GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HONORS GA JR. NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONS
For the 14th year, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) has again rewarded the 4-H and FFA livestock exhibitors who showed the top animals at the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show (GJNLS) for the long hours they spent preparing their animals for the show ring.
GFB celebrated the latest group of GJNLS grand champion exhibitors during its Evening of Champions dinner on June 13. GFB welcomed the students, their families, FFA advisors and 4-H agents to its state office in Macon. The event included inspirational speeches from GFB President Tom McCall and Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Tyler Harper, followed by the two ag leaders presenting each grand champion with a scholarship and gold belt buckle courtesy of GFB.
“Tonight is a celebration of grit, heart and the agricultural spirit that drives these remarkable young people. Each of these grand champion exhibitors has spent countless hours feeding, grooming, walking and practicing with their livestock, often long before sunrise or after a full school day. You’ve shown the ability to learn from setbacks, stay committed and work as a team with your animal and your support system,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Let us also recognize the importance of Georgia FFA and 4-H – two organizations that continue to empower, educate and uplift the next generation of agricultural leaders These programs teach far more than livestock management. They teach public speaking, community service, leadership and lifelong skills that reach far beyond the show barn.”
The GJNL show is open to all Georgia 4-H and FFA members. The show is the culmination of the two youth programs’ livestock projects, which give students a chance to learn how to care for beef cattle, dairy heifers, hogs, goats and lambs for months, train them to be shown, and then compete for state honors as having the best animal in the various species categories.
Some 346 4-H and FFA members showed 688 goats in the 2024 Georgia Junior Market Goat Shows held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (GNFA) in Perry last October while the 2024 Georgia Jr. Market Lamb show drew 230 exhibitors who showed 475 lambs.
At the 2025 Ga. Jr. National Livestock Show, held Feb. 19-22 at the GNFA, 344 students showed 667 beef heifers; 173 students showed 250 market heifers or steers; 204 students showed 276 dairy heifers; 1,058 students showed 2,105 hogs (barrows and gilts); 170 students exhibited -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 27
Continued from previous page
323 ewes; 245 students showed 452 does.
GFB awarded a total of $19,000 in scholarships to the grand champion exhibitors who are: Market Doe Goat - Reagen Ferguson, Banks Co.; Market Wether Goat - Aubrey Welch, Lincoln Co.; Market Ewe Lamb - Luke Keener, White Co.; Market Wether Lamb - Savannah Artman, Morgan Co.; Breeding Doe - Olivia Lee, Madison Co.; Breeding Ewe - Cash Adams, Forsyth Co.; Market Barrow - Sadie Ross, Irwin Co.; Market Gilt - McKenzie McInvale, Taylor Co.; Commercial Dairy Heifer - Caeden Swartz, Coweta Co.; Beef Heifer - Raegan Gilbert, Banks Co.; & Market Beef Cattle - Libba Dykes, Colquitt Co.
Market Doe Goat – Reagen Ferguson, Banks County
Banks County FFA member Reagen Ferguson won the 2024 Georgia Jr. Market Doe Goat Grand Champion scholarship prize of $1,500 Oct. 5, 2024, at the Georgia National Fair. Reagen is the daughter of Sloane and Breann Ferguson of Homer.
Reagen was a senior at Banks County High School when she won last fall. She plans to attend the University of North Georgia this fall to pursue a degree in finance.
Last year was Reagen’s first year showing goats. She decided to show goats in 2024 after watching and helping her younger sister and cousin in 2023.
“As I helped them at the barn and shows, I realized I wanted to also show even though it was my senior year,” Reagen said.
She won with a Boer crossbred goat that she lovingly named Connie after a family friend. With it being Reagen’s first year showing, she heeded the advice of her FFA advisors Kip Jackson and Chris Crump when it came to selecting her winning doe.
“They taught me what to look for in bone and body structure when it came to selecting the best animal,” Reagen said. “Being able to recognize the potential the goat had made a difference. At the end of the day, maximizing that potential with daily preparation and commitment helped get the maximum performance out of my goat.”
Reagen described her goat as being a “little stubborn to work with” in the beginning.
“The more time we spent together, she became super easy going and relaxed,” Reagen said. “Her personality helped her outperform in the ring.”
Josh Cody of Texas judged the Georgia Jr. Market Doe Show.
Market Wether Goat – Aubrey Welch, Lincoln County
Lincoln County FFA member Aubrey Welch exhibited the goat selected as the 2024 Georgia Jr. Market Wether Goat Grand Champion on Oct. 4, 2024, to earn a $1,500 scholarship. Aubrey, the daughter of John and Nikki Welch, of Lincolnton, has been showing goats for 10 years. She also showed sheep for three years.
A recent graduate of Lincoln County High School, Aubrey plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall to major in agricultural education.
Aubrey named her grand champion Boer goat Toby in memory of county music singer Toby -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 27
Continued from previous page Keith.
“He was pretty easy to train compared to other animals I’ve shown in the past,” Aubrey said.
Showing goats has been a family affair for the Welches for years as both Aubrey and her older sister, Madie, showed.
“We purchased a couple of retired show goats from friends. My sister and I enjoyed walking them around on halters and spending time with them. My dad wanted us to show cows, but we were afraid of their size. We loved how comfortable we felt around the goats and decided to give showing a try,” Aubrey said.
Aubrey has captured several top awards showing goats at the GJNLS in recent years. In 2023 she exhibited the Georgia Jr. Market Doe Grand Champion and the reserve grand champion Georgia Jr. Market Wether. She showed the Georgia Jr. Reserve Champion Market Doe in 2022. She also earned the 2024 Supreme FFA Market Goat Showmanship Award.
When asked what she likes most about showing, Aubrey answered, “I enjoyed the friendships and connections I’ve made within the agricultural industry.”
Josh Cody of Texas judged the 2024 Georgia Jr. Market Goat Wether Show. Chase McGill was Aubrey’s FFA advisor.
Market Ewe Lamb – Luke Keener, White County
White County 4-H member Luke Keener exhibited the lamb selected as the 2024 Georgia Jr. Market Ewe Lamb Grand Champion on Oct. 6, 2024, to win a $1,000 scholarship. Luke, the son of Dustin and Amanda Keener, of Cleveland, has been showing sheep for five years. He has shown livestock for seven years, also showing goats and hogs.
Luke won with a black-face crossbred sheep he named League of Her Own in reference to the movie “A League of Their Own.”
“My grand champion was a little sassy to get ready for the ring,” Luke said. “I learned that showing is a journey, but hard work will pay off.”
A rising sixth grader, Luke was a fifth grader at Tesnatee Gap Elementary School when he won the grand champion prize last fall.
Because both of his parents are ag teachers, it was probably inevitable that Luke would become a show kid.
“I saw all of the high school kids showing and thought it was cool, and it all just kind of fell into place from there,” Luke said.
Luke said what he enjoys most about showing is, “The people you get to meet along the way. Without all the people I have met and all the relationships I have made along the way, I would not be the showman I am today.”
Jason Simpson from Colorado judged the market lamb show. Luke’s 4-H agent is Rachel Martin.
Market Wether Lamb – Savannah Artman, Morgan County
Morgan County 4-Her Savannah Artman showed the sheep tapped as the 2024 Georgia Jr. Market Wether Lamb Grand Champion on Oct. 6, 2024, winning a $1,000 scholarship. The daughter of Casey and Jennifer Artman, of Rutledge, Savannah has been showing sheep for six -continued on next page
Field Notes page 4 of 27
Continued from previous page years. She also shows rabbits.
Savannah won with a black-face crossbred lamb she named Mr. Awesome.
“He wasn’t easy to train. He was very powerful, but the more I worked with him, the better he became,” Savannah said.
A rising sixth grader, Savannah was a fifth grader at Morgan County Elementary School when she won the grand champion prize last fall.
Savannah’s older brother inspired her to start showing sheep.
“My big brother started showing and it looked like so much fun, so I decided to join him,” she said.
What she enjoys most about showing is spending time with her family and the sheep.
When asked what she’s learned from showing livestock, Savannah answered, “Never give up. You will never know what the outcome of a show might be if you do not try your hardest.”
Jason Simpson from Colorado judged the market lamb show. Savannah’s 4-H agent is Lucy Ray.
Breeding Ewe – Cash Adams, Forsyth County
Forsyth County FFA member Cash Adams showed the sheep picked as the 2025 Georgia Jr. Breeding Ewe Grand Champion on Feb. 22 to win a $1,000 scholarship. The son of Bud and Annette Adams, of Cumming, Cash has been showing sheep for 12 years. He also shows goats and pigs.
Cash won with a black-face crossbred lamb named Lot Lizard.
“She was easy to train, and she was very cute,” Cash said of his grand champion winner.
A rising senior, Cash was a junior at North Forsyth High School when he won the grand champion prize earlier this year.
Cash said his older siblings, Brayden and Kaylie, who also showed sheep, drew him into showing. Brayden showed the 2018 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion breeding ewe.
When asked what he likes most about showing Cash answered, “All the new people I get to meet.”
Jake Warntjes of Oklahoma judged the breeding ewe show. Bailey Fernandez is Cash’s FFA advisor.
Breeding Doe – Olivia Lee, Madison County
Madison County FFA member Olivia Lee won a $1,000 scholarship for showing the 2025 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Breeding Doe on Feb. 21. Olivia won with a commercial Boer cross she named Marty, which is short for her middle name, Martha.
An eighth grader at the time of the show in February, Olivia has been showing goats for eight years. She also showed sheep this year. She is the daughter of Byron and Elizabeth Lee of Comer. When asked how she got into showing, Olivia answered, “I am the middle of six siblings. We do not participate in team sports or other extra curriculars. Showing goats keeps us all at home on the farm. We’re in the same place, working and having fun together.”
Olivia and her five siblings have made a name for themselves showing goats. In addition to Olivia’s win this year, her brother Morris showed the 2022 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Breeding -continued on next page
Field Notes page 5 of 27
Continued from previous page
Doe. Her sister Mallory showed the 2021 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Doe Goat.
“I have been waiting a very long time for my grand champion moment,” Olivia said. “The previous two years I thought I had a goat good enough to win, but every year my siblings or a friend came up winning ahead of me. When Marty came home, I knew this year was going to be different. I knew she was good enough.”
Olivia said she was looking for a stout but feminine doe when she chose her project animal.
Even though she thought she had a good goat, Olivia said getting Marty ready for the show ring was “Pretty difficult because there were many ups and downs. I had to practice my showmanship performance, weight class performance, feeding and washing skills.”
Caring for her goats’ hair is the aspect of showing Olivia says she most enjoys.
“I enjoy conditioning, brushing and applying hair products to keep their hair nice, clean, soft and long,” Olivia said. “It can be a little challenging and time consuming, but it is definitely worth it and enjoyable.”
Darin Annuschat of Oklahoma judged the show. Dr. Joshua Whitworth is Olivia’s FFA advisor.
Market Barrow – Sadie Ross, Irwin County
Irwin County 4-Her Sadie Ross earned a $1,500 scholarship for showing the 2025 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Barrow on Feb. 21. Sadie won with a crossbred hog named Leroy.
A fifth grader at Irwin County Elementary School at the time she won, Sadie has been showing pigs for nine years. She is the daughter of Justin and Kim Ross of Ocilla.
“My parents showed pigs when they were in high school. They thought that my siblings and I would like it, so they built pens and got pigs when I was three years old,” Sadie said. “From the time I could walk in a show ring, that is where I wanted to be.”
Her favorite thing about showing pigs?
“The thing I love most about showing pigs is the relationship and bond that I build with the pigs,” Sadie said. “I learn about their personalities each time. They are such loving, emotional and goofy animals.”
Leroy was the first of the show pigs her family got for her project year that ended at the February show, which gave Sadie some one-on-one time to train him.
“He was very easily trained because he was so calm, and Leroy was also food driven, meaning I could give him cookies or for food to encourage him to do certain things,” Sadie said.
Sadie said her family selected Leroy to show because he was structurally sound and square. She was also drawn to his calico coloring.
“One of the main things I have learned throughout these many years I have shown is the amount of work I do at home will show off when I get to a show. I have learned that I must put forth an effort to do the work needed to get my pigs ready for show day,” Sadie said. “My parents have told me many times to listen to others and learn from them. I like to watch older showmen when I am at the shows. I hope to one day be looked up to like that.”
Seth Swenson of Illinois selected Leroy grand champion of the market barrow show. Holly Anderson is Sadie’s 4-H agent
-continued on next page
Field Notes page 6 of 27
Continued from previous page
Market Gilt – McKenzie McInvale, Taylor County Taylor County 4-Her McKenzie McInvale earned a $1,500 scholarship for exhibiting the 2025 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Gilt Feb. 22. She won with a crossbred hog named Mattie, who was named in honor of someone who mentored and advised McKenzie on showing pigs.
After showing pigs for nine years, McKenzie had the privilege of ending her show career as a grand champion winner. She was a senior at Taylor County High School when she won. She plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall.
“Mattie was one of the easiest pigs to train that I’ve ever had,” McKenzie said of her grand champion. “I learned to cherish the time [of working with her] while it lasted because it flew by.”
McKenzie is the daughter of Wayne and Becky McInvale of Reynolds. Jody Pandolfi is McKenzie’s 4-H agent.
When asked what she enjoyed most about showing, McKenzie answered, “I enjoyed the friendships and memories made the most.”
McKenzie was first introduced to showing pigs at a county show when she was given the chance to show as a future generation shower.
“I fell in love with it,” she recalled. “I was offered a pig the next season, and I have not missed a season since.”
Brian Arnold of Indiana selected Mattie grand champion of the market gilt show.
Commercial Dairy Heifer – Caeden Swartz
Caeden Swartz, a Coweta County 4-Her, won the grand champion scholarship of $1,500, in the Georgia Jr. National Commercial Dairy Heifer Show Feb. 22, with a Red Holstein.
This is the eighth year that Caeden, the son of John Swartz and Kimber Swartz, showed dairy heifers. He was a junior at East Coweta High School when he won the award.
Caeden also won the Commercial Dairy Show 11th grade first place showmanship award and was named Commercial Dairy Master 4-H Showman at the 2025 show.
His years of showing dairy heifers have taught Caeden that “Winners never quit, and quitters never win!”
Caeden said he selected his winning heifer because she was “a conformationally correct animal with the potential to develop into a winning animal.”
He says what he enjoys most about showing dairy heifers is developing a relationship with each animal he trains and shows.
“Once we got to know one another, she was fairly easy to work with,” Caeden said. “She really seems to enjoy being in the show ring.”
Caeden named his winning heifer, Tipsy, after the song by Shaboozey.
He has his older sister to thank for introducing him to showing dairy heifers.
“My older sister got involved in the dairy heifer project when she was in high school, and it stuck with the family,” Caeden said. “We’ll keep this heifer, and she will be an integral part of our breeding program.”
Shawn Nehls of Wisconsin judged the commercial dairy heifer show. Stephanie Butcher is -continued on next page
Field Notes page 7 of 27
Continued from previous page Caeden’s 4-H agent.
Beef Heifer – Raegan Gilbert, Banks County
Banks County FFA member Raegan Gilbert’s Maine-Angus heifer, Delta, was selected the grand champion of the 2025 Georgia Jr. National Beef Heifer Show on Feb. 21. Raegan won a $2,500 scholarship for showing the top beef heifer.
The daughter of Ron and Amber Gilbert of Homer, Raegan has been showing beef heifers for eight years.
“I grew up on a farm, so I have been around livestock my entire life. My parents took me to a cow show when I was in third grade and it took two years to convince them to let me show,” Raegan said of how she got into showing.
When Raegan first started showing cattle in middle school, she started a list of possible names for her livestock.
“Delta was the first name on the list, but I had to wait for the perfect cow. When I saw her the first time, I knew she would be a Delta,” Raegan said. “She was great to work with. When we brought her home from Ohio we automatically clicked.”
In picking out the beef heifer for her senior year, Raegan said she was looking for a heifer that was “sound in her structure but also had an attractive feminine look.”
Raegan and her parents also chose the heifer with an eye to the future.
“When my parents bought her, they had the intentions to make her a donor cow for our farm. She is currently pregnant and due to calve in early September,” Raegan said. “After she calves, she will get flushed so we can have embryos.”
A senior at Banks County High School when she won the show in February, Raegan said what she enjoys most about showing cattle is traveling and spending time with her friends.
“Never tell yourself you can’t accomplish your dreams. Anything is possible when you work hard and have the right people supporting you,” Raegan said.
She plans to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in the fall and major in agricultural communications.
Travis and Beth Pembrook, a husband-and-wife team from Oklahoma, judged the beef heifer show. Chris Crump and Kipp Jackson were Raegan’s FFA advisors.
Market Beef Cattle – Libba Dykes, Colquitt County
Libba Dykes, an FFA member from Colquitt County won a $5,000 scholarship for showing the 2025 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion Market Beef – a Charolais steer.
Libba, who has been showing livestock for eight years, is the daughter of Wes and Alison Weaver Dykes of Moultrie. She was a seventh grader at Willie J. Williams Middle School when she won the show Feb. 22.
When asked what she was looking for when she chose her grand champion steer, Libba answered, “We liked the color of the calf, his muscle, the way he walked and his overall soundness.”
She named her winning steer Boss.
-continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 27
Continued from previous page
“He just seemed like the boss out of all the animals in our barn,” Libba said. “It took lots of work and time for him to show just right.”
Libba, who also shows goats and pigs, said she likes showing livestock because she “enjoys making new friends and working with her animals.”
Working with Boss taught Libba some important life lessons.
“I learned that feeding out a champion steer takes a lot of patience and hard work every day,” Libba said. “You can’t give up along the way. I also realized that I am blessed to have a village of people to help me along the way.”
Showing cattle is in Libba’s DNA. Her mom exhibited the 1994 Georgia Jr. National Grand Champion Market Steer with a Limousin crossbred. Libba’s dad showed pigs in local shows, and her younger brother, Hank, shows pigs and will start showing cows this year.
Ryan Cummins of Texas judged the show. Chad Bass and Britney Gibbs are Libba’s FFA advisors.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO WEATHER HEAT WAVE
With heat indices reaching into triple digits for much of this week, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), as well as multiple federal and state agencies, are offering heat safety tips.
The National Weather Service HeatRisk scale includes five color-coded danger levels for heat: Green for little to no risk expected; yellow for minor threats, primarily to those extremely sensitive to heat; orange for moderate, affecting most individuals with heat sensitivity, particularly those without access to cooling or hydration; red for major, affecting anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration; and magenta for extreme, where rare and long-term extreme heat offers little to no overnight relief, with impacts likely in most health systems, heat sensitive industries and infrastructure.
For most of Georgia, the HeatRisk designation for June 26 and 27 is rated as major, with some counties forecast for extreme.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture offered the following information to combat heat stress in farm animals: -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 27
Continued from previous page
From the GFVGA:
Every year, thousands of workers are affected by heat illness while working in hot or humid conditions, however, heat-related illnesses can be prevented. Prevention requires employers and workers to recognize heat hazards and be educated to prevent or respond to a heat illness situation. To help farmers ensure the safety of their workers and compliance with OSHA standards, GFVGA has provided a "Prevent Heat Illness at Work" poster that simplifies the signs of a medical emergency, how to respond, and tips to avoid these events altogether. Every operation needs a heat plan to ensure the safety of employees in hot, humid conditions. This is one piece of that plan! Click here for GFVGA’s downloadable and printable poster, and visit www.gfvga.org/page/heatstress for more resources.
The National Weather Service in Atlanta recommends the following actions to prevent heat stress:
• On job sites, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible;
• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Look before you lock!
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated;
• Check on the elderly, sick and those without air conditioning.
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the CDC and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) offers the following actions for heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Heat Exhaustion
• Symptoms include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness;
• In response, the affected person(s) should be moved to a cooler area; loosen clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve.
Heat Stroke
• Symptoms include confusion, dizziness and/or loss of consciousness.
• In response, call 911; move person(s) to cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers; and cool with water or ice.
GA. GROWN PEACHES EXPORTED TO MEXICO FOR FIRST TIME IN 31 YEARS
On June 20, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced, in coordination with Genuine Georgia and Atlanta-based Reveam, that Georgia-grown peaches have been exported to Mexico for the first time in 31 years. Mexico has had strict import restrictions on peaches produced in the southeastern United States due to pest concerns since 1994. Reveam’s proprietary, USDAapproved Electronic Cold-Pasteurization (ECP) technology enabled Genuine Georgia to meet Mexico’s strict import requirements and ship 42,000 pounds of Georgia Grown peaches south to Mexico. This achievement represents an important step toward opening more markets for Georgia producers and reducing barriers to international trade.
“Expanding access to reliable markets for Georgia producers is absolutely critical to ensure the continued success of our state’s #1 industry and our farm families,” said Agriculture -continued on next page
Field Notes page 10 of 27
Continued from previous page
Commissioner Tyler Harper. “The partnership between Genuine Georgia and Reveam is a win for Georgia farmers and a blueprint for how our industry can use cutting-edge technology, like Reveam’s Electronic Cold-Pasteurization process, to break down barriers to international trade, exceed international food safety standards, and reduce food waste.”
Georgia Peach Council President Duke Lane pointed out that Mexico City and its surrounding area present a potential of more than 20 million customers.
“There are a lot of peach eaters in Mexico, and a lot of them would love to have those Georgia peaches,” Lane said.
Georgia last exported peaches to Mexico in 1994, when Mexican officials imposed a ban due to concerns about the potential spread of invasive pests. Since then, Georgia peach growers have been working in close coordination with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Mexican agricultural authorities to develop and implement rigorous new protocols to meet Mexico’s phytosanitary standards.
“This is an excellent opportunity for Georgia peaches and Georgia farmers, and I appreciate Commissioner Harper’s efforts to make this a reality,” said House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee Chairman Robert Dickey
A breakthrough in reopening the market came with the implementation of Electronic ColdPasteurization (ECP), an advanced treatment technology developed by Atlanta-based company Reveam. The USDA-approved process uses electron beam technology to eliminate pests and pathogens without chemicals or heat, helping maintain the quality and shelf life of fresh peaches while meeting Mexico’s strict import requirements.
In 2023, Harper encouraged then-U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to fast-track USDA approval of a Reveam ECP facility in Georgia near the port of Savannah. A Georgia facility remains an integral part of Reveam’s long-term growth plans and will be a great asset for Georgia farmers looking to compete in new markets.
USDA and GDA officials now inspect each shipment and issue a phytosanitary certificate verifying its compliance with international standards. With support from Reveam’s treatment facility in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Georgia growers can now meet Mexico’s safety and quality protocols, unlocking new potential for export growth. Mexico’s access to Georgia peaches opens up a new era of opportunity for the state’s fruit growers, helping expand their market and reinforcing the State’s global reputation as a leader in specialty crop production.
USDA ANNOUNCES PLAN TO COMBAT SCREWWORM SPREAD
On June 18, the USDA launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a sweeping five-pronged plan to enhance USDA’s ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest, the agency announced in a press release.
NWS is a devastating pest that causes serious and often deadly damage to livestock, wildlife, pets, and in rare cases, humans. While NWS has been eradicated from the United States for -continued on next page
Continued from previous page decades, recent detections in Mexico as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles away from the U.S. border, led to the immediate suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through U.S. ports of entry along the southern border on May 11.
Key facets of USDA’s plan:
1. Stop the Pest from Spreading in Mexico and Ensure the U.S. and Mexico are partners in eradication - The USDA’s recent $21 million expenditure went toward renovating an existing fruit fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, which will provide an additional 60-100 million sterile flies a week to stop the spread, on top of the more than 100 million already produced in Panama. This will result in at least 160 million flies per week.
The USDA conducted an in-person audit of Mexico’s animal health controls, will maintain close continual monitoring of these aspects moving forward and will make continuous improvements. These in-person visits have allowed a unique opportunity for APHIS to see first-hand the challenges and opportunities in Mexico toward combating NWS.
The USDA is working with Mexico to improve its surveillance and detection of NWS, which includes but is not limited to regularly providing traps, lures, and technical expertise to Mexico.
2. Protect the U.S. border – The USDA will support Mexico’s strategic trapping along the border and ensure the U.S. receives regular reporting as an early warning intervention.
The USDA will escalate communications and public outreach along the U.S.-Mexico border to create a “barrier zone of vigilance” and boost as close to real-time as possible awareness of this pest.
APHIS cattle fever tick riders in collaboration with U.S. Customs & Border Protection and with state partners will intercept and treat stray and illegally introduced livestock.
3. Maximize U.S. readiness – The USDA will partner with state animal health officials to update and finalize emergency management plans and support federal, state, and local responders in training on and practicing for a potential response.
USDA will ensure there are sufficient NWS treatments and will work to remove any federal regulatory hurdles for their use.
4. Take the fight to the screwworm – Because sterile NWS flies are one of the most important and proven tools for eradicating the pest, the USDA will immediately begin building a sterile insect dispersal facility at Moore Air Base, set to be completed in 2025. This facility, located near the U.S. – Mexico border near the Gulf Coast, will have the capability to disperse sterile flies in Northern Mexico.
The USDA is considering potential expenditures in new technologies, new science, including possible plans to move forward with the design process of a domestic sterile fly production facility to compliment the new dispersal facility at Moore Air Base which has also been identified as the proposed location. The facility could boost domestic sterile fly production by up to 300 million flies per week and could complement current production that already exists in Panama and Mexico.
5. Find innovative ways to eradicate NWS – The USDA is pursuing innovative research to improve sterile insect technology, exploring development of better traps and lures, exploring next -continued on next page
Field Notes page 12 of 27
Continued from previous page generation NWS treatments, and assessing the potential use and practicality of additional strains or genetically modified versions of the pest as well as e-beam and other radiation technology for the production of sterile flies.
USDA will strengthen partnerships with land-grant universities in border states such as Texas, Arizona and New Mexico to facilitate local training, trap deployment, surveillance validation, and stakeholder outreach as an initial manner.
Additionally, to solicit input from stakeholders and to best inform the finalization of future plans, USDA will hold four public listening sessions to get feedback on the following topics: sterile fly production technology, eradication tools and technologies aside from sterile fly production, the benefits and barriers including timelines and costs of enhanced domestic vs. international sterile fly production, and other innovative ideas.
TAYLOR DAVIS NAMED GFB 6TH DISTRICT FEDERATION MANAGER
Taylor Davis began serving as Georgia Farm Bureau’s 6th District federation manager on June 16.
Davis, a Jackson County native, has worked for Aviagen Poultry in Huntsville, Alabama, as the company’s digital marketing and event manager. He has worked for Big B’s BBQ Restaurant, his family’s business in Jefferson, as well as serving internships with Jaemor Farms in Alto and National Grazing Lands in College Station, Texas.
Davis is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in ag communications and marketing. He also holds an associate degree in science from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Davis lives in Macon.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Taylor to our staff,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “We think his valuable skills and experience in communications and business management will prove beneficial the members of our 6th District.”
As GFB 6ht District federation manager, Davis assists 16 county Farm Bureaus in Middle Georgia with their daily operations, ag promotion and membership programs. He succeeds Heather King, who was named GFB’s Women’s Leadership Coordinator last fall.
The GFB 6th District includes Farm Bureaus in Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Dodge, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Laurens, Montgomery, Telfair, Treutlen, Twiggs, Washington, Wheeler and Wilkinson counties.
DOL HALTS ENFORCEMENT OF BURDENSOME RULE ON AG EMPLOYERS
On June 20, The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division announced it is suspending enforcement of the 2024 farmworker protection rule.
American Farm Bureau previously asked the DOL to re-evaluate the rule and voiced support for the June 20 decision.
The DOL explained that federal court injunctions have created significant legal uncertainty, -continued on next page
Continued from previous page inconsistency, and operational challenges for farmers lawfully employing H-2A workers, and the choice not to enforce the rule, provides critical predictability for agricultural employers as litigation continues and as the department considers further regulatory action.
The department also noted that the rule’s implementation had already been suspended by the department because of federal injunctions. Notably, the DOL guidance does not change existing regulations or limit the Wage and Hour Division’s authority to enforce H-2A requirements put in place prior to the 2024 final rule. It supersedes any contrary or conflicting guidance to field staff but does not create legally enforceable obligations or alter any statutory or regulatory requirements, ensuring full enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
In a released statement, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall noted that the rule had created obstacles and pitted workers against employers.
“Farmers value the men and women who choose to work on their farms, so they don’t take lightly the responsibility to care for them. Our laws rightly penalize bad actors, but this rule assumed all employers are guilty until proven innocent,” Duvall said. “We pressed the administration to recognize the impact overreaching regulations have on farm viability and see this as a step in the right direction. We urge Congress to now follow the lead of the courts, which agreed with AFBF, and the administration by rescinding the rule altogether. Farmers need workable programs that ensure they can continue to provide jobs and put food on the table for America’s families.”
The rule was finalized on April 26, 2024, and went into effect June 28, 2024. Among other things, the rule expanded the range of activities protected by anti-retaliation provisions, laid out requirements for employers to execute “for cause” termination, imposed new disclosure requirements for farm employers to provide additional information about the nature of the job opportunity, set effective dates for wage increases and imposed new seat belt requirements for worker transportation.
Multiple ag organizations filed suit to stop the rule shortly after it was finalized.
The AFBF wrote to the DOL on June 14, 2024, asking the department to re-evaluate the rule, and the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association joined one of the lawsuits.
On Aug. 26, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia placed an injunction on the rule’s enforcement.
For additional guidance beyond the field assistance bulletin, workers and employers can contact the Wage and Hour Division at its toll-free helpline, 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
COST OF SUMMER COOKOUT NEARLY UNCHANGED FROM 2024
Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.
This is down only 30 cents from last year’s record-high cost. At $7.09 per person, 2025 will be the second-highest cost since Farm Bureau began the survey in 2013. The cookout favorites -continued on next page
Field Notes page 14 of 27
Continued from previous page include cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream, among other products. While the survey does not include an exhaustive list of Fourth of July options, it serves as a snapshot of prices families are facing this summer.
“Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers. Their share of the food retail dollar is just 15%. The cost of running their farm is up, from labor and transportation to taxes.”
The marketbasket survey shows an increase in the cost of beef, potato salad and canned pork and beans, while there are drops in the cost of pork chops, chips and hamburger buns.
The retail price for 2 pounds of ground beef increased 4.4% to $13.33. Pork and beans will cost $2.69, up 20 cents from 2024. Potato salad is up 6.6% to $3.54. Several factors influence these increases, reflecting the sort of challenges farmers regularly face. Fewer cattle are available for processing, which is affecting supplies. Steel and aluminum tariffs mean increased prices on canned goods. The cost of eggs - used in potato salad - is still elevated, although they are much lower than record highs earlier this year as egg-laying chicken populations are recovering from avian influenza.
The AFBF survey found a reduction in cost for six cookout staples. Among them is a 3-pound package of pork chops, which is down 8.8% from last year, at $14.13. Chips average $4.80 a bag, a dime less than 2024. Hamburger buns are 2.6% less expensive, at $2.35. The amount of pork available to stores is up, which is pushing prices down. The demand for potatoes has eased, helping bring down the cost of chips. Wheat prices are still much lower than record highs of three years ago, contributing to the slight decrease in the cost of buns.
Although the $7.09 per-person cost is near a historic high, when put in a global context, people in the U.S. spend a smaller percentage of their expenditures on food than in any other country.
“We can celebrate America’s independence every year in part because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation’s food independence. Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Farmers and ranchers achieve this, in part, through research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill. We urge members of Congress to return from their holiday break and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We appreciate efforts during the reconciliation process to address some issues facing agriculture, but only a new farm bill will bring the certainty farmers need to continue leading the world in agriculture.”
The federal government’s broader Consumer Price Index report for food at home shows an overall increase of 2.2% compared to a year ago. Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey examines only those foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.
-continued on next page
Field Notes page 15 of 27
Continued from previous page
The July Fourth cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey of common food staples Americans use to prepare a holiday meal at home.
Volunteer shoppers across the country, including Farm Bureau members and others, collected data from stores in every state and Puerto Rico.
Individual Prices, AFBF 2025 Summer Cookout
• 2 pounds of ground beef, $13.33 (+4.4%)
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts, $7.79 (-0.5%)
• 3 pounds of pork chops, $14.13 (-8.8%)
• 1 pound of cheese, $3.54 (-0.9%)
• 1 package of hamburger buns, $2.35 (-2.6%)
• 2 ½ pounds of homemade potato salad, $3.54 (+6.6%)
• 32 ounces of pork and beans, $2.69 (+8.2%)
• 16-ounce bag of potato chips, $4.80 (-2.1%)
• 13-ounce package of chocolate chip cookies, $4.00 (+0.3%)
• ½ gallon of ice cream, $5.69 (+0.7%)
• 2 pints of strawberries, $4.69 (+1.7%)
• 2 ½ quarts of lemonade, $4.37 (+4.2%)
Read the full Market Intel on the 2025 Fourth of July Cookout Survey here
SPRING SHOOTOUT BENEFITS GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE
By Whitney Sangster, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture
The third annual Georgia Farm Bureau Spring Shootout, presented by Penco Restoration, took place May 16 at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays and Helice in Griffin. More than 125 participants formed 31 teams to compete in the 100-disc shootout for top prizes. The event drew seasoned shooters and enthusiastic newcomers for a high-energy day on the range.
Thanks to the support of participants, sponsors, and generous donors, the event raised more than $40,000. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and its mission to prepare the next generation of Georgia agricultural leaders for success.
Award categories for this year’s competition included Top Overall Shooter, Top GFB Team, Top Team (1st–3rd place), and Top Junior Shooter (1st–3rd place). A mid-day helice shoot-off determined top rankings and gave the day a fun twist for competitors.
For the second consecutive year, GFB Insurance District 10 claimed the Top GFB Team title and took home first place Top Team overall. Each member of this team received $50 for being the Top GFB Team and an additional $50 each for placing as the Top Team overall. Five Star Credit Union earned second place, and AgSouth Farm Credit rounded out the winners with third place. Each member of the second and third place teams received $50.
Junior shooter Barrett Downing with the AgSouth Farm Credit Team captured the Top Overall Shooter honor to win $100. This is the second year that a junior shooter won the top individual -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 27
Continued from previous page prize. Jason Ludeman and Wesley Dupree, both from the Villa Rica High School team, took home the 2nd and 3rd Place Junior Shooter Awards. Contestants 14-18 years competed as junior shooters. Downing and Ludeman each received $25 as the top two junior shooters.
Keystone Memorials in Elberton generously provided the granite award plaques presented to all the winners. Farm Bureau Mortgage Division, the Georgia Scholastic Clay Target Program, and Synovus sponsored the cash prizes and plaques for the Junior Shooter Awards.
Another highlight of the day was two major raffles. Newton County Farm Bureau donated an engraved Yildiz Legacy HP Shotgun won by Seth Young. Georgia Farm Bureau sponsored a Generac generator that Clay Talton took home.
Shootout competitors enjoyed breakfast from Tasty Donuts and a BBQ lunch catered by Southern Pit Bar-B-Que, both sponsored by the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company.
GFA extends special thanks to its presenting sponsor, Penco Restoration, for helping make the event possible. GFA is also grateful to its Lock-n-Load Sponsor, Yancey Bros. Co., and its Down Range Sponsors: AgGeorgia Farm Credit, AgSouth Farm Credit, Five Star Credit Union, Full Blown Firearms, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, Gower Wooten Darneille Lawfirm, Gresco Utility Supply Inc., Gulfbreeze Laundry Services, Magnolia Loom, Newton County Farm Bureau, Wright Brothers Inc., and Young Thagard Hoffman.
GFA extends additional thanks to its Top Shot Award Sponsors: Georgia SCTP, Farm Bureau Bank -Mortgage Division, and Synovus, and to the meal sponsor, Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Thank you as well to Station Sponsors: AgSouth Farm Credit, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Appraisal Associates Group, and Sea Island Seminole Cup. GFA appreciates the support of its ad sponsors, Dr. Deidre Mercer Martin and Twiggs County Farm Bureau, for helping make this event a success.
USDA EXTENDS APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR ECP, EFRP ASSISTNCE
On June 12, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Georgia extended the deadline for two critical hurricane recovery programs. The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides costshare 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.
“We recognize the level of devastation that hurricanes Debby and Helene caused across Georgia and understand that the recovery and restoration process takes time,” said Georgi FSA Executive Director Duncan Johnson. “We’ve extended the deadline to give producers additional time to complete applications and finalize clean up and restoration efforts.”
Emergency Conservation Program
Approved ECP practices include:
• Debris removal from farmland;
• Grading, shaping and releveling; permanent fence restoration; -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 27
Continued from previous page
• 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;
• Allow 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 upfront. 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 andrestoration 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; 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
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 27
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-at-a-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.
HABERSHAM’S WEBB RECOGNIZED FOR WORLD’S BEST-TASTING HONEY
The Center for Honeybee Research selected Sourwood Honey, produced by Virginia Webb of Habersham County as the recipient of its "2025 Best Tasting Honey in the World" award in Asheville. Webb is a longtime member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Honeybee Advisory Committee.
For the past 14 years, the center has received thousands of entries from around the world for its "Black Jar" contest. The beekeepers and the origins of the honey are unknown to the judges. After several elimination rounds, the top contenders undergo additional taste testing by a panel of expert honey judges who have received special training. The judges evaluate and score the taste of dozens of honeys.
In addition to her repeated victories at the Center for Honeybee Research, Webb has won the top prize four times at Apimondia, the World Honey Show, which is held every two years by the World Beekeeping Federation.
The United States boasts a wide variety of artisanal honeys, ranging from well-known varieties like clover honey to more unique ones, such as tupelo, black sage, fireweed, basswood, and sourwood.
The flavors of these honeys are primarily determined by the flowers that the bees visit.
Webb is the only person in the United States to hold three Master Beekeeping certifications. A third-generation beekeeper, she has been keeping bees for more than 60 years, ever since her father gave her a hive in 1963. Her honey has been served at the White House in Washington, D.C., the Georgia Governor's Mansion, the United Nations in New York City, and Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, among other prestigious locations.
The Center for Honeybee Research cares about all pollinators, not just honeybees. They educate the public about the importance of pollinator gardens and using fewer chemicals in yards to provide habitats for insects. While many insects, birds, and bats provide pollination services, honeybees have become crucial to the agricultural industry.
In the United States, more than one-third of all crop production, including 90 different crops ranging from nuts and berries to flowering vegetables-requires insect pollination. To make 1 pound of honey, bees must visit more than 2 million flowers. That is the power of the honeybee.
To find out more information on the Center for Honeybee Research go to: https://centerforhoneybeeresearch.org
Field Notes page 19 of 27
AGGEORGIA FARM CREDIT COMMUNITY MISSION FUND GRANTS
June 30 application deadline
AgGeorgia Farm Credit is accepting applications for $50,000 in grants to support non-profits that are furthering the future of agriculture in Georgia. The funding is offered as part of the cooperative’s Community Mission Fund, with awards of up to $5,000 per organization per year. The Fund's mission is to build strong partnerships and alliances, leveraging resources to preserve and promote farmers, families, and Georgia’s rural communities. The program has two main objectives: to invest in the future of agriculture and to enhance and impact the quality of life in rural Georgia. As part of the application, organizations should submit a detailed proposal for a project the grant will fund. Organizations' values and proposed project purpose must align with the Fund's mission to be considered for funding. To qualify for a grant, organizations must be located within the 79-county area where AgGeorgia Farm Credit conducts business. For more information and to apply, visit the AgGeorgia Farm Credit Community Mission Fund page at www.aggeorgia.com/community-mission-fund. The Fund has disbursed more than $108,000 since it was created in 2023. For more information, please contact Jessica Bassett at Marketing@aggeorgia.com or by phone at 800-768-3276 x 630.
GFB CULTIVATE & EDUCATE AG IN THE CLASSROOM GRANTS
July 1 application deadline Georgia Farm Bureau will award 12 grants of $500 each to certified teachers employed by a school district or private school who teach at the pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade level to fund projects that will educate their students about the importance of agriculture and expand agricultural literacy. Teachers will provide a one-page narrative that explains the purpose of the project, need for the project, educational goals, project budget and a recommendation letter from the county Farm Bureau. Priority will be given to teachers who are Georgia Farm Bureau members. Projects are to be completed during the 2025-2026 school year. Grant money can be used for classroom materials and resources, including ag-accurate books. Grant money cannot be used for mileage, field trips nor one-time consumable products such as copying, paper or meals. GFB will issue grant funds to the recipient’s county Farm Bureau, which will distribute the money to the grant recipient. Grant applications must be submitted online at https://gfb.ag/AITCgrant.
Field Notes page 20 of 27
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU PB&J 5K
July 1 early bird registration of $30 ends
Nov 15 run date at 8 a.m.
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. Early Bird registration is open until July 1. When you register, 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/pband-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/memberbenefits-directory to learn more about the health, travel, family entertainment, farm equipment and services and health discounts members can enjoy.
CABBAGE PRODUCERS CROP INSURANCE
July 1
deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia cabbage growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 fall crop and 2026 spring crop is July 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the July 1 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 cabbage in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Mitchell, Tift, and Toombs 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 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 Field Notes page 21 of 27
COLUMBIA COUNTY POND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
July 7 registration deadline
July 14
Jerome Jones Far, 1456 Clary Cut Rd. 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Harlem Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC), Columbia County Farm Bureau, and the Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to present a free informational workshop for local homeowners, property owners, and anyone who wants to learn more about managing pond health and care and the correct steps to care for them. Participate to learn more about pond management practices such as fish health, weed control, pond designs, and healthy fish management. In addition, information on farm programs will be presented. Partnering agencies for this event include Georgia DNR and USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Lunch will be served. This is a free event, but registration is required online at www.gacd.us/events.
AGAWARE WORKSHOPS
July 10 Gordon County Extension 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Calhoun
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.
https://gfb.ag/25AgAwareDouglasPendleton
https://gfb.ag/25AgAwareCalhoun
SOUTHEAST CITRUS UPDATE
July 14
Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center 9:30 a.m. Lyons
This free seminar will feature discussions on disease control, horticultural practices and citrus greening. Speakers include UGA Extension Citrus Specialist Dr. Mary Sutton, UGA Small Fruit Pathologist Dr. Jonathan Oliver, University of Florida Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Breeding Scientist Dr. Manjul Dutt and UGA Extension Citrus Agent Jake Price. Pesticide credits will be offered and lunch will be served. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Tattnall County Extension office at 912-557-6724 or the Evans County Extension office at 912-739-1292.
Field Notes page 22 of 27
FSA ACREAGE REPORTING
July 15 next major deadline to complete reports
Agricultural producers in Georgia should make an appointment with their local FSA office to complete crop acreage reports before the applicable deadline after planting is complete. An acreage report documents a crop grown on a farm or ranch, its intended use, and location. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of benefits. Acreage reporting dates vary by crop and by county. Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center for a list of acreage reporting deadlines by crop. The next major acreage reporting deadline is July 15, 2025, for corn, cotton, grain sorghum, peanuts, sesame, soybean, tobacco, and whole farm revenue protection.
SUNBELT AG EXPO INNOVATION AWARDS
July 15 application deadline
Do you have a new product or service that is innovative, timesaving, labor-saving or that will change the agricultural world? If so, enter it in Sunbelt Ag Expo’s Top 10 New Products competition. Entries must be for products released between Oct. 17, 2024-Oct. 16, 2025. Products or services will be judged for originality, innovativeness, practicality, affordability and overall appeal. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of farmers, ranchers, agricultural business professionals and university representatives. Apply at https://sunbeltexpo.com/innovation-award/. Winners will be contacted by August 5. The 10 winners must exhibit at the 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo to be held Oct. 14-16 in Moultrie, Ga. If you have questions, email mandy@sunbeltexpo.com or call 229-985-1968.
26TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE
July 23-25 Edgewater Beach Resort Panama City, Fla.
This three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. Visit www.southernpeanutfarmers.org for more info or to register.
GA COTTON COMMISSION MID-YEAR MEETING/PREHARVEST WORKSHOP
July 23 Nesmith-Lane Conference Center
Statesboro
The Georgia Cotton Commission is pleased to announce the guest speakers at the Commission’s 2024 Mid-Year Meeting scheduled for July 23 at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro. The inaugural Mid-Year Meeting is held in conjunction with a UGA Cotton PreHarvest Workshop conducted by members of the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop will feature sessions where attendees will receive a 2025 crop update and defoliation considerations along with discussions regarding late season irrigation and pest management strategies. The program speakers are Akiko Inui, Board Chair of The Cotton Board, and Tas Smith, Vice President of Producer Affairs for the National Cotton Council. During the lunch program the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards for the 2025 crop will be presented. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. Register online at www.georgiacottoncommission.org
GFB Field Notes page 24 of 27
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.
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.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE PICNIC ON THE FARM
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.
Field Notes page 25 of 27
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.
GFB Field Notes page 26 of 27
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.
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.
Field Notes page 27 of 27
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.