INSPIRATION, BELONGING ON DISPLAY AT YF&R CONFERENCE
Whether it was inspiration from keynote speaker Amberley Snyder, practical advice on succession planning or sharing fellowship with farm and ranch peers from around the state, attendees at the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference found a sense of belonging.
The conference, held July 16-19 on Jekyll Island, operated with the theme, “Where You Belong.”
During the opening session on July 17, GFB President Tom McCall thanked the young farmers and ranchers for taking time to attend and emphasized that the organization needs their involvement to continue carrying out its mission of influencing legislators to affect public policy.
“On our trip to D.C., those folks up there listen to y’all,” McCall said. “Y’all are the ones in a position to influence what happens on farms. We want you to get involved. Get in touch with your county’s legislative committee chair. We need you on that legislative committee.”
Professional rodeo cowgirl Snyder inspired the Netflix movie “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” She provided the keynote address at the opening session, sharing her experiences, observations and motivations as she has transitioned into life as a paraplegic following a 2010 vehicle accident.
Her journey from the accident to winning a national championship as a barrel racer has taken her from relearning basic life skills, adjusting to new ways to get on and ride a horse and driving a pickup adapted with a complete array of hand controls.
She’s also dated, gotten married, zip-lined in her wheelchair, paraglided, written a book and produced the movie. At every step, there have been people who helped her see a way through.
Snyder competes on an elite level as a barrel racer. Her time of 15.3 seconds at RFD-TV’s The American Rodeo was just 0.6 seconds off the winning time.
“There will be experiences in all of our lives when we need help,” Snyder said. “Just because I had to have help doesn’t lessen my achievements.”
Snyder emphasized a handful of key points.
She shared her thoughts on overcoming obstacles.
“We don’t get to choose our obstacles, but we do get to choose how we will handle them,” she -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page said. “When you come to a limit you think you have, take one more step.”
She talked about looking around periodically while pursuing her life’s passions.
“Sometimes we get so focused on where we’re going that we forget to enjoy the view,” Snyder said.
Snyder emphasized that whatever a person’s journey is, progress is a reward that can keep them going.
“We get to decide what we’re capable of. There is no future in giving up,” she said.
To learn more about Snyder, visit https://amberleysnyder.org/.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) President Dr. Tracy Brundage shared the Tifton school’s value, noting that the ABAC YF&R Club is one of the most active groups on campus and encouraged attendees to absorb all they could.
“I hope you leave here with a full heart,” Brundage said. “You’re not just the future of agriculture. You’re the heart of it.”
Following a networking luncheon on July 18, attendees participated in a live recording of GFB’s “Growing On” podcast, which featured YF&R Committee member Garrett Hurley and attorney Taylor Broun of James, Bates, Brannen, Groover. Their discussion centered on succession planning and the perils of not doing it well or not doing it at all.
The young farmers and ranchers teamed up for a service project, packing more than 13,000 meals for distribution at a local food bank. They learned about GFB’s organizational structure through meetings with district YF&R chairs and district federation managers, as well as a breakout session on the opportunities available to them through the YF&R program. And they had chances to socialize at the annual fish fry at Great Dunes Park on July 17 and an evening social on July 18.
The conference also provided educational opportunities, with six different breakout sessions on the agenda. On July 18, attendees were treated to presentations on agricultural education tools from Georgia Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting System. Another session called “Weathering the Storm” looked at mental wellness on the farm, and a third, “Conflict Resolution: Turning Tension into Teamwork,” helped attendees identify personal approaches to conflict resolution.
On July 19, Dr. Dennis Holder, a Macon-based emergency medical physician, walk attendees through a variety of farm-related injuries and how to avoid them. The Georgia Farms Fund presented information about its program to help young and beginning farmers gain access to land. A final session, titled “Rooted in Opportunity: A Panel of Young Voices in Ag,” involved GFB competitive event winners and staff sharing the organization’s purpose and the numerous ways young farmers and ranchers can get involved.
Screven County Farm Bureau was recognized for having the most attendees, with 17, and GFB District 2 in Northeast Georgia was recognized for the highest district attendance with 52.
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PRIDGEN, SCRUGGS & SIZEMORE WIN TOP PRIZES IN YF&R CONTESTS
Walt Pridgen, Haley Scruggs and Kylie Sizemore won state honors in Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers competitive events held during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island July 16-19.
Pridgen, from Coffee County, won the YF&R Achievement Award, given to recognize those for whom farming is their primary source of income. Scruggs, from Bibb County, won the Excellence in Agriculture Award, which honors agriculturalists whose income is derived mostly from other sources. Sizemore, from Franklin County, won the YF&R Discussion Meet, a series of committee-style dialogues focusing on agricultural themes.
Torrie Reed of Gilmer County won the Collegiate Discussion Meet. She will receive an expensepaid trip to compete in the American Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet at the AFBF YF&R Conference in Portland, Oregon, next March.
Conference attendees chose a photo by Chase Berry of Newton County as the winner in the 2025 GFB Photo Contest. Berry's photo will be featured on the cover of the 2026 GFB YF&R calendar, and he receives $150.
As state winners, Pridgen, Scruggs and Sizemore will each receive a John Deere Gator, a $500 cash prize and an expense-paid trip to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, in January to compete for national honors. All prizes are courtesy of GFB.
Pridgen was chosen by judges to receive the Achievement Award over finalists Allie Andrews of Lamar County and Toni Gaines of Bartow County. As finalists, Andrews and Gaines each received a $500 cash prize courtesy of GFB.
Pridgen is a fifth-generation farmer who owns and operates Seven Creeks Farm and partners with his father, Jeffrey, to operate Claw Hill Farms. Walt raises broilers (chicken grown for meat) and cattle, and grows hay and corn for feed. He has a bachelor’s degree in diversified agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, live in Broxton. Andrews and her husband, Luke, raise cattle and poultry while growing hay on approximately 250 acres. Their farm, Rainbow Farms, hosts summer farm camps. They live near Barnesville with their three children.
Gaines operates Gaines Beef, which she established in 2024, selling beef directly to the public. She and her husband, Clay, live in Taylorsville, where her husband's family runs Gaines Cattle. Scruggs was selected by judges to receive the Excellence in Agriculture Award over finalists Tyson and Anna Strickland of Madison County and Ashley Smith of Coffee County. As finalists, the Stricklands and Smith received $500 courtesy of GFB.
Scruggs, who serves as president of Bibb County Farm Bureau, helps run her family’s farm, producing pecans, hay and choose-and-cut Christmas trees on approximately 80 acres. Scruggs works as a nurse practitioner specializing in vascular surgery. She and her husband, Seth, live in Macon.
Anna and Tyson Strickland both serve on the Madison County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Anna as chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee. She also serves on the GFB Women's Leadership Committee. She served as president and CEO of the Madison County Chamber of -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page Commerce, while Tyson works as a veterinarian and runs Custom Livestock Solutions, which offers a full slate of herd management and business support for livestock owners. The Stricklands live in Comer.
Ashley Smith works with UGA Cooperative Extension as an agriculture and natural resources agent in Coffee County, where she assists local farmers with production challenges they face.
Sizemore emerged from a field of 24 competitors to win the Discussion Meet. In the final round, she faced off with Josh Daniel of Madison County, Bristol Peterson of Wilcox County and Abbey Aycock of Oglethorpe County. Daniel, Peterson and Aycock each received $350 as finalists in the competition.
In the first round on July 17, Discussion Meet participants talked about strategies to ensure Farm Bureau members are fully informed about the organization’s benefits. In round two on July 17, the conversations centered on how Farm Bureau can promote responsible growth while preserving the agrarian way of life. In the round of 16 on July 18, competitors mulled over farmers’ and ranchers’ role in advancing environmental stewardship while balancing the needs of their farms.
The final four round, also on July 18, centered on how Farm Bureau can leverage digital engagement to connect members with elected officials.
AG-RELATED STATE LAWS TAKE EFFECT; AG ISSUES SUMMIT SET FOR AUG. 21
On July 1, a number of bills passed by the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp went into effect, including legislation dealing with truck weights, pesticide labeling, the veterinary loan repayment program, water metering and others.
With the General Assembly out of session until January 2026, House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella) and Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Homerville) will host the annual Joint Chairmen’s Ag Issues Summit at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter on Aug. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include discussions on issues relevant to agriculture and will provide insight from various leaders in the industry. Doors open at 9 a.m. for networking.
Aug. 8 is the deadline to RSVP for the free meal included with the program. To RSVP, please send the full name, organization and telephone number for each attendee to Rachel Whitted at Rachel.Whitted@senate.ga.gov. Georgia Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor this event along with other Georgia ag organizations.
A run-down of ag bills that took effect on July 1.
House Bill 164 (truck weights) removes the sunset provision on truck weights legislation passed in 2023, making permanent the provision allowing up to 88,000 pounds to be transported. Prior to 2023, the limit was set at 84,000 pounds. Goodman said this put Georgia at the same weight limit as bordering states and saves money by reducing the number of trips for farmers who ship their products across state lines.
Senate Bill 144 (pesticide labeling) clarifies that a chemical manufacturer has fulfilled their -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page duty to warn consumers of risk associated with the product if the product meets Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) standards set forth by the EPA, shielding the manufacturer from failure-to-warn lawsuits as long as the product meets the labeling requirements.
HB 172 (vet loan repayment), increases the total amount a recent veterinary school graduate can receive, from $80,000 over four years to $90,000 over three years.
HB 143 (water metering) relieves farmers of the responsibility of installing sufficient infrastructure for state-funded meters to be installed by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) if the EPD attempts to put in a meter and determines there is insufficient infrastructure to complete the installation. The bill will authorize EPD staff to undertake maintenance and new meter installation in specific cases.
HB 358 (military installations) defines what constitutes military installation for the purposes of Georgia law prohibiting ownership of agricultural land close to military installations. From the bill: ‘Military installation’ means a facility owned and operated by the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, or Coast Guard that shelters military equipment and personnel and facilitates training and operations for such organizations.
HB 614 (fireworks near equines) allows local governments to limit the use or ignition of consumer fireworks in proximity to certain facilities housing equines
SB 105 (veterinary telemedicine) authorizes licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians to practice veterinary teleadvice, veterinary teletriage and telemedicine under certain circumstances. The bill also provides for the regulation of veterinary telemedicine.
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU ACCEPTING HAY CONTEST ENTRIES UNTIL OCT. 31
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members who grow any variety of dry Bermudagrass hay have until Oct. 31 to enter the organization’s 34th Annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer wheel rake for one year. The winner will have the option to buy the equipment at a reduced price at the end of that year. This is the 27th year that Vermeer has sponsored GFB’s hay contest.
Hay entered in the 2025 GFB Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of hay.
Additional prizes will be awarded to the top five producers. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention.
Entry forms and complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest . You may also contact the GFB Public Policy Department at 1-800-342-1192 if you have any questions about the contest.
Important rules to note include: Only hay grown in Georgia by a GFB member is eligible; hay samples must be taken from fields with a minimum maturity or regrowth of at least 25 days to ensure fair competition; hay must have been dried in the field and should not be artificially dried -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page by fans or forced air in a barn; forage samples must be a core sample collected with a hay probe. Contact your county UGA Cooperative Extension office for assistance if needed. Any samples with moisture above 18% or nitrates above 4500ppm will be disqualified.
There is a $25 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau.
Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the 2025/26 online GFB Hay Directory available at https://www.gfb.org/join/hay
Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time.
If you aren’t a Farm Bureau member, you may join at the county Farm Bureau office of your choice or at https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today .
Previous first place winners are not eligible to win any prize category for a period of five years from the year they won the contest. A previous first place winner may enter his/her hay sample for the purpose of having it officially graded. Any producer submitting more than one sample can only place in the Top 5 with one sample – their highest scored sample – but will receive analysis for all submitted samples.
GFB’s annual hay contest encourages quality hay production, which leads to higher quality livestock and more return to Georgia hay producers. Producers who have their hay tested every year can see improvements they make in managing their hay fields by looking at multi-year analysis. RFQ is the best method to compare forages. RFQ provides a number that gives producers a measure of the digestible nutrient content in their hay.
Fully mature alfalfa is given a base point of 100. Since the base price for hay sales and auctions in many parts of the world is the value of poor-quality alfalfa, RFQ provides a mechanism for indexing quality to value.
RFQ for Bermudagrass in Georgia typically ranges from 75 to 120 or higher. If a hay producer sells their hay based on its RFQ, a higher price can be demanded for the higher quality. Livestock producers are more likely to pay these premiums as this hay will yield higher weight gains and require fewer supplements. With quality in mind, it is a good management practice to test your hay after baling. RFQ and other analytical data can help you manage potential problems with moisture, nitrates or poor digestibility, especially in years with adverse weather.
HAMILTON REPRESENTS GA IN SUNBELT EXPO SOUTHEASTERN FARMER CONTEST
Kent Hamilton, a Colquitt County vegetable producer and CEO of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc., is the 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo Georgia Farmer of the Year.
Hamilton and farmers from six other states are vying to be selected this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. He and the Sunbelt Ag Expo farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia will be honored during a lunch on opening day of Sunbelt Expo on Oct. 14 in Moultrie. The overall winner will be announced at the lunch. Southern Valley, based in Norman Park, grows green beans, cabbage, trellis cucumbers, a variety -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page of peppers and squash, sweet corn, trellis pickles and eggplant. The family-owned farm also owns 100 head of cows. The farm cultivates more than 8,500 acres in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
“I started farming 38 years ago with my uncle and my late brother, Kirk, in a row crop operation centered on cotton, peanuts, and tobacco,” Hamilton said “Over time, we’ve strategically changed our focus to vegetables and expanded to ensure year-round productivity and to grow crops in regions with favorable seasonal climates.”
Hamilton’s brother died in a farming accident during their first year of farming and their father, Benny, died not long after. Hamilton’s mother, Wanda, who just died in June, joined forces with him and together they nurtured what would become a well-respected name in fresh produce.
“Strong leadership has been essential in overcoming challenges. What began with my mother and aunt as first-generation leaders has transitioned to the second generation of my cousins and me, who continue to guide the business forward,” Kent said. “Alongside us are our children who constitute the present and the future. It is a family-operated corporation that’s spent generations growing, packing, and shipping fresh produce with care, integrity, and heart.”
Southern Valley maintains direct relationships with customers across retail, wholesale, and food service channels. All sales and marketing operations are managed in-house, allowing full control over the brand and customer experience.
“We’re a fully integrated business – from seed to shelf – beginning with growing in our greenhouses and harvesting from our fields to employing our own labor force, operating our own packing facilities, and using our own trucking companies to ensure timely and efficient distribution to final destinations,” Hamilton said.
Their vegetables are grown on plastic beds with drip tape irrigation, which helps conserve water and boost yields. Cucumbers are pole-grown for better plant health and productivity.
“By planting more cover crops and rotating fields, we protect the soil and allow nutrients to rebuild naturally,” Hamilton said. “We are increasingly using biological products to promote healthier soil and reduce reliance on harsh chemical pesticides. This method protects beneficial insects and wildlife and helps to create and maintain a balanced ecosystem,”
Southern Valley has prioritized data-driven decision making into its management process by leveraging tools like PowerBI, which has reduced stress, improved operational efficiency, and boosted profitability, Hamilton said.
About 10 years ago, Southern Valley partnered with Pratt Industries, the world’s largest, privately held 100% recycled paper and packing company. The farm buys thousands of tons of recycled paper per year, saving over 100,000 trees annually and preventing thousands of cubic yards of landfill growth.
The farm’s Georgia location has a packing house of about 250,000 sq. ft. equipped with a rapid post-harvest cooling system. Food safety protocols and industry best practices are used at every farm. Southern Valley is PrimusGFS certified, with third-party audits conducted regularly, and -continued on next page
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SMETA certified, reflecting the farm’s commitment to sustainability and ethical labor practices.
Southern Valley has navigated its share of obstacles over the last four decades, from labor shortages to crop diseases to H2A program challenges. The farm currently hires 750 H2A seasonal workers in Georgia, 200 in Tennessee, 150 in Florida, and 800 in Mexico.
Hamilton gives his wife, Pam, credit for being the rock of the family and teaching their children a strong work ethic, the importance of respect, and how to build positive relationships.
Their daughter, Courtney Hamilton Griffin, is the farm’s director of operational support. She oversees all departments, contributes to marketing initiatives, and has input on important farming funding. Their son Austin serves as the director of agriculture for the company, overseeing all farming operations at every location and is tasked with maximizing crop yields and ensuring optimal performance at each site. Son Presley is the head of purchasing and maintenance, supervising all repair and maintenance activities at the main farm shop and packing shed in Georgia, as well as being responsible for preparing and dispatching equipment to the satellite farm locations. Presley also handles procuring essential inputs.
Kent is the current Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association president, helping to advocate for produce growers
“I don’t see myself ever fully retiring, but I would like to eventually slow down a little. Farming has taught me that there are more things out of my control than are in my control. No matter how bad things can get, there are always better times ahead,” Kent said. “God sees to that balance. And those good times are to be enjoyed with family and loved ones. Solomon wrote about the brevity of life and, as I observe its cycles through farming, I have to concur. I know that simply getting up every morning and going to work is a privilege and a blessing.”
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension coordinates the selection of the Georgia Expo Farmer of the Year. Colquitt County Extension Coordinator Jeremy Kichler nominated Hamilton for the Georgia Farmer of the Year award.
“Kent and his family are a staple in the vegetable industry and in the local community. This third-generation farm started as an 80-acre operation 37 years ago and has grown exponentially,” Kilcher said “Kent, his family members, his entire staff, and their workers are truly the ‘Best of the Best’ and richly deserve this honor.”
A panel of judges will visit Hamilton and the farms of the other state finalists, the week of August 5–8. The judges include John McKissick, retired UGA ag economist, Charles Ed Snipes, retired Mississippi State University weed scientist, and Kevin Morgan, retired executive assistant to the Florida Farm Bureau president. Judges typically serve for three years before rotating off the team.
The other state Sunbelt Expo Farmers of the Year are: Alabama’s Dr. Issac “Nealy” Barrett, Jr., a veterinarian who runs an integrated cattle operation with four entities that grow hay/haylage, maintain a cow/calf herd, run stockers, retain ownership of cattle with feedlots and grazing partners and sell beef directly to customers; Jeremy Allen, of Arkansas, who produces cattle and hay, and has livestock feed and trucking businesses; Florida’s Jim Alderman, who grows a variety of vegetables organically and herbs conventionally along with raising cattle; North Carolina’s David -continued on next page
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“Harrell” Overman, who raises field corn and soybeans and sweet potatoes and also raises hogs for Smithfield Foods; South Carolina’s Jeff Wilson, who grows cotton, rye, rye straw, strawberries, green beans, tomatoes, okra, cucurbits, peaches, cantaloupes, watermelons, sweet corn, cut flowers, pumpkins and ornamental cornstalks, which are all sold at one of the farm’s three retail stores; and Virginia’s Steve Hopkins, who raises cattle and turkeys and grows hay, corn and sorghum for the cattle.
Read more about the other state Expo farmers at https://sunbeltexpo.com/news-media/
ABAC NOW OFFERING AG DEGREE PROGRAM AT BAINBRIDGE CAMPUS
Students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Bainbridge site will be able to earn a bachelor’s degree from the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources (SANR) beginning this fall.
The agricultural education degree will benefit students interested in a variety of agricultural fields. Graduates can pursue careers in education, management, extension, training and development, human resources, and several other areas.
Dr. Andrew Thoron, the SANR Dean at ABAC, is excited that students in the southwestern part of Georgia will have easier access to a degree in one of the college’s most successful programs.
“Expanding agricultural studies courses to the Bainbridge site reflects ABAC’s commitment to meeting the needs of Southwest Georgia and the surrounding tri-state region,” Thoron said. “The interest in agriculture has always been strong in this part of the state, and we’re excited to offer local students access to high-quality instruction that prepares them for a wide range of careers in agriculture. This opportunity came through strong collaboration with regional stakeholders, and we look forward to seeing students thrive through this new offering.”
Students will be able to choose between two distinct tracks. The agricultural studies track prepares students for careers in technical areas, extension services, industry management, development, and agricultural outreach, while the teacher preparation track equips future educators to become certified agricultural teachers in high schools and career academies across Georgia. Thoron said the agricultural studies track emphasizes developing communication and management skills coupled with agricultural knowledge to better prepare graduates for a wide range of careers.
The teacher preparation track pairs agricultural industry knowledge with classroom management, curriculum development, and instructional design.
“This new degree offering brings affordable, high-quality education to students in Bainbridge while directly addressing the workforce needs of Georgia’s vital agriculture industry,” said ABAC President Tracy Brundage. “Through hands-on, experience-based learning, students will gain the knowledge and practical skills to succeed in a wide range of agricultural careers. We’re proud to expand our nationally respected agricultural education program to the Bainbridge site an opportunity that reflects ABAC’s longstanding commitment to student success, regional growth, and educational access. This is a milestone we’ve worked toward for years, and we’re thrilled to -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page make it a reality.”
ABAC’s agricultural education program is the second largest in the country. Considering the agricultural base in the region, ABAC Bainbridge Executive Director Dr. Michael Kirkland believes the new offering will be popular with both traditional and non-traditional prospective students.
“The agricultural studies track in Bainbridge could be the most impactful addition to the curriculum since the site became a part of ABAC in 2018,” he said. “And now with bachelor's degrees in business, nursing, biology, agricultural education and more, the opportunities to pursue higher education in southwest Georgia are only getting stronger.”
For more information visit https://agbainbridge.abac.edu.
UGA: WILD PIGS ARE COSTING GEORGIA FARMERS
Weather, disease and pests aren’t the only things that can wreak havoc on Georgia’s agricultural industry. New University of Georgia research in Southwest Georgia found wild pigs to be a startling cause of damage on peanut, cotton and corn crops and farms.
Researchers from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources say that these invasive animals have the potential to create financial and environmental losses, but there are ways for farmers to minimize the damage.
“Unfortunately, these pigs and their impact go just beyond what you might think,” said Justine Smith, lead author of the study and a doctoral student at UGA. “They impact our native wildlife and plants, both directly and indirectly. They’re incredibly disruptive. They cause a lot of damage.”
In viewing thousands of acres of damaged fields and wild pig activity in southwest Georgia, the researchers found an estimated $107,000 in crop value lost per year, not including money lost in worker wages or equipment. Wild pigs uproot the seeds of crops, trample plants and sometimes even chew through parts of farming equipment.
Culling and trapping cut down on the number of pigs in the area, the researchers said. But it was still hard to keep up with the pigs’ high birth rate.
The researchers say policymakers need to invest in proactive elimination methods to stay ahead of the wild pig populations and their resulting harm.
“You can’t take your foot off the pedal. If there hadn’t been continuous removal, we can think about how much more damage there would be. It speaks to the fact that these agriculture-based landscapes need more boots on the ground,” Smith said.
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AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY WELL REPRESENTED IN UGA’s 40 UNDER 40 CLASS
The University of Georgia has announced its 2025 40 Under 40 class. The list includes quite a few members of Georgia’s agriculture and forestry community. Topping the list is Georgia Farm Bureau’s Director of Public Policy Alex Bradford! Congratulations to everyone who made the list, but especially to Alex and the following:
Alex Bradford (AB ’10), Macon; director of public policy, Georgia Farm Bureau; Caroline Lewallen (BSA '11 - Agricultural Education), Clarkesville, Ga.; owner and lead steakholder, teXga Farms;
Mackenzie Long (DVM ’18), Athens; assistant professor of veterinary clinical pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine;
Colby Ruiz (BSA '15 - Biological Science), Hahira; vascular surgeon, South Georgia Medical Center;
Harry Sanders III (BSFR ’14), Danville; owner, Sanders Logging Inc.;
Caroline Stelling (BSA '11 - Environmental Economics & Management) Marietta; managing director, Montrose Environmental Group
Tyson Strickland (BSA ’11, DVM ’16), Comer; founder & CEO, Custom Livestock Solutions, LLC;
Joe Vaughn (BSFR ’16), Jefferson; professional services manager, F&W Forestry
Each year UGA recognizes a group of young alumni based on their personal, professional and philanthropic achievements. The honorees will be recognized during the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Luncheon on campus in September.
To be considered, nominees must be UGA alumni who embody the three guiding principles of the Arch: wisdom, justice and moderation. Full eligibility details and more information on this year’s class can be found on the UGA Alumni website.
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY IN PEAK SEASON, PUBLIC ASKED FOR VIGILANCE
A new invasive insect is trying to make Georgia its home and the public’s help is critical to tracking the invasion, according to University of Georgia researchers. The spotted lanternfly, an insect native to Asia, was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, lanternflies steadily spread across the eastern United States and has now been confirmed in 19 states, including Georgia and, most recently, South Carolina.
Researchers say it is peak season for the adult pests now, so experts are asking people to keep watch through the summer.
Georgia is the southernmost state with confirmed lanternfly populations, so far only in Fulton County. And the pest hasn’t been here long enough for scientists to fully understand its lifecycle in this region. That makes public reports especially valuable for tracking seasonal patterns and range expansion, researchers said.
On Nov. 14, 2024, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) received confirmation from the USDA that the first detection of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or SLF), an invasive -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page planthopper that poses a serious risk to the state's fruit and forest sectors, was made in Fulton County. The SLF was found on Oct. 22 and confirmed by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Here are some fast facts about the spotted lanternfly:
They are about an inch long with grayish-brown front wings with black spots and dramatic hindwings with cream, brown and red patches.
It feeds on more than 70 plant species, including economically important hardwood trees, roses, hops, grapevines and stone fruits. It excretes a sugary fluid that can attracts black mold growth. They congregate in groups, especially lower down on plant surfaces. They are not strong flyers, and hop or fly clumsily around.
The lanternfly’s preferred host is the tree-of-heaven, which can grow quickly along roadsides, railways and other areas with recently disturbed soil, like construction sites.
If you spot a lanternfly, researchers ask that you snap a clear picture, smash the bug and report the sighting through EDDMapS, or reach out to your local University of Georgia county agent for assistance.
To combat this threat, Georgians are encouraged to take immediate action if they spot a SLF:
1. Take a clear picture of the pest.
2. Kill it.
3. Report your sighting using our online reporting tool at https://www.gainvasives.org/slf/report/
For residents seeking professional treatment options, the GDA offers lists of licensed pesticide professionals who can provide assistance with applications.
• Search for Pesticide Contractors
• Search for Pest Control Companies
Local UGA Cooperative Extension offices can offer advice and options to control Spotted Lanternflies.
About Spotted Lanternflies: Although the SLF does not pose a direct threat to human health, it feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. Its feeding weakens these plants and produces a sticky, sugary fluid that encourages the growth of sooty mold, further harming crops. While the SLF prefers the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), it can significantly impact many other species.
The SLF overwinters in its egg stage, laying eggs from September to November, which then survive through the winter months until hatching in the spring when temperatures warm up. The adult lanternflies die with the first hard frost, but their eggs remain viable throughout the winter. This stage of their life cycle is expected to take place over the coming weeks.
Newly laid egg masses (holding 30-50 eggs) resemble wet, gray putty before turning dull and brown, mirroring a smear of cracked mud. The 1-inch long egg masses can be seen in fall, winter, and spring on a variety of smooth surfaces, such as trees, bricks, stones, fences, grills, equipment, and vehicles.
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CHEROKEE COUNTY CANDIDATE MEET & GREET
July 30 Cherokee County Historic Courthouse, 100 North St. 5:30 p.m. Canton
All Georgia Senate District 21 and Cherokee Board of Commissioners District 1 Special Election candidates are invited to attend. After a public meet-and-greet, candidates will be given the opportunity to speak, and they will take written questions from the audience. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by July 18 to Denise Forward (dbforward@gfbco.org) with Cherokee County Farm Bureau.
AGAWARE WORKSHOPS
July 29
Aug. 14
Douglas Atrium Event Center 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Douglas
Clemson Kresge Center 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pendleton, S.C.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit and AgSouth Farm Credit have partnered to host two workshops in Georgia this year – Calhoun, GA and Douglas, GA. The classes are all free and held from 9a m –4 p.m. with lunch provided. The workshops are certified for FSA Direct Borrower Training Credits. The AGAware Workshops introduce farmers to a variety of financial related topics critical to running an operation. These topics include Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Family Finance & Family Budgeting, Risk Management, Accrual Income, Applying for Financing, Preparing a Business Plan, Technology & Record Keeping, FSA/SBA and Other Programs. Click here to register for the Calhoun workshop. Click here to register for the Douglas or Pendleton workshops. For more information, please contact Heather Brannen at heather.brannen@agsouthfc.com or call 844-AGSOUTH.
GEORGIA FORAGE AND GRASSLAND COUNCIL PASTURE WALK
July 29 Grove Creek Farm
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Crawford
This event, sponsored by the GFGC, NRCS, UGA Extension and the Rolling Hills RC&D Council, will address silvopasture establishment and management, measuring soil health and sustainable grazing practices. Registration is free and the deadline is July 25. To register, call Jeff Tumlin at 678-614-9484.
SOUTHEAST GEORGIA CATTLE UPDATE
July 31 Georgia Grown Innovation Center 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Metter
This event offers a great opportunity for cattle producers to gain valuable insights on forage management, breeding programs, nutrition, and equipment calibration while also networking with fellow farmers and Extension professionals. One hour of private and Category 21 Pesticide credits is available. To register or learn more, contact Evans County Extension (912-739-1292), Candler County Extension (912-685-2408) or Emanuel County Extension (478-237-1226). For accommodations or special assistance, please contact your local Extension office or email uge3107@uga.edu.
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SWEET CORN & PEPPER CROP INSURANCE
July 31 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market sweet corn and pepper growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2026 crop year is July 31. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the July 31 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for fresh market sweet corn in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Tift, and Worth counties. Coverage is also available for peppers in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Ware, and Worth counties. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2026 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. The Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company is now contracted with four companies – American Farm Bureau (AFBIS), Rain & Hail, Great American, and Sompo to offer crop insurance. GFB has over 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.gfbinsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GFB DISTRICT 9 YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS MEETING
Aug. 1 207 S. Dawson St. 31792
Courtyard Thomasville Downtown Farmers in Southwest Georgia’s Georgia Farm Bureau District 9 ages 18 through 35 are invited to attend this evening of fun networking with other young farmers. The program will cover how to use social media to highlight your farms or agribusinesses After dinner, you’re invited to attend the First Friday Concert at the Ritz Amphitheater to hear the Kason Sellers Band. Registration is $10/person. Kids are free. Please register by July 25 at https://gfb.ag/D9YFRMeeting
FSA COUNTY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Aug. 1 deadline to submit nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Elections for committee members will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction and may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area. Producers interested in serving on the FSA county committee can locate their LAA through a geographic information system locator tool available at fsa.usda.gov/elections and determine if their LAA is up for election by contacting their local FSA office.
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HEREFORDS IN THE COVE
Aug. 2
Walker County Civic Center Rock Springs
Hereford producers are invited to attend this one-day event, which begins with registration at 1:30 p.m. Speakers will discuss the pending farm bill and its impact on where the cattle industry is in the cow cycle, the My Herd Record System, and using social media and webpages to promote your farm. The event will also include a junior program for young producers. Call Cody Cleveland at 229-402-0399 to register. The cost is $25/person and $10 for those under 10 years of age. For more information contact Wes Smith at 706-601-9527 or Charles Woodward at 678-725-2292. Contact Shelly McQuaig at 229-402-7232 for information about the junior program. The Walker County Civic Center is located at 10052 N Hwy. 27, Rock Springs, Ga. 30707. A room block has been arranged at the Hampton Inn Ringgold Fort Oglethorpe 6875 Battlefield Parkway, Ringgold, Ga. 30736. Call 706-935-4800 to make reservations by July 15 for the rate of $119/night plus tax.
USDA ECP, EFRP ASSISTANCE
Aug. 4
extended application deadline
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) provides financial cost-share and technical assistance to restore nonindustrial private forestland. The deadline to apply for assistance for both programs is now Aug. 4. Emergency Conservation Program - Approved ECP practices include: Debris removal from farmland; grading, shaping and releveling; permanent fence restoration; restoration of conservation practices; emergency soil erosion control measures; dairy relocation; field windbreaks and farmstead shelterbelt restoration. Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration practice. Maximum cost share for ECP is $500,000 per natural disaster event. ECP cost share is authorized to: Provide advance payments for up to 25% of the total allowable cost for all ECP practices before the restoration is carried out. The cost-share payment must be spent within 60 days; llow producers who lease federally owned or managed lands, including tribal trust land, as well as state land, the opportunity to participate in ECP. Conservation concerns present on the land prior to the qualifying natural disaster event are not eligible for ECP assistance. Emergency Forest Restoration Program - Approved EFRP practices include: Debris removal, such as down or damaged trees, to establish a new stand or provide for natural regeneration; site preparation, planting materials and labor to replant forest stand; restoration of forestland roads, fire lanes, fuel breaks or erosion control structures; fencing, tree shelters and tree tubes to protect trees from wildlife damage; wildlife enhancement to provide cover openings and wildlife habitat Assistance for EFRP is not provided up front. Cost-share is reimbursed for up to 75% of the lesser of the actual costs incurred or allowable cost after a restoration activity is complete. Maximum cost share for EFRP is $500,000 per natural disaster event. If an EFRP application is approved, the program participant is expected to perform restoration and conservation practices based on the FSA-848A Cost-Share Agreement and restoration plan provided. To participate in EFRP, eligible applicants must: Complete restoration to meet USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation practice standards and specifications, or an associated and comparable state forest agency standard;
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and keep records of all costs incurred to complete the restoration activities, including costs associated with personal labor. To meet eligibility requirements, nonindustrial private forestland must have existing tree cover or had tree cover immediately before the natural disaster occurred and be sustainable for growing trees. The land must also be owned or leased by a nonindustrial private individual, group, association, corporation or other private legal entity that has definitive decision-making authority over the land. To expedite approvals of restoration work for ECP and EFRP, FSA has waived the onsite inspection for non-engineering ECP practices and for all EFRP forest types to remove hazard trees, surface debris and fence repair to expedite needs determinations and approvals of restoration work. Additionally, FSA waived the requirement for producers to obtain prior approval to conduct surface debris removal, fence repair and hazard tree removal (non-ground- disturbing activities) to support critical disaster recovery efforts. Producers should contact FSA with questions on eligibility, allowable activities and applying for ECP and EFRP assistance To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery. USDA disaster assistance information can also be found on farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-ata-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool. Additionally, FarmRaise partnered with FSA to launch an online education hub comprised of videos, tools and interactive resources, including farm loan information and Livestock Indemnity Program and Emergency Livestock Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program decision tools.
MIDVILLE FIELD DAY
Aug. 6 UGA Southeast Research & Education Center 9 a.m. Midville
This annual event is an open-house tour of UGA research projects on cotton, peanuts, soybeans, corn, small grains and cover crops. Topics include variety selection, insect management, disease management and weed management, a seeding drone demo and precision ag recommendations. Attendees can earn 3 hours plant ag pesticide credits, 3 hours private pesticide credits, 1 hour forestry pesticide credits and certified crop advisor credits. To register visit https://gfb.ag/midvillefieldday.
JOINT AG CHAIRMEN’S AG ISSUES SUMMIT
Aug. 8 RSVP required for free meal count
Aug. 21 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Perry The Ag Issues Summit, hosted by Georgia House Ag Committee Chairman Robert Dickey and Georgia Senate Ag Committee Chairman Russ Goodman, will take place in the Miller Murphy Howard Building at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. The event will include discussions on issues relevant to agriculture and will provide insight from various leaders in the industry. Doors open at 9 a.m. for networking. Coffee and lunch will be provided to attendees at no charge. RSVP is required by Aug. 8. To RSVP, please send the full name, organization and telephone number for each attendee to Rachel Whitted at Rachel.Whitted@senate.ga.gov. Georgia Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor this event along with other Georgia ag organizations.
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SOUTHEAST GEORGIA PECAN FIELD DAY
Aug. 20 RSVP for lunch count
Aug. 27 J.G. Shuman Farms
8:30 a.m. Reidsville
Come hear about research specifically for Southeast Georgia pecan producers. RSVP by contacting Andrew Sawyer at 912-512-3030 or emailing agsawyer@uga.edu. The farm is located at 338 Chandler Ave. Reidsville, Ga. 30453. Lunch will be provided by Chemical Containers, Inc., Orchard Machinery Corporation, Savage, and Shiloh Pecan Farms Nursery. Private and commercial license credits will be provided at sign in
GFB WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP DISTRICT MEETINGS
Aug. 7 GFB District 1 Meeting Buttermilk Blooms Cave Spring
Registration deadline is July 31. Contact your county Farm Bureau office manager to register or visit www.gfb.ag/D1WomensMeeting
Sept. 18 GFB District 2 Meeting Strickland Mercantile Danielsville
Registration deadline is August 28. Contact your county Farm Bureau office manager to register or visit www.gfb.ag/D2WomensMeeting.
Each Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee district chairwoman will host a district event from June into the fall. These meetings will feature a leadership development component while providing the opportunity to network with other women in agriculture from your GFB district in a special setting. If your GFB district meeting isn’t listed above, and you are interested in attending it, reach out to your county Farm Bureau office manager to ask them to share program details when they receive them and look for announcements on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group page. For more information contact GFB Women’s Leadership Programs Coordinator Heather King at hcking@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. Meetings for Districts 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 have been held previously.
AFBF COUNTY ACTIVITIES OF EXCELLENCE
Sept. 2 deadline to submit applications
The American Farm Bureau Federation is currently accepting applications for the County Activities of Excellence program. Up to 24 innovative county Farm Bureau activities from across the nation will be selected to display at the 2026 AFBF Convention and Trade Show. Multiple county Farm Bureaus working together to plan and carry out an activity may submit a joint CAE application. Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. Eastern is the deadline for counties to submit applications online for state CAE coordinator review. Additional information, including rules for submission and the application link, are available at www.fb.org/CAE. Each county Farm Bureau that wishes to apply must create a unique login. State CAE coordinators will be provided with a separate username and password to access the online system to approve applications submitted from their respective county Farm Bureaus. Winners will be announced the first week of October. Individual county and multicounty CAE winning entries will receive four complimentary registrations and a $4,500 cash award to be used toward travel and display costs to attend the 2026 AFBF Convention and Trade Show, Jan. 9-14, in Anaheim, California
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GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTSS ANNUAL MEETING
Aug. 17-19 Jekyll Island Club Resort Jekyll Island
The GACD Annual Meeting will offer breakout sessions and keynote speakers aimed at providing Conservation District Supervisors and partners with timely education and information. We also will recognize deserving individuals and Districts that have made exceptional contributions to sustaining and protecting our natural resources. Registration is $385 until July 24 and $425 after. The registration deadline is Aug. 7. To register, click here. For a tentative agenda and information about sponsorship opportunities, click here
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE PICNIC ON THE FARM
Aug. 8 deadline to buy tickets
Aug. 23 Mercier Orchards 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blue Ridge
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s annual signature event, Picnic on the Farm, is back and bigger than ever! This year, the picnic is visiting apple country at Mercier Orchards! Picnic on the Farm is a “pop-up” event that explores a different aspect of Georgia agriculture throughout the state each year. The event will feature orchard tours, fresh fried pies, wine and cider tastings, youpick apples, a raffle and live music. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the GFA. The GFA is committed to preparing the next generation of Georgia agricultural leaders for success. We encourage you to bring your family along and make it a memorable day for everyone. General admission tickets are $75 and VIP tickets are $150. Sponsorships – which include tickets, food and more – start at $300. For more information, reservations and tickets, visit https://www.gafoundationag.org/picnic
AFBF TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR VETERAN FARMER AWARD
Sept. 2 application deadline
The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities. The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, Jan. 9-14, 2026. Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 2. Applicants are not required to be Farm Bureau members. The national award recipient will be recognized by AFBF through various outlets and should be willing to share their story and represent the veteran farmer community. The recipient will be notified in mid-September, with the winner announced publicly on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Learn more and apply here.
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2025 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY
Sept. 18 Westbrook Research Farm, UGA Griffin Campus 8 a.m. Griffin Land and pond management techniques, managing for wildlife, forest management, backyard wildlife and financial assistance for landowners are all subjects that will top the list at the 2025 Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day. This unique educational event features federal and state government agency officials and representatives of private businesses to provide management recommendations and demonstrate real-life techniques. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with topic discussions scheduled between 9:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Attendees will shuttle between field day topic sites on foot or via tram and will receive a take-home booklet with in-depth topic and speaker information. Continuing Education Credits (CEU) will be available for several fields, including pesticide (several categories), forestry, loggers, arborist and wildlife. Registration is $35 and includes a full day of topics, an AgroForestry and Wildlife Field Day book, lunch and a Hat. After Aug. 21 cost increases to $40 and a hat is not guaranteed. To register, click here (https://estore.uga.edu/C27063_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4247)
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 20 & Oct. 25
Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Trail classes are from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Western Classes not to start before lunch. Riders must be members of Kel-Mac to accrue points towards year-end awards. Age divisions for competition are as follows: Small Fry: 10 and under; Junior: under 14 years of age; Senior: 14 years and over. Novice: Rider is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Green Horse: Horse is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Entry fee per class is $12. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kel-mac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. Signup for shows on the website. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $170,250 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 49 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
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LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION SCHOLARSHIPS
Oct. 3 deadline to apply
Applications for the 2025 Lallemand Scholarship are open through Oct. 3. Interested students must be full-time students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Applications will be evaluated based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, commitment to the agricultural industry and an essay submission that highlights creativity, originality, and forward-thinking perspectives. There are five scholarship categories: Two $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate students; one $3,000 scholarship for a master’s student; one $3,000 scholarship for a doctoral candidate; and one $3,000 scholarship for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student. Learn more about eligibility and to apply by visiting the Lallemand Animal Nutrition website.
GEORGIA PSC ELECTIONS
General election Nov. 4
Georgia Farm Bureau’s I Farm. I Vote. campaign is encouraging members across the state to get out and vote in the 2025 Public Service Commission (PSC) elections. This year, there will be a statewide special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission District 2 and District 3. All Georgia voters are eligible to cast a ballot for both PSC seats, but the candidates for the two contested seats are required to live in their districts that cover metro Atlanta and east Georgia .The two seats up for election are from District 2 and District 3. District 2 consists of a large portion of East and Southeast Georgia, including Athens, Augusta, and Savannah, and is currently held by Commissioner Tim Echols. Running against Echols in the Republican primary is Tim Muns, and Alicia Johnson is running uncontested for the Democratic ticket. District 3, made up of Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties, is currently held by Commissioner Fitz Johnson who was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to fill a vacant seat. Johnson is uncontested in the Republican primary, and Daniel Blackman, Peter Hubbard, Robert Jones, and Keisha Waites are running in the Democratic primary race.
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU PB&J 5K
Nov 15 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 8 a.m. Perry
Sign up today for the 5K on Nov. 15 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The course is flat, fast, and completely paved perfect for all skill levels. When you register for $35, you'll receive a complimentary Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Membership. Already a member? Gift it to a friend! Enjoy a post-run grilled PB&J and peanut butter, compliments of Georgia Peanuts! Every registered runner will also receive a custom water bottle. If you’re bringing the family, be sure to check out the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show for FREE a perfect way to step back in time and enjoy a look at the history of agriculture. Register at https://www.gfb.org/pb-and-j-5k. Members of GFB help protect consumers’ access to locally grown food and fiber and have access to 300,000+ member benefits and discounts. Visit https://www.gfb.org/join/member-benefits-directory to learn more about the health, travel, family entertainment, farm equipment and services and health discounts members can enjoy.
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UGA WARNELL SCHOOL OF FORESTRY BOBWHITE QUAIL SURVEY
The Martin GAME Lab at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA is looking for private landowners in Georgia to take part in a brief survey about their opinions on bobwhite quail management for a study titled “Bobwhite Restoration, Incentives, and Research.” The purpose of the study is to better understand landowners’ opinions on bobwhite quail management and cost-share programs landowners would enroll in to manage their properties for bobwhite quail. Visit https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_3aRgLcUioS8uy0u to take the study. Thank you in advance for helping with in this study.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, visit the project website.
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2024 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.