June 29, 2022
www.gfb.org
Vol. 4 No. 14
GFB HONORS GA. JR. NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONS Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) celebrated the latest group of Georgia Junior National Livestock Show grand champion exhibitors during its Evening of Champions dinner on June 24. GFB was thrilled to resume holding the event at its state office in Macon after the COVID pandemic prevented large gatherings the previous two years. This is the 11th consecutive year GFB has sponsored the cash prizes and belt buckles awarded to the Ga. Jr. National Livestock grand champion species exhibitors. The Ga. Jr. National is open to Georgia 4-H and FFA members from across the state. The show is the culmination of the two youth programs’ livestock projects, which give students a chance to learn how to care for beef cattle, dairy heifers, hogs, goats and lambs for months, train them to be shown, and then compete for state honors as having the best species animal in various categories. A total of 2,056 Georgia 4-H and FFA students from across the state showed almost 3,950 animals as they competed in the 2022 Ga. Jr. National Livestock Show Feb. 23-26 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. “Tonight, we celebrate your hard work and dedication in the show ring,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “Showing livestock gives you confidence, teaches you patience, teaches you that everything in life isn’t about you, teaches you to be a humble winner and a gracious loser, and teaches you the reward of investing your time and money into doing something that brings you joy.” GFB sponsored the custom belt buckles made for each grand champion exhibitor and a total of $13,000 in prize money awarded to the students. The grand champion exhibitors are as follows: Beef Heifer - Morgan McDaniel, Jackson County Jackson County Empower FFA member Morgan McDaniel won the Grand Champion Beef Heifer award of $2,500 with her high percent Simmental “Bertha” that was bred and raised on the McDaniel’s farm. Bertha was calved from another high percent Simmental heifer, “Diddo,” that Morgan won this award with in 2016. The daughter of Will and Nichole McDaniel of Jefferson, Morgan was a junior when she won this award in February. Jacob Segers was her FFA advisor. Morgan has been showing livestock for nine years. Breeding Doe - Morris Lee, Madison County Madison County FFA student Morris Lee won $1,000 for exhibiting the grand champion -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 2 of 14 Continued from previous page breeding doe (female goat). The son of Byron and Beth Lee of Comer, Morris was a sixth-grade student at Madison County Middle School when he won the award in February. His FFA advisor was Sarah Holmes. Morris has been showing animals for six years. Breeding Ewe - Mac Heuer, Greene County Greene County 4-Her Mac Heuer won $1,000 for showing the grand champion breeding ewe he called Oakley. The son of Jeff and Jessica Heuer of Greensboro, Mac has been showing livestock for about 12 years. He was a homeschooled senior when he won his award in February. His 4-H agent was Monte Stephens. “I like the challenge of showing sheep because they’re very hard to show,” Mac said. “I also like the competition aspect of showing against other kids.” Mac also shows hogs. Commercial Dairy Heifer - Camden Huff, Oglethorpe County Oglethorpe County 4-H member Camden Huff won the $1,500 grand champion commercial dairy heifer award with her Jersey “Posey.” Camden’s older brother, Luke, won reserve champion with his Holstein. The siblings competed against each other all show season Camden said. “He’s been beating me all year, so it was fun to see if I could do it,” Camden said. “I do have to thank him. I wouldn’t have won it without him.” Of her Jersey, Posey, Camden said, “She’s sweet, and once she sees the show ring, she’s ready to go!” The daughter of Jonathon and Shalon Huff of Lexington, Camden was a fourth-grader at Oglethorpe County Elementary School when she won her show in February. She has been showing livestock for five years. Shanna Reynolds is her 4-H agent. Market Barrow - Matthew Ferrell, Brooks County Brooks County FFA member Matthew Ferrell won the $1,500 grand champion market barrow award with his hog “Hammer,” which was named for his high school’s symbol for hard work and determination. The son of Ben and Jennifer Ferrell of Quitman, Matthew was a junior when he won his show in February. He has been showing for 11 years. His ag teacher is Chad Schneider. “This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience winning,” Matthew said of showing the grand champion. “Hogs are a lot of work, but I enjoy being in the hog barn working with them.” Market Gilt - Raegan Denton, Houston County Houston County 4-Her Raegan Denton won the $1,500 grand champion market gilt award with her crossbred pig “Natty.” The daughter of Matt and Ashley Denton of Perry, Raegan has been showing for seven years. She was a third grader at Kings Chapel Elementary when she won her show in February. Samantha Price is her 4-H agent. Raegan’s mother is an ag teacher, so she comes by showing naturally. “My parents asked me if I wanted to show years ago, and I tried it, and I loved it,” Raegan said. “I like showing with my friends and the competition of showing.” Market Wether – Cheyne Norton, Grady County Grady County 4-Her Cheyne Norton won $1,500 for exhibiting the 2021 Georgia Jr. Grand -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 3 of 14 Continued from previous page Champion Market Wether. Cheyne, the son of Chad and Brandi Norton, has been showing livestock for nine years. He also shows lambs and hogs. He was a freshman at Cairo County High School when he won the award last fall. “It feels great to win this championship,” Cheyne said. “I started showing because I had friends and family showing. I’d encourage other kids to get into showing to meet friends and learn how to take care of animals.” Cheyne’s win carries on a family winning streak. His older sister, Lily won the award in 2020, and his first cousin, Tanner won it in 2019. Cheyne’s 4-H agent is Deron Rehberg. Market Doe – Mallory Lee, Madison County Madison County Middle School FFA member Mallory Lee received $1,500 for exhibiting the 2021 grand champion market doe. The daughter of Byron and Beth Lee of Comer, Mallory has been showing goats for six years. She was a seventh-grader when she won the award last fall. “Sometimes she can be a little stubborn, but most of the time she works well and is really sweet,” Mallory said of her winning goat that she calls K.P. Mallory said her family chose K.P. for the doe’s muscling, length of body, width and overall balance. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but I knew I had a chance,” Mallory said. Market Lamb – Tanner Norton Grady County 4-Her Tanner Norton won $1,500 for showing the 2021 grand champion market lamb with his Hamp-Suffolk cross, “Walker.” It is his third win in the category since 2018. His secret? “Work hard,” said Tanner, who followed in the footsteps of his father, Clay, when he started showing livestock. Tanner credited Grady County 4-H Agent Deron Rehberg for teaching him showmanship. Tanner, who was a junior at Cairo High School when he won last fall, has been showing livestock, including steers, hogs and goats for 11 years. He is the son of Clay and Cindy Norton. DRY CONDITIONS SPREAD ACROSS STATE Farmers across the state are feeling the effects of prolonged dry weather. Analysis of the June 23 edition of the Georgia Drought Monitor shows 150 of Georgia’s 159 counties have abnormally dry conditions or worse. All or parts of 62 counties have moderate drought, and seven coastal counties have severe drought. Non-irrigated crops are already suffering, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Crop Progress & Condition Report. On June 21, NASS mentioned reports of dryland corn fields in west Georgia already reported as complete losses. Row-crop farmers with irrigation pivots are running them non-stop, according to NASS, including many of the state’s cotton producers. “Producers are obviously worried about the quality and progress of their cotton crop, but many are also concerned about the availability of water if drought conditions continue, as many are in drastic need of recharge for creeks and ponds that are used for irrigation,” Georgia Cotton -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 4 of 14 Continued from previous page Commission Executive Director Taylor Sills said. In its June 27 report, NASS noted continued decline in the state’s cornfields, while cotton and peanut plants in many areas wilted from lack of moisture. Georgia hay producers have begun second cuttings, NASS said, though fields were struggling with regrowth because of the low rain and yields were “reportedly down significantly from previous years.” BIDEN SIGNS OCEAN SHIPPING REFORM ACT INTO LAW On June 16 President Joe Biden signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (S.3580) into law. The law authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for fiscal years 2022 through 2025; establishes additional requirements and prohibited conduct for ocean carriers; requires the FMC to issue rules related to certain fee assessments, prohibited practices, and establishment of a shipping registry; and authorizes the FMC under certain circumstances to issue an emergency order requiring common carriers to share information directly with shippers and rail and motor carriers. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) supported the legislation and expressed appreciation to Congress and Biden for its enactment. “Record-high shipping costs and shortages of containers have created bottlenecks at our ports and worsened supply chain issues at a time of growing demand domestically and overseas. Some estimates suggest we’ve lost out on more than $25 billion in agricultural exports. Limited trade has also made it more difficult to import supplies, which ultimately costs all Americans through higher prices,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, who joined Biden at the bill signing ceremony. “Addressing congestion at our ports and creating greater accountability for shipping companies is a positive step toward ensuring America’s farmers and ranchers can continue feeding families at home and around the globe.” The law, sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), was cosponsored by 30 senators, including Georgia’s Raphael Warnock. It passed by voice vote in the Senate, and the House approved it by a 369-42 vote. Georgia Reps. Rick Allen (R), Sanford Bishop (D), Buddy Carter (R), Drew Ferguson (R), Jody Hice (R), Hank Johnson (D), Nikema Williams (D), Lucy McBath (D), Carolyn Bordeaux (D), Austin Scott (R) and David Scott (D) voted in favor of the S. 3580. DAIRY ASSESSMENT OK’D; GMP NAMES TROTTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In balloting held May 1-30, Georgia dairy farmers voted unanimously to continue the one-cent assessment per hundred pounds of milk to support the Georgia Milk Producers Inc. (GMP). More than 40% of the farmers who received ballots returned them. This assessment is in addition to the checkoff that is part of the Federal Milk Program which allows ten cents per hundred to be sent to the Georgia Milk Commission, which Georgia dairy producers voted to continue in March. Meanwhile, GMP has named Bryce Trotter its new executive director, succeeding Farrah Newberry, who took a job with The Dairy Alliance earlier this year. The assessment money allows for operation, education, and promotion conducted by the GMP, as well as supporting dairy farmers in Georgia with education programs like the annual Georgia -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 5 of 14 Continued from previous page Dairy Conference held each January in Savannah, GA. Georgia is 23rd in the nation in total dairy production and last month surpassed Florida in fluid milk production. Trotter, a native of Gainesville, served as a senior policy advisor in the office of Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, and was the campaign manager for Black’s successful 2018 reelection as commissioner. He then became campaign manager for Black’s U.S. Senate bid. As a college student Trotter worked as crop yield project manager for summer silage harvest, cleaned out stalls, and assisted with a variety of daily chores alongside his father at Westbrook Dairy LLC. This on-farm experience is what inspired him to stay in agriculture and work for dairy farm families in his home state. “I am extremely excited to be joining Georgia Milk Producers and would like to thank the Board of Directors for trusting me with this opportunity,” Trotter said “GMP is a valuable resource not only for Georgia’s dairy community, but the Southeast as well. I know we will be able to continue to grow our industry together.” Trotter graduated from Davidson College in 2017, with a bachelor’s degree in political science. While at Davidson, he was a leader in a number of student organizations. He and his wife, Emma were married in January and live in Gainesville. POULTRY STORAGE AND PROCESSING COMPANIES EXPAND Atlanta-based Agile Cold Storage and Hartwell-based Lake Foods recently announced plans to expand poultry operations. On June 13, Agile Cold Storage announced the start of construction on their third cold storage warehouse in Macon. Phase I of the 275,000 square feet multi-temp facility is targeted to open in Summer 2023, and over the next three years, Agile plans to invest more than $150 million in the construction of its new facility to support the domestic and export markets. Agile’s facility will use automation where possible to make the work environment safer and more efficient for its team members. The facility will include frozen and deep-freeze temperature zones to ensure products are blast frozen and maintained at the highest levels of quality in accordance with industry specifications and government regulations. On June 16, Lake Foods announced a joint venture with Carolina Fresh Foods, to build a new, $10 million poultry further processing plant in Florence, S.C. Lake Foods, based in north Georgia, focuses on poultry processing. Headquartered in Florence, SC, Carolina Fresh Foods is a food distributor that specializes in meat products. Carolina Precision Foods LLC debones, portions, marinates, custom further processes, and mechanically separates poultry. The company will partner with regional poultry processors in custom further processing of poultry products. The Florence facility is slated to become operational in August.
GFB Field Notes 6 of 14 AFBF SURVEY: INDEPENDENCE DAY COOKOUT COST AVERAGES $69.68 U.S. consumers will pay $69.68 for their favorite Independence Day cookout foods, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, based on a new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) marketbasket survey. The average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $69.68, which breaks down to less than $7 per person. The overall cost for the cookout is up 17% or about $10 from last year, a result of ongoing supply chain disruptions, inflation and the war in Ukraine. “The increased cost of food and supplies is a very real concern in our country and across the globe,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “U.S. food assistance programs and food banks help those who struggle to make ends meet here at home, but the story is much different around the globe as food insecurity skyrockets. The big impact of a single event in Ukraine shows how dependent the world is on stable, productive agriculture.” Farmers are feeling the price-point pain too, like the people they grow food for, according to AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan. “Despite higher food prices, the supply chain disruptions and inflation have made farm supplies more expensive; like consumers, farmers are price-takers not price-makers,” Cryan said. He added, “Bottom line, in many cases the higher prices farmers are being paid aren’t covering the increase in their farm expenses. The cost of fuel is up and fertilizer prices have tripled.” Cryan also pointed to the cascading effects of the war in Ukraine, as that country’s contributions to global food security are cut off, Russian and Belarusian fertilizer exports are constrained, and some other countries pull back exports to protect their domestic supplies. The marketbasket survey shows the largest year-to-year price increase was for ground beef. Survey results showed the retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef at $11.12, up 36% from last year. Meanwhile, the USDA’s Producer Price Index indicates that compared to a year ago, farmlevel cattle prices are up 17.5%, but wholesale beef prices are down 14%. This serves to highlight the differences between farm-level, wholesale and retail beef prices and how the events of the last few years have had significant impacts on the beef production and cattle pricing cycles, making them all hard to predict. Several other foods in the survey, including chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, fresh-squeezed lemonade, pork & beans, hamburger buns and cookies, also increased in price. One bright spot for consumers is the average retail price for strawberries, which declined by 86 cents compared to a year ago. Sliced cheese and potato chips also dropped in price, 48 cents and 22 cents, respectively. Better weather conditions in some fruit-growing regions and greater retailer pricing flexibility for processed products are the likely drivers behind the modest price declines for these items. The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home and general inflation across the economy. Both the index and the marketbasket show increases of more than 10% compared to 2021 levels. “According to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series, farmers currently receive approximately 8% of every food marketing dollar,” Cryan said. “The farmers’ share of the retail food dollar is as low as 2% to 4% for highly processed foods such as bread and cereal, and -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 7 of 14 Continued from previous page can be 35% or more for some fresh products.” The July 4th 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 meals at home. Data for this year’s survey was collected by 176 volunteer shoppers across the country and in Puerto Rico, including Farm Bureau members and others. Individual Prices, AFBF 2022 Summer Cookout 2 pounds of ground beef, $11.12 (+36%) 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, $8.99 (+33%) 32 ounces of pork & beans, $2.53 (+33%) 3 pounds of center cut pork chops, $15.26 (+31%) 2.5 quarts of fresh-squeezed lemonade, $4.43 (+22%) 2.5 pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.27 (+19%) 8 hamburger buns, $1.93 (+16%) Half-gallon of vanilla ice cream, $5.16 (+10%) 13-ounce bag of chocolate chip cookies, $4.31 (+7%) 2 pints of strawberries, $4.44 (-16%) 1 pound of sliced cheese, $3.53 (-13%) 16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.71 (-4%) GEORGIA FOOD BANK ASSOCIATION CHANGES NAME TO FEEDING GEORGIA The Georgia Food Bank Association announced on June 2 that it has changed its name to Feeding Georgia to better reflect the broad scope of its work to end hunger in Georgia, as well as its longstanding ties to its national partner, Feeding America. Feeding Georgia acts as an association of seven regional food banks and as a provider of education, programs and advocacy to end hunger in the state. Its goal is to build a path to a healthier, food-secure Georgia. “With collaboration at our core, we believe we’re at our strongest when we are working together – working with member food banks and their incredibly strong network of partner agencies; with our state and federal partners; and with generous communities who want to help their hungry neighbors,” said Executive Director Danah Craft. “Together, we are Feeding Georgia.” Since 2004, Georgia Farm Bureau has donated about 49,000 pounds of staple food items and more than $260,000 in cash donations to the association. Georgia food banks and the statewide network continue to respond to an increase in demand for food assistance that is 30% above pre-pandemic levels. As pandemic relief programs unwind and low-income families struggle with rising food and fuel costs, Feeding Georgia’s network of food banks and community partners will serve Georgians through innovation and collaboration. “In 2020 when the pandemic hit and demand surged up to 60%, we provided a unified voice to advocate for resources that our food banks needed to respond, and they stepped up to meet the need in their communities. By working together – and with the support of generous donors and state and federal partners – we were fortified as a network and able to provide resources to -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes 8 of 14 Continued from previous page communities across the state despite all challenges,” said Craft. “Our organization will continue to advocate for more funding and resources, and we will seek out partnership opportunities for our network in the fight against hunger.” Feeding Georgia comprises seven regional Feeding America food banks, amplifying their impact through education, collaboration, and advocacy in a statewide effort to end hunger in Georgia. Founded in 1985, Feeding Georgia distributes over 180 million pounds of food through more than 2,000 partner agencies across Georgia each year. Its member food banks include Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Golden Harvest Food Bank, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, Feeding the Valley Food Bank, Atlanta Community Food Bank with Georgia Mountain Food Bank, and Chattanooga Area Food Bank (Food Bank of Northwest Georgia). To learn more, visit www.FeedingGeorgia.org. AFBF, NPPC ARGUE AGAINST PROPOSITION 12 IN BRIEF TO SUPREME COURT The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12. The state law seeks to ban the sale of pork from hogs that don’t meet the state’s arbitrary production standards, even if the pork was raised on farms outside of California. AFBF and NPPC argue Proposition 12 violates the constitution’s Commerce Clause, which restricts states from regulating commerce outside their borders. The brief states Proposition 12 “will require massive and costly changes across the entire $26-billion-a-year industry. And it inescapably projects California’s policy choices into every other state, a number of which expressly permit their farmers to house sows in ways inconsistent with Proposition 12.” “California is attempting to set the rules for the entire country,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers are dedicated to caring for their animals, but this misguided law inhibits efforts to provide them a safe environment. Almost all of the pork consumed in California is produced outside of its borders. This law has the potential to devastate small family farms across the nation through unnecessary and expensive renovations, and every family will ultimately pay for the law through higher food prices.” NPPC President Terry Wolters, owner of Stoney Creek Farms in Pipestone, MN said, “Farmers’ top priority every day is the health, safety, and welfare of the animals in their care. California’s Proposition 12 illegally regulates farms across the country and international borders. It will have ripple effects of jeopardizing the health and safety of the entire U.S. herd, driving many smaller farmers out of business, dramatically increasing costs, and limiting consumer choice of affordable and nutritious pork products.” NPPC and AFBF assert Proposition 12: • Unconstitutionally regulates commerce outside of California; • Governs activity outside of California’s borders and beyond its police powers; • Imposes substantial burdens on out-of-state farmers and their customers. Read the Supreme Court brief here.
GFB Field Notes 9 of 14 USDA ANNOUNCES AID FOR SPECIALTY CROP ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY COSTS On June 17, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA plans to provide up to $200 million in assistance for specialty crop producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 or 2023. USDA’s new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program will help offset costs for specialty-crop producers to comply with regulatory requirements and market-driven food safety certification requirements. For each year, FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing their certification, as well as a portion of their related expenses. To be eligible for FSCSC, the applicant must be a specialty crop operation, meet the definition of a small business or very small business, and have paid eligible expenses related to the 2022 (issued on or after June 21) or 2023 certification. Specialty crop operations may receive assistance for the following costs: • Developing a food safety plan for first-time food safety certification • Maintaining or updating an existing food safety plan • Food safety certification • Certification upload fees • Microbiological testing for products, soil amendments and water • Training FSCSC payments are calculated separately for each category of eligible costs. A higher payment rate has been set for socially disadvantaged, limited resource, beginning and veteran farmers and ranchers. Details about the payment rates and limitations can be found at www.farmers.gov/foodsafety. The FSCSC application period for 2022 runs through Jan. 31, 2023, and the application period for 2023 will be announced at a later date. FSA will issue payments at the time of application approval for 2022 and after the application period ends for 2023. If calculated payments exceed the amount of available funding, payments will be prorated. Interested specialty crop producers can apply by completing the FSA-888, the FSCSC application. The application, along with other required documents, can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. Producers can visit www.farmers.gov/service-locator to find their local FSA office. Specialty crop producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to assist. Producers can visit www.farmers.gov/food-safety for additional program details, eligibility information and forms needed to apply.
GFB Field Notes 10 of 14 2022 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE June 30 deadline to receive survey Agriculture producers who did not receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture and do not receive other USDA surveys or censuses have until June 30 to sign up to receive the 2022 Census of Agriculture at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail ag census survey codes for responding securely online to every known U.S. producer this November. Hard copy questionnaires will follow in December. The ag census, conducted for more than 180 years, remains the only source of comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It includes every operation – large or small, urban or rural – from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products are produced and sold, or would normally be produced and sold, in the ag census year. On the NASS webpage, producers can also access frequently asked questions, explore past and current ag census data, access tools to help spread the word about the upcoming ag census, learn about ag census special studies, and more. NASS builds its distribution list for every Census of Agriculture between and during ag census years through the official signup webpage and multiple National Agricultural Classification Surveys. To learn more about the 2022 Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus CROP INSURANCE FOR GEORGIA CABBAGE GROWERS July 1 Sales closing date Georgia cabbage growers have until July 1 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to their existing coverage for the 2023 crop year. 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 2023 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.
GFB Field Notes 11 of 14 FARM BUREAU FARM DOG OF THE YEAR July 1 deadline to enter Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2023 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, supported by Purina. This is the fifth year of the contest, 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 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 January 2023. Up to four regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money. The 2023 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. The profile of 2022 Farm Dog of the Year Fit can be viewed at https://www.fb.org/land/fdoty. 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 fb.org/join to learn about becoming a member. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at https://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 1, 2022, for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The third annual social media contest, People’s Choice Pup, was a popular element of the Farm Dog of the Year competition in 2022 – reaching 133,000 people – and will return for 2023. Profiles of several dogs nominated for the contest will be shared beginning in October, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a year’s worth of dog food from Purina will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup. UGA RESEARCH FARM OPEN TO PUBLIC July 7 Durham Horticulture Farm, 1221 Hog Mountain Rd. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Watkinsville The Durham Horticulture Farm will open its gates for the public to learn more about active research projects at CAES. The event is open to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and the newest research coming from CAES. CAES researchers will discuss breeding efforts in watermelons and ornamentals, organic management of horticulture crops, control methods for tree fruit diseases, pollinators in Georgia and more.The event will be held on the farm's dirt roads and uneven walking areas. Farm staff suggest that guests dress accordingly. Bottled water will be provided and no RSVP is required for the event. Learn more about ongoing CAES research projects at www.caes.uga.edu/research.
GFB Field Notes 12 of 14 GCC SEEKING POTENTIAL NOMINEES FOR COTTON BOARD 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 of the Cotton Board, which administers the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2023. Current board members’ terms expire on Dec. 31. The Georgia Cotton Commission is seeking nominees for vacant positions. The Georgia Cotton Commission is focused on finding the USDA fully realize their commitment to full representation of women, minorities, and opinions on research and promotion board by nominating individuals of diverse backgrounds, farming practices, operational sizes, and geographical locations. Interested individuals should email the GCC office at info@georgiacotton.org. SUNBELT FIELD DAY TO FEATURE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH July 21 Sunbelt Ag Expo 8 a.m. Moultrie Farmers are invited to join us to learn practical information from the region’s top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies that farmers can use to improve their operations. Field Day features a driving Tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm. The half-day event is free for anyone who works in agriculture. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to begin the tour. Signs will direct those in attendance to a red tent where they will register, receive a welcome bag including snacks, register for CCA credits, and begin the tour. Visitors are encouraged to bring a friend to experience the event with you. 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 Expo app, web site, or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive. Plan to chat with researchers and vendors at plots that specifically interest you. Prepare to explore and learn 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 Day details, download the Sunbelt Ag Expo app or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. GA VET LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM Aug. 1 deadline to apply The Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP or Program) is accepting applications for funding for FY2021 through Aug. 1. The GVELRP provides financial relief, by way of student loan purchases, for veterinarians willing to provide veterinary services for food animals in areas of Georgia that need livestock veterinarians. The application and supporting documents can be found here. Completed applications can be returned via email to statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov or mailed to: Georgia Department of Agriculture, Attn: Bo Warren, 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SW Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30334. Inquiries about the program can be made to Bo Warren at Bo.warren@agr.georgia.gov. For more information, including complete application instructions and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.agr.georgia.gov/georgia-veterinary-education-loan-repayment-program.aspx.
GFB Field Notes 13 of 14 2022 GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR Sept. 13-15 Multiple locations Tifton The 34th annual Georgia Peanut Tour will be held Sept. 13-15 in Tifton and the surrounding area. The tour brings the latest information on peanuts while giving a first-hand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut producing counties surrounding Tifton. Attendees can expect to see firsthand nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour includes on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, as well as research at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. The Georgia Peanut Commission, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Laboratory coordinate the tour. Registration is $125 prior to Aug. 5. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more information. PICNIC ON THE FARM EVENTURE September 17 Engelheim Vineyards 12 – 4 pm Ellijay Join the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture on September 17 for a one-of-a-kind agricultural and culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Georgia’s best chefs fill the picnic baskets for GFA’s signature eventure, Picnic on the Farm. Guests will receive a blanket and picnic basket with a 3course, chef-created lunch to share with friends or family anywhere on the farm. The 2022 event is celebrating all things about Georgia’s wine and grape sector. Guests will enjoy beer and wine, live music, farm tours, silent auction, lawn games and other kids’ activities, against the beautiful backdrop of North Georgia’s wine country. Picnic on the Farm is perfect for families, couples, colleagues and clients or a fun girls’ trip with good food and friends. Make a weekend of it and explore what North Georgia has to offer. Engelheim Vineyard is one of Gilmer county’s most scenic vineyards, located just off Ga. Hwy. 52 aka Apple Alley. Tickets are $75 for a two-person basket and $150 for a four-person basket. VIP-designated picnic areas are $500 with picnic baskets for up to eight people and wine included. VIP areas offer a scenic, themed picnic set up for your group and exclusive offers for additional activities. Attire for the event is farm chic. Learn more and sign up soon by visiting https://www.gafoundationag.org/picniconthefarm. Events such as this help support the mission of the foundation. Any support is appreciated to help make this signature event a success! Sponsorship opportunities from $50 to $10,000 are available. Please inquire by emailing jmfarmer@gafoundationag.org. All proceeds benefit the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s core program areas: elementary ag classroom learning, higher ag education, farmbased mentorship, professional learning and farmer mental health. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is on a mission to develop a pipeline for Georgia’s next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. For more information, visit www.gafoundationag.org. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE BRAVES Oct. 2 Truist Park 1:35 p.m. Atlanta This will be a great time for Georgia Farm Bureau members, volunteers and employees from around the state to network, enjoy our national pastime and support a great cause! Tickets for the Braves-Mets game are $28 each and proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. Tickets can be purchased individually or as a group. More details coming soon.
GFB Field Notes 14 of 14 GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION Nov. 18 The Classic Center Athens Early bird tickets are on sale now for the Harvest Celebration, the focal event of the year for agribusiness in Georgia. The evening unites leaders from every agriculture sector and corner of the state in a festive salute to the industry. On November 18, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Field of Dreams raffle, and listen to entertainment provided by The Swingin’ Medallions at our the event’s new location, The Classic Center in Athens, GA! The cut-off date to be listed in the Harvest Celebration program as a ticket purchaser or a table sponsor is Oct. 21. Those who register by Aug. 1 have a chance at one of four prizes. To register, visit https://www.ga-agribusiness.org/Events.aspx, call the GAC office at 706-336-6830 or send an email to Maggie Wooten at mwooten@ga-agribusiness.org. KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS Sept. 17 & Oct. 8 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. 8 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. For more information call Susie 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 equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated an estimated $157,050 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region through its 45 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, a student scholarship and the equestrian facilities of state & county Parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter, 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.