September 27, 2023
www.gfb.org
GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR ASKS: “WHAT DO YOU FAIR FOR?”
The Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) is preparing to welcome an expected 500,000 guests to the 34th Annual Georgia National Fair Oct. 5-15 in Perry.
In partnership with American Idol, the Georgia National Fair will become the first step in the national audition process. Contestants will have the opportunity to compete for virtual auditions with American Idol executive producers. Fairgoers are encouraged to watch the auditions and cheer on their favorites. Live auditions will take place on the All-American stage Oct. 13 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Georgia Farm Bureau, as always, will play a key role in the fair, sponsoring prizes for youth livestock shows and the headline entertainment acts, including Mark Chesnutt, Smashmouth and more.
In the Georgia Grown Building, GFB will be providing “Thank a Farmer” cards on which patrons can write messages of gratitude. GFB will then mail the cards to farmers around the state.
The GFB space in the Georgia Grown Building will feature a new photo backdrop with images of various commodities produced by Georgia farmers.
On the weekends, GFB will also have a prize for the fair patron who finds a plush “Lucky” toy, fashioned in the image of GFB’s newly famous spokesdog. The GFB Ambassadors will stash Lucky in a secret location on the fairgrounds, so keep a sharp eye out for her!
For the first time, the Georgia Department of Agriculture will host The Seed to Shirt Experience in the Georgia Grown Building. The exhibit will take visitors on a tour of cotton. The space is divided into two parts. Fair visitors will first explore the growth cycle of the cotton plant, learn about harvest and technological advancements of the crop, and interact with Georgia cotton farmers. Then, fairgoers will venture through a door to experience the production manufacturing process after cotton is ginned - from spinning to knitting, fabric finishing to sewing, shirt dyeing to printing. Learn how Magnolia Loom is capitalizing on the resources offered in the rural Southeast, to keep its entire production process in the United States.
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GNFA officials want to know what you Fair for. Fairgoers come from all over the Southeast, each with a unique fair favorite The Georgia National Fair offers something for everyone - from rides to livestock shows, competitive exhibits, live music, food, shopping, and so much more.
For GNFA Marketing Director Maggie Lane, it’s the food.
“Over 66,000 corndogs were enjoyed at the 2022 Georgia National Fair,” Lane said. “Not to mention the 50,000 ears of corn and 42,000 turkey legs. I think it’s safe to say that guests LOVE fair food. This year, the Georgia National Fair announces 23 new fair food items for fairgoers to enjoy!”
New entertainment includes musical artists and Georgia favorites Clayton Hackle and Georgia Female Artist of the Year, Megan Fowler. Disc-Connected K9’s will join the line-up of free entertainment for the first time. This internationally acclaimed professional frisbee dog show is comprised of the largest collection of the best frisbee dogs on the planet!
Visit the Georgia National Fair on Facebook (@GeorgiaNationalFair) or Instagram (@GeorgiaNationalFairgrounds) to share what you Fair for. Advance tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.georgianationalfair.com or at the box office at the Georgia National Fairgrounds.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CAES & GA NATIONAL FAIR TOPICS AT AG ISSUES SUMMIT
By Jennifer Whittaker, Georgia Farm BureauMembers of Georgia’s agricultural community turned out in force to attend the 2023 Joint Agriculture Committee Chairmen Ag Issues Summit held Aug. 22 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Georgia Rep. Robert Dickey and Georgia Sen. Russ Goodman, who chair the Georgia House and Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committees, hosted this annual event that gives Georgia ag leaders an update on current and emerging issues Georgia’s top economic sector is experiencing.
“We’ve got great speakers lined up for you today, but this meeting is also about getting feedback from all of you regarding the upcoming legislative session and the issues you’d like to see us address,” said Dickey, chairman of the Georgia Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee. “It’s a pleasure to serve with Russ as a chairman of one of your Georgia Agriculture Committees. The members of your House Ag Committee are committed to serving Georgia agriculture and most are attending today.”
The Georgia Senate Agriculture Committee also attended.
Summit speakers gave a preview of the upcoming Georgia National Fair and updates on Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) activities. Other topics discussed included agricultural economic and weather forecasts, fertilizer prices and the status of foreign ownership of farmland in the U.S.
“I’ve always been real passionate about agriculture and I want to say that it’s an honor to serve as your Senate Agriculture Chairman,” said Goodman, chairman of the Georgia Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee. “I grew up on a peanut farm and now I also grow blueberries, and we have the Great American Cobbler Company, so I understand firsthand a lot of the issues
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Continued from previous page that Georgia farmers and agribusiness owners face.”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns also addressed summit attendees. Both voiced their understanding of the importance of Georgia agriculture and pledged their support of programs that will benefit agriculture.
Georgia National Fair generates majority of Agricenter annual revenue
Georgia National Fair & Agricenter Marketing Director Maggie Lane encouraged folks to attend at least one day of the upcoming fair set for Oct. 5-15. She explained that 60-70% of the facility’s annual revenue is generated by the fair.
“Almost all of our youth livestock events are 100 percent subsidized through fair revenue. Last year the fair had an economic impact of just under $50 million on the Middle Georgia area, so it’s important that we have good attendance,” Lane said.
She said fair staff strives to make sure that the fair can be an affordable family experience by offering multiple discount days and advance discount ticket sales.
“The Georgia National Fair is all about tradition with a balance of new and different entertainment and rides,” Lane said. “There’s so much to do at the fair. I encourage you to check us out on our website and social media. Most importantly, we’d love to see you at the fair at least one day of our run.”
Lane estimates there will be about 2,000 4-H and FFA members showing livestock over the course of the 11-day event. The fair offers about 80 amusement rides and a smorgasbord of eating options with something for even the most finicky of eaters.
She said the Georgia Agricultural Exposition, which oversees the fair and Agricenter, expects to break ground on the Fairfield & TownePlace Suites Marriott Hotel that has been in the works for several years by the end of this year.
The four-floor hotel will offer full amenities for guests staying in one of the 129-rooms including a restaurant and pool. An air-conditioned connector will join the hotel to the Miller-MurphyHoward Building making the Agricenter a full-service convention center destination.
Harper: GDA working to control Yellow-Legged Hornets & feral hogs
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper discussed programs he has implemented at the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) since taking office in January.
One of these actions is asking Gov. Kemp to restore the department’s Law Enforcement & Emergency Management Division. Harlan Proveaux is leading the division. Harper said Proveaux is tackling drug traffickers using imported ag commodities to smuggle illegal drugs into Georgia.
Harper has appointed Jenna Saxon, who previously worked in Georgia Farm Bureau’s Policy Development Department and as a lobbyist for Georgia EMC, as his chief of staff. Kathryn Russell is GDA’s policy director.
As Georgia honeybees face the new threat of the non-native, invasive Yellow-Legged Hornet first detected in the U.S. outside of Savannah in early August, Harper said the GDA is working with the USDA Animal Protection Health Inspection Service and UGA College of Agriculture staff to identify, trap and eradicate the hornet.
“The Yellow-Legged Hornet is a ferocious predator of pollinators,” Harper said. “There are over 100 different commodities that rely on pollinators to cross fertilize crop plants and make a crop -continued on next page
Continued from previous page such as watermelons, blueberries, strawberries, corn and all the vegetables we grow in Georgia. Pollinators have about a $450 million impact on Georgia agriculture. Eradicating this hornet is an issue we’re taking seriously.”
Harper received a round of applause when he announced the GDA is taking steps to address feral hogs.
“We’ve reinstated the feral hog task force and we’re working alongside the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Service to implement trapping and eradication programs. We won’t ever completely eradicate feral hogs in Georgia, but we can put a hurting on them.”
Since July 1, the GDA Food Safety Division has been working to implement regulations that will allow milk producers to get a license to sell regulated raw milk to consumers.
“We’re working to get this program off the ground,” Harper said. “We’re currently working to license those producers who want to sell raw milk to consumers legally.”
It will remain illegal for dairy producers to sell unpasteurized milk to consumers without having a license from the GDA and meeting certain production and safety standards designed to reduce the safety risks of consuming unpasteurized milk.
Members of Georgia’s dairy sector sought passage of the Georgia Raw Dairy Act in 2022 to address gaps in state law that resulted in untested, unregulated raw milk being sold and consumed by humans under a pet food label.
The new dairy act is intended to make the production and sale of unpasteurized milk as safe as possible while also providing a new market opportunity for Georgia dairies.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration and health experts recommend that pasteurized Grade A milk is safest for consumers because pasteurization kills harmful organisms responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and brucellosis, but the demand for unpasteurized milk has risen in the past decade from consumers who want milk straight from the cow.
UGA CAES Dean discusses college’s economic impact & plans for precision ag farm
UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) Dean & Director Dr. Nick Place provided an update on CAES activities & research. Place said the CAES contributed $686.3 million to the $7.6 billion economic impact the entire university has on Georgia’s economy. Analysis shows that CAES Extension programs generate a $262.6 million economic impact while teaching generates $241.3 million and research generates $182.3 million.
Place thanked the representatives of ag organizations attending the summit for the contributions they have made to the college to support research for their commodities.
“We use research funding we get from Georgia ag organizations to leverage more research funding from federal sources,” Place said.
In the last year, commodity groups awarded $4,414,686 to CAES to support research. Place said CAES research expenditures increased by 31.1% from $43.7 million in fiscal year 2021 to $57.4 million in fiscal year 2022. CAES received $55.8 million in federal funds for research in 2022.
Place gave an update on the UGA Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture (IIPA), which was established last year, and the status of the UGA Integrative Precision Agriculture
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Continued from previous page Demonstration Farm planned for Perry.
Place said the IPAI is working to foster innovation with faculty across UGA’s campus and with faculty from other research institutions to develop technology solutions to address ag challenges.
IIPA has hired faculty members in the past year and held an international conference in Athens in May attended by precision ag leaders from around the world. Harald Scherm and Jaime Camelio are the interim leaders of IIPA while a permanent leader is sought, Place said.
During last year’s Ag Issues Summit, Place said the CAES planned to create a farm at the Georgia National Agricenter to demonstrate the latest precision ag technology. Place said CAES is working with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Exposition Authority that oversees the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter to establish the farm on 250 acres of the Agricenter property.
“Our goal is to make this the place to go to witness the latest and greatest in precision agriculture and technology,” Place said. “Steve Shimp [Georgia National Fair executive director] and I see this as a wonderful opportunity to expose and educate farmers to precision technology but to also get kids coming to the fairgrounds excited about agriculture as a career.”
Place said the college will hopefully be able to start work on the new farm by the end of this year.
GA. DEPT. OF AG ERADICATES SECOND YELLOW-LEGGED HORNET NEST
A second nest of yellow-legged Hornets (YLH) has been discovered and destroyed on Wilmington Island near Savannah, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced Sept. 20. Harper said Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) staff discovered the nest under a bridge on Wilmington Island on Sept. 15. That evening the same crew of pest management professionals, who eradicated the first YLH nest at a residence on Wilmington Island on Aug. 23, eradicated the second.
On Aug. 9, a Savannah area beekeeper reported an unusual hornet he found on his property to the GDA, which the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed to be the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina). This was the first detection of a live yellow-legged hornet (YLH) on U.S. soil. The non-native, invasive hornet attacks and destroys honeybees.
The GDA has two teams of four deployed in the Savannah area that are actively trapping and surveying for additional YLH nests. These teams have placed 134 traps in the area around the initial detection on Wilmington Island. As of Sept. 20, confirmed detections of the yellow-legged hornet have been made in 12 separate locations around Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, and Thunderbolt, Georgia.
Nine of these detections were reported to the GDA by citizens and three were captured in traps set by GDA staff. The Department continues to explore options to trap and track the yellow-legged hornet more efficiently and effectively. GDA recently received electronic monitoring equipment from the Washington Department of Agriculture, which will be put into use in the coming days.
Yellow-legged hornets build egg-shaped paper nests above ground, often in trees. These nests can become large, housing an average of 6,000 workers.
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Continued from previous page of Europe, parts of the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it isn’t native.
“Since the initial detection of the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s team of dedicated professionals have been working overtime to find any additional yellow-legged hornets in our state, and thanks to their tireless work, we have eradicated a second yellow-legged hornet’s nest,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “While this eradication is a win for our state and our agriculture industry, we’ll continue working around the clock to find any additional hornets, eradicate this invasive pest, and protect our state’s agriculture industry. The public has played a vital role in this effort, and we’re asking Georgians to continue reporting any suspected sightings directly to the Department.”
GDA staff located the second nest using a variety of techniques, including capturing, marking, and releasing hornets to estimate the distance from the trapping location to the nest. Additionally, hornets were captured, taken to different locations, and released so their flight direction could be observed. As this process was repeated, the size of the search area was gradually reduced until the nest was located.
Dr. Lewis Bartlett from the University of Georgia and Dr. Jamie Ellis from the University of Florida examined the nest after it was eradicated. They identified developing hornets within the nest and confirmed there was no evidence of the production of reproductive males or queens within the colony at the time of destruction. UGA scientists have sequenced the genetics of hornets from the first nest and evidence suggests these hornets originated in Asia. DNA samples were taken from the second nest, and genetic analysis of these samples is ongoing.
“The University of Georgia remains committed, alongside our colleagues at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, to the task of eradicating the yellow legged hornet from Georgia and the rest of the country,” said University of Georgia Professor of Entomology and Honey Bee Program Director Dr. Keith Delaplane. “While it does not pose a serious risk to humans, pets and livestock, this hornet has proven itself a deadly predator of honey bees and other pollinators in Europe and Asia. An ideal scenario would be the discovery and eradication of every established nest before the colonies have time to issue new queens who overwinter and start the life cycle over again next spring.”
The department’s team of dedicated professionals continues to work with UGA and USDA to eradicate any additional hornets in Georgia, educate the public on the yellow-legged hornet, and conduct outreach to key stakeholder groups such as beekeepers and pest management professionals. Since the initial detection, USDA has provided GDA with additional operating funds to continue our efforts. USDA’s efforts to track, trap and eradicate the yellow-legged has expanded to include Clemson University and the University of Florida.
The GDA asks Georgians, especially beekeepers, to be on the lookout for yellow-begged hornets.
Visit www.gfb.ag/reportyellowleggedhornet for the latest GDA reports or to report a potential sighting. Georgians with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to email yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.
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Continued from previous page continue monitoring their hives and contact us with any suspicious activity.
Harper warns that the YLH could potentially threaten honey production, native pollinators and Georgia crops that depend on pollination, such as blueberries, fruits and vegetables, if it is allowed to establish a population in our state.
There are many valuable pollinator species native to the U.S. that look like the YLH that don’t pose a threat to honeybees. To see photos of other pollinator species that may be mistaken for yellow-legged hornets and for more info about how beekeepers can protect their hives visit https://gfb.ag/ugacaesylhinfo.
The YLH is a relative of the Northern giant hornet, sometimes referred to as the “murder hornet” for its ability to quickly kill honeybees. This invasive species was last reported in Washington State in 2021.
USDA DESIGNATES 26 GA COUNTIES AS PRIMARY NATURAL DISASTER AREAS
On Sept. 19, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued two natural disaster declarations that cover 26 primary counties and 36 contiguous counties in Georgia.
These secretarial natural disaster designation allow the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can help you determine program or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Vilsack issued a natural disaster declaration for 25 primary counties and an additional 29 contiguous counties in Georgia for tornado, high winds, hail, lightning, and excessive rains that occurred in these areas between May 12 and June 26.
The primary Georgia counties under this declaration are: Atkinson, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Evans, Grady, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Sumter, Tattnall, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Ware and Worth.
Contiguous Georgia counties under the Sept. 19 declaration are: Georgia: Appling, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Brantley, Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Emanuel, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, Macon, Marion, Pierce, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Telfair, Toombs, Turner, Wayne and Webster.
In a separate action, Meriwether County received a secretarial disaster declaration triggered by excessive wind and hail that occurred on March 26. Contiguous counties covered by this declaration are: Coweta, Harris, Pike, Spalding, Talbot, Troup and Upson.
The application deadline for assistance under this declaration is April 30, 2024.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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GFA’S PICNIC ON THE FARM HIGHLIGHTS COASTAL AGRICULTURE
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) hosted its annual “Picnic on the Farm” on Sept. 16 at the Beachview Club Hotel on Jekyll Island. This event explores different aspects of Georgia agriculture, traveling to a different region each year. The event ventured to the Georgia Coast this year to highlight aquaculture through an engaging educational and culinary experience.
More than 100 guests attended the Picnic on the Farm, which raised $42,000 to support the GFA’s mission to educate consumers about agriculture and prepare the next generation of Georgia farmers and agriculture leaders for success.
The Golden Isles coast and Beachview Club Hotel provided a picturesque backdrop for this year's picnic. Guests enjoyed a relaxing afternoon featuring a seafood boil and signature cocktails while listening to live music. Georgia Department of Natural Resources employees and UGA Shellfish Research Laboratory experts led informative beach tours for attendees.
Local beekeepers, and representatives of land trust and conservation organizations hosted booths to discuss efforts they are making to protect pollinators and the environment on the coast.
Plein-air artists positioned their easels throughout the venue to capture the scenery and spirit of the event.
Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the foundation’s Georgia Ag Experience – a 36-foot mobile agriculture classroom, which travels approximately 200 days out of the year visiting third through fifth-grade elementary school students and public events. The mobile classroom brings the farm to the students using interactive computer games and simulation stations that educate students using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum.
Since 2021, the Georgia Ag Experience has educated over 40,000 students statewide. The Georgia Ag Experience is one of the many programs that will be funded by the Picnic on the Farm and other fundraising efforts led by GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom.
“There is a serious disconnect between those inside and outside of agriculture. The gap between farmers who grow food and fiber, and those who consume it, is getting wider,” Baucom said. In fact, most students are three to four generations removed from the farm. It is our job to find innovative approaches to address these issues which impact food security in Georgia, our nation, and worldwide.”
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is developing a pipeline for Georgia’s next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Through early exposure to agriculture, classroom learning, higher education, farm-based mentorship, and professional learning, the foundation’s programs provide a structured path that fosters growth and sparks passion in agriculture during students’ educational journey.
The Picnic on the Farm event was made possible by Presenting Sponsor Georgia Farm Bureau; Premier Sponsor Farm Bureau Bank; Signature Sponsors: FB Alliance and Alliant Insurance; Elite Sponsors, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, AREO Trucking & Logistics, Anthem BCBS, and the Farm Credit Associations of Georgia; Select Sponsors: The West Family, ABAC School of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Cardinal Investment Advisors, Cobb County Farm Bureau, Marjac Poultry, Guy Carpenter, Blanchard Equipment, James Bates Brannan Groover, LLP., Truist Bank, Sapiens International Corporation, and The Sandblasting Shop.
NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD NAMES LEPICIER AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
On Sept. 25, the National Peanut Board (NPB) announced Ryan Lepicier as the Board’s new president and CEO beginning January 1, 2024. Lepicier has an extensive career, most recently serving as NPB’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Lepicier replaces retiring President & CEO Bob Parker, who served in that capacity for 11 years.
“Over the last 15 years of dedicated service to NPB, Ryan has exemplified great professional leadership and communication skills to both staff and industry partners alike,” said NPB Chairman Paul Rogers, who also represents Virginia on the NPB. “Ryan was instrumental in helping the Board with the current mission, which is to improve the economic condition of America’s peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research. Ryan will keep this in the forefront as he leads NPB into its next chapter. I am very fortunate to have been involved in the selection process and am very much looking forward to Ryan’s vision and leadership serving as president and CEO of the National Peanut Board.”
NPB vice chairman and member of the executive search committee Greg Baltz said, “The search committee of the Board performed an extensive search process to select our next president and CEO. With the assistance of executive search firm Vetted Solutions, we were able to interview several highly qualified and talented individuals. Because we knew that Ryan was a candidate for the position, the bar was set high. As the interviews concluded, it became obvious that Ryan’s talent and preparation make him uniquely situated to become our next president and CEO.”
Lepicier has a journalism/media background and an MBA from Auburn University. In his more than 15 years leading marketing and communications at NPB, U.S. per capita consumption has reached all-time highs and the headwinds from peanut allergy are slowing as promising new solutions are on the horizon. Prior to NPB, Lepicier served as communications manager for the Office of the Mayor of the City of Atlanta, a multimedia producer for Oregon Public Broadcasting and worked as a television news reporter and anchor at several network affiliate TV stations.
“It’s an honor to work alongside America’s peanut farmers to promote delicious, nutritious and sustainable USA-grown peanuts,” said Lepicier. “As we look to the future, I’m excited to work with our industry partners to grow peanut consumption to new heights, find innovative new uses for the peanuts we grow, and make progress toward eradicating peanut allergy.”
USDA CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
The federal government is nearing the end of its fiscal year, and at press time Congress had yet to pass an appropriations bill to continue funding government operations after the current appropriations expire Sept. 30. The last federal government shutdown lasted from Dec. 22, 2018Jan. 25, 2019.
Georgia Farm Bureau media reviewed the USDA’s plan from FY2021 developed in case a lapse in funding occurred. It is the most recent such plan publicly available. What follows is a summary of how selected USDA agencies are expected to approach the shutdown.
To review the entire plan, visit https://www.usda.gov/shutdownplans and click the blue “Agency Plans” bar for a drop-down list of links to USDA agencies.
In many cases, there is mandatory funding available and some “carryover” funding to continue
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Continued from previous page operations. For FY2023, 15% ($39 billion) of the overall $261 billion USDA budget was mandatory. In other cases, agency operations are funded at least in part by user fees rather than congressional appropriations.
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The FSA would continue to deliver programs with mandatory funding and those with adequate carryover to support their operations, accept applications for mandatory farm programs, conservation programs disaster assistance and farm loan programs.
Programs and activities not supported by mandatory or carryover funding would cease. Nonpermissible activity may include, but are not limited to, direct and guaranteed farm loans and state mediation grants.
Risk Management Agency (RMA)
The RMA would continue essential operations funded by $7 million in mandatory spending for support programs. These include monitoring ongoing situations, events and activities in the event there is a need to ensure the integrity of the crop insurance program. RMA would continue to fund escrow and perform price discover/price support efforts to ensure program and financial integrity. RMA program and activities not supported by mandatory or carryover funding would cease during a lapse. Non-permissible activity may include, but is not limited to, new product development for the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
The NRCS would continue to deliver programs with mandatory funding and those with adequate carryover to support operations. Programs and activities not supported by mandatory or carryover funding would cease during a lapse.
Rural Development
USDA Rural Development would continue work on exempt programs to support mission critical activities and preserve RD’s loans and grants portfolio, which exceeds $262 billion.
Rural Development would cease issuing new loans for discretionary programs
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
The FNS would continue available appropriations to support certain child nutrition operations. Federal security personnel would continue working to conduct both physical and cybersecurity activities and in situations where they are required to be present in the building when personnel are there
Federal activities supporting unfunded discretionary programs would cease, though state activity may continue out of inventory and previously awarded grant funds. All technical assistance and management evaluations with state or other partners will cease. New store authorization for SNAP and WIC programs will cease. Other activities to cease include financial management beyond funds management, regulatory work, travel and conference presentation/participation.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
The FSS would continue to use carryover and reimbursable funding to conduct inspection activities and continue to provide personnel essential to the functioning of food safety operations in the nation’s food supply, who would continue to perform services essential to public health
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Continued from previous page during a government shutdown. These include regulatory inspection of meat, poultry and egg products that is mandated by law, lab work essential to the identification of public health concerns and threats, emergency preparedness, mandatory administrative work related to the shutdown and other functions necessarily implied by law.
FSIS functions not required to directly or indirectly support the protection of life and property would cease.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
The ARS would continue protection of research property and data where significant damage could result if unattended for any period of time.
All agency activities will cease except for those that are for the protection of research property and data where significant damage could result if unattended for any period of time.
Economic Research Service (ERS)
The ERS would maintain contact through official channels and monitor communications, including monitoring of critical IT infrastructure systems to prevent security breaches and subsequent startup failures.
All normal ERS activities would cease.
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
The NASS would continue data collection, analysis, processing and publication of agricultural prices reports in support of mandatory FSA programs funded during the shutdown.
NASS would maintain contact through official channels and monitor communications, including monitoring of agency critical IT infrastructure systems to prevent security breaches and subsequent startup failures.
NASS would suspend all program activities, including those funded through Census of Agriculture or Ag Estimates, except where data is needed to administer a mandatory farm program. Carryover funds would not be used to continue NASS program activities.
Animal and Plant Health Information Service (APHIS)
APHIS would continue its work in programs supported by trust funds, user fees and reimbursable agreements.
Trust funds: APHIS would provide preclearance and inspection of fruits and vegetables and inspection of birds at quarantine facilities.
User fees: Conduct animal quarantine import/export activities, certain veterinary diagnostic activities, phytosanitary certificate activities and agricultural quarantine and inspection activities, including after business hours.
Reimbursable agreements: Conduct certain animal and plant health program activities as well as wildlife services activities, including bird strike prevention and research and methods development activities.
APHIS would conduct plant health program activities that include pre-departure inspections at ports in Hawaii and Puerto Rico and rearing and release of sterile insects into barrier zones that prevent the introduction and spread of agricultural pests and diseases. The agency would conduct animal health program activities such as livestock movement quarantines and tick treatments for -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page cattle and deer along the US-Mexico border. Providing care for animals housed at laboratories and research facilities, and securing facilities such as the National Veterinary Services Laboratories and the National Wildlife Research Center.
APHIS would cease certain animal health program activities that are limited or ceased include disease prevention and detection activities, maintaining regulations, program standards, and guidelines that direct the various animal health activities, national surveillance data analysis and modeling, animal disease traceability activities and veterinary biologics licensing activities.
Certain plant health program activities that are limited or ceased include pest detection and survey activities, scientific experiments, data analysis and gathering for scientific and technical purposes, administrative and business support services to laboratories and units and technical working group activities. Certain wildlife services that are limited or ceased include pesticide registration, wildlife damage management operational activities and invasive species management.
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
The AMS would continue voluntary and mandatory grading, classing and inspection services, oversight of research and promotion boards, laboratory operations, plant variety protection certification, Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) activities, warehouse examination, activities supported by user fees, farm bill funded activities, marketing agreements & orders (MA&O), and commodity procurement for nutrition assistance programs.
AMS would continue deploying safety and occupational health managers, market news program staff and market news support staff.
The following AMS programs and 100% funded with annual appropriated funds and will not be continued during a government shutdown – Country of origin labeling, Federal Seed, Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program, all compliance, standardizations, methods development and international monitoring activities conducted by the Federal Grain Inspection Service, international food procurement, national organic program, packers and stockyards program, pesticide data program and shell egg surveillance and standardization.
RAIL SPUR, FUNGI PLANT TO EXPAND GEORGIA AG ECONOMY
A new rail spur in Hancock County and a regenerative fungi plant in Candler County are projected to expand shipping opportunities and jobs to Georgia’s agricultural economy.
On Aug. 30, the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced that 4 Fungi’s Regenerative, a sustainable controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and food production company, will establish a new greenhouse in Metter. The facility will create almost 50 new jobs and $27 million in investment in Candler County.
4 Fungi’s Regenerative began in 2022 as an offshoot of Better Fresh Farms, a sustainable indoor food grower and the anchor company at Georgia Grown Innovation Center in Metter. The company has developed a circular economy approach to growing mushrooms with regionally sourced agricultural waste and reconstituting their byproducts into soil amendments through an on-site partnership with COR Compost of Savannah. They also grow multiple varieties of lettuce, herbs, hearty greens, and microgreens.
The new facility will be located at the Metter-Candler I-16
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Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified site. Operations will come online in two phases, the first being a production phase in 2024, and the second being a processing and enhanced production phase to be completed in 2026.
Regenerative will be hiring for positions in CEA such as operations manager, indoor ag technicians, mushroom facilities manager, indoor ag quality control manager, greenhouse workers, growing technicians, and fruiting facility workers, as well as sales, marketing, and operations staff. Interested individuals can learn more about working at the company by visiting www.4fungis.com or emailing Senior Communication Officer Neil Minshall at neil@4fungis.com.
On Sept. 5, The Sandersville Railroad Company announced Veal Farms Transload, LLC and Revive Milling LLC as additional users of its planned rail spur in Hancock County. Veal Farms Transload and Revive Milling will leverage the spur to transport refined grain ingredients and other agricultural products to food producers and biodegradable plastic manufactures.
The Hanson Spur will allow Veal Farms and Revive Milling to reach new customers that they cannot currently serve due to rail service limitations and high transportation costs. The rail spur will also provide local farmers in Middle Georgia with more cost-effective access to consumers of their agricultural products, resulting in increased demand for Georgia-grown crops. These economic and agricultural benefits will support economic growth and prosperity in Georgia's heartland.
The 4.5-mile-long Hanson Spur will connect the CSX Transportation (CSX) rail line that runs along Ga. Highway 16 in Hancock County to the Heidelberg Materials aggregate quarry in Sparta, Ga. Veal Farms Transload and Revive Milling are located in nearby Sandersville, Ga. The spur is projected to benefit the Hancock County community, initially generating over $1.5 million in annual economic benefit and creating jobs for the county. No additional trips will be necessary with the addition of the new users, and no environmentally hazardous materials will be transported on behalf of either company.
The Hanson Spur will be Sandersville Railroad's first expansion in Hancock County. In addition to the economic growth brought by the spur, Sandersville Railroad anticipates supporting Hancock County's local initiatives. Veal Farms and Revive Milling join Pittman Construction and Heidelberg Materials as confirmed users of the spur line. Sandersville Railroad plans for the Hanson Spur to be fully operational by the end of 2024.
PATENT ISSUED FOR LSU-DEVELOPED FERAL HOG BAIT
By Olivia McClure, LSU AgCenterAfter years of research aimed at finding an effective way to control exploding populations of feral hogs, a patent has been issued for a bait developed by scientists with the LSU AgCenter and LSU Department of Chemistry, according to a university story published in August.
The bait uses sodium nitrite, which is lethal to feral swine, the culprits behind millions of dollars in damage to agricultural fields and forestlands in Louisiana and across the country. But the bait has minimal impact on the environment and nontarget species. With a consistency similar to gummy bears, it is shaped into golf ball-sized spheres, tastes fishy and even glows under blacklight.
The patent was issued Aug. 8 to LSU with the inventors listed as Glen Gentry, an animal
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Continued from previous page scientist and director of the LSU AgCenter Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station in Clinton; John Pojman, an LSU chemistry professor; and Baylen Thompson, a former graduate student who worked under Pojman.
“This is a milestone for us,” Gentry said.
The bait has been in the works for several years. Scientists began looking for a solution as problems with feral hogs grew in rural areas.
In Louisiana, the feral hog population has doubled in the past decade, with their numbers currently estimated at about 1 million. They travel in packs and are known for rooting up fields in search of food. LSU AgCenter experts have determined they cause about $91 million in damage every year in Louisiana.
The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at more $150 million, according to the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts.
Feral hogs have a rapid reproductive rate that has complicated population control efforts. A sow can have two litters of about six piglets yearly, outpacing the number of hogs that can be removed from the landscape through hunting and trapping.
The bait offers a more effective control method with the bonus of being humane, Gentry said. Within three hours of consuming the bait, hogs become sleepy and die.
Sodium nitrite is an ideal toxicant, he said, because it is deadly to swine and eventually breaks down into compounds that do not harm other species or pose environmental concerns.
Pojman and his students were instrumental in adjusting the pH of the bait matrix to stabilize the sodium nitrite, slowing down the conversion to nonlethal compounds so hogs have enough time to consume the bait.
It took many tries over the years to develop a bait that worked and that hogs would be willing to eat. Gentry and his team tried various ingredients to entice the hogs before landing on dehydrated fish.
The rubbery texture is critical, as it helps ensure the bait doesn’t fall apart when hogs bite into it. That limits the amount of scraps on the ground and helps protect nontarget species. Fluorescence is added into the matrix to make it easy for users to see whether any pieces are left behind by shining a blacklight.
The scientists are now focusing on conducting additional field trials and studies on shelf life. They also are looking for the best ways to deliver the bait, with possible solutions
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GA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE GREAT POTATO STEM CHALLENGE
Oct. 9 deadline to register
Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are invited to enter the “Great Potato STEM Challenge” to put their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to work. Special education classes, homeschool or community/after school groups consisting of third through fifth grade students may also enter the challenge. Teachers or homeschool or group leaders interested in their students participating must register by Oct. 9 at www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge. The top-grade winner from the third, fourth and fifth-grade entries will win a prize package totaling $350 for their class. Participating classes or groups will create a video presentation no longer than five minutes that demonstrates what the students learned about growing potatoes. Presentations must be uploaded to YouTube for judging by March 15, 2024.
GFB WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT
Oct. 1 final registration deadline
Nov. 2-3 Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa Savannah
Registration is now open for the GFB Women in Ag Summit! This conference is open to any woman with an interest in agriculture – female farmers, agriculture industry professionals, Farm Bureau volunteers, etc. This event will be a time of fun, fellowship, and personal and professional development. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit. Final registration by Oct. 1 is $100 per attendee. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. A block of rooms has been secured at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (912-201-2000). Information is also located under the “Lodging and Hotel” tab at the top of the registration page. Note: Farm Bureau employees should only attend if accompanying a volunteer or group of volunteers. For more information about the conference, please contact your county Farm Bureau office, or Breanna Berry at bcberry@gfb.org.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Oct. 7 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, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
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HOUSE RURAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETINGS
Oct. 25 Georgia Southern University Statesboro
Nov. 16 University of Georgia Athens
Specific meeting times, agendas and location information for other two meetings will be announced prior to each meeting. Meetings of the House Rural Development Council will be livestreamed and are open to the public. Established in 2017, the House Rural Development Council was renewed for the 2023-2024 by the unanimous adoption of House Resolution 488 during the 2023 legislative session.
BEEKEEPING SHORT COURSE
Oct. 28 Henry Co. Farm Bureau Office
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. McDonough
The Henry County Beekeepers are hosting this workshop scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course will cover: Introduction to Beekeeping; Hive Assembly; NUC’s, Packages & Swarms; Hive Manipulation; Extracting Honey; and beekeeping issues. Early registration by Oct. 27 is $25 or $30 at the door day of the event. The registration fee includes a one-year membership to the Henry County Beekeepers. The Henry County Farm Bureau is located at 117 Racetrack Road, McDonough, Ga. 30253. To register or receive more information please contact Tom Bonnell by calling 678-983-7698 or e-mail Tom at tombonnell@bellsouth.net
2023 GFB HAY CONTEST ACCEPTING ENTRIES
Oct. 31 deadline to enter Georgia Farm Bureau is calling all members who grow any variety of Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer Mid-sized Trailed Mower for one year, courtesy of Vermeer Manufacturing. The winner will have the option to buy the mower at a reduced price at the end of one year. Additional prizes will be awarded to the top five producers. Hay entered in the 2023 GFB Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers. Entry forms outlining complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau.
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USDA DISCRIMINATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Oct. 31 Application deadline
Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021 and/or are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was subject to USDA discrimination occurring prior to January 1, 2021, have until Oct. 31 to apply for financial assistance. Visit the program website https://22007apply.gov to file an application and for more information on the program. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, directs USDA to provide financial assistance to producers who have experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs and has $2.2 billion for this program. Under the law, the Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for administering the assistance through qualified nongovernmental entities under standards set by USDA. Applications will be reviewed in November and December, with payments reaching recipients soon thereafter, according to USDA statements. USDA has become aware of some lawyers and groups spreading misleading information about the discrimination assistance process, pressuring people to sign retainer agreements, and asking people to fill out forms with private and sensitive information. The official application process is free and does not require an attorney.
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline.