Photo by Logan Thomas
October 14, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 21
STILL TIME TO ENJOY GA NATIONAL FAIR THROUGH OCT. 17 If you haven’t made it to the 32nd Annual Georgia National Fair in Perry, there’s still time. And lots to see, eat and experience! Gates at the Georgia National Fair & Agricenter open each day at 10 a.m. through Sunday, Oct. 17. The fair ends each day at 10 p.m. followed by fireworks; note that entry into the fair is not allowed after 9 p.m. Georgia agriculture is showcased in the Georgia Grown Building daily from 10 a.m. -10 p.m., where you may be able to watch a cow giving birth and can see baby calves born at the fair and piglets nursing their mother sow. There’s a pollinator greenhouse inside the building’s east door housing about 300 painted lady butterflies. The Georgia Grown program and Georgia Green Industry Association partnered with Everyday Farm & Garden in Lizella to highlight plants and trees that provide habitat to pollinators. Be sure to drop by the Georgia Farm Bureau booth in the Georgia Grown Building to take your photo and post it on Facebook using the hashtag #GFBAtTheFair for a chance to win a fabulous gift basket. Join GFB or buy a new membership for a friend or family member and receive a t-shirt everyone is raving about. Drop by the livestock barns or arenas to see 4-H and FFA members preparing their animals for dairy, beef, hog and llama shows being held at various times through Oct. 17. The fair has been blessed with wonderful weather from the first day. After days of rain, the sun came out about an hour before the fair opened its gates at 3 p.m. on Oct. 7 and has continued to shine since. An opening ceremony was held in Reeves Arena attended by Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, local community leaders and Georgia ag leaders. Members of the Robins Air Force Base 78th Force Support Squadron presented the United States Flag during the opening ceremony. “Welcome back. You don’t know how happy I am to be standing here because we have had some unprecedented times around here,” said Georgia National Fair & Agricenter Executive Director Stephen Shimp. “This fair celebrates everything that’s good about Georgia. The theme for our fair this year for me and our staff is Grateful. We’re grateful that we get to be here.” Foster Rhodes, chairman of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, which oversees the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, served as emcee of the ceremony. Rhodes, who has served on the authority since the first fair in 1990, recognized his fellow seven authority members -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 18 Continued from previous page for their efforts to represent the facility to the state legislature and public. “During the next 11 days we will have over 5,000 exhibitors here pursuing their dreams as they show their livestock, and members of the general public will have a chance to enjoy quality family entertainment with concerts, carnival rides and delicious food,” Rhodes said. “Last year in the midst of COVID, we were unable to have the fair for the first time since it was held in 1990. We appreciate the governor and the many other state leaders who helped us continue operating.” Col. Rosalie Duarte, 78th Air Base Wing vice commander at Robins Air Force Base invited everyone to join Robins Air Force Base in celebrating its 80th anniversary. “Robins Air Force Base is proud to call Middle Georgia our home. We’re both better together.” Col. Duarte noted that the base and fairgrounds are both located on former farms. Gov. Brian Kemp thanked the Georgia General Assembly and local Houston County and Perry leaders for their ongoing support of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. “This fair is built on the foundation started by a lot of great Georgians,” Kemp said, recognizing former Georgia Rep. Larry Walker and former Gov. Sonny Perdue, who attended the ceremony. Kemp echoed the attitude of gratitude Shimp and Rhodes expressed. “I’m glad it’s not last year, and I’m glad it’s not four weeks ago when we were experiencing the surge of the Delta variant,” Gov. Brian Kemp said while speaking at the fair’s opening ceremony. “I want to thank our Agricultural Exposition Authority and the fair staff for persevering. There are a lot of people who would have just folded up the tent, but they persevered, and that’s what our whole state has been doing. We faced a worst-case scenario with not having the fair last year and [what] the loss of revenue that meant for this facility, but Stephen and his staff found new ways to use this facility. We will be better for that even though it’s been a brutal year.” The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (GAEA) recognized the contributions Jack Spruill made in designing the Georgia Grown Baby Barn, which opened at the 2018 Georgia National Fair. Spruill, who recently retired as marketing director for the Georgia Department of Agriculture, visited numerous fairs across the U.S. with birthing centers to see how they were managed. Spruill’s children Robert, Abby and Carol accepted a plaque on behalf of their father from the GAEA presented by GAEA member Emily Watson. Spruill was unable to attend the ceremony for health reasons. Reithoffer Shows, which has provided the midway carnival rides for the Georgia National Fair since the fair began in 1990, is celebrating not only its return to Perry but also its 125th year of thrilling fair goers across the U.S. with its rides and carnival attractions. “As proud as the authority members are of the Georgia National Fair, Reithoffer Shows feels the same way,” said Rick Reithoffer, whose great grandfather, Julius, started the family’s carnival business in 1896. “We are the oldest family-owned carnival in the U.S. still owned by the same family. We’ve grown with the fair. When we first came here, the fairgrounds was only about half the size as it is today. We’ve expanded the midway size three times since 1990. We’re now covering a mile of midway.” In 2020, Reithoffer Shows only attended the Pensacola International Fair, Rick said, but the company employed its whole crew for all of last year in hopes that they would have some shows. “We did a lot of maintenance work and refurbishment of rides so we would be ready when -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 18 Continued from previous page shows started again. It was a very difficult year for the amusement industry,” Rick said. This year Reithoffer Shows has been to about 20 of the 32 fairs it is scheduled to attend. “I think we’re going to have a record year here at the Georgia National Fair,” Rick said. “We’re glad to be back in Perry.” Visit www.georgianationalfair.com for a full schedule of events, ticket information and a list of vendors. TIME TO HEAD TO MOULTRIE FOR SUNBELT EXPO The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition will celebrate its 43rd anniversary show Oct. 19-21. More than 1,200 exhibitors will display and demonstrate products and welcome thousands of visitors to the 100-acre show site. The Sunbelt Ag Expo brings together all segments of agribusiness including farmers, educators, policymakers, ag enthusiasts and families. All attending the show will see the latest innovation and technology that the agriculture industry has to offer. “The Sunbelt Expo is an unbelievable showcase of rural living blanketed with agriculture’s newest ideas and technologies,” said Sunbelt Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock. “It’s three days of fun, education and dreaming about agriculture’s future as we team together to feed, clothe and house a growing population around the world.” A highlight of the show is the naming of the Swisher Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. After an intensive judging process, ten state winners attend the show to learn who will be selected as the overall winner. Lee Nunn of Morgan County represents Georgia in the Sunbelt Farmer of the Year competition. Be sure to stop by the Georgia Agriculture Building at the main gate to visit with Georgia Farm Bureau and learn how the organization is working for Georgia farmers. Also, the 2021 Sunbelt Expo will be the site of John Deere’s first public unveiling of the new CP770 cotton picker for the North American market as part of the company’s third generation of round-bale cotton harvesters. Education is the key component of the show with more than 300 seminars and demonstrations offered over the 3-day event. These seminars and demonstrations are taught in exhibit areas for beef, dairy, poultry, forestry, pond management, equine and cattle management. Farmers and ranchers attending gain beneficial knowledge on the latest in cutting edge techniques from industry leaders and university specialists. The Expo works with 21 different education sponsors to host a strong seminar and demo schedule. These education sponsors include major universities and colleges with six of these having permanent exhibit buildings on-site. The Expo will feature Youth Educational Challenges sponsored by Country Financial for 6th12th graders as a competitive and fun opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge in five different content areas. Additionally, an Ag Mechanics contest sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Georgia will be offered for students. New this year, the Advocacy in Action contest sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau will be held for high school and college students with a particular interest in ag policy, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 18 Continued from previous page law, and communication. The Sustainable Living Area focuses on topics for the specialty gardener. Flint River Fresh, created by the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) and run by Fredando Jackson, “Farmer Fredo,” will organize the display that attracts hobby gardeners and enthusiasts alike. A bounty of information on gardening tips, tools and more will be offered in the Georgia Metals Pavilion and in the demonstration garden. Sunbelt’s field demonstrations at the 600-acre Darrell Williams Research Farm are always a crowd pleaser. These demos showcase harvesting and tillage equipment for cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans and hay. As in the past, cotton will be harvested during the show. Hay demos will include all facets of hay harvesting from cutting to baling and will provide visitors the opportunity to see 80 different types of hay harvesting equipment run in a true farm setting. Expo is honored to have Virginia as the 2021 Spotlight State. Be sure to visit the spotlight building to experience Virginia agriculture. Chevrolet, a nine-year partner of Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, will feature the Chevy Truck Tour with multiple consumer engagement stations and on-site product staff. The stations will highlight the versatility of Silverado, including capability, technology, and design. Engagements include a live demonstration that proves the strength and durability of the Silverado’s Durabed.” The Expo always features an array of aromas from the delicious food sold on the grounds during the show. Many demonstration areas, including the Georgia Ag Building, the aquaponics display, the Georgia Peanut Commission building and the Georgia Grown Marketplace within the Family Living Building, host segments throughout the day with chefs and food enthusiasts. Be sure to stop by for a sample of some scrumptious treats. There is a daily rolling antique tractor parade, the American Grand Finals Stock Dog Trials (the largest field of competition in recent Expo history) and even a cow milking contest. Add in rural lifestyle fun, truck, tractor and ATV test drives, and the venue is perfect for rural enthusiasts. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20 and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Oct. 21. Admission at the gate is $10 per person per day. Advanced and discount tickets can be purchased online. The Sunbelt Expo site is four miles southeast of Moultrie on Ga. Hwy. 133. For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. GFB COMMITTEE MULLS ORGANIZATIONAL POLICY, HEARS FROM KENNEDY The 2021 Georgia Farm Bureau Policy Development (PD) Committee, chaired by GFB 1st Vice President Daniel Johnson and co-chaired by North Georgia Vice President Bernard Sims and Middle Georgia Vice President Robert Fountain, Jr., convened in Macon on Oct. 4 for subcommittee meetings. At the meeting, the committee reviewed more than 200 policy submissions from county Farm Bureaus and commodity advisory committees. This year, issues like stepped-up basis, raw milk, COVID, and water rights were hot-button topics under consideration. The PD Committee will meet again on Nov. 1 to review the submissions as a full committee. The committee will also review the 2021 organizational issues at that time. Their policy recommendations will then move forward to the full voting delegation at the 2021 GFB Annual Meeting in December. Any policies that are federal in nature will move to the American Farm -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 18 Continued from previous page Bureau Federation (AFBF) Resolutions Committee, which is composed of state Farm Bureau presidents from across the country. The policies that the AFBF Resolutions Committee adopts will be voted on by the voting delegation at the AFBF Annual Meeting which will take place in January in Atlanta. During the PD committee meeting, state Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon), who chairs the Senate Committee on Reappointment and Redistricting that is tasked with redrawing the state senate districts outlined the process of redrawing Georgia’s state and federal election maps. The Georgia legislature will convene for a special session beginning Nov. 3 to redraw the district maps, a process Kennedy said could take two or three weeks. The special session, called by Gov. Brian Kemp, includes a few other items of business, but reapportionment and redistricting will be the primary focus. Unlike the regular session that begins each year in January, the legislature is limited in the special session to considering only the topics designated by the governor. Reapportionment and redistricting take place every 10 years, using the results of the most recent census. The House Legislative & Reapportionment Committee is chaired by Rep. Bonnie Rich (RSuwannee). The two committees work together to redraw the state’s 14 congressional districts, 180 state House districts and 56 state Senate districts. Georgia’s population grew by about 1 million people from the 2010 Census to the 2020 Census, from 9.7 million to 10.7 million. Most of that growth occurred in metro Atlanta. In addition to the 1 million new people in the state, Kennedy said redistricting has to account for migration within the state. The net result, he said, is that population in districts south of I-20 declined by about 200,000 people. Regardless of any assertions about the accuracy of the census, the committees have to work within the numbers it provides. “I’d love to be able to say, ‘here’s what the real numbers are,’ or ‘amend that because we know this or that.’ You can’t do it. Those are the Census Bureau numbers. Those numbers get real particular, because on the congressional maps, we have to draw those lines to the exact person with a variable of zero,” Kennedy said. “Each congressional district has to have the exact same number of votes.” As a result, some districts outside metro Atlanta – both U.S. Congress and the state legislature districts - will be larger geographically. For example, Kennedy said Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District, currently represented by Sanford Bishop, will need an additional 95,000 people to balance its number of constituents with the rest of the state’s districts. Similarly, Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, currently represented by Austin Scott, will need an a additional 46,000 people. The same situation exists with respect to Georgia House and Senate districts. Kennedy praised GFB for its commitment on behalf of Georgia Farmers and said GFB does a great job educating members of the legislature about agricultural and rural issues. “It’s not just the knowledge that you bring about farming and ag and all the other issues that y’all are working on, but it is, more importantly, the credibility when you walk in the room,” Kennedy said. Kennedy emphasized the importance of the ag community maintaining consistent contact with elected officials. “The ag community does a better job of that because y’all come to the capitol and take the time -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 18 Continued from previous page to get to know your folks. You support us, you give us information, you give us advice,” Kennedy said. “I encourage you to keep doing that, and make sure that you know those folks so that when a vote’s about to happen, and you need some connectivity, yours is a phone number that they recognize and they’ll take the call.” USDA DEVELOPING VACCINE AGAINST AFRICAN SWINE FEVER On Sept. 30, the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) published its research into a new vaccine that has been shown to prevent and effectively protect European and Asian swine breeds against the current circulating Asian strain of the virus that causes African Swine Fever (ASF). The virus has been causing devastating losses to the swine industry across the globe. African Swine Fever (ASF) was originally detected in 2007 in the Republic of Georgia and is known to cause virulent, deadly disease outbreaks in wild and domesticated swine. The virus has been causing devastating losses to the swine industry across the globe but to date there have been no U.S. outbreaks. ASF outbreaks were confirmed in the Dominican Republic in late July and in Haiti in midSeptember, the first outbreak in the Americas in recent history. APHIS has vigilantly executed safeguards to prevent ASF from entering the United States. The virus is unable to transmit from pigs to humans. The ARS has published new research, that highlights a new vaccine candidate that has been shown to prevent and effectively protect both European and Asian bred swine against the current circulating Asian strain of the virus. Previous studies were done under laboratory conditions only in European bred pigs using an ASF virus sample from the initial outbreak. ARS’s new vaccine studies revealed that immunity occurred in approximately one-third of swine by second week post-vaccination, with full protection in all swine achieved by the fourth week. This research, highlighted in the journal Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, shows that ARS scientists have developed a vaccine candidate with the ability to be commercially produced while still maintaining its vaccine efficacy against Asian ASF virus strains when tested in both European and Asian swine breeds. On Sept. 24, APHIS submitted a dossier to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) detailing the actions taken to finalize a new African Swine Fever (ASF) protection zone in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The United States has kept ASF out of the country, and this action, coupled with existing, comprehensive import restrictions and safeguards will further strengthen protection for the U.S. swine herd given recent confirmed cases of the disease in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 18 HOUSE AG COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON BEEF/LIVESTOCK MARKETS During its “Hearing to Review the State of the Livestock Industry” on Oct. 7, the House Agriculture Committee heard concerns about conditions affecting the meat supply chain. The hearing included testimony from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President Todd Wilkinson and processor Francois Leger representing the North American Meat Institute. “Two of the themes that were the focus of today’s hearing were the need to improve price discovery and how essential it is for us to look more closely at how we can incentivize competition and capacity in our processing sector,” Ag Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.) said. Concerns over processing capacity and maintaining the meat supply chain arose after interruptions during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing witnesses agreed that the need for increases in processing capacity are apparent, particularly in the beef sector. “Our inventories are down in beef and pork and poultry for a variety of reasons, whether it’s drought or disease or disruption of the supply chain. At the same time, we are seeing incredibly high demand domestically and exports at a high level,” Vilsack said. According to the NCBA, U.S. beef producers could supply processors with 1.5 million head of cattle more than the current processing capacity, but expanding capacity carries steep start-up costs that inhibit the creation of new, small processors. To help alleviate this, the USDA has committed $500 million in federal funding to support expanded processing capacity. Vilsack said the USDA is working to establish how the funds will be used and expects rollout of the program as early as the first quarter of 2022. According to the NCBA, information on market prices has become increasingly difficult to obtain because of expanded use of alternative marketing arrangements (AMAs) - sales that occur through means other than direct cash markets. Georgia Farm Bureau supports policies that empower our producers to negotiate the best possible price for their animals. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) submitted a bill that would require processors to make 50% of their livestock purchases through direct cash markets and that the animals be delivered within 14 days. Both the NCBA and NAMI oppose this sort of federal government mandate, which they say would ultimately harm producers. A study by the Agricultural Food & Policy Center (AFPC) at Texas A&M indicated Grassley’s plan, commonly referred to as the 50/14 bill, could result in lower prices paid to producers. The NCBA has pushed for the creation of a cattle contract library, which would provide information on the formula contracts in use between producers and processors, which the organization says may help cattle producers capture more value for their livestock and better plan their business strategy. To access testimony from the hearing, click here. (https://agriculture.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2325) For the Texas A&M study findings, click here. (https://www.afpc.tamu.edu/research/publications/710/cattle.pdf)
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 18 NRCS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR FOUR CONSERVATION PROGRAMS The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for the Red Hills to the Coast, Connecting Land and Water project, the Georgia Sentinel Landscape Project, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. Nov. 5 is the deadline to apply for all four programs. The Red Hills to the Coast, Connecting Land and Water Project covering Georgia is one of 48 projects across the country that was selected for funding through fiscal year 2020’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This project was developed in conjunction with Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy. The project area includes the entirety of the St. Marks River and Aucilla River watersheds in both Georgia and Florida. The focus areas for this funding announcement are portions of Brooks County and Thomas County within the St. Marks River and Aucilla River watersheds. Tall Timbers' vision for the St. Marks River and Aucilla River watersheds is a pair of adjoining watersheds that contain conserved, well-managed working lands and natural habitats that allow for an increase in listed species populations, improved water quality for residents, and economic benefits to surrounding communities. Tall Timbers seeks to conserve as many of the unique elements of these two watersheds as possible, while also recognizing the needs and desires of people in the region. Tall Timbers hopes to see higher wildlife populations, clearer springs, cleaner rivers, more productive fisheries, and a better economic outlook for residents of the area because of this project. For more information or to apply, click here. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/rcpp/) The Georgia Sentinel Landscape Project is one of 48 projects across the country that was selected for funding through the fiscal year 2019 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This project was developed in conjunction with the Georgia Sentinel Landscape (GSL)) which is a partnership consisting of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of Defense, the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, The Georgia Conservancy, The Georgia-Alabama Land Trust and over a dozen other partners. GSL is one of seven designated Sentinel Landscapes in the nation. Sentinel Landscapes are working, or natural lands important to the National Defense mission, places where preserving the working and rural character of key landscapes strengthens the economies of farms, ranches, and forests as well as protecting the military mission. The 11-county focus areas for prescribed fire and firebreak related practices for this land management funding announcement include Camden, Chattahoochee, Evans, Long, Macon, Marion, McIntosh, Schley, Talbot, Tattnall, and Taylor counties. For more information or to apply, click here. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/rcpp/) The ACEP, created through the 2014 farm bill and reauthorized in the 2018 farm bill, is a program that has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP-WRE applications are accepted directly from producers on eligible lands. These easements will restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 18 Continued from previous page prior converted or forested wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Applications will be ranked according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife. Applications for the ACEP-ALE are accepted from eligible partners. These eligible entities may submit proposals to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE directly from producers. Producers will need to work with an eligible entity to pursue funding for an ACEP-ALE conservation easement. Some examples of eligible entities include county board of commissioners, land trusts and land conservancies. In the 2018 farm bill rules, there is an option available under ACEP-ALE for the use of ACEPALE program agreements, versus the traditional cooperative agreement. ACEP-ALE program agreements are designed to streamline ACEP-ALE enrollments and allow for fiscal year-round evaluation, selection, and funding of individual parcels. The latest version of the ACEP-ALE application allows the eligible entity to identify which ALE-agreement type they are interested in. Approved ACEP-ALE easements would prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and maximize protection of land devoted to food production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible. For more information about ACEP, click here. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/) While customers can apply year round for EQIP, this application cutoff announcement is for all general EQIP, as well as some special initiatives such as the Longleaf Pine, On-Farm Energy, Organic, Seasonal High Tunnel and the Working Lands for Wildlife. Customers should discuss these sign-up options with their local conservationist to see if any of the initiatives or other projects are right for them. NRCS conservationists work with producers to assess the conservation needs on their land, identify concerns and opportunities, help determine objectives, and recommend solutions. EQIP was originally established under the 1996 farm bill and reauthorized in the 2018 farm bill. Assistance is available to help producers and landowners plan and implement conservation practices to provide environmental benefits on cropland, pasture, forestland, and associated agricultural land, including animal feeding operations. As a result, EQIP helps to improve water quantity and quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, as well as establish or improve wildlife habitat. Interested producers can apply at their local USDA Service Center by submitting a Conservation Program Application (NRCS-CPA-1200). For more information about EQIP, click here. (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/) Contct information for north Georgia USDA Service Centers can be accessed by clicking here. (https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=GA1&stateNa me=Northern%20Georgia&stateCode=13) Contact information for south Georgia USDA Service Centers can be accessed by clicking here. (https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=GA2&stateNa me=Southern%20Georgia&stateCode=13)
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 18 EXPORTS TO CHINA IMPROVE; BIDEN SEEKS BETTER TRADE COMPLIANCE The latest trade numbers show strong U.S. agricultural exports despite transportation challenges, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). In a Sept. 28 installment of Newsline, AFBF Senior Staff Economist Veronica Nigh indicated that U.S. exports to China are up significantly despite challenges from major weather events and shipping issues. “We're in the second year of our two-year Phase One commitment with China, which committed China to purchasing certain dollar values of U.S. agricultural products,” Nigh said. “So, thus far in 2021, January through August, we've exported nearly $18 billion of U.S. ag products.” While that figure is an improvement of 120% over the same time period in 2020, it’s 12% behind a pace to reach the total U.S. 2021 ag export value required by the Phase One deal. Ag exports to China represent 16% of total U.S. ag exports, valued at more than $115 billion. Meanwhile, on Oct. 4 the Biden administration announced its plans to re-align U.S. trade policies toward China while pursuing the Asian nation’s compliance with the Phase One Trade Agreement that took effect in February 2020. According to a fact sheet from the office of United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the administration plans to discuss with China its performance under the Phase One Agreement. China made commitments that do benefit certain American industries, including agriculture, that the U.S. wants enforced. While pursuing Phase One enforcement, the administration will restart targeted tariff exclusions to mitigate the effects of certain Section 301 tariffs that raised costs on Americans. The U.S. has concerns with the PRC that were not addressed in the Phase One deal, specifically related to China’s state-centered and non-market trade practices, including Beijing's non-market policies and practices that distort competition by propping up state-owned enterprises, limiting market access, and other coercive and predatory practices in trade and technology. The fact sheet indicated that the U.S. will continue consulting and coordinating with allies and partners with a shared interest in ensuring that the terms of competition are fair, work collectively to set the rules of the road for trade and technology in the 21st century, and strengthen the global market for U.S. workers and businesses. EPA APPOINTS SNYDER AS AGRICULTURE ADVISOR On Oct. 7, the EPA announced the appointment of Rod Snyder to become EPA’s Agriculture Advisor. Snyder will lead outreach and engagement efforts with the agricultural community for EPA. Snyder is nationally recognized for his leadership at the intersection of agricultural and environmental policy and joins the agency after serving as president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, the largest multi-stakeholder initiative working to advance the sustainability of commodity crop farming in the United States. In that role, he forged sciencebased consensus among stakeholders across the food and agriculture value chain on issues such as climate change, water quality, biodiversity, and pest management. The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomed Snyder’s appointment. “AFBF congratulates Rod Snyder on his appointment as EPA’s agriculture advisor. There are several important issues facing agriculture that will require effective communication with EPA, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 18 Continued from previous page including the new WOTUS rule, among other initiatives and regulations,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “As issues are deliberated within EPA, it is critical for the perspectives of farmers and ranchers to be represented and Rod will be that voice. Of course, it’s equally critical for EPA to engage directly with farmers and ranchers and I’m also confident Rod will be a strong advocate for such engagement and collaboration, as he has demonstrated in several roles. We look forward to continuing to work with him in this new capacity to ensure farmers and ranchers are heard at EPA.” House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott also expressed approval of Snyder’s selection. “Rod’s work on behalf of America’s farmers and ranchers is well known, as is his passion for ensuring racial justice, equity and inclusion in agriculture, and I know that he will continue to be a voice for all agricultural producers and rural communities,” Scott said. Prior to his time at Field to Market, Snyder worked for the National Corn Growers Association and CropLife America. As a longtime champion of agricultural solutions to climate change, he has previously organized farmer delegations to participate in UN Climate Summits in Paris and Copenhagen. In 2015, Snyder co-founded the Sustainable Agriculture Summit, which has grown to be the largest and most prominent annual sustainable agriculture conference in North America. Snyder holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He resides on his family farm in Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia. “I am honored to serve as EPA’s Agriculture Advisor as we forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment and ensure a vibrant and productive agricultural system,” Snyder said. “America’s farmers and ranchers are vital partners in achieving clean air and clear water, all while playing the critical role of delivering a healthy and secure food supply.” USDA APPOINTS GEORGIA FSA, RURAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS On Oct. 12, the USDA announced Arthur Tripp Jr.’s appointment as the new state executive director for the Farm Service Agency in Georgia, and Reggie Taylor’s appointment as the new state director for USDA Rural Development. Tripp joins FSA from the office of Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA 7th District), where he served as district director. Tripp will work with the D.C.-based FSA administrator, the state FSA Committee, and others to coordinate and implement commodity support, loan, and conservation programs, while also managing the day-to-day operations of the state office in Athens. Tripp initially got involved in agriculture as senior policy advisor for Rep. David Scott (D-GA 13th District), who currently serves as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. The relationships Tripp formed with agriculture stakeholders during that time earned him the backing from 13 Georgia agriculture groups including Georgia Farm Bureau, which sent a letter to President Joe Biden recommending his nomination in April. Tripp is a Warner Robins native and a graduate of the University of Georgia. After leaving Rep. Scott’s office, he returned to UGA, where he served as senior administrator in the Office of the UGA president and on the Alumni Board of Directors for the School of Public and International Affairs. Tripp was also recognized as a member of UGA’s 40Under40, and he and his wife, Jessica, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 18 Continued from previous page are graduates of Leadership Georgia. Taylor has served as the acting state director for Georgia for USDA’s Rural Development agency. He joined the agency in 2015 as a community economic development specialist. Prior to joining USDA, Taylor served as city manager for the City of East Point and was the executive director of the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation in Marietta. Taylor holds a master’s degree in business management and organizational leadership from Cardinal Stritch University and a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from East Carolina University. USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care, and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and highpoverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 18 AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS Oct. 15 application deadline The American Foundation for Agriculture is accepting applications for WhiteReinhardt scholarships and White-Reinhardt community/classroom grants. WhiteReinhardt grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K-12 in order to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Please note that mini-grant funds cannot be used for consumable items like food or paper, transportation, wages or safety programs. Grant payments can only be made to a state or county Farm Bureau. Applications for the grants are due Oct. 15. To learn more or apply for a grant visit www.agfoundation.org/projects/wr-grants-home. The AFBF Foundation is also accepting applications for White-Reinhardt scholarships to the 2022 National Ag in the Classroom Conference for full-time educators and/or volunteers who actively participate in classroom ag literacy programs or events. This scholarship provides travel expense funds for educators to attend the national conference and then use the information gained to expand their outreach to students regarding food, fiber and fuel. Applications for the grants are due Oct. 15. Learn more or apply at www.agfoundation.org/projects/ag-scholarships. For more information email foundation@fb.org. POLLINATORS IN AG EDUCATION WORKSHOP SERIES Oct. 16 NESPAL/UGA Tifton Campus 3:30 p.m. Tifton Oct. 23 Gordon County Ag Services Center 3:30 p.m. Calhoun Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) and Monarchs Across Georgia (MAG) have partnered together to create four regional workshops across Georgia that focus on the role of pollinators in agriculture, the science behind pollinator life cycles, and methods for teaching pollinators to students of all ages. For more information and to register please visit www.gacd.us/pollinators. Registration deadlines are two weeks prior to each workshop date. SUNBELT AG EXPO Oct. 19-21 Spence Field Moultrie The annual Sunbelt Expo, the largest farm show in the United States, features more than 1,200 exhibitors with displays and demonstrations of the latest in agricultural products on Sunbelt’s 100acre show site. Sunbelt brings together all segments of agribusiness including farmers, educators, policymakers, ag enthusiasts and families. Admission at the gate is $10 per person per day. Advance and discount tickets can be purchased online at www.sunbeltexpo.com. The Show site is four miles southeast of Moultrie, GA on Hwy 133.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 18 GFVGA OCTOBER WEBINAR: ESTATE TAX AND SUCCESSION PLANNING Oct. 21 1 p.m. online Join the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association for this panel discussion via Zoom. Succession planning and estate taxes are critical issues for multi-generational ag operations. Get an update on the latest federal estate tax proposed legislation that can potentially affect all farms and landowners. If unchanged, the proposed federal tax code will have significant impacts on family farms across the U.S. This webinar will be hosted by GFVGA’s Beth Oleson and featuring panelists Tripp Cofield from Georgia Farm Bureau, Andrew Branan and Blake Brown of North Carolina State University and David May of East Carolina University. This a free event but registration is required. To register, click here. (https://web.cvent.com/event/5ee58fb4-f4b0-41ac-a669-2d654517bd79/summary?RefId=estatetax-and-succession-planning) ASIAN LONGHORNED TICK EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR Oct. 28 2 p.m. online The Georgia Department of Agriculture is partnering with the University of Georgia to host a webinar about the invasive Asian Longhorned Tick and its recent identification in Georgia. The one-hour presentation will cover basic information about the tick and discuss surveillance, prevention and treatment strategies. The presentation is geared towards livestock producers, ag inspectors, ag teachers, and Extension agents. Mark your calendars and invite other members of Georgia’s livestock community to watch the webinar. To participate in the webinar, click here. (https://zoom.us/j/95278190391?pwd=cjFRTEVMUTlmS2lMSFduc0d0bWV4QT09). If you wish to listen via your telephone, you may call one of the following numbers: 301-715-8592 (Washington DC); 312-626-6799 (Chicago); 929-205-6099 (New York); 253-215-8782 (Tacoma); 346-248-7799 (Houston); 669-900-6833 (San Jose). GEORGIA FARM BUREAU QUALITY HAY CONTEST Oct. 31 deadline to enter Georgia Farm Bureau is calling all members who grow Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest. Hay entered in the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest will be tested at the University of Georgia Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the annual GFB Convention on Jekyll Island. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers. The first-place winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer 604R baler for one year, courtesy of the Vermeer Manufacturing Company. The winner will have the option to purchase the mower at a reduced price at the end of the year. Entry forms outlining all contest rules may be picked up at local county Farm Bureau offices or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Entry fees, forms and samples should be sent to the GFB Public Policy Department 1620 Bass Road Macon, Ga., 31210. For more information about the contest contact Jeremy Taylor in the GFB Public Policy Department at 1-800-342-1192 or jrtaylor@gfb.org.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 18 GERL STALLION TO GELDING CLINICS November by appointment The Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL) is sponsoring the 11th annual Stallion to Gelding clinics starting in November. Since the start of this important program, more than 1,212 stallions have been gelded which has significantly reduced the number of starved, abused and neglected horses in Georgia. For just $100 per equine, Georgia residents can have their horses, donkeys and minis castrated by certain licensed veterinarians who are hosting the clinics throughout the state on varying dates. In addition to the owners’ payments, participating veterinarians will receive $75 from GERL. A current Tetanus vaccination and negative Coggins test are required. These procedures can also be done at the Stallion to Gelding clinics at the owners’ cost. For more information, contact Marian Finco at 706-340-4368 or visit https://gerlltd.org/stallion-to-geldingprogram/ for a list of participating vets & their clinic dates. FORESTRY MEETING AND FIELD DAY Nov. 2 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Lyons This field day, which includes a boxed lunch, will feature tours of research pines and discussions on chemical site prep and more. The Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center is located at 8163 Georgia Highway 178 in Lyons. Master Timber Harvesters CLE and CFE (5 hrs) and Georgia Pesticide Credits are available Please register here or by calling the Tattnall County Extension Office at 912-557-6724. U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL ENROLLMENT WEBINARS Nov. 2 9 a.m. Nov. 16 9 a.m. Dec. 9 9 a.m. Dec. 14 9 a.m. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol will present six live enrollment webinars focusing on how the program helps U.S. cotton producers meet the changing demands from their end customer while also better documenting/verifying their on-farm sustainability practices and advances. Enrollment for the 2021 crop is open. For producers not yet participating, the webinars will provide an opportunity to learn about program benefits and ask questions. Speakers include Trust Protocol representatives and producer members. Producers can register at https://trustuscotton.org/enrollment-webinar-live-sessions/. For more information, visit www.TrustUSCotton.org.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 18 2021 AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM Nov. 9-10 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is hosting this event in partnership with Georgia Farm Bureau and Georgia Agribusiness Council. The forum will equip agricultural professionals dealing with agricultural labor relations to become compliant with new ag labor regulations in the new COVID world. Topics this year will include Political Outlook on Ag Labor Policies; Farm Labor Modernization Act; Wage Calculations and Audit Prep; Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation in the Workplace; What’s up with AEWR; H-2A Updates and H-2A Basics; and H-2B Updates. Presenters will include a who’s who of ag labor relations from both regulatory agencies and industry experts who know how to navigate the complex and often changing environment our growers face on a daily basis. Registration is $250. For more information on this event, visit, www.georgiaaglaborforum.com. 2021 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU ANNUAL CONVENTION Dec. 5-7 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island Georgia Farm Bureau members trek to the Georgia coast for this annual must-attend event featuring the always-popular trade show, finalization of GFB’s 2022 policy stances, board elections, renewal of long-time friendships and much more! For information, contact your local county Farm Bureau office. Visit www.gfb.org/about-us/contact-us.cms for a directory of our county offices. GACD 2022 SCHOLARSHIPS Dec. 31 deadline to apply The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is now accepting scholarship and award applications. To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school, undergraduate or graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area. Applications are due Dec. 31. To apply, click here. (https://www.gacd.us/scholarships) 103rd AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION Jan. 7-12, 2022 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta If you want the inside scoop when it comes to policies and perspectives that will affect your farm or agribusiness in 2022, don’t miss the 103rd consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention. This is your opportunity to help set the agenda for the leading voice of agriculture in Washington, D.C., and so much more. Participate in educational workshops to advance your leadership skills, expand your business acumen, and gain insight into the trends and realities impacting food production. Witness cutting-edge innovation in agriculture, hear from powerful speakers, and explore the trade show to build a stronger network, shop featured products, and idea-share with other state and county Farm Bureaus. For more information or to register, visit https://annualconvention.fb.org/.
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 18 EXECUTIVE FARM MANAGEMENT TRAINING Jan. 18-21 Pawley’s Island, S.C. Jan. 31-Feb. 3 Raleigh, N.C. Feb. 20-23 Savannah The Executive Farm Management (EFM) program is offered by North Carolina State Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson Cooperative Extension, East Carolina University College of Business and UGA Cooperative Extension. The 2022 program will consist of 9 days of content and curriculum taught across 3 sessions in 3 states over the course of 6 weeks. EFM is designed to increase the management competencies and profitability of large farms by utilizing a holistic operation-focused curriculum. Primary farm owner early-bird registration for first-time participants is $6,000 until Nov. 15. Returning participant fee is $5,500. Discounts apply for extra participants from the same farm. For more information or to register, visit https://execfarmmgmt.ces.ncsu.edu/2022-program-info/, or contact EFM Director Blake Broan (919.515.4536 or abbbrown@ncsu.edu) or Margaret Huffman (919.515.4498 or mmhuffm2@ncsu.edu. 2022 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 17-19, 2022 Savannah Marriott Riverfront Savannah Online registration is now open for the 2022 GA Dairy Conference! This event is a “must attend” for the Southeast dairy sector. It provides companies with the option to network with dairy producers and industry leaders, while extending a company’s brand with several sponsorship opportunities. Dairymen from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia have attended this conference in the past. Registration is free for Georgia dairy farmers. For more information or to register, visit www.gadairyconference.com/. GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 18 UGA VETERINARY SCHOOL DOG AGING PROJECT Researchers at the University of Georgia are looking for new participants for a study that aims to determine why smaller dogs live longer lives than their larger counterparts. Dog owners from around the country have volunteered for this community science research project as part of a fiveyear, $23 million project funded by the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health. All kinds of dogs are welcome to join, but researchers are specifically seeking dogs, both purebred and mixed breed, in the following categories: Large breed dogs weighing between 70-100 pounds, especially breeds other than Labradors, golden retrievers and German shepherds (the most common breeds in the U.S.); Giant breed dogs weighing more than 100 pounds, such as Great Danes, wolfhounds and mastiffs; Hound dogs, spaniels, pointers, terriers, bulldogs and pit bulls (purebred and mixed breed); Working dogs, such as herding, K9 and service dogs. Because the Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a long-term study, puppy participants are especially beneficial to the project. The research team wants to follow dogs through their entire lives. To participate in the Dog Aging Project, owners nominate a dog (one per household) at the project website, www.dogagingproject.org. After this, they are invited to set up a personal research portal where they answer scientific surveys about their dog and upload veterinary records. For more information, or to nominate your dog, visit www.dogagingproject.org.