Vol. 74 No. 6
GEORGIA
November/December 2012
FARM BUREAU NEWS
The Voice of Georgia Farmers
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departments
we, the farmers PAGE 4
legislative update
GATE signup underway
PAGE 5
commodities update PAGE 10
around georgia
PAGE 20
public relations staff Paul Beliveau Jennifer Whittaker Lillian Davis Jay Stone Denny Moore Rick Treptow Michael Edmondson Mark Wildman Dean Wood Damon Jones Vickie Amos
Director Editor Publications/Advertising Manager Print/Web Specialist TV Producer/Anchor Senior Radio-TV Specialist Web/Video Manager Radio-TV Specialist Radio-TV Specialist Radio-TV Specialist Office Coordinator
For questions about your membership or member benefits, call 1-800-633-5432. For questions regarding editorial content call 478-474-0679, ext. 5334 or e-mail jawhittaker@gfb.org For questions regarding advertising contact Hurst and Associates, Inc., 1-800-397-8908 Visit the GFB Web site today! www.gfb.org Georgia Farm Bureau TV: www.youtube.com/georgiafarmmonitor “Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeorgiaFarmBureau Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/gafarmbureau
Georgia Farm Bureau News
GFB to celebrate 75th anniversary at convention
Georgia Farm Bureau will celebrate its 75th anniversary during its annual convention Dec. 2-4 in the new Jekyll Island Convention Center. Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia Army National Guard Commander Brigadier General Joe Jarrard will speak Dec. 3; singer John Berry will perform that evening. Other highlights will include state awards, commodity conferences and state officer elections. PAGE 6
GFB sponsors market goat & lamb grand champions
Georgia Farm Bureau sponsored the grand champion prizes for market goat wether, market goat doe and market lamb awarded during shows held at the Georgia National Fair in Perry Oct. 5-7. PAGE 8
Sunbelt celebrates 35th anniversary Georgia’s Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. GFB cosponsored the Georgia Agriculture Building for the second year and talked to Expo visitors about EPA’s attempt to expand its regulatory authority over water on farms and about 1,500 signatures from people opposed to this were collected. PAGE 12
Photo by Jay Stone
contents
table of november/december 2012
Cotton, peanut & pecan field days showcase research
Farmers who attended the 2012 UGA Cotton & Peanut Research Field Day Sept. 12 learned about advances in peanut genetics, the emergence of a relatively new cotton disease and management of stressors for both crops to optimize yields and quality. Pecan producers attending the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day Sept. 6 heard about research on the alternate bearing cycle of pecan trees, pest and disease control and crop insurance. PAGE 14
GFB 2nd District supports youth with annual cattle show
The 4th Annual GFB 2nd District Young Farmer Steer and Heifer Show drew 74 participants to the show ring. Students in third to 12th grade competed to win prizes for best showmanship, breed, grand champion heifer and steer. PAGE 16
Sacrifices worth it for Young Farmer finalists
James and Brooke Hitchcock, Chris and Marilynn Hopkins and Charlie Sanders are competing for the 2012 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Award, which will be presented Dec. 2 at the GFB convention. All three finalists say the sacrifices they’ve made to farm were worth making for the farm lifestyle they enjoy. PAGE 18
on the cover
(Photo by Jennifer Whittaker) Georgia Farm Bureau members Dianne and Wayne Akins decorated their Greene County farm with this Christmas “tree” in 2010 with help from their daughter Holley and son-in-law Jay Cooper. This shot was captured Dec. 26, 2010, after snow fell across most of North Georgia Dec. 25 and 26, marking the first time the region received a measurable amount of snow at Christmas since 1882. November/December 2012/ 3
we, the Photo by Andy Lucas
farmers Zippy Duvall, GFB President
Pursuing the farmers’ ideas through relationships Fall is a busy time of year for Farm Bureau as we hold county and district annual meetings, policy development and prepare for our annual convention. One of the things I enjoy most about serving as your state president is meeting with our county volunteers and hearing about the things you’re doing in your communities to promote agriculture. I share your passion for agriculture and Farm Bureau and am committed to ensuring that our livelihoods and our organization enjoy a prosperous future. Since you elected me president in 2006, I have asked county and state Farm Bureau leaders to join me in building relationships with leaders at all levels of government so Farm Bureau can successfully advocate for agriculture. This has been an ongoing effort, and to this end the GFB Board of Directors traveled to the Georgia Department of Agriculture in Atlanta for our September meeting. This gave us the chance to get an update from Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black on the programs his department is executing for Georgia agriculture. During the course of our meeting, Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and Attorney General Sam Olens dropped by to discuss issues impacting agriculture. Georgia Environmental Protection Division Director Jud Turner also attended the meeting to discuss water. Director Turner has a good understanding of our need for water, but he said serious challenges lie ahead unless we receive adequate rainfall to recharge our aquifers. Due to drought conditions, the EPD has suspended issuing new ag water permits for 24 counties in southwest Georgia. Rest
assured GFB will continue to work for farmers having access to the water we need to produce our commodities. I enjoyed visiting with many of you at Sunbelt in the Georgia Agriculture Building. GFB’s legislative programs are the core of our mission, so we used our exhibit to ask Sunbelt attendees who feel oppressed by federal environmental regulations to sign a banner urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Stop the Flood of Regulations. We shot a photo of the GFB Policy Development Committee with the banner containing more than 1,500 signatures to send the EPA to give them a picture of how strongly Georgia farmers oppose their regulatory efforts. Speaking of policy development, I’d like to thank everyone who has served on GFB’s Policy Development (PD) Committee this fall. The committee met Oct. 8 and Nov. 5 to prepare the policy GFB voting delegates will consider at our convention. During the past six years your state leaders and I have worked with GFB’s legislative staff to secure legislation and regulations based on the positions you adopted in our PD process. From 20072009, GFB spearheaded a statewide effort to get our members involved in the Statewide Water Management Plan. GFB helped develop this plan and 46 GFB members were appointed to serve on the 10 Regional Water Councils that have established water plans for watersheds across the state. In 2010, GFB played a key role in writing the provisions pertaining to agriculture in the Water Stewardship Act, which helped Georgia in its tri-state water negotiations. See WE, THE FARMERS page 11
Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, left, visits with Irwin County Farm Bureau members Susan and Joey Veal during the GFB/Georgia Department of Agriculture Coke and Peanut Social at Sunbelt Expo. GFB is celebrating its 75th year as a grassroots organization that serves as the voice of Georgia farmers. 4 / November/December 2012
GEORGIA
FARM BUREAU NEWS
The Voice of Georgia Farmers
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Farm Bureau Members: Included in dues — $1 per year Non-Members — $15 per year To subscribe call 1-800-898-1911, ext. 5238. OFFICERS President ZIPPY DUVALL 1st Vice President/South Georgia Vice President GERALD LONG North Georgia Vice President BERNARD SIMS Middle Georgia Vice President ROBERT FOUNTAIN Jr. Treasurer/Corporate Secretary Wayne Daniel General Counsel DUKE Groover
DIRECTORS FIRST DISTRICT: Wesley Hall, Cumming; Henry J. West, Rydal SECOND DISTRICT: Bobby Gunter, Dahlonega; Randy Ruff, Elberton THIRD DISTRICT: George Chambers, Carrollton; Nora Goodman, Temple FOURTH DISTRICT: Marvin Ruark, Bishop FIFTH DISTRICT: Jim Ham, Smarr; Ralph Adamson Jr., Barnesville SIXTH DISTRICT: James Emory Tate, Denton; James Malone, Dexter SEVENTH DISTRICT: Ben Boyd, Sylvania; Gary Bell, Bellville EIGHTH DISTRICT: Don Wood, Rochelle NINTH DISTRICT: Paul Shirah, Camilla; Lucius Adkins, Elmodel TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Alma; Daniel Johnson, Alma YOUNG FARMER CHAIRMAN: Jake Carter, McDonough WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR: Linda Crumley, Winder ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau News. For advertising rates and information, contact Hurst and Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, 1-800-397-8908. Georgia Farm Bureau News was established in 1937. Copyright 2012 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.
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Georgia Farm Bureau News
legislative update Jon Huffmaster, Legislative Director
GATE signup underway
Georgia Farm Bureau News
to have a more consolidated tax policy for the state,” Commissioner Black said. “HB 386 updates and modernizes our tax codes allowing the agribusiness community to become more competitive with our surrounding states.” To qualify for a GATE certificate, applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: 1) produce a minimum of $2,500/year of agricultural products 2) provide a minimum of $2,500/year of agricultural services 3) maintain orchards, timber or other multi-year products with the long-term capacity to produce $2,500 annually or 4) own property that qualifies for CUVA or FLPA. “It’s [GATE] one of the best things that we in the Legislature have ever done for production agriculture. It’s based on helping real farmers with their input costs,” Chairman McCall said. “Whatever tax money the farmer is going to save is going to get turned around and spent
right back into the economy.” GFB began work on the sales tax exemption issue in 2010 after the Georgia General Assembly passed legislation to create the Special Council for Tax Reform and Fairness to study Georgia’s revenue structure and offer recommendations for change. In 2011, the council recommended to state officials that farmers keep their existing sales tax exemptions and that the exemptions be expanded to include energy, equipment parts, fence products and more. There is no deadline to apply for the GATE card, as the application process is ongoing. Once GATE is in effect, refunds will not be issued for sales tax paid on farm inputs purchased before producers acquire the GATE card. Certificates will expire each year on Dec. 31 starting in 2013 and must be renewed annually. Jon Huffmaster is director of the GFB Legislative Department.
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is accepting applications for the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) certificate, which farmers must have to receive sales tax exemptions on farm input costs effective Jan. 1, 2013. Applications may be completed electronically at the GDA website http://www. agr.georgia.gov or printed from the website and mailed to the GDA. Applicants will pay an administrative fee to the GDA to process the GATE cards. The fee is $20 for online submissions payable with Visa or MasterCard or $25 for mailed applications payable with a check made to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Call 1-855- FARM TAX (1-855-3276829) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the website for more information. Most county Farm Bureau offices will have printed applications for mailing to the GDA. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall, and GFB President Zippy Duvall launched the GATE signup during a press conference on Nov. 14 at the GFB home office in Macon. “I encourage farmers to apply for the GATE certificate immediately so they can receive the tax exemptions when they go into effect the first of the year,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “Georgia Farm Bureau worked hard to educate our state officials about the importance of having these sales tax exemptions as the GATE program will help Georgia farmers remain competitive.” Georgia House Bill 386 authorized GATE earlier this year. The tax reform legislation was strongly endorsed by Georgia Farm Bureau, and the agricultural provisions allow a sales tax exemption on virtually all inputs used to produce a farm product. The new GATE certificate replaces the Agricultural Certificate of Exemption (form ST-A1) that producers currently use to receive existing sales tax exemptions. “The legislators for a long time wanted
Pictured from left, GFB President Zippy Duvall, Commissioner Gary Black and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall display their GATE cards. As of Jan. 1, 2013, Georgia farmers must have a GATE card to receive sales tax exemptions on farm input materials and equipment. Visit http://www.agr.georgia.gov to apply or call 1-855FARM TAX from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for more information. November/December 2012/ 5
Photo by Jay Stone
GFB members will meet in the new Jekyll Island Convention Center Dec. 2-4 for the organization’s annual convention. All convention events will be held in the oceanfront facility located about where the old center stood.
GFB to celebrate 75th anniversary at convention
By Jennifer Whittaker __________________________________________________________________________
G
eorgia Farm Bureau’s annual convention will be held Dec. 2-4 in the new Jekyll Island Convention Center that opened earlier this year. All of the convention events will be held in the 128,000-square-foot building located on the beachside of the island about where the old center stood. “This is a milestone convention for Georgia Farm Bureau as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. Much of our organization’s history has been made at our annual conventions. Since we’ve held our convention on Jekyll for 49 years, it’s only fitting that our 75th anniversary be celebrated in Jekyll’s new center,” Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “I’m proud to announce Governor Deal and Brigadier General Joe Jarrard, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, will speak during the general session and singer John Berry will perform for us Monday evening.” Convention activities start at noon on Sunday, Dec. 2 when the exhibit hall opens 6 / November/December 2012
and registration begins. The final round of the Young Farmer Discussion Meet will begin at 1 p.m. The four finalists are Matt Bottoms of Pike County, Kyle Dekle of Habersham County, B.J. Marks of Newton County and Clay Talton of Elbert County. The finalists were selected during the preliminary rounds of the competition held in July at the GFB Young Farmer Conference. The Women’s Committee Recognition & Leadership Program will be held at 2:30 p.m. County Farm Bureaus will be honored for promoting GFB’s annual commodity and the GFB Art and Essay Contests. An open session of policy development (PD) will be held at 3:15 p.m. followed by a closed session for PD committee members only. The last event on Sunday is the memorial service for deceased county presidents, inspirational message and state awards program beginning at 4:30 p.m. Counties and individuals competing for state awards are listed on page 15.
The second day of convention, Monday, Dec. 3, kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a complimentary biscuit breakfast. Registration and the exhibit hall will also re-open at 7:30 a.m. The general session begins at 9 a.m. during which GFB President Duvall will deliver his annual address and Gov. Deal will speak. Prizes in the annual GFB Young Farmer Raffle will be awarded during breaks in the program. The county presidents/secretaries luncheon will be held at noon. Counties will be recognized for outstanding member programs. Commodity conferences will be held at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Speakers will address a variety of production and policy issues affecting Georgia’s major commodities. The GFB 75th Anniversary Dinner begins at 6 p.m. After members enjoy a southern buffet, they will be treated to a concert by Georgia singer John Berry. Tuesday activities start at 6:45 a.m. with a membership breakfast served by the Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents. Voting delegates will convene at 8:15 a.m. to discuss and approve GFB policy. At 10:15 a.m. district caucuses will be held to elect district directors. The only district races with opposition are for the 4th District seat formerly held by William Hutchins, who died in May, and an 8th District race to serve the last year of former 8th District Director Kim Brown’s term following her September resignation. Candidates for the 4th District seat are Ray Fowler of Barrow County and Skeetter McCorkle of McDuffie County. Candidates for Brown’s seat are Rodney Dunaway of Pulaski County and Scotty Raines of Turner County. Counties in the Middle Georgia Vice President Caucus will meet at 11 a.m. to elect their regional representative. Incumbent Robert Fountain Jr. of Emanuel County and Brent Galloway of Newton County are running for the position. All voting delegates will meet at 11:30 a.m. to elect the state president. Incumbent Zippy Duvall of Greene County and Gary Paulk of Irwin County are running for the position. Voting delegates will also designate the organization’s 1st vice president, which is being sought by incumbent Gerald Long of Decatur County. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Scott visits farms in 8th Congressional District
E
state taxes, the farm bill and encroaching environmental regulation were among the chief concerns farmers in Georgia’s 8th U.S. Congressional District expressed to Rep. Austin Scott (R) during a two-day farm tour Oct. 3 and 4. Scott also heard from farmers about immigration and effects of the EPA’s Clean Water Act guidance. Scott made 11 stops at different farms and the NESPAL facility at the UGA Tifton Campus. Farmers and agricultural stakeholders were able to voice their concerns and ask questions of Scott, who serves on the U.S. House Ag Committee. At the farm of Twiggs County Farm Bureau President Rocky Nobles, a group of area farmers discussed the benefits of the Beef Checkoff, which funds research and marketing efforts on behalf of the na-
Sills joins GFB staff Taylor Sills has joined the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodities/Marketing Department as a marketing specialist. He will be working with programs related to feed grains and soybeans and manage the department’s grain desk. Sills graduated in 2009 from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with an associate degree in agribusiness. He graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and applied economics. Prior to joining GFB, Sills worked at the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service in Albany. A native of Eatonton, Sills is the son of Howard Sills and Cathy Mize, both of Eatonton. Georgia Farm Bureau News
tion’s beef producers. During a stop at the farm of Sam Dykes in Bleckley County, Scott predicted that farmers in 2013 would likely operate under an extension of the 2008 farm bill. “Even if we pass a farm bill, the FSA won’t have the rules in place before you start liming your fields next year,” Scott said. He also reviewed some of the things included in the House Ag Committee’s version of the 2012 farm bill, including the fact that its commodity title places emphasis on crop insurance. Regarding estate taxes, which without Congressional action are scheduled to revert to a $1 million exemption with a top rate of 55 percent on Jan. 1, 2013, Scott said he would like to see them repealed but most farmers would be covered by a $5 million exemption.
Photo by Jay Stone
By Jay Stone _________________________________________________________________________
Rep. Austin Scott, right, gets an up-close look at a field of sorghum with Bleckley County farmer Sam Dykes.
“Agriculture takes a tremendous amount of money and one of the things we want to do is make sure we get a reasonable exemption,” Scott said. “The $5 million [exemption] will solve the issue for 99 percent of the farms.”
CAES moves forward with hiring commodity specialists The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is moving forward with hiring a peanut entomologist, fruit, soybean and vegetable specialists appropriated by the Georgia legislature this year, CAES Dean Scott Angle said in a September interview with Farm Bureau media, contrary to media reports that month regarding UGA budget cuts. Angle said the college hopes to have the positions filled by next spring. CAES is reducing its budget by 3 percent under a directive from Gov. Nathan Deal and the Georgia General Assembly issued last April, but this cut will be met by leaving 67 open positions vacant rather than laying anyone off, Angle said. Angle said the cuts were to be achieved through retirements and employees leaving for other jobs rather than layoffs. The budget proposal submitted in April detailed cuts of 40 jobs in Cooperative Extension and 27 from CAES’ agricultural experiment stations. “We’re not going to lay off anyone, but
we’re not filling positions, which is just as devastating to our ability to carry out our mission,” he said. “We’ve got some real serious issues. I get calls regularly about why aren’t you hiring an extension agent in this county, and the reason is we’ve had a 28 percent budget cut over four years.” The college implemented significant reductions in 2010, when state budget woes prompted CAES to restructure its Extension staff statewide. The current round of cuts, Angle said, will make it more difficult for CAES to meet its core research and outreach missions.
Ga. Cotton Commission Annual Meeting & UGA Cotton Production Workshop
Jan. 30, 2013 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Begins at 8 a.m. For more information call 478-988-4235 or visit http://www.georgiacottoncommission.org. November/December 2012/ 7
Georgia 4-H and FFA students from across the state competed in livestock shows during the Georgia National Fair in Perry Oct. 4-14. The 2012 State 4-H & FFA Market Goat Show was held Oct. 5-6, and the 2012 State 4-H & FFA Market Lamb Show was held Oct. 6-7. Georgia Farm Bureau sponsored the Grand Champion Market Goat Wether, Grand Champion Market Goat Doe and Grand Champion Market Lamb prizes. “Georgia Farm Bureau has a great partnership with 4-H and FFA. The Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors and I are proud to be a part of these kids showing their animals. The kids participating in these shows are learning responsibility and how to accept success and defeat,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “This money that we’re giving out is an investment in the future of agriculture.”
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
GFB sponsors market goat & lamb grand champions
Worth County FFA member Chase Roberts, center, won the Grand Champion Market Goat Wether prize of $1,500. Roberts, an eighth grader at Worth County Middle School, has shown goats for six years. He is the son of Mike and Anita Roberts.
8 / November/December 2012
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
USDA conducting ag census
White County FFA member Brooke Helton won $1,500 for having the Grand Champion Market Goat Doe. Helton, a senior at White County High School, has shown goats for two years. She is the daughter of Ashley and Angie Helton.
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
Georgia farmers will soon have the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Census of Agriculture. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the census every five years to get a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them. “The census remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation,” said Doug Kleweno, director of NASS’s Georgia Field Office. “It’s a critical tool that gives farmers a voice to influence decisions that will shape the future of their community, industry and operation.” The census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures and other topics. Local, state and federal governments, ag organizations and agribusinesses rely on census data to help farmers. For example, legislators use the data when shaping farm policy, and agribusinesses use the data to determine the locations of facilities to serve farmers. “Your answers to the census impact farm programs and rural services that support your community,” Kleweno said. “So do your part and be counted when you receive your form, because there’s strength in numbers that only the census can reveal.” NASS will mail out census forms in late December to collect data for the 2012 calendar year. Completed forms are due by February 4, 2013. Producers may also fill out the census online via a secure website, www.agcensus.usda.gov, or return their form by mail. Federal law requires all agricultural producers to participate in the census and requires NASS to keep all individual information confidential. For more information call 1-888424-7828 or the Georgia Field Office at 1-800-253-4419.
Colquitt County FFA member Hannah Dixon won the Grand Champion Market Lamb prize of $1,000. Dixon, a senior at Colquitt County High School, has shown lambs for six years. She is the daughter of Frank and Sharon Dixon. Georgia Farm Bureau News
County Farm Bureaus across Georgia celebrated National Farm-City Week with events designed to increase awareness of agriculture in their communities. Although the week is officially Nov. 16-22, events were held throughout November as schedules allowed. Kiwanis International began the annual celebration in 1955 in recognition of the partnership between farmers and their urban neighbors who help process, market and sell the food and fiber farmers grow. “Our county chapters do a great job of using this week to talk to their communities about the importance of agriculture,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “I appreciate every county Farm Bureau that held a Farm-City event because these efforts are essential to telling consumers
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
Farm-City Week celebrated Nov. 16-22
GFB President Zippy Duvall, seated, signs a proclamation declaring Nov. 16-22 FarmCity Week. Pictured from left, GFB Middle Georgia Vice President Robert Fountain, GFB North Georgia Vice President Bernard Sims and GFB 1st Vice President Gerald Long join Duvall for the signing.
how we produce their food and fiber.” Three counties in each Farm Bureau district with the most outstanding events will receive a $50 credit to pur-
Drive a Bargain Finance or refinance your vehicle with Farm Bureau Bank and receive: • Member-special rates • Vehicle protection plans* • Dedicated member service
chase ag promotion items from the GFB Field Services Department. We’ll feature some of the events in the Feb./March GFB News.
VEHICLE LOANS Now as low as
2 99% .
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FOR 36 MONTHS
Contact your local Farm Bureau agent to apply today! Existing Farm Bureau Bank vehicle loans are excluded from this offer. * Rates disclosed as Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and are based on automated payments (ACH) and acquiring one of the following collateral protection products: Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) or Major Mechanical Protection (MMP). Additional discounts do apply for purchasing more than one collateral protection product. Final APR may differ from the loan interest rate due to additional fees, such as a loan documentation fee, which may be applicable. For a $25,050 vehicle loan with a term of 36 months, a 45 day first payment date and a 2.99% APR, the monthly payment will be $727.76. The APR may increase during the term of the loan if automatic payments are discontinued for any reason. To qualify for the disclosed rate, customer must be a Farm Bureau member. Finance charges accrue from origination date of the loan. Rates and financing are limited to vehicle models 2003 and newer. All loans are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Other rates and financing options are available. Non-member rates may be 1-3% higher than posted rates. Loans for RVs, motorcycles, trailers, ATVs, watercraft and commercial vehicles may be 0.50% higher. This offer is not available in all states and rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Banking services provided by Farm Bureau Bank, FSB.
0912_GANeighbors_VLwRate.indd 1
Georgia Farm Bureau News
9/4/2012 1:14:27 PM
November/December 2012/ 9
commodities/marketing update Don McGough
GFB Commodity Conferences offer industry updates We hope you are making plans to attend the 75th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Convention Dec. 2 – 4 on Jekyll Island. One of the highlights will be the commodity conferences on Monday, Dec. 3rd at 2 and 3:30 p.m. These meetings will feature 36 speakers addressing agricultural issues relevant to a wide range of commodity interests. All meetings will be held at the new Jekyll Island Convention Center located at 75 North Beachview Drive. Meeting room assignments will be listed in the convention program available at registration in the exhibit hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend these meetings to hear the latest updates on Georgia agriculture.
Honeybee-------------------------------------- • Ga. Beekeepers Association Update Jerry Edwards • Florida Beekeeping Regulations David Westervelt
2 P.M. Conferences
Water------------------------------------------- • Water Issues Facing Georgia EPD Director Jud Turner
Beef Cattle------------------------------------- • Beef Cattle Situation & Outlook Dr. Curt Lacy • Beef Checkoff: National & State Views Jennifer B. Houston • Ga.Beef Board Update Gerald Long Cotton------------------------------------------ • NCC Industry Update Chuck Coley • Ga. Cotton Commission Update Richey Seaton • 2012 Cotton Agronomic Review Dr. Guy Collins Feedgrain/Soybean--------------------------- • Kudzu Bug Management Dr. Phillip Roberts • Wheat Variety Update & Resistant Ryegrass Management Dr. Dewey Lee Forestry---------------------------------------- • Ga. Wood Pellet Export Opportunities Steven Myers • LEED Impacts on Forest Production Nathan McClure Goat & Sheep---------------------------------- • Goat & Sheep Management David Gordon 10 / November/December 2012
Poultry----------------------------------------- • 2013 Poultry Outlook Jim Hodges Swine------------------------------------------- • Feral Swine Distribution & Disease Implications Dr. Joseph L. Corn • Ga. Pork Producers Update Charles Griffin
3:30 P.M. Conferences Aquaculture----------------------------------- • New Opportunities for Aquaculture Producers Dr. Pat Duncan • Shrimp Industry in Georgia Pat Geer Dairy------------------------------------------- • Renewable Fuels Standard & the Ethanol Complex Matthew Erickson Environmental Horticulture--------------- • Water Conservation & Production Enhancement Research Dr. Paul Thomas • Sales Tax Exemptions for Farmers Jon Huffmaster Equine------------------------------------------ • Stock Horse of Ga. Association Update Darryl Landreth • Ga. Equine Commission Update Ann Jones
Fruit/Vegetable------------------------------- • Benefits of Greenhouse & High Tunnel Production Dr. George Boyhan • Media Training Lynn Kilroy • Local Vendors Coalition Matt Granados Hay--------------------------------------------- • 2013 Forage Production Opportunities & Challenges Dr. Dennis Hancock • Growing Championship Quality Hay Randall Selman • GFB Hay Contest Winner Presentation Farrell Roberts Peanut------------------------------------------ • Future of Peanut Genomics George Birdsong • 2012-2013 Peanut Outlook George Lovatt Pecan------------------------------------------- • 2012 Season Update Dr. Lenny Wells • Promoting Ga. Pecans Lynn Kilroy Tobacco---------------------------------------- • Georgia Tobacco Commission Activities Fred Wetherington • 2012 Tobacco Season Review Dr. J. Michael Moore
Ga. Peanut Farm Show Jan. 17, 2013 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Held in Tifton for 1st time since 1982! 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call 229-386-3470 or visit http://www.gapeanuts.com for more information. Georgia Farm Bureau News
WE, THE FARMERS from page 4 Taxes have long been a GFB priority farm bill this summer. working together through our grassroots issue and in recent years we’ve had several GFB continues to call for immigration organization to better Georgia agriculture. legislative successes that will benefit Georgia reform at the national level. I have testified In a few weeks we’ll meet on Jekyll Island farmers for many years. Since 2010, GFB on numerous occasions in Atlanta and in for our annual convention. We’ll get to enjoy has worked to defend the sales tax exemp- Washington on the issue, explaining that the new convention facility as we celebrate tions on ag inputs that already existed and to farmers need a stable, reliable work force. our 75th anniversary. secure sales tax exemptions for all ag inputs, When the Georgia legislature passed man- While delivering a radio address on WSB as several of our border states have had for datory e-verify legislation last year, GFB 75 years ago, GFB’s first president Robert years. This year Gov. Deal signed legislation stayed in the trenches working to educate Stiles explained the need for our organizapassed by the Georgia General Assembly legislators about the difficulties this presents tion this way, “Our congressmen really want that will waive sales taxes on most ag inputs for farmers and worked to soften the impact to have a medium of contact with us (Georeffective Jan. 1, 2013. It’s estimated this will of the state legislation. Whenever Congress gia) farmers that is powerful, reliable and save Georgia farmers about $35 million a decides to take up the immigration issue on representative.” year in sales taxes. the federal level, I can assure you GFB will be Stiles and GFB’s other founding mem GFB has continued to defend the Conser- there to represent your interests. bers were brave enough to start our orgavation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) pro- When the U.S. Department of Labor nization to serve as the voice of Georgia’s gram, which allows farm and timber land to attempted to prevent young people from farmers. be taxed based on its current use rather than working on farms, GFB came out of the II Timothy 1:17 says, “For the spirit fair market value. We have secured legisla- gate swinging, raising the issue with USDA God gave us does not make us timid, but tive changes that prevent county tax offices Administrator Bruce Nelson when he visited gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” from classifying agritourism and aquaculture the GFB Board of Directors last year and God wants us to pursue our ideas and operations as a breach of CUVA contracts. submitting comments opposing the propos- dreams without fear using the power, This year GFB secured legislation that gives al. I’m happy to report the DOL withdrew love and self-discipline he gives us. small farms of 10 acres or less the chance to their proposal in April. Georgia Farm Bureau has achieved so enroll in CUVA if they meet the program These are just some of the many leg- much for Georgia’s farmers and rural Georqualifications. The law also lets farmers add islative successes GFB has achieved in the gia during its 75-year history. I look forward 50 acres or less of contiguous qualifying past six years as a result of we, the farmers, to what we will achieve in the coming years. property to their existing CUVA covenants. In 2008, GFB led a statewide effort to pass a NO JOB IS TOO BIG constitutional amendment that created the JOB IS TOO BIG NO Forest Land Protection Act, which helps timber owners afford to grow large tracts of timber that don’t qualify for CUVA. Metal theft has been a growing problem in recent years, and GFB has worked with state legislators to pass two laws to fight it. Legislation passed in 2009 tightened requirements placed on recyclers buying metal, but thieves found recyclers willing to look the other way. This year we worked with state legislators to secure a law that provides stiff penalties for recyclers and thieves who break THE 2010 the law. It also requires recyclers to obtain a THE 2010 permit from the local sheriff and prevents recyclers from paying cash for metal. In 2009 GFB took a proactive position and initiated state legislation to protect livestock producers from animal rights groups Bring this ad in and receive a $100 NGM gift card with that would like to dictate how we raise our this ad in and receive a $100 NGM gift card with livestock. Georgia House Bill 529 prohibits Bring any Kawasaki utility vehicle purchase from NGM. Visit local governments from instituting regula- any Kawasaki utility vehicle purchase from NGM. Visit us on-line at www.ngmrides.com or call tions that mandate the size of animal enclous on-line at www.ngmrides.com or call sures. On the federal level, we’ve actively 706-654-9840. KAWASAKI CARES: Always wear protective gear appropriate for the use of this vehicle. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 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November/December 2012/ 11
Photo by Jay Stone
Photo by Jay Stone
Sunbelt Executive Director Chip Blalock, left, presents Pulaski County Farm Bureau member Barry Martin with a crystal ice bucket for being the Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Expo Georgia Farmer of the Year. Martin, a cotton and peanut farmer, was praised for his use of conservation tillage.
Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall speaks during a press conference urging motorists and drivers of farm equipment on Georgia roads to take extra care during the harvest season. Duvall asked that farmers make sure their triangle safety markers are clean and visible on their equipment and that farmers refrain from driving before sunrise or after sunset.
Sunbelt celebrates 35th anniversary By Jay Stone ___________________________________
T
he Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition celebrated its 35th anniversary this year. The Oct. 16 opening day of the annual three-day event in Moultrie featured numerous celebrations as well as a push for highway safety. Pulaski County farmer Barry Martin represented Georgia as the state’s Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition Farmer of the Year, one of 10 state winners to be honored during the Willie B. Withers Sunbelt Ag Expo Luncheon. Dale McLellan, a hay, corn and oats producer from Thonotosassa, Fla., was named the Southeastern Farmer of the Year. The luncheon featured remarks from Gov. Nathan Deal and Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, the 2012 Sunbelt Expo spotlight state. “Agriculture is still the number one industry in Georgia, accounting for about 10 percent of our overall economic activity. It employs thousands of people in various aspects of both direct agriculture and agribusiness and related activities,” Deal said. “The Expo is one of those opportunities to showcase exactly what is happening in this very important industry for the Sunbelt states of our nation.” At the Georgia Agriculture Building, GFB collected approximately 1,500 signatures from visitors in the Stop the Flood 12 / November/December 2012
of Regulation campaign, aimed at limiting EPA regulations harmful to agriculture. GFB and the Georgia Department of Agriculture also conducted a number of combined cooking demonstrations and held a Coke and peanut social hosted by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and GFB President Zippy Duvall. Deal, Black, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Harris Blackwood and Duvall held a press conference urging Georgians to be aware of farm vehicles on the road during the harvest season, marking the second year of the “Improving Georgia’s Yield Behind the Wheel” campaign. Deal cautioned Georgia drivers to reduce their highway speeds, while Duvall urged farmers to make sure their warning triangles are prominently displayed to maximize visibility and asked them to refrain from driving farm vehicles on the road before sunrise or after sunset. “As farmers, we have a responsibility not only to provide food and fiber for this state, this country and this world, but we have a responsibility to our communities, our neighbors, our friends and our families to make sure we do our part to ensure safety on the roads,” Duvall said. Blackwood noted that in 2011 there were 401 crashes involving farm vehicles on the state’s highways, resulting in 138 injuries and five fatalities. One of those
Georgia Farm Bureau has been an exhibitor at Sunbelt since 1977 when the show began.
was Colquitt County teenager Jacob Sutton, whose parents, James and Ellen Sutton, shared their experience to promote awareness of highway safety in hopes other families will be spared the loss they’ve experienced. According to Sunbelt officials, approximately 85,000 people attended the threeday event. Georgia Farm Bureau News
GFB urges EPA to Stop the Flood of Regulation Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, center front, recently sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson expressing GFB’s concerns about the level of regulation the EPA is enacting against agriculture. A copy of the letter was also sent to EPA Region 4 Administrator Gwendolyn Fleming and Georgia’s U.S. Congressional delegation. The letter was accompanied by this photo of GFB Policy Development Committee members with a “Stop the Flood of Regulation” banner containing signatures of more than 1,500 farmers who feel oppressed by EPA regulations. GFB collected the signatures during Sunbelt Expo. In the letter, Duvall expressed con-
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
By Jennifer Whittaker ___________________________________
cern about EPA’s attempt to remove the word “navigable” from the Clean Water Act through a guidance document after Congress chose not to do so and against Supreme Court precedent. Currently, the CWA applies only to traditional navigable waters, which are those capable of supporting interstate commerce. The letter also expressed Farm Bureau’s
concerns about farmers being required to obtain National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits for pesticides applied on, over or near water requirements. The letter also urged EPA to make an exemption for farm dust under the Clean Air Act since dust in rural areas is related to rainfall and wind conditions which can’t be controlled.
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November/December 2012/ 13
By Jay Stone __________________________________________________________________________ Visitors at the 2012 UGA Cotton & Kemerait said. “We’re looking to find out Peanut Research Field Day learned about how we manage nematodes with the tools advances in peanut genome work, the we have, with the varieties we have, with emergence of a relatively new cotton dis- the management strategies we have and still ease and management of stressors for both make a profit for these growers.” crops to optimize yields and quality. Kemerait also discussed the emergence The field day, held Sept. 12 at UGA’s of target spot disease in Georgia cotton fields. Tifton Campus on the Gibbs and Lang Target spot causes extensive unexpected deFarms, featured sessions on cotton agro- foliation, spots on the bracks, possible boll nomics, variety testing, breeding and crop- damage and ultimately reduced yields. ping systems, peanut fertility and more. Kemerait said fungicides may turn out UGA Extension specialist Dr. Bob Ke- to be effective in controlling target spot, merait noted that both crops experienced though studies continue into which fungiunusual stresses related to warmer weather cides and application methods work best. during the winter months earlier this year. In peanut fertility and breeding reThere was an early emergence of white search, Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins indicated mold on peanuts and nematodes persisted that sequencing of the peanut genome has throughout the winter months in cotton, been completed and the markers for high compounded by the removal of the use of oleic trait in peanuts have been located. The Temik. high oleic trait in peanuts has been linked “Temik has been such a workhorse,” to extending shelf life. Ozias-Akins also said
Photo by Jay Stone
Cotton & Peanut Field Day shows off research
UGA Professor of Plant Science Dr. Tim Brenneman displays a peanut plant damaged by white mold. Brennaman said the 2012 growing season in Georgia had extremely heavy pressure from white mold.
researchers are looking for resistance traits for leaf spot and white mold. Extension Peanut Agronomist Dr. John Beasley talked about the university’s studies into peanut responses to insect pressures, planting patterns and nutrient applications, while UGA Assistant Professor Dr. Scott Tubbs reviewed his team’s projects in tillage systems and rotation of peanuts and wheat crops.
By Jay Stone __________________________________________________________________________ Nearly 300 pecan growers attended GPGA President Randy Hudson said the Georgia Pecan Growers Association the field day has grown over the past few (GPGA) Fall Field Day Sept. 6 at the USDA years due in large part to high prices genSoutheastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research erated by export demand for pecans, even Station in Byron. The event provided in- with key export destinations having proformation regarding pecan research on the hibitive tariffs in place. alternate bearing cycle, pest and disease “The export demand has driven this control and crop insurance. crop to a whole different level. If you look Alternate bearing, which refers to the here today you’re going to see a lot of young occurrence of year-to-year fluctuations in people,” Hudson said. “These young people pecan tree production, has been moderated are getting in this industry because there’s a through advances in cultivation techniques, future here and the future is higher prices.” according to Bruce Wood, the supervising Diane Amera, director of the Risk Manhorticulturist at the Byron lab. agement Agency’s Valdosta field office, “On an individual tree basis, it still hap- discussed upcoming changes in crop insurpens, but on an orchard basis, a popula- ance for pecans. She said that for 2013, the tion of tree basis, it’s not as bad as it was,” coverage structure will be changing from a Wood said. “The key to reducing alternate two-year module to a one-year module. In bearing … one, it’s variety dependent, but 2014 the structure will revert to the two-year it’s also dependent on controlling the stress module. Amera advised growers to contact levels that the trees are exposed to and the their crop insurance agents for details. orchard management. So it’s critical to con- Research Entomologist David Shapirotrol insect, disease, pest, water, sunlight, nu- Ilan discussed methods of pecan weevil trient elements, things of that nature.” control, including the use of bacteria to 14 / November/December 2012
Photo by Jay Stone
Alternate bearing key topic at Pecan Field Day
During the Georgia Pecan Growers Association Fall Field Day, Dr. Bruce Wood discussed factors that contribute to the alternate bearing cycle of pecan trees.
combat weevils while reducing the use of chemical pesticides. Wood discussed management approaches to minimize alternate bearing and return flowering, including techniques to improve the management of upper canopy on tall trees. Georgia Farm Bureau News
2012 GFB district award winners recognized
E
ach of Georgia Farm Bureau’s 10 districts held its annual meeting this fall and recognized the following 2012 district award winners. The state award recipients will be chosen from these district winners and announced at the annual GFB Convention in December. For 2012, the organization added the Membership Award, given to county Farm Bureaus with increases in membership.
FIRST DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Cherokee County; Young Farmer Committee: Floyd County; Legislative Committee: Cherokee County; Promotion & Education Committee: Cherokee County; Young Farmer Achievement: James and Megan Dault, Cherokee County; Office Manager: Candra Frady, Gilmer County.
SECOND DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Elbert County; Young Farmer Committee: Madison County; Legislative Committee: Habersham County; Promotion & Education Committee: Franklin County; Office Manager: Denise Loggins, White County; Membership Award: Elbert County.
THIRD DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Polk County; Young Farmer Committee: Newton County; Legislative Committee: Newton County; Promotion & Education Committee: Henry County; Young Farmer Achievement: John and Megan Kirkley, Newton County; Office Manager: Brandi Few, Carroll County.
FOURTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Barrow County; Young Farmer Committee: Greene
County; Legislative Committee: Greene County; Promotion & Education Committee: McDuffie County; Young Farmer Achievement: Charlie Sanders, Greene County; Office Manager: Jane Young, McDuffie County.
FIFTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Crawford County; Young Farmer Committee: Crawford County; Legislative Committee: Pike County; Promotion & Education Committee: Upson County; Office Manager: Tina Yearta, Troup County; Membership Award: Lamar, Monroe, Peach and Troup counties.
SIXTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Washington County; Young Farmer Committee: Laurens County; Legislative Committee: Washington County; Promotion & Education Committee: Washington County; Young Farmer Achievement: James and Brooke Hitchcock, Washington County; Office Manager: Pat Steed, Bibb County. Membership Award: Montgomery County
NINTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Brooks County; Young Farmer Committee: Colquitt County; Legislative Committee: Colquitt County; Promotion & Education Committee: Mitchell County; Young Farmer Achievement: Darren and Wendy Hembree, Colquitt County; Office Manager: Charlotte Wingate, Colquitt County; Membership Award: Miller County.
TENTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Coffee County; Young Farmer Committee: Bacon County; Legislative Committee: Coffee County; Promotion & Education Committee: Cook County; Office Manager: Debra Orr, Glynn County; Membership Award: Irwin County.
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SEVENTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Wayne County; Young Farmer Committee: Bulloch County; Legislative Committee: Emanuel County; Promotion & Education Committee: Emanuel County; Young Farmer Achievement: Chris and Marilynn Hopkins, Toombs County; Office Manager: Karon Anderson, Evans County; Membership Award: Jenkins County.
EIGHTH DISTRICT
Women’s Committee: Wilcox County; Young Farmer Committee: Wilcox
Flavor of Georgia Contest
The UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development sponsors this annual contest to help Georgia-based food entrepreneurs showcase their products. Contestants may submit as many products as they like. The categories are: barbecue and hot sauces; jams, jellies and sauces; confections; meat products; dairy products and snack foods. Registration runs through Feb. 8, 2013. Finalists will be invited to take part in a final judging on March 11, 2013 and a public tasting on March 12 at the Georgia Ag Awareness Day event, when the winners will be announced. For more information or to register, visit http://www.flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.ed or call 706-583-0347. Georgia Farm Bureau News
County; Legislative Committee: Wilcox County; Promotion & Education Committee: Turner County; Office Manager: Zdenka Hollingsworth, Wilcox County; Membership Award: Dooly, Schley and Stewart counties.
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November/December 2012/ 15
GFB 2nd District supports youth with annual cattle show
Photo by Shanna Evans
Legends of the Fall was the theme of the 4th Annual GFB 2nd District Young Farmer Steer and Heifer Show held Oct. 20 at the White County Agricenter in Cleveland. About 250 people attended the event designed to help cattle exhibitors keep their showmanship skills sharp between the Georgia National Fair and December shows. The district also uses the event to promote Farm Bureau membership and the GFB Young Farmer program in hopes of encouraging the students to get involved with their county Young Farmer Committees when they turn 18. Each of the 74 students who competed in the show received a GFB membership brochure, GFB Young Farmer calendar and a souvenir t-shirt designed by Franklin County Young Farmer Heather Cabe. The prizes for the show awards were funded by donations from 2nd District county Farm Bureaus, county presidents and insurance agents. Logan Clark of Hall County won the Supreme Grand Champion Heifer award of $300 with a Simmental-Angus heifer. Wyatt Chandler of Jackson County won the Grand Champion Steer prize of $300 with a Charolais steer. Tyler Arnold of Madison County won the Supreme Reserve Champion Heifer award of $200 with a Chi-influenced heifer. Arnold also won the Reserve Champion Steer prize of $200. Madison Westmoreland of White County won the 12th Grade Showmanship Award with her Simmental-cross heifer. Other showmanship winners were as follows: 11th Grade – Adam Floyd, Franklin County; 10th Grade – Austin Rose, Stephens County; 9th Grade – Logan Clark, Hall County; 8th Grade – Daniel Dobbs, Franklin County; 7th Grade – Janna Anderson, Elbert County; 6th Grade – Kayley Edwards, Jackson County; 5th Grade – Ellie Clark, Hall County; 4th Grade & Under – Payton Jackson, Banks County. In breed heifer classes, winners were: Angus Champion – Macy Seagraves, Jackson County; Angus Reserve Champion – Jessi Bell, Jackson County; Simmental Champion – Austin Rose, Stephens County; Simmental Reserve Champion – Macy Seagraves, Jackson County; Percent Simmental Champion – Logan Clark, Hall County; Percent Simmental Reserve Champion – Adam Floyd, Franklin County; Other Breeds Champion – Ty-
ler Arnold, Madison County; Other Breeds Reserve – Hannah Barrett, Lumpkin County; Chyanne Pope of Habersham County showed the Commercial Heifer Champion and Katelyn Fordham of Jackson County showed the reserve champion.
Logan Clark of Hall County won the Supreme Grand Champion Heifer award at the 4th Annual GFB 2nd District Young Farmer Steer & Heifer Show with this Simmental-Angus Heifer. His sister, Ellie, is pictured at left.
Photo by Shanna Evans
By Jennifer Whittaker _______________________________________________________
Pictured from right, Wyatt Chandler of Jackson County and his uncle David Farmer pose with the Charolais steer that won the Grand Champion Steer prize at the 4th Annual GFB 2nd District Young Farmer Steer & Heifer Show.
Dec. 4 Mitchell County Ag Building Camilla Dec. 12 Terrell Co. Govt. Building Dawson The Georgia Environmental Protection Division announced July 30 it is suspending issuing new applications for ag water withdrawal permits for a 24-county area in the lower Flint and Chattahoochee River basins, which includes all or part of Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Turner See MEETINGS page 22 16 / November/December 2012
Photo by Shanna Evans
Ag water permit suspension meetings
Madison Westmoreland of White County won the 12th Grade Showmanship Award with her Simmental-cross heifer. Her parents Jay and Kim Westmoreland are pictured with her. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Sept. 12 for the new State Animal Facility for Emergencies (SAFE) Center located on the FVSU campus. The 7,800-squarefoot building is intended to provide shelter for pets in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack or animal control situation. The facility, a joint venture of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and
2013 Ag Forecast Meetings Jan. 25 • Ga. Center for Continuing Education Athens Jan. 28 • ECO Center • Rome Jan. 29 • Georgia Farm Bureau • Macon Jan. 30 • UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton Jan. 31 • Decatur Co. Livestock Complex Bainbridge Feb. 1 • Toombs Co. Agri-Center • Lyons
UGA economists will give the 2013 ag economic outlook and guest speakers will discuss international trade and how the global economy impacts local businesses. Check-in for all sessions, except Tifton, begins at 9:30 a.m. Seminars run from 10 a.m. to noon followed by lunch. The Tifton event is a breakfast that runs from 7:30 a.m to 10 a.m. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table, which includes eight seats. Advance registration is required by January 23. For more information or to register, visit http:// www.georgiaagforecast.com, call 706-5830347 or email carlam@uga.edu. These meetings are a UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences program endowed by Georgia Farm Bureau and supported by the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture and Georgia Agribusiness Council. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
FVSU opens animal emergency facility
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, can house up to 80 cats, 105 dogs and 30 horses. The facility will be activated as needed by the GDA, Georgia Emergency Management Agency or other federal, state or local agencies. FVSU officials and state leaders participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dr.
Robert Cobb Jr., Georgia Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian, is pictured inspecting the horse stalls at the new SAFE Center. In addition to the spacious stalls, the facility also includes fenced pastures, which will allow the center to house 30 horses in the event of a natural disaster or animal control incident.
GFB announces scholarships
Georgia Farm Bureau will award $14,250 in scholarships to 10 high school seniors who plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. The top three students will each receive a scholarship of $3,000. The remaining seven students will each receive a $750 scholarship. Winners will be announced in May 2013. Students submitting an application must currently be a Georgia high school senior and plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 2013-2014 academic year. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information or an application. The application deadline is February 22, 2013. Applications must be approved and signed by the Farm Bureau president of the county in which the applicant resides or attends high school. You may also download a copy of the application by visiting http://www.gfb. org. Click on Programs and then Ag in the Classroom.
November/December 2012/ 17
Sacrifices worth it for Young Farmer Finalists Articles by Jay Stone & Jennifer Whittaker ____________________________________________________________________________
W
hether it’s milking cows or growing row crops, the three finalist families in the 2012 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Contest each hold a strong belief that they are doing what they are meant to do. To be sure, there are challenges – daunting financial burdens, weather and regulatory issues – but James and Brooke Hitchcock, Chris and Marilynn Hopkins and Charlie Sanders all love the lifestyle and feel the sacrifices of farming are worth making. The Hitchcocks, from Washington County, have led an effort to rebuild the family farm after James’ father got out of farming in the late 1990s. The Hopkinses, from Toombs County, started from scratch in 2006 and now have a thriving row-crop operation. Sanders, who manages heifers and calves on the farm run by his father-in-law, has enthusiastically embraced the family dairy farm he joined nine years ago, Each family receives a $200 travel allowance to the GFB Annual Convention, where the state winner will be announced Dec. 2. The state winner will receive a year’s use of a Kubota L or M Series tractor, a $500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to Nashville, Tenn., for the AFBF Annual Convention to be held Jan. 13-16. two children, J.W., 4, and Moriah, 5. “The kids love it. They love being outside,” said Brooke, who works as an occupational therapy assistant and offers support on the farm. “You have to drag them in at night most of the time to make them come in and The Hitchcocks Brooke and J.W. (left), James and Moriah (right). take a bath. They love WASHINGTON COUNTY James Hitch- being outside on the tractors with their cock Jr. knows how good he has it, because daddy.” he’s seen the difficult side of agriculture. Early on, James Jr. recognized the impor Hitchcock grew up working on his fam- tance of having a say in how farmers are ily’s 2,500-acre crop and cattle operation, treated by government and got involved in but not long after he graduated from Brent- Georgia Farm Bureau activities. wood School in 1997 his father, James Sr., “I know growing up, we had a local chapter started downsizing the family’s farm, their and we met once a month, had a supper and livestock sale barn in Tennille and feed a meeting. That’s what I thought Farm Bureau store in Dublin. The family was out of farm was,” said James Jr., who is now the chairownership by 2005, but James Jr. never man of the Washington County Farm Bureau strayed far from his dream. Young Farmer Committee. “Then I went to “It’s just something I’ve always loved and Washington [D.C.] and it really opened my had a passion for,” James Jr. said. eyes to what actually goes into Farm Bureau For James, the reason is simple: he relish- and what they actually do for us.” es the farm life. He and his wife Brooke have James stayed in farming, working for
Photo by Jay Stone
18 /November/December 2012
TOOMBS COUNTY Chris and Marilyn Hopkins started farming in 2006 growing 50 acres of cotton and five acres of watermelons on rented land. Seven harvests later, they’ve purchased 152 acres and expanded their total operation to about 600 acres of cotton, wheat, corn, peanuts, watermelons and pecans. Looking back, Chris says securing financing and acquiring land to rent or buy were the biggest challenges in starting the farm from scratch, and he’s quick to thank those who helped him start farming. “As a young producer you have to have someone who has faith in you, and I’ve been fortunate that my local lender put faith in me,” Chris said. “I also have a neighbor, Robert Jones, who I can never repay financially for the time he has invested in helping me. He has single-handedly helped me start from nothing to where we are today.” The Hopkinses, who met while students at the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, gained an appreciation for Steve and Ellen Hortman of Ohoopee AgriServices, managing a row crop, cattle, hay and straw operation. In 2007, he restarted the family farm along with his brother Jonathan, sister Jennifer and James Sr. It was a part-time pursuit, but through his association with the Hortmans, whom he credits with helping him get his farm business going, Hitchcock had access to equipment that allowed him to get it running. Last year, James Jr. and Jonathan started running their farm full-time, facing the financial reality many beginning farmers face. “Financing is a big challenge, especially being young and not really having any cash to put into the farm,” he said. “I had to borrow almost 100 percent of what it takes. Most banks won’t even talk to you. The Farm Service Agency had some young farmer loans that really have helped me get on my feet.” Now, James and Jonathan have bought back much of the family’s former land. James says the farm is up to 1,500 acres, on which he grows corn, cotton, peanuts and soybeans and maintains a herd of approximately 250 cattle. James Jr. served on the GFB Young Farmer Committee in 2005, Brooke served with him on the committee in 2006. Georgia Farm Bureau News
GREENE COUNTY The R.A. Moore Dairy has been in the family of Charlie Sanders’ in-laws for more than 200 years, and once he experienced working there for his father-in-law, Barry Churchwell, Sanders decided to make it his career. Charlie was living in Warner Robins when he married Nancie Churchwell in 2003. In 2004 they moved to the farm, and Charlie began working at the dairy full-time. Before joining the dairy, Charlie worked as a firefighter and served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a military police officer. He’d had some experience with beef cattle on his grandfather’s farm, but this was a new world. The dairy milks about 400 cows twice a day. In between, there’s feeding, trimming hooves, providing veterinary care, maintaining machinery and working the farm’s 1,200 acres of pasture and hayfields. “I didn’t know anything about dairying when I first started in the business,” Charlie said. “I probably know more now [about cattle] from these nine years than I learned in about 20 years when I was growing up, but I’m around them every day now instead of on the weekends and things like that.” Farming suits him well. He and Nancie have three children – daughters Brooke, 8, Breanna, 6, and son Caleb, 3 – and his work
on the farm keeps him close to home. “One of the main things I enjoy about this is I live close by,” Charlie said. “My family’s around all the time. If something happens I can go to the house for a minute and check on them or help them or whatever. I don’t have to be off in Atlanta or somewhere and be two hours away, and they say, ‘Something happened, you need to get home.’ I’m right here at the house. Granted, I’m not at the house a lot, but I’m right here around the house. So I get to see my family a lot.” The kids enjoy the animals, and Charlie said that during the summer this year, Brooke, Breanna and Caleb (with some assistance from Nancie), each raised a calf and received the money when the calves were sold. “They really enjoy being around and having the opportunity to have animals at the house,” Charlie said. The sort of help he provided to Brooke and Breanna, he said, is a key part of what is needed by anyone trying to start farming. “Somebody’s going to have to be there to help you and guide you. Obviously you’re going to have to have financial help,” he said. “I’d say the biggest thing though is, if you’re going to go into farming, you need to figure out what part of farming you want to go into, start in a field that you feel like you can suc-
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
acreage is devoted to cotton and is planted in five different varieties, not including a test plot of 14 varieties. “I think it’s important that a farmer try more than one variety on each of his soil types so he can see his best fit for his soil types and his irrigation capacity or dry land,” Chris said. “The old blanket approach of one variety across the farm is gone. We’ve got to be more management oriented.” Chris also works to protect erodible land by using conservation tillage and installing waterways and terraces. These conservation efforts won the Hopkinses the 2012 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award. Marilynn, who served with Chris on the GFB Young Farmer Committee in 2006-2008, praises Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Program for encouraging them. “We love going to Farm Bureau events,” Marilynn said, adding that it’s great to be able to bring their son Banks, 3, along. “People you work with don’t understand the farm life.
The Hopkinses Marilynn, Chris and Banks
It’s just nice to get away with people who do the same things you do and understand what you’re going through.” Toombs County Farm Bureau elected Chris its president this fall following his service as Young Farmer chairman since 2006. The Hopkins were finalists for the Achievement Award last year.
Photo by Jay Stone
farming growing up. Marilynn grew up on a dairy farm and studied agribusiness at UGA. She’s now putting that degree to use working in accounting at Altamaha EMC and keeping the farm’s books. Chris grew up scouting cotton for his uncles Ricky and Ray Allen, which fostered his desire to farm and inspired him to get a master’s degree in plant protection and pest management. After graduating from UGA in 2004, Chris worked as an Extension Agent in Toombs County and then as an agronomist at Bayer Crop Science. In 2010 Chris became the store manager at the Lasseter Implement Company in Lyons, which made it easier for him to tend his crops before and after work. “Every day I get up and watch nature play out in front of me. To start with a seed in the spring and watch it turn into a harvest like we’re in the middle of – there’s nothing legal in life that can be more rewarding,” Chris said. About two-thirds of the Hopkinses’
The Sanderses (clockwise from back left) Nancie, Charlie, Caleb, Brooke and Breanna.
ceed in. You don’t want to just start farming and then two years down the road you have to close the doors and you’re out of a lot of money that you invested, or that somebody has invested in you.” Charlie chairs the Greene County Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee. He and Nancie were on the GFB Young Farmer Committee in 2010-2011, and they were finalists for the Young Farmer Achievement Award in 2007 and 2009. November/December 2012 / 19
AROUND GEORGIA News from County Farm Bureaus County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee treated residents of Savannah Court, a senior assisted living community, with homemade ice cream and cookies. Pictured left to right are GCFB Women’s Committee members Emma O’Neal, Henrietta Duvall, Martha Copelan, Becky Durham, Patty Dowdy and Bonnie Duvall.
COOK COUNTY The Cook County Farm Bureau Promotion & Education Committee visited first through sixth grade classes this fall to promote soybeans, GFB’s commodity of the year. The CCFB is utilizing the soybean kit provided by the GFB home office to educate students about soybeans. Melissa Williams, chairman of the CCFB P&E Committee is pictured talking to the students about soybeans. Committee members also showed the students how to make lip balm using soybean oil.
GWINNETT COUNTY Gwinnett County Farm Bureau awarded two $1,500 scholarships to high school seniors who began their college careers this fall. GCFB Scholarship Committee Chairman Phil Hall, left, presents a scholarship to Michael Ziegler, who is studying environmental science /geology at Georgia College & State University. The second scholarship went to Kayla Thompson, not pictured, who is studying early education/special education at North Georgia College & State University. Photo courtesy of News Observer /Dub Joiner
DODGE COUNTY Dodge County Farm Bureau Director Jim Tripp, pictured, recently visited fifth grade students at North Dodge Elementary School to educate them about growing soybeans. Tripp, who grows soybeans, brought soybean plants from his farm to show the students and told them about the different products made from soybeans.
FANNIN COUNTY Fannin County Farm Bureau made a $1,000 donation to the Family Connection food pantry to buy food for the needy. Pictured from left, Family Connection representative Doug Davenport accepts the donation from FCFB President Tim Mercier, FCFB Vice President Tom Hamby and FCFB Director Charles Hogsed. GREENE COUNTY To celebrate June being Dairy Month, members of the Greene 20 / November/December 2012
HANCOCK COUNTY Hancock County Farm Bureau Office Manager Kellie Webster talks to pre-k students at John Hancock Academy about soybeans and the many products made from them. The students also sampled roasted soy nuts and edamame. HARALSON COUNTY The Haralson County Farm Bureau hosted a booth at the Dogwood Festival in Tallapoosa to promote Farm Bureau’s member benefits and beef, GFB’s previous commodity of the year. HCFB Director Stanley Williams is pictured working Continued on next page Georgia Farm Bureau News
Continued from previous page
the booth. HCFB gave away peanuts and water and held a drawing for a free Farm Bureau membership.
HART COUNTY Hart County Farm Bureau won an honorable mention for the scarecrow display it entered in the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority’s Scarecrow Bash contest. HCFB used the display to promote Georgia Farm Bureau’s 75th anniversary and the fact that 50 dirt farmers founded GFB. HCFB staff members pictured with the display are, from left, Angela Huff, Candi Spires and Tina Simmons. “We received numerous positive comments from our customers while the display was up,” Huff said. “We even had some people tell us they thought the mule was real when the wind moved its tail.”
LANIER COUNTY Lanier County Farm Bureau President Paul Folsom, left, and LCFB Women’s Committee members Mary Folsom, pictured right, and Lindsey Stone and LCFB Office Angie Watson, not pictured, visited the Hallmark Headstart in Valdosta to teach the 100 students about soybeans. Each student planted a soybean seed in a portable greenhouse. LCFB volunteers gave each student a coloring book about soybeans and a soybean plant diagram so they could label the parts as their plants grow. NEWTON COUNTY The Newton County Farm Bureau Young Farmers held a chain saw safety training in July. Gary House, a representative for the Husqvarna chain saw company, gave a presentation on general safety when using chain saws and safety equipment that should be worn while operating saws. The group of 23 attendees each had the chance to cut a log using the techniques House taught them. Shannon Lawrence, center, is pictured sharpening the saw’s chain under the instruction of House. Continued on next page
4th & 5th District YF Meetings
4th District YF Meeting
5th District YF Meeting
Oconee County Farm Bureau hosted a meeting for young farmers in GFB’s 4th District in September. Special guests included 15 high school seniors from North Oconee County High school and their ag teacher Tim Griffeth, Bonnie Duvall, 4th District YF Chairman Andrew Ruark, 4th District Field Rep. Rick Hubert and GFB YF Coordinator Jed Evans. OCFB Young Farmer chairman Josh Pennino grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Farm safety expert Jay Daniel, the guest speaker, discussed ways to improve farm safety. Georgia Farm Bureau’s 5th District recently held a cookout and skeet shoot for its young farmer members at the farm of
GFB 5th District Young Farmer Chairs Brian & Melissa Ogletree. More than 35 young farmers attended the event held Sept. 29. The group enjoyed shooting skeet and some friendly competition showcasing their shooting skills before a “pig picking” with all the trimmings. Brian Ogletree and Matt Bottoms, former GFB Young Farmer Committee chairman, shared their experiences with GFB’s Young Farmer program. GFB 5th District Field Rep. Cliff Bowden and GFB Field Services Director Mike Copeland attended the event and enjoyed meeting future leaders of the organization.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
November/December 2012/ 21
Continued from previous page STEPHENS COUNTY Stephens County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee member and teacher Karrie Perrin, right, presented a slide show and video about soybeans to local students. Students participated in discussions about soybeans and completed a diagram of the soy plant and a crossword puzzle about soybeans. Each child was also given a soybean bookmark.
TROUP COUNTY Troup County Farm Bureau (TCFB) Director & GFB Beef Committee Chairman John Callaway and his wife Marcia hosted the Georgia Simmental Association Field Day at their farm in June. More than 130 people attended the event, which included an ultrasound demonstration, a hay baleage demonstration and cattle judging contests. The program included speakers from the American Simmental Association and the University of Georgia. TCFB donated door prizes and peanut packets for attendees. Members of the Georgia Junior Simmental Association are pictured touring the Callaway Cattle Company.
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22 / November/December 2012
WORTH COUNTY This fall Worth County Farm Bureau has been teaching about 100 students at Worth County Primary School about soybeans. WCFB Secretary Connie Melton is pictured teaching second grade students how soybeans are used. WCFB gave the students gift bags containing soybean coloring books, bookmarks and soybean crayons.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY Washington County held its member appreciation day in June. Attendees were served hot dogs, chips and drinks. Members had a chance to learn more about Farm Bureau programs and benefits through display booths that promoted Williams Tractor Farm, a local GFB Certified Farm Market, GFB Member Services Farm Bureau Bank and Merritt carpet restoration. There were activities for kids including face painting and a bouncing house. Door prizes were given away, and all customers got a gift bag that included membership information.
cordele WSST - CH. 51 Sat & Sun / Noon macon wmaz - ch. 13 Saturday / 6 am
SUMMERVILLE wKSY - CH. 21 Thursday / 9:30 pm Saturday / 6:30 am Sunday 5 pm VALDOSTA WSWG - ch. 43 Sunday / 6:30 am WARNER ROBINS WRWR - ch. 38 Friday 8 pm Saturday/Sunday noon – National – RFD-TV Channel 231 on the Dish® Network and Channel 345 on DirecTV Sunday at 11 pm Wednesday at 8:30 pm Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
MEETINGS from page 16 and Worth counties. EPD is also suspending issuance of new ag surface water withdrawal permits for parts of Calhoun, Chattahoochee, Clay, Early, Marion, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell and Webster counties. Permit applications received by July 30 are expected to be issued. The suspension will be re-evaluated annually beginning in November 2013. The UGA Cooperative Extension is hosting these meetings to discuss why EPD suspended issuing permits, how farmers can conserve water and the future of ag water permits. Registration for both meetings begins at 8:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 9 a.m. and running until noon. There is no registration fee, but attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 229-386-3377 to ensure there is adequate meeting space. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Charlie Miller, Historic Preservation Division, Georgia DNR
Recipients of the 2012 Georgia Centennial Farm Awards were recognized Oct. 4 during a reception at the Georgia National Fair.
Georgia Centennial Farms recognized By Jennifer Whittaker ___________________________________
G
eorgia’s list of farms owned by the same family for more than 100 years grew by 25 this year bringing the total to 426 since the Georgia Centennial Farm Program began in 1993. On Oct. 4, farms that have been owned by members of the same family and continuously operated for at least 100 years were recognized during a ceremony at the Georgia National Fair in Perry. The program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission and Georgia National Fairgrounds with support from Georgia EMC.
Farms may be recognized with one of three awards. The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by the same family for 100 years or more that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership, but the farm must be at least 100 years old and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To nominate a farm for the award in 2013, visit http://georgiashpo.org/historic/ centennial_farms or contact Steven Moffson at 404-651-5906 or by email at steven.moffson@dnr.state.ga.us. The postmark deadline for applications is May 1 of each year.
Southwest Ga. Ethanol closes temporarily
Southwest Georgia Ethanol (SWGE) has idled production at its ethanol facility in Mitchell County due to market conditions caused by the Midwest drought, according to a company press release. SWGE said it deemed it in the company’s best financial interest to idle production until the markets return to levels conducive to profits. SWGE said it has sufficient financial liquidity to maintain necessary expenses and payroll until the 2013 corn harvest if necessary, but will ramp up production earlier with the proper market opportunities. In anticipation of going back into full production at or before next year’s local harvest, SWGE is writing contracts for local 2013 corn and is accepting grain sorghum planted for the plant. SWGE is currently handling repairs and maintenance items that would normally be performed during semi-annual shutdowns. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Centennial Heritage Farm Phillips Family Farm, Murray County
Centennial Family Farms
• Baker/Dorminey Farm, Tift County • Boring & Brooks Estate, Banks County • Clark-Harrell Family Farm, Grady County • Curryville Centennial Farm & Arena, Gordon County • Echols Jaemor Farm, Hall County • E. S. Dorminy Home Place & Farm, Berrien County • Fordham Brothers Farm, Bleckley County • Fountain Family Farm, Johnson County • Futch Farm, Cook County • Gilliard Farms, Glynn County • Greene Farm, Crisp County • Hendricks Farm at Turner Crossing, Candler County • Henry Clayton Gibbs Farm, Worth County • Herrington Farm, Appling County • Lodge Farm, Brooks County • McAllister Farm, Marion County • Oliver Farm, Wilcox County • Pineland Farms, Dodge County • Reagan Farm, Grady County • Shirley Farm, Jackson County • Skipper Farms, Bibb County • Triple “C” Farms, Candler County • White Oak Pastures, Clay County • Zellobee Farm, Marion County November/December 2012/ 23
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