SUPREME COURT REVERSES LOWER COURT RULING ON WOTUS
On May 25, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Sackett v. EPA in a unanimous ruling.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the court opinion, which notes that the Clean Water Act “extends only to those wetlands that are as a practical matter indistinguishable from waters of the United States.”
The decision continues a series of rulings striking down the EPA’s latest WOTUS rule, which was to take effect March 20. Courts in Texas and North Dakota halted the rule in a total of 26 states, including Georgia.
“AFBF appreciates the Supreme Court justices for their careful consideration of the implications of Sackett v. EPA. The EPA clearly overstepped its authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA) by restricting private property owners from developing their land despite being far from the nearest navigable water,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said. “The justices respect private property rights. It’s now time for the Biden administration to do the same and rewrite the Waters of the United States Rule. Farmers and ranchers share the goal of protecting the resources they’re entrusted with, but they deserve a rule that provides clarity and doesn’t require a team of attorneys to properly care for their land.”
The court dismissed the EPA’s assertion that its jurisdiction could include wetlands near covered waters of the United States even if they are separated from those waters by dry land.
“This interpretation is inconsistent with the text and structure of the CWA,” Alito wrote The court required Congress to “enact exceedingly clear language if it wishes to significantly alter the balance between federal and state power and the power of the government over private property.”
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson issued a statement praising the ruling, calling it “a victory for America's farmers, ranchers, and land owners. The decision reaffirms the rights of property owners and provides long-needed clarity to rural America.”
To read the court’s opinion, click here
Photo by Logan Thomas
SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS CALIFORNIA LAW ON SWINE PRODUCTION
On May 11, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 ruling upholding California’s Proposition 12, a law mandating animal housing standards for pork, table eggs and veal sold in that state.
In the case, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) vs. Ross, the NPPC and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) challenged the law, which imposes California’s standard on other states where pork is produced.
“AFBF is disappointed in the closely divided Supreme Court ruling on California’s Proposition 12,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “At the heart of this argument is whether one state can set the rules for the entire country. The arbitrary standards take away flexibility to ensure hogs are raised in a safe environment. Prop 12 will cause further consolidation in agriculture nationwide and lead to higher pork prices at the grocery store for America’s families. This law will ultimately harm consumers, farmers and animals.”
NPPC and AFBF had asked the court to strike Proposition 12 as invalid under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
“We are very disappointed with the Supreme Court’s opinion. Allowing state overreach will increase prices for consumers and drive small farms out of business, leading to more consolidation. We are still evaluating the Court’s full opinion to understand all the implications,” said NPPC President Scott Hays. “NPPC will continue to fight for our nation’s pork farmers and American families against misguided regulations.”
NPPC maintained that the law lacked any scientific basis. Proposition 12 prohibits the sale of pork not produced according to California’s production standards that requires at least 24 square feet of space per breeding pig. The California law does allow sows to be housed in stalls that are smaller for up to six hours in a 24-hour period during breeding. Pork producers have explained that sows can get moody and aggressive when they are ready to be bred, which is why many producers house breeding sows in individual breeding stalls for up to a week.
The proposition applies to any uncooked pork sold in the state, whether raised there or outside its borders. At the time AFBF and the NPPC filed suit, less than 1% of U.S. pork production met Prop 12’s requirements, and the state accounted for 15% of the U.S. pork market.
AFBF REACHES REPAIR AGREEMENTS WITH AGCO, KUBOTA
The American Farm Bureau Federation has signed two more memoranda of understanding (MOU) with agricultural equipment manufacturers, AGCO and Kubota, providing farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. The MOUs, which were negotiated independently with each manufacturer, follow similar agreements AFBF entered into with John Deere and CNH Industrial Brands Case IH and New Holland earlier this year. Combined, the four MOUs cover roughly 70% of the agricultural machinery sold in the United States.
“The American Farm Bureau Federation is pleased to announce new agreements with AGCO and Kubota,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers urged us to find a private sector-solution to the challenges of repairing their own equipment. These agreements represent ongoing efforts to ensure farmers have access to the tools necessary to keep their equipment running, and to keep food on the table for families across America.”
AGCO Vice President of Customer Support Barry O’Shea said, “AGCO’s farmer-first focus -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page guides us in everything we do, and we support farmers’ ability to repair the equipment they own. We are dedicated to being their most trusted partner for smart farming solutions, and this MOU with Farm Bureau is an outcome of that commitment. We appreciate the American Farm Bureau’s diligence, and we will continue delivering tools farmers can use to diagnose, maintain, and repair their AGCO machinery.”
Kubota Tractor Corporation Senior Vice President of Marketing Corporation Todd Stucke said, “Kubota is pleased to join the AFBF in signing a memorandum of understanding to ensure our customers are empowered with the information and tools needed to safely maintain, diagnose and make repairs on their own equipment. Through our network of over 1,100 dealers, Kubota makes available the shop tools, parts, guides and manuals to owners who choose to work directly on their machines. We strive to ensure that our equipment is manufactured to the highest engineering standards to maximize performance for our customers, and this agreement is a good step toward further protecting their safety while operating, maintaining and repairing it.”
The MOUs respect the intellectual property rights of the manufacturers while setting a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico to access AGCO and Kubota manuals, tools, product guides and information to self-diagnose and self-repair machines, as well as support from the manufacturers to directly purchase or lease diagnostic tools and order products and parts.
To read the AGCO MOU, click here.
To read the Kubota MOU, click here
GEORGIA BEEF REFERENDUM TO BE HELD JUNE 1-30
The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef was established at the request of Georgia cattlemen in 2013 by the Georgia Legislature. Georgia beef producers first voted in 2014 to approve a marketing order to establish a $1 per head assessment on all cattle sold in Georgia for beef with a value over $100. It is required that the market order be voted on every three years for continuation.
The voting for the renewal of the assessment by Georgia beef producers will take place from June 1 to June 30. Beef producers should receive a ballot in the mail by early June. If a beef producer does not receive a ballot by June 10; please call 404 656 3680 or go to www.gabeefballot.com to request a ballot. For the ballot to be considered valid, the back of the return envelope must be filled out and signed. Ballots must be postmarked by June 30.
Funds from the assessments are used to fund research, education, and promotion projects for Georgia cattle producers. The marketing order includes beef and dairy breeds sold for use of beef. In the nine years since the assessment began, more than $3 million has been committed to research projects with the University of Georgia and in-state education and promotions which impact producers in Georgia.
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GFB CELEBRATES GA JR. NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONS
By Jennifer Whittaker, Georgia Farm BureauGeorgia Farm Bureau (GFB) celebrated the newest group of Georgia Junior National Livestock Show (GJNLS) winners during its Evening of Champions dinner, May 5. GFB welcomed the students, their families, FFA advisors and 4-H agents to its state office in Macon.
“Congratulations to all of you champions. Your accomplishment is a big deal. The time you spent working with your best friends, and I know how these animals turn into your best friends, paid off,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “There’s ten of y’all here tonight. You worked with your animals, and they won out over more than 4,800 animals registered for the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in February and the goat and lamb shows last fall.”
This is the 12th year GFB has sponsored the cash prizes and belt buckles awarded to the GJNLS 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 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.
About 1,903 Georgia 4-H and FFA students from across the state showed 2,816 animals as they competed in the 2023 GJNLS Feb. 22-25 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.
Some 354 4-H and FFA members showed 707 goats in the 2022 Georgia Jr. Market Goat Shows held at the Agricenter Oct. 7-8, while the 2022 Georgia Jr. Market Lamb show drew 203 exhibitors who showed 431 lambs Oct. 9.
GFB awarded a total of $18,000 in prize money to the grand champion exhibitors who are: Breeding Beef Heifer - Maddie Dean, Crisp Co.; Breeding Doe - Bailey Williams, Gordon Co.; Breeding Ewe - Abigail Kendrick, Turner Co.; Commercial Dairy Heifer - Rydlee Ponder, Gilmer Co.; Market Barrow - Colby Yarbrough, Jeff Davis Co.; Market Beef Cattle (steer) Luke Mobley, Colquitt Co.; Market Doe - Cheyne Norton, Grady Co.; Market Gilt - Matthew Ferrell, Brooks Co.; Market Lamb - Rachel Hayes, Decatur Co.; and Market Wether - Aly Corzine, Houston Co. Meet the fall 2022 & winter 2023 GJNLS Grand Champions below.
Market Wether – Aly Corzine, Houston County
Veterans High School FFA member Aly Corzine won the Georgia Jr. Market Wether Grand Champion prize of $1,500 on Oct. 7, 2022, at the Georgia National Fair. A freshman at the time, Aly won with a Boer cross goat she described as having “a strong skeletal structure and depth of back.” She named her goat Dopey for his large ears and eyes.
Aly, the daughter of Chris and Andrea Corzine of Houston County, has been showing goats for nine years and hogs for about seven years.
“When I was in kindergarten, I told my Dad I wanted to show goats. With my dad’s job of being an ag teacher we would come watch people show goats,” Aly said. “There are so many people who are here working so that all of us students can show. I’m so thankful for all of the help I’ve been given in the nine years I’ve shown.”
In addition to Aly’s goat winning grand champion wether, she also won the 2022 Ga. Jr. Market Wether 9th Grade Showmanship award and was named 2022 Supreme FFA Goat Showman (6th-continued on next page
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Continued from previous page 12th grades) showing the same wether. Aly is now a rising high school sophomore.
Market Doe – Cheyne Norton, Grady County
Grady County 4-Her Cheyne Norton continued a family tradition when he exhibited the 2022 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Doe to win $1,500 on Oct 8, 2022. His older sister, Lily, won this award in 2020. Cheyne won the grand champion market wether prize in 2021.
The son of Chad and Brandi Norton, Cheyne has been showing livestock for 10 years. He also shows sheep and shows hogs on the county level.
“It’s way less expected this year,” Cheyne said. “It’s great to win, but I just didn’t think I had the goat to do it. Two days before we came to the fair, I was planning on bringing a different goat but decided to bring Judy because she’s bigger.”
That’s Judy as in Big Booty Judy or Thicker Than A Snicker, Cheyne’s two nicknames for his prize-winning doe that he worked with since March 2022.
Cheyne was a sophomore at Cairo High School last fall when he won the award and is now a rising junior.
Market Lamb – Rachel Hayes, Decatur County
By Jay Stone, Georgia Farm Bureau
After showing sheep seven years, Decatur County 4-Her Rachel Hayes won the 2022 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Lamb prize of $1,000 on Oct. 9, 2022.
“It’s always a goal, of course, but I did not expect this. It was hard work and determination,” Rachel said. “It takes a lot of time and work. I enjoy putting in the work. It gives me something to do. I love the animals. I always have. I love the people I meet doing it. I’ve met so many friends through the livestock industry, and I just love being in the barn.”
The daughter of Brian and Lindsey Hayes, Rachel was a senior at Bainbridge High School last fall and just graduated.
Rachel won the top prize with a black face lamb named Mav, short for Maverick from the movie “Top Gun.”
“We always name our sheep after a movie character,” Rachel said. She started showing lambs after her older brother started.
Breeding Beef Heifer - Maddie Dean, Crisp County
After showing livestock for 10 years, Maddie Dean ended her 4-H showing career on a high note by exhibiting the 2023 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion Breeding Beef Heifer. Maddie won the $2,500 prize with an Angus heifer named Vada on Feb. 24.
As a fourth grader, in her early years of showing, Maddie won the 2015 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion Market Steer prize with a Shorthorn.
Having graduated from the Classical Conversations Homeschool program, this fall Maddie plans to attend Butler Community College, in Kansas, which awarded her a livestock judging scholarship.
The daughter of Ric and Dia Dean of Cordele, Maddie has led the way for younger sisters Maelee and Mary Richard to show cattle at the state show. Their youngest sister, Margo, seven, cheers them on.
The Dean sisters are continuing the family tradition of showing cattle started by their -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page grandfather and dad.
Maddie called showing cattle the “family sport,” as she recollected her dad asking her if she wanted to show years ago when she began.
“Showing is a family lifestyle for us. It’s something my sisters and I can do with our parents,” Maddie said when asked what she enjoys most about showing. “We love showing. It’s changed our lives.”
Breeding Doe - Bailey Williams, Gordon County
Gordon County
4-Her Bailey Williams has been showing goats for eight years. This year all those years of hard work paid off as she won $1,000 for showing the 2023 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion Breeding Doe on Feb. 24.
“This is what I’ve been trying to do all these years,” Bailey said after the judge chose her goat as the grand champion.
Bailey, the daughter of Tricia Williams and Kip Williams, who are both ag teachers/FFA advisors, started showing when she was in the first grade. Her sister, Brooke, also shows goats. In fact, the two were both division champions and competed against each other in the grand champion drive. Their older brother, Ben, also showed goats and won the 2018 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion Market Wether award.
“My favorite part about showing is spending time with my family and the time I spend with the animals getting to know them,” Bailey said. “It’s pretty cool that we’ve kept showing this long.”
When asked what it’s like going up against Brooke in the ring, Bailey answered, “It makes me work a little harder. I felt some pressure, but I had faith in my goat.”
Bailey says the hardest part of showing goats is breaking them in for the show ring and training them to brace.
Bailey said she selected her goat, “Milk Mama” for her muscling and size. “I like goats that are big and stout,” Bailey said. “I also liked the shape of her lemon-shaped head. I just thought it was different.”
Breeding Ewe - Abigail Kendrick, Turner County
Turner County
4-Her Abigail Kendrick won $1,000 for showing the 2023 Georgia Junior National Grand Champion Breeding Ewe on Feb. 25. Abigail won with a black-face ewe named “Winnie.” She is the daughter of Dennis and Jenny Kendrick of Sycamore.
When asked what advice she would give younger exhibitors who have yet to make it to the winner’s circle, Abigail said, “It’s not all about winning. Showing is also about all the friends you make along the way. I have friends all over the state as a result of showing.”
Abigail, who was a junior at Crisp County High School in February, has been showing lambs and goats for 12 years. Through the years she’s shown with her older sister, Haley, and younger brother, Jarrett. This was the first year Abigail showed at the state show alone as Haley has graduated and her brother was playing soccer.
Dennis, Abigail’s dad, has been raising show lambs since he showed lambs in the 1980s.
Together the family raise and sale show lambs as Kendrick Club Lambs.
“We just have a passion for it,” Abigail said.
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Continued from previous page
Commercial Dairy Heifer - Rydlee Ponder, Gilmer County
Gilmer County 4-Her Rydlee Ponder only started showing dairy heifers last fall before winning the 2023 Georgia Junior National Grand Champion Commercial Dairy Heifer award on Feb. 24 with a red Holstein.
Rydlee, who was a 4th grader at Clear Creek Elementary in February, is the daughter of Jake and Kellie Ponder.
Terri Bushey, a co-worker of Rydlee’s dad, Jake, encouraged the Ponders and Rydlee to try showing. Terri’s husband, Mike, is the FFA advisor at Gilmer County High School, and their children Octavia and Michael have shown dairy heifers for several years. This is the second red Holstein to win the grand champion prize that came from cows that Octavia, who graduated high school in 2022, bred and raised as part of her FFA.
Of her red Holstein heifer, Rydlee said, “She was a little hard to halter break and train, but after a week she was good. She’s a very calm calf.”
Rydlee said what she likes about showing is bonding with the heifers and the experience of traveling to livestock shows, getting the heifers ready to show and the thrill of competing in the ring.
In addition to Rydlee showing the grand champion heifer, Gilmer County FFA members Cecelia Miller showed the Reserve Champion Dairy Heifer, and Jack Keener’s heifer took third place honors. All three students worked together in preparing their heifers. Gilmer County FFA advisors Michael Bushey, David Bushey and Shelby Merrelled work with the students to teach them how to show and care for their heifers.
Rydlee received $1,500 for showing the grand champion commercial dairy heifer.
Market Barrow - Colby Yarbrough, Jeff Davis County
By Jay Stone, Georgia Farm BureauMaybe it’s not surprising that Colby Yarbrough came through to win grand champion in the Market Barrow competition at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show on Feb. 24. His grandmother, Nita McLeod, was an agriculture teacher.
Colby has been around livestock all his life, and when Nita brought pigs around, it seemed natural that he’d show them.
“She influenced it, and ever since then it’s just been on the go,” said Colby, a 10th grader who now trains under Jeff Davis High School FFA advisors Courtney Hester and Cody Herndon.
What is surprising, Colby said, is how challenging it is.
“It’s surprising how actually hard it is,” he said, noting that swine are not the most compliant of animals. “Driving the pigs. Training them. I mean, they’re pigs.”
Colby found a winning combination with his Hamp Cross Red Man, so called because of the ginger hue of his coat.
Even without the championship ribbon, belt buckle, trophy and banner, Colby said he values the relationships he’s built with other exhibitors in his 13 years showing pigs.
“Number one are your friends and people you meet showing livestock,” he said. “We have a -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page little group. The grand championship means a lot, because ever since I’ve been old enough to know you could be a grand champion, I’ve worked hard for it, every day, walking pigs. Going out there, working.”
Colby received $1,500 for showing the grand champion barrow. He is the son of Ryan & Lisa Yarbrough of Hazlehurst.
Market Beef Cattle (steer) Luke Mobley, Colquitt County
Colquitt County FFA member Luke Mobley exhibited the Chi-Influence steer that won the 2023 Georgia Junior National Market Beef Cattle Grand Champion prize of $5,000 on Feb. 25. Luke previously won this award in 2016 as a fourth grader with a Chi-Charolais-Maine Anjou & Angus crossbred steer. He is the son of Mike and Torina Mobley of Moultrie.
When asked how it felt to return to the winner’s circle as a grand champion seven years later as a veteran exhibitor, Luke answered, “It’s definitely exciting. I’m glad to be back here.”
Luke says what he enjoys most about showing is training, conditioning and feeding out the cattle to get them competitive for the show ring. He worked with his steer, which he named “Joey” after the Friends character, since spring of 2022. He said he got the steer’s weight up to about 1,380 pounds.
Luke is the third of his brothers to win grand champion awards at the Georgia Junior National. Two of Luke’s brothers also won the market steer grand champion award. His brother Jonathan won in 2007 followed by their brother Nicholas in 2011. Jonathan also won the grand champion breeding heifer award in 2012.
Market Gilt - Matthew Ferrell, Brooks County
Brooks County FFA member Matthew Ferrell ended his FFA showing career with a bang on Feb. 25! Not only did Matthew show the 2023 Ga. Jr. National Market Grand Champion Market Gilt, but he also won the 2023 12th grade Market Hog Showmanship award with his winning crossbred hog, Bentley, and was named the 2023 Supreme FFA Market Hog Showmanship winner.
Last year Matthew won the 2022 Ga. Jr. National Grand Champion Market Barrow award.
The son of Ben and Jennifer Ferrell of Quitman, Matthew has shown pigs for 12 years. Although his parents raise beef cattle, Matthew was drawn to showing hogs.
“I just have a passion for showing hogs,” Matthew said. “They’re just an animal that has always had my interest. I’d like to start my own herd of show pigs one day.”
Matthew received $1,500 for showing the grand champion gilt.
SUNBELT EXPO ESTABLISHES FRIENDS OF THE FARMERS OF THE YEAR
Since its inception in 1990, the Sunbelt Expo’s Southeastern Farmer of the Year award program has evolved into the most prestigious honor in the Southeast and nation Through the years, the program has recognized 286 outstanding state farmers for excellence in agriculture.
The goals and objectives for the award are: to reward a commitment to excellence in the agriculture industry; to reward efficiency in farming practices; to reward participation and leadership in community, state and national services; to reward sound management and financial practices; to reward plans for future development and changes; to reward sound environmental
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Continued from previous page practices; and to reward sound marketing and promotional practices.
States that participate in the program include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In the previous 32 years of the award, over $1,284,000 has been awarded to state and overall winners.
We are pleased to announce that Massey Ferguson, Harper Family Holdings, the Alabama Farmers Federation, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Florida Farm Bureau, Georgia Farm Bureau, Kentucky Farm Bureau, Mississippi Farm Bureau, North Carolina Farm Bureau, South Carolina Farm Bureau, Tennessee Farm Bureau, and Virginia Farm Bureau have come onboard as sponsors of the 2023 award program. Cooperative sponsors include SE Farm Press/Farm Progress, Hays LTI and Reinke.
To ensure that the Farmer of the Year program continues into 2024 and thrives beyond that, Sunbelt is launching the Friends of the Farmer of the Year Fund. This program comes with a cost - cost that we believe is worth every penny. As you are led, please contribute to the Friends of the Farmer of the Year Fund as a means to support the program so that we can continue to make it as special for those farmers that will continue to be recognized for their accomplishments in the future. Any donation to the Sunbelt Ag Expo and to the Friends of the Farmer of the Year Fund is tax deductible.
On-farm judging will take place in August and Sunbelt Ag Expo will host the group in October. The Farmer of the Year reception and banquet to honor the state winners will be held in Tifton at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center on Oct. 16 The annual Expo luncheon where the 2023 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year is named will be held on Oct. 17.
To learn more about the Sunbelt Ag Expo’s Southeastern Farmer of the Year program and the Friends of the Farmer of the Year fund, please visit www.sunbeltexpo.com/foty
GA FOUNDATION FOR AG ANNOUNCES STEM CHALLENGE WINNERS
By Virginia Fulwood, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture
Georgia elementary students learned how worms improve soil health for growing gardens and crops as they put their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to work this spring while competing in the Vermiculture: Wiggling into AG STEM Challenge.
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) coordinated the challenge as an extension of its Georgia Ag Experience (GAE) mobile classroom in partnership with Georgia Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program.
The STEM Challenge asked students to answer, “How Can I Create a Worm Farm to Better My Garden?” The challenge, open to third through fifth-grade classes statewide, required participating classes to create a worm farm to use as a basis for investigations about ecosystems, life and nutrient cycles, and decomposition.
Congratulations to Southwest Academy’s “Worsley’s Wigglers,” taught by Alisan Worsley in Early County, for winning the third-grade prize! Elbert County Elementary School’s “Marlow’s Worm Farmers,” taught by Andrea Marlow won the fourth-grade prize. The fifth-grade winners
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Continued from previous page were Bowdon Elementary School students taught by Meredith Stone in Carroll County.
“The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture congratulates our three grade winners,” said Virginia Fulwood, GFA educational programs assistant. “It’s such a pleasure for the foundation to coordinate a contest that connects students with agriculture as they utilize their STEM skills.”
Southwest Academy’s “Worsley’s Wigglers,” taught by Alisan Worsley in Early County, used a hands-on approach to teach the students about the best soil for worms and the four important benefits worms provide to our soil and plant life. The detail and thought in these third-graders’ experiments showcased their knowledge and left the judges amazed! Visit https://gfb.ag/2023STEM3RD to view the winning presentation for the third grade.
Elbert County Elementary School’s “Marlow’s Worm Farmers” consulted with their local Farm Bureau Office, took the knowledge they gained and experimented with soil conditions and temperatures in their school garden to make sure the soil habitat would produce their desired results. The second graders, taught by Andrea Marlow, used thorough investigation and detailed research to improve their school garden and provide the worms with a healthy and comfortable environment. Visit https://gfb.ag/2023STEM4TH to view the fourth-grade team’s winning video.
Fifth graders taught by Meredith Stone at Bowdon Elementary School in Carroll County won their fifth-grade division for the scientific knowledge they gained while completing the challenge. Stone’s students learned about worm activities in the ground and the benefits worms provide to soil and plant life. Stone’s students also learned about worm anatomy and reproduction. Stone’s students learned the best environments for worms and how worms react to various temperatures and soil types. Using this information, the students designed the perfect habitat for their worms to live in. They used worm castings and compost to enrich the soil in the school garden. Visit https://gfb.ag/2023STEM5TH to view the fifth-grade team’s winning video.
Teachers of each winning class received a $250 cash prize and a $100 classroom supply kit. The challenge required participating classes to use provided resources to engage, explore, test and improve, share results and reflect. For the final presentation, the students were asked to create a video presentation including demonstrated knowledge of the relationship between communities and the need for vermiculture and a discussion on sustainability and non-sustainability.
The Georgia Ag Experience/Georgia Foundation for Agriculture STEM Challenge is designed to be a bi-annual competition with a spring and fall contest. Georgia Farm Bureau is the 2023 challenge partner.
Teachers interested in participating in the upcoming fall 2023 STEM Challenge may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register. Once teachers register their class, they will receive access to information that equips the class to participate in the fall ‘23 STEM Challenge and the deadline to enter.
The Georgia Ag Experience/Georgia Foundation for Agriculture STEM Challenge is designed to be a bi-annual competition with a spring and fall contest. The Farm Bureau is the 2023 challenge partner. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage elementary teachers and students in grades 3-5 to explore aspects of Georgia agriculture by applying their STEM skills to solve real-world problems that farmers face in producing our food and fiber.
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TOOLS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT FARM WORKERS’ HEALTH AND SAFETY
UGA Extension, working with the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Department of Public Health, the Center for Farmworker Health, CDC, and others, have put together a collection of resources in support of the health and safety of farm workers, particularly in response to the post-COVID-19 work environment.
Farmers are encouraged to review these tools and consider how to make use of them with their employees. Questions or suggestions for additional resources targeting migrant farm workers related to their overall health and well-being may be directed to Maria Bowie at mbowie@uga.edu.
These short videos are available on YouTube:
1. Migrant Farm Worker Health & Hygiene Video: Help support farmworkers by sharing this short video which offers a few quick steps to improve both mental and physical health.
• Spanish (4 minutes, 14 seconds) - https://youtu.be/nwtvYJlI9sg
• English (3 minutes, 55 seconds) - https://youtu.be/_tFMcPtroiY
• 2-sided 8.5 x 11 flyer w/ QR codes promoting the above videos can be accessed here.
(https://www.canva.com/design/DAFeavrZHK8/SObHB3c325Z_Kjy1cbTkJg/edit?utm_conte nt=DAFeavrZHK8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutto n)
2. Videos of Southwest Georgia farmworkers, growers, Extension specialists, & medical providers discussing the safety and importance of vaccines are available as follows:
• 15 short videos produced by UGA Extension in English & Spanish. (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4yU9BNFlwm4NjrROps4Suo2KHCqZGt )
There are also some excellent employer resources available online from the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association and the National Center for Farmworker Health, both linked below.
• Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Grower Association Employer Resources addressing COVID-19. (https://www.gfvga.org/page/covid-19#Employer%20Resources)
• Center for Farmworker Health infectious diseases information. (http://www.ncfh.org/infectious_diseases.html)
IS IT GOOD STRESS OR BAD STRESS?
UGA Extension Health Agent Jennifer Dunn, explains the difference. Bad stress feels overwhelming, like a pileup, and long-term stressors can lead to negative health effects. Help reduce stress by taking care of your physical health and talking to a trusted source. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought it would be a good time to talk about the difference between good stress and bad stress and how they affect your mental health.
Good stress
Some stress can be good it is what I describe as “what motivates us to get up and go to work and take care of one another.” You need some awareness and worry in order to remember to pay your bills, take the kids to school/sports/extra-curricular activities, do tasks and chores on time, etc. Otherwise, things may go undone/unfinished. So, some amount of stress can motivate you and help you fulfill responsibilities, which can lead to a more fulfilling and happier life.
I’ve recently asked a lot of people, including many of the farmers I work with, to describe types -continued on next page
Continued from previous page of good stress and examples I’ve been given are having a baby, planning a vacation, buying or remodeling a house, moving, starting a new job or project at work. These are all things that many folks want to do and are even excited about it, but nevertheless experience some amount of stress through the process. This kind of stress is typically short-term but ultimately can be beneficial as it allows you to focus your energies on a specific goal or task.
Bad stress
So how about bad stress? Well, that is the kind of stress that feels like a pileup. It may make you feel jumpy and anxious and can be harmful to your health. It can also lead to confusion, decreased concentration and feeling bad overall. When I asked those same people to give me examples of bad stress, they described relationships that are strained, financial difficulties, concerns with their job or workplace issues, and untreated medical or mental health challenges. These stressors can be either short-term or long-term. Long-term stressors can lead to negative health effects such as headaches, anxiety, high blood pressure and insomnia.
What it boils down to is this stress becomes problematic when it takes over your life. The key to managing it is identifying what in your life you deem as bad stress and figuring out ways to manage these things in a healthy manner. For many, the difference between good stress and bad stress is how we feel about it and what we do to address it.
Managing stress
So, are you feeling stressed bad stress? Do you have someone you can talk to a friend, neighbor, faith leader or therapist? Just reaching out and talking with a trusted source can reduce your stress. And while it seems intuitive, it is important to remember to eat well, stay hydrated, get good sleep and get up and moving.
I also recommend committing to deep breathing exercises at least twice per day (no more than 10 minutes total) and finding ways to reduce the bad stressors where and when possible. These are all things each one of us can do to help manage our stress levels and have a better quality of life.
Visit the Thriving on the Farm site from the Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger initiative for stress assistance and other resources from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 17
GA AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY COMMISSIONS NOMINATIONS
May 26 deadline to submit
The following Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations through end of day Friday, May 26 for producers to serve as commission members: Apple, Blueberry, Corn, Cotton, Equine, Milk, Peaches, Pecan, Soybean, Tobacco, Vegetable, Wine & Grape and Citrus. Nomination forms can be found at - agr.georgia.gov/cpf. Nominations can be submitted via email to andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or be mailed to Andy Harrison, Georgia Dept of Agriculture, 19 Martin Luther King Dr., Room 324, Atlanta, GA 30334.
REFERENDUMS FOR GA CORN, PECAN ACCS
May 30 postmark deadline for ballots
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is holding referendums on whether to continue assessments for the agricultural commodity commissions (ACCs) for corn and pecans through May 30. Funds from the assessments (1 cent per bushel for corn; 1 cent per pound for pecans) can only be used for research, education and promotion of the commodities. Ballots must be postmarked by May 30 to be counted. Corn or pecan growers who did not receive ballots should contact Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.
2022 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE
The USDA is still accepting responses to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The USDA has mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at www.agcounts.usda.gov. The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on twitter @usda_nass
23rd ANNUAL CALHOUN GEORGIA HERD PROGRAM SALE
May 31 Northwest Georgia Livestock Pavilion Calhoun
Looking to improve the genetics of your herd? The UGA Extension Beef Team will be holding its 23rd Annual Calhoun Heifer Evaluation & Reproductive Development (HERD) Sale May 31 at the Northwest Georgia Livestock Pavilion in Calhoun at 12:30 p.m. Visit https://beef.caes.uga.edu/.../georgia-heifer-evaluation... to see videos & the sale catalog of the 80 bred heifers that will be auctioned. Heifers may be viewed at the Northwest Georgia Livestock Pavilion any time after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 30. Contact Jason Duggin at 706-728-4354 for more information.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 17
2023 GFB YF&R SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
July 13-15
June 1
Jekyll Island Convention Center
Jekyll Island
registration deadline
Registration is open for the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference! This conference is open to any GFB YF&R members, ages 18-35. A children’s program will also be provided for kids, ages 12 and younger, as a convenience for attendees competing or participating in sessions. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/yfrslc. Registration fee is $150 per attendee. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Room blocks have been secured at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, Home2Suites, Villas by the Sea and The Westin. If you have any questions about the conference, please contact your GFB District Federation Manager or Breanna Berry at bcberry@gfb.org.
GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS COMPETITIVE EVENTS
June 1
Deadline to enter
Applications are now available for the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award. The application should be submitted online at https://gfb.ag/yfrcompete by the June 1 deadline. It is highly recommended that applicants work with their GFB District Federation Manager on the application well in advance of the deadline. State winners will be announced at the YF&R Leadership Conference, July 13-15 on Jekyll. A brief overview of each award: Achievement Award – This award is for an individual or couple involved in production agriculture with a majority of his/her net income subject to normal production risks. Following the deadline, district winners and three (3) state finalists will be determined. The state finalists will be contacted by June 15 for an on-farm interview the week of June 26; Excellence in Agriculture Award – This award is for an individual or couple who does not have the majority of his/her income subject to normal production risks. Following the deadline, district winners and three (3) state finalists will be determined. The state finalists will be contacted by June 15 in order to prepare for the presentation component of this award. Anyone working in agriculture (farmers, agribusiness, ag education, Extension, etc.) between the ages of 18-25 may compete in the GFB Discussion Meet. Contestants will discuss ag policy issues in a simulated committee setting. If you have questions regarding the awards applications, please contact your GFB District Federation Manager.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 17
ERP PHASE TWO AND PARP SIGN-UP
June 2 deadline to apply
Agricultural producers can apply for two new important programs for revenue losses, from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Both programs equitably fill gaps in earlier assistance. Applications for both new programs are due June 2, and you can apply for both programs during your same appointment with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). You may be eligible for assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two if you experienced revenue losses from eligible natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. ERP Phase Two is for producers who didn’t receive assistance from ERP Phase One. You may also be eligible for the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) if you experienced revenue losses in calendar year 2020. PARP is addressing gaps in previous pandemic assistance, which was targeted at price loss or lack of market access, rather than overall revenue losses. Producers interested in ERP Phase Two and PARP, should reach out to their local USDA Service Center to inquire and request assistance. You can also call the FSA call center at 877-508-8364.
SECOND ANNUAL GEORGIA AG TECH SUMMIT
June 7 Middle Georgia State University
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Macon Hear from AgTech leaders from across the state in the precision agriculture, controlled environment agriculture, and the food processing industries. The event is free to attend and includes the Georgia AgTech Startup Pitch Competition. Lunch will be served. Click here to register. (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-georgia-agtech-summit-tickets-616646645717)
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU PHOTO CONTEST
June 9 deadline to enter
Entries are now being accepted for the Georgia Farm Bureau Photo Contest sponsored by the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee! 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. All photos must highlight Georgia agriculture and have been taken in 2022 or 2023. An individual may enter three (3) photos, and only those of highest quality will be considered. All digital photos must be in a .jpeg format. For more information or to enter the contest, please submit photos at https://gfb.ag/yfrphoto by the June 9 deadline.
RAW MILK PRODUCER INFO MEETINGS
June 20 Gordon County Extension, 128 GA 52 Spur
Calhoun
June 22 Macon County Extension, 100 South Sumter St. Oglethorpe
June 23 Morgan County Extension, 440 Hancock St.
Madison Join Georgia Milk Producers and the Georgia Department of Agriculture Dairy Division for an informational meeting on the new Raw Milk for Human Consumption program. Each meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. To register, contact Bryce Trotter at bryce@gamilk.org or call 706-310-0020.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 17
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 9 & Oct. 7 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, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 7 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
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 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
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
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It 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. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline.
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 17
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE-COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706-510-6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use.