October 7, 2026
www.gfb.org
Vol. 8 No. 19
STATE, FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS PROVIDE RELIEF ON DIESEL COSTS Farmers are seeing some relief for the cost of diesel fuel – both for highway and off-road use – after state and federal executive orders suspended taxes and penalties related to both. In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on Sept. 28 suspending collection of state motor fuel taxes on regular gas and on-road diesel until Oct. 29. The order also removed state weight limits on commercial vehicles, allowing truck weights to 95,000 pounds. Kemp noted in the Sept. 28 executive order “that factors driving these market shifts are inherently unpredictable, and therefore, difficult, if not impossible, for the citizens of our state to budget for, worsening the impact on hard-working Georgians.” On Oct. 5, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that eased limits on farmers’ use of dyed diesel fuel on public roads and deferred the federal diesel excise tax of 24.4 cents per gallon on dyed diesel through the end of the year and potentially exempt the tax. The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS will release guidance in the coming days on the implementation of this order. On Oct. 6, Gov. Kemp amended his original state executive order to include waiving state penalties for selling, delivering or using dyed diesel fuel for on-road vehicle use. Kemp also extended the waiver of state fuel taxes on gas and on-road diesel from Oct. 29 until Nov. 5. "Georgia Farm Bureau appreciates Governor Kemp's first action on September 28 to suspend the state collection of state motor fuel taxes on regular gas and on-road diesel and we commend the governor for his swift action on Oct. 6 following President Trump's executive order to suspend the enforcement of dyed diesel penalties for on-road use," Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall said. "The governor continues to utilize his executive power to deliver relief for farmers and farm families at the fuel pump. We appreciate the hard work and attentiveness of both the president and the governor responding to the needs of the farm community." Many farmers operate farm equipment in their field using red-dyed diesel, which is exempt from federal and Georgia excise taxes and therefore less expensive than standard diesel. Farmers often buy it in bulk and store it on their farms. Under normal conditions, if farmers use red-dyed diesel in vehicles on public highways they can face penalties. Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax for gas is 33.3 cents per gallon and 37.3 cents per gallon for regular diesel.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 19 Georgia’s average price for diesel on Oct. 6 was $5.80 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association, down from $6.35 per gallon on Sept. 19. The president’s action came after an Oct. 1 letter from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) requesting fuel-cost relief for farmers. The federal highway diesel tax at the time of the letter was more than 24 cents per gallon. The AFBF letter noted that 10 states, including Georgia, had taken steps to ease fuel costs. “We thank President Trump for recognizing that what happens at the fuel pump directly affects what happens on the farm and therefore at dinner tables across America,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in an Oct. 5 statement. “Allowing dyed diesel fuel to be used over-the-road will bring welcome relief for farmers because every cent per gallon matters when you're running a fleet of grain trucks or hauling cattle hundreds of miles.” Nationally, the average price for diesel was up $2.49 per gallon, from $3.71 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2025, to $6.20 per gallon on Oct. 6, 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. GROUPS LAUNCH GEORGIA SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL COALITION By Jay Stone On Sept. 30, a collection of key stakeholder groups, including Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), announced the launch of the Georgia Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition during an event in the Delta Flight Museum at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The coalition is a partnership focused on positioning the state as a national leader in SAF research and production. GFB is a founding partner in the group, along with Delta Air Lines, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Forestry Association. Fittingly, the launch event was held at the Delta Flight Museum. Multiple speakers noted that Delta got its start as a crop-dusting company. The coalition leaders noted that SAF production in the state could open new markets for Georgia farmers, particularly those who produce timber. “It's going to open new markets for our farmers to be able to grow new crops besides the fact it's going to use the trees that we already grow,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Georgia has more private-owned forestland than any other state in America, and this is going to open new markets for those pine trees that are all over Georgia for our farms.” The event included remarks from McCall, Delta President and CEO Peter Carter, Metro Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, Georgia Forestry Association President Tim Lowrimore and Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. Chamber Chief Economic Development Officer Kristi Brigman hosted a panel discussion with Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Delta Director of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Cox Enterprises The organizers referenced the airport and the fact that Georgia is the No.1 state for forestry as key assets that facilitate the advancement of SAF production. Georgia uses more than 1 billion gallons of aviation fuel a year, and the vast majority of it is used in flights originating from Hartsfield-Jackson.
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 19 The timing is significant, too. Georgia’s timber producers have taken several major hits in the past two years, with the closure of multiple paper mills and massive tree loss caused by Hurricane Helene. Complicating those factors is a new rule in the European Union placing land-use limits on timber exported to EU countries. Pike County farmer Matt Bottoms, who also serves as a GFB 5th District director, attended the SAF event and explained why timber growers need a new market for their timber. In addition to fewer mills in Georgia open to buy timber, Bottoms referenced how the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is negatively affecting timber owners. The EUDR, set to go into effect Dec. 31, 2026, requires timber products exported for sale in the EU to have been grown on land that will be reforested after the timber is cut. The land cannot be converted into pasture or cropland, though its restrictions do not apply for some other purposes, including land that is placed into solar energy generation. “I’ve got about 200 acres of timber, but with the closures of so many mills in Georgia and across the U.S., the main market for timber is overseas. I can’t cut my timber if I want to convert the timberland to pastures or grow crops,” Bottoms said. “Creating a new market is a welcome development. Hopefully if a market for sustainable aviation fuel gets going it will increase timber prices.” The Georgia General Assembly enacted House Bill 134, the Keep Georgia Forested Act, this year. The law includes new language for the Jobs and Manufacturing Tax Credit for forestry manufacturers, defined as any company that uses domestic wood in the manufacturing process, allowing the transferable job and investment tax credits to be used by new forestry manufacturers investing in Georgia. ENROLL TITLE I CROPS IN ARC/PLC PROGRAMS FOR 2026 CROPS BY DEC. 11 By Jennifer Whittaker The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has completed the base acre allocation update for farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The update was announced last fall, and signup ran from June 1 - Aug. 31. The update was authorized by provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law July 4, 2025. The base acre update gave landowners a chance to reallocate and increase base acres for Title I crops such as cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, barley, oats and more, in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years. This was the first base acre expansion USDA offered in 20 years. USDA capped the number of new base acres that could be added to 30 million nationwide. Because eligible acres submitted exceeded the limit, USDA FSA is applying an across-the-board prorated reduction of 3.69% to all newly allocated base acres. Landowners did not lose any existing base acres through the allocation process. Now that the base allocation process has ended, producers can enroll their eligible 2026 Title I crops in the ARC or PLC crop protection programs through Dec. 11, 2026. ARC County and PLC
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 19 both provide crop-by-crop protection. ARC-Individual protects the entire farm. Election changes for the 2026 crop year are optional, but producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Existing multi-year contracts ended in 2025. Producers do have the option to sign a new multi-year contract for 2026 through 2031. Producers who opt out of a multi-year contract can enroll for the 2027 crop year from Nov. 2, 2026 through March 15, 2027. If producers do not submit their 2026 crop election for ARC or PLC by Dec. 11, their election will remain the same as their 2025 election for crops on the farm, and the farm is ineligible for 2026 program year payments. Landowners cannot enroll in either program unless they have an interest in the farm. Depending on the crop, the ARC or PLC program producers choose may affect their eligibility for some crop insurance products. Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) on their planted cotton acres for that farm. Producers can now add the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) or the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) regardless of their ARC or PLC election. Previously, producers who chose to enroll their crops in either of the ARC programs were ineligible to buy SCO for the same acres but the Working Families Tax Cuts Act removed this restriction. The Texas A&M Agricultural & Food Policy Center offers an online decision tool to help producers decide which ARC or PLC program to choose using crop data specific to their farm. UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences economists advise producers to use the tool, available at https://afpc.tamu.edu/tools/farmbill/2026. To access the Texas A&M online decision tool, you will have to create a free account by providing your email address and creating a password. If you have questions, please call 1(888)890-5663. Producers who have a USDA Login.gov account may make their program elections and enroll online at www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc or they can make an appointment at their local FSA office, which can be found online at www.fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator. Crop insurance information is available at www.rma.usda.gov/. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services - to offer crop insurance. GFB has experienced crop insurance agents statewide. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com. GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR: WHERE GEORGIA GATHERS It’s October, and for the state’s farmers, that obviously means harvest, and it’s worthy of celebration. How to do it? We’d highly recommend a visit to the Georgia National Fair Oct. 8-18. The Georgia National Fair at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry is Georgia’s signature agricultural event, featuring livestock shows, the Georgia Grown Baby Barn, exhibits in the Georgia Grown Building that spotlight Georgia’s pecan, peanut, forestry and cotton
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 19 crops and a variety of other ag-based activities throughout the fairgrounds. This year’s theme is “Where Georgia Gathers.” Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is a major partner with the fair, sponsoring the daily headliner concerts that will be held at the Georgia National Stage. Concert details are provided further down in the article. GFB is also sponsoring the top five overall animals in each of the fair livestock shows, as well as the grand champion prizes in the Georgia 4-H/FFA State Market Lamb and Goat shows. Georgia 4-H and FFA students exhibiting in any of the livestock shows at the fair can pick up their “Show Your Passion” t-shirts on Thursday, Oct. 8, Friday Oct. 9 and Saturday Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the GFB tent located in front of the north side of the Foster Rhodes Beef & Dairy Arena. Exhibitor t-shirts will also be available for pickup on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the GFB tent located in front of the north side of the Foster Rhodes Beef & Dairy Arena. Stop by GFB’s booth in the Georgia Grown Building to visit with GFB staff and learn more about what Farm Bureau is doing to represent Georgia’s farmers. You can get a free GFB bag and gift item while supplies last each day and a GFB election guide that will tell you where candidates stand on issues important to agriculture. GFB members: be sure to enter to win a 5-gallon bucket full of GFB gift items that will be awarded after the fair. If you aren’t a GFB member be sure to join at our booth. The Georgia National Fair kick-off ceremony is on Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. in Reaves Arena. The opening ceremony is a time-honored tradition that brings together families, livestock exhibitors, and the community to celebrate the annual fair and Georgia’s largest industry. Guests are invited to attend and join in recognizing the Champions of the 2025 Livestock Show, honoring the dedication of Georgia’s youth in agriculture. The event will also feature a keynote speaker and kick off the fair’s Freedom 250 celebration, an observance to honor 250 years of American independence. Guests can enjoy classic fair treats and light refreshments at the ceremony, a preview to the delicious foods fair vendors will offer during the 11 days of the fair. The fair features dozens of entertainment options, including headliner concerts nine days out of the 11-day run, presented by Georgia Farm Bureau, on the Georgia National Stage located beside the big lake between the Agrilift and the midway near the south gate entrance. Concert tickets are free with fair admission. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. except SouthSide Worship on Oct. 11, which starts at 7 p.m. and Rumba Latine on Oct. 18, which starts at 6 p.m. The concert lineup: Oct. 8 – Lonestar Oct. 9 – Hanson Oct. 11 – Southside Worship Oct. 12 – Darryl Worley Oct. 13 – Fuel Oct. 14 - Tucka Oct. 15 – Jesse McCartney
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 19 Oct. 16 – Tracy Byrd Oct. 18 – Rumba Latina On Oct. 10 and 17, college football will be shown all day long on the big screen at the Georgia National Stage, weather permitting. And, of course, there the always-popular midway rides and fair food! For more information or purchase tickets, visit https://www.georgianationalfair.com/. SEE THE LATEST IN AG INNOVATION AND TECH AT SUNBELT AG EXPO The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition will celebrate its 48th Anniversary show October 20-22, 2026. Over 800 exhibitors will display and demonstrate products and welcome thousands of visitors to the 100-acre show site. Billed as North America’s Premier Farm Show and the largest Farm Show in America with field demonstrations, the Sunbelt Ag Expo brings together all segments of agribusiness, including farmers, educators, policymakers, ag enthusiasts, and families. All attending the show will see the latest innovation and technology that the agriculture industry has to offer. “The Sunbelt Expo showcases rural living enhanced with agriculture’s latest innovation and technology,” Sunbelt Executive Director Chip Blalock said. “It’s three days of fun, education, and dreaming about agriculture’s future as we work together to feed, clothe and house a growing population.” A highlight of the show is the naming of the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year during the Willie B. Withers Expo Lunch on Oct. 20. After an intensive judging process, seven state winners from across the Southeast, including Georgia, will attend the show to learn who will be selected as the overall winner. Pete Gelber, a dairy producer from Macon County, is representing Georgia. Gelber owns a more than 10,000-acre farm that is home to about 13,500 dairy cows that produce about 1.3 million pounds of milk a day. Gelber and his son, Richard, grow corn, wheat and millet to produce silage for the farm's cows. The Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year will also be announced at the lunch. Education is the key component of the show, with several hundred seminars and demonstrations offered over the three-day event. These seminars and demonstrations are taught in exhibit areas for beef, dairy, poultry, forestry, pond management, equine, and cattle management. Farmers and ranchers attending gain beneficial knowledge on the latest in cutting-edge techniques from industry leaders and university specialists. The Expo works with over 20 different education sponsors to host a strong seminar and demo schedule. These education sponsors include major universities and colleges with six of these having permanent exhibit buildings on-site. The Expo will feature Youth Educational Challenges sponsored by Hays LTI for 6th-12th graders as a competitive and fun opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge in five different content areas. Additionally, the Advocacy in Action contest sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau will be held for high school and college students with a particular interest in ag policy, law, and communication. Finally, NextGA will host a new contest for 2026 – the Youth Innovation Challenge is for students in 9th – 12th grade. Students are invited to think creatively and put their
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 19 technology skills to the test. ABAC and UGA Ag Education students are instrumental in the success of these events. Livestock seminars always draw lots of attention. The beef pavilion is of particular interest as it features Stockmanship and Stewardship with Curt Pate. Hosted by NCBA, this event allows visitors to earn BQA credits. Pate will also take his expertise to the Priefert Arena, where he will lead horseback demonstrations focused on horsemanship and handling techniques. Other livestock seminars highlight sheep and goats, equine, dairy, and poultry. University researchers are located in each barn to answer questions on the latest issues affecting the industry. Be sure to visit the fencing demonstrations at multiple locations throughout the grounds. The Backyard Garden Area focuses on topics for the specialty gardener. Flint River Fresh, created by the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) and run by Fredando Jackson, “Farmer Fredo,” will organize the display that attracts hobby gardeners and enthusiasts alike. A bounty of information on gardening tips, tools, healthy recipes, and more will be offered in the Georgia Metals Pavilion and in the demonstration garden. Be on the lookout this year for all things “pollinator bees!” A crowd pleaser is the 530-acre research farm’s field demonstrations. These demos showcase harvesting and tillage equipment for multiple crops while featuring the KMC stalk shredder and peanut harvesting implements. In addition, hay demos will include all facets of hay harvesting, from cutting to baling, and will provide visitors the opportunity to see different types and brands of hay harvesting equipment run in a true farm setting. Expo is honored to host “South Carolina from Ag to Z” in the Spotlight State building. The state has more than 22,600 farms and 4.6 million acres of farmland, according to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Commodities produced in the state range from row crops, livestock, poultry and forestry. Among the state’s top 10 commodities are broilers, turkeys, cattle and eggs in the animal product sector. Be sure to stop by the Georgia Agriculture Building at the main entrance to visit with representatives of Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The Expo always features an array of aromatic compliments of the delicious food sold within the grounds during the show. In addition, many demonstration areas, including the Aquaponics display, the Georgia Peanut Commission building, and the Georgia Grown Marketplace within the Family Living Building, host segments throughout the day with chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Be sure to stop by for a sample of some scrumptious treats. There’s never a dull moment during the 3-day show, and attendees will find there is something for the entire family. There is a daily rolling Antique Tractor Parade and the Slo-Jo Antique Tractor Pull. Don’t forget to make the Cow Milking Contest held every afternoon part of your plan. Add in rural lifestyle fun, truck, tractor, and ATV test drives, and the venue is perfect for rural enthusiasts. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is open Tuesday through Thursday, October 20-22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday. Admission at the gate is $15 per person per day. Advance and discount tickets can be purchased online. The show site is four
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 19 miles southeast of Moultrie, GA, on Hwy 133. For more information and to view the detailed event schedule, see the show website at www.sunbeltexpo.com. GA. DEPT. OF AG TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR 2027 VET LOAN REPAYMENT On Sept. 18, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced it has begun accepting applications for the 2027 cycle of the Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP). Eligible veterinarians have until Nov. 2 to submit their applications. The GVELRP provides student loan repayment assistance to licensed veterinarians who commit to practicing in designated rural areas of Georgia and delivering veterinary care for food animals in communities with critical shortages. “The GVELRP is an important investment in the future of veterinary care across rural Georgia,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “By helping veterinarians establish their practices in communities where their expertise is needed most, we are strengthening the services available to our farmers and livestock producers while supporting the health and vitality of rural communities. I encourage qualified veterinarians to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the 2027 program.” To qualify for the GVELRP, applicants must: • Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful presence in the United States • Live in Georgia • Be either a licensed practicing veterinarian or a veterinary student in their final year of study • Commit to working in an approved rural county (population of 50,000 or less) Detailed GVEDLRP information is available at https://agr.georgia.gov/vet-education-loanrepayment-program. Completed applications and inquiries about the program can be made via email to: statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov. The State Veterinary Education Board will review, determine, and announce award recipients later in the year. LTS HELPS AG FAMILIES SEND STUDENTS TO SCHOOLS OF THEIR CHOICE By Jennifer Whittaker Learning to Serve (LTS), a Georgia Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), offers scholarships to increase school choice opportunities for children of Georgia farmers and Georgia families whose income depends on agricultural businesses. These families can apply for scholarships at accredited K-12 private schools through LTS if their students are serving in the community and meet the state’s SSO eligibility requirements. SSOs were established by the Georgia Qualified Education Expense (QEE) Tax Credit Bill of 2008. LTS scholarship amounts vary based on factors such as the student’s age, the quantity and quality of the student’s community service, and the amount of the school tuition. LTS considers each student’s story individually. “The QEE Tax Credit Bill of 2008 allows businesses or individuals that pay Georgia income taxes to decide where some of their taxes are spent. Every tax dollar redirected through an SSO, like Learning to Serve, is a strategic allocation of dollars you would have to pay in state taxes,”
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 19 explained LTS Executive Director Mandy Hudson. “Businesses or individuals that allocate money to an SSO receive a Georgia income tax credit. This is not a donation.” LTS allows businesses and individuals to designate funds to a specific school or allocate them into the organization’s general fund to help where it’s most needed. Businesses and individuals have until Dec. 1 to submit tax credit applications to redirect their 2027 state income taxes to fund school choice scholarships for Georgia agriculture families through LTS. Visit www.learningtoserve.org/donor-information/ for more information and to complete the LTS tax credit application. LTS has been partnering with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) since 2024 to help Georgia farm families and Georgia families whose income depends on agriculture to earn scholarships to the schools of their choice. Students who receive LTS scholarships must complete community service hours. Since LTS and GFA began working together, 106 scholarships totaling $254,060 have been awarded to students of Georgia agriculture families in 19 counties statewide. These students have put in more than 1,000 hours of service. Hudson says that LTS recipients put in the work to earn their scholarship. LTS encourages students to serve their communities in ways that integrate their or their family’s passions and interests. Examples of ways students may do their service hours are through their church, Scouts, 4-H, FFA, animal shelters, road litter clean-ups, food pantries, Special Olympics/adaptive sports, Relay for Life, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. The main requirement of the service hours is that the student’s community service benefits others and the child grows from their service project. “These students are taking responsibility and easing the financial burden of tuition on their families while growing a heart to serve others,” Hudson says. “It’s a win for all involved.” “The tough economy that most Georgia farmers have been experiencing since 2024 have made it very hard for Georgia agriculture families to fund quality education options for their children in rural areas,” said GFA Executive Director Andrew Schmidt. “GFA appreciates the businesses and individuals who have directed their state income taxes to Learning to Serve to help families in rural Georgia overcome financial barriers to education so students can attend the schools of their choice.” Founded in 2009, LTS has awarded nearly $10 million in scholarships to 4,000 Georgia students who have served more than 30,000 hours in their communities. For more information, contact LTS’s Mandy Hudson at 404-867-3365 or mandy@learningtoserve.org. LTS student scholarship applications for the 2027-28 school year will open Feb. 1, 2027. Students may complete the application at www.learningtoserve.org from Feb. 1- March 15, 2027. To learn more about the college, technical college and UGA Veterinary College scholarships the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture annually awards or the many ag education opportunities GFA offers Georgia students, visit www.gafoundationag.org or email Andrew Schmidt at agschmidt@gafoundationag.org .
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 19 HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY PROVIDES OUTLET FOR HARVESTED DEER Georgia farmers and landowners who are managing deer populations on their property have an opportunity to turn their harvested deer into a valuable resource for those struggling to find access to food. Hunters for the Hungry (HFTH) gives hunters, farmers, and landowners an opportunity to turn those wildlife management efforts into something that directly benefits their local communities. Through HFTH’s statewide network of participating processors, donated deer are processed and distributed to local food banks and hunger relief organizations across Georgia, providing nutritious protein to families in need. Last season, more than 140,000 pounds of venison were donated through the program, providing the equivalent of more than 500,000 meals for Georgians facing food insecurity. It’s a meaningful way for landowners to support responsible wildlife management while also helping neighbors in their own communities. HFTH also has freezer trailers that can be placed on-site for landowners or hunters to use, providing a convenient option for storing donated deer right on their property until they can be transported to a participating processor. For more information about the program, participating processor and the HFTH impact across the state, visit https://gwf.org/ghfth/. SCIENCE IN SERVICE OF HUMANITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: CAES ALMANAC By Dr. Nick Place The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is in constant pursuit of excellence. Our work spans from advancing innovation at the molecular level in our labs to bringing research-based solutions directly to Georgia, producers, industries and communities. The CAES Almanac, published annually for alumni, friends and supporters, shares stories that embody our commitment to discovery and solutions. Through our newly published 2026 edition, I invite you to explore the leading edge of new technology, where CAES is advancing AI fluency and precision agriculture through new fellowships. You will go behind the scenes of the industry supporting Georgia’s signature Vidalia onion and learn how the “Fab Five” controlledenvironment agriculture team is taking the guesswork out of indoor production agriculture. From efforts to revitalize the state’s $3.4 billion dairy industry to the UGA Cooperative Extension response to the cotton jassid, the Almanac showcases CAES research and expertise in action — translating data-driven insights into practical solutions that help Georgians thrive. We also celebrate the future of leadership through our alumni, whose accomplishments demonstrate how a CAES education translates into meaningful careers that shape the global economy. Across Georgia, the impact of CAES extends far beyond campus. Through research farms, Extension offices, and partnerships with producers and agribusinesses, our faculty and staff help translate discovery into practical solutions that strengthen communities and support one of the
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 19 state's most important economic sectors. From rural development and natural resource stewardship to food production and workforce preparation, our work touches the lives of Georgians every day. As we mark the fifth anniversary of the Almanac, we celebrate the stories within these pages and the people behind them. The faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters of CAES are united by a shared purpose: advancing science that strengthens agriculture, protects natural resources and improves quality of life. Their work continues to shape a more resilient and prosperous future for Georgia and beyond. Thank you, Georgia Farm Bureau members, for being an essential part of that story. Read the full issue of the Almanac at almanac.caes.uga.edu. To request a print copy, please email CAES_stories@uga.edu, and we’ll be happy to mail one to you. Nick Place is dean and director of UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 19 PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PROPOSED WOTUS RULE Oct. 9 deadline to submit comments On Sept. 4, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army announced a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to gather public input on additional regulatory language for defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to be considered alongside the 2025 proposed rule. While WOTUS determines where federal permits are required for certain activities, waters that fall outside federal jurisdiction remain subject to regulation under state, tribal, and local law, consistent with the framework of cooperative federalism that underlies the Clean Water Act. To submit a public comment, visit https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322-15447. The the public comment period ends Oct. 9. For more information on the WOTUS rule, visit https://www.epa.gov/wotus. 2026 GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION Nov. 20 The Classic Center Athens Oct. 9 deadline to RSVP to be listed in the program Oct. 16 deadline to submit guest names This annual event celebrates the No. 1 industry in Georgia, offering an opportunity to connect with friends and support a great cause! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and Field of Dreams Reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. For more information, to buy tickets and arrange for hotel accommodations, visit www.ga-agribusiness.org/. COBB COUNTY RAISED BED WORKSHOP Oct. 13 Cobb County Farm Bureau 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Marietta Cobb County Soil and Water Conservation District will be hosting a free Raised Bed Workshop for community members interested in learning more about raised bed gardening and how to successfully grow and maintain their own garden. A free Chick-fil-A dinner will be provided to registered participants. Partnering agencies for this event include the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), Cobb County Master Gardeners, and Cobb County Farm Bureau. Attendees can learn about raised bed gardening, including helpful tips and practices for getting started, maintaining healthy plants, and making the most of your garden space. This workshop is a great opportunity for both new and experienced gardeners to learn more about growing in raised beds and ask questions from local experts. Space is limited to 30 participants, so those interested are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. Cobb County Farm Bureau is located at 2850 Powder Springs Rd. SW, Marietta, GA, 30064. Visit www.gacd.us/events/2026/10/13/cobb-county-raised-bed-workshop for registration and additional event information.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 19 KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOW Oct. 24 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison This show is 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. 2026 SUNBELT AGRICULTURAL EXPO Oct. 20-22 Spence Field Moultrie The Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition will celebrate its 48th Anniversary show October 20-22, 2026. More than 800 exhibitors will display and demonstrate products and welcome thousands of visitors to the 100-acre show site. Crowned as North America’s Premier Farm Show and the largest farm show in America with field demonstrations, the Sunbelt Ag Expo brings together all segments of agribusiness, including farmers, educators, policy-makers, ag-enthusiasts, and families. All attending the show will see the latest innovation and technology that the agriculture industry has to offer. A highlight of the show is the naming of the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. After an intensive judging process, seven state winners attend the show to learn who will be selected as the overall winner. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Admission at the gate is $15 per person per day. Advance and discount tickets can be purchased online. The Show site is four miles southeast of Moultrie, GA, on Hwy 133. For more information and to view the detailed event schedule, see the show website at www.sunbeltexpo.com. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU HAY CONTEST Oct. 30
deadline to enter
GFB Field Notes page 14 of 19 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. 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.
ABAC PCA PRO RODEO EVENT Nov. 13 & 14 ABAC Rodeo Arena Tifton Get ready for two nights of high-flying action, western entertainment and rodeo excitement as 3R Rodeo Company returns to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. The rodeo is part of Stage Lights and Rodeo Nights, a weekend of entertainment at ABAC that kicks off with country music star Tracy Lawrence at the John Hunt Auditorium on Nov. 12. For more information on the
GFB Field Notes page 15 of 19 weekend-long event, visit link.abac.edu/events. Rodeo tickets are available at here. Tickets start at $20 for general admission, with children under 6 admitted free. An enhanced VIP experience ticket is $30 each for adults and $10 for children under 6. VIP tickets are limited, so secure your seats early. From bull riding and calf roping to other classic rodeo events, fans can expect plenty of thrills under the lights at ABAC. Gates open at 5 p.m., Mutton Bustin' begins at 6 p.m., and the rodeo action kicks off at 7:30 p.m. each night. Mutton Bustin' participation is available for an additional fee. The evening will also feature Western Way Entertainment, a Sevierville, Tenn.based performance company founded by married couple Shelby LeAnne Danison and Chance Danison. The duo combines professional rodeo skills with music and western performance, bringing audiences an exciting specialty act featuring trick riding, mounted shooting, trick roping and more. UPCOMING GEORGIA CROP INSURANCE DATES Nov. 16 Production reporting deadline 2026 crops for barley, canola, oats, triticale and wheat Acreage report date for 2027 onion Nov. 20 Sales closing date for apples, blueberries and peaches Dec. 1 Sales closing date for apiculture and pasture, range and forageland Jan. 15 Production reporting deadline for apples, blueberries and peaches; Acreage reporting date for barley, oats, triticale and wheat The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia producers of these sale closing dates for the 2027 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2027 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 (and growing) experienced crop insurance agents across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE Jan. 7-9 Savannah Convention Center
Savannah
GFB Field Notes page 16 of 19 The Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is the largest educational conference and trade show in the southeastern United States that unites growers, vendors, and suppliers. Anyone with an interest in specialty crop agriculture is invited to be a part of this event. Through more than 80 hours of educational sessions, we will address food safety concerns, specific commodity issues on production practices and increased yields, and marketing strategies. Participate in our growing and dynamic trade show, where you’ll browse through more than 85,000 square feet of space filled with key suppliers and growers. There has never been a more vital time for the fruit and vegetable industry to come together for a brighter and more profitable future! For more information or to register, visit https://seregionalconference.org/. 2027 GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW Jan. 21, 2027 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tifton Don't miss out on the 50th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference! The show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with more than 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry-wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar. Registration for exhibit space is open. For more information, visit https://gapeanuts.com/farm-show/. 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
GFB Field Notes page 17 of 19 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.