April 3, 2019
www.gfb.org
Vol. 37 No. 7
APRIL 15 IS DEADLINE TO COMMENT ON NEW CLEAN WATER RULE The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have proposed a new definition of “waters of the U.S.� (WOTUS), which would clarify regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act. The new rule is part of the Trump administration's efforts to roll back the 2015 WOTUS rule that threatened to bring under federal jurisdiction nearly every kind of waterway imaginable - from rivers and streams to ditches and rainwater flows. For years, Georgia Farm Bureau - along with like-minded groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation - has worked to defeat the 2015 rule, and we are very close to succeeding in this important effort. The new Clean Water Rule will bring much-needed clarity and regulatory certainty to farmers, and now is the time to show support for it. Numerous activist groups are expected to speak out forcefully in opposition to the new Clean Water Rule, while at the same time working hard to preserve the over-reaching 2015 WOTUS rule. A strong showing from farmers and rural landowners is critical to ensure the new rule is finalized. To view the new rule visit www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OW-20180149-0003 One of the best ways to make your voice heard is to submit a comment letter in support of the new rule. The EPA and Corps have published the new Clean Water Rule in the Federal Register and will be accepting public comments via an online portal until April 15. For convenience, GFB's Public Policy Department has prepared a comment letter template. Feel free to use the letter in its current form or tailor the message to fit your specific needs by visiting https://gfb.ag/CleanH20comments.
GFB News Alert page 2 of 16 PECAN GROWERS SHOULD USE NEW VARIETIES WHEN REPLANTING GROVES If there is a silver lining to the devastating impact Hurricane Michael had on Georgia’s pecan producers – an estimated 27,455 acres destroyed – it’s that producers can replant their orchards with new varieties that cost less to grow. This could make Georgia pecan growers more competitive with growers in western states and Mexico. “The hurricane took down a lot of old, big trees. It gives us a chance to replace older trees with newer varieties that have good scab resistance and produce a higher quality pecan,” Lenny Wells, UGA Extension pecan expert said. “We need to start moving away from some of these old varieties. Even though everyone wants big yields, we need to start focusing on quality.” Avalon, Caddo, Creek, Excel, Lakota, Oconee and Sumner are some of the new varieties Wells recommended while speaking to growers attending the annual meeting of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association on March 27 in Tifton. Wells said growers should “plant cultivars that have a decent level of scab resistance and betterquality nuts than Stuart or Desirable. You want a tree that produces a percent kernel in the mid 50s or better. We need to stop planting Desirables.” Growers who opt to plant a scab-susceptible pecan variety should choose one that has a short season with an early harvest date like Caddo or Pawnee, Wells said. While the recent trend in planting new pecan orchards has been to plant more trees per acre, Wells cautioned against this saying this practice results in increased disease and insect pressure for the trees. “Tighter spacings have the potential to increase early yield for trees but it requires more input costs to produce a crop due to increased sprayings needed to control insects and disease and keeping the trees hedged,” Wells said. He recommends planting orchards with tree spacings of 30x50, 40x40, 25x50, 30x60 or 46x46 to give trees adequate sunlight and air flow. April 19 sign-up deadline for hurricane cleanup help Although Congress has yet to pass a disaster assistance bill to help farmers hurt by Hurricane Michael, Georgia Farm Service Agency Executive Director Tas Smith reminded farmers they have until April 19 to sign up for financial assistance through two USDA programs to help with cleanup costs as they continue to recover from Hurricane Michael. The Emergency Conservation Program, administered by the FSA, will help farmers cover the cost to remove center pivot irrigation systems Hurricane Michael damaged or destroyed. Non-industrial timber growers affected by the hurricane can apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to receive help with debris removal, site preparation tree planting and prescribed burning. EQIP will also help retrofit center pivot irrigation systems to be more efficient and replace damaged micro-irrigation systems in orchards. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service administers this program. Smith also encouraged pecan growers to annually report the number of pecan trees on their farms to their local FSA office so it will be easier to document orchard loss for the Tree Assistance Program for future storms. -continued on next page
GFB News Alert page 3 of 16 Continued from previous page “These disasters are happening every year. If you aren’t already reporting the number of trees on your farm every year, please do that,” Smith said. He also thanked Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, along with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black for working to get a disaster bill passed that will help farmers who suffered damage from Hurricane Michael. “Hopefully we’ll have a new disaster program for you in a couple of months,” Smith said. “Senators Isakson and Perdue and Commissioner Black are working hard to get a disaster program passed. Once it’s funded, we know we’ve got to get this money to you as soon as possible.” Andrew Sawyer joins UGA Pecan Team Growers attending the annual pecan meeting were introduced to Andrew Sawyer, who is joining the UGA Pecan Team to work with growers in the Southeast part of the state. Sawyer, who most recently served as the Wilcox County Extension coordinator/agent, previously was an agent in Thomas County after graduating from UGA with a bachelor’s degree in 2008 and a master’s degree in 2010. He is originally from Douglas. “I look forward to meeting everyone and being on the UGA Pecan Team,” Sawyer said. Sawyer’s position was secured through a joint effort by the Georgia Pecan Commission (GPC) and Georgia Pecan Grower’s Association, GPC Chairman Lanair Worsham Jr. said. The GPC works on behalf of Georgia pecan growers to fund researcht that willk improve crop yields, promote pecans to consumers and educate growers about better cultivation practices. Worsham gave a report on projects the GPC has done this past year. Studies on insect and fungus control in pecan orchards along with a study on pecan tree hedging were among the research projects the commission funded. To reach consumers, the GPC funded 15 and 30 second commercials that aired on WSB-TV in Atlanta and conducted social media campaigns targeted to Atlanta, Augusta and Macon consumers. “The commission continues to look at new opportunities for growers through e-commerce channels in Asia, and we’re funding a feasibility study for a grower-owned shelling co-op,” Worsham said. Pecan growers honored The Georgia Pecan Growers Association recognized several Georgia Farm Bureau members for their contributions to the pecan industry during the GPGA conference lunch. Dave Weiss of Mitchell County received the GPGA Lifetime Achievement Award. Lanair Worsham Sr. and his sons Lanair Worsham Jr. and Christopher Worsham of Mitchell County accepted the GPGA Jack Thompson Award in recognition of the example they set as a family farm. Cecil Gibbs of Grady County was named the GPGA Outstanding Grower of the Year.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 16 SENATE VOTES DOWN AID FOR FARMS DAMAGED BY HURRICANE MICHAEL On April 1, the U.S. Senate took two votes on a disaster aid package that would provide disaster assistance for farms and landowners damaged by Hurricane Michael last October and other disasters around the country. Neither H.R. 268, which passed the House in January, nor a substitute bill submitted by Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Alabama), received enough votes to pass. “Washington has reached a new low,” said Sen. David Perdue of Georgia. “It’s been nearly six months since Hurricane Michael ravaged Georgia and other states across the country, and Congress has failed to help the very people it claims to represent. Perdue said efforts would continue to get help for those harmed by natural disasters. “We’re not giving up. This is not the end of this tale,” Perdue said. “I want the farmers and the local bankers to understand we are going to continue this fight. To the people who this has affected – don’t lose heart. We will get it done.” GA COTTON ASSESSMENT REAFFIRMED; GCC OKS RESEARCH FUNDING Every three years, under Georgia law, cotton farmers have the opportunity to vote to continue the assessment ($1/bale) that funds the Georgia Cotton Commission’s (GCC) programs of research, promotion, and education. The 2019 referendum period was Feb. 13-March 15. The Georgia Department of Agriculture recently recorded the votes and 92.5% of voters favored the continuation. “I am pleased that growers voted to continue the program, and that the yes margin increased from 2016,” said GCC Chairman Bart Davis, a cotton, peanut, and corn grower from Doerun. Davis noted that times have been hard for Georgia cotton farmers over the past few years and that the Georgia Cotton Commission would continue to strive to find solutions, educate policy makers, and effectively promote cotton to the consumer on behalf of the cotton growers of the state. “We will continue to work with leaders in Washington to promote an effective disaster program to help Georgia’s farmers and rural communities recover from Hurricane Michael,” Davis said. At its March 27 meeting, the GCC Board of Directors approved $656,287 in research funding for the 2020 crop year and $25,500 in supplemental research for 2019. This money will go to fund eighteen projects that will be conducted by researchers and extension specialists from the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia. Projects range from funding for the UGA Cotton Team, to research on resistant weeds, evaluating the economics of conservation production practices monitoring water use efficiency and more. The goal of this producer-funded research is to help the cotton producers’ bottom line by conducting studies that can either raise yields, promote efficiency, or open new markets. All projects are vetted by both the GCC Board of Directors and State Support Committee, made up of cotton producers from across the state, and the commission’s Research Review Committee, which consists of researchers, crop consultants and local UGA Extension agents. “Despite the decrease in income for the Georgia Cotton Commission, our board is committed to providing the cotton farmer valuable research that can make a difference on their farms. Now, more than ever, it is important for us to fund research that makes an impact while being an effective steward of the farmer’s money,” Davis said.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 16 USDA EXPANDS SIGN-UP FOR AID FOR AG AND FOREST HURRICANE DAMAGE On March 19, the USDA announced another sign-up the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for Georgia’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who suffered damage to working lands due to Hurricane Michael but were not eligible for previous sign ups. To be considered for this funding cycle, producers must apply in person at their local USDA Service Center by April 19. The ECP helps farmers and ranchers to repair damage to farmlands caused by natural disasters. In this case, ECP will help producers remove their damaged or destroyed center pivot irrigation systems. EQIP will help producers retrofit their center pivot irrigation systems to be more efficient and replace damaged micro-irrigation systems in orchards. EQIP will also help non-industrial forestland owners with debris removal, site preparation, tree planting and prescribed burning. Agricultural producers and non-industrial forestland owners in these counties: Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brooks, Burke, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Emanuel, Grady, Houston, Irwin, Jenkins, Laurens, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Taylor, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Turner, Twiggs, Washington, Webster, Wilcox, and Worth are eligible to apply, however this does not apply to local governments or other entities. For more information or to sign up, call or visit the nearest USDA Service Center. For more information on the different types of disaster assistance available from USDA, visit www.farmers.gov/recover. VIDALIA ONIONS SET TO SHIP APRIL 22 The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee announced that the pack date for the 2019 Vidalia Onion season is April 22. Each year, the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel, state agricultural scientists and the Department of Agriculture set the pack date based on soil and weather conditions in South Georgia during the growing season to help ensure only the highest-quality onions are shipped to stores across the country. A total of 9,356 acres of Vidalia onions were hand-planted in 2018 to be harvested in the coming weeks, according to Troy Bland, chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee. This year, the Vidalia Onion Committee is launching “The Sweet Life”, a new marketing campaign to reach home cooks across the country. The campaign targets grocery shoppers who enjoy cooking and entertaining. “The Sweet Life builds on our very successful marketing effort over the last two years that helped to raise the profile of the Vidalia onion among food connoisseurs, particularly millennials who set many of today’s consumer trends,” said Bland. “Now we plan to focus on broader category of consumers who like to cook, entertain and use onions. The goal is to elevate the brand as a signifier of good taste and living well.” Vidalia onions represent about 40 percent of the sweet onion market in the country and are sold in every state. The Vidalia trademark is owned by the state of Georgia because of the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986. To be considered a Vidalia onion, the vegetables must be cultivated in the 20county approved growing region from a distinctive seed and packed and sold after the official pack date each year, resulting in only the highest-quality onions reaching consumers each season. More information about Vidalia onions can be found at www.vidaliaonion.org, and updates on this season’s news will be shared on Vidalia Onion Committee’s social media accounts.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 16 FARMERS NEEDED TO HELP FLINT RIVER FRESH FEED ALBANY Since 2017, Flint River Fresh has been working to help small farmers in the Albany area sell the food they grow directly to consumers and Dougherty County schools. Many of the non-profit’s customers have limited or no access to fresh produce. Fredando Jackson, “Farmer Fredo,” runs the 501(c)(3) organization created by the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District. Jackson has been selling eggs and produce grown in South Georgia through pop-up farm stands and a farm-to-table box program. Now he’s looking to expand his roster of farmers who can supply food for the organization’s customers – schools, restaurants, grocery stores, farmer’s markets, institutions and consumers. Jackson said he needs farmers year-round who produce local, seasonal fruit and vegetables, herbs, meat and artisan goods. Flint River Fresh currently sells collard greens, turnips, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, sweet corn, green beans, blackberries, satsumas, muscadines and watermelons. Flint River Fresh expects to pay participating farmers prices comparable to what they would receive at the Atlanta Farmers Market, Jackson said. Farmers interested in selling to Flint River Fresh should be Good Agricultural Practices certified, follow food safety protocols and must agree to Jackson or other FRF representatives visiting the farm to see its growing area and packing facilities. Jackson is also looking for farms to help with the Flint River Fresh mission of teaching children how to grow food. “We are looking for farms where we can bring kids for farm tours and for farmers we can schedule for school visits to have farmers meet students during our Harvest of the Month demonstrations,” Jackson said. Ideally, farms supplying food to Flint River Fresh are located in Georgia within a 75-mile radius of Albany. Farmers interested in selling food or hosting school visits should contact Jackson at 229-942-9757 or fredando@flintriverfresh.org. EL NINO IMPACTS GEORGIA AGRICULTURE Farmers who might face a delayed planting season can thank El Nino for Georgia’s exceedingly wet winter, according to Pam Knox, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agricultural climatologist. Row crop and vegetable producers usually begin planting their crops in late March through May, but excessive rainfall and cloudy conditions in January and February have left many fields soaked and soggy. El Nino, a recurring climate pattern involving changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, directly affects rainfall distribution in the tropics and can have a strong influence on weather across the U.S. and other parts of the world, according to the National Weather Service. “For some, if they have fields that are prone to flooding, I think they’re going to have to consider delaying their plantings there,” Knox said. Georgia’s peanut farmers only have to look back to last year to recall another planting season delayed by weather. Three straight weeks of rain in May 2018 forced peanut producers to wait until June to get their crop in the ground. According to UGA Extension peanut agronomist Scott Monfort, planting season is still a month -continued on next page
GFB News Alert page 7 of 16 Continued from previous page away, so there’s plenty of time left for fields to dry out. “It is in the back of our minds that we do have a lot of work that needs to be done which should have already been done by now. But, because of rain, the farmers just haven’t been able to do it yet,” Monfort said. North Georgia has received the most rainfall of late. According to the UGA Weather Network, Gainesville, Georgia, received 16.19 inches of rain from Jan. 1 to March 6, compared to 12.5 inches over the same period in 2018. In Rome, 19.31 inches of rain were recorded from Jan. 1 to March 6, compared to 10.12 inches in the same period in 2018. “We’re in an El Nino winter, so you expect it to be wet. Even so, there are some places in the northern part of the state that are setting records for how much rain they’ve received,” Knox said. Southwest Georgia has received its share of rain as well. During that same time frame, Tifton received 8.08 inches, compared to 6.77 inches last year. In Moultrie 9.08 inches were recorded, compared to 5.62 inches in 2018. Rain isn’t the only weather condition affecting farmers. The threat of another late-spring freeze is also a concern for peach and blueberry farmers. Temperatures in Georgia dipped to below freezing March 6 and 7, just weeks after many peach trees and blueberry bushes started to bloom. The budding trees and bushes remain vulnerable to the freezing temperatures, which have the potential to damage a crop in its earliest stages of growth. For more information about Georgia weather, see http://www.georgiaweather.net. USDA ANNOUNCES 1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY The USDA is now accepting applications for the 2019 cycle of the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program aims to increase the number of minority students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other agriculture-related disciplines. The program is available through the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 1890 historically black land-grant colleges and universities, including Fort Valley State University. The program provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. When the student has completed the academic and summer work requirements of the scholarship, USDA may at its discretion convert the student to a permanent employee without further competition. Since 2014, USDA has provided opportunities for nearly 140 scholars. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, and rising college sophomores and juniors. General requirements include U.S. citizenship, a cumulative year-end GPA of 3.0 or higher, and acceptance to, or current attendance of, an 1890s institution to study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences and related academic disciplines. All application materials must be postmarked by April 30. To download and print the 2019 high school application, visit www.gfb.ag/USDA1890hsapp. To download and print the 2019 application for current college students visit www.gfb.ag/USDA1890collapp.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 16 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR RURAL BROADBAND USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for funding opportunities in support of rural broadband projects. Under the Community Connect Grants program, which can be reviewed at https://gfb.ag/commconnectgrants, USDA offers broadband support. Funds may include the construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service for residential and business customers or critical community. Please review the Community Connect Fact Sheet at https://gfb.ag/ccgrantfactsheet. For more information contact community.connect@wdc.usda.gov. The application deadline is April 15. Through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program, financing is available for technology to improve access to healthcare and educational services. Grants can be used to finance telecommunication equipment, computer networks, and advanced technologies to support job training, academic instruction, or access to specialized medical care in rural areas. There are two funding opportunities under DLT: The Traditional DLT program with an application deadline of May 15, and the Opioid DLT program with an application deadline of April 15. For more information visit https://gfb.ag/USDA-DLT. The ReConnect Program offers funding for telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers and municipalities. The program is intended to connect rural areas that currently have insufficient broadband service. Specific requirements apply. The application deadline varies but will not be earlier than May 31. For more information visit https://gfb.ag/USDAreconnect. For information about USDA Rural Development telecom programs, visit https://gfb.ag/USDARDtelecom or contact Chad Parker, assistant administrator, Telecom Program, at 202-720-9556. Eligible applicants include for-profit and non-profit entities, tribes, municipalities and cooperatives. USDA particularly encourages investments in tribal and economically disadvantaged areas. Once funds are awarded, Rural Development monitors the projects to make sure they are completed, meet all program requirements and are making efficient use of Federal resources. Each program has different applicant and project eligibility requirements and program objectives. In Georgia, the General Field Representative for these programs is Andrew E, Hayes (andrew.hayes@wdc.usda.gov or 770-312-7073. In addition to the USDA Rural Development programs, the Universal Service Administrative Company’s Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program offers assistance to healthcare providers for eligible expenses related to broadband connectivity based on the urban-rural price difference in an area. Application deadline is May 31. For more information, visit https://gfb.ag/USACrural-health.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 16 GA DEPARTMENT OF AG TAKING COMMENTS ON PROPOSED CITRUS RULES The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is holding a public hearing regarding the proposed adoption of citrus regulations on May 1 at 1 p.m. at the Macon State Farmers Market, located at 2055 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, Georgia 31206. The GDA will accept written comments until 4:30 p.m. on April 30. The GDA is proposing to adopt Chapter 40-4-26, entitled “Citrus Regulations and Quarantine,” a set of proposed rules to minimize the spread of diseases, pathogens and nematodes by citrus. The proposed rules outline which include what is being regulated, including citrus plants, plant pathogens, diseases, and insects in all life stages, as well as physical areas subject to regulation. The rules outline requirements for importing citrus plants, budwood and rootstock into Georgia, and prohibits the importation of those items unless the requirements are met. The proposed rules establish requirements for growing citrus nursery stock in Georgia, participation in the Citrus Nursery Stock Certification Program, completion of an application and payment of an annual fee. The rules also set requirements for retail and wholesale businesses to sell citrus nursery stock. The proposed rules also set recordkeeping requirements, establish rules for experimental propagation and outline enforcement and penalties. All comments will be considered on May 2. Please submit written comments to: Mike Evans, Program Director - Plant Protection Section Georgia Department of Agriculture, 1109 Experiment Street, Redding Building, Room 213, Griffin, Georgia 30223. Evans may be reached by phone at 404-586-1140 or by fax at 770-228-7219. Interested persons may call or submit a written request to obtain a copy of the proposed rules. A copy of the synopsis and the proposed rules may be downloaded from the Georgia Department of Agriculture website at www.gfb.ag/19propGAcitrusrule. HISTORY CHANNEL TO BROADCAST ‘THE AMERICAN FARM’ ON APRIL 4 The HISTORY Channel will premiere the docuseries “The American Farm” on Apriul 4 at 10 p.m. The series is a production of BoBCat, the multi-platform company founded by Thom Beers, Jeff Conroy and Sarah Bernard, on Thursday. The eight-part series looks at the risks, rewards, hard work, and innovation on five family farms across America – the Boyds of Virginia, the Griggs of Tennessee, the Meyers of Alaska, the Robertsons of New Hampshire and Sunderland farms in Utah. From HISTORY’s description of the series: America’s farmers are heroes who gamble every last dollar on their own two hands, who wage war every day against an unrelenting assault from Mother Nature and who toil on dangerous machines for backbreaking 20+ hour shifts. Shot on location across the country, “The American Farm” is an authentic portrait of the fight to go from seed to stalk, and from farm to fork. The HISTORY series presents an up-close look at one full year of family farming, told through an unprecedented year on the ground, capturing breathtaking visuals, private moments and personal interviews. The life of the farmer is the great, untold story of America, and the five families featured in “The American Farm” are unflinchingly human from sun-up to sundown. Their compelling, genuine stories represent the ultimate quest for the American Dream, bringing viewers to the front line of the battle farming families wage to bring dirt to life and put food on our plates.
GFB News Alert page 10 of 16 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS More than $17,000 in college scholarships, back-to-nature field trips, and a true taste of college life will be on the line for high school students who attend the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) June 9-13 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Students participating in the workshop will attend lectures and hands-on activities to boost their knowledge of Georgia’s vital natural resources. Local, state, and federal natural resource agencies and specialists from universities will host these sessions. The workshop also provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors. Tuition is $175 per student before May 1. After May 1, tuition increases to $200 per student to attend the workshop. The final application deadline is June 1. Tuition is usually provided to the students by local Conservation Districts, local businesses, and individuals. The workshop application process is available online at www.abac.edu/nrcw. GOT A LATE MAY/EARLY JUNE TAG RENEWAL? HANDLE BEFORE MAY 20 The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is installing a new computer system to modernize the state’s vehicle registration and titling system. The new Georgia Driver Record & Integrated Vehicle Enterprise System (DRIVES) is designed to offer more self-service options, improve customer service and data accuracy. “The Department of Revenue is excited for the upcoming Memorial Day launch of the DRIVES Project, which will improve efficiencies and reduce costs for handling the annual registration of over 10 million vehicles,” Georgia DOR Commissioner Lynne Riley said in a released statement. “As we transition from the old system to the new Georgia DRIVES, it is important for vehicle owners to be aware of planned service outages leading up to the Memorial Day launch and to plan accordingly.” Beginning Tuesday, May 21, some DOR location hours may be reduced to prepare for the system upgrade. County tag offices statewide will not be able to process vehicle tag, registration or title transactions on May 24. All online motor vehicle related services, including online tag renewals, will not be available May 21 – May 27. Motor vehicle self-service kiosks will also be offline May 21-May 27. The Motor Vehicle Division will only be able to process Trip Permit transactions at the DOR Southmeadow facility at 4125 Welcome All Road SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30349. Other transactions including International Fuel Tax Agreements and International Registration Plans will be unavailable. According to the DOR, car dealers will be able to initiate electronic title and registration transactions and issue temporary operating permits over Memorial Day Weekend. Law enforcement will still have access to motor vehicle records through a statewide backup file. The Department of Driver Services will not be affected. In the first month of the DRIVES system, Georgians may experience delays and longer than normal wait times at their county tag offices. To avoid such delays, the DOR is recommending that Georgians with May and June renewal dates renew their tags before Monday, May 20. Those who ordinarily renew online should be able to do so after May 27 and are not expected to experience delays. Visit www.georgiadrives.com for more information.
GFB News Alert page 11 of 16 GEORGIA HORSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS A horse in Lowndes County has tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), one of the most pathogenic among all of the mosquito-borne, encephalitis-causing viruses, according to UGA. The clinical disease has a human-case fatality rate of more than 50 percent and a 90 to 95 percent fatality rate in horses. The type and severity of illness in humans depends on the age and health of the individual. EEE, the most severe mosquito-borne disease affecting humans in the U.S., is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes that typically develops in the swamps and woodlands below Georgia’s fall line. Health districts have reported an increased number of animal cases, indicating that the virus is actively being transmitted. Cases are rare in humans. There was one human case in Georgia in 2018 and two human cases in 2017. A total of 35 human cases have been reported in Georgia since 1964. Symptoms range from a mild, flu-like illness to brain swelling, coma and possibly death. Symptomatic cases have a fatality rate of 30 to 50 percent. EEE can infect people of any age, but young children and infants are particularly vulnerable. Children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and, sometimes, apparently healthy adults can develop acute encephalitis with high fever, drowsiness, lethargy, vomiting, convulsions and coma. The case-fatality rate is especially high in children. Individuals who survive infection are often left with conditions including mental deficits, behavioral changes, convulsive disorders and/or paralysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a yearly average of seven human cases of EEE in the U.S. Most cases of EEE have been reported from Florida, Massachusetts, New York and North Carolina. Last year's rains, coupled with rainfall to date this year, will keep the swamps and low-lying areas wet for the foreseeable future. Consequently, most of South Georgia is at risk. While EEE is a larger threat below Georgia’s fall line, cases can occur farther north in the state but are rare. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts expect mosquito populations to be high this spring. Take precautions by following these tips from UGA Extension: Eliminate all containers of standing water but recognize that there are going to be large numbers of “natural” habitats this spring. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to make you less attractive to mosquitoes. Wear pants and long sleeves to reduce the amount of exposed skin. Newer, breathable fabrics make this a little more tolerable in Georgia weather. Use EPA-approved repellents with active ingredients DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and lemon eucalyptus oil, which are proven to be safe and effective. DEET, picaridin and IR3535 are approved for use on children 2 months and older. Adults should apply the repellent to their hands and rub the exposed skin of children. Complete coverage with repellents is important for everyone. Wash treated skin with warm, soapy water when you are not exposed to mosquitoes.
GFB News Alert page 12 of 16 DAIRY PRODUCERS ENROLLED IN LGM NOW ELIGIBLE FOR 2018 MPP On March 22, USDA announced that dairy producers who elected to participate in the Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle Program (LGM-Dairy) now have the opportunity to participate in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) for 2018 coverage. Sign-up will take place through May 10. Producers enrolled in 2018 LGM-Dairy, administered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), previously were determined by the 2014 farm bill to be ineligible for coverage under MPP-Dairy, a safety net program available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “The 2018 farm bill included substantial changes to USDA dairy programs,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “This includes the ability for producers with LGM coverage to retroactively enroll in MPP-Dairy for 2018. It also integrated recent improvements to the MPPDairy in the new Dairy Margin Coverage program, beginning with the 2019 calendar year.” The MPP-Dairy program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost — the margin — falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producers in a dairy operation. LGM-Dairy is an insurance product that provides protection when feed costs rise or milk prices drop. The gross margin is the market value of milk minus feed costs. This retroactive sign-up is only for dairy producers with 2018 LGM coverage who produced and commercially marketed milk in 2018 but did not obtain full-year MPP-Dairy coverage. FSA will notify eligible producers by postcard and provide a one-time payment for all of the months in 2018 that had margins triggering MPP-Dairy assistance. Eligible producers can enroll during the sign-up period at their local USDA service center. To locate your office, visit www.farmers.gov. USDA ANNOUNCES PEANUT BUTTER BARTER The USDA plans to conduct a barter of farmer stock peanuts acquired by Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) in exchange for commercial peanut butter. The initial solicitation will be issued in the near future for commercial peanut butter deliveries between July 1 and Dec. 30, in exchange for CCC-owned farmer stock peanuts in storage. The government intends to issue subsequent solicitations. Those making offers will be advised of the results of the prior solicitation before being asked to submit a final bid for subsequent solicitations. Delivery periods per solicitation will not overlap. For the purpose of bidding, the United States will be divided into five regions. The CCC owned farmer stock peanuts will be grouped by “lots”, which will include multiple warehouse receipts. Multiple warehouse locations will not be combined in a single lot. Lots will be advertised in a specific region of the U.S. Participants will submit their offer identifying the number of lots they will accept, and in exchange, the number of full trucks of peanut butter they will provide in that region for the given delivery period July 1 – Dec 30. Separate offers will be submitted for each region. Georgia is in the Southeast Region, which also includes Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Complete details are available at https://gfb.ag/19USDApeanutbarter. Inquiries may be directed to the contracting officer, Hilary Cole, at 816-823-2169 or hilary.cole@ams.usda.gov.
GFB News Alert page 13 of 16 GFB YF&R CONFERENCE, COMPETITIONS June 1 deadline to register/enter Registration is underway for the 2019 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference, July 17-20 on Jekyll Island. GFB is also taking applications for its YF&R competitive events and the Picture Agriculture photo contest. All applications, photo submissions and conference registration should be completed online and are due by June 1 at 5 p.m. To register for the competitive events - YF&R Achievement in Ag Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award, YF&R Member of the Year, and Discussion Meet – visit www.gfb.ag/yfrcompete. Also new in 2019, GFB will recognize a YF&R Member of the Year. To learn more about this award, visit www.gfb.ag/yfrcompete. The GFB YF&R Committee is sponsoring the annual Picture Agriculture photo contest. The contest rules, minor release form, and submission information can be found at www.gfb.ag/yfrphoto. The GFB YF&R Committee encourages every county to send a YF&R representative to the conference. Each county Farm Bureau will have two free registrations for first-time attendees. To register YF&R members visit www.gfb.ag/yfrslc. Registration fees are waved for collegiate members. For more information contact GFB YF&R Coordinator Erin Nessmith at ennessmith@gfb.org or 478-4740679, ext. 5232. UGA HORTICULTURE CLUB SPRING PLANT SALE April 5-7, 12-14 Corner of Riverbend Rd. and College Station Rd. Athens The University of Georgia Horticulture Club’s spring plant sale will be held the first two weekends in April to raise money for scholarships and educational activities. The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The April 12-14 sale will be held as part of UGA’s annual Plantapalooza plant sale with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Trial Gardens at UGA. Ornamental landscape plants, vegetables, herbs, houseplants and succulents will all be included. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ugahortclub. BOVINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN TRAINING April 8 Gordon County Agricultural Service Center Calhoun April 10 UGA Tifton Campus Tifton April 11 Henry County Cooperative Extension Office McDonough April 12 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Bovine Emergency Response Plan (BERP) provides a standardized framework for response to roadway incidents involving cattle transport. All emergency management disciplines are invited to train together regarding the following: Incident dispatch; emergency response arrival; scene assessment; security and containment; livestock extrication; euthanasia; relocation; mortality disposal; vehicle uprighting and incident debriefing. Four identical eight-hour sessions available. Registration is required for all sessions. Space limited to 50 trainees per session. Register at the TIME Task Force of Georgia’s website at www.timetaskforce.com/calendar. For more information contact TIME Task Force of Georgia at info@timetaskforce.com or 678-730-7417.
GFB News Alert page 14 of 16 UGA PECAN BEGINNERS COURSE April 16 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tifton Georgia homeowners and farmers with hopes of producing pecan trees can learn the basics from University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialists during the UGA Pecan Beginners Course. Participants will learn the fundamentals of pecan production, and UGA Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells plans for the daylong workshop to be more in-depth than regular county meetings. Topics include the importance of irrigation, fertilization, tree planting and establishment, and equipment needs. Presentations will cover pecan varieties, insect management, disease management and more. For more information visit www.gfb.ag/UGAbegpecancourse. USING PESTICIDES WISELY TRAINING Now through April 18 Various locations There are 30 sessions at various locations around the state for producers to receive the Using Pesticides Wisely (UPW) training. UPW is required training for anyone applying Engenia, XtendiMax or FeXapan. Also, any person in charge of Enlist One and Enlist Duo in-crop applications must attend. The training will last about 2 hours, 15 minutes. Immediately afterward, there will be a 45-minute training for those individuals wanting to obtain a 2 year certified pesticide applicators license to apply Engenia, XtendiMax or FeXapan. Each location has limited capacity under local fire codes, and advance registration is required. For a complete list of training dates and locations, visit http://agr.georgia.gov/auxin-main.aspx. NRCS CONSERVATION EASEMENT SIGN-UP April 19 deadline to apply for FY2019 The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia is accepting enrollment for this year’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP, created through the 2014 farm bill and included in the 2018 farm bill, is a program that has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). For FY 2019 only, NRCS will be operating under 2014 Farm Bill rules. Any changes made in the ACEP program in the 2018 farm bill will begin in FY 2020. To learn more about ACEP and other farm bill programs in Georgia, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov. CROP INSURANCE DEADLINES NEAR FOR MULTIPLE GA COMMODITIES Georgia farmers who operate nurseries have until May 1 to apply for crop insurance coverage or make changes to their existing coverage. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. All applications, including those for new or amended coverage, are subject to a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Coverage begins 30 days after receipt of a signed application, Plant Inventory Value Report for each insured practice, and two copies of the grower’s most recent wholesale catalog or price list. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2020 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers by visiting the RMA agent locator at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Growers can use the RMA cost estimator at bit.ly/rmacost to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.
GFB News Alert page 15 of 16 MAY 1 IS DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR CENTENNIAL FARM AWARD The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for at least 100 years. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and owned by the same family for 100 years or more. The Centennial Farm Award doesn’t require continual family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the NRHP. To apply, visit www.georgiacentennialfarms.org or contact Sarah Love at 770-389-7856 or sarah.love@dnr.ga.gov. WATER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS May 7 Dougherty County Extension Office Albany May 13 Gordon County Extension Office Calhoun May 15 Cobb County Water Lab Marietta These free workshops will explain the efficiencies of impact sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, how to develop an Irrigation Water Management Plan and hands-on activities assembling basic irrigation systems. Each workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register online visit www.tinyurl.com/CRSSWater or contact Dr. Gary L. Hawkins at 706-310-3526 or 706-310-3464. GA DEPT. OF REVENUE ACCEPTING TIMBER TAX CREDIT APPLICATIONS Eligible taxpayers have until May 31 to apply for a Timber Tax Credit to assist in offsetting the substantial economic losses incurred during Hurricane Michael. Under House Bill 4EX, eligible timber properties must be located in the disaster area established in Executive Order 11.06.18.01, which includes the following counties: Baker, Bleckley, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Laurens, Lee, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Pulaski, Randolph, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Wilcox, and Worth.To learn more about the submission process for the Timber Tax Credit applications, please visit the department’s website at https://dor.georgia.gov/. COLBERT 50TH YEAR JULY 4 CELEBRATION FOCUSES ON AGRICULTURE Since July 4, 1970, the city of Colbert in Madison County has celebrated Independence Day with its “July 4th Homecoming.” This year the celebration will honor Colbert’s agricultural heritage and spotlight surrounding farming communities. A farmer’s market will be set up for anyone interested in selling fresh homegrown produce, fruits, and vegetables. Vendors may also reserve a space to display homemade and/or pre-fabricated items, as in the past years. Vendor registration forms are available at the Colbert city hall or on the city website www.colbertgeorgia.com. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Old Colbert Elementary School. Those interested in being in the parade should plan to be there by 7:30 a.m. Activities are planned for the entire day, including a “best home-made pie” contest. The pies should be homemade apple, blueberry, and/or peach. To enter the pie-baking contest, register at city hall. Call 706-788-2311 to receive more information.
GFB News Alert page 16 of 16 SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE July 18-20 Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort Panama City Beach, Florida The 21st Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will provide farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions.In addition to the conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament. For more information about the conference and sponsorship opportunities visit www.gfb.ag/19SPGconference. Resort reservations can be made by calling 1-855-512-3843 and ask for the “Southern Peanut Growers Conference Rate� or use the Booking ID: 10Z6G7. Visit www.resortcollection.com/resorts/edgewater/ to book rooms online. Rooms are available at the group rate until June 14.