June 26, 2024
www.gfb.org
Vol. 6 No. 12
AFBF CALLS FOR AG LABOR REFORM; GFVGA JOINS LABOR LAWSUIT
On June 14, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) sent a letter to USDA and the Department of Labor regarding the significant shortage of help on U.S. farms and ranches. In a related development, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) joined a lawsuit against the DOL challenging new rules concerning farm labor.
AFBF’s June 14 letter asked the agencies to reevaluate the farm labor survey and sought a willingness from the DOL to engage with farmers and ranchers to understand challenges agricultural producers face. The AFBF’s letter followed a June 4 letter from multiple agricultural stakeholder organizations asking for guidance on the agencies’ rulemaking and a review of the Farm Labor Survey.
The June 14 letter, solely from AFBF, expanded and underscored those recommendations. Among the requests AFBF made are:
• A reconsideration of the methodology for determining the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). The National Council of Agricultural Employers has led a petitioning effort to reevaluate the AEWR’s function as a guardrail against an adverse effect to the domestic wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed, as embodied in the Immigration and Nationality Act. AFBF supports the petition and requests serious consideration by DOL.
• A reconsideration whether an adverse effect truly exists to justify the current framework. Foremost among the feedback received from Farm Bureau members is the inexplicable annual rise in the AEWR.
“For many years, AEWR increases have significantly outpaced inflation and accelerated costs for growers well beyond their means and the financial viability of family farms. Small- and medium-sized farms struggle to stay afloat, and many are shutting down,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall wrote.
• A suggestion to convene a workshop with USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service experts and stakeholders to candidly address the deficiencies and suggested improvements to data -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page collection, analysis, and distribution surrounding the AEWR.
Duvall noted a prevailing view among AFBF membership that DOL does not seek to understand how farmers and ranchers value, trust and protect their workers. Many farmworkers are more than employees, having spent decades farming alongside the farmers who employ them.
AFBF invited agency leaders to meet with the farmers in the field to better understand agriculture’s care and concern for its employees.
Meanwhile, the GFVGA, represented by the Southeastern Legal Foundation, joined a coalition of produce growers, farmers, and State Attorneys General to sue the DOL challenging new rules proposed for the H-2A program.
The new “Worker Protection Rules”, slated to go into effect in late June, will continue to make the H-2A program prohibitively expensive and exceeds authority granted to DOL all the while adding more complex regulations to the already overly complicated program.
“This drastic measure by the Department of Labor will be devastating for the agricultural industry, not just in Georgia but across the nation,” said GFVGA Executive Vice President Chris Butts. “Our members’ farms and employees will suffer because they cannot afford to meet this program’s unreasonable and unlawful demands. We must level the playing field for producers instead of continuing to stack the deck against them.”
The GFVGA noted that Congress gave some employees the right to form labor unions through the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), but it explicitly excluded farm workers from the right to form unions and has continued to do so for nearly 90 years. The DOL rules, GFVGA said takes unprecedented steps to create rights Congress did not intend.
Under a new agency rule, the Department is requiring agricultural employers to allow temporary foreign farm workers to form unions, creating a new right that is not granted to American farm workers. The Department claims that it has authority to do so under the Immigration Reform and Control Act, even though that law, which grants temporary H-2A employment visas to migrant farm worker does not mention the right to form unions.
SENATE AG COMMITTEE REPUBLICANS RELEASE FARM BILL FRAMEWORK
With a stated goal of “putting more farm in the farm bill,” U.S. Senate Ag Committee Ranking member John Boozman (R-Arkansas) unveiled the Republican-drafted farm bill framework on June 11.
“From the onset of this process, we have sought to draft a farm bill that reflects the needs of stakeholders,” Boozman said “The world has changed dramatically since the 2018 bill became law, and the unprecedented challenges and economic uncertainty that farmers face now are only projected to get worse in the coming years.”
The Senate Republican farm bill framework, Boozman said, would modernize the farm safety net, facilitate the expansion of access to overseas markets, foster breakthroughs in agricultural research and grow the rural communities that farmers, ranchers and foresters call home – all while making a historic investment in conservation and protecting nutrition programs that help -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page Americans in need.
Boozman said the framework exhibits shared common ground with Democrats on several key priorities and offers a path forward in the places where the two parties differ.
According to the committee Republicans’ summary, their framework would:
• Increase statutory reference prices for all covered commodities by an average of 15%;
• Enhance effective reference price escalator to be 88% of the five-year Olympic average market year price;
• Increase coverage level under Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC);
• Provide inflation-adjusted payment limitations;
• Establish higher loan rates for marketing assistance loans.
American Farm Bureau (AFBF) expressed appreciation for farm bill progress in the Senate.
“This is encouraging progress in the Senate, but there is much work to be done,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “There are stark differences between the two outlines and we urge Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman to find common ground on the important issues that farmers and ranchers face. We urge the Senate Agriculture Committee to use these outlines to draft a bipartisan farm bill that updates the farm safety net and makes crop insurance more accessible, and to schedule a committee markup soon. The farm bill benefits every family in America. They’re relying on Congress to get the job done.”
The House Agriculture Committee completed its markup of the Farm, Food & National Security Act of 2024 on May 24 and passed the proposed legislation 33-21. The House bill must now be voted on by the full House, which isn’t expected to be happen until after Congress approves the FY 25 appropriations proposals.
DEER, TRUCK WEIGHTS, NAVIGABLE WATERS BIG TOPICS AT GFB DISTRICT VISITS
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) continued its County Voices, Capitol Choices meeting series with stops in Cochran, Metter, Camilla, Plains and Ocilla between June 10 and June 20.
GFB President Tom McCall provided each district with updates on notable ag-related legislation during the 2024 Georgia General Assembly session, introduced state legislators and other guests in attendance and recognized recipients of Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) scholarships.
Regional leaders for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) discussed what the agency is doing to mitigate ongoing challenges farmers face with nuisance wildlife, including tweaks to the Deer Depredation Permit process.
GFB held it’s CVCC meeting for the organization’s 6th District at Greene Acres Farm in Dodge County. Attendees heard updates on state legislation and the federal farm bill. Georgia Rep. Danny Mathis, who represents House District 149, which includes all of Bleckley, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Dodge counties and portions of Telfair County was a special guest.
GFB President Tom McCall discussed legislation the Georgia General Assembly passed this -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page year, Georgia House Bill 1172, that restores private property rights to landowners adjacent to navigable waters eroded by SB 115 last year. HB 1172 is important because it addresses unattended consequences from previous legislation concerning public trust doctrine while still allowing the public to pass, hunt, and fish on navigable waters, which was the original intent of the legislature when it passed SB 115. While HB 1172 resolved significant property rights concerns, it has opened the door to further conversations surrounding water policy in the state. A Georgia House Study Committee will meet in coming months to determine what the definition of a navigable stream will be.
Georgia Rep. Danny Mathis (Dist. 149), who represents all of Bleckley, Twiggs, Wilkinson, and Dodge counties, and portions of Telfair County sang the praises of event hosts Earl and Leigh Anne Greene and what their farm and agritourism venue means to the area. Mathis serves on the Georgia House Agriculture Committee.
“I’m so glad to have y’all meeting here at Greene Acres Farms in my district. I can’t say enough good things about this farm and what it means to our community. As an agritourism attraction it draws visitors to Dodge County by offering you-pick strawberries and peaches and the beautiful flowers visitors can cut. Folks from miles around enjoy driving out to see the Christmas lights. My family has held birthday parties for my grandchildren as many other families have.”
Telfair County Farm Bureau President Neal Stanley expressed his appreciation for GFB holding the CVCC meetings and the advocacy work Farm Bureau does on behalf of Georgia farmers.
“I think most farmers don’t know the impact Farm Bureau has on legislation on our behalf. Someone has to stand up and represent us,” Stanley said. “Attending meetings like this gives you the chance to get updates on ag issues and what Farm Bureau is doing. It also lets me meet my legislators and express my opinions and concerns. If I have the opportunity to positively impact something for my county, then I feel attending this type of meeting is worthwhile.”
GFA Scholarship recipient Hannah Williams of Telfair County was recognized at the Cochran meeting.
During the Metter meeting at Dutch Ford Farm on June 11, Farm Bureau members talked with Reps. Leesa Hagan, who represents House District 156, Bill Werkheiser (House District 157) and Sen. Billy Hickman (Senate District 4), as well as Chris Baumann from the WRD.
Hagan lauded GFB for its promotion of a deer farm damage survey it conducted last fall.
The survey drew responses from 340 Georgia farmers, who reported a total of 111,000 acres of crops damaged by dear at an estimated cost of $35.8 million. If these losses were extrapolated statewide using 2022 NASS acreage data and 2022 UGA average commodity prices, the statewide impact of deer crop damage could be estimated at $392 million in yield loss just for corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans on more than 1 million acres.
“I talked to the farmers in my area, and I asked, what's your main concern right now? All last year it was deer and the damage that they're doing,’ Hagan said. “So, we actually have some data -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page now thanks to those of you who responded to the survey.”
Damage from deer eating foliage from emerging crops has compounded other factors affecting farm cash flow, according to AgSouth Farm Credit Lending Officer Cassie Justen, who joined farmers in urging the legislature to come up with a solution.
“DNR needs to do something. They [farmers] try everything,” Justen said “There's different applications that they can buy and invest to spray, to try to ward off the deer. And it works in some cases a little bit, but there's more input costs going into the crop per acre. Right up front, you're $600 an acre just to get it in the dirt.”
The Metter meeting also included a discussion on limits to how much fuel can be transported via public roads.
GFA Scholarship recipients Eben Banks of Tattnall County and Holt Sapp of Burke County were recognized during the Metter meeting.
At the Camilla meeting on June 18, state Reps. Chas Cannon (Dist. 172), Joe Campbell (Dist. 171), and Sen. Sam Watson (Dist. 11) were introduced, along with Paul Fryer from the office of U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, Jody Redding from the governor’s office and Brian Vickery from WRD.
Cannon’s House District 172 includes all of Colquitt County and portions of Cook and Thomas counties. Campbell’s House District 171 includes all of Decatur and Mitchell counties and part of Grady County Watson’s House District 11 includes Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Grady, Seminole, and Thomas counties.
Cannon discussed issues considered by the Georgia General Assembly in 2024 and likely to come up again in 2025, including the Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) and a coming ballot initiative related to homestead tax exemptions.
“We worked on some CUVA issues where solar is an issue. We tried to make the CUVA exemption go away for solar,” Cannon said, explaining that installing solar panels on farmland would be considered a breach of the CUVA covenant. “If it’s commercial or a development, it should breach the covenant.”
Paul Fryer from U.S. Rep. Bishop's office discussed the farm bill progress. Fryer said Bishop was one of four Democrats who voted in favor of the marked-up bill that passed the House Agriculture Committee.
The interaction between farmers and public officials is a critical part of GFB’s work, according to Decatur County Farm Bureau Secretary/Treasurer Bobby Barber.
“You’ve got Mr. McCall down here, Sanford Bishop's office and our state team, they're here. You want to show them that you're supporting them, but we need their support at the same time,” Barber said.
At the Plains meeting on June 19, state Rep. Mike Cheokas, who represents Dist. 151, which includes all of Chattahoochee, Marion, Schley, Stewart and Webster counties and part of Sumter County and Vickery were on hand to interact with farmers.
GFA Scholarship recipients Daniel and Stephen Peterson of Lowndes County, Eva Wessels of -continued on next page
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Lee County and Andrew Carnley of Houston County were recognized during the meeting in Plains.
GFB held the last of its CCVC meetings June 20 with a meeting for the organization’s 10th District at Paulk Vineyards in Irwin County. Irwin County Farm Bureau President Gary Paulk welcomed those attending the meeting to his family’s farm. Legislative guests included Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Sen. Agriculture Committee Chairman Russ Goodman, Georgia House Whip Rep. James Burchett, retiring Ga. Rep. Clay Pirkle, Jody Redding with Gov. Brian Kemp’s office and Georgia House candidates Jacklyn Ford and Angie O’Steen
“There’s a lot going on in agriculture right now and your Georgia Department of Agriculture staff are working hard to find ways to address that by trying to find resources and get help for our farmers to get them across the finish line,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. “The weather we’ve already had this planting season is a perfect example of when having a permanent disaster package in the farm bill would help farmers.”
Harper said the GDA is in the process of getting\ information from farmers on the losses they sustained from heavy rain during planting season and now drought conditions to pass along to Farm Service Agency.
Commissioner Harper reminded farmers that diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) has been added to the list of ag inputs that qualify for a sales tax exemption for farmers with a GATE card.
Georgia Sen. Russ Goodman, who represents Senate Dist. 8 (Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce & Ware counties) discussed legislation the Georgia General Assembly passed in 2023 that increased the allowable weight variance of total gross vehicle weights for commercial trucks carrying certain agricultural or forestry products. The legislation increased the allowable gross vehicle weight variance of trucks hauling ag products and timber from 84,000 lbs to 88,000 lbs. The current weight variance sunsets on July 1, 2025, and the ag community is preparing to support legislation that will renew it. Sen. Goodman & House Rep. Steven Meeks authored & supported the legislation.
“Getting legislation passed that increased truck weights was a fight all the way through but we were committed to getting this for Georgia farmers and loggers to level the playing field because every state that touches Georgia allows trucks to haul between 88,000 to 90,000 pounds,” Goodman said. “When my back was to the wall, and I needed sound advice, it was a privilege to be able to turn to Tom McCall for advice. We do what we do in Atlanta so hopefully our kids and yours will be able to continue farming.”
Under the current legislation, trucks may only haul up to 88,000 pounds of ag commodities or timber within 150 miles from point of origin, and trucks may not haul at the higher weights in any Georgia nonattainment zone, which is made up of mostly Metro Atlanta counties - Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta, Cobb, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, and Rockdale.
Georgia Rep. James Burchett, who represents Dist. 176, which includes Atkinson, Lanier, Lowndes & Ware counties, serves as the House Whip and is a member of the House Ethics, Judiciary, Rules, and Transportation Committees. As House Republican Whip, Burchett is -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page responsible for keeping track of the status of all legislation being considered in the House and ensuring that all House Republicans are present when important bills come up for vote. The House Democrats also have a whip who does the same thing for their party. The person representing the political party with the most members in the House is referenced as the House Whip and the person representing the party with fewer members in the House is referenced as the Minority Whip.
“My district is an agriculture district made up primarily of row crops and timber farms. It’s an honor to serve you all in the House We’re trying to make it easier for our farmers to make money, and we’re going to continue to advocate on behalf of our farmers.” Burchett said. “I ask that you stay engaged as you have been and that you stay engaged with your legislators,” Burchett said. “When I get a phone call from one of my constituents back home asking me to do something it means more than someone in Atlanta asking me.”
Rep. Burchett authored House Bill 1172 that the Georgia legislature passed this year. The legislation removes reference to the public trust doctrine as it applies to navigable waters and restores private property rights to landowners with property adjacent to navigable water. The bill addresses unintended consequences from Senate Bill 115, that was passed in 2023 while still allowing the public to pass, hunt and fish on navigable waters, the original intent of SB 115.
“We’ve got folks who are paddlers who want to be able to paddle or float navigable water that may run through private property. We understand they have the right to do this on large rivers, but we don’t want them coming up creeks to your farm ponds.”
Retiring Ga. Rep. Clay Pirkle, who represented District 169, which covers Irwin and Turner counties along with areas in Coffee and Tift counties, opted not to run for re-election this year. During his nine years in the Georgia House, Pirkle, who is a farmer, authored and supported numerous pieces of legislation supported by GFB.
“It was an honor to be able to represent you in Atlanta,” Pirkle said. “I don’t have to tell the people in this room that the costs of our farm inputs have gone through the roof while the prices we’re getting for the commodities we’re selling off our farms have gone down. That’s why I’m excited to hopefully have a farm lady [Angie O’Steen] replace me.”
Pirkle praised GFB’s legislative staff, saying, “We can’t do our job in Atlanta without Farm Bureau’s support.”
Angie O’Steen of Coffee County is running to represent Georgia House District 169, the seat retiring Ga. Rep. Clay Pirkle has represented. Angie and her husband, Danny, are farmers and Angie is a registered nurse. The O’Steens are Coffee County Farm Bureau members.
“The most important thing you need to know about me is that I’m a disciple of Christ, who is willing to serve the people of District 169,” Angie said. “I know the people who represent our part of the state are working really hard for us and are taking hits for the people they serve. I’m prepared to do that, too. As a farmer, I understand what farmers in my area are going through. We’ve had peanuts drown from excess rain this spring and now it’s dry.”
In the May primary Jaclyn Ford of Berrien County was elected as the Republican candidate for -continued on next page
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Georgia House Dist. 170, which includes portions of Tift, Berrien and Cook counties. She has no Democratic opposition for the November general election. Ford will be replacing Rep. Penny Houston, who opted not to seek re-election after representing the district since 1997.
“My first job after college was with Farm Bureau working in the legislative department for a year. I moved home to run my family’s cotton gin,” Jacklyn said. “Farm Bureau taught me how important it is for farmers to be engaged with their elected officials and sparked my interest in getting involved with politics.”
Jaclyn was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to serve on the Georgia Economic Development Board in 2019, after serving seven years on the Georgia Farm Service Agency.
She serves on the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodities Committee for Cotton and is a former delegate to the National Cotton Council. Ford is the vice president and chief operating officer of Dixon Gin Co. Jaclyn remains involved in her family farm, growing peanuts, pecans, cotton, corn and cattle in Berrien County. She and her husband, Jake live in Alapaha, where they've raised their two children.
When the floor was open for comments or questions from the audience, the topic farmers wanted to discuss, just as it had been in the CVCC meeting in Metter, was crop loss to deer.
Georgia Farm Bureau 1st Vice President Daniel Johnson expressed the urgency for finding a solution to control deer populations that are feeding on row crops during the growing season. Johnson said deer damage to his row crops cost him about $125,000 last year to replant crops.
Lee Taylor, chief of the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Management Section, discussed deer crop depredation permits farmers can get to try to help manage deer populations that are eating farmers’ row crops. Taylor is overseeing the drafting of a new deer management program for Georgia.
Taylor encouraged landowners who lease their farms to hunters for hunting to include language in the leases that require hunters to harvest a certain number of does that will still allow for a healthy deer population on the property. He encouraged landowners to contact their regional DNR offices for recommendations.
To help farmers fight crop damage that occurs from the time row crops emerge in the spring throughout the growing season, the DNR allows farmers to apply for a deer crop damage permit. Outside of deer season, this permit allows the applicant and up to six other people to shoot deer caught in growing crop fields the applicant has registered.
Visit www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com to apply for a deer crop damage permit from late February through the summer. On the DNR website, select the Licenses & Permits icon, which will take you to a box titled Online Licensing Features. Select Purchase/Reprint a License/Obtain Permits. If you have a Go Outdoors Georgia account, log in to access the crop damage control permit application. If you don't have an account, select the Enroll Now! icon to create an account. While the application to receive a deer damage hunting permit must be completed online, applicants may call 1-800-366-2661 to request help with navigating the online application.
“If you apply for a deer permit and you don’t get a response in 24 hours, please call your district -continued on next page
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Department of Natural Resources office,” Taylor said.
Berrien County Farm Bureau member Rickey Boyd voiced his opinion that DNR should allow farmers to hunt does in February.
“In February farmers have time to hunt while the days are still short. If we could shoot does in February, we’d be reducing the population before we have to start planting our crops and there would be fewer deer to eat our crops,” Boyd said.
Boyd says he prefers not to put other people on his deer depredation permits for safety reasons.
“I don’t want random people shooting on my land or the land I’m leasing from others,” Boyd said. “I know the fields on my farm and whose house is on the other side of the trees by my fields. I know where equipment is parked that might get shot.
Numerous farmers said after farming all day in the spring and summer, during the months deer depredation permits are available, they don’t have the energy to hunt deer at night.
“I have 150 different fields scattered over 45 miles that I’m farming. I don’t have that many people to put in those fields to hunt,” said Danny O’Steen.
Berrien County farmer Lamar Vickers, who is a GFB 10th District Director, expressed concern that crop loss to deer may be worse this year.
“We’ve had to replant our crops for years after deer eat the first emerging plants. It’s probably cost us between $100,000 to $150,000 a year, but this year due to the wet weather we had in the planting months we’ve planted our crops so late that there’s no time to replant any crops that deer destroy.”
GFA Scholarship recipients Kyle Kitchens-Hayes, of Bryan County, Reagan Baldree, of Ware County, Jarrett Hancock, of Irwin County, and London O’Steen, of Coffee County, were recognized at the meeting at Paulk Vineyards.
GFB also held CVCC meetings in Roberta on May 14, Colbert on May 28, McDonough on June 3, Ellijay on June 4, and Madison on June 6.
DRY CONDITIONS SPREAD OVER MUCH OF GEORGIA
More than half of Georgia counties had abnormally dry conditions, according to the June 18 report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than tripling the number of counties with such conditions listed on the June 11 report.
All or parts of at least 88 counties showed at least abnormally dry conditions, one level of intensity below moderate drought on the Drought Monitor scale.
Seven counties – Cherokee, Cobb, Coweta, Douglass, Fayette, Fulton, and Paulding – had areas under moderate drought.
The primary areas of concentration were Metro Atlanta, Middle Georgia and Southeast Georgia.
To view the June 23 Georgia drought map, click here. (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?GA)
The week prior, 25 counties, most around metro Atlanta, had abnormally dry conditions.
The Drought Monitor is mapping authored by meteorologists and climatologists from the the -continued on next page
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National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the USDA. The maps are drawn based on data about precipitation, stream flow, reservoir levels, temperature, evaporative demand, soil moisture and vegetation health.
In the Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast blog written by Pam Knox with UGA Extension, July through September are forecast to be warmer and wetter.
Precipitation is expected to be above normal in coastal areas that are likely to be affected by tropical systems in what is likely to be an active season, Flash (rapid onset) drought could occur in areas away from the coastal rains where temperatures are hottest in the next few weeks.
AM RADIO CRITICAL FOR RURAL GEORGIANS
Rural Georgians know the significance of AM radio in their lives, especially in times of emergency.
As Emily Buckman, American Farm Bureau Federation’s Director of Government Affairs said in a recent interview, “AM radio is important for rural America because farmers, ranchers and rural residents rely on it as a source of weather, commodity, and national farm policy updates.”
AM radio is a lifeline for many individuals, particularly those living in rural areas with limited access to reliable internet or cell phone coverage.
Radio is still available when power goes out and cell towers go offline. Millions of rural Americans still lack broadband service, rural and agricultural programming through AM radio helps keep rural residents apprised of news that may impact their businesses, health care, education, and family.
Without legislative action, though, radio consumers’ favorite, reliable and local AM radio station could soon be more difficult to receive.
Some U.S. automobile manufacturers have indicated they’d like to remove AM radio from new electric vehicles because of what the companies’ engineers claim would be interference generated by electric batteries.
There is concern among AM broadcast operators that other vehicle manufacturers would use this as a catalyst to eliminate the AM band in all future vehicle production, regardless of make or model.
A legislative intervention would not be without precedent on broadcast matters.
It was by legislative measures that Congress first directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate all broadcasting.
If one reads the FCC website (fcc.gov), they will see the prerequisites for obtaining a valid license to operate a broadcast station using the public airwaves; “each radio and television licensee is required by law to operate its station in the public interest, convenience and necessity.”
Since broadcasters are required to operate in the public interest and provide programming that is responsive to the needs and concerns of any given community, Georgia’s broadcasters need the AM band to produce such programming. Consumers must have access to the AM band in their -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page vehicles, homes, and workplaces so they can receive such programming.
Because Georgia Farm Bureau produces daily radio updates for stations across the state, it is vital to us that all Georgians understand the urgency to ask your lawmakers today to support and advance the AM for Every Vehicle Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.
To let your representative know you support AM radio, visit https://www.fb.org/actionalert/communication-support-am-radio-for-every-vehicle-act.
GA FARM BUREAU & GA AGRICULTURE FOUNDATION NAME NEW HIRES
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) have recently added new hires to their respective staffs. The GFB Public Policy Department welcomed Chase McClure as a government affairs specialist on June 20. Phoebe Beard joined the GFA as an educational programs assistant on May 21
As a government affairs specialist McClure will work to communicate GFB’s policy positions on topics related to agriculture to elected officials while facilitating GFB member interactions with lawmakers and policymaking influencers. He replaces Jake Matthews who took a position with the Georgia Forestry Association last fall.
A native of Monroe County, McClure graduated from Tattnall Square Academy and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in history from Mississippi State University (MSU) in 2023.
“We are excited to welcome Chase to Georgia Farm Bureau’s Public Policy Team,” GFB President Tom McCall. “Chase grew up around the timber business which has given him an appreciation for loggers and farmers that will serve our members well as he advocates for them at the state capitol.”
While a student at MSU, McClure was a member of the Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity for which he served as historian and now serves on his chapter’s alumni board. He served on the MSU Interfraternity Council as recruitment coordinator for 2022 fall and 2023 spring rush
McClure was an active member of the MSU College Republicans and served on Mississippi Sen. Bart William’s (MS Dist. 15-R) successful 2020 campaign. He was also active in the Bulldog Chapter of Ducks Unlimited throughout his four years at MSU, helping each year with the chapter’s annual spring crawfish boils and fall dinner banquets to raise money for the Ducks Unlimited Foundation. He served on the planning committee for the 2021 spring crawfish boil that raised over $25,000 for wetland conservation in Mississippi. McClure plans to join a local Ducks Unlimited Chapter.
Prior to joining the GFB staff, McClure worked for the Central Georgia Technical College facility services department. He also worked as an administrative assistant for Timberhawg Investments, LLC, managing documents, assisting with office duties and technology needs and providing customer service as needed.
The son of Jeff and Tonya McClure, Chase has fond memories of going to work with his father, -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page who is a procurement forester.
“I always loved watching the equipment at work on a tract of land. Talking shop with my dad and his peers has given me knowledge of the timber industry and the utmost respect for anyone in agriculture. Loggers and farmers are some of the most resilient people I know,” McClure said. “Politics has always been a passion of mine and being able to work for Georgia Farm Bureau is a dream come true because I get to work in a field I’m passionate about, and I get to advocate for the most important people in our state, our farmers.”
McClure may be reached at cnmcclure@gfb.org. Visit https://www.gfb.org/advocate/publicpolicy to learn more about GFB’s advocacy work for Georgia agriculture.
As an educational programs assistant for the GFA, Beard will work with Virginia Fulwood to set the schedule for the Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Ag Classroom to visit schools, community, and statewide events. Beard will serve as a mobile classroom instructor and will work closely with county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers as the GAE visits communities. She replaces Hannah Hall, who took a marketing position with the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine in April.
The daughter of Chad Beard and Lori Wooten, Phoebe grew up on a Turner County farm where her grandparents Jerry and Nancy Wooten grew cotton, watermelon and peanuts She graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural communications.
While a student at ABAC, Beard served as vice president of the Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority and as vice president of communications for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Club. During the summer between her freshman and sophomore years, Beard worked for a Texas wildlife rescue, Gator Country, where she educated the public about wildlife. From May 2023-May 2024, she interned at the Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany, Ga., teaching environmental education to children and the general public.
“We’re excited to have Phoebe join the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture team,” said GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom. “Her dynamic background in agricultural education, from wrangling alligators in Texas to studying agricultural communications at ABAC, will be incredibly valuable as she brings her passion and unique experiences to the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom.”
Beard lives in Tifton with her dog, Doodle Bug, but enjoys visiting the family farm weekly to feed and care for their horses.
“I’m excited to join the Georgia Ag Experience team because it offers a unique opportunity to take agriculture to every community in Georgia. I’m able to engage with children and adults to help them understand where our food comes from and how deeply agriculture is rooted in our daily lives,” Beard said. “My favorite facts to tell people are that the one-dollar bill is made up of 75% cotton and that marshmallows are made from cow byproducts. I love making agriculture education fun, accessible and memorable for everyone.”
Beard may be reached at pbeard@georgiaagexperience.org. Learn more about the GAE mobile classroom at www.georgiaagexperience.org .
CHAMMOUN TO LEAD AMERICAN PEANUT SHELLERS
The American Peanut Shellers Association (APSA) has named Chris Chammoun its new executive director. He will lead efforts to expand the organization’s programs while growing and strengthening its membership base. Chammoun will oversee the continued implementation of the association’s three-year strategic plan, recently developed by a strategic planning committee to pave the way for transformative growth and operational success.
Founded in 1919, APSA’s mission is to provide leadership and a unified voice for the U.S. peanut shelling industry to ensure its long-term success and economic sustainability by advocating for favorable policies and regulations as well as supporting market access. Headquartered in Albany, APSA represents the professional interests of nine active shelling members and 165 associate members throughout the U.S. and abroad.
“It is truly an honor to be named the next executive director of the American Peanut Shellers Association. I’m very excited about carrying on the great work of this institution and leading the shelling industry through future opportunities and challenges. I’m also eager to bring my expertise to The Peanut Institute and The Peanut Institute Foundation. Having worked with many agribusinesses in the economic development space, I’ve seen first-hand how research and innovation can grow an industry beyond expectations. I look forward to working with the staff, Board, and our industry partners to ensure the future of the peanut industry,” said Chammoun.
In addition to his role with APSA, Chammoun will serve as President of The Peanut Institute and The Peanut Institute Foundation. Founded in 1996, The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization that supports nutrition research and develops educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products.
Chammoun brings extensive experience in agribusiness management, including strategic planning, agricultural technology and innovation, advocacy, and market economics. Previously, Chammoun worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development where he served as Director of AgTech at the Georgia Center of Innovation. In this role, Chammoun led the economic development efforts in the agricultural technology sector in Georgia.
Prior to that, Chammoun served as Director of Public Affairs for the Georgia Cotton Commission.
“I am so excited that Chris has agreed to serve as American Peanut Shellers Association’s next Executive Director. His education and background in agribusiness and markets, along with his economic development experience provide the prefect blend in leading both American Peanut Shellers Association and The Peanut Institute into the future. I think Chris is going to do a terrific job and be a valuable asset not only for the membership of American Peanut Shellers Association but for the entire peanut industry,” said Charles Birdsong, American Peanut Shellers Association Board Chair. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris aboard.”
The APSA is a non-profit trade association, composed of commercial peanut shellers and crushers located throughout the United States.
COST OF SUMMER COOKOUT REACHES RECORD HIGH
Families celebrating the 4th of July holiday will continue to find stubbornly high prices at the grocery store. An Independence Day cookout will cost $71.22 for 10 guests this year, based on the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey.
The grocery bill is up 5% from 2023, and almost 30% from just five years ago. A $7.12 perperson cost represents a record high since AFBF began the survey in 2013. The cookout favorites include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products.
“Higher prices at the grocery store reflect a number of challenges facing America’s families. Lower availability of some cookout staples and inflation are hitting people in their wallets,” said AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. “Farmers are also feeling the effects of high prices. They’re price takers, not price makers. Their share of the retail food dollar is just 15%, but they still pay elevated fuel, fertilizer and other supply prices.”
The marketbasket survey shows a year-to-year double-digit increase in the cost of beef and lemonade, while there are drops in the cost of chicken breasts and potato salad.
The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 11% to $12.77. Lemonade will cost $4.19, up 12% from 2023. Several factors influence these increases, which reflect the sort of challenges farmers face on a regular basis. Drought conditions in recent years forced ranchers to sell many of their cattle early last year, reducing the amount of beef available for the summer grilling season. Higher lemon prices can be attributed to citrus greening, which has spread to California after devastating Florida’s citrus industry.
The AFBF survey found two exceptions to the price increases. Chicken is down 4% from last year, at $7.83 for 2 pounds. Potato salad is also 4% less expensive than last year, at $3.32. Chicken supplies have stabilized, and potato crops have recovered from the previous year’s poor weather.
Although historically high at $7.12 per person, when put in a global context, Americans dedicate a smaller percentage of their spending to food than any other country.
“As we celebrate this nation’s independence, we also celebrate America’s food independence,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “While all families in America are paying more for food than before, we still have one of the most affordable food supplies in the world. In the United States, we are blessed with the tools to grow the food, fiber and renewable fuel to meet the needs of every family across the country.
“The success of America’s farmers is due in part to partnerships in research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill. It’s crucial that as we celebrate the holiday we also urge members of Congress to return to Washington and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We cannot afford more delays and short-term extensions. Farmers, and every family in America, are relying on them to get the job done to ensure America continues to lead the world in agriculture.”
The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 1% compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey -continued on next page
Field Notes page 15 of 18
Continued from previous page examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.
The July 4 cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home.
Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico.
Individual Prices, AFBF 2024 Summer Cookout
• 2 pounds of ground beef, $12.77 (+11%)
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts, $7.83 (-4%)
• 3 pounds of pork chops, $15.49 (+8%)
• 1 pound of cheese, $3.57 (+1%)
• 1 package of hamburger buns, $2.41 (+7%)
• 2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.32 (-4%)
• 32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.49 (+2%)
• 16 ounces of potato chips, $4.90 (+8%)
• 13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $3.99 (+2%)
• ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.65 (+7%)
• 2 pints of strawberries, $4.61 (+1%)
• 2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.19 (+12%)
Full analysis of the 2024 4th of July cookout survey will be available soon on the Market Intel page at www.fb.org
GA DEPARTMENT OF AG ISSUES STOP SALE ORDER FOR MIDASH FORTE
On June 18, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Agricultural Inputs Division has issued a “Stop Sale” Order on Midash Forte Insecticide (EPA Reg. No.83529-6) manufactured for Sharda USA, LLC.
Lab test results indicate Batch TX433 is contaminated with herbicides and could potentially cause crop damage. Midash Forte is a commonly used insecticide, and the department encourages farmers to check their supply and discontinue the use of Midash Forte Batch TX433.
The GDA’s Laboratory Division routinely tests products to ensure quality and label accuracy. Several lab tests of Midash Forte Insecticide Batch TX433 showed varying amounts of Triclopyr, and in some samples 2,4-D, when the label indicates only one active ingredient – Imidacloprid. Consumers who have purchased Midash Forte can contact Sharda USA for more information.
Field Notes page 16 of 18
GCC SEEKS NOMINEES FOR COTTON LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
In July, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will convene a caucus of certified producer organizations representing cotton producers in Georgia to nominate individuals to serve as members and alternates on the Cotton Board, which administers the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, for three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as current board members’ terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is seeking nominees for vacant positions. The GCC is focused on helping the USDA fully realize its commitment to ensure that boards reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies and other distinguishing factors, including by not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities.
In addition, the GCC is seeking nominees to represent Georgia as delegates and alternates to the National Cotton Council of America, board members and alternates to Cotton Incorporated, and board members of Southern Cotton Growers. Each of these organizations serves cotton producers and the overall industry in unique ways and requires well-rounded producer leaders to creatively ensure that each organization accomplishes their aims and purposes. Interested individuals should email the GCC office at info@georgiacotton.org
GRASSLAND CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM
June 28 deadline to enroll
The USDA recently announced that agricultural producers and landowners can now sign up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP) through June 28. Grassland CRP is a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands and provide important conservation benefits for wildlife and soil health, all while continuing most grazing and haying practices. Landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply.
Field Notes page 17 of 18
CABBAGE PRODUCERS CROP INSURANCE
July 1 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia cabbage growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 crop year is July 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the July 1 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for cabbage in Brooks, Colquitt, Tift, and Toombs counties. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2025 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
2024 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD RESEARCH SHOWCASE
July 10-24 Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition 8 a.m. - dark Moultrie Farmers are invited to visit the Sunbelt Expo at their convenience during this two-week period to learn practical information about the newest technologies that they can use to improve their operations. Farmers and professionals in the ag industry to a self-guided driving tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm Ga. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8:00 a.m. and dark for the tour. Directional signs will lead visitors to the tour path. At the first stop, farmers will have the opportunity to pick-up a map as well as information about each plot. Additionally, prerecorded segments featuring university researchers and company vendors will be available for viewing while driving through the fields or at a later time on Sunbelt’s YouTube channel. This new format will allow visitors to tour grounds at their convenience all at once or multiple times if they so choose. There are a few tips visitors should keep in mind to enjoy a successful tour. Bring a friend to experience the event with you - come during the day or late afternoon at your convenience. Be sure to have a smartphone or tablet with you to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the official Sunbelt Ag web site or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive so that it is ready to go. Don’t forget to follow the signs to the beginning of the tour from Gate 2 and continue to follow the directional signs throughout the tour. Ensure you pick-up a copy of the plot map as well as information about the research. Prepare to explore and learn at your own pace on the research farm, all while enjoying your comfortable vehicle! UGA researchers, Extension Specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops. To view more specific Field Research Days details, visit https://gfb.ag/expofielddays
Field Notes page 18 of 18
2025 AFBF FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
July 12 application deadline
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the seventh year of the contest, supported by Nestle Purina Petcare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food, $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a Purina products basket, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025. Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest. The People’s Choice Pup winner will receive $2,500, a trophy, a Purina products basket, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit www.gfb.ag/join to join. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at www.fb.org/land/fdoty. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 12 for consideration.
FSA ACREAGE REPORTING
July 15 next major deadline to complete reports
Agricultural producers in Georgia should make an appointment with their local FSA office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline after planting is complete. An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch, its intended use, and location. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits. Acreage reporting dates vary by crop and by county. Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for a list of acreage reporting deadlines by crop. The next major acreage reporting deadline is July 15, 2024.
HEREFORDS IN THE COVE
Aug. 3 Walker Co. Civic Center & Ag Center Rock Springs
Onsite registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. Program begins at 2 p.m. Topics to be covered include Understanding EPDs; Hereford research that pertains to the South; Feeding cattle to become freezer vs. replacement heifers & bulls; How to bring the next generation back to the farm. Event will include a program for Jr. Hereford members. There will also be a social hour and meal along with entertainment and an auction. Cost is $25/person for those ages 10 & up. Cost is $10 for those under 10. For more information about this event, contact Wes Smith at 706-601-9527 or Cody Cleveland at 229-254-0399. If attending, please RSVP to Cody Cleveland. For information about the Jr. Hereford program, please contact Shelly McQuaid at 229-402-7232. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn in Ringgold 706-935-4800 for a rate of $119/night plus tax.
GFB Field Notes page 19 of 18
GACD ANNUAL MEETING
Aug. 4-6 Chateau Elan Resort Braselton
GACD’s Annual Meeting provides a conversation platform for Conservation Districts and likeminded resource conservation partners to share updates. Georgia’s 40 Conservation Districts are units of state government that provide locally-driven conservation solutions across the state. Meeting attendees include state and federal agencies representing all counties of Georgia. Early registration is $385 until July 5. Registration until July 26 is $425. Click here to register. (https://form.jotform.com/241235580036147)
FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION
Aug. 20 Burke County Office Park Auditorium, 715 W. 6th St. 5 p.m. Waynesboro
A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. A meal will be provided and topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and re-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events
GEORGIA AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM
Aug. 20-21 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton
The Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum offers a comprehensive two-day program of updates and discussions tailored for agricultural employers. About this event: This event brings together regulators and renowned experts from the ag labor industry. The forum's format and design encourage active engagement, enabling ag employers, HR managers, and administrators to collaboratively tackle the ongoing and dynamic challenge of securing and sustaining a reliable workforce within a complex regulatory landscape. Who should attend: Owners, operators, office managers, personnel managers and service providers for the produce, nursery, landscape, dairy, cotton, and any other agricultural professional dealing with agricultural labor relations. To register, click here.
Field Notes page 20 of 18
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 7 & Oct. 5
Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here.
(https://ugeorgi a.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgr8t6TWhUKNJ4i) These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, please visit the project website.
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES
Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207.More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont.
GFB Field Notes page 21 of 18
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2023 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.