Georgia Farm Bureau's Leadership Alert - June 11, 2014

Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 UGA COTTON SCOUT SCHOOL June 17 Southeastern Research & Ed Center Midville UGA entomologists Phillip Roberts and Michael Toews will lead this free training, designed to teach individuals about cotton growth and development, the structures of a cotton plant, pest insects, beneficial insects and how to report information to a grower. The session will begin at 9 a.m. in a classroom and conclude with a short field trip, adjourning at 12:30 p.m. No registration is required. For more information about cotton scouting or any other cotton related topic, visit http://www.ugacotton.com.

BEGINNING FARMER AND RANCHER GRANTS June 12 Deadline to apply for FY2014 The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) assists new farmers and ranchers through grants to organizations that offer education, training and mentoring programs.

The 2014 farm bill provides $19.2 million in grants under the BFRDP. Standard grants directly serve beginning farmers and ranchers; each can be up to $250,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Educational Enhancements grant develop resources and provide coordination and support to standard grants for a particular topic or region. One Clearinghouse grant for a national site to house curricula, training materials, and other information for new farmers and ranchers and organizations that work with them.

Visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/beginningfarmersandranchers.cfm for more information.

EISENHOWER FELLOWS ACCEPTING AGRICULTURE APPLICATIONS Recruitment is currently open and will end on June 13 for Eisenhower Fellowships, the premier international leadership organization chaired by General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret).

Eisenhower Fellowships is seeking active farmers or ranchers to take part in a unique international opportunity. If you are a leader in agriculture, and could benefit from international exposure and a world class network to enhance your leadership role, you are invited to apply for an Eisenhower Agriculture Fellowship. For more information, and application materials, visit: http://www.efworld.org/our-programs/usa.

GEORGIA GROWN FARMERS SHOWCASE June 14 Savannah Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Savannah June 28 Atlanta Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Atlanta Sept. 6 Moultrie Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Moultrie These family-friendly events feature 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.

GEORGIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE July 19-21 Westin Resort Hilton Head Island, S.C. Duncan Davies, president and CEO of International Forest Products Inc., will provide the keynote address at this annual event, which offers educational and networking opportunities for forest landowners, forest industry professionals and forest-based businesses. Continuing education credits are available, and session topics include a post-recession outlook, succession and estate planning, and forest advocacy. Registration until June 18 is $375 for GFA members, $450 for non-members and $190 for spouses, guests and teens. For more information or to register, visit http://www.gfagrow.org/annualconference.