GEORGIA AGRICULTURE AWARENESS WEEK CELEBRATES FARMERS
Georgia farmers grow crops, livestock and timber that feed, clothe and shelter us. That’s why Georgia Farm Bureau and other ag organizations across the state are observing Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week March 20-26 and celebrated National Ag Day on March 21. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Ag Day, which is traditionally celebrated on or around the first day of spring.
“Observing Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week gives us all a chance to think about and celebrate the contributions farmers and agriculture make to our lives,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “Farmers feed us, grow cotton and wool for our clothes, and timber for our homes. They also provide wildlife a place to live on their farms while protecting soil and water resources using environmentally sustainable methods to grow their crops and livestock. I’m grateful God gave me the privilege of being a farmer, and I’m thankful for all my farming friends.”
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics show Georgia farmers play a big role in feeding us. They are the top peanut producers in the United States growing almost half the peanuts grown in our country, with most used to make peanut butter and snacks. Georgia farmers lead the nation in growing broilers, the chickens used to make our favorite chicken sandwiches, tenders and wings. In 2021, Georgia pecan growers led the U.S. in production of utilized pecans.
Georgia ranked second in production of watermelons and third in production of blueberries, cantaloupe and peaches, according to USDA data. The 2021 cash value of Georgia’s onion crop was second in the U.S. while Georgia’s sweet corn crop ranked third.
Georgia cotton farmers placed second in the U.S. in 2021 for both the quantity and cash value of lint and seed produced. Georgia consistently ranks as the top forestry state in the nation.
Agriculture contributed $73.2 billion to Georgia’s economy in 2021, according to the University of Georgia’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED). Georgia’s Top 10 commodities for 2021 were: broilers ($4.2 billion); cotton ($1 billion); peanuts ($776.7 million); timber ($660.6 million); beef ($658.6 million); greenhouse nurseries ($635.9 million); eggs ($635.1 million); corn ($509.1 million); pecans ($383.8 million); and blueberries ($348.7 million), -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page the UGA CAED reports.
Food and fiber production and the process of getting the raw materials to consumers contributed 340,827 jobs for Georgians in 2021, the CAED reports. Agricultural careers include crop and livestock research, engineering, precision ag specialists, software and IT work, agribusiness management, marketing, food product development and safety, processing, retailing, ag teachers, banking, bioenergy, livestock veterinarians and others.
Besides providing our basic needs and driving Georgia’s economy, farmers also protect the environment. Farmers prevent soil erosion and water runoff by planting cover crops and using minimum tillage methods like no-till or strip-till to plant their crops. These conservation tillage methods reduce the amount of fuel farmers use and sequester carbon in the soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers use about 50% less fertilizer to produce a bushel of corn, wheat and soybeans than they did in 1980, the USDA reports. They’re able to do this by using GPS, sensors, field mapping software and tractors equipped with precision ag technology that allows farmers to apply only the fertilizer and crop protectants that they absolutely need to grow a healthy crop.
Since most Georgians are several generations removed from the farm, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) has prepared several videos that provide insight into Georgia agriculture. If you are interested in learning more about the crops and livestock grown in Georgia visit https://gfb.ag/gaagvideo If you would like to meet a Georgia strawberry farmer visit https://gfb.ag/strawberryfarmer
Because early spring in Georgia is synonymous with strawberries, GFB created and provided multiple resources educators can use to teach their students how strawberries are grown. Learn how to plant strawberry plants with Laurens County Extension Agent Raymond Joyce at https://gfb.ag/learntoplantstrawberries Visit https://gfb.ag/bookreading to hear author Shannon Anderson read her book “I Love Strawberries.”
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is also observing Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week with the following week-long agenda: Wednesday, March 22, Ag Hero Day; Thursday, March 23, Ag Literacy Day; Friday, March 24, Fork in the Road Friday; Saturday, March 25, buy Georgia Grown Day; and Sunday, March 26, Shop Local Day. Monday March 20 was Hands-On Garden Day. Tuesday, March 21 was Lead the Way Tuesday, which highlighted Georgia’s 4-H and FFA programs that develop future ag leaders. Visit http://georgiaagweek.com/AGWeek2023/ to learn more about the GDA Ag Week programs.
JUDGE HALTS 2023 WOTUS RULE IN TWO STATES
On March 19, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas halted implementation of the 2023 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule in Texas and Idaho but denied a jointly filed petition from 18 national trade organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), to stop the rule’s implementation nationwide. The rule took effect March 20.
Collectively, the plaintiffs argued that the rule should be struck down for multiple reasons, -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page notably that the 2023 WOTUS Rule pushed by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers exceeds established statutory authority and that it goes beyond their rights and privileges granted by the U.S. Constitution.
“AFBF is pleased the District Court ordered EPA and the U.S. Army Corps to halt implementation of the troubled 2023 WOTUS Rule in Texas and Idaho,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “The judge recognized the new rule likely oversteps EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act, which creates uncertainty for the farmers and ranchers who must navigate the complicated regulations.”
Importantly, the agencies pushed the rule through despite the pending status of a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Sackett v. EPA, that addresses issues that accompany the WOTUS rule. The court heard arguments in October 2022 and is expected to rule this spring.
“These legal challenges send a clear message to EPA that it should rewrite WOTUS to limit its scope to navigable waters,” Duvall said. “Farmers and ranchers share the goal of caring for the natural resources we’re entrusted with, but we need rules that don’t require a team of attorneys to interpret.”
Read the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruling here.
In related matters, Georgia is one of 24 states to file a separate suit in a North Dakota District Court, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a joint resolution of disapproval of the rule on March 9.
AFBF SIGNS RIGHT-TO-REPAIR MOU WITH CASE IH AND NEW HOLLAND
The American Farm Bureau Federation and CNH Industrial brands, Case IH and New Holland, signed a memorandum of understanding March 9 that provides farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. The MOU follows a similar agreement AFBF entered with John Deere earlier this year.
“Our members urged us to find a private sector-solution that gives them access to repair their own equipment, and I’m pleased months of discussions have again paid off,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers are more dependent on technology than ever before, so it’s critical they have access to the tools to keep things running on the farm, so the food supply chain keeps running, too.”
The MOU sets a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico to access CNH Industrial brand manuals, tools, product guides and information to self-diagnose and self-repair machines, as well as support from CNH Industrial brands to directly purchase diagnostic tools and order products and parts.
“We understand the work our customers do is time-sensitive and critical for a safe and abundant food and fiber supply,” said Sally Johnson, vice president, New Holland Agriculture North America. “This agreement is the next step in delivering on New Holland’s promise to better serve our customers, and in a way that helps them safely and effectively manage and maintain their equipment uptime.”
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The MOU respects intellectual property rights and recognizes the need to ensure safety controls and emission systems are not altered. CNH Industrial and AFBF will meet semiannually to review the agreement and address ongoing concerns.
“This agreement underscores CNH Industrial’s commitment to empowering our customers by providing them with resources and tools that allow them to safely self-repair their equipment in a timely matter,” said Kurt Coffey, vice president, Case IH North America. “We know that agricultural equipment is one of the most significant investments for the American farmer. As a farmer, Farm Bureau member myself and brand leader, this MOU is a positive step forward in continuing to put the customer at the center of everything Case IH does.”
The AFBF board of directors unanimously approved the MOU with CNH Industrial brands Case IH and New Holland.
Read the MOU here.
GFB COMMODITY COMMITTEES HOLD SPRING MEETINGS
Georgia Farm Bureau's Commodity Advisory Committees (CACs) are holding their spring meetings. Each of the 20 CACs will meet and hold preliminary discussions for GFB’s annual policy development process. Guest speakers are providing commodity-specific analysis to many of the committees or at many of the committee meetings.
Each committee is also submitting nominations for the GFB Commodity Award, given to recognize a long-serving individual who has had a significant impact on Georgia agriculture. The award will be presented as part of the GFB Commodity Conference, scheduled for Aug. 10 in Athens.
Through March 20, the CACs for tobacco, environmental horticulture, cotton, dairy, fruit, vegetables, honeybees, pecan and direct marketing/agritourism met, with the remaining CACs scheduled through mid-April.
The GFB Environmental Horticulture Committee, chaired by Will Ross, held its spring meeting on March 9 at the GFB home office in Macon. The committee discussed commodity issues and received legislative reports from the GFB Public Policy Department and Lanie Riner, executive director of Georgia Green Industry Association.
The CAC for Cotton, chaired by David Holton, met March 13 at the GFB home office and heard zoom presentations from Jody Campiche, the National Cotton Council's vice president for economic and policy analysis, and Tas Smith, NCC vice president for producer affairs, as well at Georgia Cotton Commission Executive Director Taylor Sills and Southern Cotton Growers CEO David Ruppenicker.
Campiche reviewed the economic outlook and Smith reviewed key factors growers should consider while deciding their approach to crop insurance. Smith also gave an outlook on the upcoming farm bill negotiations. The 2018 farm bill expires Sept. 30.
The CAC for Dairy, chaired by Joel Keith, also met March 13 at the GFB home office and was joined by Georgia Milk Producers Executive Director Bryce Trotter. Trotter advised the committee that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has posted its proposed rules governing raw milk for
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Continued from previous page human consumption. The proposed rules may be read here. The GDA is accepting public comment about the proposed rules until April 13. Trotter also noted a letter-writing campaign by milk stakeholder organizations concerning milk product labeling.
The CACs for Fruit, chaired by Tim McMillan, and Vegetables, chaired by Brad Calhoun, held a joint meeting March 14 and were joined by Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Director Emeritus Charles Hall and representatives from the USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) Georgia office. The RMA personnel presented information about risk management tools available to fruit and vegetable growers.
The CAC for Honeybees, chaired by J. Keith Fielder, met March 14 and discussed the possibility of expanding use of Georgia agricultural commodities in school nutrition programs, bee removal training and the possibility of exporting bees to Canada, which has experienced extensive colony losses.
The CAC for Pecans, chaired by Garrett Ganas, met March 15 and hosted a roundtable discussion with other pecan stakeholder organizations at the state and national levels, covering international trade, domestic and international marketing approaches, risk management tools and more.
GEORGIA SENATE PASSES LIMIT ON FOREIGN LAND OWNERSHIP
A pair of bills that would limit what Georgia land could be owned by foreign entities were introduced in the Georgia General Assembly.
S.132, sponsored by Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), passed the Senate by a 35-20 vote and awaits consideration in the Georgia House. Beach’s bill seeks to limit the foreign ownership of ag land by certain entities deemed to be either foreign adversaries as determined by the US Secretary of Commerce, or other entities from a Country of Particular Concern as determined by the US Secretary of State. The bill would also limit ownership of land near U.S. military installations. It would encompass individuals, foreign governments, and businesses subject to those countries or governments.
A similar bill, HB 452, was introduced in the House by Rep. Clay Pirkle. It did not pass, but will be eligible for consideration during the 2024 legislative session.
Legislatures in numerous other states are considering or have considered similar bills, and two bills in Congress have been introduced. The Promoting Agricultural Safeguards and Safety (PASS) Act (S. 168 and H.R. 468) was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House on Jan. 31. At press time no votes had been taken.
SENS. OSSOFF, TILLIS INTRODUCE BILL TO REVERSE AEWR INCREASE
The last few months have seen numerous changes to the H-2A program including hundreds of pages of rule updates, survey results and wage changes. While the majority of changes can negatively impact fruit and vegetable producers, the 14% increase in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will have an immediate and dramatic impact by costing Georgia growers an estimated $120 million in additional wages.
Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) introduced S. 874 (the Farm Operations Support Act) to direct the U.S. Secretary of Labor to modify the implementation of the adverse effect wage rate for H-2A nonimmigrants.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (ABFB) urged Congress to pass the bill, which would reverse the 14% increase for 2023 by reinstating the 2022 rate through the end of 2023.
“The AEWR formula is imposing on Georgia farmers a sudden and massive increase in costs. The whole country depends upon Georgia farmers for food supply. I’m leading this bipartisan legislation to prevent damage to Georgia’s agricultural producers,” said Ossoff, who heard from Georgia Farm Bureau members during a March 1 meeting in Washington regarding how the increase would wreak havoc on farmers’ budgets.
In a March 17 press release, the AFBF said the bill would provide much-needed wage relief to farm families and give Congress an opportunity to deliver a fair and reasonable solution.
“Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage, but the new AEWR rule used flawed data to reach a flawed conclusion. Requiring farmers to pay their workers far more than the average domestic worker is earning just makes no sense, especially in the face of high supply costs, inflation and a global food shortage,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said.
According to AFBF, the 2023 AEWR rule missed the mark by such a wide margin that farmers in some states experienced required wage increases of more than 10% after smaller increases last year. Furthermore, DOL’s newly published rule in February 2023 will raise costs even higher for certain occupations on farm. Additionally, the AEWR has significantly outpaced increases in the national average wage for most workers in America for most of a decade. In fact, it has outpaced the overall U.S. Employment Cost Index in eight of the last 10 years.
Tillis said the massive wage increase is in addition to a number of other financial challenges facing American farmers.
“From crippling labor shortages to skyrocketing input costs, farmers in North Carolina and across the country are facing unprecedented challenges,” said Senator Tillis. “The H-2A visa program has long been a last-resort option for farmers as a legal and reliable source of labor to plant, grow, and harvest their crops; however, the wage rate farmers are required to pay by the Department of Labor has long outpaced the rate of inflation and become unsustainable. This year’s increase has only exacerbated the current national labor crisis. While our farmers need broader programmatic reforms, this necessary legislation will give temporary relief to their rapidly rising input costs while maintaining worker pay and protections and allow U.S. farmers to continue doing what they do best, producing the safest, most abundant and affordable supply of food and fiber in -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page the world.”
The Department of Labor has published a new set of Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to the 2022 and 2023 H-2A rule changes. The FAQs can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/faqs/print.
Full text of the bill can be viewed here
More information about the labor challenges facing agriculture can be found here.
USDA APPOINTS GEORGIA FARM SERVICE AGENCY STATE COMMITTEE
On March 17, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced appointees who will serve on the Georgia FSA state committee.
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.
Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. The individuals appointed to serve on this committee for Georgia are: Committee Chair William (Bill) Brim, Tifton; Reese Thompson, Vidalia; and Lindy Savelle, Ochlocknee, Brim and Thompson were previously announced as appointees and have been serving on the committee since June 2, 2022.
“The FSA state committee members play an integral role in the continuity of operations, equitable and inclusive program administration and ensure the overall integrity of services to the nation’s agricultural producers,” said Marcus Graham, FSA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. “These individuals have proven themselves to be leaders, early adopters and key influencers in the agriculture industry in their respective states – qualities that will serve them well in these key Biden-Harris Administration leadership positions.
FEDERAL FUNDING SUPPORTS MEAT PROCESSING, EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Fort Valley State University will be able to establish a new poultry science major, and the University of Georgia’s poultry science program will make upgrades to its labs and equipment with $4 million in new funding announced on March 13. On March 6 the USDA announced $7.5 million in new funding to help expand domestic meat processing capabilities through Augustabased CSRA Business Lending.
On March 13, Sen. Jon Ossoff visited Fort Valley State University (FVSU) to brief students and leaders on the $4 million approved for FVSU and the University of Georgia to help train the next generation of Georgia’s poultry farmers and scientists.
The new resources, passed with bipartisan support in Congress, will help FVSU establish a poultry science major and purchase new equipment for their students providing a state-of-theart learning environment for students interested in poultry careers.
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Continued from previous page education programs.
Georgia is the nation’s leading poultry-producing state, and poultry is a multibillion-dollar sector in the state. However, the poultry sector is facing an aging workforce, which is creating concerns about meeting future demand.
Meanwhile, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, along with Reps. Rick Allen, Sanford Bishop, Austin Scott and David Scott, celebrated $7.5 million in new funding for expansion of instate meat processing announced on March 6 by the USDA.
The money will boost Georgia’s meat processing industry and create new jobs in rural communities. CSRA Business Lending, which provides loans to rural small businesses and would receive an additional $7.5 million in funding from the USDA after an initial $7.5 million secured by Georgia’s congressional delegation in November 2022.
New federal funding will expand domestic meat processing capacity, creating jobs in rural counties, increasing competition, lowering grocery costs, and strengthening food supply chains.
GFB LOOKING FOR GEORGIA AG IN THE CLASSROOM TEACHER OF YEAR
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is accepting applications for its annual Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Teacher of the Year until May 5.
This award recognizes a Georgia educator for his or her excellence in incorporating agriculture into their lessons while meeting Georgia curriculum standards. Agricultural concepts can support the teaching of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM); science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM) and science, technology, emotional learning, art, math (STREAM).
It’s important for students to understand how agriculture impacts their daily life. Many Georgia teachers are integrating agriculture into their daily lessons.
The GFB AITC Teacher of the Year award allows county Farm Bureaus to nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond to teach his or her students about Georgia agriculture. GFB looks forward to recognizing one of these teachers as the 2023 Georgia Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year.
The award winner will receive a $500 cash award and a trip to the 2024 National Ag in the Classroom Conference.
High school/middle school/elementary school ag teachers are not eligible for this award. Nominated teachers should have a close partnership with their local Farm Bureau.
If you are a teacher interested in applying, contact your local Farm Bureau office. Visit www.gfb.ag/contact to find your county Farm Bureau’s contact information.
Applications must be submitted online. Visit www.gfb.ag/teacheraward for more information and to apply.
Barrow County teacher Monica Massei was the 2022 GFB AITC Teacher of the Year. Visit https://gfb.ag/massei22aitcteacher to learn how the Kennedy Elementary teacher introduces her students to agriculture while meeting curriculum standards.
“I can teach every curriculum standard through agriculture. We read, solve math problems, learn -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page history and create art,” said Massei, who teaches gifted resources to first and second graders.
In 2021, Massei and her students began raising goats. The students researched the supplies they would need to house and feed their three goats, then made and sold pickles to raise funds to supplement the donations they received from local businesses for the project.
Massei’s classes have also adopted a cow through the Dairy Alliance’s Adopt a Cow program; planted and harvested vegetables in their school garden and learned about food nutrition and how to read food labels.
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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.
POSTPONED - GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PESTICIDE CLEAN DAY
Georgia Dept. of Agriculture Clean Day, originally scheduled for March 29, has been postponed.
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.
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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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2023 USING PESTICIDES WISELY TRAINING
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
Pre-registration is required for some of these meetings. Contact the county Extension office hosting each meeting to pre-register. As mandated by federal labels, one must hold a private or commercial pesticide applicator license to purchase and use the restricted use herbicides Engenia, XtendiMax, and Tavium. Use is limited to ONLY those persons holding a private or commercial applicator certification. It is no longer permissible for non-certified applicators to apply these products under the direct supervision of the certified applicator. Prior to applying these products in 2023, ALL applicators must be trained according to the federal labels. In Georgia, applicators must complete the 2023 UPW classroom training with locations provided below. Individual and/or on-line trainings WILL NOT be available for 2023. Those needing pesticide credit but not applying Engneia, XtendiMax, or Tavium are welcome to attend. Bring your pesticide license; 2 hours of pesticide credit for private or commercial will be offered. The meeting will last about 1.5 hours; NO beverages or meals will be provided. Attendee’s names will be placed on a list posted to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s auxin website at https://agr.georgia.gov/dicamba. Visit this website for more resources about dicamba use, endangered species county bulletins, record keeping forms and resources. Call your county Extension agent for more information.
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.
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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.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
June 11-16
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton
The Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) is available to Georgia’s rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. The workshop gives students a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors. Workshop features field trips, classroom instruction, and recreational activities. Students scoring well on the workshop exam may be awarded a college scholarship. A limited number of scholarships are awarded based on exam scores and specific scholarship guidelines and criteria. Sponsorships are available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts for students to attend at no cost. Transportation options are also available. Registration is available through May 1 at www.abac.edu/nrcw. Partnering agencies for NRCW are Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Society, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.
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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.