June 17, 2020
www.gfb.org
Vol. 2 No. 12
COURT RULING PROMPTS CANCELLATION OF DICAMBA REGISTRATION On June 3, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco vacated the EPA’s registration of XtendiMax, Engenia and FeXapan herbicides, important crop-protection products farmers used to control weeds. The ruling was issued in a lawsuit filed by environmental activist groups against the EPA. XtendiMax is manufactured by Bayer, Enginia by BASF and FeXapan by Corteva. The three-member court panel found that in approving the chemicals’ registration in October 2018, the EPA violated requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). To read the complete ruling, visit www.gfb.ag/9thcircuitdicambaruling. Georgia Farm Bureau holds that the ruling is unreasonable and exposes Georgia cotton and soybean growers to significant crop loss. “Georgia cotton and soybean farmers are stunned by the 9th Circuit Court’s unreasonable decision to undo EPA registrations of dicamba, thereby upsetting a seed technology that is widely utilized by farmers for crop protection,” GFB President Gerald Long said in a statement on June 5. “Most cotton and soybean producers have purchased seed for the 2020 crop, and most of that seed in Georgia has already been planted. In its decision, the Court acknowledged the adverse impacts to farmers, and stated that farmers ‘have been placed in this situation through no fault of their own.’ That acknowledgement is little help to farmers who have invested their time and money in this crop, and it is wrong for the Court to upend their efforts. We will look for ways to remedy this situation in the best interest of farmers.” On June 8, the EPA issued its final cancellation order in response to the court ruling, prohibiting distribution or sale of existing stocks of the dicamba products by the registered manufacturers, except for disposal or return. Commercial applicators may use existing stocks of dicamba products until July 31, provided that the use is in compliance with the product labels and the products were purchased prior to June 3, the date of the court order. All use of dicamba products is prohibited after July 31. “It is another frustrating development for our members at this late stage in the planting and growing season for cotton and soybean producers,” Long said. “By foregoing the expanded use of -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 13 Continued from previous page existing stocks more hardships have been placed on Georgia producers.” On June 11, Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga. 2nd District) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb. 1st District), leaders of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, wrote to the EPA asking for temporary solutions to help farmers through the current growing season. “The effect of this ruling during the middle of growing season may prevent cotton and soybean farmers from using these products in combating weeds and create unnecessary challenges for these agricultural producers,” Bishop and Fortenberry wrote. “As you are likely aware, these farmers are already faced with threats to their livelihoods from the ongoing global pandemic as well as several years of low prices caused by trade disputes with our largest trading partners.” On June 12, Corteva and BASF filed motions to intervene. Corteva, which manufactures FeXapan, filed a motion to intervene, requesting to join the case “to preserve our rights and to support the rights of customers to use the impacted dicamba weed control technologies.” In a media release, Corteva noted that it was not a party to the lawsuit and that before the court issued its decision on June 3, the case only involved Bayer’s ExtendiMax registration. In response to the EPA’s cancellation order, on June 11 plaintiffs in the case asked the court to hold the EPA in contempt allowing dicamba products in farmers’ possession as of June 3 to be used until July 31. In its response, EPA said the order did not prohibit use of dicamba products that had already been purchased and asked that the contempt request be thrown out. The court gave the plaintiffs until June 18 to reply. UGA WEED SCIENCE EXPERTS WEIGH EFFECTS OF DICAMBA RULING In the wake of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals June 3 ruling the registration of dicamba weed control chemicals, farmers are left seeking alternatives. UGA weed science experts Stanley Culpepper and Eric Prostko provided analysis of the effects the court decision will have and what farmers can do to mitigate the anticipated crop losses that will result from dicamba being taken out of use. “The dicamba decision impacts nearly every farmer in the state,” Culpepper said. “In Georgia, we have all worked so hard to steward every pesticide and we should collectively be proud. However, this is a wakeup call in several ways. First, we must work together even harder generating sound science to preempt this type of situation in the future. Second, for those few growers who have downplayed the importance of using all pesticides wisely, what a wakeup call.” In a blog post Culpepper laid out three scenarios, responses and timelines farmers could follow in response to the court ruling and subsequent EPA cancellation, emphasizing that farmers should use only labeled products and follow all labeled directions and restrictions. Culpepper’s suggestions: • Scenario One: Large pigweed with enough in-crop dicamba for two applications: Spray labeled Roundup + dicamba immediately, wait 7 to 10 days and then make a second application; 12 days later run the layby rig with either 1) Direx + MSMA + Crop Oil if grasses are not up or 2) Roundup + Direx if grasses are up (add Envoke with layby if morningglory or nutsedge is a problem). • Scenario Two: Large pigweed with enough in-crop dicamba for one application: Spray -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 13 Continued from previous page labeled Roundup + dicamba immediately, wait 7 to 10 days and then make a Liberty tank mix application; 12 days later run the layby rig with either 1) Direx + MSMA + Crop Oil if grasses are not up or 2) Roundup + Direx if grasses are up (add Envoke with layby if morningglory or nutsedge is a problem). • Scenario Three: Large pigweed with no dicamba available. Sequential Liberty applications will be best approach although less effective than either dicamba system above. We were able to obtain a new state label for Liberty shortening intervals between sequential applications which will improve control. Culpepper said Tavium registration was not affected by the court ruling. Culpepper’s blog post can be found on Cottonfarming.com at https://www.cottonfarming.com/production-2/ugas-stanley-culpepper-offers-thoughts-ondicamba/. Prostko estimated that 75% of the soybeans planted in Georgia are dicamba tolerant. “Growers do not have a choice in many cases,” Prostko told GFB media. “Unlike dicambatolerant cotton, current dicamba-tolerant soybeans are not tolerant to Liberty (glufosinate) so this herbicide cannot be used on Xtend soybeans.” Prostko’s recommendation: If Xtend soybeans are already planted and up, and growers cannot apply dicamba, the next best POST option would be Roundup + Reflex. In my opinion, both before and after the release of Xtend soybeans, Georgia soybean growers had other herbicide options that did not have to include dicamba. GFB MOVING FORWARD WITH YF&R COMPETITIVE EVENTS The Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program is proceeding with its 2020 competitive events, which were postponed when the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference was canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. According to GFB YF&R Coordinator Erin Nessmith, the awards program has been updated to ensure participation will not be hindered by time constraints, health and safety of GFB members and opportunities to meet. “Georgia Farm Bureau is invested in the future of our young people, and the leadership development through our Young Farmers & Ranchers program is vital to our success and survival in years to come,” said GFB President Gerald Long. “For anyone participating in these competitive events, this year presents some unique challenges, but it’s important that we continue to innovate ways to help our young farmers and ranchers grow as leaders and as people.” Applications for the YF&R Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award will be accepted until July 31. Entry applications may be downloaded at www.gfb.ag/20YFRawards. The Achievement Award, given to recognize accomplishments of farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture, will be based solely on contents of the competitors’ applications. Unlike years past, there will be no on-farm interviews. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes farm-related accomplishments of those whose -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 13 Continued from previous page income is derived through something other than production agriculture. The top three competitors will be determined through evaluation of applications. Finalists will make presentations through video conferencing with contest judges. The 2020 YF&R Discussion Meet is on hold. The YF&R Member of the Year Award will not be given in 2020. For more information about the competitive events or the YF&R program, contact Nessmith at ennessmith@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. SUNBELT, GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR STILL ON SCHEDULE The Sunbelt Ag Expo grounds and Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) are reopening, and their signature events are scheduled to take place this fall. Utilizing a new driving tour format, the 2020 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is scheduled for July 23, and farmers are invited to visit and learn practical information from the region’s top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies farmers can use to improve their farms. Sunbelt officials have indicated that the Sunbelt Ag Expo is planned to take place as scheduled Oct. 20-22 while abiding by any state COVID-19 regulations. Visitors will enjoy Field Day from the comfort of their own vehicle as they move through the 600-acre Darrell Williams Research Farm and learn from university researchers and vendors. The half-day event will take place at the Expo show site at Spence Field in Moultrie. Registration is free for anyone who works in agriculture. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8:00 am and 9:00 am to begin the tour. Directional signs will direct those in attendance to a red tent where they will register, receive a welcome bag including snacks, register for CCA credits, and begin the tour. They will never have to step out of their vehicle for this process. Once registered, visitors will then drive-thru the tour path while viewing pre-recorded segments featuring university researchers and company vendors. In addition, farmers can choose to pull aside at stops that particularly spark their interest to further investigate plots and visit one-on-one with the researchers. Because this is the first time a new Field Day format is being offered, Sunbelt staff recommends bringing a smart phone or tablet to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the Official Sunbelt Ag Expo app, web site, or YouTube channel. Visitors should connect their devices to their vehicle Bluetooth before beginning the tour. 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 Day details, download the Sunbelt Ag Expo app or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. Effective July 1, the GNFA will reopen for business and events. This decision was made on June 10 during the GNFA monthly board meeting in Perry. Events scheduled beginning July 1 will be allowed to conduct business with new guidelines and recommendations put in place by the GNFA as directed by the State of Georgia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). New guidelines were established that will serve as operational standards and required protocol -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 13 Continued from previous page when attending or participating in any GNFA event. Much like CDC guidelines, some of the new suggestions will include: social distancing when at an event, wearing a mask when in a public gathering or event; as well as keeping personal hygiene top priority while washing and sanitizing hands regularly. The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter will provide sanitizing stations throughout arenas and barns. Restrooms will be cleaned, sanitized and stocked with antibacterial hand soap frequently throughout each day. In addition, individuals who have felt sick or experienced COVID19 symptoms in the last 24 hours prior to attending an event will be asked to refrain from traveling to or participating in events at GNFA. Show managers will receive all guidelines prior to scheduled events and will be asked to share these with participants and families. In addition to the July 1 reopen date, GNFA is actively making plans for the 2020 Georgia National Fair. The 31st Annual Georgia National Fair will be held Oct. 8-18. Throughout the next several weeks, updates to guidelines will be released and made available for families to plan accordingly. Throughout the next several weeks, GNFA will be updating policies and guidelines for public events and will be releasing this information via social media and gnfa.com. For more information please contact Keaton Walker at kwalker@gnfa.com or 478-988-6483. CDC, DEPT. OF LABOR RELEASE COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR AG WORKERS On June 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Labor jointly released interim guidance for agriculture workers and employers. This guidance provides a template of action to protect agriculture workers from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Agricultural employers can adapt these recommendations to protect workers at their particular work sites or in specific work operations. Management in agriculture should conduct work site assessments to identify COVID-19 risks and infection prevention strategies to protect workers. Work site guidance for COVID-19 prevention and control should be taken into consideration in employer-furnished shared worker housing, transportation vehicles and work settings. Prevention practices should follow the hierarchy of controls, which includes using source control and a combination of engineering controls, administrative controls (especially proper sanitation, cleaning, and disinfection), and personal protective equipment. Grouping workers together into cohorts, or small groups, may reduce the spread of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace by minimizing the number of different individuals who come into close contact with each other over the course of a week and may also reduce the number of workers quarantined because of exposure to the virus. For example, owners/operators should maximize opportunities to place farmworkers residing together in the same vehicles for transportation and in the same cohorts to limit exposure. Basic information and training about infection prevention should be provided to all farmworkers -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 13 Continued from previous page in languages they can understand. Agriculture work sites developing plans for continuing operations where COVID-19 is spreading among workers or in the surrounding community should work directly with appropriate state and local public health officials and occupational safety and health professionals. The guidance covers the following topics: Exposure risks among agricultural workers and employers; how to create COVID-19 assessment and control plans; screening and monitoring workers; managing sick workers; addressing return to work after worker exposure; engineering controls; cleaning, disinfection and sanitation; administrative controls; personal protective equipment (PPE); special considerations for shared housing and transportation; special considerations for children and other topics. To access the complete guidance, visit www.gfb.ag/cdccovid19guidance. B-I-N-G-O THROUGH SUMMER WHILE COMPLETING FUN AGTIVITIES Make supper with a food item grown in Georgia; draw your favorite farm animal; play an educational online farm game; play outside; eat or drink your favorite dairy product - these are one of 27 five-agtivity combinations Georgia families can do together as they play Georgia Agriculture Bingo. Each BINGO combo participants complete makes them eligible to enter for a chance to win an age-appropriate ag book for the participating child. Georgia Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Program and the Georgia Public Library Service are partnering to offer the game as part of local libraries’ annual Summer Reading Program. “I’m excited about this new partnership and I hope we have great participation,” said GFB AITC Coordinator Lauren Goble. “We might not be able to see large groups face-to-face, but we can still make an impact and increase ag knowledge virtually.” GFB and local libraries will promote the Georgia Agriculture Bingo game on their social media platforms. Goble encourages county volunteers and staff to share the posts about the game on their personal Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest accounts to encourage families they know with children to participate. As families complete a row of five activities - vertical, horizontal, or diagonal – they are to take a photo of the participating children doing each activity. It’s important to remember to take photos because your local librarian may ask to see your activity photos before they give participants a bookmark that provides instructions on how to enter to win a prize. Each time a child completes a 5-agtivity combo to “BINGO,” they may re-enter the contest for another chance to win a prize. While participants don’t have to return to the library each time they “BINGO,” they are encouraged to post photos of themselves doing the agtivities on their personal social media with the hashtag #GeorgiaFarmBureau. Facebook posts should be tagged with @Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau. The end date for Georgia Agriculture Bingo will coincide with the summer reading contest deadline for each library. Please check with your local library for the date its summer reading program ends. Visit www.gfb.ag/AITCsummer-reading for more information and to print your Georgia Agriculture Bingo card to get started. Some county Farm Bureau offices may have printed copies of the bingo sheets available.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 13 30TH ANNUAL GA JR. NATIONAL LIVESTOCK GRAND CHAMPIONS NAMED After months of stressful news cycles, “We sure could use a little good news today,” as Anne Murray sang in 1983. The 2020 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show has released the official results of its 30th annual event, so let’s celebrate the accomplishments of the 4-H and FFA members who worked for months feeding, grooming and training their animals and themselves for the show ring to capture the prizes awarded to grand champion exhibitors. To see photos, visit www.gfb.ag/20GAJRNatLivestockShow. About 1,500 Georgia 4-H and FFA members gathered at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry, Feb. 19-22 to compete in the 30th Annual Georgia Junior National Livestock Show. These students brought some 1,185 hogs, 804 cows, 232 goats and 201 sheep to exhibit in showmanship and species competitions during the multi-day event. Georgia Farm Bureau is awarding the coveted grand champion belt buckles and a total of $13,000 in prizes to six exhibitors whose animals livestock judges deemed to be the best of their species to the following: Commercial Dairy Heifer - Michael Bushey of Gilmer County; Breeding Doe - Casey West of White County; Market Barrow - Brock Weaver of Colquitt County; Beef Heifer - Austin Ertzberger of Franklin County; Market Cattle - Tanner Norton of Grady County; Market Gilt - Carolyne Turner of Colquitt County. “I fondly remember the first Georgia Junior National Livestock Show being held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in February of 1991. It was the first time that the state steer, heifer and hog shows were held at the same time and location,” recalled Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. “The dream of holding all of the state species shows under the umbrella of one unified livestock show at one time became a reality with the completion of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in 1990. Georgia Farm Bureau played a role in making the show possible. Several Farm Bureau members suggested the need for a modern facility for 4-H and FFA members to exhibit their livestock during our policy development process and then our organization worked to secure state funding for the fairgrounds.” Michael Bushey, who was a sixth grade FFA member at Clear Creek Middle School in Gilmer County when he won grand champion commercial dairy heifer, received $1,500 with his red Holstein “Sassy.” The son of Michael and Terri Bushey, of Ellijay, this was the second year Bushey showed dairy heifers. “I worked with Sassy every day for about forty to forty-five minutes - walking her around, setting her up (positioning the animal to best showcase its physical structure),” Bushey said. “She was pretty hard to halter break.” Bushey’s heifer is the calf of a red Holstein, Sally, that belongs to his older sister, Octavia, a rising junior who has shown dairy heifers for seven years. Both Sally and her daughter, Sassy, are descended from the red Holstein herd the Bushey siblings’ grandfather, Homer, once milked in Champlain, N.Y. White County High School FFA member Casey West earned a $1,000 prize for his grand champion commercial doe (female goat) “Benny the Jet Rodriguez.” West, a junior when he won the award, has been showing livestock for eight years. He also shows beef cows and pigs. The son of Clay and Dedra West, of Cleveland, Casey says what he likes most about showing is meeting -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 13 Continued from previous page new people and making new friends. “I worked with my goat every day about 45 minutes,” West said. “I rinsed it, walked it, practiced bracing it (positioning the animal to show off its muscle). I was hoping she would win and she did!” Brock Weaver, a member of the Colquitt County High School FFA, collected a $1,500 prize with his grand champion market barrow (male pig raised for meat). When asked what it takes to win a grand championship, Weaver shared how he trained his winning hog. “I’m up at 6 o’clock every morning. Staying in the barn until 11 o’clock, ten-thirty at night. Always washing, feeding,” Weaver said. “It takes a bunch of effort.” The son of Jason and Kimberly Weaver of Norman Park, Brock, has shown livestock for seven years and shows cattle in addition to hogs. The rising junior says, “being around a bunch of people I know,” and “being always on the move - staying out of trouble, basically,” are what he likes most about showing livestock. After showing livestock for 12 years, winning the grand champion breeding heifer award was a dream come true for Franklin County FFA member Austin Ertzberger, who won $2,500 with his 23-month bred Limousin heifer “Loretta the Limi.” The son of Wayne and Carrie Ertzberger of Carnesville, Austin, was a senior at Franklin County High School when he won the award. Austin put in long hours to get to the winner’s circle with his heifer. “I head out to the barn anywhere from five-thirty to six every morning and then work with my show calves twice each afternoon,” Austin said. Judging by the many well-wishers who gathered around him to offer congratulations on his win, Austin earned more than just money and belt buckles from showing. “I’ve made my best friends doing this [showing],” Austin said. Grady County 4-Her Tanner Norton made show history by winning the first ever Ga. Jr. National Livestock Market Beef Cattle Show, in which exhibitors showed market steers or market heifers. Previously only market steers competed for the grand champion market prize. Tanner won the $5,000 prize with a Maine-Chi-Angus crossbred steer that he says he picked for his heavy muscling and deep body. Tanner, the son of Clay and Cindy Norton of Cairo, is no stranger to the winner’s circle. This is the fourth Ga. Jr. National grand championship he has won. He won the 2018 grand champion market doe and market lamb awards and the 2019 grand champion market wether. Tanner has shown livestock including goats, sheep and pigs for nine years. He began showing cattle four years ago. “It’s harder to prepare steer [for showing],” Tanner answered when asked which species he found the hardest to show. He was a freshman at Cairo High School in February. Colquitt County FFA member Carolyne Turner captured the $1,500 grand champion market gilt (young female) prize. The daughter of Richie and Becca Turner, of Moultrie, Carolyne has focused on showing only hogs for 11 years. This is the second grand championship she’s won at the Ga. -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 13 Continued from previous page Jr. National having won the 2018 grand champion barrow award. “It’s not just the winning. It’s more about people you meet and the lessons you learn. Like learning how to take care of things, learning how to lose gracefully and win humbly,” Carolyne said when asked what she likes most about showing. “I think this is probably the best thing that people can do.” Carolyne admits she began showing due to her mom’s prodding before developing her own passion for it. “She made me do it for the first few years. Then I just developed a passion for it, and 11 years later here I am. I’m the boss of a 280-pound animal,” Carolyne said. GFB has sponsored all of the Georgia Junior National Grand Champions since 2012. The organization usually hosts an Evening of Champions event for the winning exhibitors, their families and 4-H agent or FFA advisor, but the event was canceled this year due to COVID-19. In addition to sponsoring the grand champion prizes, GFB was the premier livestock sponsor for the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter’s 2019-20 show season. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S HOLDS VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA) canceled its annual meeting, which was scheduled for May 28-30 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. In its place, GCA held a virtual annual meeting for the first time, streaming it via Facebook Live on May 28, with the annual meeting’s associated cattle sales taking place online on May 29. Brent Galloway of Toombs County who served as the GCA president for 2019-2020, passed the president’s gavel to Kurt Childers of Brooks County, who will lead the organization until spring of 2021. Childers serves as president of Brooks County Farm Bureau. The association conducted its normal convention business, including transition of officers, and presented its normal slate of awards, with the exceptions of GCA Producer of the Year and GCA Hall of Fame inductee. Those awards will be given in 2021. During the event, Marcia Callaway of Troup County was inducted into the Georgia Cattlewomen’s Hall of Fame. Mrs. Callaway, a past chairwoman of the Troup County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee, has supported youth livestock exhibitors, organizing clinics, showmanship workshops and summer internships. She taught 4-H Club programs and helped with area rodeo competition. Callaway also supported UGA Extension programs and completed the Extension Master Gardener course. She is a past president of the Coweta County Master Gardeners and served as president of the Georgia Cattlewomen’s Association in 2004 and 2005. Visit www.gfb.ag/2020GCAconventionvideos to view the videos of the meeting and the award presentation videos.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 13 GEORGIA FFA HOLDS ITS FIRST VIRTUAL CONVENTION Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 92nd Georgia FFA Convention, scheduled for April 2325 in Macon, was rescheduled to a virtual event held via social media on May 28 and 29. The virtual convention featured four pre-recorded sessions, pre-recorded state officer retiring addresses, online voting for the 2020-21 state FFA officer team, and a final live session broadcast on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The 2020 convention theme was “Limitless.” The 2019-20 state FFA officers and staff developed four sessions, lasting approximately 25 minutes each, to highlight student success from throughout the 2019-20 school year. Normally the state FFA convention is full of award presentations. This year, the winners were announced via the four pre-recorded, studio-show style sessions. The sessions were recorded May 18-20 and released online for the virtual convention on May 28 and 29. Sessions one and two premiered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on day one, while sessions three and four premiered the same times on day two. Sessions featured the naming of 2020 state winners in agricultural proficiency awards, middle school record books, agriscience fair, National Chapter Award program, state Star program, post-secondary scholarships, and career development events. Georgia FFA awarded the prestigious state FFA degree - the highest honor a state can bestow on an active member - to 658 students. A complete set of award results can be found on the Georgia FFA State Convention page at https://www.georgiaffa.org/page.aspx?ID=45. Another highlight of the annual FFA convention are the retiring addresses of the outgoing state FFA officers. Each student delivers a message to the audience. In order to maintain the tradition of the Retiring Addresses, each officer recorded their message the week prior. The eight addresses were released two per day the week of the virtual convention. All retiring addresses, along with the convention sessions, are posted on the Georgia FFA website (www.georgiaffa.org) on the State Convention page, and on the Georgia FFA YouTube page. In addition to award presentations, the voting delegates at the annual convention (two per chapter) cast votes for state business items each year. This year’s voting was handled through an online voting process during the virtual convention. Each chapter was sent two delegate login credentials. Two designated voting delegates per chapter were made aware of the state business items, including the campaign speeches for the 2020 candidates for State FFA Office. Online voting was conducted throughout the two-day virtual convention. On May 29, at the 4 p.m. live session, the members of the 2020-21 Georgia FFA state officer team were announced: President Emma Long, Pickens County; Secretary Katlyn Davis, South Effingham, North Region Vice Presidents Karter Goforth, Coahulla Creek, and Hope Tompkins, Franklin County; Central Region Vice Presidents Sarah Harper, Locust Grove, and Chely Trejo, Crawford County; and South Region Vice Presidents Ethan Hyers, Bacon County, and Colton Peacock, Long County. The team can be seen on the State Officer page of the Georgia FFA website (www.georgiaffa.org).
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 13 STAY AT HOME BEEKEEPING SERIES June 25 Dr. Jim Tew, Ala. Ext./Honey production 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. online July 28 Dr. Audrey Sheridan, MSU/Hive beetles 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. 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. 2020 ARC/PLC ENROLLMENT June 30 application deadline Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for 2020 must do so by June 30. Although program elections for the 2020 crop year remain the same as elections made for 2019, all producers need to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to sign a 2020 enrollment contract. Producers who do not complete enrollment by close of business local time on Tuesday, June 30 will not be enrolled in ARC or PLC for the 2020 crop year and will be ineligible to receive a payment should one trigger for an eligible crop. ARC and PLC contracts may be mailed or emailed to producers for signature depending on producer preference. Signed contracts may be mailed or emailed back to FSA or arrangements can be made in advance with FSA to drop off signed contracts at the FSA county office – call ahead for local drop off and other options available for submitting signed contracts electronically. For more information visit www.farmers.gov/arc-plc. GA BEEF CHECK-OFF REFERENDUM June 30 deadline to submit ballots Georgia beef producers are voting in a mail referendum through June 30 on whether they will renew the assessment they currently pay to fund the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Beef established by the Georgia legislature at the request of Georgia cattlemen in 2014. Beef producers who have not received a ballot in the mail may call 404-656-3680 or go to www.GABeefBallot.com to request a ballot. Ballots and the back of the return envelope must be filled out for the ballot to be considered as eligible. Ballots must also be postmarked by June 30.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 14 FOREST DEBRIS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM June 30 completion deadline July 31 documentation deadline The Forest Debris Management Program (FDMP) made $20 million in Hurricane Michael cleanup funds available through contract work facilitated by the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Development Authority. June 30 is the deadline for anyone with an FDMP contract to complete their authorized work. Participants have until July 31 to submit required paperwork. To access the required form, visit https://gfb.ag/FDMPforms. 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 13 of 13 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. FARM SERVICE AGENCY COUNTY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS Aug. 1 deadline for nominations The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1. 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.