October 23, 2024
USDA OFFERS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR HELENE FARM DAMAGE
6 No. 20
On Oct. 15, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance from the USDA to help producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in the recovery process. USDA also announced counties that have triggered for payment under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement for Hurricane Helene. Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) have 30 days to issue payments to producers.
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) first offered HIP-WI for the 2020 hurricane season, and last year, the endorsement was expanded to include the Tropical Storm Option (TS). Under HIP-WI and TS, producers with the endorsement will receive more than $233 million in indemnities for hurricane-related losses from Hurricane Helene. These payments will directly help farmers and rural communities recover.
At the time of the announcement, Hurricane Helene’s estimated indemnities for both HIP-WI and TS in Georgia totaled $207.7 million.
These payments are in addition to those made for hurricanes Beryl, Debby and Francine. The USDA noted that more than $630 million in payments have been issued nationwide under HIPWI and TS in 2024.
A full list of FSA disaster assistance programs is available on the Hurricane webpage on www.farmers.gov.
Emergency Procedures
Due to the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Helene caused in the southeast as well as the continuing impacts from Hurricane Debby, RMA authorized emergency procedures to help producers with hurricane-related losses.
The USDA indicated that RMA is working with crop insurance companies to streamline and accelerate the adjustment of losses and issuance of indemnity payments to crop insurance policyholders in impacted areas.
RMA’s emergency procedure flexibilities apply to all counties in Georgia impacted by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Debby.
Additional information on these emergency procedures is available on RMA’s Hurricanes Helene and Debby webpage.
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More Information
Producers do not need to file a claim to receive an indemnity payment under HIP-WI. If a county is triggered, the AIP will issue an indemnity payment in the coming weeks. Triggered counties were identified by RMA in Product Management Bulletin 24-067. In Georgia, they include 58 counties under HIP-WI and 87 counties under TS.
Eligible producers will receive a HIP-WI indemnity payment in addition to any applicable indemnity payments due to them through their underlying crop insurance policy. AIPs are using the standard notice of loss and claims process to timely process those underlying crop insurance policy claims.
HIP-WI covers a portion of the deductible of the underlying crop insurance policy when the county, or an adjacent one, is hit with sustained hurricane-force winds from a named hurricane based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The National Center for Environmental Information located in Asheville, N.C., was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene with no timetable for operational capability. This center maintains the IBTrACS, which is the data normally used for HIP-WI. In accordance with the provisions in the HIP-WI policy and the interest of issuing payments to producers as quickly as possible, RMA used data from the National Hurricane Center to publish the initial triggers for Hurricane Helene. Once the IBTrACS data becomes available, RMA will analyze the data and publish any additional triggers. This does not impact the underlying policy and additional payments could be made on those as claims are completed.
TS covers named tropical storms, as reported by NOAA, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 34 knots and precipitation of at least six inches over a four-day period. Both the wind trigger and precipitation trigger must occur for an indemnity to be paid.
The HIP-WI endorsement, including the Tropical Storm Option, are available in select counties in a number of eastern states, including Georgia.
During the past four years, HIP-WI has been a successful risk management tool for many in affected areas, with over $1.1 billion paid in indemnities to date.
To find additional information about the policy, including frequently asked questions, videos, and a fact sheet, please visit the HIP-WI website.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging business owners to continue applying for SBA disaster loans even though the agency has exhausted funding for additional loans. The extension of loan offers is paused until Congress authorizes more funds after it returns in November, according to an Oct. 15 SBA press release. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman indicated that continuing the application process can expedite approvals and assistance once funding is replenished.
Click here for information about SBA’s disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene victims, including which areas are eligible, types of loans, help with the application process, and links to what other federal agencies are doing in response to the hurricane.
(https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/hurricane-helene
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ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY RULE TAKES EFFECT NOV. 5
The USDA’s ear tag rule for some cattle and bison goes into effect Nov. 5, after which dairy cattle and bison being moved across state lines will have to have an official electronic ID tag (EID). This includes beef-on-dairy calves, according to Georgia Milk Producers. The rule expands the definition of dairy cattle to include all animals born from dairy cows.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says the rule will enhance the U.S.’ ability to limit impacts from animal disease and help maintain producers’ access to foreign markets.
For information on how to obtain the free tags, please see APHIS’ Animal Disease Traceability webpage.
The USDA will continue to provide tags to producers free of charge to jumpstart efforts to enable the fastest possible response to a foreign animal disease. For information on how to obtain these free tags, please see APHIS’ Animal Disease Traceability webpage
The final rule applies to all sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age or older, all dairy cattle, cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreation events, and cattle or bison of any age used for shows or exhibitions.
In an APHIS “Myth Busters” fact sheet, the agency attempts to dispel what it calls common myths related to the rule, among them: The availability of the ear tags (there is no shortage, APHIS says); Only animals subject to the rule should be tagged; official identification tags applied to cattle and bison prior to the date the rule is effective will be considered official identification for the lifetime of the animal; the regulations do not require orange tags for animals that have been vaccinated for brucellosis; animals with official EID tags of any type or color do not need to be retagged; EID tags are encoded with number but no owner-specific information; the rule does not change how APHIS monitors compliance or change penalties for violations. APHIS urged producers who are unable to meet compliance requirements by Nov. 5 to contact the state veterinarian at AnimalHealth@agr.georgia.gov or 404-656-3667.
SUNBELT EXPO CELEBRATES AG WHILE REMEMBERING HURRICANE’S IMPACT
The show went on, but as members of the Southeastern ag community gathered for Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 15-17 in Moultrie, they paid tribute to their fellow farmers and rural residents in Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina who suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“We’re praying for all affected by these recent storms from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains,” Sunbelt Executive Director Chip Blalock said at the Expo opening ceremony. He went on to mention that longtime Expo supporter R.W. Griffin, a feed, seed and fertilizer business that includes cotton gins and peanut buying points, sustained damage to their operation based in Douglas and their homes. The opening ceremony is held annually in the Griffin pavilion.
During the Willie B. Withers Luncheon held on opening day, the Sunbelt Ag Expo Board of Directors presented $1,000 donations to the Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina Tennessee and Virginia Farm Bureaus to help farmers in these states who have suffered recent -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page storm damage.
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall accepted the generous donation for Georgia, which was deposited in the Weathered But Strong Hurricane Helene Relief Fund being coordinated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture with support from Georgia Farm Bureau and 40 other Georgia ag organizations. If you would like to make a donation, visit www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org . 100% of the funds donated will be distributed to farmers who suffered storm damage. Details on how farmers can apply for the funds from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 will be announced soon.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper welcomed Expo guests from out-of-state to the 46th annual show saying, “This year has been pretty tough on our farmers even before Hurricane Helene struck what with high inflation, high input costs and low commodity prices. I'm concerned about the future of agriculture, but if we work together to get the right policy and realize that having a successful agriculture sector is a national security issue, I'm confident we can prevail.”
N.C.’s Whitaker named Expo Farmer of Year; Redmond represents Georgia History was made at this year’s Sunbelt when Faylene Whitaker of Climax, N.C., became the first woman to be named the Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year. Whitaker and her family produce tobacco, nursery plants, tomatoes and other vegetables, strawberries, organic corn and wheat. Whitaker Farms & Garden Nursery operates at three different locations near Climax on 940 acres of owned and rented land and includes an agritourism venue.
She and her late husband, Richard, farmed together for 50 years until his death last year. The couple started growing tobacco in 1975, two years after they married, on 10 acres of rented land using a 150 International tractor and a $40 tobacco setter. After they sold their first tobacco crop, they used the money to buy 36.5 acres of land and expanded into the nursery business of growing trees. The Whitakers’ oldest son, Shane, and his wife, Kelly, farm with Faylene, along with a nephew, but Faylene runs the operation.
Bruce Redmond of Effingham County represented Georgia in the contest. Redmond started farming on his own, growing peanuts and cotton. He took over the family's operation, Shiloh Farms, after his dad, Larry, died in 2018. Today, Bruce farms 2,800 acres of rented and owned farmland, including both dryland and irrigated acres of peanuts and cotton. Shiloh Farms has grown certified Tifton 9 Bahiagrass seed since the 1990s and is now the largest producer of certified Bahiagrass seed in the Southeast.
Redmond has served on his local USDA Farm Service Agency Committee for seven years. He supports Effingham 4-H and the Effingham Young Farmers Association and is an Effingham County Farm Bureau member. He and his wife, Jillian, have four daughters.
UGA Extension Agent Blake Carter nominated Redmond for the award.
Exhibits & demos reason for Expo
For 46 years Sunbelt Expo has been connecting farmers with ag organizations and companies that offer services or products that can make their farms more productive. This year was no -continued on next page
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In the Georgia Ag Building at Expo’s main gate, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) staff were on hand to tell attendees about the work each does to help farmers.
GDA’s exhibit highlighted 2024 being the 150th anniversary of the GDA. A walkable timeline highlighted significant milestones since the department was founded in 1874. Georgia was the first state to establish a department of agriculture. Georgia Grown vendors were set up in the Expo Family Living Building next door and their products were featured daily in cooking demos.
GFB greeted visitors to its exhibit with swag bags and discussed the organization’s advocacy efforts in Atlanta and D.C. for farmers. GFB Public Policy staff promoted the I Farm. I Vote. Campaign that encourages voters to think about how candidates and ballot issues will impact agriculture. Expo attendees also had the chance to cast their vote to answer the fun-natured question regarding how pecan is pronounced – puh-kahn or pee-can. More votes were cast for the second pronunciation.
Florida, featured as the 2024 Sunbelt Expo Spotlight State, pulled out all the stops to highlight its agriculture sector that includes 44,703 farms covering 26 million acres. According to Florida ag officials, agriculture and agribusinesses contribute $213.8 billion to Florida’s economy.
When guests entered the primary entrance on the west side of the exhibit, they could explore a fascinating display of antique farm implements Florida farmers used in the last two centuries. Directly across from this display, a hologram theatre let guests time travel from the 1500s when Ponce de Leon introduced cattle to the colony to present day when modern technology is taking agriculture to new heights.
Displays from the center of the building to the east entrance highlighted the many commodities Florida farmers produce. Guests had the chance to taste-test Florida recipe samples and take a photo in front of a colorful backdrop of oranges and green succulents. Florida Farm Bureau gave guests a pine seedling to take home to plant.
“We’re very proud for this to be our year to be spotlighted. We appreciate everyone coming today despite such trying conditions. We’ve had four hurricanes hit us [Florida] in the past year,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said. “Agriculture is the second leading driver of Florida’s economy and provides jobs for about 2.2 million Floridians. A lot of times when we think of national security, we think about oil, but what would happen if we had no food in our grocery stores for seven or 30 days? We need to make sure we treat farming for what it is [a matter of national security]. Anything we can do to bring ag back from these storm crises we’ve experienced is a need.”
Florida was the first Sunbelt Ag Expo Spotlight State in 1981 when Expo first started highlighting a different Southeastern state each year, Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock said. This is the fifth year the state has been featured. Georgia will be the 2025 spotlight state. Out in the field
Expo attendees had the chance to see self-driving tractors and drones in action at demo plots -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page beside the main road of the show’s research farm.
Sabanto has developed software that can be installed in John Deere, Kubota, and Fendt tractors that “drives” the equipment within the coordinate parameters you set. Sabanto representative Mike Burdick said the technology has been readily adopted by turfgrass producers who have to run a tractor over their sod 2-3 times a week to maintain it. Ag Technologies based in Cordele is the area dealer for the autonomous tractor software.
BestWay Ag, based in Kentucky, demonstrated how their Fly Cart 30 can be used in multiple scenarios on the farm to carry payloads of up to 80 lbs., such as moving Christmas tree seedlings up a mountain to be planted. A smaller drone on display is used to fly over crops to gather crop health data to help farmers determine what types of pesticides/herbicides they need to apply to produce a healthy crop.
Jeff Clack with BestWay Ag said the company volunteered their time and drones to help with relief efforts in Western Kentucky prior to attending Expo. A speaker was attached to the small drone and flown into isolated neighborhoods to tell residents a large drone would be coming to drop off supplies of water, baby formula & food. Clack stressed that anyone with a drone interested in helping should always coordinate with the local Emergency Management Agency so they can secure FAA clearance & be assigned an air grid.
SHETLAND SHEEPDOG BELUE NAMED 2024 GFB FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
Sunbelt Ag Expo has honored outstanding farmers from participating Southeastern states for 34 years. Realizing the special role farm dogs play in helping their farmers, this year Georgia Farm Bureau launched its inaugural farm dog contest to honor the four-legged workers who help with farm chores and offer unconditional love.
Belue, a Shetland Sheepdog who lives in Sumter County with his owner, Brinson Brock, was named the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year during the Willie B. Withers Sunbelt Expo Luncheon on Oct. 15. Belue was chosen from 151 canine entries by a panel of judges with farm dog knowledge.
As the winner, Belue will be featured on the 2025 spring Georgia Neighbors magazine, and Brock received a $500 gift card.
“This award is not merely about recognizing a dog's ability to herd or guard; it's about honoring a steadfast partner in the fields, a loyal friend in the toughest of seasons and a symbol of unwavering dedication on the family farm. The bond between a farmer and their dog is profound, built on trust, mutual respect, and countless hours of shared labor in and out of the fields,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “The recipient of this prestigious award embodies the very essence of what it means to be a farm dog devotion beyond measure, intelligence that aids in daily tasks, and a heart that lives for their next assignment.”
Belue has a blue merle coat, stands 15 inches tall and weighs 24 pounds. Brock, his human, says -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page Belue’s favorite treats are Greenies.
“Belue is a constant and vigilant companion. He works sheep, cattle and poultry. He will chase the occasional unwelcome varmint and is able to sense those who might be beyond his control,” Brock said.
Like many farmers, Belue has an off-farm job. During the school year, Belue attends the middle school agricultural classes that Brock teaches to encourage students’ interest in veterinary science.
“He is a willing participant for grooming, bandaging, and general body condition exams. When students do computerized self-study time, he retreats to his pen and waits patiently for the students to finish,” Brock said. “He rounds up chickens and other small animals in the school garden as well as kids playing games in the outdoor study area. He practices agility to the delight of students and visitors to the Agri-Science program.”
Brock said special needs children interact with Belue daily to find a quick friend.
“People are amazed to learn how farm dogs can work fiercely on the farm but can also help those with disabilities, infirmities or loneliness,” Brock said. “Belue has a calming effect on the students.”
Owners of the four finalist dogs have been notified and will be announced in the 2025 Georgia Neighbors spring issue to be published next March.
Georgia Farm Bureau is known for its love of dogs as Lucky, an Australian Shepherd, has served as the GFB mascot since 2021. To learn more about the contest or to look for information to enter next year’s contest visit www.gfb.org/24-ga-farm-dog.
CENTRAL-CARROLLTON, UGA TEAMS WIN ADVOCACY IN ACTION CONTESTS
Central High School of Carrollton and a team from the University of Georgia won the fourth annual Advocacy in Action Contest, sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau and Sunbelt Ag Expo.
The finals of the contest were held on Oct. 16 at the Sunbelt Expo. Three high school teams and three college teams rotated among three judges, making pitches to the judges, who posed as legislators, requesting an increase in funds for Extension programs.
Central’s team that won the high school division featured students Frankie Kelly, Kali Merrill and Addison Smith. The Central team was coached by Leanna Brown, vice president for business climate and public policy with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.
“I think what this program does is it shows these kids the difference between a speech in a competition setting and a real opportunity to interact with someone and try to persuade them or make them aware of something that they weren’t aware of before,” Brown said. “It's real-world practice in a setting where it’s OK to fail. We want them to win, of course, but it’s OK for them to learn, to figure out what they’re doing right, what they’re doing wrong and to improve their pitch.”
The other two high school finalist teams were Crisp County and Morgan County.
The UGA team that won the collegiate division featured students Michael Howard, Madi Perdue and Eliza Jane Glover. They were coached by UGA Associate Vice President for Government -continued on next page
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Relations and Director of State Relations Blake Raulerson.
UGA emerged ahead of teams from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Auburn University.
“There’s really nothing that I have seen that simulates a real, true, live lobbying situation like this,” said judge Preston Roberts, director of agricultural legislation with the Alabama Farmers Federation. “You’re meeting somebody that sometimes you’ve never had a conversation with and you’re having to present an issue, and you’re presenting yourself as an expert. And that is exactly what this competition is intended to do, and it’s been fun to see these kids try to learn more and prepare to be an advocate for agriculture.”
Students of the top three teams in each division received monetary prizes provided by GFB. Additionally, the first-place team in each division will be invited to attend Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol on February 11, 2025 in Atlanta
The initial round of competition was through review of submitted three-minute videos using an issues-based prompt. The finalist teams were notified Sept. 30 and given the issue-based prompt for the interviews at Sunbelt.
A total of 18 high schools from Georgia and Florida entered, including schools from 15 Georgia counties. Five colleges entered.
For more information about the Advocacy in Action program, visit https://www.gfb.org/advocate/competition
GFA PICNIC ON THE FARM HIGHLIGHTS GEORGIA’S AG HERITAGE
The third annual Picnic on the Farm, hosted by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture, took place on Sept. 14 at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture in Tifton.
Guests enjoyed a day filled with Southern cuisine, live music from Georgia Country Music Award-winner Megan Fowler, and interactive activities that celebrated Georgia's rich agricultural heritage. Highlights included live pork rind frying by E&T Porky Bites, a barn quilt painting experience, and a local farmers market featuring South Georgia vendors.
The event brought together farmers, community members and agriculture supporters.
“We are grateful to all who braved the weather and made this day so memorable,” said Lily Baucom, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture executive director. “Farmers face unpredictable weather every day, and our guests showed the same resilience and enthusiasm.”
The more than $60,000 raised during the event will directly support the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s mission to provide scholarships, educational outreach, and mental health support for Georgia farmers. The foundation’s work is focused on preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The historic grounds of the Georgia Museum of Agriculture provided the perfect backdrop for this event, offering guests the chance to explore the historic village and engage in activities -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page highlighting Georgia’s agricultural history.
“We sincerely appreciate all our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and attendees for making this event such a success,” Baucom said. “Their support will help us continue to grow and sustain the future of agriculture in Georgia.”
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture thanks its generous sponsors for making this event possible: Georgia Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Bank, Alliant Insurance Services, Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation, Inc., Farm Credit Associations of Georgia, Five Star Credit Union, Hilton Garden Inn Tifton, Sapiens, ABAC School of Ag & Natural Resources, Anthem BCBS, Barrow County Farm Bureau, Ben Hill County Farm Bureau, Cardinal Investment Advisors, Cobb County Farm Bureau, Curtis Packing Company/Georgia Best Brand Meats, Georgia Poultry Federation, Guy Carpenter, James Bates Brannan Groover LLP, Mar Jac Poultry, National Peanut Buying Point Association, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) South Georgia, Premium Peanut, Teresa & Marc West (The West Family), Tidewater, Tifton Tourism, Truist Bank, Pike Creek Turf, Inc., Sunbelt Ag Expo, Carroll’s Sausage, and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.
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GA SENATE STUDY COMMITTEE ON THE PRESERVATION OF FARMLAND
Oct. 28 Polk County College & Career Academy Cedartown
On Monday, October 28, at 10 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), will hold its fourth meeting at the Polk County College and Career Academy, Cedartown Campus. On Monday, October 28, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands, chaired by Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), will hold its fourth meeting at the Polk County College and Career Academy Cedartown Campus located at 167 Frank Lott Drive, Cedartown, Ga. 30125. This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website, which can be viewed at https://www.legis.ga.gov/schedule/senate and clicking on the video icon. The Senate Study Committee on the Preservation of Georgia’s Farmlands is tasked with studying the conditions, needs, issues and problems related to the preservation of Georgia’s farmlands and recommending any action or legislation. Information pertaining to all previous committee meetings can be found at https://www.legis.ga.gov/other-committees/senate/2024/farmlandpreservation
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GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HAY CONTEST
Oct. 31 deadline for entries
Georgia Farm Bureau members who grow any variety of dry Bermudagrass hay have until Oct. 31 to enter the organization’s 33rd Annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer mower-conditioner for one year. The winner will have the option to buy the equipment at a reduced price at the end of that year. This is the 26th year that Vermeer has sponsored GFB’s hay contest. Hay entered in the 2024 GFB Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of hay. Additional prizes will be awarded to the top five producers. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Entry forms and complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. You may also contact the GFB Public Policy Department at 1-800-342-1192 if you have any questions about the contest. Important rules to note include: Only hay grown in Georgia by a GFB member is eligible; hay samples must be taken from fields with a minimum maturity or regrowth of at least 25 days to ensure fair competition; hay must have been dried in the field and should not be artificially dried by fans or forced air in a barn; forage samples must be collected with a hay probe. Any samples with moisture above 18% or nitrates above 4500ppm will be disqualified. There is a $25 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the 2024/25 online GFB Hay Directory available at https://www.gfb.org/join/hay . Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time. If you aren’t a Farm Bureau member, you may join at the county Farm Bureau office of your choice or at https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today .Previous first place winners are not eligible to win any prize category for a period of five years from the year they won the contest. A previous first place winner may enter his/her hay sample for the purpose of having it officially graded. Any producer submitting more than one sample can only place in the Top 5 with one sample – their highest scored sample – but will receive analysis for all submitted samples.
GEORGIA DNR DEER MANAGEMENT SURVEY FOR FARMERS
Oct. 31 deadline to participate
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, is conducting a study to better understand farmers’ opinions on deer management in Georgia. Farmers’ feedback is critical in helping to develop effective management strategies for the state's deer population. Click Here to Participate by October 31. Please be assured your answers will be kept completely confidential and will never be associated with your name or contact information. This survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Participants may also respond over the phone by calling toll-free 1-888-676-4439, where a professionally trained interviewer will ask the survey questions. (https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8004492/farmbureau)
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GFB LOOKING FOR NEXT AMBASSADORS: YOU COULD BE ONE!
Nov. 1 deadline to apply
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is looking for the individuals to serve as its 2025 Ambassador Team to represent the organization at GFB and major Georgia ag events next year. Online applications for the 2025 program are open through 11:59 p.m., Nov. 1. The deadline has been extended from Oct. 28. GFB Federation Ambassadors will work alongside GFB staff assisting in several member recruitment, public relations and brand awareness campaigns. This program is part of GFB’s effort to promote GFB membership to consumers, especially younger generations. Candidates looking to join the program will be chosen based on their interpersonal skills, passion for agriculture advocacy, innovative thinking and overall enthusiasm. Applicants must be over the age of 18 to apply and must commit to a year of service. Each ambassador will be expected to attend an orientation weekend in January and work events throughout the year, including GFB Day at the Capitol, the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference, GFB Commodity Conference, the Georgia National Fair, Sunbelt Ag Expo and the GFB Annual Convention, just to name a few. Applications, guidelines, and a tentative schedule can be found online at www.gfb.ag/ambassadors. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., Nov. 1. Candidates selected to move to the next round will be notified and given their interview date within a week to participate in an interview process. For more information, contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org
GEORGIA VET LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
Nov. 1 Deadline extended to apply for 2025 cycle
The Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP) is open for applications for the 2025 cycle. through Nov. 1. Financial relief is available to veterinarians through the GVELRP, provided they commit to delivering veterinary services for a minimum of 20 hours per week, over at least one year, in designated rural counties facing shortages in food animal care across the state. Applicants must practice or intend to practice in Board-approved rural counties with populations of 35,000 or less to be considered for an award. A map of eligible rural counties can be found here. To qualify for this program, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have lawful presence in the U.S., live in Georgia, be a practicing veterinarian or a veterinary student in the final year of study. This year, participants can receive awards of up to $20,000 per twelve-month service period. Preference will be given to previous participants in GVELRP, provided they continue to demonstrate their commitment to practicing food animal veterinary medicine in the area of need they serve. Each participant must reapply after completing their initial contract, with a maximum total assistance cap of $80,000 per participant. Payment will be applied by the Georgia Student Finance Commission directly to the applicant's designated student loans. For detailed program information and to apply, please visit https://agr.georgia.gov/vet-education-loanrepayment-program. Inquiries about the program can be made to: statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov or by calling GDA’s Policy office at 404-656-3656.
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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PESTICIDE CLEAN DAY
Nov. 6 UGA Griffin Campus
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Griffin Georgia Dept. of Agriculture Clean Day is a program that gives everyone an opportunity to discard old, unusable, or cancelled pesticides to a hazardous waste contractor for disposal. Pesticides in leaking containers or disposed of improperly may cause environmental damage by contaminating water supplies or harming people and wildlife. Some pesticides that have been used in the past are now in need of proper disposal. Participation in the Clean Day Program remains free of charge to all private and commercial applicators with the understanding that the event is designed / intended for farmers, lawn care, golf courses, and pest control companies. For more information about the event or to register, please contact your local extension agent, visit the GDA website here or contact Rick Hayes Coordinator for the event at ricky.haves@agr.georgia.gov (Office: 404-6564958) (Cell: 404-535-1614). All canceled, suspended, unusable and unlabeled materials classified as pesticides may be turned in for collection. Please list all pesticides to be turned in on the preregistration form to estimate types and volumes to be collected. Any pesticides without a brand name, trade name, or active ingredient on the label may require analysis to determine the contents. Please label all unidentifiable pesticides as "unknown" on the pre-registration form. Preregistration is mandatory for program participation.
APPLE, BLUEBERRY, PEACH & WHOLE FARM CROP INSURANCE
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia apple, blueberry, and peach growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 crop year is November 20. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until November 20 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the November 20 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for apples in Fannin, Gilmer, and Rabun counties. Coverage is available for blueberries in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brantley, Burke, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne counties. Coverage is available for peaches in Bacon, Banks, Bleckley, Brooks, Crawford, Dooly, Hall, Henry, Macon, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Oconee, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Schley, and Taylor counties. Coverage is available for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection in all Georgia counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2025 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Field Notes page 14 of 15
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU CONVENTION
Dec. 8-10 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, celebration of 2024 accomplishments, finalization of GFB’s 2025 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/contactus.cms for a directory of our county offices.
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION
Jan. 23-28, 2025 San Antonio, Texas
Registration is now open for the 106th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio! Don’t miss the educational workshops, exciting keynote speakers, innovative industry trade show, and world-class tours in the beautiful state of Texas! Attendees can register now! We encourage you to sign up with your individual state Farm Bureau office or register now through this link.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, please visit the project website.
PIEDMONT CONSERVATION DISTRICT FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES
Ongoing
The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Piedmont SWCD which includes Morgan, Greene, Taliaferro, Putnam, Hancock, Baldwin, and Jones Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Kris Pope at kmpope@bellsouth.net or 404-402-2207.More information can be found at www.gacd.us/piedmont.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
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GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2023 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
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.