July 23, 2014
www.gfb.org
Vol. 32 No. 29
HOUSE PASSES BONUS DEPRECIATION BILL On July 11 the U.S. House passed legislation that makes the 50 percent bonus depreciation permanent and expands the deduction to vines and trees that bear fruit and nuts. The House passed H.R. 4718, which Farm Bureau supported, by a 268-160 vote. Ten of Georgia’s 14 representatives voted for the bill. The bill was introduced by Rep. Patrick Tiberi (ROhio) and had 26 cosponsors, including Georgia Rep. Tom Price (R-6th District). “Short of a larger, more fundamental reform of the entire tax code, few tax policies will likely have as positive an impact on economic growth and job creation than a permanent bonus depreciation deduction for businesses,” Price said in a written statement. “This policy encourages American businesses to invest in their enterprises, grow them, and, as a consequence, create more jobs. It also expands the customer market for those who manufacture and sell the goods businesses need to improve their prospects for future development. Again, opening up opportunities for further growth in the manufacturing sector and the good paying jobs that come with it. Unlike other policies that might be aimed at one sector of the economy or another, this is a solution that doesn’t have Washington picking winners or losers.” Bonus depreciation is one of the 50-plus tax provisions that expired at the end of 2013. The Senate Finance Committee passed a package in April that contains a two-year extension for 2014 and 2015 of all the expiring provisions, including bonus depreciation. That bill, S. 2260, the Expiring Provisions Improvement, Reform, and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act of 2014, has been blocked from consideration by the full Senate because of a procedural disagreement over amendments. Because farming requires large investments in machinery, equipment and other depreciable capital, farmers and ranchers place great value on tax code provisions that allow them to write off capital expenditures in the year that purchases are made. Tax provisions that accelerate expensing and depreciation allow farmers and ranchers to better manage cash flow, minimize tax liabilities and reduce borrowing. The ability to immediately expense capital purchases also offers the benefit of reducing the record keeping burden associated with the depreciation. The ability to immediately deduct half the cost of a tree or vine when it is planted instead of having to keep track of the cost and then deducting it when the plant produces fruit or nuts is very positive, but several commodities that are also required by current law to wait to depreciate the cost of plantings were not included in the bill including blueberries and cranberries. Farm Bureau is working to get these crops included.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 AFBF PROVIDES CONGRESS WITH REBUTTAL TO EPA CLAIMS On July 16 the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released to Congress a document that responds, point by point, to numerous inaccurate and misleading comments made about the EPA’s latest clean water rule. Nancy Stoner, EPA acting assistant administrator for water, made the statements in a recent agency blog post. AFBF’s document explains how the rule would give EPA broad Clean Water Act jurisdiction over dry land features and farming practices long declared off-limits by Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court. For example, Stoner asserted that there has been confusion about the proposed rule. AFBF notes that this is because the rule doesn’t clarify anything except that almost any low spot where rainwater collects could be regulated. The proposed rule defines “tributaries” and “adjacent” in ways that make it impossible for a typical farmer to know whether the specific ditches or low areas at his or her farm will be “waters of the U.S.,” but the language allows EPA field staff plenty of room to find that they are. “AFBF and several state Farm Bureaus have met with the EPA repeatedly, and each time agency officials have declined to grapple with the serious, real world implications of the rule,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “EPA is now engaged in an intensive public relations campaign, and we believe its statements are directly contrary to the reality of the proposed rule.” AFBF expressed hope that this document will contribute to the ongoing discussion in Congress regarding the rule and its implications for farming and the U.S. economy. To view the entire AFBF document sent to Congress, visit http://tinyurl.com/afbfanswer. On June 19, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced S. 2496, the “Protecting Water & Property Rights Act of 2014.” Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss are cosponsors of the bill. On July 10, Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisc.) introduced H.R. 5071, the “Agricultural Conservation Flexibility Act of 2014.” On July 17, Rep. Steve Southerland II (R-Fla.) introduced H.R. 5078 the “Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protect Act.” The bill has 43 co-sponsors, including Georgia Rep. Doug Collins (R-9th District). All three bills are intended to limit the agencies attempt to expand their regulatory authority over water. SOY CHECKOFF WON’T BE SUBJECT TO REFERENDUM The USDA recently announced the results of the request for referendum on the Soybean Research and Promotion Program (soy checkoff) held May 5 to May 30. USDA received 355 request-for-referendum forms, of which 324 were valid, from Farm Service Agency offices. The 355 forms represent 0.06 percent of all eligible U.S. soybean farmers. This falls short of the 10 percent needed to prompt a referendum. USDA conducts the request-for-referendum vote every five years, as required by law. Farmers certifying that they or the entity they represent paid into the checkoff between Jan. 1, 2012, and Dec. 31, 2013, were eligible to participate in the petition for referendum. Eligible farmers who did not want a referendum did not need to take any action The 70 farmer-directors of the United Soybean Board (USB) oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. Walter Godwin of Mitchell County is Georgia’s representative on the USB board. For more information on the USB, visit http://www.unitedsoybean.org.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 GEORGIA LAW TO COMBAT TIMBER THEFT IN EFFECT A new Georgia law designed to address unauthorized harvest of timber went into effect July 1. The Timber Security law (HB 790), which passed both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly and was signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal on April 24, extends investigative and arresting authority to the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) in cases of unauthorized timber harvest, similar to the powers the GFC already has for cases of timber arson. “We appreciate the legislature’s support and the hard work of all the stakeholders involved in this effort,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “This issue has been a priority of our organization, and through its passage, we expect to see landowner’s property better protected. Now, timber owners will have a mechanism in place to recoup loses when they have been adversely affected by an unauthorized harvest.” The law also allows landowners to be compensated at three times the fair market value of the trees, three times the diminished value of the damaged trees, reasonable reforestation costs plus attorney and litigation fees. Previously the damages awarded were set at the value of the timber harvested. The bill, which was strongly supported by Georgia Farm Bureau, requires a scale ticket and payment to be provided to the landowner within 20 days of harvest. Violations of the 20-day rule are considered a misdemeanor for each load. The new law establishes a four-year statute of limitations for victims to recover damages from unauthorized harvest of trees. For more information about the law, visit http://tinyurl.com/timberlaw. GFB ACCEPTING POLICY DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting recommendations for changes to its policy as part of its annual policy development process. Through this process, GFB members determine what stance the organization will take on issues related to agriculture. GFB is asking its county Farm Bureaus to consider issues of importance to their members and develop resolutions to address their concerns. “This process is critical to maintaining the vision and goals of our organization and will provide direction for us in the legislative arena,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall, who also requested recommendations for deletion of policy that is vague or outdated. GFB’s 20 Commodity Advisory Committees will meet at the annual Commodity Conference to consider their own submissions, and the GFB Policy Development Committee will meet twice this fall to review resolutions submitted. Final approval of changes to GFB policy will be made in December during the 2014 GFB Convention on Jekyll Island. Policy resolutions should be submitted to the GFB Legislative Department by Sept. 19. For more information, contact the Legislative Department at 478-474-0679.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 FLINT RIVER DROUGHT PROTECTION ACT STAKEHOLDER MEETING July 24 Albany State University ACAD Bldg. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Albany The purpose of this meeting is to inform and solicit input from the public and impacted organizations regarding possible revisions to Department of Natural Resources Rule 391-3-28, the Flint River Drought Protection Act Rule, as directed by Senate Bill 213. EPD’s goals are to ensure that stakeholders have an opportunity to understand the process of rule revisions and provide input on the rule changes that are under consideration. The meeting will include time for stakeholder comments and EPD response to questions. More information and related handouts are available online at http://tinyurl.com/epdflintrule. EPD is accepting feedback from stakeholders on these issues through July 31. To respond by mail, address comments to James A. Capp, Chief, Watershed Protection Branch, EPD, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1152 East, Atlanta, GA 30334, RE: Flint River Drought Protection Rule – Stakeholder Meeting. Public input may also be sent via email to cliff.lewis@dnr.state.ga.us. ORGANIC AND NON-GMO GRAIN PRODUCTION FIELD DAY July 31 Wes Smith Farm, Race Track Road 10:00 a.m. - noon The Rock This field day is for farmers looking to take advantage of the growing market for organic and non-GMO grains. Field demonstrations include corn and soybeans grown under various tillage strategies, and there will be an update on the proposed opening of an organic and non-GMO buying point in Monroe County. The event is free, but farmers need to RSVP by July 28 to reserve a space. For more information, contact Spalding County Extension Coordinator Wade Hutcheson at hutch@uga.edu or 770-467-4225. NUT HACCP FOOD SAFETY COURSE July 29-31 UGA Food Science Building Athens The UGA Food Science Extension Outreach Program and the American Peanut Council (APC) are co-sponsoring this program specifically designed for the nut industry to teach safe handling and processing practices for nut product manufacturers. Registration is $800 per person, and the deadline to register is July 18. APC Members receive a discount. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit http://tinyurl.com/nuthaccp. ALTERNATIVE FOREST ENTERPRISES Aug. 20-21 Flinchum’s Phoenix Athens A combination of classroom presentations will provide participants the opportunity to develop new knowledge and basic skills associated with non-timber products management, forest farming and silvopasture techniques for Georgia. July 30 is the deadline to register. For more information call 706-583-0566 or visit http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/courses/altforent. JOINT AG CHAIRMEN AG ISSUES SUMMIT July 31 Georgia Museum of Agriculture 10 a.m. Tifton This annual event is hosted by Georgia House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Wilkinson and sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Georgia Poultry Federation, the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council and the Georgia Forestry Association. Topics include regional water planning, pollinators, solar energy, truck weights and the Clean Water Act. The event is free and lunch will be provided. Because meeting space is limited RSVP is required. If you would like to attend, please contact Pat Harris at 404-656-5099 – pat.harris@house.ga.gov or Susan Henry at 404-463-5257 – susan.henry@senate.ga.gov.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 FSA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEES The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting nominations for its county committees through Aug. 1. Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Elections will take place in November and newly elected county committee members take office on Jan. 1, 2015. Nomination forms may be requested from the local USDA Service Center or obtained online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. ASA DUPONT YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2015 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1. The program is a challenging and educational two-part training program. Phase 1 will take place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 18-21, 2014. The program continues Feb. 24-28, 2015, in Phoenix, Ariz., with training held in conjunction with the 20th annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. The ASA DuPont Young Leader Program offers the opportunity for participants to strengthen their natural leadership skills, expand their agricultural knowledge and develop strong peer relationships with other soybean growers from across the country. To apply visit http://soygrowers.com/learn/young-leader-program/. One couple or individual per state will be selected to participate. For information, contact Christine Luelf at 314-754-1291 or cluelf@soy.org. NORTHWEST GEORGIA MASTER CATTLEMEN’S PROGRAM Sept. 8 – Oct. 27 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton This eight-week course will meet on Mondays from 6:30 pm. to 8:30 p.m. Each week’s class focuses on a single aspect of beef cattle production, including nutrition, forages, reproduction, herd health, economics and marketing, Beef Quality Assurance, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, livestock facilities sire selection and record keeping. Participants who attend six of the eight classes will receive a certificate of completion and a UGA Master Cattlemen’s cap. Registration is $60 per person and includes a dinner on the final night. Advance registration deadline is Aug. 25. For more information contact Jason Duggin at 706-624-1403 or jduggin@uga.edu or Paula Burke at 770-836-8546 or pjburke@uga.edu. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS Sept. 9-10 Rome-Floyd County ECO Education Center Rome The purpose of this course is to provide a working knowledge of conservation easements as a land-use control. It provides guidance on drafting conservation easement agreements to achieve landowner goals for their property. Land Trusts discuss their philosophy of land use protection and what they can offer landowners. This course offers a comprehensive overview of legal, appraisal, base line information, tax incentives, and other inputs needed for a successful conservation easement agreement. Sept. 5 is the deadline to register. For more information call 706-583-0566 see http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/courses/conseaserome .
Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 ‘CHICKEN SCRATCH’ PHOTO EXHIBIT Through Sept. 6 Georgia Museum of Agriculture Tifton The Gallery at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will showcase Fitzgerald’s wild chicken population with this new photography exhibit, “Chicken Scratch”, from Atlanta photographer Nicole Walker. The “Chicken Scratch” exhibit and is dedicated to the beauty, legacy, and companionship of these magnificent plumed gifts of Mother Nature. This exhibit is presented by Fitzgerald resident Sue Rochfort who is a TV host, teacher, author, cook, and antiques appraiser. For more information on Chicken Scratch, please contact GMA curator Polly Huff at phuff@abac.edu. GEORGIA GROWN FARMERS SHOWCASE Sept. 6 Moultrie Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Moultrie This family-friendly event features numerous vendors from around the state, with a wide variety of products from Georgia farms. For more information about the Georgia Grown program, visit http://www.georgiagrown.com. GRAZING BEHAVIOR SEMINARS Sept. 8 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena 6 – 8 p.m. Athens Sept. 11 Tift County Extension Office 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tifton Sept. 12 Location TBD 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Carrollton This series of seminars, led by Utah State Professor Emeritus Dr. Fred Provenza, will address eating habits of grazing animals, whether they can be trained to consume specific forage species and much more. Registration is $10. For more information or to register, contact Cathy Felton a 706-310-3464 or feltonc@uga.edu or Dr. Dennis Hancock at dhancock@uga.edu. GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION Nov. 21 Cobb Galleria Center Atlanta Tickets are on sale for this annual event, which features platinum country group Diamond Rio scheduled to perform. To purchase tickets visit https://connect.computility.com/f/fid.php?id=955559f0f92e71e5e95de669f5af3da0. For more information about Harvest Celebration, please contact GAC’s Christy Page at cpage@gaagribusiness.org or 800-726-2474.