October 28, 2015
www.gfb.org
Vol. 33 No. 43
AFBF RECOGNIZES PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU Paulding County Farm Bureau (PCFB) is among 28 county Farm Bureaus nationwide recognized by the American Farm Bureau for innovative program ideas in this year’s County Activities of Excellence Awards (CAE) program. The winners will be highlighted during AFBF’s 97th Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, Jan. 8-13, 2016, in Orlando, Florida. AFBF honored the PCFB’s Farmers Market, which moved to a lot at Paulding County High School this year and was administered through a cooperative effort between PCFB and the Paulding County FFA. The market kicked off this spring and allowed FFA students to sell produce they grew at the school. “Our county board felt like we needed to help the people who produce in this area, and the people in the area wanted home-grown products. So we sat down at a board meeting one night, and I suggested that we look into developing a farmers market, and the board went along with it. They thought it was an excellent idea,” PCFB President Nora Goodman said. In its first four years, the market was at other locations and charged vendors fees to cover costs. The market had to move this year because those properties were sold. A chance meeting with Paulding County High School FFA advisors created the move to the school grounds. PCFB also used the market as a tool to generate memberships from its vendors. “They were enthusiastic and they said, ‘We want to help… we want to manage the market.’ So we invited them to come to our next meeting, but the whole purpose of it is that they’re going to be here every time. That’s what they wanted to do. They got their students involved. It’s a win-win for everybody including the vendors,” Goodman said. The CAE program acknowledges and shares successful county Farm Bureau programs and activities. The awards are based on county Farm Bureau membership. Counties compete for recognition in five different groups. Those groups are county Farm Bureaus with membership of less than 1,000 members, 1,001-3,000 members, 3,001-5,000 members, more than 5,001 members, and a new category this year for collaborative multi-county activities. “A genuine commitment to improving county programming was clearly demonstrated by this year’s entries,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Grassroots Farm Bureau members continue to find creative ways to enrich their communities by sharing information about today’s food and farming,” he said. This year’s CAE award winners come from 11 states: California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.
GFB News Alert page 2 of 10 HPAI HAVING HEAVY IMPACT ON POULTRY EXPORTS Although no detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been recorded in the U.S. for several months, the toll the virus has taken on the U.S. poultry and egg industry this year is staggering, according to information from the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC). Poultry export volume for the first eight months of this year declined by 13.6 percent to 2,365,959 metric tons, as value plummeted by 21.1 percent to $2.85 billion from the same period in 2014. Broiler exports for January through August dropped by 11.4 percent to 1,970,992 tons, while value decreased by 21 percent to $2.138 billion. Exports of table eggs and egg products, meanwhile, fell by 17.4 percent to 178.62 million dozen measured in shell-egg equivalent units, while value slipped by 5 percent to $206.7 million. Cumulative January-August exports of table eggs declined by 5.9 percent to 106.42 million dozen, while value rose by 9.1 percent to $134.41 million. The top five markets of Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, Bahamas, and the Netherlands Antilles accounted for 95.5 percent of the total volume, with Canada alone importing 48.2 percent. The cumulative export value of egg products for January through August declined 23.4 percent to $72.25 million. Export value to Japan decreased by 21.0 percent to $23.56 million, while exports to Mexico dipped by 27.3 percent to $17.72 million, and shipments to Canada fell by 14.0 percent to $10.76 million. Export sales to the top five markets totaled $60.96 million, accounting for 84.4 percent of U.S. total exports worldwide. This sharp drop in export value is a graphic example of the economic effect this year’s multistate outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has had on the industry. The good news, USAPEEC said, is that some countries have begun lifting their import restrictions on poultry products originating in certain states, now that more than 90 days have passed since affected farms were cleaned and disinfected, as is recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Hong Kong announced in August that it has lifted restrictions on 10 previously banned counties in the states of Arkansas, Washington, Oregon and California. Some U.S. trading partners have been slow to remove restrictions, however, including Mexico, the industry’s largest export market. Japan and Singapore have also recently removed restrictions. While no HPAI detections were made in the U.S. during the warmer months of summer, the U.S. poultry industry is bracing for its possible return this fall, as migratory birds – thought to be the primary carriers of the virus – head south for the winter. State and federal officials worry that wild birds will carry the virus into the Atlantic flyway that cuts through the heart of the main poultry-producing areas of the mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Exporters, meanwhile, hope for the best after a disheartening first half of the year. The impact goes beyond exports, as more product on the domestic market means lower prices that add to the losses. Exports of poultry meat for the month of June were down 14 percent to 305,504 tons, while value dipped by 25 percent to $348.8 million, compared to the same month a year earlier. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is encouraging backyard poultry growers to register their premises at http://agr.georgia.gov/avian-influenza.aspx. For more information visit http://www.gfb.org/avianflu/.
GFB News Alert page 3 of 10 AG GROUPS, CONAWAY REFUTE REPORT LINKING MEAT TO CANCER Agriculture stakeholder groups representing the meat industry and U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-Texas) are rebutting a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) claiming that red meat and processed meats cause cancer. The WHO report, based on claims from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classified red meat as a probable carcinogenic and processed meat as carcinogen. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) said in an Oct. 26 release that the evidence was not sufficient for the IARC to reach a consensus agreement from a group of 22 experts in the field of cancer research, something that IARC has proudly highlighted they strive for and typically achieve. In this case, they had to settle for “majority” agreement. “Cancer is a complex disease that even the best and brightest minds don’t fully understand,” said Beef Checkoff Nutrition Scientist Dr. Shalene McNeill, who observed the IARC deliberations. “Billions of dollars have been spent on studies all over the world and no single food has ever been proven to cause or cure cancer. The opinion by the IARC committee to list red meat as a probable carcinogen does not change that fact. The available scientific evidence simply does not support a causal relationship between red or processed meat and any type of cancer.” Previous large-scale analyses have reached the opposite conclusion from the IARC report. A large meta-analysis, published online in May in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, analyzed the relationship between red meat intake and risk for colorectal cancer and concluded “red meat does not appear to be an independent predictor of CRC risk,” according to Dr. Dominik Alexander, the epidemiologist who conducted the research on behalf of the Beef Checkoff. “There are a constellation of factors that are associated with the probability of getting cancer, which include age, genetics, socioeconomic characteristics, obesity, lack of physical activity, where you grew up, alcohol consumption, smoking and even your profession,” Alexander said. “The bottom line is the epidemiologic science on red meat consumption and cancer is best described as weak associations and an evidence base that has weakened over time. And most importantly, because red meat is consumed in the context of hundreds of other foods and is correlated with other behavioral factors, it is not valid to conclude red meat is an independent cause of cancer.” In a statement released on Oct. 26, the House Ag Committee said the IARC’s allegation is derived from a selective review of studies chosen to support a predetermined conclusion and comes despite the IARC’s own admission that numerous studies show no correlation between red and processed meats and cancer. “These claims are based on a biased selection of studies performed by an organization notorious for distorting and misconstruing data to link even the most innocuous products— everything from glass jars to baby powder— to this terrible disease,” Conaway said. Conaway’s assertion was echoed by Dr. Betsy Booren, vice president for scientific affairs at the North American Meat Institute. “It was clear sitting in the IARC meeting that many of the panelists were aiming for a specific result despite old, weak, inconsistent, self-reported intake data,” Booren said. “They tortured the data to ensure a specific outcome.”
GFB News Alert page 4 of 10 BUDGET DEAL MAKES CHANGES TO CROP INSURANCE PROGRAMS The federal budget deal reached on Oct. 26 by the White House and Congressional leaders would make changes to crop insurance programs included in the 2014 farm bill. The budget includes language to require the Standard Reinsurance Agreement be renegotiated by Dec. 31, 2016, and at least once every five years after that. It also cuts the rate of return allowed for crop insurance providers. The 2014 farm bill established a rate-of-return cap of 14.5 percent, and the budget bill would lower that threshold to 8.9 percent. The American Farm Bureau Federation opposes the inclusion of this language in the budget bill or any language that would reopen the 2014 farm bill. The leadership of the House and Senate Ag Committees released a joint statement opposing the crop insurance language in the budget bill. “Farmers and ranchers have done more than their fair share to reduce government spending,” said Senate Ag Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). “While Congressional leaders may sell this package as providing budget stability, it is anything but stable for farmers and ranchers. It took years to negotiate and pass a new farm bill. Producers have signed contracts and purchased policies. These proposals to make further cuts to the crop insurance program were not included in the House or Senate passed budgets, in any appropriations bills or in the president’s budget request.” GODWIN AMONG APPOINTEES TO UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD Georgia/Florida Soybean Association President Walter Godwin is one of 17 soybean farmers appointed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as a director of the United Soybean Board (USB). Godwin, from Mitchell County, is one of 12 returning directors. The directors, 17 farmer-leaders from across the country will be sworn in as directors of the United Soybean Board (USB) at its upcoming annual meeting in St. Louis in December. The USDA recently announced that USB will increase its number of farmer-leaders from 70 to 73 to reflect growing U.S. soybean production. These new directors will be from Missouri, New Jersey and Wisconsin. The change will be effective for the 2016 board-appointment process. The USB board of directors invests soy checkoff funds on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers in projects to improve farmer profit potential. With Godwin unpredictable prices, growing production worldwide and more competition, U.S. soybean farmers will need more innovation, such as improved seed varieties and technology, new ways of generating demand and new methods for increasing the value they receive from soybean meal and oil. “We are thrilled to have these farmer-leaders be part of a new chapter with the United Soybean Board,” says Bob Haselwood, USB chairman and soybean farmer from Berryton, Kansas. “The checkoff is dedicated to using advancements in technology to help U.S. soy remain a top choice for our customers, and these farmer-leaders will be instrumental in helping us accomplish that.” Godwin will serve a three-year term. The USB and soy checkoff is overseen by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
GFB News Alert page 5 of 10 FEDERAL PANEL DENIES CENTRALIZATION OF WOTUS CASES On Oct. 14 the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Legislation (JPML) denied a request by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to centralize 12 different district court cases challenging the agencies’ Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. There are nine suits in seven district courts around the country, including a suit filed by the state of Georgia and eight other states in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. The EPA and Corps requested that the cases be centralized in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The JPML found that centralization is inappropriate based on previous rulings where, as in the current set of cases, centralization was denied for cases that would be decided on the administrative record. The court also noted that centralization would be complicated by opposite rulings in district courts on requests for preliminary injunctions; the District Court of North Dakota granted an injunction for 13 states, while the District Court for the Southern District of Georgia denied an injunction. ISAKSON PUSHES SOUTH AFRICA ON POULTRY DEAL U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) expressed concern after South Africa missed an Oct. 15 deadline to finalize parts of the U.S.-South Africa agreement reached in Paris earlier this year and urged South Africa to act immediately to allow U.S. poultry exports to South Africa to resume, according to a joint press release from the senators. A settlement was reached in the longstanding poultry dispute between the United States and South Africa on June 8, during negotiations in Paris led by the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of State, U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Patrick Gaspard and trade experts from the poultry industry. The agreement was welcome news for the entire U.S. poultry industry, including the large poultry operations in Georgia and Delaware. Since the settlement was reached, South Africa has been slow to fulfill the obligations agreed to in Paris, hindering the successful implementation of the agreement. According to the Paris agreement, by Oct. 15 South Africa should have issued both a trade protocol for avian influenza and a health certificate for U.S. poultry. Despite assurances by high-ranking South African officials, they have not met the set deadline. The U.S. has insisted that South Africa follow World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines to use a regional approach for avian influenza, but South Africa continues to resist that approach. Differences also remain on the health certificate. “We are concerned that South Africa has not followed through on its promise to address key issues by October 15, preventing full implementation of the deal,” said the senators. “South Africa failed to finalize both the trade protocol and health certificate for U.S. poultry despite the Administration’s intense engagement with South Africa over the past year to resolve these issues. We believe this inaction must be factored into the out-of-cycle review of South Africa's AGOA eligibility and urge the Administration to take appropriate action. South Africa must take the necessary steps to resolve outstanding barriers to U.S. poultry immediately if its AGOA benefits are to be preserved. Hardworking poultry farmers in our home states and across the country should not have to wait any longer to participate in the South African market.”
GFB News Alert page 6 of 10 GA FORESTRY COMMISSION OFFERING WINDFALL OF SEEDLINGS Recent flooding along coastal Georgia has forced cancellation of planned tree plantings there, making available a large supply of superior Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) seedlings. The three most sought after varieties, which were previously sold out due to a very large order, are now being offered to Georgia landowners. “While this is devastating for landowners who are dealing with flooded property, it is a windfall for others,” said GFC Reforestation Chief Jeff Fields. “These genetically improved pines are always the first to go because they grow faster, provide more volume and have superior growth characteristics. They won't last long.” The selection includes GFC’s most popular variety of pine seedlings, known as Georgia Giants. The trees produce 54 percent more volume per acre than other varieties at age six. Fields said the Georgia Giants are a good choice for landowners who want to get more wood of a higher class, such as chip and saw, when they thin their timber stand. The Elite Straight Loblolly is a mix of three of the straightest, most fusiform rust-resistant families and the Pitch Canker Resistant Slash is fast growing, with pitch canker resistance proven by the USDA Forest Service’s disease resistance screening center. “The Georgia Forestry Commission is part of two tree improvement cooperatives, which enable development of these superior varieties,” Fields said. “While this unexpected supply is best suited for the coastal plain and some parts of the lower Piedmont, we have seedlings for everyone. The Third Cycle Piedmont Loblolly is still in stock, along with hardwoods such as white oak and dogwood.” To order seedlings, go to the GFC's online store at www.gaseedlings.org. Buyers may also contact their local GFC office or the Flint River Nursery at 229-268-7308. Discounts are available for large orders. For more information about services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit www.GaTrees.org. DOW COULD SELL AGROSCIENCES DIVISION Dow Chemical Co. is weighing whether to sell the Dow AgroSciences division, according to multiple published reports. Dow Agrosciences which produces seeds and crop protection products sold to agricultural customers, including Phytogen cotton and seeds for cotton, corn and soybeans with the Enlist trait that makes it tolerant of the company’s Enlist Duo herbicide. The Enlist seeds and Enlist Duo received have regulatory approval from the federal government. In its quarterly conference call with securities analysts on Oct. 22, the company indicated it would consider its other options in comparison with keeping AgroSciences within the company. Dow AgroSciences reported third-quarter sales of $1.2 billion in 2015, down from $1.4 billion in the third quarter of 2014. The decreased sales were attributed to lower crop commodity prices in Latin America, high inventories and fluctuation in currency values. According to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, analysts consider DuPont and Monsanto as potential buyers. Monsanto attempted to purchase Swiss pesticide company Syngenta earlier this year.
GFB News Alert page 7 of 10 SENATE AG COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON BIOTECHNOLOGY On Oct. 21 the Senate Committee for Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing on agricultural biotechnology. The hearing, the first such hearing before the committee in 10 years according to Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), included testimony from the USDA, the FDA and the EPA, as well as producers, a food company and a pediatrician. The federal agency representatives reviewed their regulatory mandates and processes pertaining to biotechnology crops. William Jordan, the EPA’s deputy director of pesticide programs, noted that the agency has approved 86 plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs), biotech modifications that allow plants to defend themselves against pests. “The EPA’s experience with PIPs over the last 20 years is that such pesticides have been safe and generally provided effective alternatives to conventional pesticides,” Jordan said, noting studies that the use of PIPs has significantly reduced growers’ reliance on broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides. Vermont dairy farmer Joanna Lidback discussed the benefits of biotechnology, noting that biotechology is important to the economic sustainability of her family’s small business by maintaining the affordability of feed. She also addressed the issue of pesticide use as it relates to GMO crops. “A common argument I often hear against biotechnology is that it requires increased amounts of pesticide use,” Lidback said. “Actually it’s this very myth that launched me into better understanding genetic engineering and to speak up for my neighbors who use biotech seed for exactly the opposite reason – it lets them spray less pesticide.” Dr. Susan Mayne, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, emphasized that there is no meaningful difference between foods derived from genetically engineered plants and foods produced through other methods. “We are confident that foods from genetically engineered sources in the U.S. marketplace today are as safe as their conventional counterparts,” Mayne said. Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Physician in Chief Ronald Kleinman also said that GMO crops are safe while also addressing whether foods derived from GMO crops should be labeled as such. “Food labeling on GM content conveys no useful information or safety information to consumers, is often misleading and will simply present confusing and confounding information to consumers, including the parents I personally advice,” Kleinman said. Earlier this year, the U.S. House passed H.R. 1599, the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act, which would set up a voluntary labeling system and prohibit state or local governments from enacting their own labeling standards. The bill awaits consideration in the Senate. Georgia Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation both support H.R. 1599.
GFB News Alert page 8 of 10 See page 10 for a list of ongoing Farm Bureau-affiliated farmers markets! GFB TAKING ENTRIES FOR HAY CONTEST, HAY DIRECTORY Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members who grow Bermudagrass hay are encouraged to enter the GFB 2015 Quality Hay Contest. GFB is also accepting entries for its 2016 Quality Hay Directory. The deadline for submissions for both the contest and the directory is Oct. 30. Hay entered in the contest will be tested at the UGA Testing Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which predicts fiber digestibility and likely animal intake of hay. There is a $15 entry fee for each sample entered in the contest to cover lab costs. Applications and instructions for submitting samples, as well as updated contest rules, are available at county Farm Bureau offices or may be downloaded at the GFB website http://www.gfb.org/commodities/hay_contest.html. GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION FORESTRY FORWARD SERIES Oct. 28 Raisin’ Cane Valdosta Nov. 5 Merry Acres Inn Albany Nov. 19 Flinchum’s Phoenix Athens Dec. 9 Interfor Southeast Region Office Peachtree City Dec. 10 James-Bates-Brannan-Groover LLP Macon Dec. 15 TOOHOLLY Tree Farm Oliver Dec. 17 Location TBD Rome Jan. 7, 2016 Oxbow Meadows Columbus Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) members and those who depend on Georgia’s working forests are encouraged to attend the local, reception-style events to learn more about the priorities of the GFA and the challenges facing working forest landowners and the forest industry. GFA is also partnering with Dr. Dale Greene, dean of the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, for the Athens and Columbus events. Attendees at those events will have the chance to meet Dr. Greene and learn about the future of the Warnell School. Space is limited at each event. To RSVP visit www.eventbrite.com/o/georgia-forestry-association-7811066383. SOUTH EFFINGHAM FFA ALUMNI GOAT SHOW Nov. 7 Effingham County Fair Grounds Springfield This show is open to youth from age four through 12th grade. Exhibitors may show only wethers or does that are dehorned or have tipped horns. All goats must have current Georgia health papers and must have an ear tag matching the number on the entry form. Entry fee is $20 per goat entered by Oct. 30 and $25 for late entries. Cash prizes will be given for first through fifth place. Goats will be weighed by show officials at check-in and divided into weight classes as equal in number as possible. Showmanship classes will be determined based on exhibitor’s age as follows: Class 1: age 4 years - 2nd grade; Class 2: 3rd – 5th grade; Class 3: 6th-8th grade; Class 4: 9th-12th grade. Check in for the show begins Nov. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. and continues Nov. 7 from 7 to 9 a.m. Pens are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Exhibitors are responsible for their own bedding in pens. To obtain an entry form or more information about the show, contact Diane Parks at mommyx3ms@yahoo.com or call 912-6313043.
GFB News Alert page 9 of 10 AFBF FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE BULLETIN BOARD CONTEST The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s ag-themed bulletin board contest for teachers is open for submissions through Oct. 31. The winner receives a copy of “Farm a Month,” the Foundation’s activities kit about agriculture across America, plus the 12 books that accompany it. To enter, visit http://www.agfoundation.org/projects/bulletin-board-contest. UGA GOAT/SHEEP PARASITE WORKSHOP Nov. 10 Boot Leg Farm Springfield This program will teach goat and sheep producers an integrated pest management approach to controlling internal parasite in small ruminants. This includes learning to use FAMACHA, a diagnostic tool to help producers identify parasite infection in small ruminants and then only deworm those animals that are infected. Participants will get hands-on training in this technique and a FAMACHA color chart to take home. Registration deadline is Nov. 6. Registration fee is $10. To register contact the Bulloch County Extension Office at 912-871-6130 or email uge3031@uga.edu. Boot Leg Farm is located at 477 Egypt Ardmore Road, Springfield, Ga. 31329. FSA TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR BCAP Enrollment is underway for farmers and forest landowners seeking financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or bio-based products within designated project areas. The funds are available from the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Biomass energy facilities or groups of producers may submit proposals for new BCAP project areas. Proposals will be accepted on www.grants.gov through Nov. 6. GA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE EQUINE AUCTION Nov. 14 Mansfield Impound Barn, 2834 Marben Farm Rd. Mansfield The Georgia Department of Agriculture will hold this live auction of 12 horses in accordance with the Humane Care for Equines Act. The horses may be inspected at the facility beginning at 10 a.m. and the sale will start at approximately 11 a.m. Pictures of the horses will be posted, when available, on the GDA website, www.agr.georgia.gov. Sealed bids will not be accepted. The GDA will make any documentation about the animals in its possession available upon request; otherwise the horses will be sold on an as-is basis. Purchased animals must be picked up from the facility by 3 p.m. on Nov. 15 and payment is required at that time. For more information, call the GDA Equine Health office at 404-656-3713. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sealed bids will not be accepted. FREE BQA CERTIFICATION PERIOD Through Nov. 20 online Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica will pay the $25-$50 online training fee for every person completing the Beef Quality Assurance training through Nov. 20. Individuals who work with beef cattle or dairy cattle are eligible. Visit www.bqa.org to take advantage of the open certification period.
GFB News Alert page 10 of 10 MM CATTLE COMPANY AND CALLAWAY BULL SALE Nov. 21 Carroll County Livestock Sales Barn noon Carrollton Sale includes 50 Angus and SimAngus bulls and more than 40 commercial replacement heifers. For more information contact Mike McCravey at mmcattle@yahoo.com or 770-328-2047 or John Callaway at callawaycattle@gmail.com or 770-355-2165. ONGOING FARMERS MARKETS NOTE: Schedules are subject to change according to produce availability UNION COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET Saturdays through Oct. 31 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. 148 Old Smokey Road! Blairsville This market, supported by the Union County Farm Bureau, offers locally grown produce, farmfresh eggs and meats, artisan cheeses, breads, jams, jellies, honey and other delicious prepared foods. For more information contact Mickey Cummings! or Kristy Peney at farmersmarket@uniongov.com HINESVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Downtown Hinesville This market, sponsored by the Liberty County Farm Bureau, offers customers fresh local produce and other farm items, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, specialty foods, prepared foods, and original crafts. Market is held in Bradwell Park on Commerce St. across from the Hinesville City Hall. To apply to be a vendor or for more information call the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority at 912-877-4332. ROCKDALE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Through Nov. 21 Tuesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon, Thursdays 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Rockdale County Extension office, 1400 Parker Road Conyers Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau manages this market with support from the Rockdale County Extension, set up to allow farmers to sell locally grown products directly to the public. For more information or to receive a vendor application contact the RDCFB office at 770-9223566.