December 22, 2021
www.gfb.org
Vol. 3 No. 27
GFA-BACKED MENTAL HEALTH PILOT STUDY RESULTS RELEASED The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture partnered with the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center at Mercer University to study the mental well-being, stressors, and coping mechanisms for Georgians in farm occupations. The results from the organizations’ pilot survey, conducted in May and June, were released in November. A broader statewide survey is planned for January 2022. The foundation and rural health innovation center received responses from more than 500 farm owners, farm workers, farm managers, and their spouses about mental well-being topics, including negative emotions, perceived stress, time spent worrying, conditions that cause stress and coping mechanisms. “This preliminary research is an important first step in laying the groundwork for our foundation’s response to this growing challenge for Georgia farmers,” GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom said. “The statewide survey will help inform our strategy on this important issue long-term.” The study found that that although half of the farmers are happy with their occupation, they do experience a lot of stress from a variety of sources. Most farmers worry at least one to three hours per day, and about half felt loneliness, sadness, or depression, with a third feeling hopeless. Almost one-third (31%) had suicidal thoughts at least once in the past year. Less than a quarter of participants indicated they had access to a psychologist. About 12% said they would like to visit a mental health professional but have not done so yet. The effects of COVID-19 were among the top stressors for both farm owners and farm workers. Farm workers were predominantly worried about retirement savings, while farm owners were focused on the effect of the weather on their income. Almost half of survey participants said they worried about succession planning. Farmers who do not have access to emergency medical care, in-office routine medical care, telephone access for routine medical care, or telephone access to a psychologist had significantly higher perceived stress. Farmers who experienced the highest perceived stress were also more likely to use unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as hitting or injuring themselves, hitting or kicking things, or using over-the-counter and illicit drugs. Two-thirds of survey participants indicated they did not have access to recreational activities generally considered to be healthy coping mechanisms. To access the complete report, click here.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 9 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU MOURNS THE LOSS OF SEN. JOHNNY ISAKSON Long-time U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, a staunch advocate for Georgia agriculture throughout his 43-year legislative career, died on Dec. 19. He was 76. Isakson, who received the 2020 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award, was a nine-time recipient of the Friend of Farm Bureau Award, given by the American Farm Bureau Federation to members of Congress who vote in agreement with Farm Bureau on bills affecting agriculture. “We at Georgia Farm Bureau are deeply saddened by the death of Senator Johnny Isakson, who was a true gentleman and statesman. Our sympathies go out to his family and friends as they mourn his passing and celebrate his extraordinary life,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “Georgia Farm Bureau enjoyed a very cordial relationship with Johnny, who was a consistent champion for agriculture in Georgia. Throughout his time in the Georgia General Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, he was willing to listen whenever our farmers called. The state and nation will certainly miss him.” A veteran of the Georgia Air National Guard and real estate broker, Isakson served in the Georgia House, Georgia Senate, U.S. House and U.S. Senate during a political career that dated from 1976 to December 2019, when he retired from the U.S. Senate due to his health. Isakson was elected to three consecutive terms in the U.S. Senate. During his time in the Senate, due to the importance of poultry to Georgia’s economy, Isakson co-chaired the Senate Chicken Caucus with Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware. Isakson also served on the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness. His work in the caucus and on the trade subcommittee created export opportunities for Georgia poultry products around the world, particularly China and Africa. Isakson chaired both the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Select Committee on Ethics. Isakson learned about farming and gained an appreciation for agriculture as a youth, when he worked summers on his grandparents’ farm in Ben Hill County. Isakson graduated from the University of Georgia in 1966 and served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972. He opened the first Cobb County office of Northside Realty and later worked as company president. Isakson is survived by his wife, Dianne, three children and nine grandchildren.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 9 DAVID SCOTT ASKS USDA FOR AID TO COTTON MERCHANDISERS Citing what he termed “unparalleled costs and losses impacting merchandisers of U.S. cotton,” House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Georgia) wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Dec. 10 requesting financial relief. Scott asked Vilsack to direct some of the funding to cotton merchandisers - businesses that market ginned cotton to textile manufacturers. Scott noted that cotton-related professions provide 53,000 jobs in Georgia. Cotton’s overall economic impact on the state surpasses $3 billion. Georgia ranks third among U.S. states in cotton production. “Our nation’s cotton industry is experiencing unprecedented supply chain disruptions,” Rep. Scott wrote. “Our nation’s cotton merchandisers are being significantly impacted by COVIDrelated demand erosion and by supply-chain disruptions.” Scott emphasized the role that cotton merchandisers play in providing liquidity and risk management for all U.S. cotton producers and farmers. The U.S. cotton industry has faced numerous challenges with international trade, much of it related to shutdowns from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to economic analysis from the National Cotton Council (NCC), shutdowns around the globe resulted in sharp decline in consumer demand. In response, the international shipping industry reduced capacity. As demand and economies have recovered, an extensive list of factors – from shippers declining to refill empty containers being returned overseas to labor shortages – have compounded financial hardships for U.S. cotton merchandisers. Shipping cost rates have increased for both rail and ocean freight, and merchandisers, as well as grower-owned cooperatives have incurred additional costs to store more cotton for longer than anticipated. The NCC estimates that U.S. cotton merchandisers have sustained additional direct costs for shipping and storage have surpassed $780 million, which does not include financial losses due to contract defaults and sales cancellations. The USDA has allocated $500 million for relief from agricultural market disruptions. The market disruption aid funding was announced in September as a part of a $3 billion package to address challenges facing U.S. agricultural producers. The market disruption aid is targeted for increased transportation challenges, availability and cost of certain materials and other obstacles related to marketing and distribution of agricultural commodities.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 9 GOV. KEMP PROPOSES PROGRAM TO SUPPORT GA FARMERS, FOOD BANKS Gov. Brian Kemp announced a proposal which will benefit Georgia farmers and food banks on Dec. 20 in a press conference at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “At a time when demand for Georgia food bank services has increased, we are proposing legislation to support and leverage an underutilized law that combats agricultural waste and addresses fresh produce shortages in regional food banks,” Kemp said. “Together, we will continue to fight hunger and support our farm families.” Regional food banks currently receive funding from the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). At the state level, funds have not been appropriated to a complementary program since its inception in 1998. Gov. Kemp is proposing legislation which will improve the applicable Georgia code and provide a clearer path for the implementation of this program at the state level. To complement legislative updates, Kemp will include funding in his budget proposal to support this program. Ultimately, these actions will allow more farmers to enter the market and be compensated at a level equal to input costs plus half of appreciation for unsold produce, rather than wasting 4-5 million pounds of surplus produce, as has been the case in recent years. This program would also help food banks by giving them more resources to purchase Georgiagrown fresh produce, open the market for increased bartering, and better serve their clients. By opening this market, food banks can stretch program funding over more purchases. Additionally, implementation of this program will increase the amount of matching funds Georgia is eligible for under TEFAP. Kemp was accompanied by leaders of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Department of Human Services, members of the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Food Bank Association, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, and the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association to announce the proposal.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 9 KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU TAKING DONATIONS FOR AG TORNADO RELIEF The Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation is managing the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund, which will allocate financial assistance for farms damaged from the Dec. 10/11 tornadoes that ravaged the western end of Kentucky. Donations will be used to support farmers and agribusinesses in affected areas. Donations can be made to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund at www.gofundme.com/KyAgReliefFund. The tornadoes killed 77 people and resulted in disaster declarations in at least 15 counties. At least five tornadoes struck the state, and as Kentuckians clean up and cope with the loss of life, many Kentucky farmers in the path of the storms are also confronted with damage to farm assets that could affect their livelihood. According to the Lexington Herald Leader, the storms resulted in destroyed approximately 30 poultry houses, as well as two hatcheries that supply almost 200 poultry producers. Grain bins where more than 5 million bushels of grain were stored had their tops ripped off, forcing producers to scramble for alternate storage. At press time, the state was still assessing how many head of livestock was lost, and livestock operations experienced extensive losses of fencing. The University of Kentucky’s Research and Education Center in Princeton near the state border with Illinois was destroyed, as well. COX AMONG USDA APPOINTEES TO NATIONA PEANUT BOARD The United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently appointed four members and four alternates to serve on the National Peanut Board (NPB). The appointees will serve three-year terms, from Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024. The date the members and alternates will be sworn in by the USDA is to be determined. Casey Cox of Camilla is the new member from Georgia. Cox previously served as alternate member. Wesley Webb of Leary is the new alternate from Georgia. Neal Baxley Jr. of Mullins is the new member from South Carolina. Baxley previously served as alternate member. Doug Jarrell of Estill is the new alternate from South Carolina. Jeff Roper of Lubbock is the new member from Texas. Roper previously served as alternate member. Mason Becker of Brownfield is the new alternate from Texas. Micah Barham of Oak Ridge, Louisiana is the reappointed at-large member. Lucy Shackelford of Bonita, Louisiana is the reappointed at-large alternate. The NPB is comprised of 13 producer members and their alternates. Twelve members and alternates are from the primary peanut producing states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. An at-large member and alternate represent the minor peanut producing states. On Dec. 21, the NPB announced its slate of officers. Cox will serve as secretary, while Les Crall of Oklahoma is chairman, Paul Rogers of Virginia is vice chairman and Greg Baltz of Arkansas is treasurer.
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GACD 2022 SCHOLARSHIPS Dec. 31 deadline to apply The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is now accepting scholarship and award applications. To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school, undergraduate or graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area. Applications are due Dec. 31. To apply, click here. (https://www.gacd.us/scholarships) 2022 SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Jan. 5, 2022 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia/Florida Soybean Association and The Georgia Soybean Commodity Commission invite soybean and small grain producers, users and buyers to this event, which will provide upto-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques, as well as remarks from University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences leaders. Attendees are invited to visit with exhibitors who will showcase the latest in new varieties, pest control, and products. To register, call 706-542-3793. The registration is $20 at the door and $10 in advance. 2022 SE REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE Jan. 6-9 Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Savannah The South’s premier fruit and vegetable show celebrates 20 years with its collection of 15 commodity and agribusiness sessions, as well educational seminars and the always-popular trade show. Special sessions include Getting Started with Blackberries, Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training and Social Media Boot Camp. Georgia Farm Bureau is among the sponsors for the educational sessions. For more information or to register, click here. (https://seregionalconference.org/) GFB CERTIFIED FARM MARKETS PASSPORT Jan. 7, 2022 deadline to mail in passports for prizes You’ve made the trips, created the memories, enjoyed the fresh locally grown food land collected the stamps. Now it’s time to rake in the prizes! Mail your Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets 2021 Passport in by Jan. 7 to qualify for prizes. All passports returned with at least one stamp will be entered in a drawing to win a basket of favorite products from CFMs ($100 value); five stamps - limited edition T-shirt; 10 stamps – awesome ag swag and ball cap; 15 stamps – choice of product from Certified Farm Market (honey, pecans, or fruit jam) plus prizes listed above; 20 stamps - full access pass farm tour with Farm to Table meal in spring of 2022 plus all of the above. For more information about the GFB Certified Farm Market program, visit www.gfb.ag/passport. Mail in your passport by Jan. 7. 2022, and GFB will return it to you with your prizes! Mail passports to GFB Certified Farm Markets, P.O. Box 7068, Macon, GA 312097068.
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103rd AMERICAN FARM BUREAU CONVENTION Jan. 7-12, 2022 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta If you want the inside scoop on policies and perspectives that will affect your farm or agribusiness in 2022, don’t miss the 103rd consecutive American Farm Bureau Convention. This is your opportunity to help set the agenda for the leading voice of agriculture in Washington, D.C., and so much more. Participate in educational workshops to advance your leadership skills, expand your business acumen, and gain insight into the trends and realities impacting food production. Witness cutting-edge innovation in agriculture, hear from powerful speakers, and explore the trade show to build a stronger network, shop featured products, and idea-share with other state and county Farm Bureaus. For more information, visit https://annualconvention.fb.org/. CLIMATE ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY SURVEY If you are a cattle or cotton farmer in Georgia, please consider completing a survey being conducted by a University of Georgia graduate student regarding farmers’ willingness to adopt various technology for your farm as well as your perceptions on climate change. It should take just 20 minutes to complete, and the information collected goes to help the graduate student \complete her degree. To participate in the survey, please visit https://gfb.ag/UGAclimatetechsurvey. For more information on the survey contact Julian Worley at julian.worley@uga.edu. Participants are asked to respond by Jan. 15, 2022. 2022 GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 17-19, 2022 Savannah Marriott Riverfront Savannah Online registration is now open for the 2022 GA Dairy Conference! This event is a “must attend” for the Southeast dairy sector. It provides companies the option to network with dairy producers and industry leaders, while extending a company’s brand with several sponsorship opportunities. Dairymen from Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia have attended this conference in the past. Registration is free for Georgia dairy farmers. For more information or to register, visit www.gadairyconference.com/. WINTERGREEN 2022 Jan. 18-20 Gas South Convention Center Duluth Wintergreen, Georgia’s premier multi-day trade show and conference for the green industry, boasts more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of attendees each year. The event offers three days of industry educational sessions and updates to keep producers ahead of the competition. The Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. For more information, visit www.mywintergreen.com.
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EXECUTIVE FARM MANAGEMENT TRAINING Jan. 18-21 Pawley’s Island, S.C. Jan. 31-Feb. 3 Raleigh, N.C. Feb. 20-23 Savannah The Executive Farm Management (EFM) program is offered by North Carolina State Cooperative Extension Service, Clemson Cooperative Extension, East Carolina University College of Business and UGA Cooperative Extension. The 2022 program will consist of 9 days of content and curriculum taught across 3 sessions in 3 states over the course of 6 weeks. EFM is designed to increase the management competencies and profitability of large farms by utilizing a holistic operation-focused curriculum. Returning participant fee is $5,500. Discounts apply for extra participants from the same farm. For more information or to register, visit https://execfarmmgmt.ces.ncsu.edu/2022-program-info/, or contact EFM Director Blake Broan (919.515.4536 or abbbrown@ncsu.edu) or Margaret Huffman (919.515.4498 or mmhuffm2@ncsu.edu. 2022 GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW & CONFERENCE Jan. 19-20, 2022 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton To better accommodate social distancing, this always-popular show will be open for two days. Peanut farmers and those involved in the peanut industry will be able to learn more about the latest products, services and peanut research at the show, which is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. For more information on the show, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com. Potential exhibitors can click here for the exhibitor packet. GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION 15TH ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 26, 2022 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 7:30 a.m. Tifton The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the UGA Cotton Production Workshop conducted by the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The UGA Cotton Production Workshop will feature breakout sessions where attendees will learn the latest technical production strategies from the 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. There will also be an area for interested producers to ask questions and sign up for the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, the Cotton Industry’s sustainability platform. The program speakers are National Cotton Council Chairman Kent Fountain, The Cotton Board Chairman Jimmy Webb; and Cotton Incorporated Senior Vice President for Consumer Marketing Kim Kitchings. Following the annual meeting speakers, the Commission will host lunch where door prizes will be given away, and the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards for the 2021 crop will be awarded. 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 view the agenda, click here. Register online at www.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu or call (229) 386-3416. (https://georgiacottoncommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2022-GACottonConferenceAgenda.pdf)
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 9 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.