September 25, 2019
www.gfb.org
Vol. 1 No. 6
CHINA EXEMPTS SOME U.S. FARM PRODUCT IMPORTS FROM TARIFFS U.S. exporters of soybeans and pork will be able to sell those products to Chinese customers without having tariffs assessed, according to multiple published reports. The Xinhua Chinese News Agency reported that the exemption would last from Sept. 17 to Sept. 16, 2020. The announcement was reported by Xinjua on Sept. 11. China put tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on imports of hundreds of Chinese goods. The U.S. government, in response to requests from American companies, removed tariffs on approximately 400 Chinese products. A delegation of Chinese negotiators was scheduled to tour U.S. farms in Montana and Nebraska, but canceled the visit. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said in published reports that he had asked the Chinese contingent to cancel the visits after the two nations concluded a round of deputy-level trade talks in Washington on Sept. 19 and 20. The office of United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer described the meetings as productive. A round of principal-level talks, involving Lighthizer and Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, is scheduled for October. Agricultural producers have been hit particularly hard in the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China. In 2017, the U.S. exported $19.5 billion worth of agricultural products to China. In 2018, as the conflict progressed, U.S. ag exports to China fell to $9.5 billion. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), citing an economist from Iowa State University, noted that the Chinese retaliatory tariffs on U.S. pork has resulted in lower prices for hogs by $8 per head. The NPPC said when the 60% punitive tariffs were assessed it brought the effective tariff rate on U.S. pork sold to Chinese customers is 72%; producers in other countries are assessed 12% tariffs.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 9 EPA, CORPS OF ENGINEERS FINALIZE WOTUS REPEAL On Sept. 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army finalized repeal of the 2015 “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule. The agencies are also reinstating the regulatory text that existed prior to the 2015 rule—ending a regulatory patchwork that required implementing two competing Clean Water Act regulations, which has created regulatory uncertainty across the United States. Georgia Farm Bureau has opposed the 2015 rule since it was proposed, maintaining that it constituted regulatory overreach and deviated from two Supreme Court rulings. The repeal is the first step in a two-step rulemaking process to define the scope of “waters of the United States” that are regulated under the Clean Water Act. Step 1 provides regulatory certainty for the definition of “waters of the United States” following years of litigation surrounding the 2015 Rule. Two federal district courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, that have reviewed the merits of the 2015 Rule and found that the rule suffered from certain errors. The courts issued orders remanding the 2015 Rule back to the EPA and the Corps of Engineers. Multiple other federal district courts had preliminarily enjoined the 2015 rule pending a decision on the merits of the rule. In this action, EPA and the Army jointly concluded that multiple substantive and procedural errors warrant a repeal of the 2015 rule. The EPA and Corps indicated they will implement the pre-2015 regulations currently in place in more than half of the states, using applicable agency guidance documents and consistent with Supreme Court decisions and longstanding practice. The final rule takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. In December 2018, EPA and the Army proposed a new definition—Step 2—that would clearly define where federal jurisdiction begins and ends in accordance with the Clean Water Act and Supreme Court precedent. In the proposal, the agencies provide a clear definition of the difference between federally regulated waterways and those waters that rightfully remain solely under state authority. For more information visit www.epa.gov/wotus-rule. CHICK-FIL-A REACHES GOAL OF SERVING “NO ANTIBIOTICS EVER” CHICKEN Chick-fil-A announced on Sept. 12 it has reached its goal to serve No Antibiotics Ever (also known as “NAE”) chicken in its more than 2,400 restaurants in the United States. In 2014, Chick-fil-A announced it was pursuing a commitment to serve only chicken raised with NAE nationwide by the end of 2019. Along with its supply partners, Chick-fil-A met the milestone early, serving only NAE chicken at every Chick-fil-A restaurant in the United States since May. Beginning in October, packaging in restaurants will reflect this achievement. Under NAE, no antibiotics of any kind may to be administered to the chicken within its supply, starting from the egg. The USDA audits and verifies that suppliers are meeting the requirements. Chick-fil-A is the largest quick service restaurant franchise (based on sales data) to implement NAE chicken across all restaurants in the U.S., and research shows that customers were eager for this transition. A 2018 survey by Datassential shows 50% of consumers say they would be more likely to buy NAE chicken. For more information about the Chick-fil-A No Antibiotics Ever commitment, visit www.chickfil-a.com/nae.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 9 GFB MEMBERS AMONG KEMP APPOINTMENTS TO KEY AG BOARDS On Sept. 17, Governor Brian Kemp announced 17 appointees to serve on various state boards, authorities, and commissions, including the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Kemp appointed Cobb County Farm Bureau member Chy Kellogg to the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority. Kellogg sits on the Cobb County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Georgia Farmers Market Association. She is a former member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee, and is a current member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee. Kemp appointed former state Rep. Chad Nimmer to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Nimmer, a Pierce County Farm Bureau member, is the current owner of Suwanee Forest Products, co-owner of JCL Logging, and a procurement forester for Pierce Timber Company. Nimmer is a long-time board member of the Georgia Forestry Association. He is also a member of the Southeast Wood Producers Association, the Georgia Agribusiness Council and the Georgia Cattleman's Association. Kemp appointed retired Cartersville Chief of Police Thomas Culpepper to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine as a consumer member. He is a high school forensics teacher, and previous owner of Culpepper Safety and Security Consulting, LLC. GEORGIA COTTON AND CORN PRODUCTION EXPECTED TO INCREASE Georgia cotton and corn producers are expected to make significant production gains in 2019, according to the September Crop Production report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The state’s cotton crop is forecast at 2.7 million bales in 2019, which would represent a 38.1% increase over the 2018 crop of 1.96 million bales. Georgia corn growers are expected to produce 55.6 million bushels in 2019, or 10.9% more than 2018, when they produced 50.16 million bushels. The NASS forecast indicated a slight increase in Georgia’s peanut production. Georgia peanut growers produced 2.892 billion pounds in 2018, and the NASS forecast for 2019 is 2.904 billion pounds. Georgia soybean production is expected to decline more than previously thought, attributable in part to an expected yield of 33 bushels per acre in the September NASS report, down from a forecast of 38 bushels per acre in the August report. Overall, Georgia soybean production is forecast a 3.47 million bushels in 2019, down nearly 36% from 2018, when Georgia growers produced 5.4 million bushels. Georgia farmers planted 110,000 acres of soybeans this year compared to 145,000 acres last year. Georgia tobacco production is forecast at 18 million pounds in 2019, down 24% from 2018, when the state’s growers produced 23.76 million pounds of tobacco.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 9 PAUL JOHNSON ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF GEORGIA MILK COMMISSION Paul Johnson, a Decatur County dairy farmer and large animal veterinarian, was recently elected as chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk (ACCM). For the last 20 years, Johnson has owned and operated Providence Dairy with his brother, Gary, and son, Matt, in Climax. Johnson has served on the ACCM Board for the last three years and believes that the state checkoff program will facilitate change in the near future that has been requested by Georgia dairy farmers for many years. “Today’s ACCM Board is committed to looking for new avenues to enhance fluid milk sales in Georgia,” said Johnson. “The members of ACCM are business-minded and are using those skills to make decisions concerning checkoff dollars collected from our state’s dairy farms.” Johnson hopes to improve support of the organization and bring transparency to money spent locally and nationally through dairy checkoff organizations. “We are governed by the [Agriculture] Commissioner, and ultimately the Governor, to ensure that state checkoff funds are used in the most beneficial way to enhance producer returns and improve milk consumption. We want Georgia producers to know that we are producers like them, facing the same issues they are, and we want results from these programs to be measurable, relevant, and productive.” Johnson wants to foster more conversation among producers and allow them the opportunity to share comments or ideas on their checkoff programs. Paul and his wife, Ginger, have three sons and five grandchildren. Johnson is also a board member of the Decatur County Farm Bureau, serves as chair for the Georgia Dairy Conference Planning Committee and as a member for the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Animal Care Issue Advisory Committee. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, IRS FINALIZE NEW DEPRECIATION DEDUCTION On Sept. 13 the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service released final regulations and additional proposed regulations under section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code on the new 100% additional first year depreciation deduction that allows businesses to write off most depreciable business assets in the year they are placed in service by the business. The final regulations finalize the proposed regulations issued in August 2018 which implement several provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The proposed regulations contain new provisions not addressed previously. The 100% additional first year depreciation deduction generally applies to depreciable business assets with a recovery period of 20 years or less and certain other property. Machinery, equipment, computers, appliances and furniture generally qualify. The deduction applies to qualifying property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017. The final regulations provide clarifying guidance on the requirements that must be met for property to qualify for the deduction, including used property. For more information about this and other TCJA provisions, visit www.IRS.gov/taxreform or consult with a certified public accountant.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 9 USDA HAS $150 MILLION TO HELP RURAL COMMUNITIES HIT BY DISASTERS On Sept. 10; the USDA) Rural Housing Service Administrator Bruce Lammers announced the availability of $150 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Program to help rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of hurricanes; fires and other natural disasters. The $150 million is included in the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act that President Trump signed into law on June 6. The grants may be used for relief in areas affected by Hurricanes Michael and Florence; wildfires in 2018; and other natural disasters where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided a notice declaring a Major Disaster Declaration and assigned a FEMA disaster recovery (DR) number. Grant applications will be accepted at USDA state offices on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. Grant assistance will be provided on a graduated scale; smaller communities with the lowest median household income are eligible for a higher proportion of grant funds. For application details or information visit https://gfb.ag/rdadisasteraid19. Eligible Georgia counties are: Appling; Atkinson; Bacon; Baker; Ben Hill; Berrien; Bleckley; Brooks; Bulloch; Burke; Calhoun; Candler; Chattahoochee; Clay; Coffee; Colquitt; Cook; Crawford; Crisp; Decatur; Dodge; Dooly; Dougherty; Early; Echols; Emanuel; Evans; Glascock; Grady; Hancock; Houston; Irwin; Jeff Davis; Jefferson; Jenkins; Johnson; Jones; Laurens; Lee; Macon; Marion; Miller; Mitchell; Montgomery; Peach; Pulaski; Putnam; Quitman; Randolph; Schley; Screven; Seminole; Stewart; Sumter; Tattnall; Telfair; Terrell; Thomas; Tift; Toombs; Treutlen; Turner; Twiggs; Washington; Webster; Wheeler; Wilcox; Wilkinson and Worth. For more information and to apply for USDA Rural Development programs, contact your nearest Rural Development Service Center. The centers in Georgia are: Cartersville (678) 7193508; Monroe (770) 267-1413, Ext. 4; Fort Valley (478) 827-0016, Ext. 4; Sandersville (478) 5526073, Ext. 4; Tifton (229) 382-0273, Ext. 4 and Douglas - (912) 384-4811. Ext. 4. PLAINS PEANUT FESTIVAL TO HONOR JIMMY CARTER The 23rd Annual Plains Peanut Festival is scheduled for Sept. 28 in Plains, home of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The event highlights the peanut harvest. Peanuts provide a sustainable and nutritious product and are used to fight malnutrition. Georgia leads the nation in annual peanut production, accounting for nearly half of all the peanuts grown in the United States. Festival events begin on Saturday at 8 a.m. with a One Mile Fun Run followed by a 5K road race. Mr. Peanut will be cheering on the runners in the Fun Run. Additional festivities throughout the day include free entertainment, historical and educational displays, food vendors, as well as arts and crafts booths. The Peanut Institute, National Peanut Board, American Peanut Shellers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, Planters, Jif, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Mars and Hampton Farms will display exhibits in the Planters Peanut Pavilion beginning at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. SAM Shortline will have train rides and President and Mrs. Carter will be signing books. The festival street dance featuring Slaughter Creek will perform live on Main Street beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. For more information and to view a schedule of activities, visit the official website of the Plains Peanut Festival at www.plainsgeorgia.com.
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 9 IT’S FAIR TIME! GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR RUNS OCT. 3-13 It’s fall. Sure, the temperatures in much of Georgia are still in the 90s, but the calendar doesn’t lie. No, really. It doesn’t. How do we know? In Perry, the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is about to roll out its signature event. The 30th Annual Georgia National Fair. Families from across the state will head to Perry during the Oct. 3-13 run of the fair, and once they get in the gates, they’ll find something for everyone. Ag will be center stage. Youth from across the state will show their lambs, goats, cattle and hogs during the fair. Georgia Farm Bureau is a premium sponsor for the livestock shows and will present the grand champion prizes in each species competition. For the second year, the Georgia Grown Baby Barn will give fairgoers a front-row seat to the miracle of calves and piglets being born. The fair will feature horse exhibitions and barrel races. The Georgia Grown Building features displays from many of the state’s commodity groups, cooking demonstrations, the Faces of Agriculture photo exhibit and Georgie’s Farm, an interactive exhibit that guides children ages 2-12 through an adventure following their food from the farm to the fork. The Georgia National Fair’s concert lineup includes Little Anthony and the Imperials on Oct. 3, Great White on Oct. 4, the Marshall Charloff Purple Experience on Oct. 5, Southside Worship on Oct. 6, the Oak Ridge Boys on Oct. 7, the Gin Blossoms on Oct. 8, George Clinton and Parliament on Oct. 9, Diamond Rio on Oct. 10, Confederate Railroad on Oct. 11, the Grapevine on Oct. 12 and Rumba Latina on Oct. 13. The fair offers a wide variety of other entertainment acts, and the always popular Midway Rides. For those who are hungry, there is fair food! Let your nose be your guide to feasts of funnel cakes, grilled and barbecued meats and much more! Single-day tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors ages 60 and up. Children under 10 are allowed in free with a paying adult. Two-day passes are $16 and season passes are $65. Ride tickets are 18 for $10. For more information, visit www.georgianationalfair.com. TYSON FOODS EXPANDS CAMILLA PLANT, ADDS 100 JOBS Tyson Foods has completed a 35,000-square-foot expansion of its existing facility in Camilla, creating 100 new jobs with an investment of $34.2 million, according to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. “Georgia’s existing industries are a vital component for job growth in every corner of the state,” said Governor Kemp. “We are grateful that Tyson Foods is continuing their investment in the State of Georgia and excited for the new opportunities that this expansion will create for Mitchell County and the region.” Construction recently wrapped up on the expansion, and the construction of a new “mega line” has prompted the company to hire an additional 100 workers as it ramps up operations in Southwest Georgia. GFB Field Notes page 7 of 9
FLINT RIVER SWCD RECOGNIZED IN CLEAN 13 REPORT On Sept. 16, the Georgia Water Coalition released its Clean 13 report for 2019, honoring individuals, businesses, industries, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies whose extraordinary efforts have led to cleaner rivers, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Georgians. Among the honorees is the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWD). “The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation is thrilled to be recognized for our work in agricultural irrigation efficiency in Southwest Georgia,” said Marty McLendon, Chairman of the FRSWD. “Our strong relationships with researchers, innovative trailblazers in the industry, producers and landowners allow the district to implement new technologies on farms throughout the region, improving economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture in Georgia.” This year, the FRSWD is recognized for its leadership toward more sustainable agriculture in the heart of Georgia’s breadbasket. The FRSWD is responsible for bringing millions of dollars in private and public funds to improve irrigation efficiency impacting some 13 million acres of cropland in the area. “Georgia is faced with many water challenges involving problems that effect the health of our rivers and the availability of clean water for us and wildlife,” said Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, executive director with the Rome-based Coosa River Basin Initiative. “Those recognized in the Clean 13 report are on the front lines of meeting those challenges. From innovative wastewater treatment projects to important clean water education efforts, these entities are developing solutions to these challenges.” Additional work highlighted in the report includes: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta; Georgia Association of Water Professionals in Marietta; Flint River Working Group in Fulton, Clayton, Fayette, Spalding and Coweta counties; Walton Electric Membership Corporation in Monroe; Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources; Terrapin Beer Company in Athens; Fulton County Commission; Truck Carlson in Augusta; Georgia ForestWatch in Dahlonega; The Len Foote Hike Inn in Dawsonville; Amerson River Park in Macon-Bibb County; and Rep. Debbie Buckner of Talbot County. The efforts of these “Clean 13” are adding up to cleaner rivers, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Georgia. The FRWSD, along with other entities recognized in this report, will be honored at the Georgia Water Coalition’s Clean 13 Celebration set for March 12, 2020, at Mason Fine Art Center in Atlanta. The Georgia Water Coalition publishes the list to recognize these positive efforts on behalf of Georgia’s water and as a call to action for state leaders and citizens to review these success stories, borrow from them and emulate them. The Georgia Water Coalition is a consortium of more than 260 conservation and environmental organizations, hunting and fishing groups, businesses, and faith-based organizations that have been working to protect Georgia’s water since 2002. Collectively, these organizations represent thousands of Georgians. The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders who are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the district at flintriverswcd.org. The full 2019 Clean 13 report can be viewed at www.gawater.org/clean-13. GFB Field Notes page 8 of 9
CROP INSURANCE DEADLINES NEAR FOR MULTIPLE GA GRAIN COMMODITIES Georgia farmers who produce barley, canola, oats and wheat have until Sept. 30 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to their existing coverage. 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, Polk Walker and Whitfield 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 2019 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers by visiting the RMA agent locator at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov. WETLANDS SEMINAR Oct. 4 Henry County Farm Bureau 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. McDonough This one-day event hosted by the Henry County Conservation District features a discussion of the wetland oversight roles of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Topics include how to determine if an aquatic resource is a wetland or a stream, when permits are needed and project criteria considered by the agencies. Cost is $60 and includes lunch. For more information, contact Sharon Burns at Sharon.burns@gacd.us. AFBF AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE Deadline extended to Oct. 14 The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is accepting online applications for the 2020 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. In its sixth year, the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is a national business competition for U.S. food and agriculture startups. Entrepreneurs will compete for $145,000 in startup funds. To apply for the 2020 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, competitors can apply online at http://fb.org/aginnovationchallenge by midnight Eastern Standard Time on Oct. 14. 2019 SUNBELT AG EXPO Oct. 15-17 Spence Field Moultrie This annual three-day celebration of all things agriculture features something of interest for everyone – shiny new farm equipment, daily harvest demonstrations, more than 300 educational seminars, cooking demonstrations, stock dog trials and much more. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. each day of the show and admission is $10 per person. Discount tickets may be purchased at www.sunbeltexpo.com.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 9
ENTER GFB HAY CONTEST, SUBMIT INFO FOR HAY DIRECTORY BY OCT. 31 Georgia Farm Bureau is calling all members who grow Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest by Oct. 31! Hay entered in the 2019 GFB Quality Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. For contest rules and to access the entry form, visit www.gfb.ag/haycontest. GFB is also 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 participate, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. For more information about the contest contact Jeremy Taylor in the GFB Public Policy Department at jrtaylor@gfb.org. AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM Nov. 5-6 UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton Sponsored in part by Georgia Farm Bureau, this event offers producers information about employing agricultural laborers, including how to navigate the federal H-2A visa program and how to comply with various laws governing agricultural labor use. Visit www.georgiaaglaborforum.com for more information or to register. GFB ACCEPTING RENEWALS, NEW APPLICATIONS FOR CFM PROGRAM Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting applications for new member farms and renewals for existing ones in the 2020 Certified Farm Market program. The purpose of the Certified Farm Market program is to directly connect consumers to farmers and provide specialized support to farmers who sell directly to consumers and welcome the public to see their farm operation in person. The deadline to join or renew is Nov. 15. To learn more, visit www.gfb.ag/cfmfarmer or contact the CFM Coordinator Kelly Thompson at kathompson@gfb.org. FFA ALUMNI/DAWSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU TRACTOR SHOW & AG DAY Nov. 23 Tractor Supply 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dawsonville This event provides support for the Dawson High School FFA Chapter. Trophies will be awarded for Best in Show and FFA Favorite. All tractors and all vendor booths will need to be in place by 9 a.m. the day of the event. Contact Tammy Wood at Dawson County Farm Bureau for tractor reservations at 706-265-3350 or tewood@gfb.org. Drive-ups welcome, but advance reservations are preferred. To reserve vendor booths contact Kim Glaze at 706-265-6555, kim.glaze@newname.cc or kpankey@dawson.k12.ga.us.