November 9, 2022 www.gfb.org Vol. 4 No. 23
FIRST WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT, HOW TO
With humorist Jane Jenkins Herlong providing entertainment and groups of panelists offering tips for life, advocacy and literacy, the inaugural Women in Ag Summit focused on improving and enhancing the lives of female agriculturalists. The Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee hosted the event.
The event, held in Peachtree City Nov. 4 and 5, acknowledged the vital role women play in rural and agricultural life. Activities included a tour of Country Gardens Farm in Newnan and a networking and entertainment reception.
Herlong, following the HER acronym honor, evolve, rise shared stories from her life, a journey from being a farmer’s daughter who had only flannel shirts and corduroy pants for clothing to appearing in the Miss America pageant. She shared themes from her new book, Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep Fried South.
“You kind of have to do life like you do tea,” Herlong said. “You have to be seasoned. You have to be steeped. And then you have to be steamed.”
The trick, she said, was to work through all this and keep sight of the things that bring joy.
“The thing we have to be most careful of is not to lose sugar,” Herlong said. “I call that the humor in life. What makes you lose your humor? When you get stressed.”
In a breakout session titled The Art of the Side Hustle Choosing the best ‘Yes.,’ Laura Jensen of Jensen Reserve in Loganville, Wilcox County ag teacher Addie Tucker, and Gordon State College Director of Career Services Dr. Tonya Moore offered their experiences in time and life management. One key: Make room for your life's passions and ways to prioritize involvements so you can pursue your passions.
Tucker, who serves as a foster parent and has two children of her own in addition to her full time job, long wanted to raise pygmy goats. When she got to the point where she felt she could try it, she realized she did not have enough time and resources to devote to it to make it successful. Then she tried gardening and found her happy place.
“I realized I didn’t have time for goats,” Tucker said. “I didn’t have time for that hustle. The garden fits. You just learn what things work for your life and what doesn’t.”
Moore also serves as the Gordon State athletic director and when she isn’t tending to her duties with the college, she and her husband, Ricky, run a marriage ministry, which she refers to as her ‘sweet spot,’ the thing she’s passionate about and wants to devote time to outside of her main -continued on next page
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“My research shows that if you’re healthy at home, you’re also healthy at work,” Moore said. “Because what you’re doing at home spills over into the workplace. We take it with us everywhere. We just try to help couples build a legacy in a healthy way.”
All three panelists conveyed a need to lean on faith. Jensen, who raises Meishan hogs for her butcher shop and farm store, said for her leaning on faith means taking a step back when a crucial decision is weighing on her.
“There are constantly things coming at me from every single direction,” Jensen said. “What I find is that things that really challenge me and I’m not sure which direction to go, then I just sit back and I look for that sign, that message, that finding your sweet spot kind of thing. Every time I step out on faith, I’m rewarded for it.”
In another session titled Ladies and Legislators Leveraging Your Voice, state Reps. Patty Bentley (D Butler) and Beth Camp (R Concord) shared their experiences in the Georgia General Assembly and ways to approach communicating with elected officials.
The two legislators agreed that while emails, phone calls and texts are valuable, but they should be done in your own words.
“Please do not send a form letter. Those form letters, we get tons of them, and it says the exact same thing,” Camp said. “You telling me why you’re for or against it and signing your name, has so much more impact than a rote message.”
Still, both representatives said the most effective approach is in face to face meetings.
“I really like to schedule appointments with constituents to sit down and let’s talk face to face about the situation and come up with a way to resolve that situation,” Bentley said.
They also made it clear that moving from idea to state law is seldom a quick process. Most laws take multiple legislative sessions before they get to the governor’s desk for approval.
“I know that I’ve had issues brought to me that I was not aware of and it lets you get those issues and do some research on it. It could be the greatest idea ever and you can draw up legislation, but it may never see the light of day in committee. It’s a long process,” Camp said.
Bentley and Camp also noted that their jobs mainly deal with issues at the state level. They give referrals to local or federal officials when warranted.
For contact information for your state legislators, visit www.legis.ga.gov/
The Women in Ag Summit included a session devoted to Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program. The session, titled AITC is the Key to Ag Literacy, featured 2021 GFB Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Natalie Murray from Mirror Lake Elementary School in Douglas County.
Murray, a music teacher who was asked to oversee the school’s raised bed garden, provided tips and techniques for conducting AITC lessons.
“I want to teach students where their food comes from, the importance of caring for the environment and the importance of making healthy food choices,” said Murray, who partners with Mirror Lake art teacher Julia Sweeney.
Murray emphasized that she had no agriculture background when she first started teaching in the school garden, so she brought in subject matter experts like arborists and the Georgia Mobile continued on next page
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Dairy Classroom to provide the best information.
Of course, her delivery includes musical and art elements, too, like YouTube videos featuring songs about food or plants or animals or instructional videos on how to draw ag related pictures.
On a regular basis, the school has what Murray calls Try Day Friday, where students get to sample food items related to the current lesson.
“Any time you can reach the taste buds, you’ve got them,” Murray said. “Most of all, we have fun. That’s the main thing I want our students to take away is that learning can be fun.”
Session participants were provided copies of the book, Seed Soil Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food, by Cris Peterson, as well as packets of seeds, informational materials about the GFB AITC program and a poster, The Plant Parts We Eat, from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
Murray and GFB Educational Programs Coordinator Lauren Goble shared how to find resources for classroom use. To access many of these online, visit https://www.gfb.org/ag in the classroom/about.cms
A fourth session, titled Crucial Conversations Right Question. Right Answer. Right Time., was led by author Betty Wolanyk, who showed ways to interact with consumers who have questions about their food.
FARM CITY WEEK HIGHLIGHTS AN UNBEATABLE COMBO
Farms and cities. Farmers and consumers. It’s an interdependent relationship. People need food, clothing and shelter. Farmers grow our food and fiber and raise timber for our homes. Farmers need the companies that buy their crops and turn them into nutritious food products. We all depend on truck drivers and railroad workers to get the fresh farm commodities and finished food products to our grocery store shelves.
As the holidays draw near, Georgia Farm Bureau invites you to celebrate this relationship by observing Farm City Week Nov. 16 23.
Farm City Week highlights the relationship between Georgia farmers and their partners in urban areas who prepare, transport, market, retail and serve the food and fiber farmers grow for consumers. Kiwanis International began Farm City Week in 1955 to increase the understanding of the partnership between urban and rural residents.
Reading books about farming to students, working with teachers to have students send thank you letters to farmers and hosting meals that bring farmers and community leaders together are just a few of the activities county Farm Bureaus will hold in communities across Georgia as their schedules allow to mark this annual event
“When farmers and our urban partners work together, everybody wins. Everyone plays a role, and farmers are thankful that our transportation workers, food processing companies, grocery stores and our consumers all contribute,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “Our state’s farmers and agribusinesses strive every day to produce food, clothing, shelter and other items necessary for American life.”
Agriculture is Georgia’s largest economic sector, and farmers depend on their partners in town such as bankers, Extension agents, equipment and supply salesmen, to keep the agricultural continued on next page
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In 2020, food and fiber production plus the related industries involved with processing and delivering products to consumers contributed $69.4 billion to Georgia’s economy according to the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development (CAED). Agriculture and its related industries also contributed 352,430 jobs in Georgia in 2020.
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Georgia has about 41,300 farms producing food and fiber on an estimated 10.2 million acres.
In 2020, the top ten commodities Georgia farmers grew were broilers, cotton, peanuts, beef, timber, greenhouse plants, corn, blueberries, dairy and hay, according to the University of Georgia’s CAED. In 2020, Georgia led the U.S. in the production of broilers (chickens grown for meat), peanuts and pecans USDA reports show. Georgia ranked second in the U.S. for the amount of cotton, cotton seed and watermelons grown. Georgia farmers grew the third largest quantity nationwide of cantaloupes and peaches in 2020.
Farm City Week is a great time to discuss how the economy impacts farmers and consumers. When you look at the price of groceries, note that in 2020 farmers received an average of only 16 cents of every dollar spent on food at home and away from home, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. The rest of the dollar goes to wages and materials for food preparation, marketing, transportation and distribution, all of which have increased in price, too.
GEORGIA HAS 15 FFA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
The Georgia FFA Association’s success at the 95th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, was highlighted by 15 national champions. Among Georgia’s national titles were the American Star in Agribusiness and American Star in Agriscience, five national proficiency award winners, three national Agriscience Fair award winners, and the nation’s Outstanding Middle School chapter.
Erik Robinson, a member of the Effingham County FFA chapter, and a student at the University of Georgia, presided over the convention as the retiring 2021 2022 National FFA Southern Region vice president. Robinson took a year of absence from UGA to serve the National FFA Organization.
Kaitlyn Hart, a member of the Colquitt County FFA chapter, was named the 2022 American Star in Agribusiness. Kaitlyn joined FFA as a sophomore and was quickly introduced to the world of horticulture and floral design. From the skills she learned in her agricultural education classes, Hart started her own floral design business. She creates arrangements for events and weddings across the state. A total of 4,306 FFA members from across the nation received the prestigious American FFA Degree in 2022. Among those recipients, the top four in the Agribusiness category were named finalists. Hart interviewed as a finalist and was named the national winner on stage during the 6th session of the convention. Hart is a graduate of Colquitt County High School in Moultrie. Her agricultural education teachers were Will Burt, Morgan Gaines, Hannah Roberts, Michael Schwarz and Adrienne Smith.
Marin Lonnee, a member of the Oconee County FFA chapter, was named the 2022 American Star in Agriscience. Lonnee started researching various topics focused on sustainability starting in the fourth grade. Since then, Lonnee has expanded her research into projects focusing on continued on next page
Continued from previous page hydroponics, plant pathology, plant breeding and even structural development. Lonnee was chosen as one of the four finalists in the Agriscience category and after an in depth interview process, was named the national winner on Friday of the convention. Lonnee is a graduate of Oconee County High School in Watkinsville. Her agricultural education teachers were Chelsea Begnaud and John Collins.
Four Georgia chapters earned 1st place finishes in Career/Leadership Development Events at the convention. Georgia CDE/LDE success was highlighted by Banks County (Forestry CDE and Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems CDE), Cambridge (Agricultural Communications CDE), and Irwin County (Chloe Paulk, Employment Skills LDE). Georgia’s other top 5 finishers in CDE/LDEs include Mossy Creek Middle (4th place Conduct of Chapter Meeting LDE), Anna Grace Hunter of C.A. Gray Jr. High (3rd place Creed Speaking LDE), and White County (4th place Veterinary Science CDE.)
One hundred and fifty four Georgia FFA members received the prestigious American FFA Degree, the highest degree offered to an active member. These students spent years developing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs to reach this honor. Less than 1% of FFA members receive the prestigious American FFA Degree. In addition to Kaitlyn Hart and Marin Lonnee, Madison County FFA member Cory Yarbrough was named a national finalist (top 4) for the American Star in Agricultural Placement award.
To see a complete list of Georgia’s 2022 American FFA Degree recipients, click here (https://www.georgiaffa.org/docs/93316_GA%20 %20American%20Degree%20Recipients.pdf)
The Franklin County Middle FFA chapter was named the nation’s Outstanding Middle School chapter as part of the National Chapter Award program. Franklin County Middle was one of five national finalists for the award, including Bonaire Middle School, Carver Middle (Monroe, GA), Screven County Middle, and Youth Middle (Loganville, GA), all of Georgia. Each chapter had students make a presentation explaining their chapter’s activities in the Growing Leaders, Building Communities, and Strengthening Agriculture portions of the FFA Program of Activities. Anna Watkins is the agricultural education teacher and FFA Advisor at Franklin County Middle School. Logan Bennett of Colquitt County (Diversified Crop Production Placement), Ellie Williams of Northwest Whitfield (Equine Science Placement), Joan Tovar Martinez of Sumter County (Grain Production), Devin Boyer of Franklin County (Nursery Operations), and Dallas Sills of White County (Swine Production Entrepreneurship) were each named national FFA proficiency award winners for success in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. Only four students in the nation are named National Finalists in each of 45 proficiency areas. Georgia had 21 national proficiency award finalists and five proficiency winners.
Georgia FFA’s three winners in the national Agriscience Fair included Carah Pulliam and Chloe Pulliam of Franklin County (Food Products and Processing Division 6); Madeline Glaze and Aaliyah Turk of Youth Middle (Plant Systems Division 2); and Katie Spivey and Fraser Knapek of Perry (Social Science Division 4).
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Georgia was represented well by four chapters who were chosen as finalists in this award program. Eastside FFA was named as a finalist continued on next page
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Continued from previous page (top 10) in the Premier Chapter Growing Leaders division. Berrien County & Commerce chapters were named as finalists (top 10) in the Premier Chapter Building Communities division. The Screven County chapter was a finalist (top 10) in the Models of Excellence division of the National Chapter Award program.
Thirty six Georgia chapters received a national 3 Star ranking, the highest ranking offered in the National Chapter Award program. Georgia’s 3 Star chapters are Apalachee, Atkinson County, Berrien County, Bonaire Middle, Carver Middle, Central Middle, Clinch County, Commerce, Commerce Middle, Cook County Middle, Creekview, Denmark, Eastside, Etowah, Franklin County, Franklin County Middle, Haralson County, Islands, Jefferson City, LaFayette Middle, Loganville Middle, Newton College and Career Academy, Northside Middle, Oconee County, Oglethorpe County, Oglethorpe County Middle, Pataula Charter, Peach County, Pepperell, Pierce County Middle, Screven County, Screven County Middle, Summerville Middle, Treutlen County, Winder Barrow, and Youth Middle.
Nine Georgians received the Honorary American FFA Degree for their outstanding contribution to Agricultural Education and the FFA. Georgia’s recipients of the Honorary Degree included: Danny Bartlett, Sabrina Davis, Dr. Ronnie Thomas, Todd Claxton, Representative Robert Dickey, Christa Steinkamp, Andy Paul, and Dr. Eric Rubenstein. Also, Dr. James Woodard was presented with a VIP Citation which honors the dedication of individuals who contribute to the FFA mission of student success through their hard work and cooperation.
A complete set of results and a variety of highlights from the 95th National FFA Convention can be found here (https://www.georgiaffa.org/docs/sidemodules/17386_Georgia%20Results%20Summary%20 %20General%20 %202022.pdf)
GFB SPONSORS GA MARKET GOAT & LAMB GRAND
CHAMPIONS
Georgia Farm Bureau supported Georgia’s 4 H and FFA livestock programs by sponsoring the species grand champion prizes for the Georgia Jr. Market Wether, Market Doe and Market Lamb Shows held Oct. 7 19 at the Georgia National Fair. These three shows are part of the Georgia Junior National Livestock Program. The Ga. Jr. shows for other species are held each February. GFB also sponsored prize premiums for all of the livestock shows at the fair.
Market Wether Aly Corzine, Houston County
Veterans High School FFA member Aly Corzine won the Georgia Jr. Market Wether Grand Champion prize of $1,500 on Oct. 7 at the Georgia National Fair. The freshman won with a Boer cross goat Aly described as having “a strong skeletal structure and depth of back.” She named it Dopey for his large ears and eyes.
Aly, the daughter of Chris and Andrea Corzine of Houston County, has been showing goats for nine years and hogs for about seven years.
“When I was in kindergarten, I told my Dad I wanted to show goats. With my dad’s job of being an ag teacher we would come watch people show goats,” Aly said. “There are so many people who are here working so that all of us students can show. I’m so thankful for all of the help I’ve been -continued on next page
Continued from previous page given in the nine years I’ve shown.
In addition to Aly’s goat winning grand champion wether, she also won the Ga. Jr. Market Wether 9th Grade Showmanship award and was named Supreme FFA Goat Showman (6th 12th grades) showing the same wether.
Dr. Scott Greiner, a Virginia Tech professor and Extension specialist, judged the wether show.
Market Doe Cheyne Norton, Grady County
Grady County 4 Her Cheyne Norton continued a family tradition when he exhibited the 2022 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Doe to win $1,500. Both his older sister, Lily, and cousin, Tanner, have previously won this award. Last year Cheyne won the grand champion market wether prize.
The son of Chad and Brandi Norton, Cheyne has been showing livestock for 10 years. He also shows sheep and shows hogs on the county level.
“It’s way less expected this year,” Cheyne said. “It’s great to win, but I just didn’t think I had the goat to do it. Two days before we came to the fair, I was planning on bringing a different goat but decided to bring Judy because she’s bigger.”
That’s Judy as in Big Booty Judy or Thicker Than A Snicker, Cheyne’s two nicknames for his prize winning doe that he’s worked with since March.
Cheyne is a sophomore at Cairo High School.
Dr. Scott Greiner, a Virginia Tech professor and Extension specialist, judged the doe show.
Market Lamb Rachel Hayes, Decatur County
After showing sheep seven years, Decatur County 4 Her Rachel Hayes won the 2022 Georgia Jr. Grand Champion Market Lamb prize of $1,000.
“It’s always a goal, of course, but I did not expect this. It was hard work and determination,” Rachel said. “It takes a lot of time and work. I enjoy putting in the work. It gives me something to do. I love the animals. I always have. I love the people I meet doing it. I’ve met so many friends through the livestock industry and I just love being in the barn.”
The daughter of Brian and Lindsey Hayes, Rachel is a senior at Bainbridge High School.
Rachel won the top prize with a black face lamb named Mav, short for Maverick from the movie “Top Gun.”
“We always name our sheep after a movie character,” Rachel said. She started showing lambs after her older brother started.
Chase McPhaul, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent from Reagan County, Texas, judged the market lamb show.
UGA CAES PARTNERS WITH DALAN TO DEVELOP HONEY BEE VACCINE
Vaccines are a proven benefit in the world of animal science. People have vaccinated both pets and livestock for decades.
Soon, beekeepers may be able to protect their colonies through vaccination. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Dalan Animal Health have teamed up to advance the world’s first honey bee vaccine.
“You don’t have to look far to know honey bees are having a lot of problems right now. Hives will die unless you intercede with herculean efforts,” said Keith Delaplane, professor in the CAES continued on next page
Continued from previous page Department of Entomology and director of the UGA Bee Program.
Depending on the queen
How to vaccinate a honey bee? It won't come down to tiny syringes. The research is focused on a different delivery method: candy for the queen.
Inherited immunity, according to Delaplane, involves the queen incorporating fragments of bacterial cells into her eggs. The egg contains the antigen, which in turn creates and promotes an immune response. The current project calls for feeding queen bees Dalan’s proprietary vaccine after which the inoculated queen, for the remainder of her lifetime, will produce worker bees that are primed to be immune against that pathogen.
“In a perfect scenario, the queens could be fed a cocktail within a queen candy the soft, pasty sugar that queen bees eat while in transit,” Delaplane said. “Queen breeders could advertise ‘fully vaccinated queens.’”
There is also some evidence that immunized worker bees could pass immunity to their sisters. As they age, Delaplane said, bees go through a series of predictable tasks cleaning cells, feeding larvae, processing honey, foraging and guarding the nest. If an immunized nurse bee feeds her larval sisters, it could give them immunity. He likened the relationship to the mother baby relationship of lactating mammals where immune benefits are transferred through breastmilk.
Solving a global bee pandemic
The diseases seen today in beekeeping are global pandemics, according to Kleiser. Bees are sent worldwide and, while there are strict measures to prevent the spread, containment is impossible.
“This work with Keith is really, really important. One of the reasons is that this work is so new,” Dalan co founder and CEO Annette Kleiser said. “There are no guidelines, no handbook. We are developing, together with Keith, what will be the gold standard for these trials. It’s really exciting; it is the first of its kind. When you engage with the regulators moving forward, this is what they will look at.”
The team is currently working on American foulbrood (AFB), one of the most fatal of bacterial diseases, Delaplane said. Once they succeed with a vaccine against bacterial disease, he has his eye on an even more complicated problem tackling the viruses that can easily decimate hives.
“It is trickier to create inherited immunity with viruses, yet viruses are front and center in all literature about bee health problems,” he added. “They have proven to be an intractable problem my hope is that this partnership can lead to a viral vaccine.”
Putting insect health on the map “People don’t understand how hard it is to keep bees alive,” Delaplane said. “I can’t imagine a more frightening branch of agriculture to be in. It takes ceaseless attention.”
Once released, Delaplane added, these vaccines would be a game changer for beekeepers who have had few resources except supportive therapies for decades.
“We are putting insect health on the map,” Kleiser said. “It will have a huge impact, not just on what we learn, but opportunities for students and for jobs that don’t currently exist.”
While the potential benefits are concrete, timelines especially on a totally novel, first in class regulated vaccine are hazier. Dalan is at the final stages of the approval process to obtain a conditional license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Veterinary Biologics continued on next page
Continued from previous page (CVB), according to Kleiser.
“For us, it was important to establish (the honeybee vaccine) as an animal vaccine, just like a chicken or swine or cattle vaccine, that is regulated by the USDA CVB; they oversee the approval of animal vaccines,” Kleiser said. “Once the vaccine is filled in bottles, the final steps in the detailed review process are confirmatory testing by the CVB laboratories for purity, etc. It is difficult to predict the timing, as much is out of our hands, though the CVB has been remarkably adaptive and flexible in our submissions as we go through the registration process for this novel product.”
The team is gearing up for that release ahead of the approaching 2023 honey bee season.
To learn more about the UGA Bee Program, visit https://bees.caes.uga.edu. For project updates on the AFB vaccine for honey bees, visit www.dalan.com
KEMP EXTENDS SUSPENSION OF FUEL TAX; DIESEL COSTS STRAIN FARMERS;
In Georgia, the cost for diesel averaged $4.96 per gallon on Nov. 8 and has tracked slightly below the national average according to the American Auto Association, but still up $1.44 per gallon over the same time in 2021.
Amid concerns about diminished fuel supplies Gov. Brian Kemp signed two executive orders on Nov. 4 extending the temporary suspension of the state motor fuel and locomotive fuel tax as well as the supply chain state of emergency. Both orders are effective through Dec. 11. Kemp’s executive orders can be found here.
On Oct. 31, the national average price of diesel was $5.32 per gallon, more than $1.50 above the same time last year. While prices are below the $5.81 peak in June, the high cost of fuel is hitting farmers hard as they navigate the fall harvest season.
American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the factors driving up fuel prices in its Nov. 3 Market Intel report.
A ban on U.S. imports of petroleum from Russia, lower domestic production capacity, and seasonal demand are all contributing to higher costs. Russia provided 20% of the petroleum imported into the U.S. in 2021, but that was halted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beyond the impact of Russia, since 2019, domestic diesel production capacity has dropped by 180,000 barrels per day. Several plants closed during the coronavirus pandemic and are not yet back online.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Nov. 4, calling on the administration to bring more domestic supply online, reducing costs to all Americans.
“Our nation’s food supply is driven by diesel,” President Duvall said in the letter. “Every input that arrives on our farms and ranches is transported by a diesel engine, whether that is by boat or barge, rail or truck. Our crops are planted by diesel engines and harvested by diesel engines. High diesel prices are severely impacting our farmers and ranchers, causing increased costs to consumers, and adding to food insecurity.”
National diesel prices are expected to average $4.86 per gallon through the end of the year, according to government projections, and $4.29 per gallon in 2023.
BIMBO, KING’S HAWAIIAN TO EXPAND GEORGIA OPERATIONS
In the past week, two major bakery brands announced plans to expand on existing facilities in Georgia, creating more than 450 new jobs combined.
On. Nov. 1, Gov. Brian Kemp announced that Hawaii inspired food company King’s Hawaiian will invest more than $85 million in expanding its Oakwood facility, creating more than 160 new jobs.
The new King’s Hawaiian facility will be located across the street from the existing bread production plant at the Oakwood South Industrial Park. It will house a 150,000 square foot bakery with space for future expansion and will enable King’s Hawaiian to continue to increase production significantly. The new facility is slated to open in Fall of 2023.
The company will be hiring for positions in management, maintenance, food safety, and quality control to support this growth. Interested individuals can learn more and apply at www.kingshawaiian.com/careers
On Nov. 4, Gov. Kemp announced that Grupo Bimbo, a leading global baking company, will invest more than $200 million to build a second production facility in Valdosta, creating 295 new jobs in Lowndes County.
Grupo Bimbo has 203 plants and more than 1,700 sales centers strategically located in 33 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its main product lines include fresh and frozen sliced bread, buns, cookies, snack cakes, English muffins, bagels, pre packaged foods, tortillas, salted snacks, and confectionery products, among others.
Grupo Bimbo’s new facility will be located at the Westside Business Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified site, in Valdosta. To earn GRAD certification, a property must undergo due diligence and complete specific certification requirements prior to a visit by a prospective business. Through this program, Georgia has more than 60 industrial certified sites that are ready for fast track industrial projects.
JEFFREY DEAN SELECTED TO LEAD UGA GRIFFIN CAMPUS
Jeffrey F.D. Dean, a distinguished scholar and academic leader whose interdisciplinary research focuses on forestry, plant biology and biochemistry, has been named assistant provost and director of the University of Georgia’s Griffin campus, effective Jan. 1, 2023. In this role, he will oversee all research, Extension and academic programs at UGA Griffin.
Since 2014, Dean has served as a professor and head of the department of biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology and plant pathology at Mississippi State University, one of the largest academic units in the university’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“Dr. Dean has a tremendous track record of growing enrollment, developing innovative academic programs and strengthening partnerships with communities and industry,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “I believe he will be a catalyst for advancing scholarship, research and outreach at our Griffin campus, and I look forward to welcoming him to our leadership team.”
Under Dean’s leadership, the department of biochemistry, molecular biology, entomology and plant pathology doubled enrollment in its bachelor’s degree program in biochemistry, launched an accelerated five year master’s degree program for high achieving students and significantly renovated its instructional and administrative buildings. Working with Mississippi State continued on next page
Continued from previous page University Extension, Dean was instrumental in creating a public private partnership to deliver pesticide applicator safety training online, and he led efforts to raise funds for a new termite technician training facility.
Prior to joining Mississippi State, Dean served in several teaching, research and leadership positions at UGA. He was a member of the faculty in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources from 1996 to 2014 and served as director of the Plant Center from 2002 to 2005. From 2008 to 2014, he held a joint appointment as a professor in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. During his tenure in Franklin College, Dean served as graduate coordinator of the bioinformatics program and as associate director and acting director of UGA’s Institute of Bioinformatics.
Dean’s scholarship focuses on improving understanding of the formation and biodegradation of lignocellulosic materials and improving the efficiency of production and utilization of biomass materials. His work has been supported by more than $4 million in funding from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency. He is the author or co author of more than 90 peer reviewed journal articles and other publications.
While at UGA, Dean’s research examined how conifers grow and develop in response to environmental stresses. His work on conifer genomics and forest health led to several invitations to serve on scientific advisory boards for large scale projects in Canada and Europe. Many of his collaborations in this area continue today. In addition, he serves on several grant and advisory boards both domestically and internationally.
“It is both a thrill and an honor to accept this opportunity to return to the University of Georgia to lead the Griffin campus,” said Dean. “So much of the success I’ve enjoyed in my career has come about because of the many unique opportunities and collaborations I was offered at UGA. I look forward helping faculty, staff and students at the Griffin campus advance their own careers in a similar fashion. UGA Griffin benefits greatly from the strong and steadfast support of the local community, and with a number of unique teaching and research resources available to faculty and students, UGA Griffin is poised to achieve great things.”
Dean’s honors include the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award for Excellence and the USDA Merit Award. He is an elected member of the Gamma Sigma Delta agriculture honor society and the Sigma Xi scientific research honor society. In addition, Dean is a fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science and the Southeastern Conference Administrative Leadership Development Program.
Dean received his bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and biology from Stanford University and earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Purdue University.
A 15 member search advisory committee chaired by Ron Walcott, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School, helped identify finalists for the position.
USDA AWARDS $7.5 MILLION MEAT PROCESSING GRANT TO CSRA
On Nov. 2, the USDA announced the award of a $7.5 million grant to the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Rural Lending Authority for the purpose of expanding meat processing. The grant is part of a $73 million package of grants to 21 projects across the nation.
In August, a bi partisan group of Georgia’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting CSRA’s grant application. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff and Reps. Sanford Bishop, Rick Allen, David Scott and Austin Scott all signed the letter, which can be seen here
Additionally, USDA announced Georgia based companies Yonah Valley Farms LLC and FPL Food LLC would be awarded federal loans through the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan program to increase chicken production and extend meat freshness, respectively. Yonah Valley Farms’ loan is for $10.73 million and FPL Foods’ loan is for $24.18 million.
This is the first round of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP).
MPPEP was designed to support capacity expansion projects in concert with other private and public finance tools. Today’s announcement is the first round of funding made available through Phase I of MPEPP. Additional announcements are expected in the coming weeks. USDA will also soon begin taking applications for a new phase to deploy an additional $225 million, for a total of up to $375 million, to provide gap financing for independent processing plant projects that fill a demonstrated need for more diversified processing capacity. For more information about MPPEP, click here
WEEKEND EVENTS AT GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIRGROUNDS & AGRICENTER
Nov. 10 13 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry
The Antique Agriculture Show (Nov. 10 12) is celebrating its 4th annual show. The event features agriculture tools and methods used throughout the early 1900’s and offers live demonstrations such as peanut thrashing, corn & cane grinding, mini tractor pulling, and outdoor plowing. There will also be over 200 exhibits displaying antique tractors, farm machinery, toys, and home goods. The Perry Georgia Auto Fair (Nov. 10 12) will be held along the Midway and the Antique Agriculture Show will take place throughout the Fairgrounds. Admission to attend the Antique Ag show and Southeastern High School Rodeo Showdown is free. Fairgrounds officials note that Auto Fair and Antique Ag visitors should enter through the West Gate. The Perry Auto Fair and Antique Agriculture Show will run 8 a m 6 p m each day. Admission to the auto fair is $5 for those 12 and older. These events will run concurrently with the Eastman Gun Show (Nov. 12 & 13), and the Southeastern High School Rodeo Nov. 10 13. Gun Show visitors should enter through the North Gate and admission is $12 for adults & $4 for children 4 12. For more information, visit www.gnfa.com/events
GACD/GEORGIA AG EXPERIENCE STEM CHALLENGE
Nov. 18 deadline to enter
Georgia elementary classes in third through fifth grades are being challenged to put their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills to work to explore the real world issues involved with water conservation in local communities. Elementary teachers and their students may enter the Be In the Know, Conserve H2O STEM Challenge until Nov. 18 for the chance to win a prize package totaling $350 for their class. The top grade winner from the third, fourth and fifth grade entries will win a prize package. The winners will be announced via a Zoom presentation on Dec. 2. Teachers interested in participating in the Be In the Know, Conserve H2O Challenge may visit www.gfb.ag/stemchallenge for more information and to register for the program. Once teachers register their class, they will receive instant access to a digital resource toolkit that equips the class for participating in the water conservation STEM challenge. The Georgia Ag Experience/Georgia Foundation for Agriculture STEM Challenge is designed to be a bi annual competition with a spring and fall contest. The GACD is the 2022 challenge partner. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage elementary teachers and students in grades 3 5 to explore aspects of Georgia agriculture by applying their STEM skills to solve real world problems that farmers face in producing our food and fiber.
GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION
Nov. 18 The Classic Center Athens
This evening unites leaders from every agriculture sector and corner of the state in a festive salute to the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Field of Dreams raffle, and listen to entertainment provided by The Swingin’ Medallions at the event’s new location, The Classic Center in Athens, GA! To register, visit https://www.ga agribusiness.org/Events.aspx, call the GAC office at 706 336 6830 or send an email to Maggie Wooten at mwooten@ga agribusiness.org
Commented [JAW1]: Let’s move info about gate gun show visitors should enter further down & add admission info.
CROP INSURANCE FOR APPLES, BLUEBRRIES, PEACHES AND WHOLE FARM
Nov. 20 deadline to apply/renew Georgia apple, blueberry and peach growers have until Nov. 20 to apply for crop insurance or make changes to their existing coverage. Growers who are interested in the Whole Farm Revenue Protection policy and are late fiscal year filers have until Nov. 20 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the November 20 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for apples in Fannin, Gilmer, and Rabun counties. Coverage is available for blueberries in Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Berrien, Brantley, Burke, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Jeff Davis, Lanier, Long, Pierce, Ware, and Wayne counties. Coverage is available for peaches in Bacon, Banks, Bleckley, Brooks, Crawford, Dooly, Hall, Henry, Macon, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Oconee, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Schley, and Taylor counties. Coverage is available for Whole Farm Revenue Protection in all Georgia counties. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://www.rma.usda.gov/en
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE ONLINE AUCTION
Nov. 28 Dec. 7, 2022
Sign up at https://gfb.ag/2022auction by Nov. 26 to receive auction alerts. Bids will be accepted Nov 28 Dec. 7. Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. This year’s auction will feature great items such as: football tickets, tech gadgets, home décor, food items, family activities & much more. GFA is a 501(c3) nonprofit registered charity. Donations are tax deductible. All auction proceeds will benefit the Georgia Foundation of Agriculture programs including: Georgia Ag Experience mobile ag classroom; scholarships for students pursuing ag careers; ag teacher workshops; mental health research for farmers and more. For more information, contact Lily Baucom at lrbaucom@gfb.org or 478.405.3461.
CROP INSURANCE FOR FORAGE, LIVESTOCK AND HONEY PRODUCERS
Dec. 1 deadline to apply/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia forage, livestock, and honey producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is December 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Dec. 1 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. Acreage intended for grazing and haying is insurable under the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) program, and colonies of bees are insurable under the Apiculture program. The PRF and Apiculture programs for 2023 are under the Rainfall Index insurance plan. Coverage is available for PRF and Apiculture in all Georgia counties. For more information regarding coverage, producers can access RMA Apiculture Grid ID Locator and the PRF Support Tool online. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://www.rma.usda.gov/en
DAIRY MARGIN COVERAGE PROGRAM
Dec 9
application deadline
Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program, an important safety net program from USDA that helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating its feed cost formula to better address retroactive, current and future feed costs. For more information or to enroll, click here
TOBACCO GROWERS SETTLEMENT FUNDS
Dec. 12 deadline to file claim
Many tobacco growers are eligible for settlement funds available as a result of lawsuits directed toward the U.S. Tobacco Cooperative, formerly known as the Flue Cured (FC) Tobacco Cooperative Stabilization Corporation. Included in the settlement are farmers and heirs of farmers who grew flue cured tobacco anytime from 1967 to 1973, based on the sale of tobacco to the cooperative, and from 1982 to 2004 based on their contribution of no net cost assessments on all tobacco sold. All tobacco producers who sold tobacco were members of the cooperative and received an FC number/membership card. Proof of claim forms consisting of three pages must be filed by Dec. 12. Documentation of membership in the cooperative can be established without knowing or including the FC membership number. This information is included in the files which have been provided to the attorneys and the firm charged with settling these claims. The original owner’s name and addresses where they resided when obtaining membership and throughout their career as tobacco farmers should be provided. Heirs can establish inheritance of FC numbers and proof of claim using family wills, letters of administration or letters of testamentary usually accessible from a probate court office. Proof of claim forms, a list of frequently asked questions and additional information can be found here (https://omniagentsolutions.com/lewissettlementclasstrust)
FUNDING FOR IRRIGATORS IN LOWER FLINT RIVER BASIN
Dec. 15
deadline to apply
The sign up period for a new cost share program for irrigation wells in Southwest Georgia is now open. The Drought Source Water Alternatives Program (SWAP) is designed to install deep aquifer wells for irrigators who rely on surface water in the Lower Flint River Basin. If you are interested in participating, please visit the Drought SWAP webpage (https://ga fit.org/drought swap/) to learn more, check your eligibility and submit an application. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15. Drought SWAP is funded by a grant from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget via allocations established by the American Recovery Plan Act for infrastructure development. Administered by the Georgia Water Planning & Policy Center at Albany State University, Drought SWAP is a component of the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust (GA FIT), an effort focused on enhancing drought response capacity to protect our farmers, regional economy and natural systems. For more information, visit www.GA FIT.org send an email to info@ga fit.org or phone 229 430 2900
2022 GEORGIA SOYBEAN/SMALL GRAIN EXPO
Dec. 15 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 8:30 a.m. Perry
This event is for soybean/small grain growers, UGA researchers, county agents and others to attend. Registration is $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Registration/check in begins at 8:30 a.m. and the program begins at 9. For more information, contact Terry Hollifield at terry.hollifield@georgiacrop.com or 706 542 2351.
AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Dec.
31 deadline to apply
The Soy Scholarship is a $7,000 one time scholarship award presented to a current, eligible high school senior planning to pursue a degree in agriculture at an accredited college or university. The scholarship is managed by the American Soybean Association (ASA) and is made possible through a grant by BASF Corporation. The senior must be a child or grandchild of an ASA member. Click here to join. The scholarship is awarded in $3,500 increments (one per semester) for the upcoming school year. The student must maintain successful academic progress and be in good standing with the college or university to receive the full amount of the scholarship. High school seniors may apply online Oct. 17 Dec. 31, 2022. Final selection will be made in January. The student will be notified late January, with an official announcement to follow. Applicants must fill out an online application during the open application period.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE NOW ACCESSIBLE AT 988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has a new name & number. It’s now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It 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. SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission & other suicide prevention and mental health partners worked together to create 988 and its expanded services. #988Lifeline
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 2021 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
UGA PILOT PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TELE COUNSELING
The past few years have been challenging. Sometimes it's hard to recognize the physical effects of stress and how it affects our lives. Talking to someone about your stress can help. The UGA Tattnall County Extension office is partnering with the UGA School of Social Work on a pilot program to offer farmers and members of the agricultural community access to up to six free online counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Participants do not have to farm or live in Tattnall County to participate but should be farmers or members of a farming family. Call 706 510 6930, email gatelehealth@uga.edu for more information or visit https://gfb.ag/ugapilotaddressstress to complete a questionnaire to begin the enrollment process. Anyone who doesn’t meet the requirements for the grant funding will be provided appropriate counseling referrals. Symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, lack of focus, change in appetite, sleepiness or insomnia, aches/pains, headaches, emotional withdrawal, low energy, anxiety, increased alcohol/substance use. This work is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Southern Region [grant no. 2020 70028 32730 / project ascension no 1023989] and the Georgia Farmer Healthy Mindset [grant no. 13395431/2021 09304/ project ascension no 2021 70035575], from the US Department of Agriculture, National Institute on of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by counselors during the sessions should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.