Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - April 13, 2016

April 13, 2016

www.gfb.org

Vol. 34 No. 15

AGRABILITY EVENT SHOWCASES GEAR TO HELP DISABLED FARM WORKERS When a farm worker’s mobility is taken away, his or her livelihood can go with it.

It doesn’t have to be that way, according to organizers of the Assistive Technology Expo, held April 5 at the UGA Tifton Campus. The event showcased technological developments that allow farmers with physical limitations to resume their normal work and life activities.

“The whole purpose here is to help farmers who have disabilities get back to farming, however they got it,” said Jimmy Hill, engagement director for Farm Again/AgrAbility at UGA. “It could be a loss of limb or it could be a disease … it could be anything.

Anything that impedes them from being able to farm.”

The numbers of farmers with disabilities in Georgia, or nationwide, are not readily available, though estimates show a substantial need for assistive technology on the farm. The estimate used by the Institute on Human Development & Disability at the University of Georgia was between 14 percent and 19 percent of the total farm workforce, based on 2006 statistics reported in the Journal of Agromedicine. Using those numbers as a guide, the institute estimated Georgia's number of farm workers with disabilities ranged from 11,655 to 16,151.

Limitations range from weakness associated with arthritis to complete paralysis of a person’s legs. If the Assistive Technology Expo is any indication, the solutions appear to have an equal range.

For example, people with arthritis, for whom exiting or entering a pickup might be difficult, now has access to remote-controlled farm gates to allow them to stay in the truck. The expo had one of those.

There were technologically enhanced hand tools designed to increase leverage and reduce the force needed to use them.

On the other end of the spectrum, mobility gear was the most eye-catching category of tools at the event. Visitors tested motorized chairs designed to handle farm terrain and chair lifts that facilitate mounting farm equipment or entering elevated tractor cabs.

Jeff Vance of Carroll County, who broke his back in a 35-foot fall while working on a billboard, rolled around on an Action Track chair, which had tank-style tracks for wheels and a multiple position chair to give its user a variety of capabilities.

“It helps a lot,” said Vance, who offered a photo of himself in the chair digging a post hole. “I -continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 14 Continued from previous page hunt out of it, work out of it, do all kinds of stuff. Just anything I used to be able to do. Standing in it I’m a little taller than I used to be, so I can change light bulbs in the shop, stand up and weld. Shoot skeet. You can do anything.”

When he got hurt, his first thought was that he has kids and he couldn’t quit. Then, it was figuring out how to overcome challenges.

“It’s a quality of life thing,” Vance said. “Instead of having to sit back and watch people work, I can help and participate. Instead of paying somebody to dig holes I can do it myself. Stand up and play with my son. Throw the ball.”

The mobility these devices offer isn’t always an easy sale at first. Life Essentials had two types of chair lifts and a Journeyman scooter on display at the expo. Company representative Bill Begley said many potential customers are reluctant to try them.

“I’ve almost had to armwrestle with them to get them to try it,” Begley said. “Then once they try it you see grins from ear to ear. It gives them that sense of purpose. It gives them that drive to get back to doing what they want to do. That’s usually the response.”

PECAN GROWERS CONFERENCE PROVIDES EXPORT, MARKETING UPDATES

Pecan producers attending the 51st Annual Georgia Pecan Growers Association Conference March 30 heard numerous pecan marketing, production and policy experts speak and view products used to produce their crop.

U.S. Pecan Growers Council (USPGC) President Randy Hudson gave conference attendees an overview of the export promotion work the council is doing to sell pecans worldwide.

“We go around the world and introduce the world to pecans. It’s astounding how many people in the world don’t know what a pecan is,” Hudson said. “If you want to know why pecan prices are what they are today it’s because of exports.”

Hudson said Georgia, which grows about one-third of the total U.S. pecan production, annually exports 60 to 90 percent of its harvest.

“If you’re a Georgia producer you’ve seen about a dollar a pound price increase due to exports,” Hudson said. “Georgia producers contribute less than one-tenth of a penny per pound [for the council’s promotion programs]. That’s a great investment.”

In addition to the booming export market in China, the USPGC is also making inroads in India, Turkey, Dubai and North Africa.

Since 2011, U.S. exports of in-shell pecans has increased 45 percent while exports of shelled pecans has increased 38 percent, USPGC data shows.

Mike Adams, chairman of the American Pecan Board (APB), gave a status update on the proposed federal marketing order for pecans, a self-assessment through which the industry could fund pecan research, promotion and data programs.

“The purpose of federal marketing orders is to increase the demand for pecans that will result in higher prices,” Adams said. “I’m a grower from Texas and I got involved because I thought we had a quality food commodity that was being under promoted resulting in lower prices.”

Adams said the USDA is expected to inform the APB any time between April 27 to May 18 if -continued

GFB News Alert page 3 of 14 Continued from previous page the referendum passed. Ballots were accepted March 9-30. Pecan producers in the 15 states, including Georgia, where pecans are commercially grown, who grew at least 30 acres of pecans or who had an average annual production of at least 50,000 pounds from 2011-2014 were eligible to vote in the referendum.

For the referendum to pass, either two-thirds of producers voting must vote yes or the number of favorable votes cast by growers must represent two-thirds of the production volume voting.

If the referendum passes, Adams said he’s optimistic the order could be implemented in time to go into effect for this year’s crop. Adams said he’s hopeful the federal order will get the pecan industry into the marketing game on a level equal with almonds and pistachios.

Dr. Charles Rohla, a researcher at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Okla., gave an overview of research the foundation is doing. Rohla said the foundation is working with University of Georgia researchers Dr. Patrick Conner, Dr. Katherine Stevenson and Dr. Lenny Wells on several pecan research projects, including a study of the life cycle of pecan scab.

“As you know, pecan research has been dwindling,” Rohla said. “We want to fill that gap and assist the industry and move it forward. We want to be the hub to pull in collaborators.”

In addition to collaborating with UGA pecan researchers, the Noble Foundation is also working with researchers from Louisiana State University, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State University, Kansas State University, New Mexico State and USDA. The Noble Foundation is an independent, nonprofit institute founded in 1945 that conducts research programs benefitting farms in Oklahoma, the U.S. and worldwide.

U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, was recognized for getting 26 members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support the pecan industry’s federal marketing order.

“I’m happy to have helped you with your marketing order,” Scott said. “We’ve got some radical people in Washington that say if you support a marketing order you support taxes. I asked one of these people ‘If I sell a cow and pay one dollar to the beef industry and it is used to promote our business how is it a tax?’ ” Scott also said he is working to have India remove the tariffs it places on U.S. pecan imports.

Political consultant Bob Redding with the Redding Firm in Washington, D.C., outlined priority issues pecan producers must focus on, which include: 1) getting India to reduce its tariffs on pecans imported from the U.S.; 2) getting Congress to pass language that requires the USDA to issue a crop report for pecans in January; 3) protecting existing crop insurance provisions for pecans in the 2014 farm bill and the USDA Market Access Program funding for pecan exports.

Redding said he doesn’t expect Congress to address immigration reform this year nor in 2017.

He told producers to look for Congress to start holding hearings for the 2018 farm bill this fall beginning with specialty crop hearings.

Georgia Pecan Commission Chairman Thomas Mason said the commission has recently put an emphasis on getting candy bar companies to use Georgia pecans in their products. He also stressed the importance of growers continuing to support the state pecan commission, even if the federal marketing order passes.

“When the federal marketing order gets passed, some of the promotion burden will be picked up by every grower in the U.S., but we need the Georgia assessment for our state commission more than we’ve ever needed it. Your Georgia assessment will allow us to continue branding the Georgia pecan and to fund research that addresses production problems unique to Georgia,” Mason said.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 14 NEW PRESIDENT, AG ISSUES HIGHLIGHTS OF FVSU HAM & EGG BREAKFAST Fort Valley State University held its 34th Annual Ham & Egg Legislative Breakfast & Agricultural Showcase April 12. The event gives Middle Georgia residents, FVSU employees and alumni an opportunity to hear legislative updates from federal and state elected officials and to learn about research and Extension programs FVSU is conducting.

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D–Dist. 2) emceed the event and gave a legislative update from Washington. Bishop, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, gave a status report on the current appropriations process.

“We’re in the appropriations cycle right now. We’ve completed all of our hearings [for agriculture appropriations] and we’re on track to have our appropriations bill out of the House by the time we convene for our conventions in July,” Bishop said. “With agriculture being as important as it is to our state, it goes without saying that the farm bill is the largest area of concern today.”

Bishop acknowledged the financial crisis cotton growers are facing due to low prices that aren’t covering production costs. After attempts failed to get the USDA to designate cottonseed as an other oilseed, which would have provided growers with USDA assistance, Bishop said the USDA is exploring possible support for cotton growers through ginning cost assistance.

University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby introduced Dr. Paul Jones, Fort Valley State University’s new president, praising him for his ability to make wise decisions.

“He’s going to be outstanding and remarkable and under his leadership we’ll take Fort Valley State University to the place where it needs to be.”

Dr. Jones, who is the 10th president of FVSU, was serving as interim president at Darton State College when he was tapped to lead FVSU. Prior to that he served as chief budget officer at Georgia College and State University (GCSU) and held numerous other positions at GCSU including vice president and chief of staff and vice president for institutional research and enrollment management. He also held a tenured faculty position at GCSU as professor of educational administrator. Dr. Jones holds a doctorate of philosophy degree in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University and a bachelor's and master's degree from Utah State University.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve at this great university. I’m looking forward to what we can do together to move this university to the level it deserves,” said Jones. “It’s a pleasure to have you here today on this special occasion. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage the community and legislators and showcase the work we do in the area of agriculture,” Jones called FVSU one of the best-kept secrets in Georgia, stressing the need for FVSU supporters to spread the word about the good things happening at the university.

“This university is ranked number one in the nation for educating African American students in mathematics and science and number six in the nation for education African American students in agriculture,” Jones said. “I think this is a story we must get out. I’m excited to begin talking about what is needed and how we begin to reposition ourselves for what is needed for today’s student.”

USDA Rural Development Deputy Undersecretary Lillian Salerno praised FVSU for the quality of students it graduates.

-continued

GFB News Alert page 5 of 14 Continued from previous page “At USDA, our staff takes notice when people have Fort Valley State University on their resume,” Salerno said. “When you’re graduating people from here you’re changing Georgia and the country. Keep sending us great folks up to USDA.” Georgia Farm Bureau Legislative Director Jeffrey Harvey highlighted bills on the state and federal level the organization has been tracking in recent months.

“Our mission at Georgia Farm Bureau is to represent the farmers around this state at the capitol in Atlanta and in Washington, D.C., monitoring legislation that impacts farmers’ lives,” Harvey said.

Harvey said GFB worked to protect the Conservation Use Assessment Tax and Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) program during the 2016 Georgia General Assembly. The organization also worked to get state legislators to pass House Bill 742 that makes Georgia tax code compatible with federal tax code giving farmers a permanent $500,000 exemption for depreciating major purchases, such as farm equipment.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black commended FVSU for being an early adopter of the Georgia Grown brand and for the university’s participation at the Georgia Grown Building at the Georgia National Fair. He alluded to future plans to offer a live animal birthing center at the fair and the role FVSU’s veterinary program could play.

Representatives of the Flint Energies Foundation donated $7,500 to the FVSU Foundation in honor of Georgia Rep. Calvin Smyre, a FVSU alum.

FVSU CELEBRATES HISTORY OF HAM & EGG SHOW During the Fort Valley State University’s annual Ham & Egg Legislative Breakfast, Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of the FVSU College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology, shared the rich history of the FVSU Ham & Egg Show, which marks the 100th anniversary of the first show this year.

Kannan recalled how Otis Samuel O’Neal, known as the “Father” of the Ham & Egg Show, started it as a way to teach African American farmers how to properly cure pigs and get more and better eggs from their hens. Margaret Jordan Toomer, known as the “Mother” of the show, taught families how to can their food to eat in the winter and added 4-H competitions to the annual show.

“Let’s pause for a second and think that 100 years ago we had a trailblazer right here at Fort Valley State University in the area of food safety,” Kannan said.

Robert T. Church Sr. took over leadership of the show in 1949 after assisting for many years.

Kannan said Church used the show to raise awareness of social inequality seeking equal opportunities for African American 4-Hers and equal pay for African American Extension agents. The success of FVSU’s Ham & Egg Show led other states to duplicate it and many Georgia counties held their own show. Lowndes County, the last county still hosting an annual Ham & Egg Show, held its 66th annual show Feb. 16-17.

FVSU stopped holding the show in 1966 and the present incarnation of the event as a legislative breakfast and showcase of FVSU programs began in the early 1980s.

“Fort Valley State University and the College of Agriculture, in particular, has been following the rich history of 1890 land-grant institutions for years,” Kannan said. “FVSU ranks number one among 1890 land-grant institutions in acquiring intellectual property rights.”

GFB News Alert page 6 of 14 GEORGIA DAIRY FARMERS APPROVE STATE MILK MARKETING ORDER Georgia dairy farmers voted to extend the Georgia Milk Marketing Order for an additional three years with an overwhelmingly favorable vote—96 percent of the eligible ballots returned voted yes. The balloting period for the market order was March 1 - 30.

Federal law requires U.S. dairy producers to pay 15 cents per hundredweight into the national dairy check-off program to drive increased sales of and demand for dairy products and ingredients.

With the approval of the continuation of the Georgia Milk Marketing Order, 10 cents of the 15 cents per hundredweight that producers invest remains in the state with the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Milk (ACCM).

The ACCM was created in 1969, and is recognized as a qualified program under the rules of the Federal Milk Marketing Order, which allows the money collected to be used by the Georgia Milk Commission.

The money received by the Georgia Milk Commission is used in-state to promote milk consumption, education about the benefits of dairy products and where milk comes from. One of the important educational projects includes the Mobile Dairy Classroom which travels throughout the state, visiting schools and events to demonstrate how cows are cared for and milked. More than 100,000 people saw Mobile Dairy Classroom demonstrations in 2015.

GEORGIA FOREST PRODUCTS RECEIVE LEED DESIGNATION The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently took action to expand use of forest products in its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program by including recognition of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the American Tree Farm System (AFTS), effectively opening a pathway for more U.S. forest products to be used in the LEED rating system, according to a release from Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga. District 2).

Forest-related industries provide $23.6 billion and 108,112 jobs to the state economy, making it Georgia’s second largest manufacturing employer. Georgia has the largest area of forest cover of any state in the South. Sixty-two percent of Georgia is forested, accounting for a total of 24 million acres. Approximately 90 percent of Georgia’s forests are privately owned, including 1,212 tree farms certified by ATFS. Before USGBC’s action, only the 174,000 acres certified by the Forest Leadership Council (FLC) were eligible for LEED credits in Georgia. Georgia has one of the highest penetrations of ATFS-certified land compared to other states. More than 81 million acres of forests in the United States are certified to SFI and ATFS, with 4.3 million acres certified in Georgia.

The LEED certification will further stimulate the use of wood products, which serve as longterm storage for carbon, use less energy, and produce less pollution in their manufacturing when compared to other building materials. Having sustainable markets for wood and other forest products is vital to ensuring U.S. woodlands remain healthy, sustainable forests providing clean air and water, recreational opportunities, and habitats for countless forms of wildlife.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 14 COMMODITY PRICES, CREDIT AVAILABILITY HURTING FARMERS Low commodity prices and declining credit availability are impeding cash flow for Georgia farmers, according to a University of Georgia press release.

UGA Agricultural Economist Brady Brewer, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, suggests farmers do an extensive self-evaluation of their farming operation to make sure they can continue to farm in the foreseeable future.

“Farmers need to conduct a thorough review of all operating expenses and all productive assets to make sure they’re returning more value to the farm than what it costs,” Brewer said.

“Where can you cut unnecessary expenses? Where can you sell off any assets you don’t use or don’t need? That’s going to go a long way in helping farmers in this environment, where low commodity prices are running rampant.”

Brewer has spoken with bankers and UGA Cooperative Extension agents during the past few months to assess the current state of farming. To the surprise of some farmers, the availability of credit is starting to erode.

“You’re already starting to hear stories of bankers denying farmers credit for operating loans or banks tightening the restrictions on the credit they make available,” Brewer said.

If farmers can’t establish a line of credit with a lending institution, they’re not able to do things like buy seed, purchase fertilizer or pay the bills that come with irrigating their crops.

Brewer said most farmers haven’t encountered this scenario yet, but it could be a common occurrence in another year or two if commodity prices don’t improve.

Cotton was grown on 1.3 million acres in Georgia in 2014, according to the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. Cotton is currently being sold at 57 cents per pound in the Nasdaq Stock Market. That’s far below the 80-cent threshold that farmers strive for and the 94-cent mark recorded two years ago.

Runner peanuts are selling for $424.51 per ton, close to the $424.86 price from the start of 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA data lists Georgia as the top peanut-producing state.

Corn prices are also in decline, according to Nasdaq. Corn prices two years ago were more than $5 per bushel. Today, a bushel brings $3.73.

There are options for farmers to choose from in an effort to sustain their farming operation, Brewer said.

Brewer believes another possible solution is to establish relationships with multiple banks, so there are more possibilities for keeping a line of credit open. Farmers who use more banks are more likely to receive credit.

He stopped short of characterizing today’s economic climate for farmers as a financial crisis, especially when compared to the early 1980s, when the credit crisis led farmers and banks to declare bankruptcy. Following a profitable time period for farmers in the late 70s, the early 80s commodity prices dropped and land values subsequently declined by more than 20 percent. This led to increases in delinquency rates of farm loans and put stress on agricultural banks.

“Is the current situation as bad as the 1980s? No. Will it get as bad? That’s yet to be seen,” Brewer said. He remains optimistic that farmers who are diligent and adequately prepared will be “just fine” until prices increase.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 14

COTTON BOARD, SARE, CONDUCTING SURVEY ON COVER CROPS The Cotton Board is cooperating with USDA-SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education) by encouraging cotton growers to participate in a survey about their use of cover crops.

The survey can be taken online at http://tinyurl.com/ccsurvey2016 until May 1. All answers to the survey are anonymous. Participants who complete the 10-minute survey have the option of entering into a drawing for a $100 gift card.

Cover crops have long been recognized as a means to conserve soil, and recently interest in integrating cover crops in weed management systems has increased. Since cover crops reduce erosion, increase water retention, improve soil tillage and help increase soil organic matter, their use is compatible with the sustainability goals promoted by the Cotton Leads program.

EPA CRITICIZED FOR FUNDING GRASSROOTS MEDIA CAMPAIGN A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NIFC) in Washington State is funding a grassroots media campaign accusing farmers of polluting water, according to published reports.

The funding from the grant was used to pay for services of a Seattle public relations firm for two billboards and a website accusing farmers of polluting water and directing the public to contact state lawmakers with letters criticizing agricultural producers and blaming them for polluting local waterways. On the website the NFIC is listed as a partner.

The billboards were put up by a collection of environmental groups, including the NIFC, but did not disclose that funding for the billboards was provided by the EPA. After an inquiry by the Capital Press, an EPA official told the publication this failure to disclose funding is a violation of federal lobbying rules.

The U.S. Senate Ag Committees and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have requested an audit of the EPA grant and how it is being used to support anti-farmer advocacy. House Ag Committee Chairman Michael Conaway has requested information from the EPA about the funding agreement.

FDA PUBLISHES FINAL RULE ON SANITARY TRANSPORTATION On April 6 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a final rule on sanitary transportation in the Federal Register. The rule is one of seven main rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The sanitary transportation rule is designed to prevent practices during transportation that create food safety risks.

According to an FDA fact sheet, the final rule applies to shippers, receivers, loaders and carriers who transport food in the United States by motor or rail vehicle, with some exceptions.

Key requirements include: design and maintenance of vehicles and transportation equipment to ensure that it does not cause the food it transports to be unsafe; measures taken during transportation to ensure food safety; training of carrier personnel in sanitary transportation practices and documentation of the training.

The FDA has indicated it will publish waivers for carriers and receivers who hold valid permits and are inspected under the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments Grade “A” Milk Safety program.

Small businesses – those with fewer than 500 employees and carriers with less than $27.5 million in annual receipts - have two years from the publication date to comply with the rule.

Other businesses have one year from the date of publication.

To view the FDA fact sheet visit http://tinyurl.com/foodtransrule.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 14 GFB FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE GALA April 16 Crowne Plaza Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta The 2nd Annual GFB Foundation for Agriculture Gala will be hosted by Dr. Roger C. “Bo” Ryles and will feature entertainment from Georgia 4-H’s performing arts group, Clovers and Company. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the GFB Foundation for Agriculture and its initiatives. Reception begins at 5:15 p.m. and dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $100 per person and $1,000 per table and can be purchased by contacting Marilyn Akers at 478474-0679, ext. 5231. Tickets will be sent upon receipt of check. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today!

9TH ANNUAL MADISON COUNTY AG DAY CELEBRATION April 16 Memorial Park 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Danielsville This annual celebration of agriculture will feature animals, a pedal tractor course, agricultural exhibits and demonstrations. Memorial Park is adjacent to the Madison County Government Complex on Highway 29. A tractor parade will begin at 11 a.m., and participants are asked to be in place by 9:30 a.m. For more information contact Madison County Farm Bureau at 706-7952104.

UGA EXTENSION POLLINATOR-ATTRACTING GARDEN WORKSHOP April 20 Kiwanis Center, 980 Redwine Rd. 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Fayetteville This workshop is focused on attracting and protecting beneficial insects. For more information visit http://apps.caes.uga.edu/gafaces/?public=viewStory&pk_id=5779.

FORMING A CITRUS GROWERS CO-OP April 25 Lowndes County Extension Office 11:30 a.m.

Valdosta This meeting, organized by the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, the UGA Extension and the University of Florida IFAS Extension, will feature a presentation from GFVGA Executive Director Charles Hall on forming a citrus growers association, as well as presentations from UGA on the Georgia citrus industry and research trials and the University of Florida on diseases that affect citrus trees and fertilizing citrus trees. Registration is $15 at the door. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by April 20 by calling 229-333-5185.

70TH ANNUAL SOUTHEASTERN TURFGRASS CONFERENCE April 26 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tifton Sod farmers, landscape professionals and sports turf managers interested in learning more about the turfgrass industry’s latest innovations are invited to attend this event, which will highlight recent turfgrass research on the UGA Tifton Campus, including, improving drought-resistant turfgrass and ways to reduce the amount of fertilizer needed to grow turfgrass, Industry experts and UGA faculty will provide updates on the progress made through the UGA turfgrass breeding program, discuss different pesticide and fungicide management tactics and share best management practices for turfgrass. The cost to attend is $100 for the full conference or $50 for the morning session only. Those interested can register at ugatiftonconference.org/events. For more questions about the conference, contact Brian Schwartz at 229-386-3272.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 14

CHEORKEE COUNTY CANDIDATE FORUM May 3 Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road 6:30 p.m.

Canton This free forum, open to the general public, includes presentations from local, state and national candidates running for office in 2016. Each candidate running with opposition will have two minutes to speak if they have opposition. Those candidates with no opposition will be introduced. Questions from the audience will follow. Current elected officials will also be introduced. Everyone will have time to meet and greet before and after the event. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troup # 465. Soft drinks, water and peanuts will be provided

by Cherokee County Farm Bureau. Please RSVP by April 27 to the Cherokee County Farm Bureau Office sfpahl@gfb.org or 770-479-1481 ext. 0. The forum is sponsored by Cherokee County Farm Bureau, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Cagle’s Family Farm.

2016 GRASSFED EXCHANGE CONFERENCE April 27-29 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This event features more than a dozen speakers who will cover numerous topics pertaining to pasture-based farming such as building soil health and regenerating unhealthy soils. The event will include tours of three Georgia grassfed livestock operations and the UGA Center for Sustainable Grazing Systems in Watkinsville. The Taste of the South will allow attendees to sample grassfed meats, dairy and local foods. Entertainment will be provided by Teddy Gentry and the Rockit City Band. For more information visit www.grassfedexchange.com, email info@grassfedexchange.com or call 256-996-3142.

GEORGIA FARM & EROSION CONTROL EXPO April 29 Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Marietta This expo, sponsored in part by Cobb County Farm Bureau, provides a hands-on look at the latest in erosion and sedimentation control products. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall is scheduled to speak about the national ag outlook. Former Gov. Roy Barnes will speak on the importance of agriculture and soil conservation to local and state economies. The event includes live demonstrations and exhibits detailing innovations in erosion control. For more information visitwww.cobbswcd.org or call 404-307-2925 or 770-235-5662.

GEORGIA 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 and who is the child or grandchild of a GCW member. This $1,500 scholarship is also payable one-third each quarter or one-half each semester. In the event there is no child or grandchild of a GCW member eligible for the GCW scholarship, the scholarship committee has the discretion to present the award to another qualified candidate. This scholarship is funded through the sales of the organization’s two cookbooks, Georgia Cotton Heritage Cookbook and the newly released Cooking in High Cotton. 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 11 of 14 APRES SEEKING AWARD NOMINEES May 1 Deadline for nominations The American Peanut Research and Education Society is seeking nominees for special awards including service to the peanut industry, service to APRES, outstanding papers, outstanding research projects, education projects and outstanding graduate students. Awards will be presented at the organization’s annual meeting, to be held July12-14 in Clearwater, Florida.

Rules and nomination forms are available at www.apresinc.com under the member tab.

GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM AWARD May 1 deadline for recognition in 2016 The Georgia Centennial Farm Program recognizes centennial farm owners through one of three distinguished awards. The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership, but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Applications for the 2016 awards must be postmarked by May 1. If you are interested in nominating a farm for recognition in 2016, visit www.georgiacentennialfarms.org to download an application or contact Lynn Speno at 770-389-7842 or lynn.speno@dnr.ga.gov.

U.S. DISTRICT 3 CONGRESSIONAL FORUM May 2 Pike County School Auditorium 6:30 p.m.

Zebulon Co-Sponsored by Pike, Upson, Lamar, Spalding and Meriwether Farm Bureaus, this free forum is open to the general public. All candidates for the upcoming general election for U.S. Representative, Georgia District 3, have been invited to participate. Each candidate will be allowed a two-minute opening statement. There will be a question and answer period with time for a one-minute response. Each candidate will be allowed to make a two-minute closing statement. Everyone will have time to meet the candidates before and after the event. Soft drinks, water and peanuts will be provided.

PIKE COUNTY LOCAL CANDIDATES FORUM May 12 Pike County Assembly 6:30 p.m.

Zebulon This free forum is open to the general public. All candidates for the upcoming local election in Pike County have been invited to participate. Each Candidate will be allowed a two-minute opening statement. There will be a question and answer period with time for a one-minute response. Each candidate will be allowed to make a two-minute closing statement. Everyone will have time to meet the candidates before and after the event. Soft drinks, water and peanuts will be provided.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 14

GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CANDIDATES FORUM May 16 Pike County Assembly 6:30 p.m.

Zebulon Co-Sponsored by Pike, Upson and Spalding Farm Bureaus, this free forum is open to the general public. All candidates for the upcoming judicial election for the positions of superior court judge and district attorney have been invited to participate. Each candidate will be allowed a twominute opening statement. There will be a question and answer period with time for a oneminute response. Each candidate will be allowed to make a two-minute closing statement.

Everyone will have time to meet the candidates and after the event. Soft drinks, water and peanuts will be provided.

ABAC NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP June 12-16 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton More than $18,000 in college scholarships, back-to-nature field trips, and a true taste of college life will be on the line for students who attend this workshop, which targets students with a desire to learn more about Georgia’s natural resources and the opportunities and responsibilities these resources provide. !Experts will provide students with lectures and hands-on activities! to enhance their understanding of Georgia’s vital natural resources, including soil, water, air, plants, minerals, and animals. Tuition is $150 per student before May 2 and $175 afterward.

The final deadline for all applications is June 1. Tuition is often provided to the students by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), local businesses, and individuals. The workshop application and information is now available online at www.abac.edu/nrcw.

2016 PICTURE AGRICULTURE IN GEORGIA PHOTO CONTEST May 4 Deadline for entries This contest is open to any Georgia Farm Bureau member who is an amateur photographer (receives no income from photography). GFB employees may enter as long as they have a current membership. Cash awards will be presented. The grand prize is $150 and 11 honorable mention winners will receive $75 each. The grand prize winning photograph will be featured on the cover of the 2017 GFB Young Farmer Calendar. Only digital photos that are a minimum of 1 megabyte (MB) in file size may be submitted with a limit of four photos per person. All photos must have been shot in Georgia during 2015 or 2016, and may not have been entered in any other contest. Photos altered in any way will not be judged. All photos become the property of GFB. Digital photos must be sent as a JPEG file attachment via email to yf@gfb.org by 4:30 p.m. on May 4. If children or people are included 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/photo.

2016 GFB YOUNG FARMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE July 13-16 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island Registration is open for this conference, an annual highlight for young farmers from around the state. The conference is open to GFB members ages 18-35 and features educational workshops, competitive events and networking. The deadline to register is 4:30 p.m. on May 27. For more information contact GFB Young Farmer Coordinator Taylor Sills at 478-474-0679, ext. 5232 or trsills@gfb.org.

GFB News Alert page 13 of 14

2016 GFB YOUNG FARMER COMPETITIVE EVENTS May 27 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. Contest entries will be accepted through May 27 at 4:30 p.m. Applications are available at county Farm Bureau offices. Finalists and winners for each of the competitive events will be named at the Young Farmer Leadership Conference. GFB members between the ages of 18-35 may apply for these awards. To be eligible to compete, the member must not turn 36 before Jan. 31, 2017. All 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 winner of each contest will compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, in January 2017.

18th ANNUAL SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE July 21-23 Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Miramar Beach, Fla. This three-day event provides farmers with information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event offers a ladies program and a golf tournament. For information on registration and accommodations, visit http://tinyurl.com/16sopnutconf.

ONGOING FARM BUREAU-SPONSORED FARMERS MARKETS SHIELDS-ETHRIDGE HERITAGE FARM CULTIVATORS’ MARKET April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 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 opening day on April 16 will feature an heirloom seed and plant swap. Market will be held rain or shine. The Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm is an outdoor ag museum that functions as an educational and interpretative facility. Proceeds from the market will be used for restoration projects at the farm. 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.

PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS’ MARKET April 21 – Oct. 28 Thursdays 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 21 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.

GFB News Alert page 14 of 14 COBB COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS MARKET Tuesdays beginning May 24 Lost Mountain Park 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Powder Springs Cobb County Farm Bureau in cooperation with Cobb County Parks and Recreation will host this farmers market. CCFB Cobb County is offering vendor space to farmers, growers, and producers in Cobb and surrounding counties, with the goal of offering locally grown produce and food to the community and to engage the community about where their food comes from as well as support Cobb County farmers. Each vendor must be a member of Cobb County Farm Bureau or Georgia Farm Bureau. Vendor fees will be waived in lieu of this membership. Only direct growers and their agents will be approved – no resellers. Farm visits will be conducted and all licensing and state compliance will be required. The vendor application may be found at www.facebook.com/CobbCountyFarmBureau. For more information contact emailing Market Manager Sonia Lopez at twobytwofarms.@comcast.net or 770-608-1119 or Debbie Payne at dmpayne@gfb.org or 770-943-3531.

DODGE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays Dodge County Courthouse 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Eastman This open-air market, sponsored in part by Dodge County Farm Bureau, features locally produced meats, vegetables, eggs and artisanal crafts. For more information contact market manager T.I. Papel at 478-374-5895 or tipapel@bellsouth.net, or visit www.facebook.com/dodgecountyfarmersmarket.