December 18, 2019
www.gfb.org
Vol. 1 No. 13
SPECIAL MASTER RECOMMENDATION FAVORS GEORGIA IN WATER SUIT On Dec. 11, Special Master Paul Kelly Jr. recommended that the U.S. Supreme Court deny Florida’s request for relief in the suit it filed against Georgia in 2013. Florida accused Georgia of overusing water from the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint Basin, allegedly causing harm to the oyster industry on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Florida asked the court to cap Georgia’s water use. Kelly’s recommendation was the second in Georgia’s favor. The initial special master, the late Ralph Lancaster, recommended in February 2017 that the court dismiss Florida’s complaint, in part because to achieve sufficient relief the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would have to be a party in the suit, since the Corps controls water flows on all three rivers. In June 2018, the court found that Lancaster had misapplied the rules in equitable apportionment cases and sent the case back with specific questions to be settled: 1) Whether Florida suffered harm caused by decreased water flow into the Apalachicola River; 2) whether Florida showed that Georgia’s use of the Flint River is inequitable; 3) whether Georgia’s potential inequitable water use harmed Florida; 4) whether capping Georgia’s use would “materially increase” streamflow in the Apalachicola River and 5) whether the potential increased streamflow would reduce economic and ecological harm Florida has suffered. Kelly heard additional oral arguments on Nov. 7. Kelly concluded that the evidence favored Georgia, noting that it “has not showed harm to Florida caused by Georgia; the evidence has shown that Georgia’s water use is reasonable; and the evidence has not shown that the benefits of apportionment would substantially outweigh the potential harms.” Georgia Farm Bureau, which filed a friend of the court brief in the case, applauded Kelly’s recommendation. “Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased that Special Master Paul Kelly’s recommendation acknowledges the water conservation practices Georgia’s agriculture community has followed for many years,” GFB President Gerald Long said. “We appreciate that Judge Kelly recognized Georgia farmers are good stewards of the water God has given them and that they are using it efficiently as they grow crops to help feed and clothe the world.” The case now returns to the Supreme Court, which again has the option of accepting or rejecting the recommendation.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 11 U.S., CHINA REACH PHASE ONE TRADE AGREEMENT The United States and China have reached an agreement on a phase one trade deal, according to statements from both nations. In a joint statement from United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, the deal requires China to make structural reforms and other changes in the areas of intellectual property, technology transfer, agriculture, financial services, and currency and foreign exchange. The agreement includes a commitment by China that it will make substantial additional purchases of U.S. goods and services, including agricultural goods, in the coming years. Lighthizer and Mnuchin emphasized that the agreement establishes a dispute resolution system that ensures prompt and effective implementation and enforcement. According to the U.S. release, the agriculture chapter “addresses structural barriers to trade and will support a dramatic expansion of U.S. food, agriculture and seafood product exports.” The United States first imposed tariffs on imports from China based on the findings of the Section 301 investigation on China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The United States will maintain 25 percent tariffs on approximately $250 billion of Chinese imports, along with 7.5 percent tariffs on approximately $120 billion of Chinese imports. MORE GEORGIA COUNTIES RECEIVE DROUGHT DISASTER DECLARATION On Dec. 11 the USDA issued a disaster declaration for a total of 52 Georgia counties to help farmers mitigate their losses due to ongoing drought conditions. The 19 Georgia counties with the primary natural disaster designation are Baldwin, Burke, Butts, Jasper, Jenkins, Johnson, Lamar, Laurens, Meriwether, Monroe, Newton, Pike, Rabun, Rockdale, Screven, Spalding, Stephens, Upson, and Washington. Producers in the Georgia counties of Banks, Bibb, Bleckley, Bulloch, Clayton, Coweta, Crawford, DeKalb, Dodge, Effingham, Emanuel, Fayette, Franklin, Glascock, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Harris, Henry, Jefferson, Jones, Morgan, Putnam, Richmond, Seminole, Talbot, Taylor, Towns, Treutlen, Troup, Twiggs, Walton, Wheeler, and Wilkinson are also eligible to apply for emergency loans because they are contiguous to counties in Georgia and bordering states that received primary designations. Farmers in counties named either primary disaster areas or contiguous counties are eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. The deadline is June 19, 2020, to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs in addition to the EM loan program to help eligible farmers recover from adversity. Other FSA programs that provide assistance, but do not require a disaster declaration, include the Emergency Conservation Program, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program, Operating and Farm Ownership Loans and the Tree Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for more information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at www.farmers.gov/recover.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 11 GA CATTLE DOG COMPETING FOR NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CHOICE PUP TITLE Don’t let his name fool you. Smurf, a keen cattle dog from Madison, can clown around when his farmers – Zachary and Sydney Floyd - need a laugh, but he’s all business when there’s work to be done on the cow-calf farm he calls home. “Smurf can find and bay loose cattle that have gotten out, sort and gather groups or singles, load trailers and bring cattle up alleyways to me at the head gate,” Zachary said. “In the pasture he protects me from nervous mothers while I tag newborns. He’s the first in the pen with an unruly cow or bull and ensures my safety. His courage and obedience are unmatched.” Smurf is competing against other farm dogs from Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia in a social media contest to win the title of People’s Choice Pup. He’ll also win a $50 gift card and a Purina gift basket. State pride is on the line, and you can help Smurf win! Between now and midnight Jan. 17, visit www.gfb.ag/Smurf to vote for the two-year old cattle collie on Facebook or www.gfb.ag/SmurfTwitter to vote on Twitter. Facebook and Twitter only allow one vote per account, so the more Smurf fans who vote the better. Smurf became a contender for People’s Choice Pup as one of the top 10 dogs in the 2020 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Contest. The People’s Choice Pup, Farm Dog of the Year and runners-up will be announced at the annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Austin, Texas, in January. Zach has had other cattle dogs, but says, “Smurf is a standout.” That’s why the Morgan County Farm Bureau member entered the dog he calls his “right hand” in the contest. Smurf inherited his namesake blue color and toughness from his dad, a “blue heeler” Australian cattle dog. His friendliness likely came from his mom, a short-haired border collie. Both breeds are known for their intelligence and herding skills. “What’s amazing to me is how good these cattle dogs are at picking up English and context of what you’re saying,” Zach said. “He’s good at judging the situation we’re in and distinguishing between domestic and wild animals. We have a pot-bellied pig and cats that he’d never harm. He’s friends with them. But he’s also caught and killed three wild hogs on his own volition that were about his weight. “ In case you’re wondering, Smurf’s fighting weight is about 35 pounds, Zach said. Zach has trained Smurf to respond to all of the basic obedience commands of sit, stay, turn, rollover and come. Smurf can also do one especially clever trick; he can turn off light switches. Zach says his wife, Sydney, loves playing fetch with Smurf. On dove shoots, Smurf is good at retrieving birds. While the People’s Choice Pup is selected by popular vote, the Farm Dog of the Year and runners-up are selected by a panel of judges with expertise in pet care, veterinary medicine and communications. The grand prize winner of the Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year will receive one year’s worth of Purina dry dog food and $5,000 in prize money for the dog’s family to offset travel costs to attend an awards ceremony at the AFBF convention in January. Up to four runners-up will each receive $1,000 in prize money.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 11 JANUARY IS CONFERENCE TIME FOR GEORGIA FARMERS From knowledge to networks, all sectors of Georgia agriculture have a conference coming in January. The Southeast Fruit & Vegetable Conference (Jan. 9-12), Georgia Peanut Farm Show (Jan. 16), the Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting (Jan. 29) and the Ag Forecast Series (Jan. 2131) offer new insights on production practices, business tactics, regulatory compliance and a host of other topics important to farmers. The SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference returns to Savannah. During the three-day educational program, 70+ hours of concurrent, commodity specific seminars will be held, with topics spanning from pest management to marketing and business operations. Commodity conferences include peach, vegetable, Vidalia onion, watermelon, muscadine, blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry. There are also sessions on business operations, food safety, roadside markets, organic production and new this year—precision ag technology. The 2020 trade show will offer a varied assembly of produce industry vendors and suppliers. For more information on hotels, educational sessions or to register for the 2020 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, visit www.seregionalconference.org or call 877-994-3842. The Georgia Cotton Commission has announced the guest speakers for the 12th GCC Annual Meeting at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center on Jan. 29. The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Production Workshop conducted by the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The speakers are National Cotton Council Vice Chairman Kent Fountain; Cotton Incorporated Director of Market Research Melissa Bastos, and Staplcotn President & CEO Hank Reichle. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. Register online at www.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu or call 229-386-3416. The 44th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 16 features the UGA Peanut Production Seminars and the industry-sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar, as well as the annual awards ceremony and door prizes for farmers. The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a blood drive through OneBlood during the show. Jeffrey Dorfman, the state fiscal economist for Georgia and a professor at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), will serve as the keynote speaker for four of the five locations during the 2020 Georgia Ag Forecast seminar series set for Jan. 21 through Jan. 31. The 2020 Georgia Ag Forecast registration fee is $25 per person and includes a meal. The series will be held as follows: Jan. 21 in Macon at Georgia Farm Bureau, Jan. 23 near Gainesville at Jaemor Farms, Jan. 28 in Lyons at the Toombs County Agri-Center, Jan. 30 in Bainbridge at the Decatur County Agricultural Center and Jan. 31 in Tifton at UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center For more information on the 2020 Georgia Ag Forecast series and to register, visit www.georgiaagforecast.com.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 11 USMCA NEARS FINISH LINE IN HOUSE, WILL WAIT IN SENATE The U.S. House of Representatives appeared set to vote on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as soon as Dec. 19, and the deal is expected to pass. USMCA will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Once the House passes the pact, it will move to the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said it would be put on hold until after the Senate completes the impeachment trial for President Donald Trump. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the USMCA is expected to increase U.S. ag exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product. The agreement will provide new market access for American dairy and poultry products while preserving the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products. In particular, the agreement gives U.S. dairy products access to an additional 3.6% of Canada’s dairy market – even better than what was proposed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. U.S. wheat will receive fairer treatment, thanks to Canada’s agreement to grade U.S.-grown wheat no less favorably than its own. Mexico and the United States have also agreed that all grading standards for ag products will be non-discriminatory. Additional provisions enhance science-based trading standards among the three nations as the basis for sanitary and phytosanitary measures for ag products, as well as progress in the area of geographic indications. The agreement also includes measures that address cooperation, information sharing and other trade rules among the three nations related to agricultural biotechnology and gene editing. “Ratification of the USMCA would build on the momentum of the U.S.-Japan agreement, which gave a major boost to American agricultural products in our fourth-largest market, and send a signal that the U.S. is back in business in the international marketplace,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. FOREST HURRICANE DAMAGE CLEANUP DEADLINE EXTENDED Forest landowners who have been approved for post-Hurricane Michael cleanup assistance through a special state program have been given a bit longer for the work to be completed. The deadline to finish assignments through the Forest Debris Management Program has been extended by six months to June 30, 2020. As of Dec. 1, GFC foresters and technicians had certified the debris management on 396 contracts covering more than 60,000 acres of clean-up. Approximately 35% of the contracts have been completed. Once the work is certified, payments are made by the Georgia Development Authority, with almost $6 million in cost share funding paid out to date. Hurricane Michael hit southwest Georgia on Oct. 10, 2018. Then-Gov. Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency for 28 Georgia counties hardest hit by the storm, which left behind more than $762 million in damages to timberland. Landowners with more than 10 acres of forestland or a commercial orchard of any size with trees damaged by Hurricane Michael were eligible for the Forest Debris Management Program, whose application deadline was in February 2019. For more further updates on hurricane relief measures and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit www.GaTrees.org.
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 11 GEORGIA COTTON AND PECAN PRODUCTION ESTIMATES RELEASED Georgia cotton growers may not produce as much cotton as previously forecast for 2019, but they’ll still finish well ahead of the state’s crop in 2018, according to the December Crop Production Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). With lower expected yields, NASS forecast Georgia’s cotton crop at 2.6 million bales, down 4% from the November crop report. A 2.6-million bale crop would represent at 33% increase from 2018, when Georgia growers produced 1.955 million bales. Despite lingering effects from Hurricane Michael, Georgia pecan growers are expected to produce a fourth of the U.S.’ pecan crop in 2019. Georgia’s production is expected to be 67 million pounds in 2019, down 4% from the 70 million pounds of pecans produced in 2018. The NASS released reports on Dec. 10 predicting the total U.S. pecan crop will yield 261 million pounds. NASS estimates New Mexico’s crop could reach 97 million pounds, but Farm Progress reports an experienced New Mexico grower predicting the state’s crop will only yield 80 to 85 million pounds due to an early freeze. Texas’ pecan crop is predicted to produce 47 million pounds and Arizona at 38 million pounds. USDA ANNOUNCES $550 MILLION FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET On Dec. 12, the USDA announced the availability of a second round of $550 million in the Reconnect Pilot Program funding appropriated by Congress. The application window for this round of funding is set to open Jan. 31, 2020. The USDA will make available up to $200 million for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/loan combinations, and up to $200 million for low-interest loans. The application window for this round of funding will open Jan. 31, 2020. Applications for all funding products will be accepted in the same application window, which will close no later than March 16, 2020. A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Program funding is available on page 67913 of the Dec. 12 Federal Register. To learn more about eligibility, technical assistance and recent announcements, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect. In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31 and July 12, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. To date, USDA has awarded $191 million through the ReConnect program with offers out to 47 additional potential recipients totaling more than $600 million in investments. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks. These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload.
sGFB Field Notes page 7 of 11 USDA EXTENDS DEADLINES FOR DAIRY, TRADE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Dec. 20 new signup deadline Due to the prolonged and extensive impacts of weather events this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) extended the deadline to December 20 for producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2020 calendar year. The deadline had been December 13. USDA announced is also continuing to accept applications for the Market Facilitation Program through December 20. Authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill and available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), the DMC program offers reasonably priced protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. The Market Facilitation Program is part of a relief strategy to support American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets to help American farmers compete globally. MFP payments are aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. For more information, visit the DMC webpage, the MFP webpage or your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit www.farmers.gov/service-locator. SIGN-UP FOR TIMBER TAX CREDIT FOR HURRICANE LOSSES ENDS DEC. 31 Applications for the Hurricane Michael Georgia Timber Tax Credit are being taken online by the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) at www.gfb.ag/timbertaxcredit through Dec. 31. The tax credit applies to forest landowners with timber damage from Hurricane Michael within the 28-county state-declared disaster area who plan to replant or restore acreage for the production of forest products or ecological services. Landowners who applied and were preapproved in the first round that ended May 31 need not reapply. The tax credit is designed to assist in offsetting up to $400 per acre of timber fair market value losses. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS Dec. 31 application deadline The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association is accepting applications for its four scholarships. The Georgia Cattlemen’s Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to a qualified student at UGA, ABAC or Berry College majoring in animal science or ag communications. The Johnny Jenkins Scholarship is for students in seven southeastern states majoring in animal science or ag communications. The Judy Thomas Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a student studying agriculture or family and consumer affairs at a Georgia college. The Gail Hilley Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a student pursuing education in agriculture or family and consumer affairs at a Georgia college. For complete details and the application, visit www.gfb.ag/19GCAscholarships.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 11 2020 GEORGIA/FLORIDA SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Jan. 8, 2020 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Soybean/Small Grain Expo will provide 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 exhibitors showcasing the latest in new varieties, pest control and more. To register for the Expo call 706-542-3793. Registration is $10 until Jan. 3 and $20 after. Attend and receive pesticide applicator credits for commercial categories 21 (Agricultural Plant), 25 (Seed Treatment) and two hours for private applicators. 2020 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE Jan. 9-12 Savannah International Trade Center Savannah The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is the largest educational conference and trade show in the southeastern United States that unites growers, vendors and suppliers. The conference features more than 70 hours of commodity-specific seminars for peaches, vegetables, Vidalia onions, watermelons, muscadine, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries. There are also sessions on business operations, food safety, roadside markets, organic production and precision ag technology. For more information on hotels, educational sessions or to register for the 2019 SE Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, visit www.seregionalconference.org or call 877-994-3842. TOWALIGA SWCD ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION EDUCATION INITIATIVE Jan. 14, 2020 deadline to apply The Towaliga Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is offering funding for educators and other public organizations to install raised garden beds on site. This financial and technical assistance opportunity is available to schools, 4-H educators and other educational partners within the Towaliga SWCD service area, including Butts, Fayette, Monroe, Pike, Spalding and Upson counties. Each project application considered is eligible for $650 in project funding. Project sites will be inspected prior to full application review by the Towaliga SWCD Board of Supervisors. These site inspections will occur between Jan. 16 and 30, 2020, A project coordinator/lead should be available for a meeting between these dates. Paper copies are available at county Extension offices. For more information, contact Towaliga SWCD Program Coordinator Wesley Doyle at wesley.doyle@gacd.us for an electronic copy of the application. All applications and required materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2020. Partially completed applications or those submitted without the requested supporting paperwork will not be considered for funding.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 11 44TH ANNUAL GA PEANUT FARM SHOW & CONFERENCE Jan. 16, 2020 UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tifton Don't miss out on the 44th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference. 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. The event features the UGA Peanut Production Seminars and the industry-sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar, as well as the annual awards ceremony and door prizes for farmers. The Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a blood drive through OneBlood during the show. January is Blood Donor Month, so help save a life by donating during the Farm Show. All donors receive a FREE gift and wellness screening including cholesterol, iron and blood pressure check. Give the gift of life donate blood! Donors can stop by the blood mobile bus any time during the show. For more information visit www.gfb.ag/20GAPnutFarmShow or contact Hannah Jones at 229-386-3470 or hannah@gapeanuts.com. 2020 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 19-22 Marriott Savannah Riverfront Savannah The annual Georgia Dairy Conference includes educational sessions covering robotic milking, milk quality, marketing, a trade show with more than 80 companies exhibiting and much more! Registration to attend is free for Georgia dairy farmers. Indiana farmer and motivational speaker Damian Mason will present the keynote address. Visit www.gfb.ag/2020gadairyconf to register. For a complete speaker agenda and information on special rate for accommodations, visit our website at www.gadairyconference.com. 2020 GEORGIA AG FORECAST SERIES Jan. 21 Georgia Farm Bureau 9 a.m. Macon Jan. 23 Jaemor Farms 9 a.m. Alto Jan. 28 Toombs County Agri-Center 9 a.m. Lyons Jan. 30 Decatur County Ag Center 9 a.m. Bainbridge Jan. 31 UGA Tifton Campus Conf. Center 7 a.m. Tifton This annual seminar series is presented by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. UGA economists will provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year. Participants will network with UGA faculty and UGA Cooperative Extension agents, local producers and other stakeholders. Attendees will receive a copy of the 2020 Georgia Ag Forecast book, which is designed to provide detailed analysis of major commodities produced in the state. All the meetings except the one in Tifton begin with on-site check-in and coffee at 9 a.m., followed by seminar presentations at 10 a.m. and a networking lunch at 11:30 a.m. The Tifton event begins with 7 a.m. check-in and coffee, followed by a 7:30 a.m. breakfast buffet and the seminar presentations beginning at 8 a.m. For more information or to register, visit http://agforecast.caes.uga.edu. Event sponsors are: Georgia Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Association of Georgia, Georgia Agribusiness Council & Georgia Department of Agriculture.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 11 2020 UGA GRASSMASTERS SERIES Jan. 27-March 9 Ben Hill County Senior Citizen Center Fitzgerald The GrassMasters program is a seven-week series of educational workshops that focus on forage production. Workshops are held every Monday at 6 p.m. beginning on Jan. 27. This program is an introduction to forage production systems and is highly recommended for those “just getting their feet wet” when it comes to planning or improving a forage system. Programs will be taught by the UGA Forage Team members as well as NRCS staff. For more information or to register, click here. GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION 12TH ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 29, 2020 UGA-Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Production Workshop conducted by the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The workshop will feature breakout sessions where attendees will learn the latest technical production strategies from researchers whose projects are funded by the Commission’s research program. The Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting will follow the breakout sessions and feature speakers from several industry organizations. Following the program, the GCC will host a lunch where door prizes will be given away. The meeting, production workshop, and lunch are open to cotton growers and anyone interested in the cotton industry. The UGA Cotton Production Workshop breakout sessions will be repeated after lunch. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. To register, call (229) 386-3416. GEORGIA FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP Jan. 30, 2020 Lanier County Extension Lakeland A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. This is the first of eight workshops and trapping demonstrations throughout the state. Four of these workshops will be held in Southeast Georgia and four in Northeast Georgia. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, public health and regulations to be followed by a question and answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Other dates and locations are TBA. For more information or to register, visit www.GACD.us/events. USDA 1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY The 2020 scholarship application cycle is open for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program aims to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other agriculture-related disciplines. All application materials must be postmarked by Jan. 31, 2020. Visit www.gfb.ag/1890hsapp for the 2020 high school application and www.gfb.ag/1890sophapp for the 2020 college application. For other questions, email 1890init@usda.gov.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 11 GACD OFFERING $1,500 SCHOLARSHIP Feb. 1, 2020 deadline to apply The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) awards one $1,500 scholarship each year to a student majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation-related area. The applicant may be a high school senior, or a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student from Georgia at any accredited college, school, or university in the United States. Applicants in their first semester of college should send their high school transcript and proof of college enrollment. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and need financial assistance. There will be no discrimination on basis of race, sex, or religion. To apply, please fill out the following scholarship application and email to info@gacd.us. Applications are due by Feb. 1, 2020. To access the application visit www.gfb.ag/2020GACDscholarship. WEST GEORGIA SMALL FARM CONFERENCE Feb. 26-27, 2020 West Georgia Technical College Waco This event, free to the first 120 to register, is co-hosted by the Chestatee RC&D Council, Carroll County Young Farmers and the UGA Cooperative Extension in Carroll and Haralson counties. Featured exhibits include small ruminants, crop scheduling, honeybees/pollinators, business practices and more. Todd Anduze of the UGA Small Business Development Center will give the keynote address. For more information or to register call 770-836-8546. The deadline to register is Feb. 17, 2020.