SMITH LEADS GFB CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM
The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company is enhancing its commitment to provide quality crop insurance products and service for Georgia farmers.
It has hired Michael Smith as its crop insurance program manager.
GFB contracts with three of the leading crop insurance companies - AgriSompo North America, Rain and Hail, and Crop Risk Services. GFB Insurance has more than 70 (and growing) experienced crop insurance agents across the state to help its members protect their investment.
“Georgia Farm Bureau has always been committed to helping our farmers. Crop insurance protection is a key service we offer to help farmers withstand factors outside their control,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We’re fortunate to have Michael on board to guide our crop insurance program, and we look forward to finding new ways of serving our members in communities across the state.”
Smith has more than 21 years of experience in the crop insurance sector. He has been with Georgia Farm Bureau since March 2022 leading the company’s crop insurance program. Smith came to GFB with 20 years of experience with Rain and Hail Crop Insurance, where he held multiple titles during his tenure, most recently as acting Southern Division vice president of marketing.
“Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company insures more farms than any company in Georgia and has the largest network of farm-focused sales personnel in the state,” said GFB Insurance Companies General Manager George Monk. “It only makes sense that we use that network, combined with Michael’s expertise and leadership, to enhance our partnerships with the three leading crop insurers to provide the products and coverages to meet the needs of our state’s farmers. I don’t believe that any insurer is better equipped to provide crop insurance services than GFB.”
Smith grew up in Ocilla in the heart of Georgia’s row-crop country. He spent his early days working in pecan and peach orchards and on produce farms. He also scouted cotton and peanuts through college. Smith graduated from the University of Georgia with a major in business and minor in economics.
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Smith and his wife, Libba, have been married 20 years and have two daughters - Walker, 16, and Whitley, 13.
Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance was formed to help farmers manage their risk and is committed to providing the best financial solutions for the agriculture industry. On average, GFB federal crop insurance agents receive four times more training than other agents, so you can be sure that you’re working with the best. Find your local agent and learn more at GFBInsurance.com or email us at crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details.
FARM BUREAU CONTINUES TO ADVANCE FARMERS’ RIGHT TO REPAIR
On June 15, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CLAAS of America, providing even more farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall was a member of the AFBF advisory board that has worked on these agreements.
The MOU follows similar agreements AFBF has reached with John Deere, CNH Industrial Brands (which includes Case IH and New Holland), AGCO and Kubota. Combined, the five MOUs cover approximately three quarters of the agricultural machinery sold in the United States.
“The memorandum of understanding with CLAAS demonstrates AFBF’s continued commitment to ensure farmers have access to the tools they need to keep their farms running, and America’s families fed,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers are more dependent on technology than ever before, and they asked us to find a private-sector solution to the right to repair issue. This agreement is another step toward guaranteeing timely repairs for farmers regardless of the equipment they use.”
“CLAAS is delivering on our continuing promise to provide solutions that improve our customers’ businesses, as their success and our success go hand in hand,” said CLAAS Americas Senior Vice President Eric Raby. “We are pleased to announce our MOU with AFBF solidifying for farmers the right to repair.”
The agreement creates a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 states and Puerto Rico to access technical manuals, tools and product guides to self-diagnose and selfrepair machines, while respecting intellectual property and legislated legal requirements of the manufacturer. It also reconfirms the ability to lease diagnostic tools, purchase products and parts from CLAAS dealers.
Read the MOU here
FDA ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN ANIMAL ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS’ STATUS
On June 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented its previously announced decision that certain antibiotics previously available over the counter to be placed under veterinary oversight.
For a list of frequently asked questions about the updated status, click here.
FDA indicated that all affected animal drug sponsors opted to either voluntarily change the approved marketing status of certain medically important antibiotics for animals from over-thecounter (OTC) to prescription (Rx) or to voluntarily withdraw approval of their affected OTC animal drug applications. As a result, all affected products that enter the marketplace will now
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Once remaining inventory of OTC-labeled products depletes, all medically important antibiotics for animals will require the authorization of a licensed veterinarian.
Animal owners and caretakers will still have access to appropriate antimicrobials to address animal health issues by consulting with a licensed veterinarian. Specific requirements related to prescription animal drugs vary by state, including those related to the establishment of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).
Georgia livestock producers can locate a food-animal veterinarian via the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association’s “Vet Locator” feature on GVMA website. To access the vet locator, visit www.gvma.net, click on the Resources tab at top of the page, select “Online Directory”. Then click the “Find a Vet” tab and enter your location and the type of services you are looking for.
PRODUCE FOOD SAFETY SERVICES: FDA MADE RECS WITHOUT EVIDENCE
Recent reports from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) failed to identify sources of pathogen-related foodborne illness outbreaks, according to Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS), an affiliate of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). Despite the absence of an identified pathogen source, the investigative methodology and report conclusions yield important information for growers and packers.
Without evidence of a source of contamination or a problem, the FDA nonetheless published ten recommendation and requirements for growers of melons and similar produce commodities in a report titled “Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Cantaloupe.”
“The FDA is not embracing the spirit and intent of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA),” said GFVGA and PFSS Executive Director Chris Butts. “There is a disconnect in the findings described in this outbreak investigation report and the actual work of FDA to prevent foodborne illnesses through sharing data with those organizations involved, helping them realize potential issues, and pointing them to potential people and organizations who could help.”
PFSS said this and other recent FDA reports were based on investigations on “adjacent lands” several miles from the farms and packing houses subject to the investigations. The reports also put much emphasis on inconsistent adherence to or deviation from existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and food safety programs.
“FDA inspectors are creating an adversarial environment of ‘gotchas’ that does not encourage confidence and safety in fresh produce. Advocacy groups need to work together with Congress to ensure fair and reasonable treatment of farmers,” Butts said.
It’s important to note that food safety practices on the farm often evolve.
“In the normal course of business, farm management practices regularly change, usually for the better,” said PFSS Program Manager Beth Oleson. “But when those practices differ from written SOPs and food safety programs, it’s essential that companies update their plans. Even if a new practice results in an improvement in food safety, the variance from the plan could lead to regulatory actions against the farm actual practices and written SOPs must be in alignment.”
Oleson noted that one-size-fits-all plans can create problems.
“The best food safety programs are developed including the perspective and evaluation of an independent, objective expert, such as PFSS,” Oleson said. “Standardized, cookie-cutter plans put -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page the farm or facility at risk. Firsthand information is critical. We walk the facilities and review SOPs onsite so we can accurately identify potential problem areas and guide successful mitigation of them.”
PFSS, initially founded to provide food safety information to members of GFVGA, has expanded to offer extensive food safety consulting programs to farms, packing houses and processing facilities around the country. This includes the development of food safety programs, audit and inspection preparation, education and training, supply chain management, and recall management.
“We also support our clients through inspections and recall management,” said Oleson. “And since we’re part of GFVGA, PFSS clients are also supporting our advocacy efforts to ensure regulations are fair and reasonable, and that inspectors and regulators don’t exceed their authority or the intent of the law.”
For more information on food safety programs and PFSS, visit www.producefoodsafetyservices.com, or contact Oleson at (706) 407-2551 or boleson@pfssinfo.com.
BUNGE, VITERRA ANNOUNCE MERGER
On June 13, Bunge Limited announced an agreement with Viterra Limited to merge in a stock and cash transaction.
St. Louis-based Bunge is a processor of plant-based oils and fats. Viterra, based in the Netherlands, provides storage, processing and logistics services for agricultural commodities. According to a June 13 story in Farm Progress, the merger creates an agribusiness large enough to compete with Cargill and Archer-Daniels-Midland.
According to a joint release, the merger will create “an innovative global agribusiness company well positioned to meet the demands of increasingly complex markets and better serve farmers and end-customers.”
Following the close of the transaction, the combined company will be led by Greg Heckman, Bunge’s Chief Executive Officer, and John Neppl, Bunge’s Chief Financial Officer. Viterra Chief Executive Officer David Mattiske will join the Bunge Executive Leadership Team in the role of Co-Chief Operating Officer. The company’s operational headquarters will be located in St. Louis. The merger is expected to close in mid-2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and approval by Bunge shareholders.
USDA TAKES STEPS TO ENSURE MORE ACCURATE FOOD LABELING
On June 14, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the implementation of a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims in food labeling.
Claims such as “grass-fed” and “free-range” are voluntary marketing claims that highlight certain aspects of how the source animals for meat and poultry products are raised. These claims must be approved by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) before they can be included on the labels of meat and poultry products sold to consumers. FSIS most recently updated -continued on next page
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FSIS has received several petitions, comments, and letters from a wide range of stakeholders asking the agency to reevaluate its oversight of animal-raising claims, specifically, how they are substantiated. In addition, the veracity of “negative” antibiotics claims (e.g., “raised without antibiotics” or “no antibiotics ever”) has come into question.
FSIS, in partnership with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), will be conducting a sampling project to assess antibiotic residues in cattle destined for the “raised without antibiotics” market. The results of this project will help inform whether FSIS should require that laboratory testing results be submitted for the “raised without antibiotics” claim or start a new verification sampling program.
FSIS will also be issuing a revised guideline to recommend that companies strengthen the documentation they submit to the agency to substantiate animal-raising claims. The agency plans to strongly encourage use of third-party certification to verify these claims.
FDA TAKING COMMENTS ON ALTERNATIVE MILK LABELING UNTIL JULY 31
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the deadline for submitting comments on how nut and plant-based dairy alternatives should be labeled until July 31.
FDA is proposing to allow plant-based beverages to use the term “milk” on their labeling so long as they provide a nutrition statement on the package’s principal display panel detailing the nutrition differences between real milk and the plant-based beverage if the fake milk has less Calcium, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin, or Vitamin B12 than real milk.
The comment extension has allowed plant-based beverage companies and trade groups to submit additional comments opposing the additional nutrition statement while applauding the FDA’s decision to allow the use of the term “milk” on all packaging. One such group, the American Beverage Association, has submitted comments to that effect. Other groups are using the extension to file a formal complaint against the national dairy checkoff over its “Wood Milk” campaign claiming the videos and social media posts were trying to influence FDA’s decision by inventing a fake milk product (that does not exist and is obviously a joke) and donating proceeds from t-shirts and merchandise sales to reforestation projects.
That's why Georgia Milk Producers is asking its members and supporters to submit comments asking FDA to enforce its own regulations (Standards of Identity) and only allow real milk products to be labeled as milk. Georgia Farm Bureau submitted comments in April asking the FDA to prohibit the use of “milk” or other dairy terms on non-dairy products, which may be read here https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FDA-2023-D-0451-0561.
Dairy Farmers of America has an action link that will help you submit comments in less than a minute at https://p2a.co/B6hKTpQ
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STATE, FEDERAL FUNDS TO EXPAND BROADBAND ACCESS IN SEVEN COUNTIES
On June 12, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and the USDA announced grants totaling more than $24 million to expand broadband access in seven Georgia Counties.
Kemp announced nearly $15 million in preliminary grant awards for broadband internet expansion through the second round of the Capital Projects Fund Grant Program. These awards will improve connectivity for communities, households, businesses, and anchor institutions in Calhoun, Echols, Miller and Webster counties.
The state awards – three to Windstream, one to the city of Colquitt in Miller County – will enable high-speed internet access to 3,501 locations.
"Since day one, my administration has prioritized bringing opportunity to all parts of our state, including those areas often overlooked," said Governor Brian Kemp. "These projects are just the latest steps we've taken to connect Georgians in rural communities with professional and educational opportunities, building on the significant progress we have made in recent years to close the digital divide."
When combined with significant capital matches from the awardees, almost $30 million will be invested to serve areas most in need of high-speed internet access. These awards follow the $234 million in preliminary grant funds for 28 counties that the state announced in January.
On Aug. 12, 2022, Governor Kemp announced the creation of the Capital Projects Fund Grant Program, utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget and the Georgia Technology Authority worked together to identify the most unserved and underserved counties in the state and establish a competitive grant process to receive applications for Governor Kemp’s final consideration.
The USDA awarded $9.47 million in Rural ReConnect Grant funding for high-speed internet expansion in Candler, Evans and Tattnall Counties, where Pembroke Telephone Company, which will use the funds to deploy a fiber-to-the premises network to provide high-speed internet. This network will benefit 3,332 people, 55 businesses, 120 farms and four educational facilities in the three counties, according to the USDA.
The Georgia awards were part of a nationwide total of $714 million worth of Rural ReConnect Grants announced on June. 12.
FEMA DESIGNATES SIX GA COUNTIES AS CONTIGUOUS DISASTER AREAS
On May 18, President Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration triggered by severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes in numerous Tennessee counties during March 24-27
Producers in six Georgia counties are eligible for federal disaster assistance because they are contiguous to Tennessee counties covered by the disaster declaration. Affected Georgia counties are Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker and Whitfield.
Under the declaration, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is authorized to extend muchneeded emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
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On www.farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.
FEMA offers different assistance programs for individual citizens, public groups including government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. To find the FEMA help you need following a disaster event, visit www.fema.gov/assistance.
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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.
RAW MILK PRODUCER INFO MEETINGS
June 22 Macon County Extension, 100 South Sumter St. Oglethorpe
June 23 Morgan County Extension, 440 Hancock St. Madison
Join Georgia Milk Producers and the Georgia Department of Agriculture Dairy Division for an informational meeting on the new Raw Milk for Human Consumption program. Each meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. To register, contact Bryce Trotter at bryce@gamilk.org or call 706-310-0020.
FARM SUCCESSION PLANNING PRESENTATION
June 24 St. Galilee Baptist Church
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sparta
This presentation, titled “A Multi-Generational Conversation on How to Protect and Grow Generational Wealth,” will be led by attorney Veronica McClendon. The event is sponsored by the USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Farm & Ranch Stress Assistance Network and the American Forest Foundation. Free lunch will be provided. For more information, call 478-292-7444. Every participant will be eligible to schedule a free Clarity Call with Attorney McClendon.
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.
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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.
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.
CROP INSURANCE ACREAGE REPORTING DEADLINE
July 15
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia farmers that July 15 is the crop insurance acreage reporting date for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, and whole farm revenue protection. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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CORN FIELD DAY
July 27 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lyons
This event, sponsored by UGA Extension, features a midseason agronomic update, information from variety trials and lunch with sponsors. Pesticide credits will be available. The Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center is located at 8163 Hwy. 178 in Lyons. Please RSVP to Derrick Bowen at (912)-253-3515 or Aubrey Shirley at (912)-314-3698.
CROP INSURANCE FOR 2024 FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN & PEPPERS
July 31 deadline to apply or renew
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market sweet corn producers and pepper producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is July 31. Current policyholders who want to make changes to their existing coverage have until July 31 to do so. Fresh market sweet corn coverage is available for producers in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Tift and Worth counties. Pepper coverage is available in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Ware and Worth 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.
FSA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL COUNTY COMMITTEES
Aug. 1 deadline for nominations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1. Click here for complete information about FSA County Committee elections.
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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.
BEEF CATTLE 201 EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
Aug.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept. 19
Sept. 23
2765 Hwy. 341 S
– 2 p.m.
1574 Williamson Zebulon Rd.
This workshop is designed for cattle producers interested in enhancing conservation on their farms and improving their economic production. Topics include economics, market outlook, forage & herd management, reproduction, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), and more. Spots are limited. Registration is $50 by Aug. 1 and $100 between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. Fee includes five meals and program materials. Register at the USDA Service Center, NRCS Office ,231 Hwy. 41 N., Suite B, Barnesville, GA 30204. For more information contact Lisa Minick, Lamar & Upson counties technician, at 770-358-0787, Ext. 3 or lisa.minick@usda.gov. If you need an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Lisa Minick.
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KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 9 & Oct. 7 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 7 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline.