Georgia Farm Bureau's October 28 Field Notes

October 28, 2020

www.gfb.org

Vol. 2 No. 21

GFB ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN YF&R COMPETITIVE EVENTS Jacob and Emily Nolan of Wayne County, Dr. Ashley Yopp of Tift County and Melissa Mathis of Monroe County are the winners of the three Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events. All of the events were held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nolans won the 2020 YF&R Achievement Award, given to recognize young farmers who derive their earnings primarily from production agriculture. As the state winners, the Nolans will receive $500 and a farm sign sponsored by AgSouth Farm Credit and a John Deere ATV with trailer sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. The Nolans advance to compete for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Achievement Award. The Nolans operate a diversified farm that includes cotton, peanuts, wheat, corn, cattle, pecans, fruit and timber.

Mathew and Chelsea Bohannon of Stephens County and Steven and Tara Green of Spalding County were finalists for the Achievement Award. Each couple received $500 sponsored by AgSouth Farm Credit. Both the Bohannons and Greens raise broilers and cattle.

Yopp, an assistant professor of agricultural leadership, education and communications at UGA’s Tifton Campus, won the GFB 2020 YF&R Discussion Meet, which is designed to mimic a committee meeting in which individuals seek solutions to specific issues. Yopp engaged in discussion with Newt Gilman of Jackson County, Sarah Nerswick of North Fulton County and Willie Sizemore of Lee County in the Final Four round held via Zoom on Oct. 15. The four finalists addressed the question of how the vibrancy and economic sustainability of rural communities could be enhanced.

Yopp won the top prize of $500 and a John Deere two-seat ATV with trailer, sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance and advances to compete in the 2021 AFBF Discussion Meet. The three runners-up received $350 cash courtesy of Georgia Farm Bureau. Sizemore was the top collegiate finisher in the discussion meet and advances to the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet, to be held in March at the AFBF YF&R Conference in Portland, Oregon.

Mathis, the Monroe County Farm Bureau vice president, won the competition for the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes ag professionals - who earn most of their income from off-farm jobs – for their Farm Bureau involvement and ag advocacy efforts. She operates three farm/feed stores and is an active ag advocate in her community.

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GFB Field Notes page 2 of 14 Continued from previous page Mathis and fellow finalists Jesse Patrick of Putnam County and Ashley White of North Fulton County gave their presentations for judges via Zoom on Oct. 1. As the state winner, Mathis receives a $500 award and a two-seat John Deere ATV with trailer sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. She advances to compete in the 2021 AFBF Excellence in Agriculture competition. Patrick and White each receive $500 cash sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Patrick runs a dairy equipment sales and services business with his father. White is an ag education teacher.

As the Nolans, Yopp and Mathis compete for national honors in their respective 2021 AFBF Achievement, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests, they will contend for the following prizes. The national winners of each contest will win a new Ford vehicle (up to a value of $35,000) and paid registration to the Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Portland, Oregon, courtesy of Ford. The national second -place winner of each contest receives a Case IH Farmall 50A, courtesy of Case IH. The national third place winner of each contest earns a Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet & top chest and $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH, a $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize, courtesy of American Farm Bureau Insurance Services, Inc. (AFBIS) plus $1,850 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise (PROTO, DeWalt, Stanley, Lenox & Irwin), courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker. The national fourth place winners get a Case IH 40” combination roll cabinet & top chest and a $500 Case IH parts card, courtesy of Case IH. GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AG OFFERS $65K IN SCHOLARSHIPS The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is committed to investing in students pursuing careers in agriculture or a related field. For 2021, the foundation is offering scholarships for graduating high school seniors, rising college juniors and seniors, technical college students and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine students specializing in large/food animals.

Visit www.GaFoundationAg.org/scholarships.html for a list of eligible majors/schools, application instructions and to apply. Applications must be submitted online only by March 1, 2021. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application.

The four scholarship categories the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is offering are: • Scholarship for Agriculture – Ten scholarships of $3,000 are available for graduating high school seniors. The top three ranking applicants will be eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus.

Applicants must: Be a Georgia resident; Be enrolled in a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any Georgia accredited college/university with an ag program for the 2021-22 academic year; Be pursuing an undergraduate degree in agricultural & environmental sciences, family & consumer sciences or a related ag field; Have a minimum 3.0 GPA; Be engaged in high school leadership activities • Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture – Four scholarships of $1,500 are available.

Applicants must: Be a Georgia resident; Be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college during the 2021-22 academic year; Have a minimum 2.8 GPA; Major in an area of study related to agriculture. Examples of eligible majors at www.GaFoundationAg.org/techschoolmajors.pdf .

• Rising College Jr./Sr. Scholarship for Agriculture – Eight scholarships of $2,000 are available. Applicants must: Be a Georgia resident majoring in agricultural & environmental -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 3 of 14 Continued from previous page sciences, family & consumer sciences or a related ag field; Be a sophomore or junior with at least two semesters remaining to receive undergraduate degree at a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any Georgia accredited college/university with an ag program; Be engaged in college leadership activities; Have a minimum 3.0 GPA. • UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship - This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program specializing in large animal/food animal practice. The GFA will award two $5,000 scholarships. Applicants must be a Georgia resident; be a current University of Georgia veterinary medicine student specializing in large animal/food animal practice and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The GFA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders for success in Georgia agriculture. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing agricultural careers, funds leadership development programs and projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture. It will soon launch the Georgia Ag Experience, a mobile classroom that introduces third through fifth graders to Georgia’s top crops. To make a tax-deductible donation, learn more about the foundation or the scholarships, visit www.gafoundationag.org or contact Lily Baucom at info@gafoundation.org or 478-4053461.

FARM BUREAU SEEKS ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL ART & ESSAY CONTESTS County Farm Bureau chapters across the state are accepting entries to the 2021 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Middle School Essay and High School Art Contests.

GFB’s Certified Farm Markets are the focus of both contests. Middle school students entering the essay contest are being asked to discuss how GFB Certified Farm Markets and agritourism in general benefit farmers and consumers. High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting one of the almost 80 GFB Certified Farm Markets located across Georgia.

The GFB Essay Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the essay contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150.

The GFB Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in 9th through 12th grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. Two state runnersup in the art contest will each receive $150 cash.

Students may enter the contests in the county in which they live or attend school but not both.

To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. County Farm Bureau contest winners will be entered in GFB district competition. All entries must be officially submitted by a county Farm Bureau to the Georgia Farm Bureau home office.

All entries must be received at local county Farm Bureau offices by Feb. 26, 2021; county Farm Bureaus must submit their county winners to GFB for state judging by March 12.

Students and teachers may visit www.gfb.ag/CertifiedFarmMarket to learn more about GFB’s -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 4 of 14 Continued from previous page Certified Farm Markets. Students who would like to enter the art contest, but are unable to visit a CFM in person, are encouraged to select a market from the GFB CFM webpage and visit the market’s website or social media account for inspiration. Search “Farm Monitor Certified Farm Market” on YouTube for video tours of several markets. Teachers can access lesson plans for 6th through 8th grade students that accompany the essay question at www.gfb.ag/21EClessonplan .

Essays will be judged on how well the essay topic is addressed, adherence to standard English grammar rules, and use of primary and secondary sources for research pertaining to essay topic referenced in the essay.

Artwork must be on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper and should be created in the colors black, white and gray. Contestants may use a variety of media to create their artwork including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, pen-and-ink, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing.

Entries are limited to one entry per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest.

Drawings will be judged on 1) how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in the artist’s county or Georgia and 2) artistic merit.

Students entering the art contest must be willing to allow Georgia Farm Bureau to reprint copies of their drawings. The winning artwork becomes the property of Georgia Farm Bureau and will be printed in a calendar distributed by Georgia Farm Bureau to promote agriculture. For more information, contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.gfb.ag/21artcontest and www.gfb.ag/21essaycontest.

The Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee coordinates both contests.

GA FOUNDATION FOR AG SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR MOBILE CLASSROOM JOBS The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is seeking applicants for two part-time education coordinators to work with its Georgia Ag Experience (GAE) mobile classroom in Northwest Georgia and North Central Georgia.

Each education coordinator will teach the ag lesson during the 15 days the GAE mobile classroom is scheduled to be in his/her district. The Northwest Georgia position must be available to host the classroom from Aug. 18-Sept. 10, 2021. The North Central Georgia position will host the classroom from Oct. 25-Nov. 12, 2021.

The Northwest Georgia education coordinator position will work in and must reside in one of the following counties: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Pickens, Walker and Whitfield.

The North Central Georgia education coordinator position will work in and must reside in one of the following counties: Barrow, Clarke, Columbia, Glascock, Greene, Hancock, Lincoln, McDuffie, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Richmond, Taliaferro, Walton, Warren and Wilkes.

Applicants for both positions must have a valid Georgia driver’s license, a flexible schedule and three years of classroom or other student instruction experience.

The GAE education coordinators will be responsible for teaching activities using approved lesson plans and conducting a Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) demonstration, -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 5 of 14 Continued from previous page maintaining a safe, respectful learning environment for the students, working with county Farm Bureau representatives to ensure the schools are engaged in the pre and post visit lessons; notifying teachers to submit survey results from teachers/students after each visit; and speaking with local media following foundation guidelines.

Applicants need the ability to stand for long periods of time, lift/carry up to 30 pounds and handle a fast-paced environment.

GAE mobile classroom education coordinators will be paid $125/day, mileage reimbursement and hotel reimbursement if a school visit requires more than two hours (120 miles) travel. Time commitment for this position averages 15 days of school visits and community events plus one full day of summer training and possible other dates in summer and fall 2021.

Visit www.gfb.ag/Dist1EC for more information and to apply for the Northwest Georgia position. Visit www.gfb.ag/Dist4EC for the North Central Georgia position.

EPA APPROVES REGISTRATION FOR DICAMBA WEED CONTROL PRODUCTS During an event at the Cromley Farm in Bulloch County on Oct. 27, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced that EPA is approving new five-year registrations for two dicamba products and extending the registration of an additional dicamba product.

“We thank Administrator Wheeler for visiting our great state to discuss the agency’s regulatory efforts and provide us the news regarding dicamba,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long said. “As a cotton and soybean-producing state, access to this technology is invaluable for our farmers and the state’s economy. There was a great deal of uncertainty in farm country earlier this year following the Ninth Circuit Court’s ruling on dicamba. Georgia farmers have long been good stewards of the land, and I’m certain that will continue to be the case as producers begin using dicamba products in ways that are permissible under the new label. We appreciate all the hard work EPA has done, and continues to do, for farmers and ranchers across the country.”

All three registrations include new control measures to ensure these products can be used effectively while protecting the environment, including non-target plants, animals, and other crops not tolerant to dicamba.

“Farmers now have the certainty they need to make plans for their 2021 growing season,” said Wheeler. “After reviewing substantial amounts of new information, conducting scientific assessments based on the best available science, and carefully considering input from stakeholders we have reached a resolution that is good for our farmers and our environment.”

EPA approved new registrations for two “over-the-top” (OTT) dicamba products—XtendiMax with VaporGrip Technology and Engenia Herbicide—and extended the registration for an additional OTT dicamba product, Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology. These registrations are only for use on dicamba-tolerant (DT) cotton and soybeans and will expire in 2025, providing certainty to American agriculture for the upcoming growing season and beyond.

To manage off-site movement of dicamba, EPA’s 2020 registration features important control measures, including: • Requiring an approved pH-buffering agent (also called a volatility reduction agent or VRA) -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 6 of 14 Continued from previous page be tank mixed with OTT dicamba products prior to all applications to control volatility; • Requiring a downwind buffer of 240 feet and 310 feet in areas where listed species are located; • Prohibiting OTT application of dicamba on soybeans after June 30 and cotton after July 30; • Simplifying the label and use directions so that growers can more easily determine when and how to properly apply dicamba.

The 2020 registration labels also provide new flexibilities for growers and states. For example, there are opportunities for growers to reduce the downwind spray buffer for soybeans through use of certain approved hooded sprayers as an alternative control method. EPA also recognizes and supports the important authority FIFRA section 24 gives the states for issuing locally appropriate regulations for pesticide use. If a state wishes to expand the federal OTT uses of dicamba to better meet special local needs, the agency will work with the state to support its goals.

Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton farmer from Colquitt County, noted, “This announcement is a victory for cotton farmers in Georgia and across the cotton belt. Dicamba is a major tool for farmers to address our most problematic pests. The continued availability of dicamba is also essential in our continued efforts to prove the sustainability of our industry.”

The event was hosted by Cromley Farms, the family farm of brothers Lee, a GCC director, and Charley Cromley.

“We were proud to host Administrator Wheeler and his team here on our farm. This announcement being made in Georgia shows that Georgia’s farmers have been fantastic stewards of this technology,” said Lee Cromley when asked about Administrator Wheeler coming to Bulloch County.

During the event, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black and EPA Region IV Administrator Mary Walker signed a Memorandum of Understanding that establishes collaborative efforts and foster relationships between the two agencies. Both announcements were applauded by the crowd, which included American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and National Cotton Council of America Chairman Kent Fountain, a cotton ginner and grower from Surrency.

PLACE, WEST TALK UGA COLLEGE OF AG WITH GFB LEADERS The University of Georgia College of Agricutlural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) Interim Dean Joe West and dean designee Nick Place reviewed the college’s operations and fielded questions from Georgia Farm Bureau leaders during an Oct. 20 installment of “Digging In,” the GFB Public Policy Department’s webinar series.

The discussion included how the state budget affected CAES, areas that Place plans to pay particular attention to when he starts as the new dean in January and how the college has functioned under pandemic conditions.

Place is a Pennsylvania native who is finishing his stint as dean and director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. He said training students in the growing technological aspects of farming, conducting advanced research to identify and address farmers’ needs and delivering -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 7 of 14 Continued from previous page research and information to the public through Extension would continue to be CAES’ focus.

“All three of those missions are critically important for our college of agriculture and environmental sciences. That’s sort of the way that I’ll be looking at going after this job and looking for ways that we can advance all three of our critical mission areas,” Place said.

He noted that that there is a push to advance the college’s work relating to precision agriculture and food systems.

“We certainly see that as a tremendous opportunity for us in Georgia to position our college and university such that it is the leader for innovation in precision agriculture and all of the different kinds of new technologies that are out there,” Place said.

During a question and answer session, Place was asked about efforts to increase interest in CAES from rural youth. While CAES applications are funneled through the university’s central application system, he said the college could encourage students to apply and help them strengthen their applications.

“That’s something I’m very passionate about, coming from a rural area myself and understanding some of these issues that are facing rural youth today,” Place said. “I think there are some things that we can do moving forward about utilizing 4-H and FFA as ways that we can get and train young people so they have really strong applications as they apply to the University of Georgia and first of all making sure that young people apply to the university. If they don’t apply, they’re certainly not going to get in. So, we certainly need to be addressing that aspect, as well.”

West reviewed CAES’ enrollment for fall 2020 semester, noting that the college saw a relatively small decline in enrollment. Undergraduate enrollment was down by approximately 20 students, while CAES’ graduate programs had slight enrollment increases.

“Compared to some of our sister institutions, we held our enrollment very, very strongly. So, we think that’s a good sign. There was so much uncertainty associated with the fall semester that we really didn’t know what to expect, and we feel really good. Overall the University of Georgia has maintained enrollment very well,” West said. “Though it looks different, we’ve been able to maintain in face-to-face teaching for our students, which we think is very, very, very important.”

CAES was subjected to budget cuts just as every state agency was, and West said the college handled much of this by not hiring people to fill open positions. The staff reductions left the college with the challenge of meeting its mission goals with fewer people. For example, the UGA Cooperative Extension has 280 agents statewide, down from 315 a year ago, according to UGA Associate Dean for Extension Laura Perry Johnson.

“We’re cautiously addressing positions on an as-needed basis,” West said. “So, whether it’s research, extension or teaching, we recognize that when we lose positions like that it creates holes.

So, we’re working very strategically to apply the resources that we’ve got to try to address those holes that we know we have.”

GFB Field Notes page 8 of 14 BISHOP, LOEFFLER ANNOUNCE USDA FUNDING FOR AG RESEARCH Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga. 2nd District) and Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) each announced funding for Georgia agricultural research.

On Oct. 16, Bishop, chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, provided funding for pecan and peanut research in the FY2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill.

The bill included 1.5 million for research on pecan cracking and pasteurization technology, $1.5 million for pecan breeding and genetics research and $1.51 million for aflatoxin research at the ARS Peanut Lab in Dawson and Fort Valley State University.

“One of the most important things to me as the agriculture appropriations chairman is making sure the crops we grow here in Georgia continue their massive contributions to our local, state, and national economies while also feeding our citizens nutritious food,” Bishop said. “Pecans and peanuts are very healthy and are also two of our largest agricultural exports as a state.”

On Oct. 22, Loeffler, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, announced the University of Georgia will be receiving $323,834 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to research and improve crop protection and pest management. The grant will allow UGA to study and develop tools to resist the diamondback moth, which causes severe damage to crops in Georgia’s agriculture regions.

“Farmers are the backbone of Georgia and this nation, and they deserve all the help and resources they can get to ensure their crops are protected,” Loeffler said. “I applaud USDA for awarding UGA with this grant, which will bolster its premier agriculture research program – which is already a leader in the nation – and help safeguard Georgia crops from the diamondback moth and other threats for years to come.”

AFBF ANALYSIS: ESTATE TAXES POSE THREAT TO FAMILY FARMS The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is seeking to have the federal estate tax, sometimes referred to as the death tax eliminated or at least have the current exemption level of $11.6 million per person be made permanent.

On Oct. 19, AFBF Chief Economist Dr. John Newton published an analysis of the estate tax and its current and future implications. To read Newton’s complete analysis, visit www.gfb.ag/AFBFesttaxanalysis101920.

Estate taxes are a tax on the transfer of property following a death. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included an estate tax exemption, which expires in 2025, that requires an estate to file and pay taxes when gross assets exceed $11.58 million per person. After Dec. 31, 2025, the exemption amount returns to $5 million per individual adjusted for inflation, as set by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Previously the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 had gradually raised the exemption amount from $675,000 to $3.5 million in 2009.

Farms with assets above the estate tax exemption often must liquidate some of those assets to meet estate tax obligations, which can reach as high as 40% of the taxable amount. Estate taxes are a particular concern for farmers and ranchers because they are based on the market value of the asset; given the consistent appreciation in agricultural land and assets, this can be very high for farm and ranch families. A limitation on the estate tax exemption means that each year, fewer and fewer farm families will be protected from the estate tax– a clear risk to the continuity of family -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 9 of 14 Continued from previous page farms.

A recent study by USDA’s Economic Research Service (America’s Diverse Family Farms: 2019 Edition) indicated that, as of 2018, 98% of the 2-plus million farms in the U.S. were family farm operations. To preserve these family farm operations, serious consideration should be given to eliminating estate taxes or at the very least making permanent the current inflation-adjusted TCJA estate tax exemption. By eliminating estate taxes, or making the current exemptions permanent, U.S. farmers and ranchers will be able to avoid, at least partially, liquidating inherited farm assets to meet the death tax’s financial obligations.

Moreover, to prevent mass liquidation of farmland and farm assets, significantly reducing the estate tax exemption to increase tax revenues and offset other government spending – or for any other reason – should be avoided. AFBF’s analysis uses USDA’s 2020 Land Values Summary and data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture to review the acreage needed to reach the estate tax limit as well as the number of farms and farmland acreage that would be impacted by estate taxes at current and potential estate tax exemption levels. A recent Market Intel analysis reviewed 2020 agricultural cropland and farmland values, i.e., No Change in Land Values For 2020.

During 2020, the national average value of farm real estate, including all land and buildings on farms, was $3,160 per acre, unchanged from 2019’s record high. Based on this, it would take approximately 3,700 acres to reach the current $11.58 million estate tax exemption.

Importantly, over the last decade, the value of farmland in the U.S. has increased by nearly 50%, or $1,010 per acre. Given that increase, it would take 32% fewer acres to reach the estate tax exemption level in 2020 than it would have in 2010.

Based on the most recent Census of Agriculture, more than 74,000 family farmers were operating 2,000 or more acres in 2017, suggesting that approximately 3.6% of the more than 2 million family farms could potentially have farm assets that exceed the estate tax exemption. These 74,000 farms operate more than 449 million acres, indicating that nearly 50% of the farmland in the U.S. could face increased liquidation pressure upon the transfer of assets at death.

Realizing that on average 15% of total farm assets come from assets other than real estate such as farm machinery or livestock, these numbers actually understate the number of family farms that could have assets that exceed the estate tax exemption. If the current $11.5 million estate tax exemption level is not made permanent, in 2026 the estate exemption would fall to an inflationadjusted $5 million. In 2020 dollars, the $5 million exemption level would be approximately $5.8 million, pushing the threshold for triggering the estate tax down to approximately 1,800 acres.

When evaluating this threshold on a state-by-state level, more than 156,000 farms, or nearly 8% of farms would be impacted. These farms account for more than 582 million acres, indicating that as much as 65% of farmland could be operated by farms above the inflation-adjusted $5 million estate exemption level.

If the estate tax exemption were reduced to $3.5 million, it would require slightly more than 1,100 acres to reach the exemption level. Based on state-level data, more than 243,000 farms, or 12% of operations nationally, would be impacted. These farms operate a total of 667 million aces, suggesting that a $3.5 million estate tax exemption could impact as much as 74% of the farmland -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 10 of 14 Continued from previous page in the U.S. The U.S. food and agricultural sectors are responsible for roughly one-fifth of the country’s economic activity, directly supporting over 23 million jobs – representing nearly 15% of U.S. employment (Feeding The Economy).

The death tax’s threat to family farms and the agribusinesses and rural economies that rely on them is clear. Farming and ranching are capital-intensive; yet farmland, cropland, buildings and machinery are highly illiquid assets. As a result, family farms have few options to generate cash to pay the estate tax. When estate taxes on an agricultural business exceed cash and other liquid assets, surviving family partners may be forced to sell land, buildings or equipment needed to keep their businesses running.

The current estate tax exemption of $11.58 million is set to expire at the end of 2025, dropping the exemption down to $5.8 million in 2026. It’s also possible congressional lawmakers will try to further reduce the exemption, making it even more difficult for family farms to survive the death of a loved one. Additionally, farmers and ranchers could be forced to slow business expansion if they want to preserve their land for future generations. This may result in sub-optimal business decisions that negatively impact the family farm as well as the rural communities, businesses and jobs they support.

Given the demographics in agriculture, it’s critical that Congress eliminates the death tax -- or at the very least make the current $11.6 million exemption permanent so that family farms across the country can continue their agricultural legacy.

BandD FOODS TO OPEN EASTERN U.S. HEADQUARTERS IN AMERICUS BandD Foods, a supplier of steak, beef, pork and chicken products, will invest $15 million in opening a food processing and packaging facility in Sumter County, bringing more than 100 jobs to Americus, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This facility will serve as the company’s eastern U.S. headquarters and marks the company’s first location outside of Idaho.

“I’m honored to welcome BandD Foods to Georgia,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “During the first quarter of this fiscal year, food processing was one of our biggest job-creating industries, and just days into the second quarter, that trend remains strong thanks to our top-notch logistics network and highly skilled workforce. I’m grateful for the jobs this project will create for the hardworking Georgians in Sumter County and look forward to celebrating the new opportunities it will bring for the company and the region.”

BandD Foods was originally founded to supply fast-food restaurants with finger steaks. Today, the company produces a variety of frozen food products ranging from finger steaks to tempura to Asian cuisine inspired meal kits. The company works closely with several leading frozen Asian food brands and, over the last decade, has tripled its workforce to keep up with the demand. The Americus facility will help the company meet growing demand and will primarily process and package ready-to-eat frozen chicken products.

“We are so excited to become part of the Americus community,” said BandD Foods President -continued on next page

GFB Field Notes page 11 of 14 Continued from previous page Tim Andersen. “As our company has grown steadily over the last several years, we realized it was time to expand. We searched the country for the perfect location, and we feel confident we have found it in Sumter County. Not only did we find a great facility, but we found a community that shares our values of hard work, forging strong partnerships and giving back.�

When BandD Foods opens its Americus location in 2021, the company will initially need to hire 100 team members, with more positions being added in the future. The positions will range from maintenance technicians to production operators to food safety specialists and more. Georgians can apply for available positions online at www.BandDFoods.com.

GFB Field Notes page 12 of 14 GFB QUALITY HAY CONTEST Georgia Farm Bureau invites all of its members who grow Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest by Oct. 31. Hay entered in the 2020 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. 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. Entry fees, forms and samples may also be taken to your county Farm Bureau office. For more information about the contest contact Jeremy Taylor in the GFB Public Policy Department at jrtaylor@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5212.

2020 AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM Nov. 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. each day online This annual event, sponsored in part by Georgia Farm Bureau, offers the latest labor updates for growers, shippers, processors and other agricultural professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from industry experts as they help you comply with labor laws, all from the comfort and convenience of your home! Cost is $95 per participant includes access to all webinars and resources. Each webinar will be available for on-demand access and viewing for all registered attendees. To learn more about the event or register visit www.georgiaaglaborforum.com/.

GA DNR TOP CONSERVATION TEACHER GRANT Nov. 20 deadline to apply In response to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is expanding eligibility for its Conservation Teacher of the Year grant. The $1,000 grant is now offered to a kindergarten through fifth-grade public or private school teacher in Georgia who demonstrates exceptional energy and innovation in teaching life sciences. Science specialists covering those grades can also apply. The Conservation Teacher of the Year grant is coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Section of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. Through education, research and management, the Wildlife Conservation Section works to safeguard Georgia's native diversity of wild animals, plants and their habitats, while also striving to increase public enjoyment of the outdoors. The deadline to apply is Nov. 20. For more information about the Conservation Teacher of the Year grant, please visit www.georgiawildlife.com/TeachingConservationGrant or contact Linda May (linda.may@dnr.ga.gov, 706-319-0211) or Anna Yellin (anna.yellin@dnr.ga.gov, 706-557-3283).

STAY AT HOME BEEKEEPING SERIES Nov. 24 Jeff Harris, MSU/Getting started 7:30 p.m. online Dec. 29 Beekeeping Boxing Day Sales 7:30 p.m. online The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering members of beekeeping clubs the opportunity to attend these free online meetings, each of which will bring participants up to date on timely beekeeping topics. Time for Q&A is included. Watch with Zoom at https://auburn.zoom.us/j/904522838 stream via Facebook live at www.facebook.com/LawrenceCountyextension/. For more information, visit Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu.

GFB Field Notes page 13 of 14 51ST ANNUAL UGA PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE Dec. 4 NW Ga. Livestock Pavilion 12:30 p.m.

Calhoun UGA expects to catalog 86 bulls at this annual sale, including Angus (60), Charolais (1), Chiangus (2), Red Angus (2), Simangus (6) and Simmental (6). In addition to in-person bidding, the sale will be available on LiveAuctions.tv and via phone bidding. All bulls have been parentage tested and have genomic enhanced EPDs. Reports can be found at www.ugabeef.com/bulltest.

DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE ENROLLMENT Dec. 11 deadline to apply The USDA is accepting applications for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for 2021 enrollment. DMC is a voluntary risk management program that offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. DMC payments triggered for seven months in 2019 and three months so far in 2020. More than 23,000 operations enrolled in DMC in 2019, and more than 13,000 enrolled in 2020. For more information or to sign up for coverage, visit www.gfb.ag/21DMC. GACD SCHOLARSHIP Dec. 31 deadline to apply The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is offering a $1,000 scholarship to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students studying fields related to agriculture and natural resources. Acceptable areas of study include, but are not limited to, agricultural education, agronomy, horticulture, plant pathology, and agricultural communications. The applicant may be a high school senior, or a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student from Georgia at any accredited college, school, or university in the United States. Applicants in their first semester of college should send their high school transcript and proof of college enrollment.

Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and be in need of financial assistance. There will be no discrimination on basis of race, sex, or religion. An individual may not compete for a scholarship that he or she has won in past years. The scholarship payments are disbursed according to the fund. For more information or to apply, visit www.gacd.us/scholarships.

2021 SOUTHEASTERN FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE Jan. 5-7 online The education, trade show, poster sessions and networking opportunities that traditionally take place in person in Savannah will take place through the Internet on a virtual platform that will be easy to use and navigate. The conference will have the latest in production and crop operational information that you have come to expect from the SE Regional Conference. All educational and exhibitor content will be available for on-demand viewing until April 30, 2021 to all registered attendees. All-Access Passes are $125 each and allow access to all education sessions, the virtual trade show, poster sessions and networking events until April 30, 2021. GFVGA members receive 15% off All Access Registration. Check your email for a discount code. Trade Show Passes are free, and the exhibits will be available until April 30, 2021. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/21SEFVGAConfreg.

GFB Field Notes page 14 of 14 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 enter the 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.