Photo by Leighton Cooley, honorable mention in 2020 GFB Photo Contest
September 15, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 19
GFB AMONG AG GROUPS URGING RETENTION OF KEY TAX POLICIES Georgia Farm Bureau signed onto a letter to congressional leaders urging them to leave important tax policies in place as they draft legislation implementing President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda. The letter addresses four key tax provisions that make it possible for farmers and ranchers to survive and pass their businesses on to the next generation: estate taxes, steppedup basis, 199A small business deduction and like-kind exchanges. “The policies Congress enacts now will determine agricultural producers’ ability to secure affordable land to start or expand their operations,” the letter states. “Regardless of whether a business has already been passed down through multiple generations or is just starting out, the key to their longevity is a continued ability to transition when a family member or business partner dies. For this reason, we firmly believe the current federal estate tax code provisions must be maintained.” These tools are as crucial as ever as the number of farmers and ranchers 65 and older outnumber those 35 and under by a four-to-one margin. More than 370 million acres are expected to change hands in the next two decades. “As the economic backbone of nearly every county and rural community across the U.S., the importance of American agriculture and related industries cannot be overlooked,” the letter continues. “Farmers, ranchers, and family-owned agribusiness operators are responsible for producing the safe, affordable, and abundant food, fiber, and fuel supplies Americans enjoy every day. As the stewards of nearly 900 million acres of crop and rangeland, farmers and ranchers play an important role in terms of natural resource and land conservation. For agricultural producers, carrying on the legacy of our predecessors and setting the next generation up for success is critically important.” The American Farm Bureau Federation, 45 other state Farm Bureaus and 280 organizations representing family-owned agribusinesses, signed onto the letter. (https://www.fb.org/files/Tax_Aggie_Letter_RE_Budget_Reconciliation_9.8.21_.pdf) In addition to GFB, other Georgia ag organizations that signed the letter include the: Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Corn Growers Association, Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Milk Producers, Inc., and the Georgia/Florida Soybean Association.
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GFB Field Notes page 2 of 13 Continued from previous page In a separate letter, AFBF President Zippy Duvall expressed to House and Senate leaders concerns about the overall price tag, proposed tax increases and limited opportunity for stakeholders to engage with lawmakers. Duvall pointed out proposed changes to the treatment of capital gains (capital gains imposed at death, capital gains treated as normal income, raising the top rate to 39.6%, etc.), the elimination of the 199A small business deduction for which 98% of farms and ranches are eligible, the proposal to cap deferral of gains from 1031 like-kind exchanges, or imposing a methane tax or a carbon border adjustment tax. “Despite all claims to the contrary, these tax increases will have a disproportionate impact on American family farms, stifle economic growth and rural prosperity and could lead to further consolidation across the agricultural sector putting multi-generational family farms in jeopardy,” Duvall wrote. To read the AFBF letter in its entirety, click here. (https://www.fb.org/files/AFBF_Reconciliation_Letter_to_Congress.pdf) AFBF RECOMMENDS “NAVIGABLE” BE KEPT IN WOTUS RULE On Sept. 3, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) submitted recommendations on the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The comments were filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers. In June 2021, the EPA announced its intent to revise the definition of WOTUS and solicited pre-proposal recommendations. In its recommendations, AFBF expresses disappointment in EPA’s decision to replace the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and explains why the rule should be left in place: • To correct the fatal flaws in the 2015 WOTUS Rule, the agencies carefully struck ‘a reasonable and appropriate balance between federal and state waters’ that is ‘intended to ensure that the agencies operate within the scope of the federal government’s authority over navigable waters.’ The NWPR also brought an end to all of the uncertainty created by the agencies’ aggressive assertions of jurisdiction under prior definitions by including ‘categorical bright lines’ to improve clarity and predictability; • The agencies can ensure clean water for all Americans through a blend of the Clean Water Act’s (CWA) regulatory and non-regulatory approaches, just as Congress intended. It is unnecessary (and unlawful) to define non-navigable, intrastate, mostly dry features that are far removed from navigable waters as ‘waters of the United States’ to try to achieve the Act’s objective. AFBF’s recommendations to EPA and the Corps include ensuring that any new regulations: • Adhere to Supreme Court precedents; • Use Congress’ CWA policy as a guidepost in rulemaking; • Define WOTUS in clear terms that are easy to apply in the field; • Limit jurisdiction over non-navigable tributaries; • Limit jurisdiction of wetlands to those that abut other WOTUS; and • Exclude prior converted cropland. In April, EPA Administrator Michael Regan told Congress he does not intend to go back to the
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GFB Field Notes page 3 of 13 Continued from previous page 2015 definition of WOTUS. He said during a House Appropriations Subcommittee budget hearing, “We don’t have any intention of going back to the original Obama Waters of the U.S. verbatim.” Regan also committed to a rule “that is not overly burdensome.” Any attempt to regulate typically dry low spots on farmland and pastures as jurisdictional “waters” would undeniably constitute overly burdensome regulation. As explained in AFBF’s recommendations, it would mean any activity on those lands that moves dirt could be subject to regulation. Everyday activities such as plowing, planting or fence building could trigger harsh civil or even criminal penalties unless a permit is obtained. Federal permitting would require tens of thousands of dollars in additional costs, which is beyond the means of many farm and ranch families, and can take years to obtain. CLAY TALTON PROMOTED TO GFB DIRECTOR OF FIELD SERVICES Clay Talton has been named Georgia Farm Bureau Director of Field Services. A native of Houston County, Talton graduated from the University of Georgia in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in animal and dairy science with a minor in agribusiness, and he earned his master’s degree in animal science in 2006. “Clay is energetic, has broad knowledge of agriculture and is committed to the mission of Georgia Farm Bureau,” GFB President Tom McCall said. Talton worked as a UGA Cooperative Extension Agent prior to his work with GFB, which began in 2014 when he was hired as GFB’s District 2 federation manager. He became assistant director of Field Services in 2017. Clay and his wife, Brittany, live in Monroe County with their three children, Lola (age 14), Cohen (10) and Nora (4). Talton succeeds Dennis Black, who retired on Sept. 3 after working 25 years with GFB. GFA AUCTION OFFERS GREAT ITEMS; BID TO SUPPORT AG LITERACY! Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) by participating in the GFA Fall Online Auction. Register at www.gafoundationag.org/auction by Sept. 26 to receive auction alerts. The auction site will go live Sept. 27 and bids on auction items will be accepted from 8 a.m. Monday, Sept. 27 until 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8. This year’s auction will feature great items such as: football tickets and signed footballs for multiple teams, tech gadgets, a grill, home décor, tickets for multiple family activities and much more. Raffle tickets to win 50 fresh or frozen chicken halves donated by Harrison Poultry are also being sold for $5 per ticket, five tickets for $20 or 10 tickets for $45. The online auction is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the GFA. All auction proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation of Agriculture programs including: Georgia Ag Experience mobile ag classroom; scholarships for students pursuing ag careers; ag teacher workshops; mental health research for farmers and more. The foundation’s goal for the auction is to raise at least $15,000. GFA is a 501(c3) nonprofit registered charity dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for success in Georgia agriculture. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other
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GFB Field Notes page 4 of 13 Continued from previous page Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Lily Baucom at lrbaucom@gfb.org or 478.405.3461 or Jennifer Farmer at jmfarmer@gafoundationag.org or 478.405.3463. NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK IS SEPT. 19-25 The 2019 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities that year, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council. Each day during National Farm Safety & Health Week, AgriSafe will host two FREE webinars related to the daily topic of focus. A free AgriSafe account is required to access the webinars. Google Chrome is the recommended browser. The webinar schedule: Sept. 20 1 p.m. - What’s New in Tractor and Agricultural Vehicle Safety 3 p.m. - Rural Road Safety: A Shared Responsibility Sept. 21 1 p.m. - A Look at Stress and Mental Health During COVID-19 and the Impacts on Farmers and Other Sectors – Continuing Education in multiple disciplines available! 3 p.m. - Food in the Field Sept. 22 1 p.m. - Developing and Implementing a Pilot Agricultural Community Suicide Prevention Program for Farmers and Farm Families 3 p.m. - Pediatric Farm-Related Injuries: Safeguarding Children Who Visit or Live on Farms Sept. 23 1 p.m. - Anhydrous Ammonia Safety for Farmworkers 3 p.m. - Best Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Protect Your Lungs Sept. 24 1 p.m. - Stepping Boldly into Tough Conversations – Continuing Education in multiple disciplines available! 3 p.m. - Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive The Grain Handling Safety Coalition (GHSC) will also host daily webinars on harvest safety, moderated by Barb Grove, Grain Elevator & Processing Society (GEAPS) international president. To register, click here. (https://gfb.ag/21grainsafetywebinars)
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GFB Field Notes page 5 of 13 Continued from previous page The harvest safety webinar schedule: Sept. 20, 11 a.m. - Get Ready for Harvest - Machine Guarding & LOTO This refresher on machine guarding basics will help ensure your equipment is ready for harvest activities and properly guarded. It will also discuss Lock Out/Tag Out and its importance when working around equipment including the equipment used to harvest and move grain. Sept. 21, 11 a.m. - Personal Safety During Harvest When the last line or ONLY line of defense is a person's actions or personal protective equipment (PPE) what should they know? This interactive presentation will demonstrate and discuss some of these situations including recent innovations in PPE, from head to toe, and describe how each innovation breaks down a barrier for the use and usability of PPE. Sept. 22, 11 a.m. - Grain Handling Hazards - Protecting Young & Inexperienced Workers & Those They Learn From Does the risk of injury/fatality while performing grain handling tasks differ between young and/or inexperienced workers and those who teach them? This session discusses findings regarding grain handling risks and focuses on the types of hazards posed to workers. Sept. 23, 11 a.m. - Agricultural Confined Spaces Farms and commercial grain facilities have a variety of confined spaces where essential work tasks are performed. If not correctly identified, these spaces can be especially perilous to workers unfamiliar with the hazards they pose. Join Dr. Aaron Yoder as he discusses what to look for and what safety practices are a "must" to protect yourself and others at the worksite. Sept. 24, 11 a.m. - Protect Your Investment - Storing Grain for Quality and Safety Storing quality grain begins before it comes out of the field. From harvesting equipment, storage structures, grain drying and aeration, this session discusses techniques and tips that improve storage quality, reduce future safety risks, and protect your profits. USDA ESTABLISHES $700 MILLION IN COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAMS On Sept. 9, the USDA announced it will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for new grant programs - the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant program - to support agricultural stakeholders who haven’t yet received substantial federal financial assistance in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. According to a USDA press release, these grant programs will provide assistance to small businesses in certain commodity areas, including small scale specialty crop producers and processors, shellfish, aquaculture and other select producers, meat and other processors, distributors, farmers markets, seafood facilities and processing vessels. The USDA released grant forecasts for these new programs to help potential applicants determine their eligibility and to prepare to apply for funding. Approximately $650 million in funding is available for the PRS grants and $50 million is available for SPRS. All of these new programs are funded by the Pandemic Assistance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. For the PRS grants, eligible entities are detailed in the Pandemic Response and Safety Grant
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GFB Field Notes page 6 of 13 Continued from previous page Program forecast. Eligible entities should visit the PRS grant portal at http://usdaprs.grantsolutions.gov for complete information on the program, including how to obtain a free of charge DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) BEFORE applying for this program. On Sept. 23, USDA will issue another announcement indicating that entities may submit their applications through the grant portal; entities will need their DUNS number to submit an application. For the Seafood PRS grants, USDA will allocate block grant funding to U.S. states and territories based on a formula that considers economic activity as demonstrated through commercial fisheries landings. Eligible entities are state agencies as detailed in the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program forecast. The state agency will then provide funds to seafood processing facilities and processing vessels. Seafood processors and processing vessels should apply directly through their state agency; seafood processors and processing vessels should not apply through PRS and should instead contact their state agency for financial assistance once USDA awards funds to states. A listing of state contacts will be made available on the USDA website. Tribal government owned eligible entities may apply directly to USDA, details of which will be developed through tribal consultation in conjunction with Office of Tribal Relations. Updated information regarding the PRS and Seafood PRS programs will be available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) website at www.ams.usda.gov. GEORGIA’S MAJOR CROPS STILL PROJECTED FOR PRODUCTION GAINS IN 2021 Georgia farmers are forecast for production increases in corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans in 2021, according to the September Crop Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Corn acreage is revised up from the previous estimate to 480,000 acres planted and 440,000 harvested for grain. Production is forecast at 75.7 million bushels, up 6% from the August forecast and up 8% from 2020. Based on conditions as of Sept. 1, yields are expected to average 172 bushels per acre. Cotton acreage is revised down from the previous estimate to 1.17 million acres planted with production forecast at 2.20 million bales, up 1% from 2020. Peanut acreage is revised down from the previous estimate to 760,000 acres planted. Production is forecast at 3.30 billion pounds, up less than 1% from a year ago. Soybean acreage is revised up from the previous estimate to 140,000 acres planted with production forecast at 5.46 million bushels, up 40% from last year. Tobacco production is forecast at 16.0 million pounds, down 13 % from the August forecast and the lowest production in Georgia since 1932. Based on conditions as of Sept. 1, yields are expected to average 2,000 pounds per acre.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 13 USDA FORECASTS RECORD AG EXPORTS IN FY 2022 U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year (FY) 2022 are projected at $177.5 billion, $4.0 billion higher than the revised forecast for the preceding year, according to a report from the USDA’s Economic Research Service published on Aug. 31. The FY 2021 export forecast of $173.5 billion represents an increase of $9.5 billion from May’s projection, mainly due to higher livestock, dairy, and poultry exports, as well as the adoption of a new definition of “Agricultural Products.” The ERS is adopting the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) definition of “Agricultural Products,” which adds ethanol, distilled spirits, and manufactured tobacco products, among others, while removing rubber and allied products from the previous USDA definition. The net effect of the definitional change on historical values is that U.S. agricultural exports under the new definition averaged $4.7 billion higher per year during FY 2018–2020 from the previous definition, and U.S. agricultural imports averaged $9.9 billion higher annually during the same period. The FY 2022 forecast value increase is primarily driven by higher export values for soybeans, cotton, and horticultural products. Soybean exports are projected to increase by $3.3 billion from FY 2021 to a record $32.3 billion on higher prices, which more than offset lower projected volumes. Cotton exports are forecast up $500 million to $6.8 billion on higher unit values. Horticultural product exports are forecast up $600 million to a record $37.7 billion, led by higher exports of tree nuts. Livestock, dairy, and poultry exports are forecast up $400 million to $36.8 billion in FY 2022, primarily due to growth in dairy and poultry products. Grain and feed exports are forecast down $1.1 billion from prior forecast levels, primarily due to lower corn export prospects. Agricultural exports to China are forecast at $39.0 billion—an increase of $2.0 billion from FY 2021—largely due to higher expected soybean prices and strong cotton and sorghum demand. Agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico are forecast at $23.8 billion and $22.3 billion, respectively. U.S. agricultural imports in FY 2022 are forecast at $159.5 billion, $2.0 billion higher than the revised FY 2021 due to higher imports of livestock and beef products, oilseeds and products, and horticulture products. FY 2021 imports are forecast at $157.5 billion, up $15.7 billion from the previous forecast, primarily resulting from the inclusion of distilled spirits and other products in the new “Agricultural Products” definition. Record-level import values in the third quarter of FY 2021 largely due to pent-up demand from the pandemic shutdowns of entertainment and service industries, which was released driving up purchases and prices of wine, beer, fruits and vegetables, and other horticultural products, at least in the short term. Effective Jan. 1, 2021, the separation of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union27 (EU27) was complete, including trade between both entities. Starting with this August 2021 release, the Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade is reporting on EU27 and the UK separately, rather than a joint EU27+UK in previous quarters.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 13 PROPOSED RULE WOULD CHANGE NPB REQUIREMENTS On Aug. 27, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a proposed rule that would change state production requirements to qualify for seats on the National Peanut Board (NPB). The NPB administers the Peanut Promotion, Research and Information Order, with oversight from the USDA. Currently, a state must produce an average 10,000 tons of peanuts to qualify for a seat on the NPB. The proposed rule would raise the threshold to a three-year average of 20,000 tons of peanuts produced. New Mexico would not qualify, and the number of NPB seats would decrease from 13 to 12, plus alternates. According to the Federal Register notice, the change is being proposed to address ongoing difficulties finding sufficient numbers of nominees to fill the board. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register and is open for public comments until Sept. 27. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposed rule. All comments must be submitted through the Federal e-rulemaking portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. To access the comments portal for this rule, use docket number AMSSC-20-0100. For more information, contact AMS Marketing Specialist Victoria M. Carpenter at 202.720.6930 or VictoriaM.Carpenter@usda.gov.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 13 INMAN FARM HERITAGE DAYS Sept. 17-19 Minter’s Farm, 283 Hill’s Bridge Rd. Fayetteville Admission is free for this annual event featuring hundreds of antique farm implements, including antique tractors, as well as cars and trucks. Demonstrations include sawmilling, planing, pea shelling, threshing, syrup making, quilting and more! Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 18, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. on Sept. 19. For more information call 770-461-2840 or 770-296-8360, or visit www.mintersfarm.com. KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS Sept. 18 & Oct. 9 Morgan County Agricultural 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, costume contests & more! Both shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. For more information call Susie at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel-Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated an estimated $156,750 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region through the years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, a student scholarship and the equestrian facilities of Georgia & County Parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Don Carter, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park. FVSU DISASTER & RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS UPDATE Sept. 21 virtual This virtual conference, hosted by Fort Valley State University, will provide a general overview of crop insurance and USDA Farm Service Agency disaster programs. Speakers will include Janice Moore with USDA, FPAC-RMA and Theresa L. Windham, USDA FSA District Director for the Fort Valley office. Those wishing to participate should register in advance at http://bit.ly/fvsuagdisaster-risk-management-202109. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For more information contact Leon Porter at 478-235-8697 or porterl@fvsu.edu. GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE ONLINE AUCTION Sept. 27 – Oct. 8 Register at www.gafoundationag.org/auction by Sept. 26 to receive auction alerts. Bids will be accepted Sept. 27 – Oct. 8. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. This year’s auction will feature great items such as: football tickets for multiple teams, tech gadgets, home décor, family activities & much more. GFA is a 501(c3) nonprofit registered charity. Donations are tax deductible. All auction proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation of Agriculture programs including: Georgia Ag Experience mobile ag classroom; scholarships for students pursuing ag careers; ag teacher workshops; mental health research for farmers and more. For more information, contact Lily Baucom at lrbaucom@gfb.org or 478.405.3461 or Jennifer Farmer at jmfarmer@gafoundationag.org or 478.405.3463.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 13 U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL ENROLLMENT WEBINARS Sept. 29 9 a.m. Nov. 2 9 a.m. Nov. 16 9 a.m. Dec. 9 9 a.m. Dec. 14 9 a.m. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol will present six live enrollment webinars focusing on how the program helps U.S. cotton producers meet the changing demands from their end customer while also better documenting/verifying their on-farm sustainability practices and advances. Enrollment for the 2021 crop is open, and for producers not yet participating, the webinars will provide an opportunity to learn about program benefits and ask questions. Speakers include Trust Protocol representatives and producer members. Producers can register at https://trustuscotton.org/enrollment-webinar-live-sessions/. For more information, visit www.TrustUSCotton.org. GRAIN CROPS INSURANCE Sept. 30 enrollment deadline The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia barley, canola, oat and wheat growers that Sept. 30 is the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year. This is also deadline for current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage to do so. 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, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. Coverage is also available for oats and wheat in select counties. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. 2021 AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM Nov. 9-10 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is hosting this event in partnership with Georgia Farm Bureau and Georgia Agribusiness Council. The forum will equip agricultural professionals dealing with agricultural labor relations to become compliant with new ag labor regulations in the new COVID world. Topics this year will include Political Outlook on Ag Labor Policies; Farm Labor Modernization Act; Wage Calculations and Audit Prep; Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation in the Workplace; What’s up with AEWR; H-2A Updates and H-2A Basics; and H-2B Updates. Presenters will include a who’s who of ag labor relations from both regulatory agencies and industry experts who know how to navigate the complex and often changing environment our growers face on a daily basis. Attendees can take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Price, $225, until Oct. 8, when the price will increase to $250. For more information on this event, visit, www.georgiaaglaborforum.com.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 13 AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS Oct. 15 application deadline The American Foundation for Agriculture is accepting applications for WhiteReinhardt scholarships and White-Reinhardt community/classroom grants. WhiteReinhardt grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K-12 in order to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Please note that mini-grant funds cannot be used for consumable items like food or paper, transportation, wages or safety programs. Grant payments can only be made to a state or county Farm Bureau. Applications for the grants are due Oct. 15. To learn more or apply for a grant visit www.agfoundation.org/projects/wr-grants-home. The AFBF Foundation is also accepting applications for White-Reinhardt scholarships to the 2022 National Ag in the Classroom Conference for full-time educators and/or volunteers who actively participate in classroom ag literacy programs or events. This scholarship provides travel expense funds for educators to attend the national conference and then use the information gained to expand their outreach to students regarding food, fiber and fuel. Applications for the grants are due Oct. 15. Learn more or apply at www.agfoundation.org/projects/ag-scholarships. For more information email foundation@fb.org. POLLINATORS IN AG EDUCATION WORKSHOP SERIES Oct. 16 NESPAL/UGA Tifton Campus 3:30 p.m. Tifton Oct. 23 Gordon County Ag Services Center 3:30 p.m. Calhoun Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) and Monarchs Across Georgia (MAG) have partnered together to create four regional workshops across Georgia that focus on the role of pollinators in agriculture, the science behind pollinator life cycles, and methods for teaching pollinators to students of all ages. For more information and to register please visit www.gacd.us/pollinators. Registration deadlines are two weeks prior to each workshop date. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU QUALITY HAY CONTEST Oct. 31 deadline to enter Georgia Farm Bureau is calling all members who grow Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest. Hay entered in the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest will be tested at the University of Georgia 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 annual GFB Convention on Jekyll Island. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers. The first-place winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer 604R baler for one year, courtesy of the Vermeer Manufacturing Company. The winner will have the option to purchase the mower at a reduced price at the end of the year. Entry forms outlining all contest rules may be picked up at local county Farm Bureau offices or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Entry fees, forms and samples should be sent to the GFB Public Policy Department 1620 Bass Road Macon, Ga., 31210. For more information about the contest contact Jeremy Taylor in the GFB Public Policy Department at 1-800-342-1192 or jrtaylor@gfb.org.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 13 EXECUTIVE FARM MANAGEMENT TRAINING Jan. 18-21 Pawley’s Island, S.C. Jan. 31-Feb. 3 Raleigh, N.C. Feb. 20-23 Savannah The Executive Farm Management program is offered by North Carolina State State Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson Cooperative Extension, East Carolina University College of Business and UGA Cooperative Extension. The 2022 program will consist of 9 days of content and curriculum taught across 3 sessions in 3 states over the course of 6 weeks. EFM is designed to increase the management competencies and profitability of large farms by utilizing a holistic operation-focused curriculum. Primary farm owner early-bird registration for first-time participants is $6,000 until Nov. 15. Returning participant fee is $5,500. Discounts apply for extra participants from the same farm. For more information or to register, visit https://execfarmmgmt.ces.ncsu.edu/2022-program-info/, or contact EFM Director Blake Broan (919.515.4536 or abbbrown@ncsu.edu) or Margaret Huffman (919.515.4498 or mmhuffm2@ncsu.edu. 2022 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 17-19, 2022 Savannah Marriott Riverfront Savannah Online registration is now open for the 2022 GA Dairy Conference! This event is a “must attend" for the Southeast. It provides companies with the option to network with dairy producers and industry leaders, while extending a company’s brand with several sponsorship opportunities. Dairymen from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia have attended this conference in the past. Registration is free for Georgia dairy farmers. For more information or to register, visit www.gadairyconference.com/. 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. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 13 UGA VETERINARY SCHOOL DOG AGING PROJECT Researchers at the University of Georgia are looking for new participants for a study that aims to determine why smaller dogs live longer lives than their larger counterparts. Dog owners from around the country have volunteered for this community science research project as part of a fiveyear, $23 million project funded by the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health. All kinds of dogs are welcome to join, but researchers are specifically seeking dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, in the following categories: Large breed dogs weighing between 70-100 pounds, especially breeds other than Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds (the most common breeds in the U.S.); Giant breed dogs weighing more than 100 pounds, such as Great Danes, wolfhounds and mastiffs; Hound dogs, spaniels, pointers, terriers, bulldogs and pit bulls (purebred and mixed breed); Working dogs, such as herding, K9 and service dogs. Because the Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a long-term study, puppy participants are especially beneficial to the project. The research team wants to follow dogs through their entire lives. To participate in the Dog Aging Project, owners nominate a dog (one per household) at the project website, www.dogagingproject.org. After this, they are invited to set up a personal research portal where they answer scientific surveys about their dog and upload veterinary records. For more information, or to nominate your dog, visit www.dogagingproject.org.