Georgia Farm Bureau News - February / March 2009

Vol. 70 No. 1

GEORGIA

February/March 2009

FARM BUREAU NEWS

The Voice of Georgia Farmers

table of

contents february/march 2009

departments we, the farmers PAGE 4

legislative update PAGE 5

timber update PAGE 12

commodities update PAGE 14

young farmer update PAGE 17

around georgia PAGE 20

public relations staff

Paul Beliveau Director Jennifer Whittaker Editor Brad Harrison Print/Web Specialist

Lillian Davis Publications/Advertising Manager

Denny Moore TV Producer/Anchor Rick Treptow Senior Radio-TV Specialist

Michael Edmondson Web/Video Manager

Mark Wildman Radio-TV Specialist

Dean Wood Radio-TV Specialist

Vickie Amos Office Coordinator For questions about your membership or member benefits, call 1-800-633-5432.

For questions regarding editorial content call 478-474-0679, ext. 5334 or email jawhittaker@gfb.org For questions regarding advertising contact Hurst and Associates, Inc., 1-800-397-8908 Visit the GFB Web site today! www.gfb.org

Georgia Farm Bureau News

GFB represented well at AFBF convention

American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman (R) congratulates GFB President Zippy Duvall on Georgia receiving Awards of Excellence for its member services, public relations and legislative programs. GFB member Josh White advanced to the Sweet 16 Round of the Young Farmer Discussion Meet.

PAGE 6

GFB Day at the Capitol Gov. Sonny Perdue commended GFB members attending Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol for producing crops safe for human consumption. He called the presence of salmonella at the PCA plant an isolated incident and said the state would work to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Sen. John Bulloch has introduced legislation that would require food-processing facilities to notify the state if they receive test results indicating any of their products present a health risk.

PAGE 8

CAFOS required to report animal waste emissions

As of Jan. 20, owners of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are now required to report animal waste emissions from their farm operations to state and local governments.

Information to help you comply is provided on page 10.

Basis important to making profit on soybeans

An economist speaking at the annual Soybean/Small Grains Expo said soybean producers who manage basis properly should get a better price when marketing their soybeans.

PAGE 19

GFB Brokerage Dept. covers your farm insurance needs

The GFB Brokerage Department can secure insurance coverage for a variety of farm-related needs such as farm operations, equine, commercial auto, loss of farm income due to the outbreak of certain contagious diseases and workers compensation.

PAGE 22

on the cover (Photo by Jennifer Whittaker) This three-banded Italian honeybee was caught pollinating a blueberry bush in Bacon County. One-third of our diet is derived from insectpollinated plants. Honeybees are responsible for pollinating 80% of these plants. As a bee sucks up nectar from a flower, the flower’s pollen sticks to tiny hairs on the bee.

Bees then transfer the pollen to the next flowers they land on. Bees also take pollen back to the hive to use as food.

February-March 2009 / 3

we, the

farmers GFB President Zippy Duvall (right) welcomes Gov. Sonny Perdue to the GFB Day at the Capitol Luncheon.

Zippy Duvall, GFB President

GFB in action

Just as 2009 has brought new leadership to Washington, D.C., it’s also brought new faces to two of our top Georgia Farm Bureau leadership positions. While this will be old news for those of you who attended our annual convention, Presidents’ Conference or Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol, I want to be sure our members who didn’t have the opportunity to attend these events are familiar with GFB’s leadership.

Although I’m not new, I’d like to thank the voting delegates who re-elected me to a second term. While I had no opposition, I don’t take your trust in me lightly. I’d also like to introduce you to your new 1st Vice President, Gerald Long of Decatur County and our new GFB North Georgia Vice President, Bernard Sims of Catoosa County.

Gerald and Bernard are filling the two positions our former 1st Vice President and North Georgia Vice President Donald Childs formerly held. After devoting almost three decades of his life to Farm Bureau, Donald decided to retire last year. I’d like to thank him for the many contributions he made to this organization and his wife, Edna Merle, for sharing him with us.

I’ve worked with Gerald for several years now as we served on the GFB board together, first as district directors, and then after he was elected as South Georgia Vice President, and I was elected president in 2006. I couldn’t have asked you to pick a better person to serve as our organization’s 1st vice president.

Bernard is new to our state board, but I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for many years while he’s served as Catoosa County Farm Bureau president and was a fellow dairyman. We attended many of the same GFB events, and I 4 / February-March 2009

remember him often raising his hand to ask a question or make a comment. Our North Georgia members can rest assured he will represent your region well.

Speaking of representation, I’m proud to tell you that during the 90th Annual American Farm Bureau Convention held in January, AFBF adopted many of the policies GFB submitted.

Among these policies was one stating that farmers be compensated for economic losses caused by erroneous food safety alarms. Following the negative impact Georgia tomato producers suffered after the Food and Drug Administration falsely attributed last summer’s salmonella outbreak to tomatoes, 11 counties and the GFB Vegetable Committee submitted resolutions relating to this issue during the GFB PD process. GFB adopted the policy at our annual convention in December and then submitted the policy to AFBF. This shows that the time and effort you devote to policy development at your county meetings is important. I appreciate the effort made by everyone who submitted resolutions pertaining to this issue. GFB and AFBF use its memberapproved policy as a guide when advocating agriculture legislation on the state and national levels, respectively.

While we’re discussing GFB representation on the national level, I’d like to point out that a record number of 12 GFB members have been selected to serve on AFBF commodity committees. You’ll find a list of these GFB members and their committee assign-

See WE, THE FARMERS page 11

GEORGIA

FARM BUREAU NEWS

The Voice of Georgia Farmers

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Farm Bureau Members: Included in dues — $1 per year Non-Members — $15 per year OFFICERS President ZIPPY DUVALL 1st Vice President/South Georgia Vice President GERALD LONG North Georgia Vice President BERNARD SIMS Middle Georgia Vice President BRENT GALLOWAY Treasurer/Corporate Secretary Wayne Daniel General Counsel DUKE Groover

DIRECTORS FIRST DISTRICT: J. Louis Hunt, LaFayette; Henry J. West, Rydal SECOND DISTRICT: Bobby Gunter, Dahlonega; Randy Ruff, Elberton THIRD DISTRICT: George Chambers, Carrollton; Nora Goodman, Temple FOURTH DISTRICT: Marvin Ruark, Bishop; William Hutchins, Winder FIFTH DISTRICT: Jim Ham, Smarr; Ralph Adamson, Jr., Barnesville SIXTH DISTRICT: James Emory Tate, Denton; Jimmy Perry Jr., Cochran SEVENTH DISTRICT: Ben Boyd, Sylvania; Gennis Folsom, Glenville EIGHTH DISTRICT: Phil Redding, Bluffton; Don Wood, Rochelle NINTH DISTRICT: Paul Shirah, Camilla; Lucius Adkins, Elmodel TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Alma; Daniel Johnson, Alma YOUNG FARMER CHAIRMAN: Lanair Worsham, Camilla WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR: Kim Brown, Montezuma ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau News.

For advertising rates and information, contact Hurst and Associates, Inc., P.O. Box 6011, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, 1-800-397-8908.

Georgia Farm Bureau News was established in 1937.

Copyright 2008 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.

PRINTED WITH SOY INK

Georgia Farm Bureau News

legislative update Jon Huffmaster, Legislative Director

Agriculture well represented on water councils On February 11, Gov. Sonny Perdue, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson announced the appointments for the 10 regional water councils established by the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan passed by the General Assembly last year.

Each regional water council consists of 25 members and three alternates. Gov. Perdue, Lt. Gov. Cagle and Speaker Richardson made the appointments.

Last fall, the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources invited all groups interested in Georgia’s water policy to nominate potential council members. Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall urged county Farm Bureaus to submit names to our state organization. GFB nominated all of these names to the EPD. Georgia Farm Bureau submitted 88 nominations for consideration and 47 of our nominees were appointed. When you consider that many other Farm Bureau members were named to the councils without being nominated by Georgia Farm Bureau, it is clear that agriculture has a strong presence on the water councils.

The regional water councils have an important purpose that is spelled out in the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan: “For each water planning region, a water planning council will be designated to oversee preparation of a regional water development and conservation plan.”

While the purpose of the councils is clear, there are gray areas. For example, the water plan also states, “Each water planning council will submit a recommended plan to EPD, which will adopt the plan if it is complete and consistent with EPD guidance.”

EPD has the final responsibility to make sure the plans are carried out equitably across water planning regions. Therefore, it is important the farmers serving on the councils clearly convey agriculGeorgia Farm Bureau News

ture’s water needs to their fellow council members and make sure that these needs are fully understood by the EPD. The members of the water councils have a big job ahead of them. The kickoff meeting is set for March 13, at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. At this meeting, Gov. Perdue, EPD Director Carol Couch and other officials will address the water council members.

Georgia Farm Bureau nominees who were appointed are listed below.

Altamaha Regional Water Council Michael Williams, Bleckley County Randy Giddens, Dodge County Gary Bell, Evans County Dr. Jim Strickland, Tattnall County Randy Branch, Appling County (alternate) Coastal Georgia Regional Water Council Fred Blitch, Bulloch County Pete Waller, Chatham County Coosa-North Georgia Regional Water Council Pat Gober, Dawson County Tim Mercier, Fannin County Irwin Bagwell, Floyd County Sam Payne, Gordon County Jimmy Petty, Murray County Lower Flint Regional Water Council T. E. Moye, Baker County Jimmy Webb, Calhoun County Mike Newberry, Calhoun County Greg Murray, Decatur County John Bridges, Decatur County Hal Haddock, Early County Doyle Medders, Worth County (alternate) Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water Council Aaron McWhorter, Carroll County Matt Windom, Carroll County

Joe Griffith, Haralson County Denney Rogers, Heard County Jimmy Thompson, Randolph County (alternate)

Middle Ocmulgee Regional Water Council Charlie Harris, Crawford County Jim Ham, Monroe County Bill Whitten, Jasper County (alternate) Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Regional Water Council Jerry Boling, Banks County Lee Webster, Burke County Charles Newton, McDuffie County Phil Sanders, Oglethorpe County Chris McCorkle, Warren County Suwanee-Satilla Regional Water Council Doyle Weltzbarker, Brooks County Howell McCallum, Coffee County Scotty Raines, Turner County Upper Flint Regional Water Council William Culpepper, Crisp County Terrell Hudson, Dooly County Donald Chase, Macon County Gary Powell, Marion County Charles Rucks, Spalding County Jim Reid, Sumter County Raines Jordan, Talbot County Gene Brunson, Taylor County Harold Fallin, Upson County Upper Oconee Regional Water Council Danny Hogan, Laurens County Pat Hardy, Morgan County Larry Eley, Greene County (alternate) For a complete listing of all appointments to the 10 regional water councils, visit the water planning website at www. georgiawaterplanning.org.

Jon Huffmaster is the director of the GFB Legislative Department.

February-March 2009 / 5

GFB represented well at AFBF convention

By Brad Harrison __________________________________________________________________________

M

ore than 150 Georgia Farm Bureau members were among the more than 5,000 farmers attending the American Farm Bureau Federation 90th annual meeting Jan. 11-14 in San Antonio, Texas. GFB members saw some of the latest agriculture technology at the exhibit showcase, rubbed shoulders with Farm Bureau members from across the country and attended various conferences focused on the present and future of agriculture.

AFBF President Bob Stallman presented GFB President Zippy Duvall with three Awards of Excellence in recognition of GFB’s member services, public relations and legislative programs.

Henry County Farm Bureau member Josh White competed in the Young Farmer Discussion meet and advanced to the Sweet 16 round. The topic in this round centered around the importance of land grant universities to agriculture.

Miller County Farm Bureau member LaDon Calhoun represented Georgia in

the Young Farmer Achievement Contest.

Duvall was re-elected to serve another twoyear term on AFBF’s Board of Directors.

“Attending this convention is a great opportunity for our members to hear what economists and policy analysts are saying about our industry and to get information that will hopefully help them navigate the coming year,” Duvall said.

One of the more popular conferences centered on the 2009 crop forecast. Sharon Johnson, a senior cotton analyst with First Capitol Group in Atlanta, said cotton farmers can expect another challenging year in 2009. She predicted cotton acreage will be near 8.3 million acres with harvested acres at 7.8 million acres. Johnson is forecasting a potential yield of 860 pounds per acre, indicating a total crop yield ranging between 12 million to 15 million bales.

Jim Sullivan, an agricultural economist and senior vice president of Informa Economics in Washington, D.C., expects the global recession to mean weakening demand for corn, soybeans and wheat

Henry County Farm Bureau member Josh White advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the Young Farmer Discussion Meet during the 90th Annual AFBF Convention.

this year. In short, he doesn’t expect last year’s high commodity prices to be present this year.

Sullivan did note that if there is a bright spot going into 2009, it is fertilizer prices falling from last summer’s record highs. Continued price softening is expected, and Sullivan encouraged farmers to delay their fertilizer purchases.

Former New Jersey Senator and basketball hall of fame member Bill Bradley was the keynote speaker. He shared his vision of what Americans need to improve as a country — good jobs, access to health care, a secure pension at retirement and access to education.

Reynolds, former GFB president, dies

NBA Hall of Fame member Bill Bradley delivered the AFBF convention keynote address.

6 / February-March 2009

H. Emmett Reynolds, Sr., 83, who served as Georgia Farm Bureau president from 1970-1978, died Feb. 19.

Reynolds grew peanuts, corn, cattle and grain on his Crisp County farm.

Reynolds served on the board of the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. He was chairman of the National Peanut Growers Group, a member of the Masons, the Shriners and Rotary Club.

Reynolds served in the United States Army during World War II and left the Army ranked as a corporal. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal. He was a member of Arabi Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.

He is survived by his son, Harold E. Reynolds, Jr., of Arabi; daughter Ann Morrison of Ashburn, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife, Mattie Reynolds, and daughter Jane Reynolds Tomlinson preceded him in death. Condolences may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 513 Cordele, GA 31010. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Arabi Baptist Church, 3930 First Ave., Arabi, Ga., 31712.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

GFB hosts annual Presidents’ Conference By Jennifer Whittaker ___________________________________

Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall challenged county Farm Bureau leaders attending the organization’s annual Presidents’ Conference, Jan. 29 in Perry, to identify every farmer and agribusiness leader in their county and then recruit anyone who isn’t a Farm Bureau member.

“The purpose of this organization continues to be serving as the voice of agriculture and serving our membership by offering good member benefits,” Duvall said.

“We as farmers have a lot of challenges in front of us. Provide your friends who aren’t members with copies of our publications to let them see what Farm Bureau is doing for them and ask them to join our efforts.”

Duvall commended county leaders who participated in the organization’s 2008 policy development process and reported that the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) recently adopted policy submitted

by GFB stating that farmers should be compensated for economic losses caused by erroneous food safety alarms. GFB submitted the policy following the negative impact Georgia tomato producers suffered after the Food and Drug Administration falsely attributed last summer’s salmonella outbreak to tomatoes.

County leaders were encouraged by GFB staff to grow their membership by thinking outside the box. Rockdale/DeKalb County Farm Bureau President Jerry Davis was recognized for persuading local businesses that don’t provide benefits to give their employees a Farm Bureau membership.

Farm Bureau leaders attending the event also received updates on legislative issues, member benefits and the organization’s insurance company, which is celebrating its 50th year. AFBF Executive Director of Public Policy Mark Maslyn gave Farm Georgia Farm Bureau News

Pictured from left, U.S. Army Col. Mike Steele, speaks with David Williams and Clegg Griggs after discussing the sacrifices soldiers make to ensure our nation’s freedom.

Bureau leaders an overview of President Obama’s new cabinet members and the position the administration is expected to take on issues important to agriculture.

Maslyn described Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, of Iowa, as being pro-trade and pro-biofuel but noted that Farm Bureau disagrees with Vilsack’s Mid-Western perspective on farm payment limits and adjusted gross income qualifications for payments.

“Vilsack has already said he’ll be looking at all USDA programs, but House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson has warned him not to mess with the farm bill,” Maslyn said. “However, if Congress does tackle budget reconciliation, as it is expected to this year, which is the process by which they go back into bills and extract savings by changing existing programs, then I’m pretty sure farm pro-

See CONFERENCE next page

AFBF Executive Director of Public Policy Mark Maslyn speaks at the GFB Presidents’ Conference.

February-March 2009 / 7

Agriculture focus of Farm Bureau Day By Jennifer Whittaker ____________________________________ lmost 500 Georgia Farm Bureau members from 87 counties traveled to Atlanta, Feb. 10, to visit their legislators during the organization’s annual event. Before visiting their legislators, GFB members gathered at the Georgia Freight Depot to receive an update on the status of ag legislation being considered by the Georgia General Assembly.

Bills of interest to farmers currently being considered include legislation intended to help deter metal theft by requiring metal sellers to show identification and buyers to retain ID information, food safety measures that would require food processing facilities to alert the Georgia Department of Agriculture if testing detects contamination and a bill that would authorize cotton gins to collect farmer assessments for the Boll Weevil Eradication Program per bale if anticipated changes in the current assessment system collected by the Farm Service Agency per acre occurs.

“Your presence here today shows the power of rural Georgia and agriculture,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said. “Your attendance at this event helps the efforts our legislative staff and GFB Legislative Committee make up here every day during the session. Seeing you during this event reminds the legislators of the people who will be impacted by the bills our staff and legislative committee encourages them to support or oppose. This is your opportunity to discuss issues on your mind with your legislators. ” As members visited their legislators at the Capitol, the Duvalls, GFB Vice Presi-

A

CONFERENCE from page 7

grams will be on the table.”

Maslyn said President Obama has shown he is serious about addressing energy and environmental issues by creating a new position - presidential assistant on energy and climate change that reports directly to him and selecting Carol Browner, Environmental Protection Agency director for President Clinton, for the new position. Brown will coordinate the efforts of the EPA, Interior and 8 / February-March 2009

Members of the Georgia House of Representatives welcomed GFB leaders, Feb. 10, during Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol. Resolutions honoring Farm Bureau were introduced in the House and Senate. Former GFB 1st Vice President Donald Childs was also honored for his many years of service to the organization.

dents Gerald Long, Brent Galloway and Bernard Sims and GFB Legislative Committee Chairman J. Louis Hunt visited the House and Senate chambers. During the group’s visit to the House, Rep. Tom McCall, House Agriculture Committee chairman, presented a resolution honoring the organization and former GFB Vice President Donald Childs. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle welcomed the GFB leaders to the Senate as Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Bulloch presented a resolution proclaiming it Farm Bureau

Day at the Capitol. Duvall spoke in both chambers.

Gov. Sonny Perdue delivered the keynote address at the luncheon attended by GFB members, legislators, Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Environmental Protection Division Director Carol Couch.

“It is important that you’re here to remind all of us, me included, how important this industry is and what it does for this state,” Gov. Sonny Perdue said. Per-

Transportation Departments in regards to energy and climate issues.

Maslyn stressed the importance of Farm Bureau members developing personal relationships with their legislators and said blue dog Democrats, who describe themselves as fiscally conservative, will be crucial to passing beneficial ag legislation now that Democrats have a solid majority in Congress.

Col. Mike Steele, son of Barrow County

Vice President Chuck Steele, delivered the keynote address, saying farmers make great soldiers because of their toughness and self-reliance. He urged the Farm Bureau leaders to remember that freedom isn’t free because it is paid for with the sacrifices soldiers make by giving their lives, health or time away from their families to keep our country secure.

GFB News writer Brad Harrison contributed information used in this article.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

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at the Capitol

due commended GFB for nominating 88 members to the regional water councils established by the Comprehensive Statewide Water Plan and said the appointments would be announced this week. “I believe you will be extremely pleased with agriculture’s representation. We have to continue to be careful with agriculture’s use of water to make sure every drop of water is used in the most efficient way possible since agriculture enjoys some exemptions. You have used these exemptions wisely, and I believe you will continue to do so.”

While discussing the recent salmonella outbreak that has been traced back to the Peanut Corporation of America in Blakely, Perdue commended Georgia’s farmers for the production practices they observe to produce crops safe for human consumption.

“Thank you for making sure that the food products that come from your farms are healthy and nutritious for consumers,” Perdue said. “You know we have a sacred and solemn obligation to handle food products in a way that doesn’t endanger anyone. A crop that has been grown in a healthy fashion has been contaminated by a company breaking the public’s trust and knowingly selling contaminated products.”

Perdue called the presence of salmonella at the PCA plant an isolated incident and said the state would work to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Bulloch has introduced legislation that would require food-processing facilities to notify the Georgia Department of Agriculture within one business day of receiving test results that indicate any of their products are contaminated with a substance that presents a health risk.

“We felt we needed to give the Department of Agriculture tools so they would be notified if a company has a test with results indicating a product is contaminated,” Bulloch said. “If this law had been in place we would have had a red flag pop up that this facility had a problem. We hope to get legislation that everyone is comfortable with passed through the House and Senate and to the governor’s desk.”

Georgia Farm Bureau News

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Alaska Cruise 

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                                                                                                         

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 

                 

National Parks Tour of the Golden West 

                                             

 

 

February-March 2009 / 9

Monroe County HERD Sale set

CAFOS required to report animal waste emissions Owners of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are now required to report animal waste emissions from their farm operations to state and local governments following a rule change issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that went into effect Jan. 20. Animal manure is a source of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, substances the EPA considers hazardous when released into the environment above certain quantities.

Farms with more than the following number of animals are considered CAFOs: 700 mature dairy cows; 1,000 veal calves; 1,000 beef cattle; 2,500 swine weighing 55 pounds or more; 10,000 swine weighing less than 55 pounds; 500 horses; 10,000 sheep/lambs; 55,000 turkeys; 30,000 laying hens or broilers or 82,000 laying hens if the farm uses a liquid manure handling system; 125,000 chickens if a farm uses other than a liquid manure handling system.

The EPA announced a rule change, Dec. 12, that exempted all farms, regardless of size, from having to report air emissions from manure to the federal government (EPA) under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) but requires CAFOs to report to local and state governments under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

The EPA rule requires CAFOs to annually notify both their State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and existing Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) of pollutants from their farm operations. All farms, regardless of size, must notify response authorities when haz10 / February-March 2009

ardous substances are released into the air, soil or water from sources other than manure, such as ammonia tanks.

The Georgia SERC prefers that CAFO owners submit their EPCRA reportings via e-mail at Reporting.SARA.Title.III@ dnr.state.ga.us. The notification should include the name of the individual making the notification, the individual’s contact information (address, phone number and e-mail), name of the farm reporting emission releases, physical address of farm, name of the authorized representative of farm, authorized farm representative’s phone number, fax number and e-mail and a statement of annual notification of continuous release of emissions from animal waste.

EPCRA reports may also be made by phone at 1-800-241-4113 and should include the same information as requested via e-mail. If a phone notification is made, a written notification must also be sent to the Georgia SERC within 30 days.

The address is Georgia State Emergency Response Commission, Georgia Environmental Protection Division Emergency Response Program, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Room 643 Atlanta, Ga. 30334 Attn: CAFO Notification.

Georgia SERC officials have said they will notify the appropriate LEPCs once CAFOs notify them.

Farm Bureau opposes the portion of the EPA’s ruling which requires EPCRA reporting and will continue to work with legislators on this issue. For more information contact the Georgia Farm Bureau Legislative Department at (478) 474-8411.

The 5th Annual 2009 Monroe County Heifer Evaluation and Reproduction Development (HERD) Program Sale will be held May 6, at Sleepy Creek Farm near Forsyth, Ga. About 70 bred heifers from six consignors including Bennett Bostick, Charles Floyd, JenA-Rub Farm, Shadydale Farm, Sleepy Creek Farm and Billy Waldrep will be offered at the sale.

The heifers are tested to be free of P.I.-BVD, and have received all pertinent vaccinations. All heifers will be guaranteed pregnant to calving ease Angus bulls.

“We’ve selected only heifers that score above 140 square centimeters in pelvic area, are reproductively mature, reach optimum breeding weight and score well on disposition,” Monroe County HERD chairman Phil Ham said. “We breed them by A.I. to a high accuracy, calving ease bull known as Net Present Value, followed with natural service to calving ease Angus bulls two weeks after A.I.”

Buyers may view the cattle the day before or the morning of the sale at Sleepy Creek Farm. The heifers will be offered for private treaty sale in a lowkey auction format.

The Monroe County Cattlemen’s Association, Monroe County Farm Bureau and the Monroe County Extension Service sponsor the HERD program. For more information or to receive a catalog, contact the Monroe County Extension office at (478) 9947014 or email uge2207@uga.edu, type HERD in the subject line. Information is also available at www.ugaextension. com/monroe.

2009 Goat-A-Rama

April 11 • Washington County Farm Bureau Ag Center • Tennille, GA Event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free. Event will include educational seminars, a goat sale and goat supply sale. Food will be sold at event. Visit www.goat-a-rama.com for more information or call Patsy Dorn at (478) 232-0384.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

WE, THE FARMERS from page 4 ments on page 15. I’d like to thank the GFB members for their willingness to serve on these committees. They will represent the concerns of Georgia’s farmers as their committees consider AFBF policy that impacts their commodities.

Leighton and Brenda Cooley, who chaired our Young Farmer Committee in 2008, are representing GFB on the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee.

The Cooleys, who raise broilers and cattle, have been active in the Crawford County Farm Bureau for some time and will do an excellent job representing GFB. On the state level, GFB has been working hard since January to represent Georgia agriculture during this current session of the Georgia General Assembly. Your GFB Legislative Committee - Chairman J. Louis Hunt, Gerald Long, Bernard Sims, Jim Ham, Ben Boyd and Randy Ruff - have made numerous trips to Atlanta to meet with legislators about bills impacting Georgia agriculture and to voice your concerns at legislative hearings.

We had a strong turnout for our annual Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol, with almost 500 members from 87 counties, which showed the legislators and officials who attended our luncheon that we’re serious when we say we are the “Voice of Georgia Farmers.”

While speaking at our Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol Luncheon, Gov. Perdue said he thought Farm Bureau would be pleased with agriculture’s representation on the regional water councils established by the Comprehensive Statewide Water Plan.

The appointments were announced Feb. 11 and agriculture is well represented. Of the 88 names GFB submitted, 42 were appointed to the councils and five were selected as alternates. GFB has members on each of the councils, which is indicative of Farm Bureau’s strength. I appreciate every county Farm Bureau who submitted names for us to nominate. Although all of our nominees were not selected, we have representatives on each regional water council who can speak up for agriculture as these councils

oversee the development of regional water plans for their respective watersheds. You can read a full report on the water council appointments on page 5.

The year has already brought challenges to our industry but with God’s guidance we can turn these challenges into opportunities. For example, if you hear someone express fear about eating a peanut product because of the recent salmonella outbreak, explain to them that there are many peanut products not involved in the recent recall that are safe to eat. Since the beginning of the recall of products affiliated with the Peanut Corporation of America, the FDA has said that major brands of peanut butter sold in jars are not included in the recall.

The American Peanut Council has posted a list of products that have no affiliation with PCA. Visit www.peanutsusa.com for a list of manufacturers who have confirmed their products are not affected by the PCA recall. Peanuts and peanut butter remain a nutritious and healthy food, and it’s up to each of us to let consumers know this.

Monroe County H.E.R.D. Sale

SELLING 70+ BRED HEIFERS ON MAY 6, 2009 12:30 p.m.

Sleepy Creek Farm near Forsyth, GA Data Available: A.I. Breeding & Sire EPD’s Pelvic Area Frame Score Disposition Score Reproductive Tract Maturity Score Weight per Day of Age Average Daily Gain

All heifers will sell confirmed safe in calf to calving ease Angus Bulls.

All heifers were bred A. I. at least once to Sinclair Net Present Value (BW -1.5, WW +47, YW +87, Milk +27)

For more information or to receive a catalogue, call the Monroe County Extension at (478) 994-7014.

Web info at http://www.ugaextension.com/monroe/ Email at uge2207@uga.edu type HERD in the subject line.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

February-March 2009 / 11

timber update

Jim Griffith, Timber and Real Estate Manager

A forester adds value to your land purchase or sale Land is usually appraised in a manner similar to the way residential values are derived. The appraiser will locate properties that have sold recently in the local area that are similar to the subject property.

Timber can be a source of additional value when buying recreational or farm land. Some appraisers have a forestry background. Some use experienced foresters for direction and advice. Some simply locate properties that appear similar in size and makeup for comparative purposes to determine the value of a subject property.

This can work well for both the buyer and the seller. However, it can also create a possible windfall for one or the other.

Comparing properties with similar makeup can result in accurate appraisals.

But, determining “similar” is an important factor of the appraisal. Comparing planted pine acreage of similar age can be fairly accurate. However, if one stand has been thinned and the other has not, then there could be a significant difference in overall value. If one stand is

diseased pulpwood and the other is high value chip-n-saw there is going to be some inequaties. If one property consists of natural Loblolly and the other is old growth Longleaf, there is going to be an even greater difference in overall value of the two properties.

I am not implying that appraisers are doing anything wrong or incorrect. I am only saying that using the comparable sales method to determine value has room for error without properly evaluating the standing timber on each property. Again, this is not an effort to discredit appraisers but rather an attempt to educate buyers and sellers on how to determine the real value of a property.

I will also admit that a timber appraisal is not fool proof in determining increased value in a property. I have seen an educated buyer, armed with a recent timber cruise/appraisal, come out on the short end of the stick in a purchase because the timber value he anticipated from the cruise was over-inflated. This could have resulted from personal error, statistical

Timber Prices for February 2009 The following is a range of prices for pine pulpwood, chip-n-saw and sawtimber in general regions of Georgia. It is important to note that this is a range. Price will vary by specific location, logability of the tract, quality of wood, amount of volume and access.

Time and need of specific buyers could greatly affect any price.

Areas Pine Sawtimber Pine Pulpwood Chip-n-Saw North 20.00 - 30.00/Ton 4.00 - 7.00/Ton 9.00 - 16.00/Ton Middle 21.00 - 32.00/Ton 4.00 - 8.00/Ton 9.00 - 16.00/Ton South 28.00 - 32.00/Ton 4.00 - 9.50/Ton 10.00 - 17.00/Ton The prices quoted in this report come from timber sales managed by the Forestry Division of the Georgia Farm Bureau Real Estate Company or sales of which our foresters have direct knowledge.

12 / February-March 2009

sampling error, price change in the timber market, improper merchandizing by a logger or any number of other reasons. So, when I say one needs to be an educated buyer or seller, a property with timber value can still be a gamble.

Appraisal is an art and not an exact science and should be considered as such.

I do not foresee appraisers changing the way they evaluate properties without having to raise their fees considerably.

I suggest you let an experienced practicing forester, who represents your interests, evaluate land you may be selling or considering buying, so you know the true value of the land and what an accurate price should be. Doing so could put significant extra money in your pocket whether you are selling or buying.

Not only can a forester find more or less value in the timber, they are generally trained to note discrepancies in acreage.

If a property hasn’t been surveyed and the sales transaction is being based completely on acres listed in a written deed, then it could be possible the property consists of more or less acres. This could happen if an attorney handling the property deed at an earlier time set the acreage in the deed description based on the traditional number of acres in a full land lot without the acreage being verified by a survey. I have seen a 202.5-acre land lot, as described in a deed, vary from 160 acres up to 250 acres. The incorrect acreage of a property was not detected because the description of the property referred to land lot lines that were well identified in the field. It is times like these that a forester can be worth many times more than his fee.

Don’t be afraid to hire a professional to assist in your sale or purchase of land or timber. It is my job as a forestry consultant to work for the person who hires my services, be it the seller or the buyer. Call me today for sound and valuable advice.

Jim Griffith is general manager of the GFB Timber & Real Estate Companies. He may be reached at (478) 471-0440.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

GFB Educational/ Leadership Conference in March

County volunteers interested in educating the public about agriculture should make plans to attend GFB’s annual Educational/Leadership Conference. The event will be held March 27 – 28 at the Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center located directly across from Perimeter Mall.

Workshop topics will include the Ag in the Classroom program, leadership skills and ways to promote Farm Bureau and agriculture. Keynote speaker Dr. Carl Winter, a microbiologist at UC-Davis, will discuss food safety in an entertaining manner the audience won’t forget.

Registration is $65 per person.

Hotel cost is $99 plus state and local tax. Deadline to register is March 20. Contact your local Farm Bureau office for more details and to register.

HERCULES STEEL BUILDINGS

15 Wall Colors to Choose From!

• All-Steel Buildings

CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICING

2009 GFB Women’s Committee named

The GFB Women’s Committee was announced in December at the organization’s annual convention. Committee members are: (seated L-R) Londa Champion, Jasper County, 5th District; Shirley Jarriel, Tattnall County, 7th District; Committee Chairman Kim Brown, Macon County, 8th District; Donna Powell, Grady County, 9th

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commodities/marketing update Don McGough, Commodites/Marketing Director

2009 GFB Commodity Advisory Committees named The 2009 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Advisory Committees have been named. GFB has established 20 commodity advisory committees to address Georgia’s agricultural diversity and the needs of our farmers. The commodity committees provide an important link back to the farm and our organization’s grassroots.

These committees play an important role in Farm Bureau by providing input to our GFB president and GFB directors. Each committee meets several times during the year to address commodity related issues and assist with Farm Bureau’s policy development process.

Each committee chairman serves on the GFB Policy Development Committee.

The GFB Commodity Committee chairmen make an important contribution to Farm Bureau by providing knowledge of their commodity and leadership for their committee.

Each committee will meet in the next two months to discuss issues regarding their commodity. Members of the 2009 GFB Commodity Committees are listed below along with their county of membership.

AQUACULTURE Chairman Harold Fallin, Upson; Vice Chairman Harvey Weldon, Harris; Terry Bramlett, Fannin; Bernese Cagle, Cherokee; Travis Henry, Douglas; Daryl Remick, Monroe; Tommy Norris, Johnson; Venton Wynn, Turner; Marijane Scarborough, Seminole; Jimmy Lee, Brantley BEEF CATTLE Chairman Charles Crumbley, Greene; Vice Chairman Dr. James Strickland, Tattnall; Michael Cawood, Catoosa; Jimmy Kowalsky, Habersham; Roger Greuel, Fayette; John Callaway, Troup; Marion Meeks, Washington; Donald Clark, Wilcox; Kurt Childers, Brooks; Parrish Akins, Berrien COTTON Chairman Michael Williams, Bleckley; Vice Chairman Eddie Green, Dooly; 14 / February-March 2009

Wayne Hurley, Chattooga; Rick Wansley, Elbert; Clayton Floyd, Twiggs; Lavanda Lynn, Tattnall; Larry Stubbs, Wilcox; James Webb, Calhoun; John Dunn, Tift; Ashley Lane, Berrien DAIRY Chairman Tom Sumners, Lee; Vice Chairman Mark Stovall, Madison; Harry Allison, Hall; Chad Carlton, Polk; Thomas Bell, Morgan; Chuck Lee, Oconee; Richard Stewart, Greene; Joel Keith, Troup; Judd Chambers, Jones; Adam Graft, Sumter ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE Chairman Danny Brooks, Habersham; Vice Chairman Donald McCorkle Sr., McDuffie; Paul Long, Cherokee; Charles Berry III, Newton; Cecil Gober, Gwinnett; Mark Porter, Fayette; Matt Bottoms, Pike; David Ridgeway, Butts; Blake Rowland, Dodge; Karen Crawford, Wilcox EQUINE Chairman Danny Hogan, Laurens; Vice Chairman Tom Kerlin, Fayette; Gerry Weaver, Gordon; Sammy Reese, Banks; Jimmy Johnson, Hancock; Boyd McLocklin, Barrow; Darryl Landreth, Troup; Joan Morris, Randolph; Gary Walker, Tift; Dennis Beaty, Walker FEEDGRAIN Chairman Thomas Coleman, Colquitt; Vice Chairman Brian Ogletree, Spalding; Sonny Scoggins, Walker; Grady Hodges, Newton; Jimmy Moncrief, Crawford; Charles Floyd, Monroe; Hugh Veal, Jr., Johnson; Jimmy Thompson, Randolph; Donald Shirah, Mitchell; Earnest McQueen, Lanier FORESTRY Chairman John Davis, Whitfield; Vice Chairman Jimmy Kennedy, Hancock; Benjamin Hudson, Polk; John Mixon, Pike; Paul Bulloch, Talbot; William Tanner, Johnson; Walter Evans, Screven; Richard Morrison, Stewart; Charlie Ram-

sey, Brooks; Myles Greene, Coffee FRUIT Chairman Bob McLeod, Wilcox; Vice Chairman Abe Banks, Houston; Carla Payne Kelsoe, Gordon; Tim Mercier, Fannin; Clete Sanders, Monroe; Richard Prescott, Jefferson; Cecil Stafford, Long; Irvin Lawson, Brooks; Leon Allen, Bacon GOATS & SHEEP Chairman Mike Bunn, Walker; Vice Chairman Charles Batten, Washington; Greg Phillips, Whitfield; Jennif Chandler, Madison; Greg Gilman, Jackson; Patricia Parson, Elbert; Raymond Bailey, Henry; Wes Smith, Upson; Billy Waldrep, Monroe; David Lewis, Glynn HAY Chairman Dene Channell, Greene; Vice Chairman T. E. Moye, Jr., Baker; Harry Pugliese, Bartow; Larry Haley, Hart; Travis Hardy, Fayette; Tom Lacey, Pike; Jamie Tate, Jeff Davis; Tony Lewis, Evans; James Cannon, Wilcox; Cathy Barber, Bacon HONEYBEES Chairman Bobby Rowell, Brantley; Vice Chairman Jesse McCurdy, Houston; J.B. Lemons, Walker; Troy Worthey, Hart; Paul Cooper, Carroll; Keith Fielder, Putnam; Raymond Lopes, Spalding; John Pluta, Baldwin; Gary Rentz, Brooks; Sonny Swords, Colquitt PEANUTS Chairman Andy Bell, Decatur; Vice Chairman Mike Lucas, Bleckley; Charles Smith, Jr., Jefferson; Will Boyd, Screven; George T. Warbington, Dooly; Gerald Fowler, Turner; David Holton, Mitchell; LaDon Calhoun, Miller; Wes Shannon, Tift; Joey Williams, Cook PECANS Chairman Mark Cook, Washington; Vice Chairman James Exum, Brooks; Del Bea-

Continued next page

Georgia Farm Bureau News

Continued from previous page

sley, Evans; Mike Lamb, Tattnall; Elliott Ellis, Dooly; David Muse, Houston; Jim Lumpkin, Turner; John Woodard, Crisp; Lanair Worsham, Mitchell; Vinson Griffin, Berrien POULTRY Chairman Phil Sanders, Oglethorpe; Vice Chairman Larry Cooley, Crawford; Carroll Castleberry, Forsyth; James Henderson, Hall; Michael Thompson, Franklin; Joseph Griffith, Haralson; A.W. Leverett, Jr., Baldwin; Kennon Tatum, Tattnall; Bobby Barber, Jr., Decatur; Bryan Horten, Irwin SOYBEANS Chairman Cody Lord, Laurens; Vice Chairman Jimmy Phillips, Whitfield; Jarrell Cagle, Floyd; Alan Scoggins, Walker; Michael Womack, Polk; Cal Chester, Johnson; Glenn Waller, Washington; Olin Boyd, Screven; Gerald Smith, Webster; Jarrell Sapp, Mitchell SWINE Chairman Andrew Thompson, Brooks; Vice Chairman Steve Wilhoit, Whitfield; Greg Boling, Banks; Danny Gunter, Wilkes; Bill Waldrep, Jr., Monroe; Barry Powell, Johnson; Clint Oliver, Tattnall; Dania Devane, Randolph; Charles Usry, Jr., Lee; Don Williford, Crisp TOBACCO Chairman Lamar Vickers, Berrien; Vice Chairman Jerry Wooten, Jeff Davis; Brian Robinson, Brooks; Paul Folsom, Lanier; Ed Barber, Bacon; Daryl Metts, Coffee VEGETABLES Chairman Greg Murray, Decatur; Vice Chairman Sam Payne, Gordon; Albert Cagle, Cherokee; Larry Rodgers, Lumpkin; Russ Elliott, Bibb; Joe Fletcher, Sumter; Eric Gibbs, Wilcox; Glenn Cox, Mitchell; John Hudson, Irwin

Record number of GFB members named to AFBF Commodity Committees Georgia Farm Bureau will be represented on 12 American Farm Bureau Commodity Committees this year. This is the most representatives GFB has had to serve on the AFBF committees. GFB Cotton Committee Chairman Michael Williams, of Bleckley County, has been named chairman of the AFBF Cotton Committee.

The AFBF committees provide farmer input into AFBF’s policy development process. Each committee will review their respective commodity policy and make recommendations to the AFBF Board of Directors.

Other GFB members serving on AFBF Committees are Andy Bell, Decatur County, Peanuts; Dene Channell, Greene County, Hay/Forage; John Davis, Whitfield County, Forestry; Harold Fallin, Upson County, Aquaculture; Cody Lord, Laurens County,

Soybeans; Jesse McCurdy, Houston County, Honeybees; Greg Murray, Decatur County, Labor; Phil Sanders, Oglethorpe County, Poultry; Dr. James Strickland, Tattnall County, Animal Health; Andrew Thompson, Brooks County, Swine; Lamar Vickers, Berrien County, Tobacco.

Nine other GFB members have been selected as alternates to serve on the AFBF committees. Those members are Larry Cooley, Crawford County, Poultry; Eddie Green, Dooly County, Cotton; Mike Lucas, Bleckley County, Peanuts; Jimmy Kennedy, Hancock County, Forestry; T.E. Moye Jr., Baker County, Hay/Forage; Steve Wilhoit, Whitfield County, Swine; Jimmy Phillips, Whitfield County, Soybeans; Harvey Weldon, Harris County, Aquaculture and Jerry Wooten, Jeff Davis County, Tobacco.

15th Annual 4-H Horse Auction set for April 25

The 15th Annual Georgia 4-H Benefit Horse Auction will be held April 25 at the University of Georgia Livestock Arena, in Athens, in conjunction with the 2009 UGA Equine Production Sale to benefit the UGA Equine Science Program.

The arena is located at 2550 South Milledge Avenue. The 4-H auction, co-sponsored by the Georgia Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Committee and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, will begin at noon. Horses may be viewed beginning at 9 a.m.

Proceeds from the 4-H Horse Auction help fund the Georgia 4-H Horse School and 4-H Horse Shows to keep entrance fees for

the 4-Hers low. Funds also help the Georgia Horse Quiz Bowl Team attend the national competition.

Horses to be sold through the 4-H sale include geldings and mares ranging in age from 2 to 17 years. All, but the two-year old mare, have been broke to ride. Most are experienced trail horses; some have cattle experience. Two of the mares have been used as hunt seat lesson ponies.

For a complete list and description of the horses to be auctioned, contact Dr. Gary Heusner, University of Georgia Equine Specialist, at gheusner@uga.edu or (706)5429092 or Dr. Kari Turner at kturner@uga.edu or (706)542-8588.

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WATER Chairman John Bridges, Sr., Decatur; Vice Chairman Larry Eley, Greene; Alfred Thomas, Walker; Sam Chapman, Hall; C.F. Harris, Crawford; Rocky Nobles, Twiggs; David Jarriel, Tattnall; Jim Reid, Sumter; Bubba Johnson, Mitchell; David Lee III, Bacon Georgia Farm Bureau News

February-March 2009 / 15

GA economists give annual ag forecast By Jennifer Whittaker ____________________________________ Farmers will need to pay close attention to risk management to make a profit in these economic conditions, Dr. John McKissick, director of the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development, said while speaking at the Georgia Ag Forecast breakfast held in Macon, Jan. 30.

“Compared to other sectors of the economy, Georgia agriculture and agribusiness is starting the year in relatively good financial shape, and that’s because the industry has a low debt ratio. At the beginning of 2008, only 12 percent of the agriculture assets in Georgia were covered in debt,” McKissick said.

Going into spring, row crop farmers will likely see major price fluctuations for corn and soybeans as the market conducts a bidding war for acreage. McKissick predicted Georgia and U.S. soybean acreage will increase this year due to soybeans having lower production costs and higher

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prices than corn. He also forecast peanut acreage will be down 25 percent from 2008 due to surplus supplies from last year’s crop and uncertainty of demand resulting from the recent salmonella outbreak. He predicted wheat acreage will also be significantly lower this year.

Georgia’s green industry, meat producers and high value products are expected to be the segments of Georgia agriculture most impacted by consumers having less money to spend. Beef cattle producers have already seen the cost of producing a calf increase from 80 cents per pound to $1.20.

He predicted broiler and beef prices will improve as production slows.

The global crisis has seen the value of the U.S. dollar rise, which hurts ag exports like cotton and meats, McKissick said, but causes the cost of imported inputs such as fertilizer to decrease.

“The value of the U.S. dollar has returned to 2004 levels which will make our exports less competitive and our imported input materials less costly,” McKissick said.

On a positive note, world food demand could double by 2050 as the populations and income of developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America rise, Dr. Octavio Ramirez, head of the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, said.

“As income rises from two to ten dollars a day people eat more meat and dairy products. This is where we see growth in consumption of agriculture products,” Ramirez said. “The number of current low income consumers lifted out of poverty will be the most important determinant of future global demand for food.”

To meet the higher demand for food, research will need to increase the nutritional value of crops while optimizing water use, Ramirez said. Research will also have to address weed, insect and disease pressure.

“There is at most twelve percent more arable land available for crop production that isn’t presently forested or subject to erosion. The only environmentally sustainable alternative is to double productivity on fertile, non-erodible soils already in crop production,” Rameriz said.

Cotton farmers can continue using MSMA

Cotton growers will be able to continue using MSMA, a herbicide containing arsenic used against a wide variety of grass and broad-leaf weeds, following an agreement between the MAA Research Task Force and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows MSMA to be re-registered for cotton. The agreement between the MAA Task Force, a coalition of the three companies that make MSMA, and the EPA follows the EPA’s 2006 decision to make inorganic arsenicals ineligible for re-registration. Georgia Farm Bureau wrote a letter to the EPA in 2006 supporting the use of MSMA on cotton.

Under the agreement, cotton growers will be allowed one annual application of MSMA at a rate of two pounds per acre along with an additional application when required. Pre-plant application will no longer be permitted, and 50-foot buffer strips will be required on fields bordering permanent bodies of water. All registrants of MSMA must give EPA data confirming that no detectable residues of inorganic arsenic are present in meat or milk of cows due to the consumption of by-products from cotton treated with MSMA. Registrants must also provide the EPA with information on the absorption of MSMA by food crops grown in rotation with cotton.

The use of MSMA on sod farms, golf courses and highway rights of way will continue until Dec. 31, 2012. Stock supplies of MSMA may be used for these purposes until Dec. 31, 2013.

In 2012, EPA will evaluate the scientific information available on any risk posed by inorganic arsenic. If the EPA review shows low doses of inorganic arsenic pose no concern to human health or the environment, the Task Force will seek restoration of some or all of MSMA’s uses. EPA will also take into account the benefits of using MSMA to fight pigweed and tropical spiderwort since there is increased resistance to other products.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

young farmer update Andy Lucas, Young Farmer Coordinator

GFB YF Committee attends AFBF Leadership Conference Members of the 2009 GFB Young Farmer Committee are: (pictured L-R by couples) Committee Chairs Lanair & Kristi Worsham, Mitchell County, 9th District; Cory & Lori Johnson, Bacon County, 10th District; Jason & Jentsie Johns, Haralson County, 3rd District; William & Heather Culpepper, Crisp County, 8th District; Matt & Melissa Bottoms, Pike County, 5th District; Cody & Lora Lord, Laurens County, 6th District; Clay & Brittany Talton, Elbert County, 2nd District; Committee Vice Chairs John & Ivy Lowrey, Floyd County, 1st District; Sam & Dana Nash, Oglethorpe County, 4th District; Mace & Christie Henry, Emanuel County, 7th District.

The Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee recently joined about 800 young farmers from across the U.S. for the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference held in Sacramento, Califor-

nia, February 7-9. The Georgia delegation participated in leadership development activities, heard motivational speakers and toured local farms and agribusinesses.

The GFB Young Farmers visited Superior Farms, Farmers’ Rice Cooperative, a Campbell’s Soup facility and a Jelly

Belly Factory. The young farmers also attended workshops addressing food safety, environmental climate, rural development and animal welfare. The committee returned from California inspired by the conference and with a greater knowledge of agriculture issues.

Cooleys named to AFBF Young Farmer Committee

Crawford County Farm Bureau members Leighton and Brenda Cooley have been appointed to serve a two-year term on the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. The Cooleys will attend a committee orientation meeting in March in Washington, D.C.

GFB forms collegiate chapter The Georgia Farm Bureau Collegiate Chapter at the University of Georgia held its first meeting Dec. 10. The GFB Young Farmer Committee worked to establish the collegiate chapter and hopes to use it as a tool to recruit young farmer members. Officers are Ben Brubaker, president; Christy Bryan, vice president; Melissa Paul, secretary/treasurer and Zack MurGeorgia Farm Bureau News

phy, Ag Hill Representative.

Collegiate FB members attending Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol were (L-R): Emily Garber, Rachel McLocklin, Aynsley Folkard, Melissa Paul, Ben Brubaker, Zack Murphy and Brock Young.

Other chapter members include Traci Bland, Carla Dean, Sarah Kane, Matthew London, Jessie Turk and Katie Smith.

February-March 2009 / 17

Rep. Scott to chair House Ag Subcommittee The U.S. House Agriculture Committee selected Rep. David Scott (D- Dist.3) to serve as chairman of the House Agr ic ulture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

“As one of the nations’ top producers of poultry and with thriving pork Rep. David Scott and cattle industries, Georgia is an important player in the livestock world,” Scott said.

“I am excited about the opportunity to represent Georgia on this important subcommittee. I look forward to working this session of Congress to keep America’s meat and protein products safe and healthy.”

The jurisdiction of Scott’s subcommittee includes oversight of livestock, dairy, poultry, meat, aquaculture, seafood, the inspection, marketing and promotion of

such commodities, animal welfare and grazing.

Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Dist. 8) has also been re-assigned to the House Agriculture Committee and is serving on the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management and the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Biotechnology, Specialty Crops, and Foreign Agriculture. The Commodities and Risk Management Subcommittee has jurisdiction over program and markets related to cotton, cottonseed, wheat, feed grains, soybeans, oilseeds, rice, dry beans, peas, lentils, the Commodity Credit Corporation, risk management including crop insurance and commodity exchanges. The Rural Development, Specialty Crops and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee has jurisdiction over peanuts, sugar, tobacco, marketing orders relating to such commodities, rural development, farm security and family farming matters, biotechnology, foreign agricultural assistance, and trade promotion programs.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss continues to serve as the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee.

Sunbelt Expo farm manager dies

Darrell Williams, 65, of Moultrie, died Feb. 6 following a cancer diagnosis last year. Williams served as the Sunbelt Expo farm manager since 1987 and was employed

by Sunbelt since 1981.

He was responsible for the planting, care and harvesting of the Expo trial plots. He was the son of the late Bond Franklin Williams and Daisy Belle Bates Williams Curles. He served in the United States Army. Surviving are his son, Michael Williams of Moultrie; daughter, Michelle Williams of Valdosta and two grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to the family at 4076 Tallokas Road, Moultrie, 31768.

Tax-deductible memorial donations may be made to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Home, Inc. at P.O. Box 1000, Stockbridge, GA 30281.

Usda announces new payment limitation guidelines The USDA is accepting public comments until April 6 regarding rule changes it published Dec. 29 concerning adjusted gross income (AGI) qualifications, program payment limitations and direct attribution for farm and conservation programs under the 2008 farm bill. Under the new rule, individuals and entities must make significant contributions to the farming operation of (1) capital, equipment or land and (2) personal labor or active personal management. Under previous farm bills, not every member of an entity had to contribute active personal labor or management.

For commodity and disaster programs, the AGI limitation was reduced from $2.5 million from all sources to a three-year average non-farm AGI of $500,000. Under the new regulations, an individual or entity must have a 3-year average AGI less than or equal to $750,000 per year from farm income in order to qualify for direct 18 / February-March 2009

payments under the Direct and Countercyclical Program. For conservation programs, the average nonfarm AGI limit is $1 million or less. An individual or entity who has non-farm AGI in excess of $1 million remains eligible for conservation programs if 66.66 percent or more of the total AGI is derived from farming, ranching and forestry operations. The AGI limit for conservation programs may be waived on a case-by-case basis if it is determined that environmentally sensitive land of special significance would be protected.

The definition of income derived from farming, ranching and forestry operations has been expanded to include the packing, sorting and transporting of agricultural commodities, production of livestock products, farm-based production of renewable bio-energy and, in some cases, the provision of operational inputs to farmers, ranchers and foresters. Program

payments are limited by direct attribution to individuals or entities. Through direct attribution, payment limitation is based on the total payments received by the individual, both directly and indirectly.

Qualifying spouses are eligible to be considered separate persons for payment limitation purposes rather than being automatically combined under one limitation with their spouse as they have been under previous farm bills.

The new rule makes it harder to add individuals or entities to an existing operation for additional payments. Operations will only be allowed to add one person for a 20% base acre increase.

Visit www.regulations.gov to access the USDA interim rule published in the Federal Register. Type Federal Register DOCID: fr29de08-1 under search documents to read the complete rule and obtain directions for submitting comments.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

Basis important to making profit on soybeans By Brad Harrison ____________________________________ Georgia farmers attending the 2009 Soybean/Small Grains Expo held recently in Perry were encouraged to pay close attention to the crop’s basis to maximize their profit. Basis is the difference between the cash price a buyer pays a farmer for his soybeans and the price the crop brings on the Chicago Board of Trade. Factors influencing basis are local supply and demand,

transportation costs, storage costs and interest accrued on storage costs.

Managing basis properly should help farmers get a better price when marketing their soybeans, Ohio State University Agricultural Economist Dr. Matthew Roberts said.

“One of the reasons basis is so critical to marketing is because it has these strong patterns,” Roberts said. “It’s reflective of the supply-and-demand in a local area. It’s

GFB voluntarily recalls peanut packets

By Jennifer Whittaker ____________________________________ Georgia Farm Bureau is voluntarily recalling all of its 0.75 ounce foil packages of peanuts distributed for marketing purposes at GFB events and through its county offices. These foil packets were processed by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at its Blakely, Ga., facility, which processed the peanut butter and peanut paste linked with the recent outbreak of salmonella.

GFB is not recalling any of the canned peanut products it is currently selling at its county offices with expiration dates after July 2008 because these products are not packaged by PCA. GFB, however, urges consumers who still have the following GFB canned nut products with an expiration date of July 2008 or earlier to discard them: 11 oz. cans of roasted skinless peanuts, 10 oz. cans of roasted cashews and 64 oz. cans of roasted skinless peanuts. The GFB expired canned products were processed at the PCA Blakely facility.

GFB recalled its peanut packets Jan. 29 after PCA notified Farm Bureau it was voluntarily expanding its product recall to include all peanuts and peanut products processed at the Blakely facility since Jan. 1, 2007. PCA was previously only recalling peanut butter and paste processed at its Blakely facility since July 1, 2008.

“Although Georgia Farm Bureau has no evidence there is anything wrong with the peanut packets we have been distributing Georgia Farm Bureau News

or our expired canned products, we are acting out of an abundance of caution in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendations regarding food recalls,” GFB President Zippy Duvall said.

GFB has instructed all of its county offices to stop distributing the foil packets, and, in accordance with FDA recommendations, encourages anyone who may have any of the peanut packets or GFB canned nut products with an expiration date of July 2008 or before to discard them in a manner that prevents others from eating them.

“Food safety and consumer health is of utmost importance to Farm Bureau, which is why we are recalling our foil peanut packets and urging anyone who may still have any of our expired canned nut products to discard them,” Duvall said. “However, we encourage consumers to refrain from cutting all peanut products from their diets because peanuts and peanut butter remain a nutritious and healthy food. Since the beginning of the PCA recall, the FDA has said that major brands of peanut butter sold in jars are not included in the recall. There are many peanut butter and peanut products not involved in this recall that are safe to eat.”

The American Peanut Council has posted a list of products not involved with the recall that are considered safe to eat. Visit www.peanutsusa.com for a list of manufacturers who have confirmed their products are not affected by the PCA recall. Visit www.fda.gov for a list of recalled products.

actually one part of the price equation that all economists agree can be managed to give producers a better price.”

Roberts encouraged farmers to continually watch the basis of soybeans, a figure that has gone from about 40 cents to around a dollar.

“The issue with basis is that the contracts at the Chicago Board of Trade that all the prices are based on have started to break down,” Roberts said. “It makes it a lot harder for the elevators and feedlots and mills to get rid of their risk, to sell it onto the Chicago Trade Market.”

Georgia soybean growers harvested 415,000 acres of soybeans last year, a 46 percent increase from the 2007 crop. As the planting season begins, soybeans appear set for another strong year because the crop isn’t as expensive to grow as other crops.

“The markets still look good and strong, said Billy Wayne Sellers, an Appling County soybean farmer who is president of the Georgia-Florida Soybean Association. “The projections and conversations I’m hearing, soybean acreage will increase again this coming spring.”

Another issue soybean farmers were reminded to watch is the ongoing dispute between the United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Soybean Association (ASA). ASA has requested the USDA investigate the USB and the U.S. Soybean Export Council to ensure soybean checkoff dollars are beng managed properly.

“Both organizations have to be and should be working for the farmer, not squabbling with each other,” said James Lee Adams, of Mitchell County, a past ASA president. “There’s plenty of work to do on both sides, plenty of credit that can be accumulated on both sides without squabbling between the two. They need to get back on the same page and start working for their boss, which is the American soybean farmer.”

February-March 2009 / 19

AROUND GEORGIA News from County Farm Bureaus tural Communications at the University of Georgia.

Chairman of the Georgia House Agriculture Committee Rep. Tom McCall discussed the value of agriculture in Clarke County and the state of Georgia during a speech he gave at the dinner.

CANDLER COUNTY To promote Farm-City week, the Candler County Farm Bureau hosted a Farm-City breakfast. Local farmers, city officials and business leaders enjoyed a catered breakfast and a program presented by Candler County Extension Agent David Spaid. Mr. Spaid discussed the $51 million dollar impact local farmers have on the county’s economy.

CHEROKEE COUNTY Cherokee County Farm Bureau and the Cherokee County Extension Service held a Legislative Appreciation Farm-City Week Breakfast on Nov. 21, 2008 attended by more than 40 people. Those attending included Secretary of State Karen Handel, Rep. Calvin Hill, Rep. Charlice Byrd, Rep. Sean Jerguson, Mayor Gene Hobgood, Cherokee County Commission Chairman Buzz Ahrens, and staff representatives of Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. Saxby Chambliss and Rep. Tom Price.

CLARKE COUNTY Clarke County Farm Bureau (CCFB) President Dr. Norman McGlohon presented a $1,000 scholarship to Katie Gazda during the CCFB Annual Meeting held last fall. The daughter of David and Carolyn Gazda, Katie is majoring in Agricul20 / February-March 2009

CLAYTON COUNTY Clayton County Farm Bureau hosted a booth at the Firefighter Challenge in Morrow last fall. The booth highlighted GFB’s member benefits and Georgia’s honeybee industry. Children who visited the booth enjoyed playing a honeybee beanbag toss and received honeybee bookmarks and coloring books with crayons.

Agents and secretaries were on hand to answer questions. Agency Manager Bryant Powell is shown hosting the booth.

FAYETTE COUNTY Fayette County Farm Bureau (FCFB) members celebrated the completion of their office remodeling with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 18. The expansion added seven new offices to the existing building. Participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony were (L-R) GFB 3rd District Field Rep. Ricky Lane, FCFB Director Roger Greuel, GFB President Zippy Duvall, FCFB President Rick Minter, FCFB member Frances Reeves, FCFB Women’s Chair Joanne Minter, FCFB Vice President Mickey Harp, FCFB Directors Tom Kerlin and Travis Hardy, GFB 3rd District Director George Chambers and GFB Middle Georgia Vice President Brent Galloway.

HEARD COUNTY Heard County Farm Bureau held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Nov. 10, to celebrate having paid for its county office. HCFB had been renting the building, located on the town square in Franklin, since 1982.

“This gives us some stability. We don’t have to worry about possibly moving to a new location in the future,” HCFB president Georgia Farm Bureau News

Ralph Caldwell (center, left) said.

The building consists of about 800 square feet and includes space for three agents, an office manager and a conference room. The building also has space available for expansion if needed in the future.

HCFB county leaders joined Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall (center, right) and Caldwell at the ribbon cutting.

FRANKLIN COUNTY Franklin County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee member Jane Stewart and Franklin County FFA President Corey Segars gave an Ag Awareness presentation to more than 125 5th graders at a local elementary school last fall. The presentation highlighted Georgia’s honeybee industry and explained the necessity of agriculture in our everyday lives using the “Pizza Slice Presentation.”

JONES COUNTY The Jones County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee held its first annual photography contest last year and received 27 entries. The contest theme was “Eyes on Agriculture in Jones County.”

First and second place winners in the four divisions of the contest were Primary (grades K-2nd Grade): 1st Alison Robertson and 2nd Keaton Sanders; Youth (3rd-6th Grade): 1st Warren Walker and 2nd Bryce Daniels; Junior (6th-12th Grade): 1st Taylor James and 2nd Lindsey Woodrum; Adult: 1st Teresa Chambers and 2nd Ellen Sires.

JCFB Women’s Committee Chair Teresa Chambers (L) and past GFB 6th District Women’s Chair Pat Daniels present Alison Robertson with her award.

POLK COUNTY Polk County Farm Bureau hosted a booth at the county Georgia Farm Bureau News

fair last fall promoting Georgia’s honeybee industry. PCFB President James I. Casey and Office Manager Sue Cuzzort are pictured at the booth. Fair attendees had the chance to enter a drawing for free jars of honey collected and jarred at Nettle’s Bee Farm in Polk County.

TATTNALL COUNTY U. S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Dist. 12, (standing) spoke at the Tattnall County Farm Bureau Legislative Appreciation Dinner held last fall. TCFB President Dr. Jim Strickland (seated) emceed the event. Other legislators attending this meeting were state Sens. Jack Hill of the 4th District, Tommie Williams of 19th District and state Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th District. The event was also attended by Tattnall County elected officials, GFB legislative staff, UGA Extension Service personnel and county Farm Bureau leaders.

WHITFIELD COUNTY Whitfield County Farm Bureau promoted Georgia’s honeybee industry during its annual Farm City Dinner held in November. Bill Emrey, who has kept bees for 20 years, was the guest speaker.

He discussed Colony Collapse Disorder and gave beekeeping tips. Guests included local representatives, judges, business owners and city councilmen.

Web site features GA grown products

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Tourism Foundation have launched a web site, www.GaMadeGaGrownProducts.org, to promote Georgia made and grown products, agritourism sites, artists and festivals. Listings on the website are free. Visit the web site to register.

February-March 2009 / 21

GFB Brokerage Dept. covers your farm insurance needs By Kristen Latimer & April Jessup ____________________________________ As the largest farm organization in the state, Georgia Farm Bureau takes pride in being able to offer our members many different types of farm-related insurance coverage. However, there may be instances when you have a farm, livestock or a farmrelated item for which Farm Bureau cannot write a policy. If this occurs, our brokerage service can assist you in securing the coverage you need.

Our brokerage service is one of the many benefits available to you as a Farm Bureau member. This service exists to secure insurance coverage for you when Farm Bureau cannot provide it. The GFB Brokerage Department acts as an in-house agency that has contractual relationships with other insurance carriers and brokers. We strive to maintain relationships with reputable companies that can offer our members competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. When coverage is placed through our brokerage service, your

local agent will service that policy, just as with your other Farm Bureau policies.

The GFB Brokerage Department can secure insurance coverage for a variety of farm-related needs such as farm and ranch operations, equine, commercial auto, loss of farm income due to the outbreak of certain contagious diseases and workers compensation.

Similar to a farm package policy through Farm Bureau, our GFB Brokerage Department can offer a package policy for your farm and ranch operations if coverage is not available through Farm Bureau. A package policy may include your house, barn, farm equipment, and a variety of other items on one policy.

Equine coverage is available through our brokerage service when it cannot be written through Farm Bureau. Our service can offer coverage for full mortality and limited mortality for your horses. In addition, liability coverage for equine professionals and other commercial equine operations, such as pony rides and commercial farriers, can be provided by our brokerage service.

Peanut Commission referendum underway Georgia’s peanut farmers are facing unprecedented challenges as the industry deals with an oversupply of peanuts from last year’s record crop and market disruption caused by the recent salmonella outbreak linked to the Peanut Corporation of America. The Georgia Peanut Commission is working to address these challenges and will represent grower interests in the food safety debate. Proposed food safety laws have the potential to impact growers as well as the entire industry. The Commission continues to coordinate research, education and promotion programs and serve as an advocate for peanut growers in Washington, D.C. From March 15-April 15, the Georgia Peanut Commission will hold a referendum giving peanut producers an opportunity to vote on reaffirming the commission.

State law mandates that a referendum be held every three years. Georgia peanut producers invest $2 per ton to fund the commission and its research, education, promotion and communication programs.

The last referendum in 2006 passed with an 82 percent reaffirmation.

“I urge all peanut producers to vote in this referendum. Research, education, and 22 / February-March 2009

promotion continue to be the core focus of the commission,” said Irwin County peanut farmer Armond Morris, who serves as chairman of the GPC board. “These next couple of years we will have to put added emphasis on legislation in Washington, the farm bill, and the impacts of world trade talks.”

GPC will also work to enhance government purchases of peanut butter and peanut products in feeding and food aid programs.

GPC Executive Director Don Koehler urges producers to contact him by email at don@gapeanuts.com or toll free at 1-800346-4993 if they have any questions about the commission’s activities or the referendum.

Peanut producers who do not receive a ballot may obtain one by calling the commission.

The commission asks anyone who receives a ballot but is no longer farming to write, “no longer producing” on the certification envelope and return it to the commission.

This will assist the commission in updating its mailing list. The commission’s address is P.O. Box 967, Tifton, Georgia 31793.

The Certified Public Accounting Firm of Allen, Pritchett, and Bassett will count the votes.

The GFB Brokerage Department can also secure coverage for farmers who are hauling commodities for hire to and from local buying points and are required to carry specific liability limits and cargo coverage. Coverage for this type of operation cannot be written through Farm Bureau.

Avian Flu and other contagious outbreaks have become a growing concern for poultry farmers. Outbreak Extra Expense coverage is available through our brokerage service.

This policy will compensate farmers and other businesses that are required by a public health official to suspend operations due to a covered contagion outbreak. This policy provides compensation for the monetary loss in relation to the number of days the farm or business is unable to operate.

As you may be aware, many business and farming operations are required by law to have workers compensation insurance. Our brokerage service is able to offer this coverage for many different types of farming operations through a number of companies.

GFB’s brokerage service can secure many other types of coverage not specifically mentioned in this article. If you are interested in coverage for one of the areas mentioned, or one that is not, please contact your local Farm Bureau agent to learn more.

The purpose of the GFB Brokerage Department is to help bridge the gap for any insurance needs you have which Farm Bureau cannot cover. Our brokerage services allow Farm Bureau to be your one-stop shop for completing your insurance portfolio.

We look forward to serving you through our GFB Brokerage Department.

Kristen Latimer is the GFB Mutual Insurance Company Brokerage supervisor. April Jessup is the GFB Underwriting Support manager.

Forestry Cost-Share Program

April 15 is the signup deadline for the Southern Pine Beetle Cost-Share Program.

The program funds forest practices that combat the southern pine beetle including non-commercial thinning, removing unwanted hardwoods from the stand, prescribed burning, beetle infestation treatments, and replanting stands harvested due to southern pine beetle attacks.

For more information, contact your local Georgia Forestry Commission office or visit http:// GaTrees.org/ForestManagement/spb.cfm.

Georgia Farm Bureau News

Life

Insurance

“I can’t

Give these kids the future.”

— but I can help them prepare for it. Their world is changing. Fast.

And keeping up is difficult. Today’s students are faced with challenges and opportunities throughout all of their young lives. Their future is uncertain.

Everyone’s looking for answers, and I’m no exception. I count on my local Farm Bureau Insurance agent to help me prepare for the times ahead with a solid financial program of Life and Disability Insurance, as well as retirement planning, including IRAs and annuities.

And that makes my future more secure.

For ALL the everyday

heroes...

Just like you.

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GA2LF179 Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. • Georgia Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co. • Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co.

A convenient way to report claims when your Farm Bureau office is closed...

The After-Hours Claim Reporting Hotline offers you more convenience in reporting a new claim.

The After-Hours Claim Reporting Hotline allows you to report damage or loss as soon as it happens.

When your local Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance office is closed (nights, weekends, or holidays) you simply call the toll-free number. A friendly and specially-trained customer service professional will assist you in getting your claim reported.

Fast Facts...

•

Report new claims after hours, weekends, and holidays.

• F or other insurance needs, please contact your local Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance agent as usual, during normal business hours.

• F or the most efficient service when using the After-Hours Claims Reporting Hotline, you’ll want to have this information handy:  Your policy number  Date and time of loss  Descriptions of the property involved  N ames, addresses, and phone numbers of all those involved, if applicable

After-Hours Claim Reporting

HOTLINE

TOLL FREE

1-866-842-3276

4:30 p.m-8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays. www.gfb.org

Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company