Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - February 10, 2016

February 10, 2016

www.gfb.org

Vol. 34 No. 6

FARMERS’ VOICES HEARD DURING GFB DAY AT THE CAPITOL Georgia Farm Bureau held another successful Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol on Feb. 4 as more than 500 GFB members traveled to Atlanta to meet with their state legislators and voice their concerns about ag issues and legislation impacting their farms.

The event kicked off with an orientation meeting at the Georgia Freight Depot where GFB President Gerald Long welcomed the group to Atlanta.

“Today is your opportunity to talk to your legislators and let them know what you think. As you talk to your elected officials, be sure to thank them for their help and tell them about our priority issues, not just today but when you see them on the streets back home,” Long said.

GFB’s priority issues for the 2016 General Session are: taxes and budget – specifically protecting the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) and the Conservation GFB President Gerald Long Use Value Assessment (CUVA) programs. GFB members (left) with Ga. House Speaker stressed that these programs help farmers remain David Ralston. competitive with farmers in surrounding states who have similar tax exemption programs and protect farmland from the threat of development; natural resources and environment issues – such as farmers’ right to use water on a timely basis to water crops and livestock. GFB members told legislators about new irrigation technology they are using on their farms to conserve water but expressed the need to use water in times of drought; animal agriculture – GFB members discussed the need for liability protection for livestock owners when they offer public access to their farms and the need for more food animal veterinarians in Georgia to care for livestock; and general ag issues such as ensuring new production methods remain available to farmers such as drones and genetically modified organisms.

After the orientation meeting, GFB members and leaders visited legislators at the Georgia Capitol. House Speaker David Ralston welcomed Long and the GFB vice presidents to the Georgia House where Rep. Darlene Taylor, Dist. 173, a member of the House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, introduced the GFB leaders.

Sen. John Wilkinson, chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, introduced the GFB leaders in the Senate where Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle welcomed the group.

Long addressed both the House and Senate, thanking the members of both chambers for the work they do on behalf of Georgia farmers and asking them to continue their support of Georgia -continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 12 -continued from previous page agriculture.

“Thank you for the support you provide agriculture,” Long said. “We [Farm Bureau members] want to be a resource for you [about ag issues], and we want to ask y’all to work with us as we address issues that impact agriculture.”

Long told the Senate that farmers are facing the lowest commodity prices they have in years, which makes tax programs like GATE and CUVA more important than ever to keep farms economically viable.

After visiting with state legislators at the capitol, GFB members hosted a lunch at the Georgia Depot for their legislators and other elected officials. Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black spoke.

Deal said his proposed budget includes an additional $1 million in funding for the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) to renovate state farmers markets and replace about 25 cars used by GDA employees who travel across the state with their jobs.

“As we see an evolution in how people think about their food and the way they get it, farmers markets are becoming more vital,” Deal said.

He said the state will continue efforts to guard Georgia’s poultry industry against the threat of avian influenza and commended the GDA and USDA poultry labs for efforts they are making to monitor the situation and develop contingency plans in the event of an outbreak.

“I am sure we will continue to be on guard because if we are not this major segment of our economy could be impacted,” Deal said.

Deal also spoke passionately for the need to improve the 139 Georgia schools classified as chronically failing schools because they have received failing grades on standardized tests for three consecutive years. He stressed the need to improve the quality of these schools so the communities the schools are located in can attract new businesses. He asked GFB members to consider voting for the Opportunity School District Initiative that will be on the state ballot in November.

“You may not live in a community that has a failing school but you are not immune to the consequences of crime that result from failing schools,” Deal said. “Education is many things but more than anything else it’s the great liberator. It liberates young people from the kinds of problems that may have plagued their families for a long time.”

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black asked county Farm Bureaus to encourage their local school boards to participate in the 20/20 Vision program the GDA is working on with the Georgia Department of Education. Black said the program aims to see that all meals served in school cafeterias include at least 20 percent Georgia Grown commodities.

“Being in schools is second nature to county Farm Bureaus with your ag education programs,” Black said. “It’s not going to be about the Georgia Department of Agriculture or Department of Education telling schools what to do but it’s about all county groups encouraging local school boards to participate in this program.”

GFB members have been traveling to Atlanta for GFB Day at the Capitol since 1983. The only year the event was not held was 2014 when it had to be canceled due to a predicted snowstorm.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 12 AG GROUPS DISSATISFIED WITH COTTONSEED DECISION Multiple agricultural groups expressed disappointment in Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s decision not to designate cottonseed as an oilseed, a move that would make cottonseed eligible for crop insurance programs under the 2014 farm bill. Ag stakeholder groups, including Georgia Farm Bureau, had requested the designation to mitigate the struggles U.S. cotton growers are experiencing in the face of continued low commodity prices.

Vilsack has made public statements that he did not have authority to make the designation and that the process of implementing it would be hindered by lack of available funds in the federal budget.

Ag stakeholders and members of the House Ag Committee have argued that Vilsack does have authority to act.

“Cotton prices have plummeted and continued periods of low demand are putting Georgia's cotton industry at risk,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long. “We are disappointed that the secretary has chosen not to use his authority to act. His failing to do so has left cotton producers in a very vulnerable state. Georgia Farm Bureau will continue working with our elected officials to seek a solution.”

According to the National Cotton Council, U.S. cotton acreage is at its lowest in 30 years, exports are at their lowest point in the last 15 years, and cotton prices are at their lowest since the 2009 recession. Meanwhile, cotton fiber is facing increasing competition with synthetic fibers and support programs in other cotton-producing countries is putting U.S. growers at a competitive disadvantage.

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) also expressed disappointment in the decision.

“A lot of cotton farmers are hurting across our nation,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, pointing out that the AFBF board voted to support an administrative declaration by Vilsack, in hopes of softening some of the economic pain cotton producers are feeling.

“While we are disappointed in the USDA ruling, AFBF stands ready to work with leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and other congressional ag leaders to explore ways to overcome the legal barriers USDA has cited,” Duvall said. “Cottonseed should be granted that designation and, short of reopening the farm bill, we will work to ensure that all possibilities are fully explored.”

More than 100 members of Congress had requested the designation.

“I am deeply disappointed in the Secretary’s decision because it jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of hard working farm families and the countless communities that depend on them,” House Ag Committee Chairman Michael Conaway (R-Texas) said. “These farm families and communities are left alone to face the predatory foreign trade practices of China, India, and other countries that are, according to the analysis of our own government, wreaking havoc on global cotton markets through heavy subsidies, tariffs, and non-tariff trade barriers.”

Added Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.), “I am perplexed and disappointed by recent reports that the USDA intends to deny this much needed assistance.”

Multiple stakeholder organizations have vowed to continue searching for solutions.

“While we are very disappointed in Secretary Vilsack’s indication that he will not designate cottonseed as an ‘other oilseed,’ we look forward to continuing to work with USDA and our congressional delegation find some relief for the cotton industry,” said Georgia Cotton Commission Chairman Mike Lucas.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 12 GFB HOSTS YOUNG FARMERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENT Georgia Farm Bureau hosted a two-day leadership development program for county Young Farmer Committee chairmen and co-chairs. The inaugural GFB 101 event began Feb. 3 at the GFB state office in Macon and continued in Atlanta that afternoon. The event ended with GFB Day at the Capitol on Feb. 4.

The event kicked off with an overview of GFB structure and member services. GFB President Gerald Long and GFB Federation staff addressed the group.

GFB Young Farmer Committee Chairman Will Cabe talked to the county young farmer chairmen about the importance of being involved in the GFB Young Farmer Program and opportunities the program offers.

Long thanked the young farmers for being involved in the organization and shared some advice he has received in his years with the organization.

“As leaders in your county Farm Bureaus you play an important role in our organization,” Long said. “You get out of life what you put into it and that includes your married life, your farm life and your Farm Bureau life. I know many of you wonder, ‘When will my time come to lead?’

It will come, and I thank you for being patient. As president, it’s my responsibility to meet with our legislators and represent you as farmers, but I will be no better spokesman than you allow me to be by advising me [on ag issues]. ” Program participants received an over view of GFB programs and services from Field Services Director Mike Copeland, as well as presentations from the GFB Member Services, Public Relations, Commodities and Field Services department on their areas of responsibility.

During the afternoon of Feb. 3, the young farmers met with GFB legislative staff members, toured the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the state capitol. Twenty-two young farmers from around the state participated.

YOUTH EQUINE CHAMPIONS HONORED AT STATE CAPITOL The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine (ACCE) hosted more than 100 youth who ride in equine competitions during Equine Youth Champions Day at the state capitol.

Six world champions were honored on the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives.

They were part of 109 students who had a group picture taken with Gov. Nathan Deal inside the state capitol building and were presented with certificates during lunch ceremonies at the Georgia Depot.

The ACCE also presented its annual Golden Saddle Awards, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the equine industry in Georgia. University of Georgia Equestrian Coach Meghan Boenig and former ACCE member John Clements were honored.

During the lunch ceremony, the equine group heard from Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long, Georgia State Veterinarian Robert Cobb and Boenig.

“You have a large responsibility,” Long said. “But with that comes a lot of challenges and a lot of opportunities.”

Cobb also spoke about opportunities.

“This is an opportunity for you to grow,” Cobb said. “I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You are our next generation of leaders.”

The equine youth also had a chance to interact with exhibitors at the event, including Khaliala Ward of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, representatives of Iron Horse, anequine training and therapy organization in North Fulton County, equine training and a representative from Wesleyan College.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 12 SOYBEAN, GRAIN GROWERS GET UPDATES ON RESEARCH More than 100 soybean growers and agribusinesses heard updates on the latest research, an economic outlook and an analysis of issues being discussed in Washington during the 2015 Soybean/Small Grain Expo, held Feb. 4 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.

Approximately a dozen exhibitors also gave growers information about the newest grainrelated products, from seed varieties to bin preparation and others, and the University of Georgia presented posters detailing the various research projects funded by the Georgia Soybean Commission.

Clemson University Extension Economist Dr. Nathan Smith provided the economic outlook, noting that while domestic demand has been consistent, multiple factors are resulting in diminished demand in export markets and consequently the commodity prices for small grains are down from previous years.

“We’re in what I call kind of a correction cycle,” Smith said. “We’ve had five years or so of good prices, but production has caught up with demand.”

American Farm Bureau Federation Deputy Chief Economist John Anderson gave an update on issues facing agriculture in Washington, including concerns about the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) program in the farm bill related to discrepancies between neighboring counties in terms of prices and production.

“It’s a really challenging environment for really all of our program crops,” Anderson said. “If you look at net farm income, that farm income in 2015 is down 53 percent from what it was just two years ago. That’s a massive change in fortune for the ag sector. It’s a situation that really tests the mechanisms we have in place now to help farmers deal with these kind of downturns.”

Anderson said that the number of ag issues tackled by Congress will depend heavily on the results of November elections.

“This year is going to be dominated by the elections – the election for president and the elections to see who is going to control the House and Senate. Folks in Washington are going to be pretty preoccupied by that,” Anderson said, though efforts to create a national standard for biotech labeling are underway. “In the absence of that what we’re going to get is an unbelievably complicated patchwork of labeling regulations. Not just at the state level or even the county level. Maybe in some cases we’ll even see regulations at the local level where these products are treated differently, and I think that would be a mess.”

UGA Associate Professor of Crop & Soil Sciences Dr. Zenglu Li presented the university's research in soybean breeding. These included improvement of soybean fatty acids, particularly soybeans with high oleic content and improvements in protein quality.

Georgia Seed Development Executive Director Dr. Roger Boerma presented information about the new soybean historical marker on Skidaway Island. The marker commemorates and details the introduction of soybeans to North America in the 1760s.

UGA Entomologist Dr. Michael Toews presented tips on preparing grain and grain bins for storage to prevent insect infestations.

Dr. Christina Cowger of the USDA's Agricultural Research Service presented information about fusarium head blight on small grains. Cowger said fusarium attacks wheat, barley, oats, rye and corn, as well as carnations. Grain plants are particularly susceptible to it when rains occur in the two weeks prior to flowering, and the infections occur when flowering begins. She also noted that www.scabsmart.org provides growers with a resource for managing the disease in their crops.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 12 MOST GA VEGETABLE CROPS MADE BIG GAINS IN 2015 Georgia growers of 10 vegetable crops saw big production gains from 2014 to 2015, according to a report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), and overall the value of Georgia’s vegetable crop was $470 million, an increase of 16 percent.

Georgia watermelon growers improved their average yield by 20 hundredweight per acre, resulting in a 7 percent production increase, from 5.13 million hundredweight in 2014 to 5.51 million hundredweight in 2015.

The state’s sweet corn growers boosted production by 24 percent, from 2.912 million hundredweight in 2014 to 3.598 hundredweight in 2015, due in large part to an increase of harvested area by 18,000 acres.

The state’s onion growers produced 2.7 million hundredweight in 2015, up four percent from 2014 (2.6 million hundredweight).

Georgia’s cucumber growers made the biggest gain in terms of percentage, from just over 1 million hundredweight in 2014 to 1.725 million hundredweight in 2015, a 71 percent increase that resulted from an increase in yields by 95 hundredweight per acre.

The state’s bell pepper production improved by 26 percent, from 798,000 hundredweight in 2014 to just over 1 million hundredweight in 2015, the result of a 70 hundredweight per acre increase in yield.

With an increase in acreage of 4,000 acres, Georgia tomato production jumped by 60 percent in Georgia, from 575,000 hundredweight in 2014 to 918,000 hundredweight in 2015.

Georgia’s snap bean production improved from 392,000 hundredweight in 2014 to 515,000 hundredweight in 2015, an increase of 31 percent. Cantaloupe production was up 27 percent, from 396,000 hundredweight in 2014 to 504,000 hundredweight in 2015 despite a slight reduction in acreage.

The state’s production of cabbage and squash declined in 2015. Cabbage production dropped from 1.6 million hundredweight in 2014 to 1.26 million hundredweight in 2015, while squash production fell from 480,000 hundredweight in 2014 to 420,000 hundredweight in 2015.

USDA ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR AG IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAMS The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced more than $850,000 in available funding to support the Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom (SPECA) Challenge Grants Program. These grants will help ensure that a competent and qualified workforce will exist to serve the food, agricultural, natural resource, and human (FANH) sciences system.

The purpose of NIFA’s SPECA Challenge Grants Program is to address educational needs, as determined by each institution, within a broadly defined arena of food and agricultural sciencesrelated disciplines.

The goals of this program are to enhance the quality of K-12 instruction in order to help meet current and future FANH sciences workplace needs and to increase the numbers and diversity of students who will pursue and complete a 2- or 4-year degree in the FANH sciences. These projects should encourage academic institutions, in partnership with organizations and employers, to work collectively to identify and address a state or regional challenge or opportunity facing the FANH sciences education and workforce community.

Applications are due March 18. Visit http://is.gd/uD0kQv to see the request for applications for specific program requirements.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 12 AMERICAN PECAN BOARD PROVIDES UPDATE ON FMO The American Pecan Board has posted an update on efforts to implement a federal marketing order (FMO) for pecans on its website, including a request for financial assistance to finish the process.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released his preliminary recommendation in late October. The release in the Federal Register was based on the testimony of 55 witnesses who supported the need for increased demand for pecans and who demonstrated to USDA that a marketing order is one of the best tools to achieve that goal for the industry.

Following the USDA’s recommendation, the law requires a period of public comment. During that time period, which has ended, no public comments were made. Therefore, no new evidence was presented to USDA that should substantially alter the order published in the Federal Register in October. A final rule from USDA should be forthcoming any day now.

After the USDA issues its final rule, the next step is the calling by USDA of a Referendum where pecan growers have the opportunity to vote on the acceptance of the FMO. According to the expedited schedule initiated by USDA, this vote can take place as early as the first quarter of this year. A favorable vote by growers will cause the process to proceed to the next step, the selection of 17 persons as members of an administrative body, the American Pecan Council.

At the beginning of the process, the American Pecan Board asked for financial contributions from the pecan industry to help support the necessary expenses associated with the industry-wide effort. Generous contributions came in from across the pecan belt from growers, shellers, and vendors. Cash donations amounted to almost $200,000. The nine-member American Pecan Board, all volunteers, contributed their out-of-pocket expenses of another $114,000. During all of last year, APB’s attorneys contributed pro bono their time to the tune of $944,000. Lastly, the APB board volunteered their time in travel, preparations, speaking engagements, and meetings that totaled over 250 days.

Stakeholders have demonstrated support for the FMO, believing it to be important to the future of the industry.

According to the APB statement, the multi-month effort, particularly during the hearing process, has rendered APB’s bank account almost depleted. The APB Board understands that it has come a long way toward achieving the goal, but there is work left to do. Finishing will take additional funds. Two specific tasks that will require money are expenses associated with the grower referendum and the Council Selection process. Therefore, the APB Board is asking pecan stakeholders for additional financial help. If willing and able, please send a contribution to support the effort to: The American Pecan Board, 10600 State Hwy 21 E, Caldwell, Texas 77836. The APB is classified by the IRS as a 501(c) 6 organization; therefore, the contribution is deductible as a business expense.

The APB is encouraged by the positive support and cooperation by all segments of the industry. “Pulling in the same direction” will result in a common goal of increasing demand for pecans. The recent television ads by the California Walnut Board are examples of what a wellfunded industry can do to move the demand needle forward. The future is bright for pecans.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 12 MANAGING CROP STRESS KEY TOPIC AT CORN SHORT COURSE Georgia corn producers received tips on how to improve efficiency through reducing stress on their crops during the annual Georgia Corn Short Course, held on Feb. 2 in Tifton.

“What I am looking for, for all of the producers, is that they are just going to learn a little bit more about not only the crop production aspect of it and the efficiency but really how to prevent stress,” said UGA Extension Grains Agronomist Dr. Dewey Lee. “One of the most important aspects of growing corn in Georgia is simply reducing stress and the effects of stress.”

Georgia corn producers have seen a tremendous growth in yields over the years and a large part of that growth can be attributed to the work being done by UGA Research, the Georgia Corn Growers Association, the Georgia Corn Commission and many others. The Corn Short Course is an event through which the research information is shared with farmers.

A key area of focus is water stress, regarding how much water is delivered and how well the soil retains water.

Iowa State University Corn and Soybean Physiologist Mark Westgate spoke at the conference, praising Georgia corn growers for the advances they’ve made in their yields.

“Iowa is blessed with some deep soils and good rainfall, so growing corn is what we are pretty good at there,” Westgate said. “Here in Georgia the growers are challenged with shallow soils, not much water or nutrient holding capacity in those soils and boy they have a lot of pressures from insects and diseases. So growing a high yielding crop is a major challenge and accomplishment.”

Like a number of other major field crops, commodity prices for corn have presented farmers with financial stress to go along with the environmental stresses they face.

“Unfortunately last year probably was a year that asked more questions than we had answers to answer,” said Macon County Farm Bureau Legislative Chairman Donald Chase. “So we have been coming every year and it’s good information, gives us something to think about and hopefully some of those questions we had last year we can answer now.”

GFB News Alert page 9 of 12 GEORGIA FARM BUSINESS EDUCATION CONFERENCE Feb. 25 UGA Conference Center 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tifton The UGA Small Business Development Center, a unit of Public Service and Outreach, along with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative Extension will host this conference, which features UGA experts who will discuss topics including cash flow, agritourism and exports. The program is designed with an eye toward a variety of needs for a wide range of businesses related to agriculture. The cost to attend is $49 for those who register before Feb. 12 and $69 after that. For more information or to register, visit http://www.georgiasbdc.org/georgia-farm-business-education-conference.

GEORGIA PORK CONGRESS Feb. 16 Georgia Farm Bureau 2 p.m.

Macon The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2017 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 2 p.m. in conjunction with a meeting of the Georgia Pork Producers Association. This meeting will immediately follow the 2016 Georgia Pork Congress that will start at 8 a.m. at the GFB Building. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend.

Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving that hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was deducted. For more information, contact Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818 or call 229-246-8297.

BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING Feb. 16 Holiday Inn Express, 1502 Sam Nunn Blvd.

Meeting begins at 1 p.m. Call 229-469-4038 to RSVP or for more information.

Perry

FOOD EXPORT 101 SEMINAR Feb. 16 Ga. Dept. of Economic Development, 75 5th St. NW Atlanta This seminar, organized by the Southern U.S. Trade Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, begins at 9 a.m. Topics include USDA export programs and funds, state export assistance and trade offices, export readiness and others. For more information or to register contact Kristin Core (504-569-5986 or Kristin@susta.org) or Shehzin Jafar (404-9624036 or sjafar@georgia.org).

LONGLEAF ACADEMY: LONGLEAF 101 Feb. 16-19 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The Longleaf Alliance offers this three-day short course, an in-depth classroom and field instruction in “all things longleaf”. The intent is to better prepare landowners and natural resource professionals to address management problems specific to longleaf forests and to create a uniformly well-informed network of longleaf managers to extend the reach of The Longleaf Alliance. Cost is $150 per participant and includes registration fee, materials and lunches Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information or to register contact Ryan Mitchell at ryan@longleafalliance.org or 334-427-1029 or Casey White at Office@longleafalliance.org.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 12 GEORGIA AG FORECAST Feb. 17 Unicoi State Park Cleveland This meeting was originally scheduled for Jan. 22 and was postponed due to inclement weather.

The series is supported by an endowment from Georgia Farm Bureau with support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. The keynote topic will be a discussion of sales tax distribution patterns and how tax reform programs, such as the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) and the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT), have affected Georgia counties. A study released by UGA earlier this year shows GATE has had little impact on most counties. UGA economists will also provide an economic outlook for 2016.

Check-in begins at 9 a.m. with seminars starting at 10 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $30 per person or $200 for a table of eight. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.georgiaagforecast.com, call 706-583-0347 or email carlam@uga.edu. Follow the meetings on Facebook.com/UGACAES or on Twitter @UGA_CollegeofAg and join the conversation with #AgForecast.

UGA CAES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS March 1 Nominations due These awards recognize alumni who have made significant contributions and have achieved excellence in their chosen field and/or in their community. There are two awards – The Young Alumni Achievement Award, which recognizes CAES alumni who are 35 years old or younger, and the Award of Excellence, which recognizes extraordinary CAES alumni ages 35 and older.

The awards will be presented at the associations awards banquet in the fall. To submit a nomination visit http://tinyurl.com/CAESnoms or send an email to asg@uga.edu.

AG AWARENESS DAY IN GEORGIA March 15 Georgia Depot Atlanta Gov. Nathan Deal and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black will host this event. Exhibits, food and entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. The program starts at 12:30 p.m. and includes the announcements of the Sunbelt Expo Georgia Farmer of the Year and winners in the Flavor of Georgia Food Contest. For more information contact Steven Meeks by phone at 912-207-0813 or by email at steven@fmrburchfarms.com or meekss@me.com.

PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 19 Town Square Blakely This all- day event kicks off with a 5k and Fun Run and ends with a street dance. In-between is a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids' zone and an obstacle course, and free entertainment. For more information or schedule of events, please visit www.peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut Proud Festival Facebook page. Contact Marcie Justice Williams at marciejustice@yahoo.com or Mike Newberry at Hillside1007@yahoo.com or 229-254-1007.

2015 SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SEMINAR March 26 Gwinnett Technical College, Building 100 Lawrenceville Led by various university, government and industry experts, land owners will learn about sustainable farming techniques, available federal and state funding programs, marketing strategies and more. The meeting is hosted by the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation & Development Council. Early registration is available online at http://conta.cc/1jxi9tr or by calling 678-375-9518.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 12 USING HERBICIDES WISELY TRAINING Feb. 22 Turner County Civic Center 9 a.m.

Ashburn To RSVP call 229-567-3448 Feb. 22 Satilla REMC 2 p.m.

Alma To RSVP call 912-632-5601 Feb. 23 Marise’s Restaurant 9 a.m.

Vienna To RSVP call 229-268-4171 Feb. 23 Brooks County Ag Annex 9 a.m.

Quitman To RSVP call 229-263-4103 Feb. 23 Middle Ga. State Univ. Aviation School 2 p.m.

Eastman To RSVP call 478-374-8137 Feb. 23 Mitchell County Ag Center 2 p.m.

Camilla To RSVP call 229-336-2066 Feb. 29 Early County Ag Center 9 a.m.

Blakely To RSVP call 229-723-3072 Feb. 29 Vidalia Onion Research Farm 9 a.m.

Lyons To RSVP call 912-526-3101 Feb. 29 Terrell County 4-H Pavilion 2 p.m.

Dawson To RSVP call 229-995-2165 Feb. 29 Screven County Extension 2 p.m.

Sylvania To RSVP call 912-564-2064 March 1 Washington County Ag Center 9 a.m.

Tennille To RSVP call 478-552-2011 March 1 Gordon County Ag Service Center 9 a.m.

Calhoun To RSVP call 706-629-8685 March 1 Varner 4-H Center 2 p.m.

Swainsboro To RSVP call 478-237-1226 March 1 Jackson EMC 4 p.m.

Hull To RSVP call 706-795-2281 Georgia growers will be required to attend this training prior to making applications of dicamba to dicamba-tolerant cotton or soybeans or 2,4-D to 2,4-D tolerant cotton or soybeans. This training, conducted by the University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, will focus on wise decisions when applying not only dicamba and 2,4-D but all pesticides. For more information contact a local county Extension office.

MONSANTO SCHOOL DISTRICT GRANTS April 1 deadline for nominations Farmers in 34 Georgia counties have until April 1 to nominate a public school district for grants of $10,000 or $25,000 from Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Fund.

Nominated school districts have until April 15 to submit applications. The grants are intended to help school districts fund math and science projects to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum and prepare students for technology-driven careers.

Eligible counties are Appling, Baker, Berrien, Bleckley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dooly, Early, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Sumter, Tattnall, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Wilcox and Worth. Visit www.growruraleducation.com or call 1-877-267-3332 to submit a nomination.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 12 GA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FEED MY SCHOOL FOR A WEEK April 3 deadline to apply The Department of Agriculture is now accepting new applications for school districts interested in participating in this year’s “Feed My School for a Week” program in Georgia. Feed My School first launched in 2011 with a goal to help bridge the gap in the nutritional value and quality of food served in Georgia schools, while providing more farm to cafeteria opportunities.

Applications can be found at www.feedmyschool.com and will be due by April 3. If you are interested in nominating your school for the program, please have your nutritional director apply online or contact Misty Friedman at Misty.Friedman@agr.georgia.gov.

2016 GRASSFED EXCHANGE CONFERENCE April 27-29 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry This event features a dozen speakers on topics pertaining to grassfed beef production, as well as producer tours at three Georgia grassfed livestock operations and the UGA Experiment Station 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.