Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - July 22, 2015

July 22, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 29

ISSUES, FUN HIGHLIGHT GFB YOUNG FARMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Georgia Farm Bureau’s young farmers competed, networked, got big news, heard the latest on key farm topics and played at the beach during the 2015 GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference, held July 15-18.

The annual event, held for the fourth straight year at the Jekyll Island Convention Center, included workshops on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), member involvement in GFB’s legislative efforts, opportunities with the Georgia Development Authority and legacy and estate planning.

District caucuses for each of GFB’s 10 districts gave the young farmers a chance to meet other farmers and the GFB field representative from their districts.

Lawson Mozley, a sixth-generation family farmer from Florida who works with GMO Answers, gave tips on how to engage with the public over the issue of GMO food crops. He gave a history of crop variety modification, noting that it goes back as long as man has been cultivating crops for food. When talking to skeptics, he advised attendees to stay positive, use scientific facts and let the skeptics guide the conversation.

“People have no concept of what farming practices are like because we’ve become so removed from the farm,” Mozley said. “Give them the facts without telling them that what they’re saying isn’t actually facts. Use these facts, some of the practices you use, some of the ways some of these chemicals we use work, and use those from a personal experience. We as farmers are the people who are buying the GMO seeds. We’re producing them as a crop, we’re selling them as a product. We’re the people who are in them every day. We are the people who honestly have the closest ties.”

Georgia Development Authority (GDA) Executive Director Thomas Carter gave information about the quasi-government agency, which provides an alternative source of credit to help Georgia farmers finance a variety of farm needs using their land as collateral.

“The number one resource in agriculture is the farmers,” Carter said. “These farmers have to be replaced.”

The GDA, which is self-supporting and uses no taxpayer funding, makes loans available in every Georgia county with the cooperation of more than 100 lenders. The organization also offers the START program (Securing Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources Today) intended for -continued

GFB News Alert page 2 of 12 YOUNG FARMER CONFERENCE, from previous page beginning farmers, ranchers and agribusiness operators.

During the July 16 general session, Jason Smith of Farm Bureau Bank gave a presentation on the importance of credit and how young farmers can protect their credit so it can be used to support their farm operations.

GFB Legislative Department staff presented information about the involvement of GFB members in the organization’s legislative efforts. They included information about GFB’s Voter Voice program, through which members receive action alerts about legislative topics. Voter Voice provides a vehicle for members to voice their concerns about pending legislation and government regulations. To access the program visit http://www.gfb.org/legislative/action.html.

Attorney Will Thompson of Macon firm James Bates Brannan Groover led a workshop on legacy and estate planning.

The Young Farmer Committee conducted a charity auction, led by committee member Josh Pennino, a certified auctioneer who sold 10 items contributed from each of GFB’s 10 districts, raising more than $3,000 for the GFB Foundation for Agriculture.

During the conference GFB President Zippy Duvall announced that he is running for president of the American Farm Bureau.

While the young farmers were tackling grown-up issues, their children were treated to a variety of activities, including presentations by UGA Associate Professor Dr. Nick Fuhrman, widely called “Ranger Nick,” who gave the kids the chance to interact with a box turtle, a tiger salamander and a corn snake. The children made the always-popular visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and engaged in arts and crafts.

Conference attendees chose the winners in the 2015 Picture Agriculture Photo Contest.

Bridget Hitchcock of Washington County was the overall winner for the second consecutive year with her photo titled “Young Love,” featuring her daughter Andie and a calf. Hitchcock’s photo will be featured as the cover of the 2016 GFB Young Farmer Calendar and she also received a $150 cash prize. Individuals who submitted the 11 honorable mention photos receive a $75 cash prize and their photos will also be used in the calendar.

The closing session featured presentation of awards in the GFB Young Farmer competitive events, as well as a tribute to outgoing Young Farmer Coordinator Jed Evans.

GFB News Alert page 3 of 12 GFB ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN YOUNG FARMER COMPETITIVE EVENTS Matt and Melissa Bottoms, Kyle Dekle, Stephanie Butcher and Madison Hickey emerged as winners in the 2015 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer competitive events, held July 15-18 at the GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island.

The Bottomses, who run Bottoms Nursery in Pike County, won the Young Farmer Achievement Award. Matt grows muscadines, blueberries, blackberry, blueberry, fig and raspberry plants along with pomegranate, Japanese persimmon, apple, peach and plum trees. He also produces wheat, soybeans and canola.

As the Achievement Award winner, the Bottoms family received a Polaris RTV 570 Crew Cab Ranger sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life and a $500 cash prize from GFB. The Young Farmer Achievement award recognizes young farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture.

Achievement Award Finalist families Jonathan and Bridget Hitchcock of Washington County and Elton and Tabitha Baldy of Colquitt County received a $500 cash prize from Georgia Farm Bureau.

Dekle won the 2015 GFB Young Farmer Discussion Meet. Dekle, who teaches agriculture at Habersham Central High School, received a Polaris 4x4 ATV sponsored by Southern Farm Bureau Life and a $500 cash prize from Georgia Farm Bureau. Finalists Heather Brannen of Bulloch County, Garrett Ganas of Ware County and Caroline Lewallen of Hall County each received a $350 cash prize sponsored by SunTrust Bank.

The discussion meet drew 34 contestants. The first two rounds were held July 16. In Round 1 they discussed ways to get public support for right-to-farm laws and whether such laws should be determined on the state or federal level. In Round 2 they discussed how Farm Bureau should protect and encourage farmers ability to use new technology. In the Sweet 16 Round held July 17 they talked about whether Farm Bureau should draft policy to protect livestock producers from false accusations regarding animal welfare. During the Final Four contestants discussed how to balance agricultural water needs with maintaining vibrant communities.

The discussion meet included a number of college students. Hickey, who is from Stephens County and attends the University of Georgia, was the top collegiate finisher in the discussion meet. She receives a trip to Kansas City, Mo., for the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference, where she will compete for national collegiate discussion meet honors.

Butcher, who serves as Coweta County Extension Coordinator, won the GFB Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award, given for young farmers who earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture. Butcher received a Polaris 4x4 ATV from Southern Farm Bureau Life.

Finalists Matthew and Kimberly London of White County and Justin Shealey of Cook County each received $500 cash sponsored by AgSouth Farm Credit.

Each of the state winners also receive an expense-paid trip to Orlando, Fla., in January 2016 for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention, where they will compete for national honors. The AFBF winners in the Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests each receive their choice between a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado or 2016 GMC Sierra pickup, as well as paid registration to the 2016 Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference, to be held Feb. 12-16 in Kansas City, Mo. Runners-up in the three contests each receive a Case IH Farmall 50A tractor sponsored by Case IH, as well as $2,500 in cash and $500 worth of STIHL merchandise sponsored by STIHL.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 12 DUVALL TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT OF AFBF Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall announced that he is running for president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“I’m so passionate about agriculture, and I’m so proud of you and Farm Bureau that I thought this was the place, in front of the young people, the young farmers of our state, that I wanted to announce my candidacy,” Duvall said during the 2015 GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island. “By no means does this mean that I am tired of being Georgia’s president. I love my job and that was the toughest part of this decision, to say that I’m going to offer in an area that might take me away from the best job I have ever had in my life, because it’s so rewarding to work with you and all the farmers across this state.”

In making the announcement, Duvall Zippy Duvall surrounded himself with his wife, Bonnie, the current GFB Young Farmer Committee, past AFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Committee Chairman Jake Carter and member Leighton Cooley and their families, current GFB Young Farmer Coordinator Jed Evans and incoming Young Farmer Coordinator Taylor Sills.

Duvall, who has served as GFB president since being elected in 2006, is looking to succeed Bob Stallman, who announced on July 14 that he will not seek re-election. Stallman has served as AFBF president for 16 years. The election will be held in January during the 2016 AFBF Convention in Orlando, Fla. Duvall will continue to serve as GFB president and would resign from the position if elected AFBF president.

Duvall chose to make the announcement on Jekyll Island where his work began in Farm Bureau leadership, and it was part of his remarks on the process of developing leadership.

“You’ve got to plan well and set those priorities,” Duvall said, “and you need to be patient, because all of you are leaders. Whether you think you are, or you're not sure you want to be, you're a leader right now.”

Duvall is a past winner of the GFB and AFBF Young Farmer Achievement Awards. He has served as chairman of the GFB Young Farmer Committee and as chairman of the AFBF Young Farmer & Rancher Committee. During his time as GFB president he has also served on the AFBF Board of Directors.

Three other state Farm Bureau presidents – Don Villwock of Indiana, Barry Bushue of Oregon and Kevin Rogers of Arizona – have announced their candidacy for AFBF president.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 12 ANGLE LEAVING UGA CAES FOR POSITION WITH IFDC J. Scott Angle, who has served as dean and director of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for the past decade, has announced that he will step down from his position to lead a global organization that works to alleviate hunger, according to a UGA press release.

As president and CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center, Angle will oversee an organization that has been active in nearly 100 countries and is focused on increasing food security and agricultural productivity through the development and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

Angle will step down from his role at UGA on Sept. 18. UGA President Jere W. Morehead and Provost Pamela Whitten will announce the appointment of an interim dean in the coming weeks as well as a national search for the next permanent academic leader to Scott Angle propel the college to new heights.

“Over the past decade, Dean Angle has provided outstanding leadership to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” Morehead said. “He has been one of the strongest champions of UGA’s land-grant mission, working tirelessly to connect the vast resources of the college to the challenges and opportunities faced by the agriculture industry across the state. We are grateful for his many years of dedicated service and wish him well in this new endeavor.”

Angle oversaw a period of significant growth in the college’s instruction, research and outreach. The number of students enrolled in the college grew by nearly 30 percent over the past decade, and 175,000 youths from across the state are enrolled in 4-H programs. To increase access to agricultural education in Georgia, the college began offering degree programs at the UGA-Griffin campus and expanded its programs on the Tifton campus.

Angle recruited several nationally and internationally recognized researchers to help broaden the scope and impact of the college’s research. He also strengthened the links between the college’s research and Cooperative Extension units to ensure that farmers and other stakeholders in each of Georgia’s 159 counties have access to the latest, evidence-based information.

Angle has held several national agricultural leadership positions, including chair of the Board on Agricultural Assembly of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. He has served as acting executive director of the Northeast Research Association, which promotes regional cooperation in agricultural research, and also has been chair of both the national and Northeast Regional Organizations of Experiment Station Directors.

He has authored or co-authored some 300 scientific papers, reports, book chapters and other publications, has been a Fulbright Scholar and is a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America.

“While I am sad to leave my friends and colleagues at UGA during a time when (the college) is on such a strong trajectory, I am called for one more grand adventure in my life,” Angle said.

“Assuming the role of CEO and president of the International Fertilizer Development Center will allow me to combine my disciplinary training in soil science with my passion for Africa to help farmers around the world improve soil fertility and sustainability. I am very proud of all that the university and college have achieved over the past 10 years.”

GFB News Alert page 6 of 12 USDA SEEKS NOMINEES FOR PEANUT STANDARDS BOARD The USDA is seeking nominations for peanut producers and industry representatives to serve on the Peanut Standards Board.

The board consists of 18 members with representation equally divided between peanut producers and industry representatives. Representation is divided among three regions: the Southeast (Alabama, Georgia and Florida); the Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico) and Virginia/North Carolina. Each region has three producer seats and three industry representative seats with staggered three-year terms.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will appoint one producer and one industry representative from each region to succeed members whose terms expired on June 30. The six new members will serve terms ending on June 30, 2018.

The 2002 Farm Bill established the Peanut Standards Board to consult with USDA regarding quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. The board plays a key role in representing the U.S. peanut industry on issues affecting quality and marketability.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the industry it represents.

All eligible women, minorities and persons with disabilities are invited to seek nomination for a seat on the Peanut Standards Board by the Aug. 24 deadline.

For nominating forms and additional information, visit: http://www.ams.usda.gov/PeanutStandardsBoard, or contact Jennie M. Varela, Marketing Specialist, or Christian D. Nissen, Regional Director, Southeast Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order and Agreement Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, AMS, USDA; Telephone: (863) 324-3375, Fax: (863) 291-8614, or Email: Jennie.Varela@ams.usda.gov or Christian.Nissen@ams.usda.gov.

REP. BISHOP HONORED FOR SUPPORT OF 1890 LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-Ga. 2nd District) has been awarded the Friend of the 1890 Land-Grant Universities’ Champion Award for his contributions to enhancing opportunities at 1890 Land Grant Universities, according to a release from Bishop’s office.

The award was presented by the 1890 Land Grant Universities at a celebration marking the 125th Anniversary of the signing of the Second Morrill Act. The act made it possible for each state to receive federal funds to establish African American land-grant educational institutions, a corrective measure for former Confederate States with discriminatory practices aimed towards African Americans trying to attend universities.

“Proving over decades of scholastic distinction and educating thousands of students, 1890 schools are still alive and flourishing today,” said Congressman Bishop. “I am proud and humbled to receive this award and will continue to do my dead level best to support Fort Valley State University and thousands of scholars attending other amazing 1890 schools around the nation.”

Recently, Congressman Bishop inserted an amendment into the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Agriculture Appropriations Bill in support of 1890 Land Grant Universities, directing the Department of Agriculture to work with the 1890s schools and their states to review and study meeting the one-to-one matching funding requirement, to develop a plan of action addressing the outstanding issue, and to submit a report to the House Ag Committee on that plan of action.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 12 BLUEBERRY INDUSTRY CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PRODUCTION July is National Blueberry Month and the beginning of a 12-month celebration commemorating the first commercial crop of blueberries in the U.S. In 1916, the pioneering efforts of Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville produced the blueberries we know and love today, which were first available for purchase from highbush blueberry fields in Whitesbog, N.J. Blueberries are one of just a few fruits native to the U.S. To kick off the celebration, blueberries will be popping up on corporate menus nationwide in July, making appearances at employee cafeterias for companies including major banking institutions, media giants, national museums and government agencies. Iconic locations include Harvard University, the U.S. Senate, the Guggenheim and Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

The perfect place to celebrate an American star fruit, the nation’s capital will be home to many centennial festivities in July. Already a staple in the White House kitchen garden, blueberries can be spotted this month on the menus of some of D.C.’s favorite food trucks. The USDA also will feature the berry at the USDA Farmers Market and People’s Garden.

Consumers around the world may join in the centennial festivities online by following #100YearsofGrowin and by participating in a month-long photo contest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, accompanied by the hashtag #HappyBdayBlueberries. Winners will be selected to receive blueberry-themed prizes, and there will be one grand prize winner announced in early August. For more information on the 100th birthday and centennial kickoff activities, visit http://tinyurl.com/blueberry100.

In celebrating this historic milestone, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council hopes to inspire 100 more years of enjoyment in eating well by educating consumers about the little changes they can make to achieve healthier lifestyles and encouraging a spirit of creativity in kitchens across the globe.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 12 See page 10 for a list of ongoing Farm Bureau-affiliated farmers markets!

SEN. PERDUE AG APPRECIATION COFFEE & CONVERSATION July 25 Tift Hall, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College 8:30 a.m.

Tifton This breakfast is part of Georgia Sen. David Perdue’s South Georgia listening tour. Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black are scheduled to give remarks during the hourlong meeting. To attend, RSVP by email to rsvp@perdue.senate.gov.

GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION SUMMER CONFERENCE July 23-25 Sea Palms Resort St. Simons Island Registration is now open for this key GCA event. Speakers include Kim Stackhouse, Director of Sustainability Research with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and NCBA President Philip Ellis, who will share their experiences with NCBA and cattle operations throughout the U.S. In addition to committee meetings, there is a tour of the Georgia Ports Authority, a golf tournament, Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association Games on the Beach, a low country boil at Bennie’s Red Barn and much more for the whole family. For more information or to register visit http://tinyurl.com/gcasumconf.

17TH ANNUAL SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS CONFERENCE July 23-25 Callaway Gardens Pine Mountain This three-day event provides farmers with information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the numerous conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament. For more information visit http://www.southernpeanutfarmers.org/spgc.asp.

CHEROKEE COUNTY POLITICAL FORUM July 28 Cagle’s Family Farm 6:30 p.m.

Canton Local, state and national candidates for office in 2015 and 2016 are invited to attend and will have two minutes to speak. Questions from the audience will follow. Current elected officials will be introduced and attendees will have time to meet and greet the candidates both before and after the forum. Homemade ice cream will be served by Boy Scout Troop 465, and drinks and peanuts will be provided by Cherokee County Farm Bureau. RSVP by July 24 by contacting Shirley Pahl at 770-479-1481 ext. 0 or sfpahl@gfb.org.

USDA PUBLIC HEARING FOR PECAN FEDERAL MARKETING ORDER July 27-29 Hilton Garden Inn 8 a.m. – 5 pm.

Tifton Pecan growers and other industry stakeholders, including handlers and shellers, will have a chance to offer testimony regarding the proposed federal marketing order for pecans that the American Pecan Board is working to implement. Witnesses are expected to testify regarding the costs, benefits and other potential impacts of the proposed marketing order. Individuals who wish to testify will register on the sign-up sheet on the day of their arrival and should be prepared to speak when the administrative law judge facilitating the hearing calls them. The proposed draft of the marketing order is available for review at www.pecanboard.com. For more information about the hearings or proposed marketing order call 903-649-2077 or email bmichaeladams@gmail.com.

GFB News Alert page 9 of 12 FSA TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEES The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting nominations for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees through Aug. 3. To be eligible to serve on a FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency-administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area where they are nominated.

Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others. Organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign an FSA-669A nomination form. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. Nomination forms for the 2015 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 3. FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 9, 2015. Ballots will be due back to the local county office either via mail or in person by Dec. 7, 2015. Newly elected committee members and alternates will take office on Jan. 1, 2016.

AM. PEANUT SHELLERS/PEANUT BUYING POINTS JOINT CONVENTION Aug. 4-5 Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club Cordele Shellers and buying point managers meet to talk peanut issues, host an auction, present awards and install officers. For hotel rooms, call 800-459-1230. For more information, call 229-8882508 or 229-386-1716 or visit www peanut-shellers.org.

SE GEORGIA RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER FIELD DAY Aug. 12 Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center Midville Hear research specialists talk about crops, technology, and hear about research. Registration will begin at 9: a.m. For more information call 478-589-7472.

26TH ANNUAL BROOKLET PEANUT FESTIVAL Aug. 15 Brooklet Located just 45 minutes from Savannah in Bulloch County, the 25th Annual Peanut Festival includes a peanut run, a parade at 10 a.m., arts and crafts, exhibits and entertainment. Visit www.brookletpeanutfestival.com for more information.

YOUNG, BEGINNING, SMALL AND MINORITY FARMERS WORKSHOP Aug. 28 University of West Georgia Coliseum 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Carrollton Sponsored by AGAware, this workshop is designed to assist young, beginning, small and minority farmers with developing a strong farm plan. Topics include income statements, applying for financing, preparing a business plan, risk management and federal government programs through the USDA, the Small Business Administration and other. Lunch will be provided. For more information or to register visit http://tinyurl.com/agawarewkshp.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 12 20TH ANNUAL LUMBER CITY FARM DAY FESTIVAL Sept. 11 & 12 Downtown Lumber City Festival events begin Sept. 11 at 5 p.m. with a fish fry at the Lumber City American Legion on Hwy 341. The opening ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Main Street with entertainment by Old Souls of the South from Atlanta. Events on Sept 12 begin with breakfast at the Lumber City Methodist Church from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., followed by a 5K run/walk at 7:45 a.m. ($20 5K registration includes a free breakfast for all runners), a dog show at 9 a.m. and parade at 10 a.m.

Other events will include live stage entertainment, an amusement park, cakewalk, arts & crafts, and food vendors all day. A street dance will be held from 7-ll p.m. featuring the Soul Purpose Band from Atlanta, Admission is free for all festival events except 5k. A community church service will be held Sunday at 9 a.m. on Main Street. For more info visit www.lumbercityfarmday.org or call 912-363-4341.

AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 17 Westbrook farm, UGA Griffin Campus 8 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Griffin This event, hosted by UGA Griffin every three years, will provide attendees with information on ways to increase the value of their land. Federal and state government agency officials and representatives of private business will provide management recommendations and demonstrate real-life techniques at this unique educational event, which features more than 30 topics, including wildlife openings, pond management, feral hog issues and many more. Continuing Education Credits (CEU) are available for several fields, including pesticide (several categories), forestry, loggers, arborist and wildlife. Registration is $25 prior to Sept. 3 ($30 after) and includes lunch. Pre-registrants will receive an Agroforestry and Wildlife Field Day ball cap.

Field trip opportunity and special pricing is available for high school students. For more information or for registration information, visit www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.

ENROLLMENT UNDERWAY FOR FARM BILL SAFETY NET PROGRAMS Farmers have until Sept. 30 to formally enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety-net programs for 2014 and 2015 according to a USDA press release. Farmers and producers had until April 7 to make a one-time choice of the program in which they would participate. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

ONGOING FARMERS MARKETS PAULDING COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Paulding County High School Paulding County Farm Bureau is accepting vendors for its weekly farmers market that will be held each Thursday from April 16 to Nov. 20. There is no fee to participate but vendors must be Farm Bureau members so that the market qualifies as a Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market. If you would like to participate in the PCFB Farmer’s Market, please contact Tracy Grice at Paulding County Farm Bureau at 770-445-6681 or email her at tcgrice@gfb.org.

Vendors may sell locally grown produce or other ag commodities or homemade crafts. PCFB is teaming up with the Paulding County High School this year to host the market in the north parking lot of the school located at 1297 Villa Rica Hwy., Dallas, Ga. 30132.

GFB News Alert page 11 of 12 SHIELDS-ETHRIDGE HERITAGE FARM CULTIVATORS’ MARKET Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2355 Ethridge Rd. Jefferson Jackson County Farm Bureau (JCFB) is sponsoring this monthly open-air market that will allow local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell products they make or grow in a festival atmosphere. The market will include live music, games and exhibitions of farming practices to entertain and educate visitors as they shop. Each month’s market will have a different theme. Market will be held rain or shine. Please leave pets at home. The Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm is an outdoor ag museum that functions as an educational and interpretative facility. The farm is unique for its collection of intact historic buildings that exist in their original location and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from the market will be used for restoration projects at the farm. Vendors will be selected based on quality and originality of product according to the theme of homesteading practices. If you are interested in having a booth at the market, contact JCFB Office Manager Denise Temple at dftemple@gfb.org or call 706-367-8877 or visit www.shieldsethridgefarminc.com to complete an application online.

HINESVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Downtown Hinesville This market, sponsored by the Liberty County Farm Bureau, offers customers fresh local produce and other farm items, cut flowers, plants, baked goods, specialty foods, prepared foods, and original crafts. Market is held in Bradwell Park on Commerce St. across from the Hinesville City Hall. To apply to be a vendor or for more information call the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority at 912-877-4332.

MONROE FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays through Oct. 10 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Court Street Downtown Monroe This market features vegetables and other ag commodities grown in Walton County along with homemade products made by county residents. Walton County Farm Bureau is one of the sponsors of the market, which is located on Court Street in downtown Monroe. Visit www.monroedowntown.com for more information or contact Cheryl Brady at 770-722-9145 or monroefmdowntown@gmail.com.

ROCKDALE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Through Nov. 21 Tuesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. – noon, Thursdays 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Rockdale County Extension office, 1400 Parker Road Conyers Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau manages this market with support from the Rockdale County Extension, set up to allow farmers to sell locally grown products directly to the public.

Farmers wishing to participate can sign up at the Rockdale/DeKalb Farm Bureau office. Vendors must be current Farm Bureau members in order to participate. For more information or to receive a vendor application contact RDCFB Office Manager Susanne Bell at shbell@gfb.org or call 770-922-3566.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 12 WHITE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays through Sept. 27 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Freedom Park near downtown square Cleveland White County Farm Bureau helps sponsor this market, where customers can shop for some of the freshest produce around while listening to local musicians. The market also features themed market days throughout the season with recipes, taste testing, and other fun events. For more information contact the White County Extension Office at 706-865-2832. Vendors can rent space at the market for $10 per Saturday. Vendors must be residents of White County and or adjacent counties and goods must be grown or locally made.

UNION COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET Saturdays through Oct. 31 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuesdays through Oct. 27 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

148 Old Smokey Road!

Blairsville This market, supported by the Union County Farm Bureau, offers locally grown produce, farmfresh eggs and meats, artisan cheeses, breads, jams, jellies, honey and other delicious prepared foods. The market also features handmade crafts such as pottery and paintings. Special event days are: Ramp (Wild Onion) Day May 9, Strawberry Day May 23, Greenbean Festival July 25 & Tractor Show/Parade Sept. 5. For more information contact Mickey Cummings! or Kristy Peney at farmersmarket@uniongov.com or 706-439-6043.