GFB News Alert June 19, 2019

June 19, 2019

www.gfb.org

Vol. 37 No. 12

LAND & LEADERSHIP ADVOCATES PREPARE TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURE More consumers than ever before want to know where and how their food is grown. Studies show consumers want farmers, not public relations professionals, to answer their questions.

Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is using its new Land & Leadership Advocates (L&LA) Program to prepare farmers to tell their story.

Launched in December at the organization’s annual convention, the L&LA Program is providing leadership and advocacy activities for farmers and those who work in agriculture between the ages of 36-50.

“The idea for this program came to me as I was attending American Farm Bureau Federation board meetings and we talked about developing future leaders for Farm Bureau and keeping members involved after the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program,” GFB President Gerald Long said. “We need this age group to Visit www.gfb.photos/LLApicnic to see step up to the plate, be involved with Farm photos from the event.

Bureau and tell the story of agriculture. At some point in time, this age group will have to lead our organization.”

The American and Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers programs are for members ages 18 to 35. While many former GFB YF&R members remain active in Farm Bureau by serving on their county Farm Bureau board of directors, Women’s Leadership committees, Promotion/Education committees or GFB commodity committees, GFB saw a need to offer programs geared specifically for the 36 to 50-year age group.

On June 18, a group of GFB members looking to become involved in the L&LA program attended a picnic lunch with President Long at Southern Belle Farms in Henry County. They had the chance to learn more about the program and receive advocacy training from Mississippi Farm Bureau member Julie White, who is both a farmer and a Mississippi State Extension specialist.

“Advocacy is taking something you’re passionate about and being able to talk about it to other -continued on next page

GFB News Alert page 2 of 13 Continued from previous page people,” White said. “Why do we [farmers] only talk about farming with our families and friends?

We need to advocate because we don’t want other people telling our story. It needs to be us telling our story.”

A past participant of the AFBF Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) Program, White says farmers can advocate for agriculture by striking up conversations with consumers in the grocery store, visiting schools to read books and talk to students about their farming careers, or by using social media.

“Whether you use social media, talk to someone in the grocery store or talk to kids, tell your story about your farm and why what you do is important to agriculture,” White said. “You have an opportunity to be a leader in agriculture. Just step out and be one! Figure out what your niche [for advocating about agriculture] is and use it!”

White says it’s easy for farmers to use social media - Facebook, Instagram or Twitter - to share what farming is all about. She recommends sharing a photo of someone on the farm baling hay, feeding cows, planting row crops or caring for a sick animal to let consumers see how farmers go about their daily tasks to feed and clothe the world.

“Look at the last five posts you put on social media. I would hope that in some of these you shared something about farming and why you’re doing what you’re doing. It can be as simple as one picture with ten words,” White said.

White encourages farmers to post the hard stuff, like calves dying or struggling crops, along with the good stuff like cute calves and pretty cotton.

“Be willing to share it all. Explain what makes a bad day on the farm,” White said.

After sharing that their farm had stillborn twin calves, White said a week later, she posted that they were able to pair a couple of orphan calves with the cow who lost the calves to nurse.

Realizing that farmers and their spouses are busy, White explained that you don’t have to share the work shots on the day they are taken as long as they are seasonal while the activity is going on.

Whatever avenue farmers use to advocate for agriculture, White said, the most important thing is that they be themselves and let their personality come through.

White County Farm Bureau member Nathan Nix, who pastors Zion Hill Baptist Church, has been involved with Farm Bureau for about 25 years. He first served as the county YF&R chairman and now as a county director. He and his wife, Tina, want to get involved with the new L&LA Program to learn how to educate the public about how food is raised and how to answer questions they are asked. The Nixes raise commercial laying hens, sheep for meat and honey.

“Society’s conception of farming is so misconstrued. This is why I’m such a proponent of this program,” Nathan said. “We hear a lot about antibiotics and hormones being the reason chickens are growing so large these days. Antibiotics and hormones have been outlawed in chicken production for a while now. We teach people the genetics of the birds are the reason they grow bigger.”

The Nixes are also often asked about nutrition.

“We’re constantly having to explain how we raise chickens and explain what we do,” Tina said.

“Some people think eggs from free range chickens are better for you or that brown eggs are better for you than white eggs.”

Visit www.gfb.ag/LandLeadershipAdvocates to learn more about the program.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 13 DISASTER ASSISTANCE BILL NOT JUST HELP FOR FARMERS To be sure, Southwest Georgia farmers welcomed the passage of the federal disaster aid package, which President Donald Trump signed into law on June 6. With Georgia agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael estimated at more than $2.5 billion, the farmers needed help.

During a meeting with national and state leaders on June 7 in Colquitt County, it was made clear that while the farmers will get help, ultimately the benefits of the legislation will be reaped by their communities.

“I think we’ve got to remember that this disaster bill brings money to the farmer,” said Andersonville produce farmer Dick Minor. “This money will go into our accounts and it’s going to be funneled out to banks, landlords, seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers, tractor and equipment dealers. It’s going to spur our rural economy.”

Indeed, many of the counties Michael blew through last October revolve around agriculture. In Sumter County, Minor pointed out, the economy is 86% agriculture, prompting one acquaintance to tell him it would affect everything down to the church collection plates.

“When you see unplanted fields, that’s not just a farmer not planting a crop. That’s a whole town losing income. Losing economic activity. Without that agricultural business going on, all those truck drivers, all those stores, all the car dealerships, they’re not doing well either. So the farmer has to be in business. Without the farmer in South Georgia, we have no economy.”

The meeting, held at the farm of Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Bart Davis in Doerun, drew approximately 170 people and included remarks from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Reps. Sanford Bishop and Austin Scott, Sen. David Perdue, Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. They all thanked farmers for their patience and perseverance and lauded efforts to get the bill passed.

To a man, they expressed frustration with the length of time it took to get the disaster assistance bill passed. David Perdue pointed out that after Hurricane Sandy in 2013, Congress took two month to pass a relief package. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, it took two weeks. With an eye to the future, Georgia’s junior senator said the nation has to be better prepared.

“I think we need to have a bigger catastrophe reserve fund,” David Perdue said. “We have a FEMA reserve fund, but it’s just not able to deal with this type of disaster.”

Scott took the opportunity to direct attention to farmers’ emotional health.

“I want to tell you, I was very concerned about suicides,” Scott said. “Things we’ve seen in the past with farmers when we’ve had these problems … I was very thankful for things different organizations did to try to reach out to people where maybe they had heard there were some issues, where there was some pain there that people just needed help resolving. This shouldn’t have taken this long, but when you see somebody hurting as some of our neighbors have, make sure you reach out to them. They need to know there are other people here with them, too and there is always hope.”

The USDA, which was allotted $3.005 billion of the $19.1 billion bill, had not released details on how the money will be divided. In addition to Georgia farmers affected by Hurricane Michael, the funding was designated for a myriad of natural disasters in multiple states in 2018 and 2019.

Scott said the general structure would be that crops eligible for traditional crop insurance programs would be assisted through payments under the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP). Other commodities, like timber and pecans, would be assisted through state-administered block grants.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 13 FRANKLIN, LONG TREUTLEN COUNTIES WIN TOP AG FOUNDATION GRANTS County Farm Bureaus in Franklin, Long and Treutlen counties were each awarded $1,000 grants from the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture to support agricultural literacy projects in their communities.

Overall, 17 county Farm Bureaus received grants. Appling, Banks, Cherokee, Houston, Upson and Walker counties were awarded $750. Farm Bureaus in Barrow, Bartow, Effingham, Laurens, McDuffie, Tift, Turner and Warren counties were awarded $500. Jeff Davis Middle School FFA, West Laurens FFA, Morgan County 4-H and Putnam County 4-H received $500 grants, as well.

Franklin County Farm Bureau produced the pilot video for use as a virtual field trip by local educators, with plans for more to follow. The video, called “Once Upon a Farm,” was distributed in March to 43 teachers across kindergarten, first and second grades in Franklin County and reached more than 750 students.

Long County Farm Bureau is working to establish an ag resource library in local schools and the Long County Public Library, providing books and activities as well as reading to preK-5thgrade students.

Treutlen County Farm Bureau is participating in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a child nutrition program that provides free nutritious meals to students during the summer when school is not in session. The TCFB Women’s Committee planned to provide a special program at each of four serving sites, allowing students the chance to handle fresh fruits and vegetables and have school system nutrition staff cook and serve the items the following day.

Grants to the other counties will fund a variety of projects, including a Summer Agvacation for older children, school gardens, the purchase of ag books for libraries and ag resource materials for teachers.

CONSUMERS URGED TO JOIN THE #IBUYGEORGIAGROWN MOVEMENT With numerous Georgia farm products in peak season – from Vidalia onions to blueberries to peaches – Georgians and their guests should be able to find locally sourced products in every corner of the state. Farmers and consumers alike have made a social media push to entice stores to sell more Georgia-grown produce.

Georgia Farm Bureau’s Certified Farm Markets are great sources for Georgia-grown products.

There are 67 of them around the state, and each would welcome your visit to their farm! Please visit https://www.gfb.org/education-and-outreach/farmmarkets.cms to find out more! Be sure to get your Georgia Farm Passport stamped while you’re there!

The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has joined the chorus, and they’re asking for your help with the “I Buy Georgia Grown” campaign.

You can update your Facebook profile photo with the I Buy Georgia Grown Frame, which can be accessed at www.gfb.ag/ibuygeorgiagrownframe. Please share a post detailing why you buy Georgia grown products.

Consumers may also take and share photos or videos on social media of Georgia grown products they’ve purchased or have at home. GDA is asking that the hashtag #IBuyGeorgiaGrown be added to these posts.

Consumers who tag the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association @GFVGA in their social media posts will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card each week in June and July.

These posts will be shared to GFVGA’s social media platforms.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 13 FSA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE Signup is open for the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, the cornerstone program of the dairy safety net that helps dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed prices, operated by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The 2018 farm bill allowed USDA to construct the new DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy). This new program offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

The program provides coverage retroactive to Jan. 1, with applicable payments following soon after enrollment. Dairy producers can choose between the $4.00 to $9.50 coverage levels.

The farm bill also allows producers who participated in MPP-Dairy from 2014-2017 to receive a repayment or credit for part of the premiums paid into the program. FSA has been providing premium reimbursements to producers since last month and those who elect the 75% credit option will have that credit applied toward 2019 DMC premiums.

The USDA has built in a 50% blend of premium and supreme alfalfa hay prices with the alfalfa hay price used under the prior dairy program to provide a total feed cost that more closely aligns with hay rations used by many producers. At a milk margin minus feed cost of $9.50 or less, payments are possible. With the 50% hay blend, FSA’s revised April 2019 income over feed cost margin is $8.82 per hundredweight (cwt). The revised margins for January, February and March are, respectively, $7.71, $7.91 and $8.66 – triggering DMC payments for each month.

DMC payments will be reduced by 6.2% in 2019 because of a sequester order required by Congress and issued in accordance with the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

DMC offers catastrophic coverage at no cost to the producer, other than an annual $100 administrative fee. Producers can opt for greater coverage levels for a premium in addition to the administrative fee. Operations owned by limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or veteran farmers and ranchers may be eligible for a waiver on administrative fees. Producers have the choice to lock in coverage levels until 2023 and receive a 25% discount on their DMC premiums.

To assist producers in making coverage elections, USDA partnered with the University of Wisconsin to develop a DMC decision support tool, which can be used to evaluate various scenarios using different coverage levels through DMC. To access the decision tool, visit https://gfb.ag/DMPcalculator.

To locate your nearest FSA office, visit https://www.farmers.gov/service-locator.

GA DAIRY FARMERS VOTE TO CONTINUE GEORGIA MILK PRODUCERS Georgia dairy farmers voted to continue Georgia Milk Producers (GMP), Inc. for another three years during a mail referendum held May 1 through May 30. The referendum passed by 95% with 62 ballots voting in favor and 3 against. State law requires that at least 66% (2/3) of the producers voting must vote in favor of continuing the organization. One ballot submitted was invalid and 140 ballots were mailed to producers overall.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 13 GROWERS APPROVE NATIONAL PEANUT BOARD Peanut producers voted overwhelmingly to continue the peanut promotion, research, and information program, administered by the National Peanut Board (NPB), in a referendum conducted by the USDA from April 15 to May 3, with 93% voting in favor of continuing NPB’s research, marketing and promotion program.

In order for the continuance referendum to pass, a majority of eligible producers needed to vote in favor of continuing the Order. Growers who paid assessments on peanuts produced during the representative period from June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018, were eligible to vote.

The last referendum for peanuts was conducted by USDA in 2014.

In the last five years, the NPB has delivered on its mission of improving the economic condition of USA peanut farmers and their families through compelling promotion and groundbreaking research. Some highlights include: Peanut per capita consumption is at an all-time high, growing steadily from seven pounds in 2014 to seven-and-a-half pounds in 2018.

Among Millennials, peanuts have the strongest reputation and are the preferred nut over other nut choices, according to a 2018 NPB brand tracking study by The Bantam Group.

Peanut farmers supported the 2015 LEAP Study, a game-changer showing early introduction of peanut products to infants helped reduce peanut allergy by 86 percent. This led to the NIAID National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issuing official guidelines for introducing peanut foods to infants to help prevent peanut allergy.

EPA FINALIZES RULE EXEMPTING FARMS FROM EMISSIONS REPORTING On June 4, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a final rule amending the emergency release notification regulations under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The amendments clarify that reporting of air emissions from animal waste at farms is not required under EPCRA. The final rule comes as first responders across the county have repeatedly reminded the agency that community-specific protocols are determined between local responders and animal producers well in advance of emergencies. These strong partnerships provide a platform for resolving issues when they arise without the need for a national one-size-fits-all approach.

The changes to emergency release reporting regulations reflect the existing relationship between EPCRA and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and provide consistency between the two environmental laws. CERCLA is commonly known as the “Superfund Law,” and is intended to address hazardous waste sites. CERCLA includes a mandatory federal reporting component. Under a 2017 decision in a U.S. Court of Appeals, farms were subjected to the reporting requirements. The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method (FARM) Act of 2017 addressed the court ruling, and EPA’s final rule in agricultural exemption to EPCRA reporting implements one of the requirements in the FARM Act. The final rule maintains consistency between the emergency release notification requirements of EPCRA and CERCLA in accordance with the statutory text and framework of EPCRA. For more information, please see our web page at www.epa.gov/animalwaste.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 13 WILLIAMS APPOINTED TO FLUID MILK PROCESSOR PROMOTION BOARD On June 3, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of seven members to serve on the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board, including Morgan County Farm Bureau member Everett Williams. Williams, will serve a three-year term, July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022.

The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board is composed of 15 fluid milk processors from 15 geographic regions and five at-large members. At least three at-large members must be fluid milk processors and at least one must be from the general public. The remaining at-large seat may be filled by a fluid milk processor or a member from the general public. The board was established by the Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990 to develop and administer a coordinated program of advertising and promotion to increase the demand for fluid milk products.

AMENDMENT WOULD ALLOW YEAR-ROUND H-2A WORK On June 11, the House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the fiscal year 2020 homeland security spending bill that would allow farmers and ranchers to use the H-2A program for year-round agricultural jobs.

Currently, the H-2A program is allowed only for farm jobs that are temporary or seasonal in nature, like the harvesting of certain fruits or vegetables. The amendment changes no other aspects of the program. H-2A would remain a temporary program and the time limits a worker employed through the H-2A program can stay in the U.S. would continue, as would the requirement that farmers show they are advertising open positions and are trying to hire domestic workers first.

“What the amendment would do,” explained Allison Crittenden, American Farm Bureau Federation labor specialist, “is allow farmers with year-round jobs, like milking cows, to hire workers through H-2A. The workers would still be temporary, though the jobs they are filling are not.”

The bipartisan amendment was put forth by Reps. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.). The lawmakers have paired up for the past few years on similar amendments to the homeland security spending bill, although the language was ultimately stripped from the legislation signed by the president.

“Farmers across the country appreciate Cuellar’s and Newhouse’s consistent leadership on this issue. We will continue to work with them and all members of Congress to establish an agricultural guest worker program that is flexible and affordable for farmers, fair to workers and effective in meeting the needs of all producers. We also need to provide current workers the opportunity to earn legal status,” Crittenden said.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 13 KANSAS CITY SELECTED AS NEW HOME FOR ERS, NIFA On June 13 the USDA announced it will relocate the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to the Kansas City Region.

USDA conducted a Cost Benefit Analysis and conservative estimates show a savings of nearly $300 million nominally over a 15-year lease term on employment costs and rent or about $20 million per year, which will allow more funding for research of critical needs like rural prosperity and agricultural competitiveness, and for programs and employees to be retained in the long run, even in the face of tightening budgets. State and local governments offered generous relocation incentives packages totaling more than $26 million. The USDA says this relocation will give it the opportunity to attract a diverse staff with training and interest in agriculture. To learn more about USDA's Cost Benefit Analysis, visit https://gfb.ag/USDAERSNIFAcostbenefit.

Critics of the relocation, which include members of the U.S. House, scientific and farm groups, say the agencies benefit from being in D.C., where they can collaborate with other federal scientific and statistical agencies. The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents ERS employees, said ERS employees greeted the announcement “with no enthusiasm.� ERS and NIFA employees voted to unionize in May and June amid the plan to relocate the agencies.

In addition, USDA announced it will not move forward with the plans to realign with the Office of the Chief Economist. ERS will remain under the Research, Education, and Economics mission area.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 13 MAKE GEORGIA YOUR STAMPIN’ GROUND THROUGH GFB PASSPORT! If you enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farm, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) wants to make the state your “stampin’ ground.”

The Georgia Farm Passport is available at GFB county offices and at the 67 farms participating in the GFB Certified Farm Markets (CFM) program.

The passport guides family and friends to farms across Georgia that offer food items for virtually any taste. Travel with the passport to live out your love of exploring Georgia, supporting local farms and eating fresh. Plus, GFB is offering prizes in exchange for your passport stamp collection!

Passport travelers will discover where their food comes from, meet the people who grow it, and see our state’s agricultural diversity firsthand!

The GFB Certified Farm Markets are listed in the passport.

These markets grow a majority of what they sell on their farm or they allow people to visit for a farm tour. These farms range from u-pick strawberry patches to farms that grow a variety of goods.

As marked in the passport, some farms have corn mazes and farm games, offer educational opportunities, or host special events.

Participants can start a family tradition, make new friends, enjoy fruits and vegetables they pick directly from the tree or field, or simply enjoy an ice cream while relaxing in a rocking chair and taking in Georgia’s beautiful farm landscapes.

Passports can be picked up at any participating farm found at www.gfb.ag/farmpassport or at any local county Farm Bureau office. The deadline to submit your passport for prizes is Jan. 10, 2020.

Mailing in a passport with at least one stamp will enter the passport holder to win a basket of favorite products from CFMs valued at $100. Collect five stamps and earn a Georgia Farm Passport T-shirt. Ten stamps gets the traveler a GFB insulated tumbler. A collection of 15 stamps will qualify for a $15 gift certificate to the CFM of choice. Those who earn 20 stamps will receive a full access pass farm tour with a farm-to-table meal in Spring 2020. For each level reached, the participant receives all of the prizes below that level.

There is a limited supply of passports, so don’t wait to get yours!

One passport allowed per person. One stamp allowed per farm per person. As you visit, share your journey with #farmpassport #gafarmbureau. While no purchase is required to participate, please be kind and make one since these farms are their owners’ livelihoods. Email cfm@gfb.org for questions.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 13 2019 CORN SILAGE AND FORAGE FIELD DAY June 20 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This field day presents an opportunity to tour corn and forage test plots and hear tips on best management practices for making silage, managing Bermudagrass stem maggot, using dairy wastes and other byproducts for growing forage, weed control and incorporating legumes into summer grasses.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the event starts at 8 a.m. www.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu/events.html.

AFBF WOMEN IN AG SURVEY The American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program has launched a Women in Ag online survey that aims to gauge the goals, aspirations, achievements and needs of women who hold various roles in the American agriculture industry. All women who are farmers, ranchers, farm/ranch employees, employed in agricultural businesses, pursuing ag-related higher education or supportive of agriculture in other ways are invited to participate in the survey at www.fb.org/women. Respondents must reside in the United States. Farm Bureau membership is not required to participate. Data collected from respondents will be used to gauge trends related to the achievements of women in agriculture, including leadership positions, business successes and election to public office. Results from the survey are slated for release in the fall and will add to findings from a similar survey conducted in 2014. The AFB Women’s Leadership Committee is sponsoring the survey and is working with other farm and agriculture organizations to encourage participation. Participants will be entered to receive one of five $100 “thank you” gift cards after the survey closes on June 21.

ONION CROP INSURANCE LISTENING SESSION June 24 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Lyons Agralytica of Alexandria, Virginia, is conducting a review of the onion insurance plan on behalf of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. Agralytica staff will lead this listening session for growers, insurance staff and other interested parties. The aim is to get feedback on how the program is working and offers producers a chance to communicate concerns and possible improvements for consideration. For more information, contact Andre Williamson at awilliamson@agralytica.com or 240-432-0308.

SOLARIZE MIDDLE GEORGIA WORKSHOP June 24 Fort Valley State University 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Fort Valley Middle Georgia farmers and residents are invited to learn about the benefits of solar power at this workshop sponsored by Fort Valley State University Extension. Topics include how the Solarize program works, pricing, demonstration of solar equipment and information about incentives and financing. For more information, contact E. Jean Willis at 478-825-6269.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 13 GFB YF&R COMMITTEE “CALF’S WEIGHT IN CHANGE” CAMPAIGN The Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee is asking Farm Bureau members and ag supporters to dig deep to help the committee collect 750 pounds of change statewide.

Proceeds from the campaign will be donated to the Georgia Food Bank Association. County Farm Bureaus are collecting donations. After July 1 county offices will weigh and count their collections and submit their totals online at www.GFB.ag/CalfsWeight. County Farm Bureaus are also encouraged to take a photo of their office staff, county president or any other county Farm Bureau member with the collected change. Grand prizes will be awarded to the county with the most amount of change donated, the GFB District with the most amount of change donated, the county with most weight in change donated and the GFB District with most weight in change donated. Prizes will include Farm Bureau gear, Amazon gift cards and free registrations to the 2020 GFB YF&R SLC! Winners will be announced July 20 at the GFB YF&R SLC. 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.” The celebration will honor Colbert’s agricultural heritage and spotlight surrounding farming communities. A farmers market will be set up for anyone interested in selling fresh homegrown produce, fruits, and vegetables. 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. 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.

EPA TAKING COMMENTS ON CONTINUED REGISTRATION OF GLYPHOSATE The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting comments on registration of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and the most widely used herbicide in U.S. agriculture. Comments will be accepted through July 5. To make a comment, visit www.regulations.gov and search for docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0361. For more information about glyphosate, including the proposed interim decision and supporting documents, visit https://gfb.ag/glyphosateinfo. The glyphosate draft risk assessments and supporting documents can be found at https://gfb.ag/epaglyphosatecomments.

UGA EXTENSION SCHOOL GARDEN CONFERENCE July 18 Carroll County Ag Center, 900 Newnan Rd. Carrollton This program is designed to help educators enhance curriculum development by incorporating school gardens and agriculture into all areas of educational learning. This conference will cover everything from starting and maintaining a school garden to curriculum, resources and grants associated with agriculture in school systems. Schools that participate in the School Garden Conference will have the opportunity to win a raised bed kit and gardening supplies. All schools will be given seed packets and plants. Lunch will be provided and participants will have the opportunity to network with other education professionals. Registration is $25 and the registration deadline is July 11. For more details or to register, call us at 770-836-8546 or email Anne Anglin a tanne.anglin@uga.edu.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 13 2019 ADVANCED GRAZING SCHOOL July 16-17 Livestock Instructional Arena Athens This will be an intense, two-day hands-on event that will overlap with the Deep South Stocker Conference on the second day. Registration will include coffee and snacks throughout the day, lunch for both days, a large notebook with handouts and supplemental information, and numerous interactive presentations and hands-on learning activities. Tentative topics include: forage systems for stocker cattle: cool season and warm season systems; economics of forage systems; putting an entire forage system together; regenerative grazing; grassfed livestock production data reviews; supplementation strategies; producer panel fencing and water systems workshop. Registration is $100 per person.

For more information or to register, visit https://gfb.ag/19AdvancedGrazingSchool.

2019 DEEP SOUTH STOCKER CONFERENCE July 17-18 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens This will be an intense two-day hands-on event that will overlap with the Advanced Grazing School on the first day. Registration is $100 and will include refreshments, dinner for the first day and lunch for the second, a large notebook with handouts and supplemental information, and interactive presentations and learning activities. Tentative topics include: beef cattle outlook; receiving nutrition feedlot feedback; technologies and strategies for diagnosing sick cattle; necropsy demonstration; and much more. For more information or to register, visit https://gfb.ag/19DeepSouthStockerConf.

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.

2019 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY July 25 Spence Field 7:45 a.m.

Moultrie Farmers are invited to the Darrell Williams Research Farm on the grounds of the Sunbelt Expo, where they can see the latest research on irrigation, variety trials for Southeastern crops, seeds and chemicals, and agricultural technology. A biscuit breakfast and barbecue lunch will be provided.

Attendees can register for door prizes that include a Brown rotary mower, a shotgun and a Titan/Goodyear gift certificate. For more information visit www.sunbeltexpo.com or call 229-9851968.

GFB News Alert page 13 of 13 AGAWARE FINANCIAL PLANNING WORKSHOPS July 26 USDA ARS Vegetable Lab Charleston, S.C. Aug. 2 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton Aug. 16 Central Ga Tech. College Milledgeville Aug. 23 AgSouth Farm Credit Statesboro AgSouth Farm Credit and AgGeorgia Farm Credit have partnered to bring the AGAware program to young, beginning and small farmers in Georgia through this series of workshops aimed at educating them in the many aspects of running a successful agricultural operation. Topics of the program include: Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Family Finance & Family Budgeting, Risk Management and many more. Applications for scholarships for future education through Farm Credit University will be available to graduates of these workshops. AGAware is also certified for FSA Direct Borrower Training Credit. The training is open to anyone who wishes to develop a better understanding of how to run a successful agricultural operation. All classes will be from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and lunch will be provided. To register online for the Statesboro event, visit https://gfb.ag/AGAwarestatesbororeg. To register online for the Tifton or Milledgeville event, visit https://gfb.ag/AGAwareTifMillreg. For more information about AGAware, contact Christy Smith at CSmith@AgSouthFC.com or 912-764-9091.

WEST GEORGIA BEEF MANAGEMENT TOUR Sept. 17 Carroll County Ag Center/various stops 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Carrollton Stops include Callaway Cattle Company in Hogansville, White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Oakhurst Farm in West Point and Oliver Angus in West Point. Cost is $50 per person and includes includes bus, tour and lunch. Registration and payment are due by Sept. 10, and participation is limited to 40 people. For more information contact Paula Burke at pjburke@uga.edu, or Anne Anglin at anne.anglin@uga.edu, or call 770-836-8546.

COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS MARKETS CLINCH COUNTY FARMERS MARKET First Saturday each month 8 a.m. – noon Empire Plaza Homerville This monthly farmers market co-hosted by Clinch County Farm Bureau and Homerville Main Street features a variety of locally produced treats, arts and crafts. Empire Plaza is located at the water fountain behind Heritage Bank on U.S. Highway 84.

COBB COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays through September 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Lost Mountain Park Powder Springs The public is invited to check out a variety of vendors with locally grown produce, baked goods, strawberries, peaches, jams, jellies and much more. Lost Mountain Park is located at 4845 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/cobbcofarmbureau/ or call 770-943-3531.