Georgia Farm Bureau's Leadership Alert - July 31, 2013

July 31, 2013

www.gfb.org

Vol. 31 No. 31

GA. EPD DIRECTOR DISCUSSES WATER ISSUES WITH GFB Georgia Environmental Protection Division Director Jud Turner gave an update on state water issues while addressing the Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors on July 25. Turner discussed long-term drought protection for the Flint River Basin, Senate Bill 213 - designed to revamp the Flint River Drought Protection Act (FRDPA) - the stream flow augmentation project being conducted in Spring Creek in Miller County and Governor Deal’s Water Supply Program.

Turner said potential actions that could offer long-term drought protection in the Flint River Basin include targeting areas in the basin with action where Floridan Aquifer withdrawals most affect stream flow, having water users withdraw water from lower aquifers such as the Claiborne or Clayton and pursuing stream flow augmentation projects.

“The reason we have stream flow concerns is if someone comes in Turner with concerns about an endangered species and an injunction is placed on irrigation, we’ll have to find an alternative source to surface water,” Turner said.

Another part of providing long-term drought protection to the area lies in reforming the FRDPA, Turner says. During the 2013 session of the Georgia General Assembly, the Senate passed SB 213 to amend the FRDPA so that if the EPD director were to issue a drought declaration for the state, it would no longer trigger the program to offer farmers in the Flint River Basin cash incentives to refrain from irrigating their crops. Turner explained that the lack of state funding for the FRDPA was an issue.

“It’s my opinion that the Flint River Drought Protection Act doesn’t work as designed. SB 213 was just a step in that direction,” Turner said. “It would commission some studies that will allow us to figure out what our options are to really reform the act and that’s really the big thing that will come in the future.”

The Georgia Senate and the House Agriculture Committee passed the bill, but SB 213 was never called for a vote on the House floor. Action is expected on the bill in the 2014 session.

Turner also discussed the Governor’s Water Supply Program, a state effort to fund the development of new water resource projects to address current and future water challenges. On April 30 the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Board approved a pilot study for an aquifer storage and recover (ASR) project in Baker County. The project calls for withdrawing water from the Floridan Aquifer when water is plentiful and pumping it deeper into the ground into the Claiborne and Clayton Aquifers. During a drought, the stored water can be pumped back up into the Floridan Aquifer and used to augment surface stream flows.

Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 MCMILLAN, SPEARMAN HONORED FOR WORK IN PEANUTS Berrien County farmer Tim McMillan was named the lower Southeastern winner in the Farm Press Peanut Profitability Award and Tyron Spearman was inducted into the American Peanut Council’s Peanut Hall of Fame.

McMillan served on the Georgia Farm Bureau Peanut Committee from 2002 to 2007 and was the committee vice chairman in 2002 and 2007. He achieved yields of nearly three tons per acre, and the difference in yields between his irrigated and non-irrigated fields was less than 200 pounds per acre.

McMillan, who currently serves on the GFB Fruit Committee, was McMillan honored with the other regional recipients during the Southern Peanut Growers Conference held July 18-20 in Panama City, Fla. Spearman, editor of the Peanut Farm Market News and executive director of the National Peanut Buying Points Association, was honored during the USA Peanut Congress on Amelia Island, Fla., in June. The Hall of Fame induction is the highest honor presented in the peanut industry, according to an American Peanut Council press release.

Spearman is president of Spearman Marketing and Advertising, which coordinates marketing budgets and programs for a variety of agricultural organizations in the Southeast. He also gives peanut updates on the Southeast Ag Net radio network.

Spearman GA. BLUEBERRY COMMISSION ANNOUNCES RECIPE CONTEST WINNERS The Georgia Blueberry Commission is excited to announce the winners of its inaugural “Sweet Georgia Blues Recipe Contest.”

In celebration of Georgia Blueberry Month, the Georgia Blueberry Commission held its firstever recipe contest throughout the month of June. Georgia Blueberry fans around the United States were invited to create and photograph an original recipe using Georgia Blueberries.

Submissions were posted on the Georgia Blueberry Commission’s website and Facebook page for voting.

Ayesha Awan of Fords, N.J., received more than 1,000 votes, the most received of all contestants, for her Blueberry Slush Smoothie recipe.

“I’m so excited to have won,” said Awan. “This is the first contest I’ve ever entered. As a mother of a young child, I love experimenting with healthy foods to create smoothies and juices that my son will enjoy.”

Rebecca Brooks of Atlanta received the second highest number of votes, earning a Sweet Georgia Blues Prize Basket, including Georgia Blueberry jam, an autographed cookbook and more, for her Georgia Blueberry Salsa recipe.

With more than 700 votes, Deborah Puette of Lilburn, Ga., won third prize, an autographed copy of Chef Hugh Acheson’s A New Turn in the South Cookbook, for her Blueberry Lemon Cream Pie recipe.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to the recipe contest,” explained Joe Cornelius, chairman of the Georgia Blueberry Commission. “We’ve had consumers from across the United States become familiar with Georgia Blueberries and love them for their sweetness.”

To access the winning recipes, visit http://tinyurl.com/ltdzj5v and click on the recipe names.

Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 BO WARREN TO HEAD GA. CENTER OF INNOVATION FOR AGRIBUSINESS The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has announced that Bo Warren, currently with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), will become director of the Georgia Center of Innovation for Agribusiness.

Warren is currently director of International Trade and Business Development for the GDA, where he has led the development of new programs to increase awareness of Georgia’s agriculture products both domestically and abroad. His career includes work as a legislative specialist for Georgia Farm Bureau from 1996 to 2000.

Warren has multiple degrees in the world of agriculture, including an associate’s degree from Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from UGA, and an MBA from Mercer University.

GDEcD and GDA have partnered since 2012 to streamline export assistance for Georgia’s agriculture companies. Warren has Warren worked to elevate the agency’s involvement in advancing Georgia’s largest industry and those sectors that support production agriculture. His role as director of the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness will enable both agencies to further grow Georgia’s agribusinesses.

The Agribusiness Center of Innovation will remain in a close partnership with the University of Georgia, and maintain its office and staff on the UGA campus located in Tifton. Warren replaces the Center’s previous director, Donnie Smith, who recently retired.

“The Center of Innovation for Agribusiness has been a critical resource in helping commercialize new products, start new businesses, and create new technology in the world of agribusiness in Georgia. As a largely regulatory agency, the Department of Agriculture has often been the first call many entrepreneurs make when starting a new agriculture or food related business. With this partnership we will be able to efficiently assist new and existing companies in navigating the regulatory framework while also exposing them to the many great economic development resources our state offers. This is all great news for Georgia companies,” Warren said.

SOUTHERN STATES CLOSING SEVEN STORES IN GEORGIA Southern States Cooperative announced on July 15 that it would be closing seven retail locations in northern Georgia, including the Calhoun, Carrollton, Griffin, Madison, Gainesville, Washington and Winder locations. Following the store closings, which were to be completed by late-July, Southern States products will be available in the region through wholesale distribution and an expanding network of independent dealers.

Eight stores in Alabama and two in North Carolina are also closing.

“We’re launching a new Agronomy Business Unit to take care of farmers from sourcing the products to application in the field,” said Scribner. “We believe an intense focus on the producer will allow us to serve our customers better, and reallocating capital from closed stores will help fulfill that promise. Southern States has been helping farmers feed the world for 90 years – and we plan on being a major part of this global effort far into the future.”

Scribner adds that despite store closings, Southern States will continue to support local farmers through direct delivery and wholesale distribution. Also, many customers of Southern States will now be able to buy feed and other products through independently-owned dealerships.

Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 2013 GEORGIA GRAZING SCHOOL Aug. 7-8 Oconee County Civic Center/Campbell Research Center Watkinsville This annual workshop, held this year in conjunction with the Deep South Stocker Conference, will focus on soil fertility, forage crop establishment, plant growth, anumal nutrient requirements and management-intensive grazing. This workshop includes both classroom and field training.

Cos of the two-day program is $150 and includes lunches and breacks each day, a dinner at the end of the program, a grazing school handbook and a forage and weed ID handbook. The deadline to register is Aug. 1. For more information, call 706-310-3464 or visit http://tinyurl.com/mfj6zq6.

MIDDLE GEORGIA HAY FIELD DAY Aug. 6 County Line Farm, 1693 Ramah Church Rd. 9 a.m.

Culloden This field day provides one hour general pesticide credit and will be held on irrigated hay fields.

Topics include quality hay and haylage production, safe handling of pesticides, economics of hay production, dealer rep presentations and working equipment demonstrations. There is no cost to attend and a complimentary lunch is sponsored by Sunsouth, WF Equipment Sales, Ag South Farm Credit and Wade Tractor & Equipment. RSVP by Aug. 1 to the Upson County Extension Service at 706-647-8989 or the Lamar County Extension Service at 770-358-5163.

GA EQUINE COMMISSION SEEKS NOMINATIONS The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine (ACCE) is seeking nominations to fill the positions of three members whose terms expire later this year – Jim Gibby, Debbie Lanier Guy and Danny Hogan. The positions are for three-year terms. Nomination forms are available at the ACCE website http://www.gaequine.com or by contacting Nathan Wilson by phone at 404-656-3678 or via email at nathan.wilson@agr.georgia.gov. Nomination forms and a one-page resume must be submitted to Wilson by Aug. 1 to be considered.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR FSA COUNTY COMMITTEES The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is now open and runs through Aug. 1. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form, FSA-669A. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

2013 AGRICULTURAL ISSUES SUMMIT Aug. 6 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 10 a.m.

Perry This joint meeting conducted by Georgia House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall and Georgia Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Wilkinson will feature discussions on the new sales tax exemptions for agriculture, immigration reform, regional water planning and the MAP-21 Act, a multiyear transportation bill signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2012. A sponsored lunch will be provided by Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Georgia Poultry Federation, the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council and the Georgia Forestry Association. Meeting space is limited and RSVPs are required. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To attend, contact Pat Harris at 404-656-5099 or pat.harris@house.ga.gov or Susan Henry at 404-463-5257 or Susan.Henry@senate.ga.gov.

Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 DEEP SOUTH STOCKER CONFERENCE Aug. 8-9 Athens Theis two-day event, a joint effort between the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, features live animal demonstrations and hands-on opportunities on Aug. 8, and educational seminars on Aug. 9. Additionally, the conference will be held in conjunction with Georgia Grazing School (http://www.GeorgiaForages.com). This will give producers an opportunity for up to three days of hands-on, demonstration, and classroom learning opportunities. Registration for each event is separate. The Deep South Stocker Conference registration will cost $125/person and will cover all seminars, events, meals, and handouts for the two-day event. A trade show will also be held in conjunction with the conference to allow stocker operators the opportunity to network with industry professionals and to become aware of products and services that can improve their profitably and product quality. For more information or to register, visit http://www.deepsouthstocker.com.

GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE Aug. 10 Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park 9 a.m. - noon Atlanta Aug. 24 Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park 9 a.m. - noon Atlanta This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more.

For more information, visit http://www.georgiagrown.com or call 404-656-3689.

USDA TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION GRANTS The USDA is accepting applications for grants of up to $500,000 to provide access to education, training and healthcare resources in rural areas. Funding is authorized through the Department’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. Under this notice, USDA may provide up to $17.5 million in grants. Funds can be used to buy equipment and provide technical assistance. To be eligible, applicants must serve a rural area, demonstrate economic need and provide at least 15 percent in matching funds. Completed applications must be received by Aug. 12. For further details about eligibility rules and application procedures, see the notice published on page 38915 of the June 28 Federal Register at http://tinyurl.com/nv62aeq.

GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION SEEKS NOMINATIONS The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is accepting resumes for two new seats on the commission. These two positions were added to the producer member board by House Bill 298, which the Georgia General Assembly passed earlier this year at the request of the cotton community to increase producer representation from five to seven growers. According to state law, there should be at least twice the number of nominees submitted for consideration as there are vacancies. To receive a nomination form or for more information about the nomination process, contact Nathan Wilson by phone at 404-656-3678 or email at Nathan.wilson@agr.georgia.gov. You may also contact your local FSA office or the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodities Department at 1-800-342-1196 for forms. The form is available online at the GCC website http://georgiacottoncommission.org. August 15 is the deadline for submitting nominations. The GCC board currently consists of: Chairman Mike Lucas, Bleckley County; Vice Chairman Wavell Robinson, Brooks County; Lee Cromley, Bulloch County; Bart Davis Jr, Colquitt County and Marvin Ruark, Morgan County. Ex officio members are Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, GFB President Zippy Duvall, Buddy Leger and Russ Moon.

Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 UGA CONDUCTING SURVEY ON MOBILE POULTRY PROCESSING As a part of its Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education program, UGA is conducting an online survey on the feasibility of establishing a Mobile Processing Unit. (MPU). This survey collects information on production costs and processing costs at a USDA inspected facility and on-farm processing. The information will aid in determining the cost-effectiveness and benefits of using MPUs. The results of the cost-benefit analysis and profitability of using MPUs will be shared with pasture poultry growers and other stakeholders. The 15-question survey should only take about 5 minutes and is anonymous. To participate, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NNXKFN7.

GEORGIA MULTICULTURAL SUSTAINABLE AG CONFERENCE Sept. 17 Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway 8 a.m. – 4 pm.

Duluth This conference for beginning and established multicultural farmers features sessions on small scale organic farming and marketing, building diverse urban farm enterprises, aquaculture, mushroom production, pasture management and many more. Registration is $20, which includes lunch and instructional materials. To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/mecjba8. For more information contact the Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D Council at 678-376-9518 or the NRCS Lawrenceville Service Center at 770-963-9288.