February 23, 2022
www.gfb.org
Vol. 4 No. 5
GA DEPT. OF AG ORDERS SUSPENSION OF SOME POULTRY ACTIVITIES Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been identified in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana, a commercial broiler flock in Kentucky, a backyard flock of mixed species birds in Virginia, and non-commercial backyard flocks in New York and Maine. According to Georgia State Veterinarian Janemarie Hennebelle, no cases of avian influenza (AI) have been identified in commercial or domestic poultry in Georgia as of Feb. 21. Please see Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases in the United Stated (USDA APHIS) for more information about HPAI detections in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses. In response to the emergence of AI-positive birds in other states, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has ordered suspension of all exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in Georgia until further notice, effective Feb. 16. Notifications will be announced when listed activities can resume in Georgia. Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks: • Move all poultry with outside access indoors. • Implement strict biosecurity. • Monitor flocks for clinical signs consistent with AI. • With HPAI, birds may become quiet, not eat and drink, have diarrhea, and have discolored combs and feet. Birds may also die suddenly with no signs of disease. • Report any concerns to your veterinarian, state animal health official or federal animal health official immediately. Avian Influenza 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/. Biosecurity and other resources: GDA Avian Influenza Resource Page Protect Your Flock (GDA) Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS)
GFB Field Notes 2 of 12 GFB SEEKING AMBASSADORS TO WORK GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) will select six individuals between the ages of 18 and 22 to serve as GFB Ambassadors at the Georgia National Fair this fall. Ambassadors will work alongside GFB staff assisting in the execution of a membership recruitment campaign. They will help enlist new members by engaging with visitors, answering questions about advocacy, and promoting GFB’s overall mission. This new program is part of a greater campaign to promote GFB membership to consumers. “We want Georgians, especially the next generation, to know us as more than just an insurance company,” said Slayten Carter, GFB membership acquisition manager. “We want our story to be told, and our ambassadors will help deliver that message in a new voice.” Candidates will be chosen based on their interpersonal skills, passion for agriculture advocacy, public speaking ability, and overall enthusiasm. Interested applicants should include a resume and/or cover letter with their application. Enrollment in a college, university, or trade school is preferred but not required. Each ambassador will work three full days of the fair. The dates include Oct.7-9 and Oct.14-16. In addition to their three days of service, they will also be expected to attend an in-person training session in Macon to prepare for the event. The overall time commitment required for this program will not exceed 40 hours. For their service, ambassadors will receive a personal letter of recommendation from Georgia Farm Bureau, a polo and t-shirt and a gift of gratitude. Compensation for their lodging and meals during the fair will also be provided. Applications can be found online at www.gfb.ag/ambassadors. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., May 2. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews after all applications have been submitted and reviewed. For more information, contact Slayten Carter at smcarter@gfb.org. Qualifications & Requirements: • Must be a Georgia Farm Bureau member; • Must reside in Georgia; • Must be between the ages of 18 and 22 at the time of selection; • Must be able to travel to the Georgia National Fair in Perry; • Must adhere to the GFB Federation Ambassador Code of Conduct. GFB 5TH & 7TH DISTRICTS GO HOG WILD As the popularity of showing hogs has grown, Georgia Farm Bureau 5th and 7th District leaders held shows to encourage 4-H and FFA youth in their livestock projects. The events gave the students a chance to earn prize money to finance raising their hogs and to gain show experience before the state show in late February. Both shows were held Feb. 5. The Upson-Lee Agriculture Center hosted the 3rd Annual GFB 5th District Market Hog Show. Portal High School FFA hosted the inaugural GFB 7th District Market Hog Show. The 5th District show attracted 75 exhibitors showing 103 hogs in 14 weight classes. The 7th -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 3 of 12 Continued from previous page District show drew 24 exhibitors showing 31 hogs divided into five weight classes. In addition to students at each show competing to see who had raised the best hog in their weight class, exhibitors at both shows, ranging from pre-K to high school seniors, competed for showmanship honors for their age division: novice (3rd grade & under); junior (4th-6th grade); intermediate (7th – 9th grade); or senior (10th – 12th grade). Showmanship competitors were judged on their ability to maintain control of their hog as they walked it around the show ring and their ability to walk their hog in a way that best showcases the animal’s muscles, legs and overall structure. 7th District Showmanship winners were: Novice - Tatem Pittman, Toombs Co.; Junior - Nathan Newman, Bulloch Co; Intermediate - Kate Anna Newman, Bulloch Co.; and Senior - Taylor Lucas, Effingham Co. Both shows awarded prize money to the 2nd – 4th place winners of each showmanship and weight class division based on the total prize jackpot each show had to divide. GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE STEM CHALLENGE FOCUSES ON POLLINATORS Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are being challenged to put their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to work to explore the real-world issues that face pollinator spaces in local communities. Elementary teachers and their students may enter the Great Georgia Pollinator Protectors STEM Challenge from Feb. 14 to April 29 for the chance to win a prize package totaling $350 for their class. The top grade winner from the third, fourth and fifth grade entries will win a prize package. The winners will be announced via a Zoom presentation on May 6. The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), a non-profit organization that promotes the conservation of natural resources, is partnering in the statewide competition, which the Georgia Ag Experience (GAE) and Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) coordinates. Teachers interested in participating in the Great Georgia Pollinator Protectors Challenge may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program. Once teachers register their class, they will receive instant access to a digital resource toolkit that equips the class for participating in the pollinator stem challenge. “The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is excited to partner with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture on the 2022 Spring STEM Challenge,” said GACD Executive Director Katie Sponberger. “This challenge, which focuses on our state's pollinators, will help students understand the impact pollinators have on agriculture.” Each participating class is being asked to answer the question “How can we improve and increase pollinator spaces across our landscapes in our communities?” The STEM challenge asks participating classes to: 1) Evaluate pollinator space and pollinator activity in their chosen area. 2) Monitor and collect data on pollinator activity using UGA’s Great Georgia Pollinator Census chart and observation requirements. 3) Create a presentation outlining how to improve space for pollinators. Class presentations must be uploaded to YouTube for judging before April 29. “We developed the STEM challenge to connect elementary students to Georgia agriculture. This year, students have an opportunity to explore pollinators and how we can improve their space and -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 4 of 12 Continued from previous page assist them in their vital role in our landscapes.” said GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom. The Georgia Ag Experience/Georgia Foundation for Agriculture STEM Challenge is designed to be a bi-annual competition with a spring and fall contest. The GACD is the 2022 challenge partner. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage elementary teachers and students in grades 3-5 to explore aspects of Georgia agriculture by applying their STEM skills to solve real-world problems that farmers face in producing our food and fiber. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S CONVENTION: BOOTS, BOOKS AND BOATS For all the familiar things built into the 2022 Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Convention, a pair of new things provided a highlight for those who attended. During the convention, held Feb. 16-18, the GCA celebrated 60 years of history by unveiling “Herds and Heritage: The History of Georgia’s Cattle Industry,” and by trying out a new location. After many years of meeting in Perry, the 2022 convention met in Savannah. At the Cattlemen’s Industry Luncheon on Feb. 17, Georgia Beef Commission Chairman John Callaway unveiled the cover art and introduced author Jackie Kennedy, who grew up on a dairy farm in Troup County. Kennedy recalled how the book developed. “I started out early in this project asking people what their favorite part of the cattle industry was. I was expecting them to say the cattle, or the land, or being outside, or being my own boss,” said Kennedy, editor of Coweta Magazine published by the Newnan Times-Herald. “Nobody said that. Every single person I interviewed said, ‘it’s the people, just being with other people in the beef industry.’ That was always the answer. This is an industry with people who have common interests, common goals, and it’s a grand heritage that we all share.” The book was four years in the making. Callaway pushed for it after seeing similar cattle histories published in other states, pulled together a collection of cattle industry leaders from around the state to decide whether to do the book, then planned it and raised money to publish it. “John Callaway’s heart for the cattle industry and his passion for this project is why you have this book,” Kennedy said. “I knew the longer we waited, the fewer people would be around to share their knowledge of our history,” Callaway said. In 2019, the Georgia Beef Foundation contracted Kennedy to write it. Herds and Heritage takes readers back to the 16th Century, when explorer Juan Ponce de Leon brought cows with his expedition to the New World, and traces the industry’s development through the centuries that followed. “I’ve seen the books from other states, and every one I’ve seen, I’d put ours up against it. Jackie did a tremendous job,” Callaway said. “ Herds and Heritage: The History of Georgia’s Cattle Industry is available to GCA members through the organization’s online store at www.gafeef.org under the “shop” tab using their login. The general public can place orders via mail by sending their payment for $65 to the Georgia -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 5 of 12 Continued from previous page Cattlemen’s Foundation, P.O. Box 27990, Macon, GA 31221. The convention was held at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. With a backdrop of cargo ships floating by, the GCA conducted its business, which included installing 2022 President Rodney Hilley, who hopes to address big challenges facing cattle producers, among them high prices of inputs like fertilizer. One key topic for Hilley is membership growth, particularly with younger cattlemen and their families. “We’re in good shape, especially in spite of the pandemic. We went through some tough times, and membership was down, but now it’s bounced back,” Hilley said. “I don’t have a personal agenda. I just want to make Georgia Cattlemen’s better than it’s been.” Hilley, a Berry College alumnus, said he’d like to see more interaction between GCA and the smaller schools with animal science programs. The GCA welcomed leaders from the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association (GJCA), who saw how the organization operates and heard keynote speaker Amanda Radke speak about the importance of embracing the social aspects of promoting beef and other cattle products. GJCA Board Members Maddie Deen and Cora Crews, who are both interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, welcomed the chance. “I enjoyed being able to listen to Miss Amanda and kind of share more about marketing and how to get our stories out there, and not just stay at home, produce cattle, raise cattle sell cattle and stay behind the scenes,” said Deen, a home-schooled student from Crisp County. “In our school, there’s a bunch of people that aren’t as interested in ag,” said Crews, of Charlton County. “Hopefully I can take away the communication [skills] and get out and get other young people interested in agriculture.” Convention workshops addressed biosecurity, expanding into beef processing, grazing and pest management. In the biosecurity workshop, Iowa State University Professor of Food Safety and Public Health Danelle Bickett-Weddle covered various ways diseases can be introduced to cattle herds and steps to keep pathogens out. “Biosecurity helps with animal health and public health,” Bickett-Weddle said, noting that protecting herds from diseases comes with financial benefits. “Better animal health means you’re not treating animals, you’re not having to cull for reproductive issues. They’re not coming up lame and not breeding. These are all things that better biosecurity, because we have less infectious disease challenges, can do for you.” Among her recommendations were having designated footwear for on-farm use and other footwear for off the farm, preventing vehicles from off the farm from going into areas frequented by cattle, implementing quarantine for cattle brought to the farm from elsewhere. “Think about ways that, if we do some things daily on our operations that help against common diseases. Could those also protect our cows against that big, weird, unknown thing that came in?” she said. “It spreads the same way. If my herd today is at risk for BVD, and FMD hits the United States, you’re at risk.” For more information about cattle biosecurity, visit www.securebeef.org. The 2023 GCA Convention will be held in Columbus.
GFB Field Notes 6 of 12 BODDIFORD ELECTED GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION CHAIRMAN Joe Boddiford, a peanut farmer from Sylvania, Georgia, was elected chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) during the commission’s February meeting. Boddiford succeeds Armond Morris, a peanut farmer from Tift County, who retired after serving as chairman for the past 16 years. “I look forward to working with Georgia peanut farmers and our industry partners to help enhance the peanut industry and the profitability of farmers,” Boddiford said. “Farmers can contact me at any time if they have suggestions for the work of the Georgia Peanut Commission on their behalf.” Boddiford is the Screven County Farm Bureau president. Other officers elected during the board meeting include Donald Chase, Oglethorpe, Georgia, as vice chairman, and Rodney Dawson, Hawkinsville, Georgia, as treasurer. Additional board members include Tim Burch, Newton, Georgia, representing district 1 and Ross Kendrick, Sycamore, Georgia, representing District 2. The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation conducted board nomination meetings for the commission’s districts 2, 4 and 5 on Dec. 20 and 21, 2021. During the nomination meetings, two incumbent board members, Dawson and Chase, were renominated for districts 4 and 5 seats, respectively. Also, Kendrick was nominated without opposition for the district 2 seat, previously held by Armond Morris. Morris retired after serving on the Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors for more than 40 years and a total of 20 years as chairman. Kendrick is president of Turner County Farm Bureau. Since only one person was nominated for each district, no election is required, and the nominated person automatically becomes a member of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board of Directors. Dawson, Chase and Kendrick were sworn in by Tift County Probate Court Judge Suzanne Carter Johnson during the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 20. The board members will serve a three-year term. The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. New advisory board members were also appointed by the Georgia Peanut Commission board of directors. The new advisory board members include Leslie Jones of Jacksonville, Georgia; Brett Sauls of Shellman, Georgia and Wesley Webb of Leary, Georgia. Advisory board members David Reed of Pinehurst, Georgia; Neil Lee of Bronwood, Georgia; and Carl Mathis Dixon of Alapaha, Georgia, retired from their role in January 2022. The Georgia Peanut Commission represents more than 4,000 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com. GA COTTON PRODUCERS VOTING ON CONTINUATION OF ASSESSMENT Georgia cotton farmers have the opportunity to vote on renewing the $1 bale assessment which funds the Georgia Cotton Commission during a mail referendum that runs to March 16. Voting by cotton producers to March 16. Growers should have received a ballot in the mail. They must sign the back of the ballot envelope for the ballot to be valid when returning. Ballots must be mailed -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 7 of 12 Continued from previous page by March 16. The commission is charged with providing programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of Georgia cotton producers. Throughout the 50-plus year history of the commission, millions of dollars have been invested to enhance their industry. Many of the funds received by the commission are committed to research projects conducted by the University of Georgia regarding issues related to cotton production to provide producers with the latest information and techniques to keep their operations profitable. Some of the projects funded include work on: Palmer amaranth pigweed, insect control, nematode control programs, product comparisons, fertility studies and varietal trials. The 2021 UGA Farm Gate Value Report reported the value of Georgia’s cotton crop at $934 million and is currently the second highest grossing agricultural commodity in the state. Cotton is also a significant contributor to the economy of the communities where it is grown in Georgia. If a grower has not received a ballot, please contact the GCC at (478) 988-4235, or the Georgia Department of Agriculture at (404) 586-1405. GFB’S BOTTOMSES NAMED NATIONAL OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS Matt and Melissa Bottoms of Pike County were selected national winners for 2021 at the annual National Outstanding Young Farmers Awards Congress held Feb. 3-6 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Matt is a GFB 5th District director and president of Pike County Farm Bureau. Four national winners were selected for the award based on their progress in an agricultural career, extent of soil and water conservation practices, and contributions to the well-being of the community, state, and nation. Guest Master of Ceremonies Tom Steever of Brownfield Ag News announced the four national winners for 2022 and 2021 after last year’s event was postponed. The three other national winners for 2021 are from New Mexico, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. National winners received a savings bond from corporate sponsor John Deere and the opportunity to travel to represent the NOYF at future agricultural events. The Bottomses operate a nursery and row crop farm, growing soybeans, corn, and millet. As a fifth-generation farmer, Matt said he does not remember a time in his life when he was not involved in farming. Since taking an official leadership role in the family nursery in 2000, he has focused on increasing yields, improving plant quality, and marketing his products while working closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to develop erosion control measures and improve nutrient retention. Developing new machinery to decrease dependence on labor has been a priority as well, including the development of a rotary hoe that eliminates weeks’ worth of hand labor and an overhead watering system that decreases the time spent soaking thousands of newly potted plants. The couple has three children: Anna, Madelyn, and Abigail. Melissa manages the farm office and works in the nursery. They are both active in Georgia Farm Bureau, FFA alumni, and various ag organizations. The NOYF program is the oldest farmer recognition program in the United States, selecting its first group of national winners in 1955. The program is sponsored by John Deere, administered by the Outstanding Farmers of America (OFA), and supported by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents and the U.S. Jaycees.
GFB Field Notes 8 of 12 TERRELL’S FAUST, MONROE’S VAUGHN RECEIVE CONSERVATION AWARDS Terrell County farmer Robbie Faust was named 2021 Conservationist of the Year by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts and Monroe County farmer James Vaughn was honored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as its Region II Environmental Stewardship Award winner. Faust, owner of Bellflower Farms located in Dawson, is a third-generation farmer. He and his family farm 1,800 acres, growing cotton, corn, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. Their conservation practices include taking measures to improve water quality and soil health, reduce the amount of water, fertilizer and other inputs used and maintain healthy wildlife and aquatic habitats on their property. Soil health is a primary factor for the Fausts in making their planting and management decisions. All the cotton and corn grown on their farm is strip-tilled, resulting in reduced soil disturbance and erosion potential. Utilizing cereal rye as a cover crop also helps provide soil stability and capture some nutrients from the previous year’s cash crop. Additionally, soybeans and wheat are both planted with a no-till drill to disturb the least amount of soil or residue possible. Beginning in the fall of 2020, Faust entered into a partnership with the Lower Chattahoochee Soil and Water Conservation District, Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council, UGA Extension and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to participate in a multi-year cover crop outreach and education project. The Faust Family planted one of their irrigated fields into multiple cover crop research and demonstration plots to compare fertility, water use, yield and other factors across a variety of treatments. The 65-acre site has also been used to host education and outreach field days during 2021. Beyond activities related to soil health, Faust uses low-pressure, drip-nozzle irrigation systems, participates in Georgia’s agricultural metering program capitalizes on programs offered through NRCS and numerous other conservation practices Vaughn was one of seven cattle operations recognized as Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) regional winners for their environmental conservation efforts during the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Houston, Texas. The regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be presented during NCBA's Summer Business Meeting in Reno, Nevada, July 25-28, 2022. Regional ESAP winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. Vaughn, his wife, children and sister manage Vaughn Farms, tending nearly 5,600 acres which are devoted to producing forage crops, providing pastureland for their cattle, and managing timberland for pulp, lumber and energy production. The family-owned farm is committed to protecting the watershed by controlling cattle access to flowing streams, distributing grazing pressure with rotational grazing systems, tending hayfields and pastures with proper fertilization and weed control practices, and managing timberland using best management practices. These environmental stewardship practices have made significant improvements to protected stream banks which are now fully vegetated, established clean areas for watering cattle and the full coverage of year-round grasses protect the soil from erosion and the streams from sedimentation. The Vaughns also host a variety of groups to further educate the public about the benefits of agriculture and to explain their sustainable production and environmental practices.
GFB Field Notes 9 of 12 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 10 of 12 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 11 of 12 ABS GLOBAL AI TRAINING SCHOOL March 18-20 Gordon County Extension Office, 1282 SR 53 Spur SW Calhoun The ABS Global Artificial Insemination (AI) Management School offers students the opportunity to learn AI techniques and herd management under skilled supervision. The curriculum includes anatomy, reproduction and fertility, heat detection, nutrition, principles of genetics and sire selection, herd management success, semen placement and practice insemination. The sychronization of beef cattle and planned breeding of dairy heifers will be covered. This is a comprehensive course with sufficient cow practice to assure competence. The course consists of 24 hours of instruction – 14 hours in the classroom and 10 hours in lab working with cattle. Registration is $500, which covers the cost of supplies and practice cows used at the school. This program is limited to 15 students in order to ensure as much one-to-one help as possible. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, send payment along with your name, address, phone number and email address to James E. Umphrey, 2933 Green St., Marianna, FL 32446. For more information, Umphrey can be reached at james.umphrey@genusplc.com or 850-209-9339. 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. UTILIZING PRECISION AG TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS March 29 Ogeechee Technical College 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Statesboro March 31 Merry Acres Inn & Event Center 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Albany These free workshops will provide information about irrigation, precision planting, sustainability, economics and field demos. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Yangxuan Liu at yangxuan.liu@uga.edu or 229-386-3512. KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB TRAIL RIDE April 2 Heritage Park/2543 Macon Hwy. 10 a.m. Watkinsville The Kel-Mac Club invites riders to bring their horses to enjoy a trail ride and meet & greet at the Heritage Park in Oconee County. Event is free and lunch will be provided.
GFB Field Notes 12 of 12 BETTER BEEF SYSTEMS EXTRAVAGANZA April 5 UGA Tifton Animal Science Farm 8 a.m. Tifton This beef and forage field day, sponsored by the University of Georgia and the Georgia Beef Commission, will feature presentations on sustainability, feeding cattle in Georgia, alfalfa, precision agriculture in hay fields, bull development, management strategies and more. Registration is $10 and includes lunch and refreshments. For more information or to register, contact your local county Extension agent or UGA Assistant Professor of Animal & Dairy Science Francine Henry at Francine.henry@uga.edu or 229-386-3328 or visit www.ugabee.com/betterbeefsystems. KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS April 9, May 14, Sept. 17 & Oct. 8 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 8 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. For more information call Susie at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated an estimated $157,050 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region through its 45 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, a student scholarship and the equestrian facilities of state & county Parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park. 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.