January 19, 2011
www.gfb.org
Vol. 29 No. 3
AFBF ADDRESSES ISSUES OF INTEREST TO GEORGIA FARMERS Delegates at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting last week adopted policy addressing the proposed GIPSA rules, the 2012 farm bill, EPA oversight, country of origin labeling and other issues affecting Georgia farmers. AFBF delegates agreed that the new farm bill should maintain a safety net that consists of direct payments, a countercyclical and marketing loan program and crop insurance. Some Southern states attempted to offer direction for budget reconciliation, but the delegates decided against it. In discussion of the proposed rules for the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), the delegates embraced tournament-style production contracts and adopted policy to support opportunities for producers to participate in programs that pay additional compensation for premium products (for example, Certified Angus Beef). Delegates did not agree with a GIPSA proposal to prohibit livestock buyers from making purchases for more than one packer. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is considering submitted comments on the proposed GIPSA rules. The delegates were in strong agreement that oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is needed, adopting a statement that “congressional action is necessary to restore common sense to environmental regulation of our farms.” In particular, the resolution asked lawmakers to consider legislation to halt the EPA’s regulation of greenhouse gases. New dairy policy was adopted to allow for the consideration of a temporary supply management program, but delegates maintained AFBF’s opposition to a mandatory milk production quota system. The AFBF resolutions committee recommended new language giving implied support of federal legislation that would legalize the sale of unpasteurized milk for human consumption. The state of Georgia does not allow such sales and GFB supports the state’s position. GFB North Georgia Vice President Bernard Sims moved to strike the language and the delegates agreed. The resolutions committee also recommended striking language of support for federal funding to implement country of origin labeling (COOL) regulations, but GFB 3rd District Director George Chambers moved that the language be retained and his motion carried. GFB 9th District Director Lucius Adkins offered an amendment to clarify AFBF’s support of crop insurance products for all farmers, adding livestock and poultry producers. The delegates adopted the amendment.
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COTTON, PEANUT PRODUCTION UP IN 2010 Georgia’s cotton and peanut production both rose in 2010 over their 2009 levels, while soybeans and corn and sorghum grown for grain were all down sharply according to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. The state’s cotton and peanut growers expanded acreage for those crops. Cotton acreage planted was up 330,000 acres to 1.33 million and harvested acres increased from 990,000 acres in 2009 to 1.32 million in 2010. The increased acreage resulted in a production increase, from 1.86 million bales in 2009 to an estimated 2.23 million bales in 2010. Peanut growers increased planted acres from 510,000 in 2009 to 565,000 in 2010 and harvested acres rose from 505,000 in 2009 to 555,000 in 2010. Yields remained the same at 3,560 pounds per acre. The additional acreage resulted in a production increase, from 1.798 billion pounds in 2009 to an estimated 1.976 billion pounds in 2010. Declines in acreage and yields reduced the state’s soybean production by 57 percent from 2009 (15.84 million bushels) to 2010 (6.76 million bushels). Corn for grain acreage was down 30 percent, from 420,000 acres in 2009 to 295,000 in 2010. Georgia growers harvested 245,000 acres of corn for grain in 2010, down from 370,000 in 2009. Yields rose from 140 bushels per acre in 2009 to 145 bushels per acre in 2010, but overall production fell from 51.8 million bushels in 2009 to 35.53 million bushels in 2010. Corn for silage acreage and production were both up. Georgia growers harvested 45,000 acres in 2010, up from 30,000 in 2009, and though yields were down a ton per acre, overall production rose from 510,000 tons in 2009 to 720,000 tons in 2010. Acreage, yields and overall production in sorghum grown for grain declined in 2010 from 2009. Sorghum grown for silage increased from 12,000 acres in 2009 to 18,000 acres in 2010, and production increased from 132,000 tons in 2009 to 180,000 tons in 2010. The state’s hay production increased by one percent to 1.63 million tons. Tobacco production in the state fell from 28 million pounds in 2009 to 27.4 million pounds in 2010. GFB OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS, FEB. 25 IS APPLICATION DEADLINE Georgia Farm Bureau will award a total of $14,250 in scholarships to 10 high school seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. The top three students will each receive a one-time scholarship of $3,000. The other seven students will each receive a onetime $750 scholarship. The Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and the GFB Women’s Committee sponsor the scholarship program. Winners will be announced in May. The scholarships are available to students whose parents or legal guardians are members of Georgia Farm Bureau as of Sept. 1, 2010. Applicants must currently be a high school senior and plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 2011-2012 academic year. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information or an application. The application deadline is February 25. Applications must be approved and signed by the Farm Bureau president of the county where Farm Bureau membership is held before being submitted to the home office. You may download a copy of the application by visiting http://www.gfb.org then selecting GFB Programs and then FB Women. Each county may submit up to four applications.
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GFB MEMBERS NAMED TO AFBF COMMODITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES Eleven Georgia Farm Bureau members were named to American Farm Bureau Federation Commodity Committees in 2011, including Andrew Thompson of Brooks County, who will serve as chairman of the AFBF Swine Committee. The committees provide farmer input in the AFBF policy development process and make recommendations relative to their respective commodities to the AFBF Board of Directors. GFB members serving on the committees are: Donald McCorkle Sr., McDuffie County (ag nursery and greenhouse); Terry Bramlett, Fannin County (aquaculture); Michael Williams, Bleckley County (cotton); John W. Mixon, Pike County (forestry); Bobby Rowell, Brantley County (honey/apiculture); Wes Shannon, Tift County (peanut); Larry Cooley, Crawford County (poultry); Mike Bunn, Walker County (sheep and goat) and Lamar Vickers, Berrien County (tobacco). Ten GFB members were named alternates for the committees. They are: Matt Bottoms, Pike County (ag nursery and greenhouse); Harvey Weldon, Harris County (aquaculture); Eddie Green, Dooly County (cotton); Jimmy Kennedy, Hancock County (forestry); Gary Rentz, Brooks County (honey/apiculture); Mike Lucas, Bleckley County (peanut); John “Bubba� Johnson, Mitchell County (poultry); Charles D. Batten, Washington County (sheep and goat); Dania Devane, Randolph County (swine) and Ricky Tucker, Berrien County (tobacco). ELECTRIC UTILITIES INCREASE REWARDS IN COPPER THEFT CASES Six Georgia electric utility providers are increasing the rewards offered in cases of copper theft in an effort to minimize its impact. Since February 2009 rewards of $500 have been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those associated with copper thefts. On Jan. 4, Dalton Utilities, Electric Cities of Georgia, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission Corporation and Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG) announced in a joint release that the reward was being increased to $3,000. Officials from these providers hope the increased reward will encourage members of the public to come forward with valuable information. A statewide copper theft hotline has been established to field reports of copper theft. Details including vehicle license plate numbers and physical descriptions of a person or vehicle could be especially helpful. The number to call is 877-732-8717. When reporting a theft in progress, call 911 first, then call the hotline. The electric utility providers noted that thefts of copper from substations, utility poles and lines are a growing problem. The thefts threaten the reliability of the electric system, could cause power outages and pose threats of electrocution to anyone in the area, including utility workers. Cases of copper theft affect numerous businesses, in some cases hindering their ability to provide essential services. The utility providers are working with law enforcement and scrap recyclers to apprehend those responsible.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 5 GEORGIA/FLORIDA RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPO Jan. 24 Coastal College of Georgia Camden Center Woodbine Event begins at 9 a.m. and runs until 4:45 p.m. Speaker presentations will cover renewable energy incentives, emerging renewable technologies and practical application of solar energy. Registration for college and high school students is $6, $40 for full access to speakers, exhibits and lunch, $50 for exhibitors with full access to all events and $25 for access to exhibits only. For more information call 912-576-3219 or e-mail jrdalgo@uga.edu. AG FORECAST MEETINGS Jan. 24 GA Mountains Center Gainesville Jan. 25 UGA Conference Center Tifton Jan. 27 GSU Nesmith Lane Conference Center Statesboro Feb. 9 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton Feb. 10 Ga, Farm Bureau Building Macon Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Seminar from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a networking lunch. UGA economists will give the annual ag economic outlook and guest speakers will discuss local food systems. Visit www.georgiaagforecast.com to register or call 706-583-0347 for more information. The registration fee is $30 per individual or $200 for a t a b l e o f e i g h t. GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION 4TH ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 26 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. Tifton This meeting, which will be held in conjunction with the Georgia Cotton Production Workshop, provides a day of education for Georgia's cotton farmers with up-to-date technical production strategies and current industry information. Speakers will include: Southern Cotton Growers President Allen McLaurin, Cotton Council International Executive Director Allen Terhaar, National Cotton Council Senior Vice President John Maguire, Georgia Farm Bureau President & Georgia Cotton Commission Ex-Officio Member Zippy Duvall and Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture & Georgia Cotton Commission Ex-Officio Member Gary Black. A sponsored lunch is included. For more information, visit http://www.georgiacottoncommission.org. MASTERS EQUINE PROGRAM Feb. 1 - March 8 Habersham Aquatic Center Clarkesville This program of Tuesday night classes covers a wide range of equine industry topics, from horse nutrition to horse rescue and business plans. Classes run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The $125 registration fee includes meals, a master equine handbook, a CD of course presentations and more. For more information, contact the Habersham County Extension office at 706-754-2318. The deadline to register is Jan. 21. GEORGIA WATERMELON ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION Jan. 28 – 30 Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club For more information, call 706- 845-8575 or email dcheplick@asginfo.net GEORGIA YOUNG FARMERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION Jan. 28-29 Savannah Marriott Riverfront For more information call 229-386-3429 or visit www.georgia youngfarmers.org.
Cordele
Savannah
GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 31-Feb. 1 Savannah Marriott Riverfront Savannah Event includes industry updates from various dairy organizations, workshops on management issues such as reducing somatic cell counts and the kickoff fundraiser for the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation. To register or for more information call Farrah Newberry at 706-310-0020.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 5 MISS GEORGIA COTTON & MISS COTTON SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANTS Applications due Jan. 31. Pageant Feb. 12 Applications are being taken for the Miss Georgia Cotton, Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen and Miss Cotton Scholarship Pageants until Jan. 31. The Miss Cotton Scholarship pageant will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Tift County High School Performing Arts Center. The age divisions, which range from six months to 23 years of age include: baby, teeny, tiny, little, petite, junior, teen and miss. The Miss Georgia Cotton and Miss Georgia Cotton Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. The next Miss Georgia Cotton and Outstanding Teen will have the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Georgia and Miss Georgia Outstanding Teen title and possibly the Miss America and Miss America Outstanding Teen title for even more scholarships. Competition will include talent, evening wear, interview, swimsuit and fitness wear for Outstanding Teen. For information or applications call Mary Walker at 229-388-8008 before 5 p.m. or 229-386-5567 after 6 p.m., or email mary@chickashaofgeorgia.com or missgacotton@bellsouth.net. OLD SOUTH FARM MUSEUM HOG KILLING DEMONSTRATION Feb. 5 Old South Farm Museum 8:30 a.m. Woodland Event will demonstrate how Southerners once harvested pigs and the many products they made from them. Event includes sausage making, meat curing, making of Brunswick Stew, head cheese, cracklin’s and skins, soap and more. A working smoke house will be in operation. Interested persons must register to participate in this event. For more information or to register contact Paul Bulloch at 706-975-9136 or visit www.oldsouthfarm.com. GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 8 Georgia Railroad Freight Depot/Georgia Capitol Atlanta Orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room at the historic Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, located next to Underground Atlanta. After orientation, members will visit legislators in the Capitol and return to the Depot for lunch at noon. Please invite your legislators to attend. Free parking will be available at the Turner Field - Gold Lot and shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Make plans to bring a group of folks from your county. All Farm Bureau Day events are complimentary. County Farm Bureaus should register for this event by Jan. 24. Please contact the GFB Legislative Department at 1-800-3421192. UGA 19th ANNUAL FOCUS ON EPD'S BULL SALE Feb. 10 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens Begins at noon. For more information contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu. COMMITMENT TO AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE Feb. 15 Monsanto and the national Association of Farm Broadcasters will award a total of 100 scholarships this year to high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in agriculture. To qualify, high school seniors must come from a farming family, plan to enroll as a full-time student in an agriculture-related program from an accredited school and commit to pursing a career in agriculture. Applicants will be evaluated on their academic record, leadership abilities, extracurricular activities and personal essays. Applications are available online at www.monsanto.com/scholarships. GREEN UP 2011 LANDSCAPE UPDATE & TRADE SHOW Feb. 15 Macon State College Macon Turf, landscape, golf course and grounds maintenance personnel can find up-to-date training and pesticide certification credits at this event. For more details, a full schedule and registration information; visit http://www.ugaextension.com/houston/ or contact Karen Atkins at 478-987-2028 or atkinsk@uga.edu.