July 30 , 2014
www.gfb.org
Vol. 32 No. 30
NEW GEORGIA POULTRY LAB NETWORK FACILITY TO OPEN THIS FALL Construction of the new 38,000-square-foot home of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN) is nearing completion and headed for opening this fall, according to published reports. The $13.6 million facility will replace the existing Oakwood lab in Hall County. The Oakwood lab conducts approximately 1.3 million tests annually, including more than 900,000 serum samples that are examined using robots. GPLN also has labs in Carnesville, Dalton, Forsyth and Tifton according to the organization’s website. The testing done in the GPLN labs is part of a program to monitor the state’s poultry flocks for avian influenza, salmonella, mycoplasma and other threats to poultry health and food safety. GPLN also provides chick quality assurance service and hatchery inspections for Georgia’s poultry and egg industry, which in 2012 generated $5.7 billion in farm gate value and supported 138,000 jobs according to data provided by the University of Georgia. Construction on the new facility began in May 2013, and was originally scheduled to be completed in July, but that schedule was delayed by weather and other construction issues. When complete, the new lab will feature a mezzanine level that will allow visitors to watch the serology lab robots at work. The facility will have a biosafety lab where pathogens can be contained during an outbreak of poultry-related disease. GPLN also conducts certification testing for exports. According to Georgia Poultry Federation President Mike Giles, when foreign trade officials come to Georgia to discuss poultry export/import possibilities, they want to see the labs. “The poultry lab system serves a vital role in Georgia’s poultry industry in monitoring the industry and making sure we are able to protect the health of the flock, both in broiler production and in egg production,” Giles said. “We have a world class team in place but they don’t have world-class facility. We think we’ll have the best program in the world when it is fully constructed and implemented.” In a story that appeared in the Gainesville Times, GPLN Executive Director Louis DufourZavala emphasized that while the organization’s staff is looking forward to moving into the new building, their work is continuing uninterrupted. “We’re operating at 100 percent,” Dufour-Zavala told the Times. “We’re not hurting. And we don’t have a date where it would start to hurt, either. We can’t wait (for the move), but we’re not in a dire situation.”
Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 GFB AWARDS $14,250 IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Bailey Dickinson of Stephens County, Makinizi Hoover of Burke County and Addie Thomason of Franklin County have been selected to receive the top three 2014 Georgia Farm Bureau Scholarships valued at $3,000 each. In addition to the top three awards, seven other students were awarded scholarships of $750 each. These scholarship recipients are: Rebecca Bostick of Mitchell County; Cole Harper of Irwin County; Madison Hickey of Stephens County; Olivia Minish and Kayla Whitehead of Madison County; Oakley Perry of Jeff Davis County and Haley Vickery of Pike County. The GFB scholarships recognize deserving and outstanding students pursuing undergraduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or a related field. Only students who will enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College are eligible. All 10 of the recipients plan to attend either Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton or the University of Georgia in Athens this fall. The GFB Mutual Insurance Company and the GFB Women’s Leadership Committee sponsor the scholarship program. Students interested in applying for the 2015 scholarships should contact their county Farm Bureau office after October for information. JAKE CARTER HONORED IN WHITE HOUSE CEREMONY American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Chairman Jake Carter of Henry County is among a group of leaders from across the country who were recognized as Champions of Change for Agriculture in a ceremony at the White House on July 29. A fifth-generation farmer, Carter operates Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, which consists of you-pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and peaches, as well as a fall corn maze and educational school tours. As AFBF Young Farmer and Rancher Committee chairman, he works to share the wonderful promise of a career and life in agriculture with others who love the land and want to create a life there. He and his wife Jennifer served as chairs of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee in 2012. Carter The Champions of Change program recognizes leaders in a variety of disciplines from across the country who are doing extraordinary things in their communities. The agriculture champions are leading in their industries and communities, inspiring others who want to find careers and a life on the land and providing food, fiber, fuel and flora around the world. The program featured USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, who discussed efforts to ensure that beginning farmers and the growing ranks of agriculture - women, young people, immigrants, socially disadvantaged producers, returning veterans and retirees - have access to the programs and support they need. The event included a discussion about how to continue growing and supporting the next generation of America’s farmers and ranchers. The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals, businesses and organizations working to empower and inspire members of their communities. To learn more about the White House Champions of Change program and nominate a Champion, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions. For more information on opportunities to support new and beginning farmers, visit http://www.usda.gov/newfarmers.
Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 GEORGIA COTTON AND TOBACCO COMMMISSIONS TAKING NOMINATIONS The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions for cotton and tobacco are accepting nominations until Aug. 30 to fill positions on each board. The length of each term is three years. To qualify for nomination, a person must be a Georgia producer of cotton or tobacco to serve on the respective commission. Nominations can be made by completing a nominee information form available at Farm Services Administration offices and sending it to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, 19 MLK Jr. Drive S.W. Room 324, Atlanta, GA 30334 or via fax to 404-656-9380. Nominations must be postmarked by Aug. 30 for consideration. The nominees will be certified to ensure they are an active Georgia cotton or tobacco producer. Geographic representation will be considered when making appointments. Agricultural commodity commissions are farmer-funded programs that conduct research, promotion and education for their respective commodities. They are authorized in Georgia law under the Commodity Promotions Act. Producers with questions may contact the Georgia Dept. of Agriculture at 404-656-3678. HUDSON NAMED ASSOCIATE STATE LEADER FOR GEORGIA 4-H Craven Hudson, the newly appointed associate state leader of Georgia 4-H, has a life-long history with 4-H. His mother was an Extension home demonstration agent. Hudson, a native of Virginia with more than 25 years of Extension experience, comes to the University of Georgia Extension and Georgia 4-H from North Carolina State University where he most recently served as the executive assistant to the director of Cooperative Extension. He also held the position of executive director of development for 4-H and family and consumer sciences in the N.C. State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Craven’s background as a county Extension agent and knowledge of fund development and organizational skills will help Georgia 4-H Hudson continue to be among the best 4-H programs in the United States,” said Georgia’s State 4-H Leader Arch Smith. His first goals are to recruit more adult volunteer leaders and increase retention of fifth and sixth graders in the Cloverleaf program. Hudson earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master’s degree in forestry from N.C. State. He is currently working on a doctorate of education at N.C. State. TRIAL OF PEANUT CORPORATION OF AMERICA EXECS BEGINS Jury selection began on July 28 in Albany for three Peanut Corporation of America executives charged with numerous felonies stemming from a nationwide salmonella outbreak in 2008 and 2009. The outbreak was traced to the company’s Blakely, Ga., plant. A fourth defendant, Plant Manager Samuel Lightsey, pled guilty to numerous charges and awaits sentencing. Company owner Stewart Parnell and his brother Michael Parnell (a peanut broker) face charges of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and introducing adulterated or misbranded food into interstate commerce with intent to defraud or mislead. Stewart Parnell and plant Quality Assurance Manager Mary Wilkerson face obstruction of justice charges.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 JOINT AG CHAIRMEN AG ISSUES SUMMIT July 31 Georgia Museum of Agriculture 10 a.m. Tifton This annual event is hosted by Georgia House Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom McCall and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Wilkinson and sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Georgia Poultry Federation, the Georgia Urban Agriculture Council and the Georgia Forestry Association. Topics include regional water planning, pollinators, solar energy, truck weights and the Clean Water Act. The event is free and lunch will be provided. Because meeting space is limited RSVP is required. If you would like to attend, please contact Pat Harris at 404-656-5099 – pat.harris@house.ga.gov.or Susan Henry at 404-463-5257 – susan.henry@senate.ga.gov. FSA ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR COUNTY COMMITTEES The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting nominations for its county committees through Aug. 1. Committee members are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level. Farmers who serve on committees help decide the kind of programs their counties will offer. They work to make FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers. Elections will take place in November and newly elected county committee members take office on Jan. 1, 2015. Nomination forms may be requested from the local USDA Service Center or obtained online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections. ASA DUPONT YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM The American Soybean Association (ASA) and DuPont are seeking applicants for the 2015 ASA DuPont Young Leader Program. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1. The program is a challenging and educational two-part training program. Phase 1 will take place at the DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, Nov. 18-21, 2014. The program continues Feb. 24-28, 2015, in Phoenix, Ariz., with training held in conjunction with the 20th annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. The program offers the opportunity for participants to strengthen their natural leadership skills, expand their agricultural knowledge and develop strong peer relationships with other soybean growers from across the country. To apply visit http://soygrowers.com/learn/young-leader-program/. For more information, contact Christine Luelf at 314-754-1291 or cluelf@soy.org. TURFGRASS RESEARCH FIELD DAY Aug. 6 UGA Griffin Campus 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Griffin Whether you're a homeowner, new landscape company owner or a veteran golf course superintendent, you'll find the latest research-based information on growing and maintaining turfgrass at this event.UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences researchers and The field day is certified for private and commercial pesticide recertification credits in Georgia and neighboring states. A license number is required to receive the field day credits. A catered BBQ ribs and chicken lunch will be followed by displays and demonstrations of the latest turfgrass industry equipment. A self-guided research tour begins at 1:15 p.m. Registration for the field day is $65 ($20 for students) and covers the day's program, a field day research guide and lunch. To register, call 770-229-3477 or go to the website http://www.GeorgiaTurf.com for program information and online registration.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 FARM BILL ROUNDTABLE WITH BARROW, HARDEN Aug. 8 Statesboro Agriculture Center 9 a.m. Statesboro McGrath Keen Conference Center 1 p.m. Dublin Locations TBD 4 p.m. Waynesboro Deputy Agriculture Secretary Krysta Harden and Rep. John Barrow (D-12th District) will visit farms and lead discussions on the 2014 farm bill and disaster assistance. Harden is overseeing the implementation of the farm bill and delivering its new and modified programs to the nation’s farmers. For more information contact Richard Carbo in Barrow’s office at richard.carbo@mail.house.gov. CAFO RULE INFORMATION SESSIONS Aug. 12 Georgia Farm Bureau 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Macon Aug. 20 UGA Livestock Arena 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Athens Aug. 28 UGA Tifton Campus Center 10:30 a.m. – noon Tifton These meetings conducted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, will cover information about Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) permits under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Land Application Systems (LAS). Attendees will receive 1 free continuing education credit, and time for Q&A will follow each session. For more information, send an email to cafo@agr.georgia.gov. NORTHWEST GEORGIA MASTER CATTLEMEN’S PROGRAM Sept. 8 – Oct. 27 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton This eight-week course will meet on Mondays from 6:30 pm. to 8:30 p.m. Each week’s class focuses on a single aspect of beef cattle production, including nutrition, forages, reproduction, herd health, economics and marketing, Beef Quality Assurance, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, livestock facilities sire selection and record keeping. Participants who attend six of the eight classes will receive a certificate of completion and a UGA Master Cattlemen’s cap. Registration is $60 per person and includes a dinner on the final night. Advance registration deadline is Aug. 25. For more information contact Jason Duggin at 706-624-1403 or jduggin@uga.edu or Paula Burke at 770-836-8546 or pjburke@uga.edu. AFBF COUNTY ACTIVITIES OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS Sept. 5 Deadline to apply Applications are available for county Farm Bureaus to enter the 2015 County Activities of Excellence Awards program. The CAE showcases up to 24 of the top county Farm Bureau programs in the nation. Counties will display their winning activities at the AFBF Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, Jan. 9-11, 2015, in San Diego, Calif. In addition, county Farm Bureaus will also receive up to four free registrations to the convection (housing not included) and a $2,250 stipend to apply toward the cost of travel and exhibition. With a focus on Farm Bureau’s priority issues, the CAE program groups county activities into the following areas: Education and Ag Promotion, Member Services, Public Relations and Information, Leadership Development and Policy Implementation. Learn more online at http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=events.cae.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 CONSERVATION EASEMENTS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS September 9-10 Rome-Floyd County ECO Education Center Rome The purpose of this course is to provide a working knowledge of conservation easements as a land-use control. It provides guidance on drafting conservation easement agreements to achieve landowner goals for their property. Land Trusts discuss their philosophy of land use protection and what they can offer landowners. This course offers a comprehensive overview of legal, appraisal, base line information, tax incentives, and other inputs needed for a successful conservation easement agreement. Sept. 5 is the deadline to register. For more information call 706-583-0566 see http://conted.warnell.uga.edu/courses/conseaserome. ‘CHICKEN SCRATCH’ PHOTO EXHIBIT Through Sept. 6 Georgia Museum of Agriculture Tifton The Gallery at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will showcase Fitzgerald’s wild chicken population with this new photography exhibit, “Chicken Scratch”, from Atlanta photographer Nicole Walker. The “Chicken Scratch” exhibit and is dedicated to the beauty, legacy, and companionship of these magnificent plumed gifts of Mother Nature. This exhibit is presented by Fitzgerald resident Sue Rochfort who is a TV host, teacher, author, cook, and antiques appraiser. For more information on Chicken Scratch, please contact GMA curator Polly Huff at phuff@abac.edu. GEORGIA GROWN FARMERS SHOWCASE Sept. 6 Moultrie Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Moultrie This family-friendly event features numerous vendors from around the state, with a wide variety of products from Georgia farms. For more information about the Georgia Grown program, visit http://www.georgiagrown.com. MOM’S DAY ON THE RANCH Aug. 20 Callaway Cattle Company Hogansville This fun and informative event, funded by the National Beef Checkoff, is designed to give nonag Georgia moms a chance for an up-close look at a modern beef cattle farm to see how beef gets from pasture to plate in a safe, sustainable and delicious way. If you know of a suburban mom looking to learn more about how farmers raise the food her family eats, this would be an ideal event for her. Visit http://www.momsdayonthefarm.com to learn more. GRAZING BEHAVIOR SEMINARS Sept. 8 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena 6 – 8 p.m. Athens Sept. 11 Tift County Extension Office 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tifton Sept. 12 Location TBD 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Carrollton This series of seminars, led by Utah State Professor Emeritus Dr. Fred Provenza, will address eating habits of grazing animals, whether they can be trained to consume specific forage species and much more. Registration is $10. For more information or to register, contact Cathy Felton a 706-310-3464 or feltonc@uga.edu or Dr. Dennis Hancock at dhancock@uga.edu.