HOUSE AG COMMITTEE MARKS UP 2024 FARM BILL; NEXT STEP UNCERTAIN
On May 24 the U.S. House Committee for Agriculture debated the House draft of the next farm bill in a 13-hour markup hearing about H.R. 8467. Markup is the process through which congressional committees debate, amend and rewrite proposed legislation.
The markup hearing met with approval from major ag organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), as a sign of progress toward enacting the new farm bill. The 2018 farm bill, which has already been extended past its 2023 end date, expires Sept. 30.
“AFBF appreciates the leadership of Chairman [Glenn] Thompson and members of the House Agriculture Committee for the markup and bipartisan passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a released statement. “The farm bill affects all of America’s families, and we’re encouraged to see the legislation progress in the House.”
Farm Bureau is pushing for increased reference prices under the farm commodity programs –prices below which program payments may be triggered. H.R. 8467 includes increases in reference prices
According to information provided by the House Ag Committee, the House bill increases the reference prices in the 2018 farm bill between 10% to 19% depending on the crop.
Here are proposed reference prices for some key Georgia crops:
• Corn – 2018 farm bill $3.70 per bushel; proposed $4.10 per bushel (10.8% increase);
• Soybeans – 2018 farm bill $8.40 per bushel; proposed $10 per bushel (19%);
• Wheat – 2018 farm bill $5.50 per bushel; proposed $6.35 per bushel (15.5%);
• Seed cotton – 2018 farm bill 37 cents per pound; proposed 42 cents per pound (13.5%);
• Peanuts – 2018 farm bill $535 per ton; proposed $630 per ton (17.8%).
The Senate farm bill – titled the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act – also increases reference prices by a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 15%, according to information from the Senate Ag Committee.
Duvall noted that tight partisan voting margins in the House and the Senate, along with other key business before Congress present challenges to passing the new farm bill this year.
“We urge House leaders to continue the momentum and bring this important legislation to a -continued on next page
Photo by Lorene ParkerField Notes page 2 of 18
Continued from previous page vote on the floor,” Duvall said. “We also urge the Senate Agriculture Committee to follow the lead of the House by scheduling a farm bill markup. A pandemic, high inflation, supply chain issues and global unrest all present challenges that can only be addressed by a new, modernized farm bill.”
At press time the Senate Ag Committee had not scheduled a farm bill markup hearing.
USDA LAUNCHES HERD STATUS PILOT; SECOND WORKER TESTS POSITIVE
With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases identified at 81 dairies in nine states and a second Michigan dairy worker testing positive for the virus that causes it, the USDA moved forward with efforts to contain the outbreak.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported on May 30 that the worker in the second human case of the virus occurred at a different farm from the previously reported case. The second worker experienced respiratory symptoms, was given antiviral medication and is recovering, the agency reported.
On May 30, the USDA announced it is adding emergency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to bolster efforts to ensure the health and viability of the nation’s livestock and poultry. The department is launching a new Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program to give dairy producers more options to monitor the health of their herds and move cows more quickly while providing on-going testing and expanding USDA’s understanding of the disease.
Emergency Funding to Build on Response Efforts
To help ensure the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) can continue to provide critical rapid response activities, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack approved the transfer of $824 million from the CCC to APHIS to directly support the response efforts. The funding will support anticipated diagnostics, field response activities, pre-movement testing requirements, other necessary surveillance and control activities, surveillance in wildlife for APHIS, the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) work in developing vaccines for HPAI in cattle, turkeys, pigs, and goats, and ARS and the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s food safety studies.
Voluntary Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program
APHIS is launching a Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program, which provides alternative testing and movement options to the Federal Order, announced in April, to increase USDA's monitoring capabilities to mitigate the spread of H5N1. The Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program aims to create additional testing options for producers with herds that have tested negative for three weeks in a row, further reduce H5N1 virus dissemination, provide for further opportunities to test herds that are not known to be affected with H5N1, increase surveillance and expand knowledge of the disease, and support an overall national program to reduce the risk of H5N1 in dairy herds.
The main benefit for farmers who choose to enroll in the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program is that once they can demonstrate their herds are free of H5N1 with results from a -continued on next page
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National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) facility, they will then need to conduct weekly tests on bulk milk from that herd to confirm its virus-free status allowing the farm to ship their cows at the time they prefer and without testing individual animals.
Dairy producers from states enrolled in the first phase of this program who choose to enroll their herds and who test negative for H5N1 for three consecutive weeks using on-farm bulk tank milk samples or similar representative milk samples tested at a NAHLN laboratory will be able to move animals without additional pre-movement testing currently required under the Federal Order. Producers must also comply with continued regular weekly monitoring and testing of the herd for H5N1.
APHIS is currently working with state animal health officials to identify states to participate in a pilot phase of the program. Producers from states participating in this pilot can start enrolling in the Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program by contacting their APHIS Area Veterinarian in Charge or State Veterinarian and signing a Herd Monitoring Plan agreement. USDA strongly encourages dairy producers to enroll in this new program. Beyond the benefits for their own operations, increased producer participation may help USDA to establish state and/or regional disease-free statuses that could further ease compliance with the current Federal Order. Those herds not enrolled in the pilot program will continue to follow the interstate testing and movement requirements published in the Federal Order in April. More specific guidance on the new program, including how to enroll and how to obtain and maintain a herd status, will be made available on the APHIS website in the coming days.
As additional testing measures take place, USDA anticipates that it will see an increase in testing and positive test results, which will add to knowledge of the disease and how it may spread between herds. At the same time, this pilot program will help to gather additional information on how producers with affected herds can document elimination of the virus on their operations and steps they can take to maintain an H5N1 virus-free herd.
To learn more about USDA’s response to H5N1 in dairy cattle, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpaidetections/livestock
IOWA POULTRY FLOCKS DESTROYED FOLLOWING HPAI CONFIRMATION
A flock of commercial layer hens totaling 4.2 million birds in Sioux County, Iowa, was euthanized after tests confirmed an infection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on May 28. Sioux County is located in the northwest corner of the state , about 200 miles from Des Moines. A commercial turkey flock of in neighboring Cherokee County was announced on June 2.
Both cases are believed to be caused by contact with wild birds. Both flocks were euthanized in accordance with biosecurity guidelines from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
HPAI cases in an additional seven flocks in Minnesota were confirmed by APHIS in the past month, affecting 1.5 million birds.
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HPAI strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out an entire flock within days.
APHIS notes the following may be potential indicators of an HPAI infection in poultry:
• Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness;
• Lack of energy and appetite;
• A drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs;
• Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles, and shanks;
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs;
• Gasping for air (difficulty breathing);
• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing;
• Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis);
• Stumbling or falling down;
• Diarrhea.
Producers should monitor their flocks and report birds with these signs. In Georgia, possible infections for domestic birds can be reported by calling the AI Hotline at (770) 766-6850. Testing is free through the gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
APHIS offers guidance for preventing HPAI infections in poultry flocks at the following links:
• Defend the Flock
• Protect Your Poultry From Avian Influenza
• Poultry Owners: Report Sick Birds!
• Prevent Avian Influenza at Your Farm: Improve Your Biosecurity With Simple Wildlife Practices
GOV. KEMP, STATE LEGISLATORS VISIT WITH MADISON COUNTY FARMERS
On May 28 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) held the second in its series of “County VoicesCapitol Choices,” meetings the organization is holding for its members across the state through June 20. Moon Farms Country Market in Colbert, owned by GFB 2nd District Director Russ Moon and his family, hosted the event. The meetings are being held to help connect farmers to their state officials.
GFB President Tom McCall and his wife, Jane, welcomed Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp to the event. Georgia Sens. Frank Ginn (R-Dist. 47) and Steve Gooch (R-Dist. 51) along with Rep. Rob Leverett (R-Dist.123) attended the event.
“Today we want each of you to hear from your state legislators and Gov. Kemp, and they want to hear from you,” McCall said when starting the meeting.
The lawmakers discussed legislation beneficial to Georgia agriculture that was passed into law this year or last.
“My office appreciates the relationship we have with Georgia Farm Bureau,” Kemp said. “Talking with Tom and Farm Bureau folks at events like this today is important because it lets me and your legislators know what issues are affecting your farms. It’s important for farmers to be -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page engaged in the legislative process. Agriculture has a lot of influence because of the economic contributions you make on the state level and in your local communities. You buy products from a lot of people in your local communities.”
In 2022, agriculture and related industries contributed $83.6 billion to Georgia’s economy according to the University of Georgia’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED).
Kemp listed action he has taken to help farmers and rural communities during his time as governor.
“To help fight inflation we suspended the state fuel tax multiple times last year, and we passed a one-time property tax relief measure that benefitted all property owners,” Kemp said. “This year we passed and signed House Bill 1015 that decreases the state income tax rate from 5.49% to 5.39%.”
A Georgia tax law passed in 2022 did away with personal income tax brackets that previously topped out at 5.75% and allows the state income tax rate to drop 0.1% annually until it reaches 4.99%, if state revenues allow further reductions.
“We also decreased Georgia’s corporate tax rates to match personal income tax rates to help small businesses, which employ a lot of people in rural Georgia,” Kemp said.
In April, Kemp signed House Bill 1023, which will decrease Georgia’s corporate tax rate to match the current personal tax rate of 5.39%. Moving forward, Georgia’s corporate and personal income tax rates will decrease by the same amount. The lowest either rate can go is 4.99%. Georgia’s corporate tax rate was 5.75% as of Jan. 1.
Georgia Sen. Frank Ginn, who represents Barrow, Jackson, Clarke and Madison Counties said,
“What we’re trying to do with our state is to make it better for our children and our grandchildren. Our job at the capitol is to make life better.”
Georgia Rep. Rob Leverett, who represents Elbert, Lincoln, and Wilkes Counties, as well as parts of Madison and Columbia Counties, thanked the attending farmers for what they do.
"I wear and eat what you grow. If I can ever help y'all with anything, please let me know," Leverett said.
Georgia Sen. Steve Gooch, who represents Fannin, Union, Gilmer Lumpkin, White, Dawson & parts of Pickens & Forsyth counties encouraged farmers to stay in touch with their state legislators.
“The representative form of government that we have in this country is only as good as the people you elect,” Gooch said.
McCall thanked the governor and state legislators for supporting appropriations in the state budget that will benefit Georgia agriculture including: $300,000 for processing venison donations to encourage deer harvests to help with deer crop damage; $22 million to build a new livestock barn at the Georgia National Fairgrounds for showing goat, sheep and swine; $150,000 for the Georgia Feral Hog Taskforce; $35,000 increase for the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program to encourage vet students to practice large animal medicine in rural communities; and $10.3 million -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page to buy ag education equipment statewide.
The County Voices, Capitol Choices meetings offer more than legislative updates. It’s a chance to visit with your state leaders and effect meaningful change. Register for one of the coming meetings at www.gfb.ag/cvcc.
Upcoming meetings, all scheduled for 10 a.m., are: June 6 Farmview Market, Madison; June 10 Greene Acre Farms, Cochran; June 11 Dutch Ford Farms, Metter; June 18 Mitchell Co. Ag Center, Camilla; June 19 UGA SWGA Research Station, Plains; June 20 Paulk Vineyards, Wray.
GFB ANNOUNCES ART & BOOKMARK CONTEST WINNERS
Georgia students tapped into their artistic talents to create colorful bookmarks and draw scenes depicting agriculture for the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests.
Ashley McMath, of Cherokee County, sketched the first place drawing of a farmer bottle feeding a calf as other beef cattle watch to win the GFB High School Art Contest. McMath won $250 as the state high school art contest winner and $100 as the GFB 1st District winner. She was a senior at River Ridge High School at the time she entered the contest this winter.
Dan Lin, of Gwinnett County, won state honors in the middle school bookmark contest for his vibrant bookmark highlighting Georgia peaches, cotton, peanuts and Vidalia onions. Lin received $150 for winning the state bookmark contest and $100 as the GFB 3rd District winner. He was a sixth-grade student at SKA Academy when he entered the contest.
Visit https://gfb.ag/2024-hs-art-contest-winners to see all the district winners’ artwork for the 2024 GFB High School Art Contest. Visit https://gfb.ag/24bookmarkwinners to see all of the district winners’ creations in the 2024 GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest.
This marks the 30th year GFB held its annual art contest for ninth through twelfth-grade students. This is the third year GFB coordinated a contest for sixth through eighth graders to design a bookmark.
“Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Art Contests encourage students to create a piece of art inspired by what they learn about Georgia agriculture after watching a video, doing research, or visiting a farm,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Students who might not otherwise think about agriculture learn about the variety of crops and livestock Georgia farmers raise as they create their drawings.”
GFB received entries for its high school art contest from 77 county Farm Bureaus and entries from 88 county Farm Bureaus for its middle school art contest. A panel of judges selected GFB district winners for each contest from all county entries submitted from each district. Once the district winners were selected, all GFB home office employees were invited to vote for their favorite piece of artwork in each contest without knowing the names of the artists nor counties that submitted the sketches and bookmarks.
Contestants in the high school contest were instructed to create a black, white and gray drawing -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page using graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Drawings were judged on how well the artwork represents agriculture in the student’s county or Georgia and for artistic merit.
The middle school contestants were given a blank bookmark and asked to create a design illustrating Georgia agriculture.
District winners in the GFB High School Art Contest were:
GFB 1st Dist. Ashley McMath Cherokee Co.
GFB 2nd Dist. Arianna Alvarez Franklin Co.
GFB 3rd Dist. Nereida Leon-Arreola Polk Co.
GFB 4th Dist. Aishwarya “Lexie” Sangam Greene Co.
GFB 5th Dist. Emily Beth Hammock Taylor Co.
GFB 6th Dist. Olivia Durden Dodge Co.
GFB 7th Dist. Sofia Piraino Effingham Co.
GFB 8th Dist. Alexandria Taylor Turner Co.
GFB 9th Dist. Christian Anderson Dougherty Co.
GFB 10th Dist. Grace DuMortier Glynn Co.
District winners in the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest were:
GFB 1st Dist. Haley Bolin Forsyth Co.
GFB 2nd Dist. Susana Mares Habersham Co.
GFB 3rd Dist. Dan Lin Gwinnett Co.
GFB 4th Dist. Yashvi Patel Putnam Co.
GFB 5th Dist. Anna Leigh Coker Upson Co.
GFB 6th Dist. Katherine Yu Treutlen Co.
GFB 7th Dist. Ryder Perdue Chatham Co.
GFB 8th Dist. Juan Ortiz Jr. Randolph Co.
GFB 9th Dist. Lorelei Trulock Grady Co.
GFB 10th Dist. Briana Araiza Ben Hill Co.
GFB STAFF TRANSITIONS, NEW HIRE ANNOUNCED
The Georgia Farm Bureau Public Relations/Information Department recently announced moves within its staff, and the GFB Public Policy Department has hired Amelia Junod as advocacy and policy development specialist.
Kenny Burgamy, who has co-anchored the Farm Monitor television show with Ray D’Alessio since 2014, is stepping away from that role but will continue as the show’s executive producer. Burgamy will also continue serving as director of the GFB Info/PR department, a position he had held since May 2019.
Jennifer Parson, who has worked with GFB since 2019 as a marketing specialist and has produced occasional features for the Farm Monitor, is stepping in as the show’s new co-anchor. Parson previously worked as a public information officer for the Warner Robins Police Department -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page and as a weekend anchor and multimedia journalist for WMAZ-TV in Macon.
Meanwhile, Keaton Walker joined the GFB Info/PR Department staff as corporate engagement and membership manager in February, following the departure of Slayten Carter. Walker first joined GFB in October 2022 as the advocacy and policy development specialist in the organization’s Public Policy Department. Prior to joining GFB, Walker worked as chief marketing and public relations officer for Circle F Farms and its affiliated businesses in Baxley and as chief marketing and business development officer for Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.
On May 28 the GFB Public Policy Department welcomed Amelia Junod to its team as an advocacy and policy development specialist. Junod will manage GFB’s annual process of establishing its positions on a variety of farm-related issues, as well as working to promote the organization’s stances through outreach campaigns. Her duties will include working with GFB staff and volunteer leaders to engage with elected officials at local, state and federal levels. She will also provide GFB members and external stakeholders information about the organization’s legislative programs and assist with the GFB Impact Fund political action committee.
A native of Macon, Junod graduated from Mercer University in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in law and public policy. Prior to coming to GFB, she was employed with the S-3 Group in Washington, D.C., a government relations/public affairs firm, where she conducted data research and analysis to help clients support their legislative policies and address reputation challenges.
Junod served as a legislative intern during the summer of 2022 for former U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, who represented Georgia’s 10th District before opting not to seek re-election in 2023.
Throughout her four years as a Mercer student, Junod was a member of the Mercer University Admissions and Event Team for which she conducted campus tours for prospective students and their families, introducing them to campus facilities and programs; managed the @mercernow Instagram page for select events and helped with daily office operations. Junod is a member of the Psi Gamma Chapter of Chi Omega for which she served as new member educator for a one-year term.
Growing up, Junod was introduced to agriculture by her grandparents Terrel and Linda Green, who grew blueberries, corn, beans and potatoes for local markets on their farm in south Bibb County. As a registered forester, her grandfather, Terrel, also introduced her to the importance of forestry. She is the daughter of Michael and Leigh Ann Junod. She attends Martha Bowman United Methodist Church in Macon.
“I am excited to expand my understanding of Georgia farming and become a specialist in the area of agricultural policy,” Junod said. “Representing and advocating for Georgia agriculture is something I have been interested in for a long time, and I'm grateful to learn from some of the best here at Georgia Farm Bureau!”
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GCC SEEKS NOMINEES FOR COTTON LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
In July, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will convene a caucus of certified producer organizations representing cotton producers in Georgia to nominate individuals to serve as members and alternates on the Cotton Board, which administers the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, for three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as current board members’ terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is seeking nominees for vacant positions. The GCC is focused on helping the USDA fully realize its commitment to ensure that boards reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies and other distinguishing factors, including by not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities.
In addition, the GCC is seeking nominees to represent Georgia as delegates and alternates to the National Cotton Council of America, board members and alternates to Cotton Incorporated, and board members of Southern Cotton Growers. Each of these organizations serves cotton producers and the overall industry in unique ways and requires well-rounded producer leaders to creatively ensure that each organization accomplishes their aims and purposes. Interested individuals should email the GCC office at info@georgiacotton.org
PECAN STAKEHOLDERS VISIT INDIA ON TRADE MISSION
In April, the American Pecan Council (APC), along with the Georgia and New Mexico State Departments of Agriculture (GDA and NMDA), Georgia Pecan Growers Association (GPGA) and the Georgia Pecan Commission, attended a USDA agricultural trade mission to India aimed at growing the industry’s global relationships to drive exports. The week-long mission included opportunities for both U.S. pecan growers and companies and Indian importers and retailers to learn from each other about India’s market potential, share insights on technical logistics and capabilities like shipping and handling, and experience the flavor and functional health benefits of pecans.
“This trip built on the momentum of January’s APC reverse trade mission when Indian importers visited major pecan-producing states,” said Anne Warden, CEO of the APC. “Importers and retailers were impressed to see the size of our united pecan delegation and took it as a sign that the U.S. pecan industry is serious about working together to crack open the Indian market.”
To get better acquainted with Indian food culture, displays for nuts and dried fruits and packaging, New Mexico and Georgia growers were taken to traditional and modern Indian retail markets coordinated by GDA, GPGA and NMDA. By seeing the environments in which nuts are already packaged and displayed, growers and industry members were able to understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with a new market such as weather conditions during storage and at retail in the open air as well as limited space for eye-catching displays.
Driving Awareness and Trial In India
In addition to getting pecans in stores across India, the U.S. pecan industry is also creating awareness as many Indians are unfamiliar with the delicious flavor and health benefits pecans can -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page bring to their heavily vegetarian diets.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Pecan Growers Association also worked to hold taste trials in India’s modern grocery retail stores like Smart Bazaar, one of the largest chains in India. During the mission, Georgia set up prominent pecan displays and passed out samples to shoppers, appealing to the younger Indian demographic who crave new and exciting flavors with an affinity for American products. To drive promotion in one of India’s newest grocery stores – Food Stories – where consumers go for high-end food and experiences, the APC recruited famous chef Harpal Singh Sokhi for a live cooking demo where he spoke to customers about the snacking potential of pecans and the flavor and texture of pecans in classic Indian dishes.
“It’s impossible to beat the taste and quality of American pecans, and we were thrilled to see the enthusiastic reception by local consumers during the US-India Trade Mission to New Delhi,” said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper. “The Indian market represents an incredible opportunity for our pecan producers, and we look forward to continuing to build this important relationship.”
To round out activities and continue to build on important importer and retailer relationships, the APC co-hosted an evening reception with the Nut and Dry Fruit Council of India (NDFC India) and the American Pistachio Growers. The reception, attended by more than 100 people from the dry fruit and nut industry, helped attendees hear first-hand the perspective of importers and retailers and what they viewed to be the opportunities and challenges to importing and selling American Pecans in India.
“We heard loud and clear from Indian importers and retailers that they want our commitment to India,” said Justin Jones, chairman of industry relations for the APC, Georgia pecan grower and co-owner of brand Zorro Pecans. “That means they’re looking for consistency and quality with every container that goes into the country. I know the U.S. pecan industry can deliver and with an opportunity as big as the Indian market – 400 million consumers with purchasing power right now – there’s plenty of room to get involved.”
Pecan growers with questions about getting involved in exports to India or beyond, may reach out to the American Pecan Council, their local grower association and/or state departments of agriculture who are committed to helping grow the U.S. pecan industry at home and abroad.
Field Notes page 11 of 18
USDA PROVIDES $300 MILLION TO AID U.S. AG EXPORTS
On May 21, the USDA announced it is allocating $300 million to 66 U.S. organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets around the globe.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack launched RAPP in October 2023, authorizing $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond traditional and established markets, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia, where consumer demand and purchasing power are growing.
Among the organizations receiving RAPP awards are: The American Soybean Association ($28.5 million); Cotton Council International ($19 million); the U.S. Dairy Export Council ($10 million); Southern United States Trade Association ($9.38 million), U.S. Poultry & Egg Export Council ($9.03 million); American Peanut Council ($2.9 million); U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council ($1.3 million); American Pecan Council ($1 million) and the National Watermelon Promotion Board ($300,000).
Meanwhile, the USDA and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced appointments to the newly established Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.
Among the appointees is Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Chris Butts.
USTR and USDA established the committee to provide advice and recommendations on measures to promote the competitiveness of producers of seasonal and perishable produce in the Southeastern United States. The committee members will offer expertise in areas such as growing and selling seasonal and perishable agricultural products and the needs and market dynamics affecting producers of seasonal and perishable agricultural products in the Southeastern United States.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 18
GFB PHOTO CONTEST
June 7 contest entry deadline
GFB is taking entries for its annual photo contest through 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.
EPD MEETINGS REGARDING SOUTHWEST GA WATER WITHDRAWAL PERMITS
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/water-withdrawal-permitting.
AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT GRANT APPLICATIONS
June 14 application deadline
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is accepting applications for its 20242025 White-Reinhardt school year project grants. These grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Organizations and individual schools can work with their local Farm Bureaus to apply. Grants are available on a competitive basis. Grant funds cannot be used for consumable items like food or paper, transportation, wages or safety programs. Grant payments can only be made to a state or county Farm Bureau. Grant applications are due June 14. To learn more about the White-Reinhardt Fund and apply for the 2024-2025 school year grant click here. For more information email foundation@fb.org . https://www.agfoundation.org/grants-awards/white-reinhardt-grants.
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FARM BUREAU AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Now in its 11th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will each receive $10,000. Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Sept. 3. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest. The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, to win: Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000); Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000) Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these innovative businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and T-Mobile. Examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at www.fb.org/challenge. Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semifinalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today to become a member. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 15.
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.
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CABBAGE PRODUCERS CROP INSURANCE
July 1 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia cabbage growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 crop year is July 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the July 1 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for cabbage in Brooks, Colquitt, Tift, and Toombs counties. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2025 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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.
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2025 AFBF FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
July 12 application deadline
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the seventh year of the contest, supported by Nestle Purina Petcare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food, $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a Purina products basket, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025. Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest. The People’s Choice Pup winner will receive $2,500, a trophy, a Purina products basket, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit www.gfb.ag/join to join. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at www.fb.org/land/fdoty. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 12 for consideration.
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.
GACD ANNUAL MEETING
Aug. 4-6
Chateau Elan Resort Braselton
GACD’s Annual Meeting provides a conversation platform for Conservation Districts and likeminded resource conservation partners to share updates. Georgia’s 40 Conservation Districts are units of state government that provide locally-driven conservation solutions across the state. Meeting attendees include state and federal agencies representing all counties of Georgia. Early registration is $385 until July 5. Registration until July 26 is $425. Click here to register. (https://form.jotform.com/241235580036147)
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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.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 7 & Oct. 5
Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
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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://ugeorgi a.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 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.
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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.