very low which, coupled with labor shortages, have driven up the price of poultry to consumers. It is likely that prices will remain high through 2022. Cotton During the pandemic, there was a 75% drop in the quantity of clothing and accessories purchased in stores, but there was a record level of online shopping, with the rate 19% higher in November 2021 compared to November 2019. High consumer demand for apparel products translates into very strong demand for cotton and cotton products from U.S. and global markets. Due to low cotton prices, fewer cotton acres were planted in Georgia in 2021, but good weather resulted in a record high per-acre yield. The cost of production is expected to rise by 24.7% in 2022 over 2021. Driven by stock market futures, cotton prices reached a high of $1.20 per pound in 2021 and were at .90 cents per pound in November 2021. In 2022, cotton prices are projected at .80 to .90 cents per pound. Peanuts U.S. and Georgia peanut farmers planted fewer peanuts during 2021, but abundant yields may lead to the third-highest U.S. production on record. Georgia forward contract prices are expected to be down with a season average price of $440 per ton. Peanut acres will be stable to up. Peanut disappearance in 2021-22 is projected to remain near the record high seen during the 2020-21 marketing year at almost 3.2 million tons, supported by increases in food use. Corn and soybeans Georgia saw 480,000 acres of corn planted in 2021, compared to 93.4 million acres in the U.S. overall. Georgia had a record yield of 182 bushels per acre, or just under 81 million bushels, and U.S. yield was 177 bushels per acre for an estimated 15.12 billion bushels. There has been an increase of planted acres of corn in Georgia since 2017 and yields have been trending upwards. Overall U.S. corn production was higher than consumption in 2021, so ending stocks will go up. Exports are expected to be down in 2022. While input prices are high, the market is favoring corn over soybeans for the coming year. Georgia corn prices are expected to range between $5.85 and $6.50 a bushel. Food use is expected to be steady in 2022, but feed use is down as higher prices and ethanol consumption remain stable. Planted acres of soybeans increased in Georgia in 2021 to 140,000 acres, 87.2 million acres planted in the U.S. overall. Yields in Georgia were a record 46 bushels per acre for a total of 6.21 -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 10 of 17 Continued from previous page million bushels compared to the U.S. yield of 51.4 bushels per acre for a record total of 4.44 billion bushels of soybeans. Production exceeded consumption for the 2021-22 crop, so the ending stock will increase by about 8%. Prices were at $12.60 per bushel in January, and it is estimated that the Georgia 2022 season-average farm price for soybeans will be $10 to $12 per bushel. Corn acreage will decrease slightly and soybean acreage will increase slightly in 2022. Corn prices will decline by about 11% and soybean prices by about 15% from 2021 levels. Both corn and soybeans will remain profitable for most producers but net income will decline. Row crops The end of 2021 saw higher commodity prices, but costs for inputs were also higher. The steepest increase in prices was in fertilizers and fuels, while increases in chemicals, labor, land rents, machinery and repairs were expected. Margins will be tighter in 2022, so producers should use risk management tools to estimate their cost of production and breakeven prices and yields. Georgia may anticipate slight changes in planted acres but will remain close to typical crop rotation. Cotton acres are likely stable to down slightly, peanut acres are likely to increase, corn acres may remain stable, soybeans and wheat acres may be stable to up slightly. Peanut acres are expected to increase between 5% and 10% in Georgia. There may be an increase in corn and soybean acres planted. Cotton acres are expected to remain steady, while there may be an increase in corn and soybean acres. Fruits, vegetables and tree nuts Although total vegetable and pulse harvested area increased by 4.4% in 2020 compared to 2019, fresh and processed vegetable decreased by 1.3%. This situation is expected to improve in 2022. Unit value for fresh vegetables decreased by 2.5% while total unit value of all vegetables and pulses also decreased by 2.2%. Both total vegetables and pulses and fresh vegetable values are expected to be strong in the 2022 crop season. Total imports of vegetable and pulses increased by 15.5% in 2020 compared to 2019 while total exports decreased by 4.8%. This gap between imports and exports will continue to increase in 2022. Horticulture 2021 was a good year for many green industry firms, with many firms seeing increased profits. There are many unknowns going into 2022 that will impact green industry sales, including inflation fears, low to rising interest rates, and the continuance of a strong housing market in Georgia. Green industry sales in Georgia are projected to be similar to 2021 levels. Timber Timber prices have increased in the U.S. South, along with softwood lumber market share and production capacity. Plentiful timber supplies and capital expenditures are positives. Southern wood-using pulping capacity is relatively flat, while some mills are increasing recycling capacity. Hospitality and tourism While both rural and urban counties saw a decrease in hotel occupancy, hotel demand, hotel revenue, and accommodation and food service employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on rural tourism indicators was not as significant as impacts on urban counties. The lessened impact in rural communities reflected a visitor-experience shift from Georgia’s urban destinations to more rural and nature-based experiences. Currently, both rural and urban communities are recovering at double-digit percentage rates for hotel occupancy and hotel -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 11 of 17 Continued from previous page revenue. The current 12-month moving average for both statewide hotel demand and accommodation and food service employment have been steadily improving since spring 2021 and the recovery is anticipated into 2022. To view the recordings and the complete 2022 Georgia Ag Forecast report, visit www.agforecast.caes.uga.edu. The seminar is sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Georgia, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown. GFB 8TH DIST. DIRECTOR SCOTTY RAINES NAMED GA FARMER OF THE YEAR By Jordan Powers for CAES News For Scotty Raines, the best part of farming is watching the fruits of his labor — witnessing those tiny seeds crack through the ground, bursting with life. Awe and dedication have paid off for Raines, who was just recognized with the title of 2022 Georgia Farmer of the Year by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension at the Georgia Agribusiness Council’s annual meeting on Feb. 1. “I don’t know of any other job where you can take something lifeless, place it in the dirt and then a few months later harvest a crop from it — it’s nothing short of amazing,” Raines said. While he didn’t grow up on a farm, Raines was an active member of the Turner County High School FFA chapter and worked as a farm technician for Agra Tech Seed Research after high school. He began farming full time in 1993, partnering with his father-in-law on 500 acres of rented land and establishing a personal herd of 30 beef cows. Raines has spent the intervening 28 years expanding and diversifying his farming operation, with special emphasis in marketing strategies related to the cotton, corn, peanuts and watermelons he produces on more than 2,300 acres. Being recognized as the Georgia Farmer of the Year comes with another honor — Raines will be one of 10 regional farmers in the running for the Swisher Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year in October. Raines was nominated by Guy Hancock, Turner County UGA Cooperative Extension agent in Turner County. Raines and Hancock work together to detail Raines’ emphasis on growing his percentage of irrigated acres, adopting technology to improve both the efficiency and sustainability of crop production, and adding value to his crops beyond the farm gate price through marketing strategies. Raines and his wife, Melanie, have received numerous awards for their farming operation, including the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award, the Turner County Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the Year, the Soil and Water Conservation Award, and the Georgia Young Farmers Farm Family of the Year. They are both active in Georgia Farm Bureau, serving at the county and state level. Scotty serves on the GFB Board of Directors, representing the GFB 8th District. “For the farming community in Georgia, the recognition of Farmer of the Year allows us to get the news out there and tell the stories of our farmers,” said Dr. Mark McCann, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences assistant dean for Extension. “There are no two alike, and -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 12 of 17 Continued from previous page it is a wonderful way for us to celebrate agriculture and the culture of farming across our state.” In the upcoming year, the Raines family plans to invest in a precision planter to improve plant stand and uniformity. In the meantime, Raines is focusing on hope for the next generation of Georgia farmers. “I hope they do not grow weary — we have several young farmers in our county and I love to see the energy they bring to the industry,” he said. “My hope is to see the younger generation enter the farming industry to keep this industry strong in Georgia and the U.S. We can’t survive without farmers.” MCDANIEL, DALTON GFB 2ND DISTRICT CATTLE SHOW TOP WINNERS By Katie Murray Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2nd District held its 12th Annual Young Farmer Steer & Heifer Show Jan. 22 at the Jackson County Agricultural Facility. About 250 people turned out to watch 67 students compete in the event, which helps cattle exhibitors in the district continue developing their showmanship skills between the Georgia National Fair in October and the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in February. The district uses the show to introduce exhibitors to the GFB Young Farmer program in hopes of encouraging students to join their county Young Farmer Committees when they turn 18. Morgan McDaniel of Jackson County and Ethan Dalton of Banks County won the show’s top prizes. McDaniel won Supreme Champion Heifer with her Percentage Simmental heifer. Dalton won Grand Champion Steer with his crossbreed steer. Ethan Dalton won Reserve Champion Heifer. Reagan Gilbert, Banks County, won third place overall. Landon Clark, Hall County won fourth overall. Morgan McDaniel won fifth place overall. Madelyn Shirley from Commerce Middle School earned the Reserve Champion Steer. Bella Chandler of Jackson County won third place and fourth place overall. Baylor Whitfield of Stephens County won fifth place. The prizes for the show awards were funded by donations from 2nd District county Farm Bureaus, county presidents and insurance agents. Bella Chandler of Jackson County won the $250 scholarship given by the show committee. Ethan Dalton won the 12th Grade Showmanship Award and a $250 prize. Other showmanship winners were: 11th Grade – Morgan McDaniel, Jackson County; 10th Grade – Chloe Boling, Banks County; 9th Grade – Raegan Gilbert, Banks County; 8th Grade – Dawson Morris, Banks County; 7th Grade – Landon Clark, Hall County; 6th Grade – Halley Elrod, Jackson County; 5th Grade – Riley Moon, Madison County; 4th Grade – Caleigh Fowler, Franklin County. In breed heifer classes, winners were: Percent Simmental Champion & Reserve Champion: Morgan McDaniel; Angus Champion: Raegan Gilbert, Banks County; Angus Reserve Champion: Landon Clark, Hall County; Charolais Champion: Halley Elrod; Charolais Reserve Champion: Molly Tipton, Habersham County; Shorthorn Champion: Hadley Murray, Lumpkin -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 13 of 17 Continued from previous page County; Shorthorn Reserve Champion: Ellie Young, Lumpkin County; Simmental Champion: Morgan McDaniel; Simmental Reserve Champion: Landon Clark; Other Breeds Champion: Ethan Dalton; Other Breeds Reserve Champion: Maggie Moon, Madison County; Hereford Champion: Eric Ashworth, Banks County; Hereford Reserve Champion: Emma Lawrence, Jackson County; Commercial Heifer Champion: Bella Chandler; Commercial Heifer Reserve Champion: Maggie Moon.
GFB Field Notes 14 of 17 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST Feb. 15 deadline to enter This annual contest, which began in 2007, features delicacies from the state’s farmers, agribusinesses and food artisans in eleven categories. Initial judging will take place March 7-9 and final judging will be held April 21 at the Classic Center in Athens. For complete contest rules and entry information, visit https://flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/. CROP INSURANCE FOR SWEET CORN GROWERS Feb. 15 deadline to enroll/renew The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market sweet corn growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year is Feb. 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Feb. 15 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for fresh market sweet corn in Toombs County. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2022 crop year. RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at www.farmers.gov/coronavirus. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. 60th ANNUAL GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEETING Feb. 16-18 Marriott Savannah Riverfront Savannah The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting is back in person and celebrating its 60th anniversary at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront! Events include the annual awards lunch, trade show, workshops on a variety of cattle-related topics, the annual Cattlemen’s Ball and much more! The GCA will unveil “Herds & Heritage,” the newly published history of Georgia’s cattle industry. To register for the convention, click here. For more information, call 478.474.6560 or send an email to gca@gabeef.org.
GFB Field Notes 15 of 17 CROP INSURANCE FOR MULTIPLE SPRING-PLANTED CROPS Feb. 28 deadline to enroll/renew The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia corn, cotton, flue-cured tobacco, grain sorghum, peanut, sesame and soybean growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year is Feb. 28. Growers who are interested in the WholeFarm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policy and are calendar year or early fiscal year filers, have until Feb. 28 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Feb. 28 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 corn, cotton, flue-cured tobacco, grain sorghum, peanuts, soybeans, and WFRP in select Georgia counties. Coverage is also available for sesame in Burke, Emanuel, Jefferson, and Jenkins counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2022 crop year. RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at www.farmers.gov/coronavirus. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. GEORGIA FARMERS, AG WORKERS RURAL STRESS SURVEY The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is partnering again with the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University to study the mental well-being, stressors, and coping mechanisms for Georgians in farm occupations. These organizations kicked off a survey Jan. 3 that runs through the end of February. Visit www.gafarmsurvey.org to participate. Responses will remain anonymous. Participants will receive $10 for taking the survey. GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE OFFERS $65K IN SCHOLARSHIPS MARCH 1 application deadline The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is committed to investing in students pursuing careers in agriculture or a related field. For 2022, the foundation is offering scholarships for graduating high school seniors, rising college juniors and seniors, technical college students and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine students specializing in large/food animals. Visit https://www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools, application instructions, and to apply. Applications must be submitted online only by March 1. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application.
GFB Field Notes 16 of 17 GEORGIA AGTECH SUMMIT March 2 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. Tifton The inaugural Georgia AgTech Summit, a free event, is intended to gather industry, academia, and government for a one-day summit to present current research, discuss the current state of the ag tech industry, and to plan for the future of the industry in the Peach State. The day will be broken into 4 major themes: Integrated Precision Agriculture, Controlled Environment Agriculture, Food Product Innovation, and Food System Technology Integration. There will also be an industry panel, an investment panel, and roundtable discussions related to the 4 major themes. Click here to register. FLINT RIVER S&W CONSERVATION DISTRICT EDUCATION GRANTS March 4 deadline to enter The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District will award $2,000 in grant funds through the Agricultural & Environmental Education Grant for K-12 programming within the district’s nine counties. The grant opportunity promotes conservation education and provides additional resources for both formal and non-formal educators looking to engage their students in agriculture and/or natural resources education. In-school teachers, as well as 4-H and FFA educators are encouraged to apply. Grant funds will be awarded to projects that help expand knowledge and teach the importance of the environment to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Youth participating in the selected projects will better understand the value of soil and water conservation. Educators in Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, and Seminole counties are eligible to apply. The application and additional details regarding grant criteria are available online at www.flintriverswcd.org/education. Please direct any questions to abby@flintriverswcd.org. The application deadline is March 4 and awardees will be announced by May 13. Projects selected for the grant funding should be completed by May 5. GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOKMARK/HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS March 11 deadline for entries Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests through March 11. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled 6th, 7th and 8th-grade stu dents statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in 9th through 12th grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. One state runner-up in the art contest will receive $150 cash. Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office at your office phone number here or visit www.gfb.ag/22artcontest and www.gfb.ag/22bookmarkcontest.
GFB Field Notes 17 of 17 2022 PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 26 Downtown area Blakely Come celebrate all things peanut at the annual Peanut Proud Festival on the town square. The daylong celebration begins with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a Street Dance. In between are a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course, free entertainment, and much more. Come sample specialty products such as fried peanuts and grilled PB&J sandwiches. Go to www.peanutproudfestival.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram for all the details. APPLY TODAY TO BECOME A GFB AMBASSADOR May 2 application deadline Georgia Farm Bureau is looking for passionate and enthusiastic students between the ages of 1822 to serve as GFB Federation Ambassadors during the fall of 2022. Ambassadors will receive credit for a 30-plus hour internship and compensation for their services to Georgia Farm Bureau. Questions? Contact Slayten Carter at smcarter@gfb.org. WINTERGREEN 2022 June 21-23 Gas South Convention Center Duluth Wintergreen, Georgia’s premier multi-day trade show and conference for the green industry, boasts more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of attendees each year. The event offers three days of industry educational sessions and updates to keep producers ahead of the competition. The Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. For more information, visit www.mywintergreen.com. GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.