July 10, 2024 www.gfb.org
DRY CONDITIONS BALLOON TO COVER NEARLY ALL THE STATE
6 No. 13
In the span of three weeks – from June 11 to July 3 – some level of drought has spread from 25 counties around Metro Atlanta to 158 counties statewide. Only Candler County and most of Evans, Montgomery, Toombs and significant parts of Bulloch, Liberty, Screven and Tattnall showed normal moisture levels according to the July 3 report from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Of the 158 abnormally dry counties, moderate drought conditions were reported in all or part of 104 counties. Another 16 counties’ drought conditions had progressed to severe drought, the third of five levels of dryness intensity on the U.S. Drought Monitor scale.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), both Atlanta (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and Macon (102 degrees) tied record high temperatures on June 26. Through the month of June, Georgia temperatures were two degrees above normal. The NWS July outlook, issued on June 20, predicted that most of the state had a 60-70% chance of higher-than-normal temperatures, but most of the state had a 30-60% chance of greater-than-normal amounts of precipitation
Corn plants normally green during the summer have turned to light yellow if they are not under irrigation Additionally, with parched pastures in many areas, livestock owners resorted to feeding hay to their animals according to published reports.
UGA Agricultural Climatologist Pam Knox wrote in the July 3 post of the Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast blog that some crops may already be lost.
Knox said the current drought is considered a “flash drought,” or rapid onset drought.
“It is a rapid onset drought where the conditions get worse very quickly,’ Knox told GFB media “That certainly is the characteristic we've seen this year, where if you look at the drought monitor, the categories are changing by one category a week, which is in a few cases I think even two categories in a week.”
Knox noted that the drought has hit corn particularly hard, explaining that extensive rains in April and May delayed planting for many farmers, pushing back the growth of the corn plants.
“The really dry conditions have hit at a very bad time, especially for corn because corn needs moisture when it’s pollinating and a lot of the dry land corn just looks pretty miserable. When I’ve -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page driven around, there's a lot of dead leaves on it and it just does not look healthy. If it's too dry and it's too hot, the silk dries out and the pollen won't stick to it. And so, you can lose most of the yield of your kernels on your ears within a couple of weeks if you don't get any rain.”
Knox said shifting weather patterns should bring some moisture to the Southeast over the later part of July
Dry land cotton growers have struggled with the effects of the drought, as well.
Cook County cotton grower Justin Shealey, who works as the county Extension coordinator in Echols County, estimated 70-80% of South Georgia growers – whether they farm with or without irrigation – had to delay planting because of the wet spring weather, too.
“We had some problems on the front end with getting the stand,” Shealey said. “I mean, emergence was horrible.”
In some cases, fertilizer that was put out prior to planting was washed away. Then, Shealey said, some farmers planted into what turned out to be insufficient moisture.
“You scratch down, you look at it and you think you're putting it in good moisture,” he said Then, when planting, there is moisture loss when the furrow is opened and the seed is dropped in. “I mean it's amazing how much moisture you could lose there and that's where you get to the point where you don’t have enough moisture.”
To view the latest Georgia Drought Monitor conditions map, click here.
SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS CHEVRON DEFERENCE DOCTRINE
In a decision announced June 28, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a legal standard known as “Chevron Deference,” in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, in a move American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says restores the balance of power between branches of the federal government.
Chevron Deference originated from a 1984 case, Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, in which courts were instructed to defer to federal agencies’ arguments about the scope of their own (the agencies’) authority.
AFBF maintains that Chevron Deference multiplied federal agencies’ power and undermined the principles of separation of powers between the three branches of the federal government, in this case between judicial and executive branches.
“The Constitution built a system of checks and balances among three branches of government, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The legislative branch creates the laws, the executive branch enforces the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws. Chevron deference created a super-branch of government. The Supreme Court restored balance with today’s decision,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said.
The decision in the Loper Bright Enterprises case could favor farmers battling federal agencies over regulatory issues.
“Farm Bureau applauds the U.S. Supreme Court for recognizing the damage Chevron deference has caused to the federal government’s balance of power,” Duvall said. “For decades, Congress -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page has passed vague laws and left it to federal agencies and the courts to figure out how to implement them. AFBF has been a leading voice on this issue and has argued on behalf of farmers who are caught in a regulatory back and forth when administrations change the rules based on political priorities instead of relying on the legislative process. We are pleased the Court heard those concerns.”
The National Agricultural Law Center’s (NALC) review of the case indicated the ruling likely will result in many future challenges to long-standing agency rules, including those that affect agricultural producers and stakeholders.
To read the NALC review, click here.
To read the Supreme Court opinion, click here.
GDA PARTNERSHIP TO BUILD APIARY/CROP FIELD MAPPING
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has announced its collaboration with FieldWatch, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing communication and stewardship among beekeepers, crop producers, and pesticide applicators. The GDA announced June 26 that this partnership will enable Georgia's beekeepers and crop producers to use FieldWatch's innovative technology, providing a secure online registry to map apiaries and crop fields, ensuring safer pesticide application practices.
“The State of Georgia is excited to partner with FieldWatch to make their innovative technology available to Georgia farmers and beekeepers alike,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “This partnership gives our farmers another tool in the toolbox as we work together to ensure the continued success of Georgia agriculture and make our No. 1 industry more sustainable by promoting safe, effective, and efficient pesticide usage.”
“The goal is to get beekeepers and crop producers registered through FieldWatch so applicators can get accurate information before spraying,” said FieldWatch President and CEO Bob Walters. “This model has been proven to build good stewardship and communication in agriculture.”
GDA’s partnership with FieldWatch is the state’s latest step in a years-long effort to reduce pesticide drift and encourage safety pesticide usage through the Using Pesticides Wisely Program (UPW). UPW, a collaboration between the department and UGA Extension, is the nation’s largest pesticide safety and education program and has successfully trained more than 17,000 Georgians on safe pesticide usage.
The GDA’s membership decision was driven by the needs of crop producers and beekeepers who wanted to register the locations of their apiaries and crops. FieldWatch's tools, such as DriftWatch and BeeCheck, will enable Georgia's agricultural community to register their locations easily and securely, promote sustainable pesticide usage practices, and be free and available to all Georgia beekeepers and crop producers. FieldCheck is the online and mobile portal that pesticide applicators can use to improve decision-making and avoid damage from spray drift to crops and beehives.
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OSHA RELEASES PROPOSED RULE FOR HEAT SAFETY
By the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released the unofficial version of its Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule. The official rule and information for submitting comments is expected to be published in the Federal Register soon.
According to a July 2 OSHA press release, “OSHA is issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This is a significant step toward a federal heat standard to protect workers. The proposed standard would apply to all employers conducting outdoor and indoor work in all general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction.”
The proposed standard would require employers to:
• Develop and implement a work site heat injury and illness prevention plan (HIIPP) with sitespecific information to evaluate and control heat hazards in their workplace;
• Identify heat hazards in both outdoor and indoor work sites;
• For outdoor work sites, employers would be required to monitor heat conditions by tracking local heat index forecasts or measuring heat index or wet bulb globe temperature;
• For indoor work sites, employers would be required to identify work areas with the potential for hazardous heat exposure, develop and implement a monitoring plan, and seek employee input;
• Implement control measures at or above the Initial Heat Trigger (i.e., a heat index of 80°F or a wet bulb globe temperature equal to the NIOSH Recommended Action Limit) that include providing employees with:
-Cool drinking water;
-Break areas with cooling measures;
-Indoor work area controls;
-Acclimatization protocols for new and returning unacclimatized employees;
-Paid rest breaks if needed to prevent overheating;
-Regular and effective two-way communication.
• Implement additional control measures at or above the High Heat Trigger (i.e., heat index of 90°F or wet bulb globe temperature equal to the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit) that include providing employees:
-Mandatory rest breaks of 15 minutes at least every two hours (unpaid meal break may count as a rest break);
-Observation for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness;
-A hazard alert to remind employees of key parts of the HIIPP;
-Warning signs at indoor work areas with ambient temperatures that regularly exceed 120°F.
The Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association plans to provide future updates as this story develops, including information on submitting comments in response to the published rule. GFVGA members can also access a full suite of heat safety tools here.
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USDA PROPOSES RULE TO ADDRESS ISSUES FOR ANIMAL AG PRODUCERS
On June 25, the USDA announced new action to support what it called a “fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.”
USDA’s Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule would tackle longstanding challenges around interpretations of unfairness and competitive injury for the livestock, meat, and poultry sectors.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall said the organization will analyze the proposed rule and provide comments according to AFBF policy.
“We appreciate USDA’s ongoing work to bring fairness to the marketplace for America’s farmers and ranchers,” Duvall said. “The proposed rule may impact growers differently depending on their business structure, location and animal species. Our focus is to ensure USDA understands the positive and potential negative aspects of this complex proposed rule.”
The NCBA warned that the rule would prompt numerous lawsuits. The NCC said the rule ignores legal precedent.
“USDA’s newly proposed rule is a direct attack on cattle producer profitability,” NCBA Vice President for Government Affairs Ethan Lane said. “By creating criteria that effectively deems any innovation or differentiation in the marketplace improper, USDA is sending a clear message that cattle producers should not derive any benefit from the free market but instead be paid one low price regardless of quality, all in the name of so-called fairness.”
The NCC said the rule “retreads a failed proposal from more than a decade ago, and asserted that the rule ignores legal precedent.
“Eight different federal circuit courts of appeal have addressed the key issue underpinning the proposed rule the need to establish injury to competition to demonstrate a violation and they have uniformly and resoundingly rejected the position advanced by USDA in this proposed rule,” NCC Interim President Gary Kushner said.
The USDA said the proposed rule will better protect farmers, ranchers, and other covered market participants by making clearer how prohibitions on unfair practices will be enforced under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Specifically, the rule provides clearer tests and frameworks around unfair practices that harm market participants individually and unfair practices that harm markets overall. If finalized, this rule would better enable USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to carry out its legal obligation to ensure fair and competitive national livestock, meat, and poultry markets and ensure livestock producers and poultry growers can secure the full value for their products and services. The USDA said the proposal is based on its extensive administrative case law and builds off of precedent established under other unfair practices laws. The proposal follows wellunderstood approaches to unfair practices and unfair methods of competition.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on June 28 and is open for public comment until Aug. 27. To submit a comment, visit https://www.regulations.gov/document/AMSFTPP-21-0046-0001 and click the “comment” button below the headline. All comments submitted will be considered as USDA develops a final rule. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register.
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GFB HONORS LEGACY OF LONG-TIME POULTRY LEADER ABIT MASSEY
Abit Massey, a 1996 inductee to the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame and a driving force in the growth of Georgia’s poultry sector over more than six decades with the Georgia Poultry Federation (GPF), died on June 21.
Massey, who was 96, served on the board of directors of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and was a Hall County Farm Bureau member.
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall expressed fond remembrance of Massey.
“Mr. Abit was one of Jane’s and my closest friends,” McCall said. “He was a role model for me and many other folks. Even though he was in his nineties he adapted to so many changes that happened every day. One of these was typing on his iPad with it upside down in his lap. He was a Southern gentleman who knew everybody and always remembered everybody's name. Mr. Abit loved his family and never failed to ask about your family.
“Nobody, I mean NOBODY has done as much for Georgia's poultry industry as Abit Massey. His second home was the Ag Committee office at the Capitol, and I was lucky to be able to listen to him daily. I learned SO much from his experience Mr. Abit loved UGA and Georgia Agriculture. We all loved him dearly, and we will miss him immensely!”
Massey was inducted to the American Poultry Historical Society Hall of Fame in 2019.
“Abit leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of achievements, recognitions and community service, but perhaps his most lasting legacy is the host of people who were impacted by his kind gestures and personal support over the years,” GPF President Mike Giles wrote, noting that he was the catalyst for many of those changes.
Massey’s family held a private graveside service at the Alta Vista Cemetery in June. A celebration of his life was held July 8 at the Gainesville High School.
His advocacy for the Poultry Industry has long been recognized throughout the entire poultry industry through his legislative and regulatory work and his promotion of education and research. His diligence on behalf of contract producers has been effective and widely emulated. He played a significant role in expanding poultry research.
He received the President’s Medal from the University of Georgia for his contributions to improving the quality of life in Georgia and received a Presidential Citation from Georgia Tech for Service to the State of Georgia. Oct. 6, 2016, was proclaimed as “Abit Massey Day” by thenGovernor Nathan Deal, since Abit exemplified an exceptional Georgian for his contributions in his personal endeavors and his professional pursuits.
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GA CITRUS GROWERS PASS COMMODITY COMMISSION MARKET ORDER
Georgia citrus growers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Market Order proposed by the Georgia Citrus Commodity Commission, with 94% approving the order in a referendum held in April.
Established in 2023 to support Georgia’s burgeoning citrus industry, the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus will collect an assessment of two tenths of one cent per pound on marketed Georgia citrus. The money generated through the assessment will be used to fund research, education, and promotion efforts to support Georgia’s growing citrus sector
This is the commission’s first approved market order. Under Georgia law, commodity commissions must hold approval referendums every three years.
Members of the Georgia Citrus commission include Chairman Ken Corbett of Lake Park, Lindy Savelle of Ochlocknee, Landon Herring of Lake Park, Justin Jones of Leesburg and Jamie Patrick of Omega. Members of the Citrus Advisory Committee for the Citrus Commission are Stephen Batten of Pearson, Delbert Davis of Pearson, Kyli Lamar-Brown of Sale City; Bill Renz of Statesboro; and Brent Strickland of Lakeland.
AFBF SEEKING 2025 COUNTY ACTIVITIES OF EXCELLENCE APPLICATIONS
Do you enjoy sharing information about successful programs and activities with other Farm Bureau members? Does attending the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January sound appealing? If so, read on.
County Farm Bureaus are invited to submit applications for AFBF’s County Activities of Excellence (CAE) program. The CAEs celebrate outstanding county Farm Bureau projects –unique, volunteer programming at the local level. Activities will be recognized in the areas of Education & Ag Promotion, Member Services, Public Relations & Information, Leadership Development, Policy Implementation and Safety.
Up to 24 innovative county Farm Bureau activities from across the nation will be selected to display at the 2025 AFBF Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 25-27. AFBF’s convention is the “go-to” event to meet other farmers and leaders, hear from experts, learn about new tools and trends and be inspired to step up and drive forward in 2025.
Individual county and multicounty CAE winning entries will receive four complimentary registrations and a $4,500 cash award to be used toward travel and display costs to attend the convention.
“We’re fortunate to have strong leadership and engagement at the county Farm Bureau level that leads to an array of great volunteer-driven programs across the country worthy of recognition,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “I encourage all counties to consider applying for CAE recognition, so we can showcase the best Farm Bureau has to offer in San Antonio as we step up and drive forward in 2025.”
The deadline for counties to submit applications online is Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Applications will be evaluated by membership group: up to 1,000 members; 1,001 – 3,000 members; 3,001 – 5,000 members; and 5,001+ members. Multicounty activities may also be -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page submitted.
Additional details and the application link can be found at www.fb.org/cae. Each county Farm Bureau that applies must create a unique login. For more information, please contact Elise Cruce at elisec@fb.org or email cae@fb.org.
Winners will be announced the first week of October.
DEERE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO LAY OFF 600 EMPLOYEES IN MIDWEST PLANTS
John Deere plans to lay off 600 employees at three manufacturing facilities in Iowa and Illinois, effective Aug. 30, according to published reports.
Fox Business reported the company’s plans to cut 280 employees from its East Moline, Illinois, facility, another 230 from a location in Davenport, Iowa, and approximately 100 from its location in Dubuque, Iowa. Combined, the layoffs amount to about 14% of the three locations’ estimated 4,175 employees.
The move is the latest of multiple rounds of staff cuts for Deere, the world’s largest seller of tractors and crop harvesters with more than $10 billion in profits in 2023. Since March, Deere had trimmed more than 750 employees from its locations in Waterloo, Ankeny and Ottumwa, according to reports in the Des Moines Register.
The company is moving its production of skid steers and compact truck loaders to Mexico by 2026, Fox News reported.
GCC SEEKS NOMINEES FOR COTTON LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
In July, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will convene a caucus of certified producer organizations representing cotton producers in Georgia to nominate individuals to serve as members and alternates on the Cotton Board, which administers the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, for three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as current board members’ terms expire on Dec. 31, 2024.
The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is seeking nominees for vacant positions. The GCC is focused on helping the USDA fully realize its commitment to ensure that boards reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies and other distinguishing factors, including by not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities.
In addition, the GCC is seeking nominees to represent Georgia as delegates and alternates to the National Cotton Council of America, board members and alternates to Cotton Incorporated, and board members of Southern Cotton Growers. Each of these organizations serves cotton producers and the overall industry in unique ways and requires well-rounded producer leaders to creatively ensure that each organization accomplishes their aims and purposes. Interested individuals should email the GCC office at info@georgiacotton.org.
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2025 AFBF FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
July 12 application deadline
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the seventh year of the contest, supported by Nestle Purina Petcare, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food, $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a Purina products basket, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January 2025 Members of the public will be invited to vote online for their favorite dog in the People’s Choice Pup contest. The People’s Choice Pup winner will receive $2,500, a trophy, a Purina products basket, a $500 travel stipend and two free adult registrations to attend the 2025 AFBF Convention. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit www.gfb.ag/join to join. Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at www.fb.org/land/fdoty. Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 12 for consideration.
FSA ACREAGE REPORTING
July 15 next major deadline to complete reports Agricultural producers in Georgia should make an appointment with their local FSA office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline after planting is complete. An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch, its intended use, and location. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits. Acreage reporting dates vary by crop and by county. Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for a list of acreage reporting deadlines by crop. The next major acreage reporting deadline is July 15, 2024.
FINANCIAL WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNING & UNDERSERVED FARMERS
July 16
July 19
July 26
Georgia Grown Innovation Center 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Metter
Lily Pond Event Center 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Moultrie
Jackson Co. Ag Facility 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Jefferson
Are Your Farm Finances on Course? As a farmer (and CEO of your business), managing your finances can be a challenge, but for long-term success, it is the most important thing you do. AGAware Workshops give you the necessary tools to keep better records and know your profit margins so that you can make informed farming decisions. You’ll gain a fundamental understanding of balance sheets, income statements, business planning, risk management, accrual income, financing, Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Small Business Administration programs, and more. Additionally, attendees will earn FSA Direct Borrower Training Credits. To register for the Metter workshop, click here. To register for the Moultrie or Jefferson workshops, click here.
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GA COTTON COMMISSION MID-YEAR MEETING & UGA PRE-HARVEST WORKSHOP
July 24 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nesmith-Lane Conference Center Statesboro
The Mid-Year Meeting is held in conjunction with a UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop conducted by members of the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop will feature sessions where attendees will receive a 2024 crop update and defoliation considerations, pre-harvest economic update and marketing considerations and late season pest management considerations. In addition to UGA Extension speakers, the program will feature National Cotton Council Vice President of Washington Operations Robbie Minnich, Southeast Regional Communication Manager for Cotton Board Daniel Radford, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Deer Biologist Charlie Killmaster, and the presentation of the 2023 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards. Event is free. The meeting kicks off at 8 a.m. that morning with badge pickup, onsite registration and breakfast. Program starts at 8:30. View the agenda at https://gfb.ag/gccagenda .Pre-register at https://gfb.ag/gccregister .
2024 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD RESEARCH SHOWCASE
Through July 24 Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition 8 a.m. - dark Moultrie
Farmers are invited to visit the Sunbelt Expo at their convenience during this two-week period to learn practical information about the newest technologies that they can use to improve their operations. Farmers and professionals in the ag industry to a self-guided driving tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm Ga. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8:00 a m and dark for the tour. Directional signs will lead visitors to the tour path. At the first stop, farmers will have the opportunity to pick-up a map as well as information about each plot. Additionally, prerecorded segments featuring university researchers and company vendors will be available for viewing while driving through the fields or at a later time on Sunbelt’s YouTube channel. This new format will allow visitors to tour grounds at their convenience all at once or multiple times if they so choose. There are a few tips visitors should keep in mind to enjoy a successful tour. Bring a friend to experience the event with you - come during the day or late afternoon at your convenience. Be sure to have a smartphone or tablet with you to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the official Sunbelt Ag web site or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive so that it is ready to go. Don’t forget to follow the signs to the beginning of the tour from Gate 2 and continue to follow the directional signs throughout the tour. Ensure you pick-up a copy of the plot map as well as information about the research. Prepare to explore and learn at your own pace on the research farm, all while enjoying your comfortable vehicle! UGA researchers, Extension Specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops. To view more specific Field Research Days details, visit https://gfb.ag/expofielddays.
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SWEET CORN & PEPPER CROP INSURANCE
July 31 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market sweet corn and pepper growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 crop year is July 31. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the July 31 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for fresh market sweet corn in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Tift, and Worth counties. Coverage is also available for peppers in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Ware, and Worth counties. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2025 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE PICNIC ON THE FARM
Sept. 14 Georgia Museum of Agriculture
July 22 deadline for early bird tickets
1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Tifton
Take a step back in time with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture at ABAC's Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton for its 2024 Picnic on the Farm. Each year this unique “pop-up” picnic event explores Georgia agriculture throughout the state at a different location. This year, the foundation is celebrating Georgia's agricultural history at the GMA! The picnic will feature Southern Fixins’ picnic baskets, an immersive art experience, live history actors, historical crafts demos, live music by Megan Fowler, family friendly activities, tours of the Historic Ag Village, a cash bar and Plein Air painters. Early bird tickets are $45 for students ages 21 and under, $60 general admission and $125 for VIP admission. To buy tickets, click here.
36TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR
Sept. 17-19
Various locations
Americus
The tour offers the latest information on peanuts while giving a firsthand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut-producing counties in South Georgia. Attendees can expect to see nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour includes many exciting stops including on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, as well as research at the University of Georgia Southwest Georgia Research and Education Center and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Lab. For specific tour info or details, contact David West at 229-386-3475. Registration is $125 until Aug. 2 and $150 after. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more info. To register, click here.
HEREFORDS IN THE COVE
Aug. 3 Walker Co. Civic Center & Ag Center Rock Springs
Onsite registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. Program begins at 2 p.m. Topics to be covered include Understanding EPDs; Hereford research that pertains to the South; Feeding cattle to become freezer vs. replacement heifers & bulls; How to bring the next generation back to the farm. Event will include a program for Jr. Hereford members. There will also be a social hour and meal along with entertainment and an auction. Cost is $25/person for those ages 10 & up. Cost is $10 for those under 10. For more information about this event, contact Wes Smith at 706-601-9527 or Cody Cleveland at 229-254-0399. If attending, please RSVP to Cody Cleveland. For information about the Jr. Hereford program, please contact Shelly McQuaid at 229-402-7232. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn in Ringgold 706-935-4800 for a rate of $119/night plus tax.
GACD ANNUAL MEETING
Aug. 4-6
Chateau Elan Resort Braselton
GACD’s Annual Meeting provides a conversation platform for Conservation Districts and likeminded resource conservation partners to share updates. Georgia’s 40 Conservation Districts are units of state government that provide locally-driven conservation solutions across the state. Meeting attendees include state and federal agencies representing all counties of Georgia. Registration until July 26 is $425. Click here to register. (https://form.jotform.com/241235580036147)
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FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION
Aug. 20 Burke County Office Park Auditorium, 715 W. 6th St. 5 p.m. Waynesboro
A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. A meal will be provided and topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and re-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events.
GEORGIA AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM
Aug. 20-21 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton
The Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum offers a comprehensive two-day program of updates and discussions tailored for agricultural employers. About this event: This event brings together regulators and renowned experts from the ag labor industry. The forum's format and design encourage active engagement, enabling ag employers, HR managers, and administrators to collaboratively tackle the ongoing and dynamic challenge of securing and sustaining a reliable workforce within a complex regulatory landscape. Who should attend: Owners, operators, office managers, personnel managers and service providers for the produce, nursery, landscape, dairy, cotton, and any other agricultural professional dealing with agricultural labor relations. To register, click here.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 7 & Oct. 5
Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
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UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here (https://ugeorgi a.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgr8t6TWhUKNJ4i) These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, please visit the project website.
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207.More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont.
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2023 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
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CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.