May 28, 2014
www.gfb.org
Vol. 32 No. 21
CONGRESS PASSES WRRDA, FREES FUNDING FOR SAVANNAH PORT PROJECT Work on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) is closer to moving forward after Congress approved funding as a part of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The House passed the WRRDA in a 412-4 vote on May 20, and the Senate passed it with a 91-7 vote on May 22. All members of Georgia’s delegation voted for the bill with the exception of Rep. Paul Broun (R-10th District) and Hank Johnson (D-4th District), who did not vote. “We’re pleased Congress approved this bill so we can now move forward with the improvements at the Port of Savannah,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “Exports provide a key revenue stream for Georgia farmers as well as supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. This was an important step toward securing future economic benefits the port provides not only to our farmers but to the entire Southeast.” The project, which includes deepening the Savannah Harbor from 42 to 47 feet and extending the entrance to the channel by seven miles, will allow the port to accommodate larger ships that will use the Panama Canal after its expansion is completed. SHEP is projected to cost $687 million and will be funded through a project partnership agreement (PPA) between the state of Georgia and the federal government. The PPA would define how costs of the project will be shared between the state and federal governments. Georgia has set aside $266 million, and the WRRDA includes $421 million in federal funding for SHEP. According to a Georgia Ports Authority press release, a binding PPA is expected within 90 days after the president signs the bill into law. Once the PPA takes effect, accelerated use of Georgia’s portion of the funding will be allowed. The accommodation of larger ships will significantly reduce shipping costs for goods traveling through the Port of Savannah. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study indicates private companies will save $174 million a year in shipping costs. The Port of Savannah is North America’s largest single container terminal and handles 13.27 million tons of cargo per year, making it the second-busiest U.S. port behind the Port of Los Angeles. U.S. produced food, wood pulp and fabrics (including raw cotton) made up 38 percent of exported commodities leaving the country through the Port of Savannah in 2013. Food products were the top export commodity group, accounting for 16 percent of the Savannah exports. According to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, 2013 Georgia broiler exports were valued at $685 million.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 AFBF LAUNCHES FARM BILL RESOURCES WEBSITE The American Farm Bureau Federation has produced a new series of videos and launched a website (http://goo.gl/ujjnny) to help farmers, landowners and other stakeholders better understand the provisions of the 2014 farm bill. Featured content includes videos on key commodity program and crop insurance provisions of the farm bill. “Now that safety net and risk management tools important in crop planning are in place, along with the new program for dairies, the next step is for farmers to be able to move forward with confidence in determining the best options for their individual farms,” said John Anderson, deputy chief economist with AFBF. “We created the farm bill video series with that goal in mind.” The videos include a farm bill overview describing the basic provisions of the commodity title, including a description of the decisions related to program participation that will need to be made by farmers and landowners. Four other videos go in-depth on the Price Loss Coverage and Supplemental Coverage Option, the Agricultural Risk Coverage Program, the Stacked Income Protection Program for Cotton and the Dairy Margin Protection Program. USDA RELEASES HONEYBEE SURVEY RESULTS Total losses of managed honey bee colonies from all causes were 23.2 percent nationwide for the 2013-2014 winter, according to the annual survey conducted by the Bee Informed Partnership and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This represents a noticeable drop in mortality compared to the 30.5 percent loss reported for the winter of 2012-2013 and compared to an eightyear average of winter losses of 29.6 percent. Previous surveys found total colony losses of 21.9 percent in 2011-2012, 30 percent in 2010-2011, 33.8 percent in 2009-2010, about 29 percent in 2008-2009, about 36 percent in 2007-2008, and about 32 percent in 2006-2007. The winter losses survey covers the period from October 2013 through April 2014. “Yearly fluctuations in the rate of losses like these only demonstrate how complicated the whole issue of honey bee heath has become, with factors such as viruses and other pathogens, parasites like varroa mites, problems of nutrition from lack of diversity in pollen sources, and even sublethal effects of pesticides combining to weaken and kill bee colonies,” said Jeff Pettis, co-author of the survey and research leader of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. ARS is USDA’s chief internal scientific research agency. In late April the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy met with a variety of stakeholders, seeking their input on actions the federal government could take to address pollinator health. The American Farm Bureau Federation has submitted action ideas, including the creation of voluntary, state-based programs to enhance protection of honeybees. The House Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review research on bee colony health on April 29. In the Spring/Summer 2014 issue of Georgia Neighbors magazine, GFB looks at what beekeepers do to care for their hives. The magazine can be seen online at http://bit.ly/gabeekeep.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 USDA ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PLANTING RULES The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced fruit and vegetable provisions that affect producers who intend to participate in certain programs authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014, according to a press release from the Georgia FSA office. “Similar to previous programs that we’ve administered, planting fruits and vegetables on base acres on a farm can result in a payment reduction for program participants,” said David Laster, acting state executive director for the Georgia FSA. Producers who intend to participate in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs are subject to an acre-for-acre payment reduction when fruits and nuts and/or vegetables are planted on the payment acres of a farm. Planting fruits or vegetables on acres that are not considered payment acres will not result in a payment reduction. Farms that are eligible to participate in ARC/PLC but are not enrolled for a particular year may plant unlimited fruits and/or vegetables for that year but will not receive ARC/PLC payments for that year. Eligibility for succeeding years is not affected. Planting and harvesting fruits and/or vegetables on ARC/PLC acreage is subject to the acrefor-acre payment reduction when those crops are planted on either more than 15 percent of the base acres of a farm enrolled in ARC using the county coverage or PLC, or more than 35 percent of the base acres of a farm enrolled in ARC using the individual coverage. Fruits and vegetables that are planted in a double-cropping practice will not cause a payment reduction if the farm is in a double-cropping region as designated by the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation. For more information on fruit and vegetable rules, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center. USDA SURVEYS TO PROVIDE INSIGHT ON 2014 AGRICULTURE The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend the first two weeks of June surveying thousands of farmers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to get a clear indication of the production and supply of major commodities for 2014, according to a NASS press release. NASS will compile information collected across the country into publicly accessible reports to ensure the confidentiality of individual farmer information. These surveys are among the largest and most important conducted by the USDA NASS and serve as a primary source of agricultural information. These surveys will provide data about 2014 planted acreages of major crops, grain stocks, and livestock in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and the United States. Producers rely on the survey results to make production, marketing, and investment decisions. Congress utilizes the information to design better regulations and farm programs. Industry analysts, extension agents, farm organizations, and agricultural lenders use the data in a variety of ways to directly benefit the grower. Growers across the South will be contacted during the coming weeks to obtain data regarding their operations. The data will be collected by mail, phone, and personal interviews. Growers will also be given the opportunity to report on the Internet for selected surveys. All reports are available on the NASS web site: http://www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS Southern Regional Field Office at 1-800-253-4419.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 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. 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 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. Details on state and national prizes will be available at a later date. MORGAN COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY May 31 UGA ADS-Beef Research Farm 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eatonton The Morgan County Cattlemen's Association is hosting this event, which includes discussions of weed control, carcass characteristics, cattle handling and more. Pesticide Applicator credits and Best Quality Practices (BQA) Continuing Education Credit will be given. For more information contact Lucy Ray 706-342-221 or lray@uga.edu 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.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 INTERPLANTED ALFALFA FIELD DAY June 5 Putnam Co. Cooperative Extension 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Eatonton Join us as UGA Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Dennis Hancock explains the benefits of interplanting alfalfa with forage grasses. Dr. Hancock will detail site preparation, fertility requirements and variety selection to assure successful stand establishment. After the educational program a sponsored lunch will be provided and then visit a Putnam County Farm where alfalfa has been successfully interplanted with Bermuda. Mr. Donald Wood, Research Professional at the UGA Center for Applied Genetic Technologies will join Dr. Hancock on site to discuss management techniques and harvesting strategies. For more information contact Putnam County Extension Coordinator Keith Fielder at 706-485-4151 or kfielder@uga.edu. BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER GRANTS June 12 Deadline to apply for FY2014 The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) assists new farmers and ranchers through grants to organizations that offer education, training and mentoring programs. The 2014 farm bill provides $19.2 million in grants under the BFRDP. The program includes three types of grants, which are specified in the legislation. Standard grants directly serve beginning farmers and ranchers; each can be up to $250,000 per year for up to 3 years. Educational Enhancements grant develop resources and provide coordination and support to standard grants for a particular topic or region. One Clearinghouse grant for a national site to house curricula, training materials, and other information for new farmers and ranchers and organizations that work with them. Visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmersandranchers.cfm for more information. EISENHOWER FELLOWS ACCEPTING AGRICULTURE APPLICATIONS Recruitment is currently open and will end on June 13 for Eisenhower Fellowships, the premier international leadership organization chaired by General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret). Eisenhower Fellowships is seeking active farmers or ranchers to take part in a unique international opportunity. The successful applicants receive a custom-designed program overseas for five weeks in one or two countries where he or she will explore agricultural issues in order to enhance their own leadership capabilities in the field of agriculture. If you are a leader in agriculture, and could benefit from international exposure and a world-class network to enhance your leadership role, you are invited to apply for an Eisenhower Agriculture Fellowship. For more information, and application materials, visit: http://www.efworld.org/our-programs/usa. 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’ programs, initiatives and services in Georgia, visit us online at http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov or visit your local NRCS office. Applications are due by June 20.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 GEORGIA JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY July 10 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 9 a.m. Perry This one-day event features tracks for ages 10 & under, 11-14 and 15 & over. Registration is $15 until July 1 and $20 onsite for GJCA members. Non-members are required to join the GJCA; annual dues are $15. Field day stations include Beef Quality Assurance certification, stockman’s quiz, scholarship tips & tricks, careers in ag, a hula hoop contest, photo booth and more. For more information call 478-474-6560. MASTER GOAT FARMER CERTIFICATION TRAINING Aug. 5 – Sept. 9 Camp Fulton Truitt College Park This six-week course, sponsored by the UGA Cooperative Extension in Fulton County, provides training for goat producers on topics related to managing and producing goats for meat. Topics include nutrition, body condition scoring, goat selection, breeds, reproduction & kidding, hoof trimming, health & diseases, pasture management, basic dairy goat management, goat handling equipment, fencing displays, parasitology and business & marketing. Classes meet on Tuesday, with refreshments served at 6 p.m. followed by class from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 75 participants. Registration deadline is July 11. Cost is $100, which includes study materials, refreshments, a t-shirt and graduation certificate. Camp Fulton Truitt is located at 4300 Herschel Rd. in College Park. To register, contact the Fulton County Extension office at 404-762-4077. ASA DUPONT YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2015 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1. The program is a challenging and educational two-part training program. Phase 1 will take place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 18-21, 2014. The program continues Feb. 24-28, 2015, in Phoenix, Ariz., with training held in conjunction with the 20th annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. The ASA DuPont Young Leader Program offers the opportunity for participants to strengthen their natural leadership skills, expand their agricultural knowledge and develop strong peer relationships with other soybean growers from across the country. To apply visit http://soygrowers.com/learn/young-leader-program/. One couple or individual per state will be selected to participate. For information, contact Christine Luelf at 314-754-1291 or cluelf@soy.org. NORTHWEST GEORGIA MASTER CATTLEMEN’S PROGRAM Sept. 8 – Oct. 27 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton This eight-week course will meet on Mondays from 6:30 pm. to 8:30 p.m. Each week’s class focuses on a single aspect of beef cattle production, including nutrition, forages, reproduction, herd health, economics and marketing, Beef Quality Assurance, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, livestock facilities sire selection and record keeping. Participants who attend six of the eight classes will receive a certificate of completion and a UGA Master Cattlemen’s cap. Registration is $60 per person and includes a dinner on the final night. Advance registration deadline is Aug. 25. For more information contact Jason Duggin at 706-624-1403 or jduggin@uga.edu or Paula Burke at 770-836-8546 or pjburke@uga.edu.