GEORGIA FARM BUREAU TO HOLD ANNUAL CONVENTION
Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 8-10 for the organization’s 87th annual convention.
The convention theme, “Where You Belong,” emphasizes the organization’s welcoming nature while marking the 60th time GFB has held its convention on Jekyll Island.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and inspirational speaker Nick Parker are scheduled to address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 9 between 8:15 a.m. and noon.
“Since 1976, Jekyll Island has been our gathering place, a tradition only interrupted by the pandemic,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s certainly a place Georgia Farm Bureau members feel like they belong. Our convention is a time to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and advance our shared vision for agriculture.”
Agriculture is Georgia’s top economic sector, contributing $83.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2022, providing more than 320,000 jobs and serving as the cornerstone of many of the state’s rural communities, according to the latest UGA Ag Snapshots report.
Convention activities begin Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service. Inspirational music will be provided by Al McCall and Mark Wallace. Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith will deliver a devotional message.
Sunday events include the opening of a trade show at 10 a.m. with more than 70 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, agencies and businesses.
For the second year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will hold its Christmas on the Farm Bingo on opening day beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the convention center. Led by emcees Greta Collins and John Holcomb, guests will enjoy 10 rounds of bingo, Christmas trivia, door prizes, a raffle, music, refreshments, and a pop-up shop from Brittney’s Closet, a Jekyll Island boutique. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/bingo for complete details and to buy tickets in advance.
During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, GFB will recognize agricultural advocacy and promotion efforts by county Farm Bureau volunteers and teachers’ work -continued on next page December 4, 2024
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Continued from previous page to include agriculture in their lessons through the Ag in the Classroom program.
Sunday activities close with the first of two nights of GFB Holiday Tour of Lights, a trolley tour around Jekyll Island. Tickets are $35 per person and proceeds benefit the GFB Ambassador Program and the GFB Women’s Leadership Program.
On Monday, Dec. 9, the general session runs from 8:15 a.m. to noon, highlighted by remarks from Gov. Kemp. Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Mark Williams will welcome convention guests. McCall will deliver his annual address. Harper and Duvall will discuss state and national agriculture issues. Parker will share his experiences as a Marine Corps veteran and drug investigator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The convention trade show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at noon on Dec. 9. A series of eight 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 cover trends in Georgia forages, farmland preservation, succession planning, EPA pesticide requirements, a political update, a livestock outlook, farmers’ mental health and adding value to the state’s forests.
Monday activities end with the second night of the GFB Holiday Tour of Lights.
On Dec. 10, 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 2024. Delegates will also elect the 2024 GFB Board of Directors.
Visit www.gfb.org/about-us/convention for more information about the convention. Tickets for the GFB Holiday Tour of Lights may be purchased at this website.
APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN FOR SAFETY 24 HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF
The Georgia Development Authority is taking applications for the SAFETY 24 Hurricane Helene Relief Loan Program. This low-interest, emergency loan program will provide Georgia farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene essential funds to recover from damage, replace lost income, and continue farm operations until additional federal aid is delivered.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture worked with the Georgia Development Authority to get the SAFETY 24 loan program up and running after Gov. Brian Kemp announced on Nov. 1 that the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission approved redirecting $75 million to the development authority to provide disaster relief loans to farmers hit by Hurricane Helene. An additional $25 million was allocated for timber debris cleanup programs being administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Dec. 6 is the signup date for these programs. Visit www.gatrees.org to apply for the timber programs and for more information.
“Georgia’s farmers have experienced unprecedented losses as a result of Hurricane Helene and the storms that followed it, and we’re taking decisive action on the state level to provide relief for them as quickly as possible,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “While we continue to call on Congress to take quick action in providing block grants that will further provide relief, we joined together with our partners in the legislature, Department of Agriculture, and Georgia Development -continued on next page
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Authority to move quickly in infusing this program with new funding. This is a significant step on the road to recovery, but it will not be the last. We will continue fighting for the hardworking men and women of our No. 1 industry and all Georgians impacted by Helene.”
To apply, visit https://www.gdaonline.com/hurricane-helene-loan-program/ for the application form, SAFETY 24 Product Loss Verification form and additional details. Applications can be submitted online via email or via regular mail. Online applications should be sent to anita@gdaonline.com. Printed applications should be sent toGeorgia Development Authority, 1890 Highway 130, Monroe, GA 39655.
To be considered, applications must include the SAFETY 24 Application Form and the SAFETY 24 Product Loss Verification. The loss verification form is to be completed by the producer’s crop insurance agent, UGA Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, or a loan specialist. An Operating Credit Continuity Agreement is also required. This agreement must be obtained from applicants’ primary operating credit provider stating that the primary operating credit provider will continue financing operating capital for the applicant, after the SAFETY 24 loan closes, for the next year of operation. If the operation does not require credit for operating capital and therefore a letter from a primary operating credit provider is not obtainable, a letter of intent from an entity the farm has a contractual relationship with stating that the entity will continue the contractual relationship with the farm will suffice.
Preliminary assessments from University of Georgia estimate the economic impact of Hurricane Helene on agriculture - Georgia’s #1 industry - at $6.46 billion, including $3.2 billion in direct losses to Georgia farmers.
AEWR TO RISE BY ANOTHER 9% IN 2025; COURTS PLACE DOL RULE ON HOLD
On Nov. 20, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced findings from the latest Farm Labor Survey. According to the data, Georgia’s Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) is expected to rise 9% to $16.08 per hour, an increase of $1.40 from the previous $14.68 rate. These rates will not become official until published in the Federal Register but are expected to take effect before January 2025.
Nationwide, combined field worker and livestock worker wages increased 3.2%, according to analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub said the Farm Labor Survey’s combined field and livestock worker wage becomes the AEWR that DOL uses for six different standard occupation codes, accounting for 96% of H-2A workers nationwide.
According to the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia growers have faced a 31% increase in the AEWR in the last three years amid continued struggles from high input prices and surging imports.
U.S. District Courts rule against DOL Farmworker Protection Rule
In other labor-related developments on Nov. 25, courts in Kentucky and Mississippi imposed restrictions on implementation of the DOL’s 2024 Farmworker Protection Rule, which DOL finalized in April. The rulings expanded the number of states in which DOL cannot implement the -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page rule, at least on a temporary basis.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi issued a nationwide stay prohibiting implementation of the Farmworker Protection Rule until completion of legal proceedings in the case of International Fresh Produce Association v. U.S. Department of Labor.
“Farmers appreciate the dedicated men and women who choose to work on their farms, and they take seriously the responsibility of ensuring a safe workplace. Farm Bureau agrees that workers should be treated fairly and respectfully,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall “We also believe fairness to farmers is important and the DOL rule was overly broad to the point of being unlawful. We appreciate that the court recognized the overreach of the rule. We urge the DOL to go back to the drawing board and engage with H-2A employers to better understand the impact more regulations will have on the men and women who work to ensure America’s families have food on the table.”
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, in the case Barton v. Department of Labor, found that the rule’s provisions related to seatbelt use, on-farm labor organization, information collection requirements and minimum pay requirements could not be implemented.
This ruling is applicable in Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio and West Virginia. The court also enjoined the rule’s implementation against the plaintiffs in the case and for members of members of the Agriculture Workforce Management Association, Inc. (including its shareholders/members); North Carolina Growers’ Association, Inc. (including members of that non-profit association); Workers and Farmer Labor Association, also known as “Wafla” (including members of that non-profit association); USA FARMERS, Inc. (including members of that nonprofit association); and the National Council of Agricultural Employers (including members of that non-profit association).
On Aug. 26 in the case Kansas et al v. U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia prohibited the department from implementing the rule in 17 states, including Georgia, and with respect to Miles Berry Farm and members of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.
The DOL indicated it will issue additional information and guidance on ongoing compliance and implementation of these orders as soon as possible. Until additional guidance is published by the Department, as of Nov. 27, employers or their attorneys or agents will be directed on the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System to prepare and submit H-2A job orders and Applications for Temporary Employment Certification using the forms applicable under the version of 20 CFR part 655, subpart B in effect on June 27.
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KING TO COORDINATE GFB WLC PROGRAM; DAVIS TO HEAD UP YF&R
Levi Davis has been named the new coordinator for the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program, and Heather King will take on the new position of Women’s Leadership Coordinator.
“Heather and Levi are passionate, outstanding leaders, and we’re proud to have them in these new roles,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “They’ve represented Georgia Farm Bureau well in their work as district federation managers, and we’re confident they will be outstanding stewards for our Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers and Ranchers programs.”
Davis has worked as the GFB 8th District Federation Manager since 2022. Prior to that he worked in the GFB claims department. Davis, his wife, Amy and their son, Wyatt, live in Cochran.
Davis is a Houston County native and attended Veterans High School. As a youth he helped on the family beef cattle farm. He was active in FFA and served as FFA state vice president in the 2013-2014 school year. Davis is a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. He also has an associate degree in agribusiness from Northeast Oklahoma A&M.
Davis and King succeed Breanna Berry, who resigned in August after her husband took a job in Tennessee.
King has worked as the GFB 6th District Federation Manager since 2018.
Prior to joining the GFB staff, King served as the education program specialist at the Camp John Hope FFA-FCCLA Center in Fort Valley.
A native of Stephens County, she grew up on a poultry farm operated by her grandparents and her late father.
King was an active member of the Stephens County Middle and High School FFA chapters and won the FFA state parliamentary procedure competition in 2008. She graduated from Fort Valley State with a degree in ag economics. She was a member of the Perry Lions Club while working at Camp Hope.
King and her husband, Trey, live in Macon.
Davis and King started their new positions on Nov. 25.
GFB TO CONDUCT GA PEANUT COMMISSION NOMINATION MEETINGS
Nomination meetings to fill three positions on the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) Board of Directors will be held Dec. 19 in Ocilla, Cochran and Americus. The Georgia Farm Bureau Federation will conduct the meetings during which peanut producers will nominate peers to represent the Peanut Commission’s Districts 2, 4 and 5. The terms of the commission members who currently represent these districts expire Dec. 31.
“I encourage peanut growers in these districts to attend the meeting for their district and participate in the nomination process for these Georgia Peanut Commission positions,” says Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “The Georgia Peanut Commission plays an important role in promoting Georgia peanuts by supporting research that addresses production issues growers face, educating producers about peanut industry issues, and promoting the -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page nutritional benefits of eating peanuts to consumers.”
The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location with one board member representing each district. Each nominee must produce peanuts and live within the district for which he or she is nominated.
The GPC District 2 nomination meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Dec. 19 at the Irwin County Farm Bureau office located at 302 South Cherry St., Ocilla, Ga. Ross Kendrick of Turner County is the incumbent in the district. Counties in District 2 include Atkinson, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Turner and Worth.
The GPC District 4 nomination meeting will be held at the Bleckley County Farm Bureau Office located at 157 West Dykes St., Cochran, Ga., 31014, at 9 a.m. on Dec. 19. Rodney Dawson of Pulaski County is the District 4 incumbent. Counties in District 4 include Bleckley, Crisp, Dodge, Dooly, Houston, Laurens, Pulaski, Telfair, Twiggs, Wheeler, Wilcox and Wilkinson.
The GPC District 5 nomination meeting will be held at the Sumter County Farm Bureau Office located at 141 Highway 27 East, Americus, Ga., 31709, at 11 a.m. on Dec. 19. Donald Chase of Macon County is the district incumbent. Counties in District 5 include Chattahoochee, Clay, Lee, Macon, Marion, Peach, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell and Webster.
Any peanut producer may be nominated or make nominations at the meeting for the peanut district in which he or she lives. Incumbents are eligible for renomination.
If more than one person is nominated, an election will be conducted by mail ballot at a date to be announced. Commission by-laws state that a person must receive a majority of the votes cast for a position to be elected to the board. If only one person qualifies for the position, no election is required, and the nominated person automatically becomes a member of the Georgia Peanut Commission Board. Commission members serve terms of three years.
BROOKE ROLLINS NOMINATED FOR SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Texas native Brooke Rollins to be the secretary of agriculture in his administration.
Rollins, a Texas native, served as White House Domestic Policy Council director during Trump’s first term. She has worked as president of the Texas Public Policy Foundation and currently serves as president of the America First Policy Institute.
Rollins has a degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M and a law degree from the University of Texas.
The secretary of agriculture post is responsible for leading the USDA, with its 29 agencies and approximately 100,000 employees. The cabinet post operates as the presidential administration’s instrument to carry out agriculture policy. If confirmed by the Senate, Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack, who has served as agriculture secretary under presidents Obama and Biden.
According to multiple published reports, Trump considered nominating Kelly Loeffler for the post. Loeffler served as a senator from Georgia in 2020 and 2021. She is co-chairing the presidentelect’s inaugural committee.
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GFB YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS WINNERS GEAR UP FOR AFBF CONTESTS
Houston County’s Cason Anderson, Kaitlyn and Kaleb Marchant of Oglethorpe County and Cain Thurmond of Jackson County, winners of the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) 2024 competitive events, are preparing for 2025 national competitions to be held at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January. They were first announced as winners at the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference in July and will be recognized at the upcoming GFB Convention on Dec. 8.
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) receives:
• $35,000 credit toward a new Ford vehicle (value of $35,000)
*Ford, located in Dearborn, Michigan, is the sponsor of the awards.
• Paid registration to the Farm Bureau® FUSION Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 7-10, 2025.
Runner-up** (Second Place) receives:
• $25,000 credit toward a new Case IH piece of equipment (value of $25,000)
**Case IH, located in Racine, Wisconsin, is the sponsor of the runner-up awards.
Finalist** (Third Place) receives:
• A $2,500 Investing in Your Future cash prize, courtesy of AmericanAg®
**AmericanAg™, located in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the sponsor of these finalist awards.
• $2,500 worth of Stanley Black & Decker merchandise (PROTO, DeWalt, Stanley, Lenox & Irwin)
**Stanley Black & Decker, located in New Britain, Connecticut, is the sponsor of these finalist awards
• A Case IH branded safe (approximate MSRP of $1,800)
**Case IH, located in Racine, Wisconsin, is the sponsor of these finalist awards. Finalist** (Fourth Place) receives:
• A Case IH branded Solo Stove® (approximate MSRP of $1,370)
**Case IH, located in Racine, Wisconsin, is the sponsor of these finalist awards.
Anderson won the 2024 GFB YF&R Achievement Award, which recognizes farmers and ranchers aged 18-35 who earn most of their income from production agriculture.
A first-generation farmer who lives in Perry, Anderson grows pecans on a total of 1,020 acres across multiple counties. He also grows sweet corn and provides custom farm work.
He serves on the Houston County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as the corporate secretary and YF&R chairman. He represented GFB’s 8th District on the state YF&R Committee in -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page 2019-2021.
The Marchants won the 2024 GFB YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, given to recognize agriculturalists aged 18-35 who are active Farm Bureau members, promote agriculture in their community, and earn most of their income from something other than production agriculture.
The Marchants live in Winterville. Kaitlyn works for the Georgia Department of Education as the North Region ag education coordinator. Kaleb is pursuing a PhD from UGA and manages the beef and sheep unit at the UGA Double Bridges Farm in Winterville.
Thurmond won the YF&R Discussion Meet. The discussion meet is a series of committee-style meetings in which contestants hash over issues and solutions related to a specific ag-related topic. He emerged from a field of 29 contestants from across the state.
Thurmond is a system relationship manager with Farm Credit Services of America. He and his wife, Whitney, live in Jefferson. The Thurmonds own the Storey Garden & Grove, a Christmas tree farm scheduled to open winter 2026. They also have a small pecan orchard.
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55TH ANNUAL GEORGIA BULL TEST SALE
Dec. 6 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.
HURRICANE HELENE TIMBER CLEANUP PROGRAMS
Dec. 6 application deadline
The Georgia Forestry Commission is accepting applications for two programs designed to help landowners who suffered timber damage/loss to Hurricane Helene cleanup debris. Aid includes $25 million that Gov. Brian Kemp asked the Georgia State Financing & Investment Commission to direct to the Georgia Development Authority. The sign-up period for both programs ends Dec. 6. Landowners who have 10 or more acres of forestland of any size with trees damaged by Hurricane Helene, are eligible for the Hurricane Helene Fuel Mitigation Program (FMit). This program intends to reduce wildfire risk by implementing practices to improve access, reduce forest fuel loads, reduce wildfire threat in the wildland urban interface, and install or improve firebreaks. After completion of the work, participants must submit official cost documentation and a detailed map showing boundaries and completed mitigation practices. Cost share payments are based on 80% of the documented cost. Cost share may be limited per taxpayer identification number and a per-acre cap may be set, depending on demand for funds. GFC foresters will confirm completion of the work. The Georgia Development Authority is responsible for payments. Landowners should visit Hurricane Helene FMit for complete details and to apply. The Forest Access Road and Firebreak Restoration Project provides for the clearing of forest debris from existing firebreaks and roads at no cost to the landowner. The project is designed to create a more manageable situation should wildfires become prevalent in the region. Eligible tracts must have had existing tree cover containing forest roads and established firebreaks immediately prior to the storm’s arrival. To apply visit Hurricane Helene Firebreaks Cleanout Private forest landowners with property located in the FEMA Hurricane Helene Declaration area are eligible. These counties are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Banks, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dawson, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Greene, Habersham, Hancock, Hart, Irwin, Jackson, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, Lumpkin, Madison, McDuffie, McIntosh, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Newton, Oglethorpe, Pierce, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, White, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson, and Worth counties. For more information about hurricane relief programs and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit www.GaTrees.org or contact Wendy Burnett at 478-365-6233 or wburnett@gfc.state.ga.us.
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NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR OUTSTANDING GA YOUNG PEANUT FARMER
Dec. 6 deadline for nominations
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award. The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Tifton. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF. The Outstanding Georgia award is based upon the applicant’s 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. 16, 2025. An individual may receive the award only once. The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at 229-386-3690 or joycrosby@gapeanuts.com. The 2024 winner was Mallory Harvey of Baxley, Georgia. The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 2025, at Panama City Beach, Florida, and a sign to display at his or her farm.
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 visit www.gfb.ag/Convention
POST HURRICANE HELENE FORESTRY MEETINGS
Dec. 9 Tift Co. Extension Office Tifton
Dec. 10 4-H Camp Lake Park
Dec. 11 UGA Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center Lyons
Dec. 12 Augusta Library Augusta
The Georgia Forestry Commission, UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, and UGA Cooperative Extension are hosting these meetings. All meetings will run from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Meetings are free and a free lunch will be provided, but attendees MUST REGISTER by Thursday, Dec. 5. Those attending the Dec. 9 or Dec. 10 meetings should RSVP to Salina McAlister at salina@uga.edu or 229-386-3298. Those attending the Dec. 11 or Dec. 12 meetings should RSVP to Deborah Miracle at dmiracle@uga.edu 912-478-8986. Each meeting location can only accommodate 90-100 people. Topics to be covered include: timber damage assessment; lessons learned from Hurricane Michael regarding forest markets & longevity; leaning & uprooted pines recovery; insects & diseases post hurricanes; Emergency Forestry Reforestation Program & other available recovery programs; timber taxation & casualty losses; reforestation options; invasive species; and seedling availability. Society of American Foresters and Georgia Master Timber Harvesters continuing education credits will be offered. Meeting addresses: Tift Co. Extension Office – 1468 Carpenter Rd. S., Tifton; 4-H Camp – 6100 4-H Club Rd., Lake Park, 31636; UGA Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center – 8163 SR-147, Lyons; Augusta Library – 823 Telfair St., Augusta
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WEATHERED BUT STRONG HURRICANE RELIEF APPLICATION DEADLINE
Dec. 31 midnight deadline to apply for assistance
The Weathered But Strong: Georgia Hurricane Relief Fund is accepting applications from farmers affected by Hurricane Helene until midnight Dec. 31. The relief fund was established by the Georgia Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and with support from more than 40 agricultural partners including Georgia Farm Bureau. This fund aims to provide critical financial assistance to those in need. Farmers across the affected areas who suffered losses are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to the following counties declared to be in a disaster zone: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Glynn, Hancock, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, McDuffie, McIntosh, Montgomery, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler and Wilkes counties. Eligible farmers must hold a current, valid GATE card number issued through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Farmers must submit their applications online at www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org/application 100% of the disaster relief funds will be distributed to farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Helene guided by principles of impartiality, needbased selection, and community-focused support. Aid is available to all eligible applicants, with applications evaluated based on the disaster-related financial or resource needs, prioritizing those most affected to benefit the broader community. The fund aims to raise $1.5 million by Dec. 31 to provide direct financial aid to farmers impacted by the storm. Over $1 million has already been raised, and donations will be accepted until the end of December. To make a tax-deductible donation, please visit: www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE
Jan. 9-11, 2025 Savannah Convention Center Savannah Don’t miss the premier fruit and vegetable event of the year! This annual event features dozens of commodity-specific seminars, the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course, the alwayspopular trade show and much more. Full conference registration is $225 until Dec. 9 and $275 from Dec. 10 to Jan. 7, 2025. Single-day registration is $135 and $165 after. Attendees who register on site do not receive lunch tickets. Concessions will be available for purchase on the trade show floor. For more information or to register, visit https://seregionalconference.org/
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48th ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW
Jan. 16, 2025 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tifton
This 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. At the close of the show, 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 on the show, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com.
GFB DISTRICT 2 CATTLE SHOW
Jan. 18, 2025 Jackson County Ag Facility Jefferson It's show time again! Registration is open for the District 2 Georgia Farm Bureau Cattle Show until Jan. 3, 2025. Competition in the show is available to cattle exhibitors who live in District 2 (Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties). Participating high school seniors may complete the scholarship application for the chance to receive a $1,000 scholarship! All entries, show details and scholarship applications are available at gfb.ag/district2cattleshow.
GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE
Jan. 20-22
Marriott Savannah Riverfront Savannah
The Georgia Dairy Conference is the Southeast's premier dairy management conference featuring 16 guest speakers, the region's largest dairy trade show, and a pre-conference symposium highlighting the latest innovations in dairy production. The full conference agenda, registration information, and more can be found at the conference website www.gadairyconference.com. Early bird pricing ends Nov. 30.
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.
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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. 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/.
63rd ANNUAL GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
March 12-14, 2025 Augusta Marriott Convention Center Augusta GCA’s Annual Convention is the place to be to find the best program for education and networking in the cattle industry around Georgia! The convention features a phenomenal tradeshow, educational sessions, social opportunities and much more! There is sure to be something for everyone! For more information or to register, click here.
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.
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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 2024 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.