November 10, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 23
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: PUT COURAGE OVER COMFORT The Georgia Farm Bureau Educational Leadership Conference, postponed because of the pandemic, made its return Nov. 5 and 6, giving participants equal doses of philosophy, technique and fun at the Marriott Convention Center in Augusta. Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall spoke at lunch, telling conference attendees that it is important to get back to face-to-face advocacy for Georgia's farmers and inviting them to the GFB Convention in December. “To our classroom teachers, thank you. The future generation that y’all are looking after is going to protect what we do,” McCall said. “Where we have got to hit home, and this is what Farm Bureau’s job is, is educating the general public, starting with little kids, on how important agriculture is.” FarmHer founder Marji Guyler-Alaniz shared her experiences leaving a corporate job to pursue agriculture, then documenting the work and lives of women in agriculture. Guyler-Alaniz’ main message to conference participants was to overcome the fear of taking risks. “Putting courage over comfort leads to great things,” she said. Guyler-Alaniz started the FarmHer project with photos and stories in 2013, after she saw the Super Bowl commercial featuring Paul Harvey’s “So God Made a Farmer” poem. The commercial, she noticed, had little female presence, and she was immediately convinced that women in ag deserve more attention. She noted that women make up 27% of U.S. farmers, and their numbers grew by 26% from 2012 to 2017 according to the Census of Agriculture. “From that, I realized it wasn’t just me who cared about this,” she said. So Guyler-Alaniz travels to farms, taking photos of women doing the dirty and sweaty work of farming. In 2016 she was approached by RFD-TV about a television show. FarmHer has featured more than 350 women who farm, producing a wide range of commodities. In addition to overcoming fears, Guyler-Alaniz encouraged attendees to constantly remember their reasons for farming. The Educational Leadership Conference featured a collection of workshops designed to help county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers develop agricultural activities for school lessons. The Martinez Elementary School Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Team from Columbia County, led by teachers Valery Dinkins and Charmane Joiner, shared -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 16 Continued from previous page experiences teaching students healthy eating, problem-solving and critical thinking skills through the school’s Farm to Table program. The program included a presentation from the school dietitian, visits to the Augusta Market and designing their own garden boxes. The school is pursuing this at all grade levels, beginning with kindergarteners who worked as “Kinderneers” on ag-related projects. While growing their own plants, the Kinderneers are developing language and math skills crucial to success in STEM careers. They designed garden boxes and worked with Scott Clark of R.W. Allen Construction in Augusta to learn about engineering. They even got to wear hard hats and reflective safety vests, and they learned about plant spacing, climbing plants that require trellises and other ag-related topics. Georgia Department of Education STEM/ Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Program Specialist Felicia Cullars introduced the Martinez group, emphasizing that the school’s program follows the major components of effective STEM education – that it is done in a positive environment and with community involvement. “The biggest thing for our students is that they’re being able to solve problems, they’re working in a collaborative environment in their school,” Cullars said. “Each time that we can get the kids to collaborate, to come together, to solve a problem or an issue, that is something we encourage to be embedded in lesson planning.” GFB Leadership Programs Coordinator Breana Berry presented information to help county Farm Bureau staff and county leaders recruit and keep volunteers for their work in local communities. “None of us is as strong as all of us,” Berry said. “It is hard to get volunteers, but it is harder to do everything alone.” Berry noted that people like to have a sense of belonging, advised following the Golden Rule when interacting with volunteers, and said excitement is contagious. “People make time for the things they want to make time for,” she said. Carroll County teacher Jennifer Carroll led participants through an activity to create wildflower seed “bombs” to promote pollinator habitat. The seed bombs consisted of balls of soil, clay or cat litter and seeds. When placed on the ground, they generate a small stand of wildflowers. Carroll also shared sources for K-5 agricultural and STEM apps, as well as how to find grants to fund classroom projects. Colquitt County Farm Bureau Office Manager Greta Collins led the session, “Bringing Gardens Inside!” The session covered how to develop hydroponic gardens in small indoor spaces. Collins walked the group through making a hydroponic planter using a water bottle, clay pebbles, rock wool, seeds and plant food. Collins suggested that volunteers provide ready-made kits for teachers to save them time. These hydroponics planters can be used to grow a variety of vegetables. Collins also demonstrated how the harvested veggies can then be used as ingredients to make salsa in the classroom, allowing students a hands-on activity to prepare food and then have a snack. “Let them touch everything,” Collins said. “We want them to be as involved as possible.” Photos from the GFB Educational Leadership Conference. (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=407147771074983&set=pcb.1226716507850338)
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 16 SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES HAMPERING AG ON THE FARM AND ON THE ROAD The chorus of voices raising concerns over supply chain challenges for U.S. farmers is growing, and their echoes have reached the halls of Congress, where elected officials have held hearings and introduced legislation in the interest of easing farmers’ struggles. On Nov. 3, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the struggles American farmers are facing as a result of supply chain issues. According to Chairman David Scott (DGeorgia) much of the trouble with the U.S. supply chain can be traced to the coronavirus pandemic, which has altered agricultural business models in many ways. “We hope it can go away quickly,” Scott said. “We hoped that a year ago, but it’s here. We don’t know how much longer it will be here, but we cannot wait to look at the immediate challenges that face us in order to keep our food supply plentiful and secure.” Southern Valley Executive Officer Jon Schwalls was among the witnesses at the hearing. Scchwalls detailed increased costs related to COVID-19 prevention, shortages of input supplies like crop protection products and fertilizers, tractor tires and parts, some of which are sitting in ports waiting to be unloaded from ships. Schwalls told the committee of delays in getting supplies. Where previously crop protection products might take a day to acquire, it now takes 7-10 days. To get fertilizer used to take a week, now it takes three or four weeks. The wait for tractor tires has grown from one day to as long as seven days; tractor parts from one or two days to as long as 14 weeks. Once the crop is produced, availability of distribution channels is hampered by shortages of truck drivers, warehouse space and shipping containers. Compounding these issues, Schwalls said, is Georgia’s lack of produce processing. “Today’s consumer and retailer want a flawless product,” Schwalls said. “Currently, if a fruit or vegetable is cosmetically flawed, it is thrown away with no other opportunity for market. The addition of a processing facility would allow products that are currently tossed to be sold in one of four categories: fresh cut, fresh prepared, frozen cut, frozen prepared. A facility like this would make great strides in reducing food waste as well as adding shelf life to these fruits and vegetables.” Scott said one of the key components of the supply chain difficulties is a shortage of commercial truck drivers. According to the International Foodservice Distributors Association, the U.S. has a shortage of 15,000 commercial truck drivers, and 90% of commercial drivers stay in their jobs less than a year. “If there is an Achilles’ heel with our challenge, it rests with these huge vacancies in our commercial truck drivers,” Scott said. Meanwhile, Sen. Raphael Warnock held a roundtable discussion on Nov. 3 with business, port and labor leaders in Georgia on how to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Warnock said nearly 13% of the world’s shipping capacity is currently tied up in delays. The same day, Warnock introduced the Supply Chain Resiliency Act in the Senate. “The supply chain is not just the movement of finished goods, but it is also of materials and parts used within the manufacturing process,” Warnock said. “And so, it effects producers and manufacturers and obviously consumers alike.” -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 16 Continued from previous page Among other things, the bill would provide for an Office of Supply Chain Resiliency at the Commerce Department charged with monitoring, researching, and addressing vulnerable supply chains. GEORGIA HAS 14 CHAMPIONS, NATIONAL VP AT NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION The Georgia FFA Association’s success at the 94th National FFA Convention was highlighted by 14 national champions and the election of Erik Robinson as the 2021-2022 National FFA Southern Region vice President. Among Georgia’s national winners were the American Star in Agribusiness, seven national proficiency award winners, four national Agriscience Fair award winners, the nation’s Outstanding Middle School chapter, and the winner of the Building Communities division of the Premier Chapter award. Tyler Ertzberger, a member of the Franklin County FFA chapter, was named the 2021 American Star in Agribusiness. Ertzberger began his own livestock photography business in 2013. He takes and sells livestock photographs at local, county and state fairs and livestock exhibitions across the Southeast. Ertzberger has built a successful business that employs 18 people and earned more than $40,000 in cash sales in 2020. In addition to photography, Ertzberger develops marketing material for livestock sales and auctions. A total of 3,863 FFA members from across the nation received the prestigious American FFA Degree in 2021. Among those recipients, the top four in the Agribusiness category were named finalists. Ertzberger interviewed as a finalist and was named the national winner on stage during the sixth session of the convention. Ertzberger is a graduate of Franklin County High School in Carnesville, and his agricultural education teachers are Cale Watkins, Trey Harris, and Taylor Brown. A total of 152 Georgia FFA members received the prestigious American FFA Degree, the highest degree offered to an active member. These students spent years developing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs to reach this honor. Less than 1% of FFA members receive the prestigious American FFA Degree. In addition to Ertzberger, Madison County FFA member Duncan Patton was named a national finalist (top 4) for the American Star in Agricultural Placement award. To see a complete list of Georgia’s 2021 American FFA Degree recipients, click here. (https://www.georgiaffa.org/docs/03939_American%20Degree%20Recipient%20FINAL%20list %20-%20GA%202021.pdf) Erik Robinson, a member of the Effingham County FFA chapter and a student at the University of Georgia (UGA), was elected from a field of 36 candidates to serve as one of six national FFA officers for 2021-22. Robinson will take a one-year leave of absence from his studies at UGA to travel over 100,000 miles across the U.S. and to Japan serving as an ambassador for the national FFA organization and agricultural education. Robinson went through seven rounds of interviews and is the nineteenth Georgian to be elected as a national FFA officer. Erik is the son of Rick and Tara Robinson of Rincon. His agricultural education teachers and FFA advisors are Meredith Arrington, Annah -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 16 Continued from previous page Shearouse, and Logan Hunter. The Bonaire Middle School FFA chapter was named the nation’s Outstanding Middle School chapter as part of the National Chapter Award program. Bonaire Middle was one of five national finalists for the award, including Carver Middle (Monroe), Frankin County Middle, and Screven County Middle, all of Georgia. Each chapter had students make a presentation explaining their chapter’s activities in the Growing Leaders, Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture portions of the FFA Program of Activities. The agricultural education teacher and FFA Advisor at Bonaire Middle School is Cheralyn Keily. The Commerce Middle FFA chapter was named the national winner of the National Chapter Award Program Premier Chapter award in the Building Communities division. The Commerce Middle chapter was highlighted for their work making PVC trees to promote fish habitat and attract fish to ponds and lakes in and around their community. The Cambridge (Alpharetta) and Eastside (Covington) chapters were also finalists (top 10) in the Premier Chapter – Building Communities division. The Creekview chapter (Canton) was a finalist (top 10) in the Models of Excellence division of the National Chapter Award program. April Davis is the ag education/FFA advisor at Commerce Middle School. Cassie Carter of Habersham Central (Agricultural Services), Devin Boyer of Franklin County (Diversified Horticulture), Brady Walker of Tift County (Fiber/Oil Crop Production), Wendall Warr of Early County (Forest Management & Products), Luke Hendrix of Wayne County (Fruit Production), Matt Malcom of Morgan County (Nursery Operations) and Eli Hallford of Franklin County (Poultry Production) were each named national FFA proficiency award winners for success in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) progra Only four students in the nation are named national finalists in each of 45 proficiency areas. Georgia led the nation with 23 national proficiency award finalists and seven proficiency winners. Georgia FFA’s four winners in the national Agriscience Fair included Britton Davis and Gracie Sutton of Lowndes County (Environmental/Natural Resource Systems – Division 4); Cayden Mathews and Joseph Corbett of Lowndes County (Plant Systems – Division 6); Fraser Knapek and Katie Spivey of Perry (Power, Structure and Technical Systems – Division 4); and Grace Adcock and Allie Royston of Franklin County Middle (Social Science – Division 6). Georgia also had five additional Agriscience Fair entries that earned top 3 national honors. Those top 3 finishers included Anna Cantrell and Claire Hall of Franklin County (3rd place – Animal Systems division 2), Canyon Randall and Lex Turner of Franklin County (2nd place – Animal Systems division 6), Caleigh Goldstein of Youth Middle (2nd place – Food Products & Processing division 1), Taylor Atkinson and Kayden Swaney of Franklin County Middle (3rd place – Plant Systems division 2), and Laura Walker and Kate Walker of the North Oconee FFA (3rd place – Plant Systems division 4). Thirty Georgia chapters received a national 3-Star ranking, the highest ranking offered in the National Chapter Award program. Georgia’s 3-Star chapters are Apalachee, Atkinson County, Bonaire Middle, Cambridge, Carver Middle, Central of Carroll High, Central of Carroll Middle, Clinch County, Coahulla Creek, Commerce, Commerce Middle, Creekview, East Jackson, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 16 Continued from previous page Eastside, Franklin County High, Franklin County Middle, Haralson County, Jackson County, Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe, Locust Grove, Loganville, Newton College & Career Academy, Northside Middle, Oglethorpe County Middle, Pierce County Middle, Screven County Middle, Stockbridge, Summerville Middle, Wilcox County, and Winder-Barrow. Eight Georgia chapters earned top-5 finishes in national Career Development Events at the convention. Georgia CDE success was highlighted by 2nd place finishes for Banks County (Environmental/Natural Resources CDE), North Murray (Floriculture CDE), Mary Persons (Forestry CDE), and White County (Marketing Plan CDE); as well as 4th place finishes for Jackson County (Livestock Evaluation CDE) and Coffee County (Nursery/Landscape CDE); and a 5th place finish for Cambridge (Agricultural Communications CDE) and Gilmer County (Dairy Evaluation CDE). Fifteen Georgians received the Honorary American FFA Degree for their outstanding contribution to Agricultural Education and the FFA. Georgia’s recipients of the Honorary Degree included: Stacey Beacham, Reggie Beasley, Jay Bordon, Clint Hood, Wayne Juers, Kevin Jump, Nelson McCracken, Justin Sealy, State School Superintendent Richard Woods, Lance and Debbie Harper, Wayne and Carol Ertzberger, and Jim and Melanie Patton. A complete set of results and a variety of highlights from the 94th National FFA Convention can be found at https://www.georgiaffa.org/page.aspx?ID=47. U.S., EU AGREE TO END TARIFF DISPUTE On Oct. 30, the United States and the European Union reached an agreement that would end a Section 232 tariff dispute that began as trade conflict over steel and aluminum and resulted in the EU levying retaliatory tariffs on imports of numerous U.S. goods, including corn, orange juice, butter, cheese, pork, nuts and others. The agreement was reached during the Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Rome, Italy. “The agreement between the United States and the European Union is welcome news for America’s farmers,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “It’s crucial that we now restore those trade relationships. As we continue to recover from the impact of the global pandemic, America’s farmers need the stability and predictability of strong trade agreements to grow exports and provide healthy, affordable food to our international neighbors.” The European Union (EU) has removed retaliatory duties on certain U.S. products as a part of a U.S.-EU deal that converts the tariffs imposed on EU steel and aluminum imports to a tariff-rate quota. The EU retaliatory tariffs included 25% duties on imports of U.S. corn. “We’ve reached an agreement with the EU which maintains the 232 tariffs but allows limited volumes of EU steel and aluminum to enter the U.S. tariff-free,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “It was a very successful negotiation and we agreed on a way forward for how to face our shared challenge which is global excess capacity mainly by China.” “This is an important step for America’s corn farmers and a step toward restoring our trading -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 16 Continued from previous page relationship with the European Union,” said National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington in a written statement. “We were dragged into a trade dispute that did not involve us, and we are highly appreciative of the Biden administration for this development.” FARM-CITY WEEK: CELEBRATING A FANTASTIC PAIR Combos become combos because their parts, when put together, make each other better: Peanut butter and jelly; shrimp and grits; steak and potatoes; tacos and Tuesdays; jeans and a t-shirt; suit and tie. All those parts and the resulting combos are produced in Georgia, which is home to another pair worth remembering and celebrating: Farms and cities. It’s an interdependent relationship. Wherever there are lots of people, there is a need for food and clothing. And wherever there are farmers, there is a need for consumers. As the holidays draw near, Georgia Farm Bureau invites you to celebrate that relationship by observing Farm-City Week Nov. 17-24. Farm-City Week highlights the relationship between Georgia farmers and their partners in urban areas who prepare, transport, market and retail the food and fiber that farmers grow for consumers. Kiwanis International began Farm-City Week in 1955 to increase the understanding of the partnership between urban and rural residents. Sending thank-you letters to farmers, sharing recipes that use Georgia-grown products at FarmCity Week events, and reading books – virtually or in person – to students are just a few of the activities county Farm Bureaus will hold in communities across Georgia as their schedules and community COVID scenarios allow to mark this annual event. Agriculture is Georgia’s largest economic sector, and farmers depend on their partners in town such as their bankers, Extension agents, equipment and supply salesmen, to keep the agricultural economy going. In 2019, food and fiber production plus the related industries involved with processing and delivering products to consumers contributed $70.1 billion to Georgia’s economy according to the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED). Agriculture and its related industries also contributed 359,220 jobs in Georgia in 2019. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2019 Georgia farmers led the nation in producing broilers and peanuts. Georgia ranked second in the U.S. for production of cotton lint and seed, pecans and watermelons, and third for bell peppers, blueberries, cucumbers and peaches. In 2019, the top ten commodities grown in Georgia were broilers, cotton, timber, beef, peanuts, greenhouse plants, corn, hay, dairy and pecans, according to the University of Georgia’s CAED. Farm-City Week is a great time to discuss how the economy impacts farmers and consumers. When you look at the price of groceries, note that in 2019 farmers received on average 7.6 cents out of every dollar spent on food at home and away from home, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. The rest of the dollar goes to wages and materials for food preparation, marketing, transportation and distribution, all of which have increased in price, too. In 2020, Americans spent an average of 8.6% of their disposable personal income on food, the -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 16 Continued from previous page USDA reports, which is less than consumers in any other country spend. America’s healthy, safe, and consistent food supply is so affordable thanks to the production and delivery partnership between farmers and urban businesses. GFB SPONSORS GA MARKET GOAT & LAMB GRAND CHAMPIONS Georgia Farm Bureau supported Georgia’s 4-H and FFA livestock programs by sponsoring the species grand champion prizes for the Georgia Jr. Market Wether, Market Doe and Market Lamb Shows held Oct. 8-10 at the Georgia National Fair. These three shows are part of the Georgia Junior National Livestock Program. GFB also sponsored prize premiums for all of the livestock shows at the fair. Market Wether – Cheyne Norton, Grady County Congratulations to Grady County 4-Her Cheyne Norton for exhibiting the 2021 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Wether! Georgia Farm Bureau Field Services Director Clay Talton presented the $1,500 prize check to Cheyne on behalf of GFB. Cheyne, the son of Chad and Brandi Norton, has been showing livestock for nine years. He also shows lambs and hogs. “It feels great to win this championship,” Cheyne said. “I started showing because I had friends and family showing. I’d encourage other kids to get into showing to meet friends and learn how to take care of animals.” Cheyne’s win carries on a family winning streak. His older sister, Lily won the award last year, and his first cousin, Tanner won it in 2019. Bryan Kennedy of Oklahoma judged the Market Wether show. Market Doe – Mallory Lee, Madison County Kudos to Mallory Lee, a seventh-grade member of the Madison County Middle School FFA, for exhibiting the 2021 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Doe. Georgia Farm Bureau Field Services staff member Haley Darby presented the $1,500 prize check to Mallory on behalf of GFB. Mallory, the daughter of Byron and Beth Lee, has been showing goats for six years. “Sometimes she can be a little stubborn, but most of the time she works well and is really sweet,” Mallory said of her winning goat that she calls K.P. Mallory said her family chose K.P. for the doe’s muscling, length of body, width and overall balance. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but I knew I had a chance,” Mallory said. Bryan Kennedy of Oklahoma judged the Market Doe show. Market Lamb – Tanner Norton Congratulations to Grady County 4-Her Tanner Norton for showing the 2021 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Lamb! Georgia Farm Bureau Field Services Director Clay Talton presented the $1,500 prize to Tanner. Tanner won the Market Lamb Grand Champion prize with his Hamp-Suffolk cross, “Walker.” -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 16 Continued from previous page It is his third win in the category since 2018. His secret? “Work hard,” said Tanner, who followed in the footsteps of his father, Clay, when he started showing livestock. Tanner credited Grady County 4-H Agent Deron Rehberg for teaching him showmanship. Tanner, a junior at Cairo High School, has been showing livestock, including steers, hogs and goats for 11 years. Corey Taylor of Texas judged the show. AMERICAN PEANUT TO OPEN NEW PROCESSING PLANT, EXPAND SHELLING On Nov. 9, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Georgia-based American Peanut Growers Group (APGG) will invest $85 million in expanding operations in the state, creating 90 jobs. In addition to expanding its current Donalsonville shelling plant, APGG will open a new food processing facility on its 45-acre campus in Seminole County. “It’s truly exciting to see American Peanut Growers Group create jobs across rural South Georgia and celebrate the hardworking Georgians of Seminole County who put Georgia-grown food on the table for countless families in our state and around the world,” Kemp said. “Thanks to the resilience, innovation, and hard work of our farmers, Georgia peanuts account for over half of all U.S peanut production. This announcement is great news for the number one industry in the top state for business!” Headquartered in Seminole County and grower owned, APGG produces approximately 200,000 tons of peanuts per year. In addition to local buyers in South Georgia, APGG utilizes the Port of Savannah to reach many customers around the world. APGG’s customers include major confectioners, peanut butter manufacturers, and snack-nut roasters. “We are extremely excited about this project and the opportunities it will provide for economic growth in Southwest Georgia. Per capita, peanut consumption has risen to an all-time high for the second year in a row, which presents an ideal situation allowing us to further drive value through the industry’s supply chain,” said Jeremy Mayes, general manager for American Peanut Growers Ingredients. “We are thankful for our farmer-owners demonstrating their willingness to invest in the project and community. Likewise, the support of city and county officials, as well as local industries such as LMC has allowed us to move quickly on our infrastructure needs.” APGG plans to build an additional 135,000-square-foot facility on its campus. This will encompass the company’s new food processing operations, enabling APGG to manufacture peanut paste, granules, peanut butter, and roasted peanuts for its customers. The company will also invest in additional shelling equipment as it expands those operations. APGG’s facility is located at 5212 Highway 39 North in Donalsonville. The company will begin hiring in June 2022 for careers in production, management, and maintenance. Individuals interested in opportunities with APGG are encouraged to visit www.APGG.com/careers for additional information. Georgia is home to more than half of the United States’ top 100 food processing companies. During fiscal year 2021, job creation within this sector in Georgia increased 232% over the previous fiscal year. In 2020, peanuts were planted on more than 800,000 acres throughout Georgia and accounted for 53% of peanut production in the United States. Seventy-six of Georgia’s 159 counties have peanut farms, with an average yield of more than 4,100 pounds per acre.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 16 FULWOOD JOINS GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE STAFF Virginia Fulwood has joined the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) as an educational program assistant for the GFA Georgia Ag Experience mobile ag classroom. She has been on the job since Sept. 20. Fulwood will work with the foundation’s other program assistant, Natalie Bennett, to set the Georgia Ag Experience’s schedule as it travels to schools and events statewide. Fulwood and Bennet will also serve as the mobile classroom instructors and work closely with county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers. Prior to joining the GFA team, Fulwood was a children’s librarian and regional coordinator at Middle Georgia Regional Library for eight years. Before working at the library, Fulwood taught kindergarten and Pre-K in Bibb County for nine years. Growing up, Fulwood enjoyed spending her summers with her dad, Winwood Nichols, in Tifton where he had a few goats, a couple of pigs, chickens and a vegetable garden. “I loved my time with him and all he taught me,” Fulwood said. “When I learned of this position, I was excited to apply and am very blessed to have this opportunity since I have spent my life working with children.” Fulwood earned a degree in computer science from Central Georgia Technical College, a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology from Capella University and a master’s degree in library information science from Drexel University. A native of Bibb County, Fulwood and her husband, Travis, who is a mechanic, live in Macon. The Fulwoods have two adult children: John Michael and Mary. Their son works for MERC in Warner Robins and their daughter teaches Pre-K at a Christian school in Warner Robins. Fulwood is an active member of United Community Church in Macon where she volunteers in the children's ministry. AFBF FOUNDATION TO LAUNCH AMERICAN FARM TRAIL APP The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture is looking for orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and more to showcase on a new app dedicated to connecting consumers with agritourism venues. The American Farm Trail app, created by the AFBF foundation and sponsored by Corteva, allows farmers, ranchers and farm attraction managers to sign up for free to showcase their agritourism venues. Farms and attractions can create a profile promoting their business, history, available products and more. Consumers using the app will be able to connect directly with local farms by searching area, type of attraction, or products for sale. The foundation plans to launch the app in the spring of 2022. “The foundation is ecstatic to offer this new resource to help connect agritourism businesses to consumers interested in visiting farms and ranches. There is nothing quite like picking your own apple or hunting for the perfect pumpkin and meeting the farmer who put the time and effort into growing that crop,” said Daniel Meloy, executive director of the foundation. “We think the -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 16 Continued from previous page American Farm Trail app will be a great opportunity for farmers and ranchers to bring curious consumers to their farms and for those consumers to connect in-person to where their food comes from.” Resources are available to farmers interested in listing their farm on the app, including a video overview of the app and a how-to guide for filling out the attraction listing information. The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture aims to build awareness, understanding, and a positive public perception of agriculture through education by offering learning opportunities, educational resources, and a selection of accurate books about agriculture. Learn more at www.agfoundation.org.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 16 GFB “HARVEST FOR ALL” CAMPAIGN County Farm Bureaus are asked to consider donating by Nov. 12 Georgia Farm Bureau is bringing back the Harvest for All campaign after skipping 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harvest for All is a fundraising effort to help Georgia food bank feed people in need. Food banks continually need funds to stay operational, and since the start of the pandemic, food insecurity rates have increased. The Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee sponsors Harvest for All. At the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, the committee hosted a 50/50 raffle and donated the funds raised. County Farm Bureaus are asked to consider making a donation by Nov. 12. For the donation form, contact GFB Field Services at 478474-0679, ext. 5234. GERL STALLION TO GELDING CLINICS November by appointment The Georgia Equine Rescue League (GERL) is sponsoring the 11th Annual Stallion to Gelding Clinics starting in November. Since the start of this important program, more than 1,212 stallions have been gelded which has significantly reduced the number of starved, abused and neglected horses in Georgia. For just $100 per equine, Georgia residents can have their horses, donkeys and minis castrated by certain licensed veterinarians who are hosting the clinics throughout the state on varying dates. In addition to the owners’ payments, participating veterinarians will receive $75 from GERL. A current Tetanus vaccination and negative Coggins test are required. These procedures can also be done at the Stallion to Gelding clinics at the owners’ cost. For more information, contact Marian Finco at 706-340-4368 or visit https://gerlltd.org/stallion-to-geldingprogram/ for a list of participating vets & their clinic dates. 2021 GA NATIONAL ANTIQUE AGRICULTURE SHOW Nov. 11-13 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Antique Agriculture Show is celebrating its third annual show. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day, features agriculture tools and methods used throughout the early 1900’s and offers live demonstrations such as peanut thrashing, corn & cane grinding, mini-tractor pulling, and indoor and outdoor plowing. There will also be more than 200 exhibits displaying antique tractors, farm machinery, toys, and home goods. For information on the Antique Agriculture Show, click here. (www.gnfa.com/p/about/georgia-national-antique-agriculture-show) UGA CAES RURAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM Nov. 15 deadline to apply High school students from rural Georgia counties who plan to attend the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences starting fall of 2022, have until Nov. 15 to apply for the college’s new Rural Scholars Program. Selected students will receive an annual scholarship of $7,000 over four years to be used for tuition, housing, meal plan, books & transportation. Visit www.caes.uga.edu/students/scholarships/rural-scholars.html for complete details & to apply.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 16 EXECUTIVE FARM MANAGEMENT TRAINING Jan. 18-21 Pawley’s Island, S.C. Jan. 31-Feb. 3 Raleigh, N.C. Feb. 20-23 Savannah The Executive Farm Management (EFM) program is offered by North Carolina State Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson Cooperative Extension, East Carolina University College of Business and UGA Cooperative Extension. The 2022 program will consist of 9 days of content and curriculum taught across 3 sessions in 3 states over the course of 6 weeks. EFM is designed to increase the management competencies and profitability of large farms by utilizing a holistic operation-focused curriculum. Primary farm owner early-bird registration for first-time participants is $6,000 until Nov. 15. Returning participant fee is $5,500. Discounts apply for extra participants from the same farm. For more information or to register, visit https://execfarmmgmt.ces.ncsu.edu/2022-program-info/, or contact EFM Director Blake Broan (919.515.4536 or abbbrown@ncsu.edu) or Margaret Huffman (919.515.4498 or mmhuffm2@ncsu.edu. U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL ENROLLMENT WEBINARS Nov. 16 9 a.m. Dec. 9 9 a.m. Dec. 14 9 a.m. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol will present six live enrollment webinars focusing on how the program helps U.S. cotton producers meet the changing demands from their end customer while also better documenting/verifying their on-farm sustainability practices and advances. Enrollment for the 2021 crop is open. For producers not yet participating, the webinars will provide an opportunity to learn about program benefits and ask questions. Speakers include Trust Protocol representatives and producer members. Producers can register at https://trustuscotton.org/enrollment-webinar-live-sessions/. For more information, visit www.TrustUSCotton.org.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 16 CROP INSURANCE FOR APPLES, BLUEBERRIES & PEACHES Nov. 20 deadline to apply for 2022 coverage The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia apple, blueberry and peach growers that Nov. 20 is the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year. This is also the deadline for current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage to do so. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until Nov. 20 to apply for crop insurance. 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, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Long, 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. 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. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. GIVINGTUESDAY: GA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE Nov. 30 This day is set aside for giving to charitable organizations that matter most to you. Please consider supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and its various programs, such as research to improve farmer mental health. By making a donation to the GFA, we are Growing Stronger Together! Donate at www.gafoundationag.org/donate CROP INSURANCE FOR FORAGE, LIVESTOCK & HONEY Dec. 1 deadline to apply for 2022 coverage The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia forage, livestock, and honey producers that Dec. 1 is the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year. This is also the deadline for current policyholders to make changes to their existing coverage. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Acreage intended for grazing and haying is insurable under the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) program, and colonies of bees are insurable under the Apiculture program. The PRF and Apiculture programs for 2022 are under the Rainfall Index insurance plan. (https://www.rma.usda.gov/en/Policy-and-Procedure/InsurancePlans/Rainfall-Index) Coverage is available for PRF and Apiculture in all Georgia counties. For more information regarding coverage, producers can access RMA Apiculture Grid ID Locator (http://maps.agforceusa.com/api/ri/) and the PRF Support Tool (https://prodwebnlb.rma.usda.gov/apps/prf) online. 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. (https://www.rma.usda.gov/informationtools/agentlocator) Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator (https://ewebapp.rma.usda.gov/apps/costestimator/) to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 16 2021 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU ANNUAL CONVENTION Dec. 5-7 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island Georgia Farm Bureau members trek to the Georgia coast for this annual must-attend event featuring the always-popular trade show, finalization of GFB’s 2022 policy stances, board elections, renewal of long-time friendships and much more! For information, contact your local county Farm Bureau office. Visit www.gfb.org/about-us/contact-us.cms for a directory of our county offices. GACD 2022 SCHOLARSHIPS Dec. 31 deadline to apply The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is now accepting scholarship and award applications. To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school, undergraduate or graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area. Applications are due Dec. 31. To apply, click here. (https://www.gacd.us/scholarships) 2022 SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Jan. 5, 2022 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia/Florida Soybean Association and The Georgia Soybean Commodity Commission invites soybean and small grain producers, users and buyers to this event, which will provide upto-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques, as well as remarks from University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences leaders. Attendees are invited to visit with our exhibitors who will showcase the latest in new varieties, pest control, and products. To register, call 706-542-3793. The registration is $20 at the door and $10 in advance. 2022 SE REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE Jan. 6-9 Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Savannah The South’s premier fruit and vegetable show celebrates 20 years with its collection of 15 commodity and agribusiness sessions, as well educational seminars and the always-popular trade show. Special sessions include Getting Started with Blackberries, Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training and Social Media Boot Camp. Georgia Farm Bureau is among the sponsors for the educational sessions. For more information or to register, click here. (https://seregionalconference.org/)
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 16 103rd AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION Jan. 7-12, 2022 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta If you want the inside scoop when it comes to policies and perspectives that will affect your farm or agribusiness in 2022, don’t miss the 103rd consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention. This is your opportunity to help set the agenda for the leading voice of agriculture in Washington, D.C., and so much more. Participate in educational workshops to advance your leadership skills, expand your business acumen, and gain insight into the trends and realities impacting food production. Witness cutting-edge innovation in agriculture, hear from powerful speakers, and explore the trade show to build a stronger network, shop featured products, and idea-share with other state and county Farm Bureaus. For more information, visit https://annualconvention.fb.org/. 2022 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 17-19, 2022 Savannah Marriott Riverfront Savannah Online registration is now open for the 2022 GA Dairy Conference! This event is a “must attend” for the Southeast dairy sector. It provides companies with the option to network with dairy producers and industry leaders, while extending a company’s brand with several sponsorship opportunities. Dairymen from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia have attended this conference in the past. Registration is free for Georgia dairy farmers. For more information or to register, visit www.gadairyconference.com/. 2022 GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW & CONFERENCE Jan. 19-20, 2022 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton To better accommodate social distancing, this always-popular show will be open for two days. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will be able to learn more about the latest products, services and peanut research at the show, which is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. For more information on the show, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com. Potential exhibitors can click here for the exhibitor packet. GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.