March 16, 2016
www.gfb.org
Vol. 34 No. 11
YOUNG FARMERS TAKE AG ISSUES TO WASHINGTON, D.C. A group of 31 young farmers from across Georgia traveled to Washington, D.C., on March 811 as part of the 31st Annual Young Farmers to Washington trip hosted by the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee. The young farmers had a chance to tell Georgia’s congressional delegation how critical issues such as immigration and excessive regulation affect their farms. “This is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the importance of young farmers being engaged, active, and assertive in promoting and protecting our industry. Our nation's leaders must be made aware that we depend on them and the decisions they make to maintain our way of life and allow our future generations to enjoy agricultural pursuits the way we have,” said GFB Young Farmer Committee Will Cabe from Franklin County. Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue met with the group in the Russell Senate Office Building and discussed several issues facing American agriculture. The U.S. House of Representatives was on recess the week of the trip, but delegates were able to visit with staffers of all Georgia congressmen and share the concerns from back home. The young farmers met with AFBF President Zippy Duvall and were briefed about the programs AFBF offers. The group also travelled to the offices of the European Union Delegation to the United States to talk about the trade partnership with European nations, and how trade partnerships affect them as farmers. GFB President Gerald Long addressed the young farmers and shared the importance of working with their elected officials and telling their story. While talking with Congressional staff, the GFB group presented information about the organization’s stance on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement (TTIP), the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule finalized last year by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, GMO labeling, preserving crop insurance options in the 2014 farm bill and the possible designation of cottonseed as an other oilseed for purposes of farm bill programs. The young farmers also toured Washington, D.C., and visited with AFBF lobbyists on a number of priority issues including the recently passed GMO labeling, international trade, federal spending and clean water expansion.
GFB News Alert page 2 of 11 UGA CAES DEAN INTRODUCED, AWARDS GIVEN AT AG DAY CELEBRATION New UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean Sam Pardue was introduced, the 2016 Sunbelt Expo Georgia Farmer of the Year was named and the annual Flavor of Georgia winners were announced, highlighting Georgia’s National Agriculture Week celebration, held March 15 at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta. "We are excited. I am mindful of the fact that Georgia is in good hands, because we have a spirit of people who know how to get things done. They have an idea and they work hard to bring it to fruition. I hope that is what the college helps to provide, resources to help those dreams come true," said Pardue, who comes to UGA from North Carolina State University. "At the end of the day, I would rather have a four ounce potato than four ounces of gold if I'm hungry. And we're all about food and fiber and reaching out to youth. We have faith in the future that things are going to continue to get better." Bulloch County diversified farmer John D. McCormick was announced as the Sunbelt Georgia Farmer of the Year. McCormick will compete with winners from nine other Southeastern states at the Sunbelt Expo in October. The event, which drew hundreds of visitors, including numerous members of the Georgia General Assembly, featured exhibits for dozens of agricultural stakeholder groups in the Depot exhibit area, providing information and in many cases samples of food. For example, the Georgia Milk Producers gave out cheese cubes and the Georgia Cotton Commission gave out brownies that were made using cottonseed oil. Visitors had the chance to sample a wide variety of food items produced in Georgia. "This is a continuation and expression of what we have done to promote agriculture in our state and to make it real to our citizens as they shop at the grocery store and as they buy products for their home," Gov. Nathan Deal said. The event also featured the unveiling of the winners in the 2016 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest, conducted by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. Southern Baked Pie Company, owned by Amanda Wilbanks of Gainesville, won the grand prize with its caramel pecan pie. Southern Baked also won the top prize for the Confections category with the caramel pecan pie. Other winners, by category: Barbecue Sauces – Joe Kems BBQ Sauce of Moultrie; Beverages – Paulk’s Pride White Muscadine Juice, Wray; Dairy Products – Nekkid Espresso Dairy-Free Gelato, Revolution Gelato, Atlanta; Honey – Papa’s Private Selection Honey, Bruce’s Nut N Honey Farm/The Honey Shack, Homerville; Jams & Jellies – Wild Mahaw Pepper Jelly, Wisham Jellies, Tifton; Meat & Seafood – Hot Georgia Night Sausage, Hunter Cattle Company, Brooklet; Marinades, Sauces & Rubs – Leek, Chive & Onion Seasoning & Dip, The Salt Table, Pooler; Miscellaneous – Pocketful of Starlight Vanilla sugar, Beautiful Briny Sea, Atlanta; Salsas, Chutneys and Condiments – Blackhawk Field to Fork Sweet Fire Pickles, Abby J’s Gourmet, Statesboro; Snack Foods – Kim’s Cheese Straws, Pecan Cheddar, Marsh Cabin Bakery, Statesboro; People’s Choice – Medium Smoked Link Sausage, Carroll’s Sausage & Meats, Ashburn.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 11 COTTON PRODUCERS REAPPROVE GEORGIA COTTON ASSESSMENT Georgia cotton farmers voted to renew the marketing order for Georgia cotton by passing the referendum with an 87 percent favorable vote during a referendum held Feb. 8 – March 8. The affirmative vote renews the $1 bale assessment, which funds the Georgia Cotton Commission. The commission is charged by law with providing programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of Georgia cotton producers. Throughout the 50-year history of the Georgia Cotton Commission, millions of dollars have been invested in research, education and promotion of Georgia cotton. “I’m pleased with the 87 percent vote by our growers because we still have many issues ahead for cotton in Georgia,” said Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Mike Lucas, noting that the commission’s research, education and promotion programs have provided value for Georgia cotton farmers since 1965. The commission allocates much of the funding it receives to research projects conducted by the University of Georgia into issues related to cotton production to provide producers with the latest information and techniques to keep their operations profitable. Some of the projects funded include work on: Palmer amaranth pigweed, insect control, nematode control programs, product comparisons, fertility studies and variety trials. According to the 2014 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report, Georgia’s cotton crop was valued at $964,678,523 and is currently the third-highest grossing agricultural commodity in the state. Cotton is also a significant contributor to the economy of the communities where cotton is grown in Georgia. In 2015, Georgia cotton farmers planted 1,138,000 acres of cotton and harvested an estimated 2 million bales. THE COTTON BOARD LAUNCHES NEW AD CAMPAIGN The Cotton Board is launching a new promotional campaign, “Renew Your Faith in Cotton,” directed at producers to give them the confidence needed to renew their faith in cotton, according to an item in the Cotton Leader, the board’s weekly newsletter. The new campaign is a forward-looking rally cry for the cotton industry, letting the cottongrowing community know that the program is pressing on and the possibilities are limitless. Cotton's future is renewable. Cotton prices have risen and fallen many times, but the demand for this natural, sustainable resource always returns with new possibilities and advances from research and promotion. The campaign tells the story of research and promotion being done by Cotton Incorporated and introduces the cotton industry to exciting projects like innovations in cottonseed for food production and breakthroughs in fiber technology. The campaign will be executed through a variety of channels, including print advertising, radio features, and digital platforms. The print campaign will have six ads - three focused on cotton as the food of the future and three focused on cotton as the fiber of the future. The campaign was launched at the Mid-South Farm and Gin Show in Memphis March 3 and 4, and print advertising, radio, and digital advertising will continue to be executed throughout the year. The campaign ads ultimately drive users to the Renew Your Faith In Cotton Web site where they can learn more about the research behind each specific project. This site will be the designated place where growers can go to see how their program funds are being used. Entering its 50th year, the Cotton Research and Promotion Program has a renewed commitment to the hard work and dedication required to make cotton the preferred fiber for the world. Find out more about the campaign at http://renew.cottonboard.org.
GFB News Alert page 4 of 11 STUDY FINDS EARLY INTRODUCTION CAN PREVENT PEANUT ALLERGIES The benefits of regularly consuming peanut-containing foods early in life to prevent the development of a peanut allergy persist even after stopping peanut consumption for one year, new clinical trial findings show. The trial, called LEAP-On, was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, and conducted by the NIAIDfunded Immune Tolerance Network (ITN). The results were published online March 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in Los Angeles. The LEAP-On study is an extension of the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study. LEAP showed that regular peanut consumption begun in infancy and continued until 5 years of age led to an 81 percent reduction in development of peanut allergy in infants deemed at high risk because they already had severe eczema, egg allergy or both. At the end of LEAP, participants who enrolled in LEAP-On were instructed to avoid peanut consumption for one year to help investigators determine whether continuous peanut consumption is required to maintain protection against development of peanut allergy. After the avoidance period, peanut allergy prevalence was determined, as it was in LEAP, by an oral food challenge. Only 4.8 percent of the children who had regularly consumed peanutcontaining foods during LEAP were allergic to peanuts following the year of peanut avoidance. In comparison, the prevalence of peanut allergy was 18.6 percent among those who had avoided peanut throughout LEAP and LEAP-On. “These new results build on the landmark findings from the LEAP study, which was the first to show that early introduction of peanuts can prevent the development of an allergy to it,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. “They demonstrate that regular consumption of peanutcontaining foods beginning in infancy induces peanut tolerance that persists following a year of avoidance, suggesting the lasting benefits of early-life consumption for infants at high risk of developing peanut allergy.” Led by Dr. Gideon Lack of King’s College London, the LEAP-On study enrolled 556 LEAP participants: 274 children who had regularly consumed peanut-containing foods from infancy to age 5 and 282 who had avoided peanuts during the same period. Researchers then asked the original peanut-consumers and the original avoiders to avoid peanut consumption for one year. At the end of the avoidance period, the researchers assessed peanut allergy at age 6. “The findings clearly demonstrate that the majority of infants who had consumed peanuts in the LEAP study did in fact remain protected after they stopped eating peanuts for 12 months, and that the protection was long-lasting,” Lack said.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 11 USDA ALLOCATES $20 MILLION FOR CIG PROGRAM On March 7 the USDA announced the availability of up to $20 million in competitive grants through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. The program aims to spark the development and adoption of cutting-edge conservation technologies and approaches for farmers, ranchers and other landowners. Administered through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CIG is part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and is designed to focus on innovative conservation projects that promote science-based solutions to benefit both producers and the environment. Projects may include on-farm pilot projects and field demonstrations, and are funded to accelerate the transfer and adoption of promising technologies to landowners in order to address critical natural resource concerns. In 2016, USDA is seeking applications for innovative conservation projects to benefit historically underserved agricultural producers, improve and protect water quality, and demonstrate the effectiveness of public/private partnerships for conservation, sustainable agriculture and forestry. Up to $2 million of this fiscal year's CIG funding has been set aside for projects targeted to historically underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers, beginning farmers and ranchers, and those with limited resources. USDA is also seeking CIG proposals for projects to stimulate natural resource solutions to protect or improve the quality of ground and surface water. In 2015, NRCS made eight CIG awards for projects in the burgeoning field of conservation finance and impact investing. For 2016, USDA is seeking projects that develop additional innovative investment strategies that leverage private capital for private lands conservation. CIG funding may be used to help mitigate risk associated with new conservation investment vehicles, through the use of approaches such as first loss strategies, price floors, guarantees, buyer of last resort mechanisms or other credit enhancements. Successful proposals will demonstrate a likelihood of success and clear metrics for conservation outcomes warranting the use of public funds to support risk mitigation strategies. CIG awards are made through a nationally competitive process. Projects may be single or multi-year, but cannot exceed three years. Projects must involve EQIP-eligible agricultural producers or landowners. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including in-kind contributions. Applications for CIG projects are due by May 10. More information is available at http://tinyurl.com/CIGpage. This year's application process includes two other significant changes: an increase in the maximum award amount to $2 million, up from $1 million in 2015, and a streamlined single proposal process.
GFB News Alert page 6 of 11 BRAKE HERBICIDE REGISTERED FOR USE ON COTTON TO FIGHT PIGWEED On Feb. 11 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered Brake Herbicide for cotton. Brake offers exceptional cotton tolerance with extended residual weed control allowing farmers to get their cotton off to a great start and maximize yield potential. It is estimated more than 9 million acres of cotton will be planted in 2016. Many of those acres have experienced challenges with resistant weeds like Palmer amaranth (Palmer pigweed). This is a significant threat to production when just one pigweed plant in 60 feet of cotton row has been shown to reduce yield by up to 30 percent. The challenge facing growers was the stimulus for USDA seeking SePRO’s interest in developing Brake for cotton, as it represented a muchneeded new mode of action. “This is a new mode of action with excellent cotton tolerance and six weeks of pigweed control,” said Dr. Bob Nichols, senior director of agricultural and environmental research at Cotton Incorporated. “Cotton Incorporated was very active in getting this properly evaluated and off the ground.” Brake has been developed over the last four years in conjunction with the National Cotton Council, Cotton Incorporated, over 25 university researchers, industry experts and growers. “Having the opportunity to develop Brake alongside the grower community has been invaluable for this new class of chemistry for cotton,” said Bill Culpepper, CEO SePRO Corporation. To learn more about Brake http://brakeherbicide.com. AFBF SURVEYING FARMERS ABOUT BIG DATA With current and emerging technologies, a lot of information (data) can be generated from farming operations. The collection and use of this data is a concern to many farmers and ranchers. AFBF is conducting a survey on “Big Data”. The purpose of the survey is to get a better understanding of how farmers feel regarding the use of data generated from their farming operation. The survey is open to all farmers and ranchers and will help to gauge progress on big data issues. The survey is confidential and takes about 6 minutes to complete. To take the survey, visit http://fbbigdata2016.questionpro.com/. AFBF’s position is that farmers must maintain ownership and control of the agricultural data generated from their operation. How this data is collected and utilized is of vital importance to all farmers and ranchers. The 2016 survey is a follow-up to one AFBF conducted in 2014. Almost 3,400 farmers responded and the top concerns were: 82 percent of farmers were unaware of all the ways a company intended to use their farm data and with whom it was being shared; 77 percent of farmers were concerned that their data could get in the hands of an entity and be used for regulatory purposes; 75 percent of farmers were concerned that their data could be used by a company or third party for market-sensitive commercial activities; and more than half of farmers indicated that they were unsure whether their farm data could be shared with an off-farm company’s third party, business party or affiliate. Survey participants may enter a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 11 WEST GEORGIA BEEF MANAGEMENT TOUR March 23 UGA, multiple stops Athens/Watkinsville This tour, sponsored by the Carroll County Extension office, features stops at the J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center, the UGA Meat Science Technology Center and the UGA Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital. The bus leaves the Carroll County Ag Center at 700 Newnan Road in Carrollton at 6:45 a.m. Registration is $40 per person. Registration and payment are due by March 18, and there is a 53-person limit. For more information contact Richard Littleton or Paula Burke at 770-836-8546. PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 19 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 www.peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut Proud Festival Facebook page. Contact Marcie Justice Williams at marciejustice@yahoo.com or Mike Newberry at Hillside1007@yahoo.com or 229-254-1007. 2015 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SEMINAR March 26 Gwinnett Technical College, Building 100 Lawrenceville Led by various university, government and industry experts, land owners will learn about sustainable farming techniques, available federal and state funding programs, marketing strategies and more. The meeting is hosted by the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation & Development Council. Early registration is available online at http://conta.cc/1jxi9Tr or by calling 678-375-9518. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION March 30 – April 2 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This jam-packed four-day event covers all things beef, including a forage conference led by UGA’s Dr. Dennis Hancock, Zoetis Cattlemen’s College seminars on a variety of topics, a discussion on feed directives led by Zoetis Livestock Production Specialist Jennie Schutte, the annual awards banquet; the GCA general membership meeting; Angus and Hereford sales; the annual Cattlemen’s Ball; and a junior awards luncheon. Visit www.georgiacattlemen.org for more information or to register. GEORGIA FORAGES CONFERENCE March 30 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Perry This annual event, held in conjunction with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Beef Expo, features presentations on warm season annual forage options, raising replacements and stockers on pasture, bermudagrass stem maggot and pest update and the Georgia Forages Producers Forum. Registration for the Georgia Forages Confernce is $40 per person. For more information or to register, visit http://tinyurl.com/gaforageconf or call 478-474-6560.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 11 USDA VALUE ADDED GRANT WORKSHOP March 31 Georgia Farm Bureau 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Macon This free workshop will provide tips on using the grant program, suggestions on writing successful grant applications, the importance of feasibility studies and services provided by the Center for Innovation for Agribusiness. Please RSVP to: Al Burns with the USDA ( 229-3820273, ext. 109, or al.burns@ga.usda.gov); Kent Wolfe, UGA CAED Director (706-688-9858 or kwolfe@uga.edu) or Sara Cook of the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness (229-454-0612 or scook@georgia.org.) ‘GEE HAW WHOA BACK’ RODEO April 1-2 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Arena Tifton Spectators will be entertained with riveting competition during this Professional Cowboy Association-sanctioned rodeo, which begins at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Gates open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for children 6 – 12 years old and free to ABAC students and children five years old and under. Rodeo tickets will be sold in advance and at the gate on the two days of the event. The rodeo will also feature some audience participation events and family-friendly activities. The rodeo is a part of a week-long series of events on March 29April 2 designed for students, alumni and the general public. For more information on rodeo tickets or the Homecoming Week, interested persons can contact the ABAC Office of College Advancement at 229-391-4900 or go to www.abac.edu/homecoming. MONSANTO SCHOOL DISTRICT GRANTS April 1 deadline for nominations Farmers in 34 Georgia counties have until April 1 to nominate a public school district for grants of $10,000 or $25,000 from Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Fund. Nominated school districts have until April 15 to submit applications. The grants are intended to help school districts fund math and science projects to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum and prepare students for technology-driven careers. 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 or call 1-877-267-3332 to submit a nomination. 25TH YOUNG HARRIS/UGA BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 19-21 Young Harris College 8 a.m. each day Young Harris This event, one of the most comprehensive beekeeping educational events in the Southeast, offers classes for beekeepers at all levels of experience and the annual honey show. Sessions provide training and certification, including individual and colony biology, hive equipment, offseason management and much more. Registration fees for ages 18 and older are $150 for May 19, $130 for May 20, $100 for May 21 and $300 for all three days. For ages 17 and under, fees are $100 for May 19, $65 for May 20, $50 for May 21 and $150 for all three days. Space is limited and classes generally fill up quickly. For more information, visit www.ent.uga.edu/Bees/young-harris/index.html.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 11 GA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FEED MY SCHOOL FOR A WEEK April 3 deadline to apply The Department of Agriculture is now accepting new applications for school districts interested in participating in this year’s “Feed My School for a Week” program in Georgia. Feed My School first launched in 2011 with a goal to help bridge the gap in the nutritional value and quality of food served in Georgia schools, while providing more farm to cafeteria opportunities. Applications can be found at www.feedmyschool.com and will be due by April 3. If you are interested in nominating your school for the program, please have your nutritional director apply online or contact Misty Friedman at Misty.Friedman@agr.georgia.gov. PECAN PRODUCTION WORKSHOP April 11 UGA Campus Conference Center 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tifton This free workshop is open to the public and will cover the growth of different varieties of pecans, best irrigation and fertility practices and information about the planning and equipment needed to grow pecans. Snacks and a meal will be provided. Please RSVP by April 4 by contacting Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. FORT VALLEY STATE HAM & EGG BREAKFAST & GA AG SHOWCASE April 5 Fort Valley State University Pettigrew Center 8 a.m. Fort Valley The public is invited to attend this annual event, during which legislators will interact with guests, describe their initiatives and explain their positions on current issues. Elected officials at the local, state and national levels have been invited to attend. Cost is $10. For more information, contact E. Jean Willis at 478-825-6268 or willise@fvsu.edu. FIBERMAX ONE TON CLUB April 6 deadline to qualify Cotton growers who plant FiberMax cotton seed are eligible to join the One Ton Club if they harvested 2,000 pounds per acre on at least 20 acres in 2015. The qualification deadline is April 6, 2016. Growers who qualify for membership receive FiberMax One Ton Club apparel and gifts, an invitation to the annual banquet on April 7 and the chance to win a two-year lease on a Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch truck in the FiberMax One Ton Club Sweepstakes. Complete rules and the qualification form are available from your local Bayer sales representative or at www.FiberMax.com/OneTonClub. GFB FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE GALA April 16 Crowne Plaza Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta The 2nd Annual GFB Foundation for Agriculture Gala will be hosted by Dr. Roger C. “Bo” Ryles and will feature entertainment from Georgia 4-H’s performing arts group, Clovers and Company. All proceeds from the gala will benefit the GFB Foundation for Agriculture and its initiatives. Reception begins at 5:15 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $100 per person and $1,000 per table and can be purchased by contacting Marilyn Akers at 478474-0679, ext. 5231 or by mailing a check to: GFB Foundation for Agriculture, PO Box 7068, Macon, GA 31209. Tickets will be sent upon receipt of check. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!
GFB News Alert page 10 of 11 SHIELDS-ETHRIDGE HERITAGE FARM CULTIVATORS’ MARKET April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2355 Ethridge Rd. Jefferson Jackson County Farm Bureau (JCFB) is sponsoring this monthly open-air market that will allow local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell products they make or grow in a festival atmosphere. The opening day on April 16 will feature an heirloom seed and plant swap. Market will be held rain or shine. Please leave pets at home. The Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm is an outdoor ag museum that functions as an educational and interpretative facility. The farm is unique for its collection of intact historic buildings that exist in their original location and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from the market will be used for restoration projects at the farm. Vendors will be selected based on quality and originality of product according to the theme of homesteading practices. If you are interested in having a booth at the market, contact JCFB Office Manager Denise Temple at dftemple@gfb.org or call 706-367-8877 or visit www.shieldsethridgefarminc.com to complete an application online. PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS’ MARKET April 21 – Oct. 28 Thursdays 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Paulding County High School Paulding County Farm Bureau is accepting vendors for its weekly farmers market that will be held each Thursday from April 16 to Nov. 20. There is no fee to participate but vendors must be Farm Bureau members so that the market qualifies as a Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market. If you would like to participate in the PCFB Farmer’s Market, please contact Tracy Grice at Paulding County Farm Bureau at 770-445-6681 or email her at tcgrice@gfb.org. Vendors may sell locally grown produce or other ag commodities or homemade crafts. PCFB is teaming up with the Paulding County High School this year to host the market in the north parking lot of the school located at 1297 Villa Rica Hwy., Dallas, Ga. 30132. 2016 GRASSFED EXCHANGE CONFERENCE April 27-29 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This event features more than a dozen speakers who will cover numerous topics pertaining to pasture-based farming such as building soil health and regenerating unhealthy soils. The event will include tours of three Georgia grassfed livestock operations and the UGA Center for Sustainable Grazing Systems in Watkinsville. The Taste of the South will allow attendees to sample grassfed meats, dairy and local foods. Entertainment will be provided by Teddy Gentry and the Rockit City Band. For more information visit www.grassfedexchange.com, email info@grassfedexchange.com or call 256-996-3142. GEORGIA FARM & EROSION CONTROL EXPO April 29 Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Marietta This expo, sponsored in part by Cobb County Farm Bureau, provides a hands-on look at the latest in erosion and sedimentation control products. Former Gov. Roy Barnes will speak on the importance of agriculture and soil conservation to local and state economies. The event includes live demonstrations and exhibits detailing innovations in erosion control. For more information visitwww.cobbswcd.org or call 404-307-2925 or 770-235-5662.
GFB News Alert page 11 of 11 GEORGIA COTTON SCHOLARSHIPS May 1 deadline to apply The John M. and Connie H. Mobley Memorial Scholarship is presented to the child or grandchild of an active Georgia cotton producer. The $1,500 scholarship will be payable onethird each quarter or one-half each semester. The Georgia Cotton Women Scholarship is presented annually to the child or grandchild of a Georgia cotton producer or a cotton industry employee and who is the child or grandchild of a GCW member. This $1,500 scholarship is also payable one-third each quarter or one-half each semester. In the event there is no child or grandchild of a GCW member eligible for the GCW scholarship, the scholarship committee has the discretion to present the award to another qualified candidate. This scholarship is funded through the sales of the organization’s two cookbooks, Georgia Cotton Heritage Cookbook and the newly released Cooking in High Cotton. Applications are available at www.georgiacottonwomen.org. For more information, email Nancy Coleman at georgiacottonwomen@gmail.com or call 229-941-2930. GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM AWARD May 1 deadline for recognition in 2016 The Georgia Centennial Farm Program recognizes centennial farm owners through one of three distinguished awards. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Applications for the 2016 awards must be postmarked by May 1. If you are interested in nominating a farm for recognition in 2016, visit www.georgiacentennialfarms.org to download an application or contact Lynn Speno at 770-389-7842 or lynn.speno@dnr.ga.gov. ABAC NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP June 12-16 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton More than $18,000 in college scholarships, back-to-nature field trips, and a true taste of college life will be on the line for students who attend this workshop, which targets students with a desire to learn more about Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide. !Experts from universities and local, state, and federal natural resource agencies will provide students with lectures and hands-on activities! to enhance their understanding of Georgia’s vital natural resources, including soil, water, air, plants, minerals, and animals. Tuition is $150 per student before May 2 and $175 afterward. The final deadline for all applications is June 1. Tuition is often provided to the students by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), local businesses, and individuals. The workshop application and information is now available online at www.abac.edu/nrcw.