May 2, 2024
www.gfb.org
U.S. HOUSE AND SENATE AG COMMITTEES RELEASE FARM BILLS
6 No. 9
On May 1, the agriculture committees of both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate released their drafts of the next farm bill, along with summaries of the bills’ provisions.
When Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) leaders visited Washington, D.C., April 9-11, they conveyed the organization’s stances on the commodities, conservation and crop insurance provisions in the farm bill.
The 2018 farm bill has been extended and is set to expire Sept. 30.
What follows is GFB’s points of emphasis and what the committees say about how their bill handles those topics.
Commodity programs
GFB maintains that commodity programs like Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) from the 2018 farm bill which provide protection from substantial drops in revenue, are vital economic tools to support the nation’s food and fiber needs. Additionally, commodity reference prices established in those programs should increase to account for rising farm production costs.
According to the farm bill summary from House Ag Committee Republicans, their commodity title reauthorizes and enhances commodity, marketing loan, sugar, dairy, and disaster programs. This includes increased support for the PLC and ARC to account for persistent inflation and rising costs of production.
The House bill also:
• Provides authority to expand base acres to include producers who currently cannot participate in ARC/PLC.
• Modernizes marketing loans and sugar policy.
• Bolsters dairy programs to continue providing vital assistance.
• Enhances standing disaster programs and expands eligibility for assistance.
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According to the farm bill summary from the Senate Ag Committee Democrats, their commodity title:
• Makes improvements to the Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL) program that target active farmers and creates a new “escalator” provision that increases support based on the cost of production;
• Builds on this success by improving the PLC escalator formula for all commodities, makes targeted statutory reference price changes, and brings PLC in line with ARC by establishing a payment band on PLC payments. Under the bill, all major covered commodities will see at least a 5% increase in reference prices during the 2024 Farm Bill, with many seeing 10-15% increases;
• The bill lowers the ARC threshold for triggering payments for all covered commodities to provide more certainty to farmers when their revenue drops due to low prices or weather disasters; Conservation programs
GFB asserts that lawmakers should prioritize maintaining and adequately funding programs such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) all serve to help producers and landowners address natural resource concerns.
In addition, the process for NRCS conservation practice approval needs to be streamlined.
According to the House Ag Committee Republicans, their conservation title:
• Reallocates Inflation Reduction Act conservation funding and expands covered conservation practices;
• Protects and enhances working lands conservation programs like the EQIP and CSP while promoting precision agriculture;
• Includes common-sense easement reforms and protects working forest lands through the newly authorized Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP).
• Streamlines and improves program administration for the RCPP and the Technical Service Provider Program (TSP),
• Modernizes the CRP by incentivizing enrollment of marginal lands and emphasizing state partnerships;
• Reauthorizes and funds successful programs such as the Feral Swine Eradication Program and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).
• Emphasizes science, technology, and innovation, including within the conservation practice standards establishment and review processes.
According the Senate Ag Committee Democrats’ conference report their conservation title:
CRP
• Increases the maximum amount of enrolled acres in the CRP program from 24 million to 27 million acres for each year. Targets the program based on state historic enrollment rates. Aligns the program with market expectations by capping the rental rate for both general and continuous enrollments and limits cost-share and incentive payments under the program; -continued on next page
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• Provides additional flexibilities for the use of haying and grazing activities on enrolled acres;
• Targets the enrollment of marginal and environmentally sensitive land in the program;
• Authorizes and gives priority to a new water quality initiative;
• Improves and authorizes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP);
• Continues support for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers by providing $50 million for the Transition Incentives Program.
EQIP
• Provides additional funding for FY2019-FY2023 as follows: $l.75 billion, $1.75 billion, $1.80 billion, $1.850 billion, and $2.03 billion;
• Maintains the program’s role of helping agricultural producers to meet Federal, state and local regulatory requirements;
• Includes new conservation incentive contracts within the program to address priority resource concerns;
• Allows for certain entities to be eligible for implementing water conservation or irrigation practices under a watershed-wide project;
• Continues the function and flexibility of EQIP to address multiple natural resource concerns and agriculture production types;
• Sets the program’s livestock allocation at 50 percent, expands it to include grazing practices, and increases the wildlife allocation to 10 percent.
CSP
• Provides funding for FY2019-FY2023 as follows: $700 million, $725 million, $750 million, $800 million and $1.0 billion.
• Includes administrative reforms to the program to work in conjunction with EQIP;
• Adds cover crops, advanced grazing management, resource-conserving crop rotations, and grassland;
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
• Provides increased funding of $450 million for each FY2019-2023 increasing program funding over $2.0 billion in mandatory funding over 10 years;
• Provides modifications to increase the flexibility and execution of both the Agriculture Land Easement and Wetland Reserve Easement portions of the program;
RCPP
• Provides $300 million per year in mandatory funding. Through partnerships, the Federal investment will leverage nearly $3.0 billion in private funding for conservation over the next 10 years.
• Encourages partnerships to leverage Federal resources to carry out innovative conservation projects at the local or regional level to address water quality and quantity issues.
• Provides administrative flexibilities to deliver the program more efficiently and effectively to address natural resource concerns like water quality and drought.
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Providing Producers Certainty and Regulatory Relief:
• Provides producers certainty with regard to working lands and wildlife conservation practices by continuing the Working Lands for Wildlife model of conservation. Ensures that a landowner, who voluntarily maintains certain wildlife practices for species habitat, receives protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Crop insurance programs
GFB encourages members of Congress to support efforts to expand insurance to specialty crops and examine ways in which to encourage swifter adoption of policies.
GFB also emphasizes the need for a permanent disaster program to protect producers against natural disasters.
According the farm bill summary from House Ag Committee Republicans, their crop insurance title:
• Expands premium assistance for beginning farmers and farmers who are military veterans;
• Directs research and development of new policies and establishes an advisory committee for more robust engagement with specialty crop producers;
• Enhances certain coverage options to reduce the need for unbudgeted ad hoc disaster assistance;
• Bolsters the private sector delivery system.
The Senate Ag Committee Democrats’ conference report on crop insurance title:
• Allows producers to establish a single enterprise unit by combining enterprise units across counties, or enterprise units with basic units and optional units in one or more other counties;
• Clarifies conditions for voluntary conservation practices, including cover crops, to be considered as good farming practices for crop insurance purposes and requires continuing education for loss adjusters and agents regarding conservation activities and agronomic practices;
• Updates the role of the Specialty Crop Coordinator and requires a Specialty Crop Liaison in each regional office. Requires the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board to annually review research and development of insurance for new crops, expansion of existing insurance to additional counties or states, and crops with existing insurance. Requires data collected through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program be provided for improving crop insurance coverage;
• Permits separate crop insurance policies for crops that can be both grazed and mechanically harvested on the same acres during the same growing season. Provides that such separate policies can be independently indemnified for different causes of loss covered by these programs and for each intended use;
• Clarifies that the reductions in benefits for native sod acreage that has been tilled apply to any insurable crops. Further clarifies that the reduction in benefits would apply for not more than four cumulative years during the first ten years after initial tillage.
To see the House farm bill summary, click here.
To see the Senate farm bill conference report, click here.
DAIRY CATTLE MUST BE H5N1 TESTED TO BE MOVED ACROSS STATE LINES
Effective April 29, all lactating dairy cattle must test negative for H5N1 avian influenza before being moved across state lines. The USDA issued this federal order on April 24.
The Georgia Milk Producers (GMP) E-News Bulletin issued April 26 did an excellent job of explaining how testing will work in Georgia. GMP explained that milk samples must be collected and tested within seven days prior to moving lactating cows across state lines. All samples are to be collected by a Georgia licensed, accredited veterinarian. Milk samples should be collected from individual cows with each quarter of the udder sampled and combined. A minimum of 5 mL should be collected from each cow.
Georgia dairy producers who need assistance with collecting milk samples may contact Georgia Milk Producers Executive Director Bryce Trotter at 229-221-3906 or the Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Health team at 404-656-3667.
The USDA requires that tests must be conducted by a National Animals Health Laboratories Network (NALHN) lab. In Georgia, samples will be shipped to the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Labs in Tifton or Athens.
For groups of more than 30 animals moving across state lines, then only 30 animals total must be tested. For groups of less than 30 animals, each animal must be tested. If a cow tests positive for HPAI, you must wait 30 days before retesting that animal.
According to the USDA guidance document for this federal order, APHIS will reimburse for all interstate premovement testing at NAHLN laboratories; therefore, this testing at NAHLN laboratories will be completed at no cost to the producer/submitter. Currently, APHIS is not reimbursing for collecting or shipping samples. Owners of herds in which dairy cattle are cleared for interstate movement are required to provide epidemiological information, including animal movement tracing.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aphis-requirements-recommendations-hpailivestock.pdf
On April 27, the USDA issued a clarification to its April 24 federal order regarding movement of dairy cattle through sale barns and auctions to slaughter. Per USDA’s clarification, the federal order does not apply to moving a lactating dairy cow from a farm to a sale barn located in the same state. Subsequent interstate movement for a lactating dairy cow from a sale barn directly to a slaughter facility requires only a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection stating that the animal is clinically healthy; no testing is necessary.
The federal order allows lactating dairy cows that are showing no clinical signs of H5N1 to move across state lines directly to slaughter if they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection or other document approved by the state veterinarians in both the sending and receiving state.
For now, calves, heifers, and dry cows (pregnant cows not being milked for 60 days prior to calving) are exempt from the requirement of having a negative H5N1 test to be moved across state lines.
USDA APHIS recommends premovement testing of non-lactating cattle as well, but this is not -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page a federal mandate. This testing at NAHLN laboratories will be completed at no cost to the producer. Additional recommendations for testing can be found here. APHIS is also recommending that all animals moved on/off a premises should be isolated for 30 days to prevent the spread of disease.
When it announced the federal mandate for lactating cows to be tested, USDA said any future requirements for other classes of dairy cattle, or expansion beyond dairy cattle, will be based on scientific factors concerning the virus and its evolving risk profile.
USDA is reporting that infected cattle may be asymptomatic (subclinical) or symptomatic (clinical) and the H5N1 virus is predominantly found in milk and mammary tissue regardless of symptoms. Clinical signs may include: a decrease in feed consumption; respiratory signs including clear nasal discharge; and an acute drop in milk production. Additional clinical signs may include abnormal tacky or loose feces, lethargy, dehydration, and fever. Severely affected cattle may have thicker, concentrated, colostrum-like milk or produce no milk at all.
More information about the USDA federal mandate regarding interstate moving of dairy cattle is available at:
USDA Order Restricting Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle
Guidance Document on USDA Order
Frequently Asked Questions: USDA Movement Order
Colorado latest state to confirm a case of H5N1 in dairy cattle
On April 25, USDA confirmed the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) detected the H5N1 Avian Influenza strain in a dairy herd in northeast Colorado. Colorado has 106 dairies and about 200,000 dairy cows according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The virus has now been confirmed in nine states.
USDA initially confirmed H5N1 detections in dairy herds in the following states: Texas (March 25), Kansas (March 26), Michigan (March 29), Idaho (April 1), New Mexico (April 1), Ohio (April 2), North Carolina (April 9), and South Dakota (April 9). Subsequent detections have been found in other dairy herds in Texas, Michigan, New Mexico, Kansas and Idaho.
USDA believes the initial cases of avian flu in Texas and Kansas dairy cattle originated from wild migratory birds. The initial New Mexico dairies are close to the state line of the Texas panhandle. USDA and/or state officials in at least four states - North Carolina, Michigan, Idaho and Ohio - have said dairy cattle infected with H5N1 in these states can be traced to cows from infected Texas dairy herds being moved to herds in these states. New Mexico officials said cows from Texas were not moved to the infected dairies in its state.
As of the morning of May 2, origination sources for the cases in Colorado nor South Dakota had not been reported nor were there origination details on the subsequent cases at additional dairies -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page in Michigan, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas. Within herds, USDA believes there is cow to cow transmission. One possible way the virus may be spreading within herds of lactating cows is via milking equipment.
FDA/USDA tests prove pasteurized dairy products safe
On April 26, the U.S. Food and Drug Agency announced tests it has done on pasteurized milk taken from store shelves in 38 states show that pasteurization is effective in killing the strain of HPAI (H5N1) found in dairy cows. Although the agency did find dead HPAI viral fragments in about 1 in 5 of the 297 retail samples it tested, to date, the studies of retail milk and dairy products have shown no results that would change its assessment that the U.S. commercial pasteurized milk supply is safe. On May 1, FDA announced a second set of results on 201 of its samples, including cottage cheese and sour cream, that reinforce pasteurization is effective in inactivating HPAI.
"It is actually expected that RNA will remain in the milk after pasteurization. Heating (pasteurization) will kill the virus but won’t necessarily destroy the genetic material of the virus (RNA),” Dr. Richard Webby, who runs the lab that conducted the testing told AgWeb. “On its own, the RNA isn’t infectious. It is important to reiterate that the presence of RNA does not mean there is live virus. Our data says there is no live virus "
FDA reports “a greater proportion of commercial milk samples showing the presence of inactive (dead) H5N1 fragments came from milk in areas with infected herds.”
To understand why dead fragments of H5N1 could be found in states other than the nine where infected cows have been confirmed, it’s important to understand that commercial milk is trucked from areas of the U.S. where there are more dairies to other parts of the U.S. with fewer dairies.
FDA says it also tested several samples of retail powdered infant formula as well as powdered milk products marketed as toddler formula. The FDA reports all results of formula testing were H5N1 negative, indicating no detection of viral fragments or virus in powdered formula products. FDA, CDC and the USDA maintain that consuming pasteurized dairy products regardless of their origin, is the safest way to assure dairy products are safe to consume.
H5N1 has not been found in ground beef
On May 1, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that H5N1 has not been found in any of the samples of ground beef from across the U.S. that the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). FSIS collected samples of ground beef from retail stores in each state that had dairy herds that tested positive for H5N1 at the time the samples were collected.
To verify the safety of the U.S. meat supply in the context of H5N1, USDA’s FSIS, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are working on two separate beef safety studies related to avian influenza in meat from dairy cattle. These three studies are taking place in the interest of scientific inquiry and to reaffirm consumer confidence.
FSIS is collecting muscle samples at FSIS-inspected slaughter facilities of cull dairy cattle that have been condemned for systemic pathologies. The samples will be analyzed by APHIS using PCR to determine presence of H5N1 viral particles. The results will be posted as soon as they -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page become available.
ARS will be conducting a ground beef cooking study using a virus surrogate in ground beef to determine how effective different temperatures are at reducing the virus should it be present in meat. ARS is using the mathematical term logarithmic reduction to measure the number of the virus substitute eliminated by cooking. Results will be posted as soon as they become available.
Columbia restricts U.S. beef imports
Colombia is restricting fresh/frozen beef and beef products derived from cattle slaughtered in states where H5N1 virus was detected in dairy cattle. The notice was first posted on USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website on April 22.
In a statement issued April 26, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) pointed out the restrictions have no scientific basis and Colombia is the only country that has officially restricted imports of U.S. beef.
“Colombia’s attempt to suspend beef imports from specific U.S. states is unworkable and misguided. It has created uncertainty for Colombian importers and their customers as well as their suppliers, and will greatly disrupt trade,” the USMEF statement read. “USMEF appreciates the efforts of the U.S. government to address Colombian officials’ concerns, and we are hopeful that this matter can be resolved as soon as possible. USMEF is encouraged that the vast majority of our trading partners are following the science on this matter.
The U.S. exported about $40 million in beef and beef products to Colombia last year, making the U.S. Colombia’s largest supplier of imported beef, according to the USMEF. Overall, Columbia represents a relatively small percentage of total beef exports, which were valued at nearly $10 billion in 2023, USMEF says.
GOV. KEMP SIGNS LEGISLATION SUPPORTING GEORGIA AGRICULTURE
In an April 30 ceremony in Valdosta, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a package of legislation focused on supporting Georgia’s ever-growing agricultural industry and improving security against foreign adversaries.
Among other things, included in this package is legislation that tackles ownership of agricultural land or land near military installations by certain individuals acting as an agent of a foreign adversary, alleviates high input costs for farmers and ranchers, protects children from misleading and dangerous marketing, and increases the penalty for livestock theft.
“As valued members of our state's number one industry, Georgia’s farming families deserve our enduring support as they face unprecedented challenges, including having to navigate disastrous federal energy policies, attempts by foreign adversaries to acquire farmland, and theft of property,” Kemp said. “We are tackling these challenges head on, and I want to thank our legislative partners for their work on these important issues."
While the package is primarily focused on agriculture-related issues, it also addresses career burnout among healthcare professionals and goes after those who are distributing fentanyl-laced medications or controlled substances.
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Kemp signed nine pieces of legislation included below:
• SB 420, sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte, prohibits the ownership or acquisition of agricultural land or non-residential land within a 25-mile radius of a military location by a nonresident alien acting as an agent of a government designated as a foreign adversary, entity domiciled/majorly owned in certain countries, or governments of countries designated as a foreign adversary by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
• SB 340, sponsored by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick adds diesel exhaust fluid (for agricultural uses only) to the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) - alleviating high input costs for our farmers and ranchers.
• HB 827, sponsored by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith, increases the penalty for livestock theft and awards Title 16 law enforcement authority to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and includes language from HB 1164 relating to criminal trespass involving a wild animal that is contained in a cage, enclosure, etc.
• SB 494, sponsored by Sen. Sam Watson, makes changes to the framework for hemp regulation in Georgia to allow the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to have greater oversight and enforcement power and adds labeling, packaging, and marketing requirements to protect children from misleading and dangerous marketing.
• SB 436, sponsored by Watson, expands the definition of farm-use vehicles as it relates to road right-of-way to include any lawful operators of tractors or husbandry implement used primarily for agriculture.
• HB 455, sponsored by Representative John LaHood, requires that professional programs established to address career fatigue and wellness in healthcare professionals are not obligated to report information on individual cases to the respective licensing boards unless they are determined to not be competent to continue to practice or are a danger to themselves or others.
• HB 1335, sponsored by Representative John LaHood, adjusts staffing requirements in personal care homes, assisted living communities, and memory care centers by ensuring that no fewer than two on-site direct care staff are present on the premise at all times with at least one staff person on each floor. If the personal care home has implemented a medical alert system and each resident is provided a wearable device that connects to such system, then the staff person may move about the premises as necessary.
• HB 906, sponsored by Representative Bill Yearta, provides for an additional superior court judge to the Tifton Judicial Circuit to be appointed by the Governor for a term beginning July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025. The position will then become elected.
• SB 465, sponsored by Senator Russ Goodman, targets those involved in distributing fentanyl-laced medications to unknowing consumers by creating the offense of aggravated involuntary manslaughter for persons who manufacture or sell an apparent controlled substance that contains fentanyl and causes the fentanyl overdose death of another. The bill also establishes a criminal penalty for unregulated persons to possess a pill press, tableting machine, encapsulating machine, or other materials used to manufacture controlled or counterfeit substances.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FINALIZES FARMWORKER PROTECTION RULE
On April 26, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule imposing additional requirements of farm employers who hire workers through the H-2A program. The rule has requirements related to organization of labor, “for cause” termination, recruitment transparency, Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR) and worker transportation.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) criticized the new rule, saying that it imposes excessive compliance costs and disregards privacy concerns for farmers and their employees.
“Farmers appreciate the men and women who work on their farms, and we don’t take lightly the responsibility to ensure their safety and protection,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “We wholeheartedly support clamping down on labor abuses, but this rule instead assumes all farmers are guilty until proven innocent and that’s not right.”
According to the DOL, the rule targets vulnerability and abuses the agency says are experienced by H-2A workers and that undermine fair labor standards for all farmworkers in the U.S.
The 600-page rule brings to approximately 3,000 pages of new regulations in the past 18 months.
“In truth, the workers most supported by DOL are the lawyers needed to interpret the tsunami of new rules that keep moving the goalposts for farmers,” Duvall said.
The final rule includes the following requirements detailed by the DOL:
• New protections for worker self-advocacy: The final rule expands the range of activities protected by anti-retaliation provisions. For workers not protected by the National Labor Relations Act, this rule allows workers the choice to organize and to decline to attend employer meetings concerning organization of labor. The rule also allows workers to seek counsel for, among other things, legal services providers, and to do so in employer-furnished housing.
• Clarifying “for cause” termination: The final rule clarifies that an employer may only terminate a worker for cause when the worker either fails to comply with employer policies or fails to perform job duties satisfactorily after, in most cases, the transparent application of a system of progressive discipline. The rule establishes that for a worker to be terminated for cause, five conditions must be met, including a requirement that workers are either informed about or reasonably should have known the policy, rule or performance expectation unless the worker has engaged in egregious misconduct.
• Making foreign labor recruitment more transparent: The final rule imposes new disclosure requirements for farm employers to provide additional information about the nature of the job opportunity and bolsters the department’s ability to protect workers from exploitation and abuse. The new provisions require employers to provide a copy of all agreements with any agent or recruiter they engage or plan to engage, disclose the name and location of any person or entity working for the recruiter who will solicit prospective H-2A workers and disclose in the H-2A application the name, location and contact information of the workplace’s owners, operators and managers.
• Address wage changes for H-2A workers: Returning to longstanding practice, the final rule designates the effective date of updated adverse effect wage rates (AEWR) as of the date of -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page publication in the Federal Register. The rule would also require employers who fail to provide adequate notice to workers of a delay in their start date to pay workers the applicable rate for each day that work is delayed for up to 14 days.
• Improving transportation safety: Many H-2A workers travel in vans or buses. The final rule includes a seat belt requirement. If a vehicle is required by Department of Transportation regulations to be manufactured with seat belts, the final rule prohibits the operation of these vehicles to transport workers under the H-2A program unless each occupant is wearing a seat belt.
• Preventing labor exploitation and human trafficking: The final rule clarifies that employers are prohibited from holding or confiscating a worker’s passport, visa or other identification documents, which is a tactic used to exploit workers.
• Ensuring employer accountability: The final rule updates procedures for discontinuing employment services for employers that have failed to meet the DOL requirements and requires states to discontinue services to debarred employers. It also streamlines the procedures for applying debarment to a successor who carries forward a debarred company. In addition, the rule codifies how the department determines whether separate entities are acting as one employer for purposes of assessing seasonal or temporary need and how these entities are treated for enforcement purposes.
The final rule becomes effective on June 28. However, H-2A applications filed before Aug. 28 will be processed according to applicable federal regulations that are in effect as of June 27. Applications submitted on or after Aug. 29, will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the Farmworker Protection Rule.
For more information about the rule, visit the Employment and Training Administration and Wage and Hour Division web pages.
GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY COMMISSIONS SEEK NOMINATIONS
Twelve of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions (ACCs) are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s webpage and will be accepted until May 24. Administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, these commissions oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s No. 1 industry through research, education, and promotion of the Georgia Grown commodities these commissions represent.
Producers can nominate themselves, be nominated by others, or receive a nomination from an affiliated organization for their commodity. Their role involves attending periodic meetings and making decisions on behalf of their peers. Commission members serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. They represent the interests of the commodity’s producers. The Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee makes appointments to the commissions in July.
Commission Members with Expiring Terms:
Apple Commission: Andy Futch (Gilmer County) and John Reece (Gilmer County) -continued on next page
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Beef Commission: Kenneth Murphy (Meriweather County) and Kristy Arnold (Wayne County)
Blueberry Commission: John Strickland (Clinch County) and Jerome Crosby (Atkinson County)
Corn Commission: Herbert Daniel (Evans County) and Lee Webster (Burke County)
Cotton Commission: Chad Mathis (Baker County) and Bart Davis (Colquitt County)
Equine Commission: Julie Murphy (Brooks County) and Robin Tardy (Madison County)
Milk Commission: Aillene Schaapman (Wilcox County) and Paul Johnson (Decatur County)
Peach Commission: Lawton Pearson (Crawford County) and Drew Echols (Hall County)
Pecan Commission: Brenda Evans (Peach County) and Emory Mixon (Toombs County)
Tobacco Commission: Daniel Johnson (Pierce County)
Vegetable Commission: Jamie Brannen (Echols County), Jason Tyrone (Lowndes County), and Bill Brim (Tift County)
Wine & Grape Commission: Gary Engel (Gilmer County) and Eric Miller (White County).
Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s dedicated commodity commission webpage or can be requested via email. Completed forms should be submitted by email or mailed to:
Georgia Dept of Agriculture
ATTN: Andy Harrison
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW. Suite 324
Atlanta, GA 30334
For more information, please contact Andy Harrison at 404-710-1196 or andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.
SIGN-UP OPEN THROUGH MAY FOR SUSTAINABLE U.S. PEANUTS PROGRAM
From the American Peanut Council
The American Peanut Council is taking grower enrollments for the Sustainable U.S. Peanuts Initiative's (SUSP) 2023 crop through May 31. In its third year, SUSP is an industry-supported data-collection platform for growers to voluntarily input information on their individual farming practices, such as crop rotation, cover crops, water usage, and breeding and nesting habitats, just to name a tew.
Never before has collecting information on growers' sustainability practices been so important. Not only are consumers demanding sustainable food production practices, but manufacturers, retailers and even our international trading partners are increasingly having the same expectations. SUSP is supporting America's peanut farmers with metrics on the most efficient use of on-farm resources, as well as encouraging farm operation sustainability practices that will help meet these expectations, lead to increased demand for peanuts and set the stage for long-term economic viability.
Growers can enroll in SUSP by completing an annual self-assessment (20-40 minutes) and fieldlevel survey (20-30 minutes). Subsequent years’ enrollments are much faster after a grower’s -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page initial enrollment. If a grower is already enrolled in the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, they can join that account with SUSP to streamline their enrollment. Growers can enroll through May 31 at www.sustainableuspeanuts.org, or by contacting Allie Randell via email at arandell@peanutsusa.com.
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PARAQUAT CERTIFICATION TRAINING WEBINAR
May 07
May 09
May 13
May 14
May 20
May 21
May 28
May 30
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
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2 p.m.-3 p.m.
This free training is for those in need of certification or recertification on paraquat handling. The training was put together by Syngenta Senior Stewardship Manager Bart Clewis. Certification requires attendance of ne training session. There is a mandatory quiz at the end of the webinar that will be conducted thru zoom, so trainees need to stay until the end of the webinar. To register, click here. The registration link will require first and last name, email address, state, and certification license number in order to receive certification credits For more information, contact Tattnall County Extension Agent Aubrey Shirley at 912-557-6724, 912-314-3698 or aubreys@uga.edu
PECAN TREE GROWERS CROP INSURANCE
May 15 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia pecan tree growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is May 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the May 15 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for pecan trees in select Georgia counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2024 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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GFB SPRING SHOOTOUT
May 17 Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Griffin Tickets for the GFB Spring Shootout are now available for purchase! Don't miss out, join us for a day of friendly competition, outdoor fun, and supporting agricultural education, scholarships, and farmer mental health through the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with a 9:45 a.m. safety meeting. Tournament begins at 10 a.m., with lunch and awards scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays is located at 895 Baptist Camp Road in Griffin. Regular Team Tickets are $550 for a team of four shooters, including event participation, equipment rental, breakfast, and lunch. VIP Team Tickets: $700 with additional perks such as tshirts, preferred parking, priority course access, and post-event beverages. Extras Available: Enhance your experience with optional add-ons like raffle tickets, practice shots, mulligan shots, gun rental, ammo, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://gfb.ag/24GFBShootout The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is still accepting station sponsorships. As a sponsor, your company will not only be aligning itself with a worthwhile charitable organization, but also gaining exposure to a passionate and engaged audience. With various levels of sponsorship available, there is an option for every budget. From t-shirts and signage recognition on the day of the event to branding on our website and social media channels, we are committed to ensuring that our sponsors receive maximum exposure and recognition. Don't miss out on this opportunity to showcase your brand and make a positive impact in Georgia agriculture! For more information, visit https://gfb.ag/24GFBShootoutSponsors
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
May 18, Sept. 7 & Oct. 5 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
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FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION
May 22 Madison Co. High School, 600 Madison St. 5 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Danielsville Feral swine have become increasingly detrimental in Georgia, causing significant damage to agricultural crops and natural resources throughout the state. The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at $150 million. A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. Partnering agencies for this effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events.
EPD MEETINGS REGARDING SOUTHWEST GA WATER WITHDRAWAL PERMITS
May 23 Candy Room, 125 Pine Ave., 31701 Albany June 13 Goolsby Farm Supply, 2943 Callis Rd., 39842 Dawson
Meeting registration begins at 9:30 a m Meetings will start at 10 a m The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is modifying the 2012 agricultural permitting suspension in Southwest Georgia to allow new and modified surface water withdrawal permits in the Suwannee and Ochlockonee portions of the suspension area. EPD is holding public meetings to receive feedback from stakeholders on potential changes to the 2012 suspension. More information about agricultural water withdrawal and the 2012 suspension is available at https://epd.georgia.gov/waterwithdrawal-permitting
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GFB YF&R CONFERENCE & ENTER GFB PHOTO CONTEST
June 1 conference registration deadline
June 7 photo contest entry deadline
Registration is now open for the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference, and GFB is taking entries for its annual photo contest. The Summer Leadership Conference will be July 17-20 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. This conference is open to any GFB member involved with YF&R between the ages of 18 and 35. A children’s program will also be provided for children going into the 4th grade and younger as a convenience for attendees competing or participating in sessions. Please use this link to register by one of the deadlines listed below - https://gfb.ag/yfrslc. Registration deadline: June 1; registration fee is $150 per attendee. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Room blocks have been secured at select Jekyll Island hotels – please see the attached document for additional information regarding hotel reservations. For more information, please contact your GFB District Federation Manager or county Farm Bureau office. Enter GFB’s photo contest by June 7 The 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Photo Contest is sponsored by the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee. The contest is an opportunity for all GFB members to showcase agriculture and to encourage an appreciation of rural Georgia. This competition offers 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 grand prize winner will receive $150 and have their photo featured on the cover of the 2025 YF&R calendar. Eleven honorable mention winners will each receive $75 and have their photos featured inside the 2025 YFR calendar. All photos must highlight Georgia agriculture and must have been taken in 2023 or 2024. An individual may enter up to three photos. Only those of highest quality will be considered. All digital photos must be in a .jpeg format and should be at least 1 MB in size. For complete rules and to enter the contest, visit https://gfb.ag/yfrphoto. The deadline for entries is June 7. For more information, contact Haley Darby at hadarby@gfb.org
AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT GRANT APPLICATIONS
June 14 application deadline
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is accepting applications for its 20242025 White-Reinhardt school year project grants. These grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Organizations and individual schools can work with their local Farm Bureaus to apply. Grants are available on a competitive basis. Grant funds cannot be used for consumable items like food or paper, transportation, wages or safety programs. Grant payments can only be made to a state or county Farm Bureau. Grant applications are due June 14. To learn more about the White-Reinhardt Fund and apply for the 2024-2025 school year grant click here. For more information email foundation@fb.org . https://www.agfoundation.org/grants-awards/white-reinhardt-grants
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FARM BUREAU AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 11th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will each receive $10,000. Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Sept. 3. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest. The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, to win: Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000); Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000) Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these innovative businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile. Examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at www.fb.org/challenge. Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semifinalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today to become a member. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 15.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
June 19-24 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton May 15 registration deadline
The Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) is available to Georgia’s Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. The workshop gives students a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors. The workshop features field trips, classroom instruction, and recreational activities. Students scoring well on the workshop exam may be awarded a college scholarship. A limited number of scholarships are awarded based on exam scores and specific scholarship guidelines and criteria. Sponsorships are available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts for students to attend at no cost. Transportation options are also available. Registration is available through May 1 at www.abac.edu/nrcw.
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HEREFORDS IN THE COVE
Aug. 3 Walker Co. Civic Center & Ag Center Rock Springs
Onsite registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. Program begins at 2 p.m. Topics to be covered include Understanding EPDs; Hereford research that pertains to the South; Feeding cattle to become freezer vs. replacement heifers & bulls; How to bring the next generation back to the farm. Event will include a program for Jr. Hereford members. There will also be a social hour and meal along with entertainment and an auction. Cost is $25/person for those ages 10 & up. Cost is $10 for those under 10. For more information about this event, contact Wes Smith at 706-601-9527 or Cody Cleveland at 229-254-0399. If attending, please RSVP to Cody Cleveland. For information about the Jr. Hereford program, please contact Shelly McQuaid at 229-402-7232. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn in Ringgold 706-935-4800 for a rate of $119/night plus tax.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here (https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgr8t6TWhUKNJ4i) These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, please visit the project website.
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES
Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207.More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont.
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GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2023 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.