FINANCES, FARM BILL & FARMLAND LOSS HOT TOPICS AT AG ISSUES SUMMIT
By Jennifer Whittaker
The potential for a farm financial crisis, a farm bill update, water, and farmland loss, were a few of the issues members of Georgia’s agricultural community heard about at the 2024 Joint Agriculture Committee Chairmen’s Ag Issues Summit held Aug. 27 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.
Rep. Robert Dickey and Sen. Russ Goodman, who chair the Georgia House and Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committees, respectively, hosted this annual event that gives Georgia agriculture leaders an update on current and emerging issues Georgia’s top economic sector is experiencing.
“It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you today. I want to thank all of you for turning out to hear updates on the pressing issues Georgia agriculture is facing, and we’ve got a few,” said Dickey. “Members of both the House and Senate Ag Committees are here today, so please take this opportunity to speak with them and tell them your concerns.”
Georgia Farm Bureau was one of the event sponsors along with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Milk Producers, Inc., Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Urban Ag Council, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), and Georgia Agribusiness Council.
“I want to thank Representative Dickey and Senator Goodman for holding this event and shining a light on all of these issues that our farmers are facing,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “I’d also like to thank each member of the House and Senate Ag Committees for the work you do during the General Session every year in Atlanta. I know firsthand the long hours that you put in while you’re in session and throughout the year as you visit with your constituents. Please know that Farm Bureau’s Public Policy staff is here to work with you whenever you need us.”
A frank financial discussion
Sen. Goodman stressed the dire financial situation many Georgia row crop farmers are facing. Goodman shared conversations he's had with a farmer who is a partner in a cotton gin that serves -continued on next page
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70 farmers and estimates up to 35% of his customers may be out of business by the end of the year if nothing changes. Goodman said another friend, who is both a farmer and banker, estimates about 20% of the farmers affiliated with his bank could be out of business by year's end.
"This is real. These are the folks that are supporting our tax digest, small businesses, the parts store everywhere, and moving in those rural communities. And that's why we wanted to bring awareness to this," Goodman said. "We don't have a farm bill. I'm afraid that it could hit [financial situation], if nothing changes, it could hit like a nuclear bomb in rural Georgia at the end of the year. This is going to have huge impacts in the future in these rural communities, so we certainly need to be making our leaders in Washington aware. "
Two veteran ag lenders gave insight into the financial situation Georgia farmers are experiencing. Clint Hood, business development director and manager of Synovus Bank’s agriculture and timber division, and Jake Cleghorn, chief lending officer for Altamaha Bank & Trust, participated in a panel discussion led by Georgia Agribusiness Council President Will Bentley.
Hood grew up on a family farm and returned to it in the 1980s after graduating from the University of Georgia. The 1980s farm crisis, however, caused him to switch gears and go into ag banking when an opportunity arose.
“When I got into banking, it was tough. It was in the 1980s, with high interest rates, with low commodity prices, very, very similar to where we are today. The one difference that I saw in comparing the two is that back then, our farms were borderline insolvent. In other words, our assets were almost the same thing as our liability, sometimes a little bit underwater. Today, they're not as bad off because of what we call land equity. Having land equity is a positive that some farmers have going for them today that many farmers in the 1980s didn't,” Hood said. "I’m seeing good farmers sell off good farmland or put it into solar panels to wipe out debt and balance their books.”
Hood explained that land equity can be created in two ways – 1) by making payments on the debt you owe for the land and 2) by upswings in land values the market creates. He cautioned farmers to remember that “What the market can give you, the market can also take away. We're riding on a good, solid, ag land base today, and that's what's keeping us active right now.”
Cleghorn, who grew up on a family farm and now raises cows, pecans and timber, has been in ag banking for 20 years. He discussed the debt-to-asset ratio bank auditors expect lenders to approve.
“If you look at it for normal businesses, the regulators wanted to see that for every dollar in debt that business had, they had $1.20 to pay that debt with They were always more lenient with that on the farming side and would say, ‘Hey, if you are from the ag side, if you’ve got $1.10 to pay debt with then we’re okay with that credit,’” Cleghorn said. "If I went to any farmer in the state of Georgia and said, I will let you sign a contract today that at the end of this farm year, you're going to have $1.10 cent to pay on every dollar of debt you have, every one of them would be jumping up and down, standing in line to sign that contract. They know that is not going to happen.
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Breakeven is great. I saw a farmer smile in my office for the first time in two years this week, and it was because he's getting a hurricane payment. That's the only thing that makes them smile, anything that they can come across that helps that cash flow right now."
Cleghorn explained that bankers are governed by regulators on what they can and can’t do when it comes to loaning money.
“What is our job as bankers, to help farmers and help them through these [rough] times? And how do we do it from a cash-flow standpoint,” Cleghorn asked. “If these farmers are borrowing 100% of what it takes for inputs, which a lot of them are, that historically wasn't the case, but more and more are having to do that. They have to pay a prime rate of 8.5 percent just to cover the interest. So, when you back into the number side of it, it's a difficult conversation for us as bankers to have. Doesn't mean we don't care. Doesn't mean we don't want to loan money, but when we know we're going to be sitting in front of the examiners being asked, ‘Why did you make this loan law when your projections show it's not going to break even?’ We have to have valid answers to that.”
Inflation appears to be easing and the Federal Reserve has indicated it will begin lowering interest rates, UGA Agricultural Economics Professor Ford Ramsey said.
“It's [inflation] still not at the level the Federal Reserve would like, but it's certainly not what it was even one or two years ago. Unfortunately, the cost of capital remains high,” Ford said. “The heads of the Federal Reserve are not really predicting a major decrease in interest rates until 2025 at the earliest, and we're certainly not going to get down to the interest rates we saw for 2017, 2018 until 2026.”
Hood said many farmers are seeking additional credit to get their crops harvested.
“Folks are running out of money to be able to get the crop to the end of the year before they start getting repaid for, but it's not just on the liability side. The balance sheet that we're seeing in we're seeing it on the asset side too. We have farmers that are deposit customers, and they don't borrow any money, and then not many of them, but even those type of customer are realizing the pinch, These deposit customers are coming back and they need to pull more money out of their accounts, maybe convert a CD to make it liquid so that they can get through the end of year.”
Hood discussed the five C's of credit that bankers use to determine whether or not to extend more money.
1) Character. “If your character's in place, then you've gone all the way toward qualifying for a loan with your banker,” Hood said.
2) Capital? “How much shirttail does that farmer have?” Hood asked.
3) Capacity to repay. “Do they have the ability to repay your loan?”
4) Condition. “That's your financial condition, your economic conditions. What's the shape of the industry? And right now, our industry is in tough shape,” Hood said.
5) Collateral. “A lot of folks think the bankers most important one is collateral, but this isn’t always the case. All of those C's are important, with character probably being the most -continued on next page
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important. But depending on the time of the economic cycle, which we're in the low part, some of those other C's are a lot more important. The capacity to repay is important. The financial condition is important, and the economic condition. All that is a fluctuation. I guess I'm trying to say there are a lot of challenges right now to be an ag banker, and you're trying to make the right decisions up front with your customers, and you don't want to get your customers into trouble loaning too much money. It's just mainly about cash flow, and that's really the name of the game right now,” Hood said.
Ford describes the long-term outlook for Georgia agriculture is strong, if farmers can survive the acute challenges they are facing in the short term.
“We've seen some signs of a slowing economy, but some movement on input costs coming down, so maybe those will balance themselves out in the agricultural sector,” Ford said.
Rep. Bishop gives farm bill update
U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, who represents Georgia’s 2nd District and is the ranking member on the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, gave an update on the farm bill.
Bishop acknowledged that agriculture drives Georgia’s economy, and said he is delighted to be a part of production agriculture, not just for Georgia, but for America.
“We are way overdue for the new farm bill, and I'm sure I don't have to talk to you about that. Our farmers across the country, and particularly here in the Southeast and Georgia, are distressed. We understand that distress, and that stress comes from a number of factors, including natural disasters as well as economic issues. We're doing our dead level best to get a farm bill done, to get it across the finish line,” Bishop said. “I wish I could tell you that it was going to be next week, but right now, it appears that it will not be before the election, because we only have a few congressional workdays before then, and the Senate is not up with us in terms of the House. We passed it out of the House Ag Committee, it’s been scored by the Congressional Budget Office and it's ready to be voted on by the House. But there's a lot of work that has to be done to resolve some of the sticking points that are there, but the House bill has a good safety net in it, built into it for our producers, for our rural communities, with the reference prices and all of the things that we have heard from you over the last two years that are needed. The problem is how we pay for it. And so, there's a red line now on both sides as to where that money comes from. That has to be resolved, and hopefully we'll get it done in the lame duck session.”
As members of Congress returned to D.C., this week, more than 300 ag groups sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders asking them to pass a farm bill by the end of 2024. American Farm Bureau and Georgia Farm Bureau were among the groups making the request along with the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Milk Producers, Inc., Georgia Peanut Commission and the Georgia/Florida Soybean Association. The extension of the current farm bill expires the end of September.
“One good, good thing for agriculture is that the House version [of the farm bill] has increased spending of $33 billion over 10 years relative to baseline, and that spending is primarily in the -continued on next page
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Title One commodity programs, ARC and PLC, and crop insurance programs,” Ford said. “That piece of legislation also has relatively favorable reference prices for peanuts and seed cotton, and the options for crop insurance continue to grow.”
U.S. ag exports continue to drop
UGA Ag Economist Ford Ramsey discussed how the strong U.S. dollar is causing U.S. to have an agricultural trade deficit.
“The dollar remains relatively strong against the currencies of most of our agricultural trading partners,” Ford explained. “When we have a strong dollar, this leads to less demand for U.S. exports, because U.S. products become more expensive. The strong dollar is putting pressure on cotton prices. As most of you know, cotton, is a global commodity. Domestic mill use has been a flatline since 2019 and unlikely to grow. Cotton is really dependent on exports.”
Ford says the U.S. is projected to remain in an agricultural trade deficit with more imports entering our country than being exported.
“Aside from the past few years, we’ve never had an agricultural trade deficit over probably the last 30 years,” Ford said.
Declining ag exports is negatively affecting U.S. farm incomes that have declined over the past two years.
Ford said the top ag exports for Georgia are: 1) Poultry, including eggs. The top destinations for Georgia poultry products are China, then Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan; 2) Cotton. The top destinations for Georgia cotton are China, Pakistan, Vietnam, and then Turkey. 3) Feeds & meals. The number one export destination is China. 4) Pecans. The number one destination is China, then Mexico, the United Kingdom and Canada.
“I think you can see from that if we impose tariffs on these major trading partners, it's quite likely that agriculture would be in the crosshairs for retaliation. In fact, we saw this back in 2018 and 2019, so there's certainly uncertainty around international trade, especially as we go into the go into the election in November,” Ford said.
The USDA is projecting large increases in imports of horticultural products over the next 10 years, including fruits, vegetables.
Ga. Dept. of Ag teams honored & GDA continues to fight Yellow Legged Hornets
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper discussed what the Georgia Department of Agriculture is working on these days
“Our meat inspection team, our food safety team, our dairy team and our lab team have all passed their audits with flying colors,” Harper said. “Matter of fact, our meat inspection team has been asked by USDA to help with some other states and their meat inspection programs, to help them make sure they're doing things right.”
Harper said the GDA does more than 125,000 inspections every year and issues over 78,000 licenses annually. The GDA has 20 different divisions, Harper explained, that oversee everything -continued on next page
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from grocery store food to gas pumps and everywhere in between.
Harper said the GDA has installed more than 1,100 traps in Coastal Georgia counties to catch Yellow Legged Hornets. GDA employees have done about 9,000 trap inspections since eradication efforts began this time last year.
GDA has established a Facebook group: Georgia Hornet Watch to help educate Georgians www.gfb.ag/gdagahornetwatch.
Beekeepers across Georgia can make simple traps to watch for the YLH using plastic juice containers and other common items. The GDA has an instructional video on making a trap at agr.georgia.gov/Yellow-Legged-hornet, along with the latest updates and information.
Residents who see a suspected YLH nest are encouraged to take a photo and report it using an online form at a link located at the bottom of the aforementioned YLH webpage or email yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
If you remove a YLH nest, it's crucial to ensure the queen has been eliminated to prevent her from establishing another nest. If unsure about removing a nest, contact GDA.
EPD Director Cown discusses new positions
Georgia Environmental Protection Division Director Jeff Cown introduced himself to Georgia's ag community. Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Cown to the position last year.
Cown thanked the Georgia General Assembly for funding five new positions for the EPD that will be dedicated to working with farmers who requested well permits.
“We have to know where your wells and pivots are because data drives decisions. These positions will also help with addressing backlogged well applications and permits,” Cown said. “These positions will help us be more hands-on in working with farmers out in the field rather than just sending you an email or a letter.”
Working to preserve farmland
Katherine Moore, president of the Georgia Conservancy, worked with a coalition of state legislators and Georgia Farm Bureau to get the Georgia Farmland Protection Act of 2023 passed.
She said that in the past 50 years Georgia has lost about 2.6 million acres of farmland.
“Some of those acres, for sure, have gone into forestry, but the vast majority of that 2.6 million acres has gone into some type of development, and that is very hard, if not impossible, to undo once it's been done,” Moore said.
She discussed analysis of land use data in Georgia from 1974 to 2021.
"The data told us that low-intensity development - residential office complexes, strip malls - not the urban centers, but the low intensity development is the main driver of land cover change across the state, and not just the big blob that you're going to see, which is Atlanta, and that is true, but also outside of all our metros, even our smaller metros across the state. Unchecked land cover change threatens our top industries, food, fiber and the outdoor economy."
Moore praised Rep. Dickey and Sen. Goodman for being instrumental in passing the Georgia Farmland Protection Program and helping secure initial funding.
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Continued from previous page regulations and puts that out in the public sphere, for willing farming property owners in the face of development, it offers the opportunity to sell the development rights on whatever acres of farming land, the landowner may determine they want to preserve,” Moore said. “It gets a check in that farming landowner's hand because they've sold something that has a value. They sold certain development rights on a certain amount of acres. This is all in discussion. It's not a silver bullet, but it is a competitive alternative to the developer who wants to put the 500-home subdivision, or, a Quik Trip. It's a tool we did not have in our toolbox.”
Moore said about 28 other states have similar farmland protection programs.
NET FARM INCOME EXPECTED TO DROP AGAIN IN 2024
USDA’s September 2024 farm income forecast projects this to be yet another challenging year for American farmers, who are expected to lose nearly a quarter of their income in two years. Net farm income, a key measure of profitability, is forecast at $140 billion for 2024, marking a $6.5 billion decline (4.4%) from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. Inflationadjusted figures indicate even greater financial strain, with net farm income expected to fall by $10.2 billion (6.8%) from the previous year.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and the House Agriculture Committee Republicans both said the forecast declines in farm income should add urgency to the need for a new, updated farm bill.
“I’d like to ask, how many people, how many households, could withstand losing a quarter of their income in two years? It isn’t just an economic hiccup for our farms, it’s evidence of an agricultural downturn. I’ve heard from all our farmers and ranchers across the country that they are struggling. The latest census showed that we lost more than 140,000 farms in the last five years,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “We need Congress to do their job, put politics aside as they have in the past, and get the work done. We need a new modernized farm bill.”
From the AFBF’s Sept. 5 Market Intel:
The September report revised forecasts made in February, adjusting the original estimate from $116 billion to $140 billion. This upward revision, which places net farm income above the 20year average (2004–2023), reflects a smaller decline than initially expected. The February estimate had forecast a steep 25.5% drop from 2023, but the updated projection now shows a more moderate 4.4% decrease. USDA also revised net farm income for 2023 down from $155.9 billion to $146.5 billion, which made the decline in 2024 look less extreme. This shift in estimates is largely attributed to a stronger-than-expected performance in the livestock sector and an expected slight decline in total production expenses.
Despite these improvements, however, broader economic pressures persist. Record costs for labor, interest, and taxes, along with reduced government support, continue to present significant challenges for U.S. farmers, who remain financially vulnerable as they head into another difficult year. The unexpected upward revision would appear to offer some relief, but it may understate the economic hurdles farmers – especially crop farmers – are facing in 2024.
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Cash Receipts: Crops Hit Hard
Cash receipts from crop sales are expected to suffer a significant blow in 2024, with a forecasted year-over-year decline of $27.7 billion (10%) to $249 billion. This projected drop is far more severe than the USDA’s original February forecast, which anticipated a $16.7 billion (6%) decrease. Corn receipts are forecast to plummet by $16 billion (20%), largely driven by price declines that will more than offset the increase in quantities sold. This represents a sharp downward revision from February’s forecast, which had already projected an $11.3 billion drop in farm sales of corn.
Soybean receipts are also expected to decline steeply, falling by $8.6 billion (14.6%), a much larger drop than the $6 billion (10%) drop initially forecast in February. Other major crops like wheat, cotton, and hay will also experience lower receipts, with cotton expected to fall by $1.7 billion (23.6%) and wheat by $1.6 billion (12.3%).
This sharp downturn in crop cash receipts,has been alarming to farmers who have been battling fluctuating commodity prices and rising input costs. The revised 2024 forecast suggests an exceptionally tough year ahead for these producers. The anticipated drop in receipts for grains and oilseeds is largely a result of a global surplus and weaker market prices, offering little relief for growers.
On the bright side, vegetable and melon receipts are expected to rise by $2.5 billion (9.8%) and rice receipts to bump up $250 million (7%), providing a small but positive spot in a sector whose overall outlook remains negative.
Livestock: Mixed Results
On the livestock side, the original February forecast projected a modest decline of $4.6 billion (1.9%) in total animal product receipts. However, the updated September report presents a far more optimistic outlook, with receipts now expected to rise by $17.8 billion (7.1%) in 2024. This significant upward revision is largely due to stronger-than-anticipated prices across key livestock sectors, particularly for cattle, dairy, and eggs. Egg receipts, originally forecast to drop by 12%, are now expected to surge by 38.7%, reflecting robust price gains linked to the impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza. USDA also reversed its earlier prediction for cattle and calves, shifting from an estimated $1.6 billion (1.6%) decline to a substantial $6.6 billion (6.5%) increase. Similarly, milk receipts, which were initially projected to fall by $900 million (2%), are now forecast to climb by $4.3 billion (9.4%), driven primarily by higher-than-expected prices.
Despite these gains, not all sectors of the livestock industry are benefiting. Turkey producers are expected to experience a severe downturn, with receipts forecast to drop by $2.7 billion (41.5%). This steep decline reflects weaker consumer demand and lower prices. Likewise, hog producers will see only modest growth, with receipts expected to rise by just $700 million (2.7%). While livestock producers will see some relief in 2024, it will not be uniform.
Government Payments: Fading Safety Nets
Direct government payments, which have provided a critical safety net for farmers in past years, are expected to decrease by $1.8 billion, or 15.1%, to $10.4 billion in 2024. This reduction is -continued on next page
Continued from previous page largely attributed to lower payments from the Dairy Margin Coverage program and diminished supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance compared to 2023. The reduction also marks the fourth consecutive year of declining support, reflecting the winding down of pandemic-era programs and the outdated nature of safety net programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage. As commodity prices remain above outdated reference price levels, these programs rarely trigger, leaving producers exposed to severe financial pressure. This mismatch between current market conditions and program triggers underscores the need for immediate reform
Production Expenses: Marginal Decline with Rising Costs
in Key Areas
Total production expenses in 2024 are now forecast to decrease slightly by $4.4 billion (1%) to $457.5 billion, compared to the February report, which initially predicted an increase of $16.7 billion (4%) for the year. While this revision may seem like a positive development, it follows years of record-high expenses, and inflation-adjusted costs remain elevated. Crucially, key cost drivers such as labor and interest expenses are expected to rise, adding continued financial pressure on farmers. In fact, farmers are paying the highest costs on record in dollar terms for labor, interest, and taxes.
Labor costs, for example, are forecast to increase by $3.4 billion (6.9%), while interest expenses are expected to rise by $1.8 billion (6.3%), driven by high interest rates and growing debt levels. Farm sector debt is projected to increase by 4.2%, or $21.8 billion, reaching $540.8 billion in 2024. This rise in debt reflects both higher borrowing needs and sustained high interest rates, further straining farmers' financial health.
These increases in critical expense areas will offset some of the relief provided by the projected declines in feed, fertilizer, and fuel expenses. Feed costs are now forecast to drop by $9.8 billion (12.3%), fertilizer by $3.5 billion (9.7%), and fuel by $1.7 billion (9.6%) a marked improvement from the February report, which anticipated smaller reductions in these categories, although the livestock producer’s feed cost savings is the crop farmer’s revenue loss.
Despite the overall decline in total expenses, the rise in labor and interest costs means that farmers will continue to face a tight financial situation in 2024 and beyond. The upward pressure from these persistent costs will strain margins, leaving little room for error as producers navigate a challenging year ahead. The revised estimates provide a mixed picture, where certain cost reductions offer some relief, but the economic reality of record-high labor, interest and tax burdens remains a significant concern.
Conclusion: A Tough Road Ahead
USDA’s 2024 farm income forecast paints a grim picture for American agriculture. Net farm income is set to decline nearly 25% in two years, with substantial losses in crop receipts and continued pressure from rising costs. While livestock producers may see modest gains, the outlook for many crop farmers is increasingly uncertain, with global supply and demand imbalances weighing heavily on prices. The reduced government support, combined with elevated production expenses, leaves many farmers in a precarious financial position.
Notably, in 2022, a record year for net farm income, 57% of farm operations reported a financial -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page loss, according to the Census of Agriculture. This disparity highlights the disconnect between national income averages and the individual financial reality many farmers face. The fact that the majority of farms experienced losses in such a high-income year underscores the fragility of the farm economy, even when the sector as a whole appears strong. Without targeted policy changes, such as an updated safety net in a farm bill, farmers will struggle even more in the face of declining income and rising debt.
OSSOFF JOINS BILL TO EXPAND CROP INSURANCE FOR NEW FARAMERS
On Sept. 4, Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) launched a push to pass S.2458, the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023, legislation he co-sponsored to strengthen access to crop insurance and to lower premiums for beginning farmers.
The bipartisan bill, originally sponsored by Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), would extend beginning farmers’ eligibility for federally subsidized insurance through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) from the first 5 years of operating a farm or ranch to the first 10 years. The bill would also increase premium subsidies in the first 5 years of operation, making it easier for young farmers to grow their businesses.
“Georgia’s family farms are essential to America’s food security. Georgia needs more young farmers to sustain and grow Georgia agriculture. That’s why I’m working to unite Republicans and Democrats behind this bipartisan bill that would strengthen insurance options for new farmers,” Ossoff said.
According to a February report by the USDA, there are 23,085 Georgia farmers with 10 or fewer years of experience.
Click here to read the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023.
SOUTHERN PINE BEETLES ACTIVE ACROSS MULTIPLE GEORGIA COUNTIES
By Jay Stone
The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is surveying the state for indications of southern pine beetle (SPB) activity. The insects, which attack and kill all species of loblolly pine trees, have been observed in several counties in west-central Georgia.
According to GFC Forest Health Coordinator Paul McDaniel, the agency had conducted its aerial surveys approximately 80% of the state as of Sept. 10. Overall, the surveys have revealed 1,596 infestations. The heaviest concentrations were in Bartow, Carroll, Paulding and Coweta counties, each with more than 100 affected areas. Cherokee, Polk, Haralson, Douglas and Heard counties each had more than 50 observed areas with beetle infestations.
Traps hung in 50 locations statewide this spring indicated five counties in Georgia’s Piedmont area have a high probability of SPB including Greene, Jasper, Jones, and Oglethorpe counties with Putnam County having the greatest possibility of SPB spots, GFC Forest Health specialists reported in May. There has been SPB activity in those counties, including 29 infestations in Jasper -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page County and 34 in Jones County.
“As the aerial survey data is coming in our foresters are hard at work conducting ground checks to verify the cause, and then we’ll notify the affected landowner by mail,” McDaniel said.
According to information published on the GFC website, the southern pine beetle lays its eggs beneath the bark of pine trees and destroy conductive tissue that transport food throughout the tree. The beetles also carry blue stain fungi on their bodies, and the fungi can clog the tree’s conductive tissue.
McDaniel said loblolly pines, which include a number of pine varieties, are the southern pine beetle’s preferred host trees.
“Loblolly is our, one of our most common timber species in the southeast and southern pine beetle is the is the most destructive native forest pests that we have in the southeast,” McDaniel said.
As the beetles bore into the tree, the tree’s natural defense is to expel them by pushing out sap in pitch tubes (whitened lumps of sap) protruding from the outside bark.
Needles on trees infested with the beetles change in color and generally follow a chronological progression, from brown (trees that have been killed by the beetles), followed by red, yellow, light green and then healthy green.
The beetles’ progression can be stopped by cutting down trees around the perimeter of the infested area in such a way that the trees fall toward the center of the infested area. Then a ring of healthy trees around the infested area are cut in the same way, creating a buffer zone between infested and healthy trees.
According to the GFC, southern pine beetles have killed more than $254 million worth of pine trees in Georgia since 1972. Pine trees are particularly vulnerable when they are stressed by weather conditions, including drought, flooding, storm damage and lightning strikes, as well as road building or logging activities.
Prevention strategies include non-commercial thinning, eliminating competing tree species and prescribed burns.
The GFC, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, participates in the Southern Pine Beetle Prediction Trapping and Aerial Survey, as well as well as the restoration cost share program. The trapping program includes deployment of pheromone traps across the state, while the cost share program is available to landowners who want to reduce their risk of infestation or need help with restoration of trees killed by the beetles.
For more information about the southern pine beetle, visit https://gatrees.org/southern-pinebeetles/. Reach out to your local forester with questions or to get help identifying SPB activity here: https://gatrees.org/gfc-contacts/county-contacts/.
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UGA STUDY FOCUSES ON BOOSTING GEORGIA PEANUT OIL PRODUCTION
By Maria M. Lameiras, UGA
A new study by experts in the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is seeking to increase the value of Georgia’s peanut crops for new markets while reducing losses caused by aflatoxin, a consistent threat to the No. 1 peanut-producing state in the United States.
The four-year, $490,000 grant will take a systems-based approach toward developing high-oil peanut varieties bred to withstand the unique climate and pest pressures of the Southeast. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, researchers will determine at what point in the growing cycle peanuts are at their highest oil content to identify the best harvest time, develop management practices to help increase oil production, and examine the profitability of oil production under variables including drought, disease and market demand.
Assistant Research Scientist Nino Brown, a team of colleagues in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences including Cristiane Pilon, Scott Monfort and Scott Tubbs, and senior public service associate Amanda Smith in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics will collaborate on research designed to give peanut producers expanded production options beyond the edible peanut market.
Combating the threat of aflatoxin
The study's goal is to assess the potential for Southeastern peanut growers to participate in the global peanut oil market, including the harvest of aflatoxin-contaminated edible peanut crops and the intentional planting and management of high-oil varieties bred to perform in the Southeast.
The domestic peanut oil market is currently small. Most peanut oil used in the U.S. is imported from countries including China, Africa, South America and India. While most of the peanut production in the U.S. is slated for the edible market think peanut butter, roasted snacks and confectionary use a percentage of U.S. peanut production goes toward oil production if a harvested load or field exceeds the aflatoxin threshold for the edible market.
In 2019, aflatoxin a poisonous substance produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus was responsible for an industry-wide yield loss of 24% in Georgia. In 2021, Georgia farmers produced approximately 52% of the peanuts produced in the country, harvesting more than 3.3 billion pounds of peanuts.
“Our peanuts are primarily for the edible market, which is of higher value, but if a trailer or semi-load of peanuts comes in from the field and aflatoxins are above a certain level, they are sent for oil crushing,” said Brown, adding that aflatoxin is removed during the oil extraction process.
Expanding oil markets
While peanut oil is currently considered a backup market for peanut producers in the U.S., there is a large global market for the product.
“Most peanuts grown internationally are grown for oil, about 60% percent,” Brown said. “Domestically, we pay a premium for peanut cooking oil, which garners one of the highest per gallon prices for vegetable oils, yet we are importing it. It doesn’t make sense. There is a really -continued on next page
Field Notes page 13 of 23
Continued from previous page big market for peanut oil that U.S. producers are currently not taking advantage of. The market for edible peanuts seems like it has reached a limit it might be as high as consumption is going to go.”
Breeders can easily develop high-oleic varieties, which have a longer shelf life and are better for cooking. However, lower oleic acid varieties seem to be better for producing biofuels, Brown added.
“Peanut oil makes a very good biofuel. With the airline and auto industries trying to decrease fossil fuel consumption, peanut oil would be a great way to offset that. We can likely produce 200 to 300 gallons of oil per acre,” he said.
Because edible peanut demand and prices appear to have leveled off, evaluating the potential use of peanuts for oil production is one way to ensure the sustainability of the peanut industry in Georgia. They will do that by maximizing oil production, finding better production strategies for dryland peanuts, and focusing on breeding to increase the oil percentage in new peanut varieties.
Brown explained that although growers can produce a lot of oil using current edible varieties, they need varieties specific to oil production to capitalize on the oil market. “That way we can play both sides of the game, and edible peanuts that are discarded due to aflatoxin can still be used for oil, but we will also have varieties specifically for oil production,” he added. These varieties could be planted on land that has a history of high levels of aflatoxin or limited ability for irrigation.
Boosting peanut value
The impetus for this project has largely been grower-driven.
“The Georgia Peanut Commission and the National Peanut Board have been asking us to start working on this to give our growers more options,” Brown added. “If we know a variety or a field is not going to be used for edible production, we can change some inputs and management practices to gear it more toward lower input costs. Production costs have gotten out of control and the price of peanuts has not tracked with production costs. Prices are flat. By diverting some of those acres to oil production, it may increase the demand and price for edible peanuts.”
As climate risks such as more frequent and severe droughts become more prevalent, developing varieties for oil production that are suited to the region could be a boon for producers.
“In 2019, about 30% of all edible peanuts were rejected due to aflatoxin, a loss of about $126 million,” Brown said. “This research will help us to be prepared for those situations in the future and to protect our growers against drought and aflatoxin to produce more oil per acre and contribute to the biofuel economy. It is a multi-pronged approach to address a multi-faceted problem.”
To learn more about CAES research and the communities it benefits, visit caes.uga.edu/research.
Field Notes page 14 of 23
GEORGIA STUDENTS INVITED TO TAKE FALL STEM CHALLENGE
Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are invited to enter the Fall 2024 STEM Challenge, “Turning Trash into Treasure,” to put their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to work. Special education classes, homeschool groups, and community or afterschool groups with third through fifth-grade students are also encouraged to participate.
Elementary classes taking part in this challenge will explore the process of composting and learn how it helps reduce food waste. Students will create their own compost bins and observe the breakdown of organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. As part of the challenge, students will document their observations in journals, noting the changes in the compost and the environmental benefits of the process.
Teachers, homeschool parents, or after-school group leaders interested in participating in the "Turning Trash into Treasure" challenge may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program by Oct. 1.
Once registered, teachers will receive instant access to a digital resource toolkit to equip their classes for participation in the STEM challenge. The top winner from the third, fourth, and fifthgrade entries will win a prize package totaling $350 for their class.
Each participating class will be asked to answer the question: "Why is composting important, and how do brown and green materials break down differently?"
The STEM challenge asks participating classes to complete the provided lesson plan and activities, then create a video presentation no longer than five minutes that demonstrates what students have learned about composting. Class presentations must be uploaded to YouTube for judging by Nov 22.
"We developed this STEM challenge to help students understand how composting reduces food waste and enriches soil," said GFA Educational Programs Assistant Phoebe Beard. "By observing how different materials break down in compost bins, students get a hands-on lesson in sustainability."
The purpose of the challenge is to encourage elementary teachers and students in grades 3-5 to apply their STEM skills to real-world issues in food production and environmental sustainability while having fun learning
The statewide competition, sponsored by the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), is part of the GFA's Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom outreach program. After being previously offered as a year-long challenge, it’s now back in a biannual format.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 23
31st ANNUAL FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
Sept. 13 & 14 Flat Creek Arena, 1516 Diamond Lane Royston
This annual rodeo is sanctioned by the Southern Rodeo Association & the National Cowboy Pro Rodeo Association. Hart’s Farm hosts the event. Action begins at 8 p.m. each night. Advance tickets are $18 for ages 13 & older 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, Bar-H BBQ, and Owen’s Farm Supply. Tickets at the gate are $20 for adults and $10 for children 6-12. For more information, call 706-498-2771. Anyone who would like to compete in the rodeo may call 337-427-6336 on Sept. 9 between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time or complete an online entry the same day and time period at www.rodeosportsnetwork.com.
GFB WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT
Sept. 15 deadline for early registration fee of $75
Oct. 15 final registration deadline
Nov. 11&12 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. Keynote speaker is Kiah Twisselman Burchett, a California rancher, life coach and motivational speaker. A tour of the Savannah Port is being offered for $15/person on Nov. 11 before the conference begins. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit. Early registration by Sept. 15 is $75 per attendee. Final registration by Oct. 15 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. For more information about the conference, please contact your county Farm Bureau office, or Breanna Berry at bcberry@gfb.org.
GEORGIA MILK PRODUCERS/THE DAIRY ALLIANCE DISTRICT MEETINGS
Sept. 16 7 p.m. Bonners Restaurant Buckhead/Morgan Co.
Sept. 19 12 p.m.
Sept. 23 7 p.m.
Sass!
Thomasville
Burke Co Ext. Office Waynesboro
Sept. 24 12 p.m. Hillcrest Farms
Sept. 30 7 p.m.
Dearing
Doodlum’s BBQ Woodbury
Georgia dairy farmers and their families are invited to attend their local fall district meeting hosted by Georgia Milk Producers and The Dairy Alliance. Join GMP & TDA for dinner or lunch as the organizations provide updates from the two groups, vote on district officers, and enjoy time together as an industry. RSVP to Bryce Trotter at bryce@gamilk.org.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 23
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE PICNIC ON THE FARM
Sept. 14
Georgia Museum of Agriculture
1 p.m.-4 p.m. Tifton
Take a step back in time with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture at ABAC's Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton for its 2024 Picnic on the Farm. Each year this unique “pop-up” picnic event explores Georgia agriculture throughout the state at a different location. This year, the foundation is celebrating Georgia's agricultural history at the GMA! The picnic will feature Southern Fixins’ picnic baskets, an immersive art experience, live history actors, historical crafts demos, live music by Megan Fowler, family friendly activities, tours of the Historic Ag Village, a cash bar and Plein Air painters. Tickets are $50 for students ages 21 and under, $75 general admission and $150 for VIP admission. For nmore informatioon, click here
UGA HARDWOOD MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Sept. 17-18
Flinchum’s Phoenix, 650 Phoenix Rd. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Athens
This workshop will include a field tour at UGA's Whitehall Forest. The course will offer 10.5 hours of Continuing Forestry Education credits (Category 1), 10 hours of GA Master Timber Harvester Logger Education credits (category B), 2 hours Category 23 GA pesticide applicator credits, 1 hour category 10 pesticide applicator credits, and 10 hours Georgia Association of Realtors credits. The course will cost $280 for early registration and $330 for late registration after Sept. 3. Lunch is included both days and participants will receive copies of the presentations. For more information or to register, click here.
36TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR
Sept. 17-19
Various locations
Americus
The tour offers the latest information on peanuts while giving a firsthand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut-producing counties in South Georgia. Attendees can expect to see nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour includes many exciting stops including on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, as well as research at the University of Georgia Southwest Georgia Research and Education Center and the USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Lab. For specific tour info or details, contact David West at 229-386-3475. Registration is $150. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more info. To register, click here.
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 23
INMAN FARMS HERITAGE DAYS
Sept. 20-22 Minter’s Farm, 283 Hills Bridge Rd. Fayetteville
Mark your calendars for the 27th annual Inman Farm Heritage Days! Inman Farm Heritage Days truly is a community event. Minter’s Farm provides the grounds, but it takes hundreds of people to make the show happen. For three days in the fall, this event serves as a reminder of a simpler time and pay tribute to those who for generations worked the fields and maintained the farm way of life. Admission is free, and patrons can help offset the cost by purchasing programs, t-shirts and other items for sale. Exhibiting tractors, engines, trucks, cars and other farm items is also free. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Stephanie Adamek at stephanie@mintersfarm.com or 770-296-8360. For non-food vendors, the charge is $25/day or $50 for the weekend; for food vendors: snack food vendors are $50/day or $100 for the weekend and major food vendors are $100 per day. Prior approval of vendors is required. We’ll open the gates at 9 a.m. on Sept. 20 and 21 and run until about 6 p.m. Hours on Sept. 22 are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, call 770-461-2840. Also, look for updates on the Minter’s Farm Facebook page!
NEWTON COUNTY RODEO
Sept. 20-21 T.M. “Mort” Ewing Newton County Ag Center
Covington
The Newton County Rodeo will feature bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, breakaway roping and bull riding. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold per night. Interested persons should recommend purchasing tickets online in case it sells out. Parking will be in a grass field. There will be signs and volunteers directing drivers to park. A limited amount of handicap parking is available. Be aware that areas around the arena are uneven. Patrons can also take advantage of the Behind the Chutes Tour, which begins at 6:30 p.m. and features an inside look at the daily life of the animal and human athletes competing in the rodeo. The Newton County Ag Center is located at 120 FFA FHA Camp Road in Covington. For more information, visit www.newtoncountyrodeo.com.
2024 TRI-STATE PEANUT DISEASE TOUR
Sept. 24-26 AL, GA, FLA
The 2024 Tri-State Peanut Disease Tour will be held Sept 24-26, beginning in Headland, Alabama on Sept. 24, moving into Florida on Sept. 25 and finishing in Tifton on Sept. 26. Lunch will be provided at the UGA Black Shank Pavilion on Sept. 26. There is no registration for the tour, but RSVP is requested for lunch on Sept 26. Specific times and maps are TBA. For more information, contact Albert Culbreath at spotwilt@uga.edu
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 23
POND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
Sept. 24 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Johnson Angus Farm Jefferson
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and the Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to present a free informational workshop for managing pond health and care for anyone who wants to learn more about ponds and how to care for them. Topics covered will include fish health, weed control, pond designs, and healthy fish management. In addition, information on farm programs will be presented. Partnering agencies for this event include UGA Extension and USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Lunch will be served. Event is free, but pre-registration is required online at www.gacd.us/events. The registration deadline is Sept. 15. Johnson Angus Farm is located at 2738 Cedar Grove Church Road, Jefferson, GA 30549.
NASS PECAN SURVEY FOR 2024 CROP FORECAST
Sept. 29 deadline to respond by mail or online
During the week of September 23, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2024. As an alternative to mailing the survey back, and to help save both time and money, growers will have the option to respond to the survey securely online via the Respondent Portal at www.agcounts.usda.gov. Growers who have not responded by September 29 will be contacted for a telephone or in person interview by a NASS representative. NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified. Survey results will be published in the Crop Production report, to be released on October 11. This and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS Southern Regional Field Office at (800) 253-4419.
Field Notes page 19 of 23
GEORGIA VET LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
Sept. 30 Deadline to apply for 2025 cycle
The Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP) is open for applications for the 2025 cycle. through September 30th, 2024. Financial relief is available to veterinarians through the GVELRP, provided they commit to delivering veterinary services for a minimum of 20 hours per week, over at least one year, in designated rural counties facing shortages in food animal care across the state. Applicants must practice or intend to practice in Board-approved rural counties with populations of 35,000 or less to be considered for an award. A map of eligible rural counties can be found here. To qualify for this program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful presence in the U.S., live in Georgia, be a practicing veterinarian or a veterinary student in the final year of study. This year, participants can receive awards of up to $20,000 per twelvemonth service period. Preference will be given to previous participants in GVELRP, provided they continue to demonstrate their commitment to practicing food animal veterinary medicine in the area of need they serve. Each participant must reapply after completing their initial contract, with a maximum total assistance cap of $80,000 per participant. Payment will be applied by the Georgia Student Finance Commission directly to the applicant's designated student loans. For detailed program information and to apply, please visit https://agr.georgia.gov/vet-education-loanrepayment-program Inquiries about the program can be made to: statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov or by calling GDA’s Policy office at 404-656-3656.
BARLEY, CANOLA, OATS AND WHEAT CROP INSURANCE
Sept. 30 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia barley, canola, oats, and wheat growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 crop year is September 30. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the September 30 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for barley in Crisp, Jefferson, Pike, and Walton counties. Coverage is available for canola in Bartow, Calhoun, Chattooga, Cherokee, Floyd, Franklin, Gordon, Hart, Murray, Peach, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Coverage is also available for oats and wheat in select counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2025 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GFB Field Notes page 20 of 23
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Oct. 5
Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
This show is open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
CHEROKEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
Oct. 18
Trinity Presbyterian Church Canton
Cherokee County Farm Bureau invites farmers in the surrounding counties to attend its annual Legislative Breakfast to hear updates from state elected officials & GFB Public Policy staff. Please RSVP by Sept. 27 to Denise Forward at 770-479-1481. A light breakfast will be served. Event address is 136 Trinity Church Rd., Canton, 30115.
Field Notes page 21 of 23
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HAY CONTEST
Oct. 31 deadline for entries
Georgia Farm Bureau members who grow any variety of dry Bermudagrass hay have until Oct. 31 to enter the organization’s 33rd Annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer mower-conditioner for one year. The winner will have the option to buy the equipment at a reduced price at the end of that year. This is the 26th year that Vermeer has sponsored GFB’s hay contest. Hay entered in the 2024 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 hay. Additional prizes will be awarded to the top five producers. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Entry forms and complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. You may also contact the GFB Public Policy Department at 1-800-342-1192 if you have any questions about the contest. Important rules to note include: Only hay grown in Georgia by a GFB member is eligible; hay samples must be taken from fields with a minimum maturity or regrowth of at least 25 days to ensure fair competition; hay must have been dried in the field and should not be artificially dried by fans or forced air in a barn; forage samples must be collected with a hay probe. Any samples with moisture above 18% or nitrates above 4500ppm will be disqualified. There is a $25 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. Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the 2024/25 online GFB Hay Directory available at https://www.gfb.org/join/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. If you aren’t a Farm Bureau member, you may join at the county Farm Bureau office of your choice or at https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today .Previous first place winners are not eligible to win any prize category for a period of five years from the year they won the contest. A previous first place winner may enter his/her hay sample for the purpose of having it officially graded. Any producer submitting more than one sample can only place in the Top 5 with one sample – their highest scored sample – but will receive analysis for all submitted samples.
Field Notes page 22 of 23
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, please visit the project website.
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES
Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207.More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2023 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER 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.
GFB Field Notes page 23 of 23
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
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.