December 21, 2022 www.gfb.org Vol.
GFA, GACD ANNOUNCE FALL STEM CHALLENGE WINNERS
Georgia elementary students learned how to improve gardening spaces by conserving water as they put their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to work this fall while competing in the fourth Georgia Ag Experience STEM Challenge. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) coordinated the challenge in partnership with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD).
The “Be In The Know, Conserve H20” STEM Challenge asked students how gardening spaces can be improved while using water conservation practices. The STEM Challenge was open to third through fifth-grade classes statewide with a winner picked for each grade. Over 60 classes registered for the challenge.
Congratulations to Carroll County’s Roopville Elementary “3rd Grade Quest,” for winning the third-grade prize! The “Hill City Hawks” at Hill City Elementary in Pickens County won the fourth-grade prize. The fifth-grade winners were “Ms. Pryor’s Creative Geniuses” at Harper Elementary School in Clayton County.
“The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts is excited to partner with the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture on the 2022 Fall STEM Challenge,” said GACD Executive Director Katie Sponberger. “This challenge, which focused on water conservation, helped students understand water as a valuable and precious resource.”
Roopville Elementary School’s “3rd Grade Quest,” taught by Jennifer Carroll in Carroll County, displayed their knowledge of the water cycle and impressed the judges with their indoor hydroponic garden used to start plants later transplanted to an outdoor garden. The judges said this showed versatility and enthusiasm. The judges also noted the team paid attention to details and performed in depth research. Visit https://gfb.ag/ConserveH203rdgradewinners to view the Roopville Elementary team’s presentation.
In the fourth-grade category, Hill City Elementary’s “Hill City Hawks,” taught by Krista Shipman in Pickens County, won by putting their ideas into action. The team used condensation from the school’s air conditioning unit and took the time to contact their H-VAC technician for help installing piping and a water tank to collect water from the unit to improve the gardening -continued on next page
Photo by Logan ThomasGFB Field Notes page 2 of 17
Continued from previous page space. You can see Hill City Elementary’s video at https://gfb.ag/ConserveH204thgradewinners
The fifth-grade winners were Felicia Pryor's “Creative Geniuses” at Harper Elementary in Clayton County. The judges were impressed with the extra time the students spent highlighting vocabulary words that were new to them so they could fully understand water conservation and the water cycle. The team took that knowledge and created a new school garden with a handmade drip irrigation system. The judges noted, “This truly was genius!” Visit https://gfb.ag/ConserveH205thgradewinners to watch the Harper Elementary team’s video.
“The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture congratulates our three grade winners,” said Virginia Fulwood, GFA educational programs assistant. “It’s such a pleasure for the foundation to coordinate a contest that connects students with agriculture as they utilize their STEM skills.”
Teachers of each winning class received a $350 total prize package.
“The three winning teams’ projects stood out for their creative irrigation designs, research and putting their knowledge to use, along with their unique presentations,” said Hannah Hall, GFA educational programs assistant. “These students did amazing work, and their teachers and parents should be proud of them.”
Each class that participated in the STEM Challenge was asked to answer the question, “How can we improve gardening spaces while using water conservation practices?”
The challenge required participating classes to: 1) Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to demonstrate the water cycle. 2) Plan and carry out their investigations to observe the flow of energy in water as it changes states from solid (ice) to liquid (water) to gas (water vapor) and changes from gas to liquid to solid. 3) Develop models to illustrate multiple pathways water may take during the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, and precipitation). 4) Create a video showcasing their garden areas and what they learned about conserving water.
The Georgia Ag Experience/Georgia Foundation for Agriculture STEM Challenge is designed to be a bi-annual competition with a spring and fall contest. The GACD is the 2022 challenge partner. The STEM Challenge for spring 2023 will be announced in late winter. Look for details then about the challenge at www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge
The purpose of the GAE STEM Challenge is to encourage elementary teachers and students in grades 3-5 to explore aspects of Georgia agriculture by applying their STEM skills to solve realworld problems that farmers face in producing our food and fiber. It is the only ag-focused STEM challenge for elementary students in Georgia.
BARTOW COUNTY FARMER WINS GFB HAY CONTEST
Bartow County Farm Bureau member Franklin Dowell won the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Quality Hay Contest.
As the top prize winner in the hay contest, Dowell receives a year’s use of a Vermeer 604R Baler, with the option to purchase it at a reduced price at the end of the year. The contest analyzed -continued on next page
Continued from previous page the quality of the hay grown by entrants using the University of Georgia’s Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) testing method, which measures nutrient content and digestibility of the hay. For more about the lab and how the hay is tested visit www.gfb.ag/ugahaylab.
GFB sponsors the annual contest to encourage superior hay production in the state. Entered samples are required to have nitrate levels below 4,500 parts per million and moisture content of 18% or less to be eligible for contest prizes. The winners were announced on Dec. 5 during the Georgia Farm Bureau Convention on Jekyll Island.
Dowell’s sample of Jiggs Bermuda hay had an RFQ score of 155. The contest drew 30 entries and the average RFQ score for all entries was 119.
Jeff Bacon of Laurens County (Coastal Bermuda) took second place with an RFQ of 147. As the second-place winner, Bacon receives a $200 gift card provided by Georgia Farm Bureau, a soil probe and a gift bag provided by Georgia Farm Bureau.
Guerry Hall of Franklin County (Coastal Bermuda) was third at 144 and receives a $100 gift card and a gift bag provided by Georgia Farm Bureau
Eddy Turner of Washington County (Tift 44) was fourth at 143 and receives a $100 gift card and gift bag provided by Georgia Farm Bureau
Floyd Knowles of Telfair County (Coast Cross) was fifth at 142 and receives a $100 gift card and gift bag provided by Georgia Farm Bureau.
GFA AUCTION RAISES NEARLY $25K FOR GEORGIA AGRICULTURE
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Fall Online Auction, held Nov. 28-Dec. 7, raised $24,768. Auction proceeds will help fund foundation programs including elementary ag education, scholarships, farmer mental health research and more.
This year’s auction featured 125 items donated by 115 individuals and local businesses. The auction attracted 456 registered bidders!
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture would like to thank all the auction participants and prize donors. There were two lucky raffle winners this year. Joe Lockhart won the 50 chicken halves donated by Harrison Golden Goodness. Michael Harrell won the Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifle donated by Georgia Farm Bureau.
The success of this year’s event is due to the generous support from our donors and competitive bidders. Together, we are developing the next generation of successful farmers and Georgia ag leaders. Learn more about our programs by visiting https://www.gafoundationag.org
GFA Fall Online Auction Donors
920 Cattle & Co., Abenity, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Ag Parts Supply, Anna Lisa Patterson, Ashley Glivens, At Ease Therapeutic Massage, Banks County Farm Bureau, Bartow County Farm Bureau, Beck Farms, Berry's Tree Farm, Blanch Farms Meats, Bryan KrugerGrainger, Bulloch County Farm Bureau, Caldwell Farms Beef, Candler County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Cartecay Vineyards, Catoosa County Farm Bureau, Center for Puppetry Arts, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN, Cherokee County Farm Bureau, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 17
Continued from previous page
Circle F Meats, Clarke County Farm Bureau, Cook County Farm Bureau, Danforth Family Farms, Dickey Farms, Dodge County Farm Bureau, Douglas County Farm Bureau, Echols County Farm Bureau, EM Farms, Emma Martin Events, Empire South, Engelheim Vineyards, Enterprise, Escape Woods at The Sleepy Hollow Farm, Federation Technology Services, Georgia Farm Bureau Department of Human Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau District 3 and District 5, Georgia Farm Bureau Field Services, Georgia Farm Bureau Leadership Team, Georgia Farm Bureau Marketing & PR Department, Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, Georgia Farm Bureau Public Policy Department, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Olive Farms, Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and UGA CVM, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, GFB D3 / D5 Management Team, GFB Department of Human Resources, GFB Facilities Management Department, GFB Information & Technology Department, Godfrey's Feed, Green House Spa, Greene County Farm Bureau, Gwinnett County Farm Bureau, Habersham County Farm Bureau, Hampton Inn Jekyll Island, Harris County Farm Bureau, Harrison Golden Goodness, Hart County Farm Bureau, Henry County Farm Bureau, Jason Thompson, Jay Moon, Jay Steelman, Jeff Davis County Farm Bureau, Jeff Hammock, Judy Fincher, Lake Blackshear Resort, Laurens County Women's Committee, Liberty County Farm Bureau, Madison County Farm Bureau, Magnolia Loom, Mar-Jac Poultry, McDuffie County Farm Bureau, McIntosh County Farm Bureau, Monroe County Farm Bureau, Muscogee County Farm Bureau, Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau, Onward Reserve, Panaprint, Paulk Farms, Perry Lane Hotel Savannah, Pittman's Country Market, Randall Trout, Red Tip Farms, REI, Rockdale / Dekalb County Farm Bureau, Southern Grace Farms, Southern Proper, Springer Mountain Farms, Strategic Promotions Inc, Strategic Value Media, Talbot County Farm Bureau, Tayleigh Photography, Terry E. Manuel, The Westin Jekyll Island, Thomas County Farm Bureau, Tom McCall, Tractor Supply - Ellijay, Twiggs County Farm Bureau, ULTIMO Premium Handcrafted Cigars, Vis-A-Vis Hair Salon, Walker County Farm Bureau, Walton County Farm Bureau, Washington County Farm Bureau, Wayne County Farm Bureau, Wilcox County Farm Bureau, Wild Adventures Theme Park, World of Coca-Cola, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Yancey Bros. Co.
GFA AUCTION RAISES NEARLY $25K FOR GEORGIA AGRICULTURE
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Fall Online Auction, held Nov. 28-Dec. 7, raised $24,768. Auction proceeds will help fund foundation programs including elementary ag education, scholarships, farmer mental health research and more.
This year’s auction featured 125 items donated by 115 individuals and local businesses. The auction attracted 456 registered bidders!
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture would like to thank all the auction participants and prize donors. There were two lucky raffle winners this year. Joe Lockhart won the 50 chicken halves donated by Harrison Golden Goodness Michael Harrell won the Ruger 10/22 -continued on next page
Field Notes page 5 of 17
Continued from previous page Takedown rifle donated by Georgia Farm Bureau.
The success of this year’s event is due to the generous support from our donors and competitive bidders. Together, we are developing the next generation of successful farmers and Georgia ag leaders. Learn more about our programs by visiting https://www.gafoundationag.org
GFA Fall Online Auction Donors
920 Cattle & Co., Abenity, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Ag Parts Supply, Anna Lisa Patterson, Ashley Glivens, At Ease Therapeutic Massage, Banks County Farm Bureau, Bartow County Farm Bureau, Beck Farms, Berry's Tree Farm, Blanch Farms Meats, Bryan KrugerGrainger, Bulloch County Farm Bureau, Caldwell Farms Beef, Candler County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Cartecay Vineyards, Catoosa County Farm Bureau, Center for Puppetry Arts, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN, Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Circle F Meats, Clarke County Farm Bureau, Cook County Farm Bureau, Danforth Family Farms, Dickey Farms, Dodge County Farm Bureau, Douglas County Farm Bureau, Echols County Farm Bureau, EM Farms, Emma Martin Events, Empire South, Engelheim Vineyards, Enterprise, Escape Woods at The Sleepy Hollow Farm, Federation Technology Services, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Human Resources Department of, Georgia Farm Bureau District 3 and District 5, GFB D3 / D5 Management Team, GFB Field Services Department, GFB Leadership Team, GFB Marketing & PR Department, Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, GFB Public Policy Department, Georgia Farm Bureau, GFB Facilities Management Department, GFB Information & Technology Department, Georgia Olive Farms, Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and UGA CVM, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, Godfrey's Feed, Green House Spa, Greene County Farm Bureau, Gwinnett County Farm Bureau, Habersham County Farm Bureau, Hampton Inn Jekyll Island, Harris County Farm Bureau, Harrison Golden Goodness, Hart County Farm Bureau, Henry County Farm Bureau, Jason Thompson, Jay Moon, Jay Steelman, Jeff Davis County Farm Bureau, Jeff Hammock, Judy Fincher, Lake Blackshear Resort, Laurens County Women's Committee, Liberty County Farm Bureau, Madison County Farm Bureau, Magnolia Loom, Mar-Jac Poultry, McDuffie County Farm Bureau, McIntosh County Farm Bureau, Monroe County Farm Bureau, Muscogee County Farm Bureau, Oglethorpe County Farm Bureau, Onward Reserve, Panaprint, Paulk Farms, Perry Lane Hotel Savannah, Pittman's Country Market, Randall Trout, Red Tip Farms, REI, Rockdale / Dekalb County Farm Bureau, Southern Grace Farms, Southern Proper, Springer Mountain Farms, Strategic Promotions Inc, Strategic Value Media, Talbot County Farm Bureau, Tayleigh Photography, Terry E. Manuel, The Westin Jekyll Island, Thomas County Farm Bureau, Tom McCall, Tractor Supply - Ellijay, Twiggs County Farm Bureau, ULTIMO Premium Handcrafted Cigars, Vis-A-Vis Hair Salon, Walker County Farm Bureau, Walton County Farm Bureau, Washington County Farm Bureau, Wayne County Farm Bureau, Wilcox County Farm Bureau, Wild Adventures Theme Park, World of Coca-Cola, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Yancey Bros. Co.
AFBF FOUNDATION GRANTS AWARDED TO THREE GA COUNTIES
County Farm Bureaus in Banks, Barrow and Jackson counties were among 10 counties nationwide awarded Spring 2023 grants by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture from the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education.
The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has awarded $10,000 in grants to recognize the exceptional efforts of 10 county Farm Bureaus and their agricultural literacy programs. Additionally, the foundation has awarded $15,000 in scholarships to 10 educators who exemplify excellence in engaging students to learn where their food comes from.
Banks County Farm Bureau will use its grant in support of a school garden program at Banks County Elementary School.
The school is one of 25 schools in the state participating in a three-year pilot program that allows students to participate in a garden-growing learning experience. One challenge the school faces is students being unable to see the outcome of their planting before school lets out for the summer. To help expedite the plant growing process, the grant will fund grow lights for their classrooms and ag lab, small and large seed starter containers for transplanting, and provide them the opportunity to plant seeds and monitor growth in the classrooms.
Barrow County Farm Bureau’s grant will support work to teach students about poultry production.
In alignment with The Pillars of Ag Literacy – a planning tool, a framework for learning, a starting point, and a guide to measure success – the students at Kennedy Elementary School will learn how farmers raise and care for chickens. Using the grant funds, Kennedy Elementary’s goal is to engage all eight of the school’s kindergarten classes in incubating and raising chicks, learning the business of selling eggs, and being introduced to different jobs raising poultry and its importance in the community.
The grant to Jackson County Fam Bureau will be used to help West Jackson Elementary School enhance its aquaponics program.
The school has developed an innovative aquaponics system to show environmental stewardship and sustainability in their community. While their system is meant to use fish-produced waste bacteria and convert it into nutrients for plants, they’ve come across a challenge with their filtration system, which they seek to overcome using their mini-grant. West Jackson plans to replace their filter system, purchase new floating foam boards, replace their previously used goldfish with Blue Nile tilapia, and once the system is stable, they will add plants to grow and share with their community.
The grants and scholarships are funded through the White-Reinhardt Fund for Education, which acknowledges communities and educators who are engaging with students on the fundamental role of agriculture in the everyday lives of all Americans.
Grants are awarded twice a year, in the spring and fall. State and county Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants in support of education programs for grades K-12 in order to create new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Organizations and schools can work with their -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page local Farm Bureau to apply for the grants, which are available on a competitive basis. Additionally, the foundation has awarded scholarships valued at $1,500 each to 10 educators to help offset the cost of attending the National Ag in the Classroom Conference. Among them is Jenny Hendrix, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math instructor at Stilson Elementary School in Bulloch County. The foundation will also cover the registration cost of attending the conference for the educators selected.
The White-Reinhardt Fund is a project of the foundation that sponsors scholarships and grants in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. The fund is named in honor of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, two former committee chairwomen.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS ELECT THOMPSON AG COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
On Dec. 7, the House Republican Steering Committee elected Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA-15) as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress. Thompson will be the first Agriculture Committee chairman from Pennsylvania in nearly 170 years.
“I am honored to lead the Committee on Agriculture and build on the accomplishments of the past two years as ranking member,” Thompson said in a published statement. “The political landscape in Washington may be fractured, but as chairman, I will prioritize the needs of our producers and rural communities the backbone of this country. We will keep our foot on the gas to deliver principled solutions, robust oversight, and a farm bill that is responsive to the needs of the country's farmers, ranchers, and foresters.”
Outgoing Ag Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Georgia 13th District) congratulated Thompson and reflected on his two years leading the committee.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime for me to serve as the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and I am deeply appreciative of the support and friendships of each member of the committee,” Scott said in a released statement. “As I prepare to hand the gavel over to Mr. Thompson, I wish him the best in this role. I am encouraged by the bipartisan work we have accomplished together, particularly around our shared interest in broadband and access to USDA programs for our new and small producers. Heading into the 2023 Farm Bill, I am hopeful and prayerful that the collegial spirit will continue and that the Agriculture Committee will be able to deliver a farm bill with strong Republican and Democratic bipartisan support.”
U.S. POULTRY RELEASES UPDATED ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP REPORT
Updated research, supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), was released on Dec. 13 quantifying the U.S. poultry industry’s onfarm antibiotic use, including a new section on layer production. The new report shows further improved antibiotic stewardship and commitment to disease prevention within poultry production. As part of its commitment to the transparency and sustainability of a safe food supply, the poultry industry aims to strike a balance between the responsible use of antibiotics deemed medically -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page important to human health and keeping poultry flocks healthy.
Under the research direction of Dr. Randall Singer, DVM, PhD, of Mindwalk Consulting Group, LLC, this report represents a nine-year set of data collected from 2013 to 2021 for U.S. broiler chickens and turkeys and represents a six-year set of data collected from 2016 to 2021 for layers. A prior report, covering 2013-2017, was released in August 2019.
Given several key differences among broiler chickens, turkeys and layers – namely differences in weight, life span, susceptibility to lifetime illness, the number of effective medical treatments available, etc. – these data should neither be combined nor compared between types of poultry.
Key
Changes Among Broiler Chickens Over the 2013-2021 Period:
• Broiler chickens receiving antibiotics in the hatchery decreased from 90% (2013) to 0% (2021);
• Medically important in-feed antibiotic use in broiler chickens decreased substantially: there was no reported in-feed tetracycline use in 2020 or 2021, and virginiamycin use decreased more than 97% over the nine-year period;
• Medically important water-soluble antibiotic use in broiler chickens decreased substantially from 2013-2017 and then stabilized or decreased slightly from 2017 to 2021:
- penicillin use decreased by more than 75% from peak in 2015; lincomycin use decreased by more than 82% from peak in 2015; tetracycline use decreased by more than 92% since 2013; sulfonamide use decreased by 98% since 2013
• There was a documented shift to the use of antibiotics that are not considered medically important to humans (e.g., avilamycin and bacitracin).
Key
Findings Among Layer Chickens Over the 2016-2021 Period:
• Layer chickens (hens) typically begin laying eggs around 20 weeks of age and end when the layer hen is around 80 to 100 weeks of age.
• Table egg production is similar to milk production, where the product for human consumption is produced on a daily basis. Most antibiotics that could be administered to layer hens have withdrawal periods that would prevent all eggs produced during this period from entering the food supply. This is one reason why little antibiotic is used in table egg production in the U.S.
• All chicks in the dataset received gentamicin in the hatchery (day 1 of age).
- In the U.S., the majority of chicks purchased by egg companies are sourced from hatcheries that are owned and operated by genetics companies.
• The only medically important antibiotic used in layer hens for treatment and control of disease in this dataset was chlortetracycline (CTC), used in part because it has a zero-day withdrawal, meaning that there is no loss of eggs during the treatment period.
- CTC was only administered via the feed in pullets (day 2 through 16 to 18 weeks of age) and layer hens; the majority (>95%) of CTC was used in the layer hens for treatment of disease; less than 0.2% of total hen-days were exposed to CTC
Details of the study can be found at https://mindwalkconsultinggroup.com/. An infographic report can be viewed at https://www.uspoultry.org/poultry-antibiotic-use-report/
Field Notes 9 of 17
GA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS SCHOLARSHIP
Dec. 31 deadline to apply
To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD awards one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school, undergraduate or graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation-related area. The scholarship recipient will be honored at GACD's Annual Meeting in August 2023. Applications are due December 31, 2022. For more information or to apply, click here. (https://www.gacd.us/scholarships)
AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Dec. 31 deadline to apply
The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 one-time scholarship award presented to a current, eligible high school senior planning to pursue a degree in agriculture at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is managed by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and is made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. The senior must be a child or grandchild of an ASA member. Click here to join. The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the upcoming school year. The student must maintain successful academic progress and be in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. High school seniors may apply online until Dec. 31, 2022. Final selection will be made in January. The student will be notified late-January, with an official announcement to follow. Applicants must fill out an online application during the open application period. Click here to apply. https://americansoybean.wufoo.com/forms/asa-soy-scholarship-application-202324/
SE FRUIT & VEGETABLE GROWERS CONFERENCE
Jan. 5-8, 2023 Savannah Convention Center Savannah
Registration is open and filling up fast for the 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Jan 5-8 in Savannah, GA. Known as the can't miss event for growers, researchers, shipper packers, and anyone else involved in the fresh fruit and vegetable sectors, SE Regional will once again feature 14 individual commodity conferences, 85 hours plus of educational programs, and more than 290 exhibiting companies filling over 80,000 square feet of exhibit space. Click here for hotel and transportation information.
2023 GFB AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Jan. 6, 2023
gfb.ag/ambassadors application deadline
Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting applications for the 2023 GFB Federation Ambassador Program until 11:59 p.m., January 6, 2023. Interested applicants must be over the age of 18 and must be willing to commit to a full calendar year of service (January-December) to be eligible. Federation Ambassadors will assist with a variety of statewide member recruitment, public relations, and brand awareness campaigns throughout the year. More information on the 2023 program and necessary requirements can be found at www.gfb.ag/ambassadors
URBAN AGRICULTURE WORKSHOP
Jan. 10, 2023 Bibb County Extension Office 9 a.m. – noon Macon
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, along with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission and UGA Cooperative Extension, are presenting this workshop for the Ocmulgee River Conservation District Workshop will provide information about the general practices and options on how to start an urban agriculture operation from soil testing to organic vs. nonorganic and government programs you can utilize. The event will feature a local farmer's perspective on their urban agriculture operation and the programs they have used to help them be successful. This workshop will discuss general practices and options for starting an urban agriculture operation such as soil testing, raised beds, non-organic vs organic, and pollinators. In addition, information on federal programs and state programs will be presented. For more information or to register, visit www.gacd.us/events, email info@gacd.us or call 833-411-4223. The Bibb County Extension office is located at 715 Oglethorpe St., Macon.
2023
GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE
Jan. 16-18 Savannah Marriott Riverfront Savannah The 2023 Georgia Dairy Conference will be January 16 -18 at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront in Savannah. The event will feature 16 speakers from across the country to discuss marketing, economic forecasts, innovations in management, and more. The conference website is www.gadairyconference.com
2023 GEORGIA
CORN SHORT COURSE
Jan. 17 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Tifton
This annual program will include discussions on carbon credit markets, spray drones, irrigation management, plant tissue analysis, variable rate nitrogen, pest management an economic outlook. This program has been approved for the following CEUs: Pesticide Applicators: 5 hours in Cat 21 (Plant Agriculture); 1 hour in Cat 10 (Private); CCA: 2 Nutrient Management, 1 Soil & Water Management, 1 Integrated Pest Management, 1 Crop Management, 1 Sustainability, 1 Precision Ag. Registration is $15 for in-person attendance and $10 for livestream audience. The link for livestream attendance will be sent following registration. Morning refreshments and lunch are included. To register and view the full agenda, visit http://bit.ly/3W09zQ7. For more information call 229-386-3416.
46TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW
Jan. 19, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tifton Make plans to attend the 46th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference! The one-day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with nearly 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural sector. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry-wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar. The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with OneBlood, will host a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. At the close of Thursday, there will be nearly $10,000 in door prizes presented to farmers, as well as a Grand Door Prize, vendor products, certificates and equipment. For more information, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com
GEORGIA COTTON
COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING
Jan. 25, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
Tifton
This 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. The program speakers are Dr. Ryan Kurtz, Vice President of Agricultural & Environmental Research, Cotton Incorporated; Dr. Mark Masters, Director, Georgia Water Planning & Policy; and Robbie Minnich, Director of Washington Operations, National Cotton Council. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. For more information visit https://georgiacottoncommission.org/ or call 229-3863416.
2023
GEORGIA AG FORECAST
Jan. 27, 2023 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
8:30 a.m. Tifton
In this annual event, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences economists provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year and speakers focus on important and trending topics. USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Deputy Chairman William Chambers will give the keynote address. To view the agenda and download the Georgia Ag Forecast Report, visit https://agforecast.caes.uga.edu/
2023 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST
Jan. 30, 2023
deadline to register
Registration is now open for the 2023 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. Held annually since 2007, Flavor of Georgia has launched new products into success and garnered more publicity and sales for products already in the market. From rural farmers to urban businesses, successful and talented food artisans have emerged from all over Georgia to create delicacies from the abundant agricultural products our state has to offer. More than 1,500 products have entered the contest since it began. Products are to be submitted March 6-8. Finalists will be announced March 10, and the final round will be held in Athens on March 28. To register and see full contest rules and more information about Flavor of Georgia, click here. https://flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/registration.html
2023
MENTAL HEALTH DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Jan. 31, 2023 Georgia Freight Depot
Atlanta
Each year the Behavioral Health Services Coalition, a group of advocates supporting behavioral health in Georgia, organizes Mental Health Day at the Capitol. Anyone whose life is impacted by mental health concerns is welcome including: people in recovery, families, political leaders, service providers, community support organizations, faith leaders, law enforcement, first responders, other advocates, and anyone else who wants to support behavioral health in their communities. For more information, click here.
BEEF CATTLE 101 EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Jan. 31-March 4 Barnesville Civic Center 685 Forsyth St. Barnesville
This innovative cattle workshop is sponsored by the Lamar County Soil & Water Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, UGA Cooperative Extension and Two Rivers Soil & Water Conservation District. The course is designed for beginning and small farmers interested in farming operations and optimal farming techniques. Seminars will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each Tuesday Jan. 31 – Feb. 28, with a field day on Saturday, March 4 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration is $100 per person. Register in person at the Barnesville NRCS field office. For more information, contact Lisa Minick at 770-358-0787, ext. 3 or lisa.minick@usda.gov
13th ANNUAL GFB DISTRICT 2 YF&R STEER & HEIFER SHOW
Feb. 4 Jackson County Ag Facility 1869 County Farm Rd. Jefferson Open to all fourth through 12th-graders who exhibit beef cattle in Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union & White counties. Register at https://gfb.ag/District2CattleShow by Jan. 20, 2023. Barn will be open on Feb. 3 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for early arrivals. Check-in will be 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Show will begin Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. with showmanship classes. The entry fee is $25 per animal for Farm Bureau members or $35 per animal for non-members. Membership must belong to the exhibitor and/or their immediate family. Membership can be obtained at your local county Farm Bureau office for $35. Entries are nonrefundable/nonreturnable. Twelfth-grade exhibitors are eligible for a Senior Academic Scholarship of $500. Senior participants must contact Katie Alt at atkmalt@gfb.org or 229-454-0239 for a scholarship form. Form must be received along with cattle show entry form by Jan. 20. The show committee will select one winner and the scholarship will be awarded at the show. The committee will also give a $250 scholarship to the senior showmanship winner.
CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE
Feb 6, 2023 deadline
to submit responses
The USDA has mailed survey codes to all known agriculture producers across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at www.agcounts.usda.gov. The ag census is the nation’s only comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and territory. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more. For highlights of these and the latest information, follow USDA NASS on twitter @usda_nass.
30th ANNUAL UGA Focus on Genetically Enhanced EPDs Sale
Feb. 9, 2023 Noon UGA Livestock Instructional
Arena Athens
This sale will include 50 Angus and Hereford Bulls, three registered Angus open heifers and 20 Angus-cross commercial open heifers . Contact Carroll T. Cannon at 229-881-0721 or 229-8812705 or by email at CannonMarketingCompany@gmail.com.
Field Notes 14 of 17
GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Feb. 14, 2023 Georgia Freight Depot & State Capitol 9:30 a.m. Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room at the Georgia Freight Depot. The Depot is located on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, one block northwest of the Capitol, at Underground Atlanta. After orientation, GFB members are encouraged to visit with their legislators at the Capitol and return with them to the complimentary lunch at the Depot beginning at noon. Lunch invitations will be sent to all legislators, but a personal invitation from you would be especially helpful and effective. Complimentary security parking is located at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel parking deck, located at 165 Courtland Street NE, and the shuttle bus service will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Renee Jones at 478-474-0679, ext. 5130 or rejones@gfb.org.
MIDDLE SOUTH GA SWCD FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP
Feb. 21, 2023 Worth County Ag Pavilion 102 Rebecca Dr Sylvester 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 and trapping demonstrations for farmers and landowners. The workshop will be from 8:30am to 1:00pm with lunch provided. This workshop is sponsored by the Middle South Georgia Conservation District. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, 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. Pre-registration is required. Additional workshop opportunities will be announced soon. More details and registration information is available at www.GACD.us/events
GEORGIA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
March 1, 2023 deadline to apply
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $70,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field. The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories. Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program during the 2023-24 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. College Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for students who will be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college and major in an area of agriculture or an ag-related field of study, such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, or commercial truck driving. Visit https://gfb.ag/gfatechscholarshipmajors for a list of eligible schools and majors. Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for college students who have at least two semesters of college remaining to receive an undergraduate degree from a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program. Applicants must be majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or an ag-related field. UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship - This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program specializing in large animal/food animal practice. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2023. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application. The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring of 2023. Scholarship checks will be sent to the qualifying college/university the recipient is attending and placed in their school account upon verification the student has met all qualifications for the scholarship. Scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors will be distributed for spring 2024 upon receipt of first semester college transcript indicating the recipient is pursuing an ag-related course of study and has at least a 3.0 GPA.
GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS
March 10, 2023 deadline for county offices to submit entries
Contact your county Farm Bureau office to learn deadline for its local contests
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2023 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in ninth through twelfth grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. One state runner-up in the art contest will receive $150 cash. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. Middle school students will be given a blank bookmark and asked to draw a picture that depicts some aspect of Georgia agriculture. Students may use crayons, markers or colored pencils to create their bookmark that illustrates agriculture. High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting Georgia agriculture. Artwork submitted in the high school art contest must be on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper and should be created in the colors black, white and gray. Contestants may use a variety of media to create their artwork including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, pen-and-ink, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Artwork entered in both contests will be judged on 1) how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in the artist’s county or Georgia and 2) artistic merit. Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. Contact your county Farm Bureau to learn its February deadline for entering the contests. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries to Georgia Farm Bureau for the state contest by March 10. Entries are limited to one per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.gfb.ag/contests. Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture and https://gfb.ag/UGA22agsnapshots to access info about Georgia agriculture.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline
Field Notes 17 of 17
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE-COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706-510-6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use. This work is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network- Southern Region [grant no. 2020-70028-32730 / project ascension no 1023989] and the Georgia Farmer Healthy Mindset [grant no. 13395431/2021-09304/ project ascension no 2021-70035575], from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute on of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by counselors during the sessions should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.