September 26, 2024
AFBF: FARM BILL SHOULD ADDRESS DOWNWARD SPIRAL IN AG ECONOMY
Time is running out for Congress to pass a farm bill that would address an agricultural economy that is in a downward spiral. More than 300 agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, shared that message with Senate and House leadership in a letter sent on Sept. 9.
Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Milk Producers Inc, Georgia Peanut Commission and Georgia/Florida Soybean Association each signed onto the letter.
It is critical that Congress pass a new, modernized farm bill. Farmers and ranchers are facing multiple years of operating in the red, which threatens their ability to continue farming.
“Throughout the life of the current farm bill, producers across the country have experienced powerful headwinds, ranging from extreme weather to high input costs to uncertain global demand to supply chain disruptions,” the organizations wrote. “Farmers are struggling, and the decline in the farm economy is real. Estimated (inflation adjusted) 2024 net farm income for U.S. agriculture is projected to be down $55.61 billion, a more than 27% drop from the 2022 level, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Since the beginning of the year, the harvest price of major crops traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Intercontinental Exchange have fallen by an average of 21% while total production costs remain near record levels.”
Since the passage of the 2018 farm bill, farmers have endured a pandemic, global unrest, a trade war with China and supply chain challenges. USDA forecasts farm sector debt to reach almost $541 billion in 2024, the highest inflation-adjusted level in more than 50 years.
The letter continues, “We appreciate the efforts of committee leaders to develop a farm bill and their recognition of farmers’ contributions to provide food, feed, fuel, and fiber to consumers here at home and abroad. Congress must act before year’s end to strengthen farm policy for America’s farmers, and we remain committed to assisting in this effort. Failing to reauthorize a farm bill without meaningful investments in commodity programs and crop insurance, or settling for a simple extension of current law, would leave thousands of family farms with no options to continue producing for this nation in 2025 and beyond.”
Read the full letter here
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 13
AG COMMISSIONER HARPER URGES PREP AHEAD OF HURRICANE HELENE
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued the following statement as Tropical Storm Helene continues to develop and move towards Florida and South Georgia, likely bringing heavy rains, flooding, and hurricane force winds.
“Our team at the Georgia Department of Agriculture is closely monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Helene in coordination with GEMA and other state agencies,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “To Georgia farmers and producers in the potential impact zone –now is the time to prepare and make a plan to keep your family and your farm safe. As the storm approaches, we urge all Georgians in its path to remain vigilant and follow a trusted news source for updates.”
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is the state of Georgia’s ESF 11 lead and has preparedness and planning information for severe weather events available here, and information on recovery efforts and resources available here. The Department encourages farmers and producers to utilize the below checklist to prepare, and to follow any evacuation orders issues by state or local officials.
The department provided the emergency preparedness checklist below.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 13
GFB FRONT AND CENTER AT GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR!
From Oct. 3- 13, Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter will come alive as hundreds of thousands of guests from across the state and beyond flock to Perry to celebrate the 35th Annual Georgia National Fair! They’ll experience 11 days of non-stop fun with thrilling rides, mouthwatering food, world-class concerts, awe-inspiring exhibits, and endless shopping opportunities!
Georgia Farm Bureau is a partnering sponsor and has special events scheduled for GFB Day at the Fair on Oct. 5. GFB members, volunteers and employees will meet at 9 a.m. at the north gate entrance for a photo opportunity. GFB President Tom McCall will speak at 10:30 a.m. at the South Gate near the Starbuck Learning Farm. There is no parking at the South Gate. GFB mascot Lucky will be at the GFB Booth at various times that morning until 1 p.m. From 10 a.m. to noon, GFB Ambassadors will hand out GFB swag to fairgoers at the entrance gates and at the GFB booth in the Georgia Grown Building.
This year’s fair is packed with timeless traditions, along with fresh, exciting new experiences that will keep you coming back for more!
Fair Food Fight - A Taste Sensation! The 3rd Annual Fair Food Fight is turning up the heat! This year, top judges like Big Brother runner-up Cameron Hardin, reigning Miss Georgia Lulu Louizaire, and Food Network champion Cory Jones will taste and crown the best of 20 brand-new, never-before-seen fair food creations! Imagine sinking your teeth into the Spicy Southern Roll a freshly baked cinnamon roll drizzled with cream cheese icing, spicy pimento cheese, and Georgia-grown pecans! Or maybe you’d prefer the Magical Maryland Crabcakes, made with succulent lump crab meat and seasoned to perfection! Want to see all the delicious entries? Check out the Georgia National Fair website or pick up a fair program at any entrance gate to plan your ultimate foodie experience.
Live Music and Unforgettable Concerts! Get ready for electrifying performances! Every night at 7:30 PM, incredible artists will take the stage, including the Bellamy Brothers, Josh Turner, Warrant, Ginuwine, and Cooper Alan just to name a few! Catch these free concerts at the Georgia National Stage and groove to non-stop tunes all day at the "Tower Stage" with rising stars like Hello Sister, Party Knights, Nashville Duo LandRey, acapella group Kazual, and many more. Head to the website for the full lineup of acts, dates, and times.
Thrills, Stunts, and Non-Stop Fun! The Georgia National Fair is offering over $1 million in value for the price of a single admission! Returning after five years is the wildly popular Mutton Bustin’, where kids can jump on sheep and hold on tight to win prizes! Also, making its debut this year is Andy Rotz Trick Roper, a thrilling Western performance featuring knife-slinging stunts with cowboy Andy and his trusty sidekick Bandit. Don’t miss the Space Adventure Thrill Show, delivering jaw-dropping daily performances with a motorcycle globe, aerial stunts, trampoline acts, and fiery displays!
Take Home a Piece of the Fair! Grab some exclusive fair merchandise from the official fair store under the Clocktower and in Heritage Hall! From limited edition shirts and hats to cozy sweatshirts, there's a souvenir waiting for everyone. With over 100 unique vendors throughout the grounds, including the McGill Marketplace and Georgia Grown Building, you’re sure to find one-continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 13
Continued from previous page of-a-kind Georgia treasures!
Livestock and Art Exhibits Galore! No visit to the fair is complete without exploring the competitive livestock exhibits and stunning fine art displays. Walk through any of the 14 barns and arenas to see Georgia's best youth exhibitors showcase their blue-ribbon-winning swine, goats, sheep, cows, horses, llamas, and rabbits! Be sure to check the full livestock event schedule and view the entire Georgia Living line-up online.
Don’t Miss the Best 11 Days in Georgia! From the Livestock Barns to the Super Himalayas, make sure you don't miss out on the ultimate 11-day extravaganza at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, from Oct. 3-13! Discover ways to save by visiting on Discount Days (Oct. 3, Oct. 8 and Oct. 9), when admission is only $10 for everyone, or celebrate on Patriotic Day (Oct. 6), when military members and their immediate families get FREE admission! Plus, kids 10 and under always get in FREE!
Skip the lines and save money with a Mega Pass, which includes admission and an unlimited ride armband for just $35. Grab your admission tickets and Mega Passes today at GeorgiaNationalFair.com and get ready for the most exciting experience of the year!
See you there!
LAW IN EFFECT OCT. 1 REQUIRING LICENSING AND LIMITING SALE OF HEMP
The Georgia Hemp Farming Act, a law passed earlier this year by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law on April 30 by Gov. Brian Kemp, takes full effect Oct. 1.
The bill, SB 94, was sponsored by Sen. Sam Watson (R-Moultrie), passed the Senate by a 52-1 margin and the House by 168-3 margin.
The law imposes licensing requirements on hemp growers, processors, manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) regulates growing, processing, testing, manufacturing and sale of consumable hemp products. The section of the law prohibiting sale consumable hemp within 500 feet of K-12 schools took effect on July 1.
The law imposes new packaging, advertising, testing, and labelling requirements for consumable hemp products. The law also prohibits selling or furnishing consumable hemp products to individuals under 21 years of age, and to require retailers selling consumable hemp products to post signs accordingly.
Growers will be required to provide a legal description and global positioning coordinates for fields and greenhouses used to cultivate and harvest hemp or facilities where hemp is processed.
According to the GDA website, (https://www.agr.georgia.gov/hemp-grower-licenses) the grower license fee is $50 per acre with a $5,000 maximum. If a grower also plans to process the hemp, a hemp processor permit is also required; the hemp processor permit fee is $25,000.
The law limits the allowable concentration of delta-9 THC to the federal legal limit, which is no more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
The text Georgia Hemp Farming Act is available at https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/67002.
Field Notes page 5 of 13
GFB LOOKING FOR NEXT AMBASSADORS: YOU COULD BE ONE!
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is looking for the individuals to serve as its 2025 Ambassador Team to represent the organization at GFB and major Georgia ag events next year. Online applications for the 2025 program are open through 11:59 p.m., Oct. 21.
GFB Federation Ambassadors will work alongside GFB staff assisting in several member recruitment, public relations and brand awareness campaigns.
This program is part of GFB’s effort to promote GFB membership to consumers, especially younger generations
“It is our mission to ensure that GFB serves as the voice of famers, and the GFB Ambassador team serves as a steppingstone in closing the generational gap. Our ambassadors have many peers who are several generations removed from the family farm, and it is our desire that they have the opportunity and tools available to them to educate those around them of the importance of ag in our great state,” said Keaton Walker, GFB corporate engagement & membership manager. “We look forward to showcasing these talented young adults during their year of service at Georgia Farm Bureau.”
Candidates looking to join the program will be chosen based on their interpersonal skills, passion for agriculture advocacy, innovative thinking and overall enthusiasm. Applicants must be over the age of 18 to apply and must commit to a year of service.
Each ambassador will be expected to attend an orientation weekend in January and work events throughout the year, including GFB Day at the Capitol, the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference, GFB Commodity Conference, the Georgia National Fair, Sunbelt Ag Expo and the GFB Annual Convention, just to name a few.
Applications, guidelines, and a tentative schedule can be found online at www.gfb.ag/ambassadors. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., Oct. 21. Candidates selected to move to the next round will be notified and given their interview date within a week to participate in an interview process.
For more information, contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org
Qualifications & Requirements:
• Must reside in Georgia
• Must be 18 years old or older at the time of selection
• Must have a means of transportation to/from events
• Must adhere to the GFB Federation Ambassador Code of Conduct
• Must be able to commit to one calendar year of service
• Must be available on the mandatory dates listed in the application
The 2024 GFB Ambassadors are Dawson Johnson of Pierce County, Faith Railey of Berrien County, Summer Smith of Houston County, Adam Stone of Carroll County and Aubrey FraserTarpley of Stephens County.
Field Notes page 6 of 13
GA. SOUTHERN, GA. STATE GAME BECOMES GEORGIA GROWN BOWL
On Sept. 19, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Grown announced the first annual Georgia Grown Bowl between Georgia State University and Georgia Southern University on Sept. 28, at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium in Atlanta.
Georgia Grown is proud to partner with Georgia State and Georgia Southern to support each institution, highlight one of the state’s best new rivalry games, and showcase Georgia’s #1 industry – agriculture. After the game, Harper will present the winner of the Panthers vs. Eagles matchup with the Commissioner’s Cup – a symbol of Georgia’s excellence in agriculture, education, and athletics.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Georgia State and Georgia Southern to feature one of our state’s great, new rivalry games in the first-ever Georgia Grown Bowl,” Harper said. “Like agriculture bridges the gap between rural and urban Georgia, athletics connects fans in every corner of our state and beyond, and the Georgia Grown Bowl is an awesome opportunity to bring together farmers and fans through agriculture and athletics. At Georgia Grown, we’re committed to promoting our state’s #1 industry and telling the story of Georgia agriculture to new audiences, and this partnership will help us do exactly that.”
As Georgia’s top industry, agriculture contributes over $83.6 billion annually and is a crucial part of the state’s economy. The Georgia Grown Bowl is an opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of agriculture and athletics to the success of our state, and to showcase the incredible products Georgia Grown farmers produce.
“We’re very appreciative of Commissioner Harper and his team for introducing this excellent initiative,” said Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Jared Benko. “Agriculture and farmers are crucial to our area, playing a vital role in sustaining our economy, providing local jobs, and ensuring access to fresh, locally grown produce. Their dedication supports not only our community but also the state’s agricultural heritage. Similarly, the Georgia Grown brand perfectly describes our football team, as the vast majority of our student-athletes hail from this great state.”
The Georgia Grown Bowl is expected to draw thousands of fans and further intensify the rivalry between Georgia Southern and Georgia State, and both teams are eager to compete for the Commissioner’s Cup and etch their names in Georgia’s football history
“Competing for the Commissioner’s Cup is great motivation for our football team, most of whom are native Georgians,” said Georgia State Director of Athletics Charlie Cobb. “We are thankful to Commissioner Tyler Harper and the Department of Agriculture for their support of this rivalry. Everyone associated with our university and Department of Athletics understands and values the importance of the Georgia Grown program throughout our state. We look forward to competing so local farmers, agribusinesses, and others benefit from the positive awareness our rivalry game creates.”
Fans attending the Georgia Grown Bowl can expect to see Georgia Grown prominently featured throughout the game, with ads displayed on LED boards, the jumbotron, in game programs, and through various in-stadium promotions, highlighting the connection -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 13
Continued from previous page between Georgia’s thriving agricultural industry and the excitement of college football.
Event Details
• Date: Sept. 28
• Location: Center Parc Credit Union Stadium, Atlanta
• Kickoff Time: 3:30PM
• Ticket Information: Georgia State Tickets | Georgia Southern Tickets
NOTE: As of press time game was still scheduled to proceed but Check the teams’ social media or websites after Hurricane Helene passes through.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 13
COUNTY FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT TOWNHALL WITH ZIPPY DUVALL
Sept. 26 6 p.m. via Zoom
Oct. 8 6 p.m. via Zoom
These visits with American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall include discussions about the importance of leadership, developing your team and community and why the role of county Farm Bureau president is so important. To register for the Sept. 26 meeting, visit https://gfb.ag/afbfsept26. To register for the Oct. 8 meeting click here.
GEORGIA MILK PRODUCERS/THE DAIRY ALLIANCE DISTRICT MEETINGS
Sept. 30 7 p.m.
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.
2024 TRI-STATE PEANUT DISEASE TOUR
Oct. 2 Black Shank Farm
Tifton
The Georgia stop on the 2024 Tri-State Peanut Disease Tour has been moved to Oct. 2, Lunch will be provided at the UGA Black Shank Pavilion. There is no registration for the tour, but RSVP is requested for lunch. Specific times and maps are TBA. For more information, contact Albert Culbreath at spotwilt@uga.edu.
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 9 of 13
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 t o 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.
Field Notes page 10 of 13
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.
PRODUCE SAFETY RULE WORKSHOP
Oct. 8
Bacon County Extension, 203 South Dixon St.
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alma Thy Georgia Department of Agriculture Produce Safety Division will host a one-day workshop on the Food Modernization Act’s Produce Safety Rule on Oct. 8. This training utilizes the Produce SafetyAlliance’s curriculum and is open to all produce growers with annual sales over $25,000. The Georgia Department of Agriculture hosts several training events annually to promote best practices and help ensure the safety of our state’s food supply. Cost to attend is $15 payable by exact cash or check. Lunch will be provided by Bacon County Extension To register, visit https://rb.gy/mywkcm
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.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 13
GFB WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT
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. 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.
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.
Field Notes page 12 of 13
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.
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.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 13
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
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.