March 27, 2024 www.gfb.org
DAIRY COWS IN KANSAS AND TEXAS INFECTED WITH HPAI
Wild migratory birds are believed to be the source of infections from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) confirmed in dairy cattle at two farms in Kansas and two others in Texas as of March 25. Cattle in New Mexico are also being tested. Symptoms include a significant decrease in lactation (10-30 lbs./cow), low appetite, and fever.
Federal and state agencies are conducting additional testing for HPAI, as well as viral genome sequencing, to better understand the situation, including characterization of the HPAI strain or strains associated with these detections.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), this is the first time that HPAI has been identified affecting dairy cattle and only the second time HPAI has been detected in a ruminant. Earlier in March, the H5N1 strain of HPAI was found in goats in Minnesota on a small farm where backyard poultry first tested positive.
“The first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Texas and Kansas underscores the importance of adherence to biosecurity measures, vigilance in monitoring for disease, and immediately involving your veterinarian when something seems ‘off’,” said AVMA President Rena Carlson. “A complete evaluation, including the collection and submission of laboratory samples and reporting to state animal health officials when appropriate, and in a timely fashion, are incredibly important. The AVMA is committed to supporting veterinarians with the latest information and guidance to protect the health and safety of animals under their care.”
For the dairies whose herds are exhibiting symptoms, on average about ten percent of each affected herd appears to be impacted, with little to no associated mortality reported among the cows.
“Unlike affected poultry, I foresee there will be no need to depopulate dairy herds,” Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller said. “Cattle are expected to fully recover. The Texas Department of Agriculture is committed to providing unwavering support to our dairy industry.”
Milk loss resulting from symptomatic cattle to date is too limited to have a major impact on -continued on next page
Photo by Logan Thomas Vol. 6 No. 6GFB Field Notes page 2 of 19
Continued from previous page supply and there should be no impact on the price of milk or other dairy products.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said no cattle in Georgia had been affected as of March 26.
“I want to reassure all Georgians that the situation in Texas has in no way impacted the safety of milk products available in Georgia and, at this time, no cattle in our state have been impacted,” Harper said. “Georgians can and should feel confident that the milk products in their local grocery store are safe and wholesome, and this situation does not represent a threat to public health at present.”
The Meat Institute said properly prepared beef is safe to eat and is not a food safety risk to humans.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USDA food safety experts, properly prepared beef is safe to eat,” said Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts. “HPAI cannot be transmitted to humans by eating meat or poultry products. The Meat Institute and its member companies will continue to be vigilant to aid in the efforts to stop the spread of the disease among animals in food production.”
While the USDA, FDA and CDC work with state veterinary and public health officials to investigate, the USDA gave assurances that the commercial milk supply is safe and that there is no cause for concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health.
In a March 25 press release, the USDA noted that dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals into processing for human consumption; milk from impacted animals is being diverted or destroyed so that it does not enter the food supply. In addition, pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.
Unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas, as well as an oropharyngeal swab from another dairy in Texas, tested positive for HPAI. Additional testing was initiated on March 22 because farms have also reported finding deceased wild birds on their properties. Based on findings from Texas, the detections appear to have been introduced by wild birds. Initial testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found changes to the virus that would make it more transmissible to humans, which would indicate that the current risk to the public remains low.
The USDA indicated that federal agencies are working with state and industry partners to encourage farmers and veterinarians to report cattle illnesses quickly so potential additional cases can be monitored and their impact to farmers, consumers and other animals can be minimized. For the dairies whose herds are exhibiting symptoms, on average about ten percent of each affected herd appears to be impacted, with little to no associated mortality reported among the animals. Milk loss resulting from symptomatic cattle to date is too limited to have a major impact on supply and there should be no impact on the price of milk or other dairy products.
The National Dairy FARM Program (NDFP) offers several valuable biosecurity resources to provide dairy farmers with tools to keep their cattle and dairy businesses safe, including:
• Everyday Biosecurity Reference Manual
• Enhanced Biosecurity Prep Guide
• -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 19
Continued from previous page
• Herd Health Plan Protocol Template – Biosecurity
• Animal Movement Log
• People Entry Log
While HPAI has not been detected in beef cattle, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is encouraging cattle producers to implement enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms and ranches to help protect their herds. Information on animal health protocols and developing an effective biosecurity plan can be found at www.bqa.org. Producers can also visit usda.gov for resources on how to manage wildlife to limit exposure to HPAI.
OSSOFF DIGGING INTO USDA FARM LABOR SURVEYCALCULATIONS
Sen. Jon Ossoff is conducting an inquiry into how the USDA conducts its Farm Labor Survey in Georgia.
On March 7, Ossoff wrote to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) asking for more transparency in the survey, which the U.S. Department of Labor uses to determine wages for H-2A workers in Georgia and across the nation.
Ossoff asked the USDA to provide information about how Georgia growers are asked to participate in the Farm Labor Survey and to provide resources for farmers to help them complete the Farm Labor Survey.
“Agriculture is Georgia’s number one industry, and one of my top priorities is ensuring that Georgia’s farmers and farmworkers prosper,” Sen. Ossoff wrote. “For this reason, I write to request additional information about the data you gather about Georgia’s agricultural economy, how you deploy your limited resources to best inform the agricultural public, and how we can work together to support Georgia’s growers as they provide important data to you.”
Ossoff pointed out that Georgia has seen substantial increases in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for the Southeast the past two years. In that time, the state’s AEWR has risen to $14.68 per hour for H-2A workers in 2024, $1.01 per hour more than in 2023.
In February 2023, after the 2022 Farm Labor Survey results were released, Georgia Farm Bureau members shared these concerns with Ossoff and with other members of Georgia’s congressional delegation during GFB’s annual county presidents’ trip to D.C.
Specifically, Ossoff asked NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer how many Georgia producers were asked to fill out the Farm Labor Survey, why Georgia is grouped with South Carolina and Alabama in the survey’s sampling, how the survey is used and what resources would be required to produce data specific to Georgia.
Ossoff noted that Georgia uses significantly more H-2A labor than Alabama or South Carolina. In Fiscal Year 2023, there were 37,536 H-2A positions certified in Georgia nearly 10 percent of the nation’s total while South Carolina and Alabama had 7,522 and 2,141, respectively.
Click here to read Sen. Ossoff’s inquiry.
www.ossoff.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/24.03.07- -Farm-Labor-SurveyTransparency-Letter.pdf
Meanwhile, NASS is conducting its 2024 Agricultural Labor Survey in April. More than 1,700 farmers and ranchers will be asked to participate in the survey online at https://agcounts.usda.gov -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 19
Continued from previous page or by mail. The survey is an opportunity for producers to provide accurate information about hired farm labor, including total number of hired farm workers, total hours worked, and total wages paid for the weeks of Jan. 7-13 and Apr. 7-13.
For more information about the Farm Labor Survey program, visit https://nass.usda.gov/go/labor or call the NASS Southern Regional Field Office at (800) 253-4419.
GFB ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR YF&R COMPETITVE EVENTS
Applications are now available for the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. The deadline for applications for all three events is June 1.
These competitive events are open to GFB members between the ages of 18 and 35.
Final rounds of the competitions and the announcement of winners will take place during the 2024 GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, which will be held July 17-20 on Jekyll Island. Here is an overview of the events:
• Achievement Award – Candidates for this award are individuals or couples involved in production agriculture with a majority of their net income subject to normal production risks. Following the deadline, district winners and three state finalists will be determined. The state finalists will be contacted by June 20 in order to prepare for the interview component of this award. Interviews will be in-person on July 17.
• Excellence in Agriculture Award – Candidates for this award are individuals or couples who do not have the majority of his/her income subject to normal production risks. Following the deadline, district winners and three state finalists will be determined. The state finalists will be contacted by June 20 to prepare for the presentation component of this award. Presentations will be in person on July 17.
• Discussion Meet – Participants talk over predetermined agriculture-related issues in a committee-style setting with the goal of generating potential solutions. Orientation for all Discussion Meet competitors will be on July 17, and the competition will take place July 18-20. The competition includes two preliminary rounds, a sweet 16 round and a final four round, which determines the state winner. The top collegiate competitor will also be recognized. Entry forms for all three contests can be found at https://gfb.ag/yfrcompete.
State winners in all three events are eligible to compete in national competition at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Individuals wishing to participate are encouraged to work with their district federation manager on the application well in advance of the deadline. Contact your county Farm Bureau office if you’re interested in applying and to contact your DFM.
Information regarding the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference will be released at a later date.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 19
UGA STUDY: GNFA ECONOMIC OUTPUT EXCEEDS $133 MILLION
A new economic impact study prepared by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government touts big numbers for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) in Perry. According to the study based on figures from 2022, the fairground’s activities were responsible for $133 million of goods and services produced in Georgia’s economy. In Houston County alone, it was responsible for more than $35 million in goods and services.
The GNFA is a state-operated facility that hosts the Georgia National Fair, which draws an average of 500,000 visitors from across the Southeast each October. Of GNFA’s $133 million economic output, almost $34 million is generated by the fair. The remainder is generated from the facilities event rental operations, predominantly in livestock-related activity.
As one of the foremost livestock venues in the nation, GNFA and surrounding lodging provide the temporary home for participants competing in national and international livestock shows such as the National Barrel Horse Youth World Championships and National Junior High Rodeo Finals. These two shows alone drew a combined 93,000 visitors to the area in 2022, many from outside of the state. Georgia ranks 5th in the nation for domestic overnight tourism visitation and data shows that GNFA ranks 4th in the state for generating those visits. Data from the GNFA economic impact study estimates that out-of-state visitor spending in 2022 exceeded $56 million.
In February, officials broke ground on the dual branded Fairfield/TownPlace suites project, developed in partnership with Retreat Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is tentatively scheduled to be complete in smmer 2025. The property will be connected via an air-conditioned corridor to the adjacent conference center, the Miller Murphy Howard Building, to create an authentic convention experience for GNFA guests.
The planned 129-unit hotel will feature two brands under one roof, with 66 rooms in the TownePlace Suites by Marriott and 63 in the Fairfield. Amenities will include a large pool, fitness center, guest laundry, bar, and restaurant.
The hotel is affiliated with Marriott, the largest hotel franchisor in the world. The TownePlace Suites is one of Marriott’s extended stay brands which caters to longer-term guests. The Fairfield by Marriott, the chain’s second-largest brand, places emphasis on simplicity, and caters to leisure and business travelers. This is the first Marriott in the Perry market, and the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius.
For more information about the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority and the Georgia National Fairgrounds visit www.gnfa.com
NATIONAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS AGRICULTURE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
A national study shows Georgia’s food and agriculture sectors generate 1.59 million total jobs statewide that pay $85.68 billion total wages to these jobholders. The 2024 Feeding the Economy https://feedingtheeconomy.com/ report was released March 19 on National Agriculture Day to highlight the importance of farming and its allied sectors to the U.S. economy.
According to the eighth annual report, Georgia’s food and agriculture sectors generate 769,012 direct jobs that pay $30 billion in wages to Georgia residents, generate $38.77 billion in taxes and $5.18 billion in exports. Food and agriculture has a total output of $311.99 billion with a direct output of $124.17 billion.
-continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 19
Continued from previous page
Here are the key findings for each of Georgia’s 14 congressional districts:
1st District – 113,474 jobs, $5.6 billion in wages, $19.5 billion economic impact
2nd District – 112,733 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, $ 25.6 billion economic impact
3rd District – 90,971 jobs, $4.8 billion in wages, $16.6 billion economic impact
4th District –101,725 jobs, $5.6 billion in wages, $19 billion economic impact
5th District – 236,340 jobs, $13.6 billion in wages, $46.8 billion economic impact
6th District – 122,245 jobs, $6.8 billion in wages, $24.6 billion economic impact
7th District – 110,192 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, $20.5 billion economic impact
8th District – 122,020 jobs, $5.9 billion in wages, $23.6 billion economic impact
9th District – 128,163 jobs, $7.2 billion in wages, $30.1 billion economic impact
10th District – 90,718 jobs, $4.7 billion in wages, $17.7 billion economic impact
11th District – 117,898 jobs, $6.4 billion in wages, $22.8 billion economic impact
12th District – 98,197 jobs, $5.1 billion in wages, $18.6 billion economic impact
13th District – 83,306 jobs, $4.4 billion in wages, $14.7 billion economic impact
14th District – 67,423 jobs, $3.4 billion in wages, $11.9 billion economic impact
To measure the total economic impact of the food and ag industries, the analysis includes the direct and indirect economic activity surrounding these industries, capturing both upstream and downstream activity. For example, when a farm equipment retailer hires new employees because farmers are buying more tractors, experts consider the new salaries an indirect impact. Similarly, when a retail associate spends her paycheck, an induced economic impact occurs.
On the national level, the 2024 report’s findings show that the total economic impact for the food and agriculture-related industries grew 11.8% over the last year, reaching $9.63 trillion. This represents 20.01% of total U.S. output. The study shows that last year in the U.S., the agriculture and food sector generated:
· Total Jobs: 48,665,870 (up 19.53% since the 2020 report)
· Total Wages: $2.77 trillion (up 33.82% since the 2020 report)
· Total Taxes: $1.25 trillion (up 36.91% since the 2020 report)
· Exports: $181.36 billion (down 2.70% since the 2020 report)
From the 2020 Feeding the Economy report to now, food and agriculture manufacturing jobs grew at a faster rate than any other job category. As a result, manufacturing of agricultural production now accounts for almost 20% of America’s manufacturing jobs, over twice as many as automobile manufacturing. The report shows the significant role that the food and agriculture sectors play in supporting the U.S. economy and helps the public and policymakers better understand how these industries continue to promote those contributions. This year’s complete report can be found at www.FeedingTheEconomy.com. It was sponsored by a group of 32 food and agriculture groups including American Farm Bureau, of which Georgia Farm Bureau is a member.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 19
APRIL VOTE GIVES GA CITRUS GROWERS CHANCE TO FUND COMMISSION
From April 1-30, Georgia citrus producers can vote in a referendum to determine if they will fund the newly formed Georgia Citrus Commission. If growers pass the referendum, the state will begin collecting a minimal assessment from citrus growers to carry out research, education and promotion projects coordinated by the commission made up of Georgia citrus growers to benefit the state’s newest commodity sector.
Last year Georgia citrus growers asked the Georgia legislature to pass legislation to create the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Citrus (Georgia Citrus Commission), which legislators did through House Bill 545. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law last year.
This commodity promotion act authorized the establishment of the Georgia Citrus Commission consisting of Georgia citrus growers. It gave the citrus commission authority to work with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to develop a marketing order to assess citrus fruit grown, packed and marketed in Georgia. The assessment funds collected by the Georgia Citrus Commission can only be used for the purpose of research projects to benefit the Georgia citrus sector, education projects (of growers or consumers) regarding Georgia citrus, and promotion of Georgia citrus products to consumers.
The Georgia Citrus Commission has set a priority of using assessment funds to support research projects conducted by the University of Georgia and possibly USDA that address production issues Georgia citrus growers are facing, such as protecting orchards from diseases and insects, best orchard management strategies, and freeze protection.
The members of the commission have set the assessment rate for the market order to be no more than two tenths of a cent ($0.002) per pound of packed and marketed fruit. This applies to Georgia producers who market or have the potential to market 50,000 lbs. or more of citrus fruit annually.
Voting is April 1 – 30, 2024. Ballots must be completely filled out and the back of the return envelope signed and postmarked by April 30. If you are a qualified Georgia citrus grower and did not receive a ballot, please contact Andy Harrison by calling 404-710-1196 or via email andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.
For the market order to be approved, 25% of the ballots sent to citrus growers must be returned and 66 % (two-thirds) of the returned ballots must be yes votes. If approved, the marketing order will be in effect for three years. At the end of the three years, Georgia citrus growers would vote again to decide if they want to continue funding the citrus commission. If you are a qualified Georgia citrus grower and did not receive a ballot, please contact Andy Harrison by calling 404710-1196 or via email andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov
Members of the Georgia Citrus commission include: Chairman Ken Corbett of Lake Park, Lindy Savelle of Ochlocknee, Landon Herring of Lake Park, Justin Jones of Leesburg and Jamie Patrick of Omega. Members of the Citrus Advisory Committee for the Citrus Commission are: Stephen Batten of Pearson, Delbert Davis of Pearson, Kyli Lamar-Brown of Sale City; Bill Renz of Statesboro; and Brent Strickland of Lakeland.
Through the years, Georgia farmers have asked the Georgia legislature to allow them to establish commodity commissions for the major crops and livestock produced in Georgia for the purpose of having an organized and equitable way to raise funds from the producers of a given commodity to conduct research, education and promotion projects to benefit their respective commodity sectors.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 19
USDA FINALIZES VOLUNTARY “PRODUCT OF USA” LABEL RULE
On March 11, the USDA announced the finalization of a rule to align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means.
The American Farm Bureau Federation voiced support for the rule.
“AFBF appreciates USDA for its efforts on the final Product of USA Rule,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a released statement “America’s families have taken a greater interest in where their food comes from, and this voluntary rule provides the flexibility to farmers and ranchers who choose to highlight the state, region or country where their poultry and livestock were raised.”
According to the USDA, the final allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. The rule will prohibit misleading U.S. origin labeling in the market and help ensure that the information that consumers receive about where their food comes from is truthful.
USDA’s final “Product of USA” rule is supported by petitions, thousands of comments from stakeholders, and data from a nationwide consumer survey.
Under the final rule, the “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim will continue to be voluntary. It will also remain eligible for generic label approval, meaning it would not need to be pre-approved by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) before it can be used on regulated products, but would require the establishment to maintain documentation on file to support the claim. The final rule also allows the use of other voluntary U.S. origin claims on meat, poultry and egg products sold in the marketplace. These claims will need to include a description on the package of the preparation and processing steps that occurred in the United States upon which the claim is made.
USDA has also published an updated labeling guidance on the use of voluntary U.S.-origin label claims to provide examples of claims and the types of documentation that establishments may maintain to support use of the claims. The guidance will be open for public comment for 60 days after publishing in the Federal Register. Public comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov
Establishments voluntarily using a claim subject to the final rule will need to comply with the new regulatory requirements by January 1, 2026, and are encouraged to do so as soon as practicable after the publication of this final rule.
GEORGIA CATTLE INVENTORY DECLINES SLIGHTLY
Georgia’s overall cattle and calf herd declined by about 20,000 head from 2023 to 2024, according to the 2024 Cattle Inventory Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), part of a nationwide trend that resulted in the lowest national cattle inventory since 1951, according to published reports.
The NASS report was also released on Jan. 31.
Georgia’s 2024 herd was reported at 1.01 million, down from 1.03 million in 2023, marking the -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 19
Continued from previous page
third straight year of diminishing cattle herds in the state.
Cows that have calved numbered 550,000 in 2024, down from 570,000 in 2023. Most of this decline occurred in the beef herd, where the number of cows that calved was 459,000 in 2024, down from 478,000 in 2023 and 487,000 in 2022.
Beef replacement heifers numbered 85,000 in 2024, down from 90,000 in 2023, while dairy replacement heifers were counted at 25,000 in 2024, up from 20,000 in 2023.
Though the overall herd shrank, the number of steers and bulls weighing 500 lbs. or more in Georgia increased slightly, from a combined 67,000 head in 2023 to 70,000 head in 2024.
Nationwide, all cattle and calves were counted at 87.2 million head in 2024, down from 88.8 million head in 2023, a drop of 2%.
Meanwhile, fewer cattle are being sold and fewer are being slaughtered. In the Beef Tips ‘n Advice newsletter, UGA Assistant Professor of Agricultural & Applied Economics Will Secor noted that 5% fewer cattle were slaughtered in January and February 2024 than for the same two months in 2023, though the lower slaughter numbers are partially offset by a 1% increase in average dressed weights.
“This is important because beef prices have started the year higher compared to year-ago levels (again),” Secor wrote. “Higher beef production per carcass may soften the price increases that consumers may face this year. These tight beef supplies will test the resilience of U.S. beef consumers in the year-ahead.”
Feeder cattle prices in Georgia are hovering around very high price levels, Secore said, noting as an example that 500-600 lb steers are in the lower $290/cwt range. He wrote that prices may follow a more seasonal pattern in 2024 with prices setting highs in the spring, stabilizing through the summer, and dipping slightly in the fall. However, prices should remain elevated throughout 2024 compared to last year.
FARM STRESS SUMMIT PROVIDES MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
By Jordan Powers, UGAThis story discusses mental health and suicide. If you need help, or know someone who does, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7 toll free and staffed by licensed mental health professionals.
As Georgia’s No. 1 industry, agriculture pumps billions of dollars into the state’s economy each year. While headlines often highlight Georgia’s commodities peanuts, blueberries, poultry and more one aspect of agriculture is often not discussed, the farmers themselves.
At the 2024 Farm Stress Summit, held at the Chattahoochee Technical College Jasper campus, a few critical points were woven throughout each of the day’s sessions: The people are the most important part of Georgia’s agricultural industry, and the state needs to come together to help farmers and promote agricultural education and awareness.
“There’s not a more important topic on my mind than this, and today, there’s not a more important place for me to be,” said Mark McCann, assistant dean for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, during his welcoming remarks. “The people are the most important part of Georgia agriculture they are what makes it significant, important and unique.”
-continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 19
Continued from previous page
Ending the “sting of stigma”
Jennifer Dunn connects with thousands of farmers each year, both in her prior role as a UGA Extension rural health agent and her current appointment as deputy assistant commissioner with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).
In a synopsis of her observations across the state, Dunn shared the three people Georgia’s farmers routinely trust when it comes to discussing stress: their spouses, their faith leaders and other farmers.
“There is a sting of stigma,” Dunn said. “It is very hard to have these conversations.”
Kevin Tanner, commissioner of DBHDD and keynote speaker at the event, wove his personal story his family has farmed in Georgia since the Revolutionary War into a single message.
“This is a crisis, and something we need to not be afraid to talk about,” Tanner said.
There has been a 66% increase in the number of Georgians who have died by suicide in the 20 years leading up to 2020, according to Tanner.
“You can get up every single day and do the very best job you can possibly do, but all it takes is one disease and your crop or flock is taken out and there’s just nothing you can do,” he said. “Generational farms have an added burden you don’t want to be the generation that lets your family down.”
Tanner stressed the importance of 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7 and is staffed by mental health professionals, including a mobile dispatch unit that can meet someone in crisis at their location. A separate “farm life stress” section provides special resources for the state’s farming and agricultural community. The service receives approximately 20,000 calls and texts from the state of Georgia each month.
A group of conference attendees sit around a table, listening to a speaker.
From healthcare providers and nonprofits to county officials and faith leaders, the 2024 Farm Stress Summit welcomed all who want to further their efforts in combating farm stress within Georgia's communities.
Building trust and connecting resources
A panel session, moderated by Allisen Penn, associate dean for Extension and outreach in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), brought together farmers and service leaders to discuss how the groups can work together to ensure producers are not falling through the gaps.
Justin Miller, military veteran agricultural coordinator in FACS; Matt Berry, owner of CB Farms; Jamey Hunt, cattle farmer and pastor of Sonoraville Baptist Church; and Morgan Pickering, community EMT in Pickens County, shared the most important steps communities can take to support farmers and rural residents.
Building trust, increasing communication and adding resources including agricultural education and sharing the nobility of careers in agriculture were included in nearly every answer.
Responding to a question posed by a county Extension agent, Berry ended by sharing a reminder -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 19
Continued from previous page for all Extension agents.
“Do not underestimate your credibility in our lives already,” Berry said to the agent. “You are very well trusted. Coming to us and being seen in our lives is another way to get to know us. You’ll be able to see when we’re out of sorts even call us out when you need to.”
Looking for clues and asking difficult questions
After a video greeting from Jean Sumner, dean of the Mercer School of Medicine, and a Georgia farm stress research update from Christina Proctor, assistant professor in the UGA College of Public Health, attendees broke out into three afternoon sessions.
A faith and farm listening session, the second of an initiative announced by UGA Extension and DHBDD at the Sunbelt Ag Expo last fall, invited attendees to hear stories directly from farmers. Abigail Borron, associate professor in the UGA Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, led a breakout session focused on how communities impact farmer stress. She touched on community resources as assets or deficits and how perception, whether that of a farmer or service organization, can impact how the groups work together.
Dunn and Diane Bales, associate professor and human development specialist in FACS, led a Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training. The training, from the QPR Institute, stressed the importance of educating “gatekeepers” including Extension agents, healthcare workers and others to look for signs and ask difficult questions.
“The more clues and signs you see, the greater the risk,” Bales said. “Take all signs very seriously.”
After reviewing myths and facts about suicide, learning methods for asking if someone is considering suicide, tools for persuading someone to get help and how to refer them to the appropriate resource, attendees received certification as a QPR Gatekeeper. Signs of hope
In closing comments, Dominic LaRiccia, representing the Georgia Department of Agriculture, told the audience that Georgia is failing citizens of the state by not putting agriculture which provides $83.6 billion in economic impact accounting for 17% of the state’s economy everywhere we go.
“For us to not be talking about how important agriculture is, and the men and women who work in it, I can’t even wrap my mind around that,” LaRiccia said.
Yet his final words were those of hope.
“Five years ago, you didn’t hear about suicide rates in agriculture,” LaRiccia said, praising the resources now available for Georgia’s farming and rural communities. “I’ve been blown away by the Farm Stress Summit.”
To learn more about UGA Extension efforts to help farmers and rural families thrive, visit Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 19
USDA CAREER FAIR
March 28 ABAC Carlton Center, 2802 Moore Highway noon-3 p.m. Tifton
U.S. Department of Agriculture Agencies Organize the Nation’s First USDA Specific Career Fair at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College WHAT: Eleven agencies from The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have organized the nation’s first USDA specific career fair to be hosted at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Representatives from the 11 USDA agencies will share information on the federal career and internship opportunities available through the department with students and recent graduates of all majors and interests. This event is part of the USDA’s mission to support student engagement, recruitment, retention, and agricultural workforce development.
GFB COOKBOOK TO SUPPORT IMPACT FUND
March 29 deadline to a book
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is extremely excited to announce the GFB Cookbook. To pre-order your copy, click the link here and/or pre-order your GFB Cookbook. (https://georgiafarmbureau.regfox.com/2023-pac-cookbook-). Cookbooks will be printed and delivered in June. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will directly benefit the Georgia Farm Bureau Federal ImPACt Fund. To purchase a cookbook, you must be a current GFB member, though membership is not required to submit a recipe. If you would like to purchase a cookbook and aren’t yet a Georgia Farm Bureau Member, we invite you to join today. You can become a member HERE, and once completed, you can pre-purchase your book from the link provided. (https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today) For more information, contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org.
GA BLUEBERRY GROWERS TO VOTE ON CONTINUATION OF ASSESSMENT
March 30
balloting deadline
Georgia blueberry growers will have the opportunity to vote on continuation of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Blueberries Marketing Order, which allows for an assessment on blueberries produced in Georgia. Growers who annually produce, and market 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries are eligible to vote. The current assessment amount is set at $5 per ton. Balloting for the continuation of the market order is set for March 1-30. When growers receive the ballot, they should vote and return it in the addressed envelope by March 30. They must also sign and fill out the back of the envelope to certify they are a qualified Georgia blueberry producer for the ballot to be counted. A favorable vote of 66 2/3 % of the returned eligible ballots is required for continuation of the market order. The Georgia Blueberry Commission was created by the Georgia legislature at the request of Georgia blueberry growers in 2008. Funds received by the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries are used for research, education, and promotion of Georgia blueberries. Research projects supported by GBC funs include emerging insect pests, fruit quality, nutrition traits of varieties, support of variety development by new blueberry breeders, disease management, and federal trade import studies. Growers who do not receive a ballot should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or 404 586 1405.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 19
MICRO FARM CROP INSURANCE
March 31 deadline to apply/renew USDA’s Risk Management Agency) reminds Georgia growers that the final date to apply for or make changes to their Micro Farm Program policy for the 2024 crop year is March 31. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Growers may select from several coverage options, including yield coverage, revenue protection, and area risk plans of insurance. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered and to learn specific details for the 2024 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
2024 USING PESICIDES WISELY TRAINING
April 3 UGA Tifton Campus Conf. Center, 15 RDC Road 9 a.m. Tifton
RSVP to: 229-386-7274 (300 maximum attendance)
April 4 Main Street Theater, 152 N Main Street 9 a.m. Dawson
RSVP to: 229-995-2165 (150 maximum attendance)
This training is mandated by federal labels, in order to 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 2024, all applicators must be trained according to the federal labels. In Georgia, applicators must complete the 2024 UPW classroom training with locations provided above. On-line training sessions will not be available. Those needing pesticide credit but not applying Engenia, XtendiMax, or Tavium are welcome to attend. Attendees should bring their pesticide license; two 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. Attendees’ names will be placed on a list posted to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s auxin website at https://agr.georgia.gov/dicamba.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 19
5TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON COUNTY AG CENTER RODEO
April 5-6 Washington County Ag Center, 882 Grady Mertz Rd. Tennille
The rodeo is the Ag Center’s major annual fundraiser. Gates open at 5 p.m. and rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Sanctioned contest events are bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, team roping, bull riding and break away roping. Admission at gate: Adults 18 and older $18, Youth 7 - 17 $12. 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, 717. Children 6 and under are free. There will be food and western wear vendors, rides and attractions for children. The event is family oriented and suitable for all ages. The rodeo brings professional competition sanctioned by IPRA and SRA. 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.
GA DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES DEER SURVEY
April 7 midnight deadline to complete survey
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input from Georgians regarding white-tailed deer as it prepares to write the State Deer Management Plan for the next six years. It's important for farmers and landowners to participate and submit their input about deer ag damage and deer population as this policy will be in place for multiple years. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/deer-info to take the survey. The current & past deer management plans are posted along with other deer-related info. You may also call 770-918-6416 for more information.
GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION REFERENDUM
April 8
balloting deadline
The Georgia Peanut Commission is holding a referendum through April 8, giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on reaffirming the commission. State law mandates a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs. The last referendum in 2021 passed with a 94.43 percent reaffirmation. Contact GPC Executive Director Don Koehler by email at don@gapeanuts.com or by phone 229-386-3470 if they have any questions about the commission’s activities or the referendum. Peanut producers who do not receive a ballot may obtain one by calling the commission. The commission requests that anyone who receives a ballot but is no longer farming to write, “no longer producing” on the certification envelope and return it to the commission. This will assist the commission in updating its mailing list. The commission’s address is P.O. Box 967, Tifton, Georgia 31793. The Certified Public Accounting Firm of Allen, Pritchett, and Bassett will count the votes.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 19
USDA VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS
April 11 deadline for electronic applications
April 16 deadline for paper applications
The USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries. To learn more, read the full Grant Opportunity Announcement. (https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-sa-vappg-foa-01172024.pdf)
GFB AG IN THE CLASSROOM EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS
April 12 (Registration deadline March 29) Ga. Museum of Agriculture Tifton Georgia Farm Bureau is hosting Ag in the Classroom Educator Workshops & Tours in 2024 to introduce teachers to resources and teaching strategies to incorporate agriculture into their classrooms using curriculum that meets required teaching standards for STEM and STEAM. All workshops are open to any Georgia teacher. Teachers can choose from any of the three dates/locations. Each workshop will begin at 8 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend the workshop is $35, which includes lunch. Each workshop has a capacity of 30 teachers. Workshops are for teachers who have not previously attended a GFB Educator Workshop in the past two years. Teachers interested in attending may register at www.gfb.ag/Spring24Workshop by the deadline or until the 30 slots for each class or filled. County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to recruit a local teacher who hasn’t previously attended a GFB Educator workshop to attend and to consider paying the teacher’s registration fee, reimbursing the teacher’s mileage to/from the workshop &/or covering the hotel cost for the night before the workshop if the teacher is traveling a long distance. Teachers or county Farm Bureaus with questions should contact Lauren Goble at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5135.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 19
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
April 13, May 18, Sept. 7 & Oct. 5 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, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
VIDALIA ONION PACK DATE
April 17
first date Vidalia onions can be packed and shipped Vidalia sweet onions are set to ship to grocery stores nationwide beginning April 17. Vidalia onions are available for a limited time each year between April through early September. The pack date is determined by soil and weather conditions during the growing season, contributing to high quality Vidalia onions. The Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel voted to recommend April 17 as the 2024 pack date to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
FERAL SWINE WORKSHOPS AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATIONS
April 25
May 22
Terrell County 4-H Pavilion, 2674 Albany Highway 5 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Dawson
Madison County High School, 600 Madison St. 5 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Danielsville Feral swine have become increasingly detrimental in Georgia, causing significant damage to agricultural crops and natural resources throughout the state. The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at $150 million. A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. Partnering agencies for this effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events.
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 19
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB TRAIL RIDE & LUNCH
April 27 10 a.m. South Oconee Co. Hwy. 441 Watkinsville
The Kel-Mac Club invites riders to bring their horses to enjoy a meet & greet trail ride and lunch at Heritage Park. The park, located at 2543 Athens Hwy (441) south of Watkinsville, has easy and beautiful trails. Contact Sharon Wood at bullet2525@aol.com to reserve your lunch and for more details about this event.
U.S. CLIMATE SMART COTTON & U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL PROGRAMS
April 30
Deadline to enroll in ’24 U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Climate Smart Programs
Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton. Producers enrolled in the voluntary 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 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 2024 crop is open. For help enrolling, contact info@trustuscotton.org.
GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATIONS
May 1 deadline to apply
Centennial Farm applications are open to all qualifying candidates. Farms play a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of our state, serving as the bedrock for economic, cultural, and familial traditions for generations of Georgians. Several farms boast a legacy spanning more than a century, and Georgia recognizes their historical significance through the Georgia Centennial Farm program. 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 farmgenerated income. In addition, farms must have been continuously farmed by members of the same family for at least 100 years or be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Qualifying Georgia Centennial Farms are honored each October at an awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. The Georgia Centennial Farm program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; Georgia Department of Agriculture; Georgia EMC; Georgia National Fair and Agricenter; and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information, please contact Rose Mayo, Historic Preservation Division Outreach Coordinator, at 770-855-2586 or rose.mayo@dca.ga.gov. The postmark deadline for applications is May 1, 2024. Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centennialfarmsapply.
(https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/historicresources/centennialfarms)
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 19
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
June 19-24 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. The 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.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here.
(https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgr8t6TWhUKNJ4i) These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, please visit the project website.
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 FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
GFB Field Notes page 19 of 19
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
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 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.