January 25, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 4
CROP OUTLOOK, LABOR & FARM BILL FOCUS OF AG FORECAST MEETINGS The farm gate value of Georgia's agriculture commodities hit a record high of $12 billion in 2010, and the 2011 farm gate report, to be calculated this year, is expected to be higher, University of Georgia Economist Nathan Smith told members of Georgia's agriculture community attending the 2012 Georgia Ag Forecast meeting held in Macon, Jan. 23. A series of five meetings are being held across Georgia this week. “Crop prices should remain relatively high because of the tight supply situation,” Smith said. He tempered the good news by saying farmers will see production costs rise 15 to 20 percent in 2012. Higher fertilizer and seed prices are the main reasons for rising production costs. Equipment costs are expected to increase, and higher commodity prices could result in increasing rental rates for row crop land as farmers look to expand acreage to take advantage of higher commodity prices. Smith “Corn acreage increased in Georgia last year, and if we have good planting weather, and we get a little bit more rain to help replenish surface water, corn will probably hang onto the acres it claimed last year,” Smith said. Smith predicts Georgia peanut acreage could top 600,000 acres this year as the market looks to correct the low supply of peanuts resulting from high cotton prices in 2010. Smith predicts fewer cotton acres this year. Agribusiness lawyer Nowell Berreth, with the Atlanta law firm Alston & Bird, gave an overview of the H-2A guest worker program. He said about 33 Georgia farmers are currently using the program to bring in about 7,000 workers each year. Berreth said one of the biggest problems with H-2A is that it only helps farmers secure seasonal workers for a maximum stay of 10 months in the U.S. while segments of agriculture, like dairy and poultry, need year-round workers. American Farm Bureau Congressional Relations Senior Director Mary Kay Thatcher gave the farm bill update at the Macon meeting, saying she thinks there’s only a 50 percent chance Congress will pass a farm bill this year. Congress must pass an extension of the current bill if it fails to pass a new one by Oct. 1, when the current bill expires. Georgia Farm Bureau Legislative Director Jon Huffmaster gave the update at the other meetings. ‘Agriculture is proven to be the rock of the economy of the state, but we need not sit back and get comfortable,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said at the Macon meeting. “We need you to be part of our organization and take part in our communications with Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and the College of Agriculture because we're all working on these issues to make sure we protect our industry and rural Georgia. It’s going to be an exciting year.”
Leadership Alert page 2 of 9 RESEARCH, ACREAGE KEY TOPICS AT GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW GPC Executive Director Don Koehler moderated a town-hall discussion centering on checkoff assessments during the 2012 Georgia Peanut Farm Show in Albany. GPC held a referendum in 2011 on whether to raise the assessments to offset cuts in government funding for research programs, but it was voted down by the growers. “We’ve got this research crisis staring us in the face,” Koehler said. “We’re losing researchers. We’re losing dollars. We can’t depend on the federal government or the state government any longer to fund research the way it’s always been.” UGA Associate Professor and Extension Economist Dr. Nathan Smith gave a presentation on the 2012 economic outlook for peanuts, saying that an expansion of peanut acreage is likely. Smith said price outcomes in 2012 could be similar to those in 2007 and 2008, and he predicted that more growers would enter into more production contracts in 2012 to limit their exposure to price volatility. “If you plant peanuts without a contract, you run the risk of getting lower prices because the production is likely to be greater this year,” Smith said. Kelley Manufacturing Company presented the Georgia Peanut Commission with a $50,000 check to help fund the construction of the GPC’s new building in Tifton. Seminole County Farm Bureau member Brad Thompson won the 2012 Outstanding Young Peanut Farmer Award, which his father Raymond accepted on his behalf. “I’m really excited that I was honored with the award,” Thompson said. “I really appreciate all the help I received from my peanut scout, Jimmy Miller, our extension agent Rome Etheridge and the Georgia Peanut Commission.” Retired GPC staff member Joan Sutton Underwood and Frank Boddiford of the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service each received a Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Mark Manary, a pediatrician with Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis, received the Research and Education Award. Manary developed a peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic food that is used to treat malnutrition in underdeveloped countries Georgia Public Broadcasting reporter Josephine Bennett received the Media Award for her coverage of the peanut industry. Virginia Acord of the Georgia Peanut Festival in Sylvester accepted a Special Award for the festival’s efforts to promote peanuts. COMMITTEE: LIGHTSQUARED SIGNAL WOULD INTERFERE WITH GPS A key federal committee charged with testing the LightSquared network, said there would be significant interference with Global Positioning System from the mobile broadband carrier. The National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Executive Committee (PNT ExComm), which is made up of nine federal agencies, unanimously agreed that none of LightSquared’s proposals to combat GPS interference would work. After testing earlier last year and then again in November after LightSquared modified its proposal, the PNT ExComm found that neither proposal would work. “Based upon this testing and analysis, there appear to be no practical solutions or mitigations that would permit the LightSquared broadband service, as proposed, to operate in the next few months or years without significantly interfering with GPS,” the PNT ExComm in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 9 GEORGIA DOL CONDUCTING AG PRACTICES SURVEY The Georgia Department of Labor is conducting a survey of the state’s fruit and vegetable growers to determine the “valid prevailing and common agricultural practices in Georgia.” The results of the survey, which has 22 questions for growers who use H-2A and 10 for those who do not, will be used by the U.S. Department of Labor to determine employee benefits and working conditions to be provided by Georgia agricultural employers who use the H-2A program. “It’s important that the Department of Labor get an accurate picture of the skill level required for farm work,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “It’s possible that it could change the requirements for the type of labor that DOL sends to our farms.” Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler sent a letter to Georgia growers on Jan. 23 with a printed copy of the survey. Butler stressed the importance of participation in the survey by all Georgia fruit and vegetable growers, whether they use H-2A or not. The survey is voluntary and Butler assured growers their information would not be identifiable by individual grower. The survey, which can be filled out online at http://www.research.net/s/AGSurvey2012, was initiated on Jan. 24. The deadline for submitting responses is Feb. 24. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable growers who did not receive a survey should contact the Georgia DOL Agricultural Services Unit at 404-232-3500 to obtain a verification code so they can fill out the survey online or have a copy of the survey mailed to them. According to Butler’s letter, the results will be sent to the U.S. DOL by April, and the aggregate results will be made available on the Georgia DOL website by June. The results will also be provided to Georgia DOL’s survey partners, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. STATE SENATORS TAKE ON METAL THEFT Two bills targeting the growing issue of metal theft have been introduced in the Georgia Senate. SB 296, was introduced by Sen. Josh McKoon (RColumbus) on Jan. 12 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill would make destruction of property valued at more than $3,000 for the purpose of obtaining a variety of nonferrous metals a felony. Destruction or mutilation of property valued at less than $3,000 would be considered a misdemeanor. The bill would make it illegal for metal recyclers to pay in cash for copper, aluminum or catalytic converters. SB 296 also includes a permitting provision requiring metal recyclers and individuals wanting to transport or sell nonferrous metal. Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) held a press conference at the state capitol on Jan.19 to raise awareness of metal theft. The event included photos and samples of items that have been stolen for resale in the scrap metal market. On Jan. 24, Unterman introduced SB 321, a bill similar to legislation passed in South Carolina last year. It would prohibit cash payments for purchases of metal, require permits for recycling centers and persons selling regulated metals and establishes other tracking mechanisms to help law enforcement agencies combat metal theft.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 9 CONGRATULATIONS – Colquitt County Farm Bureau Office Manager Charlotte Wingate was named the Colquitt County Agribusiness Person of the Year by the Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce. 2012 INTERNATIONAL POULTRY EXPO Thru Jan. 26 Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta Presented by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, the Expo has been held in Atlanta, Ga., for the past 63 years. The show is the world's largest display of technology, equipment, supplies, and services used in the production and processing of poultry and eggs and for those involved in feed manufacturing. All segments of the industry are represented: feed milling, hatchery, live production, processing, further processing, marketing, and all support activities. The show is held in conjunction with the International Feed Expo. For more information visit www.ipe11.org. WINTERGREEN 2012 Jan. 25-27 Gwinnett Center Duluth The Georgia Green Industry Association’s annual trade show offers educational seminars on a variety of landscaping and horticulture topics, GGIA chapter leadership training, the organization’s annual business meeting and much more. For registration and fee information, visit http://www.ggia.org or call the GGIA office at 706-632-0100. 2012 AG FORECAST MEETINGS Jan. 26 Georgia Mountains Center Gainesville Jan. 27 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton These meetings are a UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences program made possible through an endowment from Georgia Farm Bureau and support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Agribusiness Council. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The seminar will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. followed by a luncheon. UGA ag economists will give the 2012 economic outlook for agriculture. The keynote speaker will give an update on current farm labor issues. Registration is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Call 706583-0347 or visit http://www.georgiaagforecast.com for more information or to register. 2012 SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Jan. 26 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Expo will provide soybean and small grain producers with up-to-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques. The even will also feature presentations from UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences professors on climate variability, maximizing yields, world outlook for southern commodities and others. Pesticide credits are available. For more information, contact the Georgia/Florida Soybean Association at 706-5423793. GREAT SOUTH PREDATOR & WILD HOG CHALLENGE Jan. 27-29 Bass Pro Shops & Sportsman’s Warehouse Macon This event, hosted by Bass Pro Shops and sponsored by Scurry Outdoors South LLC, offers cash and prizes for the harvest of wild hogs using the dog bay/catch method and the harvest of coyotes, bobcats and foxes. The event will include a barbecue chicken dinner to raise money for Georgia Outdoor News’ Sportsman’s Pantry, which provides food for needy families. Visit http://www.scurryoutdoorssouth.com for more information.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 9 GEORGIA YOUNG FARMERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 27-28 Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort Stone Mountain For more information, call 229-386-3429 or visit http://www.georgiayoungfarmers.com. PLANNING FOR 2020 AT UGA Jan. 31 Rock Eagle 4-H Center Eatonton Feb. 15 Georgia Mountains Center Gainesville Feb. 21 North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Tech Acworth Feb. 29 Vidalia Onion Research Center Lyons The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is currently planning its future, developing its official 10-year strategic plan. To get public input, the college has scheduled several regional meetings across the state. The college prepares students for jobs in Georgia's No. 1 business, agriculture, conducts cutting-edge research and educates the public through UGA Cooperative Extension offices across the state. Six regional meetings have been set from 8:30 a.m. until. Like UGA’s current strategic plan, the CAES plan targets 2020. Participants are encouraged to register for the regional meetings at http://www.caesplan.caes.uga.edu/index.html. GEORIGA COTTON COMMISSION 5TH ANNUAL MEETING Feb. 1 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This sponsored event is free but registration is requested and features morning and afternoon cotton production workshops. Guest speakers included Southern Cotton Growers President Mike Tate, Cotton Board CEO Bill Gillon, Cotton Incorporated Fiber Quality Research Vice President Mike Watson and National Cotton Council Senior Director of Governmental Relations John Maguire. Late Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. To register, visit http://www.ugatiftonconference.org between Dec. 1, 2011, and Jan. 18, 2012 or call 229-3863416. For more information about the conference, email Richey Seaton at gactn@windstream.net or Karen Nikitopoulos at cotton@windstream.net or call 478-988-4235. UGA 20TH ANNUAL FOCUS ON EPD'S BULL SALE Feb. 2 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens Begins at noon. Contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu for more information. DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR EQIP PROGRAMS IS FEB. 3 The ranking period cut-off date is Feb. 3 for agricultural producers who wish to enroll in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Producers should submit applications to their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office. EQIP promotes environemtnal quality and assists producers in meeting local, state and federal regulations. For more information, visit your nearest NRCS office or http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/2011%20EQIP%20Guidance.html.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 9 OLD SOUTH FARM MUSEUM HOG KILLING DEMONSTRATION Feb. 4 Old South Farm Museum 8:30 a.m. Woodland This event will demonstrate how hogs were once harvested and the products made from them. Program includes a meat-cutting class and demonstrations on making various pork products. The fee to observe and receive free sausage is $12 per person. To participate in the workshop, gain hands-on experience and receive pork products, the fee is $35. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Paul Bulloch at 706-975-9136 or visit http://www.oldsouthfarm.com. ENTRIES BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2012 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA CONTEST Product registrations are being accepted for the Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. The contest is sponsored by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development in collaboration with the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness, the office of Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Walton EMC and the UGA Department of Food Science and Technology. The deadline for entries is Feb. 10. Semifinalists will be announced in February. Final judging and the announcement of the winners in six food categories will be announced on March 13 during Georgia Ag Awareness Day festivites at the Georgia Depot in Atlanta. Contestants can register online at http://www.flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu and save $10 off registration fees. For more information contact contest director Sharon Kane at 706-542-9809 or spkane@uga.edu. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 14 Georgia Depot and State Capitol Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol is a chance for Farm Bureau members to meet with legislators and other government officials. 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, the GFB group will visit legislators in the Capitol and return to the Depot for lunch at 11:30. 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. For more information, contact the GFB Legislative Department at 1-800-342-1192 or your local county Farm Bureau office. BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING Feb. 15 Ramada Conference Center Meeting begins at 2 p.m. Call 229-469-4038 for more information.
Perry
NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION SEEKS INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS The National FFA Organization is now accepting applications for its 2012 International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership (I-CAL) program. FFA will take 12 students to Southeast Asia this spring; the tentative program dates are May 19-June 1. This conference allows students the opportunity to study global agriculture and international marketing. Students will learn about current international trade and cultural issues and gain awareness of how international markets for agricultural products operate. Upon completion of the program, students will give educational presentations to local groups and organizations about their experiences. The I-CAL program was developed as a partnership with the U.S. Grains Council and The Grains Foundation. The deadline for applications is February 15 at 5 p.m. EST. Potential participants can learn more about the program and download an application at http://www.ffa.org/collegiate.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 9 CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AND SPRINKLERS WORKSHOP Feb. 21 UGA Stripling Irrigation Research Park Camilla Workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This workshop will provide an update on the latest center pivot irrigation systems and sprinklers from the leaders in the industry. Attendees will hear from representatives from Lindsay, Reinke, T‐L, Valley, Nelson and Senninger. CCA CEU credits are expected to be approved for this workshop. A sponsored lunch will be provided. Please register by Feb 15 by calling 229‐522‐3623 or emailing SIRP@uga.edu. GEORGIA JUNIOR NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW Feb. 22–26 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia National Junior Livestock show is an annual event that brings together students from across the state. The event at the Agricenter in Perry gives 4-H and FFA members an opportunity to show off all of the hard work it took to raise and handle their animals. For more information, visit www.gnfa.com. 2012 GEORGIA NATIONAL RODEO Feb. 23–25 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Sanctioned by the PRCA, the Rodeo features specialty acts, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping. barrel racing and bull riding For tickets and information contact the Box Office 478-987-3247or visit http://www.gnfa.com. GFB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEB. 24 Students wishing to apply for one of 10 Georgia Farm Bureau Scholarships have until Feb. 24 to apply. The scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or related agricultural fields. Students submitting an application must currently be a Georgia high school senior and plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 20122013 academic year. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information or an application. A copy of the application may also be downloaded from the GFB website by visiting http://www.gfb.org/programs/aic/EducationLinks.htm. GEORGIA ORGANICS 15th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO FEB. 24-25 Columbus Convention and Trade Center Columbus Keynote speakers Will Allen and Michel Nischan highlight this efent, which features educational workshops on mushrooms, permaculture, urban farming, organic produce farming, farm bill and advocacy training and much more. For more information and to register, visit http://www.georgiaorganics.org/conference.aspx. GFB SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING 101 WORKSHOP March 1 GFB Home Office Auditorium 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Macon The Georgia Agritourism Association along with the Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market and Young Farmer programs will be hosting this workshop, designed to teach volunteers the basics of utilizing social media to tell the story of agriculture. Attendees will be shown how to set up a Wordpress blog, a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a Google account to allow use of Gmail and YouTube. The course will also offer training on loading content to those platforms. Cost is $10 per person and the fee includes lunch. Participation is limited to 50 people. Please register by Feb. 27 by calling 1-800-342-1196.
Leadership Alert page 8 of 9 5th ANNUAL SOUTHEAST HAY CONVENTION March 6-7 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The convention, dedicated to growers who are serious about commercial hay production and want a thorough “A to Z coverage” of the subject. Sessions will cover hay production economics and outlook, climate, fertilization, pest control, marketing tips, irrigation and many more. Registration before Feb. 17 is $170 for the first person and $100 for each additional person from the same farm. After Feb. 17, it is $195 for the first person and $125 for each additional person. Deadline to register is March 2. Fees cover instructional materials, lunches and refreshments. For more information about the confvention, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forages/events/SHC12/SHC12.html or contact Dr. Dennis Hancock by email at dhancock@uga.edu or by phone at 706-614-2275. TIFTON BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE March 6 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Registration starts at 9 a.m. For more information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. TIFTON PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE March 7 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. RAY CITY OLD FASHION PLOW DAY March 17 Ray City This event features an antique tractor show and plowing demonstration with antique tractors and mules and horses plowing in the field just like they did 100 years ago. Parade begins at 11 am and plowing to follow. Arts & Craft vendors, Food vendors, fun and games for kids, bluegrass gospel concerts featuring the bluegrass gospel band, the Wauka Mountain Boys, a baking contest with prizes, frying pan toss contest, and much more. Free admission. Join us for a day of agricultural history. For more info contact Greg Harrell 229-237-3223. GFB CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT SEMINAR March 26 – 27 GFB Home Office Macon Individuals interested in running for public office will have a chance to gain valuable tips on how to conduct an election campaign during the campaign management seminar, hosted by Georgia Farm Bureau in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation. The event will be facilitated by AFBF Director of Grassroots/Political Advocacy Cody Lyon and will cover various aspects of campaign strategy, fund-raising, interaction with media and much more. The fees to attend are $150 for Farm Bureau members, $200 for non-members and $75 for candidate spouses and campaign managers attending with their candidates. Enrollment is limited to 30 people and the registration dadline is Feb. 24. For more information, contact the GFB Field Services or Legislative department at 478-474-8411.
Leadership Alert page 9 of 9 OLD SOUTH FARM CAMP March - May Old South Farm Museum & Ag Learning Center Woodland Each of this series of three-day camps begins at 7 p.m. on the first day with supper and orientation and ends by 11 a.m. on the third day. It includes six or more classes on a variety of topics ranging from milking a cow to lye soap making and more. Fee is $200 per person, including meals, housing, transportation and class materials. Pre-registration is required. For registration information and specific camp dates call Paul Bulloch 706-975-9136 or visit http://www.oldsouthfarm.com. HEIFER EVALUATION &REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE April 24 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229/386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 29 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 6 p.m. Contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706/624-1398 - pworley@uga.edu for more information. HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 30 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu GEORGIA EGG ASSOCIATION 51st ANNUAL MEETING June 20-22 King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort St. Simons Island The Georgia Egg Association meeting offers educational sessions, reports from the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. The association will also hold its awards banquet, a spouse’s breakfast and much more. For more information, call 770-932-4622.