table of
contents june/july 2014
departments
we, the farmers PAGE 4
legislative update PAGE 5
commodities update PAGE 12
young farmer update PAGE 18
around georgia
PAGE 26
public relations staff Andy Lucas Director Jennifer Whittaker Editor Jay Stone Print/Web Specialist Lillian Davis Publications/Advertising Manager Ray D’Alessio Senior Producer/TV Host Michael Edmondson Web/Video Manager Mark Wildman Senior Radio-TV Specialist Kenny Burgamy Co-Anchor/Reporter Dean Wood Radio-TV Specialist Damon Jones Radio-TV Specialist Vickie Amos 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 Check us out on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/gafarmbureau
Georgia Farm Bureau News
2014 farm bill in a nutshell
The new farm bill is complex, but we’ve summarized its provisions for the following categories: livestock producers, crop insurance for row PAGE 6 crops and conservation programs.
Georgia commodity commission news
Several of Georgia’s commodity commissions held referendums this spring that will have major impacts on the promotion, education and research programs affecting Georgia’s beef, corn, pecan, tobacco PAGE 8 and vegetable growers.
UGA Extension celebrates 100 years
UGA Extension has been vital to the success of Georgia farmers. The national Extension program marks its 100th anniversary this year. PAGE 10
GFB county leaders carry messages to Washington
County Farm Bureau members visited Washington, D.C., in April to discuss issues impacting their farms with Georgia’s congressional delegation. PAGE 14
USDA publishes 2012 Census of Agriculture results The USDA released the results of its 2012 Census of Agriculture in May. We look at some vital stats for Georgia agriculture. PAGE 16
Students draw farm scenes for GFB Art Contest
State and district winners of GFB’s annual art contest have been PAGE 20 named. Enjoy the top three winners’ artwork.
Temple Grandin highlight of GCA convention
Renowned animal scientist Dr. Temple Grandin spoke at the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Convention in April. She gave recommendations for handling cattle and stressed the need for producers to educate consumers on their production practices. PAGE 23
Grimes named 2014 Ga. Sunbelt Farmer
Tift County Farm Bureau member Philip Grimes is the 2014 Georgia Sunbelt Farmer of the Year. Grimes farms a variety of crops, including cotton, peanuts, snap beans, broccoli and cantaloupes. PAGE 25
Automated weather network provides farmers key information
The Georgia Automated Environmental Monitoring Network collects local weather data farmers can use to make crop production PAGE 31 decisions.
on the cover
(Photo by Anna Raley) Glascock County Farm Bureau member Anna Raley won the 2013 GFB Photo Contest with this picture of rye being harvested on her family’s farm. The golden hue of the crop and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday bring to mind the patriotic lyrics “For amber waves of grain,” from “America, the Beautiful.” June-July 2014 / 3