June 3, 2020
www.gfb.org
Vol. 2 No. 11
EPA ASSURES GEORGIA FARMERS AGENCY WANTS TO WORK WITH AG U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler met with Georgia farmers and members of Georgia’s agricultural community during a visit to Southern Belle Farm on May 27. Wheeler was joined by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary Walker. Henry County Farm Bureau Director Jake Carter welcomed Wheeler and event attendees to the Carter family's farm for the event intended to let EPA officials and farmers discuss issues the federal agency regulates that impact agriculture, such as water, pesticides and farmers’ need for gypsum. “It’s so important for the Environmental Protection Agency to work with the farmers of our country. We at EPA are happy to help the industry grow stronger,” Wheeler said. “Over the last three and a half years I hope you have seen a difference in how EPA works with farmers.” Wheeler highlighted the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), which the EPA and Department of the Army signed in January, as proof the agency is committed to regulate using common sense and science. The NWPR replaces the 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS), which ag groups protested for years because it attempted to regulate bodies of water Congress never intended to fall under the federal jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act (CWA), like ephemeral streams and farm ponds. “This new rule gives greater certainty to states, landowners and especially farmers over what constitutes waters of the U.S. We decided we wanted a clear-cut definition,” Wheeler added. To critics of the new rule who say the agency abandoned its responsibility to regulate water, Wheeler said, “Just because it is not a federal waterway doesn’t mean it’s not protected. Many [bodies of water] are protected by states. But this excludes farm ditches. Farm ditches are out.” Under the new rule, four categories of water may be regulated by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers under the CWA as waters of the U.S.: territorial seas and traditional navigable waters; perennial and intermittent tributaries; certain lakes, ponds and impoundments; and wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. “We want one set of rules for everyone regardless of where you live to make sure everyone is operating under the same set of rules,” Wheeler said. “We want a set of rules that will be upheld by the federal courts. We hope you are pleased, but if you have additional concerns, we want to hear from you concerning the implementation of the new rule. I firmly believe you all want to -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 11 Continued from previous page follow the rule, but you just want to know what the rule is.” On April 21 the EPA published the final NWPR rule. Environmental activist groups have already filed a lawsuit to try and overturn it. During a discussion about farmers’ need for chemicals to fight insects, weeds and diseases that lessen crop quality and yields, Wheeler said the EPA understands the role pesticides play in producing a stable food supply. “We want to make sure we’re basing our decisions on real data and science and not just emotions,” Wheeler said. “I know the importance of farmers having a diverse number of pesticides is important and we’re trying to do that.” Event attendees also thanked EPA for approving Georgia’s permit program for the disposal of coal residuals – known as coal ash – from which gypsum – used as a fertilizer by peanut, cotton, and corn growers – is derived. “You’re right. Coal ash has important by product uses and gypsum is one of them. It’s not only used by agriculture but also in road building,” Wheeler said. Carter expressed appreciation for EPA officials’ willingness to meet with farmers. “There are a lot of stakeholders here. The future [of agriculture] depends on us having conversations with our officials like we are today,” Carter said. FLINT RIVER SWCD LAUNCHES FERAL SWINE OUTREACH CAMPAIGN The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) has launched a feral swine outreach campaign led by the Georgia Feral Swine partnership to release newly updated resources highlighting the issue of feral swine in Georgia. The Georgia Feral Swine partnership consists of the FRSWCD and partners who have collaborated to provide essential education on the negative impact of feral swine in Georgia and provide information and resources for impacted landowners. Feral swine are a non-native, invasive species that not only cause economic impact through crop loss, livestock loss, and infrastructure damage, but are a threat to native and endangered species and contribute to soil erosion and water quality issues. According to a 2015 study from the University of Georgia, feral swine cause an estimated total of $150 million in damage each year in Georgia alone. “Feral swine have been a problem for many farmers and landowners in Georgia for years, but we won’t be successful in addressing the problem without strategic partnerships and strong collaboration” says Marty McLendon, Chairman of the FRSWCD. “We’re thrilled to lead the Georgia Feral Swine partnership in providing outreach, education, and resources for all Georgians so we can work together to control invasive feral swine populations and reduce their negative impacts.” Throughout the week-long campaign, FRSWCD will highlight different components of the feral swine problem in Georgia including, economic impact, disease concerns, laws and regulations, control methods, and ecological impact. As part of the Georgia Feral Swine partnership’s effort, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 11 Continued from previous page comprehensive materials have been developed that include a website and a newly updated Georgia Landowner’s Guide to Wild Pig Management that is available to download as an iBook. The Georgia Feral Swine partnership’s statewide platform is intended to highlight resources, best practices, and raise awareness of feral swine issues in Georgia. Visit www.gfb.ag/georgiaferalswine to learn more about the program. Visit www.gfb.ag/gaferalswinevideo to watch a video that provides an overview of the feral swine problems Georgia farmers & landowners are dealing with.
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the district at www.flintriverswcd.org. STATE AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS OFFER FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS Efforts designed to help farmers and consumers are underway in programs through the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the USDA. The GDA’s Georgia Grown To-Go Program held pop-up markets in Northwest Georgia, DeKalb County and Cobb County. The markets offered consumers the chance to purchase fresh produce directly from farmers with limited-contact, drive-through service. “We are excited to offer this great opportunity to help bridge the gap between consumers in metro areas and our farmers in South Georgia,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said. “With foodservice channels limited, Georgia Grown To-Go pop up markets are a great and innovative way to make sure our consumers have access to the Georgia Grown products they crave. We have enjoyed joining forces with our local government and non-profit partners in an effort to best serve our communities during this unprecedented time.” Meanwhile, the USDA has awarded funding to at least five Georgia providers with more than $13 million as a part of the Farmers to Families Food Box program, part of the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program (CFAP). U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue promoted the program during an event June 1 at the Forest Park State Farmers Market, noting that the first round of approved applicants accounted for $1.2 billion of the $3 billion allotted for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. “We’re going to go back and look at all those that for some reason didn’t qualify,” Perdue said. “It was a very competitive process and they were graded. We’re going to look and make sure it just wasn’t technical, things that can be learned and they can be guided through how they can qualify and participate going forward. We hope we’ll have another round.” Nationwide, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is partnering with food suppliers whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products. On May 15, suppliers began packaging these products into family-sized boxes, then transporting them to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. The program continues through June 30.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 11 CHINA HALTS PURCHASES OF U.S. SOYBEANS IN TUSSLE OVER HONG KONG Conflict over control of Hong Kong has prompted renewed trade tensions between the United States and China, according to published reports. China’s government was considering legislation to place increased security on Hong Kong. U.S. action to remove special considerations allowed to Hong Kong angered China’s leadership, which ordered state-owned importers to halt purchases of U.S. soybeans, multiple news services reported on June 1. Meanwhile, China has begun buying soybeans from Brazil. Additional reports indicate China’s purchases of U.S. corn and cotton have also been halted. Under the Phase 1 trade deal the two countries signed in January, Chinese importers purchased more than $1 billion worth of U.S.-grown soybeans and $691 million worth of U.S. pork in the first quarter of 2020. Under the Phase 1 trade deal, China agreed to import $32 billion in U.S. agricultural products in 2020 and 2021. Chinese state-owned importers ordered 180,000 tonnes (one tonne is 1,000 kilograms, or 2,240 pounds) of U.S. soybeans after the halt order, a fraction of recent purchases exceeding 1 million tonnes each. FIND COMFORT WITH DAIRY PRODUCTS, CELEBRATE JUNE DAIRY MONTH In this time of unrest, we could all use something to celebrate that’s wholesome and brings comfort. So, pour a cold glass of milk, dish up a bowl of ice cream or yogurt, put a slice of cheese on your sandwich, and join Georgia’s 130 dairy farms in celebrating June Dairy Month. “June Dairy Month has always been a special month to honor the hard-working dairy farm families who produce nutritious milk and dairy foods,” said Paul Johnson, chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk (GACCM) Board of Directors. “Now, more than ever, we are proud to celebrate the resiliency of our dairy farmers and look forward to all the promotion efforts this month.” The tradition of celebrating June Dairy Month traces its roots back to 1937 when grocer organizations sponsored “National Milk Month” as a way to distribute extra milk produced during the summer, according to The Dairy Alliance, a farmer-funded organization that promotes dairy products to consumers across the Southeast. By 1939, June became the official “dairy month.” Macon, Sumter, Brooks, Burke and Morgan counties were Georgia’s top five milk producing counties in 2019 according to USDA data. Georgia is home to about 82,000 dairy cows that produced about 206 million gallons of milk last year. In 2019, 87.6% of all milk produced in Georgia was used and consumed as fluid milk. Georgia, regional and national dairy organizations are celebrating dairy farmers and their contributions to America’s diet in a variety of ways. The GACCM, which is a commission funded by Georgia dairy farmers to promote dairy products to consumers with programs such as the Mobile Dairy Classroom, is partnering with Kroger to celebrate June Dairy Month. “Georgia’s dairy farmers are proud of our partnership with Kroger and that they are declaring June Dairy Month,” said Johnson. “Our ‘Milk Makes Amazing’ marketing materials are going up in stores this month, now that our state is opening back up after the wake of the coronavirus.” Visit www.milkonmymind.com to virtually meet some of Georgia’s dairy families and learn how they’re caring for their herds and how they produce milk. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 11 Continued from previous page On June 1, The Dairy Alliance launched a two-month digital campaign aimed at Southeast consumers to increase awareness, purchasing and consumption of fluid milk. “Based off current data, consumers are cooking at home now more than ever, purchasing groceries online and craving nostalgic recipes that they take comfort in,” said Rebecca Egsieker, The Dairy Alliance director of communications & farmer relations. “Our message that nothing compares to real dairy that’s real delicious is being shared with our target audience of at-home cooks, online shoppers, viewers of cooking programming, and adults with kids in households. Visit www.thedairyalliance.com to access delicious recipes and educational materials for kids. Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national, farmer-owned dairy cooperative, through which about 65% of the milk produced in Georgia is marketed, kicked off its dairy month celebration with a #GallonsOfGood initiative. For every post shared on a social media platform during June that mentions what you’re grateful for using #GallonsOfGood, DFA will donate $1 to help local food banks purchase milk through its Farmers Feeding Families Fund. Since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the food supply chain in mid-March, DFA has donated the equivalent of more than 625,000 gallons of milk to the many families faced with hunger who rely on school meals and community meal services over the past few months. Through the creation of its Farmers Feeding Families Fund, DFA and its farmer-owners are raising money to help provide essential support and deliver much-needed dairy products to community food banks across the country. As of June 1, DFA has raised more than $500,000. Throughout June Dairy Month, DFA family farmers across the country will deliver more than 10,000 gallons of milk to local communities through milk giveaways, food drives and donations to local food banks. Follow along throughout the month on @dfamilk on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Nationally, Georgia ranked 22nd in the nation for its milk production in 2019, 26th in the nation for number of licensed dairy farms (140 last year) and 23rd in the U.S. for number of dairy cows, per USDA data. UGA-DEVELOPED TOOL HELPS PRODUCE GROWERS ASSESS WATER QUALITY An online tool developed by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is helping produce growers assess their water quality and prepare for increased testing requirements. Uttam Saha, a program coordinator at the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs, developed an online calculator and simulator to help educate farmers and Extension agents with necessary actions related to the water quality component of the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The water quality subpart of the rule covers produce types that are frequently consumed raw to ensure growers use water that does not contribute pathogen contamination — like E. coli, norovirus or parasites — to produce so that it is ultimately safe for human consumption. “The rule requires a lot of technical knowledge to understand the water-testing needs and to determine whether a farm is in compliance,” said Saha. The PSR requires farms to establish a Microbial Water Quality Profile (MWQP) for each untreated water source used on the farm, as well as conduct annual microbial water quality surveys. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 11 Continued from previous page This MWQP is based on the levels of generic E. coli measured in a water source over time, and testing frequency varies depending on the source of the water. The program, available at www.aesl.ces.uga.edu/calculators/FSMA, also provides various model situations to train users. “The biggest change for most farmers is the production (preharvest) water requirements, due in part to increased testing frequencies and the required calculations to determine water microbial quality,” said Laurel Dunn, an assistant professor of food science. “These calculations are not intuitive, so a tool was needed to assist farmers interpreting the results of their water tests.” Dunn and her colleagues produced an instructional video on preharvest sample collection available at www.t.uga.edu/5Zj and another on postharvest sampling at www.t.uga.edu/5Zi. Requirements for the smallest and final group of farms covered by the PSR began in January 2020. However, the water requirements don't go into effect until January 2022 for large farms (more than $500,000 in average sales), January 2023 for small farms (between $250,000 to $500,000 in average sales), and January 2024 for very small farms (between $25,000 and $250,000 in average sales). “Farms aren't required to even begin taking water samples until 2022, but are strongly encouraged to do so, and many third-party audits require them to do it already,” said Dunn. Fruits and vegetables grown for the fresh market are Georgia’s third-largest agricultural sector, with a combined farm gate value of more than $1.8 billion, according to UGA agricultural economists. In addition to testing, at least one person on each farm covered by the PSR must have attended a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training by the compliance date. The Georgia Department of Agriculture and UGA Department of Food Science and Technology have partnered to offer courses. Learn more about the trainings and more at agr.georgia.gov/produce-safetyprogram.aspx. Georgia produce growers can contact their local UGA Cooperative Extension office for more information about testing frequency and requirements, for submitting water samples for testing by UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs, and for interpretation by UGA experts including Saha and Dunn. To learn more about UGA Extension food science programs, visit www.extension.uga.edu/programs-services/food-science. SUMMER’S COMING, AND SO ARE GEORGIA PEACHES Georgia peach growers have some sweet news: The state’s signature fruit is in plentiful supply. “We’re in full swing,” said Will McGehee of Genuine Georgia, which promotes peaches for the state’s five commercial peach farms – Dickey Farms, Fitzgerald Fruit Farm, Lane Southern Orchards, Pearson Farm and Taylor Orchards. “The crop has plenty of peaches, as I’ve been telling folks. We don’t have a bumper crop this year, but we’ve got plenty. So we’re basically able to service everybody in the portfolio. Anybody that wants Georgia peaches, we’re able to get them what they want.” The first week of June, McGehee said, is when the growers transition from picking the clingstone fruit to picking freestone fruit. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 11 Continued from previous page “The freestone peaches are what a lot of people wait on,” he said, noting that the arrival of the peach crop signifies summer for many consumers. “I feel like COVID has put everybody kind of ready for the summer, you know? Wanting to get life back to normal a little bit. Peaches occupy that spot in most people’s minds. It’s like man, when I start eating Georgia peaches that means it’s summertime. This summer, it seems like it’s magnified. Everybody was waiting on us with more enthusiasm than normal from our customer side.” Peach production is geared to retail sales and not as dependent on restaurant and food service customers as other commodities, so the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a great deal of impact on peaches, McGehee said. “When you think about what’s on a menu at a restaurant, it’s typically proteins and vegetables, starches,” he said. “Fruit is not a huge seller through the restaurant channel. It’s the same for bananas and apples and peaches and berries and all of it. They’ll throw us on salads every now and then, maybe make a cocktail with it, but we are just not relying at all on the restaurant side of the business. I’d say probably less than 2 percent of our overall sales go into that channel. So, as such, we just have not seen some of the devastating numbers that you do hear from folks that are relying on that channel. Everything we’re picking is making it into the market and we’re getting paid a fair price for it.” FARMERS MARKET CLOSURES PART OF GDA BUDGET PROPOSAL Five of the state’s nine farmers markets could close under a Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) proposal to meet the budget requirements. All state agencies have been ordered to trim budgets by 14% in response to sharply declining tax revenue caused by a statewide shelter-in-place order aimed at slowing the spread of COVID19. To meet the spending requirements, the GDA will have to cut $5.68 million from the budget for its three core divisions (marketing and promotion, consumer protection and administrative). The proposed closures of the five state farmers markets accounts for part of $2.54 million in cuts from the department’s marketing and promotion division. The proposal calls for $501,240 in cuts from the GDA administrative budget and $2.64 million from its consumer protection programs. The action would eliminate 25 positions and trim about $400,000 in Georgia Grown contracts for advertising and promotion. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black testified in a May 26 Senate Ag Appropriations Committee hearing that closing the farmers markets in Cordele, Thomasville, Savannah, Macon and Augusta is part of the department’s proposed budget cuts. “This may be one of the big shockers and certainly it’s one of the less comfortable things to even begin to talk about, given our history and the importance of our marketing division,” Black said. Black said the GDA would not participate in the 2020 Georgia National Fair or Sunbelt Ag Expo under the proposed budget cuts. The proposed cuts are subject to approval by the Georgia legislature when it reconvenes.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 11 AFBF SEEKS ENTREPRENEURS ADDRESSING FARM & RURAL CHALLENGES The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, has opened online applications for the 2021 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies that are addressing challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Farm Bureau will award $145,000 in startup funds provided by sponsors Farm Credit, John Deere, Bayer Crop Science, Country Financial, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Farm Bureau Bank. Launched in 2015 as the first national competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs, the Challenge continues to identify the next ag entrepreneurs to watch and supports innovation essential to Farm Bureau member businesses and communities. For this seventh year of the competition, Farm Bureau is seeking entrepreneurs who are addressing both traditional challenges farmers and rural communities face – like the 2020 Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year, Dana Mohr with HydroSide Systems, who developed an automated irrigation system – as well as business owners tackling new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “In light of the impacts Farm Bureau members are experiencing from COVID-19, solutions from entrepreneurs are needed more than ever to help farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We’re very interested to see how entrepreneurs will use startup funds provided by the Challenge to help support farms and ranches and grow the rural economy.” For example, 2020 Ag Innovation Challenge semi-finalist AgButler recently partnered with Missouri Farm Bureau to launch MO AgConnection. The business connects farmers with high school and college students who may be able to provide the extra hands required to keep farms and ranches running smoothly. Rantizo, another 2020 semi-finalist business, is testing the use of autonomous drone sprayers to sanitize large-scale venues, such as MLB stadiums and other spectator events. Farm Bureau and Farm Credit will select 10 startup companies to compete at the AFBF Annual Convention in January 2021 as semi-finalists. The 10 semi-finalist teams will be announced on Oct. 5 and awarded $7,500 each. The 10 teams will compete to advance to the final round where four teams will receive an additional $7,500 and compete live on stage in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives. The final four teams will compete to win: Farm Bureau Entrepreneur of the Year, for a total of $50,000 People’s Choice award, for a total of $20,000 The top 10 semi-finalist teams will participate in pitch training and mentorship from Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management faculty prior to competing at AFBF’s Convention. In addition, the top 10 semi-finalist teams will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders and venture capital representatives from the Agriculture Department’s Rural Business Investment Companies. Entrepreneurs must be Farm Bureau members to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can join a state Farm Bureau of their choice. Visit www.gfb.org/membership/join-today.cms to learn about becoming a member. Detailed eligibility guidelines, the competition timeline, videos and profiles of past winners are available at www.fb.org/challenge. Applications must be received by midnight Eastern Daylight Time on July 31.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 11 NORTH GEORGIA PRESCRIBED FIRE VIRTUAL MEETING June 4 10 a.m. Online The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council, a statewide coalition of land managers, landowners, forestry consultants, conservation organizations, universities, and state and federal agencies promotes the safe use of prescribed fire as an essential natural resource management tool to ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk. The council will hold this virtual meeting using ZOOM technology. with a full agenda of speakers with live interaction from the audience available for questions and comments. The 5-hour meeting, with breaks, will address critical issues for prescribed fire practitioners and advocates, with a special emphasis on north Georgia and its unique terrain, population, and forest types. Meeting attendees will hear from prescribed fire experts on a variety of topics, which can be viewed on the meeting agenda at https://gfb.ag/20RXfiremtg. SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE COST SHARE PROGRAM June 5 Deadline to apply The Georgia Forestry Commission’s cost share program for Southern Pine Beetle is accepting applications. The purpose of the SPB cost share program is to help landowners implement various silvicultural practices that will prevent (or minimize) impacts of southern pine beetle infestations, restore healthy, more beetle-resistant forests and suppress current beetle infestations. Visit https://gfb.ag/20SPBcostshare for more information or apply. INVASIVE PLANT CONTROL COST SHARE PROGRAM June 5 Deadline to apply The Georgia Forestry Commission’s cost share program for invasive plant control is accepting applications. The purpose of the program is to promote healthy forests by eliminating nonnative, invasive plants. If left unchecked, lands occupied by these plants become unproductive and native flora (and fauna) can be completely displaced. Visit https://gfb.ag/20IPCPcostshare for more information or to apply. STAY AT HOME BEEKEEPING SERIES June 11 UF’s Cameron Jack/Varroa mite biology 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. online June 25 Dr. Jim Tew, Ala. Ext./Honey production 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. online The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering members of beekeeping clubs the opportunity to attend these free online meetings, each of which will bring participants up to date on timely beekeeping topics. Time for Q&A is included. Watch with Zoom at https://auburn.zoom.us/j/904522838 stream via Facebook live at www.facebook.com/LawrenceCountyextension/. For more information, visit Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 11 USDA NATIONAL CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS June 29 Deadline to apply The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving solutions that boost production on farms, ranches and private forests and improve natural resources. This year’s priorities are water reuse, water quality, air quality, energy and wildlife habitat. For more information, visit www.gfb.ag/20NationalCIG. CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM June 30 extended deadline to apply for 2020 funding Through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques. Changes in the 2018 Farm Bill authorize NRCS to accept new CSP enrollments until 2023 and makes some improvements to the program. For additional information about CSP, contact your local service center. To find your local USDA service Center, visit www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator. GA COTTON WOMEN TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR COTTON SCHOLARSHIPS July 1 Deadline to apply The $1,500 John M. and Connie H. Mobley Memorial Scholarship is presented to the child or grandchild of an active Georgia cotton producer. The $1,500 Georgia Cotton Women Scholarship is presented annually to the child or grandchild of a Georgia cotton producer or a cotton industry employee. Priority for both scholarships is given to children of Georgia Cotton Women members. Applicants may be entering freshmen or rising sophomores attending or planning to attend a Georgia college. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Recipients should possess demonstrated leadership potential and participation in organized activities. Email Nancy Coleman at rosehillfarms@windstream.net or call 229-941-2930 to request an application. Completed applications and supporting material must be submitted with a postmark no later than July 1. CROP INSURANCE FOR CABBAGE PRODUCERS July 1 deadline to apply Georgia cabbage producers have until July 1 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to existing coverage for the 2021 crop year. Coverage is available for growers in Brooks, Colquitt, Tift and Toombs counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2021 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers by visiting the RMA agent locator at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 11 SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE July 16-18 Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort Panama City Beach, Florida Registration is open for the 2020 Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/20spgcregistration. To view the full schedule, visit https://gfb.ag/20spgcsked. Resort reservations can be made by calling 1-800-874-8686 and ask for the “Southern Peanut Growers Conference Rate” or use the Booking ID 11578. Visit www.edgewaterbeachresort.com to book rooms online. GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Originally scheduled for March 24-25, The Georgia Pecan Growers Association annual conference is postponed to Sept. 10-11. The conference will remain in Tifton for the fall event and will essentially combine with GPGA’s annual fall field day. The GPGA uses the conference as its primary fundraiser to offset operating costs throughout the year. Registration will remain open online until the event occurs in September. All planned events will proceed at the fall event, including the golf tournament, orchard tour, welcome reception, and annual awards luncheon. U.S. CENSUS TIMELINE ADJUSTED The self-response phase of the 2020 U.S. Census, originally scheduled to run through July 31, has been extended to Oct. 31, one of several adjustments to the Census calendar in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a Census Bureau press release. Census takers were scheduled to conduct non-response follow-up interviews, which are done in person, May 13 – July 31. The non-response follow-up timeline has been moved back to Aug. 11 – Oct. 31. Census Bureau processing of data after completion of the count activities was to run July 31 to Dec. 31. This work has been rescheduled for Oct. 31 – April 30, 2021. Delivery of states’ population totals, which determine how many seats states have in the House of Representatives, will be delivered to the president by April 30, 2021. For more information, visit https://census.georgia.gov/. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.