GFB GROUP VISITS D.C. SEEKING SUPPORT FOR STATE’S FARMERS
A group of 25 Georgia Farm Bureau volunteer leaders engaged with Georgia’s congressional delegation and advocated for agriculture during the GFB Presidents’ Trip to D.C., Feb. 28-March
2. Historically an annual trip, this was the first time since 2019 a GFB group made an organized advocacy trip to D.C. due to COVID-19.
The visit began with a Feb. 28 meeting hosted by American Farm Bureau (AFBF), where attendees heard updates from AFBF staff on issues and current legislation dealing with labor, environmental regulations, the farm bill, and livestock and poultry regulations.
AFBF Senior Director for Government Affairs Courtney Briggs gave an overview of the EPA's Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule, emphasizing that the lack of clarity in the final rule published in February is central to farmers' problems with the rule, which is scheduled to take effect March 20.
“We’ve been ping-ponging back and forth on a (WOTUS) definition depending on the [presidential] administration,” Briggs said.
The ambiguity dates back to the original Clean Water Act passed in the early 1970s, Briggs said. Farm groups are hopeful that the upcoming Supreme Court decision on Sackett v. EPA, might provide some relief, and resolutions in both the House and Senate seek to halt the WOTUS rule under the Congressional Review Act.
AFBF is part of one lawsuit against the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to stop the rule, and a collection of 24 states, including Georgia, have filed a separate suit.
AFBF Managing Director for Government Affairs Ryan Yates shared an overview of topics being discussed concerning national agriculture policy. Yate highlighted AFBF’s agreement with John Deere granting farmers the latitude to perform certain repairs on their Deere equipment. Yates said that while there have been conversations about legislation to address the right-to-repair issue, the organization’s preference is to take a private-sector approach.
AFBF Senior Director for Government Affairs Andrew Walmsley discussed farm bill programs and the political landscape, noting that there are 260 members of Congress who were not in office -continued on next page
Photo by Jay StoneContinued from previous page when the 2018 farm bill was developed and passed.
Walmsley said the farm bill is expected to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, and that there is strong sentiment that the bill needs to be completed in 2023.
On March 1, GFB members attended meetings with eight Georgia members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Sen. Jon Ossoff to highlight the organization’s priorities during the 118th Congress.
GFB members presented the Friend of Farm Bureau Award for the 117th Congress, which convened 2021-2022, to Reps. Austin Scott, David Scott, Sanford Bishop, Rick Allen, Buddy Carter and Sen. Ossoff in appreciation for voting in alignment with Farm Bureau positions on bills important to agriculture. Other members of the 117th Congress from Georgia who received the award but were unavailable to accept their awards were former Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, and Reps. Drew Ferguson, Hank Johnson, Lucy McBath and Nikema Williams.
AG GROUPS ALARMED OVER NEW AEWR METHODOLOGY
On Feb. 28, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published its final rule to change how adverse effective wage rates (AEWR) are set for workers recruited through the H-2A migrant labor program. The new methodology immediately prompted concerns among agricultural employers who will be obliged to pay H-2A workers significantly higher wages than they were able to budget for in the 2023 crop year. The rule takes effect March 30.
In a separate action, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed new fees in H-2A and other migrant worker programs.
The AEWR rule was a key topic of conversation during the Georgia Farm Bureau Presidents’ Trip to D.C. Feb. 28 – March 1. Many of Georgia’s fruit, vegetable and dairy producers utilize H2A workers to produce their commodities For 2021, Georgia was second nationally, behind Florida, in number of H-2A workers employed.
According to a DOL press release, the final rule establishes the following methodology for determining Adverse Effect Wage Rates:
The department will continue to use the average annual hourly wage as reported by the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) for field and livestock workers, combined, occupations – which represent most agricultural jobs – for the state or region.
For all other agricultural jobs, not represented adequately or reported by current FLS data, the department will use the statewide or national average annual hourly wages for the occupational classification reported by Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.
For job opportunities that cover more than one classification, the department will base adverse effect rates on the highest wage for the applicable occupations.
In Georgia, farms that use H-2A workers already faced a 14% increase in wages, which now start at almost $14 an hour The structure of the AEWR job classification could mean, for example, that any worker who drives a tractor during the course of his/her duties must be paid at the rate for employees classified as tractor drivers, established at more than $20 per hour.
The USCIS fees set forth in its proposed rule would skyrocket by 1,470% over current fees, -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page according to analysis from the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA).
Presently, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) fee for an I-129 petition for H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers (H-2As) is $460. This fee applies to petitions for both named and unnamed beneficiaries.
From the GFVGA:
• The proposed fees contained in this regulation would dramatically increase the cost of each petition and add a new $600 “Asylum Program Fee” to each petition as well. The proposed regulation would disadvantage employers who have developed often longstanding good relationships with their workers who annually will choose to leave their families in their home countries and legally enter the U.S. to work at the same operation year after year, by limiting each petition for named beneficiaries to 25 individuals. These costs are further compounded when workers are transferred to a new contract or due to unforeseen circumstances such as floods, hurricanes, drought, torrential rains, untimely freezes, or excessive heat, an employer seeks to extend a worker’s stay.
• For example, an employer who has had the same 100 farmworkers working on his operation for the last 10 years files a petition to have the workers return in the coming season. The source country for these workers is not presently on the approved country list. Presently the I-129 fee for this petition is $460. The new fees for these same named 100 workers would increase from the present cost of $460 to $6,760 (new $1,090 I-129 fee plus $600 asylum fee = $1,690 multiplied by 4 petitions). This is a 1,470% increase in fees ($6,760/$460 = 14.6956).
The GFVGA noted these are added costs of doing business negatively impacting the viability of the enterprise, and the agricultural employer has no means of recouping any added expense.
The USCIS is accepting public comments on this proposed rule until March 13. Click here to read the proposed rule and/or submit a comment.
DUVALL TELLS HOUSE AG COMMITTEE OF CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall spent four and a half hours before the House Agriculture Committee on Feb. 28 outlining the challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Duvall joined five other agriculture industry leaders in testifying and taking questions from lawmakers during the hearing titled “Uncertainty, Inflation, Regulations: Challenges for American Agriculture.”
“There are certainly plenty of challenges for American agriculture,” Duvall told the committee during his opening comments. “From losses experienced in the trade war with China, to pandemic lockdowns and supply chain disruptions. Add to it the record-high supply costs, and you see how farmers and ranchers have faced unprecedented volatility in recent years.”
Duvall noted that USDA’s most recent Farm Sector Income Forecast sees a decrease in net farm -continued on next page
Continued from previous page income in 2023, down 15.9%. Adjusted for inflation, that’s an 18% drop. The same report estimates farm and ranch production expenses will continue to increase – by $18 billion. This follows a record increase of $70 billion in 2022.
Duvall highlighted regulatory hardships facing farmers, including restricted access to pesticides, the new Waters of the United States rule, a proposed Securities and Exchange Commission emissions reporting rule and shortcomings in the H-2A labor program.
He also shared opportunities to strengthen farms through voluntary climate-smart programs, increased meat processing competition and the passage of a unified farm bill.
“It is important that we understand how important the safety net is for agriculture so that we will have the food to be able to use in the safety net for the people that are not as fortunate as others during…periods of their lives,” Duvall said in response to a question from Rep. Darren Soto (DFla.) about keeping nutrition programs in the food bill. “So, I think they go together well. It gives us a true picture of the food, where it’s produced and where a lot of it is consumed, and making sure that those people have access to good quality food.”
On a question from Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) about the importance of trade, President Duvall replied, “Anytime the field in the arena of trade is leveled and we have access to those markets it helps our farmers and ranchers tremendously. We’re always working to encourage trade across the world, and we just think there are some great opportunities, especially in the Asia Pacific areas.”
Watch the full hearing here.
Read President Duvall’s opening remarks here.
Read the AFBF written testimony here
2023 AG SAFETY AWARESS PROGRAM WEEK: LEAD THE WAY IN AGRICULTURE
Farm Bureaus across the nation are celebrating the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) this week, March 6-10. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Lead the Way in Agriculture.”
Farm Bureau and U.S. Ag Centers are sharing information about a different safety area each day of ASAP Week:
Monday – Mental Health
Tuesday – Preventive Health Care
Wednesday – Safety Culture
Thursday – Situational Awareness
Friday – Temperature-Related Safety
“Keeping everyone safe on America’s farms and ranches is so important,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “We encourage farmers and ranchers to take the time to make safety a priority during Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week and throughout the year.”
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The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page.
Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/USagCenters) for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own safety messages on social media using the hashtags #ASAP23 and #USAgCenters. The 12 U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers (www.cdc.gov/niosh/oep/agctrhom.html) are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
GFB NAMES BEN PARKER AS NATIONAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR
Ben Parker recently joined the Georgia Farm Bureau Public Policy Department as the national affairs coordinator. Parker developed a passion for agriculture while growing up in Perry, then pursued an applied biotechnology degree from the University of Georgia to understand the new era of modern agriculture.
Before coming to GFB, Parker spent two years researching soybean genomes to find costeffective, insect-resistant genes under the tutelage of Dr. Wayne Parrott at UGA. He then started his policy career advocating for increased use of modern seed varieties before working on state level agriculture policies with the Georgia Agribusiness Council.
His time at UGA led him to engage in national agriculture policies through the Congressional Ag Fellows program in the office of Rep. Austin Scott.
Ben previously worked to establish an emerging bioplastic production company before returning to his true passion of keeping Georgia a national leader in the agricultural industry. He currently lives in Perry, where he found his love for crop and livestock production.
MASTERS ELECTED NACD SECRETARY-TREASURER; PONDER HONORED
Georgia Association of Conservation Districts President Mark Masters has been elected secretary-treasurer of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), and Tift County’s Brian Ponder was named NACD’s 2022 Friend of Conservation during the organization’s meeting in New Orleans in February.
Masters is the second person from Georgia to hold an elected NACD officer position in the organization’s 77-year history. John Redding of Walton and Clay counties is a past NACD president.
NACD represents more than 3,000 conservation districts with a mission to promote responsible management and stewardship of natural resources through grassroots advocacy, education and partnerships.
As executive director of the Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center at Albany State
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Continued from previous page University, Mark has worked extensively on sustainable water management in Georgia and beyond. He has been a local conservation leader as a district supervisor for over 10 years and graduated in the inaugural cohort of the National Conservation Foundation’s Next Generation Leadership Institute.
“Conservation districts will play a critical role in meeting the natural resource challenges of today and in the future,” Masters said. “I look forward to representing Georgia and our nation’s conservation leaders in this important work.”
Masters lives and farms in Terrell County with his wife Amy and daughters Lilly, Sally and Molly.
Brian Ponder, co-owner of Pond-O-Gold Farms and Brian and Ken Ponder Farms located in Omega, was named the 2022 Friend of Conservation for his outstanding contributions to natural resource conservation.
Brian is a fourth-generation farmer from Tift County and still lives on the original farm that his great grandfather moved to in 1884. The farm, which began as 96 acres, has been in the family for 138 years. The Ponders still find something to do every year to try and make it more productive while taking care of it. He and his family now farm 3,000 acres of peanuts, cotton, corn, watermelons, pecans, and pine timber.
Ponder’s farm practices include reduction of water usage and erosion control through strip tillage. His father was big on conservation back in the ’70s and taught those practices to Brian and his brother, Ken.
Soil health, conserving water, and reducing diesel emissions are a few of the factors that go into the management of his farm. All of the peanuts and cotton on the farm are strip-tilled into cover crops which reduces soil disturbance and erosion. Additionally, they are working toward getting all cover crops in without any tillage. He utilizes the installation of terraces and waterways to reduce erosion and helps other local farmers with installing terraces and waterways.
In terms of conserving water, all of the Ponders’ irrigation systems have drop-nozzle technology, regulators, are low pressure, and almost all have been converted from diesel pumping systems to electricity. All of these measures are to help reduce water usage and to improve efficiency. He also uses organic matter for fertilizers such as chicken litter and gin trash.
Beyond conservation measures put in place on his farm, Brian has been very active in the conservation community. He has been a district supervisor for 20 years for the Middle South Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District and serves as GACD Group 3 Vice President. He has been Conservationist of the Year for Tift County, Tift County Farmer of the Year, ABAC Alumni of the Year, and served on the Conservation Tillage Alliance.
Ponder was also named the 2022 Conservationist of the Year by the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts.
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AREA PRODUCTION MEETING HOSTED BY TATTNALL COUNTY EXTENSION
Prescribed Burning
March 13 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center, Lyons
Speakers: David Clabo and Tattnall County Forestry Unit
Forestry Credits Available
Contact Derrick Bowen at 912-557-6724 for more information
SUMTER COUNTY FARM SAFETY DAY
March 17 Sumter County Fairgrounds 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Americus
This first-time event will feature live safety demonstrations. Farm Safety Day is free to attend, and and Sumter County Young Farmers will have lunch available for purchase. The Sumter County Fairgrounds are located at 903 Adderton St. in Americus. To register, visit www.gfb.ag/farmsafetyday2023.
2023 SPRING FARM STRESS SUMMIT
March 20 Mercer Univ. School of Medicine, Penfield Hall 9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Macon
The goal of this event is to learn from each other, connect communities with existing resources, and further establish partnerships across organizations. Topics include farm stressors, tools available for coping and strategies for positive collaboration. Key target audiences for this free event include medical providers, counselors, church leaders, extension agents and specialists, Georgia Farm Bureau members and staff, policy makers, lenders, local elected officials, county/city municipal staff, pharmacists, school system personnel, agricultural producers, and agribusiness owners/operators. In addition, 2.5 CEU general contact hours are available for social workers and other professionals, including licensed family counselors, marriage/and family therapists. Penfield Hall is located at 1550 College St., Macon, GA 31207. Please find more details and register by clicking here.
USDA NEW & BEGINNING FARMER RESOURCES WORKSHOP
March 23 UGA E.L. Rhodes Animal & Dairy Science Center Athens Georgia Farm Service Agency Executive Director Arthur Tripp will host this workshop to introduce new & beginning farmers to USDA/FSA resources available to them. This is a great opportunity to hear USDA leadership discuss federal programs that may benefit agricultural operations and how to get started with the department. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please RSVP to Ansley Hatcher at ansley.hatcher@usda.gov as in-person space is limited & will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Anyone interested in participating in the event online should email Hatcher to receive a link to join the meeting online.
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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PESTICIDE CLEAN DAY
March 29 Tri-County Gin, 561 Sinkhole Rd. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Douglas
Georgia Dept. of Agriculture Clean Day is a program that gives everyone an opportunity to discard old, unusable, or cancelled pesticides to a hazardous waste contractor for disposal. Pesticides in leaking containers or disposed of improperly may cause environmental damage by contaminating water supplies or harming people and wildlife. Some pesticides that have been used in the past are now in need of proper disposal. Participation in the Clean Day Program remains free of charge to all private and commercial applicators with the understanding that the event is designed / intended for farmers, lawn care, golf courses, and pest control companies. The Georgia Department of Agriculture requires pre-registration by March 24. For more information about the event please contact your local extension agent or visit the event website for event rules and registration. Rick Hayes is the coordinator for the event and may be reached at ricky.hayes@agr.georgia.gov or 404535-1614.
GACD LOWER CHATTAHOOCHEE FORESTRY CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
March 30 Sumter County Ag Center, 127 William Bowen Pointe 8:30 a.m. Americus
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) and the Lower Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to present this free informational workshop for local farmers to discuss how to implement conservation practices in forestry operations. This workshop will discuss how producers can utilize conservation practices to increase profitability and productivity of forestry operations. A local farmer will also present on their conservation efforts. In addition, information on federal farm bill programs and state programs will be presented. Partnering agencies for this event include Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC). This is a free event but registration is required online at www.gacd.us/events.
4TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY AG CENTER RODEO
March 31-April 1 Washington County Ag Center, 882 Grady Mertz Rd. Tennille
The rodeo is the Ag Center’s major annual fundraiser. Gates open at 5 and rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Admission at gate: Adults 18 and older $15, Youth 7 - 17 $10. Children under 6 get in free. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Smith Farm Supply. Advanced tickets are $12 Adults, 18 and older and $8 Youth, 7-17. Children 6 and under are free. There will be food and western wear vendors and rides and attractions for children. The event is family oriented and suitable for all ages. The rodeo brings professional competition sanctioned by IPRA and PCA. The contractor is Hedrick Rodeo Company from Madisonville, Tennessee. Washington County Ag center is a 501C5 corporation owned by Washington County Farm Bureau. The Ag Center’s mission is to support Ag in the community and Ag in the classrooms. Groups supported by the Ag Center include 4H, FFA, University of Georgia Extension and Cattlemen Association.
U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL
March 31
deadline to enroll
Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton. Producers enrolled in the Trust Protocol are eligible to participate in the Climate Smart Cotton Program, which will provide technical and financial assistance to 1,650 U.S. cotton farmers with acres available for Climate Smart practice changes. Growers also receive personalized data that can be used to help improve their sustainability efforts and yield, as well as gain closer communication with their end customer. Data growers provide is secure and remains confidential. It is used only in aggregate form. Crop consultants can also be authorized to enter information on the grower’s behalf. Additionally, the John Deere Operations Center can prepopulate up to 40% of the data needed to complete the fieldprint analysis for those who utilize the platform. Growers can enroll and complete their data entry at TrustUSCotton.org. Enrollment for the 2023 crop will open the second week of April. For help enrolling, contact info@trustuscotton.org.
USDA-NRCS CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
March 31
deadline to apply
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia is accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) sign-up. Agricultural producers and forest landowners looking to build on previous conservation efforts and building climate resiliency should consider one of two funding opportunities available to them this year and apply by March 31. NRCS offers CSP in all 50 states, as well as the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to adverse weather. CSP is for working lands, including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under Indian tribe jurisdiction. Special provisions are available for historically underserved producers, which include those considered beginning, socially disadvantaged and limited resource as well as military veterans. These producers have targeted funds. Find eligible practices in Georgia and practice payment amounts here. Payment rates for conservation practices are reviewed and set each fiscal year for the state. For the IRA-funded portion of this year’s sign-up, agricultural producers in Baker, Calhoun, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, and Seminole counties can apply for Soil Health focused practices and enhancements. Producers and forest landowners in Bleckley, Dodge, Emmanuel, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Toombs, Treutlen, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties can apply for Agroforestry, Forestry and Upland Wildlife Habitat practices and enhancements. Download the Georgia CSP – Inflation Reduction Act Activities List for more information NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but to be included in this funding batch, interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. Additional sign-up batches may be announced later, subject to the availability of funding.
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3RD ANNUAL KUBOTA HOMETOWN PROUD COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
March 31
Deadline to apply
Nonprofit organizations & municipalities are invited to apply for a chance to receive $100,000 to fund a community project. Possible projects could be upgrading an agricultural center, establishing a food literacy program, cultivating a community garden, beautifying a community park, adding landscaping to a public space or modernizing a fairground or rodeo arena. Visit KubotaHometownProud.com for complete details & to apply. The five winning projects announced August 1 will compete in a public vote contest to win thee Kubota Community Choice Award and an additional $100,000.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB TRAIL RIDE & BBQ LUNCH
April 1 10 a.m. ReDux Equine Rescue Colbert
The Kel-Mac Club invites riders to bring their horses to enjoy a meet & greet trail ride and BBQ lunch at the ReDux Equine Rescue in Oglethorpe County located at 242 Mitchell Farm Rd. 30628. Cost is $10 to ride the trails or $20 for both ride and lunch. Just lunch is $10. All proceeds will benefit the ReDux Equine Rescue. Rain date is April 15. Register after March 1 at www.kelmac.com/. Contact Sharon Wood via email at bullet2525@aol.com for more information.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
April 8, May 13, Sept. 9 & Oct. 7 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. 7 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim 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 Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
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USDA RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING GRANTS
April 24
Deadline for submitting proposals
The USDA has made $2 million available for risk management education and training programs that support farmers and ranchers, including underserved producers, small-scale farmers, organic operations and climate-smart farm practices USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) is offering these funds to provide the needed resources for organizations - such as universities, county cooperative extension offices, and nonprofit organizations - to develop education tools that help producers learn how to effectively manage long-term risks and challenges. A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for funding consideration, including training on crop insurance options, record keeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools and natural disaster preparedness among others. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems. Proposals are due April 24. The notice of funding has additional details at https://gfb.ag/fsarmaworkshop. Then click on USDARMA-MULTI-RMEPP-23-NOFO0001231, Opportunity Title: Risk Management Education Partnership Program.
GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE STEM CHALLENGE
April 28
Deadline to enter
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 involved with water conservation in local communities. Elementary teachers and their students may enter the “Vermiculture: Wiggling into Ag” STEM Challenge Feb. 6 through April 28 for the chance to win a prize package totaling $350 for their class. The grade winner from the third, fourth and fifthgrade entries will win a prize package. Teachers interested in participating in the “Vermiculture: Wiggling into Ag” STEM may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program. Once teachers register their class, they can access a digital resource toolkit that equips the class for participating in the water conservation STEM challenge.
GRAIN BIN SAFETY TRAINING CONTEST
April 30
Deadline to Apply
The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, Nationwide, and KC Supply are teaming up to award emergency first responders with grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training to help save lives. If you are interested in nominating your local fire department to win a grain rescue tub and a six-hour grain entrapment rescue training session, at the winner’s location, visit https://www.mynsightonline.com/grain-bin-safety/participate-partner/nominate. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on April 30. Winners will be notified by mail or email on or about July 31.
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GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM PROGRAM
May 1 deadline to apply
The Georgia Centennial Farm Program was created to draw attention to historic farms and to encourage their preservation. Since 1993, the program has recognized more than 600 farms around the state. Farms may be recognized with one of three awards. The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by the same family for 100 years or more that are listed in the NRHP. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the NRHP. Nominees must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres of the original purchase, actively involved in agricultural production, and must generate at least $1,000 in annual farm-generated income. Nominees must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres of the original purchase, actively involved in agricultural production, and must generate at least $1,000 in annual farm-generated income. In addition, farms must have been continuously farmed by members of the same family for at least 100 years. Qualifying Georgia Centennial Farms are honored each October in an awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. For more information, contact Rose Mayo, Historic Preservation Division outreach coordinator, at 404-486-6378 or at rose.mayo@dca.ga.gov. The postmark deadline for applications is May 1. Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centennialfarmsapply
B. FRANK STRICKLAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR ABAC
May 4
application deadline
B Frank Strickland Scholarship for ABAC – In 2002, a scholarship was established by GFB and the Georgia Commodity Commission for Tobacco at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation in memory of the late B. Frank Strickland Sr., a Lanier County farmer and a devoted advocate for tobacco farmers. The $1,000 B. Frank Strickland Scholarship is available for an entering freshman or rising sophomore from a tobacco-producing county who plans to attend ABAC fall semester. The scholarship will be paid at the beginning of the fall semester by the ABAC Foundation. Application is linked here
AFBF AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE
May 12
deadline to enter
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is looking to identify the top entrepreneurs who are addressing both traditional challenges farmers face on their operation, such as access to labor, optimizing yield and reducing operating costs, to entrepreneurs who are addressing new challenges facing farmers and rural communities. Farm Bureau will award $165,000 in startup funds to ten businesses, culminating at a live pitch competition and networking event at the AFBF Convention in January 2024 in Salt Lake City, UT. The Ag Innovation Challenge Winner will be awarded $50,000 in startup funds provided by our sponsors. Farm Bureau will award a total of $165,000 to ten businesses. For more information or to enter, visit www.fb.org/initiative/ag-innovation-challenge.
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GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline.
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE-COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706-510-6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use.