Georgia Farm Bureau's July 27 Field Notes

July 27, 2022

www.gfb.org

Vol. 4 No. 16

GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS LEARN TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS The 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference, held July 13-16 on Jekyll Island, offered participants ways to overcome adversity, share their story and break down barriers. They also had time for visiting the beach and the island’s other attractions, touring Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Classroom and lots of fellowship.

Utah cowboy Braxten Nielsen shared his journey from a debilitating rodeo injury to walking again. Nielsen was slammed against the chute railing when the bronco he was riding bucked as the gate opened during a 2017 rodeo. He sustained multiple spinal fractures and was left paralyzed from the waist down. He tracked his course over several months of rehabilitation therapy, noting that over time incremental improvement can result in big change.

Throughout his presentation, Nielsen emphasized using available resources, wowing the GFB crowd with his auctioneer voice and his turkey call as he walked around the stage.

“We’re all put here on this Earth with talents and abilities,” Nielsen said. “We need to share them.”

Nielsen encouraged the young farmers and ranchers to maintain a positive mindset, work hard and surround themselves with supportive people.

“When life puts a scar on you, it’s giving you a legacy to leave in life,” he said. “Hard work will never cheat you.”

TikTok sensation Will Brinkley, the “Tarheel Farmer,” talked about how to leverage social media’s reach in agriculture’s favor. Brinkley has more than 318,000 followers on the video sharing app, where his humorous clips put farm life on display.

He noted statistics that show a ratio 258 people for every farm operation in Georgia. He praised Farm Bureau for its work in support of agriculture.

“If I had to go try to reach all those people, I wouldn’t get much farming done,” said Brinkley.

“We’re farmers and we’ve got to advocate for our own products and our own markets, and we’ve got to do a better job for the next generation and give everybody a voice. We don’t have to reach everybody. We just have to get it out there and let it spread. A lot of us have a voice now.”

Brinkley said it is important to share benefits derived from agriculture.

“You’ve got to be positive about ag and farm life. Positivity is the number one thing.,” he said.

Lori Tiller, a public service associate with UGA’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, led the GFB group through exercises to help bridge generational communication -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes 2 of 13 Continued from previous page gaps. Primarily, she focused on individual perspectives, like historical events, culture and developments through a person’s formative years from ages 14-21. For example, one generation’s first mobile communication device might have been a flip phone, while another started with a smart phone. Or, one generation might say the 9/11 attacks are the historical event that had the greatest impact on them, while another might say the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.

“When we’re talking about those formative years, that 14-21, we know that’s a time in life where there is drama every single day,” Tiller said. “So, those things that stick, we’ve got to figure out what those are for that to be considered that that event changed their life.”

Tiller suggested that communication barriers between generations can be overcome by engaging others with questions about their memories from those formative years, including: • What is the most historical event of your lifetime?

• Which leader or famous person impacted your generation?

• How did this experience affect you then, and how does it still affect you today?

“There are societal events that cross all generations – where people were, what were they doing when that happened,” Tiller said. “For it to have an impact on you, you have to remember what it was like prior to that event. The younger you were for 9/11, while 9/11 may have impacted you, those of us that traveled a lot before 9/11, the stark change in how to get around the country before and after 9/11 is something you’re never going to forget. So, when you’re in one generation and another generation doesn’t understand … they didn’t experience it the same way. That’s one of the things you need to always remember is how it continues to impact you.”

The conference also offered educational sessions on marketing your farm, running for public office, handling sticky conversations, accessing H-2A laborers, regenerative bioscience, building county YF&R programs and debunking agricultural myths.

In the sticky conversations session, Sharon Justice from the Executive Farm Management Program, offered by multiple southern Extension services, defined sticky conversations as those where outcomes are important, viewpoints differ and emotions run high. Justice advised using simple language, sticking to facts and resisting overgeneralization.

One key way to approach this is to use sentences that begin with “I” instead of sentences that begin with “You.” In the marketing your farm session, Jessica Akins of Oak + Willow Creatives, Tara Green of GreenGate Farm and Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets Coordinator Kelly Henry offered tips on using web-based tools, questions to consider when marketing farm products, use of social media and other topics.

“You are your brand,” Akins said. “We are walking billboards for our farms. Think about how you want to be marketed to, and whether you should take the approach to educate [customers] rather than sell.”

In the regenerative agriculture session, Herb Young of Squeeze Citrus in Thomas County talked about the process of restoring soil ecosystems and microbes with nutrition, innoculants and cover crops in order to provide nutrients for the crop and, in the case of his orange grove, nutrient-dense fruit.

GFB Field Notes 3 of 13 HARTS, FLEMING AND SIZEMORE CLAIM YF&R COMPETITIVE EVENT PRIZES Colt & LeAnna Hart, Brian Fleming and Willie Sizemore emerged as winners of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events, held July 13-16 during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island.

The Harts, from Franklin County, won the Achievement Award, given to recognize young farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Fleming, from Hart County, won the Excellence in Agriculture Award, given to recognize young farmers for off-farm leadership and activities. Sizemore, from Lee County, won the YF&R Discussion Meet.

The event winners advance to national competition during the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in January.

Colt Hart is a fourth-generation farmer who farms approximately 1,000 acres. He maintains a herd of approximately 600 cattle and raises broilers and goats. He also grows millet, ryegrass, Bermudagrass and wheat while providing a chicken litter service for other farmers. The Hart farm also hosts the Franklin County Championship Rodeo.

Colt is chairman of the Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee; and he and LeAnna represent GFB’s 2nd District on the GFB YF&R Committee. Colt serves as a volunteer firefighter. LeAnna homeschools the couple’s children and assists with day-to-day farm operations.

The Harts live in Royston and have five children: Jolee, Briar, Sage, Laila and Trace.

As the Achievement Award winners, the Harts received a John Deere ATV with trailer, $500 cash and a farm sign sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Georgia and Lasseter Tractor.

The other finalist families were Cason and Audrey Anderson of Houston County and Ilana Richards of Morgan County. The runners-up each received $500 cash sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau. The Andersons grow pecans and sweet corn and Cason provides custom hire farm work.

Richards grows vegetables, flowers and herbs.

Fleming, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Emmanuel College, works as operations manager for PTL Agriculture, the family farm owned by his father, Bobby.

The Flemings produce soybeans, wheat, oats, milo and corn on approximately 1,000 acres, along with maintaining a small herd of brood cows and growing hay. Brian also runs a small seedcleaning operation that serves area farmers.

Brian has chaired the Hart County Farm Bureau YF&R Committee since 2014 and grew the county’s YF&R program from just himself to its current membership of about 35. He served on the GFB YF&R Committee from 2019 to 2021 and regularly visits local schools to teach students about agriculture.

Brian and his wife, Nicole, live in Canon with their two children, Deklyn and Sloane.

As the state winner, Fleming receives the top prize of $500 from Georgia Farm Bureau and a John Deere ATV, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance and Lasseter Tractor.

The other finalists were Addie Tucker of Wilcox County and Spencer Highsmith of Coffee County. The runners-up received $500 cash sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau. Tucker teaches agriculture at Wilcox County Middle/High School. Highsmith is the young farmer advisor at Coffee High School.

Lee County Farm Bureau member Willie Sizemore won the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Discussion Meet, held July 14-16 during the GFB YF&R -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes 4 of 13 Continued from previous page Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island.

As the state winner, Sizemore receives the top prize of $500 from Georgia Farm Bureau and a John Deere ATV, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance and Lasseter Tractor. He also advances to compete for national honors in the 2023 American Farm Bureau Federation Discussion Meet.

Sizemore, who graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 with a degree in agricultural communications and journalism, is a student at the Mercer University Law School.

As the state winner, Sizemore receives the top prize of $500 from Georgia Farm Bureau and a John Deere ATV, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance and Lasseter Tractor.

The other finalists were Ian Bennett of Cook County, Josh Daniel of Madison County and Whitney Murphy of Bulloch County. The runners-up received $500 cash sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau.

A photo by Whitney Shepherd of Screven County was voted winner of the 2022 Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest.

UNITED STATES DECLINES TO IMPOSE TARIFFS ON FERTILIZER IMPORTS On July 18, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that a U.S. industry is not harmed by imports of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) fertilizers from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago.

The USITC is a federal agency that provides analysis of international trade issues to Congress and the president. Based on the USITC determination, the U.S. Department of Commerce will not issue tariffs on imports of UAN from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, according to a USITC press release.

The USITC determination was welcomed by multiple farm organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in light of recent sharp increases of fertilizer costs to U.S. farmers.

“AFBF is pleased the U.S. International Trade Commission did as we asked by rejecting the Commerce Department’s proposal to impose tariffs on imports of UAN, a key fertilizer,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “Skyrocketing supply costs are already forcing some farmers into the red. The cost of fertilizer increased more than 60% from 2021 to 2022 and that’s not sustainable.”

AFBF, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association and others, wrote letters to the USITC urging the agency to reject the tariffs.

“This comes as a welcome relief,” National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington said in a statement. “We have been sounding the alarms and telling the ITC commissioners that tariffs will drive up input prices to even more unaffordable levels for farmers and cripple our supply.”

On July 15, AFBF also submitted comments on USDA’s “Request for Information on Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns.”

AFBF listed several factors that have combined to create shortages and drive up fertilizer costs including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rising inflation, labor shortages, regulatory hurdles and increased transportation costs.

-continued on next page

GFB Field Notes 5 of 13 Continued from previous page AFBF’s recommendations included: • Providing assistance to farmers to expand on-site farm fertilizer storage capacity to help them manage costs throughout the year; • Urging EPA to seek reforms to review processes that create barriers for domestic fertilizer production; • Modernizing weight restrictions for trucks to reduce the number of trucks needed to transport goods; • Enact rail reforms to promote rail competition, fair rates and reliable service.

Read the full comments here.

WAYNE-SANDERSON FARMS MERGER COMPLETE On July 22, Cargill and Continental Grain Company today announced the completion of the acquisition of Sanderson Farms Inc. in a joint venture that was first disclosed on Aug. 9, 2021.

Sanderson Farms shareholders are receiving $203.00 per each share of common stock they owned immediately prior to the completion of the transaction. Sanderson Farms’ shares will no longer be traded on the NASDAQ. As a part of the closing of the transaction, Cargill and Continental Grain have combined Sanderson Farms with Wayne Farms, a subsidiary of Continental Grain, forming a new privately held poultry business. The new business, named Wayne-Sanderson Farms, will be headquartered in Oakwood, Georgia. As previously announced, Clint Rivers, currently CEO of Wayne Farms, has been appointed CEO of the combined company.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms operates chicken processing plants and prepared foods plants in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas.

USDA DISASTER DESIGNATIONS COVER 10 GEORGIA COUNTIES Under two USDA national disaster designations, announced July 12 and July 19, 10 Georgia counties are eligible for emergency loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

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 the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

The July 19 designation named Liberty, Long and McIntosh counties as primary disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions. Producers in contiguous counties Bryan, Evans, Glynn, Tattnall and Wayne are also eligible for emergency loans.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional. The deadline to apply for assistance under this declaration is March 13, 2023.

On July 12, the USDA designated six South Carolina counties (Cherokee, Edgefield, Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg and Union) as primary natural disaster areas due to freeze conditions that occurred March 12-14. Georgia’s Columbia and Richmond counties are eligible for emergency -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes 6 of 13 Continued from previous page loans because they are contiguous to one or more affected South Carolina counties, Georgia’s Columbia and Richmond counties are eligible for emergency loans. The deadline for producers to apply for assistance under this declaration is Feb. 28, 2023.

More disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including the Farmers.gov Drought Webpage, Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool.

For FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, including LFP and ELAP, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.

EPA ATRAZINE PROPOSAL DRAWS CRITICISM FROM CORN GROUPS On June 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule that would lower limits on the presence of the atrazine herbicide in water to 15 parts per billion, drawing opposition from major corn grower organizations.

Atrazine is used by farmers to control grass and broadleaf weeds before they emerge in corn, sorghum and sugarcane. Homeowners and golf course superintendents use atrazine to maintain residential lawns and golf courses.

“We are disappointed by EPA’s decision,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “We can feed and fuel the world and fight climate change, but we can’t do these things without modern farming tools, and atrazine is a tool that is critical to our work.”

The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through Sept. 6.

To submit a comment, click here.

If the rule is adopted, more than 72% of U.S. corn acres would be out of compliance, according to corn grower associations in Kansas and Missouri.

Areas predicted to exceed the limit would then be required to implement and document one or more mitigation practices from an EPA “picklist” and use a lower rate of atrazine.

Even in flat areas with little or no runoff, EPA’s prediction model would require growers to use mitigation practices like adding buffer strips and terraces. Meanwhile, with no input from USDA, other viable options like split applications were not included on the proposed picklist.

Additionally, EPA is proposing label changes that reduce atrazine application rates by 20 percent, banning aerial applications and applying the herbicide within 48 hours of a predicted rain event that could produce runoff.

Kansas Corn Growers Association CEO Greg Krissek said the proposed rule is “clearly a case of agency overreach,” while Gary Marshall of Missouri said it is clear from the proposed rule that the EPA is attempting to eliminate effective use of atrazine.

To read the proposed changes, click here.

GFB Field Notes 7 of 13 NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline got a new name & number on July 16. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It can be reached it 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 FSA VIRTUAL MEETING ON HURRICANE & DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS July 28 10 a.m. online With the 2022 Hurricane season officially underway, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) invites agricultural producers and industry stakeholders to join in a virtual meeting to discuss what producers need to do before, during, and after the impact of a hurricane. Georgia FSA State Director Arthur Tripp and FSA program specialists will provide an overview of current disaster assistance programs, required loss of documentation, and related information needed when conducting business with FSA following a natural disaster event. The virtual meeting is free and open to the public, and can be attended by joining the meeting online. To RSVP and receive the virtual meeting link for this event, please email GASED@usda.gov.

CROP INSURANCE FOR FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN, PEPPERS July 31 deadline to apply/renew Georgia fresh market sweet corn growers and pepper growers have until July 31 to apply for crop insurance or make changes to their existing coverage. 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 2023 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.

GFB Field Notes 8 of 13 GA VET LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM Aug. 1 deadline to apply The Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP or Program) is accepting applications for funding for FY2021 through Aug. 1. The GVELRP provides financial relief, by way of student loan purchases, for veterinarians willing to provide veterinary services for food animals in areas of Georgia that need livestock veterinarians. The application and supporting documents can be found here. Completed applications can be returned via email to statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov or mailed to: Georgia Department of Agriculture, Attn: Bo Warren, 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SW Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30334. Inquiries about the program can be made to Bo Warren at Bo.warren@agr.georgia.gov. For more information, including complete application instructions and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.agr.georgia.gov/georgia-veterinary-education-loan-repayment-program.aspx.

GACD CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR Aug. 1 deadline for nominations The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) is accepting nominations for its Conservationist of the Year Award. The award honors farmers and/or landowners who are conducting exemplary conservation work on their land and have demonstrated a strong commitment to soil and water conservation. Past and present local conservationists of the year are eligible. Only one nominee per conservation district can be submitted. Nominees do not have to be district supervisor. The award recipient will be submitted for consideration for the National Association of Conservation Districts’ Friend of Conservation award. Robbie Faust of Terrell County was the GACD and NACD award recipient for 2021. Nominations are due to GACD by Aug. 1.

SUNBELT FIELD DAY TO FEATURE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH Aug. 2 Sunbelt Ag Expo 8 a.m.

Moultrie Farmers are invited to join the Expo to learn practical information from the region’s top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies that farmers can use to improve their operations. Field Day features a driving Tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm. The halfday event is free for anyone who works in agriculture. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to begin the tour. Signs will direct those in attendance to a red tent where they will register, receive a welcome bag including snacks, register for CCA credits, and begin the tour. Visitors are encouraged to bring a friend to experience the event with you. Be sure to have a smartphone or tablet with you to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the Official Sunbelt Ag Expo app, web site, or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive. Plan to chat with researchers and vendors at plots that specifically interest you. Prepare to explore and learn on the research farm, all while enjoying your comfortable vehicle! UGA researchers, Extension Specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops. To view more specific Field Day details, download the Sunbelt Ag Expo app or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com.

GFB Field Notes 9 of 13 GEORGIA AG COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES MEET & GREET Aug. 4 Homerville Train Depot, 40 East Plant Ave. 6 p.m.

Homerville All qualified candidates have been invited to meet the public at this event, hosted by Clinch County, Atkinson County, Echols County and Lanier County Farm Bureaus.

UGA CAES MIDVILLE ROW CROP FIELD DAY Aug. 10 UGA Southeast Ga. Research & Education Center Midville UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental scientists will discuss work they are doing on cotton and peanut variety selection, pest management, cover crop management, precision ag & more using research funds provided by the Georgia Cotton & Peanut Commissions. Pesticide credits will be offered. Contact your county UGA Extension office for more details. Lunch will be provided. To pre-register visit http://bitly.ws/sLsk or call 478-589-7472.

NATIONAL CATTLEMAN'S ASSOCIATION STOCKMAN & STEWARDSHIP EVENT Aug. 12 & 13 Auburn University Equestrian Center Auburn, AL This two-day event sponsored by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Merck Animal Health, and the Beef Checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance program, will kick off Friday afternoon with farm production tours of Collins Farm and RL&M Cattle Company. These tours will highlight value-added programs, selection methods, local processing facilities and product marketing tools for seedstock breeders and commercial cattlemen. Following the tours, a welcome dinner will be held at Lazenby Farm featuring keynote speaker, Nic Cornelison, of Lake Majestik Farm. The Cornelison family has strong roots in the Southeast and are premiere Brangus breeders. Saturday classroom sessions will cover niche beef production, tools for improved sustainability, forage management, animal health, reproductive management, risk management for cow calf operations, and advocacy. Stockmanship experts Curt Pate and Dr. Ron Gill will give live demonstrations on working cattle. A unique program designed for teen junior cattlemen members will also be offered. All attendees can become BQA certified and the program has been approved for 1.6 continuing education units. The full registration fee of $100 includes all events and meals, and student pricing ($50) and one-day registration options of $30 for Friday and $80 for Saturday are available. For more information, complete agenda, fees and to register, visit www.StockmanshipAndStewardship.org. Cattle producers attending Stockmanship & Stewardship are eligible for reimbursement through the Rancher Resilience Grant. To apply for a grant to cover registration costs and two nights hotel, visit www.ncba.org/producers/rancher-resilience-grant.

UGA CAES PLAINS ROW CROP FIELD DAY Aug. 24 UGA Southwest Research & Education Center

Plains

UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental scientists will discuss work they are doing on cotton and peanut variety selection, pest management, cover crop management, precision ag & more using research funds provided by the Georgia Cotton & Peanut Commissions. Pesticide credits will be offered. Contact your county UGA Extension office for more details.

GFB Field Notes 10 of 13 JOINT CHAIRMEN AG ISSUES SUMMIT Aug. 30 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Perry The summit will feature updates on agriculture-related legislative issues from Georgia Sen. Larry Walker (R-Perry) and Georgia Rep. Robert Dickey (R - Musella), chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, respectively. Additional speakers will focus remarks on the economic outlook for Georgia’s farmers, water infrastructure funding, and integrated precision agriculture.

GEORGIA CITRUS TREE NUTRITION SURVEY Sept. 1 deadline to submit samples 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.

COTTON & PEANUT FIELD DAY Sept. 7 UGA Tifton Campus Tifton UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental scientists will discuss research they are doing on cotton and peanut variety selection, pest management, cover crop management, precision ag & more using research funds provided by the Georgia Cotton & Peanut Commissions. Pesticide credits will be offered. Contact your county UGA Extension office for more details or call 229386-3696.

29TH ANNUAL FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO Sept. 9-10 Flat Creek Arena, 1516 Diamond Lane Royston This annual rodeo is sanctioned by the Southern Rodeo Association and hosted by Hart’s Farm.

Action begins at 8 p.m. each night. Advance tickets are $12 for ages 13 and $8 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under get in free. Advance tickets are available at Franklin County Farm Bureau, AG Parts Supply and Owen’s Farm Supply. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults and $10 for children 6-12. For more information, call 706-498-2771.

GFB Field Notes 11 of 13 2022 GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR Sept. 13-15 Multiple locations Tifton The 34th annual Georgia Peanut Tour will be held Sept. 13-15 in Tifton and the surrounding area.

The tour brings the latest information on peanuts while giving a first-hand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut producing counties surrounding Tifton. Attendees can expect to see firsthand nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour includes on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, as well as research at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. The Georgia Peanut Commission, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Laboratory coordinate the tour. Registration is $125 prior to Aug. 5. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more information.

25TH ANNUAL INMAN FARM HERITAGE DAYS Sept. 16-18 Minter’s Farm, 283 Hill’s Bridge Road Fayetteville Mark your calendars for the 25th Annual Inman Farm Heritage Days, which offers fun for the whole family! Admission is free - come out and spend the weekend looking at displays of antique tractors, engines, cars and trucks as well as working exhibits like our sawmill, grist mill, liquor still, syrup mill and much more! Visit www.minterrsfarm.com for details. Crafters and vendors, call 770-296-8360 or email stephanie@mintersfarm.com for more information.

PICNIC ON THE FARM EVENTURE September 17 Engelheim Vineyards 12 – 4 pm Ellijay Join the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture on September 17 for a one-of-a-kind agricultural and culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Georgia’s best chefs will fill the picnic baskets for GFA’s signature eventure, Picnic on the Farm. Guests will receive a blanket and picnic basket with a 3-course, chef-created lunch to share with friends or family anywhere on the farm. The 2022 event is celebrating all things about Georgia’s wine and grape sector. Guests will enjoy beer and wine, live music, farm tours, silent auction, lawn games and other kids’ activities, against the beautiful backdrop of North Georgia’s wine country. Picnic on the Farm is perfect for families, couples, colleagues and clients or a fun girls’ trip with good food and friends. Make a weekend of it and explore what North Georgia has to offer. Engelheim Vineyard is one of Gilmer county’s most scenic vineyards, located just off Ga. Hwy. 52 aka Apple Alley. Tickets are $75 for a twoperson basket and $150 for a four-person basket. VIP-designated picnic areas are $600 with picnic baskets for up to eight people and wine included. VIP areas offer a scenic, themed picnic set up for your group and exclusive offers for additional activities. Attire for the event is farm chic.

Learn more and sign up soon by visiting https://www.gafoundationag.org/picniconthefarm. Events such as this help support the mission of the foundation. Any support is appreciated to help make this signature event a success! Sponsorship opportunities from $50 to $10,000 are available. Please inquire by emailing jmfarmer@gafoundationag.org. All proceeds benefit the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s core program areas: elementary ag classroom learning, higher ag education, farm-based mentorship, professional learning and farmer mental health. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is on a mission to develop a pipeline for Georgia’s next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. For more information, visit www.gafoundationag.org.

GFB Field Notes 12 of 13 2022 PEANUT DISEASE TOUR Sept. 20 Tifton Sept. 21 Headland, Alabama Sept. 22 TBA, Florida This annual event will allow participants to see firsthand research being conducted by UGA and Auburn University into diseases that affect peanuts. RSVP to Dr. Albert Culbreath at spotwilt@uga.edu or 229-386-3156.

NORTHEAST GEORGIA FIELD DAY Sept. 28 UGA Campbell Research Center

Watkinsville

UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental scientists will discuss work they are doing on cotton variety selection, pest management, cover crop management, precision ag & more using research funds provided by the Georgia Cotton Commission. Pesticide credits will be offered.

Contact your county UGA Extension office for more details.

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE BRAVES Oct. 2 Truist Park 1:35 p.m.

Atlanta This will be a great time for Georgia Farm Bureau members, volunteers and employees from around the state to network, enjoy our national pastime and support a great cause! Tickets for the Braves-Mets game are $28 each and proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. Tickets can be purchased individually or as a group. Exclusive GFA Day at the Braves t-shirts are $15. To purchase tickets and t-shirts, click here.

KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS Sept. 17 & Oct. 8 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 8 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. For more information call Susie at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel-Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated an estimated $157,050 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region through its 45 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, a student scholarship and the equestrian facilities of state & county Parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.

GFB Field Notes 13 of 13 GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION Nov. 18 The Classic Center Athens Early bird tickets are on sale now for the Harvest Celebration, the focal event of the year for agribusiness in Georgia. The evening unites leaders from every agriculture sector and corner of the state in a festive salute to the industry. On November 18, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Field of Dreams raffle, and listen to entertainment provided by The Swingin’ Medallions at the event’s new location, The Classic Center in Athens, GA! The cut-off date to be listed in the Harvest Celebration program as a ticket purchaser or a table sponsor is Oct. 21. Those who register by Aug. 1 have a chance at one of four prizes. To register, visit https://www.ga-agribusiness.org/Events.aspx, call the GAC office at 706-336-6830 or send an email to Maggie Wooten at mwooten@ga-agribusiness.org.

UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE-COUNSELING The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it effects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate. Call 706-510-6930, email gaatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding the program will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use.

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.