Georgia Farm Bureau News Alert - September 2, 2015

September 2, 2015

www.gfb.org

Vol. 33 No. 35

GFB INCREASES OVERALL MEMBERSHIP, 150 COUNTIES GAIN MEMBERS Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) expanded its overall membership in fiscal year 2015. Statewide GFB has (309,378) member families, up from (301,945) in 2014.

“I’d like to thank all of our county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers who worked hard this summer to recruit new members and retain existing members,” said GFB President Zippy Duvall. “I am proud to announce we met our goals and have an increase in membership over last year. We succeeded because everyone pitched in.”

The increase in membership classifies Georgia as a “quota” state; quota states are recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the membership increase also contributes to GFB’s eligibility for other national awards given by AFBF. The membership numbers are important because GFB is a grassroots organization, drawing its strength as the voice of Georgia farmers from its membership. Members at the local level initiate the organization’s policy – the guidelines it follows in pursuing governmental support for agriculture.

“A lot of organizations are ‘top-down’ organizations in that their leadership drives everything they do,” Duvall said. “We pride ourselves on being a ‘bottom-up’ organization. We take our direction from what our members want.”

Across the state, 150 county Farm Bureaus increased their membership: Bibb County Farm Bureau achieved the largest membership increase.

GFB, the largest general farm organization in Georgia, continues to offer a collection of member benefits that far exceed the value of the $25 annual membership dues. While GFB welcomes the chance to offer its popular insurance products, insurance enrollment is not required to be a member. Benefits include travel discounts, special deals on health and wellness programs, discounted family entertainment, banking services and of course a comprehensive insurance program.

For a complete listing of GFB member benefits visit http://www.gfb.org/benefits/default.html. To join Georgia Farm Bureau contact a local county Farm Bureau office. A directory of GFB county offices can be found at http://www.gfb.org/contactus/default.asp. For more information, call 1-800-633-5432.

GFB News Alert page 2 of 13 BISHOP, WESTMORELAND TALK AG WITH LOCAL FARM BUREAU LEADERS U.S. Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-2nd Dist.) and Lynn Westmoreland (R-3rd Dist.) recently met with county Farm Bureau leaders to discuss issues important to agriculture.

Bishop met with Peach, Taylor and Crawford County Farm Bureaus Aug. 25 during a legislative breakfast cohosted by the Peach and Taylor Farm Bureaus at the PCFB office. Bishop, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee and serves as co-chairman of both the Congressional Chicken and Peanut Caucuses, discussed how the Budget Control Act and sequestration is jeopardizing U.S. military, agriculture and infrastructure programs.

“Agriculture, the military and veterans are the heart blood of the Second District,” Bishop said. “In my opinion Congress has not fulfilled its constitutional authority and responsibility to fund the national defense. Right now we’re in a position where the budget crisis is limiting our ability to fund our national security and financial security. We’re in gridlock.”

Bishop called the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act, which mandates spending will be cut across the board by a percentage if Congress can’t come up with a plan to balance the budget, a “meat axe” approach rather than the thoughtful approach to spending cuts needed.

“I have nothing against an effective government but as the most powerful country we run the risk of losing our edge by not rebuilding our infrastructure, and we run the risk of losing our competitiveness in military strength if we can’t train our soldiers and replace equipment by reducing our military,” Bishop said.

Bishop said he understands the value of farm programs and that they help farmers plan for the long term but that as more members of Congress come from urban areas without an appreciation for agriculture, farm programs are coming under increased scrutiny.

“These members believe there should be payment limits and income caps to qualify for the [farm] programs,” Bishop said. “Every time we discuss farm payments someone introduces legislation about payment limits.”

At Troup County Farm Bureau on Aug. 28, Westmoreland met with board members from TCFB and neighboring Harris County Farm Bureau.

Westmoreland talked with the directors about the EPA’s new water rule, federal estate tax, the food labeling bill, conservation easements and transportation, which was of particular concern because of the West Georgia counties’ distance from the Port of Savannah.

TCFB President Harrell Landreth raised the question on construction of roads to ease the transportation of farm products to the ports on the Georgia coast.

“We would benefit economically if we could get these roads completed,” Landreth said. “It would have a huge economic impact on our area, and not only for agriculture.”

Westmoreland said that it would take time to get any infrastructure projects done because of funding issues.

“The Federal Highway Administration doesn’t have any money,” Westmoreland said, “Road projects are just a long ways down the road.”

On the EPA water rule, he said the implications are far-reaching.

“It affects ranchers and farmers and anybody that’s got a wet weather stream, a drainage ditch, a farm pond or a fish pond,” Westmoreland said, later noting that the House voted to cut the EPAbudget. “We figured that if we can’t stop them from passing the rule, we can keep them from enforcing it. “

GFB News Alert page 3 of 13 EPA WOTUS RULE INJUNCTIONS: DENIED IN GA, GRANTED IN N. DAKOTA A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia denied a request by Georgia and eight other states for a preliminary injunction to block the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule issued by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Judge Lisa Godbey Wood ruled that district court has no jurisdiction over the case, which a federal panel agreed to consolidate with multiple other similar cases around the country. The panel designated the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati to handle the cases, according to published reports. In her ruling, Wood indicated that the jurisdiction lies with the appeals court.

A judge in the District Court of North Dakota granted a similar injunction in a case filed by 13 states – North Dakota, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming. In that case, Judge Ralph Erickson found that “the States are likely to succeed on their claim because (1) it appears likely that the EPA has violated its congressional grant of authority in its promulgation of the rule at issue, and (2) it appears likely the EPA failed to comply with APA [Administrative Procedures Act] requirements when promulgating the rule.”

According to published reports, Erickson is accepting briefs on whether his ruling should be limited to those 13 states, but it’s unclear when he’ll issue a clarification. The EPA has indicated it would move forward with enforcement of the rule in the 37 other states.

The rule went into effect on Aug. 28.

A bill that would overturn the rule, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act (S. 1140) is under consideration in the U.S. Senate. S. 1140, which has the support of both Georgia Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation, would require the EPA and Corps of Engineers to withdraw the WOTUS rule and develop in its place a rule in accordance with Supreme Court precedent.

“Even in the face of this court order, EPA is reportedly asserting it will enforce the new rule in the 37 states that are not part of the North Dakota lawsuit,” said American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman. “Thus, for much of the nation, this unlawful rule will continue to create uncertainty and legal risk for commonplace land uses like farming and ranching. It’s clear that now is the time for Congress to act and pass S. 1140 to send EPA back to the drawing board. We won’t stop until this rule is finished.”

FSA TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR BCAP PROJECT AREAS Enrollment is underway for farmers and forest landowners seeking financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or biobased products within designated project areas.

The funds are available under the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Biomass energy facilities or groups of producers may submit proposals for new BCAP project areas. Proposals will be accepted at http://tinyurl.com/bcapgrants through Nov. 6.

The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes funding each year for BCAP to assist with the establishment and delivery of biomass for energy or biobased products. For more information on the program or to enroll in updates, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap or contact your local FSA county office. To find your nearest FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

GFB News Alert page 4 of 13 GEORGIA REP. PATTY BENTLEY TALKS TAX, FERAL HOGS AND BUDGET During a legislative breakfast held Aug. 25 at the Peach County Farm Bureau office in Fort Valley, Georgia Rep. Patty Bentley (D-Dist. 139), gave an overview of legislation the Georgia General Assembly passed during the 2015 session. Bentley, who serves on the Georgia House Agriculture Committee, applauded Georgia Farm Bureau for funding a tax revenue study published by the UGA Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development in February. The study shows the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) program is not a significant cause of sales tax revenue declines in Georgia counties.

“Prior to the beginning of this year’s legislative session I heard a lot of talk about GATE and concern it was decreasing county tax income,” Bentley said. “But the UGA study shows the only tax change that is contributing to a decline in state taxes is the change in how automotive taxes are collected. I believe the GATE program has been very helpful to farmers across the state.”

Rep. Patty Bentley Bentley also reviewed House Bill 475, which is now a state law that prohibits the transport of hogs across the state for hunting purposes without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.

“This law is intended to control the population growth of feral hogs and to prevent the spread of diseases by feral hogs,” Bentley said.

Rep. Bentley said the $21.8 billion state budget signed by Gov. Deal included the following appropriations that will benefit Georgia agriculture: $300,000 for three UGA Extension forestry positions; $14 million to reimburse county governments for tax income through the Forestland Protection Act and a $2.5 million bond to renovate King Hall at ABAC. “I’m looking forward to a great session next year, and I look forward to continue working for you and with you,” Bentley said. “I look forward to seeing y’all on Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol. Be sure to come by and speak to me.”

INGLE’S SUPERMARKETS PROMOTING GREAT AMERICAN MILK DRIVE In partnership with the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association (SUDIA), Ingles supermarket chain is conducting a consumer campaign to promote the Great American Milk Drive through Sept. 15. All 202 Ingles locations in the Southeast, including 71 stores in Georgia, will be collecting donations with peel-away labels on gallons of Laura Lynn white milk and a $1 donation icon at checkout. All donations will be converted into coupons for free milk and distributed to families through the local Feeding America food banks in their respective communities. The state of Georgia is served by eight regional food banks that are part of the Feeding America network, located in Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Chattanooga, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Valdosta.

Ingles will promote the campaign through television and radio advertisements, in-store radio and signage, social media, local press releases and kickoff events in major markets.

The Great American Milk Drive is a national campaign to give nutrient-rich milk to millions of hungry families. The campaign started on Aug. 19 and by Aug. 31 had collected more than 400,000 gallons of milk, including more than 27,000 in Georgia. To find the Ingle’s store closest to you visit www.ingles-markets.com/store-locations.

GFB News Alert page 5 of 13 TWO GA SCHOOL SYSTEMS RECEIVE MONSANTO STEM GRANTS Two Georgia school districts received $10,000 each in grants this year from America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. The program partners with farmers to help keep rural schools growing by supporting education programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), according to a company press release.

Sumter County Schools in Americus and Worth County Schools in Sylvester each received a $10,000 grant from Monsanto.

The Sumter County School system plans to use the grant to provide teacher training and materials and supplies for students, with the goal of helping students tackle real-world technical problems using scientific method, according to Dr. Sharon Champion-Jackson, who leads the system’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education.

Worth County Schools will use the money to increase student use of technology in science classrooms, according to Monsanto.

Winning districts have implemented many innovative programs for use of the grant funds, including upgraded technology for hands-on learning, greenhouses and outdoor classroom instruction, laboratory advancements and curriculum development.

America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education works with farmers to nominate public school districts to compete for math and science grants of $10,000 or $25,000. Grant applications are reviewed and finalists selected by a panel of teachers. Winning applications are selected by an advisory council comprised of farmers from across the U.S. Visit www.GrowRuralEducation.com to see the full list of winners for this year. A sister program, America’s Farmers Grow Communities is currently in its enrollment period. To sign up, visit www.GrowCommunities.com before Nov. 30.

HSUS GETS SEAT ON USDA ANIMAL HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE In late July Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the members of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health, according to a USDA press release. The committee is intended to provide outside perspectives on USDA strategies, policies, and programs to prevent, control and/or eradicate animal health diseases. The release indicated that the committee will also lead broader dialogue on public health concerns and the stability of the livestock economies.

Among the appointees is Dr. Michael J. Blackwell, a veterinarian and director of veterinary policy for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which opposes many conventional animal husbandry practices and has led efforts to change state laws in ways that have had significant adverse effects on animal agriculture.

The 19 appointees will serve on the committee through June 2017. For a complete list of the appointees, visit http://tinyurl.com/usdacmte.

GFB News Alert page 6 of 13 See page 12 for a list of ongoing Farm Bureau-affiliated farmers markets!

UGA COTTON & PEANUT RESEARCH FIELD DAY Sept. 9 Lang-Rigdon Farm 8:30 a.m.

Tifton The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission and the University of Georgia Extension Cotton and Peanut Teams, will co-sponsor this joint research field day, an excellent chance for both commodities' producers to observe, first-hand, the research program funded by their checkoff investments. Lunch will be held at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center at 12:45 p.m. The purpose of the tour is to showcase current research funded by the commissions, in plot-side presentations by the researchers themselves. The sponsors' goal is to provide an educational environment for cotton and peanut producers and give them the opportunity to pose questions directly to the researchers and to express opinions and concerns pertinent to the production of their crops. Those planning to attend need to RSVP by Sept. 3 to Debbie Rutland at drutland@uga.edu or 229-386-3424.

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

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

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

UNION COUNTY TRACTOR SHOW AND PARADE Sept. 5 Union County Farmer’s Market Blairsville Come join in the fun! Union County Farm Bureau along with Union County Farmers Market will host the 6th Annual Tractor Show and Parade. Bring any type of tractor you have and enter it in the show and parade. The tractors can be old or new, used or antique, everything farm-related is welcome to show and be in the parade or remain at the Farmer’s Market for the public to view. If you don’t have a tractor, just come and watch the parade, look around and buy some produce or goods from the farmers. Those planning to enter the tractor show/parade should arrive by 8 am at the Farmer’s Market. Judging of the tractors will take place at 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Each participant in the tractor show will be given a t-shirt and several ribbons and other cash awards will be awarded. In addition to Union County Farm Bureau and Union County Farmer’s Market, other sponsors are: Union Realty, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Nelson’s Tractor, United Community Bank, Rick’s Rental and King Ford. For more information or questions, call Mickey Cummings at 706-781-8802, call Union County Farm Bureau at 706-7456962 or visit www.ucfarmersmarket.com.

GFB News Alert page 7 of 13 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETINGS Sept. 8 3rd District The Center at Arbor Connection 7 p.m.

Douglasville Sept. 10 2nd District Ga. Baptist Conference Center 7 p.m.

Toccoa Sept. 14 7th District First Baptist Church 7 p.m.

Statesboro Sept. 15 5th District Thomaston Civic Center 7 p.m.

Thomaston Sept. 17 10th District Jamestown Baptist Church 7 p.m.

Waycross Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information. Note: These meetings are for Farm Bureau members only and are not open to the general public.

ANNIE’S PROJECT RISK MANAGEMENT EDUCATION FOR FARM WOMEN Dougherty County Extension, 125 Pine Ave., Suite 100, Albany Sept. 8 8:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sept. 29 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Houston County Extension, 801 Main Street, Perry Sept. 8 8:15 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Sept. 15 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Annie’s Project is a three-day course designed especially for farm/ranch women. Sessions will combine lecture, discussion, individual and small group activities and software training. Annie’s Project will also help women find new ways to balance the demands of family, community and professionalism within the agriculture community. There is no cost to attend, but participants must register by Sept. 2. Lunch will be provided each day. For more information or to register, contact the Dougherty County Extension at 229-436-7216 or the Houston County Extension at 478-987-2028.

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE BASIC TRAINING Sept. 22 UGA Livestock Instruction Arena 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Athens This training is for all women interested in or involved in agriculture. Participants will receive hands-on instruction on a variety of topics and learn skills applicable to different subject areas of agriculture. Topics include fencing, tractors, farm implements, trucks and trailers, cattle handling and animal health. Cost to attend is $30 and lunch is included. Sept. 8 is deadline to register. To register, contact the Morgan County Extension office at 706-342-2214 or send an email to Lucy Ray at lray@uga.edu.

GFB News Alert page 8 of 13 FAREWELL RECEPTIONS FOR DEAN SCOTT ANGLE Sept. 10 John Hunt Lobby 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

UGA Tifton Campus Sept. 15 Stuckey Auditorium 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

UGA Griffin Campus Sept. 16 UGA Hotel/Conf. Ctr. 4 p.m-6 pm.

Athens This series of receptions will honor Dean Scott Angle for his decade of service to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. RSVP to attend the reception of your choice at www.caes.uga.edu/events/farewell. Those interested are encouraged to consider making a gift to support The Deans’ Promise, an initiative created by Angle that supports opportunities and provides funding for CAES students to enrich their learning beyond the classroom. Gifts will go toward core areas of the initiative including internships, research, leadership, service learning and study abroad opportunities. Gifts may be made online at www.caes.uga.edu/events/farewell or checks made payable to “UGA Foundation” and specified for “CAES Deans’ Promise” in the memo line may be mailed to: The University of Georgia CAES Office of External Relations 117 Four Towers Athens, GA 30602. A list of donors will be presented to Dean Angle on Sept. 16.

STARTING A NEW FOOD BUSINESS WORKSHOP Oct. 6-7 UGA Griffin Melton Building Griffin This workshop will provide information on producing safe and wholesome food products.

Presentations include food safety and sanitation, getting your product label reviewed, meeting Georgia Department of Agriculture and FDA regulations, recordkeeping and product traceback and choosing a co-packer or a shared kitchen. Registration is $150. The deadline to register is Sept. 10, and registration is limited to 40 participants. To register online visit http://EFSonline.uga.edu. For more information, call 706-542-2574.

POND MANAGEMENT FIELD DAY Sept. 17 Flat Creek Arena, 1516 Diamond Lane 5:30 p.m.

Royston This informative session provided by the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District, will include information on improving water quality, fish health, pond maintenance and NRCS programs. Dinner will be provided. Register by Sept. 10 by calling 706-552-4479 or sending an email to jbee@gaswcc.org.

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

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

GFB News Alert page 9 of 13 UGA EXTENSION GRAZING SCHOOL Sept. 15-16 Carroll County Ag Center Carrollton This two-day workshop will focus on soil fertility, forage crop establishment, plant growth, animal nutrient requirements, and management-intensive grazing. Training will take place in both classroom and field settings. Multiple classroom lectures addressing plant and grazing management will be combined with a farm visit for hands-on activities. Participants will also get a chance to hear from other producers who have successfully utilized better grazing management. Guest speakers include Terry Chandler from Stillwater Farms in Danielsville and Kathy Voth, who is widely known for her research at Utah State University. Cost of the two-day program is $150 for the first person from each farm and $75/person for each additional person from each farm or family. This registration fee includes lunches and breaks on each day, dinner on the first night, and a grazing school handbook. Registration is limited to 75 participants and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register, visit www.georgiaforages.com.

UGA TIFTON CAMPUS RECRUITING EVENT Sept. 15 UGA Campus Conference Center 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tifton Students desiring to attend the University of Georgia or those interested in learning more about the UGA Tifton Campus are invited to attend Southwest ShowCAES 2015, a recruiting event on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Tifton Campus Conference Center. For more information visit http://apps.caes.uga.edu/gafaces/?public=viewStory&pk_id=5565 2015 GEORGIA PEANUT TOUR Sept. 15-17 Thomasville and surrounding area The 29th annual Georgia Peanut Tour brings the latest information on peanuts. Tour stops will be made in several peanut producing counties including Thomas, Grady, Decatur, Seminole and Early County. This year's tour includes on-farm harvest demonstrations and clinics, peanut processing facilities, and several special highlights which include research at the University of Georgia Research & Education Center in Attapulgus, Lewis M. Carter Manufacturing, FudgeBirdsong Peanuts Buying Point and Birdsong Peanuts shelling plant. Hotel accommodations can be made at the Best Western in Thomasville by calling 229-226-9998. Rooms are available at the rate of $101 for a single/double room and $115 for a suite. Once the Best Western is full, additional hotel accommodations can be made at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites by calling 229-226-4666. Be sure to ask for the Georgia Peanut Tour room block. To register online visit http://2015gpt.eventzilla.net/web/event?eventid=2139089481. To download a registration form, visit http://tinyurl.com/pnuttoursignup. Registration is $75 per person until Aug. 14 and $90 per person after Aug. 14.

GFB News Alert page 10 of 13 2015 GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL APPLE PIE RECIPE CONTEST Oct. 10 Lions Club Fairgrounds 10 a.m.

Ellijay This annual contest is part of the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay. The 1st-place winner will receive $300 and a ribbon. The 2nd place winner will receive $100 and a ribbon. To enter, submit an entry form and the recipe (Attn: Recipe Contest) to the Gilmer Extension office in Ellijay. Only put your name (contestant name) on the back of the recipe, not on the front. All recipes must be received by noon on Sept. 18 and all recipes must use fresh Georgia apples.

Five finalists will be selected from the entries. There are no kitchen facilities available at the festival, so contestants will bring their prepared apple pie to the Lions Club Fairgrounds Oct. 10 by 9:45 a.m. Judging begins at 10 a.m. Eligibility rules apply. Only one entry per family and only one entry per person. Contestants must be 10 years old or older. For more details or to get an entry form, call the Gilmer County Extension office at 706-635-4426 or visit the office at 1123 Progress Road in Ellijay.

TRAVELER'S REST PIONEER DAY Sept. 19 Traveler’s Rest State Historic site 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Toccoa The public is invited to join in this celebration of 200 years of history. Traveler's Rest Stagecoach Inn opened for business around 1815. All ages will enjoy the Pioneer era demonstrators, musicians, crafts, and samples of open-hearth cooking. Tour this historic inn, which still has some of the original family furnishings from the 1800's. Traveler’s Rest State Historic Site is located at 4339 Riverdale Road in Toccoa. For more information visit www.gastateparks.org/TravelersRest or call Tugaloo State Park at 706-356-4362. On Saturdays and Sundays call Travelers Rest Inn 706-886-2256.

2015 TRI-STATE PEANUT DISEASE TOUR Sept. 22-24 Florida, Georgia, Alabama The tour begins on Sept. 22 with a tour of the plots at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research Center in Quincy. Sept. 23 stops are on the UGA Tifton Campus, including the LangRigdon Farm and the Black Shank Farm. Lunch is at 12:30 p.m. Albert Culbreath at spotwilt@uga.edu. Sept. 25 stops are at Auburn University’s Wiregrass Experiment Station in Headland, Ala. Contact Albert Culbreath at 229-326-7683 or spotwilt@uga.edu for more information.

SOUTHEAST CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FALL FIELD DAY Sept. 26 Brantley County Saddle Club 9:30 a.m. – noon Nahunta This field day will focus on vaccination programs and techniques, parasite control and heifer selection. Speakers include Carole Knight, Will Lovett and Ashley Mesa of UGA and Henry Jones of Zoetis. A sponsored lunch will be provided. Register by Sept. 24 by calling the Brantley County Extension office at 912-462-5724.

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

GFB News Alert page 11 of 13 5TH NIAA ANTIBIOTICS SYMPOSIUM Nov. 3-5 Crowne Plaza Midtown Atlanta The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) will be hosting this antibiotic symposium, focusing on antibiotic stewardship. This unique forum brings together leading researchers, government officials, retailers and industry professionals in animal and human health.

Discounted registration is available before Oct. 1. For more information or to register online go to www.AnimalAgriculture.org/2015-Antibiotics-Symposium or contact the NIAA at 719538-8843 or niaa@animalagriculture.org.

FORESTRY WORKSHOP AND FIELD DAY Oct. 6 Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center 9 a.m.

Lyons UGA Extension and UGA’s Warnell School of Forestry are hosting this regional meeting for landowners, timber managers and foresters. This meeting will be a great opportunity for anyone who has interests in forestry. Topics include forest management plans, forestry herbicide use, pine straw production, pine seedling sources, and more. There is no cost for this meeting, but registration is required since there is limited space available. A sponsored lunch will be provided. Call the Tattnall County Extension office at 912-557-6724 to reserve your seat or send an email to Chris Tyson at tysonc@uga.edu with the names of those attending.

26th ANNUAL GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR Oct. 8-18 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The award-winning Georgia National Fair features livestock and horse shows, youth exhibits, home and fine arts competitions, family entertainment and Midway rides and games. Concerts include shows by Alabama and Rascal Flatts. Visit www.georgianationalfair.com for more information.

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION 5K RUN Oct. 17 Rock Creek Park, 445 Martin Rd. 8 a.m.

Dawsonville Runners receive race t-shirts, awards to overall winners and age group winners in this event. The course is described as flat and fast and conducive to setting personal records. The proceeds will benefit the GFB Foundation for Agriculture for use in GFB’s Ag In The Classroom program, consumer awareness projects and adult learning opportunities. Register by Oct. 11 to guarantee your t-shirt and shirt size. Registration is $25 in advance, $30 the day of the race. On-site registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. For online registration visit http://fivestarntp.com/GA_Farm_Bureau_5K.html.

2015 SUNBELT AG EXPO Oct. 20-22 Spence Field Moultrie North America's largest farm show features field demonstrations, the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year and more than 1,200 exhibitors. Tickets are $10 per person per day or $20 for multi-day tickets. Children under 10 get in free with parent. For more information visit www.sunbeltexpo.com.

GFB News Alert page 12 of 13 GFB TAKING ENTRIES TO HAY CONTEST, HAY DIRECTORY Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members who grow Bermudagrass hay are encouraged to enter the GFB 2015 Quality Hay Contest. GFB is also accepting entries for its 2016 Quality Hay Directory. The deadline for submissions for both the contest and the directory is Oct. 30.

Hay entered in the contest will be tested at the UG Testing Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which predicts fiber digestibility and likely animal intake of hay. There is a $15 entry fee for each sample entered in the contest to cover lab costs. Applications and instructions for submitting samples, as well as updated contest rules, are available at county Farm Bureau offices or may be downloaded at the GFB website http://www.gfb.org/commodities/hay_contest.html.

AFBF FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE BULLETIN BOARD CONTEST The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s ag-themed bulletin board contest for teachers is open for submissions through Oct. 31. The winner receives a copy of “Farm a Month,” the Foundation’s activities kit about agriculture across America, plus the 12 books that accompany it. To enter, visit http://www.agfoundation.org/projects/bulletin-board-contest.

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

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

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

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

GFB News Alert page 13 of 13 HINESVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET Thursdays until Nov. 19 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

WHITE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Saturdays through Sept. 27 7 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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