US INITIATES SETTLEMENT TALKS WITH MEXICO OVER BIOTECH CORN
On June 2, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai announced that the United States has requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These consultations regard certain Mexican measures concerning products of agricultural biotechnology.
The move drew praise from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).
“The United States has repeatedly conveyed its concerns that Mexico’s biotechnology policies are not based on science and threaten to disrupt U.S. exports to Mexico to the detriment of agricultural producers, which in turn can exacerbate food security challenges. Mexico’s biotechnology policies also stifle agricultural innovation that helps American farmers respond to pressing climate challenges, increase farm productivity, and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” Ambassador Tai said. “We will continue to work with the Mexican government through these consultations to resolve our concerns and help ensure consumers can continue to access safe and affordable food and agricultural products.”
These consultations regard measures set out in Mexico’s Feb. 13 decree, specifically the ban on use of biotechnology corn in tortillas or dough, and the instruction to Mexican government agencies to gradually substitute i.e., ban the use of biotechnology corn in all products for human consumption and for animal feed.
In a June 2 release, AFBF President Zippy Duvall noted that Mexico’s ban of biotech corn ignores science and runs counter to the framework of the USMCA, which was finalized in 2018 and replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement.
“The import ban hurts families in Mexico who rely on the safe and affordable food grown by America’s farmers,” Duvall said. “We encourage Ambassador Tai and Secretary [Tom] Vilsack to continue pressing forward to ensure Mexico lives up to its obligations under USMCA by allowing fair trade from the United States.”
The consultations also regard rejections of applications for authorization covering the importation and sale of certain biotechnology products. According to the USTR, Mexico’s measures appear to be inconsistent with several of its obligations in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary -continued on next page
Continued from previous page (SPS) Measures and Market Access chapters of the USMCA.
“USDA supports success for all farmers, and that means embracing fair, open, science- and rules-based trade. In this spirit, the USMCA was written to ensure that producers in all three countries have full and fair access to each other’s markets,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “We fundamentally disagree with the position Mexico has taken on the issue of biotechnology, which has been proven to be safe for decades. Through this action, we are exercising our rights under USMCA while supporting innovation, nutrition security, sustainability, and the mutual success of our farmers and producers.”
UGA AWARDED $4 MILLION TO DESIGN FARM OF THE FUTURE
By Jordan Powers, UGAResearchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have been awarded nearly $4 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to develop a climate-smart “4-D Farm.”
The project, The Digital and Data-Driven Demonstration Farm (4-D Farm): Juxtaposition of Climate-Smart and Circular Innovations for Future Farm Economies, is part of NIFA’s investment in regional innovations for climate-smart agriculture and forestry.
Led by principal investigator Glen Rains, the project involves an interdisciplinary team across CAES, including researchers in sustainable precision agriculture, data science, livestock management, grass and forage management, crop production, UGA Extension and education programming, and autonomous and intelligent rover research and development. Two sub awards were given to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and Clemson University. The project also includes a contracted social economist from Kansas State University.
Leveraging data science for farm resilience
The long-term goal of the 4-D Farm is to develop climate-smart production systems leveraging renewable energy, automation, intelligence and human capital to meet the required food and fiber needs of a burgeoning world population.
Executed across multiple sites in Georgia, the 4-D Farm will feature a 90-acre Demonstrating Applied Technology in Agriculture (DATA) farm on the ABAC campus in Tifton. With roughly half the acreage under a center-pivot irrigation system, researchers will rotate what is in the field to test various management systems.
“We’ll start by adopting things we already know and then adapting them, whether it is precision planting and irrigation or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). It’ll be a challenge, but we hope to be able to show what type of management programs pay off if producers want to integrate precision ag into their farming,” said Rains, a professor in the CAES Department of Entomology.
Multiple emerging technology and data sites will be located on UGA research farms and a data management and analysis center will be housed on the UGA Tifton campus at the Future Farmstead Carriage House. The center will allow researchers to share real-time data collection, which could be a game-changer for farmers.
“The goal is to be able to collect data and make in-season decisions on irrigation, fertilizer and growth regulators to make a better crop that same year,” Rains said. “Traditionally we haven’t -continued on next page
Continued from previous page been able to do much until yield is determined at the end of the growing season, then we make changes for the following year. Providing better, real-time information to reduce risk and increase knowledge is doable with advanced data analytics.”
Michael Toews, professor and assistant dean of UGA-Tifton, is proud to have the project based on the south Georgia campus.
“This project leverages a wide breadth of scientific expertise to develop climate-smart technologies and solutions that are cementing UGA-Tifton’s legacy as the destination for applied research, Extension and instruction programs,” Toews said.
Diversifying farming operations for producers and the planet
The 4-D Farm will diversify precision agriculture management systems as well as the crops and livestock in the field. Researchers hope that their methods will provide more information about creating a diversified farming operation that is more profitable for farmers while showing increased efficiency and environmental benefits.
“Most currently funded research is driven by individual commodity and discipline needs and rarely investigates integrating multiple agricultural enterprises to improve farm resilience, so that the farmer does not have all their ‘eggs in one basket,’” Rains said. “In this project, data-driven farm strategies will be implemented to create an interdependent and diverse crop and livestock rotation that addresses the reduced effectiveness of chemical inputs, climate change effects, feeding an increasing population, loss of biodiversity and pollinators, water quality and quantity, rural economic sustainability, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions.”
Researchers will collect data on plant growth, air quality, soil health and more to develop and test resilient agricultural practices and assess the socioeconomic consequences of the new technologies and practices. If successful, the project could benefit both producers and the planet.
Farmers and producers visiting the 4-D Farm will be able to see new technologies and practices in a hands-on environment, helping them determine whether they should invest in new management systems. The farm’s multiple crop rotations will enable producers to see how to manage and make a profit from a different type of farming.
Agriculture – Georgia’s top economic sector – should not be the only benefactor.
“If these practices show the benefits we think they will reduced nitrogen, water waste, CO2 emissions, etc. and farmers adopt them, it creates a much better environment and climate conditions overall,” Rains said. “This project can help us shape the future of farming, and I think we have the team in place to determine how to make it happen.”
To learn more about integrative precision agriculture at UGA, visit https://iipa.uga.edu.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 13
HART JOINS GFB AS DISTRICT 4 FEDERATION MANAGER
Georgia Farm Bureau has hired Morgan Hart as its new District 4 federation manager effective May 22. Hart is responsible for serving as a liaison between the 17 county Farm Bureau offices in the district and the organization’s state office in Macon regarding GFB member and farm advocacy/literacy programs. He will supervise county Farm Bureau office managers and work closely with county volunteer leaders.
GFB’s Dist. 4 includes Barrow, Clarke, Columbia, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Lincoln, McDuffie, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Richmond, Taliaferro, Walton, Warren, and Wilkes counties.
Prior to joining GFB, Hart was employed by Athens Seed Company in Watkinsville, Ga., as a sales representative for three years.
Hart received an associate degree of science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s degree in agribusiness from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.
Growing up in Colquitt County, Hart was surrounded by agriculture and was an active FFA member. He served as a regional vice president on the 2016-2017 Georgia FFA officer team. He was a member of the Colquitt County High School FFA Career Development Event Marketing Team that placed second in national competition in 2016.
Hart and his wife, Reaganne, live in Morgan County. They are active members of Beech Haven Baptist Church and avid supporters and alumni of the Georgia FFA Association. His hobbies include watching UGA football, playing golf and hiking.
WHITWORTH APPOINTED TO GA. AG EXPOSITION AUTHORITY
Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Dr. Josh Whitworth to the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority. As a member of the authority, Whitworth will work closely with the other members to provide sound financial oversight, participate in the strategic planning, and ensure the mission of the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is served through those strategic plans.
Whitworth brings a passion for agriculture, especially for youth livestock activities held at GNFA, to the position.
“My dad, Roger Whitworth, was an Ag Teacher in Bainbridge. I wasn’t old enough to remember that first fair in 1990, but he assures me I was there,” laughs Whitworth. Since 1990, Whitworth has not missed a Fair, first as a young livestock showman and now as an ag teacher in Madison County.
“Josh Whitworth is a fine man and an incredible advocate for our youth exhibitors,” said authority member John Callaway. “I believe he is one of the most dedicated ag teachers in the state. On behalf of all the authority members, we are grateful to Governor Kemp for this exceptional appointment.”
The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter’s mission has always been to promote the agricultural achievements of Georgia’s young people, explained Dr. Whitworth. He looks forward to continuing to promote that mission.
“I have been a part of many Georgia National Fairs, but my favorite moments have been as an ag teacher to my students over the past 12 years,” Whitworth said. “I enjoy being able to celebrate -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 13
Continued from previous page their successes, knowing how much hard work and dedication it took for them to be there. I am deeply aware of the positive impact agricultural programs can have on young people. As a member of this authority, I will work to ensure the success of these programs for many years to come.”
Whitworth is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. He then went on to earn his master’s and specialist degrees in the same field from Auburn University before graduating with his doctorate from Murray State University.
Whitworth resides in Colbert with his wife, Megan, and their two children, Harris, age 4, and Maggie, age 2.
For more information about the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority and the Georgia National Fairgrounds visit www.gnfa.com.
GA EPD CONSIDERING FROST PROTECTION WATER WITHDRAWAL PERMITS
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is considering issuing frost protection groundwater withdrawal permits from the Floridan Aquifer in portions of the lower Flint River Basin (FRB) and sub-area 4 where a moratorium on new and/or expanded permits is currently in effect. All or portions of the following counties would be affected: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Turner and Worth.
To support the development of a feasible frost protection permitting program, EPD will hold a public meeting to receive input. The meeting will be held Wednesday, June 21, from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. at the Candy Room at the Riverfront Resource Center, 125 Pine Avenue, Albany, Georgia, 31701.
In addition to attending the public meeting, stakeholders may email written comments to EPDComments@dnr.ga.gov or mail them to the Environmental Protection Division, Watershed Protection Branch, Suite 1470A East Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr., Atlanta, Ga., 30334. E-mailed comments should include the words “Frost protection permits” in the subject line. EPD will accept comments at any time, but to ensure consideration in the frost protection permitting development process, submit comments by June 30.
Frost protection permits have limited water needs compared to traditional crop irrigation permits. Although frost protection requires a large amount of water, frost conditions only occur a few days each year and the use would be limited to the traditional recharge season (October 15 to April 15) and limited in quantity. Frost protection permits are anticipated to have a negligible effect on flows in the FRB while responding to the needs of the agricultural community.
EPD anticipates it will begin accepting applications for frost protection permits in the suspension area in September 2023.
FARM BILL COULD INCLUDE LIMIT ON FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AG LAND
During its 2023 session, the Georgia General Assembly considered multiple bills proposing prohibition on land ownership by foreign entities, particularly those from nations considered hostile toward the United States.
Now, as Congress conducts its work on a new farm bill, the issue of foreign land ownership is drawing increased attention at the federal level. In published reports, the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) has said a limit on foreign ag land ownership is likely to be proposed as a part of the new farm bill.
Currently, 22 states have prohibitions or limits to keep nonresident aliens, foreign business entities, or foreign governments from acquiring or owning an interest in private agricultural within their boundaries, according to the NALC resource library on the subject, though none has a total ban on foreign land ownership. Among those with land ownership limits are Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee.
There is no federal prohibition, but the federal government does monitor foreign acquisitions or holdings in U.S. agricultural land under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978.
Bills addressing foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land have recently been introduced in both chambers of Congress. S. 926, titled the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm act of 2023, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana on March 22. H.R. 3357, also titled the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm act of 2023, was introduced in the House by Rep. Dale Strong of Alabama on May 16. S. 926, also titled the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm act of 2023, was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana on March 22.
The NALC has a comprehensive Q&A and extensive collection of resources that focus on foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.
STAY HYDRATED AND REFUEL WITH REAL MILK
With the hot days of summer almost upon us, did you know that milk hydrates better than water? From potassium to calcium, dairy milk is a natural choice when it comes to rehydration.
“Dairy milk is one of the most nutrient-dense and deliciously creamy ways to refuel after intense activity,” said Geri Berdak, chief executive officer of The Dairy Alliance. “It is America’s number one source of calcium and potassium and contains high-quality protein, which is key to muscle recovery.”
Milk has refueled people for centuries and is the most natural, hydrating beverage compared to sports drinks and non-dairy beverages that contain a long list of artificial ingredients. Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that hydrate and replenish the body, while also supporting immune health and strong bones. Milk’s high-quality protein and taste can’t be matched by many plantbased alternatives.
“One glass of milk contains eight grams of complete, high-quality protein that helps build and maintain lean muscle,” said Laura Buxenbaum, senior director of Health & Wellness at The Dairy -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 13
Continued from previous page Alliance.
Research shows water and other beverages restore hydration, but milk is found to be more effective by maintaining normal hydration status after exercise, due to its electrolyte content paired with carbohydrates and high-quality protein.
The Dairy Alliance, a leader in promoting the nutritional benefits of milk, is connecting with consumers throughout June for National Dairy Month to highlight milk’s ability keep consumers hydrated and help them recover after strenuous exercise or activity. The Dairy Alliance is working with the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) to make sure Southeastern consumers know milk is the “original sports drink.”
The celebration of milk and dairy products in June dates back to 1939, when grocer organizations sponsored “National Milk Month.” By 1955, it turned into National Dairy Month as a way to promote dairy products and celebrate the dairy farmers who produce them.
For more information about the nutritional benefits of milk, dairy recipe ideas and more, visit www.thedairyalliance.com.
AS HPAI DETECTIONS CONTINUE, TWO VACCINES SHOWN EFFECTIVE
The current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that began in February 2022 has continued, though recent detections have come mainly in wild animals and backyard poultry flocks. The disease poses little threat to human health but carries massive economic consequences for poultry producers, and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) points out that the prolonged nature of the current outbreak makes it quite different from the last major outbreak in 2015. In a May 5 installment of AFBF’s Market Intel, AFBF Economist Bernt Nelson wrote that HPAI has come to be regarded as a long-term problem rather than one that comes and goes.
Nelson pointed out that 85% of HPAI infections in poultry flocks are introduced through outside factors like contact with wild birds.
Meanwhile, researchers in The Netherlands have confirmed two HPAI vaccines effective in laboratory tests involving laying hens.
The vaccine study, which tested four different vaccines, was conducted at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), in collaboration with Utrecht University, Royal GD and WUR, on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).
The two effective vaccines are so-called HVT-H5 vaccines, one produced by Ceva Sante Animale and one produced by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
“The so-called HVT-H5 vaccines offer protection against disease symptoms in laying hens and prevent the spread of the virus,” said Nancy Beerens, head of the Dutch National Reference Laboratory for avian influenza.
Both HVT-H5 vaccines have been found to be 100% effective in preventing disease and mortality after infection with the HPAI H5N1 virus. This is in contrast to the other two vaccines in which disease was observed. The study showed that both HVT-H5 vaccines prevent virus spread between chickens.
Beerens said the results make the HVT-H5 vaccines good candidates for research in on-farm conditions.
Visit the WUR website for more details about the HPAI vaccine research.
GNFA ANNOUNCES 2023 JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AMBASSADORS
Ten new Georgia National Junior Livestock Ambassadors were inducted at the Georgia National Rodeo & Stock Show in February. These high-school students from across the state of Georgia will serve a one-year term showcasing the livestock and equine industry as well as promoting the youth livestock program and the vital role it plays in the mission of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter.
After reviewing more than 40 applications and interviewing 15 applicants, 10 ambassadors were selected: Amelia Housley from Stephens County; Andrew Carnely from Houston County; Ella Dowd from Houston County; James McNeal from Houston County; John Haven Stalvey from Berrien County; Kory West from Bibb County; Kylianne Brown from Hall County; Lola Talton from Monroe County; Megan Jacobs from Jackson County; and Sydney Coble from Burke County.
The ambassadors will also have the opportunity to plan and execute GNFA events, network and learn from leaders in the field and develop deep connections with their fellow ambassadors.
“Through this program, the ambassadors will gain knowledge about career opportunities available in the agribusiness field and hopefully encourage long time participation in promoting Georgia agriculture,” said GNFA Marketing and Business Development Officer Maggie Lane. “We are taking an active responsibility in helping develop the future leaders of the industry.”
On April 22, the Livestock Ambassadors attended leadership training held at GNFA, where they learned how to become an effective leader, the five levels of leadership, their own personal values, how they fulfill their purpose, and much more. They also learned how integrity is the most important ingredient in leadership and it is not about what is done so much as how it is done.
“These Ambassadors are one of our most valuable assets in their ability to dive deep into their own community of fellow showman promoting GNFA and the importance of why we do what we do here at the fairgrounds,” said GNFA Youth Livestock Community Relationship Manager Blake Segars. “The passion that creates the drive these 10 individuals’ showcase is truly amazing, and with that passion they will develop into the next great leaders of their industry.”
On June 14, the Livestock Ambassadors will meet at GNFA to help with the National Jr. High Rodeo and attend a meeting of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, where they will see how a board functions, meet members of the authority, and be recognized for their service.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 13
GEORGIA BEEF REFERENDUM
June 30 deadline to submit ballots
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. 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.
USDA LISTENING SESSION ON PREVENTED PLANTING CROP INSURANCE
June 8 Online/virtual 2-4 p.m.
The USDA is holding a virtual listening session on Thursday, June 8, 2-4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time about possible changes to Prevented Planting Crop Insurance Coverage, which were published in the Federal Register on May 23. The event will give farmers the chance to hear from USDA’s Risk Management Agency staff and comment on their needs and the possible changes to Prevented Planting Crop Insurance Coverage. Visit https://gfb.ag/preventedplantinglisteningsession to read more about the proposed changes, access instructions for joining the June 8 virtual session and in-person listening sessions in Florence (Aug. 8) & Orangeburg (Aug. 9) South Carolina. Written comments are due Sept. 1 and should be submitted through www.regulations.gov. The request for information, which includes details for submitting feedback, is available in this Federal Register notice. USDA is seeking farmer feedback on whether to allow the prevented planting payment calculations to be based on the higher of projected price or harvest price under the revenue protection plan of insurance; Input on the challenges or experiences since the “1 in 4” eligibility rule was implemented requiring prevented planting coverage acreage to have been planted to a crop, insured, and harvested in at least 1 out of the previous 4 crop years; input on if RMA should reinstate the option to buy-up prevented planting coverage by 10 %; how prevented planting payments should be calculated for contract crops; farmer willingness to pay additional premium for expanded prevented planting benefits, recommendations on other prevented planting limitations, etc.
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.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 13
GETTING GIDDY ABOUT GOATS
June 12 & 15 Jasper Co. Farm Bureau office Monticello
Jasper County Extension Agent Derrick Jones is hosting this two-night workshop with guest speaker Shanna Reynolds, the Oglethorpe County Extension agent. Goat producers or anyone interested in starting a goat herd is invited to attend. The workshops will cover how to start a goat herd, facility & land requirements, feed & nutrition, breeding, meat goats vs. dairy goats. Reynolds will also discuss the diagnostic tool FAMACHA, which helps detect parasite infection in goats and sheep. The registration fee of $15 is payable by cash or check. June 9 is the deadline to register & pay. Email uge2159@uga.edu or call 706-468-6479 to register or for more information. Jasper County Farm Bureau office is located at 671 W. Washington Street.
GEORGIA FSA LIVESTOCK PRODUCER RESOURCES WORKSHOP
June 15 UGArden Student Community Farm Athens
Livestock producers can learn more about USDA programs and resources available to them during a workshop scheduled for Thursday, June 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The free workshop hosted by Georgia Farm Service Agency Executive Director Arthur Tripp will be held at the UGArden
Classroom at 2500 South Milledge Ave, Athens Ga., 30605. RSVP to Ansley Hatcher at Ansley.Hatcher@usda.gov to attend in person or to receive a link to attend the workshop virtually.
AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT AG LITERACY GRANTS
June 16
deadline to apply
The American Farm Bureau Foundation is accepting applications until June 16 for the 2023-2024 White-Reinhardt School Year Project Grants. These grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County and state 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 county Farm Bureaus to apply. Grants are available on a competitive basis. Going forward, the White-Reinhardt Grant Program will award grants once a year instead of twice a year. For this cycle the foundation will award ten $1,000 grants. Next year the foundation will award 20 $1,000 grants per cycle. Please note that 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. To learn more about the White-Reinhardt Fund and to apply for the 2023-2024 school year grant visit this link. If you have any questions, please contact foundation@fb.org
RAW MILK PRODUCER INFO MEETINGS
June 20
June 22
June 23
Gordon County Extension, 128 GA 52 Spur Calhoun
Macon County Extension, 100 South Sumter St. Oglethorpe
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 11 of 13
CROP INSURANCE FOR CABBAGE PRODUCERS
July 1 sales closing date
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia cabbage producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is July 1. Current policyholders who want to make changes to their existing coverage have until July 1 to do so. Coverage is available for cabbage in Brooks, Colquitt, Tift and Toombs counties. Federal crop insurance helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2024 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. Georgia Farm Bureau partners with Rain and Hail, Agrisompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. Contact your county Farm Bureau office or email GFB Crop Insurance Program Manager Michael Smith at crops@gfbinsurance.com to find a GFB crop insurance agent near you. 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 www.rma.usda.gov/. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Deadline extended!
ERP PHASE TWO AND PARP SIGN-UP
July 14
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 July 14, and you can apply for both programs during your same appointment with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). First, 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.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 13
2024 FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
July 14 nomination deadline
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the sixth year of the contest, supported by Purina, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, in January 2024. Up to three regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money. Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience. 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 14 for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
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 Field Notes page 13 of 13
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.