February 28, 2024
www.gfb.org
GFB COMMODITY COMMITTEES BEGIN 2024 WORK
Each year, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) seeks commodity-specific knowledge from its members through spring commodity advisory committee (CAC) meetings and AFBF Issue Advisory Committee (IAC) meetings. County Farm Bureaus are asked to nominate members to serve on the committees, and committee members are appointed every two years.
GFB has 20 established CACs, each consisting of members who produce that specific commodity.
“Agriculture is changing rapidly, and the input these committees provide keeps Farm Bureau up-to-date on challenges farmers face and solutions they seek,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We are grateful for the CAC members’ service, which is essential for Farm Bureau to act as the voice for Georgia farmers.”
AFBF’s IAC meetings were held Feb. 14 and 15 in Washington, D.C. GFB members serving on AFBF IACs are: Rachel Santos, Barrow County (Market Structures IAC); Brad Edenfield, Burke (Technology); Andy Bell, Decatur (Budget and Economy); Mark Masters, Dougherty (Environmental Regulations and Water); Lucy Ray, Morgan (Animal Care); and Lindy Savelle, Thomas (Organic, Food Safety and Direct Marketing).
GFB’s CAC committees meet individually throughout March and April, either at the GFB home office in Macon or at a place of interest to their commodity’s producers.
The chairmen of the GFB CACs are: Aquaculture – Terry Bramlett, Fannin County; Beef –Chuck Joiner, Carroll; Cotton – David Holton, Mitchell; Dairy – Joel Keith, Troup; Direct Marketing/Agritourism – Jim Steed, Columbia; Environmental Horticulture – William Ross, Oconee; Equine – Gary Walker, Tift; Feedgrain/Soybean – Jesse Patrick, Putnam; Forestry – John Mixon, Pike; Fruits – Tim McMillan, Berrien; Goats/Sheep – Will Cabe, Franklin; Hay – Harry Thompson, Colquitt; Honeybees – J. Keith Fielder, Putnam; Peanuts – John Harrell, Grady; Pecans – Wade Parker, Jenkins; Poultry – Steven Green, Spalding; Swine – Terry Danforth, Berrien; Tobacco – Fred Wetherington, Lowndes; Vegetables – Brad Calhoun, Turner; and Water – Lee Webster, Burke.
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USDA, UGA BREAK GROUND ON NEW AG RESEARCH FACILITY IN TIFTON
On Feb. 21, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art research facility housing the Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory and the Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit.
This new research facility will include a new 31,000 square foot building on the UGA Tifton campus. ARS and university employees’ research will advance climate-smart agricultural research ranging from water resources in the southern coastal plain to the management of insect pests and pollinators in agricultural landscapes, and the development of resilient and sustainable cropping and forage systems in the southeastern United States.
“Cutting-edge research keeps American agriculture competitive and helps farmers and ranchers stay ahead of emerging threats like climate change and emerging pests and diseases. We are grateful for our longstanding partnership with scientists and students at the University of Georgia - Tifton, and we look forward to seeing this state-of-the-art facility foster additional innovation, breakthroughs, and even recruitment of new talent to our organizations,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics.
The partnership between ARS and UGA highlights the importance of bringing cutting edge research to the heart of South Georgia agriculture and help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders to take the world's stage through student experience and education.
“State and federal scientists stationed at the UGA Tifton campus have a long history of working together to solve some of the most difficult production challenges in the Southeast. This building will improve our collective ability to recruit top scientists, provide laboratory space for cuttingedge approaches and leverage existing campus assets,” said UGA Tifton campus Assistant Dean Dr. Michael Toews.
GFB INTRODUCES 2024 GEORGIA FARM DOG CONTEST
Farm dogs play a special role on the farm. Versatile, intelligent and hard-working, these dedicated canines help our farmers feed the world. Farm dogs can serve in a variety of roles, including herding livestock, guarding property and even assisting with daily chores. They help manage and protect livestock by ensuring they are kept in designated areas and safeguarded from potential threats. Driven by instinct and a strong desire to please, farm dogs also provide an invaluable source of companionship and joy to their families.
In 2024, Georgia Farm Bureau is on a mission to highlight a few of our furry heroes through the 2024 Georgia Farm Dog Contest. The winner and finalists will be featured in an upcoming issue of Georgia Neighbors. Enter by May 1!
GFB will accept entries to the Georgia Farm Dog Contest from 2 p.m. on March 1 until 10 p.m. on May 1 or until 200 entries are received, whichever comes first.
Judging for the contest will take place May 1- 30. This is a skill-based contest and chance plays no part in the determination of winners.
One grand prize winner will receive a cover feature in an upcoming issue of Georgia Neighbors and a gift card with a retail value of $500. Four runners-up winners will also be featured in an -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page upcoming issue of Georgia Neighbors as finalists.
The contest is open to GFB members ages 18 and over. Not a member? Consider joining today! Georgia Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the future of Georgia's family farms and our access to locally grown food and fiber. Most of your membership fee, which is just $35/year, stays right in your county supporting your local farms. Membership is open to everyone.
For complete contest rules and criteria dogs will be judged by, visit www.gfb.org/24-ga-farmdog.
GDA LAUNCHES GRANT PROGRAM TO BOOST FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
The Georgia Department of Agriculture is working with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to offer $7.1 million in competitive grant funding to Georgia projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. The grants are being offered under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program.Through this agreement, Georgia and the USDA are working together to offer $7.1 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain.
The GDA will accept applications for this grant opportunity until March 29 at 5 p.m.
“The collaboration between the Georgia Department of Agriculture and USDA signifies a strong partnership that will support Georgia's small farms and food businesses through the RFSI grant,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Our funding priorities are centered on strengthening the food supply chain, with a particular emphasis on enhancing market opportunities for small farms and food businesses and increasing value-added opportunities. We firmly believe that these funds will help our state establish a more resilient food supply chain for all Georgians.”
The RFSI program, established under the American Rescue Plan, allocates $420 million to strengthen local and regional food systems nationwide. It focuses on enhancing market access for small farms and food businesses, promoting fair prices and wages, and fostering economic growth through job creation.
The grants offered through the RFSI program will support a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the capacity and infrastructure involved in processing, storing, and distributing locally and regionally produced food. Priority will be given to projects involving dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables, dry beans, and aquaculture, as well as those submitted by farmer- and worker-owned enterprises and cooperatives.
Who is eligible for grant consideration:
· Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors (including cooperatives or associations);
· Small for-profit businesses;
· Nonprofit organizations;
· Local and tribal government entities;
· Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals.
For Georgia's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), the term "middle-of-thesupply- chain" encompasses a series of critical activities positioned between the initial production
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Continued from previous page phase and the final retail sale. These activities, essential for the processing, aggregation, and distribution phases, enhance the value, safety, and marketability of agricultural products across the state. The activities outlined below, while not exhaustive, are illustrative of the operations supported by the RFSI program to strengthen Georgia's agricultural supply chain:
Packaging Operations: This includes the grading, sorting, and labeling of products to prepare them for market.
Processing Techniques: Activities such as canning, preserving, pasteurizing, and other processing methods that extend the shelf life and improve the safety of agricultural products.
Extraction Processes: The extraction of juice, oil, nut meats, and other derivatives from agricultural products for further use or sale.
Crop Processing: Tasks like chopping, washing, peeling, drying, hulling, milling, and shelling that are preliminary steps for further processing or direct sale.
Value-Added Product Creation: The transformation of raw agricultural goods into products with increased market value through cooking, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and other processing methods.
Logistics and Storage: Activities related to the efficient tracking, storage (including cold storage), warehousing, and distribution of products to ensure they reach markets in optimal condition.
All applicants for the Georgia Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program must have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number as part of their application process. The UEI is a requirement for all entities receiving federal financial assistance and serves as a standard identifier for doing business with the U.S. government.
To obtain or verify your UEI number, please visit the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration . Registration is free and is essential for ensuring your eligibility for the RFSI grant. Please ensure that your SAM registration is current and active at the time of application and throughout the grant period. Applications without a valid UEI will not be accepted
Additional consideration will be given to eligible applicants who are historically underserved farmers and ranchers, small and underserved business owners, and other businesses that qualify under the U.S. Small Business Administration categories of small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses.
Grant funds cannot benefit products including meat, poultry, wild-caught seafood, dietary supplements, tobacco, and food for animal consumption.
For complete program details and to download application guidelines, visit the GDA's website at www.georgiarfsi.com.
Please email any further questions to RFSI@agr.georgia.gov or call Happy Wyatt at 478-3652372. The following instructions for downloading applications at the above link are provided by GDA. These files must be opened using the latest version of Adobe Reader; a link to download the latest version is provided at the above link. After clicking on the link, go to your download folder and right click on the application. It will ask how to open and you click Adobe. GDA apologizes for all the added steps.
(https://agr.georgia.gov/resilient-food-systems-infrastructure-program)
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SE MILK MARKETING ORDER AMENDMENTS TAKE EFFECT MARCH 1
On Feb. 1, USDA AMS announced the final adoption of amendments to the three Southeastern Federal Orders (F.O. 5, 6, & 7). On Dec. 1, 2023, USDA released it final rule and ordered a producer referendum to approve or deny the amendments. According to USDA, more than twothirds of participating producers approved the proposed changes to the Appalachian, Florida, and Southeastern orders. The amendments take effect March 1.
These amendments included updates to the components of the mileage rate calculation of the transportation credit balancing fund (TCBF), revising the months of mandatory and discretionary payment for T-credits, revising the non-reimbursed mileage factor, and increasing the maximum assessment rate on Class I milk.
The rule also creates a new distributing plant delivery credit (DPDC) that will make service payments to qualifying handlers and co-ops for milk shipments to pool distributing plants from farms that are year-round suppliers. For Georgia producers, this means handlers will be able to secure a DPDC payment for milk that travels from Georgia to pool plants in Florida on a consistent basis.
In other dairy news, enrollment in the Dairy Margin Coverage program began Feb. 27 after publication of the rule in the Federal Register next week.
The program will be retroactive to Jan. 1 and coverage will be available through December. AFBF previously sent a letter to Deputy Under Secretary Gloria Montaño Greene and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux urging them to open enrollment for the Dairy Margin Coverage program as soon as possible. Implementation delays resulted from adjustments to the program made when the 2018 farm bill was extended, and necessary technical updates.
Dairy Margin Coverage is a risk management tool offered through the farm bill that provides support to farmers when the price of milk falls below the cost of supplies.
USDA’s February milk production reports show that between 2018 and 2023 the number of licensed dairy herds has declined by 9,546 across the United States. This loss of dairy farms is one of the reasons AFBF has advocated for reforms to the Federal Milk Marketing Order system, and for efficient and timely implementation of farm safety net programs.
JOHN DEERE, SPACEX PARTNER ON SATELLITE COMMS DEAL
John Deere & Company has entered into an agreement with SpaceX to provide cutting-edge satellite communications (SATCOM) service to farmers, according to a company press release
Utilizing the industry-leading Starlink network, this solution will allow farmers facing rural connectivity challenges to fully leverage precision agriculture technologies. This partnership, an industry first, will enable John Deere customers to be more productive, profitable, and sustainable in their operations as they continue to provide food, fuel, and fiber for their communities and a growing global population.
“The value of connectivity to farmers is broader than any single task or action. Connectivity unlocks vast opportunities that were previously limited or unavailable,” said Aaron Wetzel, Vice President of Production and Precision Ag Production Systems at John Deere. “For example, throughout the year, farmers must complete tasks within extremely short windows of time. This -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page requires executing incredibly precise production steps while coordinating between machines and managing machine performance. Each of these areas are enhanced through connectivity, making the entire operation more efficient, effective, and profitable.”
The SATCOM solution will connect both new and existing machines through satellite internet service and ruggedized satellite terminals. This will fully enable technologies such as autonomy, real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, enhanced self-repair solutions, and machine-tomachine communication, all of which help farmers work more efficiently while minimizing downtime.
“John Deere has led the agriculture equipment industry for more than two decades with satellitebased precision guidance technology,” said Deere Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer Jahmy Hindman “Now, we are bringing satellite communications service to the farm at scale so farmers with cellular coverage challenges can maximize the value of connectivity to their operations. The SATCOM solution unlocks the John Deere tech stack so every farmer can fully utilize their current precision agriculture technology in addition to the new innovative solutions they will deploy in the future. We initiated this process with a fierce focus on delivering value to our customers, and this partnership ensures we have a solution that meets their needs today and in the future.”
John Deere’s SATCOM solution will use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation. To activate this solution, John Deere dealers will install a shock-resistant Starlink terminal on compatible machines, along with a 4G LTE JDLink modem to connect the machine to the John Deere Operations Center. The SATCOM solution will initially be available through a limited release in the United States and Brazil starting in the second half of 2024.
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2024 USING PESICIDES WISELY TRAINING
March 1 Worth Co. Ag Pavilion, 102 Rebecca Drive 9 a.m. Sylvester
RSVP to: 229-776-8216 (350 maximum attendance)
March 5 Mitchell Co. Ag Center, 4590 GA Hwy 37 East 9 a.m. Camilla
RSVP to: 229-336-2066 (250 maximum attendance)
March 6 Pulaski Co. Rec Dept.153 Lower River Rd. 9 a.m. Hawkinsville
RSVP 478-783-1171 (200 maximum attendance)
March 8 Colquitt Co. Ex. Office, 350 Veterans Parkway N. 9 a.m. Moultrie
RSVP 229-616-7455 (175 maximum attendance)
March 12 Coffee High School, 159 Trojan Way 9 a.m. Douglas
RSVP to: NA
March 13
Pierce County Ext. Office, 705 College Ave. 9 a.m. Blackshear
RSVP to: 912-449-2034 (125 maximum attendance)
March 14, Nessmith-Lane Conference Center, 847 Plant Dr. 9 a.m. Statesboro
RSVP to: 912-871-6130 (376 maximum attendance)
March 14 East Ga, State College Auditorium, 131 College Circle 1:30 p.m. Swainsboro
RSVP to: NA
March 18
Burke Co. Office Park, 715 West Sixth St. 10 a.m. Waynesboro
RSVP to: 706-554-2119 (250 maximum attendance)
March 19 Kirbo Center, 2500 East Shotwell Street 9 a.m. Bainbridge
RSVP to: NA
March 20
Gordon Co. Ext. Office, 1282 Hwy. 53 SPUR SW 2 p.m. Calhoun
RSVP to: 706-629-8685 (80 maximum attendance)
March 21 Jackson EMC, 85 Spratlin Mill Rd. 10 a.m. Hull
RSVP to: 706-384-4476 (100 maximum attendance)
March 22 SW GA Research & Ed Center, 108 Experiment Station Rd. 9 a.m. Plains
RSVP to: 229-924-4476, (140 maximum attendance)
March 25
Southeastern Technical College, 3001 E. First St. 9 a.m. Vidalia
RSVP to: 912-526-3101 (250 maximum attendance)
March 26
Flint Energies, 3 South Macon Street 9 a.m. Reynolds
RSVP to: 478-862-5496 (250 maximum attendance)
March 26
Oconee Fall Line Tech College* 560 Pinehill Road 1:30 p.m. Dublin
RSVP to: 478-272-2277 (120 maximum attendance) * DuBose Porter Center
April 3 UGA Tifton Campus Conf. Center, 15 RDC Road 9 a.m. Tifton
RSVP to: 229-386-7274 (300 maximum attendance)
April 4 Main Street Theater, 152 N Main Street 9 a.m. Dawson
RSVP to: 229-995-2165 (150 maximum attendance)
This training is mandated by federal labels, in order to hold a private or commercial pesticide applicator license to purchase and use the restricted use herbicides Engenia, XtendiMax, and Tavium. Use is limited to only those persons holding a private or commercial applicator certification. It is no longer permissible for non-certified applicators to apply these products under the direct supervision of the certified applicator. Prior to applying these products in 2024, all applicators must be trained according to the federal labels. In Georgia, applicators must complete the 2024 UPW classroom training with locations provided above. On-line training sessions will not be available. Those needing
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pesticide credit but not applying Engenia, XtendiMax, or Tavium are welcome to attend. Attendees should bring their pesticide license; two hours of pesticide credit for private or commercial will be offered. The meeting will last about 1.5 hours; no beverages or meals will be provided. Attendees’ names will be placed on a list posted to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s auxin website at https://agr.georgia.gov/dicamba
GA BLUEBERRY GROWERS TO VOTE ON CONTINUATION OF ASSESSMENT
March 1-30
balloting period
Georgia blueberry growers will have the opportunity to vote on continuation of the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Blueberries Marketing Order, which allows for an assessment on blueberries produced in Georgia. Growers who annually produce, and market 2,000 pounds or more of blueberries are eligible to vote. The current assessment amount is set at $5 per ton. Balloting for the continuation of the market order is set for March 1-30. When growers receive the ballot, they should vote and return it in the addressed envelope by March 30. They must also sign and fill out the back of the envelope to certify they are a qualified Georgia blueberry producer for the ballot to be counted. A favorable vote of 66 2/3 % of the returned eligible ballots is required for continuation of the market order. The Georgia Blueberry Commission was created by the Georgia legislature at the request of Georgia blueberry growers in 2008. Funds received by the Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Blueberries are used for research, education, and promotion of Georgia blueberries. Research projects supported by GBC funs include emerging insect pests, fruit quality, nutrition traits of varieties, support of variety development by new blueberry breeders, disease management, and federal trade import studies. Growers who do not receive a ballot should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or 404 586 1405.
U.S. CLIMATE SMART COTTON & U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL PROGRAMS
March 1
Deadline to submit data for ’23 crop for U.S. Climate Smart Program Cotton growers currently enrolled in Level 1 of the Climate Smart Cotton Program must enter their fieldprint data and upload their 2023 cotton bales by March 1 to receive payment. Growers can get started today at TrustUSCotton.org.
April 30
Deadline to enroll in ’24 U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Climate Smart Programs Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol was designed to set a new standard in more sustainably grown cotton. Producers enrolled in the voluntary Trust Protocol are eligible to participate in the Climate Smart Cotton Program, which will provide technical and financial assistance to 1,650 U.S. cotton farmers with acres available for Climate Smart practice changes. Growers also receive personalized data that can be used to help improve their sustainability efforts and yield, as well as gain closer communication with their end customer. Data growers provide is secure and remains confidential. It is used only in aggregate form. Crop consultants can be authorized to enter information on the grower’s behalf. Additionally, the John Deere Operations Center can prepopulate up to 40% of the data needed to complete the fieldprint analysis for those who utilize the platform. Growers can enroll and complete their data entry at TrustUSCotton.org. Enrollment for the 2024 crop is open. For help enrolling, contact info@trustuscotton.org
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GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS
March 1 deadline to apply
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $65,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences or a related field. The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories. Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program during the 2023-24 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related agricultural field. College Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for students who will be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college and major in an area of agriculture or an ag-related field of study, such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, or commercial truck driving. Visit https://gfb.ag/gfatechscholarshipmajors for a list of eligible schools and majors. Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture – This scholarship is for college students who have at least two semesters of college remaining to receive an undergraduate degree from a unit of The University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College or any accredited college/university in Georgia with an ag program. Applicants must be majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or an ag-related field. UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship - This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program specializing in large animal/food animal practice. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2023. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application. The scholarship recipients will be announced in spring of 2023. Scholarship checks will be sent to the qualifying college/university the recipient is attending and placed in their school account upon verification the student has met all qualifications for the scholarship. Scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors will be distributed for spring 2024 upon receipt of first semester college transcript indicating the recipient is pursuing an ag-related course of study and has at least a 3.0 GPA.
USDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM
March 1 deadline to apply
The USDA is accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at 1890 land-grant universities to pursue food and agriculture career paths. Administered through USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college as well as rising college sophomores and juniors. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between USDA and the 19 historically Black land-grant universities that were established in the Morrill Land Grand Act of 1890. USDA partners with these 1890 universities to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Scholarship recipients attend one of the 1890 universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship also includes work experience at USDA through summer internships. Scholars accepted into the
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program are eligible for noncompetitive conversion to a permanent appointment with USDA upon successful completion of their degree requirements by the end of the agreement period. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program awarded 100 scholarships in the 2023 cohort of 1890 Scholars. Learn more and apply online at USDA 1890 National Scholars Program. For more information, contact partnerships@usda.gov.
GA VEGETABLE COMMISSION REFERENDUM
Through March 2
Mail balloting
The Georgia Dept. of Agriculture has mailed ballots to eligible Georgia vegetable growers to vote on whether to continue the Georgia Vegetable Commission marketing order which allows assessment of one cent per marketing unit of vegetables as described in the current marketing order. The marketing order applies to growers with 50 acres or more of total annual production of the following crops - beans, bell pepper, specialty pepper, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, greens (including collards, turnip greens, mustard, and kale), squash (including yellow, zucchini and winter squash), sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Funds collected by the Georgia Vegetable Commission are used for research, education, and promotion of these crops. It is the policy that the commission allocates at least 75% of the money collected toward research projects by the University of Georgia and other research institutions that best serve the Georgia Growers. Read the 2023 Commission Report here. Previously funded research has addressed but has not been limited to: whiteflies, fungal disease diagnoses & control, viral diseases, variety development, fumigation, and weed control. The Georgia Vegetable Commission was established by the Georgia General Assembly in 2006 at the request of Georgia vegetable growers. The marketing order must be reapproved by a vote of the eligible vegetable growers every three years by a two-thirds affirmative vote. If you are a qualified grower and have not received a ballot in the mail by Feb.10, please contact Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gove or call 404710-1196. Ballots must be postmarked by March 2 to be counted.
LINCOLN COUNTY NO-TILL SEED DRILL WORKSHOP
March 6
Lincoln County Agricultural Building 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Lincolnton
The Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Lincoln County UGA Extension, and the Lincoln County Conservation District are partnering to present a free informational workshop for local homeowners, property owners, and anyone who wants to learn more about No-Till Seed Drills. This workshop will discuss general practices and options for caring for no-till drill systems. Come learn the benefits of using no-till drilling, how to increase water infiltration into soil, and how to use our new drill. The no-till drill is great for pasture and hayland renovations, seeding cover crops, grain crops, and more. The Lincoln County Agricultural Building is located at 2080 RowlandYork Dr. in Lincolnton. Dinner will be served. The event is free but registration is required by March 1. To register, contact at jennifer.standridge@gaswcc.ga.gov or (706) 431-0405.
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66TH ANNUAL TIFTON PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE
March 6 UGA Tifton Bull Center 12:30 p.m. Irwinville
The sale will include 75 performance-tested, genomic enhanced and parentage-verified Angus, Black Hereford, Hereford, Red Angus, Simmental & SimAngus bulls from consigners. The sale will be broadcast online live through LiveAuctions.tv. The sale catalog, videos of bulls and more information is available online at www.ugabeef.com/bulltest. Contact Jason Duggin at jduggin@uga.edu or 706-624-1403 or Grace Nyhuis at gracen@uga.edu or 229-386-3683 for more information.
GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS
March 8 deadline for county offices to submit entries
Contact your county Farm Bureau office to learn deadline for its local contests
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in ninth through twelfth grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. Middle school students will be given a blank bookmark and asked to draw a picture that depicts some aspect of Georgia agriculture. Students may use crayons, markers or colored pencils to create their bookmark that illustrates agriculture. High schoolers entering the art contest should draw a scene depicting Georgia agriculture. Artwork submitted in the high school art contest must be on 8.5 x 11-inch white paper and should be created in the colors black, white and gray. Contestants may use a variety of media to create their artwork including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, pen-and-ink, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Artwork entered in both contests will be judged on 1) how well the artwork represents modern agriculture found in the artist’s county or Georgia and 2) artistic merit. Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules. Contact your county Farm Bureau to learn its February deadline for entering the contests. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries to Georgia Farm Bureau for the state contest by March 8. Entries are limited to one per person in both contests. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Previous state winners are not eligible for either contest. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office or visit www.gfb.ag/contests. Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture and to access info about Georgia agriculture.
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UGA EXTENSION GOAT & SHEEP PRODUCTION SUMMIT
March 8 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens
Hear speakers from Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture, UGA Animal & Dairy Science Department & UGA Extension Forages Team discuss production issues for new and experienced producers. Price per participant is $45 to cover all course materials and lunch. Register at https://t.uga.edu/9Ga . Contact shanna.reynolds@uga.edu if your business is interested in a booth at the event. The event venue is located at 2660 South Milledge Ave. Athens, Ga. 30605.
USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY GEORGIA FARM LOAN INFO SESSIONS
March 12 10 AM Dodge Co. Rec Dept. Alco Building Eastman
Located at 1027 Dublin Hwy., 31023
March 12 2 PM Billy Walker Agricultural Center Douglas
Located at 901 GA-206, 31533
March 13 10 AM Wayne Co. Extension Office Jesup
Located at 1900 Sunset Boulevard, 31545
Join Georgia Farm Service Agency Executive Director Arthur Tripp, Jr. to learn more about FSA capital assistance options. Average interest rates for farm operating loans are 5.125%;farm ownership loans are 5.375% & farm storage facility loans are 4%. Please RSVP to gaoutreach@usda.gov.
2024 CROP YEAR ARC & PLC ENROLLMENT
March 15 deadline to enroll
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting enrollment in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year, and the deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15. For more information on ARC and PLC, producers can visit the ARC and PLC webpage or contact their local USDA Service Center.
GFB COOKBOOK TO SUPPORT IMPACT FUND
March 18 deadline to submit recipes or order a book
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is extremely excited to announce the GFB Cookbook. Anyone is welcome to submit their favorite recipes. Those who submit recipes will receive credit next to their recipe, so be sure to include all the requested information. The process is simple and convenient. To submit your recipe today, click the link here and/or pre-order your GFB Cookbook. (https://georgiafarmbureau.regfox.com/2023-pac-cookbook-). Cookbooks will be printed and delivered in June. All proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will directly benefit the Georgia Farm Bureau Federal ImPACt Fund. To purchase a cookbook, you must be a current GFB mnember, though memberhip is not required to submit a recipe. If you would like to purchase a cookbook and aren’t yet a Georgia Farm Bureau Member, we invite you to join today. You can become a member HERE, and once completed, you can pre-purchase your book from the link provided. (https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today) For more information, contact Keaton Walker at kgwalker@gfb.org
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2024 FARM STRESS SUMMIT
March 20 Chattahoochee Tech, 100 Campus Dr. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Jasper From healthcare providers and nonprofits to county officials and faith leaders, the 2024 Farm Stress Summit welcomes all who combat farm stress within our communities. The goal goal is to learn from each other, connect communities with existing resources and establish partnerships across organizations. Attendance of this event offers up to 2.5 CEU contact hours for social workers. Commissioner Kevin Tanner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), will provide the keynote address. Click here for more details and to register.
GFB AG IN THE CLASSROOM EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS
March 22 (Registration deadline March 8) UGArden Athens
April 12 (Registration deadline March 29) Ga. Museum of Agriculture Tifton Georgia Farm Bureau is hosting Ag in the Classroom Educator Workshops & Tours in 2024 to introduce teachers to resources and teaching strategies to incorporate agriculture into their classrooms using curriculum that meets required teaching standards for STEM and STEAM. All workshops are open to any Georgia teacher. Teachers can choose from any of the three dates/locations. Each workshop will begin at 8 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. The cost to attend the workshop is $35, which includes lunch. Each workshop has a capacity of 30 teachers. Workshops are for teachers who have not previously attended a GFB Educator Workshop in the past two years. Teachers interested in attending may register at www.gfb.ag/Spring24Workshop by the deadline or until the 30 slots for each class or filled. County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to recruit a local teacher who hasn’t previously attended a GFB Educator workshop to attend and to consider paying the teacher’s registration fee, reimbursing the teacher’s mileage to/from the workshop &/or covering the hotel cost for the night before the workshop if the teacher is traveling a long distance. Teachers or county Farm Bureaus with questions should contact Lauren Goble at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5135.
16TH ANNUAL PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL
March 23 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Downtown Square Blakely
Early County’s day-long celebration of Georgia peanuts begins with a 5k and Fun Run. It includes a parade, over 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course, free entertainment, and much more. Free specialty products such as fried peanuts and grilled PB&J sandwiches will be served. Visit www.peanutproudfestival.com or the Peanut Proud Festival Facebook page for all the details. Call 229-724-7322 for more information.
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USDA VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS
April 11 deadline for electronic applications
April 16 deadline for paper applications
The USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase their incomes through value-added activities Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. USDA may award up to $75,000 for planning activities or up to $250,000 for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product Planning activities may include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans. Working capital expenses may include costs associated with processing, marketing, advertising, inventory and salaries. To learn more, read the full Grant Opportunity Announcement. (https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-sa-vappg-foa-01172024.pdf)
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
April 13, May 18, Sept. 7 & Oct. 5 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. Show participants will enjoy an exciting jumping course and pattern changes, re-themed jumps and online registration/payment. Entry fee per class is $10 regular class and $12 for championship classes. 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.kelmac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. 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 $167,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 48 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, the Barbara Cumming Scholarship, 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.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB TRAIL RIDE & LUNCH
April 27 10 a.m. South Oconee Co. Hwy. 441 Watkinsville
The Kel-Mac Club invites riders to bring their horses to enjoy a meet & greet trail ride and lunch at Heritage Park. The park, located at 2543 Athens Hwy (441) south of Watkinsville, has easy and beautiful trails. Contact Sharon Wood at bullet2525@aol.com to reserve your lunch and for more details about this event.
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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 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER NO-TILL EQUIPMENT FOR RENT
Ongoing
Local Conservation Districts and their partners help farmers try a number of conservation practices by purchasing equipment and making it available to rent. Some districts offer no-till drills, PVC pond pipe systems and repair parts, as well as geotextile fabric for agricultural and road use. To see what equipment is available in your conservation district, click here
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.