August 7, 2013
www.gfb.org
Vol. 31 No. 32
BULLOCH HONORED, COMMITTEES MULL POLICY AT GFB CONFERENCE Former state Senator John Bulloch was presented the 2013 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award and GFB commodity committee members were presented information on the USDA National Appeals Division, animal rights activists and national legislation during the GFB Commodity Conference, held Aug. 1 at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Bulloch served in the Georgia General Assembly for 14 years, the last 10 in the Georgia Senate, before retiring in late 2012. During that time, he worked to advance a number of agricultural causes, including pushing through 2004 legislation to give poultry growers certain rights in the process of structuring their contracts. “I want to thank you for what y’all have meant to me because I did it out of love,” Bulloch said. “The day I die, I’m going to be a farmer, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Conference attendees learned they can appeal adverse decisions issued by the USDA Farm Service Agency, Risk Bulloch Management Agency, Natural Resources & Conservation Service or Rural Development Agencies. Amanda Urbanek, deputy assistant director of the USDA National Appeals Division (NAD), said her division, created by Congress in 1994, operates independently from the USDA agencies for which it hears appeals. To file an appeal, Georgia farmers must send the NAD Southern Region office in Memphis a letter stating a desire to appeal the negative decision or an efile appeal within 30 days after receiving the decision. Producers should state the decision they are appealing, why, and include a copy of the letter from the USDA agency notifying them of the adverse decision. More information is available at https://www.nad.usda.gov. Steve Kopperud of Washington consulting firm Policy Directions Inc. presented information on animal rights activists, focusing primarily on the tactics of the Humane Society of the United States. Kopperud stressed the importance of farmers becoming trained to interact with members of the media and that they take great care to ensure that animals in their care are not abused. American Farm Bureau Federation Executive Director of Public Policy Dale Moore discussed national legislation affecting farmers including the farm bill, waterway reconstruction and immigration. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black spoke during the conference luncheon, providing updates on the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE), the closing of the Georgia Egg Commission, nominations for additional seats on the Georgia Cotton Commission along with news about other commodities.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 CHAMBLISS AMONG SENATE FARM BILL CONFEREES Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) is among 12 senators named to the conference committee on farm bill legislation on Aug. 1. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) appointed seven Democrats and five Republicans to the committee, which will work with its counterparts from the House to reconcile differences in the House and Senate farm bills. House leadership has indicated it will announce House conferees after Congress reconvenes from its August recess. Democrats on the committee are Senate Agriculture Committe Chairwoman Debbie Stabnow (Mich.), Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Tom Harkin (Iowa), Max Baucus (Mont.), Sherrod Brown (Ohio), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Michael Bennet (Colo.) Other Republicans are Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran (Miss.), Pat Roberts (Kan.), John Boozman (Ark.) and John Hoeven (N.D.) The Senate passed its version of the farm bill on June 10. The House passed its version, though without a nutrition title, on July 11. KRYSTA HARDEN CONFIRMED AS DEPUTY AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Mitchell County native Krysta Harden was confirmed by the Senate as deputy secretary of agriculture in an Aug. 1 voice vote. Harden has worked as chief of staff for Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Her public policy experience includes stints as the USDA’s assistant secretary for congressional relations and as staff director for the House Agriculture Peanut and Agriculture Subcommittee. Harden succeeds Kathleen Merrigan in the USDA’s second-highest post. Merrigan resigned in March. U.S. WINS TRADE ENFORCEMENT CASE AGAINST CHINA On Aug. 2 a WTO dispute settlement panel ruled in favor of the United States in its antidumping dispute with China over U.S. exports of poultry to China. The panel found that China’s imposition of higher duties on chicken “broiler products,” which was followed by a decline of 80 percent in American exports of those products to China, is unjustified under international trade rules. According to the panel report, China violated numerous WTO obligations in conducting its investigations and imposing anti-dumping duties and countervailing duties on chicken imports from the United States. In September 2009, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) initiated antidumping and countervailing investigations of imports of U.S. broiler products, and in 2010 MOFCOM imposed duties of more than 50 percent on those products for U.S. producers who responded to the ministry’s investigation notice. Other producers were subject to duties of 105.4 percent. The U.S. initiated the WTO’s dispute resolution process in 2011. Among the panel’s findings were that China’s countervailing duties - which are levied to offset government subsidies in the exporting country - were in excess of the amount of the subsidies. The panel also ruled that China relied on flawed price comparisons in concluding that its domestic poultry producers were suffering financial harm due to the import of U.S. broilers. The panel report can be seen at http://tinyurl.com/m9wpdob.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 AFBF PURCHASES FARM EVENTS, PUBLICATIONS The American Farm Bureau Federation announced on Aug. 5 the acquisition of Cygnus Business Media’s agricultural events and publications. The purchase includes five IDEAg branded farm shows – Minnesota Farmfest, Dakotafest, Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show, Northern Illinois Farm Show and the IDEAg Interconnectivity Conference. The business also publishes Feed & Grain Magazine and Case IH’s Farm Forum magazine. The events and publications will operate as part of IDEAg Group, LLC, which is wholly owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation. All of the current managers and staff of the events and publications agreed to continue in their positions. Minnesota Farmfest, held in Redwood County, Minn., is one of the largest agricultural events in the world. Dakotafest, held in Mitchell, S.D., is the premiere agricultural event in South Dakota and attracts attendees from the entire Northern Plains region. Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show has been the essential ag show for High Plains farmers and ranchers for 28 years. The Northern Illinois Farm Show in DeKalb, Ill., has attracted farmers and ranchers from throughout the Midwest for 31 years. Launched in 2012, the IDEAg Interconnectivity Conference is held in Altoona, Iowa. Feed & Grain Magazine is the leading publication and digital news service for the grain processing industry, with almost 16,000 subscribers. Farm Forum is a magazine published on behalf of Case IH and Case IH dealers. For more information about the IDEAg Group publications and events, visit: www.ideaggroup.com/. TOMATO GROWERS SUE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER 2008 LOSSES A group of 17 tomato growers - of whom nine have operations in Georgia - has filed suit against the federal government in an attempt to recoup approximately $40 million in losses following an outbreak of salmonella in 2008, according to published reports. The suit was filed on July 29 in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., by Marianna, Fla., attorney Frank Baker, who filed the complaint seeking compensation under the “takings clause” of the fifth amendment, which governs eminent domain property seizures by government. The suit alleges that by publicizing certain varieties of tomatoes were the source of the outbreak, the FDA in effect seized the tomatoes. “What the FDA did took tomatoes off the shelves in the interest of public health,” Baker said. “It had the right to do that, but those farmers deserve compensation for their losses.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration erroneously announced that the outbreak was linked to tomatoes and warned consumers against eating tomatoes grown in certain regions. The lawsuit alleges that food service operators and retailers canceled orders for tomatoes, resulting in price declines by as much as 98 percent. The outbreak was ultimately traced to peppers imported from Mexico. According to the suit, losses incurred by Georgia farmers totaled $25.7 million. The suit also proposes class action to include growers from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 DEEP SOUTH STOCKER CONFERENCE Aug. 8-9 Athens Theis two-day event, a joint effort between the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, features live animal demonstrations and hands-on opportunities on Aug. 8, and educational seminars on Aug. 9. Additionally, the conference will be held in conjunction with Georgia Grazing School (http://www.GeorgiaForages.com). This will give producers an opportunity for up to three days of hands-on, demonstration, and classroom learning opportunities. Registration for each event is separate. The Deep South Stocker Conference registration will cost $125/person and will cover all seminars, events, meals, and handouts for the two-day event. A trade show will also be held in conjunction with the conference to allow stocker operators the opportunity to network with industry professionals and to become aware of products and services that can improve their profitably and product quality. For more information or to register, visit http://www.deepsouthstocker.com. GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE Aug. 10 Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park 9 a.m. - noon Atlanta Aug. 24 Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park 9 a.m. - noon Atlanta This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. For more information, visit http://www.georgiagrown.com or call 404-656-3689. USDA TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION GRANTS The USDA is accepting applications for grants of up to $500,000 to provide access to education, training and healthcare resources in rural areas. Funding is authorized through the Department’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. Under this notice, USDA may provide up to $17.5 million in grants. Funds can be used to buy equipment and provide technical assistance. To be eligible, applicants must serve a rural area, demonstrate economic need and provide at least 15 percent in matching funds. Completed applications must be received by Aug. 12. For further details about eligibility rules and application procedures, see the notice published on page 38915 of the June 28 Federal Register: http://tinyurl.com/nv62aeq. ROW CROP FIELD DAY Aug. 14 UGA Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Midville Participants in this free event will have the opportunity to hear presentations on field crop and bioenergy research and see variety trials on corn, soybeans and peanuts. Field tours begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Anthony Black at 478-589-7472 or rablack@uga.edu. GRAZING AND PASTURE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP & FIELD DAY Aug. 20 Haralson County Recreation Center Buchanan Topics to be covered include rotational grazing systems, soil testing and interpreting results, winter grazing, stockpiling fescue, no-till drill calibration, pasture walk and discussion with grazing specialists. Lunch provided. The event is free, and a lunch will be provided. All attendees that pre-register will receive a free soil test. Register by Aug. 14. Visit http://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=2566 or call 706-295-6131 to register or for more information.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 DEADLINE NEARING FOR MONSANTO REPLANT PROGRAM Farmers who have had to replant cotton, corn or soybeans because of extreme weather conditions may be eligible for refunds of portions of their purchases of Monsanto seeds. The deadline to file a replant claim is Aug. 15. For cotton, Monsanto is providing a 100 percent refund on the original cotton technology fee. The filing deadline for cotton crop loss claims is Aug. 16. Farmers using Monsanto financing may be eligible for assistance for 2014 seed purchases and 2013 seed payments. The replant program also allows 75 percent off the cost of replanted seed for DeKalb corn and Asgrow soybeans. For more information, contact your local dealer or Monsanto representative. GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION SEEKS NOMINATIONS The Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) is accepting resumes for two new seats on the commission. These two positions were added to the producer member board by the Georgia General Assembly passed earlier this year at the request of the cotton community to increase producer representation from five to seven growers. To receive a nomination form or for more information about the nomination process, contact Nathan Wilson by phone at 404-656-3678 or email at Nathan.wilson@agr.georgia.gov. You may also contact your local FSA office or the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodities Department at 1-800-342-1196 for forms. The form is available online at the GCC website http://georgiacottoncommission.org. August 15 is the deadline for submitting nominations. The GCC board currently consists of: Chairman Mike Lucas, Bleckley County; Vice Chairman Wavell Robinson, Brooks County; Lee Cromley, Bulloch County; Bart Davis Jr, Colquitt County and Marvin Ruark, Morgan County. Ex officio members are Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, GFB President Zippy Duvall, Buddy Leger and Russ Moon. 24TH ANNUAL BROOKLET PEANUT FESTIVAL Aug. 17 Downtown area Brooklet This annual event features the Peanut Run, a prade, live music, arts and crafts and a street dance, as well as tractor races and a kiddie pedal tractor race. For more information visit www.brookletpeanutfestival.com. GREENE COUNTY 4-H HORSE FUN NIGHT Aug. 17 Greene County Arena 4 p.m. Greensboro Events include cloverleaf & Texas barrels, pole bending, potato race, egg and spoon, key hole and arena races. Ages 5 to 18 are eligible to participate. Entry fees are $3.00 per event. Prize money will be awarded for top three finishers. Tickets are $3 for ages 13 and up and $1 for 12 and under. For more information, visit http://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=2548. UNMANNED AERIAL CROP IMAGING SHOWCASE Aug. 20 Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, Spence Field 10:00 a.m. Moultrie Come and learn more about an unmanned helicopter crop-imaging research project funded by the Georgia Centers of Innovation for Aerospace and Agribusiness and Guided Systems Technologies. The mini-helicopters used to capture the images are fully autonomous and can fly over fields to detect pests, irrigation, diseases and nutrient issues well before they can be detected by the human eye; early detection can save crops, decrease pesticide use and allow increased yields and profits. For additional information or to RSVP for this event, please contact David Nuckolls at 404-962-4130 or dnuckolls@georgia.org.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 UGA CONDUCTING SURVEY ON MOBILE POULTRY PROCESSING As a part of its Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education program, UGA is conducting an online survey on the feasibility of establishing a Mobile Processing Unit. (MPU). This survey collects information on production costs and processing costs at a USDA inspected facility and on-farm processing. The information will aid in determining the cost-effectiveness and benefits of using MPUs. The results of the cost-benefit analysis and profitability of using MPUs will be shared with pasture poultry growers and other stakeholders. The 15-question survey should only take about 5 minutes and is anonymous. To participate, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NNXKFN7. PASTURE FIELD DAY Aug. 24 Crutchfield Farms Dalton This field day features best management practices and integrated pest management practices for pastures. Crutchfield Farms is located at 2601 Lake Francis Rd NE in Dalton. For more information, contact Brenda Jackson at 706-278-8207 or bljack@uga.edu or visit http://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=2288. Â EGG CANDLING CLASS Aug. 28 Putnam County Cooperative Extension Eatonton Putnam Cooperative Extension is hosting an egg candling class for egg/poultry producers who are interested in being able to comply with Georgia Department of Agriculture rules and regulations for the sale of eggs to consumers. For more information, or to register for this program, contact Deborah Ingram or Bradley Brown with the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 770-535-5955 or visit http://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=2533. VIDALIA ONION REFERENDUM TO BEGIN SEPT. 9 A referendum to determine whether Vidalia onion producers favor the continuation of the Vidalia onion marketing order will be held from Sept. 9 to Sept. 27. To be eligible to vote, producers must have produced Vidalia onions within the designated production area during the period from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2012. For more information http://tinyurl.com/jw9jd66 or contact Corey E. Elliott or Christian D. Nissen in the Agricultural Marketing Service Southeast Marketing Field Office by phone at 863-324-3375 or by email at Corey.Elliott@ams.usda.gov or Christian.Nissen@ams.usda.gov. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETINGS Sept. 10 3rd District Center at Arbor Connection 7 p.m. Douglasville nd Sept. 12 2 District North Georgia Technical Coll. 7 p.m. Avalon Sept. 16 5th District Thomaston Civic Center 7 p.m. Thomaston Sept. 19 10th District Jamestown Baptist Church 7 p.m. Waycross Sept. 24 7th District First Baptist Church 7 p.m. Statesboro Oct. 8 9th District Mitchell County Ag Center 7 p.m. Camilla Oct. 10 1st District First Baptist Church 7 p.m. Calhoun Oct. 17 8th District South Georgia Technical Coll. 7 p.m. Americus Oct. 28 6th District Poplar Springs North Bapt. Ch. 7 p.m. Dublin th Oct. 29 4 District Greene County High School 7 p.m. Greensboro Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information. Note: These meetings are for Farm Bureau members only and are not open to the general public.
Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 EGG CANDLING CLASS Sept. 10 Coastal Ga. Botanical Garden at Historic Bamboo Farm Savannah The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Egg Candling Inspector, Lee Lancaster, will conduct this certification class .The information and training received in the lecture will prepare participants for the written examination, as well as, the hands on candling evaluation at the end of the day. If you plan to sell your eggs to individuals, or at a farmers market, an egg candling certificate is required. For more information, call 912-652-7981 or visit http://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=2528. EGG CANDLING CLASS Sept. 12 Harris County Extension Clubhouse Hamilton Upon completion of this class, you will be mailed an egg candling certificate which enables you to sell eggs to individuals or at a farmer's market. There will be a 30-minute break for lunch. Light snacks will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this class. To register or for more information call 706-628-4824, email uge2145@uga.edu or visit http://extension.uga.edu/calendar/event.cfm?pk_id=2484. GEORGIA MULTICULTURAL SUSTAINABLE AG CONFERENCE Sept. 17 Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway 8 a.m. – 4 pm. Duluth This conference for beginning and established multicultural farmers features sessions on small scale organic farming and marketing, building diverse urban farm enterprises, aquaculture, mushroom production, pasture management and many more. Registration is $20, which includes lunch and instructional materials. To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/mecjba8. For more information contact the Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D Council at 678-376-9518 or the NRCS Lawrenceville Service Center at 770-963-9288. 27TH GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR Sept. 17-19 Varous locations around Valdosta This tour spotlights South Georgia’s peanut production area, giving participants a variety of field conditions, peanut harvest clinics, production research, handling and grading, and on-farm demonstrations. Stops include the UGA Tifton Campus and the Georgia Department of Agriculture lab in Tifton. For more information visit http://tinyurl.com/nye84yl or call 229-3863470. INTERNATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS CONFERENCE AND EXPO Sept. 25-26 Savannah International Trade & Convention Center Savannah This inaugural event, sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau, will help farmers and businesses learn how to capitalize on the growing export market. Participants will be provided with information on what markets are open to their products, how to export their goods and what exporting can do for their bottom lines. Participants will attend educational forums and workshops, learning from experts in agricultural importing and exporting and about the latest practices in processing valueadded agricultural products. They also will have a chance to meet with international trade representatives. The conference’s main sponsor is Georgia Farm Bureau. For more information about the conference’s schedule, see www.iace.us.com. Registration is $190 in advance and $210 onside. For more information visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/iace.html.