Jan. 9, 2019
www.gfb.org
Vol. 37 No. 1
GFB TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR HURRICANE DAMAGE ASSISTANCE Georgia Farm Bureau is now accepting applications from farmers who sustained agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael in all counties declared primary disaster areas by the USDA and counties contiguous to the primary disaster counties. Producers who reside in those counties are eligible to apply for relief funds provided they meet the qualifications. “Georgia Farm Bureau members have always stepped up to help their neighbors in times of need,” GFB President Gerald Long said. “It will require years for some of those affected by this disaster to fully recover.” The counties designated as primary disaster areas are: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Candler, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Grady, Hancock, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Peach, Pierce, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Screven, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, Wilkinson and Worth. The contiguous counties are: Baldwin, Bryan, Camden, Chattahoochee, Effingham, Glynn, Greene, Jones, Liberty, McDuffie, McIntosh, Marion, Monroe, Putnam, Richmond, Talbot, Taliaferro, Upson and Warren. To be eligible, farmers must hold a current valid GATE card number issued through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Applications for assistance will be available in Georgia Farm Bureau county offices and may be downloaded from www.gfbfoundation.org/stormrelief. Applications for assistance must be submitted no later than Feb. 1. The Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture will distribute funds to eligible farmers who have suffered agricultural losses, met Foundation prerequisites, have applied for assistance, and have been screened by members of the GFB Foundation for Agriculture Board. These funds are intended to fill existing gaps not being met by the other areas of assistance. Losses covered by the Foundation assistance may include but are not limited to fencing, crop, and livestock. One hundred percent of the donations collected will be distributed to those who incurred losses related to Hurricane Michael. Contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible. For information about making a donation, visit www.gfb.org/stormrelief.cms.
GFB News Alert page 2 of 9 STATE FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR FARM RELIEF FROM HURRICANE MICHAEL Farmers with damage from Hurricane Michael may be eligible for disaster assistance from funds allocated during the special legislative session convened by Gov. Nathan Deal on Nov. 13, 2018. The Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriation Act was amended to provide emergency funding for state agencies and local governments in areas most heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael. Funds include $55 million for emergency disaster relief loans. In keeping with its rural rehabilitation roots, the Georgia Development Authority will administer the special $55 million loan program for the purpose of providing timely relief to Georgia farmers through the SAFETY 21 Loan Program. Funds will be loaned in order to bridge the gap until other disaster program and insurance funds become available. To be eligible for assistance, the applicant must be a farmer suffering a loss to their income as a result of Hurricane Michael. Loans will have a 7-year term with a graduated rate starting at 1 percent. For more information, visit www.gdaonline.com or www.agr.georgia.gov. As a result of Hurricane Michael, Georgia agriculture experienced approximately $2.5 billion in losses within the agriculture and timber industries. More information about projected losses from Hurricane Michael is available at http://agr.georgia.gov/gda-hurricane-response.aspx. GFB APPOINTS 2019 COMMODITY COMMITTEES Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) has appointed the members of its commodity advisory committees for 2019. The committees provide guidance to GFB on topics relating to their commodities, including crop-specific government regulations, production practices and promotional approaches. GFB has 20 commodity advisory committees. The committee chairmen for 2019 are: Aquaculture – Terry Bramlett, Fannin County; Beef Cattle – Jerry McKinnon (Coffee County); Cotton – Eddie Green, Dooly County; Dairy – Joel Keith, Troup County; Direct Marketing/Agritourism – Jim Steed, Columbia County; Environmental Horticulture – Mark Porter, Fayette County; Equine – Gary Walker, Tift County; Feedgrain/Soybean – Jesse Patrick, Putnam County; Forestry – John Mixon, Pike County; Fruit – Bob McLeod, Wilcox County; Goats and Sheep – Will Cabe, Franklin County; Hay – Tom Hamby, Fannin County; Honeybees – B.J. Weeks, Cherokee County; Peanuts – John Harrell, Grady County; Pecans – Garrett Ganas, Ware County; Poultry – Jackie Copelan, Greene County; Swine – Terry Danforth, Berrien County; Tobacco – Paul Folsom, Lanier County; Vegetables – Mitchell Pittman, Toombs County; Water – Bubba Johnson, Mitchell County. Eight GFB members have also been appointed to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Issue Advisory Committees (IACs). The IACs provide guidance to AFBF on topics of interest to broad segments of agriculture. The Georgia appointees are: Agricultural Labor - Tim McMillan, Berrien County; Animal Care – Paul Johnson, Decatur County; Budget and Economy – Terry Bramlett, Fannin County; Environmental Regulations – Casey Cox, Mitchell County; Food Safety – Bob McLeod, Wilcox County; Market Structures – Andy Bell, Decatur County; Water – Mark Masters, Dougherty County; Energy – Leighton Cooley, Crawford County; Federal Lands – John Mixon, Pike County; Pests & Invasive Species – Eddie Green, Dooly County.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 9 GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND THE USDA: WHAT’S OPEN, WHAT’S NOT The USDA has provided a summary of how the partial shutdown of the federal government affects its agencies and services. Certain USDA activities will remain active because they are related to law enforcement, the protection of life and property, or are financed through available funding (such as through mandatory appropriations, multi-year discretionary funding, or user fees). USDA activities that will continue include: Meat, poultry, and processed egg inspection services. Grain and other commodity inspection, weighing, grading, and IT support services funded by user fees. Inspections for import and export activities to prevent the introduction and dissemination of pests into and out of the U.S., including inspections from Hawaii and Puerto Rico to the mainland. Forest Service law enforcement, emergency and natural disaster response, and national defense preparedness efforts. Continuity and maintenance of some research measurements and research-related infrastructure, such as germplasm, seed storage, and greenhouses. Care for animals, plants, and associated infrastructure to preserve agricultural research and to comply with the Wild Horses and Burros statute. Eligible households will still receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for January. The USDA announced Jan. 8 that it plans to work with states to issue February benefits early. Most other domestic nutrition assistance programs, such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, WIC, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, can continue to operate at the state and local level with any funding and commodity resources that remain available. Additional federal funds will not be provided during the period of the lapse, however, deliveries of already-purchased commodities will continue. The Child Nutrition (CN) Programs, including School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child and Adult Care Feeding, Summer Food Service and Special Milk will continue operations into February. Meal providers are paid on a reimbursement basis 30 days after the end of the service month. Natural Resources Conservation Service offices will remain open to support conservation technical and financial assistance (such as Environmental Quality Incentives Program and easement programs). Market Facilitation Program payments will continue for producers who had already certified production with the Farm Service Agency prior to the shutdown. (New applications could not be taken after Dec. 28, and the USDA announced Jan. 8 that the original application deadline would be extended for a period of time equal to the number of days FSA offices are closed. Trade mitigation purchases made by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service. Agricultural export credit and other agricultural trade development and monitoring activities. USDA’s Market News Service, which provides market information to the agricultural industry. USDA activities which are not continuing include: USDA Farm Service Agency county offices. Provision of new rural development loans and grants for housing, community facilities, utilities and businesses. New timber sales. -continued on next page
GFB News Alert page 4 of 9 Continued from previous page Most forest fuels reduction activities in and around communities. National Agricultural Statistics Service data, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, and other agricultural economic and statistical reports and projections. Assistance for the control of some plant and animal pests and diseases unless funded by cooperators or other non-appropriated sources. Research facilities except for the care for animals, plants and associated infrastructure to preserve agricultural research. Provision of new grants or processing of payments for existing grants to support research, education, and extension. Economic Research Service Commodity Outlook Reports, data products, research reports, staff analysis, and projections. The ERS public website is not being updated. For more information, please view a summary of USDA’s shutdown plans at https://gfb.ag/usdashutdownreport. In addition, you may view a list of shutdown plans by USDA agency and office at https://gfb.ag/usdaagencyshutdownlist. GEORGIA FARM MONITOR GETS NEW LOOK The Georgia Farm Monitor, which has aired continuously since 1966, is broadcasting from a new set beginning with the Jan. 12 show. The new venue has a farmhouse feel with windows providing views of fields, prominent display of the new Farm Monitor logo and a rustic table for anchors Ray D’Alessio and Kenny Burgamy. Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Information/Public Relations Director Andy Lucas said the modified look won’t change the program’s approach to showcasing Georgia agriculture. “For our organization and for the members we serve and our audience, we felt it was important to maintain the Farm Monitor,” Lucas said. “The fresh look you see is a slight modification from where we’ve been. We’re going to continue to tell those stories that we tell each and every week.” Full episodes and individual stories from the Farm Monitor can be viewed at https://www.farmmonitor.com/. The weekly magazine show with news about a wide variety of farm topics and Georgia Farm Bureau activities airs on RFD-TV, Georgia Public Broadcasting and 10 stations around the state. For a complete list of stations and broadcast times, visit https://www.farm-monitor.com/about/.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 9 GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION BOARD MEMBERS RENOMINATED Three Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board members were renominated without opposition to the GPC board of directors at nomination meetings held Dec. 10, 2018. Georgia Farm Bureau conducted the nomination meetings for the commission's districts two, four and five. Armond Morris of Tift County was renominated to represent district two. Rodney Dawson of Pulaski County was renominated to represent district four and Donald Chase of Macon County, will represent district five. Each previously held the seat for his district and their terms expired Dec. 31, 2018. Since only one person was nominated for each district, no election is required and each automatically becomes a member of the GPC Board for another three-year term. The Georgia peanut production area is divided into five districts based on acreage distribution and geographical location, with one board member representing each district. Additional board members include Joe Boddiford of Screven County, representing district three, and Tim Burch of Baker County, representing district one. The GPC represents more than 4,500 peanut farm families in the state and conducts programs in the areas of research, promotion and education. For more information on the programs of the Georgia Peanut Commission, visit www.gapeanuts.com. NATIONAL COTTON COUNCIL SEEKS RESPONSES TO PLANTING SURVEY U.S. cotton producers are encouraged to respond to the NCC's annual survey of 2019 planting intentions, which recently was distributed to upland and extra-long staple producers across the Cotton Belt. The current survey's questionnaire was distributed through a combination of regular mail and email. Producers who did not receive a questionnaire are urged to contact the NCC by email at econsurvey@cotton.org for instructions. The survey, conducted each year to aid with industry planning and policy deliberations, provides the basis for the economic outlook presented to delegates during the NCC Annual Meeting in early February. Survey results will be presented during the Joint Meeting of Program Committees on Feb 9. To enhance the survey's accuracy, producers are asked to respond by Jan. 16. UGA’S CHRIS TYSON NAMED AREA ONION AGENT Chris Tyson, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension agent for more than 10 years, has been named the new area onion agent at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in southeast Georgia. The Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, located between Reidsville and Lyons in Toombs County, is home to specialized onion research conducted by researchers in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). Tyson has worked in onion research alongside past area agents Reid Torrance and Cliff Riner while serving as a UGA Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in nearby Tattnall County. He will continue the onion research being conducted at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center, working with industry leaders to evaluate new varieties being released and sharing updates with growers. Tyson also will collaborate with CAES scientists, including UGA Extension weed scientist Stanley Culpepper on herbicide research and UGA vegetable specialists Tim Coolong and Andre da Silva on fertility issues. To learn more about onion production, see UGA Extension Bulletin 1198, titled "Onion Production Guide," at www.extension.uga.edu/publications.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 9 UGA EXTENSION OFFERS TIPS ON TAKING A GOOD FORAGE SAMPLE The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences recently distributed the following article by Screven County Extension Coordinator Ray Hicks that outlines the importance of sampling and testing forage before feeding to livestock and how to go about taking the samples. Forages are the basis of most of our livestock enterprises. Moreover, the nutritional makeup of that forage should be the foundation of a balanced diet for our livestock but many times this is taken for granted. Many factors (e.g. variety, maturity, growing conditions, handling practices, etc.) affect forage quality prior to the time it is fed. As a result, predicting forage quality values from standard books often grossly overestimates or underestimates feeding value. A better way to determine feeding value is to have a representative forage sample tested by a laboratory that uses proven and accepted methods of forage analysis. It is strongly suggested that you choose a National Forage Testing Association Certified Lab. Equipment required for collecting forage samples include a forage probe, a mixing bucket and sample bags. The two most common types of hay probes are the Penn State or the Colorado. The Penn State probe will require a brace and bit or an electric drill to use. Both probes collect a good sample and are superior to a grab-sample. Most Extension offices have a probe you can borrow. Forage should be sampled as near to the time of feeding or sale as possible. The most important step in obtaining a meaningful analysis is to collect a representative forage sample. Extreme variation may occur in hay quality even when harvested from the same field. As a result, a separate forage sample should be tested for each hay “lot.” A “lot” refers to a quantity of similar forage. Each cutting should be sampled and marked in storage area where you know which sample is which. For round bales and baleage, select a minimum of 10 - 20 representative bales and collect two cores from the round side of each. Combine the cores in a bucket and mix well. Large round bales should be sampled to the center using a long probe or one with an extension adapter. Angle the probe in an upward direction to reduce the potential for water entering the core holes. In baleage, reseal core hole with tape made for sealing agricultural plastic to prevent spoilage. Regular duct tape is not sufficient and will deteriorate quickly in environmental conditions. For small square bales, select 20 bales and sample from the end at a straight inward line. Place the sample to be tested in plastic zip lock bag and label before taking to Extension office. Bags should be labeled with your name, lot name, date harvested, and species of grass. For more detailed information on collecting a forage sample, visit https://www.foragetesting.org/. When the results come back get with your Extension agent and go over them. Your agent can help you tailor which lot to feed to each class of animal. The cost of the sample is money well spent in balancing your feed needs and will save you money in the long run.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 9 SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO Jan. 15 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Expo will provide up-to-date marketing projections and the newest production techniques, as well as remarks from University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences leaders. Attendees are invited to visit with exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest in new varieties, pest control, seed varieties. Registration begins at 8 a.m. On-site registration is $20. Advance registration is $10. To register for the Expo, call 706-542-3793. 43RD ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW & CONFERENCE Jan. 17 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8:30 a.m. Tifton The Peanut Farm show will feature more than 100 exhibits, the UGA Peanut Production Seminar, annual awards and much more. For more information, visit www.gapeanuts.com or contact Hannah Jones at 229-386-3470 or hannah@gapeanuts.com or Jessie Bland at 229-386-3472 or jessie@gapeanuts.com. GEORGIA DAIRY CONFERENCE Jan. 21-23 Savannah Riverfront Marriott Savannah This three-day conference provides attendees the chance to hear nationally known dairy educators and updates from their dairy organizations and to engage with the nation’s leading industry suppliers at the tradeshow. The GDC agenda includes keynote speaker Howard Wasdin, a former SEAL Team Six member. Other speakers will discuss topics ranging from feed efficiency to heifer housing to robotic milking and business management. For more information visit www.gadairyconference.com. UGA MASTER CATTLEMAN PROGRAM Feb. 4 – March 25 Brooks County Extension Mondays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Quitman This eight-part training will feature UGA Extension specialists covering nutrition, forage management, economics, herd management and much more. Participants will be provided a course notebook as well as a USB thumb drive covering all program topics. Participants completing at least six of the eight sessions will receive a certificate of completion and UGA Master Cattleman cap. Registration is $85 per person and includes a dinner each night. Pre-Registration deadline is Jan. 21. Registration may be mailed with checks made payable to Brooks County Extension to 400 E. Courtland Ave., Quitman, GA 31643 or you may contact the Brooks County Extension office at 229-263-4103 to register and pay via credit card over phone. For more information, contact program coordinators Jason Duggin at jduggin@uga.edu or 706-624-1403, or Michasia Dowdy at michasia@uga.edu or 229-263-4103.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 9 GEORGIA AG FORECAST SERIES Jan. 22 Georgia Farm Bureau 9 a.m. Macon Jan. 23 Carroll County Ag Center 9 a.m. Carrollton Jan. 25 Oconee County Civic Center 9 a.m. Watkinsville Jan. 29 Toombs County Agri-Center 9 a.m. Lyons Jan. 31 Decatur County Ag Center 9 a.m. Bainbridge Feb. 1 UGA Tifton Conf. Center 7 a.m. Tifton This annual seminar series is presented by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. UGA economists provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year. Participants will network with UGA faculty and UGA Cooperative Extension agents, local producers and other stakeholders. Attendees will receive a copy of the 2019 Georgia Ag Forecast book, which is designed to provide detailed analyses of major commodities produced in the state. All the meetings except the one in Tifton begin with on-site check-in and coffee at 9 a.m., followed by seminar presentations at 10 a.m. and a networking lunch at 11:30 a.m. The Tifton event begins with 7 a.m. check-in and coffee, followed by a 7:30 a.m. breakfast buffet and the seminar presentations beginning at 8 a.m. For more information or to register, visit http://agforecast.caes.uga.edu. FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION Jan. 29 Pulaski County Recreation Building 8:30 a.m. Hawkinsville Join wildlife experts for a free Feral Swine Workshop and Trapping Demonstration. Topics include wild pig biology, regulations and laws, effective control techniques and more. Q&A sessions follow presentations. Speakers include representatives from Ga. Wildlife Resources Division, University of Georgia, Ga. Department of Agriculture, Ga, Association of Conservation Districts, and USDA Wildlife Services. Lunch is included. For more information about feral hogs or to register for the workshops, visit https://gfb.ag/18feralhogwkshp. GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 30 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The meeting, production workshop, and lunch are open to cotton growers and anyone interested in the cotton industry. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. For more information visit www.ugatiftonconference.org or call (229) 386-3416. BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE Feb. 13 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena 8:30 a.m. Athens The 8th annual Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course will offer three hours of credit toward Beef Quality Assurance recertification, one hour of private pesticide credit and one hour of commercial pesticide credit. Topics include a market outlook, strategies for late-winter feeding, heifer development, health protocol, animal identification and more. Cost is $30 to offset the price of lunch and instructional materials. Registration deadline is Feb. 4. To register online, visit www.ugabeef.com/athens.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 9 GA PORK CONGRESS & ELECTION OF NPP DELEGATES Feb. 19 Georgia Farm Bureau 8 a.m. Macon The election of pork producer delegates for the 2020 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 1 p.m. in conjunction with a meeting of the Georgia Pork Producers Association. The election will immediately follow the 2019 Georgia Pork Congress that will start at 8 a.m. at the GFB Building. The Georgia Pork Congress will feature speakers discussing current issues affecting pork producers. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend both meetings. Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was deducted. For more information, contact the Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818 or call 229-246-8297. BEEKEEPING SHORT COURSE Feb. 23 Henry County Farm Bureau office 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. McDonough Henry County Farm Bureau is partnering with the Henry County Beekeepers to host a short course on beekeeping. The class will emphasize that anyone can be a beekeeper. Bees require little care, take up little space, and beekeeping costs much less than comparable hobbies. Class topics will include: meet the honey bee colony, equipment assembly; where to get bees; smoker lighting; hive manipulation; extracting honey from hives and beekeeping issues. Cost of the class is $25 for those who pre-register. Cost day of event is $30. Class fee includes a yearlong family membership to the Henry County Beekeepers. For more information, contact Jerry Haygood at 770-461-6686 or jchayg1@attglobal.net or Tom Bonnell at 678-983-7698 or tombonnell@bellsouth.net. The Henry County Farm Bureau office is located at 117 Racetrack Road in McDonough. GFB TAKING LISTINGS FOR HAY DIRECTORY Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or offering custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Because this directory is now offered online, hay can be listed or removed from the site as your inventory dictates. To participate, please complete a submission form available at your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed.