Photo: Jay Stone
April 14, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 8
GPC BOARD APPROVES $886,235 IN 2021 RESEARCH PROJECTS The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) Board of Directors approved $886,235 in research project funding for the 2021-22 research budget year during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 42 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. “As a peanut grower, I’m proud to invest in the Georgia Peanut Commission and in the future of the peanut industry by supporting research that continues to demonstrate a return on our investment,” GPC Research Committee Chairman Donald Chase said. “We are proud of our partnership with research institutions and look forward to seeing the results which will benefit farmers in the state and the entire peanut industry.” Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research, promotion and education. The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, as well as, pests, weed and disease management. Additionally, GPC manages funding for the Southeastern Peanut Research Initiative which includes research funding of $1,823,198 for projects in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. These projects are funded through the National Peanut Board checkoff dollars from farmers. For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit www.gapeanuts.com.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 16 LAWS GIVE FARM EQUIPMENT RIGHT-OF-WAY, MAKE PECAN STATE NUT Members of Georgia’s agriculture community gathered at Ellis Brothers Pecans in Dooly County April 9 to witness Gov. Brian Kemp sign two bills pertaining to agriculture into law. Gov. Kemp was joined by a group of about 100 consisting of state legislators who supported the bills, members of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council and Georgia Department of Agriculture representatives for the celebration. The Ellis Family has long marketed their farm store outside Vienna with the catchy slogan, “We’re Nuts,” making the site of the signing ceremony appropriate since one of the bills - Senate Bill (SB) 222 makes the pecan Georgia’s official state nut. “Businesses like the Ellis brothers are the heart of what this legislation designating the pecan as Georgia’s official nut is about,” Gov. Kemp said. “Make no mistake, the backbone of Georgia’s economy is places just like this owned by hardworking Georgia families. I’m excited to be in South Georgia and talking about the No. 1 industry in the state.” Georgia Sen. Carden Summers Dist. 13 authored the bill and Sens. Larry Walker III (Dist. 20), Freddie Powell Sims (Dist. 12), Tyler Harper (Dist. 7) and Russ Goodman (Dist. 8) supported it. Rep. Noel Williams (Dist. 148) was credited with getting the bill passed in the Georgia House. Kemp told media that designating pecans as Georgia’s state nut would provide the crop and its growers with new marketing opportunities. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black assured signing ceremony attendees that Georgia’s peanut crop was not being slighted by establishing the pecan as the state nut since peanuts are a legume and have previously been designated Georgia’s official state crop. House Bill (HB) 693 gives the right-of-way to farm equipment when drivers are following state rules for farm equipment on Georgia roads, specifically when bridges, guardrails or other physical impediments would not safely allow a tractor or other farm equipment to travel on the far righthand side of the road. HB 693 also prevents farm tractors from traveling on U.S. interstates unless the Department of Public Safety has permitted such travel in certain geographic areas of Georgia as deemed necessary. “Georgia Farm Bureau thanks all of the Georgia legislators who introduced and signed these bills and got them passed through the Georgia Legislature this session,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall said. “Farm Bureau also applauds Governor Kemp for supporting Georgia agriculture by signing them.” Located about four miles off of I-75, the Ellis Brothers Pecan market is one of about 80 family farms and markets featured in Georgia Farm Bureau’s Farm Passport Program. Other Georgia pecan growers participating in the Farm Passport Program include: Berry Good Farms, Dickey Farms, Franklin Citrus Farm, Greenway Farms, Lane Southern Orchards, Little Duck Farms, Pearson Farm, Merritt Pecan Co. & General Store, and William L. Brown Farm Market. To learn more about the Farm Passport Program visit www.gfb.ag/farmpassport. The program offers consumers a chance to discover Georgia agriculture while traveling the state with friends or family. Passport holders can earn prizes based on the number of farms they visit. Commissioner Black also acknowledged how nice it was for a large group of Georgia’s ag community to gather for the first time in a year and noted that he’d recently received his second COVID-19 vaccine. “I got my second shot yesterday. If you haven’t gotten your vaccine, I hope you’ll do that soon,” Black said.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 16 USDA TO SPEND $330 MILLION FOR MULTIPLE COVID-19 RELATED PROGRAMS On April 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of more than $330 million to help agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative launched in March and includes $169.9 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), the availability of $75 million for Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program [GusNIP; formerly known as Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI)] grantees and approximately $80 million in payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton. This funding will aid in developing new markets for U.S. agricultural products, expand the specialty crop food sector, and incentivize the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income consumers. USDA also informed dairy producers and processors about ongoing plans for the Dairy Donation Program (DDP) as established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. “I would like to thank [Agriculture] Secretary [Tom] Vilsack and his team at USDA for continuing to roll out the assistance that the Agriculture Committees provided in the FY21 Consolidated Appropriations Act,” House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott said. “These crucial investments will assist the ag sector in recovering from the impacts of the COVID19 pandemic, particularly bolstering our state departments of agriculture’s support for specialty crop producers as well as our cotton mills and dairy processors.” USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is announcing $169.9 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to fund innovative projects designed to support the expanding specialty crop food sector and explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. The total includes: * $72.9 million available as part of the annual Farm Bill funding for the program; * An additional $97 million available as emergency funding for applications under this solicitation. Congress provided this funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, due to COVID-19 impacts to the food system. Grant project funding awarded as part of pandemic assistance can also go to organizations to assist farmworkers (e.g., for PPE and vaccination costs), projects to fund farmers, food businesses, and other relevant entities to respond to risks and supply chain disruption. The SCBGP funds are allocated to U.S. states and territories based on a formula that considers both specialty crop acreage and production value. Interested applicants should apply directly through their state departments of agriculture. A listing of state contacts is available on the USDA website. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 11. Any grant application submitted after the due date will not be considered unless the applicant provides documentation of an extenuating circumstance that prevented their timely submission of the grant application. For more information about grant eligibility, visit the SCBGP website. The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will invest $75 million as directed by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Active Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) and Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) grantees may request funding to allow them to address critical food and nutrition security needs of low-income communities, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 16 Continued from previous page enhance the resilience of food and healthcare systems impacted by the pandemic, and maximize funds reaching participants in communities in need. The GusNIP COVID Relief and Response grants program (GusCRR) helps low-income communities improve the affordability and consumption of fruits and vegetables by vulnerable participants in communities in need. GusCRR grants will support expanded scope of work started under previous awards to address pandemic relief and respond to community needs in an impactful, timely, and authentic way. NIFA will reach out directly to GusCRR eligible applicants with additional details and a copy of the Request for Applications (RFA). Eligibility to receive a GusCRR grant is limited to organizations with a current active GusNIP nutrition grant, GusNIP produce prescription grant, or FINI grant that began prior to December 27, 2020. An eligible organization may submit only one GusCRR nutrition incentive grant application and one produce prescription application. The USDA encourages applications that benefit smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities. For grants intending to serve these audiences, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications. USDA is also updating the currently open FY21 GusNIP RFA to more closely align with the law and extend that opportunity by two weeks to provide potential applicants additional time to consider the full range of available funding. The USDA launched the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative in March with $6.5 billion in available funding to address shortfalls and disparities in how assistance was distributed in previous COVID-19 assistance packages, with a specific focus on strengthening outreach to underserved producers and communities and small and medium agricultural operations. The USDA will provide approximately $80 million in additional payments to domestic users of upland and extra-long staple cotton to support textile mills impacted by the pandemic. Under this one-time payment program, known as the Pandemic Assistance for Cotton Users (PACU) program, USDA will pay $.06 per pound to domestic users based on a 3-year monthly average during 2017 through 2019, covering 10 months in 2020. The program and payment formula were established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Consumption information previously submitted to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) by domestic cotton users as participants of the Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills (EAATM) and Special Competitive Provisions for Extra Long Staple Cotton (ELS) will be used in determining payment. USDA will send payment certifications in support of payment issuance to EAATM and ELS program participants. USDA could begin to issue payments to domestic cotton users in mid- to late April 2021. If you were a user of domestic cotton anytime from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 and did not participate in EAATM or ELS programs and have documentation to support your claim according to the provisions of the Act, please contact AMS’s Warehouse and Commodity Management Division (WCMD). USDA will soon implement the Dairy Donation Program (DDP) as established in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The program will facilitate the timely donation of dairy products to nonprofit organizations that distribute food to persons in need and prevent and -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 16 Continued from previous page minimize food waste. Because the statute allows retroactive reimbursements of donations made before donation and distribution plans are approved, USDA provided advance notice of the minimum provisions to be included in the program to encourage the dairy industry to process and donate surplus milk supplies as it moves through the spring surplus milk production season. For more information, visit www.ams.usda.gov/notices. GA NATIONAL FAIR & SUNBELT AG EXPO PLAN TO HOLD THEIR 2021 SHOWS Georgians across the state are squealing of delight as they hear that the Sunbelt Ag Expo and Georgia National Fair are making plans to hold their annual shows this year. Both shows were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 Georgia National Fair is scheduled for Oct. 7-17 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, the fair announced March 2 on its Facebook page. Sunbelt Ag Expo officials confirmed April 14 that plans are underway to hold the 2021 Sunbelt Expo Oct. 19-21 at Spence Field in Moultrie. “As people continue to get their COVID vaccines and as long as people use common sense in abiding by CDC protocols, we’re ready to move forward in October with a great in-person show. Our exhibitors and attendees are ready for an in-person show,” Sunbelt Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock said. “Sunbelt Expo will abide by whatever COVID protocols are in place in October to protect our exhibitors and visitors’ health. We’re excited to be planning for a show that we’re pretty sure is going to happen as opposed to last year when we didn’t know how the pandemic would affect us.” Attendance at the 30th Annual Georgia National Fair in 2019 totaled 565,533 over the event’s 11-day run. The 2019 event set a new overall attendance record for the fair, which was a 5% increase over the previous record of 536,840 attendees in 2016. The 2019 Georgia National Fair also set a single-day attendance record on Oct. 12, 2019, with 96,910 visitors. The fair strives to make each year’s experience new for visitors by adding new attractions or shows. The Georgia Grown Birthing Barn – where fair goers can watch live births of dairy calves and see newborn piglets nursing their mothers, has been a big hit since 2018. Sunbelt Expo, long called “North America’s Premier Farm Show” attracts more than 1,200 exhibitors every year who display the newest farm equipment and products on 100 acres of exhibit space. The 44-year-old event draws attendees from across the U.S., and an Expo Farmer of the Year is selected each year from 12 Southeastern states ranging from Arkansas to Louisiana over to Virginia and down to Florida. May Days on the Midway If you can’t wait until October to get your fair fix, make plans to attend the May Days on the Midway the Georgia National Fairgrounds is holding Thursday, May 20 – Monday, May 31. This event will offer attendees all of the best carnival rides, games and food usually found on the Georgia National Fair Midway. Admission and parking will be FREE to everyone. The Georgia National Fair is taking pre-orders for ride armband sales until 4 p.m. May 7, Mondays through Fridays only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No orders will be taken after 4 p.m. on May 7. Pre-ordered ride armbands cost $25 – a $5 savings if purchased armbands are used on weekends -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 16 Continued from previous page or on Memorial Day. Armband vouchers will be redeemed on the carnival midway on whichever day visitors choose to go. Armbands allow wearers to ride all rides as many times as they would like for the day the armband was purchased. Pre-orders for ride armbands will only be taken over the phone. CREDIT/DEBIT CARD purchases only! NO REFUNDS or EXCHANGES will be allowed or granted once pre-ordered armbands are purchased. No rainy-day refunds allowed. All pre-orders will be mailed to the purchaser once order has been made and payment received. NO PICK UP or WILL CALL will be allowed. Call 478-988-6483 or 478-988-6484 to buy pre-order armbands. May Midway attendees may buy individual ride tickets the day they attend. Expo Field Day set for July Sunbelt Expo will hold its 2021 Expo Field Day on July 22 beginning at 8 a.m. The drive-thru format Expo held last year was such a success that Expo plans to use this format again this year, Blalock said. More details will be announced soon on Sunbelt Ag Expo’s social media platforms and website. APRIL 19 IS OFFICIAL PACK DATE FOR VIDALIA ONIONS Shuman named VO Grower of the Year; Vidalias on menu at Kentucky Derby The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) set April 19 as the pack date for 2021. The organizations are also celebrating the 35th anniversary of legislation that helped to make Vidalia onions beloved by millions of fans across the country. A rite of spring for its legends of devotees, the announcement of the pack date means shoppers will soon be able to purchase Vidalia onions, which are only available for a limited time each year. The pack date is determined each year by an advisory panel comprised of Vidalia industry members, state agriculture scientists and the Department of Agriculture. Soil and weather conditions in South Georgia are taken into consideration to select the date to help ensure only the highest-quality onions end up on consumers’ plates. First discovered in the 1930s, Vidalia onions quickly grew in popularity over the next few decades. The Vidalia Onion Act established that only sweet onions grown in 20 South Georgia counties from a distinctive Granex seed and packed and sold on or after the official pack date each year could be called Vidalia onions. In 1989, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided federal protection to the onion and created the VOC to support marketing and research initiatives. In 1992, the state of Georgia became the official owner of the Vidalia onion trademark. For the 2021 season, approximately 10,000 acres of Vidalia onions were planted, according to VOC Chairman Aries Haygood. For more information on Vidalia onions, please visit vidaliaonion.org and follow the season's news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. Grower of the Year: Tattnall County Farm Bureau member John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms, has been named the 2020 Grower of the Year by the Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC) in recognition of Shuman’s contributions to the industry for more than 25 years. Following in the footsteps of his father, Buck Shuman, who began growing Vidalia onions in -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 16 Continued from previous page the 1980s, John Shuman took over his family’s farm in the early 1990s, rebuilding it from the ground up following the national farm crisis of the previous decade. Today Shuman Farms is one of the largest growers of Vidalia onions in North America. A graduate of Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Shuman has served as VOC chairman, chairman of the board of the Southeast Produce Council and a member of the Georgia Ports Authority Board of Directors. In addition to his business success, in 2002, Shuman founded Produce for Kids, now Healthy Family Project, which has raised more than $7 million to benefit children and families. Shuman Farms also provides annual donations to Feeding America and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “In the last quarter century, John has played a leading role in building the Vidalia onion brand to become the country’s most iconic vegetable,” said Aries Haygood, VOC chairman. “But even more importantly, John and his family have devoted considerable time and energy giving back to the community.” “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the Vidalia onion industry to receive one of our highest awards,” said Shuman. “I have been fortunate to have had the support of my wife, Lana, as well as the advice and counsel from some of the most respected Vidalia onion growers in the state. As you know it takes a village to do what we do, so this award goes to everyone at Shuman Farms. I want to especially thank my brother Mark for his dedication and leadership.” Onions in the Bluegrass: Vidalia onions are on the official menu for the 2021 Kentucky Derby and will be featured in several dishes served to patrons of the race, to be held May 1, according to The Shelby Report. “After a year that has been challenging for all of us, we hope our first-ever partnership with the Kentucky Derby will serve as a tiny beacon of normal life by bringing together two of the country’s beloved ‘rites of spring,’” said Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Aries Haygood. “We are honored to be part of the official menu of this year’s Derby.” Vidalia onions will be featured in several dishes on the official Derby menu, including Chicken with Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Sauce and Vidalia Onion, Bourbon Sorghum Vinaigrette on a Black-Eyed Pea Salad. GA COTTON, CORN, SOYBEAN PRODUCERS EXPECTED TO INCREASE ACREAGE Cotton, corn and soybean growers in Georgia are expected to increase planted acres in 2021, according to the Prospective Plantings Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Cotton growers are projected to plant 1.2 million acres, which would represent a 1% increase from 2020. Georgia corn growers planted an estimated 480,000 acres, up 14% from 2020, which would be the state’s largest corn acreage since 2013. Soybean producers intend to plant 110,000 acres in Georgia in 2021, a 10% increase from 2020. Georgia peanut growers are expected to plant approximately 790,000 acres, which would be 2% less than in 2020. Tobacco acreage, at a projected 7,000 acres, is down 11 percent from 2020. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 16 Continued from previous page Winter wheat planted is estimated at 210,000 acres, up 11 percent from 2020. The combined value for Georgia’s 2020 corn, cotton, cottonseed, hay, peanuts, soybeans, tobacco and winter wheat crops is estimated at $2.04 billion, up 8% from 2019. The state’s corn crop value increased 18.9% from 2019 to 2020, from $253.68 million to $301.86 million. The value of Georgia’s upland cotton crop fell from $806.22 million in 2019 to $713.65 million in 2020, a decline of 11.5%. That drop was partially offset by a 4.5% increase in the value of Georgia’s cottonseed crop, from $89.47 million in 2019 to $93.47 million in 2020. The 2020 hay crop in Georgia was valued at $164.2 million, up 26.9% from $129.36 million in 2019. The 2020 Georgia peanut crop estimated value was $656 million, up 22.2% from $536.7 million in 2019. The 2020 soybean crop in Georgia was valued at $40.51 million, an 81.5% increase from $22.32 million in 2019. The 2020 tobacco crop was valued at $39.1 million, up 7.3% from $36.48 million in 2019. Georgia’s winter wheat crop was valued at $24.31 million in 2020, up 77.2% from $13.72 million in 2019. PETE’S TO OPEN INDOOR FARMING FACILITY IN PEACH COUNTY Pete’s, a California-based greenhouse grower, will invest $18 million in opening their first eastern U.S. indoor, controlled environment agriculture facility in Warner Robins in Peach County, Georgia. Providing access to fresh, local, and sustainable greens to heavily populated areas as well as regions where fresh greens may not be readily available is a top priority of Pete’s. The company is planning on utilizing 24 acres of growing area in Peach County to satisfy their retail and foodservice partners’ needs. The indoor growing facility will require 90% less land and water compared to traditional farming. Pete’s new facility will be located in Robins International Industrial Park, a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) Certified site, with “Select” status. To earn GRAD program certification from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, a property must undergo due diligence and complete specific certification requirements prior to a visit by a prospective business. Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way both community planners and landowners can help catalyze economic growth and industrial development for the regions they serve. The GRAD Select status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements to attract development. Fifteen jobs will be created, and the company will be hiring for a variety of positions including general manager, production, growing, logistics, food safety, and office manager, as well as general administrative roles. Individuals interested in career opportunities with Pete’s are encouraged to visit www.eatpetes.com for additional information.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 16 A. SCOTT URGES U.S. ITC TO PROBE TRADE PRACTICES THAT HURT FARMERS On April 6, Reps. Austin Scott (R-Georgia) and Darren Soto (D-Florida) co-led a bipartisan letter to the International Trade Commission (ITC) expressing support for a Section 332 investigation for cucumbers and squash as American specialty crop producers struggle with unfair trade practices that negatively impact operations. A Section 332 investigation is a general fact-finding effort performed by the ITC at the request of certain other government organizations. “Seasonal cucumber and squash imports from Mexico continue to dramatically impact U.S. markets and threaten the future of domestic farm production of perishable produce,” the members wrote. “This Section 332 investigation by the ITC for cucumbers and squash is needed to make a meaningful determination as to the impact of these seasonal imports on our markets. Market changes occur quickly and can devastate a grower’s season in a matter of days if imports increase and the resulting price decreases coincide with harvest. We appreciate your efforts on behalf of our growers and rural communities.” Georgia Farm Bureau, Florida Farm Bureau, Michigan Farm Bureau, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, and the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association supported the letter. “Georgia Farm Bureau agrees with U.S. Representatives Austin Scott and Darren Soto that a Section 332 investigation for cucumbers and squash is necessary to determine the full impact that imported produce is having on domestic growers. In recent years, Georgia farmers—along with farmers in many other U.S. states—have struggled to compete with the growing surge of imported fresh fruits and vegetables, and as noted by the reports highlighted in the letter, the problem will only get worse unless U.S. officials step in. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Scott and Soto along with the other Members of Congress who joined this important effort,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. "Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association appreciates the continued support and leadership of Congressman Austin Scott on the fight against unfair trade. Georgia fruit and vegetable growers face an uneven playing field due to cheap imports that threaten the future of Georgia produce," said GFVGA Executive Director Charles Hall. In November, Rep. Scott sent a similar letter to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) requesting ITC begin a Section 332 investigation into squash and cucumber imports. Click here to read more. To read the text of the letter click here. 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 -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 16 Continued from previous page regional runners-up* will each win $1,000 in prize money. “We’re excited to host this popular contest again and provide the general public with another glimpse into daily life on the farm,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farm dogs often play a dual role as both working dogs and companions to farm families, which is especially important because farming and ranching can be stressful, even on the best days.” Scientific research insights provided by our partner Purina reveal that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. For example, after spending just 20 minutes with a dog, people experienced a significant increase in levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in moderating stress. This was also associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in self-reported sense of well-being. Following the interaction with the dog, people were in a more positive emotional state. 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, 2021, for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The second annual social media contest, People’s Choice Pup, was a popular element of the Farm Dog of the Year competition in 2021 – reaching nearly 400,000 people – and will return for 2022. Profiles of the top 10 dogs will be shared beginning in October, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a year’s worth of dog food from Purina will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 16 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. 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 12 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. FVSU ORNAMENTAL PLANT CONFERENCES 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. 2021 YOUNG HARRIS BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 13-14 online Registration is open for the 2021 Young Harris Beekeeping Institute. Due to continuing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Georgia/Young Harris Beekeeping Institute will be held virtually. Because of the virtual format the Master Beekeeping Program will not be offered. To register and view the program, visit https://bees.caes.uga.edu/yhc-uga-beekeepinginstitute.html.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 16 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. 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 Field Notes page 14 of 16 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). 2021 PICTURE AGRICULTURE IN GEORGIA PHOTO CONTEST June 1 photo submission deadline This competition offers amateur photographers the chance to explore the many activities, seasons, triumphs, disappointments and faces of agriculture. The photos that win this competition will capture the image and spirit of agriculture and Farm Bureau in Georgia and will be awarded cash prizes. The contest is open to any amateur photographer (one who receives no income from photography) who is a member of Georgia Farm Bureau. All photos must highlight Georgia agriculture and have been taken in 2020 or 2021. Each entrant may enter three (3) photos, and only those of highest quality will be considered. All digital photos must be in a jpeg format and should be a minimum of 1 MB in size. 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 website, 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. Prizes: Grand Prize - $150; 11 Honorable Mentions - $75 each. The grand prize 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. This form must be completed and uploaded to www.gfb.ag/yfrphoto by June 1. Direct any questions to 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 15 of 16 2021 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP June 27-July 2 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton 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 provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors. A limited number of scholarships are awarded based on exam scores and specific scholarship guidelines and criteria. GACD in partnership with Georgia's Conservation Districts, will be awarding two $6,500 scholarships to the top scoring students at camp. Camp features field trips, classroom instruction, and recreational activities. Due to COVID restrictions, Workshop attendance this year is reduced to 80 students Registration is completely online at www.abac.edu/nrcw. No paper applications are being accepted. Registration fees and transportation options are provided by local Conservation Districts. For more information, contact Michelle Boone, GACD program mnanager and NRCW director, at michelle@gacd.us or 478298-3087. 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.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 16 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.