USDA CANCELS CLIMATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
On April 14, the USDA announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). Select projects may continue if it is demonstrated that a significant amount of the federal funds awarded will go to farmers. The USDA indicated it will continue to support farmers and encourage partners to ensure their projects are farmer-focused or reapply to continue work that is aligned with current federal priorities.
Additionally, the USDA transitioned the PCSC initiative into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative and has identified changes to align the initiative with current federal priorities. USDA will review existing grant agreements based on three criteria:
• A minimum of 65% of federal funds must go to producers;
• Grant recipients must have enrolled at least one producer as of 12/31/2024; and
• Grant recipients must have made a payment to at least one producer as of 12/31/2024.
USDA will contact current partners individually to provide information about their future participation. USDA will honor all eligible expenses incurred prior to April 13. This reform effort will utilize existing funding, with no new funding made available for these partnerships.
It was unclear at press time how the changes will affect commodity specific sustainability programs.
The Sustainable U.S. Peanuts initiative was established in 2019 with the help of federal funding, but its ongoing operational expenses are covered through private sponsorships, according to the organization’s website.
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WILL NAMED GFB 8TH DISTRICT FEDERATION MANAGER
Sara Will began serving as Georgia Farm Bureau’s 8th District federation manager on April 14.
Will, a Turner County native and Turner County Farm Bureau member, has worked as an ag teacher in the Turner County School System since 2021, first at Turner County Elementary School (TCES), and then at Turner County High School for the 2024-25 school year.
She was recognized with the ABAC Alumni J. Lamar Branch Award in 2025 for her work at TCES and was named TCES Teacher of the Month in October 2022 and September 2023. Her work included planning and hosting Turner County Ag Day.
“We’re happy to welcome Sara to our staff,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s clear she is committed to promoting agriculture, and we think she will serve the members of our 8th District well.”
Her previous work included a stint as office manager at Calhoun Produce, where she worked with the agritourism business’s outdoor education curriculum and food safety programs.
As GFB 8th District federation manager, Will assists 17 county Farm Bureaus in upper Southwest Georgia with their daily operations, ag promotion and membership programs. She succeeds Levi Davis, who was named GFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator last fall.
Will earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from ABAC in 2020 and added an Elementary AGED Endorsement in 2023. In April, she completed work for her master’s degree in agricultural education from Murray State University in Kentucky.
Will lives in Cordele.
The GFB 8th District includes Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Houston, Lee, Macon, Marion, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Turner, Webster and Wilcox counties.
NEW OFFICERS, AWARD WINNERS RECOGNIZED AT STATE FFA CONVENTION
New state officers were elected and winners of state awards were announced during the 97th Georgia FFA State Convention, held April 24-26 at the Macon Centreplex.
The convention wrapped up on April 26 with the election of the 2025-2026 State FFA Officer Team. The new team consists of State President Remiya Stephens from Rutland, Secretary Levi Leyton from Central of Carroll, North Region Vice-Presidents Leyton Morris from Morgan County and Quinn Pendley from Clarke Central, Central Region Vice-Presidents Aly Corzine from Veterans and Evan Hardeman from Montgomery County, and South Region Vice-Presidents Anna Grace Hunter from Colquitt County and Jose Gomez from Ware County.
Two of the state awards, the Discussion Meet and Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDEs, were sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau.
Molly Huff of Winder-Barrow placed first in the Discussion Meet Career Development Event (CDE) competition. Other finalists were Lily Hendrick of Rome, Anna Grace Hunter of Colquitt County and Tessa Dial of Ware County. As the state winner, Huff received a $250 savings bond. Each finalist received a $100 savings bond.
Isabelle Williams of Madison County placed first in the individual Extemporaneous Speaking CDE competition. Clay Lawrence of ECI placed second, Ryan Kelly of Crisp County finished -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 15
Continued from previous page third, and CarolAnn Cash of Chattooga County finished fourth.
Williams received $100 and $500 to travel to the National Convention where she will represent Georgia. The second-place individual received $50, and the third-place individual received $25. The fourth-place individual received $20. Additionally, the advisor of the state winning individual received a $100 cash award.
CDE and LDE awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in a variety of competitions.
The Discussion Meet LDE is designed to teach the three fundamental bases of discussion: constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication. The role of the contestants is to exchange ideas and information to solve a problem. The Discussion Meet is patterned after the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer Discussion Meet. Students discuss topics to foster constructive ideas and problem solve.
The state winner received a $250 savings bond. Each finalist received a $100 savings bond.
The Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE aims to provide the opportunity to enhance the speaking skills of participants. Participants present a speech they prepare in an allotted amount of time to a panel of judges. When the presentation is complete, participants respond to questions from the judges and are scored to determine a winner.
For information about all of the award winners recognized during the convention, visit https://gfb.ag/25GAFFAwinners
NORTH GEORGIA SUMMER BURN RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT
Note: Agricultural burning is exempt from the restrictions in many circumstances. We’re working on an update to provide detail.
Summer air quality precautions will be in place for north Georgians. From May 1 to Sept. 30, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division restricts residents in 54 counties from burning yard and land clearing debris because smoke may affect ozone levels in urban areas.
The 54 Georgia counties affected are: Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Peach, Pickens, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding, Troup, Twiggs, Upson, Walker, and Walton. Outside of the 54 counties with restrictions, prescribed burning and some outdoor burning are still permitted when weather conditions are suitable.
Landowners in Georgia counties not included in the annual burn restrictions must continue to follow specific fire safety guidelines and any local ordinances governing debris burning. The five safety precautions now mandated by law include: set spacing between fires and woodlands and structures, burn times from sunrise to sunset, burner attendance at the fire, and reasonable -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page precautions such as weather awareness and suppression tools.
“The number of wildfires in Georgia has been elevated this spring,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “As summer outdoor recreation season begins, all Georgians can play a role in lowering the risk of wildfire by paying close attention to weather conditions and safety precautions.”
For more information about annual summer burn restrictions, burn permits, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit https://GaTrees.org
SECOND CASE OF CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE CONFIRMED IN GEORGIA
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division confirmed a second deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The deer, a 4.5-year-old male, was taken in Berrien County approximately 400 yards from the first CWD-positive deer harvest location in Lanier County in January. The second deer was taken by a landowner permittee assisting with ongoing sampling as part of DNR’s CWD response plan.
“Our staff continues to work in collaboration with landowners and hunters in the CWD Management Area to sample for the disease. These collaborative efforts will help us manage CWD and ensure Georgia maintains healthy deer herds,” said DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon.
The CWD Management Area includes the county where positive samples are found and any county that touches a 5-mile radius around the location of positive samples. Because this new positive deer was taken near the first positive, DNR’s CWD Management Area remains the same, consisting of Lanier and Berrien counties.
DNR is working with landowners and hunters to determine the geographic extent and prevalence rate in that Management Area (i.e., how far it has spread and what percentage of deer have CWD). To keep prevalence low, additional deer are harvested around each CWD detection as they are most likely to have been in contact with the positive deer.
CWD was first discovered in 1967 in Fort Collins, Colorado. CWD is a fatal neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose caused by infectious, misfolded proteins called prions. There are no current treatments or preventative vaccines.
CWD in deer, elk, and/or moose has been reported in 36 states and 5 Canadian provinces. For up-to-date information on where CWD has been found, please visit cwd-info.org.
There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hunters harvesting a deer, elk, or moose from an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested for CWD prior to consuming the meat and do not consume the meat if the animal tests positive.
For more information on Chronic Wasting Disease and Georgia’s management efforts, visit https://GeorgiaWildlife.com/CWD.
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GEORGIA AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY COMMISIONS SEEK NOMINATIONS
On April 29, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced that five of Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations from producers to serve on their respective commissions. Nomination forms are available on the department website and will be accepted until May 23. Administered by the GDA, these commissions oversee farmer-funded programs dedicated to strengthening Georgia’s #1 industry through research, education, and promotion for 14 Georgia grown commodities.
“Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions remain a cornerstone of our state’s #1 industry, driving innovation and growth through research, market development, and education,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “As we look to the future of agriculture in Georgia, I encourage our producers to take an active role by serving on these commissions your voice and leadership are critical to the continued strength and sustainability of agriculture in our state.”
Producers can nominate themselves, be nominated by others, or receive a nomination from an affiliated organization for their commodity. Their role involves attending periodic meetings and making decisions on behalf of their peers. Commission members serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment. They represent the interests of the commodity’s producers. The Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee makes appointments to the commissions in July. Commission Members with Expiring Terms:
• Beef Commission: Ernie Ford (Calhoun County), Chuck Joiner (Carroll County), and Allen Wiggins (Turner County)
• Cotton Commission: Matt Coley (Dooly County) and Steven Meeks (Wayne County)
• Equine Commission: Beth Williams (Oconee County) and Cassie Taylor (Telfair County)
• Tobacco Commission: Chance Callaway (Evans County)
• Soybean Commission: Brian Ogletree (Lamar County) and Jesse Patrick (Morgan County)
Nomination forms are available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s dedicated commodity commission webpage or can be requested via email. Completed forms should be submitted by email or mail to:
Georgia Dept of Agriculture
ATTN: Fred Rayfield
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW. Suite 324 Atlanta, GA 30334
For more information, please contact Rayfield at 404-727-7899 or fred.rayfield@agr.georgia.gov
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GFA ANNOUNCES SPRING STEM CHALLENGE WINNERS
Elementary students across Georgia put their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to the test in the Spring 2025 STEM Challenge, Recycle & Reimagine, hosted by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA). More than 550 students in third through fifth grades participated, including special education classes, homeschool groups, and after-school programs.
The challenge invited students to tackle real-world agricultural problems by designing creative solutions using only recycled materials. Participants submitted video presentations showcasing everything from pollinator hotels and seed ball launchers to full-scale chicken tractors.
First-place winners were selected by grade level and awarded a prize package totaling $350 per class $100 in classroom items and a $250 supply grant.
The PCES Seed Slingers from Pike County Elementary School, led by Amanda Wood, claimed the third-grade title. Their native seed ball launcher combined hands-on sustainability with a deep understanding of local ecosystems and pollinator needs.
The Frindles from Banks County Elementary School, led by Priscilla Gilreath, took top honors in the fourth-grade category. Their pollinator hotel, built entirely from recycled materials, highlighted collaboration with local farmers and emphasized community involvement in sustainability efforts.
High Shoals Elementary School in Oconee County, led by Victoria Wynne, won the fifth-grade category with a functional chicken tractor constructed from repurposed materials. Their project stood out for its engineering, environmental benefit, and classroom collaboration.
Runner-up recognition was awarded to: The Cheeksters from Glynn County (3rd grade); Carmel’s AIMventors from Cherokee County (4th grade); and NES Quest from McDuffie County (5th grade).
“Watching these students turn recycled materials into real tools for farming and sustainability was inspiring,” said GFA Educational Programs Assistant Phoebe Beard. “Their creativity and problem-solving skills really shined, and it was clear how much they learned about agriculture along the way. We’re so grateful to the teachers, county Farm Bureaus and communities who helped make these projects possible.”
The biannual STEM Challenge is organized by GFA’s Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom program and is sponsored by GFA and Georgia Farm Bureau.
By connecting STEM concepts to real-world issues in food production, recycling, and environmental sustainability, the challenge encourages Georgia students to explore agriculture's vital role in solving global problems.
The next STEM Challenge will launch in Fall 2025. To view the winning videos, please visit https://www.gafoundationag.org/stemchallenge.
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AFBF ASKS EPA FOR CLARITY IN WOTUS REGULATIONS
On April 22 the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) asked for changes to the “Waters of the United States” rule to bring it in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling, which called for more clarity in water regulations. AFBF submitted comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for recommendations.
“Considering drains, ditches, stock ponds, impoundments, irrigation ditches, and low spots in farm fields and pastures as jurisdictional ‘waters’ opens the door to regulation of ordinary farming activities that move dirt or apply products to the land on those lands,” AFBF noted in its comments. “Everyday activities such as plowing, planting, or fence building in or near ephemeral drainages, impoundments, ditches, or low spots could result in enforcement action triggering the (Clean Waters Act’s) harsh civil and criminal penalties unless a permit was obtained first. Bear in mind that permitting under CWA requires the investment of significant amounts of time and money. Most farmers and ranchers have neither of those in abundance.”
Farm Bureau’s recommendations include:
• Creating a definition of the ‘relatively permanent standard,’ which guides agencies in determining whether a body of water falls under federal jurisdiction;
• Regulating wetlands only when they are indistinguishable from and have a continuous surface connection to WOTUS waterways; and
• Providing clear exemptions and exclusions so farmers and ranchers can use their land without the risk of severe penalties.
“America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to doing the right thing by protecting the resources they’ve been entrusted with,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “We need clear regulations to reach those goals, however. The Supreme Court ruled that the previous administration overstepped its authority with WOTUS. We appreciate EPA taking steps to bring WOTUS in line with the Sackett ruling by providing clarity that respects the high court’s decision and farmers’ efforts to preserve the environment as they grow the food and fiber America’s families rely on.”
Read Farm Bureau’s comments here.
JBS AGREES TO SETTLE ITS PORTION OF CLASS ACTION ANTITRUST SUIT
JBS USA Food Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., and JBS S.A. (collectively, "JBS") have agreed to settle a class action lawsuit brought against them by Cattle Plaintiffs who allege that defendants JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef the four largest meat packers (the companies that buy fed cattle, slaughter, and process them into beef) conspired to eliminate or reduce competition among them for the purchase of fed cattle (cattle finished on a high energy ration), thereby artificially reducing the price cattle feeders received for their fed cattle. Cattle Plaintiffs bring a separate, but related, claim under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), alleging Defendants manipulated the price of exchange-traded Live Cattle contracts traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (“CME”).
Cattle Plaintiffs are Ranchers Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, Weinreis Brothers Partnership, Minatare Feedlot, Inc., Charles Weinreis, Eric Nelson, James Jensen d/b/a Lucky 7 Angus, and Richard Chambers as trustee of the Richard C. Chambers Living Trust.
JBS denies any liability, fault, or wrongdoing in connection with the allegations in the action. Litigation remains ongoing against the non-settling defendants, Tyson Foods Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., Cargill, Inc., Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation and National Beef Packing Company, LLC.
JBS will pay $83,500,000 into a settlement fund to settle the class action antitrust, PSA, and CEA claims against them and to provide certain cooperation to Cattle Plaintiffs in this litigation against the remaining defendants and in to distribute the net settlement amount.
Cattlemen may be eligible to receive a payment if they directly sold to a defendant one or more fed cattle for slaughter from June 1, 2015, to Feb. 29, 2020, other than pursuant to a cost-plus agreement and/or a profit sharing agreement; and/or (ii) held a long position in live cattle futures traded on the CME prior to June 1, 2015, and liquidated the long position through an offsetting market transaction at any point prior to Nov. 1, 2016. To learn who the defendants and alleged coconspirators are, visit www.CattleAntitrustSettlement.com/
Settlement class members who do not exclude themselves are eligible to submit a claim to receive their share of money from the net settlement fund. Claim forms must be submitted electronically or mailed such that they are postmarked by Sept. 15, to receive a payment from the settlement fund. You may access a claim form from the settlement website and submit it online or download and mail it to the address on the claim form. Claim forms are also available by calling 1-844-435-8844 or emailing Info@CattleAntitrustSettlement.com.
Settlement class members who do nothing will be bound by the settlement and will give up any right to sue JBS and the other released defendants in a separate lawsuit related to the legal claims in this lawsuit. Those wanting to keep their rights to separately sue JBS and the other released defendants, must submit a written request to exclude themselves from the settlement postmarked by July 7. Those who do not want to exclude themselves may object to the settlement and/or ask for permission to appear and speak at the fairness hearing but must do so by July 7. Complete information is available at Info@CattleAntitrustSettlement.com.
The court will hold a fairness hearing on Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, 300 South Fourth Street, Courtroom 14E, Minneapolis, MN 55415, to decide whether to approve the settlement, grant the requested attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, and the proposed plan of allocation and distribution. Plaintiffs or their lawyers may appear and speak at the hearing at their own expense, but there is no requirement to do so. Please check www.CattleAntitrustSettlement.com for updates on the date or time of the hearing.
Field Notes page 9 of 15
2025 GEORGIA FARM DOG CONTEST
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 2025 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 https://gfb.ag/25farmdogcontest Special thanks to GFB Insurance and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture for helping GFB sponsor the contest!
64TH ANNUAL NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP
May 7
Extended application Deadline
June 8-13 Camp dates
Applications are being accepted until May 7 for high school students to attend the 64th Annual Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW) to be held June 8-13 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Visit www.abac.edu/nrcw to apply online. The program is open to rising 10th, 11th & 12th graders. Current seniors can ask special permission to attend on their applications. The immersive experience includes a taste of college life featuring classes, field trips, hands-on activities, living in a dorm & recreation. Experts from Georgia’s leading natural resource related agencies will speak at the camp, so this is a great opportunity for students to ask questions that could lead them to their future career path! Georgia Association Conservation Districts statewide are sponsoring the registration fee of $375 for students to attend FREE! ABAC is seeking a camps and workshop specialist. Visit https://gfb.ag/nrcwcampjob for more info & to apply.
FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION
May 14 Dawson Farms
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ludowici Partnering agencies will host this workshop and trapping demonstration. Dawson Farms is located at 305 Dawson Farms Rd SE, Ludowici, Ga 31316. Lunch will be provided and is sponsored by the Coastal Soil and Water Conservation District. 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. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. Partnering agencies for this effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events.
Field Notes page 10 of 15
2025 GFB SPRING SHOOTOUT
May 16 Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Griffin
The third 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! Sponsored by PENCO Restoration, 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 tshirts, preferred parking, priority access to the course, and complimentary post-event beverages. General admission team tickets 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/25SpringShootout The deadline to register is May 3.
2025 PESTICIDE CLEAN DAY
May 13 St. Ives Country Club
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Johns Creek
This program, administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture through funding from the EPA, gives everyone an opportunity to discard old, unusable, or canceled pesticides. No fees are charged for participation in this program, and all accepted materials will be turned over to a hazardous waste contractor for disposal. The event is open to all private and commercial applicators with the understanding that the event is designed / intended for farmers, lawn care, golf courses, and pest control companies, statewide. Individuals wishing to participate in the program must fill out the pre-registration form and return it to Brad Baker, Clean Day Waste Disposal Coordinator by May 8. This information is necessary to plan for the collection, transportation, and disposal of the waste pesticides collected. The pre-registration form is available here for download. For information about which products will be accepted and other program details, click here. Direct questions to Baker at brad.baker@agr.georgia.gov or 404-686-4958. (https://agr.georgia.gov/events/2025/pesticide-clean-day-event-fulton-county)
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KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
May 17, Sept. 20 & Oct. 25 Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Trail classes are from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Western Classes not to start before lunch. Riders must be members of Kel-Mac to accrue points towards year-end awards. Age divisions for competition are as follows: Small Fry: 10 and under; Junior: under 14 years of age; Senior: 14 years and over. Novice: Rider is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Green Horse: Horse is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Entry fee per class is $12. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kel-mac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. Signup for shows on the website. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $170,250 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 49 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
GFB YF&R SUMMER CONFERENCE
June 1 registration deadline
July 16-19 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island Registration is open for the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference. Please share the following information with anyone who may be interested in attending. This conference is open to any GFB member 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 Registration Fee is $150 per attendee Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Room blocks have been secured at the Hampton Inn and Suite (912-635-3733, reservation deadline is June 16), Home2Suite (912-319-6019, reservation deadline is June 16), Villas by the Sea (912-635-2521, reservation deadline is June 16) and the Westin (912-635-4545, reservation deadline is June 13) on Jekyll Island. Note: These room blocks tend to fill up quickly.
Field Notes page 12 of 15
GFB YF&R DISCUSSION MEET
June 1 deadline to enter Discussion Meet
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. Any Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers member between the ages of 18 and 35 is eligible to compete. Discussion Meet Orientation (for all competitors) will be on July 16 and the competition will be in person at the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership 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/educationand-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 county Farm Bureau office manager, GFB district federation manager or GFB YF&R Coordinator Levi Davis at ledavis@gfb.org.
AFBF AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE
June 9 deadline to enter
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 9 for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000. Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Aug. 4. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest. The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2026 in Anaheim, California. Top prize is a total of $100,000. Runner-up prize is a total of $25,000. Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants in Georgia who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.gfb.org/join/jointoday to learn about becoming a member. Residents of other states should visit https://www.fb.org/about/get-involved Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 9.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 15
AFBF WHITE-REINHARDT AG LITERACY GRANTS
June 13 deadline to apply
The American Farm Bureau Foundation is accepting applications until June 13 for the 2025-2026 White-Reinhardt School Year Project Grants. These grants fund projects that will increase agricultural literacy. County and state Farm Bureaus may apply for $1,000 grants for education programs for grades K-12 to initiate new ag literacy programs or expand existing programs. Organizations and individual schools can work with their county Farm Bureaus to apply. Grants are available on a competitive basis. The White-Reinhardt Grant Program award grants once a Please note that grant funds cannot be used for consumable items like food or paper, transportation, wages or safety programs. Grant payments can only be made to a state or county Farm Bureau. If you have any questions, please contact foundation@fb.org.
GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATIONS
June 16
extended 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 familial traditions for generations of Georgians. Several farms boast a legacy spanning more than a century, and Georgia recognizes 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 farmgenerated 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 June 16, 2025. Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centennialfarmsapply. (https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/historicresources/centennialfarms)
UGA WARNELL SCHOOL OF FORESTRY BOBWHITE QUAIL SURVEY
The Martin GAME Lab at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA is looking for private landowners in Georgia to take part in a brief survey about their opinions on bobwhite quail management for a study titled “Bobwhite Restoration, Incentives, and Research.” The purpose of the study is to better understand landowners’ opinions on bobwhite quail management and cost-share programs landowners would enroll in to manage their properties for bobwhite quail. Visit https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_3aRgLcUioS8uy0u to take the study. Thank you in advance for helping with in this study.
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GEORGIA PIVOT SURVEY
A research team from the University of Georgia, University of Nebraska, University of Florida, Fort Valley State University, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is conducting a survey to understand the recovery of farms following windstorms. Farmers are asked to participate. This survey asks about your farm, damage inflicted by recent hurricanes, and recovery since the hurricane. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, depending on the types of structures on your farm and the damage the farm experienced. Questions 11-15 are voluntary, answer if you would like. Your participation is completely voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. To participate, visit https://forms.office.com/r/JZGAxfKfRG For more information, contact Wes Porter at wporter@uga.edu, or Joshua Dawson at dawsonj01@fvsu.edu, or call 229-386-7328.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, visit the project website.
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.
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.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 15
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.