May 6, 2020
www.gfb.org
Vol. 2 No. 9
TORNADOES HIT SOUTH GEORGIA AG FOR SECOND TIME IN TWO WEEKS A second wave of tornadoes struck South Georgia on April 23, leaving widespread destruction to homes, businesses and property. Agricultural assets in Moultrie, Pelham and Homerville were hit by what the National Weather Service deemed to be three tornadoes, two rated by the National Weather Service (NWS) at EF-1 strength, pushing farmers and agribusinesses into the all-too-familiar cleanup and recovery process. Perhaps the hardest-hit location was Farmers Gin and Peanut in Moultrie, where manager Jon Ladson gave a reminder of higher priorities while pushing through the aftermath of the storm. “Nobody got hurt by God’s grace and that’s what counts,” Ladson said. “All this can be replaced.” The Farmers Gin and Peanut location near the Sunbelt Expo site in Moultrie took a direct hit, Ladson said. The mangled the gin building, causing gaps in the siding and roof that allowed rain to get inside, where the gin housed its machinery and advanced electronic equipment. Ladson said the building would have to be torn down and rebuilt. Farmers Gin had about 30,000 bales of cotton in various buildings onsite, but only lost about 20 of them that were stored in the main gin building. The business’ peanut drying facility was also hit hard, tossing peanut wagons against the structure’s support columns, damaging both the structure and the wagons. Ladson said the company’s 60,000-square-foot warehouse had all of its 17 roll-up doors blown out and a 100-foot elevator was ripped down. “This is the fifth straight year we’ve had tornado or hurricane damage either here or at our Ellenton facility,” said Ladson. “It’s gotten to the point where I’m not even surprised any more.” The Sunbelt Expo grounds sustained minor damage, according to spokeswoman Becca Turner. Colquitt County Farm Bureau Director Sam Watson said the storm ripped up plastic sheets in some of his vegetable fields in the south part of the county. The wind and heavy rain damaged squash he had planted there. Watson said his crops are hurting from the cumulative effect of three violent storms in the span of two weeks, during which South Georgia received heavy rainfall. “It’s just been one after another,” Watson said. “We’ll replant squash, but it has been so wet it’s hard to get out there.” -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 10 Continued from previous page Colquitt County Extension Coordinator Jeremy Kichler said some farms had barn roofs torn off and damage to hay barns. The twister that touched down in Colquitt County stayed on the ground for more than 28 miles and moved into Cook County according to the NWS. At its widest point the tornado was nearly a mile wide. In Mitchell County, the city of Pelham was ravaged, with widespread damage to structures in town and destroyed poultry houses on the farm of Johnny Taylor. Georgia Farm Bureau 9th District Director Paul Shirah, a Mitchell County Farm Bureau director, had at least one irrigation pivot toppled, though he thought it could be placed upright and repaired rather than having to replace it. Shirah uses that pivot to irrigate 200 acres split between cotton and peanuts. The peanuts, he said, seemed OK, but the cotton will have to be replanted. Farther east in Clinch County, a separate tornado, rated EF0 by the National Weather Service, damaged blueberries grown by Russ Goodman, who indicated on Facebook that he had a 70% crop loss. GFB, AG PARTNERS ASK FARMERS TO TAKE COVID-19 IMPACT SURVEY Georgia Farm Bureau is partnering with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development to gather information on the impact COVID-19 is having on Georgia agriculture. May 18 is the deadline for completing the survey. GFB and its survey partners developed a survey (https://gfb.ag/SurveyPreview) to reveal the ways and to what extent producers are being affected. If you are a farmer in Georgia, please take 10 minutes to provide feedback. “Thank you in advance for your participation! As an industry, it is critical that we work together to evaluate the needs of our farming community during this time,” said GFB President Gerald Long. The survey is to be completed only once for each farm/ranch operation. Participants’ names will not be recorded. All information will be kept strictly confidential. The Qualtrics survey system uses data encryption, so there is minimal risk that security of any online data collected may be breached. Participants may choose to withdraw from the survey at any point during the survey. For more information or to participate in the survey, visit https://gfb.ag/covidsurvey. There is no personal compensation provided for participation.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 10 GA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE AWARDS $65,000 TO AG SCHOLARS The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is awarding $65,000 in scholarships to 32 students across Georgia for the 2020-2021 academic year. The foundation selected students who have excelled academically and/or with their extracurricular activities and intend to pursue or are already pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry or family/consumer sciences at an accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program or a Georgia accredited technical college. “Agriculture is Georgia’s leading economic sector. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture would like to keep it that way, which is why it continues to invest in the bright minds that will power our industry in the future,” said Lily Baucom, executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. The scholarships were awarded to graduating high school seniors headed to college or a technical college next fall, rising college juniors and seniors and students enrolled in the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine who plan to care for farm animals. Recipients are: • College Freshman Scholarship for Agriculture Seven students planning to enter college as freshmen at either Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) or the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) were awarded scholarships of $3,000 each: Adonis Merritt, Newton County; Chase West, Madison County; Ivey Cook, Tift County; Leana Atkinson, Coffee County; Lorene Parker, Polk County; Sarah Hunter, Bulloch County; Tyler Hunter, Bulloch County. These students plan to pursue degrees in ag education, ag communications, animal science, poultry science, avian biology and biological sciences. Seven students were selected to receive scholarships of $1,500: Aubrey Hughes, Berrien County; Austin Ertzberger, Franklin County; Elijah Alford, Turner County; Lexi Cindrick, Troup County; Macy Taylor, Berrien County; Madison Gunter, Wilkes County; Rachel Hopper, Wilcox County. These students plan to pursue degrees in animal science/animal health, animal production and ag education. •Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture Hope Smith, Stephens County; Jared Sheriff, Stephens County; Mary Knight, Stephens County; Rebecca Bowen, Banks County; and Shelby Benford, Henry County were each selected to receive a $1,500 scholarship. Smith, Sheriff, Knight and Bowen plan to study in Agribusiness at North Georgia Technical College. Benford plans to pursue a degree as a Vet Tech at Gwinnett Technical College. • Rising College JR/SR Scholarships for Agriculture The foundation awarded 10 scholarships of $2,000 each to these rising college juniors and seniors: Brittany Braddy, Montgomery County; Elizabeth Lokey, Lowndes County; Fallon Cawthon, Franklin County; Josh Brown, Habersham County; Lane Goodroe, Colquitt County; Larabeth Bland, Bulloch County; Lindsey Moore, Wilkes County; Madison Walker, Gwinnett County; Teresa Lindstrom, Houston County; Will Barrett, Habersham County. These students plan to attend UGA CAES, ABAC and Emmanuel College in the fall and are studying agricultural education, agribusiness, applied agricultural economics, agricultural communications or animal science. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 10 Continued from previous page • UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Eric Whitmire, Hart County; John Gentry, Pulaski County; Taylor Strickland, Decatur County were chosen to receive scholarships of $2,000 each as they study to become animal veterinarians at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. Visit www.gafoundationag.org to learn more about the nonprofit Georgia Foundation for Agriculture or to make a tax-deductible donation. Instructions for applying for the 2021 scholarships will be announced on the foundation website in the fall. GFB, UGA EXTENSION & GA DEPT. OF AG HELPING FARMERS SELL PRODUCTS Georgia farmers and agricultural producers eager to sell their fresh produce and other products can connect with consumers and other buyers who need their products through a new partnership between Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown program. Because of marketing disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 crisis, many Georgia agricultural producers are experiencing difficulties getting their products to those who can use them. A mixed-media campaign will encourage consumers to “Buy Georgia Grown, Now More Than Ever.” The collaborative effort includes Public Service Announcements, direct to consumer purchasing platforms, recipes and preservation tips for fresh produce, all supported by a targeted social media campaign under the hashtags #NowMoreThanEver and #BuyGeorgiaGrown. “It is important that we support Georgia's number one industry, agriculture,” GFB President Gerald Long said. “We are pleased to partner with Georgia Grown and UGA Cooperative Extension in helping remind consumers that our farmers feed and clothe the world by producing the finest food and fiber.” GFB will promote the program through its numerous media and social media platforms. Types of agricultural products that qualify for the program include everything from vegetables, fruits and other produce to seafood, meats, dairy, poultry products and any other agriculture-related product, such as honey and prepared foods. Georgia farmers who are keeping regular hours, providing curbside pickup, home delivery or ecommerce sales during the COVID-19 crisis can join the promotion program by visiting the Georgia Grown Ag-Products Industry Promotion at www.gfb.ag/GDAUGAproductpromotion or Georgia Grown E-Commerce Promotion at www.gfb.ag/GDAUGAecommerce and completing forms that will add their information to a statewide database of producers that will be shared with consumers and buyers. Growers in more than 70 counties have already signed up. GDA’s Georgia Grown program - a state membership program designed to help agribusinesses thrive by bringing producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agritourism and consumers together - will waive all membership fees for the service until July to help producers affected by the crisis. UGA Extension will support the program through its network of county agents and specialists throughout the state. “This is a grassroots effort that starts with all of our Extension agents, specialists and coordinators who have the relationships with these growers, producers and farmers,” said -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 10 Continued from previous page Dr. Laura Perry Johnson, associate dean for UGA Extension. “We are working on several different ways to get this information out to producers and consumers, including our Extension website emergency resources page and through traditional and social media. Together we can make this into something that will not only help agriculture in Georgia, but the people who need access to fresh food as well.” For consumers interested in picking their own produce, Georgia Farm Bureau has a group of 78 Certified Farm Markets available at www.gfb.ag/cfm . Georgia Grown also provides a list of pickyour-own producers at www.extension.uga.edu/ag-products-connection. 2020 GFB YF&R SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE CANCELED In the interest of protecting the health of its members and staff, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) has canceled the 2020 Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference, which was scheduled for July 15-18 on Jekyll Island. “The YF&R Summer Leadership Conference is a valuable opportunity for our members, and we regret this change in plans,” said GFB President Gerald Long. “We are continuing to evaluate other upcoming Farm Bureau events.” GFB leadership made the decision to cancel the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference in accordance with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommendations concerning large gatherings and organized events. The YF&R Summer Leadership Conference typically draws about 400 young farmers and ranchers from around the state. Counties or individuals who had already paid registration fees for the conference will have their money refunded. Those who made hotel reservations should call and cancel before June 10. GFB is developing plans to move forward with the YF&R Awards programs. Details for the Excellence in Agriculture, Achievement in Agriculture, Discussion Meet and YF&R Member of the Year awards will be provided when they are finalized. The YF&R Photo Contest will still take place. The deadline to submit photos is June 1. GEORGIA AG COMMODITY COMMISSIONS SEEKING NOMINATIONS Eleven Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations to fill 29 board positions. Eligible candidates must be active producers of the commodity and commit to attending commodity commission meetings. Term-expiring board members are also eligible for reappointment. The commission members whose terms are expiring members are: Apple – David Lilliard, Janice Smith Hale, Jarl Echols; Blueberry – Shane Wade, Steve Mullis, Russ Goodman; Corn – Randy Dowdy, Rodney Harrell, Robby Brett; Cotton – Chris Hopkins, Lee Cromley, John Ruark; Equine – Ron Smith; Milk – Tim Camp, Judd Chambers, Pete Gelber; Peach – Jeff Wainwright, Duke Lane III, Lee Dickey; Pecan – R.G. Lamar, Lanair Worsham Jr.; Soybean – Greg Mims, Tony Smith, Mark Ariail; Tobacco – Carlos Vickers, Brant Clifton; Vegetable – Jamie Brannen, Glenn Heard, Dick Minor. Nominations can be completed using a nomination form found at www.agr.georgia.gov/cpf, then submitted to Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or by mail at: Georgia Department of Agriculture, 19 MLK Jr. Drive S.W., Room 320, Atlanta, GA 30334. The nomination deadline is Thursday, May 30, 2020. For more information contact Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or call 404-710-1196.
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 10 GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION APPROVES 2021 RESEARCH At its April 22 meeting, the Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) Board of Directors approved $688,994 in research funding for the 2021 crop year. This money will fund 16 projects that will be conducted by University of Georgia researchers and Extension specialists based at the Tifton, Athens, and Griffin campuses. Projects come from a broad range of academic disciplines. The goal of this producer-funded research is to help the cotton producer’s bottom line by conducting studies that can either raise yields, promote efficiency or open new markets. All projects are vetted by both the GCC Board of Directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the commission’s research review committee, which is a select group made up of researchers, crop consultants, and local UGA Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource agents. “In these uncertain times, it is important now, more than ever, that we as the Georgia Cotton Commission provide impactful research to the cotton farmers of Georgia. I am confident that the research we have provided over the years will be the keys that producers will use as they try to remain viable during this period of super-depressed markets,” said GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a Colquitt County cotton farmer. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the GCC to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call 478-988-4235 or visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org. SBA: AG BUSINESSES ELIGIBLE FOR COVID-19 DISASTER AID On May 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that agricultural businesses are eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. The SBA’s EIDL portal was reopened on May 4 as a result of additional funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act (H.R. 266). The legislation, signed into law by the President Donald Trump on April 24, provided an additional $60 billion for small businesses, including farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as $100 billion for hospitals. The SBA is accepting new EIDL applications only from agricultural business. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, the SBA indicated it will move forward and process these applications without the need for re-applying. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis. For more information, please visit: www.sba.gov/Disaster.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 10 MAY IS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH It won’t come as a surprise to Georgia farmers that studies have shown increasing levels of stress in their profession and in their rural communities, even if they often are unwilling to talk about it. May is National Mental Health Month, and in an effort to connect struggling farmers and rural residents with help, the University of Georgia has assembled Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger, a clearinghouse of resources to assist with coping skills and advance emotional and behavioral health. The information is compiled in a central online location at www.extension.uga.edu/rural. The site provides resources from experts across the country to help individuals recognize a neighbor in crisis and connect them with assistance. There are also numerous resources on health and wellness, financial planning, dealing with stress and much more. In addition to the website, UGA Extension agents and specialists are working with farmers at commodity production meetings across southwest Georgia to jumpstart the conversation about health, both physical and mental. Extension agents, who serve in every county in Georgia and work closely with the agricultural community, can play a vital role in helping to normalize conversations about stress and mental health, said Laura Perry Johnson, associate dean for UGA Extension. “I see us as a conduit between our audience and the people who can help them,” Johnson said. “I'm not, in any way, trying to turn us into counselors. But their Extension agents and their bankers know when they’re in trouble, and they trust us.” UGA Extension has partnered with local health care providers as well as the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to combine the resources and expertise of each organization. “This is a complex, multi-faceted problem and UGA Extension is excited to convene a diverse team of experts to help us address this issue. So far, our efforts and educational resources have been very well received by farmers and several have followed up to avail themselves of the offered counseling and other services,” Johnson said. “My appreciation goes to all of our partners as well as the agriculture agents and specialists who care so deeply about the success and wellbeing of their clientele. This is a new area of education for us and slightly out of our area of expertise but, with the expertise of our partners, we are able to help farmers get the resources they need, and that is ultimately the role of Extension.” For more information about rural stress in Georgia and what UGA is doing to help, visit www.extension.uga.edu/rural.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 10 GVMA/UGA COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE TOWN HALL May 7 7 p.m. online The way we interact and produce food is already changing due to COVID-19. This session is devoted to answering questions producers and veterinarians have around their role in maintaining a stable, secure, and cost-effective food supply. Town hall panelists include: Dr. Brent Credille, UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor of Food Animal Health & Management Program, Department of Population Health; Dr. Lawton Stewart – UGA College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Extension Animal Scientist; Dr. Tommie Shepherd - UGA College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Agribusiness Economist. To register, visit www.gfb.ag/20GVMAtownhall. FARM PRESS 2020 PEANUT EFFICIENCY AWARD May 10 deadline for nominations The Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Award honors peanut growers who produce the highest yields by using inputs wisely. Awards are given to growers from the four distinct peanut-growing regions. Each winner and a guest receive free accommodations and registrations to the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation conference in Florida. To nominate a grower, visit https://gfb.ag/20pnutefficiencynoms. NRCS SEEKS PROPOSALS FROM CONSERVATION-MINDED PARTNERS United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is requesting proposals to assist with implementing key resource priorities in Georgia. Conservation minded organizations who can enhance conservation planning technical assistance for pollinator habitat, grazing and soil health, as well as program delivery are encouraged to submit their proposals by 11:59 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), May 15. NRCS in Georgia anticipates approximately $2,500,000 in funding to be available through this notice of funding for fiscal year 2020. Potential applicants should review the announcement of funding available at www.gfb.ag/NRCSgrants, which includes application materials and submission procedures. All awards are subject to the availability of funds appropriated by Congress. For further question about this funding opportunity, please contact Tansel Hudson at tansel.hudson@usda.gov. Projects can last from one to four years. For more information on these programs in Georgia, please visit www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM May 29 deadline to apply for 2020 funding Through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques. Changes in the 2018 Farm Bill authorize NRCS to accept new CSP enrollments until 2023 and makes some improvements to the program. For additional information about CSP, contact your local service center. To find your local USDA service Center, visit www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 10 GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS TO VOTE ON ASSESSMENT RENEWAL Voting takes place through May 30 Georgia pecan growers of 30 acres or more are voting in May on the renewal of a one-cent per pound assessment on pecans for the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Pecans. Under Georgia law, producers are required to vote every three years to renew the assessment. All ballots must be postmarked by May 30. The back of the return envelope must be completed for the ballot to be valid. The commodity commission utilizes assessment funds for research, education, and promotion of Georgia pecans. Growers of 30 or more acres who have not received a ballot should contact Andy Harrison, at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov. USDA STATE CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS May 30 Deadline to apply The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has up to $150,000 of funding available in Georgia for eligible individuals, local and state governments, non-governmental organizations and tribes through Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG awards are intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies (in conjunction with agricultural production) while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection. Projects must be carried out entirely within Georgia and may be statewide in scope or focus on a smaller region or watershed. Applicants submitting proposals may request up to $75,000 of matching federal funds. Applicants must match the Federal award at least 1:1. Matching funds can be cash, in-kind or a combination of both. For more information, visit www.gfb.ag/2020CIGGa. GEORGIA FFA VIRTUAL CONVENTION May 28-29 online The 92nd Georgia FFA Convention will be held in an online virtual format in response to accepted health practices to combat COVID-19. The virtual convention will still have elections, award announcements and much more! For more information about the FFA Convention, visit www.georgiaffa.org/page.aspx?ID=45. USDA NATIONAL CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS June 29 Deadline to apply The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving solutions that boost production on farms, ranches and private forests and improve natural resources. This year’s priorities are water reuse, water quality, air quality, energy and wildlife habitat. For more information, visit www.gfb.ag/20NationalCIG.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 10 SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE July 16-18 Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort Panama City Beach, Florida Registration is open for the 2020 Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/20spgcregistration. To view the full schedule, visit https://gfb.ag/20spgcsked. Resort reservations can be made by calling 1-800-874-8686 and ask for the “Southern Peanut Growers Conference Rate” or use the Booking ID 11578. Visit www.edgewaterbeachresort.com to book rooms online. GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Originally scheduled for March 24-25, The Georgia Pecan Growers Association annual conference is postponed to Sept. 10-11. The conference will remain in Tifton for the fall event and will essentially combine with GPGA’s annual fall field day. The GPGA uses the conference as its primary fundraiser to offset operating costs throughout the year. Registration will remain open online until the event occurs in September. All planned events will proceed at the fall event, including the golf tournament, orchard tour, welcome reception, and annual awards luncheon. 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. CENSUS 2020: YOU FARM. YOU COUNT! Participating in the 2020 Census is important! It’s crucial that the U.S. Census Bureau get an accurate count of the number of people living in Georgia and where they live because federal, state and local governments use these numbers to determine funding for education, health, nutrition assistance and transportation programs. The numbers also determine how many representatives Georgia has in Congress. For more details on the 2020 Census timeline, click here. To avoid having a Census enumerator visit your home, complete the Census online, or by calling the phone number provided on Census material sent to your home or by returning your census form by mail.