October 22, 2025 www.gfb.org
USDA TO RESUME SOME FSA FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING LOANS, ARC/PLC
On Oct. 23, the USDA will resume Farm Service Agency operations, according to a social media post from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Posting on X (the platform formerly known as twitter), Rollins said more than $3 billion worth of assistance will be distributed through Farm Service Agency (FSA) core operations. These include critical services for farm loan processing, ARC/PLC payments, and other programs.
“Hopefully Congress will reach a resolution soon and end the government shutdown, but Georgia’s farmers can’t afford to wait on that. There are crops in the field to be harvested and livestock to be tended, and our farmers and ranchers must continue moving forward,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “This is a critical time in the crop year for Georgia’s farmers, many of whom need to borrow funds to support harvest operations. Plus, the farm bill provisions under ARC and PLC are key components of many farmers’ business plans, and we welcome this decision to open the FSA offices to administer these programs.”
The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1 while Congress debates a bill to fund government operations.
According to information provided by the White House, each county office will have two employees in the office five days per week performing normal functions for Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funded programs while accepting information (i.e., application intake) related to programs funded by alternative sources.
The CCC programs to be administered: Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)/ Price Loss Coverage (PLC); Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL); Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP); Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP); Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP); Tree Assistance Program (TAP); Conservation Reserve Program (CRP); Price Support Loans (sugar); Non-insured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP); and Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC)
The intake only programs to be administered: Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans; Emergency Livestock Revenue Program (ELRP) – Wildfire and Flooding; Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Phase 1; Emergency Conservation Program (ECP); and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).
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GEORGIA AGRICULTURE SHINES AT SUNBELT EXPO
Every Sunbelt Ag Expo (SAE) is special, but the sun seemed to shine a little brighter at this year’s show held Oct. 14-16 in Moultrie. Maybe that’s because Georgia had the honor of being the 2025 Expo Spotlight State, where the exhibit showed “All Roads Lead to Georgia Grown” ag products. It could also be attributed to Colquitt County vegetable farmer Kent Hamilton being named the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year.
Georgia honored as Expo Spotlight State
This is the fourth time Georgia has been featured as the show’s spotlight state since 1981, SAE Executive Director Chip Blalock said.
“We’re happy to be the spotlight state this year. All roads lead to Georgia agriculture. All roads lead to Georgia Grown,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. “Agriculture impacts every Georgian and every American. As Expo visitors walk through our building, we hope they get a sense of how vast Georgia agriculture is and how much our farmers contribute to their plates.”
A coalition of Georgia ag organizations, including Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB), supported the Georgia Department of Agriculture's (GDA) leadership in creating the spotlight state exhibit. After visitors entered the building from the east, west or south on ramps (doors), they found themselves on the Georgia Grown highway with farmstands sitting along the road they could visit to learn more about Georgia agriculture.
Staff representing the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences and UGA Extension, the Georgia Corn Growers Association, Fort Valley State University College of Agriculture, Family Sciences & Technology, Georgia Farm Bureau, the GDA and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) manned their respective organization’s roadside stands.
Colorful banners highlighting the many crops Georgia farmers grow including apples, beef, carrots, cotton, dairy, peanuts, pecans, poultry, timber, vegetables, Vidalia onions and watermelons hung from the ceiling throughout the building.
“Georgia grows everything from apples to zucchini. There’s not a letter in the alphabet that you can’t use to name a commodity grown in Georgia,” GFB President Tom McCall said at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the spotlight state exhibit. “I was stumped for a minute when I got to Q but then I remembered we’ve got bee producers who grow queen bees. Georgia is fortunate enough to have two land-grant universities, UGA and Fort Valley State. They’re both exhibiting in this building and have separate buildings so be sure to visit them to see what they’re doing to help farmers. We’re also got ABAC, which is a landmark of Georgia agriculture.”
Outside the spotlight building, Expo travelers could rest at umbrella-shaded picnic tables or relax in cushioned swings hanging from white pergolas set against scenic backdrops of a Georgia citrus grove or apple orchard. Photo murals of pecan and peach orchards and an antique farm truck offered other photo opportunities.
Hamilton named Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year
Georgia’s Kent Hamilton, CEO of Southern Valley Fruit & Vegetable, Inc., a family farm based in Norman Park, Ga., accepted the title of 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern farmer of the Year during the annual Willie B. Withers Luncheon on Oct. 14. During a moving, heartfelt speech, -continued on next page
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Hamilton dedicated the honor to his late brother, Kirk, who died from a farming accident when the two were just beginning to farm 38 years ago. Hamilton also thanked his wife, Pam, his children and extended family members and farm employees.
Southern Valley grows green beans, cabbage, trellis cucumbers, a variety of peppers and squash, sweet corn, trellis pickles and eggplant. The Hamiltons also run a herd of 100 beef cattle. The farm cultivates more than 8,500 acres in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Kent is a former president of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.
“This is an honor I wasn’t expecting because every farmer standing on this stage has an outstanding operation and is deserving of this award. I started farming with my uncle and my late brother, Kirk, in a row crop operation centered on cotton, peanuts and tobacco,” Hamilton said. “After my brother and father’s deaths, I partnered with my late mother, and we strategically changed our focus to vegetables and expanded to ensure year-round production. This is truly a family business, and I want to acknowledge the role that everyone in the family and our many dedicated employees play in making our farm a success.”
Kent and Pam have four adult children – Courtney, Kaylee, Austin and Presley. Courtney, Austin and Presley work for the farm along with Kent’s cousins and their children. Kaylee is a nurse.
Hamilton was chosen from farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. As the overall winner, Hamilton received $15,000, the use of a Massey Ferguson tractor for a year or 250 hours, a Hays Smoker Grill, a Henry Repeating Arms special edition rifle and a diesel package from Howos. Each state winner received $2,500 and an expensepaid trip to the Expo.
Hamilton is the fifth Georgian to receive the Sunbelt award. The late James Lee Adams of Mitchell County received the award in 2000; Armond Morris of Irwin County won the award in 2002; Robert Dasher Tattnall County won the award in 2010, and Philip Grimes of Tift County won the award in 2014.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp participated in many of Expo’s first day festivities, including the awards lunch. During remarks at the opening ceremony and the awards lunch, Gov. Kemp acknowledged that many Georgia farmers are still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Helene last year and are contending with hard economic circumstances.
“I’m honored to be here with you all today to spotlight agriculture. Georgia farmers and timber growers have had an incredibly tough year. Rest assured your state partners see you and are working to help you,” Kemp said during the opening ceremony. “The ongoing efforts of recovery make this event so important as it showcases the solutions to many of the problems that farmers and timber owners are facing.”
During the awards lunch, Kemp thanked members of the Georgia General Assembly for passing legislation this year that provides tax credits to help timber producers replant trees this and exempts materials farmers need to rebuild poultry houses and other livestock structures damaged by Helene. Another highlight of opening day was a ribbon cutting to dedicate the permanent building for -continued on next page
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the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Staff from PCOM South Georgia, located in Moultrie, and other health organizations, like the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, were on hand throughout Expo to provide basic health screenings like blood pressure tests and basic counseling.
2025 GEORGIA FARM DOG OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED AT SUNBELT EXPO
The Sunbelt Ag Expo has honored outstanding farmers from participating Southeastern states for 35 years. Realizing the special role farm dogs play in helping their farmers, Georgia Farm Bureau held its 2nd Annual Georgia Farm Dog of the Year contest earlier this year to honor the canine workers who help with chores and offer unconditional love on their farms.
Rooster, a red merle Australian Shepherd who lives in Putnam County with his owners, Shawn and Nikkole Raff, was named the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year during the Willie B. Withers Sunbelt Expo Luncheon on Oct. 14. As the winner, Rooster and the Raffs received a $500 gift card. Rooster was chosen from nearly 100 canine entries by a panel of judges with knowledge of farm dogs.
Rooster, who turns eight in November, stands 21 inches tall and weighs about 45 pounds. Shawn, his main person, says Rooster’s favorite treat is duck jerky.
“Rooster is our family dog, but he has picked Shawn as his person. They are two peas in a pod, and Rooster follows Shawn everywhere. Rooster is Shawn’s right-hand man,” Nikkole said. “Shawn doesn’t have to watch to see if Rooster is there, he’s always within two feet of Shawn no matter where he’s at.”
The Raffs own a beef cattle farm where Rooster helps Shawn work about 150 head of Brahman, Simmental and crossbred cattle. Rooster also accompanies Shawn to his job at Sunrise Dairy, near Eatonton, where the inseparable pair work a large herd of milking cows and replacement heifers.
“Rooster is used for just about any job you can think of involving the livestock on both farms,” Shawn said. “He sorts cattle, drives and fetches cows, moves cows up the alleyway into the chute, moves cattle during grazing rotations, and works alongside my horse to bring cattle into catch pens for vaccinations or other reasons.”
When Rooster, named for the John Wayne film Rooster Cogburn, isn’t working or competing, he loves to go for rides in the truck to check cows or to get a pup cup at the local coffee shop with the Raffs’ daughter, Dalaney. Rooster also loves to cuddle and watch television to unwind after a long day of work. The Raffs’ son, Kaleb, just enlisted in the Army.
“This award is not only about recognizing a dog's ability to help around the farm. It's also about honoring a loyal friend who is with its farmer and farm family daily and is a symbol of unwavering dedication on the family farm. The bond between a farmer and their dog is deep, built on trust and countless hours of shared labor around the farm,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “Rooster, this year’s recipient of this prestigious award embodies the essence of what it means to be a farm dog devotion beyond measure, intelligence that aids in daily tasks, and a heart that lives for his next assignment.”
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As a hobby, Rooster and Shawn compete in herd trials and belong to the Rocky Branch Working Australian Shepherd Club in Forsyth, Ga. Shawn is the club’s president. Rooster has received training from Jessica Saura with Pawsitive K9 Connections in Metter, Ga., and from Devona Pierce for herd trialing. Rooster came from Pincie Creek Australian Shepherds owned by Roger Stevens.
“Rooster would not be the herding dog he is today if it wasn’t for Devona’s help, and Roger Stevens was instrumental as well,” Shawn said. “Billie Richardson and Kellie Hunter were a very big help in developing Rooster and my herding trial skills, too.”
Georgia Farm Bureau is known for its love of dogs as Lucky, also an Australian Shepherd, has served as the GFB mascot since 2021. Visit https://gfb.ag/25farmdogcontest to learn more about the contest.
CENTRAL-CARROLL, ABAC CLAIM ADVOCACY IN ACTION TITLES
Central of Carroll County and ABAC won top prizes in the 2025 Advocacy in Action competition, the finals of which were held Oct. 15 at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultry.
The Advocacy in Action competition consists of high school and college divisions with students from around the Southeast. The event is a platform for students to showcase their knowledge, advocacy skills, and innovative ideas that can revolutionize the agricultural industry. Winners receive cash prizes.
In the final round, the top three teams in each division – high school and college – made policy pitches to each of three judges. The judges were state Rep. Jaclyn Ford, former state Rep. Clay Pirkle and Georgia Forestry Administration Vice President for Government Affairs Jake Matthews.
The subject prompt for the final round centered on legislative and industry solutions to challenges for the forestry industry, including shrinking demand, global competition and compliance with government regulations.
“I think they are learning to be comfortable with asking for help and arguing their cause,” Ford said.
Central, coached by Leanna Brown of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, took toph honors in the High School division for the second straight year. Students Frankie Kelly, Kali Merrill and Sophie Drummond made up Central’s team.
Second place went to the Florida 4-H Youth Development Team of Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne and Tommy Haws. They were coached by Meredith Stinson, a government relations representative with Georgia EMC.
The Bronson (Fla.) High School team of Kevin Arrangeli, Carson Meeks and Tegan Barber finished third. Hunter Loggins, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Business.
The ABAC team of Lydia Hill, Carlye Green and Cassidy Barnett won the College Division. ABAC was coached by Jaci Martin, a policy advisor with the office of Gov. Brian Kemp.
The Auburn University team of Caleb Mills, J.B. Rhodes and Audrey Garrett finished second, -continued on next page
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Continued from next page and the University of Georgia team of Ela Grace Ash, Amiyah Elam and Georgie Simmons took third. Auburn was coached by GFB National Affairs Coordinator Ben Parker. UGA was coached by Georgia Agribusiness Council Director of Public Affairs Jake Tench.
Overall, the contest drew 34 entries – 27 high schools and seven colleges. For the initial round of competition, each team submitted a video detailing farmers’ efforts to protect natural resources.
GOHS EVENTS STRESS SEATBELT USE, PATIENCE AROUND FARM VEHICLES
Recent events hosted by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) at the Georgia National Fair on Oct. 7 and at Sunbelt Ag Expo on Oct. 15, directed attention to the fact that during harvest season, there are typically more large farm vehicles and equipment on rural Georgia roads.
Officials at each event urged both motorists and the farm vehicle operators need to do their part to prevent what are often catastrophic accidents.
At the Oct. 16 event at Sunbelt Expo, those messages were reiterated and professional NASCAR driver Ross Chastain, an eighth-generation watermelon farmer, stressed the importance of wearing seat belts. Chastain has partnered with multiple state highway safety departments in the “Use Your Melon” campaign to promote sound decision-making behind the wheel, whether you’re driving a car, a pickup or a tractor.
“It’s easy to et in and leave the show today and not wear your seatbelt,” Chastain said. “You’re busy. We’re busy. We’re tired. We’ve walked the show. Our knees hurt and we’re just ready to go home. But taking those two seconds to buckle up could be the difference in getting home and not getting home at the end of the day. That’s all we want; we want everybody to be safe.”
Chastain urged drivers to avoid driving with any kind of impairment, whether it’s being intoxicated, using a cell phone or becoming otherwise distracted.
“It’s wild now to see and hear that there are real-life implications happening out there and people are getting injured on tractors. When you get on a tractor, you never think that’s going to be the last thing that you do,” Chastain said.
The Oct. 7 gathering focused on sharing the road. GOHS Director Allen Poole noted Georgia agriculture’s economic importance, pointing out that farm production and related industries contribute $91.4 billion to the state’s overall economy and provide more than 381,000 jobs.
“Without them, we couldn’t feed Georgia, nor could we participate in feeding the rest of the country and the world,” Poole said. “So, it’s imperative that we bring awareness to this very issue – and that’s please be responsible and share the road with our friends and neighbors.”
Poole preached patience, saying the time it takes to wait for a safe time to pass a farm vehicle on the road is a rough equivalent to sitting through two traffic lights in urban areas.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper pointed out that 43% of traffic fatalities happen on rural roads, and over a five-year period farm equipment was involved in more than 300 accidents and 10 fatalities.
“It’s real. It happens,” Harper said. “We know it happens and there’s a lot we can do working together to ensure that we address these issues.”
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Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Col. William Hitchens added that as of Oct. 7, there had been 131 crashes involving slow-moving vehicles in Georgia in 2025. Those incidents resulted in 36 people being injured and four being killed. Hitchens noted that crash data indicates that Wednesday is the day of the week with the most crashes, and the greatest percentage of the crashes happen between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., followed closely by 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
“I’m asking Georgians to put safety first and prioritize patience when passing farm equipment,” Hitchens said. “Wait for a clear, safe time to pass, and only do so when it’s legal. You have full visibility of what’s ahead. Never let frustration lead to a dangerous decision.”
While saying farmers want to get out of the way, Harper stressed that motorists need to give them a little extra time considering the size of many pieces of farm equipment. He asked drivers to pass with caution, avoid passing on double lines and in no-passing zones.
“Watch out for farm equipment. Obey speed limits. Park your phone and wear a seat belt to help protect our farmers,” Harper said.
GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR SETS ATTENDANCE RECORDS
The 36th annual Georgia National Fair welcomed 612,706 visitors from across the state and beyond, celebrating Georgia’s best in agriculture, family fun, and community tradition.
Agriculture once again took center stage, with the dedication and hard work of Georgia’s youth livestock exhibitors. Signature events included the Fair Food Fight, the Youth Livestock Shows, and multiple Georgia Grown showcases highlighting locally made products and producers.
The Georgia National Fair continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the state, supporting youth development, education, and agricultural while creating lasting family memories. The Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority is already planning for the 37th Georgia National Fair, building on this year’s excitement to deliver another unforgettable experience October 8 – 18, 2026.
The 2025 theme, “Fairadise and America 250,” offered fairgoers a perfect blend of tropical fun and patriotic pride. From vibrant island-inspired décor and entertainment to exhibits honoring the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, guests experienced a “Fairadise” filled with Georgia-grown hospitality and all-American spirit.
This year’s Fair saw three record-breaking attendance nights on the second weekend, as families and friends packed the fairgrounds to enjoy the concerts, midway rides, livestock shows, and award-winning fair food.
ALL BUT TWO GEORGIA COUNTIES EXPERIENCING DRY CONDITIONS
Georgia’s farmers likely don’t need a data set to know that the weather has been dry in recent weeks, but the Oct. 16 U.S. Drought Monitor report confirmed as much, showing that 157 of the state’s 159 counties were at least abnormally dry in some portion of their county.
Only Towns and Chatham Counties showed no drought conditions.
The Drought Monitor rates drought on a six-level scale. By increasing severity, they are none, abnormally dry, moderate drought, severe drought, extreme drought and exceptional drought.
The Drought Monitor’s drought intensity map for the state showed 13 counties in Southwest Georgia in which some portion of the county had extreme drought: Baker, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas, and Tift and Worth.
Another 43 had abnormally dry conditions in some portion of their county, while 60 had moderate drought and 41 counties had severe drought conditions.
According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s quantitative precipitation forecast from Oct. 22, no portion of the state is expected to get more than an inch of total rain through Oct. 29.
Longer term, NOAA’s seasonal temperature outlook released Oct. 16 indicated likely abovenormal temperatures and likely below-normal precipitation for Georgia in December, January and February.
CHINA HALTS BUYING U.S. SOYBEANS WHILE THE TWO LEVY PORT FEES
U.S. soybean producers are unwilling participants in the growing trade conflict the United States has with China, which halted purchases of U.S.-grown soybeans in September, the first time the Asian nation has nixed buying U.S. soybeans since 2018.
Meanwhile, on Oct. 14, the U.S. began levying port fees ranging from $50 per ton to $56 per ton on ships with connections to China, and China responded by levying similar fees on ships with ties to the U.S. - those flying the U.S. flag, built in the U.S., or owned, partially owned, or operated by U.S. companies.
In 2023, Georgia growers produced $104.7 million worth of soybeans, according to the UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development. Brooks County was the state’s top soybean producer, with the crop occupying 11,073 acres and a farm gate value of more than $6 million.
While soybean prices have hovered for the past year between $935/bu and $1,068/bu - still significantly lower than in mid-2022 when the peaked at $1733.80 - recent news that the two nations are planning to meet at the end of October has prompted some optimism among soybean producers and a small uptick in prices, from $993 on Oct. 6 to $1,028 on Oct. 20. (Brownfield Ag News.)
(These sales prices can be found at https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/soybeans.)
China has long been a major export destination for U.S. soybeans, but the Chinese have diminished their dependence on the U.S. for the past decade, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Oct. 2 Market Intel. China instead has purchased the soybeans it needed from Brazil, Argentina and other nations.
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Even before the September buying freeze, U.S. soy exports to China had curtailed significantly. In 2024, China accounted for about half of all U.S. soybean exports, at 985 million bushels.
Through August, U.S. soybean exports to China in 2025 totaled 218 million bushels, which AFBF says is part of a longer trajectory in which China has diversified away from American agriculture. For U.S. farmers, this shift has meant fewer sales, a growing agricultural trade deficit and greater uncertainty about the future role of China as a market for American agriculture.
Farmers are facing an extraordinary challenge of declining export opportunities, falling crop prices and rising costs. Without reliable access to key markets, U.S. farm products risk piling up at home, putting downward pressure on prices and tightening margins. USDA’s latest forecast underscores that challenge: cash receipts from crop sales are projected to fall 2.5% from $242.7 billion in 2024 to $236.6 billion in 2025, the lowest level since 2007. The reduction reflects both lower prices and reduced sales volume. For many farmers, weaker demand abroad is compounding financial strain at home, turning strong harvests into tighter margins.
While trade with China may rebound in certain years, the larger picture points toward market diversification as the best path forward. Farmers will need access to new markets to sustain incomes and manage risk in a more volatile global trade environment.
Agriculture’s role as a cornerstone of the U.S. economy depends on strong trade flows. Policy decisions in the months ahead on tariffs, trade agreements and export promotion will play a major role in shaping the outlook for the farm economy in 2026 and beyond. For U.S. farmers, the stakes are high and the need for dependable trade partners has never been more dire.
To read the Oct. 2 Market Intel in its entirety, click here
WHITE HOUSE HINTS AT PURCHASING BEEF FROM ARGENTINA
On Oct. 19, President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. buying beef produced in Argentina might be a way to reduce consumer food costs, according to multiple published reports.
Major agricultural groups expressed concern that purchasing beef from other countries could worsen and already challenging economic landscape for U.S. beef producers.
In an Oct. 20 statement, American Farm Bureau (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall noted that America’s beef producers have been losing money for several years, and the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest point in decades due to weather challenges and low farm gate prices.
“Weakened cattle prices are the last thing needed in farm country, where farmers are being paid historically low prices for crops across the board while expenses remain high,” Duvall said.
Duvall urged the White House to take adverse consequences for American farmers under consideration before importing beef and cattle from other countries.
“Flooding markets with foreign-grown beef could affect our nation’s ability to be food independent in the long-term. We look forward to learning more about the president’s plan, and we stand ready to work with him to ensure farmers and ranchers can survive this economic storm,” Duvall said.
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“This plan only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers, while doing nothing to lower grocery store prices,” Woodall said. “Additionally, Argentina has a deeply unbalanced trade relationship with the U.S. In the past five years Argentina has sold more than $801 million of beef into the U.S. market. By comparison, the U.S. has sold just over $7 million worth of American beef to Argentina.”
The NCBA noted Argentina’s history of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle and voiced concerns that if introduced to the U.S., it could decimate domestic livestock production.
The NCBA has initiated a messaging campaign for producers to contact their congressmen regarding any purchase of Argentinian beef. That campaign can be accessed here.
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KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOW
Oct. 25
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 $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.
FORESTRY UPDATE AND FIELD DAY
Oct. 29 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lyons
This workshop, sponsored by UGA Extension, the UGA Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission, will feature presentations on lowering loblolly planting densities; comparing slash, longleaf, loblolly pines; wood yields and economics; and pine study area tours. Participation is limited to the first 75 registrants. CFE and CLE credits have been applied for. To register, contact the Evans County Extension Office at 912-739-1292.
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.
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USDA FLOOD/WILDFIRE FUNDS FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
Oct. 31 deadline to apply
On Sept. 12, The USDA announced eligible livestock producers will receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) 2023 and 2024 FW program to help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to a qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire disasters. The program is expected to provide approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits. Livestock producers have until Oct. 31 to apply for assistance. To streamline program delivery, FSA has determined eligible counties with qualifying floods and qualifying wildfires in 2023 and 2024. For losses in these counties, livestock producers are not required to submit supporting documentation for floods or wildfires. A list of approved counties is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elrp. Most Georgia counties are eligible for flood loss assistance due to weather in September 2024. Eligible producers can receive up to 60% of one month of calculated feed costs for a qualifying wildfire or three months for a qualifying flood using the same monthly feed cost calculation that is used for LFP. ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire and ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW have a combined payment limit of $125,000 for each program year. Producers who already received the maximum payment amount from ELRP 2023 and 2024 for drought and wildfire will not be eligible to receive an additional payment under ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW. Eligible producers may submit form FSA-510, Request for an Exception to the $125,000 Payment Limitation for Certain Programs, to be considered for an increased payment limit of $250,000.
AFBF THANKSGIVING DINNER COST SURVEY
Nov. 1-6 at your local grocer It’s almost time to kick off AFBF’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey! Each year, AFBF reports on the average retail cost of a traditional meal for 10 people. Help from farmer and rancher members across the country makes this possible. Whether you check prices online or in the store, your input helps AFBF create a national snapshot of Thanksgiving meal costs. These contributions also reinforce Farm Bureau’s role as a trusted source of information and help connect our policy priorities with everyday consumer experiences. How to Participate (Nov. 1-6): Gather local retail prices for common Thanksgiving meal staples; submit them using this mobile-friendly survey link: http://fb.org/turkeysurvey. A news release and social posts on the results will go live on Nov. 19. Contact AFBF’s Cyndie Shearing (202-406-3649, cyndies@fb.org) or Quentin Slater (202406-3624, qslater@fb.org) with questions.
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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 who is running as the Republican candidate. Alicia Johnson is running as the Democratic candidate. 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. Fitz Johnson is running as the Republican candidate and Peter Hubbard won the Democratic primary.
LEADERSHIP GFB
Nov. 10 application deadline
Leadership GFB will equip rising and current GFB leaders with the tools they need to successfully advocate for agriculture, develop their leadership skills, and embody the organization’s grassroots mission. The program will offer professional networking opportunities, expand the agricultural knowledge of members and, ultimately, develop a team of trained advocates who can function as an outreach team. Up to 12 GFB members will be selected to participate in this year-long program, which will include events in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Macon, North Georgia, South Georgia and the GFB Convention on Jekyll Island. Eligibility requirements: Applicants must be 21 or over by Dec. 31 and be a GFB member in good standing; members serving on the 2026 GFB Women’s Leadership or Young Farmers & Ranchers committees are not eligible; cost is $500 per participant, due after the individual is selected for the program. Tuition can be paid by the individual or sponsored by the participant’s employer or county Farm Bureau; spouses may not participate in the same program year. Information regarding the program can be found at https://gfb.ag/leadershipGFB. Applicants should complete the application online at https://gfb.ag/LEADGFB The application includes questions about the applicant’s background, agricultural and GFB involvement. County Farm Bureaus that plan to sponsor an applicant must complete the sponsorship form, which is to be signed by the county Farm Bureau president. Applicants will be notified of their selection for the interview portion of the selection process program by Nov. 21. In-person interviews (for select applicants) will be Dec. 16 or 17 at the GFB home office in Macon. Final selection decisions will be sent to applicants who were interviewed by Dec. 22. For more information, contact your district federation manager or email leadership@gfb.org.
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GFB 2ND DISTRICT YF&R FALL MEETING
Nov. 11 Jaemor Farms, 5340 Cornelia Hwy. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Alto
Come early to purchase something at Jaemor’s Market or Bakery before the meeting. Stay for dinner and learn about how to maximize your Member Benefits from GFB’s Director of Member Services, Jay Murdock. Children are welcome! Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. To register, visit www.gfb.ag/D2YFRMeeting by Nov. 3.
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.
FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP WITH FLINT RIVER SWCD
Nov. 19 Mitchell County Ag Center, 4590 Hwy. 37 E 9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Camilla
A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners. This free workshop is sponsored by the Flint River Conservation District. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. There will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. Partnering agencies include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, click here.
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PRODUCE SAFETY ALLIANCE GROWER TRAINING
Nov. 20
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.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE CONFERENCE
Jan. 8-10 Savannah Convention Center Savannah
Dec. 12 Early bird reservation deadline
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! Activities include the always-popular trade show, a comprehensive lineup of educational sessions, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Annual Meeting, and more. Key workshop topics include pre-harvest ripening and quality management, the Endangered Species Act and food safety. For more information or to register, visit https://seregionalconference.org/registration-3/.
2026 GACD SCHOLARSHIPS
Dec. 31 application deadline
To encourage study and careers in soil and water conservation related fields, GACD administers one $1,000 scholarship each year. The scholarship is given to high school students or undergraduate/graduate students majoring in, or intending to major in, a soil and water conservation related area. The scholarship recipient will be honored at GACD's Annual Meeting in 2026. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.gacd.us/scholarships
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AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION/BASF SCHOLARSHIP
Dec. 31 deadline to apply
Do you know an outstanding high school senior who is interested in pursuing a career in agriculture? Strong agriculture leaders are vital to the sustainability and growth of the soybean industry, and the American Soybean Association, in partnership with BASF, wants to provide a student interested in agriculture with a college scholarship to begin their degree. The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000, one-time award presented to a high school senior who plans to pursue agriculture as an area of study at any accredited college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarship is managed by ASA and made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 7 – Dec. 31, 2025. Click here to learn more information about the program. The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the 2026-27 school year. The student must be a child or grandchild of a current state soybean association/ASA member, maintain successful academic progress, and remain in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. A committee of soybean grower leaders will select the ASA BASF scholarship recipient. The award winner will be announced this winter. For more information, please visit www.soygrowers.com. ASA and BASF have recognized and rewarded students for their hard work and interest in agriculture through the Soy Scholarship since 2008.
49TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW
Jan. 15, 2026 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tifton Make plans to attend the 49th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference set for Jan. 15, 2026. The show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and includes the UGA Peanut Production Seminar, the Farm Show Luncheon & Awards and a blood drive. 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. For more information, visit https://gapeanuts.com/farm-show/.
UGA WARNELL SCHOOL OF FORESTRY BOBWHITE QUAIL SURVEY
The Martin GAME Lab at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA is looking for private landowners in Georgia to take part in a brief survey about their opinions on bobwhite quail management for a study titled “Bobwhite Restoration, Incentives, and Research.” The purpose of the study is to better understand landowners’ opinions on bobwhite quail management and cost-share programs landowners would enroll in to manage their properties for bobwhite quail. Visit https://ugeorgia.ca1.qualtrics.com/.../SV_3aRgLcUioS8uy0u to take the study. Thank you in advance for helping with in this study.
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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 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.