July 7, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 14
GEORGIA JUNIOR HERD PROGRAM PREPARES YOUTH TO RAISE CATTLE Nine students across the state have a better understanding of how to raise cattle thanks to the inaugural Georgia Junior Herd Builder Program coordinated by the Animal & Dairy Science Department in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Congratulations to Maelee Dean of Crisp County for winning the $1,000 grand champion contest prize awarded by Georgia Farm Bureau. The program, open to students in grades 8 through 12, required contestants to attend a series of on-line beef production classes and complete a 10-question quiz for each class; secure and care for three heifers following the UGA Beef Management Calendar; and, at the end of the program, participate in two rounds of presentations/interviews with judges about their beef project. Contestants were also required to join the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association and earn their Beef Quality Assurance Certification. In the first interview, students presented their record book and heifers, then answered questions about their heifers. Then each participant gave a 10-15 minute presentation about his or her beef project and answered questions from a second set of judges. Dr. Pedro Fontes, Randy Daniel, Weyman Hunt, Carole Knight, Marissa Blackwell, Dr. Lawton Stewart and Kent Benson served as judges for the two rounds of presentations. Contestants in the 2021 Georgia Junior Herd Builder Contest included: Jacob Miles and Preston Bennett of Forsyth County; Gabe Giovannetti, Monroe County; Wyatt Walters, Lamar County; Maelee Dean and Maddie Dean of Crisp County; Kylie Hurd and Katie Reynolds of Gordon County; and Lacey Montgomery of Lowndes County. Maddie Dean won the $500 reserve champion prize and Kylie Hurd won the $250 3rd Overall prize, both courtesy of AgGeorgia Farm Credit. Katie Reynolds won 4th place. Gabe Giovannetti won 5th place. Program sponsors included: Georgia Farm Bureau, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Godfrey’s Feed, Allfex, and Graham Livestock Systems. The Junior Herd Builder Program challenges students to make informed, financially viable decisions while encouraging involvement in production agriculture. Participating students benefit from learning the responsibility and hard work it takes to develop heifers, and acquire beneficial equity. For information about participating in next year’s program, contact your local Extension office (www.extension.uga.edu or 1-800-ASK-UGA-1).
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 11 GEORGIA PRODUCERS APPOINTED TO COMMODITY COMMISSIONS Ex officio members of the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions met June 30 to make appointments to several of the commissions. The following appointments were approved: Andy Futch and John Reece, both of Gilmer County, were reappointed to the Apple Commission. John Strickland of Clinch County was appointed to the Blueberry Commission with Jerome Crosby of Atkinson County being reappointed. Kristy Arnold of Wayne County was appointed to the Beef Commission with Kenneth Murphy of Meriweather County reappointed to fulfil the dairy requirement. Lee Webster of Burke County was appointed to the Corn Commission and Herbert “Hub” Daniel of Evans County has been reappointed. Chad Mathis of Baker County and Bart Davis of Colquitt County were reappointed to the Cotton Commission. Julie Murphy of Brooks County and Robin Ginn of Madison County were appointed to the Equine Commission. Cassie Harper of Cook County was appointed as an advisory member. Ailene Schaapman of Wilcox County was appointed to the Milk Commission and Paul Johnson of Decatur County was reappointed. Lawton Pearson of Crawford County and Drew Echols of Hall County were reappointed to the Peach Commission. Emory Mixon of Toombs County was appointed to the Pecan Commission. Brenda Evans of Peach County and Roy Goodson of Lee County were reappointed. Daniel Johnson of Pierce County and Wayne McKinnon of Coffee County were reappointed to the Tobacco Commission. Jason Tyrone of Lowndes County was appointed to the Vegetable Commission and Bill Brim of Tift County and Jamie Brannen of Echols County were reappointed to the commission. The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions were created by legislation the Georgia General Assembly passed at the request of producers who grow the various crops the commissions represent. The commissions operate under marketing orders approved by the growers, who pay an assessment on their respective crops or livestock. These assessments fund the research, education and promotion activities each commission coordinates to promote its respective commodity. Commission members are appointed for terms of three years and can be considered for reappointment. SUPREME COURT RULING UPHOLDS PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that California regulations allowing labor organizations access to farms is, in essence, a government taking of private property. The case, Cedar Point Nursery vs. Hassid, had to do with two instances where United Farm Workers (UFW) representatives went onto farm property to consult with laborers. UFW filed unfair labor practice complaints in each instance, citing state regulations that allow labor organizations to, after giving advance notice, meet on the farm with laborers. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) filed two amicus briefs with the Supreme Court, arguing that the U.S. Constitution protects farmers’ and ranchers’ private property from -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 11 Continued from previous page unconstitutional intrusions authorized by state regulations. “The American Farm Bureau appreciates the U.S. Supreme Court for reaffirming private property rights, which are foundational to our nation and critical to ensuring secure and wellmanaged farms,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “We hope this decision sends a message to state regulators that it’s simply wrong to give outsiders access to farms, where families live and work hard to safeguard their animals and harvests.” To read the court decision and dissenting opinion, click here. (https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20-107_ihdj.pdf) U.S. SENATE PASSES GROWING CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ACT On June 24, the U.S. Senate passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act by a 92-8 vote. Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and John Ossoff (D-Georgia) both voted in favor of passage. Warnock, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, was one of 55 cosponsors. “We appreciate lawmakers putting aside their differences to work on bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing farmers and ranchers,” said American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act acknowledges the potential of climate-smart farming while ensuring farmers would be respected as partners who can build on our strong foundation of environmental stewardship.” A similar bill (H.R. 2820) by the same title was introduced in the House in April, with Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia 2nd District) among its cosponsors. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is supported by AFBF and more than 75 other agriculture, food, forestry and environmental groups that are part of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA). The alliance advocates for responsible policies that build on voluntary, incentive-based programs, market-driven opportunities and science-based approaches. This legislation would provide clarity and guidance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in voluntary participation in private carbon credit markets. With a growing number of ecosystem service providers, producers seek a trusted source for reliable information. The Growing Climate Solutions Act would create a certification program at USDA to help solve technical entry barriers. Landowner participation and the adoption of practices have been slowed by a lack of access to reliable information about private carbon markets, as well as too few qualified technical assistance providers and credit protocol verifiers. “The Growing Climate Solutions Act demonstrates how far we’ve come in climate policy over the past decade,” Duvall said. “Farm Bureau has worked tirelessly through the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance and directly with lawmakers to help them understand the importance of working with America’s farmers and ranchers to ensure climate policy remains voluntary and market-driven. We encourage members of the House to follow the Senate’s lead and work in a bipartisan manner to create responsible policy that protects the environment and protects the farmers and ranchers who rely on clean air and water to feed the nation.”
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 11 COLORADO SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST INITIATIVE 16 The Colorado Supreme Court recently unanimously ruled that “Protecting Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation” or Initiative 16, did not meet the single subject requirement for a citizen-led ballot initiative. Initiative 16 would have banned animal husbandry and veterinary practices and ended livestock processing. This ruling is a massive win for the state and the agriculture industry as a whole. Colorado Farm Bureau characterized Initiative 16 as one of the most radical ballot initiatives ever proposed in the state. Had it passed, it would have ended animal agriculture, rodeos, dog shows and much more within the state. In a related development, the U.S. Supreme Court on June 28 denied a request from the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) to review a lower court’s ruling in the organization’s suit against the state of California over Proposition 12, which is scheduled to take effect January 2022. Proposition 12 would prohibit the sale in California of pork and veal from producers, including those in other states, who do not comply with California’s animal confinement standards. NAMI’s request to enjoin Proposition 12 was initially denied in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. A separate suit aiming to halt Proposition 12, argued in April by the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Pork Producers Council is under consideration by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. SENATORS SEEK ADMINISTRATION’S ASSISTANCE WITH EU PEANUT TRADE On June 22, Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai requesting assistance with European Union (EU) non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. peanut exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grades U.S. peanuts for quality and safety, including testing protocols for aflatoxin. However, the EU has placed additional aflatoxin requirements on U.S. peanut imports that the United States Peanut Federation (USPF) says are excessive. According to the USPF, these additional requirements have become non-tariff trade barriers for the U.S. peanut industry. In 2020, U.S. growers exported 668,000 metric tons of peanuts. The EU’s stringent tests have cost U.S. growers $170 million in recent years, and USPF reports that the losses in the first quarter of 2021 total an additional $130 million in anticipated lost sales. Senators urged the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and USDA to work together. “As U.S. Senators who proudly represent peanut farmers in our states, we strongly support joint efforts by USDA and USTR to engage with your EU counterparts with the goal of reducing existing non-tariff trade barriers on peanut exports,” the senators wrote. The letter noted that effectively negotiating a solution to this longstanding problem will ultimately allow increased market access for U.S. peanuts. (Click here to view full Senate letter.) “The EU is critical to the future of the U.S. peanut industry,” USPF Chairman Karl Zimmer. “Despite years of trying to resolve this non-tariff barrier for U.S. peanut exports, the industry has been unable to do so, and U.S. peanut sales to the EU have plummeted. We greatly appreciate the work of these senators in trying to resolve this critical issue for peanut state economies.”
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 11 NE GEORGIA INLAND PORT TABBED FOR $47 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT On June 30, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the intent to award a $46.9 million federal grant to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) for the planned Northeast Georgia Inland Port. Congress will have 60 days to review the department’s proposed project awardees. The award, provided through the DOT’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program, will help build a new inland container port along the I-85/I-985 corridor in Gainesville. The new port, with an anticipated capacity of 200,000 lifts per year, will be connected to the Port of Savannah through a 324-mile intermodal freight rail service. “The Northeast Georgia Inland Port will serve the region’s thriving manufacturing and logistics corridor by shifting more containers from truck to rail. Use of inland terminals in such corridors reduces highway traffic, cuts carbon emissions and lowers costs for cargo owners,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. In addition to reducing shipping truck traffic and commuter delays by choosing intermodal rail transportation to and from the ports, the federal investment will also support and promote job growth in Georgia by providing Northeast Georgia companies a quicker and more efficient way to access national and global markets. The Northeast Georgia Inland Port will be strategically located to serve the Georgia poultry industry, a large portion of which is located in and around Hall County. “We’re pleased that the Georgia Ports Authority grant application for the inland port in Hall County was approved,” Georgia Poultry Federation President Mike Giles said. “Moving product quickly and efficiently to the Port of Savannah is an important part of servicing customers throughout the world.” The federation sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in March in support of the GPA application. Georgia is the nation’s top state for broiler production, and the Port of Savannah is the top port for exporting broiler products around the world. GA FARMERS PLANT MORE OF STATE’S MAJOR ROW CROPS Georgia farmers increased acreage in corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans in 2021, according to the June Acreage Report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Georgia corn producers planted an estimated 460,000 acres, a 9.5% increase from the 420,000 acres planted in corn in 2020. The state’s cotton producers planted an estimated 1.2 million acres up slightly from 2020, when they planted 1.19 million acres in cotton. Georgia peanut growers planted an estimated 830,000 acres, up 2% from 2020, when they planted 810,000 acres. Georgia soybean producers planted an estimated 130,000 acres, up 30% from 2020, when they planted 100,000 acres. Georgia tobacco harvested area is forecast at 8,500 acres, which would represent an 8% increase over the 7,900 acres harvested in 2020. Georgia’s winter wheat planted area, at 220,000 acres, is up 15.7% from the 190,000 Georgia growers planted in 2020.
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 11 IRWIN EMC PARTNERS WITH CONEXON TO PROVIDE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET On June 29, Irwin EMC unveiled plans to provide access to reliable, affordable, high-speed fiber broadband service for its 8,400 members. The cooperative has selected Conexon Connect, the internet service provider subsidiary of rural fiber-optic network design and construction management leader Conexon, to lead the project and serve EMC members with fiber broadband. Together, Irwin EMC and Connect will launch and deploy a 1,900-mile fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in south central Georgia, providing high-speed internet access to 100% of the member homes and businesses it serves in Ben Hill, Berrien, Coffee, Irwin, Tift, Turner, Wilcox, and Worth counties. The fiber-optic network will offer members access to symmetrical gigabit internet capabilities – among the fastest and most robust in the nation. Additionally, it will provide reliable, clear phone service, and enable the benefits of smart grid capabilities to the electrical infrastructure, including improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery, and more. Together, Irwin EMC and Conexon Connect are investing approximately $49 million to build the network, which is expected to be completed within 2-3 years. The first customers are anticipated to be connected in summer 2022. In recent years, Georgia’s EMCs have been pursuing solutions to help expand broadband access. Some, like Blue Ridge Mountain EMC and Habersham EMC, have created affiliates and are already providing high-speed service to members and many are exploring or have formed partnerships with broadband providers. In addition to today’s news, other EMC partnerships and projects were announced recently by Amicalola EMC, Carroll EMC, Central Georgia EMC, Colquitt EMC, Diverse Power, Middle Georgia EMC, Satilla REMC, Southern Rivers Energy, Tri-County EMC, and Washington EMC, resulting in expanded access for approximately 187,000 Georgia homes and businesses.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 11 GA COTTON COMMISSION SEEKS NOMINEES FOR COTTON BOARD In July, the 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 Jan. 1, 2022. Current board members’ terms expire on Dec. 31, 2021. The Georgia Cotton Commission is seeking nominees for vacant positions. The Georgia Cotton Commission is focused on helping the USDA realize its 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 commission’s office at info@georgiacotton.org. FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY GOAT & SHEEP WORKSHOPS July 8 Meat Technology Center 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fort Valley This workshop will include a live demonstration of processing a goat at the FVSU Meat Technology Center. The workshop will also include hands-on demonstrations of body condition scoring, hoof trimming, and using the FAMACHA test to determine the number and growth stage of parasites an animal has to know when/how to treat the animal. Other workshop topics will include: forage/feed management, parasite control, predator control, selecting animals for your herd, reproduction issues, and pre-harvest management of animals. Attendees are asked to preregister at bit.ly/fvsuag-small-ruminant-workshop-registration. Lunch will not be provided but there will be a lunch break. Workshop organizers are willing to help place lunch orders or pick it up if desired. Bottled water and light snacks will be available. For more information contact Dr. Niki Whitley at 478-825-6577 or 478-391-4840 or whitleyn@fvsu.edu. The Meat Technology Center is located on the FVSU Campus on Toomer Lane, which intersects with Carver Drive. PRECISION AG IN THE PRODUCE INDUSTRY WEBINAR July 13 1 p.m. online Hosted by the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, this discussion will address how precision agricultural techniques and technologies can help streamline practices and processes in production fields, harvesting, and packing/processing facilities to reduce costs and improve efficiencies. Panelists include UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean Nick Place, Dr. Glen Rains and Dr. Wesley Porter from CAES Crop & Soil Sciences, and Dr. Charlie Li of the UGA College of Engineering. To register, visit https://www.gfvga.org/page/WebinarSeries.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 11 GEORGIA PORK CONGRESS/GPPA DELEGATE ELECTION July 13 Georgia Farm Bureau 8 a.m. Macon Registration for the Georgia Pork Congress starts at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 8:30. Lunch will be served at noon. The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2022 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2:00 p.m. on July 13, in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of Georgia Pork Producers Association. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend. Any producer, age 18 or older, who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff deducted. For more information, contact Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga., telephone 1-229-246-8297. JULY 13 IS DEADLINE TO FILE CLAIMS IN PEANUT ANTITRUST SETTLEMENT Recently, some peanut farmers may have received an email or letter in the mail regarding an antitrust litigation notice. If you received the notice, check the peanut sales information listed on the letter and file your claim by July 13. The notice was sent to farmers or entities who sold raw, harvested runner peanuts in the U.S. to Birdsong Peanuts, Golden Peanut or Olam Peanut Shelling Company from Jan. 1, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2019. The full notice regarding the proposed settlement is available at www.PeanutFarmersAntitrustLitigation.com. Continue to check the website to be kept informed about any future developments. For more information, contact the settlement administrator at 844-754-7469 or Info@PeanutFarmersAntitrustLitigation.com. GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS MINI GOLF CHARITY FUNDRAISER July 15 Jekyll Island Mini Golf 2:30-7:30 p.m. Jekyll Island All GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference attendees and their families are invited to play in this fundraiser for the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. The adult winner will take home a DJI Mini 2 Aerial Drone Camera Bundle. The child winner will receive a Polaroid Splash Waterproof Camera. FBAlliance Insurance is sponsoring these great prizes! Tee off anytime between 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $12. Child tickets (12 & under) are $8 each. REGISTER HERE. The Jekyll Island Mini Golf park is located at 100 Great Dunes Ln., Jekyll Island, GA 31527. Read more about the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s mission here. GFB SEEKS AG IN THE CLASSROOM TEACHER OF THE YEAR This award recognizes a Georgia educator for his/her excellence in incorporating agriculture into their curriculum. Agriculture as a topic can support the teaching of many academic programs such as Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM), STEA(rts)M & STR(eading)EAM. July 16 deadline to apply. High school/middle school/elementary school ag teachers are not eligible for this award. Visit www.gfb.ag/teacheraward for more information & to apply.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 11 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY July 22 Spence Field Moultrie This half-day event, which will use the drive-through format implemented in 2020, is packed full of ag technology, and the latest equipment and techniques for successful farming in the Southeast! Details will be announced soon at www.sunbeltexpo.com. PINE GENETICS AND NURSERY UPDATE WORKSHOP Aug. 5 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. via Zoom UGA Warnell School of Forestry faculty Dr. David Dickens and Dr. David Clabo will lead this virtual workshop. Participants will learn about performance rating sheets and seedling consideration, survival and growth performance results from genetics trials, information about regional nurseries, economics of pine genetics selection and more. Registration is $150. Fees include the meeting registration link and instructional materials. There is a $25 discount for fees paid and postmarked by July 22. Final day to register is July 29. To register, visit http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/. FARMTASTIC FAMILY FUN DAY AT ROCKHOUSE CREAMERY July 24 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rockhouse Creamery Newborn Save the date and plan to join the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Program as they bring to life the story of the children’s book “Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) at Rockhouse Creamery in Morgan County. Just as Chuck, the book’s main character, enjoys a memorable visit to a dairy farm, this fun-filled event will include tours of the family-owned dairy, free ice cream and the chance to explore AGCO tractors, just like farmers use. Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall will read the book for attendees at 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Book illustrator Ward Jenkins will sign books during the event and teach attendees how to draw a dairy cow. The Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Classroom, which highlights Georgia’s major crops through videos and interactive computer games, will be onsite for tours. There will also be activity stations where kids can make butter and plant seeds to take home to watch grow. This event is a public fundraiser for the GFA to support its ag literacy programs, sponsored by Georgia EMC. Tickets are $10/person ages 4 and up. Children under 3 are free. Register online to attend at www.gfb.ag/farmtasticfamilyfundaytics. CLIMATE ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION SURVEY Deadline extended to Aug. 20 If you are a cattle or cotton farmer in Georgia, please consider completing a survey being conducted by a University of Georgia graduate student regarding farmers’ willingness to adopt various technology for your farm as well as your perceptions on climate change. It should take just 20 minutes to complete, and the information collected goes to help the graduate student Georgia complete her degree. To participate in the survey, please visit https://gfb.ag/UGAclimatetechsurvey. For more information on the survey contact Julian Worley at julian.worley@uga.edu. Participants are asked to respond by Aug. 20.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 11 LUMBER CITY FARM DAY 5K/1 MILE RUN SEPT. 11 7:30 a.m. Lumber City One mile race begins at 7:30 a.m. 5K begins at 8 a.m. Entry fee is $25 or $30 for those who enter both the one mile and 5K. Registration forms are available at www.lumbercityfarmday.org. For information, please visit the website or call (912) 363-4643 and leave a message or send email to: jeaban2007@mac.com. KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS Sept. 18 & Oct. 9 Morgan County Agricultural 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, costume contests & more! Both shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. 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 $156,750 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region through the 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 Georgia & County Parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park. UGA VETERINARY SCHOOL DOG AGING PROJECT Researchers at the University of Georgia are looking for new participants for a study that aims to determine why smaller dogs live longer lives than their larger counterparts. There are almost 90 million dogs living in the United States, and to date, nearly 30,000 dog owners from around the country have volunteered for this community science research project as part of a five-year, $23 million project funded by the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health. All kinds of dogs are welcome to join, but researchers are specifically seeking dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, in the following categories: Large breed dogs weighing between 70100 pounds, especially breeds other than Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds (the most common breeds in the U.S.); Giant breed dogs weighing more than 100 pounds, such as Great Danes, wolfhounds and mastiffs; Hound dogs, spaniels, pointers, terriers, bulldogs and pit bulls (purebred and mixed breed); Working dogs, such as herding, K9 and service dogs. Because the Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a long-term study, puppy participants are especially beneficial to the project. The research team wants to follow dogs through their entire lives. To participate in the Dog Aging Project, owners nominate a dog (one per household) at the project website, www.dogagingproject.org. After this, they are invited to set up a personal research portal where they answer scientific surveys about their dog and upload veterinary records. For more information, or to nominate your dog, visit www.dogagingproject.org.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 11 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 2020 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.