May 2, 2012
www.gfb.org
Vol. 30 No. 18
FARM BILL PROPOSAL PASSES SENATE AG COMMITTEE A proposed 2012 farm bill that would end direct payments and reduce the federal deficit by $23 billion passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on April 26 without the support of the committee’s southern members. Without a new farm bill in place, Congress would be required to extend the 2008 farm bill, which expires at the end of FY 2012. The bill, titled “The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs act of 2012”, passed by a 16-5 vote, and four of the votes against it were from southern senators, including Georgia’s Saxby Chambliss, who objected to the bill’s “one-size-fitsall” approach to commodity programs. “I was not able to support the committee bill due to the severe inequities the bill created between regions and crops. While I support approving a new farm bill this year in advance of the expiration of the current bill, I cannot support the unbalanced policy brought before the committee today that attempts to fit most crops into a onesize-fits-all program,” Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss said in a release. The bill eliminates direct and countercyclical payments, the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE). The senate bill maintains peanut and cotton storage payment programs and continues existing marketing loan rates for all commodities except cotton, for which a floating rate is established to stay in compliance with World Trade Organization findings in the U.S.-Brazil cotton dispute. A manager’s amendment to the bill during markup provided price protection for peanuts and rice. The peanut portion establishes a revenue insurance program for peanuts based on a price of $530 per ton. Such a program would have to be created by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. The manager’s amendment also included a “sod-saver” provision, reducing the crop-insurance premium subsidy by 50 percent for pasture or grassland converted into crop production and a temporary boost in milk payments until the new dairy program takes effect in 2013. For payment limitation purposes, the manager’s amendment lmits each farm to one person who can qualify for payments based solely on their providing farm management. Where practical, separate risk coverage for irrigated and non-irrigated crops was also included in the manager’s amendment, which also provided $800 million in mandatory spending on renewable energy programs over five years. The bill includes expanded provisions for specialty crops, including a 10-year increase of $142 million for Specialty Crop Block Grants, and a 10-year increase of $416 million for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 DOL WITHDRAWS PROPOSED CHILD LABOR RULE On April 26 the U.S. Department of Labor withdrew its proposed regulations for children under the age of 16 who work in agriculture. In a statement posted on its website, the DOL noted, “The decision to withdraw this rule - including provisions to define the ‘parental exemption’ - was made in response to thousands of comments expressing concerns about the effect of the proposed rules on small family-owned farms. To be clear, this regulation will not be pursued for the duration of the Obama administration.” The move was welcomed by multiple agricultural groups, including Georgia Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation. “We are pleased that the Department of Labor chose to withdraw this set of rules,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall. “As proposed, the DOL rule would have fundamentally changed how the department interprets the existing parental exemption for family farms and would greatly restrict the ability of youth to work on common farm equipment. It could have changed and hindered the ability of youth to gain real-life agricultural experience through education programs like 4-H and FFA.” The DOL said that instead of continuing to pursue the rules for on-farm labor, it would work with rural stakeholders like AFBF, the National Farmers Union, FFA and 4-H to develop an education program aimed at developing safe practices for farm work and preventing accidents involving young farm workers. STEVIA PRODUCER EXPANDS INTO GEORGIA AND NORTH CAROLINA Sweet Green Fields, a leading U.S.-based producer of high purity stevia extracts, is expanding its stevia crop production into Georgia and North Carolina, according to a company press release. “Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 industry and we are always excited about the prospect of new and alternative crop opportunities in our state,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. “With the ideal soil and climate conditions in Georgia, Sweet Green Fields has seen the potential for stevia to prosper as a new crop in the rotational system. We welcome their expansion here and look forward to working with them throughout the seasons to come.” According to the company press release, transplanting for the 2012 crop in Georgia is already underway. Stevia, which has been a part of South American indigenous peoples’ diets for more than 1,500 years, is a group of more than 200 species of plants within the sunflower family. Extracts from its leaves have been found to be hundreds of times sweeter than ordinary table sugar, and the FDA approved stevia extracts as U.S. food and beverage additives in 2008. According to the company website, (http://www.sweetgreenfields.com) Sweet Green Fields has been breeding and growing its own proprietary stevia varieties in a commercial setting for more than a decade and has more than 60 proprietary stevia varieties grown in arious regions of the world. For information about growing stevia for Sweet Green Fields, contact Vice President for Agriculture Operations Hal Teegarden at hteegarden@sweetgreenfields.com.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 GA PECANS EARN HEART HEALTHY SEAL FROM HEART ASSOCIATION The Georgia Pecan Commission (GPC) has long taunted the health benefits of pecans, but now it has the American heart Association (AHA) HeartCheck label to prove it. The AHA has added Georgia pecans to its list of certified heart-healthy foods, which allows companies selling Georgia pecan halves and pieces to apply to the AHA to place its Heart-Check label on their product packages. “We know consumers have relied on the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark to easily identify heart-healthy foods for more than 15 years,” said Rachel Johnson, an AHA spokesperson who is a registered dietician and the Bickford Green & Gold Professor of Nutrition at the University of Vermont. Cheryl Miller, chief principal and CEO of public relations firm At The Table (formerly known as Sahlman Williams) that handles marketing for the pecan commission, told Georgia pecan growers that polls have shown 73 percent of shoppers trust the American Heart Association's certification seal as the most trust-worthy indicator when making grocery purchasing decisions. A one-ounce serving of Georgia pecans (halves and pieces) contains three grams of dietary fiber and more than 19 vitamins and minerals. Research has also shown that pecans may reduce cholesterol due to a type of good fat found in the nuts and the presence of beta-sitosterol, a cholesterol-lowering compound. Eating 1.5 ounces of pecans a day (27-30 pecan halves), may reduce the risk of heart disease. “We’re pleased that the American heart Association has recognized the health benefits of Georgia-grown pecans,” said GPC Chairman Duke Lane, Jr. To become AHA certified, nuts must meet the AHA’s certification criteria, which limits added fats and carbohydrates, saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium. Products must also include at least 10 percent of the daily value of one of six beneficial nutrients. The AHA certification applies to pecan halves and pieces only. Companies interested in using the Heart-Check label on their products should contact April Whitfield at April.Whitfield@heart.org or (214)706-1879 to begin the process. There will be a $1,000 certification fee per branded commodity. Approved certification lasts for one year. GEORGIA EPD OPEN BURN BAN IN EFFECT Beginning May 1 and ending Sept. 30, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD’s) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The open burning ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris. This rule is in addition to the year-round state ban on the burning of household garbage. In addition, in counties that have a population of more than 65,000 people, burning vegetative debris from storm damage or for the purposes of weed abatement, disease control or pest prevention is not allowed. This includes six new counties in 2012 - Barrow, Bulloch, Newton, Troup, Walker and Walton. Some actions, such as campfires and agricultural activities, are exempt. Citizens can access more information on the open burning ban by going to EPD’s Air Protection Branch website at http://www.georgiaair.org and clicking on the open burning flame or by calling the local EPD District Office. Small businesses can obtain help and information by calling EPD’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program toll-free at 1-877-427-6255.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 FORT VALLEY FARMERS MARKET SEEKS VENDORS The Fort Valley Farmers Market is seeking farmers, vendors and civic clubs to sell at the weekly market that will operate in downtown Fort Valley from May 5 through October. The market, located at the intersection of East Church and Lowe Street next to the Passenger Depot in downtown Fort Valley, will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. The Fort Valley Farmers Market supports the Georgia Made, Georgia Grown market plan, which means products sold at the market should be grown or made locally. Approved market items include fresh produce, plants, flowers, crafts and homemade baked goods. Space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and vendors may set up on the days of their choice. Vendor fees are $20 for the season or $5 per weekend. On June 8 and 9, the Georgia Peach Festival will be held in Fort Valley, and the Farmers Market is busy with entertainment and crafts. On Sept. 7 and 8, Fort Valley will host the Com South Hambone Jam, the final event of the Georgia BBQ Association, and the Farmers Market is very busy that weekend. For more information, call the Fort Valley Main Street/Downtown Development Authority at 478-825-5986 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 4TH ANNUAL ST. JUDE ANTIQUE TRACTOR RIDE May 5 Lane Packing 10 a.m. Fort Valley The ride, which begins and ends at Lane Packing, is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The event includes a lunch and tractor contests like a slow tractor race and barrel maneuvers. Riders will pay a $25 entry fee per tractor and donations from non-riders are welcomed. For more information contact James Emory Tate at 912-375-8367 or Neil Skipper at 478-286-1940. TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL May 5 Ga. Highway 23, west off I-75 exit 122 Byromville This annual festival features family-oriented fun for everyone. Events, include a 10 a.m. parade, exhibits, the local museum, game, rides, food, entertainment and much more. For more information visit http://www.turkeycreekfestival.com or contact Mary Jo Jeter at mjojeter@yahoo.com or 478-244-1318. USDA PIGFORD SETTLEMENT CLAIMS FILING DEADLINE May 11 is the deadline for claims to be filed in the USDA Pigford II settlement case. The settlement arises from a class action lawsuit against USDA that alleges the department discriminated against African-Americans who applied for or attempted to apply for farm loans or other farm benefits between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996. The settlement applies only to African-American farmers who meet specific eligibility requirements, including the requirement that they previously submitted a request to file a late claim in the 1999 Pigford I class action Consent Decree. Claimants must register for a claims package by calling 1-877810-8110 or 1-866-950-5547 or visiting the website www.blackfarmercase.com. A claims package will be mailed to claimants. EARLY DAYS OF YESTERYEAR May 11-12 Copeland Hall, Bowdon-Tyus Road Bowdon This free event will feature antique farm equipment and engines, tools, antique cars, entertainment, activities for children, vendors and food. For more information, contact Gearald Fielder at 770-228-9502 or GFIELDER@aol.com.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 MONROE COUNTY HERD SALE May 12 Sleepy Creek Farm 12:30 p.m. Forsyth More than 80 bred heifers will be fore sale during the event. Data available on the heifers includes A.I. breeding and sire EPD’s, pelvic area, frame score, disposition score, weight per day of age and average daily gain. For more information contact the Monroe County Extension office by phone at 478-994-7014 or by email at uge2207@uga.edu. Information about the sale may also be found online at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/monroe/HERDProgram/herd.html. GEORGIA COTTON WOMEN SCHOL. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15 The John M. and Connie H. Mobley Memorial Scholarship is presented annually by the Georgia Cotton Women to the child or grandchild of an active Georgia cotton producer with priority given to children of Georgia Cotton Women members. In the event there is no child or grandchild of a GCW member eligible for the scholarship, the GCW Scholarship Committee has the discretion to present the award to another qualified candidate. This scholarship was established by the late John M. Mobley. It was continued by his wife Connie and is now carried on by their family. The $1,500 scholarship will be payable one-third each quarter or one-half each semester. Scholarship applications may be downloaded at http//:www.georgiacottonwomen.org. For more information contact Charlotte Wingate at 229985-1435 or Nancy Coleman at 229-941-2930 or rosehillfarms@windstream.net. The deadline for application is May 15. BEEF MONTH PROMOTION WORKSHOP May 19 Georgia Farm Bureau 10 a.m.-2p.m. Macon The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and Georgia Beef Board (GBB) is holding this workshop to help county cattlemen’s associations and county Farm Bureaus prepare to promote beef in June, Georgia Beef Month. GBB staff will distribute beef month materials and discuss promotion ideas. Representatives of county cattlemen’s associations will share promotion activities they’ve used in the past. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Executive Director of Communications Daren Williams will provide media training and cover how to talk about beef with consumers. The event is free but attendees are asked to RSVP by May 15 by calling Brooke Williams at 478-474-1815 or emailing her at brooke@gabeef.org. APPLY BY MAY 21 FOR FARMERS MARKET PROMOTION PROGRAM The USDA is seeking grant applicants for the 012 Farmers Market Promotion Program. Approximately $10 million is available for marketing operations, including farmers markets, community supported agriculture and roadside stands. The grants are administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and are available only though a competitive application process online at http://www.grants.gov. The deadline to apply is May 21. The grants aim to increase the availability of local agricultural products in communities throughout the country. They will help strengthen farmer-to-consumer marketing efforts. For more information about the program, visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 29 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 6 p.m. Contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706/624-1398 - pworley@uga.edu for more information.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 30 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins 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 pworley@uga.edu CAES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS June 1 Deadline to apply for Transfer Scholarship The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association is accepting applications for its Transfer Scholarship for students considering transferring into a CAES program in fall 2012. For more information or to download the application form, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html. UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR FSA PROGRAMS Below are upcoming enrollment deadlines for programs administered by the Farm Service Agency: June 1 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payments (DCP) June 1 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment Program (SURE) July 15 2011 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) July 15 Certification of planted acres (all crops except tobacco) Aug. 1 Farm Reconstitutions (changes) for 2012 crop year Sept. 30 Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Dates vary Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), check with FSA service center for dates) and Crop Insurance (Contact a crop insurance agent or the regional Risk Management Agency (RMA) office.) For more information about FSA programs visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov. COTTON SCOUT SCHOOLS June 11 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton June 19 Southeast Research and Education Center Midville These programs, which run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offer basic information on cotton insects and scouting procedures. The programs will serve as a review for experienced scouts and producers and as an introduction to cotton insect monitoring for new scouts. For more information about the Tifton session, contact Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. For information about the Midville session, contact Peyton Sapp at 706-554-2119. GEORGIA EGG ASSOCIATION 51st ANNUAL MEETING June 20-22 King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort St. Simons Island The Georgia Egg Association meeting offers educational sessions, reports from the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. For more information, call 770-932-4622. DAWSON COUNTY FARM SAFETY FAIR June 23 Field on HWY 9@ canoe ramp near Riverview Middle Sch. Dawsonville The AGCO equipment company and Dawson County Farm Bureau are hosting a farm safety training from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for adults. AGCO will demonstrate new safety features available on hay equipment, and EMS personnel will give safety presentations. The local FFA will sell food as a fundraiser. For more information contact Tammy Wood at the DCFB at tewood@gfb.org or 706-265-3350.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition Field Day July 12 Spence Field Moultrie See crop progress and new research tests on field plots for cotton, peanuts, corn and more. Shuttles start at 9 a.m. and door prizes will be awarded at a sponsored lunch. For more information call 229-985-1968 or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com. GARLICFEST 2012 Aug. 25 LoganBerry Heritage Farm 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cleveland This annual celebration of the Garlic harvest is a free and fun family event. It includes lots of garlic, chefs, creative food, cooking demos, tastings, live music, artisans and animals. For more information, contact LoganBerry Heritage Farm at 706-348-6068 or visit http://www.loganberryheritagefarm.com. 2012 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 20 University of Georgia Griffin Campus 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Griffin Registration is now being accepted for this unique educational event, sponsored by UGA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the NRCS. The field day will provide information on ways land value can be enhanced. More than 25 topics will be showcased, including wildlife opening management; pond management; management for wild turkeys, doves and quail; selling and marketing timber; prescribed burning, cost-sharing assistance programs, GPS/GIS use in managing land and invasive insects, disease and plants. Registration is $25 before Sept. 3 and $35 after. Fee includes lunch, and those who register in advance will receive an Agroforestry & Wildlife Field Day baseball cap. For more information, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.