Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - April 6, 2016

April 6, 2016

www.gfb.org

Vol. 34 No. 14

GFB HOSTS EVENING OF CHAMPIONS TO HONOR LIVESTOCK SHOW WINNERS

Georgia Farm Bureau held its annual Evening of Champions dinner April 1 at GFB ’s Macon home office during which the organization presented a total of $17,500 to the 4-H and FFA members named grand champions at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show in February and the 2015 State Market Goat Show at the Georgia National Fair last October.

The winning exhibitors, accompanied by their families and 4-H agents or FFA advisors who helped them reach the winner’s circle, enjoyed a delicious catered buffet.

GFB has hosted the dinner since 2012 when it began sponsoring the grand champion prizes.

GFB Young Farmer Committee Chairman Will Cabe welcomed the grand champions and their families to the event and encouraged them to join Farm Bureau and become involved in the organization's programs for young farmers geared for farmers 18 to 35 years of age after graduating high school.

UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean Sam Pardue, who began his new job March 14, congratulated the grand champions, saying, "When you get people who are passionate about anything it's exciting what you can do. I look forward to seeing you at UGA one day."

GFB President Gerald Long, who grew up participating in 4-H and FFA, expressed one of the reasons GFB sponsors the grand champion prizes when he said, “Statistics will show that kids brought up on farms or who show livestock have a much better chance of getting a college education and becoming a productive adult.”

Long also challenged the champions to continue maturing into responsible young adults, saying, “You can take the right road or the wrong road as you develop your skills. I challenge you to take the right road.”

In addition to the prize belt buckle and cash prize, each champion received a copy of Kevin Johnson’s book, “Once a Day Devotional for Teens.”

“I want y’all to read this book, live by this book and pray daily because prayer is very important in your life,” Long said.

Georgia Director of 4-H Arch Smith and Georgia Department of Education Program Manager for Agricultural Education John “Chip” Bridges presented Long with a framed collage of the -continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 11 Continued from previous page state grand champions.

“We thank Farm Bureau not only for hosting tonight’s event but also for your continued support of local 4-H and FFA programs back in the counties for you young people,” said Smith.

While congratulating the grand champions on their achievement, Bridges referenced a section of the FFA closing ceremony that urges FFA members to be diligent in labor, fair in the way they treat others, courteous to everyone and honest and fair in the game of life.

“True champions are defined by these characteristics, and I encourage you to follow the advice found in the FFA closing ceremony,” Bridges said.

The grand champions are: Brett Dyer, Dade County, 2015 Grand Champion Market Doe; Chase Roberts, Worth County, 2015 Grand Champion Market Wether; Abby Moore, Houston County, 2016 Grand Champion Market Barrow; Britten Herndon, Toombs County, 2016 Grand Champion Market Gilt; Jarrett Baldwin, Hart County, 2016 Grand Champion Breeding Ewe; Brent Bohannon, Coweta County, 2016 Grand Champion Commercial Dairy Heifer; Morgan McDaniel, Jackson County, 2016 Grand Champion Breeding Heifer; Luke Mobley, Colquitt County, 2016 Grand Champion Market Steer.

GFB 1st Vice President Robert Fountain Jr. introduced each grand champion as they were honored individually on stage. “Congratulations to each of you. You are all winners and it’s been our pleasure to be able to honor you tonight,” Fountain said.

GEORGIA PEACH CROP EXPECTED TO BE SWEET AND FLAVORFUL The 2016 Georgia peach season is expected to be sweeter than Georgia has seen in years, according to a release from the Georgia Peach Council.

“Our trees’ quest to accumulate cold hours got off to a slow start in December but Mother Nature provided just what we needed with a very cold January and February,” said GPC Grower Coordinator Kent Hoots. “Just like the feeling you have after a good night’s sleep, our trees received the right amount of cold hours to be rested and ready to thrive. Plenty of ‘beauty rest’, combined with expected searing hot summertime temperatures, has put the summer of 2016 on notice as an anticipated sweet and flavorful Georgia peach season to remember.”

Georgia peaches are expected to be harvested in time for Memorial Day available through the end of summer.

“Every year we wait for all of the elements that go into growing flavor-filled peaches to be in sync and the stars have aligned this year – 2016 is setting up to be the best crop peach growers in Georgia have seen in years,” said GPC President Duke Lane III. Roughly 10,000 acres of Georgia peach farms stretch across the Fort Valley plateau. Ninety percent of Georgia peaches are grown in this region. Consistent temperatures, mineral-rich red clay soils and high humidity are perfect ingredients for super-sweet peaches. With more than 140 years of farming Georgia peaches, the land itself has helped Georgia earn the title the “Peach State”.

Each year, the state produces more than 80 million pounds of the fruit between mid-May and mid-August. Delicious and nutritious, Georgia peaches are high in fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. For more information, visit www.gapeaches.org.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 11 VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE KEY TOPIC AT GA CATTLEMEN’S MEETING Georgia cattle producers learned about the coming implementation of a key portion of the Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), strategies to mitigate falling cattle prices and how money from the Georgia beef assessment is allocated during the 2016 Georgia Cattlemen’s Association (GCA) Annual Convention and Beef Expo, held March 31April 2 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.

GCA officials estimated that 1,500 people attended at least one day of the event, including a record 107 Beef Expo vendors.

“It’s just encouraging more than anything,” said new GCA President Kyle Gillooly. “We came off an unusual high in the cattle business in the last two years with the tremendous markets and just record-setting numbers, and the last several months we’ve seen the change in the markets so to see the excitement level and the interest from these members and prospective cattlemen and producers, it’s a good thing.”

The VFD goes into effect Jan. 1, 2017, placing restrictions on the use of drugs in livestock feed that are medically important to humans. According to an FDA fact sheet, using these drugs for production purposes will be illegal and authorization from a licensed veterinarian will be needed in order to use them for prevention, control or treatment of specific diseases.

“It’s something they’ve got time to work on,” said outgoing GCA President Randy Fordham.

“It didn’t just happen yesterday. It’s something that’s been in the works for three years.”

Gillooly said a significant challenge presented by the VFD is ensuring enough large animal veterinarians are available to allow producers to be in compliance.

“The producers know they have to have a relationship with their veterinarian before this takes place,” Gillooly said. “The concern is there’s going to be a lot of large animal veterinarians bombarded here in the next several months.”

The convention featured presentations from Zoetis Livestock Production Specialist Jennie Schutte, Kevin Good from Cattle Fax and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President for Government Affairs Colin Woodall, as well as a roundtable discussion on Georgia’s beef checkoff.

Schutte emphasized that while the Jan. 1 deadline is approaching, there is no reason for producers to panic.

“At the end of the day this is a form,” Schutte said. “It’s a one-page form. It’s nothing to freak out about.”

Ultimately, she said, compliance with VFD is the veterinarian’s responsibility, though producers would be wise to stay informed on its requirements.

Schutte advised producers to review products they already use and see if they contain medications that are on the VFD control list. She also cautioned that drugs that are added to feed are not allowed to be used in a manner inconsistent with labels. As an example, she mentioned the use of chlortetracycline to treat pinkeye, which is not approved by the FDA for pinkeye.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 11 GFB REPRESENTATIVES CHANGE ON GEORGIA BEEF BOARD In moves prompted by the election of Zippy Duvall as president of American Farm Bureau, Georgia Farm Bureau’s three seats on the Georgia Beef Board have changed.

GFB President Gerald Long has stepped down as treasurer for the Georgia Beef Board and has moved into the board seat assigned for the GFB president. GFB 1st Vice President Robert Fountain Jr. has accepted the position of treasurer on the Beef Board.

GFB 1st District Director Bill Bryan has been appointed to GFB’s third seat on the board.

Fountain and Bryan are both former presidents of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association.

Fountain is currently serving his third three-year term on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board at the appointment of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

Bryan, who in addition to his seat on the GFB Board of Directors is vice president for Chattooga County Farm Bureau (CCFB) and chairs the CCFB Legislative Committee.

NASS: CORN PLANTED ACRES UP, PEANUTS DOWN Georgia corn growers are expected to boost their acreage and the state’s peanut growers are projected to scale back their acreage in 2016 according to the Prospective Plantings Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Growers are projected to plant 390,000 acres of corn in Georgia in 2016, which would be an 18 percent increase over the state’s corn acreage in 2015. Nationwide, farmers are projected to plant 93.6 million acres in 2016, which would be the third-largest planted acreage since 1994.

The state’s cotton growers are projected to plant 1.15 million acres in 2016, up from 1.13 million acres in 2015, an anticipated increase of 1.7 percent.

Acreage planted by Georgia peanut and sorghum growers is expected to decline in 2016.

Peanuts are projected for 730,000 acres, down from 785,000 acres in 2015. Sorghum is projected for 35,000 acres in 2016, down from 50,000 acres in 2015.

The state’s soybean growers are also expected to plant fewer acres (320,000) in 2016 than in 2015 (325,000), which would be a reduction of 2 percent.

Georgia’s hay acreage (570,000) and tobacco acreage (13,500) are expected to remain unchanged from 2015.

EXPANDED PANAMA CANAL SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN LATE JUNE The Panama Canal expansion project is 97 percent complete and is scheduled to open on June 26, the Panama Canal Authority indicated in a March 23 release from the Panama Canal Authority.

The authority inaugurated a new maneuvering training facility on March 23 and is expected to complete work on the canal’s locks by May 31.

The project, which began in 2007, will allow larger container ships to move through the canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is nearly two years behind schedule and has cost $5.3 billion.

The expansion is expected to reduce the shipping time and costs of shipping between the East Coast and Pacific destinations.

The Port of Savannah is being expanded to accommodate the larger ships. Once complete, the port will benefit exporters in Georgia and around the Southeast, including many who sell bulk agricultural products internationally.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 11 BAYER REQUESTS HEARING ON EPA FLUBENDIAMIDE DECISION In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) move to cancel registration for flubendiamide, Bayer CropScience has requested a hearing with the EPA’s administrative law judge.

Flubendiamide, which Bayer markets in the U.S. as Belt, is registered for use on more than 200 crops nationwide. The EPA in February asked Bayer to voluntarily cancel the registrations for Belt’s use on these crops. Bayer declined, and the EPA issued a notice of intent to cancel the registrations.

In a March 31 blog post, Bayer Vice President for Regulatory Affairs Dana Sargent explained the company’s position and why the company believes the administrative law hearing is necessary.

“We have a fundamental disagreement with EPA over science and process surrounding the registration of flubendiamide and Belt,” Sargent wrote. “We have been working with them to resolve the disagreement. Now EPA is trying to cancel it through a streamlined hearing in an effort to shield its science from independent peer review and to avoid other government and stakeholder input on its approach.”

In an administrative law hearing, the judge hears both sides and makes a determination on what process should be followed. The judge’s initial decision would be reviewed by the EPA Environmental Appeals Board.

Bayer maintains that the scientific data accumulated through research into flubendiamide supports the company’s position.

“EPA requested real-world studies to learn if the product would cause harm to a particular aquatic invertebrate species,” Sargent wrote. “EPA has concluded that flubendiamide poses no risk of concern to humans (either through diet or worker exposure), fish, mammals, crustaceans, mollusks, beneficial insects, pollinators, or plants. Over the course of five years, we conducted real world monitoring to study Belt’s impact in the one area in which EPA raised a question.

The results were clear – residues of Belt were below levels EPA said may pose harm.”

Rather than accept this data, however, EPA based its decision on theoretical computer modeling, Sargent said.

EPA TAKING COMMENTS ON REGISTRATION OF DICAMBA HERBICIDE The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting public comments regarding the incrop use of Monsanto’s dicamba herbicide with Bollgard II XtendFlex cotton and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans.

In a company press release, Monsanto noted that a limited commercial introduction of Bollgard II XtendFlex Cotton took place in 2015 with commercial launch in 2016. Monsanto announced its commercialization plans for Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans in February.

Monsanto’s Asgrow, Channel and regional brands, along with Corn States licensees, expect to introduce more than 70 soybean products across eight maturity groups with agronomic traits including resistance to nematodes and phytophthora root rot. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans are broadly licensed to more than 100 seed brands.

Accorrding to the release, it is a violation of federal and state law to make an in-crop application of any dicamba herbicide product on Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans or Bollgard II XtendFlex cotton as no dicamba product is currently approved for those uses.

To make a comment visit http://tinyurl.com/dicambacomment. For more information on the Roundup Ready Xtend Crop System, visit www.RoundupReadyXtend.com.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 11 GA PEANUT, SOYBEAN COMMISSIONS ANNOUNCE RESEARCH FUNDING The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Soybeans (ACCS) have approved research project funding.

During its March meeting, the GPC board of directors approved $423,036 in research project funding for the 2016-17 research budget year. The research projects approved include 30 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service.

Georgia's peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs which includes research, promotion and education. Research comprises 22 percent of available funds in the commission's budget.

The approved research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding for higher yield and improved quality; economics; conservation methods; irrigation and water management; pests, weed and disease management; and peanut allergy research. For additional information and a complete list of the research projects funded by the Georgia Peanut Commission visit www.gapeanuts.com.

The Soybean Commission approved more than $240,000 in funding for 12 research projects and promotional activities at its January board meeting.

The research projects funded included: soybean production research, soybean stem canker research, the continuation of soybean IPM sentinel plots, development of RR2Y/LL soybean varieties, soybean variety evaluation, continuing research on kudzu bug resistance, and development of irrigation strategies specific to soybeans.

In addition, the Soybean Commission approved funding in support of the Georgia Weather Network, the Georgia / Florida Soybean Association, the publication of a new soy educational guide for schools, and support for the World Soybean Research Conference which comes to Savannah in 2017.

Georgia’s soybean farmers collectively invest a portion of their revenue to fund research and promotion efforts in an assessment called a check-off.

The soybean check-off helps facilitate market growth and creation by funding research at land-grant universities as well as promotional efforts. In Georgia, more than 70 percent of the check-off funds collected go to fund research – which is crucial in the development of new varieties, improvements in production efficiency, and advancements in insect and disease management.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 11 PLANTAPALOOZA SPRING PLANT SALE April 9 Athens This plant sale brings together three University of Georgia units for one big sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Trial Gardens and the UGA Horticulture Club.

Each sale offers an assortment of garden plants that thrive in the Southeast. Horticulturists, volunteers and master gardeners will be on hand to help with plant selection and to answer gardening questions. Profits help fund horticulture club scholarships and educational activities at UGA. Information about the event, directions to the gardens and information about participating retailers in the Athens area is available online at plantapalooza.uga.edu.

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 or by mailing a check to: GFB Foundation for Agriculture, PO Box 7068, Macon, GA 31209. 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.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 11 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.

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.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 11 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.

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.

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 11 25TH YOUNG HARRIS/UGA BEEKEEPING INSTITUTE May 19-21 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. Sessions provide training and certification, including individual and colony biology, hive equipment, offseason management and much more. Registration fees for ages 18 and older are $150 for May 19, $130 for May 20, $100 for May 21 and $300 for all three days. For ages 17 and under, fees are $100 for May 19, $65 for May 20, $50 for May 21 and $150 for all three days. Space is limited and classes generally fill up quickly. For more information, visit www.ent.uga.edu/Bees/young-harris/index.html.

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.

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.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 11 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 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.

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. Plans include cooking demonstrations and local band Morning Train is scheduled to appear on opening day, which also features pony rides, a petting zoo and the ribbon-cutting ceremony. For more information contact market manager T.I. Papel at 478-374-5895 or tipapel@bellsouth.net, or visit www.facebook.com/dodgecountyfarmersmarket.