Georgia Farm Bureau's March 3 GFB Field Notes

Photo: Logan Thomas

March 3, 2021

www.gfb.org

Vol. 3 No. 5

GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS ANNOUNCE 2021 COMPETITIVE EVENTS Georgia Farm Bureau is now accepting entries for its Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. The deadline to enter these contests is June 1. All applications and registration forms must be submitted online at www.gfb.ag/yfrcompete.

The winners of all three competitive events will be announced during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, scheduled for July 14-17 on Jekyll Island. GFB will continue to follow the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for these in-person competitions, and if necessary, they are subject to convert to virtual events.

The YF&R Achievement Award is for an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with a majority of his/her net income subject to normal production risks. After the deadline, ten district winners and three state finalists will be determined. The state finalists will be contacted by June 11 for an on-farm interview the week of June 21. The state winner will be announced during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, July 14-17.

The YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award is given to an individual or couple who does not have the majority of his/her income subject to normal production risks. After the deadline, ten district winners and three state finalists will be determined. The state finalists will be contacted by June 11 in order to prepare for the presentation. Presentations will be in person during YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, July 14-17, and the state winner will be announced during the conference.

The YF&R Discussion Meet is open to any GFB YF&R member. The discussion meet will be in-person at YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, July 14-17. The event includes two preliminary rounds, the sweet sixteen round, and a final four round, which will determine the state winner.

GFB will announce more details about the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference when they are finalized.

If you have any questions regarding the award applications or registration form, please contact your GFB District Federation Manager. For help submitting the application/registration form online, contact Haley Darby (hadarby@gfb.org).

GFB Field Notes page 2 of 12 GACD SPONSORS GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE STEM CHALLENGE 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 issue that farmers face of maintaining soil health. Elementary teachers and their students may enter the Soil Health Explorers STEM Challenge competition through May 14 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 21.

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), a non-profit organization that promotes the conservation of natural resources, is sponsoring the statewide competition, which is being coordinated by the Georgia Ag Experience (GAE) and Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA).

Teachers interested in participating in the Soil Health Explorers STEM 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 soil health stem challenge.

“The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is excited to partner with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture on its first statewide STEM Challenge,” said GACD Executive Director Katie Sponberger. “This challenge, which focuses on soil and water conservation, will help students understand and appreciate Georgia’s vibrant and diverse natural resources and learn how to conserve those resources for future generations.”

Each participating class is being asked to answer the question, “How can we improve soil biodiversity and overall soil health?”

The STEM challenge asks participating classes to: 1) Develop an initial report that examines a plot of land where they will study the soil and perform a series of tests on the soil to determine the land’s current soil health status. 2) Reach out to their local Farm Bureau office, Natural Resources Conservation Service office and/or UGA Extension office for assistance or speakers to discuss soil health with their class. 3) Create a presentation on how to improve their soil and understand the real-world impact for their plot of land. Class presentations must be uploaded to the challenge portal for judging before May 14.

“We developed the STEM challenge as a way to connect elementary students to Georgia agriculture. Every year students will have a new opportunity to solve a real-world ag problem with a different community partner,” 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 2021 challenge sponsor.

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.

GFB Field Notes page 3 of 12 NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR NATIONAL PEANUT, PECAN BOARDS The Georgia Peanut Commission is seeking eligible peanut producers interested in serving on the National Peanut Board, and the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board.

The deadline for nominations to the National Peanut Board is 1 p.m. on March 11, when the Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a nominations election to select two nominees each for member and alternate to the National Peanut Board during a meeting at the commission headquarters located at 445 Fulwood Blvd. Tifton. All eligible peanut producers are encouraged to participate. Eligible producers are those engaged in the production and sale of peanuts and who own or share the ownership and risk of loss of the crop.

Andy Bell of Climax is the current Georgia National Peanut Board member and Casey Cox of Camilla serves as the alternate. Their terms expire Dec. 31.

The USDA requires two nominees from each state for each position of member and alternate.

The National Peanut Board will submit Georgia’s slate of nominees to the United States Secretary of Agriculture, who makes the appointments.

The National Peanut Board encourages inclusion of persons of any race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.

NPB encourages all persons who qualify as peanut producers to attend the meeting and run for nomination.

For more information about National Peanut Board nominations, call 229-386-3470.

The AMS is seeking nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board under the newly established Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board are due by March 26.

The 17-member board will consist of 10 producers and seven importers. The 10 producer members will be allocated between three regions within the United States as follows: three from the Eastern Region; three from the Central Region; and four from the Western Region. Seven members will be importers. Initial board members’ terms of office of two, three and four years will be assigned by USDA to stagger future terms of office. Each member’s term will begin when USDA approves the nominations.

To serve on the board, pecan producers and importers must have produced or imported more than 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans (25,000 pounds of shelled pecans) on average for four fiscal periods. Producers who produce pecans in more than one region may seek nomination only in the region in which they produce the majority of their pecans.

The order specifies that nominations for producer member seats will be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the American Pecan Council, the 17-member federal marketing order governing body. If you are interested in serving as a producer member please submit your nominations to info@americanpecan.com. You may also contact Jeff Smutny at (817) 916-0020.

USDA is conducting nominations for importer members. Please submit nominations to Patricia Petrella at Patricia.Petrella@usda.gov.

GFB Field Notes page 4 of 12 PILGRIM’S TO BUILD PET FOOD INGREDIENT PLANT IN FRANKLIN COUNTY On Feb. 25, Pilgrim’s Pride announced plans to invest $70 million to build a state-of-the-art pet food ingredient plant in Franklin County. The new plant will create 90 permanent jobs, as well as 100 construction and trades jobs during development of the facility. Pilgrim’s estimates the plant will have a $65 million annual economic impact on the region through direct and indirect spending.

The project will generate more than $1 million annually in local tax revenue, helping to fund county services and local schools.

The pet food ingredient plant will be built on a site adjacent to Interstate 85 near Carnesville and will employ the most advanced technologies available to protect Franklin County’s natural resources. That technology includes: · The most advanced available odor-elimination technology to prevent odors from leaving the property site. · An on-site water treatment plant to meet Pilgrim’s high clean water standards and exceed state requirements. This treatment includes the cleaning of process water and storm water that falls on hard surfaces outside. · Indoor receiving bays so trucks are unloaded completely inside and cleaned before leaving the plant.

Pilgrim’s already has a significant presence in Georgia, employing more than 8,000 people and paying local growers more than $152 million each year to support its facilities in the state. An important contributor to the state’s economy, Pilgrim’s has an annual payroll in Georgia of more than $440 million and contributed nearly $270 million in capital investments over the last five years.

The plant will be used primarily for the production of pet food ingredients by processing chicken byproducts—an essential part of keeping the poultry industry producing at levels necessary to meet high and rising consumer demand. By processing chicken byproducts instead of dumping them in a landfill, Pilgrim’s is helping protect Georgia’s environment.

More information on the proposed plant can be found at www.ThinkFranklin.com.

BAYER OPENS VALDOSTA FRUIT & VEGETABLE SEED DISTRIBUTION CENTER On Feb. 11, Bayer Vegetable Seeds announced the opening of a new distribution center in Valdosta. The center will provide access to Bayer’s Seminis-branded large seed portfolio.

“Bayer is fortunate to work directly with our growers in the Southeast region,” said US & Canada Customer Operations and Distribution Manager Logan Burkhart. “By opening a physical location in the area, we can better service and connect with those growers.”

Growers can continue to order seed through their sales representative, so the transition to the new distribution center should be seamless. Now they will also have the added assurance of knowing there is a local supply of seed available for select varieties.

“Growers continue to face rising pressures to produce more safe, quality produce, while also increasing their profitability,” said Burkhart. “They need a seed company they can trust to provide them with quality, strong performing varieties, when they need them. This distribution center showcases our commitment to doing just that. We are here, we are listening, and we are ready to -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 5 of 12 Continued from previous page respond to growers’ needs.”

The distribution center is currently offering large seed (sweet corn and beans) varieties. To learn more about the new distribution center or place an order, growers can call Oxnard Customer Service at 1-866-334-1056. The distribution center is open by appointment only Monday - Friday.

For more information about Seminis, visit www.Seminis-us.com.

GEORGIA CRACKS TOP 10 OF U.S. EXPORTING STATES For the first time, Georgia ranked among the United States’ Top Ten exporting states in 2020, according to a release from Gov. Brian Kemp.

Georgia merchandise exports reached 215 unique countries and territories and experienced the lowest rate of export contraction among all top ten states, despite headwinds from a global pandemic.

Agriculture, the state’s largest economic sector, plays a key role in Georgia’s export success.

Georgia agriculture delivered $4.25 billion in global exports, maintaining its export totals from 2019. Georgia remains a leading state for poultry, cotton, and peanuts, as well as forest products.

Georgia remained open for business in 2020, exporting $38.8 billion in goods as the state’s diverse industry base and global connectivity continued to drive its competitiveness. Total trade reached $137.7 billion in 2020, spanning 221 countries and territories. The state’s top five export markets were Canada, Germany, China, Mexico and Singapore. Several export markets experienced significant growth, with exports to Germany increasing nearly 50%, followed by China and Hong Kong at 45% and 41%, respectively.

Increased exports to China reflect purchases made under the Phase 1 trade agreement signed by the U.S. and China in January of 2020. The return of market access for U.S. poultry proved beneficial to Georgia producers.

Approximately two-thirds of Georgia trade involves the 12 strategic markets where the state maintains representation: Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru and the United Kingdom. GDEcD’s international representatives play a critical role in facilitating global connections that generate economic success.

Approximately 90% of Georgia merchandise exports are manufactured goods, and the state’s manufacturing exports have grown by more than 30% over the last 10 years. Georgia’s secondlargest manufacturing industry, aerospace products, remain the state’s No. 1 export, totaling $9.98 billion in 2020. Aerospace exports to Hong Kong surged more than 140% last year, while Germany remains the top customer for these products.

Georgia’s deepwater ports and their ideal location in the Southeast for original equipment manufacturers helped drive a 13% surge in automotive exports over 2019. The state’s robust automotive industry increased exports nearly 600% to Germany and more than 800% to China.

This announcement comes on the heels of the Georgia Ports Authority reporting growth during 2020. The Georgia Ports Authority moved more than 4.68 million twenty-foot equivalent container units in 2020, up 1.8% over its 2019 total of 4.59 million. Total cargo crossing all docks in 2020 -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 6 of 12 Continued from previous page reached 38.4 million tons.

Recently, the International Trade division launched Go Global Georgia, an initiative to provide funding for small business exporters and bolster new global opportunities. Eligibility and application guidelines for Go Global Georgia can be found at www.georgia.org/go-global-ga.

Also in 2020, the state’s International Trade division earned an impressive fourth President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service from the U.S. Department of Commerce in recognition of “continuing significant contributions to an increase in U.S. exports.” The award is the highest honor given to providers of services to U.S. exporters. GDEcD is the first entity in the nation to earn a fourth “E” Award.

To read the full 2020 global trade summary, click here.

A variety of services for exporters, resources, and information on GDEcD’s International Trade division is available at www.georgia.org/international/trade.

WALTON COUNTY FARM FAMILY WINS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AWARD Foster Brady Farms located in Walton County has been named the 2020 Friend of Conservation by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the Conservationist of the Year by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) for their outstanding contributions to natural resource conservation.

The late Dan Foster, and now his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Hal Brady, and their son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Paula Brady, have loved and cared for the land that has been a part of their family for more than a century. From row cropping to cattle, and now to vegetable farming, conservation is a focal point of their lives. They continue to show the importance of putting conservation practices on the ground to enhance production, income, sustainability and to educate the community.

The family has worked hard on the farm in conjunction with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office in Monroe and the Walton County Conservation District to plan and develop conservation practices that help protect and conserve natural resources on their land. The family’s conservation plan that includes wildlife, grazing, forestry and cropland enhancement activities has been continuously updated and implemented in a progressive fashion, consistent with the Conservation District’s mission and NRCS standards to promote forest, soil and water health and quality.

In 2019, they began participating in the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and will implement enhancements, including adding 0.5 acres of monarch butterfly habitat to benefit this endangered insect.

“We join others in recognizing the fine conservation work that the Bradys are doing on their farm,” said Georgia NRCS State Conservationist Terrance Rudolph. “It’s great to see their wholefarm approach to conservation and we look forward to working with them on their next accomplishments.”

Foster Brady Farm’s commitment to the protection and conservation of natural resources and sustainable farming extends beyond their farm boundaries. They have been conducting conservation educational outreach events for their community and surrounding areas since 1969.

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GFB Field Notes page 7 of 12 Continued from previous page These included food tours which allow participants from the surrounding area to visit farms and learn production and conservation techniques. Additionally, Foster Brady Farm has hosted microirrigation and pollinator habitat field days and participates in University of Georgia internship programs where students can learn firsthand conservation minded and sustainable farming practices.

“Our District is very proud of their conservation practices as well as their desire to educate the community and students that visit the farm,” said Dan Bennett, chairman of the Walton County Conservation District. “The progression that the Foster Brady farm has made through the years is a shining example to all, for making agriculture sustainable for their families’ generations for years to come. The state of Georgia recognition (GACD) as well as the National recognition (NACD) is certainly well deserved.”

The farm received the Walton County Conservation District’s Conservationist of the Year award in 2001 and 2013 and was presented the Georgia Centennial Family Farm Award in 2003.

“Conserving our farmland is of utmost importance to us,” Hal Brady said. “We strive to keep the farm healthy and sustainable for years to come by keeping up with and incorporating best management practices.”

VILSACK CONFIRMED FOR SECOND STINT AS AGRICULTURE SECRETARY On Feb. 23, the U.S. Senate confirmed Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture by a 92-7 vote.

“After an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, Secretary Vilsack can now get to work and help our farmers, families, and rural communities,” said Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (DMichigan). “I look forward to partnering with him to address the challenges for our farmers and rural communities related to the COVID-19 pandemic, feed American families in need, and create new markets while curbing the climate crisis.”

Vilsack, who succeeds Sonny Perdue, will be leading the USDA for the second time. He previously served as Secretary of Agriculture under President Barack Obama.

“AFBF congratulates Tom Vilsack on his confirmation as the next Secretary of Agriculture. His strong track record of leadership and previous experience at USDA will serve rural America well,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “Secretary Vilsack and I have spoken several times in recent weeks about opportunities and challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers, and I look forward to close collaboration. We have a lot of work to do as we overcome obstacles created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We must commit to resuming CARES Act programs and continue to build on advances made in trade. We must move forward on the successes made in climate-smart practices while seeking partnerships to ensure new environmental policies remain market-based and voluntary. We also recognize the importance of strengthening the farm bill and bringing broadband to every community in America.”

GFB Field Notes page 8 of 12 USDA RELEASES ADVERSE EFFECT WAGE RATE With the release of USDA’s Farm Labor Survey on February 11, farmers who utilize the H-2A program finally know the minimum wage they must pay their H-2A workers in 2021. Usually, this wage rate, known as the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), is known when the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) is released in November, but changes in policy that were proposed and then struck down in the courts over the last four months delayed the Farm Labor Survey’s release, which in turn held up the AEWR announcement. The FLS reveals an average increase of $0.63 per hour, or 4.5%, from 2020 to 2021, though there are considerable regional differences.

Georgia’s AEWR rose by 0.9%, to $11.81 per hour, the same as both Alabama and South Carolina and the lowest AEWR of all states.

While a 4.5% single-year increase is sizable, the 2021 AEWR jump follows several years of considerable wage rate increases. Over the last five years, the national average AEWR has increased by 20%. Again, regional wages are what really count. From this perspective, depending on the region, wages have increased between 9% and 35% over the last five years. Georgia’s AEWR rose by 11% from 2016 – 2021. Only Florida (9%) had a smaller increase.

In fall 2020, the process of amending the wage methodology for the H-2A program began. First, in September, USDA issued a notice that it would no longer conduct the Farm Labor Survey, which is typically carried out in April and October and released in May and November, respectively. This change was important because the Department of Labor uses the data from the two surveys to calculate the annual national average gross wage rate for field and livestock workers, which becomes the AEWR. The annual national average gross wage rate for field and livestock workers is included in the November FLS report. Second, in November, DOL announced a final rule that would have updated the methodology for determining the annual AEWR in the H-2A visa program. Both actions were challenged in court by farmworker organizations.

The methodology changes never went into effect because on December 23, a federal court in California ruled against the implementation of DOL’s final rule to alter the methodology used to calculate the AEWR for the H-2A program. The judge’s decision required DOL to issue the 2021 AEWR by February 25. In a separate court decision, a judge ordered USDA to reinstate the FLS. As a result of the court rulings, none of the changes to the wage methodology for the H-2A program will be implemented.

According to the FLS, the annual national average gross wage rate for field and livestock workers was $14.62 in 2020, up $0.63, or 4.5%, from $13.99 in 2019. By comparison, according to the BLS’ Employment Cost Index, nationally, compensation costs for private industry workers increased 2.6% for the 12-month period ending in December 2020.

The regional annual average gross wage rate for field and livestock workers serves as the basis for the AEWR. The rate of change from region to region varied considerably in 2020. The state of California, which is its own region, had the largest increase – jumping $1.28 per hour, or 8.7%, above 2019. Meanwhile, wages in the Delta region (Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi) had the smallest increase - 5 cents per hour, or 0.4%, above 2019. All but three (Delta, Southeast and Lake) of the 18 regions in the FLS exceeded the ECI’s 2.6% increase. Hourly AEWR wages now exceed $12 per hour in all regions except the Delta and Southeast.

GFB Field Notes page 9 of 12 GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE MASK SALE March 17 deadline to order Support the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and your community! For a $10 donation, donors receive a GFB-branded face mask. The masks are made of soft 100% polyester material, have a sturdy three-ply design, are breathable and flexible with comfy ear loops that stretch to fit. The masks are made in the U.S.A. After the pre-order window closes on March 17, GFA will submit the full order to the manufacturer. All masks will be shipped through the GFB company courier to your local Georgia Farm Bureau county office 2-3 weeks after March 17. GFB home office employees will receive their masks via delivery to their departments. To order, visit https://georgiafarmbureau.regfox.com/foundation-face-mask-sale-march-2021.

For more information, contact Jennifer Farmer, GFA Development Associate, jmfarmer@gafoundationag.org.

USDA ARC/PLC PROGRAMS March 15 deadline to enroll Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2021 must do so by March 15. Producers who have not yet signed a 2021 enrollment contract or who want to make an election change should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to make an appointment. Program enrollment for 2021 is required in order to participate in the programs, but elections for the 2021 crop year are optional and otherwise remain the same as elections made for 2020. ARC and PLC contracts can be emailed, faxed or physically signed and mailed back to FSA. Producers with level 2 eauthentication access can electronically sign contracts. Service Center staff can also work with producers to sign and securely transmit contracts electronically through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. You can learn more about these solutions at www.farmers.gov/mydocs. Producers may also make arrangements to drop off signed contracts at the FSA county office. Please call ahead for local mailing or drop off information and options for submitting signed contracts electronically. For more information, click here. (https://www.gfb.org/media-and-publications/news.cms/2021/983/deadline-to-enroll-in-arc-plcprograms-is-march-15) USDA QUALITY LOSS ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM March 5 Deadline to apply Funded by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, this new program provides assistance to producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due to natural disasters occurring in 2018 and 2019. For more information, visit www.farmers.gov/quality-loss, or contact your local USDA Service Center. Producers can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877-508-8364.

GFB Field Notes page 10 of 12 2021 USING PESTICIDES WISELY VIRTUAL TRAINING Date, Time Registration Link March 8, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0308 March 11, 9 a.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0311 March 15, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0315 March 18, 9 a.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0318 March 22, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0322 March 25, 9 a.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0325 March 29, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0329 April 1, 9 a.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0401 April 5, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0405 April 8, 9 a.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0408 April 12, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0412 All applicators driving the tractor/sprayer applying Engenia, FeXapan, Tavium or ExtendiMax must attend Using Pesticides Wisely during 2021 prior to using these herbicides. As mandated by federal law, applicators must have a private or commercial pesticide applicator license to apply these products. Labels specifically state “To be used by certified applicators only; NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator, except that uncertified person may transport containers.” All persons in charge of in-season applications of Enlist Duo or Enlist One in Enlist cotton or soybean must attend Using Pesticides Wisely training prior to using these products in 2021. Applicators are asked to please select one of the dates provided below to attend a virtual training. Although far from an ideal training approach, it is the most efficient and safe method to communicate critical information that applicators must understand for the 2021 growing season. The training will last no more than 1 1/2 hours. If computer or internet access restricts participation, contact your local Extension office. No training will be offered after April 15 for the 2021 season. Each individual applicator must pre-register to attend the training. Registration is permitted up to 2 hours prior to the training. Make sure you have your pesticide license number available for registration. Attendee’s names will be placed on a list posted to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s auxin website at http://www.agr.georgia.gov/24c.aspx. Please allow up to 21 days after the training date for names to be posted. This list will serve as the official training record as attendance verification. Two hours of pesticide credit for private or commercial will be offered as long as a pesticide license number is provided during registration.

UGA EXTENSION COMMODITY PRODUCTION MEETINGS GO VIRTUAL The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension plans to hold its 2021 commodity production meetings online. Some county Extension offices will host viewing sessions.

PECAN March 9 6 p.m. online Pesticide credits are being applied for and will be available for attendees. Please only register for one date. To register, visit https://ugapecan2021.eventbrite.com/.

GFB Field Notes page 11 of 12 2021 AFBF FUSION REIMAGINED CONFERENCE March 11-13 online AFBF is offering its FUSION Reimagined Conference for free through a virtual conference experience. The FUSION Conference is an opportunity to bring together members of the Young Farmers & Ranchers, Women’s Leadership and Promotion & Education member engagement programs, for an opportunity to connect, learn and develop as leaders in Farm Bureau. FUSION provides value for people of all ages with a variety of activities including virtual tours from around the country, the Collegiate Discussion Meet, engaging learning sessions, evening entertainment and much more. Learn more and register at https://www.fb.org/events/2021-fusion-conference/.

FVSU ORNAMENTAL PLANT CONFERENCES March 12 Best shrubs and trees in landscape online April 2 Feed the pollinators! Part 1 online May 6 Feed the pollinators! Part 2 online June 11 New annuals & perennials in the landscape online This series of virtual conferences, hosted by Fort Valley State University, will be presented by UGA Extension Horticulture Specialist Dr. Bodie Pennisi. Plants that will be covered include small trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, roses, daylilies, camelias, native plants and more. Each conference lasts from noon to 1 p.m. To register, visit www.bit.ly/fvsu-ornamental-plant-series2021. The conferences will be broadcast on Facebook Live at facebook.com/FVSUCAFST. For more information, contact Joshua Dawson at 478-283-2949 or dawsonj01@fvsu.edu.

PRESERVING FAMILY HERITAGE: ESTATE PLANNING BASICS March 18 noon – 1:30 p.m. online This webinar, hosted by Fort Valley State University Extension, will cover what estate planning entails, how to build wealth and provide for your family and next generation, what happens if you die with or without a will, and more. Speakers are Delene Porter and Gentry Mander of the Georgia Heirs Property Law Center. Preregistration is required by March 15. To register, visit www.bit.ly/fvsu-estate-planning-march-2021. The webinar will be simulcast on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/FVSUCAFST. For more information, contact Phillip Petway at 478-9547121 or petwayp@fvsu.edu or Leon Porter at 478-235-8697 or porterl@fvsu.edu.

11TH ANNUAL GEORGIA DAIRY YOUTH FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT March 26 Lane Creek Golf Club 10:30 a.m.

Bishop This annual event provides financial support for the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation. The tournament will be played in a four-person Lauderdale Scramble format. Each player will receive 18 holes of golf, use of a cart and lunch. Lunch and check-in begin at 10:30 a.m. and tee time is noon. Entry fee is $75 per person or $300 for a four-person team, and for $20 players receive two mulligans and a tee buster. To register, call 706-310-0020 or send an email to gadairyyouth@gmail.com. Players are asked to register by March 22.

GFB Field Notes page 12 of 12 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 2020 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.

DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times.

Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.