EXTREME DROUGHT CONDITIONS PERSIST OVER MUCH OF GEORGIA
While some parts of Georgia got rain over Easter weekend, according to UGA Extension Climatologist Pam Knox, any relief it provided will be short-lived.
“The wettest area will be in eastern Florida where there is the potential for low pressure to develop off the East Coast and draw some moisture into the Florida Peninsula,” Knox wrote in her Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast blog post from April 5. “Most of the rest of the region will be under high pressure and is not expected to get much if any rain. If you look at the longerrange models out to 384 hours (April 21), all of the models show the same general pattern with slight variations about where the driest conditions will be.”
The U.S. Drought Monitor’s (USDM) April 2 drought map showed all of Georgia in some stage of drought starting with abnormally dry, the USDM’s label for the least severe drought stage. Most of the state is experiencing much more severe dry conditions. Twenty-five counties in South Georgia are in Exceptional Drought, the most severe drought stage. Another 86 counties, covering the entire Coastal Plain and much of the North Georgia mountains, are in Extreme Drought, the second-most severe stage. A time-series graphic provided by the USDM shows how current drought conditions are shaping up against previous years since 2000. Once on the landing page change the Area Type tab from national to state and then select Georgia in the next tab labeled Area.
The dry conditions are already having effects on Georgia farms.
“Since August, we probably haven't had over four inches of rain. The last significant rain we had was about a month ago, just out of the blue. We got an inch and six tenths, but it didn't even register. It didn't last,” said Daniel Johnson, a Pierce County row crop farmer in deep Southeast Georgia. “Right now, we're having to irrigate ahead of planting corn and behind planting corn.”
Johnson says he’s having to irrigate at least a half inch of water to plant his corn crop and at least a half an inch after planting to get the seed to germinate and come up. He’s relying on deep wells to irrigate his crop.
In Screven County, located in upper Southeast Georgia on the South Carolina line, Ben Boyd said his dad, Olin, says the farm is as dry as he’s ever seen it this time of year.
“We had about a half inch, probably four weeks ago, but we hadn't had any significant rain since probably last October. I bet you, we hadn't had two inches of rain since last October,” Boyd said.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 20
“We never have to replant corn because it’s too dray and won’t come up, but we’re going to have to replant a pretty good bit of corn if nothing changes.”
Boyd said they’re having to irrigate four or five days ahead of planting corn to even get a plow in the ground. To add insult to injury, he said corn seed is in short supply.
In Southwest Georgia, Julie Hardy says her family farms across Thomas, Grady and Mitchell counties.
“Our farm in Mitchell County got some rain last week, so we’re planting soybeans there because the ground is too hard to plant in Thomas and Grady counties. We’re having to irrigate in Thomas and Grady counties to plant soybeans. We didn’t have to irrigate to plant our corn, but we had to irrigate it to get it to come up and we’re still irrigating our corn crop now that it’s up, ” Hardy said. “It worries me because it’s very expensive to run those pivots whether they run on diesel or electricity.”
UGA Extension Forage Specialist Lisa Baxter told Georgia Farm Bureau media that the state’s hay stocks are already threatened. Many producers are already contending with dwindling hay supplies, limited winter grazing and ongoing dry conditions.
“The 2025 growing season, I have dubbed the ‘year that no grass was happy in the state of Georgia,’” Baxter told the Farm Monitor. She noted that some areas of South Georgia last got significant rain in early August 2025. “With so much of the state being in moderate to severe drought it’s really setting us up for a challenging start to the 2026 season.”
Heard County farmer Ralph Caldwell is one of Georgia’s cattle and hay producers already looking at ways to make it through this summer if the drought persists.
“I carried over less than 20 bales of hay from last year, and I feed 1,000 bales of hay a year. We had to start feeding earlier because it was a cold winter and the cows ate more hay,” Caldwell said. “Since I’m not carrying hay over from last year, I’m actually contemplating putting part of my cropland in some type of summer grass for insurance because of the hay situation.”
Caldwell, who usually grows hay, corn and soybeans along with raising cattle and having 20 poultry houses, says his area is experiencing moderate drought conditions right now. He received roughly three-tenths of an inch April 4 after not getting any rain for about three weeks.
“Following this El Nino pattern, from what I understand, we’re forecast to have a drier summer, so it has me very nervous,” Caldwell said. “As of right now, I’m thinking about not planting corn because we’ve got such high input costs, and if it’s a drought year, corn definitely will not pencil out whatsoever. I’m still considering planting soybeans just because it’s going to be cheaper to grow.”
May 15 is the latest Caldwell said he can plant corn and make a crop.
Every farmer GFB News talked to asked that people start praying for rain.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 20
GFB ANNOUNCES ART & BOOKMARK CONTEST WINNERS
Georgia students tapped into their artistic talents to create colorful bookmarks and draw scenes depicting agriculture for the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests
Cristina Alzuarge, of Dawson County, won the GFB High School Art Contest with her drawing of a pig standing up on a fence with a scenic pasture behind it. She won $250 as the state high school art contest winner and $100 as the GFB District 1 winner. She is a freshman at Dawson County Junior High School.
Hailey Thomas, of Barrow County, won state honors in the middle school bookmark contest for her vibrant bookmark highlighting Georgia peaches, cotton, flowers, chicken, peanuts, pecans and blueberries. She received $150 for winning the state bookmark contest and $100 as the GFB District 4 winner. She is an eighth-grade student in the Arts and Innovational Magnet Program at the Barrow County School System’s Center for Innovative Teaching.
Visit https://gfb.ag/26artwinners to see all the district winners’ artwork for the 2026 GFB High School Art Contest. Visit https://gfb.ag/26bookmarkwinners to see all of the district winners’ creations in the 2026 GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest
This marks the 32nd year GFB held its annual art contest for ninth through twelfth-grade students. This is the fifth year GFB coordinated a contest for sixth through eighth graders to design a bookmark.
“Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Art Contests give students, who might not otherwise study agriculture, a chance to create a piece of art inspired by what they learn about Georgia agriculture after watching a video, doing research or visiting a farm,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s always exciting to see the creative ways the students express what they’ve learned. I’d like to thank all the county Farm Bureaus who held local contests and the teachers who encouraged their students to enter. Congratulations to the district and state winners.”
GFB received entries for its high school art contest from 60 county Farm Bureaus and entries from 78 county Farm Bureaus for its middle school bookmark contest
A panel of judges selected GFB district winners for each contest from all county entries submitted from each district. The judges then selected the state winners for each contest from the district winners. Entries in both contests were judged on how well the artwork represents agriculture in the student’s county or Georgia and for artistic merit.
Contestants in the high school contest were instructed to create a drawing depicting Georgia agriculture in black & white or color using their choice of art media including graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencils, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing.
The middle school contestants were given a blank bookmark and asked to create a design illustrating Georgia agriculture.
District winners in the GFB High School Art Contest were:
GFB 1st Dist. Cristina Alzuarge Dawson County
GFB 2nd Dist. Alyssa Childers Elbert County
GFB 3rd Dist. Hanae Miyazawa Cobb County
GFB 4th Dist. Connie Gao Oconee County
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 20
GFB 5th Dist. Edith English Pike County
GFB 6th Dist. Bailey Barron Washington County
GFB 7th Dist. Jai’Mya Marshall Burke County
GFB 8th Dist. Jack Hopkins Lee County
GFB 9th Dist. Taylor Sapp Decatur County
GFB 10th Dist. Aurora Andersen Glynn Co.
District winners in the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest were:
GFB 1st Dist. Xintong Li Forsyth County
GFB 2nd Dist. Gisele Su Jackson County
GFB 3rd Dist. Michael McClain
Douglas County
GFB 4th Dist. Hailey Thomas Barrow County
GFB 5th Dist. Penelope Starr Troup County
GFB 6th Dist. Makayla Hurst Washington County
GFB 7th Dist. Gaon Hwang Effingham County
GFB 8th Dist. Lauren McDuffie Wilcox County
GFB 9th Dist. Jaylan Roberts Seminole County
GFB 10th Dist. Abigail Welch
Each district winner in both contests received a $100 prize.
GEORGIA CORN, COTTON & OAT ACREAGE UP IN 2026
Camden County
Georgia farmers intend to plant more acres in corn, cotton and oats in 2026 than they did in 2025, while other principal crops are expected to decline, according to the 2026 Prospective Plantings report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report was released on March 31.
Land planted in cotton is predicted to have the largest increase, from 835,000 acres in 2025 to 900,000 acres in 2026, a gain of 8%.
Land planted in corn is expected to increase by 2%, from 550,000 acres in 2025 to 560,000 acres in 2026.
Oats are predicted to increase by 6% from 85,000 in 2025 to 90,000 in 2026.
Peanuts are expected to make the biggest changes, dropping from 920,000 acres in 2025 to 780,000 acres in 2026, a decline of 140,000 acres or 15%.
Harvested hay is expected to drop by 20,000 acres, or 4%, from 470,000 acres in 2025 to 450,000 in 2026.
Soybeans are forecast down by 10%, from 155,000 acres in 2025 to 140,000 acres in 2026, while winter wheat is predicted to diminish by 6%, from 165,000 acres in 2025 to 155,000 acres in 2026.
To view the entire report, click here
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 20
GFB HOSTS EVENT FOR FARMERS TO DISCUSS AG ISSUES WITH USDA’S VADEN
Georgia Farm Bureau hosted a roundtable April 7 for USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden to meet with Georgia farmers from across the state to discuss the economic pressures they are facing. Key topics included record-high input costs (fertilizer, fuel, equipment, seed, and pesticides/herbicides) that are outpacing the prices they are getting for their crops
The group, which met at Southern Belle Farm in Henry County, also discussed crop insurance and poultry issues.
GFB appreciates all the farmers who took the time to attend, especially those who made the long drive from Southeast and Southwest Georgia during planting season. GFB also thanks Henry County Farm Bureau Director Jake Carter for providing his farm as the venue.
“The biggest thing that we as producers and Farm Bureau worry about is the sustainability, the profitability of our farms. If farms aren’t profitable, they aren’t sustainable and I don’t know what we’re doing this for,” GFB President Tom McCall said when kicking off the discussion. “America being able to feed itself is a national security issue as much as the military. You only need five things to survive – food, clothing, shelter, air and water. Three of them come from agriculture and God gives you the other two. That’s the importance of agriculture, not only in Georgia but in the whole country. When farms in our rural communities start fading away, so do the hamburger joints, the grocery stores, the gas stations and the tire dealers. Thank you for coming today to hear from our farmers.”
Between the farmers attending, most of the state’s major crops were represented.
“We’re in trouble in the farm business. This will be my 43rd crop and this is the first time in my life that I’m thinking going into the crop year before I even plant that I probably won’t break even,” said Pierce County row crop farmer Daniel Johnson. “It’s not just fertilizer and fuel, it’s [replacement equipment] parts and equipment and all of the inputs. I keep hearing about tax breaks that will help save the farm, but if something doesn’t turn around pretty fast there isn’t going to be a farm to save.”
Consolidation of ag supply companies one reason for high costs
Vaden, who is the second-highest ranking official at the USDA, helps oversee implementation of federal ag policy nationwide. He previously served as USDA general counsel during President Trump’s first administration, leading the department’s legal strategy on major regulatory and policy issues. As a former judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, he handled cases involving trade law, tariffs and global commerce. His early career included work on international trade and ag policy with a focus on market access and the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.
Vaden said he spends a lot of his time focused on input costs and looking at the broader market dynamics. He said USDA data shows that from the early 1970s to about 2010 that commodity prices and input costs were correlated.
“You start out in the early 1970s and you go all the way to roughly the 2010s, those two lines [input costs and commodity prices] clearly correlate. It’s not perfect, but there’s a clear relationship where, when commodity prices rise, so do the input costs and when commodity prices decline, the input costs follow,” Vaden said. “About the 2010s or so those two lines diverge, and the input
Commented [JS1]: adds comma
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 20
costs have become steep. They [input costs] no longer follow the commodity prices like they did before. If you look back at what was going on in that time period, it happens to correlate with the number of large mergers that took place, particularly in the agricultural sector. You’ve still got all the brands that you bought for decades, they just are now owned by about three companies in each sector. We think fewer people competing for your business and the growing prices are related.”
Vaden said the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are looking into whether some companies that sell ag inputs are following antitrust laws. He said the three big fertilizer companies are being investigated and that the Federal Trade Commission is suing farm equipment companies over farmers’ right to repair their own equipment with advanced technology or to choose their mechanic instead of being forced to rely on the equipment company’s mechanics.
During the meeting, Screven County row crop farmer Ben Boyd said he received a text after leaving home yesterday morning informing him that his fertilizer prices were going up another 10%. After the meeting, Boyd told GFB media that his fertilizer costs have increased from 55 cents/pound to 96 cents/pound since the beginning of planting season.
“Can you think of any other thing that is traded, supposedly in an open market, where somebody can give you a call and say ‘Here’s what the price is now. If you don’t buy now, here’s what it’s going to be. Later, it’s going to be higher and they can tell you what it’s going to be, and then it will be even higher than that, and say that with surety, and it’s a commodity?” Vaden asked. “No, you can’t and so that raises questions, which is why the Department of Justice and why the Federal Trade Commission is looking at it. This is an administration which is focused on the ag supply chain. There are two separate executive orders signed by the president ordering the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission to look into these markets.”
Both Boyd and Thomas County row crop farmer and cattle producer Julie Hardy expressed concern that ag companies are charging farmers as much as they possibly can.
“Every time I fill out the credit applications for our farm to the companies we buy our inputs from, every single one of those companies want to know not only our financial information, they want to know how many acres of what crop we’re planting and what our expected yield is,” Hardy said. “Even when we got the Bridge payments that were to help farmers since a farm bill hadn’t been passed since 2018 to update reference prices to account for higher production prices, they raised their prices. Don’t get me wrong, we needed the Bridge payments and we’re thankful for them, but it’s just they know what they can charge us because they finance everything.”
Farmers express concern another Bridge payment may be needed
Grady County peanut and cotton grower John Harrell also expressed appreciation for the Bridge payments issued last year to help farmers stay afloat in the face of high input costs and low commodity prices, but warned another round of payments may be necessary.
“Deputy Secretary, I appreciate you and the Secretary and the Trump administration for that bridge payment. I've talked to my banker and several other bankers and farm credits, and all of them say that without that bridge payment, and without provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill that will increase our safety net come this October, they could not have financed a lot of farmers this year,” Harrell said. “Of course, you know, the price of everything is jumped up, so our bridge payment is basically gone now. I know [U.S. House Agriculture Committee] Chairman [Glenn]
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 20
Thompson is wanting to do another bridge payment through the House and the Senate, and you know, I hope, that can be put on something [the pending farm bill or an appropriations bill] because I know what y’all are doing is going to help us in the future, but it’s like others have said, no business can operate losing money. The only thing keeping most of us afloat [with the banks] is the value of our land. I’m not making money. I’m just spinning my wheels.”
Crop insurance & chances of farm bill being passed
Lowndes County tobacco grower Fred Wetherington expressed gratitude to Congress and the Trump administration for including provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill last July that lowered the cost of crop insurance. He asked if there’s a possibility the pending farm bill being considered by Congress could increase the maximum amount of a crop a farmer can insure from 75% to 90%.
“My same crop insurance that I had last year is costing about 20%, maybe 21 or 22% less this year than it did last year, so I want to thank you for that,” Wetherington said. “Trying to be a solutions-oriented person, I am just wondering could we maybe buy crop insurance to cover up to 90% of our crops? Buying crop insurance is a way that lets farmers stand up more on our own going forward.”
Wetherington experienced crop losses to both Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Vaden said he thinks there’s a 40-60% chance Congress will pass a new farm bill this year and encouraged Farm Bureau members to keep pressure on their representatives and senators to pass it.
“I want to thank you for pointing out that the One Big Beautiful Bill, such a large portion of what was in that package was what would have normally gone in the farm bill, and it should have been done a couple years earlier,” Vaden said. “I think one of the great things about this new push for a farm bill is that we can make additional changes to programs, whether they be our Farm Service Agency loan gaps, whether they be crop insurance, whether they be our Natural Resources Conservation Service, or other programs that you can’t do through reconciliation because of the procedural rules that the Senate has. Now that you have a version that has passed out of committee in the House of Representatives, you have Chairman Bozeman from the Senate Agriculture Committee saying he intends to mark out the farm bill in his own committee. I understand that the House of Representatives may be moving toward a floor vote in the not-too-distant future on a farm bill, and the president has come out on his social media account, and also at Ag Day, saying he expects to be able to sign a farm bill.”
Also attending the roundtable were Abby McHan, a native of Calhoun, who is Vaden’s senior advisor, and Greg Ziesenhene, field director for U.S. Rep. Mike Collins.
Field Notes page 8 of 20
YELLOW-LEGGED HORNETS MOVING INLAND
On March 30, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) urged Georgians, especially those in Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Screven counties, to remain vigilant for Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) embryo and primary nests as overwintering queens emerge and begin establishing new nests.
Most recently, the GDA Plant Protection team identified a yellow-legged hornet (YLH) queen in Statesboro (Bulloch County). This discovery has prompted an expansion of trapping efforts in the area. GDA has approximately 3,100 traps deployed statewide, including about 900 added since Jan. 1. Many of the new traps have been placed in Bulloch County, particularly near the Statesboro site.
Beekeepers should keep a close eye on their hives for signs of “hawking” behavior, in which hornets hover around honeybee hives and wait for bees to return from foraging. The hornets intercept bees, bite off their heads and consume the rest of their bodies
According to the GDA, hawking can happen at any time, though it tends to peak before noon and again after 5 p.m.
The more detailed information beekeepers and the public can share – such as the direction the hornets are flying – the faster their nests can be located. Georgians who would like to help are free to set up DIY traps. An instructional video on constructing a trap can be seen here The bait usually ferments within a day or two and is designed to minimize attraction to bees. Please report any hornet activity detected in Georgia directly to us via email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or online Persons outside Georgia should contact their state’s Department of Agriculture.
In December 2025, trap detections declined, coinciding with a period of very cold temperatures, including several days in the teens and low 20s. During this time, there was a stretch of approximately 20 days with no positive detections – similar to Winter 2024, when no hornets were captured for about two weeks.
Activity has since resumed. In late March, a hornet believed to be a queen was captured, bringing the total number of queens trapped this year to five.
As of March 30, GDA had 11 part-time trappers in the field and continued to review additional applications. The agency’s goal is to expand to 15–16 part-time trappers, along with two full-time positions, in addition to existing permanent staff. Open positions can be found at https://careers.georgia.gov/.
For nearly three years, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has worked aggressively to track, trap, and contain this invasive pest but continued public support is essential to limit its spread. Early detection and reporting of these nests the first stages of nest development are critical, as eliminating them now stops queens from producing workers, reducing the risk of larger secondary nests later in the year and making long-term control efforts more effective.
Individuals who believe they’ve discovered an embryo or primary nest are asked contact the GDA Plant Protection team at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov or a licensed pest management professional to ensure the queen is properly eradicated.
Field Notes page 9 of 20
USDA REVAMPS U.S. FOREST SERVICE; ATHENS GETS REGIONAL OFFICE
On March 31, the U.S. Forest Service announced it will move its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah, from Washington, D.C., and begin a sweeping restructuring of the agency to move leadership closer to the forests and communities it serves.
In making the announcement, the USDA, which oversees the U.S. Forest Service, said the shift represents a structural reset and a common-sense approach to improve mission delivery because most of the forest service’s lands, partners and operational challenges are concentrated in the West.
Along with the relocation of its headquarters, the Forest Service will begin transitioning to a state-based organizational model designed to shift authority closer to the field by organizing leadership around what the agency referred to as “state-level accountability, supported by shared operational service centers and a unified national research enterprise.”
Under the new model, 15 state directors will be distributed throughout the country to oversee Forest Service operations within one or more states. State directors will serve as national leaders with primary oversight of forest supervisors, operational priorities, and relationships with states, tribes, and other partners. Each state office will include a small leadership support team responsible for functions such as legislative affairs, communications, and intergovernmental coordination.
As the agency transitions to the state-based model, the Forest Service will shift many functions currently housed in regional offices to a network of operational service centers that will be established in Athens, Georgia; Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fort Collins, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin and, Missoula, Montana and Placerville, California. Additional service center locations may be added as the transition progresses.
Athens will be home to the Southern Appalachian State Office, covering Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky and Puerto Rico.
For a comprehensive list of state offices and their area of responsibility, click here
Locations were selected based on existing USDA workforce and infrastructure presence, operational needs and efficiency, and proximity to agricultural and natural resource stakeholders. Together, these centers will provide shared administrative, technical, and enabling support to forests and state offices nationwide, allowing field leadership to focus more directly on actions that improve the health, productivity, and resilience of our nation’s forests.
The Forest Service will also consolidate leadership of its research enterprise. The agency currently operates multiple geographically dispersed research stations, each with its own leadership structure. Under the reorganization, the Forest Service will bring those stations together under a single Forest Service research organization, located in Fort Collins. These changes are designed to unify research priorities, accelerate the application of science to management decisions, and reduce administrative duplication, according to the USDA. Information on retained research facilities and research facility closures is available here
Under this reorganization, the agency’s Fire and Aviation Management program will retain its existing Geographic Area Coordination Center structure, which remains the backbone of national incident coordination. There will be no interruption or change to our field-based operational firefighters or their positions. The program will continue reporting to the Deputy Chief for Fire and Aviation Management at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. This structure
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 20
ensures the agency’s ongoing, close coordination with the Department of the Interior and interagency partners. It will reinforce the unified, national approach essential to effective wildland fire response until the Forest Service’s wildland fire management operations are unified into the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) within the Department of the Interior (DOI).
The restructuring will also drive a review and consolidation of facilities nationwide. As part of this transition, all regional offices will close; however, several facilities will be retained to support ongoing mission needs. Additional phases of the reorganization, including the formal elimination of regional and station office structures and the full transition to a state-based model, will be implemented over the coming year.
The agency’s retained facilities will support essential functions during and after the transition, with the facility in Juneau, Alaska serving as a state office, the facility in Vallejo, California repurposed as a national training center, and the facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico retained as a business support service center and state office.
The Forest Service will provide employees and partners with detailed transition guidance as different milestones approach. Throughout the transition, the agency emphasizes frontline operations, including active forest management, wildfire response, forest restoration, recreation management, and partnerships with states and communities, will continue uninterrupted.
FARMER SHARE OF FOOD DOLLAR SHRINKS
In another sobering reminder of the economic challenges facing America’s farmers and ranchers, new data show that farmers’ share of the money consumers spend on food continues to shrink, even as expenses rise. The March 23 installment of Market Intel from American Farm Bureau Federation economists shows that in 2024 farmers and ranchers received a combined 5.8 cents of every food dollar after accounting for expenses, down from 5.9 cents in 2023. 2024 is the latest available data from USDA.
“America’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our country’s food system, yet they only see a small share of the total food dollar. While prices may be up at the grocery store, most farmers’ paychecks are shrinking,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. Even modest swings in commodity prices or increases in expenses can quickly strain farmers’ finances to the breaking point. This imbalance must be corrected to create a brighter future for U.S. agriculture. The only alternative is reliance on other countries to feed America’s families.”
Crop producers saw their share decline from 2.9 to 2.5 cents, while livestock producers experienced a modest increase from 3 to 3.3 cents. The majority of the food dollar is attributed to food marketing costs incurred after food passes the farmgate.
From the Market Intel: “Taken together, the food dollar data highlight a fundamental reality of the modern food system: while farmers and ranchers are the foundation of food production, most of the economic value is created after products leave the farm. Less than 6 cents of total value added occurs at the farm level, while the marketing bill continues to expand as consumer spending increasingly reflects processing, transportation, retail and food service.”
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 20
The slight increase in share among livestock producers reflects a shrinking herd, which increases the value of cattle. Historically low crop prices and increased expenses including fuel and fertilizer pulled down the share for crop farmers.
Read the full Market Intel on the Food Dollar Series here
APRIL 13 SET AS OFFICIAL VIDALIA ONION PACK DATE
On March 17, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced April 13 as the 2026 Vidalia Onion pack date, the date when the beloved sweet onions will start shipping to grocery stores, bringing a taste of Georgia’s unique agricultural heritage to kitchens everywhere.
Vidalia onions, prized for their remarkable sweetness and versatility, are available for a limited time each year, from April through early September. Consumers eagerly anticipate the arrival of these seasonal favorites, which have become a staple in kitchens across America. The annual pack date, voted on by the Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel and approved by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, is determined based on soil and weather conditions during the growing season, ensuring that only the highest quality onions reach consumers.
Vidalia onions thrive in a unique growing region spanning 20 counties in South Georgia. Their exceptional flavor results from a delicate balance of specific weather patterns and soil conditions found exclusively in this area, creating an optimal environment for their growth.
According to Vidalia Onion Committee Chairman Omar Cruz, growers planted 10,200 acres of Vidalia onions.
The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 established the official growing region and trademarked the term “Vidalia onion,” ensuring that only onions grown within this designated area can bear the name. Each year, Vidalia onions are harvested and packed for sale only after the official pack date, guaranteeing peak freshness.
As the countdown begins, consumers and retailers alike can prepare for the arrival of Vidalia onions, an ingredient that embodies the spirit of Georgia and elevates culinary experiences across the country. Whether sliced in salads, grilled as a side dish, or caramelized for a savory topping, Vidalia onions will surely add a touch of sweetness to meals all season long.
AFBF: RAIL MERGER WOULD BE COSTLY FOR FARMERS
The proposed merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railways would leave farmers with fewer transportation options and vulnerable to shipping cost increases at a time when balance sheets have been squeezed to the breaking point by rapidly rising input costs. Transportation, marketing and storage expenses are projected to rise to a record $14 billion in 2026. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the UP-NS merger in the March 11 Market Intel.
“The risk of the UP–NS merger is clear,” the Market Intel states. “It would leave farmers more dependent on fewer railroads at a time when they already have almost no ability to walk away from higher costs or poor service. The merger does not create new competition for agriculture. It removes what little leverage remains by eliminating key routing and interchange options that currently help keep rates and service in check. When that pressure disappears, history shows that farmers do not ship less – they get paid less.”
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 20
The $85 billion proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would create the first coast-to-coast Class I railroad in U.S. history. The system would span roughly 50,000 route miles across 43 states.
For farmers, fewer routing and carrier options would leave large portions of the country dependent on a single railroad for end-to-end service, reducing system redundancy that helps protect critical food and agricultural supply chains during disruptions. Farmers rely heavily on rail to move their products. In 2024 alone, U.S. railroads carried more than 80 million tons of corn, 26 million tons of soybeans and nearly 26 million tons of wheat, much of it originating in the Midwest and northern Plains. In fact, food and farm products represent about 20% of total U.S. rail tonnage.
“The vulnerability of agricultural shippers to further consolidation is magnified by the inelastic nature of rail demand, meaning farmers often cannot meaningfully reduce or change how they ship even when rail costs rise. For many bulk commodities, especially grain produced far from river systems or major processing centers, rail is not easily substitutable. Trucking long distances significantly increases per-unit costs, while barge access is geographically limited.”
The long-term effect of a merger could be an increase in food prices for consumers as expenses go up throughout the food supply chain.
For these reasons, the American Farm Bureau Federation opposes the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
Read the full Market Intel here
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 20
GEORGIA PEACH & PECAN COMMISSION REFERENDUMS
April 1-30
Both the Georgia Peach Commission and the Georgia Pecan Commission are holding simultaneous mail referendums April 1-30 for producers to determine if they will continue their current assessment to fund programs of research, promotion, and education for each commodity. All ballots must be postmarked prior to midnight April 30 to be eligible to be counted. The 10 cent ($0.10) per bushel and 5 cent ($0.05) per half bushel assessment funds programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of Georgia peaches. The one ($0.01) cent per pound assessment of pecans funds programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of Georgia Pecans.
GEORGIA CORN COMMISSION REFERENDUM
April 15 – May 15
The 1 cent ($0.01) per bushel assessment funds programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of Georgia corn. The balloting period for the continuation of the Georgia Marketing Order for Corn for an additional three-year period has been set from April 15 - May 15. All ballots must be postmarked prior to midnight May 15, to be eligible to be counted. For more information, or to receive a ballot, contact Fred Rayfield at 404-586-1405 or fred.rayfield@agr.georgia.gov
USDA GENERAL CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM SIGNUP
April 17 enrollment deadline
On Feb. 10 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the enrollment period for the General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP Signup 66). Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9 through April 17. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future. General CRP offers are submitted through a competitive bid process. After the enrollment period closes, General CRP offers are ranked and scored by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover. Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office.
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 20
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
April 18, May 9, Sept. 19 & Oct. 24
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 $10 Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. Each horse show is an “an all-breed show” which means there are a wide variety of disciplines offered in the more than 50 classes. The focus of the Kel-Mac shows is to include everyone and help participants become more comfortable with showing.
For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook or Instagram pages 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 50 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.
64TH ANNUAL GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S CONVENTION
April 23-25 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry “King of the Swamp” Troy Landry from the tv show Swamp People will be the keynote speaker for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention. Previously announced speaker Temple Grandin will be unable to attend the event as planned. The event features a 35,000-squarefoot trade show, Cattlemen’s College sessions on current industry topics, youth speaking contests, junior cattlemen’s stockman’s quiz, photography contest and Cattlemen’s Ball. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/26GCAConvregistration
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 20
2026 GFB SPRING SHOOTOUT
April 29 deadline to buy tickets
May 15 Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Griffin
The 4th Annual GFB Spring Shootout brings together friendly competition, supporting a good cause and enjoying the outdoors for an event you won’t want to miss! It’s perfect for colleagues looking to get out of the office, families making memories, friends catching up, and youth teams gaining real-world tournament experience. VIP team tickets are available for $750, which include a larger tax-deductible amount, regular ticket perks PLUS t-shirts, preferred parking, priority access to the course, and complimentary post-event beverages. General admission team tickets for four are available for $575, which includes the 100-disc event, golf cart rental, eye and ear protection for each shooter, light breakfast, and lunch. Individual entry tickets are $155. Individual entrant will be grouped with other individual participants to form a team for the tournament. Includes the 100-disc event, golf cart rental, eye and ear protection for each shooter, light breakfast, and lunch. This is a great option for those who don’t have a full team but still want to join the fun! All proceeds support the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/26SpringShootout. The deadline to register is April 29. There are also opportunities for businesses interested in sponsoring the event to gain valuable brand exposure through the shootout. Sponsorships ranging from $250 to $5,000 include benefits such as team entries, branding on event materials, social media promotion, acknowledgement in post-event publicity and more. April 18 is the deadline to become an event sponsor.
GFB YF&R SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
July 15-18 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island
April 30 Early registration deadline
June 1 Final registration deadline
Registration is open for the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference and competitive events. Please share the following information with anyone who may be interested in attending or competing. This conference is open to any GFB member involved with Young Farmers & Ranchers, ages 18-35. A children’s program will be provided for kids 4th grade and younger as a convenience for attendees competing or participating in sessions. Visit https://gfb.ag/yfrslc for complete conference details, including tentative agenda, information about the children’s program and lodging information, or to register by one of these deadlines: Early Registration - April 30 – Registration Fee: $100 per attendee; Regular Registration –Deadline: June 1 Registration Fee: $150 per attendee Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Room blocks have been secured at the Courtyard/Residence Inn (912635-2416, reservation deadline is June 150; Hampton Inn and Suites (912-635-3733, reservation deadline is June 15), Holiday Inn Resort (912-319-0037, reservation deadline is June 15), Villas by the Sea (912-635-2521, reservation deadline is June 15) and the Westin (912-635-4545, reservation deadline is June 15) on Jekyll Island. Note: These room blocks tend to fill up quickly. For more information about the conference, contact Levi Davis at ledavis@gfb.org or 478-230-6767
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 20
GFB EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD
April 30 deadline to apply
The Georgia Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award honors Young Farmers & Ranchers members who earn most of their income off the farm but are active in Farm Bureau and are ag advocates in their community. Contact your GFB district federation manager or your county Farm Bureau office manager for information to apply for this award. GFB district winners and three state finalists will be selected from the written applications. The three state finalists will be contacted by June 5 so they may prepare a presentation to be given the afternoon of July 15 at the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference to be held July 15-18. The state winner will be announced at the summer conference. The state winner will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention next January in Charlotte, N.C., to represent Georgia. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and should not turn 36 before Jan. 12, 2027. Visit www.gfb.org/connect/excellence-in-ag for more information.
SDRP SECOND STAGE, MILK AND ON-FARM STORAGE PAYMENTS
April 30 deadline to apply for SDRP Stage One and Stage Two assistance Stage Two of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses. For Stage Two program details, including fact sheets, please visit https://fsa.usda.gov/sdrp The first stage, announced in July, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events. FSA county offices will begin accepting SDRP Stage Two applications on Nov. 24. Producers have until April 30 to apply for both Stage One and Stage Two assistance. Information and a fact sheet are available online at https://fsa.usda.gov/ofsclp
2026 GEORGIA FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
May 1 entry deadline
Do you have a special farm dog that herds or guards your livestock? Maybe it keeps you company as you do your daily chores and provides stress relief. Maybe it has done something heroic. Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest until 10:59 p.m. on May 1 or until 200 entries are accepted. Contest is open to GFB members ages 18 and over. The grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card and be recognized at the 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo. For contest rules and the criteria dogs will be judged by, visit www.gfb.ag/26farmdogcontest
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 20
NURSERY VALUE SELECT INSURANCE
May 1 deadline t o enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia nursery producers that the final date to apply for or renew crop insurance coverage for the 2027 crop year is May 1 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 in all Georgia counties for nursery operators who receive at least 40% of their gross income from wholesale marketing of nursery plants. 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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with four companies – American Farm Bureau Insurance Services Inc., Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Great American Insurance to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 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.
GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATIONS
May 1 deadline to apply Centennial Farm applications are open to all qualifying candidates. Farms play a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of our state, serving as the bedrock for economic, cultural, and family traditions for generations of Georgians. Georgia recognizes farms with a legacy spanning more than a century for their historical significance through the Georgia Centennial Farm program. Nominees must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres of the original purchase, actively involved in agricultural production, and must generate at least $1,000 in annual farm-generated income. In addition, farms must have been continuously farmed by members of the same family for at least 100 years or be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Qualifying Georgia Centennial Farms are honored each October at an awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. The Georgia Centennial Farm program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; Georgia Department of Agriculture; Georgia EMC; Georgia National Fair and Agricenter; and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information, please contact Rose Mayo, Historic Preservation Division Outreach Coordinator, at 770-855-2586 or rose.mayo@dca.ga.gov The postmark deadline for applications is May 1, 2026 Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centuryfarmsapply (https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/historicresources/centennialfarms)
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 20
GFB YF&R DISCUSSION MEET
June 1 deadline for entries
Registration is open for the YF&R Discussion Meet. The entry form should be completed and submitted online at https://gfb.ag/yfrcompete by June 1. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in competing. Also attached to this email are the questions that will be used in the 2026 Discussion Meet and a scoring rubric that can be used in preparation for the competition. Any Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers member is eligible to compete. Discussion Meet Orientation (for all competitors) will be on Wednesday afternoon, July 16 and the competition will be in person at the conference. The Discussion Meet consists of two (2) preliminary rounds, a Sweet Sixteen round, and a Final Four round, which will determine the state winner. A collegiate winner will also be recognized. Competitors can visit https://www.gfb.org/education-and-outreach/discussion-meet.cms for additional resources that may be helpful when preparing for the Discussion Meet. For questions regarding the Summer Leadership Conference or the competitive events, contact your district federation manager.
GFB DAY AT THE BRAVES 2026
Deadline to purchase tickets is May 1.
June 7 Truist Park 1:35 p.m. Atlanta
GFB is bringing the heart of Georgia agriculture to Truist Park for an afternoon of baseball, fellowship, and a celebration of the farmers who make it all possible. From the fields to the stands, this afternoon is all about showing support for the people and industry that keep our state growing strong. Join us for a special pre-game parade around the field, giving attendees the chance to step onto the field and be part of the experience before the game begins. Tickets are $42 for Home Run Porch seating in Sections 147–151. GFB recommends arriving early to secure seats together. Comfort Colors GFB Braves t-shirts ($30) and Ag is #1 foam fingers ($6) are available for purchase to enhance the gameday experience. A portion of t-shirt sales, foam finger sales, and $8–$10 from each ticket sold will support the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. Have fun while raising funds for a great cause. We are all Farm Bureau. For more information or to purchase tickets and merchandise, click HERE. (https://www.gafoundationag.org/braves)
GFB Field Notes page 19 of 20
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
June 7-12
May 1
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton
registration deadline
The Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) is available to Georgia’s Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This workshop focuses on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, and water resources, including conservation in Georgia’s mining industry. The workshop gives students a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into careers through their counselors and instructors. The workshop features field trips, classroom instruction, and recreational activities. Students scoring well on the workshop exam may be awarded a college scholarship. A limited number of scholarships are awarded based on exam scores and specific scholarship guidelines and criteria. Sponsorships are available through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts for students to attend at no cost. Transportation options are also available. Registration is available through May 1 at https://gfb.ag/26NRCWapp
GA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DAVID SKINNER SCHOLARSHIP
May 4
Application deadline
High school seniors or college freshmen who are Georgia residents, live in a rural county and are pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture are encouraged to apply. Six scholarships in the amount of $2,400 will be awarded. Visit https://www.gdaonline.com/scholarships/ to apply.
SOUTHEASTERN SPECIALTY CROP TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
May 5 & 6 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton
This conference and show aims to serve as a platform to accelerate knowledge and adoption of emerging technologies in specialty crop production in the Southeast U.S. Researchers and company representatives will discuss and demonstrate robotics, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture. Open to fruit, vegetable and nut growers, industry professionals, students and Extension professionals. Event runs from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. both days. For more information and to register, visit https://specialtycroptech.uga.edu/
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE WOMAN FARMER ACE SUMMIT
June 1-3
Washington, D.C.
May 6 registration deadline
In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership program, together with a strong coalition of U.S. agrifood system stakeholders, is proud to host a landmark national gathering honoring the vital role women play in agriculture and the supply chain. The International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit will take place in Washington, D.C., June 1–3, 2026. This signature event held in recognition of IYWF will empower, equip, and connect women farmers, ranchers and agribusiness professionals. Through skill-building sessions, high-impact networking and advocacy-focused programming, attendees will strengthen their voices and leadership within the agricultural community. Visit https://gfb.ag/IYWFACEreg to learn more or to register.
GFB Field Notes page 20 of 20
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.
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.
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.