Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - April 27, 2016

April 27, 2016

www.gfb.org

Vol. 34 No. 17

GFB COUNTY PRESIDENTS TAKE MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON, D.C. Georgia Farm Bureau county presidents visited Washington, D.C. April 19-21, presenting information on key agricultural issues to Georgia members of Congress and hearing remarks from both Georgia senators.

“We had 12 of the 14 congressmen to visit with us and staffers in the other two. That’s probably as good a record as we’ve ever had up here,” said GFB President Gerald Long. “We certainly appreciate what they have done to represent Georgia Farm Bureau and agriculture. It speaks very well of our organization.”

The GFB group included 97 county and state leaders from 50 different counties.

During the April 20 visits on Capitol Hill, GFB leaders emphasized the organization’s position on GMO labeling (GFB supports voluntary national labeling to preempt state labeling laws.), assistance for cotton growers as they struggle with an extended period of low commodity prices, international trade (GFB supports passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership.) and EPA regulations (GFB is seeking a repeal of the Waters of the U.S. [WOTUS] rule and continued access to neonicotinoid pesticides).

The group also heard updates from American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) staffers on current legislative issues.

Sen. Johnny Isakson spoke about the Waters of the U.S. rule, GMOs and international trade.

He walked the GFB group through the progression of the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA), which he used to persuade South Africa to lift its tariffs on imports of U.S. chicken.

"That's my favorite victory in my time as an elected official," said Isakson, who along with Sen. Chris Koons of Delaware pushed through a provision in the AGOA renewal that allows the president to review the activities of countries the U.S. trades with under AGOA, and if necessary ban trade with them. South Africa lifted its tariffs on U.S. chicken and shipments began going there in February.

Sen. David Perdue emphasized the importance of international trade.

"As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee I've visited several other countries, and the people around the world need what we have to offer," Perdue said.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall thanked the Georgia group for its efforts in Washington.

-continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 13 Continued from previous page AFBF Director of Environment and Energy Policy Paul Schlegel gave updates on the WOTUS rule and efforts to eliminate all pesticide use in the name of protecting pollinators, as well as the EPA's worker protection standard for farm employees who handle pesticides. He encouraged GFB members to keep with the message that the WOTUS rule needs to be repealed.

“The WOTUS rule is in the courts now, but that doesn't mean you don't need to talk to your legislators about it," Schlegel said.

AFBF Senior Director of Congressional Relations David Salmonsen discussed international trade, including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), the U.S.' progressing trade relationship with Cuba and trade topics with the European Union.

AFBF Chief Economist Bob Young talked in depth about the TPP, which is projected to have a $4.4 billion per year impact on U.S. farmers.

AFBF Director of Congressional Relations for Environment and Energy Policy Andrew Walmsley discussed the conflict brewing over GMOs. Vermont's mandatory labeling law goes into effect July 1, and it carries hefty fines for food companies conducting business in that state.

Farm Bureau supports a voluntary nationwide labeling policy. In the absence of standards set by the federal government or other states, the Vermont law effectively sets the national standard because any food company whose products may be sold in Vermont has to follow the state’s law.

“As far as voluntary labeling, we have no problem with that, as long as they’re truthful, but this is a forced government label on a product that’s perfectly safe. Traditionally we reserve labels on products for health, aging and nutrition or materialistic difference. That is not the case with this issue. It clearly needs to be resolved in D.C. because it involves interstate commerce.”

AFBF Senior Director of International & Agriculture Policy Mary Kay Thatcher gave a brief update on the process to develop the next farm bill. Thatcher said discussions could begin this fall but more likely will start next spring.

GA AG COMMISSIONS TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD MEMBERS The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions for Beef, Cotton, Equine and Tobacco are accepting nominations to fill several positions for each commodity commission board with term lengths of three years. To be nominated a person must be an active and qualified Georgia producer of the commodity. Geographic representation may be considered when making appointments.

The Beef Commission has five positions open for nominations, the Cotton and Equine Commissions each have two positions and the Tobacco Commission has one position. By statute three of the Beef Commission’s positions are to be beef producers, one a dairy producer and one a livestock marketer. Agricultural commodity commissions are farmer-funded programs to enhance research, promotion and education, and are authorized under Georgia law by the Commodity Promotions Act. Nominations can be made by producers of the applicable commodity by filling out a Nominee Information Form available for download at: www.agr.georgia.gov/cpf. The completed form should be mailed to: Georgia Department of Agriculture!19 MLK Jr. Drive SW!Room 320!Atlanta, GA 30334 no later than June 15.

It may also be faxed to (404) 656-9380, or emailed to andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 13 TURNER TO STEP DOWN AS EPD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jud Turner will step down as director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) effective June 1, according to a press release from Gov. Nathan Deal.

Turner was appointed director by Deal in January 2012. He will continue to serve as a member of the state’s water litigation team as a special assistant attorney general, the release said.

“Under Jud’s leadership, EPD has made great strides in protecting Georgia’s most valuable environmental resources,” said Chris Riley, Deal’s chief of staff. “In his ongoing role on the state’s water litigation team, I am confident Jud will continue protecting Georgia’s water rights.

Jud’s institutional knowledge and historical perspective are crucial to Georgia’s efforts. The governor is thankful to have him remain on our legal team.”

Under his direction at EPD, Turner shepherded the passage of substantive revisions to the Flint River Drought Protection Act in 2014 to preserve the environment while enhancing the agriculture industry. In addition to his role at EPD, Deal appointed Turner to spearhead the newly established Governor’s Office of Interagency Coordination and Management of Water Resources. In that role, Turner helped manage the state’s defense of the case filed by Florida seeking judicial apportionment of the waters of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin.

In addition to litigation coordination and support, Turner was responsible for the oversight and management of the state’s multipronged efforts to increase water supply while also developing and implementing policies for the sustainable and reasonable use of the state’s water resources.

In an effort to improve the quality of air in Georgia’s counties, Turner successfully brought several into compliance with the Clean Air Act’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). He worked with the Environmental Protection Agency to phase out the requirement for a special blend of summer gasoline in 45 metro counties, a past component of Georgia’s plan to help attain the Ozone NAAQS. Additionally, Turner led Georgia’s efforts to amend the president’s proposed greenhouse gas regulations so that nuclear generation from Plant Vogtle counts toward compliance with federal requirements.

SHIMP NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GA NATIONAL FAIRGROUNDS The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority has announced the hiring of Stephen Shimp as the executive director for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, effective May 1.

“Stephen has served the Agricenter for fourteen years in his current position as public safety director and has done an outstanding job. Stephen’s knowledge of the programs is exceptional and he has demonstrated a sincere desire to take the Agricenter to the next level,” said Vice Chairman Foster Rhodes.

Shimp succeeds Randy Moore, who retired Dec. 31.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 13 AFBF: H-2A BACKLOGS WILL LEAVE CROPS ROTTING IN FIELD Agency delays in processing visas for workers who tend and harvest America's food crops are fast approaching crisis proportions, all but guaranteeing that crops will rot in the field on many farms this year, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said during an April 21 media conference call and urged Congress to pass immigration reform that gives farmers access to a legal and stable workforce.

Communications with state Farm Bureaus across the nation have revealed worker shortages in more than 20 states.

"Many farmer members have called us and state Farm Bureaus asking for help," Duvall said. "They face serious hurdles in getting visas for workers in time to tend and harvest this year's crops. Paperwork delays have created a backlog of 30 days or more in processing H-2A applications at both the Department of Labor and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services."

Farmers depend on the H-2A agricultural visa program to fill gaps in the nation's ag labor system, but, Duvall said, the program is far from perfect. Processing and procedural delays, such as the government's use of U.S. mail instead of electronic communications, are leading to losses from unharvested crops.

Duvall said the Labor Department too often fails to comply with rules that require it to respond to farmers' requests before crews are needed.

"Crops can't wait on paperwork," Duvall said. "DOL is routinely failing to approve applications 30 days prior to the day farmers need workers. That delay, coupled with delays occurring at USCIS, places farmers in an impossible situation. We've heard from members who are already missing their window of opportunity to harvest. They are already facing lost revenue."

Duvall outlined possible solutions to the challenge, including modernizing agency H-2A approval procedures. He said DOL and USCIS both rely on sending documents to farmers by regular mail, which he called "unacceptable in 2016."

Duvall said AFBF is also working with the Agriculture Department "to be an advocate for farmers and take whatever steps it can to ensure farmers get the workers they need to tend and harvest this year's crops."

GFB News Alert page 5 of 13 ISAKSON, PERDUE INTRODUCE SHEP AMENDMENT TO FUNDING BILL On April 21 U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson, and David Perdue introduced an amendment that will ensure critical water infrastructure projects, like the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP), remain a top priority. The Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing port in the country and a top economic development project for Georgia. The two senators from Georgia offered the amendment to the Senate Energy and Water appropriations bill.

SHEP was originally authorized in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1999 to deepen the Savannah River from its current 42-foot depth to as much as 48 feet. However, the necessary dredging has been delayed for nearly two decades due to bureaucratic logjams.

“The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is critical to Georgia, the Southeast and the entire country,” said Senator Isakson. “I have been fighting for the necessary funding to keep this project on track to ensure we are not wasting tax dollars and are able to open up this critical waterway to larger vessels. Ensuring the on-time completion of this project is a win for trade, a win for the economy and a win for the hundreds of thousands of jobs the Port of Savannah supports.”

"For too long, infrastructure projects that are a critical component of our country’s commerce have fallen victim to bureaucratic red tape,” said Perdue. “A perfect example is the Port of Savannah deepening project, which took the federal government 17 years to approve. Today, the Port of Savannah is the fastest-growing port in the country and its economic impact reaches around the world. Clearly, maintaining the Port of Savannah and completing this infrastructure project should be a top priority for the Army Corps of Engineers.”

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE PASSES AG SPENDING FOR FY2017 The House Appropriations Committee passed by voice vote the Fiscal Year 2017 Agriculture Appropriations Bill.

The bill includes language directing the secretary of agriculture to use his authority to assist the cotton industry, directs the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to continue issuing pecan data in the 2016 Non Citrus & Fruits Preliminary Study, expands joint research activities at all land-grant universities and directs the USDA to create an agriculture research center at a historically black college or university. !“The agriculture government spending bill passed by the Appropriations Committee is boon for Georgia and our nation’s strong agriculture industry,” said Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-Dist.

2), who is a member of the Appropriations Committee. “In addition to billions of dollars invested in rural development and land-grant universities across the country like the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University, the bill also specifically champions the pecan and cotton industries, expands efforts for urban agriculture initiatives, and protects access to food in rural communities by supporting the usage of EBT at convenience store locations.”

The bill provides $2.85 billion for ag research programs, including the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, as well as the land-grant funding.

The bill also includes funding for the Animal and Plant Health Information Service (APHIS) in support of programs to help control pests and diseases, like highly pathogenic avian influenza, that can be crippling to U.S. producers.

Among amendments considered was a measure to strike language to provide funding to the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration to conduct consumer outreach to promote understanding of biotechnology. The amendment, submitted by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) and opposed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, was voted down.

For a summary of the bill visit http://tinyurl.com/17agapprops.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 13 AG COMMITTEE CHAIRS: EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY ON THE FARM NOTE: Below is the text of an editorial written jointly by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) in recognition of Earth Day on April 22.

We've all heard it said: farmers are the original environmentalists. We say that because American farmers and ranchers were taking care of their land long before anyone told them to do so. Why? They have the most at stake. If they do not take care of their land, the land will not take care of them. They also know that leaving the land in better shape than they found it is the key to passing their farms and ranches down to the next generation.

While farmers and ranchers have an innate desire and natural incentive to conserve, it's also true that they have been called on to feed an ever-increasing population. We are under no illusions: feeding the 7 billion people that currently inhabit this planet places tremendous stress on our environment that will only grow as we add another 2-3 billion people over the next few decades. In response to this reality, we are faced with two choices: we can work with our nation's farmers and ranchers in helping them meet this challenge by funding innovative research and sharing in the cost of both time-tested and cutting edge conservation practices, or we can thank them for feeding the world by regulating them into oblivion.

The Agriculture Committees, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and numerous farm groups and conservation organizations have long chosen the first option. For decades, they have worked collaboratively with our nation's farmers and ranchers to implement voluntary, incentive-based conservation practices that have drastically reduced soil and water erosion and provided critical wildlife habitat among a host of other environmental benefits.

In a bewildering contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with a few extreme environmental groups, continue to take the latter approach, undermining the hard work of USDA and others while denigrating our farmers and ranchers in the process. While USDA continues the work of stabilizing stream banks and incentivizing conservation tillage practices, a sampling of the thousands of practices they deploy each year, EPA continues churning out more unfunded regulatory mandates while deploying illegal lobbying tactics to generate support. If that weren't bad enough, they recently stooped to new lows, funding billboards that attack farmers and ranchers. Their actions are adding tremendous financial strain to our producers while driving up the cost of food for our nation's most vulnerable citizens. Their actions are shameful and do a disservice to the proud conservation legacy of this country.

While we were both blessed to grow up in rural America, neither of us grew up on a farm. But in our years of working with American farmers, we have learned that they are natural allies in the fight to preserve the natural resources of this land we love. They are not our enemies and it's time that our nation's regulatory agencies stop treating them as such.

Despite all the daily regulatory challenges, farmers continue to do amazing things and with less resources. Those accomplishments should be celebrated, not demonized.

The importance of conserving our natural resources and maintaining the productive capacity of our nation's farms and ranches should be areas where lawmakers can find consensus. We're proud to represent farmers and ranchers every day in our nation's capital. Keep up the good work this Earth Day and every day.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 13 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.

FALL LINE FORESTRY/WILDLIFE FIELD DAY April 29 Chattahoochee Fall Line WMA 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Marion County This event, hosted by the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Forestry Commission, includes sessions on the Chattahoochee Fall Line Wildlife Management Area, the Georgia Forestry Association, arson and timber theft in Georgia, longleaf pine economics and more. Registration is $20, which includes lunch. For more information or to register contact the Talbot County Chamber at 706-665-8079.

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 8 of 13 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.

NURSERY GROWERS’ CROP INSURANCE May 1 sales closing date The final date to apply for crop insurance coverage or to make changes to existing coverage is May 1 for nursery operators in Georgia. Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in production due to natural perils such as wind, hurricane, and freeze. More information on nursery crop insurance is available at http://tinyurl.com/nurseryins. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html.

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.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 13 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.

ALFALFA WORKSHOP/FIELD DAY May 12 Cosby Farms, 140 Old Drake Town Trail 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Villa Rica This workshop focuses on successful interseeding of alfalfa into Bermudagrass. Topics include site selection, establishment protocol, soil fertility and harvest management. Cost is $10 which includes lunch and reference material. For more information or to register, contact Richard Littleton at rlittle@uga.edu or Paula Burke at pjburke@uga.edu.

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.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 13 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.

JARRELL PLANTATION FIREWISE DAY May 7 Jarrell Plantation Historic Site 10:30am-3:30pm Juliette In celebration of National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, Jarrell Plantation will be partnering with local fire and safety organizations to share the importance of being prepared for wildfires. It’s never too late to learn about the risks of wildfires and how you can help.

Admission to Jarrell Plantation, located at 711 Jarrell Plantation Road is $6.50 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 62 and older, $4 children ages 6-17 and free for children younger than 6. For more information call 478-986-5172 or visit www.gastateparks.org/jarrellplantation.

FOREST LANDOWNER FIELD DAY May 11 Camp Adahi 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Menlo This one-day seminar includes sessions on forest stewardship, prescribed burning, wildlife management, selling timber and forestry cost share programs. Camp Adahi is located on Lookout Mountain off Ga. Highway 157 in Walker County. Cost is $5 per person. For more information contact Frank Riley, executive director of the Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation and Development Council, at 706-897-1676 or frank.ccrcd@gmail.com.

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 11 of 13 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.

JARRELL PLANTATION FAMILY FARM DAY May 28 Jarrell Plantation Historic Site 10:30am-3:30pm Juliette The farm comes to life with volunteers demonstrating crafts and chores of the past. See the skills from long ago, such as sewing, blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, gardening, woodworking and many other farm activities. Admission to Jarrell Plantation, located at 711 Jarrell Plantation Road is $6.50 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 62 and older, $4 children ages 6-17 and free for children younger than 6.

For more information call 478-986-5172 or visit www.gastateparks.org/jarrellplantation.

USDA VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS June 24 electronic applications due July 1 paper applications due The USDA making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1. Electronic applications submitted through grants.gov are due June 24. For more information about the Value-Added Producer Grants or to submit an application, visit http://tinyurl.com/VAPGrants.

SYNGENTA #ROOTED IN AG CONTEST June 30 deadline to enter Syngenta is accepting applications for its #RootedinAg contest. The contest asks growers and other industry professionals to describe how their agricultural roots help their families and communities thrive. The five best entries will each receive a mini touch-screen tablet. From those finalists, one grand prizewinner will receive a $500 gift card, plus Syngenta will make a $1,000 donation in the winner’s name to a local charity or civic organization. To apply, visit http://tinyurl.com/rootedinag. The entry form includes space for a 200-word description of how agricultural roots are helping then entrants, their families and thrive communities thrive. Entrants can also upload a photograph or video that visually supports their written entries. Syngenta will then post all finalists’ entries at http://tinyurl.com/syngentathrive and ask visitors to help choose the grand prizewinner by voting for their favorite. These votes, along with the judges’ scores, will determine the winner. Online voting ends Sept. 15, with Syngenta announcing the grand prizewinner in October.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 13 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 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.

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.

PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS’ MARKET Through 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 13 of 13 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.