May 14, 2014
www.gfb.org
Vol. 32 No. 19
GFB VOICES CONCERNS ABOUT ACCESS TO ENERGY IN LETTER TO EPA Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall wrote to the EPA on May 6 expressing the organization’s concerns about the agency’s proposed rule that would impose new standards on plants that generate electricity, emphasizing that the rule would result in reduced U.S. farm profitability and competitiveness in a global market. The proposed rule would establish separate standards for new coal-fired electric plants and natural gas-fired plants. Specifically, GFB is concerned about the carbon dioxide standard for new coal-fired plants. “This standard is a demonstration that the administration wants to end coal generation though regulation,” Duvall wrote. “The presence of carbon dioxide is not just in the United States but worldwide. Imposing added energy costs on our own economy while other nations are not held to the same standard puts the United States at a competitive disadvantage. In the end, merely reducing fossil fuel emissions without producing a measurable impact on world temperatures or climate cannot be regarded as a success.” The proposed rule, for which the EPA has begun considering more than 995,000 comments, “does not provide the certainty that farmers need in order to ensure they will continue to receive an affordable and reliable supply of energy,” Duvall wrote. The EPA has acknowledged that the standards for coal-fired power plants would result in significant costs for utility companies to comply, which likely would pass those costs on to consumers. Unlike other businesses, farmers do not set the prices of the commodities they produce and cannot pass on their increased energy costs to their consumers, so utility rate hikes resulting from compliance with the new standards would erode farm profitability. Duvall pointed out that coal is inexpensive, abundant and reliable but due to increased regulation Georgia Power is moving to close 15 coal-fired generators across the state, and Duvall expressed concern that this would diminish the supply of electricity. “At a time when our country needs to consider all types of energy, the proposed standard appears to eliminate the use of coal, the most widely used and inexpensive energy source,” Duvall wrote. Increased dependence on natural gas as an energy source would have other financial effects on farmers. Natural gas is essential in the production of nitrogen fertilizer, a vital component of crop production. Diminishing use of coal would increase the demand for and the cost of natural gas, resulting in higher input costs for farmers. To read the proposed rule visit http://tinyurl.com/kvnrjes.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 8 GFB ANNOUNCES ART, ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS Chad Husted of Camden County won the 20th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau High School Art Contest and Morgan Workman of McDuffie County won the 2014 GFB Middle School Essay Contest. Winners were selected from each of GFB’s 10 districts in both contests. Husted’s winning entry was a drawing of pecans and Vidalia onions with a barn in the background. The contest, open to any high school student, drew 59 entries statewide. Husted received $100 for being the GFB 10th District winner and $250 for being the state winner. Samantha Teems of Polk County, GFB 3rd District, and Wesley Helms of Wilcox County, GFB 8th District, were the state runners-up in the art contest. Each received $150 cash. Drawings were judged on artistic merit and how well the artwork represented Georgia agriculture. Students competing in the essay contest were given the topic “My Plate is Georgia Grown,” and entries were judged on clarity of thought and creativity. The contest drew 62 entries. Workman received $100 for being the GFB 4th District winner and an additional $150 for being the state winner. Other district winners in the art contest were: Zeke Waters, Gordon County, 1st District; Megan Weaver, Stephens County, 2nd District; Kristina Karamihalis, Wilkes County, 4th District; Ciara Bostick, Monroe County, 5th District; Emily Walk, Jones County, 6th District; Philicia Batton, Bulloch County, 7th District and Dee Kringle, Brooks County, 9th District. Each received $100 cash as district winners. Other district winners in the essay contest were: Bret Buursema, Forsyth County, 1st District; Colby Martin, Franklin County, 2nd District; Vani Senthil, Gwinnett County, 3rd District; Briana G. Simmons, Crawford County, 5th District; Lane Barrows, Dodge County, 6th District; Jacob Myers, Evans County, 7th District; Marquetta Griffin, Wilcox County, 8th District; Montana McQuaig, Decatur County, 9th District and Ashley Clement, Coffee County, 10th District. Each received $100 cash as district winners. The GFB Women’s Leadership Committee coordinated both contests on the state level and county Women’s Committees promoted the contests locally. The top three art contest entries can be seen on pages 7 and 8. USDA ACCEPTING SOYBEAN REFERENDUM REQUESTS Soybean producers who are interested in having a referendum to determine whether to continue the national Soybean Checkoff Program are invited to participate. To be eligible to participate, producers must certify and provide documentation that shows they produced soybeans and paid an assessment on the soybeans during the period of Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2013. Producers may request a referendum at the county FSA office where their administrative farm records are maintained. Completed forms and supporting documentation must be returned to the appropriate county FSA office by fax or in person no later than close of business May 30, or if returned by mail, must be postmarked by midnight May 30 and received in the county FSA office by close of business on June 5. Forms may also be obtained via the Internet at http://tinyurl.com/k2nef5d during the same time period. USDA will conduct a referendum if at least 10 percent of the nation’s 569,998 soybean producers support a referendum. Not more than one-fifth of the producers who support having a referendum can be from any one State.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 8 UGA, UF DEVELOP COTTON IRRIGATION APP A new smartphone app developed by University of Georgia and University of Florida researchers will help cotton farmers in their states conserve water according to a story on http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu. George Vellidis, a scientist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and an expert in precision agriculture and water resources management, developed the app to help cotton growers irrigate their crops based on local conditions. The app, which was released on April 16, is free and can be downloaded at http://smartirrigationapps.org. The app is programmed to use data from UGA’s Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring Network (GAEMN) and the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) to assess weather conditions that factor into irrigation needs. So currently it works best in Georgia and Florida, Vellidis said. Growers register a field on which they want to use the app by using their smartphone’s built-in GPS. The app then automatically locates the closest weather station. “It’s best to begin using the app after the cotton has been planted. The app keeps a balance of how much water is in the soil by estimating how much water the crop uses daily and by adding rain and irrigation to that balance,” he said. The app doesn’t tell farmers how much water to apply. It only recommends when the grower should irrigate. Cotton farmers use the most water when their crop is flowering and when the bolls are filling. The new UGA app also notifies farmers when to take action so they do not have to check the app every day. In its first year, the app can now be used with center pivot irrigation systems. Later, the app will be updated to allow users to select between center pivots and drip systems. “Early testing showed that this new app outperformed most other irrigation scheduling tools,” Vellidis said. “It was tested in many fields during 2013 and it tested well under a variety of conditions.” The cotton app is one of four apps developed by a team of UGA and University of Florida researchers. UF researchers have also released apps for citrus, strawberry and urban lawn irrigation. The cotton app is different from the other three in that it relies on measured precipitation and irrigation. SPRING RAINS POSE CHALLENGES FOR PLANTING COTTON, PEANUTS Extensive rainfall in April prevented many Georgia cotton growers from taking equipment into their fields, resulting in delayed planting in some cases. The UGA Ponder Farm in Tift County reported 10 inches of rain for the month and the Sunbelt Ag Expo Darrell Williams research farm had more than 13 inches of rain in April. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) May 12 Crop Progress Report indicated that 24 percent of the intended cotton plantings for Georgia have been planted, slightly ahead of 2013 but behind the state’s five-year average. Some Georgia peanut farmers have experienced similar issues getting equipment into the fields, but they haven’t fallen behind schedule according to the NASS report. The state’s peanut growers had planted 30 percent of their crop, ahead of both last year and the five-year average.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 8 IMPOUND HORSE AUCTION May 17 Mansfield Impound Barn 10 a.m. Mansfield The horses may be inspected at the facility beginning at 10 a.m., and the sale will start at approximately 11 a.m. A list with brief descriptions of the horses is on the department’s website at http://agr.georgia.gov/equine-health.aspx. Further information about the department’s impound program and auction process is available there as well. If you have any questions, contact the department’s Equine Health Office at 404-656-3713. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The auction is pursuant to Section 4-13-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (Humane Care for Equines Act). 2013 YOUNG HARRIS/UGA BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 15-17 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. May 15 is dedicated training and certification exams for journeymen and master beekeeper qualifications, as well as the Welsh honey judge training, the first licensing program for honey judges in North America. May 16 and 17 provide training and certification, including individual and colony biology, low-tech beekeeping, occupational safety and much more. Registration fees for 18 and older is $120 for May 16, $100 for May 17 and $199 for both days. For ages 11-17, fees are $59 for May 16, $49 for May 17 and $99 for both days. Two-day registration and additional fees apply for advanced courses and exams on May 15. Participation is capped at 175 people, and classes generally fill up quickly. For more information, visit http://www.ent.uga.edu/bees/youngharris/. NRCS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR KEY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from Georgia farmers and ranchers for specific initiatives under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications are due by May 16. EQIP is a voluntary program that funds conservation practices based on state identified natural resource concerns. The specific initiatives being funded under this sign-up are on-farm energy, seasonal high tunnels, organic operations, working lands for wildlife and longleaf pine. Interested producers should visit their local NRCS office for information on this sign-up period. Applications are taken on a continuous basis but only those applications received by the cutoff will be considered for this sign-up. For more information about EQIP or other technical or financial assistance programs offered by NRCS, please contact your local service center: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs. NRCS WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE Eligible producers in four Southwest Georgia watersheds (Lower Deep Creek, in Turner County; Upper Piscola Creek, Middle Piscola Creek and Lower Piscola Creek, in both Brooks and Thomas Counties) must apply by May 16 for FY 2014 funding under the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s National Water Quality Initiative. The producers will invest in voluntary conservation actions to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities. Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, NRCS will provide funding and advice to producers to install conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces in watersheds with impairments where the federal investment can make a difference to improve water quality. For more information about NRCS’ programs, initiatives and services in Georgia, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 8 TEAM AG GEORGIA SPRING WORKSHOP May 29 Central Square Complex 8 a.m. Douglas This free one-day workshop, which includes a complimentary lunch, is for small, beginning and limited-resource farmers. Workshop sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a farm tour. Topics include organic/naturally-grown certification, small farm financing, olive production, an update on USDA programs, timber and wildlife management and much more. Registration is required and the deadline to register is May 19. To register online visit http://www.teamaggeorgia.com. For more information contact Neal Leonard at neal.leonard@ga.usda.gov or 706-546-2207. BERMUDAGRASS STEM MAGGOT AND FORAGE INSECT WEBINAR MAY 20 9:30 a.m. – noon online This free webinar will provide the latest information about bermudagrass stem maggots, fall armyworms, fire ants, grubs and other forage insects. An RSVP is required for login instructions. To RSVP, email Cathy Felton at feltonc@uga.edu or call 706-310-3464. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP DEADLINE Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students have until May 24 to apply to attend a one-week residential camp the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission is offering June 8-12 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Natural resource experts will give lectures, guide field trips and lead hands-on activities to enhance students’ understanding of Georgia’s natural resources during the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW). The camp focuses on the value and protection of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, water and mining resources. More than $18,000 in college scholarships will be awarded during the event. Tuition is $150 per student but scholarships are available for students who have not previously attended the event. Visit http://abac.edu/nrcw to download the camp application and more information. Contact Luke Crosson at lcrosson@gaswcc.org or 229-995-6001 for more information. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 27 NW Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Workshop begins at 6 p.m. For information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu. GA. HEIFER EVALUATION AND REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 28 NW Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu. 2014 CORN SILAGE AND FORAGE FIELD DAY May 29 Univ. of Fla. Plant Science Unit 8 a.m. Citra, Fla. This free event, a collaborative event between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, includes a sponsored lunch. Topics covered include agronomic issues, soil fertility and forage production and grazing management. Also included are tours of variety test plots. Visit http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/CSFD/CSFD/ for more information or to register.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 8 GFB ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR YOUNG FARMER CONTESTS Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting applications for its Young Farmer Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. . GFB members between the ages of 1835 may apply for these awards. Applications are available at county Farm Bureau offices Finalists for each of the competitive events will be named at the GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference to be held July 10-13 on Jekyll Island. Applications for each contest and the leadership conference will be accepted through May 30 at 4:30 p.m. The preliminary rounds of the discussion meet will be held at the leadership conference. For more information on these awards or the conference, please visit http://www.gfb.org/yf or stop by your county Farm Bureau. The GFB Achievement Award will recognize an outstanding young farmer or couple whose primary income is derived from farming. The GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award will recognize an outstanding individual or couple whose primary income is not derived from farming. Extension agents, FFA advisors and ag lenders are examples of individuals who may apply for this award. The GFB Discussion Meet is a competitive event designed to simulate a committee meeting where young farmers discuss current agriculture topics and explore solutions to issues facing them as agriculturalists. The state winner of each award will be announced during the GFB convention in December. The winner of each contest will compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Diego, Calif., Jan. 11-13, 2015. GEORGIA GROWN FARMERS SHOWCASE May 31 Macon Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Macon June 14 Savannah Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Savannah June 28 Atlanta Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Atlanta Sept. 6 Moultrie Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Moultrie These family-friendly events feature numerous vendors from around the state, with a wide variety of products from Georgia farms. For more information about the Georgia Grown program, visit http://www.georgiagrown.com. UGA CAES ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS June 1 Deadline for submitting applications The CAES Alumni Association awards two non-renewable scholarships to the most outstanding transfer students from two- and four-year colleges who will be enrolling full-time at The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Selection is based on the student's ability to make significant contributions to the academic and co-curricular campus environment. Application forms may be accessed at http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/caa/scholarships.html#awards. NRCS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SIGNUP FOR N. GA. IRRIGATION PILOT Farmers and landowners, who wish to conserve and preserve water through the North Georgia Irrigation Pilot Program (NGIPP) have until June 20 to apply. The two areas of improvement are water conservation and water quantity. The NGIPP provides both technical and financial assistance to farmers interested in improving the water quality and quantity of their operation. Applicable counties are; Banks, Barrow, Butts, Carroll, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, Fayette, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Lamar, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pike, Putnam, Rockdale, Spalding, Stephens, Troup, Upson, Walton, White and Wilkes. For more information about NRCS’ in Georgia, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov or visit your local NRCS office.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 8 2014 GFB HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTEST WINNERS
Overall winning entry by Chad Husted, Camden County
State runner-up entry by Wesley Helms, Wilcox County
Leadership Alert page 8 of 8
State runner-up entry by Samantha Teems, Polk County