NORTH DAKOTA COURT HALTS WOTUS RULE; BIDEN VETOES CRA BILL
On April 12, the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota became the second federal court to stop the 2023 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called the North Dakota ruling a win for farmers. The ruling stops implementation of the rule in 24 states, including Georgia. The first ruling, issued March 19 from a U.S. District Court in Texas, halted the rule in two states.
“This ruling reinforces our belief that the current WOTUS Rule is a clear case of government overreach,” Duvall said. “AFBF proudly stood with the 24 states involved and more than a dozen other organizations in this challenge and in backing the first successful court challenge on behalf of farmers and ranchers who simply want clear rules.”
The 24 states impacted by the April 12 ruling are Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Read the ruling here
“Here’s the bottom line: clean water is important to all of us and farmers and ranchers certainly share the goal of caring for our natural resources – we depend on them for our livelihoods
all we’re asking for is a sensible rule that farmers can interpret without hiring a team of lawyers,” Duvall said.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden vetoed a bill to overturn the WOTUS Rule on April 6. The U.S. House and Senate each passed the joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act.
Duvall said President Biden let the people down.
“The President’s decision to disregard the bipartisan will of Congress also causes farmers, ranchers and all Americans to doubt his often-repeated commitment to work with Congress when Members come together on a bipartisan basis. They did so and he rejected their will with the stroke of a pen.”
Photo by Logan ThomasGFB Field Notes page 2 of 19
SEN. WARNOCK DISCUSSES PRECISION AG AS WORK BEGINS ON FARM BILL
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock visited the UGA Iron Horse Plant Sciences Farm in Watkinsville April 13 to get a firsthand look at precision agriculture technology research the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is doing. Warnock, a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, also sat down with Athens-area farmers to hear how they utilize precision agriculture technology on their farms.
Warnock recently introduced the Promoting Precision Agriculture Act with Sen. John Thune (R-SD), which would create a federal working group to establish interconnectivity standards that would allow farmers to share precision ag data between different brands of farm equipment. Warnock and Thune are working to get their bill included in the 2023 farm bill.
“My bill directs the formation of a task force to develop connectivity standards for different brands of precision ag technology equipment like we have for cell phones,” Warnock said. “We’ve also got to get the rural broadband piece right. You’ve got to have good rural broadband connection for this equipment to work at its optimum capability. This will not only help farmers but will also help rural communities in general.”
Warnock has made improving Georgia’s broadband infrastructure a priority and has secured more than $570 million in federal funds to do this to date. In December, Warnock announced $250 million in American Rescue Funding will be invested in expanding broadband access in Georgia.
Warnock joined a UGA representative in a tractor equipped with global position satellite (GPS) equipment. The up and back ride across the field demonstrated how GPS allows farmers to use the auto steer feature on various types of farm equipment to work their fields. Warnock learned how soil and crop sensors equipped with GPS collects data relayed to farmers’ computers, tablets or phones that help them determine how much fertilizer or crop management chemicals to apply to specific parts of their field based on plant health and soil temperature and moisture.
Farmers share how they use precision ag technology & discuss challenges
Athens-area farmers who met with Sen. Warnock at the UGA Iron Horse Farm to discuss how they utilize precision ag technology on their farms were: Tommy Crowe of Oconee County; Caroline Lewallen of Habersham County; Lee Nunn of Morgan County; Charlie Sanders of Greene County; and Eric Elsner, superintendent of the UGA J. Phil Campbell/Iron Horse Farm Crowe, a pecan grower, said he uses precision ag equipment to determine the rates at which fertilizer, water and crop management chemicals are applied in his pecan orchard.
“We try to get it down to the ounce of giving each tree what it needs in terms of water, fertilizer and chemicals,” Crowe said.
Besides using precision ag technology to produce forage crops, dairy farmer Sanders said his family uses it to mix customized rations for cows based on their health and metabolic needs for their milk production rates.
Nunn, a diversified row crop farmer, said he’s been using precision ag technology for about ten years to produce his row crops. He estimates precision ag technology has allowed him to decrease the amount of fertilizer he applies to his fields by at least 15% and decrease water applied to his -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page crops via irrigation by 20 to 25%.
“Most of my equipment has some sort of precision ag technology on it whether it’s auto steer [tractor] or data collection,” Nunn said. “Precision ag technology helps me use minimum inputs to grow my crops.”
Lewallen, who raises beef sold directly to consumers, suggested that language be included in the next farm bill to provide grants or low interest loans to make existing camera technology that grades beef carcasses more accessible for small rural USDA-inspected facilities.
“If these facilities could begin offering grading services, small producers could command higher prices for their beef,” Lewallen said.
When Warnock asked the farmers to share challenges they face when using ag technology, all said lack of broadband internet prevents them from using their precision ag equipment at its full potential.
Elsner said the inability of different brands of equipment to “talk” to each other or share data is a hold-up. “If you have an iPhone and I have an android, we can still talk to each other, but it’s not like that when it comes to sharing data between different ag equipment brands.”
UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture shares research
During his visit to the UGA Iron Horse Farm, Sen. Warnock met with Dr. Jaime Camelio, codirector of UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, UGA Dr. Nick Place, dean & director of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Kevin Abernethy, UGA vice president for government relations, and Dr. Don Leo, dean of UGA’s College of Engineering.
Dr. Simerjeet Virk, UGA Extension precision ag specialist and assistant professor of crop/soil sciences, told Warnock how he and other UGA faculty and their grad students are studying how farmers can best use different models of drones and small robots to apply pesticides & herbicides and to monitor the health and progress of their crops.
Dr. Guoyu Lu, a faculty member of UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture showed Warnock how a ground robot equipped with thermal sensors and cameras can be used to build a crop field map. As the robot moves through the rows of a crop, it collects photos and information about the appearance of crop plants, yellow or green leaf color, plant temperature, and water stress.
Lu said the robot, which runs on batteries, can be recharged in about 40 minutes. How many acres the robot can cover and how long it can operate before its batteries need recharging depends on the speed at which the user runs the robot and the type of terrain it covers.
“If the robot is run fast, it may operate 30 minutes. If it is run at a slow speed, the robot may go more than one hour,” Lu said. “The same for the number of acres the robot can cover. If we need to walk around the crop field without going inside the field, the robot could cover 10 acres, even more. But if the robot needs to go through the crop field, row by row, then it totally depends on the density of the crop. It could cover maybe one to two acres going row by row.”
Cole Byers, a UGA masters student of agricultural engineering, demonstrated a flying drone equipped with cameras to take an aerial view of crop plants. Data collected by his drone can be used in combination with a ground robot to give farmers a multi-dimensional report on their crops’ health and progress.
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USDA STILL COLLECTING RESPONSES FOR 2022 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE
The USDA is still collecting responses for the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The Census of Agriculture allows producers to tell the story of U.S. agriculture and it’s not too late to respond. Since data collection began last fall, more than 1.4 million ag census recipients across the country have returned their questionnaires, but many have yet to respond. USDA will continue to collect completed 2022 ag census forms through the spring to ensure all producers have the chance the be represented in widely used census data. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.
Census data inform decisions about policy, farm and conservation programs, infrastructure and rural development, research, education, and how federal money is allocated to fund these programs. If you are a producer who has already submitted your 2022 Census of Agriculture, you may disregard any additional ag census letters and forms.
NASS will continue to follow up with producers through the spring with mailings, phone calls, and personal visits. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to complete their ag census either online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail as soon as possible. The online questionnaire is accessible on desktop, laptop, and other mobile devices.
Federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113 mandates that everyone who received the 2022 Census of Agriculture questionnaire complete and return it, even if they are not currently farming. The same law requires NASS to keep all submissions confidential, use the information for statistical purposes only, and publish aggregate data to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.
NASS will release the results of the ag census in early 2024. To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit agcounts.usda.gov. On the website, producers and other data users can access frequently asked questions, past ag census data, special study information, and more.
WOTUS DEFINITION LACKS … DEFINITION
At the end of her 20-minute presentation before the Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Advisory Committee for Water, Courtney Briggs customarily asked what questions committee members had about the 2023 Waters of the United States Rule, finalized in March by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The first response: “You said ‘unfortunately’ a lot.”
Briggs, a senior director for government affairs with the American Farm Bureau Federation, reviewed the challenges presented by the rule, which was developed under the Biden administration and poses many of the same challenges as a pre-2015 rule pushed through under President Barack Obama and then repealed and replaced under President Donald Trump.
Each iteration attempts to define, for the purposes of Clean Water Act (CWA) compliance, what constitutes “waters of the United States.”
As Briggs talked, three main themes emerged.
First, the rule, its exemptions for farmers and the CWA itself, is built on ambiguous language. “Ambiguity and vagueness. If there were two words that I would use to describe this whole -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page entire rule, it’s those two,” Briggs said.
Second, the regulatory history of defining WOTUS has become a political pendulum, swinging one way under Democrats and swinging the other way under Republicans. Farm Bureau maintained that the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) advanced under President Trump provided much-needed clarity.
“That rule really created a ‘bright line’ jurisdiction,” Briggs said, referring to the point where federal jurisdiction ends and state jurisdiction begins. “I probably don’t need to remind you of this, but the reason we need a bright line jurisdiction is because there are criminal and civil penalties attached to CWA compliance. So, you can be fined hefty amounts of money for every day of noncompliance, or you can go to jail. When the penalties are that steep, it’s really imperative that the regulated community knows exactly where that bright line jurisdiction is.”
Third, the 2023 WOTUS rule depends heavily on the “significant nexus” test created by Justice Anthony Kennedy in the Supreme Court case Rapanos v. the United States. The significant nexus test requires a water feature to have a significant impact on the quality or integrity of downstream water in order to be deemed a WOTUS.
“The problem with the use of the significant nexus is it allows the agencies to aggregate waters together in order to expand their regulatory reach to encapsulate entire watersheds as jurisdictional,” Briggs said. “It uses very ambiguously and vaguely defined terms, such as ‘in the region’ or ‘substantially similar’ or ‘significantly affect’ to establish jurisdiction.”
Briggs said the exemptions afforded farmers in the rule leave much to be desired from the agricultural point of view.
“The problem is that you have those exemptions in the Clean Water Act, but right behind them, you have a retraction provision, that essentially says, and I’m paraphrasing here, ‘You’re exempt, unless we tell you you’re not.’ So, no farmer, no landowner has complete confidence in their ability to use the exemption.”
While the 2023 WOTUS rule was finalized and went into effect on March 20, two U.S. district courts have ruled to halt its implementation in 26 states, including Georgia. Another Supreme Court case, Sackett vs. EPA, centers on whether the significant nexus test can be used to define waters of the United States. The court heard arguments in the Sackett case in October. At press time the Supreme Court had not issued its ruling.
Briggs was asked about approaches farmers could take to figure out how the rule will apply on their land, and she noted that in some states Farm Bureaus have reached out to local Corps of Engineers districts and had discussions about how the rule would be implemented in their district.
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KEMP SIGNS ACC FOR CITRUS, FARMLAND CONSERVATION FUND INTO LAW
On April 18, Gov. Brian Kemp signed two bills that strengthen Georgia's No. 1 industry at a ceremony in Bainbridge, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, members of the General Assembly, and leaders from the state's agriculture community. HB 545, carried by Rep. Chas Cannon and Sen. Sam Watson, creates the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus Fruits, and SB 220, carried by Sen. Russ Goodman and Rep. Robert Dickey, creates the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund.
“I am proud to sign these bills that will boost our state's citrus production and farmland conservation efforts,” Kemp said. “Georgia is home to a diverse and thriving agricultural sector, and citrus is one of our fastest-growing crops. By establishing this commission, we are ensuring that our citrus growers have the resources and representation they need to succeed in the global market. We are also investing in our rural communities by creating a fund that will provide matching grants to protect the land of farming families from development and preserve our state's number one industry.”
Agriculture was front and center on several major issues and was the topic of much discussion during the 40-day 2023 session of the Georgia General Assembly. From final passage of truck weights legislation to the stage being set for further work to be done on ag land preservation, there were many successes this session for advancing Georgia agriculture.
In the final hours, the legislature passed, HB 189, which allows for a total 10% variance to the gross vehicle weight for commercial trucks hauling agriculture and forestry goods. This includes hauling both raw commodities from the farm to further processing and the finished goods to their final retail location. The bill will sunset in 2025, and will need to be readdressed to find a more permanent solution to transportation infrastructure and the hauling of various freight in Georgia.
This year began what is expected to be an ongoing discussion and goal of preserving agricultural land in Georgia and ensuring the future of one of agriculture’s most important resources, the land itself, is protected. SB 220, provides a mechanism in Georgia to help fund further conservation of agricultural land through the voluntary encumberment of development rights on one's farm. In return for giving up those development rights, a farmer would be compensated for a portion of the value of the land which is being encumbered in perpetuity. This is a start to more work that will be done in the coming years to find innovative ways to address the rapid loss of farmland in Georgia.
Next year, more discussion and debate are expected on restricting the foreign ownership of agricultural land by entities that have been deemed to be a foreign adversary by the U S Secretary of Commerce. HB 452 and SB 132, which propose solutions to the issue at hand, will remain eligible next year for consideration. SB 132 passed in the Senate by a 35-20 vote. These measures seek to address food safety and security in addition to the loss of farmland.
Not receiving final passage this year, but expected to be debated next session, is HB 449. This bill would address a provision in the Conservation Use Value Assessment Program (CUVA) that provides special treatment and reduced breach penalties for property removed from the covenant
-continued on next page
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Continued from previous page for solar energy. According to current law, the land being used for solar energy must be removed from the CUVA covenant and the breach penalty is limited to the amount of tax savings on the affected parcel for that year.
On the final day of session, the $32.4 billion FY24 Budget passed with the leadership of Senate and House Appropriations Chairmen Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) and Matt Hatchett (R-Dublin). After much negotiation, the two chambers reconciled the substantial differences in their proposals to agree on a budget very friendly to agriculture.
NOTE: For a comprehensive list of ag-related bills that passed or stayed alive for the 2024 session, click here
GFB 2ND DISTRICT HOSTS FARM MACHINERY RESCUE TRAINING
Twenty-two volunteer firefighters gathered March 24-26 for a Farm Machinery Rescue Training held by Georgia Farm Bureau’s Second District with training led by the Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TNARS). Attendees were able to earn 16 continuing education hours while being trained both in the classroom and on the ground in a variety of farm rescue drills. Scenarios included those with a hay baler, tractor, combine, and skid steer.
In 2021, workers in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry experienced one of the highest fatal injury rates at 20 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers, compared to a rate of 3.6 deaths per 100,000 workers for all U.S. industries, according to the CDC. Transportation incidents, which include tractor overturns and roadway crashes, were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers.
“The important thing to keep in mind related to farm injuries and statistics is that the numbers are automatically skewed because not every incident is reported,” said Brian Robinson, state training coordinator for TNARS. “Statistically speaking, agriculture has been one of the top three most dangerous occupations for many years.”
Robinson encourages farmers to pre-plan just like emergency responders do.
“Take a walk around the shop, farm, barn, equipment etc. and see what hazards are there or could be potential hazards,” he said.
Robinson also advises farmers to work with neighbors and family members on a plan in the event of an emergency.
“A lot of times a neighbor or family member will be called to assist and no one remembers to contact 911. Calling 911 first then going to render aid gets the emergency response wheels in motion,” Robinson said.
Simple things like labeling containers with the content, eye wash procedures, having your cell phone in close proximity and it charged or having a charger in the equipment, letting someone know your location and expected time of arrival/departure are all ways Robinson encourages farmers to be prepared in case of an emergency.
“Another simple thing for someone who has multiple chicken houses is to label or paint a number on each house so when the responders arrive, they can go directly to the incident instead -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page of driving around trying to figure out which house the victim is in,” said Robinson. Robinson admits there aren’t a ton of resources available for training online but says one of the things TNARS focuses on is to put actual instructors who farm or have farmed in the past or have an equipment background leading the course. He encourages those who are interested in a similar training as what took place in District 2 to reach out to TNARS and they will gladly assist with those needs. For information about TNARS programs, visit www.tnars.org/
A special thank you to sponsors and donors: Ag Georgia Farm Credit, Mike Jones Ford Lincoln, White County Farmers Exchange, Ag Parts Supply, Muddy H Farms, Hall Farms, Layton Farms, and Scrap Out Recycle, as well as the Sandy Cross Volunteer Fire Station for the use of their facilities and GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee 2nd Dist. Representative Colt Hart for organizing the event.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2024 FARM BUREAU FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2024 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, which comes with cash prizes and bragging rights. This is the sixth year of the contest, supported by Purina, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America.
The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, in January 2024. Up to three regional runners-up will each win $1,000 in prize money.
Desired attributes for the Farm Dog of the Year include helpfulness to the farmer and his/her family, playfulness and obedience.
Farm dog owners must be Farm Bureau members to enter their dogs in the competition. Prospective applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit www.gfb.ag/join to learn about becoming a member.
Eligibility guidelines and submission requirements are available at www.fb.org/land/fdoty Farm Dog of the Year nominations, which include written responses to questions, at least one still photo and a video clip (optional), must be received by July 14 for consideration. The Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest is sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The fourth annual social media contest, People’s Choice Pup, was a popular element of last year’s Farm Dog of the Year competition and will return for 2024. Profiles of several dogs nominated for the contest will be shared beginning in October, with the public invited to vote. Bragging rights and a $1,000 cash prize from Purina will be awarded to the People’s Choice Pup.
The 2024 Farm Dog of the Year will also be featured in a professionally produced video. The profile of 2023 Farm Dog of the Year Tough can be viewed at www.fb.org/land/fdoty. The contest has proven to provide a link to the farm for pet-loving Americans who vote for their favorite farm dog online.
“Through this popular contest, we’re able to provide a glimpse into daily life on the farm or -continued on next page
Commented [JAW1]: Let’s move the contest requirements/details higher up. I know this is how AFBF wrote it but I’m concerned readers won’t read way down to bottom to get the pertinent info.
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Continued from previous page ranch for people who may not have the opportunity to experience it for themselves,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farm dogs play an important, dual role. They help lighten the workload for their families and also provide playful companionship.”
Rounding up livestock, chasing off predators and greeting visitors are among the many tasks performed by farm dogs.
“At Purina, we believe people and pets are better together, and we know that is especially true on farms. Farm dogs are not only a vital member of the team, but also a constant companion to the family,” said Nicole Postin, senior specialist of sustainable sourcing at Purina. “Purina has a long history of sourcing nutritious, sustainable ingredients from American farms to make our pet food, and we appreciate the hard work and dedication of farmers to take care of the land while feeding generations of people and pets.”
Scientific research insights from a collaboration between Mayo Clinic and Purina reveal that interacting with pets can provide health benefits. For example, after spending just 20 minutes with a dog, people experienced a significant increase in levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in moderating stress. This was also associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in selfreported sense of well-being. Following the interaction with the dog, people were in a more positive emotional state.
GFB SUPPORTS GARDEN FOR UNITED WAY RESOURCE CENTER
Central Georgia residents working to get back on their feet at the Brookdale Resource Center in Macon now have a garden to grow fresh vegetables. On April 11, community leaders, volunteers and Bibb County students planted the first seeds and plants at the Brookdale Garden intended to feed Brookdale residents with fresh produce.
Sweet potatoes, squash, corn, okra, tomatoes, peppers and strawberries are now growing in the garden.
“Here at Brookdale, we believe that life can begin again in this garden with the right set of circumstances, protected space, and the time and patience that life itself can begin again in those walls,” said United to End Homelessness Director Dr. Jake Hall. “The space we have here that connects our community is generative in ways far beyond just the nutrition.”
The Brookdale Resource Center serves as a transitional housing and resource center for people experiencing homelessness in Central Georgia. Brookdale's 90-day program focuses on equipping residents with the skills necessary to achieve financial stability and obtain permanent housing. Since opening in January 2021, the Brookdale Center has helped almost 2,000 people, including families and children, with a wide array of needed services, find homes, earn jobs, get documentation, find a way home, and more. The United Way of Central Georgia manages the center.
The center’s garden is volunteer and donation based. Georgia Farm Bureau is one of many community partners, donating $2,500 for supplies. Warren Associates donated wood for the 49 -continued on next page
Commented [JAW2]: Let’s move this graph down to bottom. People who have dogs know this. It might encourage someone who has never had a dog in a while & needs one for these reasons to get one, but I think getting the contest info to readers is more important.
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Continued from previous page \raised garden beds Rutland High School FFA students built the wooden frames for the raised beds.
Evergreen Landscaping donated dirt. The Macon/Bibb Parks & Beautification Department set up the garden beds, filling them with dirt and spreading mulch Minton Lawn & Garden Center and Karsten & Denson donated plants and seeds. The Macon/Bibb Recreation Department put up fencing, and Tractor Supply has committed to providing tools and other materials needed to maintain the garden.
“When Georgia Farm Bureau was asked to support a garden to feed residents at the Brookdale Center, we were glad to help,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “Farmers are all about feeding people whether it’s through the crops they grow or our backyard gardens. This is a great chance for Brookdale residents to learn how to grow vegetables and enjoy the fruits of their labor It will also help teach people that their food doesn’t come from a storeroom in a grocery store and help them understand what farmers do to put food on their table.”
Susan Fisher, manager of The Gardens at Brookdale, says the garden should provide enough vegetables for more than 100 people at Brookdale throughout the growing season. Volunteers are welcome to come work at the garden on April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Visit https://unitedwaycg.org/gardens-brookdale to register to volunteer.
ROCK EAGLE ADMIN BUIILDING NAMED IN HONOR OF FORMER 4-H LEADER
Georgia 4-H dedicated the Thomas F. Rodgers Administration Building at Rock Eagle 4-H Center to honor former Georgia 4-H state leader Tom Rodgers for his years of service to 4-H and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.
Rodgers served as the leader of Georgia 4-H from 1978 to 1993 and championed the renovation of Rock Eagle 4-H Center during his tenure. Raising more than $2 million for the facility, he secured Rock Eagle’s continued status as a centerpiece of Georgia 4-H. Cabins, meeting spaces and support buildings were improved and expanded during the renovation, and revenue subsequently increased by 66%.
The March 29 dedication included reflections from current and former 4-H leaders and recognized Rodgers’ six-plus decades of impact. “Tom made decisions, took risks and garnered support that ultimately make it possible for us to still be standing on these grounds today,” said Sue Chapman, Georgia 4-H associate state leader.
The Thomas F. Rodgers Administration Building serves as a hub for operations and management for the nearly 1,500-acre campus in Eatonton.
“I am honored by this recognition, and it’s only possible because of the team of people I worked with during my career. They deserve the recognition too,” Rodgers said during the event.
The successful Georgia 4-H Environmental Education program was created under Rodgers’ leadership in partnership with former 4-H specialist Diane Davies. Since 1979, the program has -continued on next page
Commented [JAW3]: Mr. McCall approved quote. He added highlighted new last sentence that’s highlighted. I deleted the words “that would” in 1st sentence & replaced with to to shorten quote.
GFB
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Continued from previous page served 1.2 million youth at all six 4-H centers across Georgia.
Additional highlights from Rodgers’ 4-H career include the establishment of Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol, the acquisition and renovation of the Jekyll Island 4-H Center, and an 89% increase in Georgia 4-H Foundation endowment funds.
After 15 years in the state 4-H leader role, Rodgers was promoted to assistant director and head of county operations for UGA Extension, helping to supervise more than 800 agents, program assistants and support staff. He led the initiative that resulted in Extension agents being classified as UGA public service faculty
Rodgers went on to serve as UGA’s vice president for public service and outreach and as associate dean of outreach and Extension in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences before his retirement in 2004. Rodgers earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science and agricultural economics from the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences before receiving a doctoral degree in education from North Carolina State University.
He was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2011 and was awarded the Georgia 4-H Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Rodgers’ contributions to the success of Rock Eagle 4-H Center laid the groundwork for the success of Georgia 4-H to this day. The operational revenue from the center makes possible a large portion of current 4-H programming.
Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become future leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness. As the premier youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches hundreds of thousands of people annually through UGA Extension offices and 4-H facilities.
For more information about Georgia 4-H, contact your local UGA Extension office or visit www.georgia4h.org
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WALTON COUNTY URBAN AG WORKSHOP
April 22 Walton County Extension, 1258 Criswell Rd. 8 a.m. Monroe
This free workshop, presented by the Walton County Soil and Water Conservation District, is an opportunity to learn about general practices and options on how to start an urban agriculture program, from soil testing to organic vs. non-organic. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. Breakfast will be served. The event is free but registration is required. To register, visit www.gacd.us/events. For more information, email info@gacd.us or call 833-411-4223.
USDA RISK MANAGEMENT TRAINING GRANTS
April 24
Deadline for submitting proposals
The USDA has made $2 million available for risk management education and training programs that support farmers and ranchers, including underserved producers, small-scale farmers, organic operations and climate-smart farm practices. USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) is offering these funds to provide the needed resources for organizations - such as universities, county cooperative extension offices, and nonprofit organizations - to develop education tools that help producers learn how to effectively manage long-term risks and challenges. A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for funding consideration, including training on crop insurance options, record keeping, financial management, non-insurance-based risk management tools and natural disaster preparedness among others. Partners can also train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems. Proposals are due April 24. The notice of funding has additional details at https://gfb.ag/fsarmaworkshop Then click on USDARMA-MULTI-RMEPP-23-NOFO0001231, Opportunity Title: Risk Management Education Partnership Program.
AGRICULTURE BUSINESS TAX CLASS
April 27 South Georgia Technical College 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Americus
Do you own a business and help doing taxes? If so, attend this free business tax class. The Tennie Group tax experts will guide you through tax topics such as understanding and structuring your business for tax purposes, filing taxes, business expenses and more. Topics include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability corporations (LLCs), Schedule F, subcontractors, form 1099, car and travel, and home office. For more information, contact James Ford with Square O Consulting at 615.483.6825 or squareoconsulting@gmail.com
FARM SERVICE AGENCY MEET & GREET EVENT
April 27 Carroll County Ag Center 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Carrollton
This event will be an opportunity to meet staff from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Carroll County Cooperative Extension, Georgia Forestry Commission, Rolling Hills Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever to learn what they can do for you! The Carroll County Ag Center is located at 900 Newnan Road in Carrollton. Refreshments will be provided, and attendance is free. Everyone is welcome; please RSVP to the Carrollton Farm Service Agency at 770-834-2097 ext. 2 no later than April 21.
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GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE STEM CHALLENGE
April 28
Deadline to enter
Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are being challenged to put their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to work to explore the real-world issues involved with water conservation in local communities. Elementary teachers and their students may enter the “Vermiculture: Wiggling into Ag” STEM Challenge Feb. 6 through April 28 for the chance to win a prize package totaling $350 for their class. The grade winner from the third, fourth and fifthgrade entries will win a prize package. Teachers interested in participating in the “Vermiculture: Wiggling into Ag” STEM may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program. Once teachers register their class, they can access a digital resource toolkit that equips the class for participating in the water conservation STEM challenge.
GRAIN BIN SAFETY TRAINING CONTEST
April 30
Deadline to Apply
The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, Nationwide, and KC Supply are teaming up to award emergency first responders with grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training to help save lives. If you are interested in nominating your local fire department to win a grain rescue tub and a six-hour grain entrapment rescue training session, at the winner’s location, visit https://www.mynsightonline.com/grain-bin-safety/participate-partner/nominate Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on April 30. Winners will be notified by mail or email on or about July 31.
GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM PROGRAM
May 1
deadline to apply
The Georgia Centennial Farm Program was created to draw attention to historic farms and to encourage their preservation. Since 1993, the program has recognized more than 600 farms around the state. Farms may be recognized with one of three awards. The Centennial Family Farm Award recognizes farms owned by members of the same family for 100 years or more that are not listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The Centennial Heritage Farm Award honors farms owned by the same family for 100 years or more that are listed in the NRHP. The Centennial Farm Award does not require continual family ownership but farms must be at least 100 years old and listed in the NRHP. 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. 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. Qualifying Georgia Centennial Farms are honored each October in an awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. For more information, contact Rose Mayo, Historic Preservation Division outreach coordinator, at 404-486-6378 or at rose.mayo@dca.ga.gov. The postmark deadline for applications is May 1. Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centennialfarmsapply
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 19
CROP INSURANCE FOR NURSERY PRODUCERS
May 1 sales closing date
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia nursery producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is May 1. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policy and are calendar year or early fiscal year filers, have until February 28 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Feb. 28 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage begins 30 days after receipt of a signed application and approval of required documents. For Nursery Value Select coverage, a Nursery Value Report, Monthly Unit Value Plan, and two copies of the grower’s most recent catalog is required. More information on nursery crop insurance is available at RMA's Nursery Policy Web Page. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2023 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at http://www.rma.usda.gov/.
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
May 1
June 11-16
registration deadline
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tifton
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 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 www.abac.edu/nrcw. Partnering agencies for NRCW are Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Society, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources.
GFB Field Notes 15 of 19
FERAL SWINE CONTROL WORKSHOP
May 2 Marion Co. Middle/High School 1 Eagle Dr. Buena Vista
A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops and trapping demonstrations for farmers and landowners. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question and answer panel of experts. Speakers will include Dr. Mike Mengak with UGA Warnell School of Forestry, Matt Ondovchik with USDA Wildlife Services, Emily Belser with Ga. Dept. of Natural Resources, and Dr. Dustin Weaver with Ga. Dept. of Agriculture. Workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. Check-in begins at 5 p.m. followed by the program starting at 5:30 p.m. A free dinner will be provided by the Marion County Young Farmers. Pre-registration is required at www.GACD.us/events
B. FRANK STRICKLAND SCHOLARSHIP FOR ABAC
May 4
application deadline
B Frank Strickland Scholarship for ABAC – In 2002, a scholarship was established by GFB and the Georgia Commodity Commission for Tobacco at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation in memory of the late B. Frank Strickland Sr., a Lanier County farmer and a devoted advocate for tobacco farmers. The $1,000 B. Frank Strickland Scholarship is available for an entering freshman or rising sophomore from a tobacco-producing county who plans to attend ABAC fall semester. The scholarship will be paid at the beginning of the fall semester by the ABAC Foundation. Application is linked here.
GEORGIA AG IN THE CLASSROOM TEACHER OF YEAR
May 5 deadline to apply
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is accepting applications for its annual Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Teacher of the Year until May 5. This award recognizes a Georgia educator for his or her excellence in incorporating agriculture into their lessons while meeting Georgia curriculum standards. Agricultural concepts can support the teaching of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM); science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM) and science, technology, engineering, art, math (STREAM). The award winner will receive a $500 cash award and a trip to the 2024 National Ag in the Classroom Conference. High school/middle school/elementary school ag teachers are not eligible for this award. Nominated teachers should have a close partnership with their local Farm Bureau.To apply, contact your local Farm Bureau office. Visit www.gfb.ag/contact to find your county Farm Bureau’s contact information. Applications must be submitted online. Visit www.gfb.ag/teacheraward for more information and to apply.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 19
TOXIC TALL FESCUE CONVERSION PASTURE WALK
May 11 Oakhurst Farms, 19566 Ga. Hwy. 219 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. West Point
This event, sponsored by Rolling Hills Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, will explore conversion from toxic tall fescue to novel endophyte tall rescue. Lunch will be provided. Topics include: Tall fescue conversion to novel endophyte fescue; stockpiling tall fescue, temporary electric fence, understanding forage quality and supplementation, herd health, soil health and tall fescue fertilization and the Rolling Hills RC&D solar water trailer. To Reserve your spot, call or text Jeff with Rolling Hills RC&D at 678-614-9484.
GROWMARK FOUNDATION OFFERS 55 SCHOLARSHIPS TO AG STUDENTS
May 12 deadline to apply
The GROWMARK Foundation is offering 55 scholarships of $2,000 each to students pursuing agriculture and business-related degrees or certificates at colleges, universities, and technical schools in the United States and Ontario, Canada.
Students applying must be high school seniors or the equivalent of and enrolled in a university, community college, or technical school for fall 2023 or must be continuing students enrolled in good standing at a university, community college, or technical school. Scholarships will be scored by a committee comprised of industry professionals outside of the GROWMARK System.
The 2023 GROWMARK Foundation Scholarship Application may be found here. The application deadline is midnight (Central Time) May 12, 2023. Recipients will be notified by July 1, 2023.
Scholarships will be awarded as described below.
20 Agriculture Scholarships (Bachelor's Degree or higher) Focus on Crop Sciences, Ag Business, Ag Communications, Ag Economics, etc... Does not include Food Science, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Medicine nor Research.
20 Agriculture Scholarships (Associate's Degree or Certification) Focus on Crop Sciences, Ag Business, Ag Communications, Ag Economics, etc... Does not include Food Science, Animal Sciences, Veterinary Medicine nor Research.
15 Business Scholarships (Bachelor's Degree or higher) Focus on Business Administration, Human Resources, Marketing, Accounting, IT, Communications, etc... Does not include majors with a specific agriculture focus/component.
GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services.
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 19
AFBF AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE
May 12 deadline to enter
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is looking to identify the top entrepreneurs who are addressing both traditional challenges farmers face on their operation, such as access to labor, optimizing yield and reducing operating costs, to entrepreneurs who are addressing new challenges facing farmers and rural communities. Farm Bureau will award $165,000 in startup funds to ten businesses, culminating at a live pitch competition and networking event at the AFBF Convention in January 2024 in Salt Lake City, UT. The Ag Innovation Challenge Winner will be awarded $50,000 in startup funds provided by our sponsors. Farm Bureau will award a total of $165,000 to ten businesses. For more information or to enter, visit www.fb.org/initiative/ag-innovation-challenge
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
May 13, Sept. 9 & Oct. 7 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, halter/showmanship, beginner, open, minis, & a costume contest at the Oct. 7 show. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Entry fee per class is $10 and $12 for championship classes. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. For more information about the shows, call Susie Cottongim at (706) 342-3775 or visit the Kel Mac Saddle Club Facebook page or www.kel-mac.com These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $163,500 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 47 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, the Calvin Center’s Horses & Warriors program, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, Madison County Mounted Drill Team, the Barbara R. Cummings Scholarship, the Morgan County Sherriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge and Heritage Park.
UPDATED REGIONAL WATER PLANS
May 15 deadline for public comments
Regional Water Planning Councils have developed draft updated regional water plans that are available for public review and comment through May 15. The state water plan calls for the councils to review the regional water plans every five years. The councils began a review and revision process in 2020 that resulted in the draft updated regional water plans. The councils considered updated water and wastewater demand forecasts and resource assessment analyses in their preparations of the draft updated Regional Water Plans. The draft updated regional water plans may be viewed here. (https://waterplanning.georgia.gov/regional-water-plan) Written comments are welcomed and should be received by May 15. Comments can be submitted via email to water.planning@dnr.ga.gov
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 19
CROP INSURANCE FOR PECAN PRODUCERS
May 15 deadline to apply/renew
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia pecan tree growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is May 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the May 15 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for pecan trees in select Georgia counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2023 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov/
INTEGRATIVE PRECISION AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE
May 18-19
UGA Center for Continuing Ed & Hotel Athens
Hosted by UGA’s Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture, the conference will feature speakers who solve problems around the globe and offer new perspectives on common challenges in the field. The event will feature an exchange of these ideas from global thought leaders from industry and academia will share a vision for how integrative precision agriculture can be applied to solve critical issues facing crop and animal production. The two-day event will feature 25 speakers presenting a range of topics that offer new perspectives based on expertise and experiences specific to their local environments. Conference attendees will have opportunities to participate in post-conference events like a spray drone workshop, student hackathon and tour of UGA’s Sanford Stadium. Registration for the full conference and one Friday event will cost $100, while student registration will be just $25. Those interested in attending just the spray drone workshop can do so for $30. Register online here
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.
GFB Field Notes page 19 of 19
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
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It 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. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE-COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706-510-6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use.