2023 GFB HAY CONTEST ACCEPTING ENTRIES
Georgia Farm Bureau is calling all members who grow any variety of Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer Mid-sized Trailed Mower for one year, courtesy of Vermeer Manufacturing. The winner will have the option to buy the mower at a reduced price at the end of one year. Additional prizes will be awarded to the top five producers.
Hay entered in the 2023 GFB Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay.
Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers.
Entry forms outlining complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau.
GFB’s annual hay contest encourages quality hay production, which leads to higher quality livestock and more return to Georgia hay producers. Producers who have their hay tested every year can see improvements they make in managing their hay fields by looking at multi-year analysis. RFQ is the best method to compare forages. RFQ provides a number that gives producers a measure of the digestible nutrient content in their hay.
Fully mature alfalfa is given a base point of 100. Since the base price for hay sales and auctions in many parts of the world is the value of poor-quality alfalfa, RFQ provides a mechanism for indexing quality to value.
RFQ for Bermudagrass in Georgia typically ranges from 75 to 120 or higher. If a hay producer sells their hay based on its RFQ, a higher price can be demanded for the higher quality. Livestock producers are more likely to pay these premiums as this hay will yield higher weight gains and require fewer supplements. With quality in mind, it is a good management practice to test your hay after baling. RFQ and other analytical data can help you manage potential problems with
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Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the ‘23/‘24 online GFB Hay Directory available at www.gfb.ag/hay. Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time.
FARM BUREAU JOINS MULTIPLE GROUPS TO URGE FARM BILL PASSAGE
Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign to urge passage of the 2023 farm bill this year.
Farm Bill for America’s Families brings together stakeholders who support the farm bill and recognize its profound impact on the well-being of all Americans. The campaign seeks to engage consumers, leaders and lawmakers alike on the importance of the farm bill and highlights five core objectives: food security, job creation, conservation, risk management and addressing hunger.
The founding members of this campaign, advocating for an effective farm bill in 2023, include: The American Farm Bureau Federation; American Seed Trade Association; American Soybean Association; American Sugar Alliance; Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; Ducks Unlimited; Environmental Defense Fund; Farm Credit Council; Feeding America; National Alliance of Forest Owners; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; National Association of Wheat Growers; National Corn Growers Association; National Cotton Council; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Farmers Union; National Pork Producers Council; The Nature Conservancy; U.S. Peanut Federation; and USA Rice.
Farm Bill for America’s Families believes that together, we can ensure our food system remains thriving and sustainable for all Americans, for generations to come. Other organizations that share the campaign’s mission are invited to join today at https://farmbillforamericasfamilies.com/join/ For more information, visit https://farmbillforamericasfamilies.com/.
Meanwhile, Rep. Austin Scott told farmers at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in late July that while little time will be left between Congress’ return to session on Sept. 12 and farm bill expiration on Sept. 30, there is not a viable option that includes doing nothing and letting it expire.
“Every five years we write a farm bill, it’s a temporary change to permanent law written in the ’30s and ’40s,” said Scott. “The option of doing nothing doesn’t exist. If you do nothing, you revert to permanent laws that are dust bowl era policies that would destroy the food supply of this country.”
GA BEEF PRODUCERS APPROVE CONTINUATION OF ASSESSMENT
On Aug. 8, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that Georgia's beef producers approved a continuation of a one-dollar market order assessment, which helps support the Georgia Beef Commission.
Voting on the assessment continuation occurred in June and passed with 82% support of beef producers. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) administers the 14 farmer-funded commodity commission programs. Funds collected by the commissions under grower-approved market orders support each commodity's research, education, and promotion efforts.
“Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions are essential to strengthening Georgia’s agriculture industry, and these assessments, voted on by producers, are an important part of supporting the commissions’ work,” Harper said. “The assessment approved by Georgia’s beef producers will support education, research, and beef promotion within Georgia, helping ensure our cattlemen’s continued success and giving Georgia consumers greater access to high-quality, Georgia grown beef.”
Over the past nine years, the Georgia Beef Commission has helped supportseveral significant research projects with the University of Georgia. Funded research has covered topics such as Bermudagrass stem maggots, forages and clovers, antimicrobial issues, heat stress in beef finishing, research equipment, and many others. The commission has also funded beef Extension team programs, response team training, junior stockmanship competitions along with livestock and meat judging programs. The commission also supports consumer promotion activities conducted by the Georgia Beef Board.
The Georgia Beef Commission was created by the Georgia General Assembly in 2013 at the request of the Georgia beef industry and went into effect in 2014. The market order, which allows the assessment, is voted on every three years by beef producers for approval.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE RECEIVES USDA GRANT
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is among 103 organizations recently selected to receive funding through the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program administered by the USDA Food & Nutrition Service (FNS). The GFA is receiving $99,999 to help cover the cost of sending its Georgia Ag Experience (GAE) mobile classroom to elementary schools across the state.
The USDA FNS Farm to School Grants support projects that create opportunities for children to learn about nutrition and agriculture through hands-on learning. Impact studies of the GAE mobile classroom show that 60% of the students that tour the classroom express a desire to eat food grown in Georgia after learning about Georgia agriculture and five schools the mobile classroom visits will develop plans to incorporate locally grown food in their classrooms or meal service.
The GAE mobile classroom, housed in a 36-foot trailer, gives third through fifth-grade students a chance to virtually visit a poultry, beef & dairy, timber, cotton and peanut farms. The mobile classroom also highlights Georgia’s fruit, vegetable, pecan, and horticulture sectors.
Colorful farm photos, interactive technology and displays of consumer products made from ag commodities housed in the GAE mobile classroom highlight the importance of Georgia agriculture
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Teachers conduct one educational lesson with their students about Georgia agriculture before and after touring the mobile classroom. As part of the mobile classroom visit, students participate in a hands-on activity with GFA staff and county Farm Bureau volunteers.
The Georgia Ag Experience has been visiting schools statewide since 2021. Since then, the mobile classroom has reached 30,778 elementary students, 1,762 teachers statewide and 8,793 consumers. More information about the Georgia Ag Experience and instructions for arranging a visit are available at www.georgiaagexperience.org.
2022 GEORGIA QUALITY COTTON AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The 2022 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were presented at the 2023 Georgia Cotton Commission Mid-Year Meeting on July 26 in Statesboro. The awards are co-sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and Bayer Crop Science/Deltapine and administered by the University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team. Yangxuan Liu from the UGA Cotton Team conducted the analysis and presented the awards at the event.
The awards recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and dentify their general management practices for the benefit of other growers. The producers and their gins received a plaque, and the winning producers received a $500 cash award. The UGA County Extension Agent for each winner was also recognized as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season.
The awards are given in each of these three cotton acreage categories: 1) less than 500 acres, 2) 500 to 1,000 acres, and 3) greater than 1,000 acres within the four regions of the state. Winners in these categories are determined by the loan value and premiums of their cotton. The winners’ excellent achievements are due largely to their management practices and expertise. The sponsors of this program congratulate the following winners:
Region 1
Less than 500 acres: Grower – Edwin Clark, Wilcox County; Ginner – Sconyers Gin & Warehouse Company, Sycamore; nominated by John Bennett.
500-1000 acres: Grower – Mark Thompson, Pulaski County; Ginner – Arabi Gin Company Inc., Arabi; nominated by Jay Porter.
1000+ acres: Grower – Robert Lancaster, Pulaski County; Ginner – Heart of Georgia Peanut & Gin, Hawkinsville; nominated by Jay Porter.
Region 2
Less than 500 acres: Grower – Derek Davis, Washington County; Ginner – Midville Warehouse, Inc., Midville; nominated by Rocky Tanner.
500-1000 acres: Grower – J. Robert Jones, Toombs County; Ginner – South Georgia Cotton Gin LLC, Hazlehurst; nominated by Jason Edenfield.
1000+ acres: Grower – Chris Hopkins, Toombs County; Ginner – South Georgia Cotton Gin LLC, Hazlehurst; nominated by Jason Edenfield.
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Region 3
Less than 500 acres: Grower – Jonathan Sykes & Blake Exum; Ginner – B.C.T. Gin Company Inc., Quitman; nominated by William Brown.
500-1000 acres: Grower – Wall to Wall Farms LLC; Ginner – South Georgia Cotton Gin LLC, Hazlehurst; nominated by Ashley Smith.
1000+ acres: Grower – Brian & Ken Ponder Farms, Omega; Ginner – Omega Gin Company, Omega; nominated by Justin Hand.
Region 4
Less than 500 acres: Grower – Lisa Still Bruner, Early County; Ginner – Early County Gin Inc., Blakely; nominated by Brian Creswell.
500-1000 acres: Grower – Stephen Houston Jr., Seminole County; Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin Inc., Donalsonville; nominated by Cindy Meadows.
1000+ acres: Grower – Mims Farms, Seminole County; Ginner – Clover Leaf Gin Inc., Donalsonville; nominated by Cindy Meadows.
The overall Best Cotton Award was awarded to the Georgia cotton producer with the highest loan value and premium. The 2022 Best Cotton Award went to Brooks County’s Jonathan Sykes & Blake Exum with a loan value of 56.81 cents/lb and a premium of 4.81 cents/lb.
WARNOCK BILL WOULD EXPAND TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
On July 27, U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) introduced the Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act, which would reform the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), a critical disaster recovery program administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill.
Warnock and Tillis’ bill would expand eligibility for TAP by lowering the mortality threshold, and allowing farmers to use TAP funding to replant alternative breeds of trees or bushes.
“We appreciate Senator Warnock introducing the Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act, which will provide Georgia farmers a helping hand when they need it the most after a natural disaster,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “This legislation will make impactful and reasonable changes to the Tree Assistance Program to improve farmer’s flexibility replanting while also reducing regulatory hurdles.”
In a June Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, Warnock questioned witnesses about the limitations of TAP and reaffirmed his commitment to exploring how small, technical changes would help these programs work more efficiently, improve margins for producers, and help them compete with foreign imports.
TAP currently does not allow growers to replace destroyed bushes or trees with breed varieties that are more resilient to disease or environmental changes, which may even provide higher yields.
“When Georgia specialty crop farmers lose trees or bushes because of a storm or a freeze, it only makes sense they should be able to replant with more resilient breed varieties,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This legislation is good for Georgia’s economy and will help make the agriculture sector more resilient to climate change. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with my friend and fellow Agriculture committee member, Senator Tillis. I’m going to push to make sure
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The importance of the specialty crop safety net programs were brought into focus this year as the state’s peach growers lost more than 90% of their peach yield.
The legislation is endorsed by Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, USApple, Michigan Apple, North American Blueberry Council, Michigan Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Cherry Marketing Institute and Michigan Agri-Business Association. A section-by-section summary is available here and the bill text is available here.
EPA RELEASES DRAFT STRATEGY FOR AGRICULTURAL HERBICIDES
On July 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the draft Herbicide Strategy which the agency said will better protect endangered species “from conventional agricultural herbicides.”
The strategy describes proposed early mitigations for more than 900 listed species and designated critical habitats to reduce potential impacts from the agricultural use of these herbicides while helping to ensure the continued availability of these important pesticide tools. The proposed mitigations in the strategy would address the most common ways that conventional agricultural herbicides impact these listed species.
The strategy’s proposed mitigations reflect practices that can be readily implemented by growers, identified by pesticide applicators and provide flexibility for growers to select the mitigations that work best for them. The strategy also gives credit to landowners who are already implementing certain measures to reduce pesticide runoff. For example, existing vegetated ditches and water retention ponds will qualify for credits that reduce the need for additional mitigation. Similarly, the strategy would require less mitigation on flat lands, which are less prone to runoff, and in many western states, which typically experience less rain to carry pesticides off fields. The strategy also describes how the EPA could add other mitigation practices to the menu of mitigation options in the future, particularly to incorporate emerging technology or new information on the effectiveness of specific practices.
The draft herbicide framework and accompanying documents are available in docket EPA-HQOPP-2023-0365 Click download to view the entire draft. Comments may be submitted via Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365-0001)
The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 22.
D.R. SCHAAL AGENCY PROVIDES GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICES
Georgia grain producers concerned about mycotoxins or other factors that affect quality that might result in lower prices received or having their crops rejected at the grain elevator can have their grain inspected by the same organization that performs grain inspection for the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).
The Georgia branch of the D.R. Schaal Agency has served as the official grain inspection service provider for the GDA since 2018, conducting inspections for domestic markets, as well as export shipments through the Port of Savannah.
The majority of D.R. Schaal’s customers are grain elevators, domestic purchasers, and grain exporters, but the agency is staffed with licensed associates to provide sampling and inspection services across the state. The use of technology to provide real time data customers allows better insight into the quality of the commodity being loaded and seamless distribution of needed documents.
According to company spokesman Brandon Eskew, the company also provides grain grading training for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of what is involved with the grading of grain and the U.S. grain standards.
For more information about Schaal’s services, visit the company’s website at www.drschaal.com or call 912-348-3952.
USDA: FARMLAND VALUES UP NEARLY $400 PER ACRE
Georgia farm real estate values, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, went from $3,960 per acre in 2022 to $4,350 in 2023, according to the Land Values and Cash Rents report released Aug. 4 by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
All cropland (a combination of irrigated and non-irrigated cropland) averaged $4,200 per acre in 2023, up from $3,820 in 2022. Irrigated cropland values went from $4,600 per acre in 2022 to $4,800 per acre in 2023. Non-irrigated cropland increased from $3,500 per acre in 2022 to $3,950 per acre in 2023. Pastureland averages $4,600 per acre in 2023. NASS did not provide a pastureland average value for 2022.
Georgia cash rents increased from $135 per acre in 2022 to $149 per acre in 2023 for all cropland. Irrigated cropland rents increased from $221 per acre in 2022 to $234 per acre in 2023. Non-irrigated cropland rented for an average of $73.50 per acre in 2022 and increased to $75 per acre in 2023. Average pasture rent in 2023 is $31 per acre.
Nationwide, farm real estate value averaged $4,080. For all cropland, the average value surged from $5,050 per acre in 2022 to $5,460 per acre in 20223. NASS did not provide a breakdown of national irrigated/non-irrigated cropland values. Pastureland value is $1,760 on average in 2023.
Cash rent paid to landlords for all cropland in the United States increased $7.00 to $155.00 per acre in 2023. Cash rent for pasture increased to $15.00 per acre in 2023, up $1.00 from 2022.
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FOREST HERBICIDE MEETING
Aug. 15 Wayne County Extension Office, 1900 Sunset Blvd. 11 a.m. Jesup
This free meeting is offered by the UGA Cooperative Extension Southeast District and the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Topics include herbicides for site prep, herbaceous weed control, mid-rotation woody control, pine straw production and mid-rotation release/fertilization. Warnell School Professor of Forest Productivity Dr. David Dickens will be the featured speaker. To register call or email Jennifer Anderson at 912-427-5965 or uge3305@uga.edu. Please register by Aug. 11. A minimum of 15 registered are needed to hold meeting. Organizers are working for approval of continuing education credits in logger education and Georgia pesticide credits.
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.
JOINT CHAIRMEN AG ISSUES SUMMIT
Aug. 22 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Perry
The summit will feature updates on agriculture-related legislative issues from Georgia Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Homerville) and Georgia Rep. Robert Dickey (R - Musella), chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, respectively. Leaders in the ag industry will provide coffee and lunch to attendees at no charge. Registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the event at 9:30. An RSVP is required to ensure appropriate-sized meeting room and enough lunches for attendees. Please respond no later than Friday, Aug. 11. To RSVP, please send the attendee’s full name, organization name, and work phone number to Rachel Whitted at Rachel.Whitted@senate.ga.gov.
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HOUSE RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETINGS
Aug. 29 Georgia Farm Bureau Macon
Oct. 25 Georgia Southern University Statesboro
Nov. 16 University of Georgia Athens
Specific meeting times, agendas and location information will be announced prior to each meeting. Meetings of the House Rural Development Council will be livestreamed and are open to the public. Established in 2017, the House Rural Development Council was renewed for the 2023-2024 by the unanimous adoption of House Resolution 488 during the 2023 legislative session.
BEEF CATTLE 201 EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP
Aug. 29 Barnesville-Lamar County Library 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
401 Thomaston St.
Sept. 5 Barnesville-Lamar County Library 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
401 Thomaston St.
Sept. 12 Upson County Livestock
2626 Yatesville Hwy.
Sept. 19 Keck Farm
2765 Hwy. 341 S
– 8:30 p.m.
– 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 Sonny Gwyn Farm 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1574 Williamson Zebulon Rd.
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.
GFB WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT
Nov. 2-3 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf
Resort & Spa
Savannah
Registration is now open for the GFB Women in Ag Summit! This conference is open to any woman with an interest in agriculture – female farmers, agriculture industry professionals, Farm Bureau volunteers, etc. This event will be a time of fun, fellowship, and personal and professional development. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit Early registration by Sept. 1 is $75 per attendee. Final registration by Oct. 1 is $100 per attendee. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. A block of rooms has been secured at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (912-201-2000). Information is also located under the “Lodging and Hotel” tab at the top of the registration page. Note: Farm Bureau employees should only attend if accompanying a volunteer or group of volunteers. For more information about the conference, please contact your county Farm Bureau office, or Breanna Berry at bcberry@gfb.org.
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AFBF COUNTY ACTIVITIES OF EXCELLENCE
Sept.
1 deadline to submit applications
The American Farm Bureau Federation is currently accepting applications for the County Activities of Excellence program. Up to 24 innovative county Farm Bureau activities from across the nation will be selected to display at the 2024 AFBF Convention and Trade Show. Multiple county Farm Bureaus working together to plan and carry out an activity may submit a joint CAE application. Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. Eastern is the deadline for counties to submit applications online for state CAE coordinator review; coordinators will forward approved applications to AFBF. Additional information, including rules for submission and the application link, are available at www.fb.org/CAE. Each county Farm Bureau that wishes to apply must create a unique login. State CAE coordinators will be provided with a separate username and password to access the online system to approve applications submitted from their respective county Farm Bureaus. Winners will be announced the first week of October. Individual county and multicounty CAE winning entries will receive four complimentary registrations and a $2,250 cash award to be used toward travel and display costs to attend the 2024 AFBF Convention and Trade Show, Jan. 20-22, in Salt Lake City.
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.
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GFB POLICY DEVELOPMENT SUBMISSIONS
Sept. 8 deadline
Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting resolutions from county Farm Bureaus to be considered during the organization’s annual policy development process. This process is critical to maintaining the grassroots vision and goals of GFB and will provide direction for us in the legislative arena for 2024. County leaders are encouraged to consider issues of importance to your members and develop resolutions that will address your concerns. County Farm Bureau office managers can help county leaders access an electronic version of the 2023 GFB Policy Book to review. Having access to the book in an electronic format will help you search for existing policies/issues to see if they are already covered or if edits/policy deletions need to be made. If you have questions regarding the Policy Development process in general, please contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org or (478) 474-0679, ext. 5404.
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.
PINE STRAW PRODUCTION STAND MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS
Sept. 12-13 Bulloch County Ag Center 151 Langston-Chapel Rd.
Statesboro
This course will provide information necessary to effectively manage pine stands for pine straw. Topics include pine straw revenues vs. stumpage, factors affecting pine straw yields, cut-over and old-field pine straw studies, magnitude and duration of fertilization, weed re-growth with fertilization, using diagnostic tools soils, and yield information for determining effective recommendations, forest floor nutrients, and much more. Early registration fee through Sept. 4 is $250. Regular registration after Sept. 4 is $300. To register online visit https://conted.warnell.uga.edu/. To pay by regular mail, make check payable to Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Mail payment to Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia,180 East Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602.
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35TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR
Sept. 12-14 Bainbridge
Registration deadline is Sept. 7
The thirty-fifth annual Georgia Peanut Tour will be held September 12-14, 2023, in Bainbridge, Georgia, 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 in Southwest Georgia. Attendees can expect to see first-hand nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour hosts many exciting stops including on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, as well as, research at the University of Georgia Attapulgus Research and Education Center. The Georgia Peanut Commission, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Laboratory coordinate the tour. Lodging for the tour will be housed at the Hampton Inn in Bainbridge. Please call 229-246-1341 and ask for the Georgia Peanut Tour room block when reserving rooms. A standard room is $125 plus taxes and breakfast is included. The deadline to reserve rooms at the Hampton Inn is Aug. 20. Tour registration ends Sept. 7 and is $150. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more info.
GFB WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT
Nov. 2-3 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa Savannah
Registration is now open for the GFB Women in Ag Summit! This conference is open to any woman with an interest in agriculture – female farmers, agriculture industry professionals, Farm Bureau volunteers, etc. This event will be a time of fun, fellowship, and personal and professional development. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit. Early registration by Sept. 1 is $75 per attendee. Final registration by Oct. 1 is $100 per attendee. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. A block of rooms has been secured at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (912-201-2000). Information is also located under the “Lodging and Hotel” tab at the top of the registration page. Note: Farm Bureau employees should only attend if accompanying a volunteer or group of volunteers. For more information about the conference, please contact your District Federation Manager or Breanna Berry.
FOREST HERBICIDE MEETING
Oct. 3 Bulloch County Ag Center 151 Langston-Chapel Rd. 11 a.m. Statesboro
This free meeting is offered by Bulloch County Extension and the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Topics include herbicides for site prep, herbaceous weed control, mid-rotation woody control, pine straw production and mid-rotation release/fertilization. Warnell School Professor of Forest Productivity Dr. David Dickens will be the featured speaker. Miracle; 912-489-8986 or email her at dmiracle@uga.edu Please register by Sept. 26. A minimum of 15 registered are needed to hold meeting. Organizers are working for approval of continuing education credits in logger education and Georgia pesticide credits.
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USDA DISCRIMINATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Oct.
31 Application deadline
Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021 and/or are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was subject to USDA discrimination occurring prior to January 1, 2021, have until Oct. 31 to apply for financial assistance. Visit the program website https://22007apply.gov to file an application and for more information on the program. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, directs USDA to provide financial assistance to producers who have experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs and has $2.2 billion for this program. Under the law, the Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for administering the assistance through qualified nongovernmental entities under standards set by USDA. Applications will be reviewed in November and December, with payments reaching recipients soon thereafter, according to USDA statements. USDA has become aware of some lawyers and groups spreading misleading information about the discrimination assistance process, pressuring people to sign retainer agreements, and asking people to fill out forms with private and sensitive information. The official application process, which began July is free and does not require an attorney.
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
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. 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.