May 21, 2014
www.gfb.org
Vol. 32 No. 20
UGA EXTENSION CELEBRATES 100 YEARS University of Georgia officials and members of Georgia’s agriculture community gathered May 15 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the federal Smith-Lever Act, which established America’s system of state Cooperative Extension programs. During the UGA Extension Centennial Celebration held at the Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries on the UGA Athens Campus, guests had the chance to enjoy the exhibit, “100 Years of Extension: The Legacy of the Smith-Lever Act in Georgia,” on display at the library through June 30. “Georgia along with South Carolina led the movement to establish Extension, and Georgia remained one of the most vibrant states with Extension,” Dr. Beverly Sparks, UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences associate dean for Extension, said in her welcoming remarks. Sen. Hoke Smith of Georgia co-authored the Smith-Lever Act with U.S. Rep. Ashbury Lever of South Carolina, which President Woodrow Wilson signed May 8, 1914. The act created a national system to deliver land-grant university research information to farmers and rural residents. UGA Extension is a county, state and federally funded organization staffed by specialists with the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) and UGA College of Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS). UGA President Jere Morehead acknowledged how important UGA Extension is to the state. “Extension connects the resources of the University of Georgia to the people of Georgia,” Morehead said. “What I appreciate most about Extension is not what it has done in the past but what it’s doing now and will do in the future.” Morehead said many people have told him during his first year as president that when they think of the University of Georgia they don’t think of the teaching in Athens but the work being done in communities across the state on behalf of UGA by Extension. During the centennial reception, Ga. Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Dist. 46) and Ga. Rep. Chuck Williams (R-Dist. 119) presented resolutions their respective chambers passed earlier this year recognizing UGA Extension’s 100th anniversary to University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby and to UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Dean & Director Scott Angle. Kevin Little, president of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, presented a resolution to Morehead recognizing the contributions Extension makes to Georgia communities. Visit http://100years.extension.uga.edu to view the UGA Extension Centennial exhibit online. Visit http://bit.ly/ext100th to read an article about UGA Extension in the latest issue of Georgia Farm Bureau’s Georgia Neighbors magazine.
Leadership Alert page 2 of 6 GOV. DEAL SIGNS BILLS TO AID GEORGIA FORESTRY INDUSTRY Gov. Nathan Deal recently signed bills that allow wood in school construction, combat timber theft and address issues with tax reimbursements under the Forest Land Protection Act (FLPA). Senate Bill 301 allows for greater use of wood materials in public school facilities, providing K-12 schools throughout the state with alternative, cost-effective, and sustainable design options. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Fran Millar (R-District 40) removes language from the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) Guideline for Educational Facility Construction that prohibited the use of light wood framing (or wood stud partitioning) and ordinary wood construction. SB 301 provides school administrators and design professionals with the option to use wood materials as a design alternative. Wood-constructed schools meet the current standards for life safety while providing much needed advantages related to cost, speed of construction, design flexibility, energy efficiency and sustainability. House Bill 790, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Williams (R-District 119), improves resources available to timberland owners whose timber is taken unlawfully. Among these are giving the Georgia Forestry Commission law enforcement authority to investigate, serve warrants and make arrests in timber theft cases. House Bill 755, sponsored by Rep. Jay Powell (R-District 171), makes changes in the FLPA to improve fairness in the program’s tax appeals, including a requirement that the difference between a disputed property tax bill and a previously paid bill on the same property be placed into escrow to ensure the money is available to the prevailing party in the appeal. For more information about these bills visit http://goo.gl/uLdvNe . GFB EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT HUFF RETIRING Ginger Huff, who has worked the past 19 years as executive assistant to GFB Presidents Wayne Dollar and Zippy Duvall, is retiring May 23. Huff began her career at GFB in 1977 when she was hired as a policy typist in the GFB Commercial Underwriting Department. “I’ve enjoyed working with the counties, and I’ve made friends all over the state and all over the country,” said Huff, who plans to travel and work with her husband, Rob, on projects around their house as well as spending Huff O’Neal time with her grandson Phillips. Huff is leaving her post in the capable hands of Debbie O’Neal, who has worked as executive assistant to GFB Treasurer/Corporate Secretary Wayne Daniel since July 2006. Prior to coming to GFB in 2006, O’Neal was a legal assistant to GFB General Counsel Duke Groover. “I enjoy working for a company that has the same values that I hold dear,” O’Neal said. “There is a lot to be said to being part of the Georgia Farm Bureau family.” O’Neal has two adult children, Brooks and Alicia, and three grandchildren – Carter, Braelyn and Abby. She and her husband, Steve, attend Northway Church in Macon, and she enjoys gardening in her spare time. “Ginger has been a vital part of our team while I’ve served as Georgia Farm Bureau president. I hate to see her go but wish her the best in her well-earned retirement,” Duvall said. “I’m looking forward to working with Debbie in her new role as my assistant and think everyone will enjoy getting to know her as she makes this transition.”
Leadership Alert page 3 of 6 EPA PROPOSES NEW RULES TO PROTECT AGAINST PESTICIDE EXPOSURE The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced proposed revisions to the Worker Protection Standard. The proposed rules include increased frequency of mandatory training (from once every five years to annually) to inform farm workers about the protections they are afforded under the law, including restrictions on entering pesticide-treated fields and surrounding areas, decontamination supplies, access to information and use of personal protective equipment. Expanded training will include instructions to reduce take-home exposure from pesticides on work clothing and other safety topics. Also included are expanded mandatory posting of no-entry signs for certain pesticides. The signs prohibit entry into pesticide-treated fields until residues decline to a safe level. Under the proposed rules, children under 16 will be prohibited from handling pesticides, with an exemption for family farms. No-entry buffer areas surrounding pesticide-treated fields would be required. The rule also would require farms to maintain application-specific pesticide information, records on training and other items. Respirator use must be consistent with the OSHA standards for ensuring respirators are providing protection, including fit test, medical evaluation and training. For more information on the EPA’s proposed worker protection standard visit http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html. The EPA is accepting public comments about the proposed rule until Aug. 18. To submit a comment visit http://tinyurl.com/kvbxpud. NRCS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AG LAND, WETLAND EASEMENTS The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Georgia office is conducting sign-up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Applications are due by June 6. Funds for this program will be used for the purchase of conservation easements on eligible agricultural lands and wetlands in Georgia. ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill, is a program that has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Approved ALE easements would prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and maximize protection of land devoted to food production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible. WRE applications are accepted directly from producers on eligible lands. Wetlands reserve easements would restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Applications are currently being accepted for wetlands reserve easements and will be rated according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife. Applications must be submitted to Georgia NRCS by June 6 for both ALE and WRE. Applications are available your local USDA Service Center and at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be evaluated starting in late August.
Leadership Alert page 4 of 6 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP DEADLINE Rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students have until May 24 to apply to attend a one-week residential camp the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission is offering June 8-12 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton. Natural resource experts will give lectures, guide field trips and lead hands-on activities to enhance students’ understanding of Georgia’s natural resources during the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW). The camp focuses on the value and protection of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, soil, water and mining resources. More than $18,000 in college scholarships will be awarded during the event. Tuition is $150 per student but scholarships are available for students who have not previously attended the event. Visit http://abac.edu/nrcw to download the camp application and more information. Contact Luke Crosson at lcrosson@gaswcc.org or 229-995-6001 for more information. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 27 NW Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Workshop begins at 6 p.m. For information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu. GA. HEIFER EVALUATION AND REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 28 NW Georgia Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu. 2014 CORN SILAGE AND FORAGE FIELD DAY May 29 Univ. of Fla. Plant Science Unit 8 a.m. Citra, Fla. This free event, a collaborative event between the University of Florida and the University of Georgia, includes a sponsored lunch. Topics covered include agronomic issues, soil fertility and forage production and grazing management. Also included are tours of variety test plots. Visit http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/CSFD/CSFD/ for more information or to register. GFB ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR YOUNG FARMER CONTESTS Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting applications for its Young Farmer Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and Discussion Meet. . GFB members between the ages of 1835 may apply for these awards. Applications are available at county Farm Bureau offices Finalists for each of the competitive events will be named at the GFB Young Farmer Leadership Conference to be held July 10-13 on Jekyll Island. Applications for each contest and the leadership conference will be accepted through May 30 at 4:30 p.m. The preliminary rounds of the discussion meet will be held at the leadership conference. For more information on these awards or the conference, please visit http://ww.gfb.org/yf or stop by your county Farm Bureau. The GFB Achievement Award will recognize an outstanding young farmer or couple whose primary income is derived from farming. The GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award will recognize an outstanding individual or couple whose primary income is not derived from farming. Extension agents, FFA advisors and ag lenders are examples of individuals who may apply for this award. The GFB Discussion Meet is a competitive event designed to simulate a committee meeting where young farmers discuss topics relevant to agriculture today and explore solutions to issues facing them as agriculturalists. The state winner of each award will be announced during the GFB convention in December. The winner of each contest will compete on the national level at the American Farm Bureau Convention in San Diego, Calif., Jan. 11-13, 2015. Details on state and national prizes will be available at a later date.
Leadership Alert page 5 of 6 MORGAN COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY May 31 UGA ADS-Beef Research Farm 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eatonton The Morgan County Cattlemen's Association is hosting this event, which includes discussions of weed control, carcass characteristics, cattle handling and more. Pesticide Applicator credits and Best Quality Practices (BQA) Continuing Education Credit will be given. For more information contact Lucy Ray 706-342-221 or lray@uga.edu GEORGIA GROWN FARMERS SHOWCASE May 31 Macon Farmers Market 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Macon 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. UGA CAES ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS June 1 Deadline for submitting applications The CAES Alumni Association awards two non-renewable scholarships to the most outstanding transfer students from two- and four-year colleges who will be enrolling full-time at The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Selection is based on the student's ability to make significant contributions to the academic and co-curricular campus environment. Application forms may be accessed at http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/caa/scholarships.html#awards. INTERPLANTED ALFALFA FIELD DAY June 5 Putnam County Cooperative Extension 10:30 am - 2:00 pm Eatonton Join us as UGA Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Dennis Hancock explains the benefits of interplanting alfalfa with forage grasses. Dr. Hancock will detail site preparation, fertility requirements and variety selection to assure successful stand establishment. After the educational program a sponsored lunch will be provided and then visit a Putnam County Farm where alfalfa has been successfully interplanted with Bermuda. Mr. Donald Wood, Research Professional at the UGA Center for Applied Genetic Technologies will join Dr. Hancock on site to discuss management techniques and harvesting strategies. For more information contact Putnam County Extension Coordinator Keith Fielder at 706-485-4151 or kfielder@uga.edu. 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. The successful applicants receive a custom-designed program overseas for five weeks in one or two countries where he or she will explore agricultural issues in order to enhance their own leadership capabilities in the field of agriculture. 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.
Leadership Alert page 6 of 6 NRCS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SIGNUP FOR N. GA. IRRIGATION PILOT Farmers and landowners, who wish to conserve and preserve water through the North Georgia Irrigation Pilot Program (NGIPP) have until June 20 to apply. The two areas of improvement are water conservation and water quantity. The NGIPP provides both technical and financial assistance to farmers interested in improving the water quality and quantity of their operation. Applicable counties are; Banks, Barrow, Butts, Carroll, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Elbert, Fayette, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Haralson, Hart, Heard, Henry, Jackson, Jasper, Lamar, Lumpkin, Madison, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pike, Putnam, Rockdale, Spalding, Stephens, Troup, Upson, Walton, White and Wilkes. For more information about NRCS’ programs, initiatives and services in Georgia, visit us online at http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov or visit your local NRCS office. Applications are due by June 20. GEORGIA JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY July 10 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 9 a.m. Perry This one-day event features tracks for ages 10 & under, 11-14 and 15 & over. Registration is $15 until July 1 and $20 onsite for GJCA members. Non-members are required to join the GJCA; annual dues are $15. Field day stations include Beef Quality Assurance certification, stockman’s quiz, scholarship tips & tricks, careers in ag, a hula hoop contest, photo booth and more. For more information call 478-474-6560. MASTER GOAT FARMER CERTIFICATION TRAINING Aug. 5 – Sept. 9 Camp Fulton Truitt College Park This six-week course, sponsored by the UGA Cooperative Extension in Fulton County, provides training for goat producers on topics related to managing and producing goats for meat. Topics include nutrition, body condition scoring, goat selection, breeds, reproduction & kidding, hoof trimming, health & diseases, pasture management, basic dairy goat management, goat handling equipment, fencing displays, parasitology and business & marketing. Classes meet on Tuesday, with refreshments served at 6 p.m. followed by class from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Class size is limited to 75 participants. Registration deadline is July 11. Cost is $100, which includes study materials, refreshments, a t-shirt and graduation certificate. Camp Fulton Truitt is located at 4300 Herschel Rd. in College Park. To register, contact the Fulton County Extension office at 404-762-4077. 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 ASA DuPont Young Leader 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/. One couple or individual per state will be selected to participate. For information, contact Christine Luelf at 314-754-1291 or cluelf@soy.org.