GFB MEMBERS TO RECONNECT AT ANNUAL CONVENTION
Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 4-6 for the organization’s 85th annual convention. This year marks the 58th time GFB has held its convention on Jekyll Island. Gov. Brian Kemp, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, outgoing Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, and Georgia Commissioner elect of Agriculture Tyler Harper will address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 5 between 8:15 a.m. and noon.
“Through the years Jekyll Island has become our home away from home. Since 1976, Georgia Farm Bureau has met on Jekyll for our convention every year except for 2020 when we held smaller, district meetings due to the pandemic,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “Our members will enjoy catching up with friends, hearing updates on ag issues and determining the position our organization takes on issues impacting their farms and rural communities. We’re honored that Gov. Kemp is coming to speak to us. Addressing our members shows he values the $69.4 billion economic impact agriculture and related businesses have on Georgia’s economy.”
Convention activities begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Sunday events include the opening of a trade show with more than 60 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, agencies and businesses.
During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, GFB will recognize agricultural advocacy and promotion efforts by county Farm Bureau volunteers and teachers’ work to include agriculture in their lessons through the Ag in the Classroom program. The first day of the convention will close with a memorial service at 4:30 p.m.
On Monday, Dec. 5, the general session runs from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Jones Hooks, Jekyll Island Authority executive director, will welcome convention guests during the opening session. GFB President Tom McCall will deliver his annual address. Gary Black will reflect on his 12 years in office leading the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and Commissioner elect Tyler Harper will share his plans for the department.
On Dec. 5, the convention trade show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at noon. A series of 14 commodity meetings will be held Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. featuring speakers who will address management and policy issues for the major commodities grown in Georgia.
Commodity meeting topics will include: forest carbon markets; on farm sale & processing of -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page meat; row crop damage by deer; and pesticide regulations. Speakers will also give presentations addressing aquaculture, bees, cotton, forages, pecan, peanut, poultry, tobacco, vegetable and water issues.
On Dec. 6, GFB voting delegates will discuss and approve policy resolutions submitted by county Farm Bureau chapters statewide. The resolutions approved by the delegates will become the organization’s official policy that will guide its legislative efforts in 2023. Delegates will also elect the 2023 GFB Board of Directors.
GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS WINNERS GEAR FOR AFBF COMPETITION
Franklin County’s Colt and LeAnna Hart, Brian Fleming of Hart County and Willie Sizemore of Lee County, winners of the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) 2022 competitive events, are preparing for national competitions to be held at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in January.
The YF&R program helps young Farm Bureau members shape their future and American agriculture through leadership development and personal growth opportunities. These competitions enable members to showcase their leadership experience, communication skills and successful business plans as they compete against the best of the best from each state Farm Bureau.
As part of the YF&R competitions, the top four competitors in the AFBF Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag areas will receive:
Winner (First Place): $35,000 credit towards a new Ford vehicle and paid registration to the AFBF FUSION Conference in Jacksonville, Florida, courtesy of Ford.
Runner up (Second Place) receives: $25,000 credit towards new Case IH piece of equipment, courtesy of Case IH.
Third Place receives: A $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize, courtesy of AmericanAg™, a Case IH branded safe, courtesy of Case IH plus $1,665 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise (PROTO, DeWalt, Stanley, Lenox & Irwin), courtesy of Stanley Black & Decker.
Fourth Place receives: A Case IH branded Solo Stove, courtesy of Case IH.
Colt and LeAnna Hart won the 2022 GFB YF&R Achievement Award.
Colt is a fourth generation farmer who farms approximately 1,000 acres. He maintains a herd of approximately 600 cattle and raises broilers and goats. He also grows millet, ryegrass, Bermudagrass and wheat while providing a chicken litter service for other farmers. The Hart farm also hosts the Franklin County Championship Rodeo.
Colt is chairman of the Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, and he and LeAnna represent GFB’s 2nd District on the state YF&R Committee. Colt serves as a volunteer firefighter. LeAnna homeschools the couple’s children and assists with day to day farm operations.
The Harts live in Royston and have five children: Jolee, Briar, Sage Laila and Trace.
Brian Fleming won the 2022 GFB YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award.
Fleming, who has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Emmanuel College, works as operations manager for PTL Agriculture, the family farm owned by his father, Bobby. The farm produces soybeans, wheat, oats, milo and corn on approximately 1,000 acres, along with maintaining a small herd of brood cows and growing hay. Brian also runs a small seed cleaning continued on next page
Continued from previous page operation that serves area farmers.
Brian has chaired the Hart County Farm Bureau YF&R Committee since 2014 and grew the county’s YF&R program from just himself to its current membership of about 35. He served on the GFB YF&R Committee from 2019 to 2021 and regularly visits local schools to teach students about agriculture.
Brian and his wife, Nicole, live in Canon with their two children, Deklyn and Sloane.
Willie Sizemore won the 2022 GFB YF&R Discussion Meet, held July 14 16 during the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island.
Sizemore, who graduated from the University of Georgia in 2021 with a degree in agricultural communications and journalism, is a student at the Mercer University Law School.
USDA INVITES PRODUCERS TO RESPOND TO 2022 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE
On Nov. 22, the USDA mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at www.agcounts.usda.gov. The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. By completing the survey, producers across the nation can tell their story and help generate impactful opportunities that better serve them and future generations of producers.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture will be mailed in phases, with paper questionnaires following in December. Producers need only respond once, whether securely online or by mail. The online option offers timesaving features ideal for busy producers. All responses are due Feb. 6, 2023. Farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, are included in the ag census.
"The 2022 Census of Agriculture is a powerful voice for American agriculture. The information gathered through the ag census influences policy decisions that will have a tremendous impact on ag producers and their communities for years to come," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "I strongly encourage all farmers, no matter how large or small their operation, to promptly complete and return their ag census. This is your opportunity to share your voice, uplift the value and showcase the uniqueness of American agriculture."
Collected in service to American agriculture since 1840 and now conducted every five years by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census of Agriculture is a complete picture of American agriculture today. It highlights land use and ownership, producer characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, among other topics.
“Our farmers and ranchers have an incredible impact on our nation and the world. I want to thank them in advance for responding to the ag census,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “We recognize how valuable their time is, so we have made responding more convenient and modern than ever before.”
Between ag census years, NASS considers revisions to the questionnaire to document changes and emerging trends in the industry. Changes to the 2022 questionnaire include new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep and updates to internet access -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page questions.
Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105 113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024.
To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on twitter @usda_nass.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE ONLINE AUCTION
Through Dec. 7 Bids will be accepted until Dec. 7. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture! This year’s auction will feature great items such as: football Atlanta Braves tickets, tech gadgets, home décor, food items, vacation packages, family activities & much more. GFA is a 501(c3) nonprofit registered charity. All auction proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation of Agriculture programs including: Georgia Ag Experience mobile ag classroom; scholarships for students pursuing ag careers; ag teacher workshops; mental health research for farmers and more. Visit https://gfb.ag/22GFAauction to start bidding. For more information, contact Lily Baucom at lrbaucom@gfb.org or 478.405.3461.
CROP INSURANCE FOR FORAGE, LIVESTOCK AND HONEY PRODUCERS
Dec. 1 deadline to apply/renew The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia forage, livestock, and honey producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is December 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Dec. 1 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. 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 2023 are under the Rainfall Index insurance plan. Coverage is available for PRF and Apiculture in all Georgia counties. For more information regarding coverage, producers can access RMA Apiculture Grid ID Locator and the PRF Support Tool online. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://www.rma.usda.gov/en.
OUTSTANDING GEORGIA YOUNG PEANUT FARMER AWARD Dec. 2
deadline for applications Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, in Tifton, Georgia. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF. The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award is based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities. The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age, as of Jan. 19, 2023. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia. Applications are due to the GPC office by Dec. 2 The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at 229 386 3690 or joycrosby@gapeanuts.com The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 27 29, 2023, at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Florida, and a sign to display at his or her farm.
53RD ANNUAL GEORGIA BULL TEST SALE
Dec. 2 Northwest Georgia Livestock Pavilion
12:30 p.m. Calhoun
This annual sale features a total of 67 Angus, Black Hereford, Hereford, Red Angus, Simangus and Simmental bulls. The bulls are genomic enhanced and parentage verified. For more information or to request a catalog, contact Jason Duggin at duggin@uga.edu or 706 624 1403
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP FOR ROW CROP FARMERS
Dec. 8
Cook County Extension Office
9 a.m. noon Adel
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) and the Alapaha Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to present a free informational workshop for local farmers to discuss how to implement soil health management systems on row crop operations. This workshop will cover how producers can utilize soil health practices to increase profitability and productivity of row crop operations. A local farmer will also present on their conservation tillage system, cover crops they utilize, and the benefits they have seen from utilizing a soil health approach. In addition, information on federal farm bill programs and state programs will be presented. Partnering agencies for this event include USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC). The Cook County Extension Office is located at 206 E. 9th Street, Adel. Breakfast will be served. This is a free event but registration is required online at www.gacd.us/events. For more information, contact GACD at 833 411 GACD or info@gacd.us.
DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE PROGRAM
Dec. 9
application deadline
Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program, an important safety net program from USDA that helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating its feed cost formula to better address retroactive, current and future feed costs. For more information or to enroll, click here.
TOBACCO GROWERS SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Dec. 12
deadline to file claim
Many tobacco growers are eligible for settlement funds available as a result of lawsuits directed toward the U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, formerly known as the Flue Cured (FC) Tobacco Cooperative Stabilization Corporation. Included in the settlement are farmers and heirs of farmers who grew flue cured tobacco anytime from 1967 to 1973, based on the sale of tobacco to the cooperative, and from 1982 to 2004 based on their contribution of no net cost assessments on all tobacco sold. All tobacco producers who sold tobacco were members of the cooperative and received an FC number/membership card. Proof of claim forms consisting of three pages must be filed by Dec. 12. Documentation of membership in the cooperative can be established without knowing or including the FC membership number Proof of claim forms, a list of frequently asked questions and additional information can be found here. (https://omniagentsolutions.com/lewissettlementclasstrust)
DROUGHT SWAP FUNDING FOR IRRIGATORS IN LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN
Dec.
15 deadline to apply
The sign up period for a new cost share program for irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia is now open. The Drought Source Water Alternatives Program (SWAP) is designed to install deep aquifer wells for irrigators who rely on surface water in the Lower Flint River Basin. If you are interested in participating, please visit the Drought SWAP webpage (https://ga fit.org/drought swap/) to learn more, check your eligibility and submit an application. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15. Drought SWAP is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget via allocations established by the American Recovery Plan Act for infrastructure development. Administered by the Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center at Albany State University, Drought SWAP is a component of the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust (GA FIT), an effort focused on enhancing drought response capacity to protect our farmers, regional economy and natural systems. For more information, visit www.GA FIT.org send an email to info@ga fit.org or phone 229 430 2900.
2022 GEORGIA SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO
Dec. 15 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 8:30 a.m. Perry
This event is for soybean/small grain growers, UGA researchers, county agents and others to attend. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Registration/check in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9. For more information, contact Terry Hollifield at terry.hollifield@georgiacrop.com or 706 542 2351.
GA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS SCHOLARSHIP
Dec.
31 deadline to apply
To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD awards 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. The scholarship recipient will be honored at GACD's Annual Meeting in August 2023. Applications are due December 31, 2022. For more information or to apply, click here (https://www.gacd.us/scholarships)
AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Dec.
31 deadline to apply
The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 one time scholarship award presented to a current, eligible high school senior planning to pursue a degree in agriculture at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is managed by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and is made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. The senior must be a child or grandchild of an ASA member. Click here to join. The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the upcoming school year. The student must maintain successful academic progress and be in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 17 Dec. 31, 2022. Final selection will be made in January. The student will be notified late January, with an official announcement to follow. Applicants must fill out an online application during the open application period. Click here to apply. https://americansoybean.wufoo.com/forms/asa soy scholarship application 202324/
SE FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE
Jan. 5-8, 2023 Savannah Convention Center Savannah
Early bird registration rates end Dec. 13
Registration is open and filling up fast for the 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan 5 8 in Savannah, GA. Known as the can't miss event for growers, researchers, shipper packers, and anyone else involved in the fresh fruit and vegetable sectors, SE Regional will once again feature 14 individual commodity conferences, 85 hours plus of educational programs, and more than 290 exhibiting companies filling over 80,000 square feet of exhibit space. Take advantage of early bird registration rates before they end on Dec. 13 and choose from a variety of registration options available. While there, take advantage of SE Regional Room Blocks and book your hotel now. Click here for hotel and transportation information.
2023 GFB AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Jan. 6, 2023 gfb.ag/ambassadors application deadline
Georgia Farm Bureau will be opening applications for the 2023 GFB Federation Ambassador Program on Dec. 1. Interested applicants must be over the age of 18 and must be willing to commit to a full calendar year of service (January December) to be eligible. Federation Ambassadors will assist with a variety of statewide member recruitment, public relations, and brand awareness campaigns throughout the year. More information on the 2023 program and necessary requirements can be found at www.gfb.ag/ambassadors.
URBAN AGRICULTURE WORKSHOP
Jan. 10, 2023 Bibb County Extension Office 9 a.m. noon Macon The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, along with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission and UGA Cooperative Extension, are presenting this workshop for the Ocmulgee River Conservation District. to Workshop will provide information about the general practices and options on how to start an urban agriculture operation from soil testing to organic vs. nonorganic and government programs you can utilize. The event will feature a local farmer's perspective on their urban agriculture operation and the programs they have used to help them be successful. This workshop will discuss general practices and options for starting an urban agriculture operation such as soil testing, raised beds, non organic vs organic, and pollinators. In addition, information on federal programs and state programs will be presented. For more information or to register, visit www.gacd.us/events, email info@gacd.us or call 833 411 4223. The Bibb County Extension office is located at 715 Oglethorpe St., Macon.
46TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW
Jan. 19, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Tifton Make plans to attend the 46th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference! The one day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with nearly 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar. The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with OneBlood, will host a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. At the close of Thursday, there will be nearly $10,000 in door prizes presented to farmers, as well as a Grand Door Prize, vendor products, certificates and equipment. For more information, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229 386 3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com
2023 GEORGIA AG FORECAST
Jan. 27, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. Tifton In this annual event, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences economists provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year and speakers focus on important and trending topics. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Deputy Chairman William Chambers will give the keynote address. To view the agenda an download the Georgia Ag Forecast Report, visit https://agforecast.caes.uga.edu/
13th ANNUAL GFB DISTRICT 2 YF&R STEER & HEIFER SHOW
Feb. 4 Jackson County Ag Facility 1869 County Farm Rd. Jefferson
Open to all fourth through 12th graders who exhibit beef cattle in Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union & White counties. Register at https://gfb.ag/District2CattleShow by Jan. 20, 2023. Barn will be open on Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for early arrivals. Check in will be 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Show will begin Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. with showmanship classes. The entry fee is $25 per animal for Farm Bureau members or $35 per animal for non members. Membership must belong to the exhibitor and/or their immediate family. Membership can be obtained at your local county Farm Bureau office for $35. Entries are nonrefundable/nonreturnable. Twelfth grade exhibitors are eligible for a Senior Academic Scholarship of $500. Senior participants must contact Katie Alt at atkmalt@gfb.org or 229 454 0239 for a scholarship form. Form must be received along with cattle show entry form by Jan. 20. The show committee will select one winner and the scholarship will be awarded at the show. The committee will also give a $250 scholarship to the senior showmanship winner
GEORGIA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
March 1, 2023
deadline to apply
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $70,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field. The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories. Scholarship for Agriculture This scholarship is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program during the 2023 24 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. The GFA will award 10 scholarships of $3,000 each. The top three ranked applicants will be eligible for an additional $1,000 Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture This scholarship is for students who will be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college and major in an area of agriculture or an ag related field of study, such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, or commercial truck driving. The GFA will award four scholarships of $1,500 each. The top two ranked applicants will be eligible for an additional $500. Visit https://gfb.ag/gfatechscholarshipmajors for a list of eligible schools and majors. Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture This scholarship is for college students who have at least two semesters of college remaining to receive an undergraduate degree from a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program. Applicants must be majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or an ag related field. The GFA will award ten scholarships of $2,000 each. 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.Visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2023. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application. The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring of 2023. Scholarship checks will be sent to the qualifying college/university the recipient is attending and placed in their school account upon verification the student has met all qualifications for the scholarship. Scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors will be distributed for spring 2024 upon receipt of first semester college transcript indicating the recipient is pursuing an ag related course of study and has at least a 3.0 GPA.
GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS
March 10, 2023 deadline for county offices to submit entries
Contact your county Farm Bureau office to learn deadline for its local contests Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home schooled sixth, seventh and eighth grade students statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home schooled students in ninth through twelfth 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. One state runner up in the art contest will receive $150 cash. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. Middle school students will be given a blank bookmark and asked to draw a picture that depicts some aspect of Georgia agriculture. Students may use crayons, markers or colored pencils to create their bookmark that illustrates agriculture. High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting Georgia agriculture. Artwork submitted in the high school art contest 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. Artwork entered in both contests 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 may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. Contact your county Farm Bureau to learn its February deadline for entering the contests. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries to Georgia Farm Bureau for the state contest by March 10. Entries are limited to one per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.gfb.ag/contests. Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture and https://gfb.ag/UGA22agsnapshots to access info about Georgia agriculture.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It 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. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline
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GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE-COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706 510 6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use. This work is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Southern Region [grant no. 2020 70028 32730 / project ascension no 1023989] and the Georgia Farmer Healthy Mindset [grant no. 13395431/2021 09304/ project ascension no 2021 70035575], from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute on of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by counselors during the sessions should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.