May 15, 2024
GA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE NAMES GFA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is excited to name the 24 students it has selected to receive a total of $65,000 in scholarships for the 2024-2025 academic year. GFA scholarships are awarded to students who intend to pursue or are pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry or family and consumer sciences at a school that is part of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel University or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program or a Georgia accredited technical college.
“The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is proud to recognize another crop of students who have shown they are passionate about agriculture through their extracurricular activities and chosen majors,” said GFA Board Chairman and GFB President Tom McCall. “Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased to support the foundation’s efforts. We look forward to seeing what these students will accomplish as future leaders in Georgia agriculture.”
The scholarships are for 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 listed below.
College Freshman Scholarship for Agriculture
Ten students planning to enter college this fall at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), Berry College, and the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) were awarded scholarships of $3,000 each: Andrew Carnley, Houston County; Amelia Housley, Franklin County; Eva Wessels, Lee County; Carson Lynn, Decatur County; Holt Sapp, Burke County; Katie Moncrief, Crawford County; London Osteen, Coffee County; Macey South, Upson County; Kyle Kitchens-Hayes, Bryan County; and Stephen Peterson, Lowndes County. The top two candidates – Carnley and Osteen – each received an additional $1,500.
These 10 students plan to pursue degrees in animal science, agribusiness, regenerative bioscience, environmental resources science, veterinary technology and applied biotechnology. -continued on next page
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Technical College Scholarship for Ag
Addie Pierce, Barrow County; Colton Bartmas, Stephens County; Eben Banks, Tattnall County; and Jessi Humphries, Franklin County were each selected to receive a $1,500 scholarship to attend North Georgia Technical College, Athens Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College and Gwinnett Technical College. These students plan to pursue agribusiness, environmental technology, and veterinary technology degrees.
Rising College JR/SR Scholarships for Ag
The foundation awarded eight $2,000 scholarships to these rising college juniors and seniors: Anna Clifton, Bulloch County; Bethany Champion, Gordon County; Carrie Keown, Miller County; Daniel Peterson, Lowndes County; Hannah Williams, Telfair County; Jarrett Hancock, Irwin County; Nate McKinney, Jackson County; and Reagan Baldree, Ware County.
The students plan to attend UGA CAES and ABAC in the fall and are studying ag communication, ag education, agribusiness, agricultural economics, agriscience, environmental systems and avian biology.
UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship
Matt Holton, Dawson County and Logan Rutchi, Walton County will each receive scholarships of $5,000 as they study to become food animal veterinarians at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine.
FEDERAL AGENCIES ANNOUNCE ASSISTANCE TO HELP DAIRIES FIGHT H5N1
On May 10, the USDA and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced financial compensation and other steps it is taking through its departments and through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the spread of H5N1 among dairy cattle and protect the health and safety of the U.S. food supply.
The joint announcement issued by the two agencies said USDA will offer assistance for dairy producers with H5N1-affected farms to improve on-site biosecurity to reduce the spread. In addition, USDA is taking steps to offer financial tools for lost milk production in herds affected by H5N1. USDA is expanding reimbursement originally offered to cover costs of testing dairy cattle before they are moved across state lines as required by the federal order that went into effect April 29.
Since March 25, USDA has confirmed that dairy cattle in nine states - Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, New Mexico, Ohio, North Carolina, South Dakota and Colorado - have tested positive for H5N1. As of May 14, the virus has not been found in a Georgia dairy herd.
Tested samples of pasteurized dairy products taken from grocery stores across the U.S. show the U.S. commercial milk supply to be safe. Samples of ground beef have also tested negative for H5N1.
Protect against the potential for spread between humans & animals
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producers who supply personal protective equipment to employees and/or provide outerwear uniform laundering, and who facilitate the participation of their workers in USDA/CDC workplace and farmworker study.
Workers who participate in the USDA/CDC workplace and farmworker studies are eligible for financial incentives to compensate them for their time, whether the study is led by federal, state, or local public health professionals.
Support producers in biosecurity planning & implementation
USDA will provide support (up to $1,500 per affected premises) to develop biosecurity plans based on existing secure milk supply plans. This includes recommended enhanced biosecurity for individuals that frequently move between dairy farms – milk haulers, veterinarians, feed trucks, artificial insemination technicians, etc. Additionally, USDA will provide a $100 payment to producers who buy and use an in-line sampler for their milk system.
Provide funding for heat treatment to dispose of milk in a bio secure manner
Heat treatment performed in accordance with FDA standards is the only available method considered effective to inactivate/kill the virus in milk. If a producer establishes a system to heat treat all waste milk before disposal, USDA will pay the producer up to $2,000 per affected premises per month.
Reimburse producers for veterinarian costs associated with confirmed H5N1 premises
Up to $10,000 will be provided to producers to cover veterinary costs incurred for treating cattle infected with H5N1 or fees for veterinarians to collect samples for testing. This can include veterinary fees and/or specific supplies needed for treatment and sample collection. Veterinary costs are eligible to be covered from the initial date of positive confirmation by a National Veterinary Services Lab for that farm, per affected premises.
Offset shipping costs for H5N1 testing at approved laboratories
USDA will pay for the cost of shipping samples to National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) for testing. USDA will pay actual shipping costs, not to exceed $50 per shipment for up to 2 shipments per month for each affected premises. Testing at NAHLN laboratories for samples associated with this event (e.g., pre-movement, testing of sick/suspect animals, samples from concerned producers) is already being conducted at no cost to the producer.
Together, these financial tools represent a value of up to $28,000 per premises to support increased biosecurity activities over the next 120 days.
Compensate producers for loss of milk production
USDA is taking steps to make funding available from the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to compensate eligible producers with H5N1positive herds who have loss of milk production. USDA reports that to date, dairy cows that have been infected with H5N1 generally recover well, and there has been little mortality associated with the disease, it does dramatically reduce milk production (10-30lb/cow daily), causing economic losses for producers. USDA can support farmers with the ELAP program to offset some of these losses. This compensation program is distinct from the strategy to contain the spread of H5N1.
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Work with states to limit movement of lactating cattle
Additionally, USDA will work with and support the actions of states with affected herds as they consider movement restrictions within their borders to further limit the spread of H5N1 between herds to reduce further spread of this virus.
USDA will make $98 million in existing funds available to its Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service to fund these initiatives. If needed, USDA has the authority, with Congressional notification, to make additional funds available.
Eligibility, enrollment & other information dairy producers need to know
Dairy producers with premises that have been confirmed positive for HPAI are eligible for USDA support to conduct activities that best fit their operations. Support for these interventions is available for a period of up to 120 days from the date of confirmation of H5N1 in cattle on the affected premises. Interested producers will contact the Area Veterinarian in Charge to enroll at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/contact/animal-health.
Producers will work with USDA personnel to develop a plan for their farms regarding detailing planned testing and movement, biosecurity practices and other planned activities. Following the development of this plan, the producer will draft a Detailed Financial Plan (DFP) to include all the planned activities, purchases and services associated with the actions they select (from the program options mentioned above) that will be eligible for USDA financial support.
To assure fiscal accountability with federal funds, USDA personnel will conduct a review every 30 days to monitor the progress in implementing the components of the action(s) which the producer chooses to implement (e.g., is PPE being used appropriately, is the enhanced biosecurity plan being implemented).
The dairy producer will be provided with information to sign up for a method to receive payment.
HHS financial programs
In the joint statement U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced May 10 with the USDA, HHS said it will fund programs through CDC and FDA totaling $101 million to mitigate the risk of H5N1 to continue its work to test, prevent, and treat H5N1.
Although the CDC’s assessment of the risk of avian influenza infection for the general public continues to remain low at this time, these investments reflect HHS’s commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of the American public.
HHS said its primary responsibility is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply, which is why it will continue to approach the outbreak with urgency.
CDC continues to monitor the H5N1 virus to detect any changes that may increase risk to people, and update avian flu guidance for workers to ensure people who work with dairy cows and those who work in slaughterhouses have the guides and information they need in both English and -continued on next page
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CDC is in ongoing discussions with multiple states about field investigations and incentives for workers who participate in these on-site studies. CDC has asked health departments to distribute existing PPE stocks to farm workers, prioritizing those who work with infected cows.
FDA is coordinating with USDA to conduct H5N1 retail milk and dairy sample testing nationwide to ensure the safety of the commercial pasteurized milk supply.
To read about all of the programs HHS is funding and conducting through CDC, FDA and its other agencies, visit https://gfb.ag/usdahhsfactsheet.
GEORGIA JUNIOR NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONS WIN CASH & BUCKLES
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) celebrated the newest group of Georgia Junior National Livestock Show grand champion exhibitors during its Evening of Champions dinner, May 3 GFB welcomed the students, their families, FFA advisors and 4-H agents to its state office in Macon.
“Your accomplishments are a testament to the values of hard work, perseverance and determination, and serve as a reminder that with dedication and passion, anything is possible,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Georgia FFA and 4-H play a vital role in fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders and providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and excel.”
This is the 13th year GFB has sponsored the cash prizes and belt buckles awarded to the Ga. Jr. National Livestock grand champion species exhibitors.
The Ga. Jr. National is open to Georgia 4-H and FFA members from across the state. The show is the culmination of the two youth programs’ livestock projects, which give students a chance to learn how to care for beef cattle, dairy heifers, hogs, goats and lambs for months, train them to be shown, and then compete for state honors as having the best animal in the various species categories.
At the 2024 Ga. Jr. National Livestock Show, held Feb. 21-24 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, 406 students showed 759 beef heifers; 183 students showed 258 market heifers or steers; 200 students showed 258 dairy heifers; 1,086 students showed 2,081 hogs (barrows and gilts); 153 students exhibited 289 ewes; 226 students showed 426 does.
About 355 4-H and FFA members showed 701 goats in the 2023 Georgia Jr. Market Goat Shows held at the Agricenter last October while the 2023 Georgia Jr. Market Lamb show drew 222 exhibitors who showed 480 lambs.
GFB awarded a total of $18,000 in prize money to the grand champion exhibitors who are: Beef Heifer - Emily Strickland, Madison Co.; Breeding Doe - Katherine Colletti, Oconee Co.; Commercial Dairy Heifer -Ava Smith, Gilmer Co.; Market Barrow & Market Gilt – Ava Lynn Cravey, Dodge Co.; Market Beef Cattle (steer) - Jaleigh Hurst, Thomas Co.; Breeding Ewe & Market Lamb - Laurel Christopher, White Co.; Market Doe - Aubrey Welch, Lincoln Co.; and Market Wether - Levi Roberts, Worth Co.
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Market Wether – Levi Roberts, Worth County
Worth County 4-Her Levi Roberts won the 2023 Georgia Jr. Market Wether Grand Champion prize of $1,500 Oct. 6, 2023, at the Georgia National Fair. Levi is the son of Justin and Jennifer Roberts of Sylvester. He was a second grader at Worth County Primary School at the time, and this was his third year showing goats.
Levi won with a Boer goat that he named Tarzan after watching the movie at school. He practiced with his goat in the morning and evening to prepare for the state show, his mom, Jennifer said. Levi’s uncle, Mike Roberts, has been coaching Levi during his morning training sessions that begin at 6:30 a.m.
Levi’s family has a history of showing livestock. His dad, Justin, showed pigs and cows. His first cousin, Chase, won multiple Ga. Jr. championships showing market does, wethers and breeding does during his showing career. Levi captured the 2022 Reserve Champion Market Wether award.
North Carolina State 4-H Livestock Specialist Brent Jennings judged the Georgia Jr. Market Wether Show.
Market Doe – Aubrey Welch, Lincoln County
Lincoln County High School FFA member Aubrey Welch exhibited the goat selected as the 2023 Georgia Jr. Market Doe Grand Champion on Oct. 7 and won $1,500. Aubrey, the daughter of John and Nikki Welch, of Lincolnton, has been showing goats for 10 years. She is a junior.
“She’s real chill most of the time except today in the ring,” Aubrey said.
North Carolina State 4-H Livestock Specialist Brent Jennings, who judged the Georgia Jr. Market Doe Show, looked past Peaches’ show ring antics and saw the doe’s structure and muscling to pick her as his champion.
Aubrey said she practiced twice a day with Peaches from April 2023 until winning the state title in October.
“I practice right when I get home from school and then later in the evening with the family,” Aubrey said.
In 2022, Aubrey captured the Georgia Jr. Reserve Champion Market Doe award.
Aubrey had a great weekend showing her goats at the 2023 Georgia National Fair. She showed the Reserve Grand Champion Georgia Jr. Market Wether and had the 3rd place wether in that show.
“It’s been great. I had a good weekend,” Aubrey said.
When asked what she likes most about showing, Aubrey answered, “The friends and people feel like family.”
Showing goats has been a family affair for the Welches for years as both Aubrey and her older sister Madie showed.
Market Lamb & Breeding Ewe – Laurel Christopher, White County
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2023 Georgia Jr. Market Lamb Grand Champion on Oct. 8 and won $1,000. Laurel, the daughter of Scott and Cam Christopher, of Cleveland, has been showing lambs for four years. She previously showed goats for four years.
Laurel won with a black-face cross lamb she named Mr. John after the breeder she got him from.
“Honestly we thought the other lamb we had would win, but this one finally came on and decided it wanted to win,” Laurel said.
When asked what it takes to exhibit a grand champion, Laurel replied, “You can never work too hard. If you put in the hours [practicing] it will all weigh out in the arena.”
Laurel started showing after her ag teacher said she was starting a lamb program.
“She said we want you to be in it, and the rest is history,” Laurel said smiling.
Laurel said what she enjoys most about showing is “The people. The show community.”
Marvin Ensor, who recently retired from Texas A&M Extension Service, judged the lamb show.
In February, Laurel won the breeding ewe grand champion prize of $1,000 with a black-face cross ewe named True Peach. Gene Winn of New Mexico judged this show.
Laurel is graduating from high school this May and is headed to Redlands Community College in Oklahoma where she received a scholarship to judge livestock.
Market Barrow & Market Gilt - Ava Lynn Cravey
Ava Lynn Cravey, who was a ninth-grade student at Dodge County High School when the livestock show took place in February, won grand champion honors for Market Barrow and Market Gilt. Each hog won Ava Lynn $1,500 for being selected the grand champion in its respective show.
Her favorite thing about showing animals?
“Probably being with my family,” Cravey said. “Really, just enjoying having everything we’ve worked for this season pay off.”
Cravey is an FFA student whose mother, Jody, is her FFA advisor.
Ava Lynn named her cross-bred barrrow, Zazu, after the colorful bird in The Lion King. Judge Ryan Sites of Oklahoma selected Zazu grand champion of the Market Barrow show.
Her gilt, named Shades “because the pig is cool,” was named grand champion by Judge Will Hilty of Pennsylvania.
Cravey, the daughter of Jody and Corey Cravey of Eastman, said she started showing livestock when she was two years old.
“I’m just really thankful for all of the people who have helped get me this far,” Ava Lynn said after winning the Market Gilt show.
Commercial Dairy Heifer – Ava Smith
Ava Smith, an FFA member at Gilmer County High School, won the grand champion prize of $1,500, in the Georgia Jr. National Commercial Dairy Heifer Show, with a Holstein she named Lovie.
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“I work with her two times a day, seven days a week,” Ava said.
When asked if she worked with her heifer during school breaks she answered, “Especially during school breaks!”
In fact, Gilmer County High was on its winter break the week of the state livestock show, and Ava’s FFA Dairy Show team was at the show from Wednesday through Friday
Ava previously showed pigs in middle school. One of Ava’s ag teachers, Shelby Merrell, encouraged Shelby to try showing dairy heifers.
“I like showing dairy heifers because I like having more control over my animal in the show ring,” Ava said.
Ava said her heifer, Lovie, wasn’t hard to halter break but added she could be pretty moody depending on the day.
Katharine Knowlton of Virginia judged the commercial dairy heifer show.
Beef Heifer – Emily Strickland
Madison County FFA member Emily Strickland’s High Percentage Simmental heifer, Jackie O, was selected the grand champion of the 2024 Georgia Jr. National Breeding Heifer Show. Emily won $2,500 for showing the top beef heifer.
“I feel blessed, honored and so excited,” Emily said after her win.
The daughter of Tripp and Carlton Strickland of Danielsville, Emily has been showing livestock for eight years. She’s shown only cattle for the past five years, but also showed goats for her first three years.
Emily said her family was looking for a heifer that was “just a balanced, complete cow that showed all the structural soundness you want,” when they picked her winning heifer.
Jackie O was due to calve in April. “Hopefully, if she has a heifer, she’ll show up in the ring next year.”
Emily said in the future she plans to use Jackie O’s eggs to do embryo transfers with other cows in her herd.
When asked what advice she would give younger livestock exhibitors, Emily said, “Be consistent and work hard. I’ve had to be diligent day to day working my cattle no matter what life throws at me.”
A junior in February when she won the show, Emily said she enjoys the relationships she’s made statewide and across the country by showing cattle.
“It’s really brought our family together and taught me a lot of life lessons.”
Mark & Deb Core, a husband & wife team from Iowa, judged the beef heifer show.
Breeding Doe – Katherine Coletti
North Oconee High School FFA member Katherine Coletti won $1,000 for showing the grand champion Breeding Doe.
A junior at the time of the show in February, Katherine has been showing goats for five years. She is the daughter of Norman and Kelli Coletti of Bogart.
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Katherine said she worked with her winning goat, Dua Lipa, named for the singer, since May 2023, walking her and teaching her to stand still while she braces her to show off her muscles. The pair competed in about 18 shows before arriving at the state show.
When asked what she enjoys about showing goats, Coletti answered, “The people you meet and friendships you make, the experience of traveling to shows, and I really like the fitting part of getting my goat ready for show day. It can be hectic but it’s fun!”
Lane Halfmann of Texas judged the show.
Market Beef Cattle – Jaleigh Hurst
Thomas County Middle School FFA member Jaleigh Hurst won $5,000 for showing the grand champion market beef cattle – a crossbred commercial steer with Maine influence.
Jaleigh, who has been showing livestock for six years, is the daughter of Joseph and Chasity of Ochlocknee. She was an eighth grader when she won the show and will be entering high school this fall.
Jaleigh said she likes showing cattle because she “likes a challenge.”
She named her winning steer Stetson after the University of Georgia’s former quarterback.
“My family agreed that when Georgia won the National Championship in 2023 that we’d name the steer I got to show after Stetson Bennett,” Jaleigh recalled.
She said she worked with her steer for about eight months before the state show.
“I worked him just about every day during that time. For the past month leading up to this show I’ve been getting up at five a.m. to work him before school and then I work him after school.”
Jeff Jackson of Texas judged the show.
UGA ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EXTENSION LAURA PERRY JOHNSON RETIRES
By Emily Cabrera, UGAFor a pre-teen Laura Perry Johnson, joining 4-H in fifth grade was the ticket that would take her to exciting new places beyond her home on Pineywoods Farm in Moultrie, where her family has farmed and raised cattle since 1830.
“That was the beginning of a wonderful journey in 4-H that expanded my horizons. I did everything there was to do in 4-H judging teams, camp, and I got to go on an exchange trip to Iowa, a rare experience for a girl from South Georgia. Through showing livestock and judging teams, I got to travel all over the country it opened a huge world for me,” said Johnson, whose experiences led her to the University of Georgia as a first-year student in 1983.
At the time, the U.S. was experiencing the worst farm crisis since the 1920s and 1930s, and her father encouraged her to look beyond agriculture for her career due to farming’s uncertain future.
“I had a love for agriculture, although I knew I probably was not going to be a farmer like my dad,” said Johnson, who enrolled in the College of Education but changed her major to animal science before classes had even started.
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Continued from previous page and Dairy Science in the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES). After earning her doctorate, Johnson took a position with UGA Cooperative Extension as a youth livestock Extension specialist.
“After two weeks, I was absolutely convinced that I would never go back to teaching and research. I thought it was the best job in the world. I have never looked back,” said Johnson, who retires at the end of May as associate dean for Extension, a role she has held since 2015.
Spanning more than 35 years, her career journey with CAES and UGA Extension has included county-based and administrative roles including 4-H program development coordinator for UGA Extension’s Southwest District and Southwest District Extension director, overseeing programs in 41 counties.
Arch Smith, retired former Extension 4-H Leader, will serve as interim associate dean until Johnson’s successor is named.
For more on Laura Perry Johnson, visit https://cultivate.caes.uga.edu/laura-perryjohnson/index.html
GA PEANUT, BLUEBERRY GROWERS VOTE TO CONTINUE ASSESSMENTS
In separate referendums conducted in March and early April, Georgia peanut growers reaffirmed the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and the state’s blueberry growers reaffirmed the Georgia Blueberry Commission (GBC).
Continuing the GPC was supported by 91.99% of the voters. The GPC referendum was held March 8 – April 8.
Under state law, Georgia agricultural commodity commissions are required to hold a vote every three years on whether to continue their assessments.
Georgia peanut farmers invest $2 per ton annually to the commission to be used in the program areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the Georgia Peanut Commission and its activities, visit www.gapeanuts.com
The reaffirmation of the GBC was supported by 71% of the voting producers in balloting that took place March 1-30. Georgia growers marketing 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries are subject to the $5 per ton assessment, ensuring continued support for the research, education, and promotion to support Georgia’s blueberry industry.
The GBC, established by the Georgia State Legislature in 2008, is crucial in advancing Georgia’s blueberry industry. It allocates funds toward essential projects, including research, education, and promotional efforts. These initiatives including breeding and genetic improvements, fertility studies, variety evaluations, insect and disease management, weed control and more. Notably, the commission actively advocates for fair trade practices, urging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate instances of blueberry dumping into the U.S. market.
PEACHES POISED FOR A SWEET COMEBACK
Georgia Peaches are poised to kick off an unprecedented run through produce departments and farmer’s markets across North America. The signature sweet taste of Georgia's legendary fruit was truly missed last season and the Georgia Peach Council (GPC) is predicting a record-breaking crop of particularly sweet Georgia peaches.
“We’re going to make some friends this summer with the peach crop we have,” said GPC President Duke Lane. “We can't wait to get started!”
Industry optimism is based on a full winter of productive dormancy and a long, cool spring of perfect weather. Combine these growing conditions with well-rested fruit-bearing trees in their prime and you have a sweet recipe for the best summer of succulent Georgia peaches in multiple decades.
These conditions are also key in providing premium sizing and vibrant color to the fruit. Georgia Peach Council growers will be picking more than 50 varieties of beautifully blushed peaches across 10,000 acres of manicured orchards. Harvest began in early May and will stretch into late August, and shipping is underway.
“These types of crops are just good for the soul. We work so hard, each and every day, to bring all this sweetness to the world. We just want to shout from the mountain top: Now's the time to come get your Sweet Georgia peaches! Get your orders in today,” said GPC Marketing Director Will McGehee.
In 2023, an April freeze wiped out an estimated 98% of the state’s commercial peach crop.
SOYBEAN PRODUCERS HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST REFERENDUM
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently announced that soybean producers may request a referendum to determine whether producers want the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a referendum on the Soybean Promotion and Research Order, as authorized under the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Participation in the request for a referendum is voluntary. Producers should participate only if they wish to request a referendum on the program.
The soybean research and promotion program operates as the United Soybean Board. The program's goal is to maintain and expand domestic and foreign markets and uses for soybeans and soybean products. It is funded by a mandatory assessment of 0.5 of 1 percent of the net market price of soybeans. All producers marketing soybeans, except organic producers, must pay the assessment.
If at least 10 percent, not to exceed one-fifth of producers from any one state, of the 515,008 eligible producers determined by the USDA participate in the request for referendum, a referendum will be held within one year from that determination. If results of the request for a referendum indicate that a referendum is not supported, a referendum will not be conducted. The results of the request for a referendum will be published in a notice in the Federal Register.
Soybean producers may request a referendum until May 31.
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To be eligible to participate in the request for referendum, producers must certify that they or the producer entity they are authorized to represent paid an assessment any time between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023.
Form LS-51-1, Soybean Promotion and Research Order Request for Referendum, can be obtained until May 31 by mail, fax, or in person from local Farm Service Agency (FSA) Service Centers, or can be downloaded from https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/researchpromotion/soybean
Deadlines for completed forms and supporting documentation to be returned to the appropriate FSA Service Center:
• By fax or in-person, no later than close of business on May 31, 2024.
• By mail postmarked, by midnight on May 31 and must be received in the FSA Service Center by close of business on June 7.
Notice of the request for referendum was published in the Feb. 2 Federal Register. For more information, contact Jeana Harbison, Research and Promotion Division; Livestock and Poultry Program, AMS, USDA; STOP 0249 – Room 2092-S; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-0249; tel. (202) 720-5705; or via the following link: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/research-promotion/soybean
USAID COMMITS $200 MILLION TO FIGHT HUNGER THROUGH USE OF RUTF
In a ceremony at the MANA Nutrition plant in Fitzgerald on May 3, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that the U.S., through USAID, is committing $200 million to support the procurement and distribution of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and other specialized nutritious foods to prevent and treat acute malnutrition.
“There is a lot of famine pending in the world, there’s a ton of food insecurity,” said USAID Administrator Samantha Power. “This effort, this vision, meets the moment. And it could not be more timely, more necessary, or more important. So Fitzgerald, Georgia, hats off to you, and all of you who have made this happen, hats off to you.”
These specialized, life-saving nutritious foods will be distributed through USAID partners UNICEF and the UN World Food Program (WFP) to people in desperate need around the world including in Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Haiti. This builds on USAID’s ongoing, life-saving nutrition support in places like Gaza and Ethiopia, where this assistance is vitally needed to prevent developmental delays, disease, and even death.
Child wasting, the most acute, life-threatening form of malnutrition, affects 45 million children globally.
The MANA Nutrition facility in Fitzgerald produces RUTF, one of the most effective treatments for wasting and generally funded by USAID as part of a comprehensive package to support the patient, their family, and their community in an effort to save the child’s life and prevent them -continued on next page
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This is the second such $200 million commitment from USAID – the first came in 2022 - in addition to privately raised $330 million to combat starvation around the world, according to Power.
Approximately 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance this year. Food insecurity has been compounded by conflicts around the world, including Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the impacts of the climate crisis, and famine looms in Gaza and Sudan as critical food and nutrition assistance is nearly impossible to access.
MAY IS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
During March, the 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline fielded 482,528 calls, online chats and texts, according the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). Since its launch in July 2022, it has received approximately 9.6 million contacts.
May as National Mental Health Month, then, calls attention to a clear area of need.
Mental health professionals and advocates often use the term “triggers,” referring to occurrences or circumstances that prompt emotional responses. As any farmer will tell you, there is no shortage of challenges.
At the same time, there is no shortage of help. In January, the American Farm Bureau Federation unveiled the Farm Family Wellness Alliance, which offers Togetherall, a safe, clinically moderated peer-to-peer community, where members around the world are there to listen, support and give members’ mental wellbeing a boost. Through an anonymous profile, users can access a global network of peers, backed by the safeguarding of licensed clinicians overseeing the community around-the-clock. Access to the platform is available to members of a farm family aged 16 and older.
In addition to Togetherall’s global community, farmers and their families will have access to an agricultural sector sub-group to share or read others’ experiences in a safe, judgement-free zone. Farming is a stressful occupation that is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. Multiple studies show that farmer suicide rates are 2-5x higher than the national average. American Farm Bureau’s Farm State of Mind features an extensive collection of resources to connect struggling farmers and ranchers with potentially life-saving help.
Among these are:
• The 988 crisis line (www.988lifeline.org);
• Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger, a program through the UGA Cooperative Extension Service to assist farmers an rural families with issues from maintaining good mental and physical health to juggling economic, educational or lifestyle concerns;
Farm State of Mind also offer tips to recognize warning signs for someone who might be struggling:
• Change in routines or social activities;
• Decline in the care of domestic animals;
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GFB Field Notes page 14 of 20
Continued from previous page
• Increase in illness or other chronic conditions;
• Increase in farm accidents;
• Decline in appearance of the farmstead;
• Decreased interest in activities or events;
• Signs of stress in children including struggles with school
Learn more about recognizing the signs of chronic stress, depression or suicidal intent and what you can do to help at NY FarmNet
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 20
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
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.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 20
PARAQUAT CERTIFICATION TRAINING WEBINAR
May 20
May 21
May 28
May 30
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
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
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
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 20
SUSTAINABLE U.S. PEANUTS PROGRAM
May 31 deadline to enroll
The American Peanut Council is taking grower enrollment 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. Growers can enroll in SUSP by completing an annual self-assessment (20-40 minutes) and field-level survey (20-30 minutes). Subsequent years’ enrollments are much faster after a grower’s 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.
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.
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 20
GEORGIA BEEF DAY
June 1 Union County Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Blairsville
The Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host this public community education day for conservation and agriculture, sponsored by ChestateeChattahoochee RC&D, Brasstown Beef, and Nelson Tractor. Nearly 30 partnering agencies will participate to share their knowledge and programs with the community. This event coincides with the opening day of the Union County Farmers Market. Come out and learn how to conserve our natural resources while you shop for locally grown produce. There will be free hamburgers, while supplies last, and some fun activities for the kids. The Union County Farmers Market is located at 290 Farmers Market Way, Blairsville, GA 30512.
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.
Field Notes page 19 of 20
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.
GEORGIA-FLORIDA TOBACCO TOUR
June 17-19 Various locations
This is a car caravan tour with individuals driving their own vehicle with tour stops at GeorgiaFlorida tobacco farms and on-farm demonstrations. Meals will be provided. The tour begins with a kick-off supper at H&H Farms in Cobbtown, Ga., on Monday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Tour participants will spend the night in Metter. Tour resumes 7:30 a.m. June 18 and ends the day in Tifton. On June 17, the tour will leave Tifton at 7:30 a.m. and end with lunch in Live Oak, Florida, on June 19. Please register on the website https://tobacco.caes.uga.edu/tours/2024-ga-fl-tobaccotour.html. More information on the tour schedule, including instructions for booking hotel reservations is available at the website. Participants should make their own hotel reservations using the telephone numbers or links provided by June 4 with reference to the “Tobacco Tour” block of rooms. Driving directions will be posted on the website closer to the tour dates. Contact J. Michael Moore at jmmoore@uga.edu or 229-392-6424 for more info.
2024 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD RESEARCH SHOWCASE
July 10-24
Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition 8 a.m. - dark Moultrie
Farmers are invited to visit the Sunbelt Expo at their convenience during this two-week period to learn practical information about the newest technologies that they can use to improve their operations. Farmers and professionals in the ag industry to a self-guided driving tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm Ga. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8:00 a m and dark for the tour. Directional signs will lead visitors to the tour path. At the first stop, farmers will have the opportunity to pick-up a map as well as information about each plot. Additionally, prerecorded segments featuring university researchers and company vendors will be available for viewing while driving through the fields or at a later time on Sunbelt’s YouTube channel. This new format will allow visitors to tour grounds at their convenience all at once or multiple times if they so choose. There are a few tips visitors should keep in mind to enjoy a successful tour. Bring a friend to experience the event with you - come during the day or late afternoon at your convenience. Be sure to have a smartphone or tablet with you to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the official Sunbelt Ag web site or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive so that it is ready to go. Don’t forget to follow the signs to the beginning of the tour from Gate 2 and continue to follow the directional signs throughout the tour. Ensure you pick-up a copy of the plot map as well as information about the research. Prepare to explore and learn at your own pace on the research farm, all while enjoying your comfortable vehicle! UGA researchers, Extension Specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops. To view more specific Field Research Days details, visit https://gfb.ag/expofielddays.
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.
Field Notes page 21 of 20
GEORGIA AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM
Aug. 20-21 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton
The Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum offers a comprehensive two-day program of updates and discussions tailored for agricultural employers. About this event: This event brings together regulators and renowned experts from the ag labor industry. The forum's format and design encourage active engagement, enabling ag employers, HR managers, and administrators to collaboratively tackle the ongoing and dynamic challenge of securing and sustaining a reliable workforce within a complex regulatory landscape. Who should attend: Owners, operators, office managers, personnel managers and service providers for the produce, nursery, landscape, dairy, cotton, and any other agricultural professional dealing with agricultural labor relations. To register, click here.
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.
GFB Field Notes page 22 of 20
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.