gfbfieldnotes072226

July 22, 2026

www.gfb.org

Vol. 8 No. 14

SERVICE A BIG THEME AT YF&R SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The theme for the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference was “Rise & Thrive,” and there were multiple opportunities to learn how to be better farmers, connect with existing and new friends, all aimed at rising and thriving. The conference took place July 15-18 on Jekyll Island. And yes, there was seafood. Approximately 250 YF&R families enjoyed the annual conference fish fry on July 16 at Great Dunes Park.

There was also an unofficial subtheme: Let’s look out for each other. Conference attendees assembled more than 13,000 meals for distribution through a local food bank and they heard messages of service from NAMEIT founder Lindsey McCann and keynote speaker Lt. Col. Dan Rooney.

Attendees learned about various programs offered through the USDA to help young and beginning farmers succeed, new tools to help navigate complex pesticide use issues, consider before deciding to run for public office and important issues to address when starting an agritourism business.

McCann turns heartache into service business By the time Zack McCann, an Extension agent in Banks County, died of colon cancer on Aug. 8, 2025, his wife, Lindsey, had recognized a glaring need in the course of cancer treatments that had little to do with which medicines to use, which doctors to see or what therapies to consider.

In the lives of cancer patients, while the vicious disease is stealing away tissue, it’s also ravaging the lives of the people around them. Lindsey, who works as a nurse, already knew how timeconsuming it could be, and as Zack’s journey moved toward the end, she experienced firsthand what doesn’t get talked about enough in cancer conversation: While the patient is confronting the treatment protocols, everyday life gets much more difficult.

“We were just kind of going through it and we were like, ‘We don’t know what to do.’ There was no roadmap,” Lindsey said.

Things like getting the lawn mowed, transporting children to school or extracurricular activities, shopping for food, pet care, house cleaning and more, all become secondary and sometimes left untended.

GFB Field Notes page 2 of 22 “We have the doctors, the medical team, our community, but we never seemed to get any real time together that wasn’t dealing with cancer or household responsibilities,” said Lindsey, who spoke during lunch at the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference on July 16.

She described one situation to GFB media that happened in the course of Zack’s treatment.

“Life didn't stop just because he was sick. So, we just juggled and juggled. For a while I was working night shift, and then I would get off work in the morning and drive him to Atlanta to his chemo appointment. I would sleep in the car while he was getting chemo and then we would drive home,” she said.

After Zack passed, Lindsey sought ways to ease these burdens for cancer patients and their families. Out of this came NAMEIT (Nurture Against Major Events, Illnesses and Treatments), Lindsey’s business aimed at connecting those families with partner businesses in their communities. Through a NAMEIT registry, patients build a list of services they need from a network of local businesses. NAMEIT facilitates crowdfunding to cover the costs; friends, family and even strangers can make donations, which are used to pay businesses for their services.

Lindsey said it works like this: “A patient will go online and create a registry. They’ll pick out services that are local to their area. Say they have an eight-hour chemo day, and the grass needs mowed. They will go on, they will choose a company that they want that signed up that’s in their area, and their community will crowdfund to cover the expenses for this company.”

Lindsey had a two-fold mission in partnering with GFB at the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference: a.) encourage farmers to participate as registered businesses to provide fresh, nutritious foods to cancer patients and their families and b.) urge them to pay attention to health issues, particularly with respect to colorectal cancer.

In Zack’s case, doctors the McCanns consulted with felt he was too young (he was 32 when he died) for colorectal cancer. By the time it was diagnosed, he was at stage four. Lindsey said that people under age 45 are at low risk for colorectal cancer, but nationwide 68 people under the age of 50 per day are diagnosed with it. When it’s detected at stage one, colon cancer is 97% curable.

“It’s the most curable cancer there is,” Lindsey said.

For more information about NAMEIT, visit https://nameitregistry.org.

Rooney offers views on living a life of purpose Rooney, an Air Force fighter pilot, professional golfer and founder of the Folds of Honor scholarship program delivered an inspirational keynote address on July 16, emphasizing discipline, faith and service to others.

Folds of Honor provides scholarships, to family members of fallen servicemembers or to servicemembers who sustain debilitating injuries. In the past year, Rooney said, Folds of Honor provided scholarships to approximately 700 people in Georgia.

“These are military families, first responder families who’ve had somebody killed or critically wounded coming to rescue us defending freedom,” Rooney said. “My ask for everybody here when you’re having fun is visit our website, www.foldsofhonor.org and just share our website with your family and friends.”

GFB Field Notes page 3 of 22 He also authored "Fly Into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness.

Glover gives election-year update GFB Agricultural Programs Specialist Eliza Jane Glover gave a brief update on the organization’s “I Farm. I Vote.” campaign and a breakdown of the Georgia election slate. The November ballot, Glover, pointed out, will feature votes on a wide range of state and federal offices, including governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, multiple commissioners (agriculture, insurance, labor), state school superintendent, two public service commission seats, a U.S. Senate race, all 14 U.S. House seats, all 56 Georgia Senate seats, all 180 Georgia House seats, and numerous local offices.

Glover encouraged the young farmers and ranchers to check and make sure they are properly registered to vote, and to engage with not only candidates, but other voters in their communities.

“It's important for you to get out and see, hear and tell your story,” she said. “Social media is a great way. Conversation and community visibility, yard signs, telling people I voted for so-and-so because I believe that they're going to be the best for agriculture or for our family farm.”

Look for GFB’s election guide from the Public Policy Department at www.gfb.org/i-farm-ivote, which includes an I Farm. I Vote. promotional kit and links to voter resources.

Singleton offers tips to navigate pesticides regulations During one of six educational breakout sessions, UGA Extension Sustainability Specialist Taylor Singleton presented information about the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and tools to help farmers stay compliant. The EPA, in its function of approving pesticide registrations, has to ensure ESA compliance for 1,200 registered active ingredients. Under the ESA, there are 1,685 protected species.

For farmers, a big part of the challenge is knowing if there are limits on whether the chemicals they’re using can be used and if so, how.

“We just have to make sure to read the labels of the products, the physical products that we're using,” Singleton said. “We’re required to check, we’re required to implement these ESA mitigations. And then we need to show in our records that we've done this.”

A key portion of this is minimizing drift and runoff in Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs).

To aid farmers with compliance, the EPA offers Bulletins Live! Two – an online map-based tool that shows PULA requirements for specific areas. [https://www.epa.gov/endangered-species/bulletins-live-two-view-bulletins] The EPA also offers the Pesticide App for Label Mitigations (PALM), which features a runoff/erosion calculator and a spray drift calculator to help farmers avoid pesticide exposure to “nontarget” species. [https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/pesticide-app-label-mitigations] Thinking about running for office?

During breakout sessions on July 17, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Advocacy and Political Management Mike Sistak shared important principles to consider when evaluating whether to run for election to a public office. Sistak runs the AFBF Campaign School.

GFB Field Notes page 4 of 22 His six principles for election candidates: 1. Parties cannot get you elected. Sistak said the parties are concerned with top-of-ballot races like president, governor, House or Senate. “It is up to you because nobody else is going to care as much as you do because frankly, it's your reputation on the line. Your name is on the ballot,” Sistak said.

2. Elections are more often lost than won. One controversial statement can make an election loser out of a person considered a shoo-in. Sistak noted a Virginia governor’s race in which former Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a televised debate, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” McAuliffe went from a healthy lead in the polls to a narrow loss. The lesson, Sistak said, is to be very careful what you say.

3. 1 + 7 = 8. One campaign donor will tell seven other people about the candidate and encourage them to support the same candidate.

4. 14/86. Fourteen percent of people consider themselves the political class – the people in our society actively involved in governance, policy making and with political power.

Candidates, Sistak said, should focus their campaign efforts on the remaining 86%.

5. Campaigns are perceptions and all politics are personal.

“We’re not voting for somebody because we know every single issue that’s going to be happening at the city council or at the state capitol,” Sistak said. “We’re making a judgment of that candidate that they're going to go to the state capitol and to the best of their ability, they are going to represent the interests of our communities.”

6. Candidates have three responsibilities – raise money, get their message out and ask for votes. Sistak said some candidates spend as much as 65% of their time raising money.

The non-partisan AFBF campaign school is typically offered by state Farm Bureaus.

Government resources for building first-generation farms USDA Public Affairs Specialist Amelia Dortch, who serves as the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) beginning farmer and rancher coordinator gave conference attendees a summary of federal resources available to young and beginning farmers to help them get started. Dortch outlined how to determine which agency is appropriate when seeking federal help.

Dortch said farmers should reach out to FSA for loans and farm/land records, NRCS for technical and financial assistance to address soil, water, air, and other natural resource concerns, and Rural Development for value-added grants and cooperative agreements that support farm business development.

“If you need something to help you with irrigation, if you would start with NRCS, if you need a micro loan to help you build a structure on your farm, you would start with FSA, and then if you need a value-added producer grant, you will start with Rural Development,” Dortch said.

Building income through agritourism In a July 18 breakout session, Karissa Ruth of Sara’s Fresh Market in Ridge Spring, S.C., offered pointers on creating farm income opportunities by adding agritourism activities. Ruth noted that for the farmer, an agritourism venue gives opportunities to diversify income, build trust and

GFB Field Notes page 5 of 22 transparency with customers, gain immediate feedback from customers and give farmers more control over pricing and marketing.

The farm’s trademark greeting is “Hey Peaches,” and Ruth said her overarching focus is on creating and maintaining a family atmosphere.

“I want people to feel like family and they just happen to take home some produce,” she said.

“That’s the way we make sure we treat everybody there.”

Ruth walked attendees through key aspects of an agritourism business plan, including location relative to population, financial feasibility, permitting, parking, insurance and more.

ANDREWS, TUCKERS, HOWARD, BRATTEN WIN YF&R COMPETITIVE EVENTS Allie Andrews, Bryan and Addie Tucker, Michael Howard and Arwen Bratten won state honors in the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers competitive events during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island. The winners were announced during the event’s closing session on July 18.

Andrews won the YF&R Achievement Award. The Tuckers won the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award. Howard won the YF&R Discussion Meet, and Bratten won the YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet. Andrews, the Tuckers and Howard qualified to compete for national honors at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, to be held in January in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bratten qualified for the AFBF Collegiate Discussion Meet, which will be held during the AFBF YF&R Conference in New Orleans in March.

Wilkinson County’s Taylor Outlaw won the 2026 GFB Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest with her image of a blossoming peach tree. Outlaw’s photo will be featured on the cover of the 2027 GFB YF&R Calendar, and the top 12 photos will be featured in the calendar.

The YF&R program is for farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35. It provides leadership development and opportunities to interact with others across the state, while enhancing advocacy skills.

Achievement Award winner Andrews, of Lamar County, serves as Lamar County Farm Bureau YF&R chairwoman and chaired the GFB YF&R Committee in 2025. She was the first woman to chair the GFB YF&R Committee. She and her husband, Luke, raise cattle, broiler chickens and hay and they have an on-farm market on their farm near Barnesville.

The Achievement Award is given to recognize farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture.

Clay Black, of Stephens County, and Rick & Leanne Hopper, of Wilcox County, were finalists for the Achievement Award. Black raises cattle, poultry and produces hay. The Hoppers raise cattle and operate Southern Cuts Processing & Meat Market in Pitts, Ga. Excellence in Agriculture Award winners Bryan and Addie Tucker served on the GFB YF&R Committee in 2022 and 2023. Bryan works for Ag Technologies as a product specialist, selling, installing and servicing precision agriculture equipment. Addie recently earned her PhD in agricultural education from Murray State University and is an assistant professor of agricultural education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

GFB Field Notes page 6 of 22 The Excellence in Agriculture Award, given to honor young farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture.

Brittney Turner of Hall County and Ashley Wright of Coffee County were finalists for the Excellence in Agriculture Award. Turner is a strategic human resources leader for WayneSanderson Farms. Wright is the Coffee County Extension Agent.

Discussion Meet winner Howard, of Hart County, faced off with Allison Bridges of Haralson County, Dalton Green of Walker County and Katelin Benkowski of Morgan County in the final four round, during which they talked about the challenges in maintaining farmers’ accessibility to food animal veterinarians.

Howard just received his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness at UGA and starts classes the UGA law school this fall.

The Discussion Meet, which drew a total of 30 competitors from around the state, simulates committee-style meetings in which participants hash over agriculture-related questions and take a collaborative approach to seeking solutions. The first two rounds were held July 16. The round of 16 and the final four round were held on July 17. During the opening round, contestants addressed concerns over healthy diets and how Farm Bureau can advocate for science-based tools and research in pursuit of growing healthy, sustainable food. In the second round, the discussion centered on improving meat processing supply chains. In the Sweet 16, the topic was how Farm Bureau can work to attract more young leaders to the YF&R program.

Bratten, of Stephens County, plans to attend Penn State University this fall to pursue a degree in agricultural business. In the Collegiate final four, she faced off with Bethany Brockman of Henry County (ABAC), Gabe Merk of Jackson County (UGA) and Kaden Kinard of Tift County (ABAC).

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU ACCEPTING HAY CONTEST ENTRIES UNTIL OCT. 30 Want to know how your Bermudagrass hay stacks up against that of other Georgia farmers?

Enter the 35th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest by Oct. 30. In addition to bragging rights, the first-place winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer wheel rake for one year, courtesy of the Vermeer Corporation. The winner will have the option to buy the rake at a reduced price at the end of the year.

Hay entered in the contest will be tested at a University of Georgia lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides analysis of a hay sample’s nutritional value and expected digestibility for livestock. The RFQ score give sellers and buyers an idea of the quality of the hay they are producing or buying for their livestock. Contest winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis.

Winners will be announced at the GFB convention in December. Prizes will also be presented to the second through fifth-place winners.

“Georgia Farm Bureau is pleased to offer its annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest for the thirty-fifth year,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “This contest is an example of how our organization is led by our members’ input – from the grassroots up. Georgia Farm Bureau first offered this contest in 1992 at the recommendation of the GFB Hay Advisory Committee. The

GFB Field Notes page 7 of 22 purpose of the contest has always been to promote quality, Georgia-grown Bermudagrass hay and to encourage hay producers to improve their production. We’re very appreciative of the Vermeer Corporation, which has provided our first-place prize for 28 years, since 1999.”

Entry forms and complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest . You may also contact the GFB Public Policy Department at 1-800-342-1192 if you have any questions about the contest.

Important hay contest rules include: Only hay grown in Georgia by a GFB member is eligible.

Hay samples must be taken from fields with a minimum maturity or regrowth of at least 25 days to ensure fair competition. Hay must have been dried in the field and should not be artificially dried by fans or forced air in a barn. Forage samples must be a core sample collected with a hay probe; contact your county UGA Cooperative Extension office if you need a hay probe or help taking hay samples. Any samples with moisture above 18% or nitrates above 4,500 parts per million will be disqualified.

There is a $25 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Any producer submitting more than one sample can only place in the Top 5 with one sample – their highest scored sample – but will receive analysis for all submitted samples.

Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Entry fees, forms and samples should be sent to the GFB Public Policy Department 1620 Bass Road Macon, Ga., 31210.

Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the 2026/27 online GFB Hay Directory available at https://www.gfb.org/join/hay .

The cost to list hay or services in the directory without entering the contest is $10 and may be submitted at any time.

Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. If you aren’t a Farm Bureau member, you may join at the county Farm Bureau office of your choice or at https://www.gfb.org/join/join-today .

Previous first place winners are not eligible to win any prize category for a period of five years from the year they won the contest. A previous first place winner may enter his/her hay sample for the purpose of having it officially graded.

GFB’s annual hay contest encourages quality hay production, which leads to higher quality livestock and more return to Georgia hay producers. Producers who have their hay tested every year can see improvements they make in managing their hay fields by looking at multi-year analysis.

What does RFQ say about hay?

RFQ is a number used to indicate a forage’s overall nutritional value and predicted intake by the livestock it is fed to. The number gives hay and livestock producers an idea of a forage's quality and can be used to establish a fair market value for the product.

According to UGA Extension, Hay with an RFQ of 100 or more can usually be economically fed to maintain beef cows, while hay with an RFQ of 125-150 is adequate for stocker cattle or young growing replacement heifers. Hay with an RFQ of 140-160 is suitable for dairy cattle in the first three months of lactation.

GFB Field Notes page 8 of 22 UGA Extension says RFQ hay values could provide the framework for a quality hay marketing system. For instance, hay with a RFQ of 155 could conceptually be labeled “premium” hay, while hay with an RFQ of 100 could be labeled “fair.”

To learn more about taking a hay sample and how to read forage reports, visit https://gfb.ag/ugahaysamples.

RFQ and other analytical data can help you manage potential problems with moisture, nitrates or poor digestibility, especially in years with adverse weather.

GEORGIA EPD ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR REGIONAL WATER COUCILS Recent legislation signed by Gov. Kemp has revised the composition and term for the Regional Water Planning Councils. The updated designation of Water Planning Councils can be found in Section 14 (page 35) of the State Water Plan. [https://waterplanning.georgia.gov/state-waterplan] Under the State Water Plan, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will work in coordination with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Department of Community Affairs, and Department of Economic Development to solicit qualified nominees. Submissions will be collected electronically through the Georgia Water Planning website. [https://waterplanning.georgia.gov/water-planning/council-nominations] Nominations will be sought from a broad range of sectors, including business, agriculture, forestry, local government, education, environmental organizations, and the general public. The goal is to ensure councils reflect a balanced representation of interests such as agriculture, industry, commerce, water utilities, regional development, tourism, recreation, and environmental stewardship.

After the qualifying nominees are collected, agencies will present candidates to the appointing authorities. Final appointments will be made by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. Additional ex-officio members may also be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives.

The nomination period ends Aug. 29. Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis, with an initial target to present a list of qualified nominees for a mid-2026 appointment timeframe.

Service Requirements All nominees must reside within the geographic boundaries of the applicable water planning region. Terms are six years, including attending up to four meetings per year, participating in discussions, reviewing materials, and contributing subject-matter expertise. Council members must complete required training.

Training Commitment: Completion of required training for council members.

Desired qualifications Nominees should demonstrate experience in elected city or county leadership, water or wastewater operations and planning, water data collection and analysis, planning and economic development, environmental education, water-related decision making, and public service.

GFB Field Notes page 9 of 22 Nominations may be submitted either by the individual (self-nomination) or by an organization or interest group.

Click here for the nomination form. [https://webportalapp.com/webform/2026_council_nominations] SCHMIDT LEADING GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture has named Andrew Schmidt as its new executive director. He started July 20.

Schmidt has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing and communications.

“We were fortunate to have several qualified candidates apply for the position,” said GFB President Tom McCall, chairman of the GFA Board of Directors. “Andrew stood out from the field with his experience, leadership and passion for the foundation’s mission.”

Schmidt worked the last two years as senior director of development at WABE in Atlanta. Prior to that, he was an assistant vice president at the University of North Florida, where he focused on alumni engagement and communications strategy. Before that he was the vice president and senior director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County in Florida, senior director of development and marketing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida and director of communications at Georgia State University.

“I’m honored to join the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture team. Education has always been at the heart of my career, and that’s exactly what drew me to GFA: the chance to advance programs like SEED, GROW, and HARVEST that put agricultural education directly into the hands of Georgia’s students and communities while also supporting and strengthening our farmers,” Schmidt said. “Agriculture has been part of my story too. I started college as a forestry major and interned with Georgia-Pacific before my path shifted toward nonprofit leadership. I have close friends in Alapaha, who farm tobacco, peanuts, and other crops, so I’ve seen firsthand how much this industry means to the people who work it. I’m excited to help GFA grow that story.”

Schmidt is a certified fundraising executive. He earned master’s degrees in business administration and professional writing and a bachelor’s degree in political science, all from Kennesaw State University. He is a member of the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club and regularly fosters dogs through the Atlanta Humane Society’s shelter-to-service program, which trains shelter dogs for service work.

Schmidt succeeds Lily Rolader, who left the GFA April 1.

GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION ANNOUNCES PEANUT INNOVATION AWARD On July 17, the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) announced a new award and cash prize for food entrepreneurs. The Georgia Peanut Innovation Award will recognize and reward the most unique and viable new product concept inspired by Georgia Peanuts. The $10,000 cash prize will be awarded at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on Oct. 22. The contest is open to any new and unique application of peanuts, whether the product idea is in the prototype phase or has been on the market for less than a year. While the product must be food-related, it can be intended for either human or animal consumption.

GFB Field Notes page 10 of 22 “Peanuts have always been unique,” said GPC Executive Director Taylor Arnold. “They’re one of the most affordable sources of protein and they conserve water, improve soil health and are a zero-waste plant, making them perfectly suited for the future. It’s only fitting they also should inspire some unique ideas when it comes to new products.”

Peanut product innovators can enter the contest by visiting www.gapeanuts.com and filling out an official entry form. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 20. After an internal evaluation, five finalist entries will be judged by a panel of business professionals from the fields of agriculture, finance, education, retail and product/recipe development.

The award and $10,000 cash prize will be presented to the winner by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and GPC Chairman Donald Chase.

GA DEPARTMENT OF AG WARNS FARMERS ABOUT EQUIPMENT SCAMS The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Division is warning Georgia’s agricultural community to be vigilant after receiving multiple reports of sophisticated online scams targeting farmers searching for farm equipment.

“Unfortunately, our state’s No. 1 industry is not immune to crime, and Georgia farmers are being targeted by online scammers. The safest approach is to personally visit the dealership, put your own eyes on the equipment, and complete the purchase in person,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Taking these extra steps can prevent significant financial losses, while we work to hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Investigators have identified fraudulent schemes in which scammers create highly convincing websites and online advertisements that appear to represent legitimate farm equipment dealerships.

In many cases, the dealerships themselves are real businesses; however, criminals are using artificial intelligence and other advanced technology to imitate those businesses, creating convincing websites, advertisements, emails, and communications designed to deceive potential buyers.

Victims typically locate tractors or other agricultural equipment advertised online at attractive prices. After expressing interest, they are contacted by individuals posing as dealership representatives through telephone calls or text messages. The scammers then instruct buyers to wire funds or electronically transfer money to complete the purchase. Once payment is made, the equipment does not exist or is never delivered, and the funds are often unrecoverable.

The GDA urges farmers and agricultural businesses to exercise caution before purchasing equipment online.

Before sending any payment: • Verify the dealership by independently locating its official phone number and contacting the business directly.

• Discuss large online purchases with your financial institution before transferring funds.

• Be extremely cautious of requests to wire money or send electronic payments to unfamiliar accounts.

• Whenever possible, travel to the dealership in person, inspect the equipment yourself, and complete the transaction using a cashier's check or another secure payment method.

GFB Field Notes page 11 of 22 Anyone who believes they have been targeted by one of these scams should immediately contact their financial institution and report the incident to local law enforcement. Suspected fraud involving agricultural businesses may also be reported to the GDA Law Enforcement Division.

FSA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEES Nominations are being accepted until August 3 for farmers and ranchers to serve on local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.

All nomination forms for the 2026 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 3. Producers interested in serving on their FSA county committee can locate their Local Administrative Areas (LAA) at www.fsa.usda.gov/coc to determine if their LAA is up for election and contacting their local FSA office.

Agricultural producers may be nominated to serve on their county committee if they participate or cooperate in a USDA program or reside in an LAA that is up for election this year. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Individuals can nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations can also nominate candidates.

Local FSA committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms.

Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues. Producers should contact their local FSA office to learn more about their county’s election. To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA-669A nomination form.

This form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at https://fsa.usda.gov/coc.

GEORGIA GROWERS CUT PEANUT ACREAGE, INCREASE COTTON Georgia farmers planted substantially more acres in cotton in 2026 while sharply curtailing acres planted in peanuts, according to the June 30 Principal Crops Area Planted Report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Georgia growers increased acreage in oats, hay and soybeans, while decreasing acres planted in corn and winter wheat. Combining all crops, Georgia farmers increased planted acreage from 3.180 million in 2025 to 3.185 million in 2026.

The state’s growers planted an estimated 1 million acres in cotton, up from 835,000 acres in 2025, an increase of 19.7%. Nationwide, planted cotton of all types (upland and pima) increased from 9.29 million acres in 2025 to 9.86 million in 2026.

The report includes information about percentage of acres planted in biotech cotton. Georgia’s cotton producers planted 4% of their acres in insecticide-tolerant varieties, the same as last year, and 8% in herbicide-tolerant varieties in 2026, up from 4% last year. They also planted 84% of the cotton acres in varieties with stacked genes, in which the plants include combinations of multiple genes designed to produce desired horticultural traits; this is down from 91% of Georgia’s crop

GFB Field Notes page 12 of 22 being planted in stacked genes last year. Overall, 96% of Georgia’s cotton acreage includes biotech varieties, which are designed to help growers and produce a better crop.

Georgia peanut growers planted an estimated 720,000 acres of peanuts in 2026, down 200,000 from 2025, a reduction of 21.7%. Nationwide, peanut acreage is down 425,000 acres; none of the 11 major peanut-producing states increased acres planted in peanuts from 2025 to 2026.

Corn grown for all purposes is planted on 530,000 acres in 2026, down from 550,000 acres in 2025. Corn grown for grain is at 490,000 acres in 2026, down 2% from 2025, when Georgia farmers planted 500,000 acres.

Hay producers increased acreage from 470,000 acres in 2025 to 530,000 acres in 2026, an increase of 1.2%.

Winter wheat is expected to be planted on 155,000 acres in Georgia in 2026, down 10,000 acres from 2025, a reduction of 6.1%.

The state’s producers bumped soybean acreage up by 3%, from 155,000 acres in 2025 to 160,000 in 2026. Of the soybean acres, 20% is planted following another harvested crop in 2026.

Oat producers boosted their plantings from 85,000 acres in 2025 to 90,000 in 2026.

Georgia growers increased acreage in oats, hay and soybeans, while decreasing acres planted in corn and winter wheat.

GFB Field Notes page 13 of 22 SMALL SCALE FARMING & FORAGES WORKSHOP July 27 registration deadline Aug. 3 Gilmer County Ag Center, 346 Clear Creek School Rd. 6 p.m.

Ellijay Limestone Valley SWCD and the Appalachian Cattlemen's Association are partnering to host this workshop. A BBQ meal will be provided and event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required

by July 27 at www.gacd.us/events.Presenters from Appalachian Cattlemen's, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, UGA Extension, and Georgia Young Farmers will discuss different forages and benefits of each, and much more. This event provides one hour of pesticide credit. For questions, contact GSWCC Region I office at 706-624-1214. This event is being held in conjunction with the Appalachian Cattlemen's Association meeting, but is open to the public.

Check-in and dinner at 6:00pm, program starts at 6:20pm. Again, please register by July 27 at www.gacd.us/events.

USDA RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY TURFGRASS CROP INSURANCE WEBINAR July 28 11 a.m. - noon Eastern time USDA’s Risk Management Agency encourages turfgrass producers to attend a webinar on Turfgrass Value Select (TVS), a new pilot program available in select states and counties. TVS is an inventory-based plan of insurance that allows producers to select a dollar amount of coverage for irrigated turfgrass types they choose to insure based on their expected inventory and risk management needs. For more info and to register visit https://gfb.ag/usdatvswebinar.

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA CITRUS WORKSHOP July 28 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 9 a.m.

Lyons This meeting will consist of traditional research presentations and outdoor hands-on learning, where producers can interact with specialists in small group settings. Topics covered in this workshop include integrated pest management, irrigation, key insect pests and diseases and industry research. Pesticide credits will be available, and lunch will be served. For more information call the Tattnall County Extension office at 912-557-6724 or the Evans County Extension office at 912-739-1292.

GFB Field Notes page 14 of 22 GFB COUNTY VOICES. CAPITOL CHOICES MEETINGS July 29 Glo-Crest Dairy 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Cleveland Event location is 5909 Bowen Bridge Rd., Clermont, GA, 30527 Aug. 7 Arena Acres 10 a.m. – noon Perry Event location is 2229 Kings Chapel Rd, Perry, GA, 31069 Aug. 25 Kairo’s Farm 10 a.m-noon Brooklet Event location is 270 Rushing Rd., Brooklet Ga., 30415 NOTE: The Aug. 6 meeting in Alma has been postponed Georgia Farm Bureau is continuing its series of meetings statewide providing farmers a chance to hear from their state legislators regarding legislation passed during the 2026 Georgia Legislative Session. Farmers and members of Georgia’s ag community can share their legislative concerns.

Previous meetings were held in Quitman on April 21, Grovetown on May 11 and Rome on May 12. Meetings are free to attend but for planning purposes, we do ask that you register at https://gfb.ag/2026-CVCC. SURVEY ON FARMERS’ ECONOMIC CHALLENGES July 31 deadline for submission The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the University of Georgia College of Public Health have partnered to launch the Georgia Farm Profitability Survey – a statewide effort to measure the economic challenges facing Georgia farmers. The survey is designed to collect Georgia-specific data directly from farmers to better understand the factors affecting profitability and identify opportunities to strengthen agriculture statewide.

Findings will help inform future communications, grassroots engagement, and policy discussions while providing credible, research-backed data to support advocacy efforts on behalf of Georgia agriculture. The anonymous survey is open to all Georgia farmers through July 31. It takes about 10 minutes to complete. Visit https://gfb.ag/AboutSurvey to take the survey.

GA COTTON COMMISSION MID-YEAR MEETING/PREHARVEST WORKSHOP July 29 Nesmith-Lane Conference Center Statesboro The Georgia Cotton Commission is pleased to announce the guest speakers at the Commission’s 2026 Mid-Year Meeting scheduled for July 29 at the Nesmith-Lane Conference Center in Statesboro. The inaugural Mid-Year Meeting is held in conjunction with a UGA Cotton PreHarvest Workshop conducted by members of the UGA Research & Extension Cotton Team. The UGA Cotton Pre-Harvest Workshop will feature sessions where attendees will receive a 2026 crop update and defoliation considerations along with discussions regarding late season irrigation and pest management strategies. The program speakers are Rusty Rumley, senior staff attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center, and Bev Sylvester, chief marketing officer at Cotton Incorporated. During the lunch program the Georgia Quality Cotton Awards for the 2025 crop will be presented. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans.

Register online at www.georgiacottoncommission.org.

GFB Field Notes page 15 of 22 CROP INSURANCE SALES CLOSING DATES Fresh Market Sweet Corn 2027 Crop July 31 deadline to enroll/renew Coverage is available in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Tift and Worth counties.

Peppers 2027 crop July 31 deadline to enroll/renew Coverage is available in Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, Ware and Worth counties.

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia producers of these sale closing dates for the 2027 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the 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. 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 2027 crop year.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 (and growing) experienced crop insurance agents across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. [https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/agent-locator] 38TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR Aug. 1 early registration ends Sept. 22-24 Savannah and surrounding area This tour brings the latest information on peanuts while giving a firsthand view of industry infrastructure from production and handling to processing and utilization. Tour stops will be made in several peanut-producing counties in South Georgia. Attendees can expect to see first-hand nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour hosts many exciting stops including on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, research at the University of Georgia Southeast Research and Education Center, Georgia Ports Authority and MANA Nutrition. The tour kicks off this year with the Hot Topics Seminar on Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m. at The Clyde Venue in Savannah, Georgia. The seminar topics include an update on the 2026 Georgia peanut crop and a special focus on production challenges, enhancing production and climate issues with emphasis on irrigation, fertilizer and other inputs. For specific tour information or details, contact David West at 229-386-3470. Registration is $125 prior to Aug. 1. Click here to register. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more info. [https://www.eventzilla.net/e/2026-georgia-peanut-tour-2138672601]

GFB Field Notes page 16 of 22 FSA COUNTY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS OPEN Aug. 3 deadline to submit nominations Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2026 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 3, 2026. Producers interested in serving on their FSA county committee can locate their Local Administrative Areas (LAA) at www.fsa.usda.gov/coc to determine if their LAA is up for election and contacting their local FSA office. Agricultural producers may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee if they participate or cooperate in a USDA program or reside in an LAA that is up for election this year. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Individuals can nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations can also nominate candidates. Local FSA committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Committee members play a key role in how FSA delivers disaster recovery, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as making decisions on county office employment and other agricultural issues. Producers should contact their local FSA office today to learn more about their county’s election. To be considered, a producer must sign an FSA669A nomination form. [https://www.fsa.usda.gov/about-fsa/county-committee-elections/nomination-formcounty-fsa-committee-election?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery] This form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at https://fsa.usda.gov/coc.

ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROP FARMERS Aug. 7 enrollment deadline On May 29, the USDA announced payment rates and the enrollment period for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program. The USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers in response to elevated input costs and market disruptions resulting from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impeded specialty crop exports. These payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Specialty crop payments are intended to provide financial support to allow producers to pay for production and marketing inputs in the face of significant market disruptions during the 2025 growing season. Pre-filled applications are available online to producers with a Login.gov account who timely filed their 2025 crop acreage report for eligible specialty crops. Producer can request their pre-filled ASCF application from their FSA county office. Producers can complete their applications online or submit them to their FSA county office.Payments will be issued as applications are submitted and approved, beginning as early as the first week of signup. More information on ASCF is available online at fsa.usda.gov/ascf. Producers can also contact their local FSA county office.

GFB Field Notes page 17 of 22 AFBF FALL WOMEN’S COMMUNICATIONS BOOT CAMP Aug. 10 4 p.m.

Application Deadline Oct. 26-29 Washington, D.C. The American Farm Bureau Federation will host the fall session of its Women’s Communications Boot Camp Oct. 26-29 in Washington, D.C. To date, 353 women, many from Georgia, have graduated from this intensive training that is open to all female Farm Bureau members interested in sharpening their communication skills to promote agriculture and Farm Bureau. Participants will receive training on advocacy, public speaking, communicating with elected officials, social media strategy, targeted messaging and working with the media. The application period closes at 4 p.m. ET on Monday, August 10. Applications will only be accepted electronically using the online application. Handwritten, PDF and/or scanned entries will not be accepted. Applicants will be notified of their application status by email on or around Aug. 18. Selected applicants must remit a $350 registration fee to offset materials, equipment and group meal costs. For more information and to apply, visit the https://www.fb.org/program/womens-leadership. Please direct questions to GFB Women’s Leadership Coordinator Heather King at hcking@gfb.org.

OCONEE RIVER RC&D FARM EQUIPMENT SECURITY WORKSHOP Aug. 11 registration deadline Aug. 18 Madison County Ag Center 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Danielsville Farm equipment theft is a concern for all Georgia farms. This workshop will discuss general practices and options for securing your buildings, equipment and animals. Representatives of UGA Extension, Georgia Department of Agriculture - Law Enforcement Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Law Enforcement Division, AgPro, area sheriff’s offices and Fort Knox Home Security will speak. The event is sponsored by Oconee River Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) and Madison County Young Farmers. Event is free & includes dinner, but registration is required by August 11 at www.gacd.us/events. Event address is 175 HopeThompson Lane, Danielsville, GA 30633.

GFB Field Notes page 18 of 22 USDA SDRP PAYMENTS Aug. 12 application deadline The USDA is issuing a second Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) payment to eligible producers who have approved program applications for losses due to natural disasters in calendar years 2023 and 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already provided $6.7 billion in SDRP payments to eligible producers. The original April 30 deadline has been extended to Aug. 12 for SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2. The first stage, announced in July 2025, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events. Stage 2 of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage 1 program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses. Eligible losses must be the result of natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and/or 2024. These disasters include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions. To qualify for drought-related losses, the loss must have occurred in a county rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) for eight consecutive weeks, D3 (extreme drought), or greater intensity level during the applicable calendar year. For more information on SDRP, please visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.

USDA FIELDS PROGRAM Aug. 15 deadline to submit applications On July 1, the USDA announced the launch of the $500 million Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-Term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program, a new initiative administered through USDA Rural Development to expand domestic fertilizer manufacturing, strengthen America’s fertilizer supply chain, and improve long-term affordability for American farmers. Utilizing the authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), USDA will make $500 million available through the FIELDS Program to support construction and expansion of domestic fertilizer production facilities. The program prioritizes shovel-ready, financially viable projects capable of increasing production of critical crop nutrients. Administered by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service, the FIELDS program will support projects that expand domestic production of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, sulfur, and other critical crop nutrients, strengthen competition, improve supply chain resilience, and increase fertilizer availability for American farmers. Individual awards will range from $15 million to $150 million, with funding focused on projects that strengthen domestic fertilizer manufacturing and deliver meaningful benefits to American agriculture. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 15. Additional information, including eligibility requirements and application materials, is available through USDA Rural Development at www.rd.usda.gov and on https://Grants.gov.

GFB Field Notes page 19 of 22 IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS Aug. 26 Bacon County Extension Office Alma 203 South Dixon Street Ag Complex, Suite 3 Alma, GA 31510.

Aug. 27 Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center Lyons 8163 Highway 178, Lyons, GA 30436.

Online registration can be accessed at: https://tinyurl.com/cpycec3s. The workshops will explain the efficiencies of impact sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, how to develop an Irrigation Water Management Plan, and hands-on activities assembling basic irrigation systems. If you need an accommodation, please contact Gary Hawkins, at ghawkins@uga.edu or 706-542-7167. Please contact by 21 days prior to workshop date.

ARC/PLC BASE ACRES Aug. 31 deadline to update The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced eligible landowners have until Aug. 31 to review and consider base acre increases on farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. FSA began notifying eligible landowners by direct mail that base allocation summaries outlining potential base acre updates were made available for review beginning June 1. These summaries can be accessed online at https://fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc using a Login.gov account. Landowners who do not currently have a Login.gov account are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to obtain their Base Allocation Summary. The base allocation summary should be reviewed and any necessary actions completed by Aug. 31. To be eligible for new base acres, a current covered commodity must have been planted or prevented from being planted on the farm during the 2019 through 2023 crop years. The farm’s average planted and prevented planted acres during that period must exceed the total existing base acres for all covered commodities in effect on Sept. 30, 2024, excluding unassigned base acres. FSA farm total base acres cannot exceed the farm’s total cropland acres. If eligible requests exceed the nationwide cap of 30 million acres, USDA will apply an across-the-board, prorated reduction to all approved new base acres.

AFBF TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR VETERAN FARMER AWARD Sept. 1 11:59 p.m. ET application deadline The American Farm Bureau Federation, with support from Farm Credit, is seeking applicants for the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. The award recognizes U.S. military veterans or service members for excellence in farming or agriculture and positively impacting local communities. The honoree will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus reimbursement in travel and other expenses incurred for him/her and one guest to attend the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 8-12, 2027. Applicants are not required to be Farm Bureau members. The national award recipient will be recognized by AFBF through various outlets and should be willing to share their story and represent the veteran farmer community. The recipient will be notified in midSeptember, with the winner announced publicly on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Learn more and apply here. [www.fb.org/initiative/afbf-veteran-farmer-award-of-excellence]

GFB Field Notes page 20 of 22 AFBF FARM 250 PHOTO CONTEST Sept. 9 Entry deadline American Farm Bureau is celebrating 250 years of agriculture by highlighting farms and ranches across the country through its FARM 250 Photo Contest. Farm Bureau members are encouraged to enter photos that highlight anything pertaining to American ranching or farming, from sunrises and sunsets, family portraits, hero images, landscapes and farmscapes. The top 10 photos will be chosen by voting across AFBF social media platforms and on the FARM250 website. The finalists’ photos will be featured in the American Farm Bureau booth at the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention, Jan. 8-13. The contest winner is eligible for a new iPhone 17, courtesy of T-Mobile, and an expense-paid trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention. Visit www.fb.org/initiative/farm250 to enter the contest and for all official rules.

GACD SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP Sept. 17 registration deadline Sept. 24 Johnson Angus Farm, 2738 Cedar Grove Rd. 10 a.m. – noon Jefferson This workshop, presented by the Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District, will feature presentations on soil health, hay production, nutrient management and common issues. Program includes demonstrations and partner updates from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, UGA Extension and the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission. A free lunch will be provided. To register, call 678-956-3015 or visit www.gacd.us/events.

KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS Sept. 19 & Oct. 24 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Trail classes are from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Western Classes not to start before lunch. Riders must be members of Kel-Mac to accrue points towards year-end awards. Age divisions for competition are as follows: Small Fry: 10 and under; Junior: under 14 years of age; Senior: 14 years and over. Novice: Rider is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Green Horse: Horse is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Entry fee per class is $10. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. Each horse show is an “an all-breed show” which means there are a wide variety of disciplines offered in the more than 50 classes. The focus of the Kel-Mac shows is to include everyone and help participants become more comfortable with showing. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook or Instagram pages or www.kel-mac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. Signup for shows on the website. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit KelMac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $170,250 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 50 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty

GFB Field Notes page 21 of 22 Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.

LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION SCHOLARSHIPS Sept. 30 deadline to apply Applications for the 2026 Lallemand Scholarship are open through Sept. 30. Interested students must be full-time students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Applications will be evaluated based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, commitment to the agricultural industry and an essay submission that highlights creativity, originality, and forward-thinking perspectives. There are five scholarship categories: Two $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate students; one $3,000 scholarship for a master’s student; one $3,000 scholarship for a doctoral candidate; and one $3,000 scholarship for a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student. Learn more about eligibility and to apply by visiting the Lallemand Animal Nutrition website. Lallemand Animal Nutrition is a global company that offers microbial solutions for animal health and performance. [https://www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com/en/united-states/lallemand-animal-nutritionscholarship-program/] 2ND ANNUAL GEORGIA FARM BUREAU PB&J 5K Nov. 14 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Come for the run. Stay for the fried PB&J! Sign up today for the 5K on Nov. 14 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The course is flat, fast, and completely paved — perfect for all skill levels.

Registration is $30. Enjoy a post-run grilled PB&J sandwich, compliments of the Georgia Peanut Commission! The race will include a themed costume contest and in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, there will be a Freedom Finish Line celebration. If you’re bringing the family, after the race be sure to check out the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show for FREE — a perfect way to step back in time and enjoy a look at the history of agriculture. Visit https://www.gfb.org/pb-and-j-5k to register and for more information.

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 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.

GFB Field Notes page 22 of 22 CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.

988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 is 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.