REPORT SHOWS DISASTER RESPONSE CHALLENGES WITH HURRICANE HELENE
A new report released by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) reveals the immense challenges Georgia farmers faced in the first 72 hours following Hurricane Helene, the deadliest U.S. storm since Hurricane Katrina. Based on a rapid-response survey of 147 farmers from 44 counties in Helene’s path, the “Stabilizing After the Storm” report paints a sobering picture of widespread system failures, delayed recovery and unmet needs across Georgia’s agricultural communities hit by the storm on Sept. 27, 2024.
The report highlights that 99% of farmers surveyed lost power, 93% lost internet and cellphone coverage, and 71% lost access to water for livestock and crops. In many cases, these critical systems failed simultaneously, leaving farms completely isolated and unable to begin recovery efforts.
“This wasn’t just about power outages. Farmers lost access to water, roads, communications –everything that makes a farm run, said Lily Baucom, GFA executive director. “The recovery didn’t stall because farmers weren’t prepared. It stalled because the systems they rely on failed all at once.”
Key findings from the report:
• Power outages affected 99% of survey respondents, with 88% still without power five days later. It is important to note that Helene damaged some power grids in many parts of the storm’s path so severely that the grids had to be completely rebuilt, which required more time. The GFA acknowledges that power companies restored power as quickly as possible and thanks all the linemen, many from other states, who worked so hard to restore power;
• Road blockages prevented 84% of farmers from reaching their barns or fields;
• Communication failures meant 60% of respondents could not call 911 or connect with family;
• Water access was lost by 71% of respondents, severely impacting livestock care and sanitation;
• Financial strain was a top concern, with many spending thousands of dollars on generators, fuel and repairs.
The report elevates farmer-led solutions, calling for low-cost, community-based strategies like wiring wells for generator use, organizing volunteer chainsaw crews, and creating fuel and equipment-sharing networks.
“Resilience doesn’t always mean high-tech,” said Dr. Stephanie Basey, co-author of the study from The HIVE Research Collective. “What worked were things like a printed emergency contact list, a neighbor -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page with a chainsaw, or a barn already wired for backup power.”
Policy and planning implications
The report calls for stronger county-level emergency planning that includes:
• Prioritized power restoration for livestock corridors;
• Funding for shared-use equipment and generator wiring;
• Local communication alternatives when cell towers go down;
• Mental health check-ins alongside physical aid.
The report also identifies alignment opportunities with USDA, FEMA and rural infrastructure grant programs to build long-term resilience.
“We cannot continue to respond to rural disasters with one-size-fits-all plans,” said report co-author Dr. Anne Montgomery of the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center. “This report shows that early, local, physical support is what keeps farms afloat in those first critical days.”
The report was developed through the Weathered But Strong initiative, with support from the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. It includes data, direct quotes from farmers, and practical recommendations to guide emergency managers, funders and policymakers.
Download the full report at https://www.supportgeorgiafarmers.org
HELENE RELIEF, ECONOMY & EU FORESTRY REG FOCUS OF AG ISSUES SUMMIT
By Jennifer Whittaker
Georgia farmers and agriculture leaders heard updates on current and emerging issues facing Georgia’s top economic sector during the 2025 Joint Agriculture Committee Chairmen’s Ag Issues Summit held Aug. 21 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry.
Rep. Robert Dickey and Sen. Russ Goodman, who chair the Georgia House and Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committees, respectively, hosted this annual event that gives Georgia’s ag community a chance to learn about topics the industry is experiencing.
Georgia Farm Bureau was one of the event sponsors along with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Milk Producers, Inc., Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Urban Ag Council, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), and Georgia Agribusiness Council.
“I want to thank Representative Dickey and Senator Goodman for holding this event and shining a light on all of these issues that our farmers are facing,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “I’d also like to thank each member of the House and Senate Ag Committees for the work you do during the General Session every year in Atlanta. Please know that Farm Bureau’s Public Policy staff is here to work with you whenever you need us.”
Hurricane Helene relief efforts
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper provided an account of what has been done on the state and federal level to help Georgia farmers and rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene Sept. 27, 2024.
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“I think there is no doubt that top of mind, really, for everybody still is Hurricane Helene,” Harper said. “Since the storm last year, we’ve been working to help our farm families get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
Harper said a little over $300 million in state funds was allocated to the Safety 24 Grant Program that disbursed low interest disaster relief loans to farmers affected by the storm and to help timber owners clean up timber debris Helene left behind. The Georgia General Assembly appropriated $285 million and the Georgia Development Authority allocated about $20 million, Harper said
He thanked the Georgia Farm Bureau’s Georgia Foundation for Agriculture for coordinating the Weathered But Strong Campaign, with the help of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and 40 other Georgia ag organizations, that raised more than $1.78 million in three months. Farmers affected by the storm had a little over a month to apply for funds. One hundred percent of the funds raised were distributed to 920 farm families, and in most cases was the first help they received.
“Farm Bureau took on the administrative burden of that [campaign] and we appreciate that partnership,” Harper said.
Harper discussed federal disaster relief funds appropriated in the American Relief Act (ARA) of 2025, which Congress passed last December, and then-President Biden signed into law Dec. 21, 2024. This federal legislation included $21 billion in disaster aid to be distributed nationwide by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to farmers to cover necessary expenses related to the losses of revenue, quality or production for crops (milk, on-farm stored commodities, crops prevented from planting, and harvested adulterated wine grapes), trees, bushes and vines, and livestock losses from natural disasters that happened in 2023 and 2024.
After U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was confirmed Feb. 13, Harper and other state leaders met with her March 12 when she visited Georgia and discussed the impact Helene had on Georgia farmers and the pressing need for the ARA funds to be distributed to farmers as soon as possible.
“She understood the critical need to get disaster relief moved as quickly as possible,” Harper said. “She took that to heart and went back and ensured that we were moving as fast as we could, and that the staff she was bringing on board heeded it.”
Harper said GDA submitted its plan to the USDA for ARA state block grant money by the end of April and had its first call with USDA about the block grant proposal on May 19.
“On August 4, the GDA and USDA reached an agreement on the block grant, and it is now in review by our legal teams,” Harper said. “We do have the work plan that we're in the process of doing right now. We have brought on some additional help and some folks that are former USDA employees who will help us design these block grants and applications for our producers, and we hope they'll be able to open that window up very soon. We could not use the process that was used during Hurricane Michael, because this process was completely different. We were building programs from scratch for the block grant, that didn't exist before to cover things that USDA does not cover. The block grant agreement for the state of Georgia that we are working to finalize right now, that is in legal review, covers commodities and covers areas that the Farm Service Agency -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page programs will not cover. It covers producers. It covers commodities from timber to pecans to poultry and everything in between, to ensure that we maximize the amount of money that we get for the state, that we cover as many commodities as possible, and that we send no money back to USDA, that every dime gets distributed to Georgia farmers and timberland owners in this state.”
Harper said the GDA team has invested hundreds of hours into the process and is committed to getting the block grant funds to farmers in record time.
Since July 9, the USDA has been distributing $16 billion nationwide through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) that was part of the disaster aid allocated in the ARA last December. As of Sept. 7, Georgia farmers with crop insurance had received $100,413,430 in SDRP funds. The USDA expects to begin SDRP payment signup for farmers without crop insurance the week of Sept. 15. Visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/supplemental-disasterrelief-program-sdrp to learn more.
Harper mentioned that Gov. Brian Kemp signed HB 223 into law on May 8. The Georgia House of Representatives passed this legislation in a 153-0 vote and the Senate by a 50-1 vote. Its lead sponsor was Rep. James Burchett (R-Waycross). The law exempts federal crop insurance payments received in 2025 and agricultural disaster relief payments from state taxes. It establishes a reforestation tax credit to help producers who grow trees used for food or wood production recover from the storm and encourages them to replant.
The law allows local governments to temporarily suspend collection of harvest taxes on timber producers to help in post-storm cleanup in exchange for a grant to assist with lost revenue from harvest tax. The law also temporarily extends the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE) to building materials purchased for repairing or rebuilding of poultry houses, livestock facilities, greenhouses and other farm structures damaged by Helen until the end of the year.
Overall, the Georgia legislature approved more than $1 billion to aid in hurricane recovery.
U.S. & ag economy not great but could be worse
While giving an overview of the overall U.S. economy and the ag economy, North Carolina State University ag economist Dr. Jeffrey Dorfman discussed unemployment rates, interest rates, tariffs, farmland prices and ag production costs.
“Right now, unemployment is the level that an economics textbook tells you is full employment or even a little better,” Dorfman said. “The market has been slowing, and people are worried about that, but even if unemployment rises a little bit, we’re still going to be comfortably in the normal range for a good economy.”
Dorfman said U.S. stores have “pretty close to normal” inventory to keep their shelves stocked.
“We’re a long way away from the sort of post COVID lows where we saw a lot of empty shelves,” Dorfman said. “The supply chain right now is in good enough shape that it can handle bucks in the road, some of the dislocations from the tariffs. If something happens, we’re sort of in reasonable shape with some inventories hiding in the back.”
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Interest rates, he said, are a sensitive topic.
“I do think the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates when they meet in September. They’re not going to be able to lower interest rates much, and the market isn’t going to lower interest rates much as long as the federal government continues to run such a big budget deficit.”
Dorfman said when the federal government spends $2 trillion a year more than it collects in taxes, it must borrow that $2 trillion.
“The easiest way to think about it is the federal government borrows its money first, and after it's gotten that $2 trillion, then the rest of us can go get our mortgages, our car loans, our operating loan for our farm financing, for a new combine, whatever it is we need money for. We come after the federal government authority taking whatever it wants,” Dorfman said. “When the government borrows a lot, there isn't as much money left for the rest of us to borrow, which means the price gets bid up because there's essentially less supply of loans left for everybody else. What I'd love to see is President Trump bug the Federal Reserve a little bit less about lowering interest rates, and bug Congress a little bit more, maybe a lot more, about lowering spending If we get the federal deficit down, it'll lower the interest rates that all of us pay even more than anything the Federal Reserve could do.”
Dorfman described tariffs as being a wild card and said businesses need to know the rules of the game.
“Mostly what we need to see is what are the tariff rates going to be? As long as people are uncertain about where they're going to land, nobody is building new factories. Jobs aren't coming back. All the things that President Trump wants to create with the tariffs can't happen until people know they're permanent. I don't think we're going to know that for quite a while. Unfortunately, that means we're not going to get some of those positive effects some people are hoping for,” Dorman said. “Plus, a lot of countries have figured out that a good way to retaliate is with tariffs of their own against agricultural commodities being exported from the U.S., because they know that farmers are concentrated in the red states, so they figured out that's a political pressure point.”
Dorfman predicts that 2025 will finish with a moderate to slow economic growth rate of about 2%. He forecasts that unemployment will stay between four and five percent, which he calls historically low.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a recession unless it’s started by a geopolitical event. If something crazy happens in the Middle East or China does something,” Dorfman said.
He describes 2025 as being “fair to middling” for the agriculture economy.
“It’s not going to be bad enough for a lot of farmers to go out of business, but nobody's going to be that happy about it either,” Dorfman said. “I don't see anything particularly on the horizon that says it's going to get a lot better in terms of commodity prices. So, we need to be able to make money at roughly today's commodity prices.”
The veteran economist who taught ag economics at the University of Georgia before relocating to N.C. State, said he measures how well farmers are doing by looking at how well John Deere is -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page performing.
“John Deere sales for the second quarter this year compared to last year were down 16% Their income was down 24%, their production ag sale down 21%, their profit margin dropped 3%,” Dorfman said. “There was nothing good in their report because farmers don't have a lot of money laying around somewhere that they want to use to go shopping at John Deere.”
Good news for farmers is that diesel prices have dropped from “ridiculously expensive to normally expensive;” Same with fertilizer prices, Dorfman said. Although fertilizer now costs about twice what it did pre-COVID, it’s lower than recent years when it was four times as expensive.
“Our production costs have finally stopped going up. They haven't come down, but at least they've stopped going up. I think what that means is production costs in 2025 are probably going to be close to production costs in 2024 Commodity prices aren't that different, either. What you earned last year is a good guide to maybe what you earn this year, the more animals you have on your farm, the happier you probably are as livestock prices are higher than crop prices.”
European Union Deforestation Regulation
Both Ag Commissioner Harper and Sen. Goodman raised the alarm about the detrimental impact the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) stands to have on Georgia timberland owners. The new EU mandate requires all wood products sold or produced in EU countries to come only from timberland that is reforested or used for another purpose other than crop production.
Goodman and Harper became aware of the issue in mid-August when Morgan County dairy farmer Everett Williams was informed by a logger that the two lumber mills in his market area wouldn’t accept his timber because of the EUDR mandate.
“We’re sixty miles from downtown Atlanta and a lot of land that we rent has been taken up by houses, so we need to use any land that we have near the dairy to apply manure to and grow crops. We thought we’d cut our last remaining tract of about 150 acres for timber,” Williams explained. “Then the two lumber companies that are the nearest and the best market for my timber said they could not take my timber if I was going to clear the land and put it in ag crops. It’s so ridiculous that I can put solar panels on it, but I can’t put it into crops to feed my family and the rest of Georgia. It was before my time, but this land was in cotton at one time, then it was planted in pines. Now it’s ready to be harvested or the timber is going to start dying and losing value. Why would you not harvest it? Why shouldn’t I have the right to use this land I’ve paid for and pay taxes on to the best use for my farm? Some people might say sell it [timber] somewhere else. Well, it’s not that simple. Timber has consolidated just like everything. There are only one or two mills that are close by that you can afford to haul it to and get anything for your timber.”
Harper and Goodman said they are working with other state legislators, state forestry organizations and leaders, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Rollins and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler to educate the White House and trade representatives about the issue so it can be -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page resolved during trade talks with the European Union.
“I spoke with a few Georgia forestry leaders and learned this is not just an isolated incident but has happened several times in our state as this new rule is coming into full effect,” Goodman said.
“I believe President Trump’s administration is working on a new trade deal with the EU and this issue has to be addressed before anything is signed. It’s insane that people in Brussels or Geneva are implementing rules dictating what American farmers can and cannot do with their own land. The implications for private property rights and healthy timber markets are profound as well as the need for good farmland in the future as we endeavor to try and meet the established need of increasing our food production by 70% by the year 2050 to be able to feed the world.”
INTERNATIONAL PAPER CLOSING PLANTS ON GEORGIA COAST
On Aug. 21, International Paper announced a series of changes that include closing of its plants in Savannah and Riceboro by the end of September,
The closures, expected to be completed a year after Hurricane Helene, represent a massive blow to an area still reeling in the aftermath of the storm, which swept through the state on Sept. 27, 2024. Georgia, touted as the top timber harvest state by the Georgia Association, is estimated to have lost more than $1.28 billion worth of timber to the storm. Georgia leads the nation in forest product exports, seedling production for reforestation and acreage in private timberland. Before Hurricane Helene, Georgia had 38 million acres of timberland of which 22 million was privately owned.
The permanent closure of the Savannah containerboard mill, the Savannah packaging facility, the Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber will affect approximately 1,000 hourly and salaried employees at the Chatham and Liberty County plants. The company will offer severance packages, along with outplacement assistance for eligible employees.
At the same time, the company announced it would be converting a portion of its facility in Selma, Ala., to produce containerboard.
Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, whose district 159 is just north of Chatham County, emphasized that the job losses likely will not be limited to just those at the International Paper plants.
“This unexpected announcement was highly disappointing and will undoubtedly have detrimental consequences for not only the 1,100 International Paper employees directly impacted by the closures, but also the entire economy of Southeast Georgia,” Burns said. “The Georgia Department of Labor currently estimates that three to four indirect job losses could occur for every direct job lost at the International Paper facilities. These estimates do not account for the countless farmers and timber growers throughout the region who are facing the loss of their livelihoods due to this unforeseen and devastating blow to Georgia’s timber industry.”
The company said the combined changes will result in a net reduction of its annual containerboard capacity by approximately one million tons.
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Continued from previous page create a regulatory environment so the existing industry can thrive, F&W Forest Services President Marshall Thomas said while speaking at the Ag Issues Summit on Aug. 21, the same day news broke about the Savannah and Riceboro plant closures. The timber industry also needs to get into producing bio energy products, such as biodiesel, to meet the growing demand for green energy.
“Last year a new bio products mill opened in Finland on a site that was previously a pulp and paper mill for 100 years,” Thomas said. “It’s fossil fuel free. It doesn’t even use electricity off the grid because it produces its own electricity. It will produce a million and a half tons of tall oil turpentine from softwood and hardwood. You can make biodiesel out of tall oil turpentine. Two and a half percent of Finland’s energy requirements will come out of this bio products mill. Instead of closing down papermills, why aren’t we doing this?”
Thomas, who travels around the world visiting forests with his job, said Georgia has some of the greenest natural forests in the world with an existing industry in place with a great workforce and infrastructure of roads and loggers to get the trees to plants and the markets.
“All we have to do is shift the products that we’re making along with continue what we’re making,” Tucker said. “We’ve got everything in this state to become one of the leading providers of green products in the world. If we do that, we’re going to provide jobs, tax base and all kinds of economic opportunities to the citizens of our state.”
Thomas commended Georgia legislators and the Senate study committee that is looking into sustainable aviation fuel and other products that can be made from Georgia timber.
“We’ve also got to figure out why we’re being replaced [paper mills]. Why is the industry leaving the U.S. going to other places?” Thomas said. “It’s not just South America and China. The industry is also going to countries like Finland.”
On Sept. 10, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) announced that Gov. Brian Kemp has tasked the state agency with leading a special task force to address the challenges facing the state’s forest products industry. GFC Director Johnny Sabo is working with other state agencies, academic institutions and industry partners to develop a strategic plan.
“Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact and recent developments in the broader industry, we know firsthand it has been a difficult year for Georgia’s timber growers,” said Kemp. “My administration and our partners, including Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, stand with them. This task force is committed to working with all stakeholders in the search for possible solutions to the challenges confronting this important industry.”
The Forestry Task Force will also include the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Department of Economic Development, UGA Warnell School of Forestry, Georgia Tech, the Technical College System of Georgia, and Georgia’s Rural Center (GDA). Kemp has charged the task force with seeking input and feedback directly from the forestry community – landowners, industry leaders, state and federal partners.
“We are grateful for the swift focus the governor has placed on this critical situation,” said Sabo. “Every partner at this table is uniquely qualified to assess these unprecedented challenges and offer concrete solutions for success.”
GACD NAMES 2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS, 2026 LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) presented its 2025 awards during its annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug.19, honoring those individuals who have gone above and beyond to advance conservation efforts for our state. The awards are Superior Professional Support, District of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Urban Conservationist of the Year and Conservationist of the Year. Scholarship recipients and special recognitions were also honored.
Dr. John Kay, a former district supervisor with the Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District, was inducted into the GACD Hall of Fame.
The GACD Hall of Fame preserves the history of the conservation movement in Georgia by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to soil and water conservation. Kay represented Towns County in the BRMCD beginning in 1999 and served as district chairman from 2010 until he retired in 2023.
Herbert Hodges received the Conservationist of the Year award, which recognizes farmers and landowners who are conducting exemplary conservation work on their land and have demonstrated a strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach and community interactions, and/or education.
Cory Rayburn was named Urban Conservationist of the Year, which recognizes urban conservationists for their exemplary work and strong commitment to soil and water conservation through their land stewardship, outreach, community interactions, and education in urban areas of Georgia.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District was named District of the Year, which recognizes the conservation district in Georgia which best plans, implements, and reports a conservation program in a given year. The Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District has been a consistent leader in the community by actively promoting conservation to local producers and students. The past two years, they have hosted “Georgia Beef Day,” a community event, to provide agricultural and natural resource conservation educational and agency offerings at the Union County Farmers Market with attendance of about 5000 people.
Deetra Poindexter was named Supervisor of the Year, presented in appreciation of district supervisors’ commitment to the protection of Georgia’s natural resources Poindexter is district supervisor for the Clayton County Conservation District. Born and raised in Atlanta, Deetra majored in early childhood education in college and received an honorary doctorate from The Global International Alliance University in May 2022. She received this honor for making a difference in her community and the lives of youth for more than 30 years.
Jennifer Standridge received the Superior Professional Support award, presented to an individual for providing superior support to Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Georgia. Standridge Jennifer is the GSWCC Region II manager, providing support to 10 conservation districts. She provides administrative assistance and technical support and works closely with supporting agencies to provide conservation education through district events, workshops, and field days.
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The GACD also elected its new executive committee on Aug. 19:
• President – Brian Ponder, Middle South Georgia Conservation District, Tift County;
• Vice President – Tabatha Wooten, Altamaha Conservation District, Jeff Davis County;
• Vice President (re-elected) – Ellis Lamme, Gwinnett County Conservation District;
• Secretary (re-elected) – Jim Waters, Satilla River Conservation District, Pierce County;
• Treasurer – Andrew Standard, Coastal Conservation District, Liberty County;
• NACD Representative (re-elected) – Jimmy Bramblett, Lower Chattahoochee River Conservation District, Stewart County;
• Immediate Past President – Jake Ford, Alapaha Conservation District, Berrien County.
COURT VACATES DISAGGREGATION RULE; USDA HALTS LABOR SURVEY
A federal court in Louisiana recently vacated a portion of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) rule that required unnecessarily high wages for workers on some farms.
In 2023, DOL changed its longstanding AEWR methodology to set distinct hourly wages for any job description with duties the department believes go beyond the six farm occupations included in USDA’s Farm Labor Survey (FLS).
Since farmworkers, particularly those on small farms, perform a variety of job functions, this rule, known as the “disaggregation rule,” has resulted in some farm positions being reclassified to higher wage categories.
“Farm Bureau is pleased that the Department of Labor and a federal judge recognized that elements of the 2023 labor rule created an unfair wage structure that forced farmers to pay employees for jobs they may not usually perform,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said. “Farmers care about the men and women who choose to work on their farms, and they support paying good wages for their employees, but the rule did not align compensation with work performed.”
Duvall noted that AFBF has long advocated for reforms to the H-2A guestworker program to ensure workers are treated fairly, and that farmers can afford to fill their labor needs.
Following the court ruling, the USDA announced in a Sept. 3 Federal Register notice that it has discontinued the Farm Labor Survey (FLS), which served as the basis for the AEWR wage calculation methodology.
The USDA characterized the survey as outdated and outdated. In the notice, the department noted that there is not statutory requirement for the survey and that other, more appropriate data resources are available, specifically the Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. While FLS collected data only from farmer, the OEWS gathers information from farm labor contractors.
MAHA COMMISSION RELEASES CHILD HEALTH STRATEGY
On Sept. 9, the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy,” a plan with more than 120 initiatives that outlines targeted executive actions to “advance gold-standard science, realign incentives, increase public awareness, and strengthen private-sector collaboration.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall expressed appreciation that the commission met with farmers in the process of developing the strategy.
“Farmers and ranchers share the goal of improving health outcomes in America, and they are dedicated to growing safe, nutritious and affordable food for America’s families,” Duvall said. “Healthy meals start with healthy farms, and we appreciate the report’s recognition of the vital role farmers play in the food supply chain.”
Duvall said American grown, fruits, vegetables, meat and milk are central to helping children develop healthy eating habits.
“Reducing or streamlining regulations in smart ways can allow farms operating on very thin margins to innovate, diversify and respond to consumer demand,” Duvall said. “Prioritizing voluntary conservation efforts for farmers and ranchers and optimizing EPA’s already robust pesticide regulatory process to accelerate innovation are welcome recommendations.”
According to a USDA press release, the plan includes five key focus areas:
• Science and research: Expanding NIH and agency research into chronic disease prevention, nutrition and metabolic health, food quality, environmental exposures, autism, gut microbiome, precision agriculture, rural and tribal health, vaccine injury, and mental health;
• Executive Actions: Reforming dietary guidelines; defining ultra-processed foods; improving food labeling; closing the GRAS loophole (which allows food and chemical companies to declare new ingredients as safe without FDA review); raising infant formula standards; removing harmful chemicals from the food supply; increasing oversight and enforcement of direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising laws; improving food served in schools, hospitals, and to veterans; and reforming Medicaid quality metrics to measure health outcomes.
• Process Reform & Deregulation: Streamlining organic certification; easing barriers to farmto-school programs and direct-to-consumer sales; restoring whole milk in schools; supporting mobile grocery and processing units; modernizing FDA drug and device approval; and accelerating EPA approvals for innovative agricultural products.
• Public Awareness & Education: Launching school-based nutrition and fitness campaigns, Surgeon General initiatives on screen time, prioritizing pediatric mental health, and expanding access to reliable nutrition and health information for parents.
• Private Sector Collaboration: Promoting awareness of healthier meals at restaurants, soil health and land stewardship, and community-led initiatives, and scaling innovative solutions to address root causes of chronic disease.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AG MAKES ACC APPOINTMENTS
On Aug. 27, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper 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 Commodity Commissions collect a per-unit assessment from producers, as allowed in that commodity's marketing order, to support growers by funding research, education, and marketing efforts.
“Georgia’s agricultural commodity commissions play a critical role supporting our state’s No. 1 industry through research, education, and promotion of their respective commodities,” Harper said. “I’m grateful to the Georgia farmers and producers who have agreed to serve on their respective commission.”
Appointments to Commodity Commission boards are made by the Ex-officio Committee, which includes Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, Russ Moon, an appointee of the Georgia Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Al Pearson, an appointee of the Georgia House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs.
The following people were appointed:
• Beef Commodity Commission: Allen Wiggins of Turner County and Chuck Joiner of Carroll County were reappointed. Cannon Mosely of Early County was appointed to his first term;
• Cotton Commodity Commission: Matt Coley of Dooly County and Steven Meeks of Wayne County were reappointed;
• Equine Commodity Commission: Cassie Taylor of Telfair County and Stephanie Harden Branch of Rabun County were appointed;
• Soybean Commodity Commission: Brian Ogletree of Lamar County and Jesse Patrick of Morgan County were reappointed;
• Tobacco Commodity Commission: Chance Callaway of Evans County was reappointed.
HPAI CONFIRMED IN HENRY COUNTY BACKYARD FLOCK
On Sept. 5, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial, backyard (non-poultry) flock located in Henry County. The flock consists of approximately 45 birds of mixed species. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Georgia since January. It is the second detection in a backyard flock and the fourth overall detection in the state in 2025. Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the food supply, and no affected animals have entered the food chain. The risk of human infection remains very low.
“Backyard flocks that frequently interact with native wildlife, particularly waterfowl and vultures, have a higher risk of contracting avian influenza, and we’re continuing to ask flock owners to closely monitor the health of their birds and immediately report any suspected illness,”
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. “I am incredibly proud of our response effort. Our team deployed immediately to the affected premises worked swiftly to successfully -continued on next page
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Continued from previous page contain the disease, prevent any further spread, and decontaminate the premises.”
As the top poultry producer in the United States, the Georgia remains a model for the nation in HPAI prevention, detection, and mitigation. Since it began in 2022, the ongoing, nationwide outbreak of HPAI has affected more than 174,890,000 million birds across the country, according to the USDA. Only 205,000 of those 174,890,000 birds - about one-tenth of one percent - have been in Georgia.
On Aug. 29, the flock owners reported increased mortality in their birds to the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN). That same day, GDA officials were dispatched to the location to collect samples, which were tested for the presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus in the flock by the GPLN and USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). GDA officials completed depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection operations on Aug. 30 to mitigate the further spread of HPAI. The samples were confirmed positive for the presence of HPAI on Sept. 3.
Transmission most likely occurred through interaction with wild birds or environmental exposure to virus shed by infected wild birds. There are no commercial poultry or dairy cattle operations within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) radius of the affected premises.
The GDA maintains a close working relationship with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the state's lead human health agency. DPH is coordinating with local public health officials to conduct appropriate testing and surveillance with individuals who may have had direct contact with the affected animals. GDA staff who visited the affected premises conducted operations in Level C PPE and followed strict biosecurity protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, Department employees who were onsite will participate in a 10-day surveillance period.
It is critical that flock owners implement robust biosecurity measures to protect their birds from HPAI. Poultry owners are strongly encouraged to monitor their flocks closely and report any sudden increase in illness or unexpected deaths to the Avian Influenza Hotline at 770-766-6850. More information is available on the Department's website. For further information concerning biosecurity tips, visit:
Protect Your Flock (Georgia Dept. of Ag) (https://agr.georgia.gov/sites/default/files/documents/animal-health/AI-Rack-Card.pdf)
Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS) (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock/resources)
AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
(https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf)
Avian Influenza FAQ (https://agr.georgia.gov/avian-influenza-faq)
Protect Your Livelihood PDF (https://gfb.ag/Protecturlivelihood)
STATE LEADERS TALK TRADE IN SOUTH AMERICA
Gov. Brian Kemp and a group of state leaders traveled to South America the last week in August to promote economic development opportunities for business leaders in Brazil and Argentina that the governor said will benefit Georgians. Kemp was joined by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper also took part in the trip, representing the state’s agricultural interests.
Kemp told Georgia Farm Bureau media that the underlying goal was to reacquaint Brazil with Georgia’s strengths.
“I feel like we need to go down there and replant a flag, if you will,” Kemp said “Let our presence be known [and] look at opportunities. I personally have been concerned about how much China and Russia have been playing in South America and the U.S. not so much over the last several years.”
Both Brazil and Argentina have had consulates in Georgia since 1899. The state has had continuous representation in Brazil since 1995. In 2024, Georgia's exports to Brazil totaled $748 million. The state’s representative in Chile also serves the Argentinian market. In 2024, Georgia's exports to Argentina totaled $120 million.
“Companies from South America have invested over $160 million in Georgia over the last six years, with the bulk of investments and jobs coming from countries where Georgia is represented,” Kemp said prior to the excursion. “Since I took office, businesses that operate in Brazil have created over a thousand jobs for Georgians, with many investments strengthening established sectors like our No. 1 industry of agriculture. We're always eager to grow those pipelines of opportunity so more Georgians in all parts of the state can benefit."
The governor, joined by representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the Georgia Ports Authority, conducted meetings with firms already operating or under construction in Georgia and attended diplomatic and relationship-building meetings. During their visit, they also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the state economic office in Brazil.
“The success of Georgia’s No. 1 industry depends on our farmers' ability to get their goods to market and leveraging Georgia’s port system and reducing trade barriers with countries around the globe are vital components of ensuring the continued success of Georgia agriculture and our state as a whole,” Harper said.
“Through our ports and collaborations such as the Delta Air Lines-LATAM partnership, Georgia’s connectivity to South America means opportunity,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Brazil and Argentina are home to some of the largest agriculture and infrastructure companies in South America, aligning with Georgia’s strong agribusiness and food and beverage industries as well as the state’s continued growth and investments in infrastructure development.”
The group visited key agribusinesses while in South America, including Pilgrim’s parent company JBS, biofuels producer GranBio, and agricultural machinery producer AGCO. The Georgia leaders also visited gun manufacturers Taurus and BERSA.
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 20
FALL 2025 GFA STEM CHALLENGE
Sept. 15 registration deadline
Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are encouraged to put their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills to work by entering the Fall 2025 STEM Challenge: Grow More with Less. Special education classes, homeschool groups, and community or after-school groups with third through fifth-grade students are also invited to participate. Elementary classes taking part in this challenge will learn to design a hydroponic system to grow food using nutrient-rich water instead of soil, and household or classroom items in a limited space Students will create their own hydroponic system to grow vegetables and herbs. As part of the challenge, students will document their observations in journals and video the process of designing the system and the plant growth. Teachers, homeschool parents, or after-school group leaders interested in participating in the Grow More with Less challenge can visit https://www.gafoundationag.org/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program by Sept. 15.
GEORGIA AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM
Sept. 16-17 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
Tifton
This two-day conference, hosted by the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, provides farmers and employers with training sessions and seminars from leading experts in employment law and policy. This event is suited for all owners, operators, office managers, personnel managers and service providers for the produce, nursery, landscape, dairy, cotton, and any other agricultural professional dealing with agricultural labor relations. To register and learn more, visit www.georgiaaglaborforum.com.
37TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR
Sept. 16-18
Valdosta and surrounding area
This annual tour brings the latest information on peanuts while giving a first-hand 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 firsthand nearly every aspect of peanut production in the state. This year’s tour hosts many exciting stops including on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, as well as research projects through the University of Georgia Extension Service. For tour info or details, contact David West at 229-386-3475. Registration is $150. Visit www.georgiapeanuttour.com for more info.
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 20
FB WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP DISTRICT MEETINGS
Sept. 18 GFB District 2 Meeting Strickland Mercantile Danielsville Registration ended Aug. 28
Sept. 19 GFB Dist. 9 Meeting Cloud Livestock Facility Bainbridge Registration deadline is Sept. 12. Veterinarian & dairy producer Dr. Paul Johnson will discuss common myths about the dairy industry. Then group will travel to the Johnson Family’s Providence Dairy for a tour, followed by lunch and ice cream. Cost is $20/person. Event begins at 9 a.m. Contact your county Farm Bureau office manager to register or visitwww.gfb.ag/D9WomensMeeting
If your GFB district meeting isn’t listed above, and you are interested in attending it, reach out to your county Farm Bureau office manager to ask them to share program details when they receive them and look for announcements on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group page. For more information contact GFB Women’s Leadership Programs Coordinator Heather King at hcking@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. Meetings for Districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 have already been held.
2025 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY
Sept. 18 Westbrook Research Farm, UGA Griffin Campus 8 a.m. Griffin Land and pond management techniques, managing for wildlife, forest management, backyard wildlife and financial assistance for landowners are all subjects that will top the list at the 2025 Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day. This unique educational event features federal and state government agency officials and representatives of private businesses to provide management recommendations and demonstrate real-life techniques. Registration opens at 8 a.m., with topic discussions scheduled between 9:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Attendees will shuttle between field day topic sites on foot or via tram and will receive a take-home booklet with in-depth topic and speaker information. Continuing Education Credits (CEU) will be available for several fields, including pesticide (several categories), forestry, loggers, arborist and wildlife. Registration is $35 and includes a full day of topics, an AgroForestry and Wildlife Field Day book, lunch and a Hat. After Aug. 21 cost increases to $40 and a hat is not guaranteed. To register, click here (https://estore.uga.edu/C27063_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4247)
28TH ANNUAL INMAN FARM HERITAGE DAYS
Sept. 19-21 Minter’s Farm, 283 Hills Bridge Rd. Fayetteville
For 3 days, come out and experience the history of farming, agriculture & the camaraderie of old equipment enthusiasts. Fun for the whole family! Admission is free and there is no cost to exhibit. For more information, visit www.mintersfarm.com or contact Stephanie Adamek at 770-296-8360 or stephanie@mintersfarm.com.
Field Notes page 17 of 20
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
Sept. 20 & Oct. 25
Morgan Co. Ag Center
Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Trail classes are from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Western Classes not to start before lunch. Riders must be members of Kel-Mac to accrue points towards year-end awards. Age divisions for competition are as follows: Small Fry: 10 and under; Junior: under 14 years of age; Senior: 14 years and over. Novice: Rider is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Green Horse: Horse is in 1st or 2nd year of showing. Entry fee per class is $12. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook page, or www.kel-mac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. Signup for shows on the website. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison. These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $170,250 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 49 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION SCHOLARSHIPS
Oct. 3 deadline to apply
Applications for the 2025 Lallemand Scholarship are open through Oct. 3. Interested students must be full-time students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. 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
PRODUCE SAFETY ALLIANCE GROWER TRAINING
Oct. 21-23
Cost is $150
Register at https://psaoos102125.eventbrite.com
Nov. 9
Cost is $175
Register at https://tinyurl.com/psagt-nov20
Dec. 2-4
Cost is $150
Register at https://psaoos120225.eventbrite.com
Are you a Georgia produce grower? Don’t miss your chance to attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course, which is required under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR 112). All trainings are virtual. For questions or more information, contact your local produce safety team or Lupita.gonzalez@agr.georgia.gov
GFB Field Notes page 18 of 20
SOIL HEALTH WORKSHOP
Oct. 29 Johnson Argus Farm, 2738 Cedar Grove Rd. 10 a.m. – noon Jefferson Oct. 22 registration deadline
The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and the Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to present this free informational workshop for managing soil health and grazing production for anyone who wants to learn correct practices. Attendees will hear about soil health practices such as nutrient balance, hay production, and soil erosion control in hay fields. In addition, information on farm programs will be presented. The partnering agency for this event is USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The event is sponsored by the Chestatee-Chattahoochee River RC&D Council. Lunch will be served. The event is free but registration is required online at www.gacd.us/events. The registration deadline is October 22, 2025.
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HAY CONTEST
Oct. 31 deadline for entries
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members who grow any variety of dry Bermudagrass hay have until Oct. 31 to enter the organization’s 34th Annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer wheel rake for one year. The winner will have the option to buy the equipment at a reduced price at the end of that year. This is the 27th year that Vermeer has sponsored GFB’s hay contest. Hay entered in the 2025 GFB Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of hay. Additional prizes will be awarded to the top five producers. Winners will be announced in December at the GFB Convention. 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.
GEORGIA PSC ELECTIONS
General election Nov. 4
Georgia Farm Bureau’s I Farm. I Vote. campaign is encouraging members across the state to get out and vote in the 2025 Public Service Commission (PSC) elections. This year, there will be a statewide special election for the Georgia Public Service Commission District 2 and District 3. All Georgia voters are eligible to cast a ballot for both PSC seats, but the candidates for the two contested seats are required to live in their districts that cover metro Atlanta and east Georgia The two seats up for election are from District 2 and District 3. District 2 consists of a large portion of East and Southeast Georgia, including Athens, Augusta, and Savannah, and is currently held by Commissioner Tim Echols. Running against Echols in the Republican primary is Tim Muns, and Alicia Johnson is running uncontested for the Democratic ticket. District 3, made up of Fulton, DeKalb, and Clayton counties, is currently held by Commissioner Fitz Johnson who was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to fill a vacant seat. Johnson is uncontested in the Republican primary, and Peter Hubbard won the Democratic primary.
Field Notes page 19 of 20
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU PB&J 5K
Nov 15
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 8 a.m. Perry
Sign up today for the 5K on Nov. 15 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. The course is flat, fast, and completely paved perfect for all skill levels. When you register for $35, you'll receive a complimentary Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Membership. Already a member? Gift it to a friend! Enjoy a post-run grilled PB&J and peanut butter, compliments of Georgia Peanuts! Every registered runner will also receive a custom water bottle. If you’re bringing the family, be sure to check out the Georgia National Antique Agriculture Show for FREE. Register at https://www.gfb.org/pb-and-j-5k Members of GFB help protect consumers’ access to locally grown food and fiber and have access to 300,000+ member benefits and discounts. Visit https://www.gfb.org/join/member-benefitsdirectory to learn more about the health, travel, family entertainment, farm equipment and services and health discounts members can enjoy.
UGA WARNELL SCHOOL OF FORESTRY BOBWHITE QUAIL SURVEY
The Martin GAME Lab at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA is looking for private landowners in Georgia to take part in a brief survey about their opinions on bobwhite quail management for a study titled “Bobwhite Restoration, Incentives, and Research.” The purpose of the study is to better understand landowners’ opinions on bobwhite quail management and cost-share programs landowners would enroll in to manage their properties for bobwhite quail. Visit https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_3aRgLcUioS8uy0u to take the study. Thank you in advance for helping with in this study.
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.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, visit the project website
GFB Field Notes page 20 of 20
GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2024 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.