Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - August 19, 2015

August 19, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 33

COMMODITY CONFERENCE FEATURES POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC UPDATE About 300 Georgia Farm Bureau members attended the annual GFB Commodity Conference held at UGA’s Center for Continuing Education in Athens Aug. 13.

Members of GFB’s 20 commodity committees reviewed GFB policy concerning their commodities to begin the 2015 policy development process.

“What you’ve come to do is important,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “It kicks off our policy development season. We want you to make sure what’s in our policy is on target because we want to make sure we have the right road map to represent you. The recommendations coming from your committee are very important.”

Duvall thanked Dr. Scott Angle for his 10 years of service as dean of the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES). In honor of Dr. Angle’s tenure, GFB is making a donation to an Alzheimer’s charity of Dr. Angle’s choosing. Dr. Angle’s wife, Teresa, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s seven years ago.

Attendees heard updates on UGA’s CAES, College of Veterinary Medicine, the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) Card, a state and national economic outlook, and a review of the 2014 election results and analysis of the upcoming 2016 election. The College of Veterinary Medicine and five CAES departments presented displays to communicate their work to improve Georgia agriculture.

UGA Political Science Professor Dr. Charles Bullock gave an analysis of the 2014 election and discussed where the Republican and Democratic parties stand with voters, particularly in Georgia. Democrats carried the millennial vote in Georgia while Republican core voters outvoted Democratic core voters.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black gave an update on steps the Georgia Department of Agriculture is taking to prepare for avian flu being diagnosed in the state.

Black stressed the importance of poultry growers following biosecurity protocols recommended by their integrators to prevent the virus from spreading from farm to farm.

Georgia Revenue Commissioner Lynne Riley spoke at lunch, praising the state’s farmers for their efforts to use the GATE cards appropriately.

“We have been looking since the concerns were expressed about the GATE program of whether there really is widespread abuse,” Riley said. “That hasn’t been what we’ve found.

We’ve been targeting in on specific GATE card holders that have been brought to our attention that might not be fully complying with the laws and the uses of the GATE card, but we haven’t been finding a significant amount of abuse.”

Dean Angle said Georgia’s agriculture industry is uniquely positioned to provide food for a -continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 14 Continued from previous page significant portion of the world’s population.

“There is no other state that I know of where the Farm Bureau, the land grant college of agriculture, the commissioner of agriculture and other groups work so well together,” Angle said.

“We’ve been blessed with abundant resources and a long growing season - and don’t ever underestimate the political support we have in Georgia - that make this industry possible.”

Angle also reflected on his 10-year stint as dean and talked about his decision to move to the International Fertilizer Development Center in Muscle Shoals, Ala. “Why go to another job? Ten years is a long time to be a dean,” Angle said. “I wanted one more great adventure in my life. I’m 62 and I really wanted to do something different.”

Dr. Sheila Allen, dean of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, gave an overview of changes made to the college’s admissions policies and procedures in the past decade intended to increase the number of graduates from the school who work with food animals.

“We recognized that we needed to focus on some areas less represented in our profession. One was the need for vet services in rural areas. We also need more vets in food animal research and public health vets who do food inspections and look out for animal diseases,” Allen said. “We can see the effects of our admissions policy changes. Over time we’ve had more students interested in food animal careers.”

MCKISSICK RECEIVES 2015 GFB COMMODITY AWARD Dr. John McKissick, a professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES), received the 2015 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Commodity Award during the GFB Commodity Conference held Aug. 13 at the University of Georgia in Athens. The award, one of GFB’s highest honors, is given annually to honor an individual who has supported and promoted Georgia agriculture.

“Dr. McKissick’s contributions to Georgia agriculture continue to have lasting effects. The economic reports Dr. McKissick wrote during his almost 40-year career have provided valuable information to farmers and business leaders across Georgia that have helped them manage their risk in volatile markets,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “It’s a privilege to present him with the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award. We always give it to a member of the agriculture community who has made a lasting impact on Georgia agriculture.”

McKissick, a resident of Athens, retired from UGA in 2010. He began his career at UGA in 1976 as a livestock and grain economist on the Tifton Campus. He later transferred to the Athens campus where he split his time between research and Extension. In 1999, McKissick was named the Extension Coordinator for the CAES Agricultural Economics Department and in 2000 was named director of the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED), positions he held until his retirement. He is a part-time Extension Livestock Economist with the UGA CAES. While leading the CAED, McKissick started many programs that still provide valuable economic information to Georgia farmers and policy makers. These programs include the Georgia Ag Forecast meetings for which he continues to write market outlooks, the Georgia Farm Gate Value Report, the Ag Snapshots booklet, the Georgia County Guide and the Flavor of Georgia Contest.

A native of Walton County, McKissick grew up on a dairy farm showing eight State Champion Jersey cows and becoming a two-time Master 4-Her. As a Social Circle FFA member, McKissick raised and showed the 1970 Champion Angus Calf at the State Steer Show.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 14 AFBF PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON HOW TO COMPLY WITH WOTUS RULE The new “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule issued by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers goes into effect on Aug. 28.

In preparation, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is providing guidance on how farmers can comply with the rule. The guidance document addresses which land features may be considered waters of the U.S. under the rule, what activities may trigger Clean Water Act (CWA) liability and permit requirements and options for farmers who believe their land may include areas considered waters of the U.S. The WOTUS rule expands federal CWA jurisdiction over many landscape features found on private lands, including farm, ranch and forest lands across the nation. As a result, many essential and commonplace farming, ranching and forestry practices may now result in “discharges” of “pollutants” into areas determined to be waters of the U.S. that require a CWA permit. Unauthorized discharges will be a violation of federal law, subject to large potential penalties in enforcement by the government or private citizens.

The only way to be confident that any water feature is a water of the U.S. is to request a jurisdictional determination from the Corps of Engineers.

Waters of the U.S. include waters that cross state lines or that can be used for navigation; rivers, streams and creeks that flow directly into these waters; impoundments of rivers, streams and creeks that flow directly into navigable or interstate waters and any adjoining wetlands. A variety of other features likely qualify as waters of the U.S., including: rivers, streams or creeks that flow to another water; drains where water flows only after rain that have a bed, banks and an ordinary high water mark that flow to another water; erosional features that have a bed, banks and an ordinary high water mark that flow to another water; ditches that were dug in or used to divert a river, stream, creek or ephemeral drain; impoundments of any rivers, streams creeks or ephemeral drains, including farm ponds and other features. Additional features may be subject to the WOTUS rule if the Corps of Engineers finds a connection between them and waters downstream.

Activities that may trigger CWA liability and permit requirements include mechanical application of chemicals, fertilizers or manure, the discharge of “dredged or fill material as a result of moving dirt in an area determined to be a water of the U.S., including moving the soil on a field or construction and maintenance of roads, fences, ditches, ponds and culverts.

Section 404 of the CWA established a number of exemptions from dredge and fill permit requirements, but because of the way the Corps of Engineers interprets the exemptions, many common farming practices that involve moving dirt in an area deemed a water of the U.S. will not qualify for these exemptions.

Farmers and ranchers have several options to minimize the risk of violating the CWA, including the request for a jurisdictional determination from the Corps of Engineers, assuming certain features are waters of the U.S. and avoiding activities that might result in a discharge, seeking clarification from the Corps of Engineers about whether dirt-moving activities in or near an area determined to be a water of the U.S. qualify for one of the section 404 permitting exemption or applying for a Section 402 or 404 permit when conducting activities that could result in a regulated discharge.

Farmers should consult with a lawyer if they need legal advice.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 14 NASS ADJUSTS HOW PEANUT HAY IS COUNTED The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has indicated it will change how peanut hay is counted as a factor in forage land values, which are used by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) as a factor in the Pasture, Range and Forestland (PRF) program. The PRF program provides assistance for livestock and hay producers during times of reduced rainfall.

In June, Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall wrote to NASS requesting that the agency change the way survey information is used on peanut hay. The classification of peanut hay as hay rather than a by-product of nut production has resulted in devaluation of forage land values in Georgia, which produces half the nation’s peanut crop. The county base value for hay in Georgia is $160.17 per acre. The same value is $372.03 per acre in Florida, $210 per acre in South Carolina and $208.20 per acre in Alabama.

On Aug. 5, NASS Administrator Joe Reilly indicated in letter to Duvall that NASS will exclude peanut residue from harvest for nuts from NASS estimates of hay acreage, production, stocks and price. Reilly noted that the agency will update the wording of its questionnaires, internal documentation and training materials to reflect this change.

Perennial peanut hay, which Reilly indicated is a forage crop, will continue to be included in the hay estimates.

APHIS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FERAL SWINE PLAN The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced it will implement a nationally coordinated, integrated feral swine damage management program, according to information on the APHIS website.

Feral swine are a harmful and destructive non-native and invasive species. Their geographic range and populations are rapidly expanding across the U.S. The population is currently estimated to exceed more than six million animals. Experts believe that in 1982 feral swine were found in only a few counties in 17 states. In 2012 they had been found in at least 38 states. They are now known to exist in 41 states. Feral swine also occur in Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

In 2011 and 2012, the University of Georgia surveyed landowners in Southwest Georgia about the presence and damage of feral hogs. Georgia Farm Bureau helped fund the study. Of those landowners who responded, 96 percent said the hogs had caused damage on their land.

Combined crop and non-crop damage was estimated at $81 million.

APHIS noted that feral swine present a wide range of problems. They can inflict significant damage to numerous assets. They physically damage crops and property; they prey on young livestock and wildlife; and they can transmit diseases to livestock, humans and wildlife. They pose other threats to human health and safety, like vehicle collisions and aggressive swine attacks. Feral swine also damage natural resources including sensitive habitats and endangered species.

According to APHIS, Prior efforts to reduce problems associated with feral swine damage have been conducted locally. Although they have helped to reduce localized damage, the overall feral swine population and associated damage and disease threats have continued to expand.

For more information about APHIS’ national feral swine damage management program, contact Dr. Dale Nolte, Feral Swine Program Manager, USDA-APHIS-WS National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521, at 970-266-6049 or at dale.l.nolte@aphis.usda.gov.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 14 BISHOP CO-AUTHORS PAPER ON GEORGIA POULTRY Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. (D-Ga. 2nd District) co-authored a peer-reviewed paper titled “Georgia’s Poultry Industry and Its Impact on the Local Economy and Global Trade,” published in the 2015 issue of International Food and Agribusiness Management Review.

“Georgia is our nation’s number one chicken and turkey producing state, with over $555 million of poultry exported annually,” Bishop said. “From supplying the neighborhood barbecue to providing jobs at home to strengthening our nation’s competitive edge in the world economy, it is important to underscore the significant impact of yet another important asset of America, the poultry growers and producers of Georgia.”

The paper describes Georgia’s poultry industry and its impact on the local, regional, and national economy as well as global trade. As consumer and industry demand for poultry continue to rise, Georgia has emerged as the top producer of poultry in the country.

The paper covers trends in Georgia’s broiler industry, Georgia’s role in the global broiler market, factors affecting Georgia broiler exports, and implications for Georgia’s agricultural sector and state economy.

The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMR) publishes high quality, peer reviewed, scholarly articles on topics related to the practice of management in the food and agribusiness industry.

To read the paper visit http://tinyurl.com/poultrypaper.

NASS: PEANUTS, SOYBEANS FORECAST FOR BIG GAINS IN GEORGIA Georgia peanut and soybean growers are forecast for big increases in production according to the August Crop Production Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), while the state’s cotton and winter wheat crops are expected to decline significantly in 2015.

The state’s peanut growers increased total planted acreage by 200,000 acres and their yields are expected to increase slightly, prompting NASS to forecast a crop of 3.318 billion pounds, up 36.9 percent from the 2.423 billion pounds Georgia peanut growers produced in 2014.

Georgia soybean producers also increased acreage and yields are expected to increase as well, prompting a forecast of 14.49 million bushels in 2015, up 24.9 percent from the 11.6 million bushels they produced in 2014.

The state’s cotton production is projected to fall from 2.57 million bales in 2014 to 2.1 million bales in 2015, a decline of 18 percent, while winter wheat production is forecast at 8.74 million bushels in 2015, down 22.5 percent from 11.27 million bushels in 2014.

Georgia’s hay production is projected at 1.512 million tons in 2015, up slightly from 1.508 million tons in 2014.

Corn production in the state is forecast at 47.7 million bushels in 2015, down nine percent from 52.7 million bushels in 2014. Georgia tobacco production is projected at 29.25 million pounds in 2015, down 15 percent from 2014, when the state’s tobacco growers produced 34.5 million pounds.

Georgia’s peach and grape production are both expected to increase. The state’s peach growers are forecast to produce 39,000 tons in 2015, a 9.8 percent increase over 2014, when they produced 35,500 tons. Georgia grape production is forecast at 4,700 tons in 2015, a 17.5 percent increase over 2015, when the state’s grape growers produced 4,000 tons.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 14 WESTERN COTTON FARMERS TOUR GEORGIA AGRICULTURE Cotton producers from California and Arizona took a statewide tour of Georgia agriculture Aug. 2-7 as part of the National Cotton Council’s (NCC) Producer Information Exchange (PIE) program.

Now in its 27th year, the PIE program is sponsored by Bayer CropScience through a grant to The Cotton Foundation. The program is designed to give cotton farmers from across the Cotton Belt firsthand experience of how their peers from different cotton-producing regions are adapting to challenges and using current technologies. Participants learn about unique farming practices and agricultural industries in different regions of the Cotton Belt.

Program participants saw a wide range of agricultural activities ranging from a cotton spinning mill to an agricultural aircraft manufacturer. The first stop on the participants’ tour through Georgia was at 1888 Mills, LLC, a textile manufacturer in Griffin. Though there are not as many textile mills in the Southeast as there were 20 years ago, the participants learned of the still vibrant, albeit smaller, textile industry in Georgia. From there, the group traveled south to learn about the famous Georgia peach industry at Lane Southern Orchards in Fort Valley. The day concluded with a tour of a cotton gin at Coley Gin and Fertilizer in Vienna.

The next day, participants toured the Tifton area. During stops at Kelly Manufacturing Company (KMC) and Tifton Quality Peanut, the program participants got to learn about the peanut industry, which does not exist in the participants’ home states of California and Arizona.

The participants spent the remainder of the day at Lewis Taylor Farms learning about vegetable production from Bill Brim and at Davis Farms with Bart Davis learning about cotton, peanut and cattle production.

The following day, the group toured the Albany area. There the group toured Miller Brewing Company to learn about automated machinery for product handling and Thrush Aircraft, a manufacturer of agricultural aircraft. The group saw firsthand how Thrush makes complete aircraft from start to finish at its Albany facility. The latter part of the day was spent touring Bayer CropSciences’ cotton test plots and visiting RCL Farms in Bronwood, a family farm operated by Ronnie Lee and his three sons – Neil, Ron, and Chandler. The Lees also own and operate McCleskey Cotton, a cotton gin and warehouse company in Bronwood. Ronnie explained how his gin operation works while Neil showed the group fields of cotton and peanuts.

The California and Arizona growers were surprised to see a field of Pima cotton growing at RCL Farms since Texas is the furthest east Pima is typically grown. Neil explained to them that this is just a small field that they are trying this year.

The final full day of the trip was spent touring Southeast Georgia. Kent Fountain, president of Southeastern Gin and Peanut Company, gave the group a quick historical sketch of cotton and peanut production in southeast Georgia. From there, the group visited with James Clark, Southeastern Gin and Peanut’s crop advisor, in cotton test plots. Similar to RCL Farms, Southeastern Gin and Peanut has a small field of Pima cotton they are trying this year. The toured stopped by the farm of local cotton farmer, Johnathan Mann, to learn about drip irrigation.

Mann explained how his system works. The California and Arizona growers gave feedback and input as some of them also grow cotton using drip irrigation. The day ended with a tour of FMR Burch Farms in Screven. Steven Meeks, who farms cotton, peanuts, and tobacco, hosted the group and explained tobacco production. Tobacco, like peanuts, is a commodity not grown in the western U.S. Meeks explained the history of Georgia”s tobacco industry and challenges the industry faces in the future.

For more information about the PIE program, visit National Cotton Council at www.cotton.org or the Georgia Cotton Commission at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 14 GEORGIA PEANUT ACHIEVEMENT CLUB RECOGNIZES WINNERS The Georgia Peanut Achievement Club announced its 2014-2015 winners on Aug. 8 during ceremonies on Jekyll Island.

Calhoun County Farm Bureau member Wesley Webb and Seminole County Farm Bureau member Eddie Miller turned in the highest overall peanut yields in the state. Webb averaged 7,337 pounds of peanuts per acre on 136 acres to win in the 100-299 acre category. Miller averaged 7,135 pounds per acre on 620 acres, winning in the 300 or more acres category.

Webb and Miller were among 10 Georgia peanut farmers recognized by the Georgia Peanut Achievement Club. The club, coordinated by UGA, has recognized the top-yielding growers in Georgia since the 1960s.

Along with the UGA peanut team, supporters of the peanut achievement club include Bayer, BASF, the American Peanut Shellers Association and the National Peanut Buying Points Association.

The other 2014-2015 Georgia Peanut Achievement Club winners: District I, 300-699 acres Al Sudderth, Calhoun County, 6,610 pounds per acre on 488 acres; District I, 700 or more acres Jimmy Webb, Calhoun County 6,728 pounds on 897 acres; District II, 300-699 acres - Rick LaGuardia, Miller County, 6,646 pounds per acre on 377 acres; District II, 700 or more acres Greg Mims, Seminole County, 6,628 pounds per acre on 890 acres; District III, 300-699 acres Hulin Reeves Jr., Ben Hill County, 6,328 pounds per acre on 487 acres; District III, 700 or more acres - Ken Hall Farms, Inc., Worth County, 4,905 pounds per acre on 1,082 acres; District IV, 300-699 acres - Chip Dorminy, Irwin County, 5,874 pounds per acre on 436 acres; District IV, 700 or more acres - Wayne Sayer, Irwin County, 4,926 pounds per acre on 1,129 acres.

For more information on peanut research from UGA Extension, visit extension.uga.edu.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 14 See page 12 for a list of ongoing Farm Bureau-affiliated farmers markets!

NEW LOCAL MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR GEORGIA FARMERS Common Market Georgia, based in Atlanta, is now working to link farms and value-added producers with wholesale market opportunities, through aggregation, distribution and support for farmers. The organization is conducting a survey to identify Georgia farmers to include in its directory, which will be publicly available and provided to companies looking to source local. To take the survey visit http://goo.gl/forms/aQ2woBT0Fv or call The Common Market Georgia at 678-343-9525, ext. 21 and leave a message with your name and phone number.

GFB ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR COMMODITY COMMITTEES Aug. 21 deadline for nominations County Farm Bureaus have until Aug. 21 to nominate members to serve on the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Advisory Committees. Committee members offer input to GFB leaders and staff regarding their commodities. Nominees must be GFB members and active producers of the commodity for which they’re nominated. GFB has committees for the following commodities: aquaculture, beef cattle, cotton, dairy, direct marketing/agritourism, environmental horticulture, equine, feedgrain/soybeans, fruits, forestry, hay, honeybees, peanuts, pecans, poultry, sheep/goats, swine, tobacco, vegetables and water. Contact Don McGough at 1-800-342-1196 for more information.

BACKYARD POULTRY HEALTH/AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE Aug. 24 Carroll County Agriculture Center 6:30 p.m.

Carrollton Guest speaker will be Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Cobb, who will be speaking on bird health and providing an update on the avian influenza virus. UGA poultry specialists will also be available to answer bird health questions. The meeting is sponsored by Georgia Poultry. there is no charge for the program which will be held at the Carroll County Agriculture Center located at 900 Newnan Road, Carrollton. Registration with refreshments begins at 6:30 p.m. To register, please call the Carroll County Extension Office at 770-836-8546 or email Richard Littleton at rlittle@uga.edu.

FEEDER CALF GRADING AND MARKETING SHORT COURSE Aug. 27 Carroll County Agriculture Center 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Carrollton This course will help local calf producers understand how to improve the health and marketability of their feeder calves. The cost to attend is $10. Refreshments will be provided.

For more details, please contact Richard Littleton or Paula Burke at 770-836-8546 or email Richard at rlittle@uga.edu to pre-register.

YOUNG, BEGINNING, SMALL AND MINORITY FARMERS WORKSHOP Aug. 28 University of West Georgia Coliseum 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Carrollton Sponsored by AGAware, this workshop is designed to assist young, beginning, small and minority farmers with developing a strong farm plan. Topics include income statements, applying for financing, preparing a business plan, risk management and federal government programs through the USDA, the Small Business Administration and other agencies. Lunch will be provided. For more information or to register visit http://tinyurl.com/agawarewkshp.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 14 AUG. 31 IS SALES CLOSING DATE FOR ONION CROP INSURANCE Onion growers have until Aug. 31 to purchase crop insurance in Georgia. This applies to crop insurance policies for onions in Appling, Bulloch, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Laurens, Long, Montgomery, Screven, Tattnall, Toombs, Treutlen, and Wayne counties. Growers need to buy, review, or modify their crop insurance policies before the sales closing date has passed.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at http://www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agent.html. Growers can also use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.

Learn more about crop insurance and the farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.

AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 17 Westbrook farm, UGA Griffin Campus 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Griffin This event, hosted by UGA Griffin every three years, will provide attendees with information on ways to increase the value of their land. Federal and state government agency officials and representatives of private business will provide management recommendations and demonstrate real-life techniques at this unique educational event, which features more than 30 topics, including wildlife openings, pond management, feral hog issues and many more. Continuing Education Credits (CEU) are available for several fields, including pesticide (several categories), forestry, loggers, arborist and wildlife. Registration is $25 prior to Sept. 3 ($30 after) and includes lunch. Pre-registrants will receive an Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day ball cap.

Field trip opportunity and special pricing is available for high school students. For more information or for registration information, visit www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.

UNION COUNTY TRACTOR SHOW AND PARADE Sept. 5 Union County Farmer’s Market Blairsville Come join in the fun! Union County Farm Bureau along with Union County Farmers Market will host the 6th Annual Tractor Show and Parade. Bring any type of tractor you have and enter it in our show and parade. The tractors can be old or new, used or antique, everything farm-related is welcome to show and be in the parade or remain at the Farmer’s Market for the public to view. If you don’t have a tractor, just come and watch the parade, look around and buy some produce or goods from the farmers. Those planning to enter the tractor show/parade should arrive by 8 am at the Farmer’s Market. Judging of the tractors will take place at 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Each participant in the tractor show will be given a t-shirt and several ribbons and other cash awards will be awarded. In addition to Union County Farm Bureau and Union County Farmer’s Market, other sponsors are: Union Realty, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Nelson’s Tractor, United Community Bank, Rick’s Rental and King Ford. For more information or questions, call Mickey Cummings at 706-781-8802, call Union County Farm Bureau at 706-7456962 or visit www.ucfarmersmarket.com.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 14 ANNIE’S PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR FARM WOMEN Dougherty County Extension, 125 Pine Ave., Suite 100, Albany Sept. 8 8:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 29 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Houston County Extension, 801 Main Street, Perry Sept. 8 8:15 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Sept. 15 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Annie’s Project is a three-day course designed especially for farm/ranch women. Sessions will combined lecture, discussion, individual and small group activities and software training.

Annie’s Project will also help women find new ways to balance the demands of family, community and professionalism within the agriculture community. There is no cost to attend, but participants must register by Sept. 2. Lunch will be provided each day. For more information or to register, contact the Dougherty County Extension at 229-436-7216 or the Houston County Extension at 478-987-2028.

FAREWELL RECEPTIONS FOR DEAN SCOTT ANGLE Sept. 10 John Hunt Lobby 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

UGA Tifton Campus Sept. 15 Stuckey Auditorium 3 p.m.-5 p.m. UGA Griffin Campus Sept. 16 UGA Hotel/Conf. Ctr. 4 p.m-6 pm.

Athens This series of receptions will honor Dean Scott Angle for his decade of service to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. RSVP to attend the reception of your choice at www.caes.uga.edu/events/farewell. Those interested are encouraged to consider making a gift to support The Deans’ Promise, an initiative created by Angle that supports opportunities and provides funding for CAES students to enrich their learning beyond the classroom. Gifts will go toward core areas of the initiative including internships, research, leadership, service learning and study abroad opportunities. Gifts may be made online at www.caes.uga.edu/events/farewell or checks made payable to “UGA Foundation” specified for “CAES Deans’ Promise” in the memo line may be mailed to: The University of Georgia CAES Office of External Relations 117 Four Towers Athens, GA 30602. A list of donors will be presented to Dean Angle on Sept. 16.

STARTING A NEW FOOD BUSINESS WORKSHOP Oct. 6-7 UGA Griffin Melton Building Griffin This workshop will provide information on producing safe and wholesome food products.

Presentations include food safety and sanitation, getting your product label reviewed, meeting Georgia Department of Agriculture and FDA regulations, recordkeeping and product traceback and choosing a co-packer or a shared kitchen. Registration is $150. The deadline to register is Sept. 10, and registration is limited to 40 participants.. To register online visit http://EFSonline.uga.edu. For more information, call 706-542-2574.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 14 20TH ANNUAL LUMBER CITY FARM DAY FESTIVAL Sept. 11 & 12 Downtown Lumber City Festival events begin Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. with a fish fry at the Lumber City American Legion on Hwy 341. The opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Main Street with entertainment by Old Souls of the South from Atlanta. Events on Sept 12 begin with breakfast at the Lumber City Methodist Church from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., followed by a 5K run/walk at 7:45 a.m. ($20 5K registration includes a free breakfast for all runners), a dog show at 9 a.m. and parade at 10 a.m.

Other events will include live stage entertainment, an amusement park, cakewalk, arts & crafts, and food vendors all day. A street dance will be held from 7-ll p.m. featuring the Soul Purpose Band from Atlanta, admission is free for all festival events except 5k. A community church service will be held Sunday at 9 a.m. on Main Street. For more info visit www.lumbercityfarmday.org or call 912-363-4341.

2015 GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR Sept. 15-17 Thomasville and surrounding area The 29th annual Georgia Peanut Tour brings the latest information on peanuts. Tour stops will be made in several peanut producing counties including Thomas, Grady, Decatur, Seminole and Early County. This year's tour includes on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, peanut processing facilities, and several special highlights which include research at the University of Georgia Research & Education Center in Attapulgus, Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing, FudgeBirdsong Peanuts Buying Point and Birdsong Peanuts shelling plant. Hotel accommodations can be made at the Best Western in Thomasville by calling 229-226-9998. Rooms are available at the rate of $101 for a single/double room and $115 for a suite. Once the Best Western is full, additional hotel accommodations can be made at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites by calling 229-226-4666. Be sure to ask for the Georgia Peanut Tour room block. To register online visit http://2015gpt.eventzilla.net/web/event?eventid=2139089481. To download a registration form, visit http://tinyurl.com/pnuttoursignup. Registration is $75 per person until Aug. 14 and $90 per person after Aug. 14.

2015 GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL APPLE PIE RECIPE CONTEST Oct. 10 Lions Club Fairgrounds 10 a.m.

Ellijay This annual contest is part of the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay. The 1st-place winner will receive $300 and a ribbon. The 2nd place winner will receive $100 and a ribbon. To enter, submit an entry form and the recipe (Attn: Recipe Contest) to the Gilmer Extension office in Ellijay. Only put your name (contestant name) on the back of the recipe, not on the front. All recipes must be received by noon on Sept. 18 and all recipes must use fresh Georgia apples.

Five finalists will be selected from the entries. There are no kitchen facilities available at the festival, so upon notification, final contestants will bring their prepared apple pie to the Lions Club Fairgrounds Oct. 10 by 9:45 a.m. Judging begins at 10 a.m. Eligibility rules apply. Only one entry per family and only one entry per person. Contestants must be 10 years old or older.

For more details or to get an entry form, call the Gilmer County Extension office at 706-6354426 or visit the office at 1123 Progress Road in Ellijay. Office hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The Georgia Apple Festival “recipe contest” is coordinated by the University of Georgia Gilmer County Extension office and sponsored by the Georgia Apple Festival in cooperation with the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Apples.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 14 TRAVELER'S REST PIONEER DAY Sept. 19 Traveler’s Rest State Historic site 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Toccoa The public is invited to join in this celebration of 200 years of history. Traveler's Rest Stagecoach Inn opened for business around 1815. All ages will enjoy the Pioneer era demonstrators, musicians, crafts, and samples of open-hearth cooking. Tour this historic inn, which still has some of the original family furnishings from the 1800's. Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site is located at 4339 Riverdale Road in Toccoa. For more information visit www.gastateparks.org/TravelersRest or call Tugaloo State Park at 706-356-4362. On Saturdays and Sundays call Travelers Rest Inn 706-886-2256 ENROLLMENT UNDERWAY FOR FARM BILL SAFETY NET PROGRAMS Farmers have until Sept. 30 to formally enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety-net programs for 2014 and 2015 according to a USDA press release. Farmers and producers had until April 7 to make a one-time choice of the program in which they would participate. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

AFBF FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE BULLETIN BOARD CONTEST The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s ag-themed bulletin board contest for teachers is open for submissions through Oct. 31. The winner receives a copy of “Farm a Month,” the Foundation’s activities kit about agriculture across America, plus the 12 books that accompany it. To enter, visit http://www.agfoundation.org/projects/bulletin-board-contest.

GFB News Alert page 13 of 14 ONGOING FARMERS MARKETS SHIELDS-ETHRIDGE HERITAGE FARM CULTIVATORS’ MARKET Sept. 19, Oct. 17 Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2355 Ethridge Rd. Jefferson Jackson County Farm Bureau (JCFB) is sponsoring this monthly open-air market that will allow local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell products they make or grow in a festival atmosphere. The market will include live music, games and exhibitions of farming practices to entertain and educate visitors as they shop. Each month’s market will have a different theme. Market will be held rain or shine. Please leave pets at home. The Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm is an outdoor ag museum that functions as an educational and interpretative facility. The farm is unique for its collection of intact historic buildings that exist in their original location and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from the market will be used for restoration projects at the farm. Vendors will be selected based on quality and originality of product according to the theme of homesteading practices. If you are interested in having a booth at the market, contact JCFB Office Manager Denise Temple at dftemple@gfb.org or call 706-367-8877 or visit www.shieldsethridgefarminc.com to complete an application online.

PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

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

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

HINESVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Downtown Hinesville This market, sponsored by the Liberty County Farm Bureau, offers customers fresh local produce and other farm items, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, specialty foods, prepared foods, and original crafts. Market is held in Bradwell Park on Commerce St. across from the Hinesville City Hall. To apply to be a vendor or for more information call the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority at 912-877-4332.

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

GFB News Alert page 14 of 14 ROCKDALE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Through Nov. 21 Tuesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon, Thursdays 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Rockdale County Extension office, 1400 Parker Road Conyers Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau manages this market with support from the Rockdale County Extension, set up to allow farmers to sell locally grown products directly to the public.

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

WHITE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays through Sept. 27 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Freedom Park near downtown square Cleveland White County Farm Bureau helps sponsor this market, where customers can shop for some of the freshest produce around while listening to local musicians. The market also features themed market days throughout the season with recipes, taste testing, and other fun events. For more information contact the White County Extension Office at 706-865-2832. Vendors can rent space at the market for $10 per Saturday. Vendors must be residents of White County and or adjacent counties and goods must be grown or locally made.

UNION COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET Saturdays through Oct. 31 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuesdays through Oct. 27 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

148 Old Smokey Road Blairsville This market, supported by the Union County Farm Bureau, offers locally grown produce, farmfresh eggs and meats, artisan cheeses, breads, jams, jellies, honey and other delicious prepared foods. The market also features handmade crafts such as pottery and paintings. Special event days are: Ramp (Wild Onion) Day May 9, Strawberry Day May 23, Greenbean Festival July 25 & Tractor Show/Parade Sept. 5. For more information contact Mickey Cummings or Kristy Peney at farmersmarket@uniongov.com