Photo: Jay Stone
April 1, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 7
SEN. WARNOCK TOURS SOUTHWEST GEORGIA FARMS Sen. Raphael Warnock shared that he puts peanuts in his Coke. He marveled at the process through which raw cotton becomes clothing. He climbed on farm equipment and dined outside. Mostly he listened and got a one-day course on Georgia agriculture on March 31, hearing from numerous farm stakeholder organizations while touring six Southwest Georgia farms. The ag tour, which Warnock said was his first tour since taking office, allowed producers of a wide array of commodities and from a variety of social backgrounds to share information about their crops and voice concerns about issues they face. At a kick-off breakfast at Fort Valley State University, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall introduced Warnock to leaders from several Georgia commodity groups, including Georgia Milk Producers, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Pecan Commission, and Georgia Peach Growers. “Farm Bureau has a foot in the door with Sen. Warnock now after meeting with him and all the ag leaders in the state. We let him know that we are ready to work with him,” McCall said. “Since he is on the ag committee, and he is chairman of a subcommittee that deals with trade and risk management and commodities, it’s a very important thing that we need to be able to get to know him and communicate with him.” Warnock was accompanied by long-time Georgia Farm Bureau friend Rep. Sanford Bishop on the tour, which included stops at Minor Farms in Sumter County, Olam Peanut Shellers in Lee County, Lee Cotton Gin in Terrell County, Century Pecan Groves in Lee County, Davis Farm in Colquitt County and Warrior Creek Farms in Worth County Warnock said he made a point of lobbying for a seat on the Senate Committee for Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. “I wanted the first tour we did to be an ag tour,” Warnock said. “There’s no more important part of our economic viability as a state than the agricultural sector.” At Minor Farms, fruit and vegetable growers discussed international trade, access to labor, estate taxes and broadband connectivity with Warnock, who also sits on the Senate Committee for Commerce. Warnock voiced concerns over closures of rural Georgia hospitals in recent years and said the state’s expansion of Medicaid could have health and economic implications for rural -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 16 Continued from previous page Georgians, including farmers. “We need to make sure a hospital is there when you need it,” Warnock said. Tift County vegetable grower Bill Brim discussed the H-2A program’s Adverse Effect Wage Rate with Warnock, saying the rule inhibits larger operations like his from handling produce from smaller farms because when they do, the workers have to be paid overtime wage rates from the start. At Olam, peanut producers noted that 30% of U.S.-grown peanuts are exported, though prices have decreased and other countries, notably European nations, have engaged in practices that decreased the value of U.S. peanuts. At Davis Farm, Warnock heard how modern tillage practices and Georgia’s large swaths of timber forest contribute to carbon sequestration and could be a component in a push for climate change. “It means a lot [that Sen. Warnock asked for an ag tour],” said Colquitt County row crop and cattle farmer Louie Perry III. “He’s not from this part of the state, but it’s very refreshing that he wants to be on the ag committee, he understands the importance of agriculture to the state of Georgia, and that he’s here touring farms across South Georgia.” At Warrior Creek Farms, Warnock heard farmers’ concerns over the costs of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) requirements under federal food safety rules and expenses that make it difficult for small farmers to transport their farm products to their customers. ENTER THE PICTURE AGRICULTURE IN GEORGIA PHOTO CONTEST BY JUNE 1! Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its 2021 GFB Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest, which offers GFB member amateur photographers the chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture, our state’s key industry. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture and Farm Bureau in Georgia. The contest is open to any amateur photographer (one who receives no income from photography) who is a member of Georgia Farm Bureau. The deadline to enter is June 1. All photos must highlight Georgia agriculture and have been taken in 2020 or 2021. Each entrant may enter three (3) photos. All digital photos must be in a jpeg format and should be 1 MB in size or larger. Photos entered in the GFB photo contest may not have been entered in any other contest. Photos will be judged on the use of angle, lighting, balance, color, contrast, viewpoint and technical ability. Photos altered in any way will not be judged. All photos become the property of GFB and may be used for any purpose, such as publishing in Farm Bureau Neighbors and/or Farm Bureau News, posting it on GFB’s Web site, reproducing it for Farm Bureau use or selling it. Georgia Farm Bureau has the final decision on any and all questions or concerns regarding rules, judging, eligibility, prizes awarded or anything else that may arise pertaining to the Photo Contest. The grand prize is $150. Eleven Honorable Mentions will be awarded $75 each. The grand prize -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 16 Continued from previous page winner will be featured on the front of the 2022 Young Farmer and Rancher Calendar. The 11 Honorable Mention winners will be featured inside the calendar. If you use children or people in your photo, you must complete a Model Release Entry Form. Found in the registration form. The entry form, model release and complete rules are available at www.gfb.ag/yfrphoto. For more information, contact Haley Darby at hadarby@gfb.org. GFB HOLDING COMMODITY COMMITTEE SPRING MEETINGS Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) kicked off its annual spring commodity advisory committee meetings in mid-March and will continue holding meetings for each committee through May. Meetings are being held following COVID-19 safety precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Georgia Department of Public Health. GFB has committees representing the top 20 crops and livestock produced in Georgia. Each committee consists of GFB members who produce the commodity their respective committee represents. Committee members are tasked with giving GFB input on issues affecting their commodities and guiding the position the organization takes on these issues. Members are selected from each of the organization’s 10 districts when possible. “Implementing the policy that you, the members, develop is the most important thing Farm Bureau does,” GFB President Tom McCall said during the GFB Peanut Committee meeting on March 30. At each of the meetings, McCall has stressed the importance of the work GFB’s public policy staff does in Atlanta in representing Georgia farmers based on the input that comes from each of GFB’s commodity advisory committees. “The things our legislative staff have stopped just in this legislative session alone are worth the cost of your Farm Bureau membership,” McCall said during the GFB Beef Committee meeting on March 19. GFB Public Policy staff are giving committee members state and national legislative updates at each meeting. GFB Public Policy Director Jeffrey Harvey is providing a short overview of how the results of the 2020 U.S. Census will be used to redraw Georgia’s state and U.S. Congressional Districts later this year. “Unfortunately, we’re going to lose some of our rural county supporters {legislators},” Harvey predicted. “We rely heavily on our Farm Bureau members to establish relationships with your state and U.S. legislators. As rural districts become larger, this will be even more important. Y’all are the ones our legislators want to hear from regarding how legislation will impact you.” As his schedule has allowed, GFB Public Policy State Affairs Coordinator Alex Bradford has provided updates on the 2021 Georgia Legislature session, which ended March 31. Bradford said balancing the state budget, election reform, and managing the state’s COVID-19 reaction have been the Georgia Legislature’s main priorities of the session. “Agriculture is in good shape in the budget. We’ve also gotten funding for rural broadband projects. Thankfully, state revenues are up 7.5% from this time last year,” Bradford said. Pro-ag legislation the Georgia General Assembly has passed this session that is awaiting Gov. Kemp’s signature includes House Bill 693. This bill, introduced by Rep. Steven Meeks gives the -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 16 Continued from previous page right-of-way to farm equipment traveling on state roads when they encounter other vehicles. GFB has also supported Senate Bill 247, which modernizes the Georgia Agricultural Commodities Promotion Act regarding how state commodity commissions can publicize referendum announcements, public comment periods and other news pertaining to the business of the commissions. Current state code requires the commissions to have their news published in the newspaper that is Georgia’s legal organ - the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. SB 247 modernizes the Agricultural Commodities Promotion Act to allow commissions to meet their publicity requirements by publishing notices in the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Farmers & Consumers Market Bulletin and online. The legislation also allows online public comment periods and clarifies the voting process to create new or major amendments to marketing orders. GFB National Policy Counsel Tripp Cofield has delivered updates on happenings in Washington, D.C. Cofield said the recent release of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) funds are expected to give cotton and peanut growers another $20/acre and an additional $80 million has been allocated to help the textile sector recover from losses caused by the COVID19 pandemic. Farmers will reportedly only need to sign up for the new CFAP payments if they are applying for new programs or if they are eligible for CFAP assistance and did not previously apply. In response to grower concerns about legislation like the Green New Deal, Cofield has discussed the historically slim majorities in the U.S. House and Senate and noted that the position of many moderate Democrats in both chambers will make it more difficult to move such legislation across the legislative finish line. “As has been the case for years, the House will pass a lot of legislation. Many of those bills will be approved by House members who understand they are unlikely to advance in the Senate on account of the filibuster rule, which requires 60 yes votes for most bills to move forward,” Cofield explained. He also doesn’t believe there is enough support—at this time—among Senate Democrats to do away with the filibuster, which has been used for decades by both parties to prevent certain bills from advancing in the Senate. Unless the 60-vote threshold in Senate is removed, most legislative changes during this Congress are likely to happen at the margins. Some committee meetings have been attended by the leaders of state commodity organizations working on behalf of the various commodities. GFB’s Vegetable Commodity Advisory Committee heard an update from Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Legislative Director Chris Butts March 16. Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Dale Sandlin spoke at the Beef Committee meeting March 19. While speaking at the Cotton Committee’s meeting March 29, Georgia Cotton Commission Executive Director Taylor Sills encouraged cotton growers to enroll in the U.S. Trust Protocol program, which is designed to increase the reputation of and demand for U.S. grown cotton. During the GFB Peanut Committee meeting on March 30, Georgia Peanut Commission Executive Director Don Koehler reported that the GPC is allocating $886,235 to fund 42 research projects that will address peanut production issues during the 2021-22 research budget year. The research projects will primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation/water management, pests, weed and disease management. GFB Beef Committee members toured MidSouth Packers in Forsyth after their meeting. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 16 Continued from previous page Monroe County Farm Bureau member Joseph Egloff opened his packing facility last fall after seeing the need for a packing facility in Middle Georgia. Egloff was inspired to build the facility after hauling his grass-fed cattle to a processing facility in Tifton for years to have them slaughtered and processed for his customers. Egloff sells his Rocking Chair Ranch Cattle beef to restaurants, at farmers markets and to customers. Egloff processes beef for about 60 different farmers in Middle Georgia. The GFB Goats and Sheep Committee is scheduled to tour the facility when it meets. The GFB Cotton Committee members toured the USDA Cotton & Tobacco Macon Classing Office that grades all of the cotton grown in Georgia. Macon Classing Office Area Director Noah Bell, USDA Agricultural Graders Benjamin Graham and Ieisha Queen and cotton committee members discussed the higher presence of seed coat fragments found in the 2020 cotton crop. Graham showed the committee samples of cotton with lots of seed coat fragments so they could see and feel what the classers were seeing. Graham and Queen also demonstrated how cotton samples are fed into the computerized Uster High Volume Instrument (HVI) system that measures the cotton sample’s color grade (gradations of grayness & yellowness in the cotton) , leaf grade (particles of cotton plant leaf that remain in the lint after ginning) , micronaire (a measure of the cotton’s fineness), fiber strength, fiber length, length uniformity index, and trash percent area. On average, one HVI system operator runs about 100 cotton samples per hour. Graham and Queen also explained how trained certified cotton classers manually inspect cotton samples to determine the presence of extraneous matter such as bark, grass, seed coat fragments, plastic, etc. This visual inspection is performed on every cotton sample in addition to the computerized instrument tests. Classers run about 250 samples per hour. Employees of the USDA classing offices go through a four-week training session & must then pass an exam administered by the USDA to become certified to class/grade cotton samples, Queen said. KEMP NAMES 84 APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL WATER PLANNING COUNCILS On March 15, Gov. Brian Kemp announced 84 appointments to the Regional Water Planning Councils. The 11 Regional Water Planning Councils represent 68 counties in Georgia. The councils’ decisions determine the preferred water management practices for each region’s water resource needs. Coosa-North Georgia Regional Water Planning Council New appointees: Rebecca Bolden, Catoosa County; Mark Buckner, Whitfield County; Terry Goodger, White County; Robert Goff, Sr., Dade County; Joel Hanner, Floyd County; Kevin Jones, Murray County; Alexander Sullivan, Habersham County; J. Scott Tidwell, Gordon County; Allison Watters, Floyd County. Reappointees: Brooke Anderson, Dawson County; Donald Anderson, Jr., Habersham County; Haynes Johnson, Pickens County; Tom O’Bryant, White County; Lamar Paris, Union County. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 16 Continued from previous page Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Regional Water Planning Council New appointees: C. LaDon Calhoun, Miller County; Marc DeMott, Colquitt County; Fred Dent, Worth County; Jack Henderson, Baker County; Walt Pierce, Calhoun County; Jay Smith, Dougherty County. Reappointees: Steve Bailey, Seminole County; Casey Cox, Mitchell County; Vincent Falcione, Lee County; Connie Hobbs, Baker County; George McIntosh, Terrell County; Mike Newberry, Early County; Calvin Perry, Colquitt County; Steve Singletary, Early County. Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Regional Water Planning Council New Appointees: Dink NeSmith, Oglethorpe County; Suzanne Sharkey, Burke County; Lee Vaughn, Elbert County. Reappointees: Bruce Azevedo, Madison County; Braye Boardman, Richmond County; Jerry Boling, Banks County; Charles Cawthon, Franklin County; Patrick Goran, Hart County; Thomas Jordan, Jefferson County; Chris McCorkle, Warren County; Charles Newton, McDuffie County; Sue Parr, Richmond County; D. Scott Williams, Columbia County; Tenia Workman, Hart County. Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water Planning Council New appointees: Hannah Anderson, Clay County; John Asbell, Troup County; Jimmie Hayes, Quitman County; Kevin Hayes, Heard County; Adolph McLendon, Stewart County; Ed Moon, Harris County; Ken Van Horn, Chattahoochee County; Mac Moye, Stewart County. Reappointees: Alan Bell, Haralson County; Steven Davis, Muscogee County; Gardiner Garrard, Muscogee County; Bill Heath, Haralson County; Jimmy Thompson, Randolph County; Matt Windom, Carroll County. Upper Flint Regional Water Planning Council New appointees: Brian Belcher, Schley County; Steve Fry, Pike County; Adam Graft, Sumter County; Ben Haugabook, Macon County; Rodney Hilley, Pike County; Kenneth Murphy, Meriwether County; Marcus South, Upson County; Randy Summerlin, Spalding County. Reappointees: Gene Brunson, Taylor County; Beth English, Dooly County; Jack Holbrook, Webster County; Terrell Hudson, Dooly County; Lamar Perlis, Crisp County; Gary Powell, McIntosh County. Coastal Georgia Regional Water Planning Council New appointees: Eddie Deloach, Chatham County; Ken Lee, Effingham County; Heath Lloyd, Effingham County; Bobby Smith, Long County; David Stevens, McIntosh County. Reappointees: Michael Browning, Glynn County; James Burnsed, Bryan County; John Godbee, Jr., Bulloch County; Reginald Loper, Effingham County; Randal Morris, Camden County; Philip Odom, Liberty County; John Sawyer, Effingham County; James Thomas, Jr., Liberty County; James Vaughn, Chatham County.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 16 SENATE CONFIRMS EPA ADMINISTRATOR, TRADE REP & LABOR SECRETARY The U.S. Senate has confirmed nominees to key posts in the Biden administration, approving Michael S. Regan as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Katherine C. Tai as United States trade representative and Martin J. Walsh as secretary of labor. On March 11, Regan was sworn in as the 16th administrator of the EPA. On his first day, Administrator Regan committed to working closely with and supporting EPA's dedicated career public servants, enhancing the role of science, addressing climate change, and prioritizing environmental justice. A North Carolina native, Administrator Regan returns to EPA after starting his career at the agency, rising to the role of national program manager responsible for designing strategic solutions with industry and corporate stakeholders to reduce air pollution, improve energy efficiency and address climate change. On March 18, Tai was sworn in as the 19th United States Trade Representative. Tai previously served at USTR from 2007-2014, most recently as Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement. On March 22, the American Farm Bureau Federation and a consortium of national agricultural stakeholder organizations sent a letter to Tai asking the administration to focus attention on what was termed a deteriorating trade relationship. The organizations noted that Mexico has recently issued a ban on the use of glyphosate and genetically modified corn, imposed obstacles to dairy trade and requirements that U.S. organic producers conform to Mexico’s organic standards, among others. “We urge Secretary [Tom] Vilsack and Ambassador Tai to engage with Mexico and enforce the agreements between our two countries to ensure farmers have a level playing field and continue to lead the world in producing safe, affordable food,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. On March 23, Martin J. Walsh was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of Labor. A lifelong champion of equity and fairness, and a Boston native, Secretary Walsh leads the U.S. Department of Labor with a strong connection to working people, and a commitment to creating an economy that works for all. Walsh has served stints as a Massachusetts state representative and mayor of the City of Boston. COVID-19 AID RELEASED AND EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE PRODUCERS On March 24, USDA announced its plans to distribute more than $12 billion under a program called Pandemic Assistance for Producers, which includes aid that had been put on hold as well as funds newly allocated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program assists farmers and ranchers who previously did not qualify for COVID-19 aid and expands assistance to farmers helped by existing programs. Farmers will need to sign up only if they are applying for new programs or if they are eligible for CFAP assistance and did not previously apply. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack shared details of the new plan during a virtual meeting with state Farm Bureau presidents and American Farm Bureau leadership. “We appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s action to release funds and expand eligibility for farmers hit hard by the devastating effects of COVID-19,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “USDA’s decision to distribute aid based upon previous applications will help deliver assistance quickly. It was good to hear directly from the Secretary today about this program and his priorities going -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 16 Continued from previous page forward.” The funding includes $6 billion to develop new programs or modify existing proposals using remaining discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. USDA expects this to include funding for personal protective equipment (PPE), compensation to offset the pandemic’s impact on biofuels, specialty crops and farmers forced to euthanize animals due to supply chain issues, among other uses. Another $5.6 billion will be directed to formula payments to cattle producers and eligible flatrate or price trigger crops. In addition, $500 million in new funding is included for existing programs such as the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Farmers Opportunities Training and Outreach Program, Local Agricultural Marketing Program, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural Research Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills Program. AFBF urges USDA to quickly accomplish the needed regulatory changes to deliver assistance to contract livestock and poultry growers who have yet to receive aid, despite specific authorization from Congress. Sign-ups for the new program begin April 5. USDA’s announcement can be found here (https://www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance). AFBF Market Intel can be found here (https://www.fb.org/market-intel/usda-announces-additional-assistance-for-cattle-row-cropproducers). DOL LAUNCHES OUTREACH & ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE ON AG PRODUCERS Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, farmworkers have remained on the job across the nation to feed Americans and support U.S. exports despite potential exposure to the virus. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division has launched a nationwide education, outreach and enforcement initiative to ensure workplace protections for these frontline workers. The initiative includes targeted outreach and education efforts to ensure that farmworkers and their advocates understand their rights and that they should contact the division to file a complaint if violations occur. The effort also focuses on educating growers, farm labor contractors, other agricultural employers and industry stakeholders to ensure that they understand their responsibilities, and that the division is available to answer their questions. In addition to education and outreach, the initiative’s compliance component seeks to reduce agricultural industry violations through enforcement. In fiscal year 2020, the Wage and Hour Division conducted more than 1,000 investigations in agriculture and found more than $7 million in back wages owed to more than 11,000 workers. In its investigations, the division assessed employers with more than $6 million in civil money penalties. In addition to recovering back wages and assessing penalties, the division takes other enforcement actions. When appropriate, the division will suspend, revoke or withhold renewal of contractor’s farm labor certificates after multiple violations of the Migrant Seasonal Protection Act -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 16 Continued from previous page or if they fail to comply with a final order requiring the payment of a civil money penalty. The division may also prohibit H-2A employers who fail to comply with program requirements from participation for up to three years. For more information about MSPA, H-2A and other laws enforced by the division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at http://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd, including an Agricultural Compliance Assistance Toolkit. SUPREME COURT RULES FOR GEORGIA IN FLORIDA WATER SUIT On April 1, the Supreme Court ruled in Georgia’s favor in a lawsuit filed by Florida over access to water in the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. Florida filed the suit in 2013, claiming that Georgia overuses water from the two rivers, which feed into the Apalachicola River in Florida, ultimately winding up in Apalachicola Bay, where a large portion of Florida’s oyster production occurs. Florida first directed blame on Metro Atlanta, which draws water from Lake Lanier, which is fed by the Chattahoochee, and later at farm use of water from the Flint River in Southwest Georgia. Florida asked the court to place severe water use restrictions on Georgia that would have caused enormous economic harm to Southwest Georgia farms and their communities. Florida said Georgia’s use resulted in lower water flows, causing increased salinity and resulting in economic damage to the oyster industry. “Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Georgia’s favor in the lawsuit over access to water from the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Farmers in Southwest Georgia could have been devastated by the severe restrictions Florida proposed,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall said. “The state of Georgia and Georgia farmers have implemented numerous water conservation measures in the past 25 years that preserve water and minimize the amount of water Georgia farmers use to grow their crops. We think the Supreme Court recognized this with its ruling. Georgia Farm Bureau has worked tirelessly for years to ensure that Georgia farmers maintain access to the level of water required to clothe and feed America and the world. This ruling is an example of the advocacy work Farm Bureau does for farmers and why it’s important that Georgia’s agriculture community support our organization by being a member. We continue to support Georgia’s farmers as they practice responsible water use and constantly pursue improvements in water-use efficiency.” Georgia maintained that the problems with the oysters were the result of overfishing rather than from Georgia’s water use. The case was initially tried by Special Master Ralph Lancaster who recommended that the court deny Florida’s petition, in part because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which controls the water flow in all three rivers, was not a party to the case. The Supreme Court sent the case back to the special master. A second special master, Paul Kelly, was appointed to oversee the trial, and he, too, recommended that Florida’s request be denied. Kelly said Florida had failed to prove its case. Georgia Farm Bureau has supported Georgia’s position in the case. “The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision is a resounding victory for Georgia and a vindication -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 16 Continued from previous page of years-long effort by multiple governors and attorneys general here in the Peach State to protect our citizens’ water rights,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said. “Our state will continue to wisely manage water resources and prioritize conservation, while also protecting Georgia’s economy and access to water.” To read the Supreme Court ruling, click here. GEORGIA VEGETABLE GROWERS APPROVE CONTINUED ASSESSMENT The Georgia Vegetable Commission marketing order has been extended for an additional three years. Georgia vegetable growers overwhelming voted to extend the assessment of one cent per marketing unit on producers with over 50 acres of any of the following crops - green beans, bell pepper, specialty pepper, carrots, broccoli, beets, eggplant, cabbage, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, cucumbers, greens, squash and tomato. The balloting period for the market order was conducted from Feb. 1 through March 2, and 87.67 % of the eligible ballots returned supported continuing the assessment. The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Vegetables utilizes funds for vegetable research, education and promotional projects. The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Vegetables was established by the Georgia State Legislature in 2006 and has continued to support important projects for Georgia vegetable growers, with the majority of the funds (75%) committed to research projects on whiteflies, fumigants, insects, disease management, weed control and other needs relevant to Georgia vegetable producers.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 16 GEORGIA RRT STRESS SURVEY April 2 midnight deadline to participate The Georgia Department of Agriculture, with partners from other industry, state and federal organizations, is conducting this survey to gauge stress and mental health effects on agriculture, food service and educational workers from the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey was developed by the Georgia Food and Feed Rapid Response Team (RRT) with other key industry, state, and federal partners. The survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete. Anyone in these sectors and may participate in the survey. All answers are confidential and anonymous. Your response will provide greater situational awareness about how essential workers in agriculture, food service and education sectors have been impacted. The survey data will help inform recovery and resource priorities for these sectors as we move forward. Take the 10-minute survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9LYCHSR. The link to complete the survey will be open through midnight on Friday, April 2. For more information, contact Madison Cahill, project manager, at Madison.Cahill@agr.georgia.gov. GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION REFERENDUM April 16 deadline to submit ballots The Georgia Peanut Commission is holding a referendum through April 16, giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on whether to reaffirm 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 2018 passed with a 94.02 percent reaffirmation. Contact GPC Executive Director Don Koehler by email at don@gapeanuts.com or 229-386-3470 for more information 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. FVSU ORNAMENTAL PLANT CONFERENCES April 2 Feed the pollinators! Part 1 online May 6 Feed the pollinators! Part 2 online June 11 New annuals & perennials in the landscape online This series of virtual conferences, hosted by Fort Valley State University, will be presented by UGA Extension Horticulture Specialist Dr. Bodie Pennisi. Plants that will be covered include small trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, roses, daylilies, camelias, native plants and more. Each conference lasts from noon to 1 p.m. To register, visit www.bit.ly/fvsu-ornamental-plant-series2021. The conferences will be broadcast on Facebook Live at facebook.com/FVSUCAFST. For more information, contact Joshua Dawson at 478-283-2949 or dawsonj01@fvsu.edu.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 16 2021 USING PESTICIDES WISELY VIRTUAL TRAINING Date, Time Registration Link April 5, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0405 April 8, 9 a.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0408 April 12, 5:30 p.m. https://gfb.ag/21UPWtng0412 All applicators driving the tractor/sprayer applying Engenia, FeXapan, Tavium or ExtendiMax must attend Using Pesticides Wisely during 2021 prior to using these herbicides. As mandated by federal law, applicators must have a private or commercial pesticide applicator license to apply these products. Labels specifically state “To be used by certified applicators only; NOT to be used by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator, except that uncertified person may transport containers.” All persons in charge of in-season applications of Enlist Duo or Enlist One in Enlist cotton or soybean must attend Using Pesticides Wisely training prior to using these products in 2021. Applicators are asked to please select one of the dates provided below to attend a virtual training. Although far from an ideal training approach, it is the most efficient and safe method to communicate critical information that applicators must understand for the 2021 growing season. The training will last no more than 1 1/2 hours. If computer or internet access restricts participation, contact your local Extension office. No training will be offered after April 15 for the 2021 season. Each individual applicator must pre-register to attend the training. Registration is permitted up to 2 hours prior to the training. Make sure you have your pesticide license number available for registration. Attendee’s names will be placed on a list posted to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s auxin website at http://www.agr.georgia.gov/24c.aspx. Please allow up to 21 days after the training date for names to be posted. This list will serve as the official training record as attendance verification. Two hours of pesticide credit for private or commercial will be offered as long as a pesticide license number is provided during registration. DEADLINE EXTENDED – CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The USDA is reviewing the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and the original Feb. 26 application deadline has been extended during the evaluation period. CFAP Additional Assistance, which expanded eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities, is under review. Producers will be given at least an additional 30 days to sign up after any decision is announced. Payments from the CFAP 2 signup that ended Dec. 11, 2020, have not been affected. DEADLINE EXTENDED - USDA QUALITY LOSS ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM April 9 Deadline to apply Funded by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, this new program provides assistance to producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due to natural disasters occurring in 2018 and 2019. For more information, visit www.farmers.gov/quality-loss, or contact your local USDA Service Center. Producers can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877-508-8364.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 16 USDA-NASS VIRTUAL DATA USERS’ MEETING April 14 & 15 noon-3 p.m. online The Data Users’ Meeting is held to share recent and pending statistical program changes with the public, and to solicit input on these and other programs important to agriculture. The event is organized by NASS in cooperation with the World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Economic Research Service (ERS), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and U.S. Census Bureau. This is the first time the event will span two afternoons. The meeting is free and open to the public. The April 14 agenda includes agency updates followed by several breakout sessions for participants to choose from, including AMS Market News; World Board Meteorology; NASS Grain Stocks Program; and Foreign Production, Trade, and Import/Export Data. On April 15, after a brief recap of the previous day’s activities, the floor will open to participants for questions and comments, and the event will close with two breakout sessions: NASS Modernization and ERS Research. Anyone interested in participating in the Spring 2021 Virtual Data Users’ Meeting should register online at www.nass.usda.gov/Education_and_Outreach/Meeting/. Links to this Zoom meeting will be emailed to participants after registration. Summaries of previous meetings are available on the same webpage. For more information, contact Marisa Reuber at Marisa.Reuber@usda.gov or 202690-3099. GEORGIA WINE & GRAPE COMMISSION INITIAL MEETING April 16 Atlanta Farmers Market Forest Park The meeting will be in the administration building of the Georgia State Farmers Market at 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park, 30297. Attendees should enter the administration building from the market side. The purpose of the meeting is to elect a chair and vice-chair from the commission members appointed earlier this year by the Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee. Eric Seifarth of Towns County will represent the North Georgia region. Simone Bergese of Barrow County will represent the Central Georgia region and Gary Paulk of Irwin County will represent the South Georgia region. At-large members are Gary Engal of Gilmer County and Eric Miller of White County. Committee members will also discuss operations and guidelines of Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions, as well as the marketing orders and assessments and how to implement them. Social distancing guidelines and masks are encouraged. For more information, please contact Andy Harrison at (404) 710-1196 or Andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Wine and Grape Commission in 2020 at the request of Georgia wine and grape producers. KICKOFF TO PLANTING, PEANUT PALOOZA! April 17 Georgia Peanut Commission 10a.m.-2 p.m. Tifton All peanut lovers are invited to this free event to celebrate the 2021 peanut planting season. The Georgia Peanut Commission is hosting this event on behalf of Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farm families. The GPC food trailer will distribute fried peanuts, boiled peanuts & glass bottles of CocaCola. Event will also include a cupcake food truck, peanut shakes, M & M taste testing, a prize wheel, DJ music, a tractor display and tours of the GPC headquarters, which are located at 445 Fulwood Blvd. Tifton, Ga. 31794 Visit www.gapeanuts.com or call 229-386-3470 for more information.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 16 93RD GEORGIA FFA STATE CONVENTION April 19-23 online/virtual April 24 Macon Centreplex awards show Macon The Georgia FFA State Convention will be a hybrid event in 2021, with activities taking place virtually April 19-23. Attendees can enjoy hearing from keynote speakers and watch the official results from state competitions and visit the Virtual Career and Trade Show. Keynote speakers include National FFA President Doster Harper and Canadian screenwriter Grant Baldwin. The convention culminates with a one-day in-person event on April 24 for award winners and other select students. For more information click here. (http://gaaged.org/page.aspx?ID=45) FAIRVIEW MARKET AT HOLLOMAN FARM GRAND OPENING April 24 Noon-4 p.m. Temple Join Jeff & Teresa Reese in celebrating their new market, which is a member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market program. The market is located at 2640 Rainey Road, Temple, Ga. The Reeses grow organic vegetables. RSVP to 678-634-8390 or treese5775@gmail.com. UPLAND HARDWOOD & SILVICULTURE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 18-20
online
Foresters, land managers, forest landowners, loggers, and others interested in effectively managing their hardwood stands., attendees will learn about silvicultural systems and regeneration, harvest
methods, managing hardwoods and pines in the same stand, herbicides for hardwood management, improving wood quality and much more. Instructors are Instructors: Dr. David Clabo (UGA), Stephen Peairs (Clemson) & Wayne Clatterbuck (University of Tennessee). Continuing education credits are available, but full attendance is mandatory to receive them. The fee for this course is $300, which covers registration and instructional materials. There is a $50 discount for fees paid and postmarked by May 4. May 14 is registration deadline. Interested participants must have an email address in order to view Zoom webinars. To register, visiti http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/. For more information about the course, contact David Clabo at 865-603-0594 or e-mail him at david.clabo@uga.edu. HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS PRIZE FOR TEACHING May 21 deadline to apply The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence awards more than $1 million to skilled trades teachers in public high schools across the United States. To learn more about the prize or about Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, please visit https://harborfreighttoolsforschools.org/. Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation, established by Harbor Freight Tools Founder Eric Smidt, to support the advancement of skilled trades education in America. Believing that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs and a workforce our country needs, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to stimulate greater understanding, support and investment by public entities and others in skilled trades education.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 16 PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM May 31 Application deadline Congress recently extended the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline by two months, from March 31 to May 31, helping more farmers and ranchers participate in the loan program, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The PPP is a low-interest Small Business Administration loan program that helps small businesses keep employees on their payrolls. The SBA forgives loans if employee retention criteria are met and the funds are used for eligible expenses. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, passed in December, contained additional funding for the program, allowed for a second loan and expanded eligibility to selfemployed farmers and ranchers who file a Schedule F. More recently, farm and ranch eligibility was further extended to single-member LLCs and qualified joint ventures. Click here (https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protectionprogram) for more information about the PPP. GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS 2021 COMPETITIVE EVENTS June 1 deadline to enter Georgia Farm Bureau is now accepting entries for its Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. The winners of all three competitive events will be announced during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, scheduled for July 14-17 on Jekyll Island. GFB will continue to follow the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for these in-person competitions, and if necessary, they are subject to convert to virtual events. The deadline to enter these contests is June 1. All applications and registration forms must be submitted online at www.gfb.ag/yfrcompete. For more information contact your GFB District Federation Manager. For help submitting the application/registration form online, contact Haley Darby (hadarby@gfb.org). GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE June 2-3 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Georgia Pecan Growers Association's 56th Annual Conference & Trade Show will be held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA on June 2-3, 2021. Early bird registration is $50 until May 14 and covers two-day admission for one pecan grower and his/her spouse, as well as access to the welcome reception, awards luncheon and educational seminars. Late registration beginning May 15 is $60. After a year of Covid-19 and social distancing, we are thrilled to see you all in person this June! For the full attendee Packet, please go to www.georgiapecan.org.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 16 AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FARM DOG OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS OPEN Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2022 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, supported by Purina. This is the fourth year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2022. Up to four regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money. Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience. The 2022 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. The profile of 2021 Farm Dog of the Year Bindi can be viewed at https://www.fb.org/land/fdoty. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit fb.org/join to learn about becoming a member. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at https://www.fb.org/land/fdoty. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, still photos and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 2 for consideration. GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2020 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.