June 13, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 24
SENATE BEGINS DELIBERATING FARM BILL The full Senate has begun discussion on S. 3240, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, the Senate’s version of the 2012 farm bill. On June 7, the Senate voted 90-8 in favor of cloture and moved to its deliberations on the bill, which was introduced to the full Senate on May 24. The bill, which authorizes funding for the USDA’s farm and nutrition programs, passed the Senate Ag Committee by a 16-5 vote on April 26. Because of differences in the way the bill treats various regions and various crops, Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) voted against it in committee. Sen. Dianne Feinstein offered the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012 as a farm bill amendment. Feinstein’s measure would institute national care standards for egg-laying hens, implementing an agreement between the Humane Society of the United States and United Egg Producers. Georgia Farm Bureau policy opposes any laws which would mandate specific farming practices in livestock or poultry production. Feinstein’s amendment was one of more than 200 submitted for consideration in the farm bill, addressing a wide variety of issues. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) offered an amendment that would prevent the Secretary of the Army and the EPA Administrator from finalizing guidance that would expand waters protected by the Clean Water Act or using the proposed guidance as the basis for any decisions. An amendment offered by Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) redefines navigable waters. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Richard Durbin (R-Ill.) submitted an amendment that would cut premium subsidies for crop insurance if a producer’s adjusted gross income exceeds $750,000. Another amendment from Paul sets a limit on the adjusted gross income of anyone receiving any type of payment under the 2012 farm bill, including those enrolled in conservation programs. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) submitted one amendment to set a $75,000 payment limit for marketing loans and loan deficiency payments and another to prohibit ranchers who own a slaughter/packing facility from also owning a feed lot where the cattle are fattened for slaughter. Grassley also offered an amendment to remove the separate payment limit for peanuts. An amendment from Jon Tester (D-Mont.) establishes a percentage of research funding for the purpose of developing publicly available plant genes, with an emphasis on locally adapted plants. A number of amendments addressed the implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including multiple amendments to structure SNAP as block grants issued to states.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER MEXICAN TARIFFS Members of Georgia’s congressional delegation have signed letters to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk expressing concerns over Mexico’s antidumping case against exporters of U.S. chicken. In early April, a group of U.S. senators, including Georgia’s Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, wrote Kirk requesting an end to Mexico’s antidumping charges against U.S. poultry. The letter noted that the charges brought by Mexico are based on the “average cost of production,” which does not account for differences in price for various broiler parts. “This assumption is flawed and concerns us as members from poultry-producing states,” the senators wrote. “With U.S. poultry exports to China significantly decreased due to frivolous antidumping duties, Mexico is our most important market. Should this case lead to a formal consultation, the U.S. poultry industry will suffer a huge loss due to the historically lengthy legal process employed by the World Trade Organization.” On May 31, the Congressional Chicken Caucus sent a similar letter to Kirk, with the signatures of 49 congressmen, including 11 of Georgia’s 13 representatives. The congressmen pointed out that the WTO Antidumping Agreement does not allow Mexico to disregard the reported costs of production and use average costs instead. Three Mexican poultry companies petitioned the Mexican government to begin an antidumping investigation in 2011, alleging that U.S. companies were exporting leg quarters to Mexico at below-market prices. Mexican authorities have proposed assessing tariffs on U.S. poultry imports ranging from 64 percent to 129 percent. Under Mexican law, a final decision will have to be reached by midAugust. U.S. producers export 250,000 metric tons of poultry products annually to Mexico. HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES FY2013 AG APPROPRIATIONS BILL On June 5 the House Appropriations Committee released its fiscal year 2013 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which would provide $140.7 billion in both mandatory and discretionary funding, $3.7 billion less than was requested by President Barack Obama. The bill was given to the Agriculture Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) for consideration, and it passed on June 6. It included $19.4 billion in discretionary spending, a cut of $365 million from FY2012 and $1.7 billion less than the president’s request. The 2013 bill provides $2.5 billion for agriculture research programs, including the USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) and the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The $2.5 billion is $35 million less than the FY2012 funding level. The legislation provides $787 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a reduction of $33 million from FY2012, and cuts funding for conservation programs from $828 million in FY2012 to $812 million in FY2013. The conservation funding includes $14.7 million for dam rehabilitation to help small communities ensure that watershed projects meet current safety standards. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency is funded at $1.5 billion, a cut of $23.8 million from 2012.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 USDA ASKING FARMERS TO SIGN UP FOR 2012 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE The U.S. Department of Agriculture is preparing to mail the 2012 Census of Agriculture to millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers in late December. Producers are reminded not to miss their opportunity to be counted by signing up for the census before July 1. The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. A farm is defined as any place that produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products during 2012. Farmers who receive the census form will have until Feb. 4, 2013, to fill it out and return it. The results of the census are scheduled to be released later in February, when information on county, state and national statistics will be made available. The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. According to the USDA, this information is used by everyone who provides services to farmers and rural communities - including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses. The data collected is used in community planning, determining store and company locations, determining the availability of operational loans and other funding, setting location and staffing of service centers and in developing farm programs and policies. To learn more and sign up for the Census of Agriculture, visit http://www.agcensus.usda.gov. By law, all individual information is to be kept confidential (Title 7, U.S. Code, and CIPSEA, Public Law 107-347). KROGER, McDONALD’S TO PHASE IN CRATE-FREE PORK Both Kroger and McDonald’s have announced plans to phase out the use of gestation crates by its pork suppliers, according to press releases from both companies. The National Pork Producers Council expressed disappointment with the two companies’ decisions, saying the decisions were made under pressure from activist groups and without consideration of the impact on farm families. “These forced changes on our producers’ choice of sow housing may very well put hog farmers out of business and will certainly increase the price of pork for consumers,” the organization said in a statement. Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, announced in a June 4 release that it “is encouraging its suppliers to accelerate this already-occurring transition in the Kroger supply chain.” The company did not detail a specific time frame but noted that the transition could take many years. McDonald’s announcement, issued May 31, detailed a 10-year plan to phase out the use of gestation stalls by its U.S. suppliers, with the goal of getting all the pork for its U.S. restaurants from producers that refrain from using gestation stalls by the end of 2022. The quick-serve chain indicated that by 2017 it would seek to purchase pork only from suppliers committed to phasing out gestation stalls. This effort will include the development of traceability systems to verify the housing of sows. Both companies indicated they had performed reviews that included input from animal welfare experts. McDonald’s said its plan was developed with input from suppliers and producers.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 USDA SUSTAINABLE AG & CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS June 14 Love is Love Farm and Oakleaf Mennonite Farm Atlanta These three workshops, offered by the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation and Development Council, will show participants organically grown crops in various stages of development along with a variety of production practices. Information about how to become eligible for USDA programs will be presented. Registration is free but must be done in advance. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/LBdf2b. For more information, call the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service at 770-963-9288, contact Willie Torrey at 678-376-9518 or visit http://www.ebtfarmersmarket.com. USDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE June 15 is the deadline for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to apply for FY2012 funding under the USDA’s new water quality initiative. Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the initiative offers financial and technical assistance to help approved applicants employ water quality improvement practices like nutrient management, filter strips and terraces, and planting cover crops. Nationwide, the USDA made $33 million available for projects in 157 watersheds. Three watersheds in Georgia were selected for the program - one in the Alapaha watershed and two in the Withlacoochee watershed. Applications are accepted at local NRCS offices. 2012 GEORGIA YOUNG FARMERS ASSOCIATION SUMMER TOUR June 15-16 Tour begins in Lavonia This annual tour, conducted by the Georgia Young Farmers Association, begins with a picnic dinner at Lavonia City Park, followed by a private showing of “Land of Spirit,” Franklin County’s folk life play. The second day’s stops include Transplant Nursery for a look at one of the South’s largest azalea and rhododendron growers and the Fieldale egg hatchery. Fees are $40 for ages 12 and up and $15 for ages 6 to 11. For more information, please contact Owen Thomason at othom@franklin.k12.ga.us or 706-384-4525. GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE June 16 Atlanta State Farmers Market 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Forest Park This family-friendly event features entertainment and more than 30 vendors from around the state. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you can shop for meats, cheeses, plants and flowers, jams, jellies, honey, bread and more. For more information contact Paul Thompson at 404-6751782. The Atlanta State Farmers Market is located at 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park. COTTON SCOUT SCHOOL June 19 Southeast Research and Education Center Midville These programs, which run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offer basic information on cotton insects and scouting procedures. The programs will serve as a review for experienced scouts and producers and as an introduction to cotton insect monitoring for new scouts. For more information about the Tifton session, contact Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. For information about the Midville session, contact Peyton Sapp at 706-554-2119.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 LAND CONSERVATION WORKSHOP June 19 Clinton Trice Farm, 6138 Hardup Road 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Albany Farmers, landowners and community leaders looking for advice concerning land conservation can participate in a free workshop being sponsored by Fort Valley State University. Lunch will be provided. Topics include pecan production and management, wildlife management and irrigation practices. There will also be demonstrations on micro-irrigation systems, solid-set irrigation systems and hoop house construction. For more information, or to pre-register for this workshop, contact Dougherty County Extension Agent Charlie Grace at 229-436-7216 or gracec@fvsu.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. CHEROKEE COUNTY POLITICAL FORUM June 21 Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Rd. 6:30 p.m. Canton The Cherokee County Farm Bureau, along with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, will sponsor a Political Forum on June 21 at 6:30 pm. The forum will be held under the wooden pavilion at Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road, Canton. All local, state and national candidates running for office in 2012 will be invited to attend. All candidates with opposition will have an opportunity to speak. Candidates with no opposition will be introduced. Questions from the audience will follow. Everyone will have time to meet and greet the candidates before and after the forum. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troop #465. The forum is open to the public. RSVP by calling Cherokee County Farm Bureau at 770-479-1481, ext. 0. DAWSON COUNTY FARM SAFETY FAIR June 23 Field on Hwy. 9@ canoe ramp near Riverview Middle Sch. Dawsonville The AGCO equipment company and Dawson County Farm Bureau are hosting a farm safety training from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for adults. AGCO will demonstrate new safety features available on hay equipment, and EMS personnel will give safety presentations. The local FFA will sell food as a fundraiser. For more information contact Tammy Wood at the DCFB at tewood@gfb.org or 706-265-3350. GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE July 7-9 Westin Savannah Harbor Resort Hotel Savannah Critical issues for Georgia’s timber growers and forest product manufacturers will be front and center in Savannah in July. Come learn about the federalization of forest management, trends in conversion of forests to ag and timber market trends. Dr. Scott Angle, Dean of UGA’s College of Agriculture of Environmental Sciences, will speak on “Macro Trends in Food, Fiber and Fuel’. Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens will give the keynote address. For more information or to register, visit http://www.gfagrow.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=9 or contact Judy Couch at 478-992-8110 or
Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY July 12 Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, Spence Field Moultrie This complimentary preview for the Sunbelt Expo is an opportunity for farmers to see the latest seed varieties, chemical applications, irrigation technology and precision ag technology, all in an applied research setting. A biscuit breakfast reception with Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall begins at 7:15. Trams depart starting at 8:30 and a complimentary lunch is served at 12:15. Register before 8:15a.m. for a chance to win a $100 early bird cash prize. Grand Prize and Door Prize Giveaways. Every attendee receives an Expo cap. For more information, call 229-985-1968 or visit http://www.sunbeltexpo.com. GEORGIA JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY July 12 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Perry Join in for a Field Day of Olympic proportions! All ages are welcome. Events include an AGility course, beef-themed classes and other sporting events. To register, visit http://www.gabeef.org/gjca/contest.html. Cost by July 1: GJCA members $10, non-members $15 (includes meal and T-shirt) Cost after July 1 and at the door: GJCA members $10, non-members $15, T-shirts not included but can be purchased for an additional $5. UGA AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is now accepting applications for the inaugural class of the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture program. Participants will attend eight sessions held across the state, and travel to Washington, D.C. and abroad to study Georgia’s involvement with international trade. The first class will be chosen through an application and nomination process, which will begin this month. The application deadline is July 13 for the program that begins in the fall. For more information visit http://www.agla.caes.uga.edu or call Rochelle Strickland at 706-542-1204. UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR FSA PROGRAMS Below are upcoming enrollment deadlines for programs administered by the Farm Service Agency: July 15 2011 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) July 15 Certification of planted acres (all crops except tobacco) Aug. 1 Farm Reconstitutions (changes) for 2012 crop year Sept. 30 Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Dates vary Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), check with FSA service center for dates) and Crop Insurance (Contact a crop insurance agent or the regional Risk Management Agency (RMA) office.) For more information about FSA programs visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION SUMMER CONFERENCE July 26-29 Jekyll Island Kick off your boots and join us for another exciting summer event! Highlights include a golf tournament, keynote speeches by the Port Authority, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture and plenty of social and business fun for the whole family. Visit http://www.gabeef.org/gca/summerconference.htm to register. Cost is $25 per family. Friday and Saturday meals are $15 each for adults and $10 each for children.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 GARLICFEST 2012 Aug. 25 LoganBerry Heritage Farm 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cleveland This annual celebration of the Garlic harvest is a free and fun family event. It includes lots of garlic, chefs, creative food, cooking demos, tastings, live music, artisans and animals. For more information, contact LoganBerry Heritage Farm at 706-348-6068 or visit http://www.loganberryheritagefarm.com. 2012 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 20 University of Georgia Griffin Campus 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Griffin Registration is now being accepted for this unique educational event, sponsored by UGA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the NRCS. The field day will provide information on ways land value can be enhanced. More than 25 topics will be showcased, including wildlife opening management; pond management; management for wild turkeys, doves and quail; selling and marketing timber; prescribed burning, cost-sharing assistance programs, GPS/GIS use in managing land and invasive insects, disease and plants. Registration is $25 before Sept. 3 and $35 after. Fee includes lunch, and those who register in advance will receive an Agroforestry & Wildlife Field Day baseball cap. For more information, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.