July 8, 2020
www.gfb.org
Vol. 2 No. 13
GFB ADJUSTS MEETING SCHEDULE DUE TO COVID-19 On June 25, the Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors approved changes to all remaining 2020 GFB conferences and meetings. The changes apply only to 2020 and were made to protect the health and safety of GFB members during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It has been difficult to come to this decision, but for the health of our members and staff, it is the right decision to make,” said GFB President Gerald Long. The annual GFB Convention, scheduled for Dec. 6-8 on Jekyll Island, is cancelled. Because GFB by-laws require that elections be held, a District Election Meeting will take place in each GFB District for the purpose of holding the required elections for GFB officers and directors. Only voting delegates from the district will be allowed to participate in these meetings. Balloting and voting procedures will mirror those of past GFB conventions to the extent possible. GFB will hold virtual meetings for its 20 Commodity Advisory Committees in lieu of the annual GFB Commodity Conference, which was scheduled for Aug. 5 in Tifton. GFB’s district annual meetings, which normally take place in September, are canceled. In their place, GFB will hold a meeting for county Farm Bureau presidents and vice presidents; social distancing and other health precautions will be observed. The GFB Policy Development Committee meetings, during which the organization determines its position on agriculture-related issues, are canceled. The meetings were originally scheduled for Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. Current GFB policy will remain in force. Policy issues which arise during the year will be referred to the pertinent GFB Commodity Advisory Committees, the GFB Legislative Committee, and ultimately to the GFB Board of Directors for action or clarification. GFB is one of numerous agricultural organizations to take significant steps to reduce large gatherings and protect the health of their members. On June 29, the National FFA Organization announced that the 2020 National FFA Convention & Expo will be held virtually during the week of Oct. 28. The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Conference, scheduled for Aug. 11-13 in Kansas City, will be held virtually. The American Peanut Research and Educational Society Annual Meeting (July 14-16) and the National Peanut Board Annual Meeting (July 15-16) will each be held in virtual format only. The Southern Peanut Growers Conference (July 16-18) has been postponed to 2021. The Georgia Peanut tour, scheduled for Sept. 15-17, has been canceled. The Sunbelt Expo Field Day, scheduled for July 23, will take place in a drive-through format, with participants moving through the Darrell Williams Research Farm in their own vehicles.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 10 AG-RELATED PROGRAMS TAKE CUTS IN STATE BUDGET The state-wide shutdown surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic took a significant toll on state revenue, creating a difficult moving target for the Georgia Legislature to aim for while balancing the state budget as required by the Georgia Constitution. Gov. Brian Kemp signed the $26 billion budget on June 30. The final FY21 budget was better than expected. Initial revenue estimates called for a 14% cut across the board that was adjusted to 11% when the legislature reconvened in June. After a last-minute decision by Kemp to use $250 million of the state’s rainy-day fund the final cut came in at 10%. The budget reductions will affect all aspects of state government, including the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. The biggest cuts at the GDA were in the agency’s Marketing & Promotion Division, where a $2.49 million cut included reduction of personnel funding for five positions and part-time assistance ($1.353 million) and cuts to marketing, auditing, call center services and gardening ($820,000), operations ($341,284). The GDA budget includes $200,000 for the development of the Georgia Hemp Program, but a $461,858 fund cut for operations and contracts. Funds were eliminated for the state farmers markets in Macon and Augusta but $120,000 for operating expenses at the Cordele, Thomasville and Savannah state farmers markets was funded along with $620,000 for marketing activities at the Georgia National Fair, Sunbelt Expo and other activities. The GDA budget calls for a $361,490 cut to the Athens and Tifton Veterinary Diagnostic Labs and a $100,000 reduction in operating expenses for the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, which oversees the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. The Georgia Department of Education’s Agricultural Education funding for the Area Teacher Program, Extended Day/Year, Young Farmers, and Youth Camps was cut by $842,878. The budget includes $200,000 for two marine biologists to support oyster aquaculture The UGA Cooperative Extension Service budget was slashed by more than $6.2 million, the biggest reduction coming in funds for vacant and temporary positions, operations and travel ($4.8 million). The Center for Rural Prosperity & Innovation budget was cut by $237,449, and the Georgia Student Finance Authority’s funding for the Food Animal Veterinarian Forgiveness Program was trimmed by $105,000. USDA AWARDS RURAL RECONNECT GRANT TO WEST GA PARTNERSHIP In an increasingly connected world, broadband internet access is becoming more and more difficult for rural residents and farmers in particular to live without. In a June 25 ceremony in Carroll County, the USDA announced funding for a project that will take three West Georgia counties a step closer to realizing that access. A partnership between SyncGlobal Telecom and Carroll EMC received a $12.5 million grant under the USDA’s Rural Reconnect program. The partnership represents what officials hope can be a model for future efforts in Georgia and nationwide. The grant was announced during the ceremony, the first in Georgia. The project will eventually provide broadband access to rural areas in Carroll, Heard and Troup counties. SyncGlobal and Carroll EMC will use the money to deploy a “fiber to the premises” network to connect 7,348 people, 121 farms, 15 businesses, four fire stations and one elementary school to -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 10 Continued from previous page high-speed broadband internet, according to a USDA press release. For Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, the pursuit of rural internet access dates back at least to his first campaign for governor of Georgia in 2002. “I ran on this connecting Georgia in 2002 because it is a transformative infrastructure,” Perdue said. “It has the ability to bring people together. That’s what we’re trying to do.” The funding is part of $100 million in grant funding made available for the ReConnect Pilot Program through the CARES Act enacted in March. Speakers at the event likened the proliferation of rural high-speed internet access to the 1930s expansion of the rural electrical grid and noted that it will open opportunities to use data-driven technology in precision row-crop and livestock herd management applications alike. “We think of broadband not only as what runs our equipment out on the farm,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, noting that one in four rural Americans have broadband access. “It also returns data back to our farms from that machine so we can make decisions of how to plant, what to plant and where to plant. It makes us more efficient, it makes us better stewards of the land.” Gov. Brian Kemp said recent events have underscored the necessity of remote connections, as U.S. residents have grappled with the spread of COVID-19 and sought ways to access healthcare, continue education and carry out jobs in ways that slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID19. “I think it’s pretty clear that we all have a commitment to help increase rural broadband access for economic growth, educational opportunities and more importantly now than ever health care access,” Kemp said. “We’ve certainly seen how crucial that is in recent months for our families across the state, as a lot of our schooling moved online. Our telehealth visits have literally skyrocketed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Some government functions have proven difficult with the connectivity issues facing rural Georgians. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said that in implementing the block grant program to provide financial relief to farmers devastated by Hurricane Michael, tasks like uploading documents - routine for residents of urban areas with high-speed access - become barriers to completing the grant application process. USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for Rural ReConnect grants and loans. For more information about the ReConnect program, visit https://www.usda.gov/reconnect. In a related move, on June 23, Kemp announced a statewide internet speed test through August. The project, which is being implemented by broadband testing company Ookla, aims to provide educators with information about student connectivity. To participate, download the Speedtest app on mobile devices, or visit https://www.speedtest.net/ and click “Go” on laptop or desktop devices.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 10 NUNN NAMED GEORGIA EXPO FARMER OF THE YEAR Morgan County row crop farmer Lee Nunn is representing Georgia in the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition/Swisher Sweets Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition. Gov. Brian Kemp recognized Nunn as the 2020 Georgia Farmer of the Year (FOY) during a private ceremony in the governor’s office this morning. Nunn is a past president of the Morgan County Farm Bureau and currently serves as its corporate secretary/treasurer. Nunn grows wheat, soybeans, field peas, corn and cotton on more than 1,500 acres. He grew up visiting and helping at his grandfather’s row crop and dairy farm in his native Morgan County until the farm was sold. Although Nunn has been around agriculture most of his life, it wasn’t a given that he would go into farming, and he doesn’t farm any land his family owned. More than 12 years ago, Nunn planted his first wheat crop on 50 acres of his wife’s family farm when it became available to rent. He realized he loved farming and began renting more land and diversified into more crops. “I was very humbled and shocked [to be selected], but I appreciate the honor - it shows the hard work we farmers do,” said Nunn, who also owns other agribusinesses including custom farming services, agricultural construction and a trucking division. “I’m on the farm all day every day, doing what I love. I’ve been thrilled to be able to do it every day.” Morgan County’s Cooperative Extension Agent Lucy Ray nominated Nunn for the award, which is coordinated by the UGA Cooperative Extension. Ray, who has collaborated with Nunn on projects including cover crops and thrips control in cotton. says he is an avid believer in using the latest technologies available and is always open to field research. “He definitely will try something new but makes sure the research and data backs up the decisions he makes,” Ray said. Nunn is collaborating on UGA Extension’s soil moisture sensor project to optimize irrigation for about 5% of his land. “Water is the limiting factor, so that’s why we have to be so efficient,” he said. “We have to micromanage every decision. It’s a totally different atmosphere up here than South Georgia.” Nunn started working with precision agriculture about eight years ago and has progressively increased his use of it every year. All of his tractors, sprayers and combines are auto-steer. “I’m a very big believer in precision guidance. It’s the only way to go. We do yield mapping on the combine. We save on fertilizer by having that system pay for itself,” Nunn said. “It’s a good initial investment but pays in the long run. Even when I talk to some of my friends [who aren’t involved in agriculture] they’re amazed about what the technology can do.” Some of his notable production achievements include a 30% reduction in pesticide use, a 75% increase in conservation tillage with no-till or minimum till cropland and improved soil fertility using local poultry litter. Nunn and his wife, Sally Tamplin Nunn, have two children, Claire and Mason. In addition to being an active Farm Bureau member, Nunn chairs the local USDA Farm Service Agency Board. He has also participated in the Conservation Stewardship Program offered by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and serves on the county’s Extension advisory board. “He’s got a reputation as someone who can get things accomplished and a really good heart,” said Ray, who helped Nunn jumpstart a Morgan County Row Crop Association in 2015. He sought -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 10 Continued from previous page her help in creating a place for quarterly updates similar to other commodity associations. As Georgia’s FOY, Nunn will compete against nine other state winners for the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award to be announced Oct. 20 at the Expo. To learn more about the award, visit sunbeltexpo.com/foty. RICHEY SEATON TO RETIRE FROM GCC, SILLS NAMED NEW DIRECTOR Longtime Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) Executive Director Richey Seaton will retire effective Aug. 1, the commission recently announced. Current GCC Director of Public Affairs Taylor Sills will fill the position after Seaton’s retirement. “Richey’s 26 years of service to Georgia’s cotton farmers and nearly 50 years of service to agriculture will not be forgotten. Through good times and bad, Richey’s support for the cotton industry here in Georgia has been unwavering,” said GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton farmer from Colquitt County. “Richey has been a mentor to many, and his influence has made an incredible impact on thousands of cotton farmers across the state. On behalf of Georgia’s 3,500 cotton farmers, I want to publicly thank him for his service.” Seaton has served in his role since 1994. During Seaton’s tenure, he reestablished the GCC office and staff and ushered the GCC’s programs to new heights as Georgia’s cotton acreage increased through the years. Prior to joining the GCC, he worked for the Georgia Department of Agriculture as the Director of the Commodities Promotion Division. Sills previously worked at Georgia Farm Bureau from 2012 to 2017 as a commodity specialist and GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers coordinator before joining the GCC in 2017. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Taylor as we build on the foundation that Richey has built and continue our tradition of service to cotton farmers,” said Davis. The Georgia Cotton Commission, funded by Georgia cotton growers, has been coordinating research, promotion and education programs to benefit Georgia’s cotton sector since 1965. For more information about the GCC call 478-988-4235 or visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org. BAYER WINS LABEL SUIT, SETTLES HEALTH & CROP DAMAGE CASES Bayer and more than a dozen co-plaintiffs prevailed in a California lawsuit over labeling for the herbicide Roundup. In separate actions the company reached settlement agreements in more than 125,000 cases where plaintiffs alleged the herbicide caused health problems and other cases where farmers claimed dicamba drift caused damage to their crops. Bayer acquired Roundup and its related litigation when it purchased Monsanto. Collectively, the settlements call for more than $11 billion in payouts from the Germany-based company. In the U.S. District Court for Eastern California, Bayer challenged a California law requiring that Roundup labels warn consumers of potential cancer risks. Bayer was joined by co-plaintiffs The National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, United States Durum Growers Association, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, CropLife America, and the Agricultural Retailers Association and seven state or regional level ag organizations. Judge William Shubb found that the cancer warning labels are misleading. “The statement that glyphosate is ‘known to the state of California to cause cancer’ is misleading. Every regulator of which the court is aware, with the sole exception of the IARC [International Agency for Research on Cancer], has found that glyphosate does not cause cancer
-continued on next page GFB Field Notes page 6 of 10 Continued from previous page or that there is insufficient evidence to show that it does,” Shubb said. In the group of cases where plaintiffs claim that exposure to Roundup led to them developing cancer, Bayer agreed to pay out between $8.8 billion and $9.6 billion, with an additional $1.25 billion set aside for potential future litigation. The class action lawsuit is overseen by the U.S. District Court of Northern California. In the U.S. District Court of Eastern Missouri, Bayer agreed to pay out $300 million to soybean producers and additional amounts to growers of other crops allegedly damaged as a result of spray drift in the application of dicamba. GEORGIA ASKS FOR END TO SCOTUS WATER LITIGATION BY FLORIDA On June 26, the state of Georgia filed its response in the Supreme Court battle with Florida over access to water in the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. In December 2019, Special Master Paul Kelly issued his recommendation that Florida’s request for an “equitable apportionment” order from the court be denied. Florida filed its exceptions to Kelly’s recommendation in April. The Court continues to accept amicus briefs. Saying that Florida’s case is based on rhetoric rather than facts, Georgia’s attorneys asked the court to accept Special Master Paul Kelly’s recommendation to deny Florida’s request for a courtordered water-sharing plan. Florida claimed that Georgia overuses water from the two rivers, alleging that this resulted in lower water flows in the Apalachicola River and ultimately to economic harm of the state’s oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay. The Apalachicola River receives water from Lake Seminole on Georgia’s southwest border with Alabama. Lake Seminole is fed by both the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers. Kelly, the second special master assigned to the case, found that Florida had failed to prove its case. “The trial record showed that Georgia’s water use had not caused harm to Florida, that Georgia was using far less water than Florida alleged, and that the cap Florida seeks would yield only minuscule benefits to Florida while inflicting enormous costs on Georgia,” Georgia’s attorneys wrote. Georgia’s response cited Kelly’s analysis, noting that he found Georgia’s water use harmed neither the Apalachicola River or Apalachicola Bay, that the analysis is consistent with existing case law, that Georgia’s use of water from the rivers is reasonable and that Georgia’s conservation efforts, particularly from farmers, have been extensive. To read Georgia’s filing in its entirety, visit https://gfb.ag/0626GaSCOTUSfiling. Two other water-related cases involved the EPA’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which went into effect June 22. In the U.S. District Court of Northern California, a group of 17 states requested a preliminary injunction to halt implementation of the rule, but the court denied the injunction. In the U.S. District Court of Colorado, the state of Colorado asked for and received a stay of the rule, but it only applies inside state borders.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 10 STUDY: SUNBELT AG EXPO HAS $16.7 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT Having completed 42 years of putting on North America’s Premier Farm Show, the Sunbelt Ag Expo board and staff looks forward to continuing the tradition of bringing the latest technology and agricultural advancements to the Southeastern United States. Last year, the Expo embarked on a journey to develop a strategic plan that would lead the organization on a path of even greater success during the next decade. With the help of Georgia’s Rural Center and UGA’s Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED), an economic impact study was completed, and the strategic plan was formulated. The final plan works to tell the story of the Expo and shape the future of the entity. The Sunbelt Ag Expo, located in Moultrie, attracts attendees from across the Southeast, some even traveling from across the country, to engage and learn about agriculture’s latest technology and innovations. For the first part of the project, CAED faculty completed quantitative data collection for the economic impact study during the 2019 Sunbelt Ag Expo. Data revealed the Expo has a $16.72 million impact in economic output for a 20-county region in South Georgia. The study projected a $1.1 million impact on state and local tax revenue during the Expo in October each year. Next, Georgia’s Rural Center staff completed a comprehensive strategic plan to accompany the economic impact assessment. Staff members engaged with key stakeholders of the Sunbelt Ag Expo to gain a clear vision of what the future plans might look like. Many interviews and a survey were conducted during fall 2019. Taking into consideration the qualitative data gathered, the Rural Center compiled key results and worked through short, mid, and long-term goals for the future with objectives to help reach those goals. To learn more about the results, visit https://gfb.ag/Sunbeltimpactnplan. GA CORN, PECAN & TOBACCO GROWERS VOTE TO CONTINUE ASSESSMENTS In recently completed referendums, Georgia corn, pecan and tobacco growers voted to continue assessments on their crops to fund agricultural commodity commissions for each crop. Georgia corn growers approved the continuation of a one-cent per bushel assessment on corn for the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Corn (Georgia Corn Commission). The April referendum received an 87.95% favorable vote. The market order for corn requires votes every three years for continuation. Funds received by the Georgia Corn Commission are used for research, education and promotion of corn. The commodity commission was established in 1995 by the Georgia Legislature. In partnership with the University of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the commission supports research on fertility, planter downforce, diseases, variety adaptation, rust sentinel plots, irrigation management, and nematodes. Georgia corn is utilized to manufacture ethanol for fuel and as a feed ingredient for poultry and other animals. Corn is an essential crop for rotation with other row crops grown in Georgia, such as cotton and peanuts. Georgia tobacco growers overwhelmingly voted to continue a 50 cents per hundred pounds assessment on tobacco grown in Georgia. The assessment, which must be voted on every three years, received a 91.67% favorable vote. Established in 1962 by the Georgia Legislature, the Georgia Agricultural Commodity
-continued on next page GFB Field Notes page 8 of 10 Continued from previous page Commission for Tobacco uses assessment funds for research projects and grower education including but not limited to new insect control, disease control products and variety trials. Advanced research allows Georgia’s tobacco farmers to develop efficient ways to produce their tobacco crop. Georgia pecan growers voted to continue an assessment of one cent per pound of pecans by producers with more than 30 acres for an additional three years—83.5% of eligible ballots returned were in favor of the assessment. The Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Pecans, also known as, the Georgia Pecan Commission was established in 1995 by the State Legislature and supports research, education and promotion of Georgia pecans. Most of the assessment funds are committed to include research on disease control, insect management, plant breeding, fertility, production and nutritional benefits; as well as promotion of pecans domestically and abroad. Georgia remains one of the top pecan-producing states in the United States.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 10 TREE PLANTING INITATIVES THROUGH GFC July 17 deadline to apply The Huber “Trees for Georgia” program and One Tree Planted - Oak Establishment Program are now open. The Huber Corporation has once again funded the program that supplies free pine seedlings to qualified landowners within a 22-county area around Huber’s mill in Commerce. Approvals will be announced by Aug. 14. Submit a completed and signed Huber Seedling Application to the GFC county forester. The site must have a reforestation plan and be planted during the 2020-2021 planting season. The One Tree Planted – Oak Establishment Program offers North Georgia landowners an opportunity to receive free oak seedlings. Trees will be given to qualified applicants with a minimum of two eligible acres of land in specified counties. Approved applicants will be visited by a GFC forester to develop a tree planting plan for the acreage involved, and follow-ups will be conducted to ensure the plan is followed in the 2020-2021 planting season. Fore more details and an application, contact your local GFC forester, whose contact information can be found at www.gatrees.org/about/county-contacts/. STAY AT HOME BEEKEEPING SERIES July 28 Dr. Audrey Sheridan, MSU/Hive beetles 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. online The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering members of beekeeping clubs the opportunity to attend these free online meetings, each of which will bring participants up to date on timely beekeeping topics. Time for Q&A is included. Watch with Zoom at https://auburn.zoom.us/j/904522838 stream via Facebook live at www.facebook.com/LawrenceCountyextension/. For more information, visit Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu. GFB YF&R COMPETITIVE EVENTS Applications for the YF&R Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award will be accepted until July 31. Entry applications may be downloaded at www.gfb.ag/20YFRawards. The Achievement Award, given to recognize accomplishments of farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture, will be based solely on contents of the competitors’ applications. Unlike years past, there will be no on-farm interviews. The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes farm-related accomplishments of those whose income is derived through something other than production agriculture. The top three competitors will be determined through evaluation of applications. Finalists will make presentations through video conferencing with contest judges. The 2020 YF&R Discussion Meet is on hold. The YF&R Member of the Year Award will not be given in 2020. For more information about the competitive events or the YF&R program, contact Nessmith at ennessmith@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. FOREST DEBRIS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM July 31 documentation deadline The Forest Debris Management Program (FDMP) made $20 million in Hurricane Michael cleanup funds available through contract work facilitated by the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Development Authority. Participants have until July 31 to submit required paperwork. To access the required form, visit https://gfb.ag/FDMPforms.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 10 CROP INSURANCE FOR SWEET CORN AND PEPPER PRODUCERS July 31 deadline to apply Georgia sweet corn and pepper producers have until July 21 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to existing coverage for the 2021 crop year. Coverage is available for fresh market sweet corn in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Tift, Toombs, and Worth counties. Coverage is also available for peppers in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Ware, and Worth counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2021 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers by visiting the RMA agent locator at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov. FARM SERVICE AGENCY COUNTY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS Aug. 1 deadline for nominations The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1. GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Originally scheduled for March 24-25, The Georgia Pecan Growers Association annual conference is postponed to Sept. 10-11. The conference will remain in Tifton for the fall event and will essentially combine with GPGA’s annual fall field day. The GPGA uses the conference as its primary fundraiser to offset operating costs throughout the year. Registration will remain open online until the event occurs in September. All planned events will proceed at the fall event, including the golf tournament, orchard tour, welcome reception, and annual awards luncheon. U.S. CENSUS TIMELINE ADJUSTED The self-response phase of the 2020 U.S. Census, originally scheduled to run through July 31, has been extended to Oct. 31, one of several adjustments to the Census calendar in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a Census Bureau press release. Census takers were scheduled to conduct non-response follow-up interviews, which are done in person, May 13 – July 31. The non-response follow-up timeline has been moved back to Aug. 11 – Oct. 31. Census Bureau processing of data after completion of the count activities has been rescheduled for Oct. 31 – April 30, 2021. Delivery of states’ population totals, which determine how many seats states have in the House of Representatives, will be delivered to the president by April 30, 2021. For more information, visit https://census.georgia.gov/. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow
farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress