Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - April 29, 2015

April 29, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 17

PAUL SPEECH, SERVICE PROJECTS HIGHLIGHT GEORGIA FFA CONVENTION Georgia FFA members worked to improve local homes and heard National FFA President Andy Paul speak during the 87th Georgia FFA Convention, held April 23-25 at the Macon Centreplex.

Paul, who grew up in the Athens area and is a former Georgia FFA President, gave the keynote address during the April 24 afternoon session.

In an entertaining speech that covered driving his dad's pickup to get hay for his hogs, street ministry in his hometown and playing laser tag, Paul talked about how taking the first step of committing to service is important, but after that there's more to be done.

“Get out of your comfort zone and take the second step into service,” Paul said. “All that matters is that you take a second to take that step.”

The convention, using the theme “Go All Out!” drew 6,524 students from around the state. More than 250 FFA students joined the Rebuilding Andy Paul Macon organization to scrape and repaint four area homes on April 23.

Convention activities also included a food bank service project, a workshop on preparing for college, an FFA alumni leaders conference and workshops for ag teachers. FFA degrees were conferred to 686 members.

Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall spoke during the final general session on April 25, encouraging the FFA students to aim high.

“You have a great opportunity in front of you and if you aim high, there’s no telling where FFA will take you, and whether you know it or not, you will make a difference in your life, your family’s life, and the people you meet and work with each and every day,” Duvall said.

The Georgia FFA presented numerous awards, including the Georgia FFA Discussion Meet Career Development Event, which was sponsored by and coordinated by Georgia Farm Bureau.

Brooks Fletcher of Oconee County won the Discussion Meet, which was held April 24.

Fletcher was joined in the final four by Rebecca Mulkey of Decatur County, Haley White of White County and Caroline Waldrep of Monroe County. Fletcher received $250 and each of the three finalists received $100.

The organization elected its state officers for the 2015-2016 term. Avery Duncan of Franklin County was elected the state FFA president. Ian Bennett of Lowndes County was elected state secretary.

They are joined by six vice presidents: South Region Angel Rewis (Clinch County) and Christen Flowers (Brantley County); Central Region - Lucouis Hodges (Peach County) and Mary Kaitlyn Wheeler (East Laurens); North Region - Andy Kate McCannon (Oconee County) and Faith Gilman (East Jackson).

GFB News Alert page 2 of 11 GFB AWARDS $14,250 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Kelly Childers, sponsored by Wilcox County Farm Bureau, Daniel McMillan, Berrien County Farm Bureau, and Caroline Waldrep, Monroe County Farm Bureau, have been selected to receive the top three 2015 Georgia Farm Bureau Scholarships valued at $3,000 each.

In addition to the top three awards, seven other students received scholarships of $750 each. These scholarship recipients and their sponsoring county Farm Bureaus are: Ian Bennett, Cook County; Mollie Cromley, Bulloch County; Elli Hayes, Whitfield County; Morgan Rushing and Sophie Usher, Effingham County; Sarah Spradlin, Madison County and Jarrett Williams, Appling County. The 10 scholarship recipients were selected out of 143 applicants from across the state.

“Our judges had a tough time selecting the top three scholarship recipients,” said GFB Zippy Duvall. “These students are the future leaders of Georgia agriculture, and Georgia Farm Bureau is glad to help them prepare for this role by offering these scholarships.”

The GFB scholarships recognize deserving and outstanding students pursuing undergraduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related field.

Only students who will enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College are eligible. The 10 recipients plan to attend either Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Berry College in Rome, Valdosta State University or the University of Georgia in Athens this fall. Recipients’ anticipated majors include agribusiness, agricultural communications, agricultural education, agricultural engineering, avian biology, animal science/pre-veterinary medicine and biological science.

The GFB Mutual Insurance Company and the GFB Women’s Leadership Committee sponsor the scholarship program. Students interested in applying for the 2016 scholarships should contact their county Farm Bureau office after October for information.

GEORGIA AG COMMISSIONS TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD SEATS The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions for apples, blueberries, cotton, milk, peaches, pecans, tobacco and vegetables are accepting nominations to fill positions on each commodity commission board. The length of each term is three years. In order to be nominated a person must be a Georgia producer of the mentioned commodity.

Nominations can be made by producers of the applicable commodity by filling out a nominee information form available at Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices, county Georgia Farm Bureau offices, and grower associations or on the Georgia Department of Agriculture commodities promotion web page at www.agr.georgia.gov/cpf. The completed form should be mailed to the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 19 MLK Jr. Drive S.W. Room 324, Atlanta, GA 30334; faxed to 404-656-9380 or emailed to andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov. Nominations must be received or postmarked by June 30. Each nominee should be an active and qualified producer of the appropriate or applicable commodity in Georgia. Geographic representation may be considered when making appointments.

Agricultural commodity commissions are farmer-funded programs to enhance research, promotion and education and are authorized by Georgia law under the Commodities Promotion Act. For more information contact Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or 404586-1405.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 11 FVSU BREAKFAST CELEBRATES 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF 1890 MORRILL ACT Fort Valley State University (FVSU) held its 33rd Annual Ham & Egg Legislative Breakfast April 21 at the C.W. Pettigrew Farm & Community Life Center on campus. The event, emceed

by University System of Georgia Regent Larry Walker, gave Middle Georgia residents, FVSU employees and alumni an opportunity to hear legislative updates from federal and state elected officials.

FVSU President Dr. Ivelaw Griffith welcomed attendees to the breakfast saying, “It matters that all of these people come here together once a year because in the state of Georgia agriculture accounts for the livelihood of millions of people, and over the years, farmers have been engaged in making a difference.”

Georgia Sen. John Kennedy (R-Dist. 18), whose district includes Peach County, discussed education legislation the Georgia General Assembly passed this year including a budget allocation of $4 million to renovate Bishop Hall at FVSU, which houses the school’s mass communication program.

“We’re truly excited about that. It will be great for your media program,” Kennedy said.

Later in the program, Kennedy presented a proclamation to FVSU leaders from Gov. Nathan Deal recognizing 2015 as the 125th anniversary of the Morrill Act of 1890, which established land-grant institutions for African Americans. The proclamation honored FVSU and the work it has done to benefit Georgia agriculture. Fort Valley Mayor Barbara Williams presented a similar proclamation to FVSU officials.

Fort Valley High & Industrial School was chartered in 1895. In 1902 the State Teachers & Agricultural College of Forsyth was founded. In 1939 the two schools consolidated creating Fort Valley State College, which became Fort Valley State University in 1996.

Ken Cutts, district director for U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, gave a legislative update on behalf of Bishop, who was unable to attend due to his congressional duties in Washington, D.C. Cutts discussed a bill Rep. Bishop co-sponsored with Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) to repeal the federal estate tax, which jeopardizes the continuation of family farms and small businesses as it levies a tax up to 40 percent on estates inherited with a value more than $5.4 million for individuals and $10.8 million for couples. The U.S. House passed the Brady-Bishop Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 (H.R. 1105) by a vote of 240 to 179 on April 16.

“We’re happy the bill passed the House of Representatives last week. It will now go to the U.S. Senate, but the President has already indicated he will veto it if it makes it to his desk, but we’ll just have to wait and see,” Cutts said.

Georgia Rep. Patty Bentley (D-Dist. 139), whose district includes FVSU and who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, mentioned several allocations included in the state budget that will benefit agriculture including $151,000 of Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission administrative funds that will be redirected to fund GSWCC district programs.

Dr. Fred Harrison, executive director of the Georgia Farm Service Agency, shared how the USDA is investing in Georgia agriculture and encouraged farmers to get a copy of the 2014 farm -­‐continued

GFB News Alert page 4 of 11 -­‐Eggs & Issues, continued bill to read up on programs the bill offers to farmers.

“The Georgia Farm Service Agency has been working to implement the farm bill. Direct payments are gone and this is an insurance bill,” Harrison said. “Agriculture returns more to the state of Georgia than you ever know. Agriculture is always going to be the [economic] driver in this state.”

Harrison, an alum and former FVSU faculty member, also strongly urged state legislators to allocate money next year in the state budget to match federal grants available to 1890 land-grant universities such as FVSU. Georgia Farm Bureau Legislative Director Jon Huffmaster told event attendees that Georgia is fortunate to have state officials who recognize the economic importance of agriculture.

“In Georgia we have a general assembly, a commissioner of agriculture and a governor that really support agriculture. They want to know what they can do to assist agriculture and make it grow. That’s not the case in every state,” Huffmaster said.

Huffmaster also thanked Rep. Bishop for being the lead Democratic sponsor of the BradyBishop Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black gave an update on Georgia Department of Agriculture activities saying more than 600 farms and businesses have enrolled in the Georgia Grown program since the GDA relaunched it three years ago.

Black told the group that three GDA employees left April 19 for Minnesota to help with the work being done there to eradicate highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza that has been found in numerous commercial turkey flocks in the state.

USDA SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR CATTLEMEN’S BEEF BOARD The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB).

Any beef producer in the United States that owns cattle or any importer who imports cattle or beef can be considered for nomination. All eligible producers and importers are invited to seek nomination by June 5. Producers and importers must be nominated through a USDA certified producer organization and submit the appropriate paperwork.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, and size and type of operation. For the contact information of the certified organizations in your state or region, visit:www.ams.usda.gov/beefnominationinformation.

The CBB is composed of 100 members representing 35 states and six geographically contiguous units. Georgia is in the Southeast Unit, which also includes Alabama and South Carolina. The CBB administers a research and promotion program authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from producers and importers nominated by certified producer organizations.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

For more information, contact Angie Snyder; Deputy Director, Research and Promotion Division Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, AMS, USDA,1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2610-S – STOP 0251; Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; tel. 202-680-3714, email Angie.Snyder@ams.usda.gov.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 11 EPD BURN BAN IN EFFECT MAY 1 FOR 54 GEORGIA COUNTIES Beginning May 1 and ending Sept. 30, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD) open burning ban will be in effect for 54 Georgia counties. The open burning ban prohibits citizens and businesses from burning yard and land-clearing debris during the months of May through September. This restriction is in addition to a ban on burning household garbage that exists year-round throughout Georgia.

Some actions such as campfires and agricultural activities are exempt. For more information on the open burning ban visit www.georgiaair.org and click on the open burning rules graphic, or call the local EPD district office (phone numbers listed below). Small businesses can obtain help and information by calling EPD’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program tollfree at 1-877-427-6255.

Counties included in the ban and the corresponding EPD District Office phone numbers: Mountain District Office (Atlanta, 404-362-2671) - Carroll, Clayton, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Heard, Henry, Rockdale and Spalding counties; Northeast District Office (Athens, 706-369-6376) - Banks, Barrow, Butts, Clarke, Hall, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Putnam and Walton counties; East Central District Office (Augusta,706-667-4343) - Columbia and Richmond counties; West Central District Office (Macon, 478-751-6612) - Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Peach, Pike, Twiggs, Upson, Meriwether and Troup counties; Mountain District Office (Cartersville, 770387-4900) - Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Floyd, Forsyth, Gordon, Haralson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Polk and Walker counties.

To access a map of Georgia composting operations visit http://epd.georgia.gov/compostingoperations-georgia.

Debris can also be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to an inert or construction and demolition landfill. For a list of landfills in your area, please call EPD’s Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692 and/or visit the Land Protection Branch website for more details: http://epd.georgia.gov/land-protection- branch.

FDA PROPOSED RULE WOULD EXPAND FSMA EXEMPTION TO SOME FARMS FDA is issuing a proposed rule to amend and update its regulation on registration of food facilities. The proposed rule would provide for improvements to the food facility registration system, and would also implement certain portions of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which adds new provisions to the requirements for food facility registration.

Under the current regulation, food facilities that manufacture/process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States must register with FDA. Notably, establishments that are “retail food establishments,” farms, restaurants, and certain other entities are exempt from the requirement to register. The proposed rule would amend the definition of a retail food establishment in a way that would expand the number of establishments that are considered retail food establishments, and that are therefore not required to register.

For facilities that are not exempt from registration, the proposed rule would add new provisions to the current regulations to codify certain provisions of FSMA that were selfimplementing and effective upon enactment of FSMA. For more information on the FDA’s proposed rule, visit http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm440988.htm.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 11 GFA PRESIDENT RETIRING, ORGANIZATION SEEKING REPLACEMENT Steve McWilliams, who has served as president, CEO and chief lobbyist of the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) since 2003, has announced he is retiring at the end of September.

A native of Macon and a Georgia Southern graduate, McWilliams manages the day-to-day operations of the GFA, which operates as an advocate for a healthy business and political climate for Georgia’s forest environment, forest landowners and forest-based businesses. His career includes 42 years in trade association management.

GFA is currently accepting applications for McWilliams’ replacement. According to a GFA job announcement, candidates with experience in association management and state-level lobbying are strongly desired. A background in natural resources, agriculture or forestry would be helpful, but is not required. Applications received

by June 1 will be given full consideration. Candidate interviews will be Steve McWilliams scheduled between June 15 and July 15. The successful candidate will begin full-time service on Oct. 1.

Founded in 1907, GFA operates out of a modern headquarters located in Monroe County. The president facilitates the entire operation of the GFA under the general direction of the 13-person Executive Committee and the specific supervision of the chairman of the board. The primary responsibility of the president is to accomplish the mission of GFA through legislative, regulatory and industry representation, education programs, information, networking, and coalition-building activities.

The president will implement GFA’s strategic plan and is responsible to the executive committee for the effective conduct of the association. Responsibilities include planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the staff of five and directing the programs and activities of the association. The president will provide financial and administrative management for the association, including the development and maintenance of the budget and the long-term financial plans.

Interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter outlining his/her qualifications along with contact information, salary requirements and credentials contained in a single merged PDF file by June 1 to: steve@gfagrow.org. For more details visit http://gfagrow.org/forestrygroup-seeks-president/.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 11 PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Paulding County High School Paulding County Farm Bureau is accepting vendors for its weekly farmers market that will be held each Thursday from April 16 to Nov. 20. There is no fee to participate but vendors must be Farm Bureau members so that the market qualifies as a Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market. If you would like to participate in the PCFB Farmer’s Market, please contact Tracy Grice at Paulding County Farm Bureau at 770-445-6681 or email her at tcgrice@gfb.org.

Vendors may sell locally grown produce or other ag commodities or homemade crafts. PCFB is teaming up with the Paulding County High School this year to host the market in the north parking lot of the school located at 1297 Villa Rica Hwy., Dallas, Ga. 30132.

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.

3RD ANNUAL GEORGIA GROWN SYMPOSIUM April 30 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This one-day event, sponsored by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Grown Agricultural Commodity Commission, is “Growing Innovation and Profits.” The program includes discussion panels with industry leaders on topics including food certifications, expanding your farm and business, product diversification and the future demand for Georgia Agriculture. Registration is $50 and current Georgia Grown members are eligible for discounts.

To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/gagrowntix. For more information contact Georgia Grown at 404-656-3680 or email Matt Kulinski at Matthew.Kulinski@agr.georgia.gov.

GCW TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR COTTON SCHOLARSHIPS May 1 Deadline to apply The John M. and Connie H. Mobley Memorial Scholarship is presented to the child or grandchild of an active Georgia cotton producer. The $1,500 scholarship will be payable onethird each quarter or one-half each semester. The Georgia Cotton Women Scholarship is presented annually to the child or grandchild of a Georgia cotton producer or a cotton industry employee. This $1,500 scholarship is also payable one-third each quarter or one-half each semester. The Georgia Cotton Women Scholarship is funded through the sales of the organization’s two cookbooks, Georgia Cotton Heritage Cookbook and the newly-released Cooking in High Cotton. Applicants for both scholarships must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and must maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average to receive the scholarship the following term. Applications are available at www.georgiacottonwomen.org. For more information email Nancy Coleman at georgiacottonwomen@gmail.com or call 229-941-2930.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 11 MONROE COUNTY HERD SALE May 2 Sleepy Creek Farm 12:30 p.m.

Forsyth This sale will feature about 85 bred heifers. Data available on the heifers includes A.I. breeding and sire EPDs, pelvic area, frame score, disposition score, weight per day of age and average daily gain. All heifers will sell confirmed safe in calf to calving ease Angus bulls. For more information contact the Monroe County Extension office by phone at 478-994-7014 or by email at uge2207@uga.edu.

Information about the sale is also available at www.ugaextension.com/monroe.

MAY 6 IS DEADLINE TO ENTER GFB PHOTO CONTEST The GFB Young Farmer Committee is accepting entries for its 6th Annual Picture Agriculture in Georgia Contest. This contest is open to any Georgia Farm Bureau member who is an amateur photographer (receives no income from photography). Cash awards will be presented in two categories – Farm Bureau Members and Farm Bureau Employees. Prizes for the member category are: 1st Place - $150; 11 Honorable Mentions - $75 each. The winner of the member category will be featured on the front of the 2016 GFB Young Farmer Calendar. Prizes for the employee category are: 1st Place- $100; 2nd Place- $75; 3rd Place- $50. Photos must be sent as a JPEG file attachment via email to yf@gfb.org by 4:30 p.m. on May 6. If children or people are shown in photos, you must complete a Model Release Entry Form that must be received by GFB at the time of the deadline. Visit your county Farm Bureau office for contest rules, entry instructions and the Model Release Form or visit the GFB website at www.gfb.org/programs/yf/photo.html.

GEORGIA OLIVE PRODUCERS ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE May 14 The Threatte Center 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lakeland This meeting will provide a wide range of information to growers and potential new growers, from researchers, support industries and government agencies working in the expansion of the olive oil industry in Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. Registration is $75 for members and $150 for non-members. Event includes a farm tour and a silent auction to support UGA olive research. A pre-conference supper will be held Wednesday night that is $50. . To register, visit http://georgiaolivegrowers.com. For more information contact Vicki Hughes at 229-300-9931 or georgiaolivegrowers@gmail.com.

2015 YOUNG HARRIS/UGA BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 14-16 Young Harris College 8 a.m. each day Young Harris This event, one of the most comprehensive beekeeping educational events in the Southeast, offers classes for beekeepers at all levels of experience and the annual honey show. May 14 is dedicated training and certification exams for journeymen and master beekeeper qualifications, as well as the Welsh honey judge training, the first licensing program for honey judges in North America. May 15 and 16 provide training and certification, including individual and colony biology, pathogens and parasites, and much more. Registration fees for 18 and older is $130 for May 15, $110 for May 16 and $220 for both days. For ages 17 and under, fees are $65 for May 15, $55 for May 16 and $110 for both days. Two-day registration and additional fees apply for advanced courses and exams on May 16. There is limited and classes generally fill up quickly.

For more information, visit www.ent.uga.edu/Bees/young-harris/index.html.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 11 MONROE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays May 16-Oct. 10 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Court Street Downtown Monroe This market features vegetables and other ag commodities grown in Walton County along with homemade products made by county residents. Walton County Farm Bureau is one of the sponsors of the market, which is located on Court Street in downtown Monroe. Visit www.monroedowntown.com for more information or contact Cheryl Brady at 770-722-9145 or monroefmdowntown@gmail.com.

SHIELDS-ETHRIDGE HERITAGE FARM CULTIVATORS’ MARKET May 16, June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2355 Ethridge Rd. Jefferson Jackson County Farm Bureau (JCFB) is sponsoring this monthly open-air market that will allow local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell products they make or grow in a festival atmosphere. The market will include live music, games and exhibitions of farming practices to entertain and educate visitors as they shop. Each month’s market will have a different theme. Market will be held rain or shine. Please leave pets at home. The Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm is an outdoor ag museum that functions as an educational and interpretative facility. The farm is unique for its collection of intact historic buildings that exist in their original location and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from the market will be used for restoration projects at the farm. Vendors will be selected based on quality and originality of product according to the theme of homesteading practices. If you are interested in having a booth at the market, contact JCFB Office Manager Denise Temple at dftemple@gfb.org or call 706-367-8877 or visit www.shieldsethridgefarminc.com to complete an application online.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING FIELD DAY May 19 Salem Baptist Church 8:30 a.m. – noon Cumming This free training session will feature presentations on litter spreader truck calibration demonstration, resource conservation and development programs for farmers and NRCS programs. Lunch will be provided. Please register in advance by May 15 to account for meals.

Salem Baptist Church is located at 6455 Westbrook Road in Cumming. For more information or to register, contact Jessica Bee at 706-624-1434 or jbee@gaswcc.org.

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS SEMINAR May 20 W.C. Bradley Company, 107 Front Ave. Columbus This one-day seminar, sponsored by the Chattahoochee Valley Land Trust, the Georgia Land trust and the Alabama Land Trust, includes sessions on the basics of conservation easements, the donation process, legal issues, tax credits, appraisals and more. Lunch is included with registration, which is $30 ($20 for Rotary members). Continuing forestry education credits are available with an additional fee of $100.

To register, visit www.conservationeasements.eventzilla.net or contact Paige Swift at 706-718-3324 or pswift@galandtrust.org.

CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 26 NW GA Research & Education Center 6 p.m.

Calhoun For more information contact Jason Duggin at 706-624-1403 or jduggin@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or via email at pworley@uga.edu .

GFB News Alert page 10 of 11 UGA HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 27 NW GA Research & Education Center 12:30 p.m.

Calhoun For more information contact Jason Duggin at 706-624-1403 or via email at jduggin@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or via email at pworley@uga.edu.

GFB YOUNG FARMER COMPETITIVE EVENTS May 29 Deadline to enter The GFB Young Farmer Committee is now accepting applications for the Young Farmer Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. Applications are available at county Farm Bureau offices. Finalists for each of the competitive events will be named at the Young Farmer Leadership Conference in July. GFB members between the ages of 18-35 may apply for these awards. The preliminary rounds of the discussion meet will be held at the leadership conference. For more information on any of these awards or the conference, please visit http://www.gfb.org/yf or stop by your county Farm Bureau. The state winner of each award will be announced during the GFB convention in December. The winner of each contest will compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 912, 2016.

2015 GFB YOUNG FARMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE July 15-18 Jekyll Island Conference Center Jekyll Island Registration is also open for this annual event until May 29 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available at county Farm Bureau offices. The preliminary rounds of the discussion meet will be held and finalists for each of GFB’s Young Farmer competitive events will be named during the conference, which features social and networking opportunities, the annual golf tournament to raise money for the GFB Foundation for Agriculture and workshops tailored to the interests of young farmers. For more information, please visit www.gfb.org/yf or stop by your county Farm Bureau.

6TH ANNUAL SOUTHEAST KIKO GOAT ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP & SALE June 5 & 6 GA National Fairgrounds Perry This event kicks off on June 5 with registration at 8 a.m. and free seminars delivered by goat experts starting at 9 a.m. and running through 4:30 p.m. Topics to be covered are: Integrated Parasite Management by Dr. Fred Brown that will include a hands-on training in the FAMACHA system of identifying and treating parasite infection in goats; a forage seminar by Richard Petcher; Biosecurity in Meat Goat Operations by Dr. Maria Browning; Differences in Genetic Management for Seedstock & Commercial Herds by Dr. Richard Browning. The Southeast Kiko Goat Association (SEKGA) will have a business meeting at 5:30 p.m. on June 5 followed by a goat dinner at 6:30 p.m. An auction to benefit the association will begin at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, from 8 to 11 a.m., attendees may view Kiko goats that will be sold in the breeding stock sale at noon along with visiting farm displays and other industry vendors. Attendees may register for sale buyer numbers from 8 a.m. to noon. 4-H and FFA members will compete in a Meat Goat Skill-A-Thon Competition from 9-10:30 a.m. to win a donated doe. Two seminars will be offered Saturday morning: Brent Ballinger will discuss “Building A Meat Goat Business Plan” from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Dr. Nar Gurung will address “Year-Round Grazing & Browsing Management of Goats” from 9:45-10:45 a.m. For more information visit www.sekga.us or contact SEKGA President Marilyn Seleska at 229-263-7977 or springacres@windstream.net.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 11 ROCKDALE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Beginning June 6 Tuesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon, Thursdays 4 p.m. – 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.

Farmers wishing to participate can sign up at the Rockdale/DeKalb Farm Bureau office. Vendors must be current Farm Bureau members in order to participate. For more information or to receive a vendor application contact RDCFB Office Manager Susanne Bell at shbell@gfb.org or call 770-922-3566.

UNION COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET Every Saturday June 6 – Oct. 31 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Tuesday June 9 – Oct. 27 2 p.m. to 6 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. The market also features handmade crafts such as pottery and paintings. Special event days are: Ramp (Wild Onion) Day May 9, Strawberry Day May 23, Greenbean Festival July 25 & Tractor Show/Parade Sept. 5. For more information contact Mickey Cummings or Kristy Peney at farmersmarket@uniongov.com or 706-439-6043.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP June 7-11 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton th th th The camp, for rising 10 , 11 and 12 -grade students with a desire to learn more about Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide, focuses on the value, protection and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil and water resources.

Tuition is $150 per students who register by May 1 and $175 for those who register after May 1.

The deadline to register is May 28. In many cases tuition assistance is available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, businesses and individuals. Georgia natural resources experts in a variety of fields will lead classroom and field trip activities to help interested young people learn the basic principles and the responsible use of natural resources. For more information, visit www.abac.edu/nrcw or contact your local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division or UGA Cooperative Extension Service.

17TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE July 23-25 Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain This three-day event provides farmers with information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the numerous conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament. For more information visit http://www.southernpeanutfarmers.org/spgc.asp.