May 18, 2011
www.gfb.org
Vol. 29 No. 20
DEAL SIGNS BILLS RELATED TO AGRICULTURE Gov. Nathan Deal has signed into law bills addressing sustainable agriculture, deer hunting, feral hogs and the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, as well as HB 87, an immigration bill. On May 13, Deal signed HB 87, which gives police authority to check immigration status in certain situations and places immigration status verification requirements on employers. Farm Bureau opposed a provision in HB 87 making employers’ use of E-Verify mandatory. HB 125, signed into law on May 11, places the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) in a position to receive its state allocation from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, rather than the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The GNFA has been attached to the DNR since its opening in June 1990. According to published reports, GNFA was also allocated $1.1 million for the renovation of its older barns. The bill adds the commissioner of agriculture as an ex officio member of the board of the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority, which operates the GNFA. HB 225, which Deal signed on May 6, establishes definitions of “sustainable agriculture” and “sustainable agricultural practices,” which Deal said would promote responsible agriculture and best practices. It also establishes promotion of sustainable agriculture as state policy. “Growing Georgia’s economy through sustainable agriculture is critical to ensure that we have a viable future for Georgia’s No. 1 industry,” Deal said, emphasizing that one in seven Georgians work in agriculture or related fields and that agriculture is a $65 billion industry in the state. HB 277, also signed into law on May 6, allows hunters of deer or feral hogs to bait privately owned land in the South Georgia region. The governor noted that provisions in HB 277 would enhance Georgia’s status as the nation’s top destination for hunting while controlling deer populations. According to a press release from the governor’s office, deer hunting is responsible for an estimated 10,000 jobs statewide. HB 277 also expands the options for farmers combating feral hogs. “People come from all over the world to hunt our prized deer population, and the sport is an economic engine for many rural parts of Georgia,” Deal said. “HB 277 also helps address a growing problem in Georgia as it expands hunters options for going after feral hogs. The cost of crop damage from feral hogs is tremendous, and this legislation helps Georgia farmers protect their livelihood.” Also on May 11, Deal sign HB 485, which makes it illegal to release feral hogs into the wild and enacts penalties for those who do.
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GFB ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Mary C. Cromley of Bulloch County, Nicollette Poole of Glascock County and Kollin Pyle of Early County have been awarded the top Georgia Farm Bureau 2011 Scholarships for Agriculture, valued at $3,000 each. The scholarships are intended to recognize and assist deserving and outstanding young people who are pursuing college degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or related agricultural fields. Eligibility is limited to students who plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College for the 2011-2012 academic year. “We’re extremely proud to help these students in pursuing their dreams,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “Each of them has performed well in the classroom and in a variety of extracurricular activities, and we’re confident they’ll continue to achieve success as they move beyond high school and pursue careers in agriculture.” Poole plans to attend the University of Georgia and study animal science. Cromley plans to study agricultural and applied economics at the University of Georgia, while Pyle intends to study agricultural engineering at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. In addition to the three top awards, seven other students were awarded $750 each. The other scholarship finalists were Ben Bennett of Cook County, Emilee Brinton of Coweta County, Ashley Dalba of Henry County, Davis Roper of Oconee County, Kendall Singleton of Upson County, Kaylee South of Franklin County and Jessica Still of Early County. WOOD PELLET PRODUCTION PLANT OPENS IN WARE COUNTY Georgia Biomass LLC, a facility touted as the world’s largest wood pellet production plant, opened May 12 in Ware County, creating 85 jobs and opening a market for biomass produced in Georgia. RWE Innogy of Germany and BMC of Sweden announced the project in January 2010. The two companies have invested $175 million in the plant’s development. The plant is expected to produce 750,000 metric tons of wood pellets that will be shipped to Europe to help meet the growing demand for renewable energy. The pellets have coal-like characteristics for efficient conversion to electricity. The two companies chose the location because of its proximity to Georgia’s forests and the state’s deepwater ports. “The commitment Georgia Biomass is making to Georgia speaks volumes about our state’s competitive resources for companies in the biomass energy sector,” Gov. Nathan Deal said. “It gives us a great sense of pride to know that the forestry products grown right here in Georgia will soon power communities throughout Europe. I look forward to the company’s success here in Georgia and around the world.” RWE is the leading energy production utility in Europe, and the wood pellets made at Georgia Biomass will be used primarily in BWE’s Netherlands electric generation plant. The company also has plans to convert a coal-fired plant in the United Kingdom to a biomass-fired plant. “The surplus of sustainably cultivated biomass makes Georgia an excellent location for us to produce wood pellets,” said Georgia Biomass Executive Board Member Sam Kang.
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USDA SEEKING COMMENT ON LEAFY GREENS MARKETING AGREEMENT Stakeholders wishing to comment on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposed National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (NLGMA) have until July 28 to submit them. The NLGMA would “authorize the development and implementation of production and handling regulations (audit metrics) to reflect United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) good agricultural practices and good manufacturing practices, and USDA good handling practices.” The NLGMA covers lettuce, spinach, cabbage and similar plants. The program would be voluntary and would cover both imported leafy greens and those grown domestically, and it would be financed by assessments collected from first handlers. The NLGMA would be administered by a board appointed by the secretary of agriculture with USDA oversight. In 2010, Georgia Farm Bureau signed onto a brief expressing support for a marketing agreement for leafy greens along with other agricultural groups. Visit http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=AMS-FV-09-0029-0150 to view the entire agreement. To submit a comment, visit http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=AMS-FV09-0029-0150. AG COMMITTEE PUSHES FOR MOVEMENT ON TRADE AGREEMENTS In a hearing on May 12, the House Agriculture Committee expressed concerns that delays in implementing pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with Columbia, Panama and South Korea are costing U.S. industries market share in those countries and urged Congress and Obama administration officials to move forward with the implementation of those agreements. The committee heard testimony from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, as well as representatives of six different ag groups, including American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman. Ag Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) said the U.S.’ competitors are gaining footholds in those three countries at the expense of American producers. “We must act quickly and bring these agreements to a vote before July 1. These FTAs will expand U.S. exports, create jobs and bring much-needed income to communities across rural America. It is time for action,” Lucas said. Once fully implemented, the Korea FTA would trigger $1.9 billion annually in agricultural exports. Gains in exports through the Columbia FTA are estimated at $370 million and the Panama agreement is estimated to increase U.S. agricultural exports to more than $46 million. “The U.S. government’s inaction has allowed our competitors to move in and displace agricultural product,” Stallman said. “The debate is no longer simply about generating potential export gains but about how to prevent the loss of existing export markets.” Once in effect, the FTAs would eliminate tariffs and quotas on goods traded between the U.S. and the trading-partner countries.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 DEADLINE TO VOTE ON FARM MOM OF THE YEAR IS MAY 26 Jones County Farm Bureau Director Teresa Chambers is the Southeast Region Farm Mom of the Year in a Monsanto-sponsored program designed to recognize women who provide exceptional support for their families, farms, communities and agriculture. Teresa is vying against four other regional winners for the national award. You can vote for her by visiting http://www.monsanto.com/americasfarmers/Pages/farmmom-vote-form.aspx. Congratulations Teresa! PFIZER SOUTHEAST STORM RELIEF PROGRAM Pfizer Animal Health is helping veterinarians and livestock owners in the Southeast assess and treat livestock impacted by the April storms and tornados. Vouchers worth $100 are being offered to reimburse vets in the affected areas of the Southeast to cover consulting fees to assess their clients’ impacted livestock. Cattle owners who have suffered tornado damage need to watch their cattle for any signs that the animals may have ingested metal storm debris, are experiencing respiratory distress or are developing the bacterial infection Clostridium chavoei, commonly known as “blackleg”. Pfizer is also making its portfolio of long-acting antibiotics (Draxxin, Excede and LA-200) available at no cost to vets who are treating affected animals. In addition, Pfizer will replace its cattle products for clinics damaged or destroyed by the storms. This program will be in place for the next 90 days. Vets who are interested in participating in the program should call 1-800-366-5288. PEANUT PROUD SENDING PEANUT BUTTER TO TORNADO VICTIMS Peanut Proud is collecting donations to send peanut butter and bottled water to church shelters and feeding distribution centers in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi for victims of the recent tornadoes. Contributions to this project may be sent to: Peanut Proud Inc, P.O. Box 446, Blakely, GA 39823. Checks should be made payable to Peanut Proud., Inc., and allocated for Project Giving Back. For information please contact LeaJean Manry at 229-723-2802 or lmanry@birdsong-peanuts.com or Chuck Hancock, 229-723-2815 or chancock@birdsongpeanuts.com. NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP APPLICATION DEADLINE May 20 is the deadline to apply for this weeklong camp that provides rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students a chance to learn about Georgia’s natural resources from university, state and federal natural resource experts. The camp, which gives students a taste of college life and insight into career opportunities related to natural resources, will be held June 5-9 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Tuition is $150. More than $17,000 in scholarships will be awarded from this workshop. This is the 50th anniversary of the NRCW. To celebrate, the NRCW Executive Board will award a special $5,000 scholarship. The committee is also asking former NRCW participants, both students, volunteers and staff, to share their story of how the NRCW has influenced their life or career path. Contact the NRCW by phone at 229-391-5072, via e-mail at nrcw@abac.edu or post your story on the NRCW FAcebook page. Interested persons can download an application and get more information about NRCW at http://www.abac.edu/psbo/nrcw or through your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office. MULE DAY May 21 Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Jefferson Visitors will have the opportunity to see displays of traditional farm equipment and animals as well as demonstrations of period crafts by local artisans. Activities for the day include plowing demonstrations by members of the Georgia Old Time Plow Club, as well as blacksmithing, corn grinding, and basket making. Farm is located at 2355 Ethridge Road, Jefferson, Ga. For more information, call 706- 367-2949.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 NRCS ORGANIC CONSERVATION PROGRAM SIGNUP DEADLINE MAY 20 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for Organic Initiative contracts under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help organic producers and those transitioning to organic production implement natural resource conservation practices on their farms. Organic producers may use the funding to plant cover crops, establish integrated pest management plans or implement nutrient management systems consistent with organic certification standards. Eligible producers include those certified through USDA’s National Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000. Under Organic Initiative contracts, producers are paid 75 percent of the cost for the organic conservation measures they implement. Producers qualifying as beginning, limited resource and socially disadvantaged producers are paid 90 percent. Producers interested in applying for Organic Initiative funding must submit applications through their local NRCS Service Center. BCAP PROPOSAL DEADLINE IS MAY 27 The deadline for project area proposals to be considered for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) is May 27. Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, BCAP provides incentives to eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners for the establishment and production of biomass crops for heat, power, bio-based products and biofuels. BCAP project areas are specific geographic areas where producers grow eligible biomass crops. Producers then receive annual payments for growing those crops. In Georgia, proposals should be sent to Farm Service Agency, 355 East Hancock Ave., Athens, Ga., 30601-2775. For more information, contact Anna Bramblett by phone at 706-546-2256 Ext. 4., or by email at anna.bramblett@ga.usda.gov or visit the USDA Farm Service Agency’s website at www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap. DEADLINE TO ENTER GFB PHOTO CONTEST IS MAY 31 The Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee is accepting entries for its 2011 Picture Agriculture in Georgia Contest. The contest is open to any Georgia Farm Bureau member who receives no income from photography. There are three categories: GFB members, GFB Young Farmers (farmers between the age of 18-35), and GFB staff/family (state or county). Photos must highlight Georgia agriculture and must have been taken in 2010 or 2011.Visit http://www.gfb.org/programs/yf/photo_contest.html for rules and to enter. BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHIP May 31 NW Ga. Research & Education Center Calhoun Starts at 6 p.m. For more information contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706/624-1398 or nwgastn@uga.edu. GFB YOUNG FARMER FAMILY CONFERENCE & DISCUSSION MEET REGISTRATION DEADLINE MAY 31 July 23-24 Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain This event will allow young farmers ages 18-35 the opportunity to network with other young farmers around the state and attend personal and professional development workshops. The conference will include free time to allow attendees the opportunity to tour Callaway on their own. There will be childoriented activities while parents attend workshops. The preliminary rounds of the GFB discussion meet will be held during the conference. The four finalists will compete for the state title at the GFB Convention on Jekyll Island, Dec. 4-6. The state winner will receive an Arctic Cat 500 4x4 ATV, $500 cash and an expense-paid trip to the 2012 American Farm Bureau convention in Hawaii, Jan. 8-11, 2012, to compete for national honors. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you are interested in attending the conference or competing in the discussion meet. The deadline to register for either event is May 31.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 GA HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE June 1 NW Ga. Research & Education Center Calhoun Starts at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or nwgastn@uga.edu 12th ANNUAL NORTH AMERICAN AGROFORESTRY CONFERENCE Jun. 4 - Jun. 9 Georgia Center, UGA Campus Athens This conference will focus on sustainable rural land management and the integration of trees with crop and/or livestock production. Dennis Garrity, director general of the World Agroforestry Centre, and Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, will be featured speakers. Registration is $325 before May 31 and $375 after. Visit http://hosting.caes.uga.edu/2011NAAC/index.html for more information or to register. CHEROKEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU SAFETY DAY CAMP June 15 Lazy D Farm 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ball Ground This free camp, which is open to anyone regardless of county of residence, includes lunch, t-shirt & gift bag. Topics include ATV safety, animal safety, electricity safety, tractor safety, nutrition, fire safety, gun safety, water safety, bike safety and severe weather. Registration deadline is Thursday June 2, 2011 or until camp is full. To register call Cherokee County Farm Bureau at 770-479-1481 Ext. 0 or the Cherokee County Extension Office at 770-479-0418 UGA COTTON SCOUT SCHOOLS June 13 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton June 21 Southeast Research & Education Center Midville These programs offer basic information on cotton insects and scouting procedures and will serve as a review for experienced scouts and producers and as an introduction to cotton insect monitoring for new scouts. Both schools run from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. For more information about the Tifton school call Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. Contact Peyton Sapp at 706-554-2119 for more information about the school in Midville. DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR USDA RENEWABLE ENERGY LOANS JUNE 15 The deadline for farmers and rural small businesses to apply for $70 million nationwide in loan guarantees and grants to install renewable energy systems is June 15. Funds are available through USDA Rural Development’s Renewable Energy for America program. Funds may be used to purchase and install renewable energy systems, to make energy efficiency improvements, and to complete feasibility studies. The maximum grant for renewable energy systems is 25 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $500,000. Energy efficiency improvement projects are eligible for up to 25 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $250,000. The maximum loan guarantee is 75 percent of eligible project costs, not to exceed $25 million. Combination loan guarantees and grants are also available. Feasibility studies now also qualify for grants. New for 2011 is the addition of blender pumps as an eligible purpose. These pumps can deliver a variety of ethanol blended gasoline ranging from 11% to 85%. Convenience stores and other fuel dispensers can apply for funding this year to help in the installation of the pumps and tanks at their place of business. Complete program details are available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Energy.html. Applications that are received after the June 15 deadline will be considered in 2012. Applications can be sent to either Craig Scroggs, USDA Rural Development, 111 E. Spring St. Monroe, GA 30655 or Al Burns, USDA Rural Development, 2406 N. Tift Ave., Suite 103, Tifton, GA 31794. Program coordinators can be reached for more information as follows: Craig Scroggs at 404-229-5720 or craig.scroggs@ga.usda.gov; Al Burns at 229-220-5067 or al.burns@ga.usda.gov.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 CORN SILAGE & FORAGE FIELD DAY June 16 UGA Tifton Campus Tifton Registration for this workshop, hosted by the University of Georgia and University of Florida, begins at 7:30 a.m. with the program starting at 8 a.m. Attendees will have the chance to tour variety test plots and hear university specialists discuss improving nitrogen fertilizer use, weed control in corn and forage sorghum, forage preservation, ways to use byproducts to supplement forages for beef cattle and dairy cattle, reducing feeding losses of hay and processing baleage and hay f or use in TMR. For more information visit http://bit.ly/lXnW2o contact Dr. John K. Bernard at 229-391-6856 or jbernard@uga.edu. GA PORK PRODUCERS CONGRESS & PORK ACT DELEGATE ELECTION June 22 Georgia Farm Bureau Home Office Macon Georgia pork producers will meet for their annual meeting at 8:30 a.m. Representatives of the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences will give an update on swine research at Double Bridges Farm. A National Pork Board representative will give an update on the national and international outlook for the swine industry. Melony Wilson and Dr. John Worley will conduct a producer certification training course on waste management during the morning session that will provide two hours of continuing education credit for attendees. At 2 p.m. Georgia pork producers will elect delegate candidates to represent Georgia at the 2012 National Pork Producers Delegate Body as outlined in the Pork Act. To be eligible as a delegate candidate or to participate in the election, producers must be 18 or older and should bring a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was paid. For information, contact the Georgia Pork Producers Association at 229-336-7760. UGA COLLECTING CICADA SPECIMENS The Georgia Natural History Museum is accepting specimens of the 13-year cicadas that have crawled out of hibernation and have residents across the state asking, “What’s that noise?” The adult periodical cicadas have vibrant red eyes and orange veined wings. They grow as long as two inches and have short antennae and clear wings held roof-like over their abdomen. The male cicadas make the strange, piercing noise we are hearing using special structures called tymbals found on the abdomen. To participate, collect at least six adult cicadas. If the cicadas are not already dead, place them in the freezer overnight to kill them compassionately. Wrap each one individually in tissue or cloth and place all of them in a mailing tube or box with additional padding. Include a note with your name, the town and county where they were collected and the date of collection. Ship your cicada sample to the Georgia Natural History Museum, University of Georgia, Dr. Cecil Smith, 178 Natural History Building, Athens, Ga., 30602. For more information about cicadas call Nancy Hinkle at 706- 583-8043. BASF ANNOUNCES FARM PLAN FINANCING & HEADLINE SAVINGS BASF has also teamed up again with Farm Plan™ to provide growers another way to save on their purchases for the 2011 season. Under the 2011 program, growers can finance a purchase of two or more BASF crop protection products—such as Headline fungicide and Kixor® herbicide technology—through Farm Plan with zero percent interest and no payments for 180 days. To take advantage of this offer, growers must make a purchase using their Farm Plan account by July 15. For more details, growers should contact their authorized BASF retailer, or visit See full terms and conditions of the Farm Plan offer at https://www.farmplan.com Growers who use Headline® fungicide may qualify to save $50 per gallon on purchases through BASF authorized retailers made by Aug. 15. For more information on Headline Advantage, growers should visit www.headlineadvantage.com or consult with their authorized BASF retailer.