March 4, 2015
www.gfb.org
Vol. 33 No. 9
USDA EXTENDS DEADLINE TO UPDATE BASE ACRES, YIELD HISTORY Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Feb. 27 that a one-time extension will be provided to producers for the new safety-net programs established by the 2014farm bill, known as Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The final day to update yield history or reallocate base acres has been extended one additional month, from Feb. 27 to March 31. The final day for farm owners and producers to choose ARC or PLC coverage remains March 31. “This is an important decision for producers, because these programs provide financial protection against unexpected changes in the marketplace. Producers are working to make the best decision they can. And we're working to ensure that they've got the time, the information, and the opportunities to have those final conversations, review their data, and to visit the Farm Service Agency to make those decisions,” Vilsack said. If no changes are made to yield history or base acres by March 31, the farm's current yield and base will be used. A program choice of ARC or PLC coverage also must be made by March 31, or there will be no 2014 payments for the farm and the farm will default to PLC coverage through the 2018 crop year. “These are complex decisions, which is why we launched a strong education and outreach campaign back in September. Now we're providing a one-time extension of an additional month so that every producer is fully prepared to enroll in this program,” Vilsack said. Nationwide, more than 2.9 million educational postcards, in English and Spanish, have been sent to producers, and more than 4,100 training sessions have been conducted on the new safetynet programs. The online tools, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc, allow producers to explore projections on how ARC or PLC coverage will affect their operation under possible future scenarios. Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity. To learn more, farmers can contact their local Farm Service Agency county office. To find your local office visit http://offices.usda.gov.
GFB News Alert page 2 of 8 PEDV DETECTED IN LIVESTOCK SHOW ANIMALS Two pigs at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show, held Feb 18-21 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA), have tested positive for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv), a highly contagious virus that causes widespread swine mortality and loss of production. These are the first known animals in Georgia to test positive for PEDv. The disease, first detected in the U.S. in 2013, has been confirmed in more than 30 states according to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Information Service. PEDv only infects pigs, not other livestock or humans, and is not a food safety concern. According to Georgia State Veterinarian Robert Cobb, two pigs in the event showed symptoms consistent with PEDv, and manure samples were collected from those pigs and sent for tests, which came back positive on Feb. 27. There were 1,338 hogs in the show, and Cobb said all of them were potentially exposed. “The point I really want to get across is that PED is here in Georgia,” Cobb said in an interview with GFB. “We’re not going to be able to eliminate it in Georgia. If you are taking your pig and attending any congregation of pigs, always remember biosecurity.” Cobb sent a letter to Georgia swine producers, markets and exhibitors, emphasizing that strict adherence to biosecurity measures is the key to preventing the spread of the disease. This includes limiting travel and commingling with swine from other herds. PEDv is spread by pig-topig contact and by contaminated equipment, chutes, trailers, vehicles, clothing and personnel. According to Cobb, the GNFA swine facility has been disinfected once and is in the process of being disinfected again. Under a federal order issued last year, producers, veterinarians and diagnostic labs are required to report all cases of PEDv to the USDA or state animal health officials. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has updated its animal health website with key information about PEDv treatment and prevention, which can be accessed at http://agr.georgia.gov/porcineepidemic-diarrhea-virus-pedv.aspx. FARM SIGNS AVAILABLE FOR GFB MEMBERS Georgia Farm Bureau members interested in marking the boundaries of their farms and showing their Farm Bureau pride may now do so with new gate signs GFB is offering its members. The aluminum signs measure 12 inches X 18 inches and have holes in each corner that may be used to secure the sign to a gate, post or wall. “I’m very excited about the farm signs Georgia Farm Bureau is offering its members,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “This is a great opportunity for landowners to mark the entrances to their farms and let their neighbors know they’re proud Georgia Farm Bureau members.” The one-sided signs feature the GFB logo and may be personalized with the name of the Farm Bureau member’s farm, up to 18 characters. Signs are $12 each. “We are only charging what it costs to make the signs, which are being made by a Georgia company, so each purchase will help support Georgia jobs,” Duvall said. There is no limit on the number of signs a member may order. Contact your county Farm Bureau office to place an order. After placing an order, members should allow four weeks for signs to be completed and returned to their county Farm Bureau office where signs will be delivered.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 8 DOR EXTENDS TAX PENALTY RELIEF TO FARMERS AND FISHERMEN The Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) is providing estimated tax penalty relief to farmers and fishermen. Georgia law allows farmers and fishermen to not pay estimated tax payments during the year if they meet certain requirements, including filing their Georgia income tax return and paying any tax due by March 1 (March 2 this year because March 1 fell on a Sunday). However, many farmers and fishermen were not able to calculate their Georgia tax liability by that date. Federal tax changes made at the very end of 2014 increased the Section 179 deduction (expensing of business assets). The Georgia Legislature reviews federal changes every year to determine which changes will be adopted for Georgia purposes. The Legislature is currently considering these changes in Georgia House Bill 292, which passed the House on Feb. 19 by a 164-0 vote and awaits debate in the Senate. Many farmers and fishermen were unable to calculate their tax liability and file their return by the March 2 deadline, and could be subject to a penalty for underpayment of estimated tax (UET). Under such circumstances, the DOR has the authority to provide penalty relief. Farmers or fishermen who are affected and who missed the March 2 deadline will not be subject to the underpayment of estimated tax penalty if they file and pay by April 15. Those taxpayers should check the UET penalty exception box on Form 500 and attach a completed Form 500-UET, following the instructions for a farmer or fisherman as if the tax was paid and the return was filed by March 2. Any farmer or fisherman who is assessed a penalty and believes they did not receive due consideration regarding the aforementioned relief, needs assistance or has questions should call the department at 1-877-423-6711. “FARMLAND” AVAILABLE AT WALMART STORES Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Moll’s feature-length documentary, “Farmland,” is available on DVD at Walmart and Walmart.com. The availability of the documentary at retail locations across the country and online, provides another opportunity for viewers to experience the film, which offers a firsthand glimpse inside the world of farming by showcasing the lives of six young farmers and ranchers in their twenties, including Crawford County Farm Bureau President Leighton Cooley. “Farmland” premiered in theaters across the country in spring 2014. DVDs of “Farmland” are for sale at select Walmart locations and on Walmart.com. The documentary is also now available to rent on DVD from Netflix and to purchase on Amazon, with continued availability for rent and purchase via digital download on iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster On-Demand, Sony PlayStation, Vudu.com, Xbox and YouTube. During its theatrical debut in 2014, “Farmland” was shown in more than 170 theaters across the country including Regal Cinemas, Marcus Theatres, Carmike Cinemas, Landmark Theatres, and many key independent theaters. The film was also featured at film festivals in Atlanta, Cleveland, Nashville and Newport Beach, Calif. Produced by Moll’s Allentown Productions, “Farmland” was made with the generous support of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance. Check out the official trailer and more information about the feature length documentary at www.farmlandfilm.com and on Facebook.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 8 CONSERVATION CAMP AT ABAC OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS More than $18,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to students attending the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop, to be held June 7-11 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. The camp, for rising 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students with a desire to learn more about Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide, focuses on the value, protection and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil and water resources. Tuition is $150 for students who register by May 1 and $175 for those who register after May 1. The deadline to register is May 28. In many cases tuition assistance is available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, businesses and individuals. Georgia natural resource experts in a variety of fields will lead classroom and field trip activities to help interested young people learn the basic principles and the responsible use of natural resources. For more information, visit www.abac.edu/nrcw or contact your local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division or UGA Cooperative Extension Service. ATV SAFETY IS FOCUS OF AG SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAM WEEK Across the country, county and state Farm Bureaus are making safety a priority through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). As part of ASAP, March 1-7 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Ride Like a Pro Whenever You Go.” During this week and throughout the year, Farm Bureau is encouraging farmers to emphasize all-terrain vehicle helmet safety. Farmers, as well as their family members and employees, should make it a habit to always wear a helmet when operating an ATV. An ATV is valued on the farm and ranch for a wide range of chores – from fixing fences to fetching lost calves and everything in between. ATVs weigh up to 600 pounds and can reach speeds of 75 mph. Always making safety a priority on the farm can save both lives and resources by preventing incidents, injuries and lost time. All too often, ATVs are at fault in deaths and injuries to kids. About 29,000 children under the age of 16 are treated in emergency rooms for ATV-related injuries each year, according to www.ATVsafety.gov. Ensure ATV safety with these simple, inexpensive tips: always wear a DOT-approved helmet with face protection and protective gear; select the right size ATV; never carry multiple riders; keep ATVs for off-road use only and inspect your ATV before each ride. Visit the National Ag Safety Database for a checklist – http://nasdonline.org. ASAP is a part of the Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Health and Safety page at http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=programs.healthandsafety.home, the ASAP Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AgSafety?fref=ts or AFBF’s Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/fbpin600/agricultural-safety-awareness-program-asap-week-ma/.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 8 TRIANGLE CHEMICAL COMPANY MERGES WITH CARDINAL Triangle Chemical Company has entered into a merger agreement with Cardinal Chemicals Inc., a leading provider of agricultural inputs to all key crops in the North Carolina market, according to a company press release. Triangle, a fourth-generation family-run business founded in Macon in 1947, provides a variety of crop enhancement products and consulting services to help its clients increase efficiency and productivity. Cardinal Chemicals Inc. distributes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators from its collection of warehouses in North Carolina. Both companies are members of Tenkoz, the largest distribution entity for crop protection products in the U.S.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 8 GA VEGETABLE COMMISSION REFERENDUM UNDER WAY A referendum is being held through March 31 to decide whether to re-establish a marketing order authorizing an assessment to fund activities of the Georgia Vegetable Commission. The referendum, which will be conducted by mail ballot, will allow vegetable producers to determine if they will pay to fund research, promotion & education activities coordinated by the commission. The commission is proposing to establish a marketing order for bell peppers, specialty peppers, beans, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, greens, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Growers, who produce 50 acres or more of the vegetables listed above, would pay an assessment of not more than 1 cent per marketing unit for each vegetable. For more information about the referendum contact Andy Harrison of the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 404-586-1405 or andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov. 4TH ANNUAL GOLDEN ONION CULINARY COMPETITION April 26 Vidalia Community Center time TBA Vidalia The Golden Onion Competition, part of the 2015 Vidalia Onion Festival and sponsored by the Vidalia Onion Committee, is a professional cooking competition that showcases the Vidalia Onion and offers a platform for chefs from across the state to display their skills and creativity. Admission to the event is free. Recipe booklets will be available for purchase for $10. March 6 is the deadline to enter. A total of 12 of the state’s leading chefs will compete for top honors. Entry fee is $75 for Georgia Restaurant Association members and $150 for non-members. The entry form is available online at http://tinyurl.com/onionchef. For more information contact Melinda Goodman at 414-967-5755 or media@vidaliaonion.org. VETERANS AND SMALL FARMERS WORKSHOPS March 12 Gwinnett Technical College Busbee Center Lawrenceville These one-day workshops are designed to provide veterans and small farmers with knowledge of funds and programs available to them. Each workshop begins with registration at 8:30 a.m. and runs through 4:30 p.m. Topics include the 2014 farm bill, micro-irrigation, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), veteran ranking process, small vs. large farms, organic certification, seasonal high tunnels, and more! Early registration and payment of the $20 fee can be completed online at http://conta.cc/1vjYPvM or call 678-376-9518 with any other questions. Please select specific workshop location under session section of link. USDA EXTENDS CSP ENROLLMENT PERIOD Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners have until March 13 to apply for the USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to ensure they are considered for this year’s program funding. The USDA will award $100 million this year through CSP, and the program is expected to enroll up to 7.7 million privately owned acres this year, according to a USDA release. Although applications are accepted all year for the program, applications received after March 13 will be considered for future funding. Through CSP, participants take additional conservation steps to improve the resource conditions on their land, including soil, air and habitat quality, water quality and quantity, and energy conservation. Applications should be submitted to local NRCS offices. As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory of their land, which will help determine the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities. The applicant's conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 8 ANIMAL WASTE OPERATOR & PLANNER CERTIFICATION TRAINING March 19-20 UGA Livestock Arena 2600 S. Milledge Ave. Athens All permitted livestock operations (other than dry poultry operations) must have a certified animal waste systems operator and an implemented nutrient management plan written by a certified planner. In previous years this has been two separate trainings - one to certify farm owners/employees to properly manage animal waste systems the other to certify people to write nutrient management plans. More information on Animal Waste Programs is available at: http://www.agp2.org. Participants are asked to pre-register by March 13. Visit http://tinyurl.com/wastetraining for registration form to complete and registration instructions. Training fee for attendees who are pork or dairy producers or with the GDA will be paid by Georgia Pork Producers, Georgia Milk Producers or GDA. For all other attendees, registration is $150 per person for operators and $200 per person for planners. For more information contact Melony Wilson at: 706-310-3466. ALFALFA IN THE SOUTH WORKSHOP Mar. 17 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena 9 a.m. Athens This workshop will focus on how to successfully use alfalfa, including how to grow your own nitrogen and feed supplement by interseeding alfalfa into bermudagrass. Subjects covered include: site selection, establishment protocol, soil fertility, harvest management, and how to use this high quality and cost-effective crop. Cost of the one-day workshop is $25 and includes lunch and refreshments, an “Alfalfa in the South” notebook, and other publications on alfalfa production and use in the South. To register, call Cathy Felton at 706-310-3464 or send an email to feltonc@uga.edu. CHEROKEE COUNTY AG EXPO March 19 City Center 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Woodstock This free event is sponsored by Cherokee County Farm Bureau, the Cherokee County Extension Office, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Woodstock. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall are scheduled to speak. The expo will feature locally grown foods, plants, animals, and hand-crafted products, with representatives from farmers markets, 4-H, FFA and master gardeners. For more information visit www.cherokeeagexpo.info. AG SAFE FARM SMART AWARENESS EVENT March 28 Ag-Pro 10 a.m. Carnesville This event to promote ag safety is sponsored by Franklin County Farm Bureau, AgGeorgia Farm Credit and Ag-Pro. The event will feature kid-friendly activities, tractor and implement demonstrations and educational speakers. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by March 14 to Franklin County Farm Bureau Office Manager Rebecca Whitfield at 706-384-2222 or rmwhitfield atgfb.org. Peanut Proud Festival March 28 Town Square Blakely This all day event kicks off with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a street dance. In-between is a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids' zone and an obstacle course, and free entertainment. For more information or schedule of events, please visit peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut Proud Festival Facebook page.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 8 MONSANTO OFFERS GRANTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN 34 GA COUNTIES April 1 deadline to apply Farmers in 34 Georgia counties may nominate a public school district for grants of up to $25,000 from Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Fund. Eligible counties are Appling, Baker, Berrien, Bleckley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Early, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Sumter, Tattnall, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Wilcox and Worth. Visit www.growruraleducation.com and click the “Farmers Nominate Now” button or call 1-877-267-3332 to submit a nomination. Complete rules and eligibility requirements are posted on the aforementioned website. BAYER SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR BEEKEEPING AWARD Bayer CropScience is seeking nominations for its third annual Bee Care Community Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual who uses their interest in and commitment to honey bees to benefit their community. The award, an initiative of Bayer’s North American Bee Care Program, provides a $5,000 grant to the winner to be used in support of a community beekeeping project. The winner will also receive an all-expense paid trip to a reception in Washington, D.C., during National Pollinator Week June 15-21. Any beekeeper or individual with a focus on honeybees may apply. Individuals interested in applying for the award can obtain an application at www.pollinatorweek.bayer.com. The deadline to apply is April 3. NEWTON COUNTY AG DAY ON THE SQUARE April 18 Downtown Square 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Covington This event, sponsored by the Newton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers, features a modern and antique tractor show and lots of family fun. For more information, contact NCFB Office Manager Crystal Powell at 770-786-7201. 38th ANNUAL VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL April 23-26 Various locations Vidalia This festival celebrating Georgia’s official state vegetable includes an air show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, country band Lonestar in concert, the Golden Onion professional chef competition, the Vidalia Onion Recipe Contest and much more. For more information visit www.vidaliaonionfestival.com. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP June 7-11 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton The camp, for rising 10th, 11th and 12th-grade students with a desire to learn more about Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide, focuses on the value, protection and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil and water resources. Tuition is $150 per students who register by May 1 and $175 for those who register after May 1. The deadline to register is May 28. In many cases tuition assistance is available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, businesses and individuals. Georgia natural resources experts in a variety of fields will lead classroom and field trip activities to help interested young people learn the basic principles and the responsible use of natural resources. For more information, visit www.abac.edu/nrcw or contact your local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division or UGA Extension Service.