July
www.gfb.org
GEORGIA PEACH CROP DECIMATED BY ADVERSE WEATHER
Georgia’s 2023 peach crop has been reduced by as much as 95% after warmer-than normal winter weather followed by a March freeze, according to multiple published reports, prompting a secretarial disaster declaration from the USDA.
The warm winter weather prompted peach trees to bloom early, leaving the buds exposed to freezing temperatures that occurred between March 11 and March 23.
“Georgia’s peach growers were hit especially hard by this year’s freeze that effectively negates an entire year of preparation and wipes out all of the investment they had made in producing a crop,” said Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Chris Butts “We must continue to work to keep Georgia growers on a level playing field while helping mitigate risks that can not only ruin a crop but cause tremendous financial loss as well.”
UGA Plant Pathologist Phillip Brannen pointed out that despite the lost crop, the trees still have to be maintained without the benefit of revenue generated by the crop.
“I’ve been here 23 years, and this would have to be as bad as I’ve seen” said Brannen. “We’ve had some other freezes in the past that were pretty devastating. We have had grave difficulty just to get 32 peaches out of multiple trees to have enough for a research trial. That just tells you there’s no peaches on these trees.”
According to Jeff Cook, Extension coordinator for Peach and Taylor counties, the combined losses
farm gate value from the crop loss and community economic impact loss – is an estimated $190 million.
In a June 27 letter to peach stakeholders, Cook noted that most varieties of peaches broke dormancy and began to bloom in mid-February after unseasonably warm winter temperatures. By mid-March, most peach varieties in Georgia were at 90% of full bloom. Then on the nights of March 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21, Middle Georgia temperatures dropped below freezing for several hours, and on March 22 much of the area experienced frost conditions.
Cook initially estimated 75% crop loss for commercial peach growers but increased that to 98% crop loss after continued monitoring showed more extensive damage across all varieties and across all peach producing areas of Georgia.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 13
Continued from previous page
He noted that with a sales price of 85 cents per pound, the crop loss alone cost the growers an estimated $119.5 million. UGA Extension Economist Sharon Kane estimated the economic impact lost at $71 million, taking into account that the smaller crop means sharply reduced numbers of employees earning and spending money in local communities.
AG COMMISSIONER HARPER RESTORES GDA STATUS AS LAW ENFORCEMENT
On June 26, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has successfully regained its status as a law enforcement agency. Harper named Harlan Proveaux, a 29-year law enforcement and emergency management veteran with experience across multiple state and local agencies, to serve as the department's new inspector general and director of the department's Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Division. GDA has historically operated with a law enforcement capacity; however, the Department's Law Enforcement Division was disbanded in 2013. Harper and Proveaux began the process to have the GDA’s Peace Officer Standards and Training Council ID reinstated, restoring the department's status as a law enforcement agency.
“I am proud to announce the Georgia Department of Agriculture has regained our status as a law enforcement agency, restoring a critical function of the department and enabling us to better serve farmers, producers, and consumers across the state,” Harper said. “Director Proveaux brings decades of experience in law enforcement and emergency management, and he has my full support and confidence as we work together to rebuild and restore this critical division within the department.”
Prior to joining the GDA, Proveaux served as the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Deputy Director for seven years. Proveaux has served at several other state and local agencies including Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Ware County Magistrate Court, and Ware County Sheriff's Office. He holds a master's degree in public safety administration from Columbus State University.
“I'm incredibly excited to join the Georgia Department of Agriculture as inspector general and director of the Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Division,” said Proveaux. “I've known Commissioner Harper for more than ten years, through his past service as Senate Public Safety Committee chairman, and I look forward to working with the commissioner and existing GDA staff to rebuild our Law Enforcement Division and strengthen the department's emergency management operations and response capabilities.”
GDA officers will assist local, state, and federal agencies with a wide range of investigations from animal cruelty to labor and drug trafficking to agro-terrorism, while also working to improve safety and security at the state farmers markets throughout Georgia. At the same time, strengthening emergency management operations and response capabilities will allow the department to respond more efficiently, effectively and rapidly in the event of a natural disaster, severe weather event, or animal disease outbreak.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 13
USDA APPROVES SALE OF LAB-GROWN MEAT
On June 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved sale of lab-grown meat in the United States by two California-based companies.
Alameda-based GOOD Meat and Berkeley-based Upside Foods previously received “no questions” letters from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, indicating that the agency agrees with the companies’ assessments that their products are safe for human consumption.
The USDA has also approved the food labels for both companies’ products.
Georgia Farm Bureau supports legislation requiring proper labeling of any plant-based, cellbased or other food that is not from the flesh of an animal and banning the word “meat” in the product name to prevent misleading consumers. GFB maintains that plant-based and cell-based “fake meats” should not be able to use any labeling or advertising that depicts animal flesh meat products in a negative manner. In 2020, the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation, Senate Bill 211, that makes it illegal to represent non-animal products or non-slaughtered animal flesh as meat.
GOOD Meat, the “cultivated” meat division of food technology company Eat Just Inc., received approval from the USDA for its first poultry product, cultivated chicken, to enter interstate commerce.
In the United States, under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), all meat and poultry sold commercially must pass inspection to ensure that it is safe, wholesome and properly labeled. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) places inspectors in slaughterhouses and processing plants, and now will assign inspectors to the companies’ cultivated meat and poultry facilities.
USDA DECLARES 18 GEORGIA COUNTIES AS DISASTER AREAS
On June 26, the USDA issued a natural disaster designation in response to the mid-March freeze for 18 Georgia counties. The natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
The primary counties under the June 26 disaster declaration are Banks, Crawford, Fannin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Johnson, Macon, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Taylor, Towns, Union and Upson.
Producers in an additional 38 Georgia counties are also eligible for federal disaster assistance programs under this declaration. Those counties are Barrow, Bibb, Butts, Clarke, Coweta, Dawson, Dooly, Elbert, Emanuel, Forsyth, Franklin, Gordon, Gwinnett, Harris, Hart, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lumpkin, Marion, Murray, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Pickens, Rabun, Schley, Spalding, Stephens, Sumter, Talbot, Treutlen, Troup, Washington, White and -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 13
Continued from previous page Wilkinson.
For more information about federal disaster assistance on farmers.gov, visit the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool to help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center
GFB NAMES WINNERS OF ART & BOOKMARK CONTESTS
Agriculture makes a great subject for art, which the winners of the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School and High School Ag in the Classroom Art Contests prove.
Roseanna E. Bennett of Pierce County sketched the first-place winning drawing of a beef cow with her newborn calf and pine trees and row crops in the high school art contest. Olivia Durden of Dodge County was named the state runner-up for her drawing of a girl holding a chicken. Bennett won $250 as the state high school art contest winner and $100 as the GFB 10th District winner. Durden won $150 for being the runner-up and $100 for being the GFB 6th District winner. Payton Furman of Cook County won state honors in the middle school bookmark contest for colorfully depicting the variety of Georgia agriculture. Furman received $150 for winning the state middle school bookmark contest and $100 as the GFB 10th District winner.
Visit https://gfb.ag/23hsartcontestwinners to see all of the district winners’ artwork for the 2023 GFB High School Art Contest. Visit https://gfb.ag/23bookmarkwinners to see all of the district winners’ creations in the 2023 GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest, This marks the 29th year GFB has held its annual art contest for ninth through twelfth-grade students. This is the second year GFB coordinated a contest for sixth through eighth graders to design a bookmark, replacing the essay contest.
“Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Art Contests encourage students to explore agriculture and then create a piece of art inspired by what they learned,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Students who might not otherwise think about agriculture learn about the variety of crops and livestock Georgia farmers raise as they create their drawings.”
GFB received entries for its high school art contest from 62 county Farm Bureaus and entries from 75 county Farm Bureaus for its middle school art contest. GFB district winners for each contest were picked from all county entries submitted from each district. GFB posted the district winners’ artwork for each contest on its Facebook page to allow Georgia’s ag community to select the state winners of each contest.
Contestants in the high school contest were instructed to create a black, white and gray drawing using graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Drawings were judged on how well the artwork represents agriculture in the student’s county or Georgia and for artistic merit.
The middle school contestants were given a blank bookmark and asked to create a design illustrating Georgia agriculture.
Other district winners in the GFB High School Art Contest were:
GFB 1st Dist. Lincoln Miller Gordon Co.
GFB 2nd Dist. Darby Earl Habersham Co.
-continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 13
Continued from previous page
GFB 3rd Dist. Valeria Francia North Fulton Co.
GFB 4th Dist. Amanda Li Wilkes Co.
GFB 5th Dist. Emily Adams Monroe Co.
GFB 6th Dist. Olivia Durden Dodge Co.
GFB 7th Dist. Layla Abbgy Long Co.
GFB 8th Dist. Kyliee Brown Wilcox Co.
GFB 9th Dist. Alex Hatcher Decatur Co.
Other district winners in the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest were:
GFB 1st Dist. Violet Paul Cherokee Co.
GFB 2nd Dist. Brylie Justice Rabun Co.
GFB 3rd Dist. Gomez Praneo Douglas Co.
GFB 4th Dist. Sarah Kate Gardner Barrow Co.
GFB 5th Dist. Anna Leigh Coker Upson Co.
GFB 6th Dist. Addison Bowles Laurens Co.
GFB 7th Dist. Ever Downs Tattnall Co.
GFB 8th Dist. Maryanna Chitty Clay Co.
GFB 9th Dist. Phoenix Adams Decatur Co.
SOUTHERN CORN RUST CONFIRMED IN SOUTH GEORGIA
Southern corn rust has been confirmed in Appling County, according to information provided by Tattnall County Extension Agent Aubrey Shirley, who advises growers to watch for the fungal disease. Appling is the sixth county with a positive identification of corn rust. Previously, farms in Clinch, Decatur, Grady, Mitchell and Seminole counties.
Southern corn rust can result in significant yield losses in corn and a susceptible variety should be protected with a fungicide before disease is established in a field.
While there is little data specific to corn rust to show the growth stage at which the crop is safe from it, UGA scientists generally recommend applying protection products until the ears reach the R4 “dough” growth stage, after which southern corn rust is less likely to harm the crop.
The threat of southern corn rust is enough for most southern counties that growers should strongly consider application of a fungicide if the yield potential is good, corn is between VT and R6 growth stages, and the corn has not been sprayed or it has been three weeks since last fungicide application.
The UGA Extension 2023 Corn Production Guide provides a list of fungicides that can be used to protect from losses due to corn rust. The guide can be found here, and the list of fungicides is on page 51.
SMART IRRIGATION MONTH HIGHLIGHTS WAYS FARMERS CONSERVE WATER
Irrigation plays a vital part in helping Georgia farmers grow their crops. About 50% of Georgia’s cropland is irrigated according to UGA research.
During July the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District is celebrating Smart Irrigation Month to highlight the many ways farmers use technology and management practices to efficiently use water to grow our food and fiber.
UGA Extension research is helping Georgia farmers use smart irrigation technology, such as soil moisture sensors, plant sensors and evapotranspiration tools in conjunction with smartphone irrigation apps, to schedule irrigation based on when a crop needs water and how much it needs to conserve water. Management practices like no-till or strip-till planting also help conserve water.
The benefit of smart irrigation and irrigation scheduling for farmers is knowing what the water requirement is for their crops and meeting that need with irrigation, if needed, to maintain yield potential. Smart irrigation helps increase irrigation water use efficiency by applying the right amount of water at the right time.
A 2020 UGA report by Dr. Wesley Porter shows smart irrigation can increase peanut crop yields by 20% and reduce irrigation water use by 60% in extremely wet years. The report shows smart irrigation practices can increase cotton crop yields by 10% and reduce irrigation water use by 75% in extremely wet years.
These stats are important because studies have shown both cotton and peanut crops that are produced without smart irrigation practices have shown yield reductions due to over irrigation in wet years.
UGA research shows that using smart irrigation practices has the potential to save Georgia peanut farmers $100 million and Georgia cotton farmers $120 million in irrigation costs in a very dry year.
For peanuts, the potential irrigation savings is based on estimated electrical energy costs for pumping irrigation water (@$7/ac-in) which translates to an estimated savings of about $250/acre applied to 50% of Georgia’s average 800,000 peanut acres.
For cotton, potential irrigation savings in a dry year is estimated to be around $200/acre savings applied to 50% of Georgia’s average 1.2-million-acre cotton crop.
Visit https://gfb.ag/ugairrigationimpact to read more.
Most of UGA’s irrigation research is done at the C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP) in western Mitchell County. The SIRP, initiated in 2000, includes 130 acres approximately three miles from the Flint River. The park facilitates research on soils and weather representative of the southwest corner of Georgia. It has an exceptional irrigation research infrastructure that includes five center pivot systems and four linear-move systems with high quality water provided by three Floridan aquifer and one Claiborne aquifer deep wells. Crops being studied at SIRP include cotton, corn, peanut, sweet corn, and soybean.
The SIRP will host its Biennial Research Park Field Day on Aug. 3 from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The event will feature field tours of research at the SIRP via trams, keynote speakers and a sponsored lunch. The activities begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. RSVP by July 28 to Candace Gray (SIRP Administrative Associate) at sirp@uga.edu or call 229-522-3623.
GEORGIA TIMBER HARVEST NOTIFICATION SYSTEM NOW IN EFFECT
As of July 1, Georgia counties requiring loggers to notify their governments of timber harvests conducted within their boundaries and loggers harvesting in these counties must be registered with the online Timber Harvest Notification (THN) system housed on the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) website at gatrees.org.
This system was created in response to Georgia legislation that passed in 2020. The legislation creating the uniform statewide harvest notification system clarifies a myriad of conflicting timber harvest notification requirements previously used in different counties across Georgia, which resulted in confusion and, in some cases, breaches of the law. Under Georgia House Bill 897, OCGA 12-6-24 was updated, increasing fines from $500 to $1,500 for failure to comply with requisites.
County-linked input entered in the online notification system provides details about harvests, such as specific road and plat locations, contact information and planned logging dates. The information requirements were generated by county officials & staff, forestry industry representatives, and staff from the GFC, Georgia Forestry Association, and Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.
To date, 92 counties, one city, and 193 harvesters are utilizing the THN system, which has been a voluntary practice for the past year.
For information about the deadline or the THN procedure, visit https://gfb.ag/timberharvestnotification or email timberharvest@gfc.state.ga.us or call 478-7513485.
DUNN LEAVES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION TO HEAD UP OPB
On June 30, Gov. Brian Kemp announced his appointment of Richard “Rick” Dunn as director of the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), effective July 1. Dunn moves from his previous position as director of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
“I’m grateful for Rick’s continued willingness to serve his fellow Georgians as he returns to OPB, where he made valued contributions as the deputy director prior to his current role,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “He is an accomplished public servant who has made state government more efficient and more responsive to the needs of those we’re honored to serve, and I look forward to his continued impact.”
The DNR Board voted on June 30 at a called meeting to appoint the governor’s Executive Counsel David Dove as interim director of EPD, also effective July 1. The governor approved this interim appointment. Dove will continue in his role as executive counsel.
The governor also announced the appointment of Russel Carlson as Commissioner of the Department of Community Health (DCH), effective Aug. 1. Carlson currently serves as DCH Chief Health Policy Officer.
In addition to the above announcements, Gov. Kemp approved the DNR Board’s vote to appoint Walter Rabon as interim commissioner of DNR, effective July 1. Rabon will take on these additional duties while maintaining his current responsibilities as Deputy Commissioner.
"Walter has been a dedicated member of the DNR team for many years," Gov. Kemp said. "I know he will work hard to uphold the agency’s important mission of protecting Georgia’s natural wonders, and I appreciate his continued service.”
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 13
ERP PHASE TWO AND PARP SIGN-UP
July 14 deadline to apply
Agricultural producers can apply for two new important programs for revenue losses, from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Both programs equitably fill gaps in earlier assistance. Applications for both new programs are due July 14, and you can apply for both programs during your same appointment with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). First, you may be eligible for assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two if you experienced revenue losses from eligible natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. ERP Phase Two is for producers who didn’t receive assistance from ERP Phase One. You may also be eligible for the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) if you experienced revenue losses in calendar year 2020. PARP is addressing gaps in previous pandemic assistance, which was targeted at price loss or lack of market access, rather than overall revenue losses. Producers interested in ERP Phase Two and PARP, should reach out to their local USDA Service Center to inquire and request assistance. You can also call the FSA call center at 877-508-8364.
2024 FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
July 14 nomination deadline
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the sixth year of the contest, supported by Purina, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, in January 2024. Up to three regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money. Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience. Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit 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 14 for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
CROP INSURANCE ACREAGE REPORTING DEADLINE
July 15
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia farmers that July 15 is the crop insurance acreage reporting date for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, and whole farm revenue protection. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 13
SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY
July 20 Sunbelt Ag Expo/Spence Field 8 a.m. Moultrie
Each year in July, the Sunbelt Ag Expo Darrell William’s Research Farm hosts Field Day. Field Day is an opportunity for farmers and growers to visit the research farm to see firsthand the new varieties and technologies being tested that they can implement into their own operations. This is one of the things that makes the Sunbelt Ag Expo stand out from other farm shows across the country. Companies participating in the Sunbelt trials will be on hand to talk about the new technology available to farmers.
GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION 2023 MID-YEAR MEETING & UGA COTTON PRE-HARVEST WORKSHOP
July 26 Nessmith-Lane Conference Center, Georgia Southern University Statesboro
The return of the GCC Mid-Year Meeting will feature presentations on defoliation concerns, economic and marketing updates, late-season pest management the farm bill and a celebration of the winners in the 2022 GCC Quality Cotton Contest. Register for free at https://gfb.ag/GCCmidyear23 or by calling the GCC office at (478) 988-4235 by July 14 to assist with lunch plans. For more details, visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org
CORN FIELD DAY
July 27 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Lyons
This event, sponsored by UGA Extension, features a midseason agronomic update, information from variety trials and lunch with sponsors. Pesticide credits will be available. The Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center is located at 8163 Hwy. 178 in Lyons. Please RSVP to Derrick Bowen at (912)-253-3515 or Aubrey Shirley at (912)-314-3698.
COMMENTS ON ALTERNATIVE MILK LABELING
July 31 deadline to submit
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the deadline for submitting comments on how nut and plant-based dairy alternatives should be labeled until July 31. FDA is proposing to allow plant-based beverages to use the term “milk” on their labeling so long as they provide a nutrition statement on the package’s principal display panel detailing the nutrition differences between real milk and the plant-based beverage if the fake milk has less Calcium, Protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Riboflavin, or Vitamin B12 than real milk. Georgia Milk Producers is asking its members and supporters to submit comments asking FDA to enforce its own regulations (Standards of Identity) and only allow real milk products to be labeled as milk. Georgia Farm Bureau submitted comments in April asking the FDA to prohibit the use of “milk” or other dairy terms on non-dairy products, which may be read here. https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FDA-2023-D-0451-0561. Dairy Farmers of America has an action link that will help you submit comments in less than a minute at https://p2a.co/B6hKTpQ.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 13
CROP INSURANCE FOR 2024 FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN & PEPPERS
July 31 deadline to apply or renew
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market sweet corn producers and pepper producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is July 31. Current policyholders who want to make changes to their existing coverage have until July 31 to do so. Fresh market sweet corn coverage is available for producers in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Tift and Worth counties. Pepper coverage is available in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Ware and Worth counties. Federal crop insurance helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2024 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. Georgia Farm Bureau partners with Rain and Hail, Agrisompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. Contact your county Farm Bureau office or email GFB Crop Insurance Program Manager Michael Smith at crops@gfbinsurance.com to find a GFB crop insurance agent near you. 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 www.rma.usda.gov/. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
FSA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL COUNTY COMMITTEES
Aug. 1 deadline for nominations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2023 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1. Click here for complete information about FSA County Committee elections.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 13
GFB TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR COMMODITY COMMITTEES
Aug. 18 deadline for nominations
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is accepting nominations until Aug. 18 from county Farm Bureaus for members to serve on GFB’s 20 commodity advisory committees. These committees serve in an advisory capacity to the GFB president, board of directors and staff to implement Farm Bureau policy. GFB Commodity Committee members also make recommendations to the GFB Policy Development Committee relative to their commodities. The chairman of each committee serves on the GFB Policy Development Committee.
Nominees must be a Farm Bureau member and an active producer of the commodity for the committee(s) for which they are nominated. GFB has commodity committees for the following : aquaculture; beef cattle; cotton; dairy; direct marketing/agritourism; environmental horticulture; equine; feedgrain/soybean; forestry; fruit; goats and sheep; hay; honeybee; peanut; pecan; poultry; swine; tobacco; vegetables and water. Selected nominees will serve a two-year term.
Each county Farm Bureau is encouraged to nominate members to serve on the 20 GFB Commodity Committees. County Farm Bureaus may nominate one of its members for each of the 20 committees as long as the nominee actively produces the commodity and is not nominated for more than two committees. Counties may recommend a nominee for up to two committees, however, a nominee will only be selected to serve on one GFB committee. Committee members are asked to participate in a spring committee meeting in person and to attend the annual GFB Commodity Conference in August where the committees meet again.
If you are a Farm Bureau member who produces one of the 20 commodities represented by the committees and are interested in being nominated, please contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 9 & Oct. 7
Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 7 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim 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 Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 13
BEEF CATTLE 201 EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
This workshop is designed for cattle producers interested in enhancing conservation on their farms and improving their economic production. Topics include economics, market outlook, forage & herd management, reproduction, Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), and more. Spots are limited. Registration is $50 by Aug. 1 and $100 between Aug. 1 and Aug. 15. Fee includes five meals and program materials. Register at the USDA Service Center, NRCS Office ,231 Hwy. 41 N., Suite B, Barnesville, GA 30204. For more information contact Lisa Minick, Lamar & Upson counties technician, at 770-358-0787, Ext. 3 or lisa.minick@usda.gov. If you need an accommodation to attend this event, please contact Lisa Minick.
GEORGIA CITRUS TREE NUTRITION SURVEY
Sept. 1 deadline for submissions
UGA Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Labs researchers are asking for help in a three-year study they are conducting to evaluate the nutrient health of Georgia citrus groves. This study seeks to identify any common nutrient issues Georgia’s emerging citrus industry has. The researchers will provide educational material to growers based on the study results. Citrus growers are encouraged to send up to 10 leaf samples from your groves for nutrient analysis AT NO CHARGE until Sept. 1. Growers will only pay for shipping costs. Visit https://gfb.ag/ugacitrussurvey for complete details on taking and submitting foliar samples and to download/print the sample form that must be completed and submitted with the samples. All samples will be analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, boron, aluminum, copper, manganese. Results will be emailed to growers within 5-7 business days after receipt by the lab. A Georgia Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant is funding this survey. For more information about this project, please contact Daniel Jackson at djackso@uga.edu or 706-5429118.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 13
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 9 & Oct. 7 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 7 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim 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 Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
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.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It 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. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline