GOV. KEMP ANNOUNCES NEW DISASTER RELIEF MEASURE FOR GA FARMERS
On Nov. 1, Gov. Brian Kemp announced the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) has unanimously approved a proposal redirecting $100 million to the Georgia Development Authority (GDA) for the purpose of providing disaster relief financial support for farmers and debris cleanup for timber producers impacted by Hurricane Helene. This funding will provide essential financial assistance to these sectors until businesses begin to recover or other aid is made available.
“As Georgia's No. 1 industry continues on the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene, I’m thankful our partners on all levels, including the GSFIC board, are working with us to provide relief to those who put food on our tables and provide the materials that build our communities,” Kemp said. “This measure is the latest we’ve taken to help them rebuild their livelihoods, but it will not be the last. We’ll continue to work with stakeholders on all levels to direct resources and support to the hardworking Georgians devastated by this storm.”
The Amended FY 2024 and the FY 2025 appropriations bills (HB 915 and HB 916) established a Capital Projects Fund program to provide direct cash appropriations to GSFIC for the purpose of financing capital projects. At a Nov. 1 called meeting of GSFIC, a proposal was submitted to redirect a total of $100 million of funds to the GDA to create a new fund providing disaster relief. Of the $100 million, $75 million will provide disaster relief loans to those in the agriculture industry and $25 million will provide disaster relief to those in the timber industry to support cleanup efforts and debris removal on timberland as well as the enhancement of fire control measures.
Contributing approximately $83.6 billion each year to Georgia’s economy, disruptions in the agribusiness industry can have a negative spillover effect in other areas of employment and commerce. A preliminary report from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences estimated agricultural damages from Hurricane Helene will cost Georgia’s economy at least $6.46 billion, representing the sum of direct crop losses, losses to businesses that support agriculture and forestry, losses to workers in those related industries, and estimated recovery and restoration costs that agricultural businesses will face. The $6.46 billion impact is more than double the estimated losses causes by Hurricane Michael in 2018, which was -continued on next page
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the most devastating storm in recent history at that time.
“Help is on the way for thousands of Georgia farmers, producers, and timber operators who need immediate assistance to recover from Hurricane Helene,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Here in Georgia, we are taking action to support our farm families and our state’s No. 1 industry.”
Harper said the state will continue to work to deliver federal aid the state’s farmers.
In addition to this measure, Kemp previously joined state and Congressional partners in calling for federal relief funds in the form of block grants to benefit farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene. These block grant funds should allow for quick and direct assistance to those affected without bureaucratic delay. Kemp and a bipartisan coalition of stakeholders will continue to urge swift federal action until all affected communities receive the attention and help they deserve.
Kemp called the Nov. 1 meeting as chairman of the GSFIC with the express purpose of considering the relief proposal. Other participating members included vice chairman Lt. Governor Burt Jones, secretary and treasurer State Auditor Greg Griffin, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Attorney General Chris Carr, Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, and State Treasurer Steve McCoy. The Georgia Development Authority board met Monday, Nov. 4 to plan for disbursement of the funds. We will report further details when they are announced.
DEVASTATION FROM HELENE HEIGHTENS RURAL MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
Farmers are facing one of their toughest years yet. The devastation left by Hurricane Helene has intensified an ongoing mental health crisis in rural communities, where stress weighs heavier than ever. Many are struggling to cope and worried for their friends and neighbors. It is vital for our farming community to come together and support each other to prevent further losses resulting from the storm’s impact. Mental health resources are available. Whether you’re dealing with your own hardship or worried about someone else, there are people ready to listen and help. The first step is reaching out connecting and talking can make a crucial difference.
Please review the resources listed below. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with a professional, connect with a friend.
988 Farm Stress Resources
If you are in crisis right now, please call or text 988, or visit the 988 Farm Stress Resource Center
Togetherall Online Peer-to-Peer Support
Togetherall is an anonymous peer-to-peer online community that empowers farmers and their families to get and give support. Signing up is easy and anonymous, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality throughout your journey.
Coping
with Stress and Anxiety
During challenging times, having tools to handle and manage high levels of stress is essential. Give these techniques a try to reduce stress and maintain your health.
• Connect with others.
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• Take breaks from negative news or influences.
• Prioritize your health and well-being.
• Take time to unwind.
• Recognize when you need more help.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information. Know the Warning Signs
When loved ones, neighbors or others you care about are experiencing mental health challenges, they may not even realize it. Here’s how you can identify someone who may be at risk.
• Change in routines or social activities
• Decline in the care of animals
• Increase in illness or other chronic conditions
• Increase in farm accidents
• Decline in appearance of the farmstead
• Decreased interest in activities or events
• Signs of stress in children including struggles with school
Learn more about recognizing the signs of chronic stress, depression or suicidal intent and what you can do to help at NY FarmNet
How Can I Help?
• Ask.
• Be there.
• Stay connected.
• Keep them safe.
• Help them connect.
Visit the National Institute of Mental Health website for more information.
Information courtesy of American Farm Bureau Federation’s Farm State of Mind Initiative. Learn More at https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind.
NRCS CHIEF COSBY TOURS DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE HELENE
By Jay Stone
On Oct. 23 and 24, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Terry Cosby visited Georgia and went to areas hit by Hurricane Helene to see the damage firsthand and help connect farmers with NRCS programs that might help.
He described the damage as generational and said it went beyond what he thought he might see.
“When we get on the ground, you’re never really prepared for what you're going to see,” said Cosby, who has worked with NRCS for more than 40 years. “This is one of those storms that even just trying to imagine what I was going to see when I got there, it's worse than that. Especially when we see these pecans that have been there for 75 years. It's been three generations, and you're talking to landowners, and, you know, it was hard for them not to break down and talk. This stuff -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page is generational.”
The NRCS offers landowners and municipalities some options to help restore infrastructure, clear debris and other tasks involved in storm recovery, like restoring normal water movement, removing debris so some farm operations can continue and helping dispose of livestock killed in the storms.
“We’re working with producers, where we have conservation practices that might have washed out and are no longer there, because we did have 12 inches of rain and a short period of time in some of these areas,” Cosby said.
Cosby said the agency worked with farm producers to restore fencing to regain control of livestock that had escaped. Producers who had overturned irrigation pivots fitted with smart sprinkler systems may find help from the NRCS to get those restored.
Debris removal from pecan orchards posed significant challenges for producers who might still be able to harvest nuts from trees that were not blown over, but could not get too them because downed trees were in the way.
The NRCS administers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in cooperation with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), while the FSA runs the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).
EQIP can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, and non-industrial private forestland. Practices can include: Immediate soil erosion protection; minimizing noxious and invasive plant proliferation; protecting water quality; restoring livestock infrastructure necessary for grazing management; emergency animal mortality management.
On Nov. 5 NRCS announced a new EQIP sign-up for livestock producers in 55 counties affected by Hurricane Helene. The deadline to apply for Hurricane Helene-related EQIP is Nov. 15. Statewide general EQIP signup has been extended to Dec. 13.
Hurricane Helene EQIP related sign-up is limited to Emergency Animal Mortality Management (conservation practice code 368), and Waste Facility Closure, Soil Remediation (conservation practice code 360), and associated practices, and only to producers whose operations are located in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, and Wheeler counties.
According to an NRCS press release, Georgia NRCS will be utilizing ACT NOW to process these Hurricane Helene EQIP related applications to expedite its delivery of resources for livestock producers in those counties. ACT NOW allows NRCS to immediately approve and obligate a ranked application that meets a minimum score threshold of 35. Applications selected through -continued on next page
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ACT NOW will be batched and processed in the order received.
Cosby emphasized that NRCS is working in tandem with other USDA agencies to match producers with assistance. The FSA and NRCS partner to administer ag land rehabilitation, like rehabilitation of eroded soil, as well as irrigation restoration services. FSA oversees EFRP alongside the U.S. Forest Service and local forestry partners.
EFRP offers assistance with forest stand improvement, forest buffers, management of brush and weeds, prescribed burning, firebreaks and a variety of other forest management tools.
For a fact sheet about EQIP, EFRP and other conservation programs, click here.
The NRCS’ Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program offers monetary and technical help to local communities where watersheds are impaired by storm debris. This includes things like removing debris stream channels, road culverts and bridges, reshaping eroded stream banks, repairing damaged or destroyed drainage facilities and more.
“We can immediately go in and assist them and get trees out, get the debris out so that we keep the water system operating long term,” Cosby said.
The state contact for EWP is Diane Guthrie, who can be reached at 706-546-2310 or diane.guthrie@usda.gov
ARE YOU COMPLIANT WITH CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT?
By Jay Stone
NOTE: This article does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on complying with the Corporate Transparency Act, consult with an attorney.
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) of 2021 requires businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Interest Report (BOIR) detailing who owns the business and who holds major decisionmaking authority over it.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is implementing the law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Businesses in existence then must file by Dec. 31.
Businesses formed during 2024 have 90 calendar days after their formation to file a BOIR. Companies formed after Jan. 1, 2025, must file a BOIR within 30 days of being formed.
“They want to know who owns all of these small businesses across the country,” said National Ag Law Center Senior Staff Attorney Rusty Rumley. “The stated purpose is to look for tax evasion and money laundering.”
The potential penalties for failing to file the report are $500 for each day not in compliance, with a maximum of $10,000, and up to two years in prison.
The law requires any incorporated business – limited liability companies (LLCs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LPs) and other businesses incorporated through a Secretary of State office in which a business is incorporated - to file a BOIR with FinCEN.
The BOIR includes information about the business and personal identifying details of all -continued on next page
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“beneficial owners” - individuals who own or control at least 25% of the reporting company, or anyone who exercises substantial control over the reporting company, like a president, CEO, CFO or general counsel.
Businesses already under extensive regulatory requirements that qualify as a “large operating company” are exempt from having to file a BOIR, but many farms or ag businesses may not qualify.
FinCEN defines a “large operating company” as one that meets all of the following criteria: has more than 20 full time employees in the U.S.; physically operates in the U.S.; filed a federal income tax return or information return in the U.S. for the previous year; reported $5 million in gross receipts or sales on IRS Form 1120, consolidated IRS Form 1120, IRS Form 1120-S, IRS Form 1065, or other applicable IRS form; and the entity’s amount of gross receipts or sales remains greater than $5 million if its gross receipts or sales from sources outside the U.S., as determined under federal income tax principle, are excluded.
An ag business would qualify for an exemption if it is a subsidiary of an exempt large operating company.
The BOIR requires the business name, complete address and a tax i.d. number. It also requires beneficial owners’ legal names, birth dates, residential addresses and an i.d. number from a current driver’s license, passport or other approved document.
Rumley said if a company or a beneficial owner changes its name or address or other required information, or the beneficial ownership changes, the new information must be reported.
The CTA was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in March. According to the NALC, the ruling only applies to the plaintiffs in the case –the National Small Business Association (NSBA) and the businesses that were NSBA members as of March 1, and co-plaintiff Isaac Winkles. The federal government has appealed the ruling.
For the NALC’s review of the law, visit https://gfb.ag/natlaglawcentercta .
For the Iowa State University review of the law, visit https://gfb.ag/isusmallentities
For FinCEN’s guide to the BOIR or to file a BOIR, visit https://www.fincen.gov/boi.
BILL TO GIVE ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR FARMERS INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS
On Oct. 25, Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) introduced the bipartisan Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act of 2024 (FARM Act), designed to provide revenue-triggered financial support to America’s farmers.
The FARM Act would help farmers when their revenue falls below the cost of production due to circumstances beyond their control. Congressman Kelly emphasizes that this bill will help keep farms in operation during this challenging time.
The bill drew support from a variety of farm organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, -continued on next page
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National Sorghum Producers, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Peanut Federation, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, USA Rice, and Western Peanut Growers Association.
The FARM Act would assist farmers growing a wide range of crops, including barley, corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and many others. The payment amount will be 60% the economic loss for the eligible commodity multiplied by the number of eligible acres of such eligible commodity on the farm.
This legislation is a lifeline for farmers struggling to meet rising costs and navigate a difficult market. As Congress debates longer-term solutions in the 2025 farm bill, the FARM Act delivers immediate help to the farming community.
The bill was submitted with 56 cosponsors, including Georgia Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-2nd District), Rick Allen (R-12th District), Austin Scott (R-8th District) GA), Mike Collins (R-10th District), Buddy Carter (R-1st District), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-14th District).
To read the bill, click here
AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS FOUND IN SWINE ON OREGON BACKYARD FARM
The USDA and Oregon state veterinary officials are investigating positive cases of H5N1 in a backyard farming operation in Oregon that has a mix of poultry and livestock, including swine. The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced on Oct. 25 that poultry on this farm represented the first H5N1 detection in Crook County, Oregon. On Oct. 29, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories also confirmed one of the farm’s five pigs to be infected with H5N1, marking the first detection of H5N1 in swine in the United States.
The livestock and poultry on this farm shared water sources, housing, and equipment; in other states, this combination has enabled transmission between species. Although the swine did not display signs of illness, the Oregon Department of Health and USDA tested the five swine for H5N1 out of an abundance of caution and because of the presence of H5N1 in other animals on the premises. The swine were euthanized to facilitate additional diagnostic analysis. Test results were negative for two of the pigs, and test results are still pending for two others.
This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply. The USDA says there is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.
In addition, the farm has been quarantined to prevent further spread of the virus. Other animals, including sheep and goats on the farm, remain under surveillance.
USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has conducted genomic sequencing of virus from the poultry infected on this farm, and that sequencing has not identified any changes to the H5N1 virus that would suggest to USDA and CDC that it is more transmissible to humans, indicating that the current risk to the public remains low.
Local public health officials, Oregon Health Authority, Oregon State Veterinarian, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University, -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are coordinating on this investigation and will provide additional updates as they become available.
All detections of H5N1 include viral genome sequencing to provide additional information of interest to medical professionals and the research community to improve our understanding of the virus. Genetic sequencing for these samples is underway, though sequencing results may be inconclusive due to low viral levels in the samples.
USDA reminds all farmers that strong biosecurity is critical to eradicating this virus and to protecting the health of farmworkers, farmers and their families, livestock and businesses. More information about biosecurity, specifically regarding best practices for farms with multiple species, as well as how to access financial assistance to offset the cost of biosecurity and PPE for farmworkers is available here. Enrollment in these programs can be started with your local Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC) or State Animal Health Official. Your nearest USDA Farm Service Agency county office has more information and can also help you enroll.
USDA continues to invest heavily in vaccine research and development as a tool to help stem and potentially stop the spread of this virus among animals. USDA has approved two vaccine field safety trials for vaccine candidates designed to protect dairy cows from H5N1, and continues to explore vaccine options for other species.
To learn more about USDA’s response to HPAI in dairy cattle, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpaidetections/livestock
AFBF RECOGNIZES THOMAS COUNTY’S HARDY FOR AG ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Four outstanding agriculture advocates, including Thomas County Farm Bureau Director Julie Hardy, were recently announced by the American Farm Bureau Federation as its 2024 GO Teamers of the Year.
The other three GO Teamers of the Year are Laura Haffner from Kansas, and North Carolina’s Renee McPherson and Linda Pryor. These outstanding individuals have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocating for farmers and ranchers through a variety of impactful activities.
AFBF’s GO (Grassroots Outreach) Team is a vital component of the organization’s advocacy efforts. It consists of dedicated Farm Bureau members who work tirelessly as agriculture advocates to represent the interests of American farmers and ranchers at the local, state and national levels. The GO Teamers of the Year award recognizes individuals who have gone above and beyond in their advocacy efforts, making an impact on the agriculture industry.
“Laura Haffner, Julie Hardy, Renee McPherson and Linda Pryor are all outstanding examples of the grassroots advocacy that makes the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Voice of Agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Their dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of farmers and ranchers in their communities and across the country are truly inspirational to us -continued on next page
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Hardy has been a powerful agriculture advocate for farmers in her state, actively engaging in legislative and media outreach. She has worked closely with her senators to address critical issues such as flooding in Georgia and the farm bill, emphasizing the need to increase reference prices.
COUNTY FARM BUREAU PRESIDENTS ZIPPERER AND MORRISON DIE
Long-time county Farm Bureau Presidents Jimmy Morrison and Ed Zipperer have died.
“We were saddened to learn that Jimmy Morrison and Ed Zipperer have passed,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “We are truly grateful to both for their decades of service to farming and to Farm Bureau. Jimmy and Ed will certainly be missed.”
Morrison served on the Banks County Farm Bureau Board of Directors since 1992 and as president from 2016 to 2024 He had stepped down prior to his death on Oct. 26 at the age of 85
Morrison was a lifelong resident of the Hollingsworth Community and following high school, he served in the Army Reserves. Jimmy retired from Atlanta Gas Light Company after 36 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Harmony Baptist Church, and was active in his local community
Morrison also served two terms as a Banks County Commissioner, and served on the Banks County Planning Commission. A true farmer at heart, Jimmy found his greatest joy on his farm, especially spending time on the tractor. His love for the land was evident in every season, and he took pride in the work that connected him so deeply to his roots.
Zipperer served as Chatham County Farm Bureau president over multiple stints from the late 1970s until Oct. 24, 2024, when he died at the age of 93. His mother, Hattie Helmey Zipperer, was a founding member of the CCFB and served as county president and then secretary.
Zipperer grew up farming. His family grew vegetables and shipped them by rail. They grew Irish potatoes, collards, cabbage, watermelon, sugar cane, sweet corn and had more than 250 pecan trees. Zipperer later focused the farm on soybeans, hay, and rye and raised beef cattle.
In 1996, Ed donated 22 acres of the farm to the Chatham County School System and sold 44 more acres to create the Forrester and Hattie Helmey Zipperer Complex that houses Southwest Elementary and Middle Schools.
He earned a degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Georgia in 1954. He served in the Georgia Senate from 1967 to 1975. Ed served on the Coastal Georgia Soil & Water Conservation District and Coastal Georgia RC&D Council for over 40 years.
HOW THE CITRUS COMMISSION ASSESSMENT WILL WORK
In 2023 at the request of Georgia citrus producers the Georgia Agricultural Citrus Commission (Georgia Citrus Commission) was created under the Georgia Commodity Promotion Act (O.C.G.A 2-8-2). Under the Commodity Promotion Act, the Georgia Citrus Commission is allowed to create a Marketing Order which allows for collection of an assessment on marketed fruit.
This market order was voted and approved by growers of record in April of 2024 with an approval rate of 94%. The assessment rate approved is two tenths of a cent per pound of marketed fruit ($0.002 per pound)
Georgia growers who produce and market 50,000 pounds or more of citrus fruits on a seasonal basis are subject to and required to pay the assessment. This is applicable even if an out- of-state marketer or packer handles your citrus fruit. Even if producers do not meet the minimum poundage requirement of 50,000 pounds on a seasonal basis, they are asked to report their poundage. This will allow the Citrus Commission to better track the total production for Georgia.
How is the assessment paid?
• If a packer or marketer handles and sells the fruit, the GDA asks the marketer/packer to collect the assessment from the producer’s settlement, report, and pay to the Georgia Citrus Commission on the producer’s behalf. It is ultimately the grower’s responsibility for the assessment to be paid. The marketer/packer form can be accessed here
• Growers who self-market their fruit are responsible for paying the assessment and reporting to the Georgia Citrus Commission. The grower form can be accessed here
The Georgia Department of Agriculture urges growers to pay assessments monthly, but the final payment is due no later than 30 days after they are finished marketing the fruit. Payment is to be made to Georgia Citrus Commission. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has field auditors that will be conducting audits to verify correct payment is collected of fruit marketed.
Under the Commodity Promotion Act, funds can only be used for areas of research, education and promotion of the commodity. The Citrus Commission’s primary focus is to support research projects that impact Georgia citrus production, plant breeding, pest management, and fruit handling.
The forms can also be found at http://agr.georgia.gov/cpf, under assessment forms
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GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION HURRICANE HELENE MEETINGS
Nov. 12 Statesboro
Nov. 14 Augusta
Nov. 19 Soperton
The Georgia Forestry Association is holding a series of regional forestry meetings to focus on helping timber growers to recover from damage sustained from Hurricane Helene. All meetings will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Meetings are free to attend but you MUST RSVP for the dinner 2 days prior to each meeting . Visit www.gfagrow.org/regionalmeetings to RSVP & for meeting addresses.
The agenda for each meeting is as follows:
5:30 p.m. Solutions Roundtable: Rebuilding & Resilience
6 p.m. Dinner/Networking
6:30 p.m. GFA Policy Update: Recovery & Advocacy
7 p.m. Forestry & Market Trends
7:15 p.m. Open Discussion: Collaborative Recovery
GEORGIA HOUSE STUDY COMMITTEE ON NAVIGABLE STREAMS
Nov. 13 Donald Nixon Centre for Performing Arts 9 a.m. Newnan
The House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters will hear presentations on South Georgia waterways, Chattahoochee Bend State Park, McIntosh Reserve and the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program & Conservation/Land Trusts. The Nixon Centre for Performing & Visual Arts is located at 1523 Lower Fayetteville Rd. in Newnan. To watch the livestream of this meeting, click here.
USDA TAX EDUCATION WEBINARS
Nov. 20 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Hurricane and Disaster Tax Issues for Farmers
Nov. 22 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Working with a Tax Professional
There is no good time to experience a disaster, but it is especially difficult to navigate recovery this close to tax season. Register for these two free webinars for information on how to navigate the tax implications of hurricane damage and tips on how to work with a tax professional. To register for the Nov. 20 webinar presented by J.C. Hobbs of Oklahoma State University, click here To register for the Nov. 22 webinar presented by Kevin Burkett of Clemson University, click here.
GEORGIA DNR DEER MANAGEMENT SURVEY
Nov. 20 deadline to participate
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division is conducting a study to better understand opinions on deer management in Georgia. Your feedback is critical in helping to develop effective management strategies for the state's deer population. Click Here to Participate by Nov. 20 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. You may also call toll-free (888) 676-4439 and a professionally trained interviewer will ask you the survey questions.) Responsive Management, an independent research firm specializing in outdoor recreation and natural resource issues, has been contracted to conduct this study. If you need technical assistance with the survey, please contact Responsive Management via email at research@responsivemanagement.com.
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.
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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.
2025 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST
Feb. 13, 2025 deadline to enter
March 13-14, 2025 First round UGA Griffin Campus
April 17, 2025 Final round Athens Contestant registration for the 2025 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest is now open! Some exciting new changes are coming to the competition this year, so be sure to mark your calendars! Each entry is featured in the digital product directory, including a professional product photo and brief overview, which gets seen by leading food industry buyers and media outlets. Finalists will receive branded press releases, the use of the Flavor of Georgia logo on their label and promotional materials, and the opportunity to present their product to a panel of food industry experts. Contestants who enter three products can get a fourth product entry free. During the month of November, the entry fee is $85 per product. From Dec. 1 – Feb. 13, 2025, the entry fee is $100 per product. The first round of judging is moving to the UGA Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) on the UGA Griffin Campus! There will be three days (March 10-12) of in-person product drop off at UGA FoodPIC. All contestants will receive feedback from our first-round judges: the Southern Crescent Technical College Culinary Arts program. Contestants who advance to the final round of the competition will be able to sell their products during the reception and awards ceremony! The reception and awards ceremony has a brand new name: Savor the State: A Flavor of Georgia Tasting Experience. For more information and to register, visit https://flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/.
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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, 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.
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.