Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - January 23, 2019

Jan. 23, 2019

www.gfb.org

Vol. 37 No. 2

GEORGIA AG FORECAST: CROP OUTLOOK CLOUDED BY STORM, TRADE The 2019 Georgia Ag Forecast Series underscored a variety of challenges facing Georgia’s farmers as they move into the 2019 crop year, including the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Michael and continuing low commodities Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long, speaking at the Jan. 22 meeting in Macon, said the crop damage from Hurricane Michael was the worst he’s experienced.

“It’ll be several years getting past that,” Long said. “Some folks are still picking cotton. We’ve never picked cotton the first part of the next year. It’s been a very challenging year. It doesn’t really matter what type of agriculture, and the impact is not just for farmers.”

Long, who is from Decatur County, noted that one cotton gin in southwest Georgia was expecting to handle 180,000 bales but will wind up ginning approximately 50,000 bales.

Adam Rabinowitz “I challenge each one of us as leaders in whatever part of the industry. We’re going to have to be very understanding,” Long said. “The bankers and everyone else. I understand the bankers have got their head against the wall trying to figure out what to do to refinance those farmers.”

Beyond the issues created by the hurricane, the event addressed other themes, including international trade.

“There’s a lot of things going on right now in the ag sector,” said UGA Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics Adam Rabinowitz. “You really do hope at times you can pull something out of a hat that sys this is the golden egg or the rabbit. The situation is a little rough.”

Cotton, peanut, corn and soybean producers are all wrangling with trade issues and it is unclear how long it will last.

Rabinowitz said cotton exports are declining in part because of increasing strength of the U.S. dollar. Increases in ending stocks are contributing to lower U.S. cotton prices, which UGA forecast between 65 cents and 75 cents per pound. Rabinowitz forecast net cotton return of $310 per acre for irrigated land and $90 an acre for non-irrigated land (not accounting for land rent).

After record peanut production in 2017, a significant reduction in acreage in 2018 pushed production down. Overall demand has increased steadily in spite of declines in exports over the past three years. Ending 2017 stocks of more than two billion pounds were the third highest in the last 10 years.

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GFB News Alert page 2 of 12 Continued from previous page “We need to look for opportunities to move those peanuts,” Rabinowitz said.

Prices near $425 per ton are possible for the 2019 peanut crop. UGA forecast net peanut return of $270 per irrigated acre and $90 per non-irrigated acre, minus land rent.

Rabinowitz said prices for Georgia corn would likely be around $4.50-$4.60 per bushel, but the big question surrounding U.S. corn is whether strong exports would continue. Rabinowitz noted that the exports of U.S. corn would depend on corn crops produced in South America and trade relations between those countries and China. Corn acreage is likely to increase in 2019 because of lower soybean prices relative to corn. Corn net return is forecast at $280 per irrigated acre and $65 per non-irrigated acre (minus land rent).

Soybean producers are likely to decrease acreage in 2019 due to lower prices. Soybeans have been under tremendous pressure related to U.S. trade conflict with China, which has resulted in diminished exports and increased stocks. The soybean outlook is highly dependent on China, which has decreased its use of soybeans in feeding its hogs. The forecast net return on soybeans is forecast at $240 per irrigated acre and $45 per non-irrigated acre, minus land rent.

Input costs for seed prices, fertilizer, machinery, labor and interest are all increasing, while land values and cash rents are stable, diesel fuel is down and chemicals vary.

UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development Director Kent Wolfe reviewed factors affecting commodity prices in meat production. Combined, production of poultry, beef and pork is forecast to double in the years 2018-2020 over the average between 2013 and 2017.

Wolfe noted a decline in heifer retention and increase in slaughter of beef cattle. Calf prices have declined since 2014.

Poultry prices fell over the second half of 2018, and Wolfe pointed out that retailers began promoting more beef and pork over chicken during the summer and fall.

Increased pork production has created downward pressure on pork prices. Wolfe noted that China’s domestic pig population is being affected by African Swine Fever.

Rabinowitz also gave a brief review of the 2018 farm bill.

“We see a lot of positive, assuming these [policies] can actually be implemented,” Rabinowitz said. “The rules and regulations have to be written, which requires the USDA to get to work.”

UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) Dean Sam Pardue gave a review of worldwide population and food topics, as well as a review of CAES’ performance and enrollment. In fall of 2018, CAES had more than 2,000 students enrolled, and Pardue noted that UGA is a top university in the nation at bringing new products to market. Between 13 and 17 percent of the university’s inventors are CAES faculty, which accounted for three fourths of the revenue from new technology generated by UGA inventions.

“You should be proud of the fact that those scientists are creating things,” Pardue said. “The scientists in the college generate information that people are willing to pay money to license.”

One farm bill provision drawing a lot of interest from farmers is the legalization of hemp production. Pardue said the question regarding hemp production was whether it would progress similarly to the state’s blueberry production or like ostrich production, which did not realize its touted potential.

Pardue noted the farm bill requires state departments of agriculture to consult with their governors and chief law enforcement officers to devise licensing and regulatory plans that most be submitted to the USDA for approval. Hemp cannot contain 0.3 percent THC, the hallucinogenic compound found in hemp and its cousin, marijuana.

For photos visit www.gfb.photos/19agforecast.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 12 USDA TO REOPEN FSA OFFICES FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES The USDA will reopen all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices to provide additional administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the lapse in federal funding. Certain FSA offices have been providing limited services for existing loans and tax documents since Jan. 17.

Beginning Jan. 24 all FSA offices will open and offer a longer list of transactions they will accommodate.

The USDA announced the deadline to apply for the Market Facilitation Program, which aids farmers harmed by retaliatory tariffs, has been extended to Feb. 14. The original deadline had been Jan 15. Other program deadlines may be modified and will be announced as they are addressed.

The USDA has temporarily recalled all of the more than 9,700 FSA employees to keep offices open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays beginning Jan. 24. President Donald Trump has signed legislation that guarantees employees will receive all backpay missed during the lapse in funding.

For the first two full weeks under this operating plan (Jan. 28 through Feb. 1 and Feb. 4 through Feb. 8), FSA offices will be open Mondays through Fridays. After that, offices will be open three days a week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, if needed to provide the additional administrative services.

Agricultural producers who have business with the agency can contact their FSA service center to make an appointment.

BISHOP/SCOTT AMENDMENT WOULD AID FARMERS HARMED BY DISASTERS On Jan. 16, U.S. Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia 2nd District) and Austin Scott (R-Georgia 8th District) filed an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.R. 268) which would increase emergency assistance funding to agricultural producers who suffered losses from hurricanes, wildfires and other agricultural losses in 2018. The bill passed the House by a 237-187 vote.

Political consultant Bob Redding, speaking at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 17, called the legislation a “good template for a good disaster bill,” to help farmers who sustained damage from Hurricanes Florence and Michael last year.

The amendment would increase payments for ag losses from 85 percent to 90 percent for farmers with crop insurance and from 65 to 70 percent for farmers without insurance. The amendment also increases funding levels from $1.1 billion to $3 billion to help farmers who suffered near 100 percent losses from hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters in 2018.

An additional 13 House members cosponsored the bipartisan amendment, six of them Democrats (including David Scott (D-Georgia 13th District) and seven Republicans.

Additional information on WHIP can be found on the USDA’s website by visiting https://gfb.ag/WHIP. In response to Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and other natural disasters in 2017, Congress created the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. This program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides disaster payments to agricultural producers to offset losses from hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 12 FARM BILL, CROP REVIEW AND AWARDS HIGHLIGHT GA PEANUT SHOW A farm bill update, crop production tips, awards recognizing peanut community contributors and new equipment displays highlighted the 43rd Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference. About 1,200 people attended the Jan. 17 event hosted by the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center.

Peanut political consultant Bob Redding provided a Washington Update at the show’s lunch. Of the 2018 farm bill, Redding said, “In my opinion this is a better farm bill than we had in 2014. If you take generic acres out of the mix, it’s a good bill and we’re proud of it.”

Redding praised the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, Georgia Farm Bureau, other southeastern Farm Bureaus, and even Michigan Farm Bureau, for their work to get the farm bill passed with strong provisions for peanut growers.

“Folks in Congress from Georgia and the Southeast generally work together on the farm bill and we need to hold them to that,” Redding said.

Frank McGill, affectionately known as “Mr. Peanut” for the many contributions he made to Georgia’s peanut industry during his storied career as a county agent and later a UGA Extension agronomist, was recognized for receiving the 2018 Valor Award from Valent. The award is named for Valent’s popular peanut herbicide.

While accepting the award, McGill reminisced about the peanut industry’s history and research achievements made to get growers to the yield levels they enjoy today. At 93 years young, McGill called himself “an old war horse,” as he outlined the progress the peanut industry has made in how it grows and harvests the crop.

“All I ever did was what I was hired to do,” McGill said of the peanut research and advocacy work he did for peanut growers throughout his career.

McGill praised the UGA Extension Peanut Team, Georgia Peanut Commission and USDAAgricultural Research Service for working together through the years to conduct and fund research that improved peanut production on farms across the Southeast.

During seminars presented by members of the UGA Extension Peanut Team, peanut growers heard how Hurricane Michael affected the 2018 crop, what to expect for 2019 and about plant diseases that impact peanuts.

UGA Peanut Agronomist Dr. Scott Monfort said last year’s crop was better than expected.

Georgia’s peanut crop lost an average of 800 pounds/acre in yield due to disease, although, the average yield per acre was 4,382 pounds/acre, which Monfort called “phenomenal.”

“Most of the yield and grade losses in last year’s crop were due to weather we experienced before Hurricane Michael that caused disease,” Monfort said. “We had Michael stuck in our head as the main weather event, but even without Michael we had weather issues that impacted our -continued on next page

GFB News Alert page 5 of 12 Continued from previous page peanut crop. We were about 60 accumulated heat units behind normal for June and July.”

Monfort said 60 to 65 percent of Georgia’s peanut crop was harvested when Hurricane Michael blew in. He blamed the wet spring and cloudy weather during the bloom period of the 2018 crop for diseases that decreased crop yields.

While Hurricane Michael did damage peanut infrastructure across the peanut belt that delayed harvest, the storm helped dryland peanut growers.

“Hurricane Michael helped us get the dryland crop out because we were pretty dry before it hit,” Monfort said. “The non-irrigated yields saved the state average. Dryland peanuts gave more yields than irrigated due to all the rain they received.”

Regarding the 2019 peanut crop, Monfort advised growers to stick with 2018 acreage to prevent an oversupply and lower prices.

“We need to stay at acres we are now or drop them down a little,” Monfort said. “Will this happen? It will depend on what cotton prices do.”

At the end of November, UGA Extension reported that Georgia farmers produced 628,000 acres in 2018, down from 714,168 in 2017.

UGA Plant Pathologist Dr. Bob Kemerait stressed the importance of peanut growers using fungicides to protect their crop against diseases. He said this year growers will be able to request whether their seeds are treated with Rancona or Dynasty PD depending on what seed dealers have available. Kemerait said both fungicides are very effective.

During the Seed Seminar part of the show, growers heard how the quality of peanut seeds is being protected by the Georgia Crop Improvement Association in partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture Seed Laboratory Council.

“Overall seed quality looks good,” Billy Skaggs with the Georgia Crop Improvement Association said. “Our folks certainly don’t want to sell seed that’s not of good quality and they’re going to do everything they can to sell a good seed.”

Skaggs said peanuts grown for seed were harvested prior to Hurricane Michael as they are typically planted earlier than peanuts grown to eat.

The GPC presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry.

Recipients were: Distinguished Service Award – Marcus Evans, recently retired GPC director of field services/industry information for 31 years; Research & Education Award – Dr. Corley Holbrook, research leader for the USDA-ARS Crop Genetics/Breeding Tifton Research Unit; Media Award – Brad Haire, editor of Southeast Farm Press; Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award – Ryne Powers, Appling County; Special Awards – Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black; American Peanut Shellers Association (APSA); and the UGA Tifton Campus. The APSA and UGA Tifton Campus were both recognized for the 100 years of service each has provided Georgia peanut farmers. BASF cosponsored the Young Peanut Farmer Award.

The GPC also presented an Outstanding Ga. Peanut Farmer of the Year from each of its five districts during a breakfast before the show began. District winners were: GPC Dist. 1 - Joe Heard of Newton, Ga.; GPC Dist. 2 – the late Ray Peele of Lenox, Ga.; GPC Dist. 3 - Bobby C, Smith Jr. of Rocky Ford, Ga.; GPC Dist. 4 - Windell Gardner of Cordele, Ga.; and GPC Dist. 5 - James Gaston of Americus. Agri Supply partnered with GPC to sponsor the contest.

For photos visit www.gfb.photos/19GAPNTShow.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 12 TRUMP SPEECH HIGHLIGHTS ABFB CENTENNIAL CONVENTION President Donald Trump praised farmers for their perseverance in difficult times, thanked them for their support of national policy, promised they would reap benefits from his administration’s stance on international trade and lauded the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) for its 100 years of work on behalf of the nation’s farmers.

“For 100 years, this organization has faithfully represented the men and women who are the backbone of our country,” Trump said. “On this special anniversary, we gather to celebrate America’s proud farming heritage. Through your sweat, through all of your work, the strength of your hands, and the faith in your hearts, the American farmer feeds and fuels and sustains our nation.”

More than 180 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members attended the convention, many of them opting to participate in a preconvention tour of the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and a driving tour of the Crescent City.

Trump, who appeared at the AFBF convention for the second straight year, gave an hour-long speech at AFBF’s closing general session on January 14, spending more than 20 minutes of it making the case for building the wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, before touting his administration’s work on trade, taxes, the farm bill, rural broadband and federal regulations. His speech was interrupted 10 times by standing ovations.

The president introduced Arizona rancher Jim Chilton, whose land is on the U.S.-Mexico border. Chilton, who says drug smugglers cut through his land as they enter the U.S., told Trump and the crowd of approximately 6,000 farmers and ranchers that the wall is needed. A transcript of the president’s speech is available at https://gfb.ag/TrumpAFBFspeech.

During the AFBF business session on Jan. 15, voting delegates settled on the organization’s policy stance on a variety of farm-related issues. Four policies submitted by GFB were adopted by AFBF as its national policy.

GFB’s policy recommendations were: Department of Transportation vehicle registration information be kept confidential; farmers should be allowed to update base acres in the next farm bill; proportional federal assistance for producers harmed by tariffs during trade negotiations; and Southeastern land grant universities having opportunities to market live and processed sheep and goats.

Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long was re-elected to the AFBF Board of Directors for a second two-year term.

AFBF celebrated its 100th year with a recap of key accomplishments and a sampling of food from all 50 states at the IdeAg Trade Show.

For photos from the AFBF Convention visit https://gfb.photos/2019AFBF.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 12 GFB YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS SHINE AT AFBF Georgia Farm Bureau members placed in the top 10 in each of American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Young Farmers & Ranchers competitive events, held during the AFBF Convention in New Orleans.

Hall County Farm Bureau member Caroline Lewallen finished third nationally in the Excellence in Agriculture Competition, which recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture. Lewallen’s presentation featured the HallGROWS program she developed through HCFB to improve agricultural literacy among the county’s students. The program has been implemented in several other counties and in other states. The Excellence in Agriculture Award went to Jake and Melissa Raburn of Florida.

Bulloch County Farm Bureau member Becca Creasy finished fourth in the AFBF Discussion Meet, which featured competitors from 36 states. The Discussion Meet features panels of contestants discussing predetermined topics related to agriculture and Farm Bureau in a committee format. Jackie Mundt of Kansas was the national winner.

Will and Heather Cabe of Franklin County advanced to the top 10 in the AFBF Achievement Award competition, which recognizes young farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Justin and Erica Edwards of North Carolina were the national winners.

GA CATTLEMEN NAME SANDLIN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association has announced Dale Sandlin as the association’s new executive vice president. Sandlin will join GCA on April 1.

Sandlin currently serves as the managing director for the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council Inc., the Hawaii Beef Industry Council and the Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation.

“I think his experience and knowledge will be an asset to GCA,” said GCA President Kristy Arnold.

Sandlin grew up on a small farm and ranch in Olney, Texas, raising cattle and wheat, which taught him the ethics of hard work and understanding of how every segment of our industry works together. Sandlin has a master’s degree in ag communications and journalism from Texas A&M. Under Sandlin’s leadership, HCC grew and expanded service to its members. He improved the organization’s stature and recognition in the Hawaii state legislature, where he served as the lobbyist for the cattle industry in Hawaii. As managing director for HBIC, Sandlin led efforts to improve the promotion outreach activities in Hawaii. They created cooking demonstration videos featuring prominent local chefs and working moms, found new events to promote beef and improved their storytelling ability by focusing on the ecosystem services that ranchers provide to the general public as part of their daily management activities.

Sandlin and his wife, M’Randa, have one daughter, Della.

BISHOP SELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF AG APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE On Jan. 16, Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. (D-Georgia 2nd District) was nominated by the House Appropriations Committee to become Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee for the 116th Congress.

Before the nomination is finalized, it must be formally approved by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee as well as the House Democratic Caucus.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 12 WHITEFLIES, MULTI-GENERATION FARMS HOT TOPICS AT SEFVG CONF. Georgia fruit and vegetable growers heard crop management tips to improve their crops and industry updates while attending the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference in Savannah Jan. 10-13.

Whitefly research was a hot topic at the conference. In 2017, Georgia cotton and vegetable farmers had an estimated $200 million in crop losses attributed to whiteflies, said Dr. Apurba Barman, UGA researcher.

During the vegetable workshop, UGA Extension Entomologist Dr. Alton Sparks Jr. shared the progress College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences researchers are making to control whiteflies in Georgia crops. Sparks said all samples of whiteflies submitted in the last three years from field infestations in Georgia have been identified as the silverleaf whitefly biotype B. But researchers have their eyes open for the appearance of pesticide-resistant biotype Q in Georgia, which has been identified in Florida infestations dating back to 2016.

Because so many Georgia crops serve as hosts for whiteflies, Sparks said whitefly infestations are cyclical.

“What happens in spring vegetables affects cotton and what happens in cotton affects fall vegetables. We’ve got to emphasize area-wide control of whiteflies to keep populations down,” Sparks said.

When it comes to choosing pesticides to fight whiteflies Sparks has this advice: “Do not rely on one chemistry. Rotate your chemistry so we don’t end up with product resistance. Pesticides are not getting the effects they did five years ago but nothing does.”

UGA researchers are studying various ways to manage whitefly populations and the viruses they spread in crops, Dr. Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan said. Management strategies researchers are evaluating include: identifying vegetable plants resistant to whiteflies; identifying the best chemical options to control populations; whether mulch and fertilizers can be used to manage populations; and whether growing crops in greenhouses offers protection.

“The best way to manage whitefly populations is by integrating multiple management options.

There is no silver bullet,” Srinivasan said.

UGA research shows whitefly symptoms to be less severe in zucchini than in yellow squash, Srinivasan said, and there is some host resistance in snap beans. Varying fertilizer rates (10 lbs. vs. 30 lbs. of nitrogen applied via water drip) to squash and zucchini crops didn’t seem to impact whitefly populations nor did the varying fertilizer rates significantly affect the cull rate of squash and zucchini. However, the study did show that zucchini had a significantly lower cull rate of fruit damaged by whiteflies than squash.

During the Roadside Markets Workshop, Lee and Cynde Dickey of Dickey Farms discussed how the fourth and fifth generations of their family work together to take their farm into the future as they continue growing peaches and pecans while adding strawberries and agritourism activities.

Son, Lee, the fifth generation of the family to farm, credited his mom, Cynde, the fourth generation, for pioneering the mail order and retail business for Middle Georgia peach growers in the 1980s. Cynde praised Lee and his wife, Stacy, for drawing more visitors to the farm’s Musella retail store by growing the farm’s social media presence.

Dickey Farms, which has grown peaches since 1897, is a member of the Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market program.

For photos visit www.gfb.photos/19SEFVConf.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 12 GA FORESTRY COMMISSION ROLLS OUT AID FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS The Georgia Forestry Commission is rolling out emergency assistance for landowners impacted

by Hurricane Michael. Aid approved by the Georgia Legislature in November includes $20 million for debris cleanup in areas where the storm decimated millions of acres of forestland and tree orchards. Two programs are available to help landowners with specific needs: the Forest Debris Management Program and the Forest Access Road & Firebreak Restoration Project. Separate application procedures are required for each program.

Landowners who have 10 or more acres of forestland or a commercial orchard of any size with trees damaged by Hurricane Michael are eligible for the Forest Debris Management Program (FDMP). The sign-up period runs through Feb. 11 and applications can be downloaded on the GFC website at http://gatrees.org/forest-management/storm- damage/FDMP.cfm. Landowners may apply for debris management funds retroactively. Approved applicants will be notified in writing beginning Feb. 25 and funding levels and guidelines will be included. Upon completion of the work, participants will be required to submit official cost documentation and a detailed map showing boundaries and debris management routes. Cost share payments are based on 80 percent of the documented cost. The average cost of clearing debris from forestland across the Southeast is about $500 per acre. Cost share may be limited per taxpayer identification number and a peracre cap may be set, depending on the demand for funds. The Georgia Development Authority is responsible for payments.

Another program to assist more specifically with fire prevention activities is available to landowners in the designated 28-county disaster area impacted by Hurricane Michael. The Forest Access Road and Firebreak Restoration Project provides for the clearing of forest debris from existing firebreaks and roads at no cost to the landowner. The project is designed to create a more manageable situation should wildfires become prevalent in the region. Eligible tracts must have had existing tree cover containing forest roads and established firebreaks immediately prior to the storm’s arrival. Written applications will be accepted through Feb. 28 and are available at http://gatrees.org/forest-management/storm-damage/FARFRP.cfm, along with detailed project requirements.

For more information about hurricane relief programs and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit www.GaTrees.org.

EIA-POSITIVE HORSES CONFIRMED IN PAULDING COUNTY The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Animal Industry Division announced three confirmed positive cases of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in quarter horses at a Paulding County facility in late 2018, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to eight in 2018.

In compliance with federal guidelines and protocols, the affected horses were humanely euthanized. There is no cure or vaccine for EIA. The remainder of the horses at the facility are under quarantine pending follow up testing.

This blood-borne disease is transmissible to all equine, including horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. EIA can be transmitted through biting flies and shared equipment. Disease symptoms can vary widely and include weight loss, weakness, anemia, and swelling of legs, chest and abdomen.

The disease is not transmissible to humans or other pets.

EIA is most common in the quarter horse racing industry. GDA officials are working to better communicate to those involved in the industry regarding prevention and symptoms of EIA. For more information on Equine Infection Anemia, visit www.agr.georgia.gov/2019-animal-healthnews.aspx.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 12 GEORGIA AG FORECAST SERIES Jan. 25 Oconee County Civic Center 9 a.m.

Watkinsville Jan. 29 Toombs County Agri-Center 9 a.m.

Lyons Jan. 31 Decatur County Ag Center 9 a.m.

Bainbridge Feb. 1 UGA Tifton Conf. Center 7 a.m.

Tifton This annual seminar series is presented by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in partnership with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. UGA economists provide an outlook of agricultural markets for the coming year. Participants will network with UGA faculty and UGA Cooperative Extension agents, local producers and other stakeholders. Attendees will receive a copy of the 2019 Georgia Ag Forecast book, which is designed to provide detailed analyses of major commodities produced in the state. Courtesy of Georgia Farm Bureau and AGCO, the Bainbridge and Tifton events are free and each will feature a Hurricane Michael resource fair. All the meetings except the one in Tifton begin with on-site check-in and coffee at 9 a.m., followed by seminar presentations at 10 a.m. and a networking lunch at 11:30 a.m. The Tifton event begins with 7 a.m. check-in and coffee, followed by a 7:30 a.m. breakfast buffet and the seminar presentations beginning at 8 a.m. For more information or to register, visit http://agforecast.caes.uga.edu.

FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION Jan. 29 Pulaski County Recreation Building 8:30 a.m.

Hawkinsville Join wildlife experts for a free Feral Swine Workshop and Trapping Demonstration. Topics include wild pig biology, regulations and laws, effective control techniques and more. Q&A sessions follow presentations. Speakers include representatives from Ga. Wildlife Resources Division, University of Georgia, Ga. Department of Agriculture, Ga. Association of Conservation Districts, and USDA Wildlife Services. Lunch is included. For more information about feral hogs or to register for the workshops, visit https://gfb.ag/18feralhogwkshp.

GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING Jan. 30 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The meeting, production workshop, and lunch are open to cotton growers and anyone interested in the cotton industry. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is requested to help with meal plans. For more information visit www.ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu or call (229) 386-3416.

GFB TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR HURRICANE DAMAGE ASSISTANCE Georgia Farm Bureau is now accepting applications from farmers who sustained agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael in all counties declared primary disaster areas by the USDA and counties contiguous to the primary disaster counties. Producers who reside in those counties are eligible to apply for relief funds provided they meet the qualifications. To be eligible, farmers must hold a current valid GATE card number issued through the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Applications for assistance will be available in Georgia Farm Bureau county offices and may be downloaded from www.gfbfoundation.org/stormrelief. Applications for assistance must be submitted no later than Feb. 1.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 12 BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE Feb. 13 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena 8:30 a.m.

Athens The 8th Annual Northeast Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course will offer three hours of credit toward Beef Quality Assurance recertification, one hour of private pesticide credit and one hour of commercial pesticide credit. Topics include a market outlook, strategies for late-winter feeding, heifer development, health protocol, animal identification and more. Cost is $30 to offset the price of lunch and instructional materials. Registration deadline is Feb. 4. To register online, visit www.ugabeef.com/athens.

GA PORK CONGRESS & ELECTION OF NPP DELEGATES Feb. 19 Georgia Farm Bureau 8 a.m.

Macon The election of pork producer delegates for the 2020 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 1 p.m. in conjunction with a meeting of the Georgia Pork Producers Association. The election will immediately follow the 2019 Georgia Pork Congress that will start at 8 a.m. at the GFB Building. The Georgia Pork Congress will feature speakers discussing current issues affecting pork producers. All Georgia pork producers are invited to attend both meetings.

Any producer age 18 or older who is a resident of the state and has paid all assessments due may be considered as a delegate candidate and/or participate in the election. All eligible producers are encouraged to bring with them a sales receipt proving hogs were sold in their name and the checkoff was deducted. For more information, contact the Georgia Pork Producers Association, P.O. Box 1566, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818 or call 229-246-8297.

BEEKEEPING SHORT COURSE Feb. 23 Henry County Farm Bureau office 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

McDonough Henry County Farm Bureau is partnering with the Henry County Beekeepers to host a short course on beekeeping. The class will emphasize that anyone can be a beekeeper. Class topics will include: meet the honey bee colony, equipment assembly; where to get bees; smoker lighting; hive manipulation; extracting honey from hives and beekeeping issues. Cost of the class is $25 for those who pre-register. Cost day of event is $30. Class fee includes a yearlong family membership to the Henry County Beekeepers. For more information, contact Jerry Haygood at 770-461-6686 or jchayg1@attglobal.net or Tom Bonnell at 678-983-7698 or tombonnell@bellsouth.net. The Henry County Farm Bureau office is located at 117 Racetrack Road in McDonough.

GFB FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS March 1 application deadline The Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for agriculture is offering $58,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in ag or a closely related field. Scholarship are available for college, technical college and UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. Visit www.gfb.ag/19scholarships for complete details and to apply.

GFB News Alert 12 of 12 2019 GFB MIDDLE SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST March 8 state deadline to enter The GFB Middle School Essay Contest is an opportunity for students to use their writing skills and knowledge or research of agriculture. The contest is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders in Georgia. The topic for this year’s contest is: What would happen if there were no farmers or ranchers? One winner will be selected in each of Georgia Farm Bureau’s 10 districts. Each district winner will receive a cash prize of $100. The state winner will be selected from these 10 district winners and they will receive an additional cash prize of $150 Contact your county Farm Bureau for county entry deadline and more details. You can also find information on the GFB Foundation for Agriculture website: www.gfbfoundation.org/aitc_essay.html. The state deadline is March 8.

2019 GFB HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTEST March 8 state deadline to enter Attention, high school artists! Explore new directions in your artistic skills and enter our annual art contest. The contest is open to any high school student (grades 9 - 12) in Georgia. We’re looking for artwork that best represents modern agriculture found in the student's home county, or Georgia's agriculture industry as a whole. From all entries received, 10 finalists will be named (one from each of Georgia Farm Bureau’s districts). One of those will be named the overall state winner, and two others will be named state runners up. Cash prizes will be awarded to all 10 finalists, and additional prizes for the state winner and runners up. Contact your county Farm Bureau for county entry deadline and more details. Visit www.gfbfoundation.org/aitc_art.html for more information.

The state deadline is March 8.

PEANUT PROUD FESTIVAL March 23 Downtown area Blakely Come celebrate all things peanut at this annual festival on Blakely’s town square. The day-long celebration begins with a 5K race and fun run and ends with a street dance. Festivities include a parade, more than 100 vendors, a kids’ peanut butter obstacle course, free entertainment and more.

For more information, visit www.peanutproudfestival.com.

GFB TAKING LISTINGS FOR HAY DIRECTORY Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or offering custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website.

Because this directory is now offered online, hay can be listed or removed from the site as your inventory dictates. To participate, please complete a submission form available at 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.