September 2, 2026
www.gfb.org
Vol. 8 No. 17
HARPER OFFERS SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE TOPICS TO CONSIDER Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper offered his take on the challenges facing Georgia’s farmers during the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the Generational Sustainability of Family Farms, held Aug. 20 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. “Our responsibility isn’t simply to preserve the industry,” Harper said. “Our responsibility is to make sure that there is an agricultural industry worth inheriting for the generations behind us.” Harper laid out seven key issues for the committee to consider: • Consolidation and competition. Harper pointed out that 85% of the beef in the U.S. is packed by four companies, two of which (JBS USA and National Beef Packing Company) are owned by foreign entities, and 40% of the pork is packed by one Chinese company, which purchased Smithfield Foods in 2013. “Of the five biggest players in the protein market, three of them are owned by foreign corporations,” Harper said. “That’s a problem. We’ve got to work on it on the Washington [national] level, but I think we’ve got to really take a serious look at this on the state level to see if there’s a way that we can play into this.” For instance, in May Harper asked the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an antitrust investigation into the merger between Sysco and Restaurant Depot earlier this year, saying that the deal would further weaken the U.S. food supply chain and increase costs for American restaurants and their customers. “We don’t need less competition,” he said. “We need more competition in the marketplace. When our farmers have fewer buyers, input suppliers and fewer competitors and fewer choices, consumers … have fewer options.” • Expanding foreign & domestic markets. Last year, Georgia growers shipped peaches to Mexico for the first time in almost three decades, which Harper called a huge win for Georgia’s peach producers. “The best farm program is a profitable market,” Harper said. “We’ve got to increase market access.”
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 19 He also suggested looking at more opportunities for farmers to sell to school systems, hospitals, universities, grocery and export markets. • Level playing field. U.S. farmers, he said, face higher input costs and more stringent regulations than their counterparts in other countries. He noted that perhaps the state could seek to make the competition fairer. “Are there taxes? Is there energy regulation? Are there insurance or transportation costs? Financing or permitting that we can look at on the state level that adds cost to Georgia agriculture?” Harper said. “I think we ought to dig into that as a committee to see if there’s some of those that we can get rid of on the state level while we continue to work with our federal partners to address it, to address trade on the federal level.” • Access to capital. The question of how a young farmer can realistically take on a farming operation without inherited wealth poses a significant barrier for the next generation of farmers. Land and equipment are expensive, interest rates are high, and agriculture and forestry, he said, require enormous amounts of capital. “Less than 7% of farmers in our state are under the age of 35 right now. I think the biggest challenge we’re going to see in agriculture and forestry over the next decade or two is the generational wealth challenge.” • Processing value agriculture. Harper said that while Georgia producers do a really good job growing commodities, more could be done to add value to the commodities before they leave the state. • Disaster preparedness and resiliency. Recent storms have made it clear that disaster preparedness is vital and necessary to ensure Georgia agriculture can thrive. “Profitability isn’t enough when you have these storms and challenges,” he said. “You can do everything right and lose it all in one night.” Recovery requires money, Harper said, but there are also other ways the state can support its farmers in times of crisis, whether it’s ensuring there are generators available to keep operations going or utilizing law enforcement to help turn away threats like highly pathogenic avian influenza, the New World Screwworm or Mexican cartels. “We need to look at more of a permanent agricultural disaster framework for our state,” Harper said. “Not something that replaces crop insurance or federal programs, but something that allows our state to respond rapidly and fill in the gap whenever disasters threaten the long-term viability of agriculture in our state. • Protect rural Georgia. “Our farm families and agriculture can’t succeed if we don’t have access to quality health care, if we don’t have access to quality education, if we don’t have broadband infrastructure … We’re going to have to have more access to those types of things to ensure that agriculture continues to succeed.” FLETCHER: FARMERS’ COSTS AND REVENUES DON’T MATCH UP Dr. Stanley Fletcher did not sugar coat the economic landscape Georgia farmers are experiencing. Fletcher, a professor of policy at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and longtime economist specializing in peanuts, has surveyed a handful of representative Georgia farms
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 19 for the past 25 years, collecting information about their financial operations and incorporating it into farm economic analysis. He presented information at the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the Generational Sustainability of Family Farms, held Aug. 20 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry. Fletcher led off a slate of speakers that included Marshall Thomas from F&W Forestry, leaders from ag equipment manufacturers (John Deere, AGCO, CNH Industrial, Kubota and Associated Equipment Distributors) and Georgia Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Duncan Johnson. Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Executive Director Stephen Shimp and Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director also spoke briefly, inviting the public to attend their events, which take place in October. Fletcher reviewed his findings for the Georgia representative farms, primarily focusing on peanuts, cotton and corn. According to his studies, peanut expenditures – what he called cash flow cost – have increased by 60% since 2013. In that same time, prices farmers received for their crops have decreased by 3.6%. From 2021 to 2026, expenses increased 21% and prices decreased by 1.2% “They don’t match up at all,” Flecther said. A similar situation has played out for cotton. Fletcher’s survey revealed cotton cash flow cost has increased by 53% from 2013 to 2026 while prices have decreased by 3.7% in that time. From 2021 to 2026, expenses have increased by 31% while prices have decreased by 17.9%. “I could not calculate anywhere that they could make money on the cotton where it’s just strictly that enterprise,” Fletcher said. “They’re losing their shirt. It’s been going on for a while.” Corn producers saw expenses rise by 43% from 2013 to 2026 with a modest price increase – 0.9% – during that period. From 2021 to 2026, expenses increased by 23% while prices fell by 25%. Thomas, who is president of F&W Forestry, said the state should beware of unintended consequences when shaping forest policy. He compared forestry management practices in the Southeast, where prescribed burns and markets for timber support sustained forest health, with those employed in western states, where a hands-off approach led to increased naturally occurring fire fuel on forest floors and contributed to widespread, devastating wildfires in recent years. “Stand health is a by-product of timber sale,” Thomas said. “The key thing is that forest management is funded by the market.” With losses of wood processing mills – there have been multiple sawmill closures in Georgia in just the past year – the forests will have to be managed by government appropriation, Thomas said, emphasizing that the best government programs for forestry would be ones that facilitate forests being profitable. Duncan Johnson gave an update on FSA programs, particularly disaster assistance programs for Hurricane Helene losses. He noted that the agency received more than 5,500 applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and as of Aug. 20 had fewer than 350 left to process. More than $255 million in ECP funds have been paid out in 2025 and 2026 for Hurricane Helene claims.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 19 The agency received almost 10,000 applications for aid under the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) and have about 4,500 left to address, with more than $223 million in EFRP funds paid out in 2025 and 2026. “As we all know, if you get a farmer the money, they’re just a ‘pass-through,’” Johnson said. “So it has moved on. It is circulating in Georgia and is helping.” Johnson noted updates to the USDA’s acreage reporting system to improve how crop acreage data is shared across USDA. A pilot program utilizing specialized software for this purpose is being used in Tift County, and the new acreage reporting software was rolled out nationwide on Aug. 24. Johnson also noted: • Under the Working Families Tax Cut Act (WFTCA), orchardists and nursery growers have expanded opportunities to gain assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). • Landowners can increase base acres under the Agricultural Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) programs. Producers should contact their local county FSA office for information about their base acres allocation. • Also under the WFTCA, producers have opportunities to expand their payment limits and/or eligibility. Johnson said farmers should talk to their accountants and update their farm operating plans with an FSA county office by Sept. 15. • USDA is working to streamline farmers’ experience with the agency under the One Farmer, One File plan, where the farmer’s file follows him or her across all USDA agencies. Johnson said the expectation is that One Farmer, One File will be complete by 2028. The farm equipment manufacturers panel, with Eric Wareham of Associated Equipment Distributors, Aaren Vancel of John Deere, Patrick Lucado of CNH, Phillip Conner of AGCO and Marcus Dugger of Kubota, discussed options they each offer farmers in terms of repair-related activities – parts, manuals, phone/computer apps and more. These manufacturers, Wareham said, represent about 80% of the ag equipment market in North America. Notably, Wareham pointed out memorandums of understanding (MOUs) each of these manufacturers agreed to with the American Farm Bureau Federation. The MOUs required the manufacturers to provide self-repair options to farmers and spell out what the companies will make available both to equipment owners and repair shops. “We think that that’s a solution in place of legislation,” Wareham said, noting that the MOUs are “living documents,” that are reassessed every six months to keep up with changes in technology. The MOUs also established a complaint portal for farmers to use if one of the manufacturers doesn’t meet the standards of the agreement. “I think we’re a leading example of an industry that supports customer self-repair,” Wareham said. The Federal Trade Commission announced July 8 that it and five states have secured an important settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against farm equipment manufacturer Deere & Company that will ensure farmers nationwide can repair their own John Deere tractors and farm equipment. Visit https://gfb.ag/ftcrtrsettlement to read more.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 19 GFB INCREASES STATEWIDE MEMBERSHIP Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) increased its overall membership for the first time in 11 years, pushing member numbers to 216,621 statewide for GFB’s 2025-2026 Membership Year, which ran from Sept. 1, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2026. “For years, we have said that membership is the lifeblood of our organization,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Today, I am proud to say that Georgia Farm Bureau is alive and well. Every member strengthens our ability to be the voice of Georgia agriculture and to stand up for the farmers, consumers and communities we serve.” The membership increase qualifies Georgia for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) quota state classification. The membership increase also contributes to GFB’s eligibility fornational awards AFBF presents at its national convention. GFB is a grassroots organization, growing its strength as the voice of Georgia farmers from its membership. Members at the local level initiate the organization’s policy – the guidelines it follows when representing farmers’ position on policy issues in Atlanta and D.C. Across the state, 112 county Farm Bureaus increased their membership. “This took all of us,” McCall said. “Our county presidents and boards, county office staff, agents, volunteers, Sales and Field Services team and employees across the organization came together around a common goal. Every phone call, every renewal, every conversation with a neighbor and every extra effort mattered.” GFB, which represents Georgia farmers and the major commodities they grow and the consumers who eat them, continues to offer a collection of member benefits that far exceed the value of the $35 annual membership dues. While GFB welcomes the chance to offer its popular insurance products, insurance enrollment is not required to be a member. Benefits include travel discounts, special deals on health and wellness programs, discounted family entertainment, banking services and a comprehensive insurance program. For a complete list of GFB member benefits, visit www.gfb.org/join/member-benefitsdirectory. PASTURE MEALYBUG DETECTED IN DECATUR CO. Farmers urged to be on lookout for pest, which spreads quickly Georgia has its first confirmed case of pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) in Decatur County in the state's Southwest corner on the Florida line. Pasture mealybug (PMB) was found on weeds and grass at a Decatur County turfgrass farm. The pest was first officially declared to be in the U.S. in Texas last October. “Pasture mealybug is a serious threat to Georgia agriculture, and we’re asking Georgia farmers and producers to stay vigilant in order to protect their operations,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said via a press release. “This pest can spread quickly and kill grass, potentially causing significant losses for our farmers and making biosecurity more important than ever. I encourage everyone to walk their pastures and hayfields often to check for the pest. If you suspect you have the pasture mealybug, please contact your local County Extension Agent immediately.”
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 19 According to the release issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), on Aug. 5, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed the detection that was reported to the GDA’s Plant Protection Division (PPD) on July 27 by its University of Georgia entomology partners at a turf grass business in Decatur County. Upon notification, GDA PPD immediately submitted samples to its partners at the USDA's Systematic Entomology Laboratory for further testing and confirmation. PMB was first officially reported in Texas pastures in October 2025 and as of Aug. 14, was in 70 Texas counties, according to Texas A&M. It was also detected in Louisiana sugarcane fields last fall and as of July 24 had been detected in 14 of the state’s parishes where it is threatening sugarcane production. It was first detected in Florida's St. Lucie County in May 2026, where it infested fields of limpograss, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS). Surveys have confirmed the pest to be in the following Florida counties: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Jackson, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, St. Lucie, Sarasota and Seminole. Florida's Jackson County borders Georgia's Seminole County. Signs of Pasture Mealybug Pasture mealybug damages grass by feeding on plant sap and injecting toxic saliva into the plant. Symptoms can appear within a week of infestation and may include yellowing leaves that progress to purple or red discoloration; stunted growth and drought-like stress even after rainfall; poorly developed roots; dieback beginning at the tips of older leaves; and premature senescence and plant death. Biosecurity Measures Because pasture mealybug can spread through equipment, clothing, vehicles, and other materials, preventing its movement between fields and farms is critical. Farmers are encouraged to follow these biosecurity practices: • Clean farm and hay equipment between fields or farms, as appropriate for your operation. • Avoid driving through pastures whenever possible. • Change clothing and footwear between fields or farms. • Keep grazing records and avoid moving livestock into or through affected pastures. • Limit wildlife movement through pastures when possible. • Limit vehicle traffic on and off the farm. “This pest is unlike anything else we have dealt with in the region. It has the potential to be incredibly detrimental to grass based agriculture,” UGA Extension State Forage Specialist Dr. Lisa Baxter wrote in an email she sent out to Extension agents on Aug. 28. “There is a lot we still don’t know, but rest assured that our team is doing what we can to learn more and keep everyone informed as the situation develops.” What we know about Pasture Mealybug (PMB) & may expect This Q&A was provided by Dr. Lisa Baxter. Q: What crops could be impacted?
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 19 A: All warm season grasses could potentially be impacted. This may potentially include all pasture, hay, cover crops, turfgrasses, corn, sugar cane, and other small grains. Q: Can I spray something to keep the PMB out? A: Unfortunately, no. There are no reliable pesticides to prevent or control the PMB. Currently, Sefina Inscalis is labeled for suppression, but results are mixed. Biosecurity is the best option we have right now. Q: Where can I report? A: Agents can report directly to Dr. Lisa Baxter. Producers can fill out the PMB survey so we can put them in contact with their local Extension Agent. Q: Should I be worried? A: No, but we should be scouting and taking proactive measures to keep ours farm safe. Biosecurity is the best option we have right now to slow the spread of the PMB. PMB origins Pasture Mealybug is not native to the United States and is a newly recorded species here, Texas A&M reports. Although it was first officially identified in the U.S. last fall, researchers suspect that the insect may have been introduced before 2022. This pest was first described in Australia in 1928, and the first detection of this species in the Western Hemisphere occurred in the Caribbean between 2019 and 2020. Identifying PMBs According to Texas A&M reports, adult female pasture mealybugs are 2 to 5 millimeters (mm) long and oval with a posterior, short anal tube. The insect body is usually covered with a waxy coat, giving it a white or “mealy” appearance. Older pasture mealybugs have fine hair, about the length of the width of their bodies. These extend out to all sides. The youngest nymphs are very small (less than 1 mm in length) and can only be seen with a magnifier. They might be found at the base of the plant and roots on feeding sites. Nymphs are the damaging stage of the pest. The adults do not feed. The PMB is mobile in all life stages and might be found at or below the soil surface or under dried cow patties. PMBs may be found either in larger groups or individually on leaves. PMBs reproduce sexually, with both males and females passing through four developmental stages. Males pupate after the third phase and emerge as winged adults, which are most abundant during the peak summer breeding season. Mating tends to occur in the dense thatch layer of summer pastures. The bodies of mature mated females turn pink in color. Females can produce nearly 100 offspring within 24 hours. Under laboratory conditions, the average life cycle of females is 45 to 47 days, though some may live up to 100 days. Males have a shorter life cycle of 29 to 33 days. Females can persist in the field year-long by overwintering in the soil, where they survive under dry and/or cold temperatures. The PMB undergoes seasonal variations in intensity or population increases, depending on the weather and pasture management. According to a Texas A&M fact sheet, high humidity, high temperatures, and rain events over the growing season are favorable conditions for the pest to increase in population size and damage potential.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 19 Visit https://gfb.ag/txampmbdoc to read the Texas A&M Extension PMB factsheet in its entirety. UGA PMB survey https://uga.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=abfKLcKsN/8ECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D UGA PMB webpage https://georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu/pasture-mealybug-resources.html Find your county Extension agent https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices.html AG GROUPS PUSH BACK AGAINST FEDERAL BEEF IMPORT PLAN Numerous agricultural groups criticized a federal government move to substantially increase imports of beef, saying increased imports would add to U.S. cattlemen’s struggles. On Aug. 26, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation temporarily easing tariffs on imported beef from Argentina, a move that would allow an additional 300,000 metric tons (661,386,787 million pounds) of beef to be brought into the U.S. from Argentina, which the president said was being done to make the U.S. food supply more affordable for consumers. Agricultural groups, including Georgia Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association pushed back, voicing concerns that increasing the import of foreign beef would further depress prices cattlemen receive. “Georgia cattle producers are rightfully frustrated and deeply disappointed by the decision to flood the U.S. market with underpriced foreign beef,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “American cattle producers deserve a fair market, not one that picks and chooses who gets to play duty free.” McCall noted that the move “casts a shadow of uncertainty for our long-term domestic market that could exacerbate the true underlying issues driving up consumer prices. After years of high input costs, sky-high land values, and lack of competitive regulatory parity, producers were finally seeing a path toward stability. That progress is now being undercut.” McCall said an influx of lower-quality imports does not address the issues driving high grocery prices and weakens U.S. food security by increasing dependence on foreign supply. “Georgia Farm Bureau stands with our cattlemen and women. We urge the [Trump] administration to reverse this decision, support U.S. producers, and focus on real solutions that lower input costs and strengthen the domestic herd,” McCall said. Trump’s Aug. 26 proclamation came two days after the U.S. border with Mexico was partially re-opened to imports of live cattle from Mexico, which had been banned over concerns related to the New World Screwworm. After the agriculture sector response to the beef import proclamation, the president said he was taking steps to address the U.S. beef supply chain, according to published reports. A Fox Business report noted that he was moving forward with legal steps to allow farmers and ranchers “the right to process their own food,” rather than being forced to ship their cattle to processing plants operated by the four conglomerates – Cargill, Tyson, JBS USA and National Beef Packing Company – that control approximately 85% of U.S. meat processing.
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 19 On Aug. 31, the USDA announced initiatives aimed at rebuilding the U.S. beef herd, which has dwindled to its smallest point in 75 years. The package includes tools to support heifer retention, programs to help recovery after wildfires and other natural disasters, a loan program to support regional processing, prioritizing American beef in federal spending, and loan and other programs aimed at supporting beginning and veteran farmers. For more information about this suite of herd re-establishment programs, click here. GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AG ANNOUNCES ACC APPOINTMENTS On Aug. 26, the Georgia Department of Agriculture announced appointments to Georgia’s Agricultural Commodity Commissions (ACCs). Appointees to the commodity commissions serve terms of three years and can be reappointed for additional terms. Georgia’s ACCs collect a perunit assessment from producers, as allowed in that commodity's marketing order, to support growers by funding research, education, and marketing efforts. The ACC appointments: Apple Commodity Commission – Janice Hale of Gilmer County and Joshua Aaron of Gilmer County were reappointed, and Lee Penland of Gilmer County was appointed. Beef Commodity Commission – Carroll Cannon of Worth County and Brian Lance of Morgan County were reappointed as advisory members. Blueberry Commodity Commission – Shane Wade of Ware County, Steve Mullis of Bacon County, and Kevin Eason of Bacon County were reappointed. Citrus Commodity Commission – Justin Jones of Lee County and Jaime Patrick of Tift County were reappointed. Corn Commodity Commission – Jonathan Hitchcock of Washington County and Rodney Harrell of Lee County were reappointed, and Darrell Jones of Gilmer County was appointed. Cotton Commodity Commission – Chris Hopkins of Toombs County, Greg Sikes of Bulloch County, and John Ruark of Morgan County were reappointed. Equine Commodity Commission – Heath Cross of Worth County was appointed as a commission member, and Caitlin Jackson of Monroe County was reappointed as an advisory member. Milk Commodity Commission – Mark Rodgers of McDuffie County, James Coble of Burke County, and Pete Gelber of Macon County were reappointed. Peach Commodity Commission – Tyler Wainwright of Houston County, Phillip Rigdon of Houston County, and Lee Dickey of Crawford County were reappointed. Pecan Commodity Commission – Scott Hudson of Irwin County, Justin Jones of Lee County, Will Easterlin of Macon County, Cason Anderson of Houston County, and Trent Mason of Houston County were all appointed as advisory members. Soybean Commodity Commission – Greg Mims of Seminole County, Tony Smith of Baker County, and Mark Ariail of Franklin County were reappointed. Tobacco Commodity Commission – Carlos Vickers of Berrien County, Bo Corbett of Echols County, and Brant Clifton of Bulloch County were reappointed.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 19 Vegetable Commodity Commission – Glenn Heard of Decatur County and Richard (Dick) Minor of Sumter County were reappointed. Brad Calhoun of Turner County was reappointed as an advisory member. Wine and Grape Commodity Commission – Sam Zamarippa of Lumpkin County, Chris Paulk of Irwin County, and Eric Seifarth of Towns County were reappointed. Appointments to Commodity Commission boards are made by the Ex-officio Committee, which includes Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, Russ Moon, an appointee of the Georgia Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Wes Shannon, an appointee of the Georgia House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. GEORGIA TEAM AMONG TOP 10 IN AFBF AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE Ten innovative startups focused on solving agriculture’s greatest challenges are seeking the top prize of $100,000 in the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is proud to promote rural entrepreneurship and agriculture innovation through the Challenge. “Farmers and ranchers count on innovation to produce the safe and sustainable food, fuel and fiber our country relies on,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farm Bureau takes great pride in offering outstanding entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their technology and services that will help sow the seeds of a better, brighter future for all of agriculture.” Among the top 10 teams is Good Agriculture, an Atlanta-based firm specializing in farm management software. According to its website, Good Agriculture is “a team and a platform that helps farmers stay organized, find funding, and grow their businesses.” The software suite includes bookkeeping, marketing, digital recordkeeping, grant alerts and more. On Sept. 10, AFBF will hold the 2027 Ag Innovation Challenge virtual semifinal round, in which the top 10 teams will pitch their companies to a team of judges. The semifinal will be available for viewing via Zoom. Click here to register to view the virtual semifinal. Once completed, a Zoom link and calendar invite will be shared to your email from no-reply@zoom.us. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive one. The Ag Innovation Challenge, now in its 13th year, is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their solutions to the dynamic challenges facing American agriculture. Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in start-up funds throughout the course of the competition. The 10 semi-finalist teams encompass the breadth of American agriculture, spanning across different sectors and states. The other semi-finalist teams are: Animal Deterrent Solutions – Texas; Clean Label Solution – New York; Clear Grain Co. – Kentucky; Gilly – California; Nave Analytics – Nebraska; Rootline Robotics – New York; Seismi – Nebraska; Swinergy – Minnesota; URMRKT – Oklahoma. The top four teams advance to the final round, to be held at the AFBF Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jan. 8-13. The top four teams that advance from the virtual round will each receive $10,000. The final pitch competition will be held Jan. 10 in front of a live audience of Farm Bureau
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 19 members and industry representatives. The winning team will walk away with a $90,000 prize (total of $100,000), and runner-up will receive a prize of $15,000 (total of $25,000). Farm Bureau recognizes and supports these cutting-edge businesses with generous funding provided by sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Google, T-Mobile, and ClearPath. To learn more about the Challenge, visit fb.org/challenge. GACD ELECTS 2026 LEADERSHIP TEAM, PRESENTS AWARDS The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) announced its 2026 Executive Committee elected at its annual meeting on Aug. 24. President Brian Ponder of Tift County was re-elected, as were vice presidents Tabatha Wooten o Jeff Davis County, Ellis Lamme of Gwinnett County, Secretary Jim Waters of Pierce County, Treasurer Andrew Standard of Liberty County and NACD Representative Jimmy Bramblett of Stewart County. Jake Ford of Berrien County continues as immediate past president. GACD’s online training program was created to provide a complete and detailed training on conservation districts available 24/7. The program was created in accordance with the National Association of Conservation Districts guidelines, and GACD recently received a Gold rating for the program upon their review. District supervisors Bruce Case (Coosa River Conservation District), John Hogue, (Central Georgia Conservation District), Mark Corbett (Alapaha Conservation District) and Madison Renfroe (GACD outreach assistant) all completed the online training program. Meanwhile, GACD presented its annual awards. The organization inducted the late Phillip Standard into the GACD Hall of Fame, which preserves the history of the conservation movement in Georgia by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to soil and water conservation. Standard was a former district supervisor of the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District for 52 years. He represented Newton and Jasper Counties beginning in 1973. He served as chairman for many years before dying in 2025. A lifelong resident of Covington, Standard spent 36 years as a dairy farmer, where he developed a deep appreciation for responsible stewardship of the land. As district chairman, he led educational outreach efforts, encouraged youth involvement in conservation programs, and supported practices that improved soil health and water quality across the district. He worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to promote conservation tillage, secure funding for landowners, and expand conservation education throughout his community. His leadership, integrity, and willingness to mentor others made him a respected voice in conservation across Georgia. The GACD also presented the Superior Professional Support, District of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Urban Conservationist of the Year and Conservationist of the Year awards. Scholarship recipients and special recognitions were also honored.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 19 Conservationist of the Year The recipient of GACD’s 2025 Conservationist of the Year award is Eddy Turner of Washington County. Eddy Turner was honored with the award for his outstanding commitment to agriculture, soil health, and natural resource conservation. As a Central Georgia Conservation District Supervisor and NACD Soil Health Champion, Turner has implemented innovative practices including no-till farming, cover crops, and sustainable soil management on his 580-acre farm. He extends his commitment beyond his own operation by hosting soil health workshops, supporting underserved farmers, and promoting agricultural education and conservation partnerships. Through his leadership, innovation, and willingness to share his knowledge, Turner inspires others to become better stewards of the land. He was nominated for this award by the Central Georgia Conservation District. Urban Conservationist of the Year The recipient of GACD’s 2026 Urban Conservationist of the Year award is Sister Terri Ali. Sister Ali is founder and manager of the Firdous Community Garden at Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, a private school for pre-K-12. She engages the community and student body in managing the regeneratively grown 30 beds, orchard, and high tunnels, providing hands-on agriculture experience. School administration, cafeteria cooks, and parents work in the garden, which is also incorporated into the entire school’s curriculum. The produce is harvested by both the school and the community at large, providing vital nutritious food in a food desert area. Through her work at the Firdous Garden, Sister Ali has transformed limited urban land into a productive, regenerative agricultural system while educating scores of students in hands-on conservation principles like soil health, cover crops, composting and more. She was nominated by the Dekalb County Conservation District and NRCS. District of the Year GACD recognized the Clayton County Conservation District as the 2026 District of the Year. The Clayton County Conservation District has made great strides in recent years to strengthen partnerships with local schools, community gardens, producers, and conservation organizations. In a county facing continued development and urbanization, the supervisors have put heavy emphasis on teaching agriculture and natural resource stewardship to the next generation through initiating annual ag field days, farm tours, a poster contest, STEM nights, and more. Each supervisor has contributed to the district’s success. GACD gave special recognition to Supervisor Barbara Gibbs-Hodge who died earlier in August after a battle with cancer. Gibbs-Hodge made a great impact on the district. The district was nominated by GSWCC Region 4 and Northwest Regional Program Manager, Jena Leone. Supervisor of the Year George Kelecheck, district supervisor for the Rockdale County Conservation District, is the 2026 Supervisor of the Year. Since joining the Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2020, Kelecheck has been a tireless advocate for protecting natural resources and inspiring others to become stewards of the environment. He has supported student conservation programs and school gardens while leading watershed protection and environmental education
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 19 initiatives. As president of the Haynes Watershed Foundation, Kelecheck brought together partners, agencies, and communities to advance protection of the Big Haynes Creek Watershed. His leadership has strengthened local conservation efforts and created opportunities for future generations to become environmental stewards. Kelecheck was nominated by Rockdale County Conservation District. Superior Professional Support The GACD Superior Professional Support recipient was Dana Tripp. Dana Tripp serves as GACD’s Northeast Regional Program Manager and is passionate about supporting conservation districts and the communities they serve. She excels at building strong partnerships, bringing people together, and advancing shared conservation goals. Through her service on the Georgia Envirothon Board, Dana has also helped strengthen the program and expand opportunities for students. Most importantly, Dana genuinely cares about her district supervisors and consistently goes above and beyond to support them. Her kindness, dependability, and positive attitude make her a valued member of Georgia’s conservation community. She was nominated by GSWCC Region 2, Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D, Lincoln County Conservation District, and Oconee River Conservation District. USDA EXTENDS SDRP APPLICATION DEADLINE Farmers’ quality losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 now qualify The USDA extended the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops. Now, when applying for this key program, farmers who experienced quality-related discounts can use verifiable and reliable documentation to show quality losses due to natural disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024. Farmers also now have the flexibility to use a quality loss percentage for crops having a final use that is different from their intended use. SDRP provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024. These payments are authorized under the American Relief Act, 2025. This was relief passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in December 2024 as he was leaving office. Producers with indemnified losses can apply through SDRP Stage 1, which leverages Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) data as the basis for calculating payments. Producers with non-indemnified (including shallow losses), uncovered (uninsured), and quality losses can apply for Stage 2 assistance. Eligible producers can receive SDRP payments for both Stages 1 and 2, if applicable, and for one or both calendar years 2023 and 2024, depending on losses. Required Documentation for SDRP Quality Losses
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 19 For quality losses, producers are required to provide third-party verifiable documentation of the grading factors or nutrient tests and acceptable production records that illustrate eligible affected production. Verifiable documentation must be dated within 30 days of harvest. FSA county committees can consider grading factors or nutrient tests taken more than 30 days after harvest if the test or grading factor represents crop condition at the time of harvest. Verifiable third-party documentation for one producer can be considered verifiable for all producers with similar documentation, providing flexibility for vertically integrated operations that serve as the buying point for multiple operations, including their own. For producers with documentation that includes expected price, actual price received due to quality discounts, and quantity of affected production, FSA county committees have the flexibility to use knowledge of the disaster event and impact on other producers to determine documentation is reliable. Flexibility for Quality-Related Discounts To address quality-related economic impacts for SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2 insured and NAP crops that were intended for fresh but sold as processed or could not be sold in a recognized market, FSA updated policy for crops with a final use different from the intended use (secondary use) and for crops not sold in a recognized market (salvage value). In these cases, producers will be required to provide acceptable production records documenting the actual production and price received. Stage 1 Quality Loss Applications with Missing Production Data For SDRP Stage 1 quality losses, some applications were not generated because the pre-quality adjusted production information used to calculate the Quality Loss Percentage was unavailable. Although this production information will not be available before the SDRP application deadline of Sept. 30, producers are still required to file an application by the deadline. However, once FSA receives missing production data, impacted producers will be notified and provided with adequate time to review and re-sign SDRP applications. Online Quality Loss Calculator For assistance determining quality loss percent, producers can use the quality loss calculators on the SDRP webpage. For more information on SDRP, visit fsa.usda.gov/sdrp. Producers can request an application or make an appointment online with their FSA county office. [https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery]
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 19 GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR TICKETS FLASH SALE Sept. 2 & Sept. 3 https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/tickets Online only The 2026 Georgia National Fair will be held Thursday, Oct. 8-Sunday, Oct. 18. Planning to go? You can save $5 off ticket prices between 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 and Thursday, Sept. 3, 10 p.m. by buying your tickets online at https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/tickets. From Sept. 7 – Oct. 7, online, advance ticket prices will be $15 for adults (ages 11 & older), and $4 for children (3-10). Adult tickets purchased with cash at the gate will be $20, excluding discounted admission days, which will be $10. Adult tickets bought with a credit card at the gate will be $15. Seniors 60 & up are $10 every day. Note: Thursday, Oct. 8 Discounted gate admission will be $10 for adults (ages 11 and up) cash or card purchases & children 10 and under are free when the fair opens at 4 p.m.; On Oct. 12, Patriotic Day, there will be free gate admission for all active, veteran, reserve & retired military members with ID and their immediate family members; on Oct. 13, American Hero’s Day, there will be free gate admission for all Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Dispatchers and EMT with agency ID and their immediate family members and discounted gate admission: $10 for all adults (ages 11 and up) cash or card purchase and children 10 and under are free; and Oct. 14 is WOW Wednesday: Discounted gate admission $10 for adults (ages 11 and up) cash or card purchases & children 10 and under are free! For more information about pricing & specific discount days that require proof, visit https://www.georgianationalfair.com/p/getconnected/pricing. GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION FALL FIELD DAY Sept. 3 Southern Hills Orchards 9 a.m. Leesburg Topics will include hedging, spacing, varieties, pecan scab, pest and disease management. Onsite registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with program starting at 9 a.m. Event is free for GPGA members but costs $40 for nonmembers. Please register ahead of time for an accurate meal count at www.eventbrite.com/e/gpga-annual-fall-field-day-tickets-1990106651567?aff=oddtdtcreator. If you aren’t a GPGA member, you may join when you register. Farm is located at 441 Laramore Rd., Leesburg, GA, 31763. 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.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 19 GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AG 2026 STEM CHALLENGE Sept. 11 application deadline The registration period for the 2026 Georgia Ag Experience STEM Challenge is open through Sept. 11. The 2026 STEM challenge invites 3rd–5th grade students to explore how to design and operate an agriculture-based market stand or school farmers market. Participants will create a video (5 minutes or less) documenting their project, including everything learned throughout the process. The video should address the main topic, showcase creative solutions, and highlight the project’s connection to agriculture and STEM. Participating classes can register as a 3rd-grade class, 4th-grade class, 5th-grade class, special education class, or as a homeschool or community group. A top winner will be selected for each of our five categories. Winners will receive a $250 cash prize for their classroom and up to $100 in physical prizes of their choice! Visit https://gfb.ag/GFA26STEMChallenge for complete contest details and to register. The STEM Challenge is an annual contest coordinated by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. SOUTHEAST GEORGIA CITRUS COOPERATIVE WORKSHOP Sept. 14 UGA Vidalia Onion &Vegetable Research Center 6:30 p.m. Lyons This workshop is designed to bring Southeast Georgia citrus growers together to explore the next steps toward forming a regional citrus farming cooperative. Growers interested in participating in the discussion and helping shape a cooperative should attend. Speakers will include Tattnall County Extension Agent Aubrey Shirley, UGA Small Business Development Center Area Director Jonisa McBride & Dr. Steven Richards with the Clemson University Agribusiness Program Team. Topics to be discussed include: possibilities, benefits and challenges of a cooperative; shared resources and sales opportunities; legal structure and cooperative organization; and funding, investment & financial considerations. Please RSVP by calling 912-557-6724 for purposes of planning the meal. The VOVRC is located at 8163 Hwy. 178, Lyons, Ga., 30436. 2026 GEORGIA FORAGES CONFERENCE Sept. 17 UGA Tifton Conference Center Small Auditorium 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tifton UGA Forage team members and invited speakers will discuss managing forages to prevent invasive species and how to build more resilient and economical forage systems. Click here the to register. 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
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 19 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. FORESTRY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS Sept. 18 89 Pebble Road 9 a.m. Reynolds Sept. 29 Willie Hodges Farm, 29 Jarrett Durden Rd. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Swainsboro These workshops, sponsored by USDA’s NRCS and FSA, the National Wildlife Federation, Georgia DNR and the Georgia Forestry Commission, offer presentations on longleaf restoration, benefits of forestry, forestry and wildlife management, forest sustainability and more. To register for the Swainsboro workshop, click here. To register for the Reynolds/Taylor County workshop, click here. For more information, contact Jerome Brown at 770- 689-8883 or Jerome.brown1502@gmail.com. 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 Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park. 38TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR 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
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 19 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. Click here to register. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more info. 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. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HAY CONTEST Oct. 30 deadline to enter Enter the 35th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest by Oct. 30. 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 gives 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. 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 1-800-3421192 if you have any questions about the contest. 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.
GFB Field Notes page 19 of 19 2ND ANNUAL GEORGIA FARM BUREAU PB&J 5K Nov. 13 Registration deadline 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. Runners must register by 8 p.m. Nov. 13. No registrations morning of race. 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. GA FFA STUDENT FARMER MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY Landon Hembree, a junior at Colquitt County High School and the son of a third-generation farmer, is conducting a survey for a research project on farm stress. We appreciate our farm youth in Georgia who care about our farmers and their mental health! Way to go Landon! If you would like to help Landon out by completing his survey, visit The Psychosocial Factors Affecting Agricultural Producers. 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. 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.