Georgia neighbors - Winter 2009

FARM BUREAU’S

Georgia A

PUBLICATION

OF

THE

GEORGIA

Winter 2009 Vol. 14, No. 1

FARM

BUREAU

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Contents Winter 2009 • Vol. 14, No. 1

GFB members elect leaders at annual conference

4

Georgia Farm Bureau members re-elected GFB President Zippy Duvall for his second twoyear term during the organization’s 70th annual convention in December. Members selected GFB South Georgia Vice President Gerald Long of Decatur County to serve as the organization’s 1st vice president. Bernard Sims of Catoosa County was elected to a three-year term as GFB North Georgia vice president. More than 1,500 Georgia farmers and agricultural leaders attended the event held Dec. 7-9, on Jekyll Island.

GFB award Get moving with Walk Georgia winners named The University of

6

The best of Georgia Farm Bureau’s county programs and volunteers were recognized during the awards program at the annual GFB Convention. Ten state awards were presented to county Farm Bureaus and individual members for outstanding achievement.

8

Georgia Cooperative Extension Service is about to kickoff an eight-week program designed to help Georgians increase their physical activity in a fun, community-oriented way. Registration for Walk Georgia opens February 15 and closes March 14. The program runs March 1 – April 26.

Houseplants Something’s Cooking purify indoor air If you love Southern cooking, you’ll love the

17

Houseplants aren’t just for decoration. They also help purify your indoor air. University of Georgia researchers have identified the ones that work best.

20

recipes we’re featuring from Food, Family, and Community: A Collection of Georgia Memories. This is the exhibit catalog published by the Georgia Humanities Council and the University of West Georgia’s Center for Public History for the Smithsonian Institution exhibit, Key Ingredients: America by Food currently traveling across Georgia.

Food Check-Out Week GFB Ag Policy Georgia Farm Bureau voting delhelps consumers egates decided the organization’s eat healthy position on numerous issues dur-

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As the economic crisis continues, many Americans are closely watching what they spend on groceries. During its Food CheckOut Week, Feb. 15-21, Farm Bureau will educate consumers on how to stretch their grocery dollars.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

24

ing the annual convention in December. The agriculture policy printed in this edition of the Georgia Neighbors was changed or added from the previous year’s policy. For a complete copy of the 2009 GFB Policy, please contact the GFB Legislative Department at (478) 474-8411.

departments We, the Farmers

2

Member Services Update

10

Insurance Update

12

GFB Insurance Meetings

13

Timber Update

14

Kids Corner

16

Mortgage Update

18

Legislative Update

22

about the cover This scenic shot of the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound was shot

by Tom McCool of Image Control (www.imagecontrolplus.com). Make plans to visit the area this spring for the first Historic Moonshine Mile hosted by the Scenic Highway 197 Association to celebrate the area’s moonshine days. You’ll find more details on page 14.

Like to Subscribe?

All Georgia Farm Bureau members will receive the Georgia Neighbors. However, if you are not a farmer-member and you’d also like to receive the Georgia Farm Bureau News, fill in this coupon and send it to: Georgia Farm Bureau News, P.O. Box 7068, Macon, GA 31209. Questions about Member Services?

Call 1-800-633-5432. Call (478) 474-0679, ext.

5334 regarding editorial content.

Name___________________________________

Address__________________________________

City/Zip__________________________________

GFB Membership #________________________ Non-members can subscribe to both publications for $15/year.

1

FARM BUREAU’S

Zippy Duvall, President

Welcome 2009!

The start of a new year brings new beginnings. As I begin my second term as your Georgia Farm Bureau president, I am humbled and grateful to our members for trusting me to run this great organization and for re-electing me at our 70th annual convention in December to lead our organization for another two years.

Farm Bureau’s work is never done.

We will continue to fight for Georgia agriculture so we can continue to help provide a safe and abundant supply of food, fiber and fuel for all of our nonfarming neighbors.

Georgia Farm Bureau was founded by a group of 50 farmers in 1937 because there was a need for an organization that would serve as an advocate for farmers and rural Georgia. Through the years, our organization has always worked to meet the needs of our membership.

By the late 1950s many of our members had a need for affordable insurance, and that’s when Georgia Farm Bureau started its insurance company. While our insurance is the most well-known of our member services, we offer many other membership benefits. The GFB Board of Directors and I are committed to providing our members with excellent member service. That’s why we created the new Member Services Department in 2007.

The Member Services Department has played an important role in servicing our members, and we are actively pursuing ways to increase the value of your Farm Bureau membership. We are pleased to announce our newest member benefit, the Members Automotive Buying Service (MABS). This service will help our members find the best deal on new or certified used cars and help secure the best deal on auto financing at no charge. This service 2

costs an average of $199 but is free to you as a GFB member. You can learn more about this exciting new member benefit on page ten.

We also plan to kick off a new health insurance program in 2009. This new program will be designed to fit the needs of our members depending on what you can afford. There is no such thing as a cheap health insurance policy. More details about this program will be announced in the near future as the plan is finalized.

This is a time of new beginnings for your insurance company. In October, we hired a new general manager, Mike Cook. Mike comes to us from Cotton States where he was most recently senior vice president and chief operating officer. I’m confident his 33 years of experience in the insurance industry will serve our company and you, our members, well. Mike is developing a strategic plan for the Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Companies.

Since Mike’s arrival, he has hired Bobby Holton as director of our Claims Department and has announced an enhancement to our 24-hour emergency claims service. Bobby, who has worked in insurance for 30 years, also comes to us from Cotton States where he was vice president of property and casualty claims.

In 2009, Georgia Farm Bureau will continue to work as an advocate for agriculture, our original founding purpose. One of our pressing issues this year is to continue to be involved in the development of the Comprehensive Statewide Water Plan. During the past two years, GFB members have answered our call to action by commenting at public meetings and submitting written comments to express the necessity of having water to produce the food and fiber that feeds and clothes our state, country and world.

GFB supported the statewide water plan signed into law last year because it addressed our concerns regarding regulated riparian rights, funding for See WE, THE FARMERS page 15

A

PUBLICATION

OF

THE

GEORGIA

FARM

BUREAU

Issued three times a year by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, located at 1620 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Farm Bureau Members: Included in dues — $1 per year OFFICERS VINCENT “Zippy” duvall, President GERALD LONG, 1st Vice President BERNARD SIMS, North Georgia Vice President BRENT GALLOWAY, Middle Georgia Vice President GERALD LONG, South Georgia Vice President Wayne Daniel, Treasurer/ Corporate Secretary DUKE GROOVER, General Counsel DIRECTORS FIRST DISTRICT: J. Louis Hunt, LaFayette; Henry J. West, Rydal SECOND DISTRICT: Randy Ruff, Elberton; Bobby Gunter Dahlonega 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 INFORMATION STAFF Paul Beliveau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Jennifer Whittaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editor Lillian Davis . . . . . . Publications Manager Brad Harrison . . Publication/Web Specialist Michael Edmondson . . Web/Video Manager Mark Wildman . . . . . . Radio-TV Specialist Dean Wood . . . . . . . . . Radio-TV Specialist Rick Treptow . . Senior Radio-TV Specialist Denny Moore . . . . . . . TV Anchor/Producer Vickie Amos . . . . . . . . Office Coordinator 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 Farm Bureau’s Georgia Neighbors.

For advertising rates and information, contact Linda Fuda at 513-307-7949 or lfudamedia@ rcn.com.

Farm Bureau’s Georgia Neighbors was established in 1995. Copyright 2008 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, GA. www.gfb.org Printed with soy ink

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Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

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Long designated GFB 1st VP, Sims elected North GA VP

GFB President Zippy Duvall and wife, Bonnie, thank GFB members for their support.

Duvall re-elected as GFB president

G

eorgia Farm Bureau members re-elected GFB President Zippy Duvall for his second two-year term during the organization’s 70th annual convention Dec. 7-9 on Jekyll Island. Duvall, of Greene County, ran unopposed to serve as president of the state’s largest general farm organization.

Duvall, a Farm Bureau member since 1977, and his wife, Bonnie, raise broilers, hay and cattle on their farm in Greshamville. Duvall currently serves on the Greene County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and has held numerous leadership positions in the county Farm Bureau including president and vice president. In 1982, he was named Georgia Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau Young Farmer of the Year. In 1985, the Duvalls served as chairmen of the GFB Young Farmer Committee, and in 1987, Duvall was named chairman of the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee. Duvall was elected to the Georgia Farm 4

Bureau Board of Directors in 2002 as a 4th District director.

In addition to serving as president of the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation and its affiliate companies, he is a member of the board of directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation and of the Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. His 30 years of community and public service also include graduating from the Georgia Agri-Leaders Program and serving as chairman of the Greene County Board of Commissioners. He is a member of Gov. Perdue’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Georgia Association of County Commissioners.

The Duvalls have four children: Vince and wife, Erin, and granddaughter Ava Madison, who live in Alabama; Corrie, who is working on her doctorate degree at the University of Georgia; Zeb, who is a sophomore at UGA and Zellie, who is a high school senior. The Duvalls are members of New Hope Baptist Church in Greshamville.

Georgia Farm Bureau voting delegates elected the organization’s 2009 board of directors and designated Gerald Long of Decatur County as the organization’s 1st vice president.

Long will begin serving the sec- Gerald Long ond year of his three-year term as South Georgia vice president. Bernard Sims of Catoosa County was elected to a three-year term as GFB North Georgia vice presi- Bernard Sims dent. Donald Childs, who previously served as GFB 1st vice president and North Georgia vice president, did not seek re-election after serving on the GFB board since 1980.

Brent Galloway, of Newton County, will begin serving the last year of his three-year term as GFB Middle Georgia vice president. The following were re-elected unopposed to serve two-year terms on the Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors: Henry J. West of Gordon County, 1st District; Randy Ruff of Elbert County, 2nd District; Nora Goodman of Paulding County, 3rd District; William Hutchins of Barrow County, 4th District; Jim Ham of Monroe County, 5th District; James Emory Tate of Jeff Davis County, 6th District; Ben Boyd of Screven County, 7th District; Don Wood of Wilcox County, 8th District; Lucius Adkins, Jr., of Baker County, 9th District and Daniel Johnson, of Pierce County, 10th District.

GFB board members beginning

See ELECTION page 12

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GFB presents state awards

Pictured from left, GFB President Zippy Duvall congratulates GFB members who accepted awards on behalf of their county Farm Bureaus or were recognized for individual accomplishments. Awards presented and the GFB members accepting them are as follows: (front row) Outstanding Women’s Committee Award, Linda McMullan for Jackson County; Outstanding Promotion & Education Award, Dianne Elkins for Henry County; Outstanding Secretary of the Year, Crawford County Office Manager Rena Booker; Young Farmer Achievement Award (YFAA), Kayla Calhoun (back row) McKemie Award, Len Cagle for Cherokee County; McKemie Award, Larry Eley for Greene County; McKemie Award, Larry Cooley for Crawford County;

Outstanding Legislative Committee Award, Gilbert Barrett for Habersham County; Outstanding Young Farmer Committee Award, Chuck Berry for Newton County; YFAA, LaDon Calhoun and Young Farmer Discussion Meet Award winner Josh White.

Crawford, Greene and Cherokee

GFB contributes to UGA’S Eterna Fund Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall presented a $30,000 donation to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Eterna Fund on behalf of the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. The presentation was made Dec. 8 during the awards program at the organization’s 70th annual convention on Jekyll Island. For more than 35 years, the Eterna Fund has provided

financial assistance to CAES students and a variety of educational and leadership outreach programs that promote agriculture.

“Since our earliest beginnings as Georgia’s largest voluntary farm organization, we have enjoyed a very special relationship with the University and its College of Agriculture. Through the years, this institution has educated us, our chilSee ETERNA FUND page 23

GFB President Zippy Duvall (second from left) presents a donation for the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Eterna Fund to Alumni Association Past President Ben Martin (left) and CAES Dean Dr. Scott Angle (right).

6

counties were honored with the prestigious 2008 McKemie Award during the Georgia Farm Bureau Convention.

Crawford County, whose president is Larry Cooley, won for the 1,800 and under member division. Greene County, whose 2008 president was Larry Eley, won for the 1,801 to 3,000 member division while Cherokee County won the 3,001 plus member category. Len Cagle is president of CCFB. Finalists in the McKemie competition, listed in alphabetical order, for the 1,800 and under member division were: Bacon, Jasper and Screven counties. Finalists for the 1,801 to 3,000 member division were: Bibb, Cook, Floyd, Jones, Monroe, Pike, Polk and Spalding counties. Finalists in the 3,001 plus member division were: Barrow, Carroll, Chattooga, Coffee, Henry, Jackson, McDuffie, Newton and Walker counties.

LaDon and Kayla Calhoun of Miller County were named the Young Farmer Achievement winners. The Calhouns produce cotton, corn and peanuts on their farm near Colquitt, Ga. Josh White of Henry County won the Young Farmer Discussion Meet.

The other three finalists in the discussion meet were Clint Weatherby of Cherokee County, Daryl Baxley of Crawford County and Clay Talton of Elbert County. Both the Calhouns and White competed for national honors at the AFBF Convention in San Antonio, Jan. 11-13. White was one of 16 contestants to advance to the third round of the four-round competition.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

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Georgians who participate in Walk Georgia can “walk” across the state by participating in this online program that tracks their physical activities. Registration for Walk Georgia opens February 15 and closes March 14.

By Jennifer Whittaker ___________________________________ If you exercise regularly and are looking for a way to spice up your routine or made a new year’s resolution to become more active, you’ll want to participate in Walk Georgia. This free, eight-week program sponsored by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension is designed to help Georgians increase their physical activity in a fun, community-oriented way.

You may participate as an individual or join a team of four to exercise together. Participants record and track their progress online and virtually compete against other individuals and teams in both their counties and statewide.

In addition to walking and running, activities such as aerobics, biking, Pilates, weight lifting, swimming and gardening may be logged to help you meet your exercise goals. The type of activity, intensity of your exercise and exercise time all determine how many virtual miles you earn.

The program converts participants’ exercise data into virtual miles. During the course of the program, participants take the virtual miles and use the 8

online map to electronically chart a course as they “walk” Georgia. Program miles aren’t the same as actual road miles. You only need 15 miles to move from one county into another.

Registration for Walk Georgia opens February 15 and closes March 14. The program runs March 1 – April 26. Visit www.walkgeorgia.org by March 14 to register. But start exercising by March 1!

Although an e-mail address is required to register, individuals with-

out one can join as part of a team as long as the team captain has an e-mail address and is willing to log the exercise data for team members with Internet access.

Each week, as you “walk” across the state, you will read about the counties you visit virtually and learn new

ways to improve your health.

“We’ve learned through our research that 58 percent of adults in Georgia are inactive,” said Jan Baggarly, Bibb County UGA Extension coordinator and Walk Georgia state chair. “Our goal is to get some of that 58 percent moving.”

One out of four adults in Georgia is obese, totaling 1.8 million people. Obesity leads to a variety of health problems, especially cardiovascular disease, which is the No. 1 killer in Georgia.

“We hope to make a difference for some people as far as that statistic is concerned,” said Baggarly who worked with a team of UGA Extension agents to organize the program.

This will be the third session of the Walk Georgia program. Around 6,250 Georgians participated in the program during the two sessions held in the spring and fall last year. Participants logged almost 1.1 million miles during the two sessions combined.

Call your county Cooperative Extension office or 1-800-275-8421 for more information.

Information provided by the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences was used in this article.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

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Martha kept and used her family cookbook for over fifty years. In 1799, she presented the book to her granddaughter, Eleanor Parke Custis as a wedding gift when she married Lawrence Lewis.

The cookbook was handed down from mother to daughter until 1892 when the Lewis family presented it to The Historical Society of Pennsylvania where it still resides today.

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9

Member Services Update

ByJay

Murdock

New GFB member service makes car buying easier Thinking about buying a new car, but dread going to a car lot and having to jump through hoops and hurdles to get what you want? In a recent Gallup Poll survey, 93% of Americans did not trust the car buying process.

Now, thanks to Georgia Farm Bureau’s newest member benefit – free access to the Members Automobile Buying Service of America (MABS) – you don’t have to suffer all of the headaches of buying a car.

The MABS program is designed to save you time and money with no stress. The program is plain, simple and transparent. MABS works with auto dealers in your market area to provide you the best possible price on your next purchase by leveraging the collective power of millions of potential buyers from membership organizations like ours to drive down the price of cars.

Dealers are excited to offer special pricing to MABS customers because of the potential volume of business the program could bring them. MABS works with only the best dealers in the market and requires these dealers to provide the highest standard of customer service.

MABS is headquartered in Macon, Georgia. Their team is comprised of former automotive executives, managers and sales associates with over 60 years of collective experience in the automobile retail industry. Their associates are skilled negotiators who have the distinct advantage of knowing how cars are bought and sold in a dealership environment.

10

Here is how the program works – • Once you decide on the vehicle or type of vehicle you want to purchase all you have to do is

visit www.mabsamerica.com or call toll free to 1-800-849-4811.

• One of their consultants will conduct a short interview to get all the information about the vehicle you want to purchase.

• The consultant will then locate your vehicle using an in-depth database process and review the findings with you. If the vehicle meets your needs then the consultant will negotiate the best purchase price for you.

• Do you have a vehicle to tradein? All you have to do is send a few pictures of your vehicle and MABS will get you the best possible trade-in price.

• MABS can help you secure financing with competitive terms if necessary.

• The consultant will set an appointment upon your approval and acceptance of the num-

bers to take delivery of your new car at an MABS approved dealership.

• The delivery process usually takes less than an hour. Then you are on your way with your new car!

The MABS Program works with new and used vehicles. The used vehicle program works with factory certified vehicles up to five model years old. Additionally, MABS uses a patented vehicle history search process to make sure that you not only get the best price but you also get the best vehicle.

This service is normally $199, but is free to you as a Georgia Farm Bureau Member. Now you can rest easy knowing you are getting the best deal possible on the next vehicle you purchase.

Jay Murdock is director of the GFB Member Services Department.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Jerry Barnes wins GFB Service Excellence Award Throughout 2008, Georgia Farm Bureau solicited nominations from you, our members, for our Service Excellence Jerry Barnes Award. We were blown away by the response as you nominated more than 200 Farm Bureau employees! Each nominated employee qualified for a drawing to select our Service Excellence winner.

Pickens County Farm Bureau Agent Jerry Barnes is the Georgia Farm Bureau Service Excellence Award winner. GFB member Sharon Morgan of Pickens County nominated him with the following story: My husband and I were members of Farm Bureau for many years. We always received excellent service, advice and help from Mr. Jerry Barnes, our agent. On October 1, 2006, Mr. Barnes

went above and beyond his role as our insurance agent when my husband of 28 years was killed suddenly in a car crash about a mile from our home.

I never dreamed I would have to face anything so horrible, so soon, as my husband was only 50 years old. When I opened my door that Sunday morning to receive the news that would almost destroy me, Jerry was standing beside the officer who came to tell me. Jerry had arranged for emergency personnel to be on hand as my daughter has a seizure disorder. He stayed with my son, daughter, and me, consoled us and cried with us. It is difficult for me to remember many of the details of the funeral, but I can recall Jerry being there in the background, watching over us. He was also there for me afterwards as I dealt with insurance issues.

Had Mr. Barnes not sold us the type of auto policies he did, I would have been in financial ruin as my husband’s death left me to run and pay for our poultry farm. It was the Farm Bureau insurance

coverage that Jerry had sold us many years before that took care of me. It is difficult to try to explain on paper how far beyond his role as an insurance agent Mr. Barnes went to help me. I hope you will give him consideration for your Service Excellence Award.

Well, we did just that. As our Service Excellence Award recipient, Jerry has won a trip for two to his choice of New York, NY or Nassau, Bahamas, sponsored by our member benefit partner, Choice Hotels. For submitting the winning nomination, Ms. Morgan will receive $500!

We would like to thank all of our members who took the time to nominate a Farm Bureau employee and share your positive experience with us. Each submission was shared with the employee and their immediate supervisor.

Ms. Morgan’s story certainly shows that Mr. Barnes practices Georgia Farm Bureau’s motto of “Helping you is what we do best.”

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Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

11

Insurance Update

By

Kristen Latimer & April Jessup

GFB brokerage service helps members meet all insurance needs Georgia Farm Bureau offers many different types of insurance coverage.

However, there may be instances when you have a home, building, business or other item that cannot be written through Farm Bureau. When this occurs, you can use our brokerage service to obtain the coverage you need.

GFB’s 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 offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. When coverage is placed through brokerage, your local agent will service that policy, just as with your other Farm Bureau policies.

Several different types of coverage are available through the GFB Brokerage Department. These include dwellings, personal and commercial auto, recreational vehicles, commercial property, liability and workers compensation.

There are some homes that Farm Bureau is unable to insure. This could include homeowner coverage on a house that is not eligible due to various reasons, such as a home being vacant, a home for sale, et cetera. We have brokerage carriers that can provide coverage for these situations, including vacant houses. Vacant dwelling policies can be written on 3, 6, or 12-month policy terms.

Coverage for commercial and personal automobiles can also be provided through the GFB Brokerage Department. Dump trucks, tractor trailers and wreckers are examples of commercial autos that you may wish to insure. Brokered personal auto coverage is available if it cannot be 12

written through Farm Bureau due to violations, losses, et cetera.

You may own motorcycles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), golf carts, travel trailers, watercrafts, or a variety of other recreational vehicles. Farm Bureau provides coverage for some recreational vehicles, depending on the use. For those that Farm Bureau cannot insure, or when additional coverage is needed, these policies can easily be written through numerous brokering companies with which we do business.

Many Farm Bureau members have businesses that may need commercial property, general liability, equipment or professional liability insurance. If we cannot provide the coverage you need, the GFB Brokerage Department does offer commercial insurance for businesses such as landscaping, contractors, manufacturers and restaurants, just to name a few.

Many businesses and operations are required by law to have workers compensation insurance. The GFB Brokerage Department is able to offer this coverage through a range of companies for many different types of business.

Several payment and policy billing options are available for brokered policies. Many offer a selection of premium financing and payment options. These may differ from Farm Bureau insurance policies because they are written direct with the brokering company.

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

We look forward to serving you with your brokerage needs.

Kristen Latimer is the GFB Mutual Insurance Company Brokerage supervisor.

April Jessup is the GFB Underwriting support manager.

ELECTION from page 4 the second year of the two-year term they were elected to in 2007 are: J. Louis Hunt of Walker County, 1st District; Bobby Gunter of Lumpkin County, 2nd District; George Chambers of Carroll County, 3rd District; Marvin Ruark of Morgan County, 4th District; Ralph Adamson of Lamar County, 5th District; Jimmy Perry, Jr., of Bleckley County, 6th District; Gennis Folsom of Tattnall County, 7th District; Phil Redding of Clay County, 8th District;

Paul Shirah of Mitchell County, 9th District and David Lee of Bacon County, 10th District. Lanair Worsham of Mitchell County was named chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Committee. Kim Brown of Macon County was named chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. Both will serve a one-year term as committee chairmen and will serve on the Georgia Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Cook named GFB Insurance Company General Manager Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall named Mike Cook general manager of the Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Companies in October.

Cook will be responsible for directing all aspects of the GFB Insurance Companies to ensure the adequacy and soundness of the company’s finan-

cial structure and long-term growth.

Cook has 33 years experience in the insurance industry, with the last 27 years served at Cotton States Insurance Companies. During his career with Cotton States, Cook served as regional sales manager, director of sales, vice president of property/ casualty underwriting, vice president of marketing/agency and most recently as senior vice president and chief operating officer. In this position, Cook led Cotton States through

Holton new GFB Claims Director The Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company has hired Bobby Holton as its director of claims.

He comes to GFB from Cotton States Insurance Company, where he was most recently the vice president of property and casualty claims.

Holton has held various management positions during the past 30 years in the insurance business. He was the director of field operations with Cotton States, AVP-regional operations manager with AIG Claims Services and GFB Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting of Policyholders The annual meeting of the policyholders of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held Thursday, February 26, 2009, at the Georgia Farm Bureau Building, 1620 Bass Road, Macon, Ga. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m.

GFB Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting of Directors The annual meeting of the board of directors of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held immediately following the annual meeting of the policyholders on Thursday, February 26, 2009, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Farm Bureau Building, 1620 Bass Road, Macon, Ga. Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

regional claims manager with Grange Mutual Insurance Company.

“We’re very excited to add Bobby to our management team,” GFB Insurance General Manager Mike Cook said. “We look forward to the addition that he will be to Georgia Farm Bureau and its many members.”

Holton and his wife, Gloria, have two children, a son, Ashley, who is 27, and a daughter, Ana, who is 17.

its transition to Country Companies.

“Mike has been involved in establishing, directing and implementing corporate planning strategies for a number of years. He brings with him a vast knowledge of the insurance industry as he has held leadership positions in sales, underwriting and claims,” Duvall said. “Georgia Farm Bureau is confident that Mike is the right leader to guide our insurance company in its future growth, and we are blessed to welcome Mike to our company.”

A native of Alabama, Cook attended Auburn University and Livingston University, where he earned a baseball scholarship. He worked with U.S. Army military intelligence, earning a Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal while serving with the First Calvary Division in Vietnam.

Cook and his wife, Pam, have three children: Tracy, a graduate student at Auburn University, Amanda, a junior at the University of Georgia and Billy, a freshman at UGA.

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Timber Update

By

Jim Griffith

Timber can provide income in down economy Even if the talking heads in every form of media weren’t repeatedly telling us that our economy is in the doldrums, most of us would know this by simply examining our checking or savings accounts and observing our receding assets. Many of us wonder how we are going to survive this difficult time.

According to recession.org we have had a recession in the U.S. economy every 11.5 years since the establishment of our nation. Over the last 75 years these recessions have shortened to just more than every 8 years. In a down market, everything is relative. It is a great time to buy assets that are under the stress of a price reduction.

Timber has remained a relatively liquid asset throughout the good and bad times. Landowners who have been saving their timber for a rainy day often forget they have an asset in their timber that can be quickly converted to income. Timber Buyers are scrambling to buy hardwood, and the price of pine pulpwood is holding its own.

I recently handled an outstanding sale on a tract of large sawtimber. We had more than an adequate number of timber buyers competing for the timber, and the selling price was

substantial. Needless to say, our sellers were very happy with the results.

In this time of uncertainty, it might be a wise move to take an asset, like mature timber that has peaked and is no longer growing in value, and convert the proceeds from the sale into another asset that will increase in value.

In previous articles I have talked about mature timber that is not producing you new income. Growing trees reach an economic maturity and beyond this point do not produce new value. If properly managed, they maintain their value but become like a savings bond. Once a bond is mature, no matter how long you delay cashing it in, it is no longer growing in value.

Even at a reduced rate, mature timber could possibly be converted into an investment that will produce you far greater net worth than waiting for the uncertainty of sawtimber prices

Moonshine Mile to spotlight Scenic HWY 197 Once a wild and reckless thoroughfare for the delivery of illegal moonshine, Highway 197 is now full of traffic visiting the galleries, restaurants, studios and antique stores that line the scenic route from Lake Burton to Clarkesville. In a nod to

Timber Prices for January 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 North Middle South

Pine Pulpwood 4.00 - 9.00/Ton 4.00 - 9.00/Ton 5.00 - 10.00/Ton

Chip-n-Saw 13.00 - 18.00/Ton 11.00 - 19.00/Ton 13.00 - 18.00/Ton

Pine Sawtimber 28.00 - 35.00/Ton 29.00 - 35.00/Ton 30.00 - 36.00/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.

14

to peak again. Depending on your circumstances, you might benefit from selling mature timber if you do a likekind exchange for real estate, which delays paying taxes on the capital gain of any timber you sell.

If the economy has hit your personal pocketbook, and you need to produce income fast, you may need to simply turn your trees into cash. The declining economy has not changed timber from its relatively liquid state.

It can still be your source of income in times of need; and it can be converted relatively quickly.

If you have income needs and own timber, or if you want to know more about converting your timber assets into real estate without paying capital gains taxes at the sale of your timber, contact me at (478) 471-0440.

Jim Griffith is the general manager of the GFB Timber & Real Estate Companies.

the area’s past, the merchants of the Scenic Highway 197 Association will host the Historic Moonshine Mile, April 10-30. Purchase $10 or more at any participating business and receive an equivalent amount in “distillery dollars” that may be redeemed at the Revenuer’s Auction, May 2, at LaPrade’s Marina or online at www.

Scenic197.com.

Shoppers can earn their “still bills” at Soque Art Works, Once Upon A Time Antiques, Mark of the Potter, Serendipity Stained Glass, Batesville Restaurant, Hickory Flat Pottery, Cottage Garden Furniture, North 40 Lodge, Burton Gallery & Emporium, Lake Burton Bottle Shop, Paradise Properties, LaPrade’s Marina, Lakeside Grille and Water’s Edge Restaurant.

For directions and more information visit www.scenic197.com or call (706) 947-1351.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

WE, THE FARMERS from page 2 the water plan, supported the building of more reservoirs, included reasonable limitations on inter and intra basin water transfers and limited the authority of whoever serves as EPD director.

From that time, we have continued to be involved in the implementation of the plan.

Last fall, Georgia Farm Bureau nominated 88 members to serve on the regional water councils. Each person Georgia Farm Bureau nominated was submitted to us by a county Farm Bureau president. Georgia Farm Bureau will continue to be active in the process to manage water in Georgia.

We will advocate the state provide adequate funding for the implementation of the water plan and work to include more farm representation on the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.

During the past 10 years, Georgia farmers who rely on irrigation to produce their crops have been working diligently to adopt new technology that allows them to irrigate

efficiently and use as little water as possible. Many farmers in the southern half of the state, where most irrigation occurs, have worked with the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission to install irrigation monitoring meters which are showing that farmers aren’t using as much water as was once believed.

Likewise, we know that many of our urban members enjoy gardening and maintaining a green lawn. GFB is committed to working with the horticulture and turfgrass industry to support low volume irrigation exemptions from future outdoor watering restrictions. Because Farm Bureau understands the value of water, we support all reasonable means to conserve water while working to augment water supplies.

The board and I commit to you that we will continue to listen to you, the grassroots of our organization. We will continue to be the Voice of Agriculture while running our companies in a professional way.

This is truly a time to celebrate our new beginnings. We have a new manager for our insurance company, a new year full of challenges and opportunities for our farmers and new member services to enhance our member benefits. Even spiritually each one of us has an opportunity for a new beginning because of what Jesus did for us. I thank God for the opportunity for a new beginning each and every day, and I thank you for being loyal to Farm Bureau. God Bless!

Georgia Farm Bureau Mortgage Services

Georgia Farm Bureau Real Estate Co.

introduces

(478) 471-0440 www.insidegfb.com

Security for Seniors through

Reverse Mortgages

Jim Griffith, Broker

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Doublewide Hideaway $2,999/ac or $197,934 Sales Manager Jody Sewell • (770) 294-4129 Shannon Marler...................(404) 717-2878..............................North GA Gregg Smith........................(478) 951-0467............................Middle GA Anita Mullis..........................(478) 960-1223............................Middle GA Herman Sellers....................(912) 253-1807................................... SE GA Terry Williams.......................(912) 253-8856................................... SE GA

www.gfbloans.com (800) 898-1911, Ext. 6310 or (478) 471-0440 1620 Bass Road, Macon GA

Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee 23137 Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Hiring New Agents!

Contact Jody Sewell, jsewell@gfb.org or Jim Griffith, jcgriffith@gfb.org 15

Stretching your grocery dollar with healthy, nutritious food

This is the theme for American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Food Check-Out Week,” held the third full week (Sunday through Saturday) in February. Farmers work hard to produce healthy, nutritious and safe food for us. Even on the tightest budget, you can plan healthy meals. Learn what foods you need for good health, watch for sales, read the labels, and buy from local farmers whenever possible.

It’s good for you!

There are several web sites that can help you learn more about healthy eating. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~ear/hwm/ hwmsk03.html U.S. Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition www.mypyramid.gov USDA Food Guide Pyramid http://snap.nal.usda.gov/ SNAP-Ed Connection (nutritional information and eating right on a tight budget) Match the words with the definitions to test your food and nutrition knowledge.

L M V

Z A B C D V

P O E

J O A V

I H F

S

L S

Z

S G S

T

F A T

L A V E M I

R

U R

F

I N T

A S

N T A R E

F

E L N H O T

Z F A G O S N S

I

E J E

L A B L

E

I

R E

E P

L S

I

A. A substance, which we need in small amounts, in food that contributes to growth and health (i.e. protein and calcium).

B. This mineral helps make our bones and teeth strong.

C. This group is a primary source of calcium and includes milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream.

D. One of the substances that make up a mixture. It is important to know what parts make up the food you buy.

E. Bodily activity for the sake of physical fitness. You need plenty of this in addition to a healthy diet.

K V E T

E

T E G D U B L

I

Z

J N E R B O G R

K R R

L C R E C T

A G B

L

V

V O V A

S A T A L P R

L U L

E

D P O

I

A O A D E R

I M Z

V

S

I

I

P G

T N O T

X Y

J T G

O S N B Z O A

Z A U G U S

I

B

L S

V

O K V

N E D N T D Z T N O N N V

S

S S

K

D A

I

R Y R

F O N I

S

F O

I

L M V R A R V N B

Z B M R

V M A

C T L

E S

C R E X E

I

I

Z K O M L

L

L S

I M S O B

I

H R O

O Q B

O I

H

B

S A V

F

U A D

V

L L

P R O T E

T

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T

I

I U M R M U

F G X R M C R

X A P E O B U T C O P E A P V

R O A L D A C H S S

O G O

F M O U Z

P T N

Z

L

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V R X U T M P

U N Z

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V U F A A

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L J

V E O C K

L O C G V G C O U P O N T A V

R D G Q F

I

P C G S D L J

T D L Q D A G Q P M A G E

Answer key on page 19 16

12. Dairy 13. Fat 14. Protein 15. Vitamins 16. Potassium 17. Calcium 18. Sodium 19. Serving Size 20. Diet 21. Variety 22. Exercise

L O O J R

O S G A A O R E T

1. Budget 2. Cost per unit 3. Coupon 4. Food Label 5. Ingredient 6. Calories 7. Nutrient 8. Grains 9. Vegetables 10. Fruit 11. Meat and Beans

F L

F. A component of salt ( s o d i u m chloride); excess intake of this can increase your risk for high blood pressure.

G. The total sum of money set aside or needed for a purpose.

H. This substance is a source of energy, but you don’t need a lot of it, especially the saturated or trans kinds.

I. It is important to calculate this to determine what you are actually paying for a product. A 28-oz. jar of peanut butter costs $5.88 and a 18-oz. jar costs $3.42. The 18-oz. jar is cheaper per unit (per ounce) – 21 cents compared to 19 cents per ounce for the larger container. The larger container is not always the best buy!

J. A number of different types of things, especially ones in the same general category. You need different types of food in each of the food groups for a healthy diet.

K. On the Nutrition Facts label are the measure (amount) of energy in a serving of food.

L. This advertisement provides a discount on a specific item you may be purchasing and can save you money on your total grocery bill.

M. A standardized amount of a food, such as a cup or an ounce, used in comparing similar foods. You can find this on the food label.

N. A panel of nutrition information found on foods. It also tells what ingredients are in your food.

O. Any one of these or 100% of its juice counts as part of this group. (Examples: apples, peaches, strawberries, cantaloupe).

P. Any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or another cereal grain is a grain product. (Examples: bread, pasta, oatmeal, grits).

Q. This mineral helps our body maintain its fluid levels and helps play a role in blood pressure.

R. Any one of these or 100% of its juice counts as a member of this group. (Examples: lettuce, green beans, tomatoes, corn, carrots).

S. Necessary for maintaining the body’s normal growth and its muscle mass, its immune system, and heart and respiratory functions.

T. This group is a primary source of protein and includes beef, pork, poultry, fish, dried beans, nuts, and eggs.

U. Your body uses these substances in small amount to stay healthy and support its many functions; they include A, B, C, D, E and K. V. What you eat and drink. It should be balanced and healthy.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Houseplants purify indoor air By Sharon Dowdy __________________________________________________________________________ Martha Stewart says houseplants add to a home’s décor. But they can also purify indoor air, say University of Georgia experts.

“This is an area that’s been largely ignored, and the health issues are potentially astronomical,” said Stanley Kays, a horticulturist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “We spend as much as 90 percent of our time indoors breathing indoor air that often contains a diverse range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), many of which are toxic.”

Houseplants can absorb those VOCs. To determine the best air-purifying houseplants, Kays, CAES postdoctoral research associate D.S. Wang and CAES horticulturist Bodie Pennisi evaluated 32 plant species.

Of the species tested, purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis exotica) best removed VOCs from the air. Other species with superior filtering abilities were English ivy, purple heart, foxtail fern and wax plant.

In the study, the plants were tested for their ability to remove benzene, toluene, octane, trichloroethylene and apinene, all considered toxic. Plant specimens were placed in sealed glass containers. The VOC levels within were monitored over a six-hour period.

Poor indoor air quality can trigger allergies and asthma and cause fatigue and headaches.

“More than 300 volatile organic compounds have been identified as indoor contaminants,” said Pennisi.

“This doesn’t include dust and inorganic gases.”

These compounds can come from carpet, wood panels, paint, people, pets and various other sources. Benzene and toluene come from newspapers, schoolbooks, electric shavers, portable CD players, liquid waxes and some adhesives.

VOCs also emanate from home electronic equipment, furniture, carpet and construction materials.

“Most of these compounds are readily absorbed into our bodies,” Pennisi said. “Bad indoor air can result in new house syndrome and sick building syndrome that can cause a diverse crosssection of ailments in those exposed.”

Before testing the plants, the researchers conducted tests for VOCs in three older, upper middle-class homes in Athens, Ga. Older homes are often more drafty than newer homes, which are built tighter to better insulate them.

“The results really shocked me,” Kays said. “All three homes had surprisingly high levels of organic compounds in their air. These were older homes. So if the levels are high there, then it’s probably widespread in newer homes.”

To reduce the VOC levels in your

A recent UGA study shows the purple waffle plant best removes toxins from indoor air.

According to the web site www.plantstogrow.com, the plant should be kept moist and needs moderate to bright light. In too little light the foliage turns green.

home, UGA researchers recommend adding a cross-section of plants, one per 100 square feet of living space. Using active charcoal filters in heating and air conditioning systems helps, too.

Sharon Dowdy is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

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Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

17

Mortgage Update

By

Terry Layson

Financing the golden years with reverse mortgages Until recently, seniors 62 years of age and older have not had the best choices when it came to getting cash from their homes. Traditional home loans only offered the option of either selling one’s house or borrowing against its equity.

Reverse mortgages now give seniors some additional cash-flow alternatives. This type of loan allows mature borrowers to convert their home equity into tax-free income without leaving their current home or making mortgage payments. An existing income is not required to qualify.

How it works

Reverse mortgages are probably best understood when compared sideby-side with traditional mortgages, also known as forward mortgages.

Both loans incur debt against your home, and both affect equity, but they do so differently. Traditional home mortgages require making monthly payments to a lender. With a reverse mortgage, payments are made to you.

should be offered for a nominal fee or at no charge.

Tax-Free Income: One of the advantages of a reverse mortgage is that the money you receive will not be taxed. The amount you’ll obtain depends on several factors including the plan you select, the type of cash advances you choose, your age and the value of your home.

Cost: The cost of a reverse mortgage varies considerably from one type to the next. However, you can typically use the money you receive to offset the loan fees. The costs will be added to the loan balance and must be repaid with interest once the loan terminates.

Repayment: Reverse mortgages do not require any payment as long as the borrowers remain in the home. The loan is due in full, along with interest and additional costs when the borrowers die, sell the home or permanently relocate. If two borrowers are on the loan and one dies, the loan would not be due since one of them still occupies the home.

FORWARD MORTGAGE

REVERSE MORTGAGE

Uses income to pay debt

Uses home equity to get cash or credit

Monthly mortgage payments

No payments; debt is due when the borrowers pass away or relocate

Falling debt, rising equity

Rising debt, falling equity

Eligibility: To qualify for a reverse mortgage, all owners who are on the title deed must be at least 62 years of age. You must also have paid off all, or most, of your home mortgage. The home you reside in must remain your principal place of residence.

Mandatory Counsel: You must undergo counseling with an unbiased third party before completing a reverse mortgage to ensure you are fully aware of the financial ramifications of obtaining this type of loan. HUD and AARP oversee a network of counselors who can provide this service. It

HECM - The Federally Insured Loan: The most common type of reverse mortgage is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). This is the only reverse mortgage program that’s federally insured and backed by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This type of reverse mortgage is popular for these reasons: • Ability to choose your own interest rate. You can select one that changes annually or that changes every month.

• Choice of several payment op-

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tions. You may receive monthly loan advances for a fixed term or for as long as you live in the home. You may also choose to receive a line of credit or combine monthly loan advances with a line of credit.

• The loan can be used for any purpose.

• Protection. This is one of the most attractive features of a HECM. This plan protects you by guaranteeing continued loan advances even if your lender defaults.

Sell or Stay?

The main reason people choose a reverse mortgage is to gain financial independence and maintain an adequate standard of living without leaving their current home. The best way to decide if a reverse mortgage is right for you is to compare it to the other option of selling your house. To do this, ask yourself these questions: How much cash can I get by selling my home? How much will it cost to buy or rent a new place? Is it worth my moving now, or do I prefer to do something else with the money?

Terry L Layson is assistant general manager of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mortgage Services and is a licensed lender.

If you would like more information about reverse mortgages, you may contact Layson at 1-800-898-1911 Ext.6310.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Pulaski County Farm Bureau receives Shining Star Award The Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company has presented its Shining Star Award to the Pulaski County Farm Bureau in recognition of the county receiving a #1 Excellent rating on their recent audit. This means Pulaski County Farm Bureau had no deficiencies in their insurance operating practices, which demonstrates the county office’s commitment to serving their members and being financially accountable to their membership.

Georgia Farm Bureau schedules internal audits of each of its county Farm Bureau offices every 24 to 30 months. The purpose of these audits is to ensure that insurance related procedures within the county offices are being conducted according to company policy. This is a routine business practice and intended to provide management with confirmation that procedures are being conducted in accordance with their intentions.

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The Shining Star Award is a traveling award presented to the county Farm Bureau office that has received the most recent #1 Excellent rating on their audit. The GFB Mutual Insurance Company is the state’s largest domestic property/casualty insurance company.

Pictured from left, Georgia Farm Bureau Field Auditor Joseph Shoultz presents Pulaski County Farm Bureau Agent Bonnie Whiggum, Agent Terrell Wammock and Agency Manager Andy Wilson with the GFB Mutual Insurance Georgia Neigh Winter 09 1/9/09 Company Shining Star Award.

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Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

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10:13 AM

Something’s Cooking Exhibition inspires showcase of local culinary traditions

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he traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit, Key Ingredients: America by Food, continues to make its way across Georgia. It’s currently on display at the McDuffie Museum in Thomson until Feb. 22. The next stop is North Georgia College and State University in Dahlonega from Feb. 28-April 11, followed by stops in Kingsland, Tifton, Vidalia, Waynesboro, Flovilla/Indian Springs and Buchanan.

The hosting communities are hold-

ing a variety of special events to showcase their culinary traditions. Thomson will say goodbye to the exhibit with a gospel sing and cookout Feb. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the Depot across from the museum. Dahlonega will kickoff the exhibit Feb. 27 with a lecture at 7 p.m. by Southern food guru John T. Edge at North Georgia College’s Hoag Auditorium. Visit www.georgiafoodtour.org or call (404) 523-6220 for more information about the exhibit and upcoming events.

Smith House Famous Fried Chicken Contributed by Freida Bafile 1 fryer, cut into serving pieces Salt and pepper to taste Buttermilk Self-rising flour Cooking oil or shortening Salt and pepper the chicken pieces.

Dip in buttermilk and roll in flour.

Heat oil or shortening in skillet to 300˚, using enough to cover meat halfway when it is placed in skillet. Fry chicken until it is tender and golden, about 15 minutes. Turn only once.

The Georgia Humanities Council has coordinated the exhibit for its tour of the state and partnered with the University of West Georgia’s Center for Public History to publish an exhibit catalog Food, Family, and Community: A Collection of Georgia Memories that highlights Georgia’s rich culinary traditions. Enjoy these recipes from the exhibit catalog!

Aunt Mable’s Pecan Pie Contributed by Wright & Dusty Gres, Baxley 1 cup pecan halves 3 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup margarine, softened 1 cup light Karo corn syrup 1/2 cup sugar 2 tbsps. flour 1 pie shell Combine all ingredients and pour into pie shell. Bake at 375˚ for 10 minutes, then at 350˚ for 40 minutes. Do not overcook. Remove when a silver-dollar size circle in the center is still jiggly.

Decorate the top of the pie with a few half pecans if desired.

Zimbabwe Greens A healthier version of a Southern favorite. Contributed by Beatriz Golden-Hayes, Hapeville 2 bunches collard greens, washed, chopped into bite-size pieces 1 cup vegetable or chicken stock 1 small smoked turkey neck bone Salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp. minced garlic 3-4 scallions, sliced 3 tomatoes, diced (do not use canned) 3-4 tbsp. creamy peanut butter Pinch of cayenne Place the greens, stock and neck bone into a large pot. Add salt and pepper and cook over medium-low 20

heat for about one hour until greens are crispy-tender. There should be a significant amount of “pot likker” that has gathered in the bottom of the pot.

If the greens look dry, add a bit more stock. Turn the heat to low and add the garlic, scallions and tomatoes. Add the peanut butter one tablespoon at a time and continually stir until a smooth sauce is created. Add the cayenne.

Taste and adjust the seasonings. Add more peanut butter or stock to create the consistency of sauce you desire.

Serve as a side dish or over rice.

Photo courtesy of the Georgia Pecan Commission

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Food Check-Out Week Helps Consumers Eat Healthy on a Budget As the economic crisis continues, many Americans are eating out less and closely watching what they spend on groceries. During its Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 15-21, Farm Bureau will educate consumers on how to stretch their grocery dollars.

Eating healthy food within a budget does require smart shopping, but the good news according to a recent study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is that the cost of eating healthy hasn’t changed as much as the cost of less-healthy alternatives.

A March 2008 USDA report shows that prices for unprepared, readily available fresh fruits and vegetables have remained

stable relative to dessert and snack foods, such as chips, ice cream and cola.

“Knowing your food budget, planning balanced meals, making a list and shopping at competitively priced grocery stores are just a few strategies dieticians recommend to achieve better nutrition with less money, ” Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Chairman Kim Brown said.

A healthy diet includes a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts within daily calorie needs. Anyone interested in learning more about making healthy food choices should visit www.mypyramid. gov to consult the USDA food guidance system. The USDA nutrition program provides a personalized approach to healthy eating and physical activity. You

can enter your age, gender and activity level to develop a personalized food plan that will indicate the daily amounts of each food group you should consume at an appropriate calorie level.

“Farmers are consumers, too, and we are also feeling the impact of the economic crisis when we buy groceries. It’s also costing us more to produce the food we grow due to higher fuel, seed, equipment and fertilizer costs,”Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said. “Please remember that on average, farmers only receive 19 cents out of every dollar spent on food. The rest of the food cost covers wages and materials for food processing, marketing, transportation and distribution. Recent food price increases are due primarily to higher energy costs associated with processing, hauling and refrigerating food products.”

GFB voluntarily recalls peanut packets 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 Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

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 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.

21

Legislative Update

By

John J. Whitmire

Living adjacent to agriculture

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s urban sprawl continues to spread into rural areas, more people who have never been exposed to agriculture are purchasing land or houses next to existing farms. Buyers who plan to relocate to the country should keep in mind that the area has been a farming community long before they considered buying their new home.

Prospective buyers should understand that the pastoral beauty of their new neighborhood comes with agricultural sights, smells and sounds that may not be familiar to them. If the sounds of a rooster crowing, cattle bellowing or a tractor running are not pleasing to you, then you may want to reconsider relocating.

Georgia law (Georgia Code §441-17) requires property owners selling property in an area zoned for agricultural use to provide the following notice to buyers: “It is the policy of this state and this community to conserve, protect, and encourage the development and improvement of farm and forest land for the production of food, fiber, and other products, and also for its natural and environmental value. This notice is to inform prospective property owners… that the property in which they are about to acquire an interest lies within… an area zoned, used, or identified for farm and forest activities.”

When purchasing property, buyers should pay attention to the documents they sign. Farmers want to be good neighbors and this code section aids them in doing that.

These notices are a fair warning and a preventative measure to avoid 22

nuisance complaints.

Farmers take care of the natural resources on their farms because they rely on the soil, water and air to make their living and do not want to jeopardize the health of their families or the safety of their livestock or crops. They use pesticides and herbicides sparingly to protect their water sources and because they are too costly to use when not necessary. Farmers also spread chicken litter on their fields and pastures to put nutrients into the soil to grow nutritious, green grass for cattle and to produce healthy crops.

Although the smell of chicken litter may be unpleasant for a day or two, this is a natural, organic way for farmers to fertilize their fields.

Using chicken manure keeps farmers from having to purchase expensive man-made fertilizer, which requires petroleum and natural gas to manufacture.

Georgia Farm Bureau supported the passing of Georgia code §44-1-17 because it is good policy that makes land buyers aware of the differences between living on their old cul-desac and their new rural tract. Many people prefer a pastoral setting and seek land in a less developed area.

Buyers’ reasons for moving to the country are different; so, it is wise to inform them that their new neighbors, though actually “greener” than their previous ones, might not always smell as pretty.

If you’ve recently moved into a farming community and have questions about why your farm neighbors do some of the things they do, ask them in a friendly, non-confrontational manner. Farmers are proud of how they make their living and most will be glad to explain how they raise their livestock or crops.

Your local Cooperative Extension

Office is also another good source of information to learn more about how farms operate.

Don’t fear the new sights, sounds or smells that your new country home has brought; embrace them and remember you’re living amongst nature now!

Whitmire is an intern in the Georgia Farm Bureau Legislative Department. He is a senior in the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

Georgia 4-H history book available Since 1904, the Georgia 4-H program has taught Georgia youth lifelong leadership skills. What began as a program to teach new farming techniques has grown into a program that builds character and self-confidence.

Georgia 4-H: Historic Past, Dynamic Future covers the past 100 years of Georgia 4-H

history. The limited edition history costs $34.95 each. The price will rise to $39.95 on March 1.

To place an order, contact Lindsey Fodor at (706) 542-4H4H. Checks may be mailed to the Georgia 4-H Foundation, University of Georgia, 303 Hoke Smith Annex, Athens, Ga., 30602. Visit www.georgia4h.org to purchase the book using PayPal.

Go green with 4-H If you shop at any Kroger in Georgia between Jan. 31- Feb. 21, remember to purchase a Rock Eagle 4-H paper icon to support the Georgia 4-H program. Icons for $1, $5 and $50 will be available for purchase. All donations contributed will used for the Kroger Customer Cabin at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

Last year’s Kroger campaign raised more than $63,000 for the new cabin. During the campaign, 4-H supporters will also be able to purchase Georgia 4-H reusable cloth grocery bags for $2 each to promote Georgia 4-H and environmental awareness.

Oxendine speaks at GFB Convention Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine praised Georgia’s farmers for the important role they play in the state’s economy while delivering the keynote speech at the GFB Convention.

“We appreciate what you do for this state and the $57 billion economic contribution you make to this state,” Oxendine said. “We wouldn’t be what we are today without agriculture.”

He also commended the GFB Insurance Company for the way it

conducts business. Oxendine applauded GFB members for selecting Duvall to serve as president and congratulated Duvall for hiring Mike Cook as the new director of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company.

“Zippy is doing a wonderful job for your organization, and he couldn’t have made a better choice than Mike.

You are fortunate to have them both.“ Oxendine said. “I’m excited about the future of this company and the future of agribusiness in our state.”

In the past 35 years, the Eterna Fund has provided more than $305,000 in academic scholarships to incoming CAES freshmen and CAES transfer students. It has also provided financial assistance for the Georgia Agri-Leaders Forum, the Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Program coordinated by Georgia Farm Bureau, construction and improvement projects at the state 4-H and FFA Camps and more than

$80,000 in funding for CAES graduation ceremonies.

For more information about the Eterna Fund, contact Johnie Tucker at jptucker@uga.edu or (706) 542-3390.

Donations may be mailed to Tucker at 117 Four Towers Building, University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., 30602. Checks should be made payable to the Arch Foundation and designated for the Eterna Fund.

ETERNA FUND from page 6 dren and our grandchildren, conducted research that has improved our industry and brought this research knowledge to us on our farms through the Cooperative Extension Service,” Duvall said. “Our organization recognizes how important it is to financially support the institution that has long supported us.

This donation includes contributions made by our county Farm Bureaus and matched by Georgia Farm Bureau.”

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

23

2009 AG POLICY Georgia Farm Bureau’s voting delegates approved the following changes and additions to the organization’s agricultural policy during the 70th annual convention held on Jekyll Island, Dec. 7-9, 2008.

Only the sections of agricultural policy to which changes Highways - Trucks - 125G (1) We urge enforcement of the law prohibiting pulpwooding and logging on the shoulders of roads, and the law requiring the securing of loads before moving onto public roads.

(2) We recommend that county and state government be urged to maintain road rights-of-way to ensure that undesirable weed seeds do not infest farm lands.

(3) We recommend that all rights-of-way be mowed as needed and that clippings and debris be thrown away from the road.

(4) We recommend that the D.O.T. allow farmers to use culverts and cattle crossings to place temporary aluminum irrigation pipe under state and federal highways.

(5) We recommend continued involvement with county and state governments to develop a uniform system of fines for trucks that are over-height, overwidth, and over-length.

(6) We strongly urge our congressional delegation and the state legislature to introduce legislation and recommend regulations which clearly exempt agricultural vehicles from commercial motor vehicle regulations.

(7) We recommend that county roads be marked by name or number for emergency needs.

(8) Department of Transportation regulations should be amended to exempt small businesses located in rural counties from acceleration and deceleration lane requirements.

(9) We oppose any effort to require tag and title registration for farm tractors.

(10) We recommend that the law be amended to allow for the occasional (non-commercial) hauler to be exempted from obtaining a permit.

(11) We recommend that the Georgia Department of Transportation manage interstate rights-of-way so as to allow Georgia agriculture to be recognized and any agricultural monument to be completely visible.

(12) We recommend that the Georgia Department of Transportation allow trucks and trailers which comply with federal length specifications to transport agriculture-related commodities on all state and county roads.

(13) We support changes in DOT rules that would allow the hauling of double wide round hay bales without permit from the field to the first point of delivery. We further oppose any transportation fees or load requirements.

(14) We recommend that farmers continue to be exempt from obtaining a CDL license when transporting agricultural products anywhere in Georgia.

(15) Farmers should be allowed to erect signs advertising his place of business on his own property or on other property, with landowner permission, without a permit.

(16) We request that county and state prisoners be utilized to clean up roadside trash and litter and that

24

or additions were made have been reprinted here.

If you would like a complete copy of the 2009 Georgia Farm Bureau Ag Policy, contact your county Farm Bureau office or contact the Georgia Farm Bureau Legislative Department at (478) 474-8411.

this activity be coordinated to precede the mowing of right-of-way whenever feasible as determined by local city and/or county officials.

(17) We recommend that a special highway exemption be made for the transportation of cotton in modules and also exemptions for related equipment.

(18) We request that the Georgia DOT take into consideration the width of farm equipment when placing road signs on highways.

(19) We recommend that farm trucks which are limited to 5,000 road miles or less a year be exempt from state emission standards.

(20) We recommend that farm trucks be allowed to use tax exempt fuels.

(21) We recommend that all agricultural use be excluded from off-road diesel pollutant regulations.

(22) We support elimination of all federal record keeping and log books for IFTA taxes within a 150 mile radius of a farm’s base of operation.

(23) We recommend the state of Georgia make readily available clear directions on the hauling of agricultural produce, machinery, etc.

(24) We recommend the State of Georgia change their maximum weight allowance for livestock being shipped out of state to allow for shrinkage as other states do now.

(25) State scales, whether portable or permanent, should have a printout of the exact weight and anyone asked to weigh their vehicle should have access to copy if so requested.

(26) We oppose any additional restrictions on one ton trucks that would be a burden on farmers.

(27) Weight restrictions for farm vehicles hauling raw agricultural commodities should be based on gross vehicle weight rather than specific axle weight.

(28) In an effort to help our trucking industry be more efficient, we recommend increasing the weight load limit to 88,000 pounds nationwide.

(29) In times of natural disaster, weight limits on trucks should automatically be waived to help move agricultural commodities to market in an expedited manner.

Transportation Policy – 128G (1) We propose that necessary action be taken with the Public Service Commission to protect the farmer’s interest in all freight rates, charges and services.

(2) We recommend that in an effort to enhance rural economic development, the Department of Transportation give special consideration to rural areas in the allocation of construction funds.

(3) We urge the Department of Transportation to maintain rural highways and bridges necessary for agricultural transportation.

(4) We recommend that all auctions and other sales list the make, model and manufacturer’s identification

number on each bill of sale.

(5) We oppose provisions of the National Trails System Act which permit abandoned rail property to be donated and/or used for nature trails or other recreational purposes. When a railroad is abandoned, the rights of way should be returned or sold to the adjacent property owners.

(6) We recommend that heavy traffic areas of the state be equipped with proper traffic control mechanisms to prevent possible traffic accidents.

(7) We oppose the Department of Transportation implementing regulations placing restrictions on any food product being distributed on common carriers such as airlines without solid scientific evidence that such restrictions are necessary to prevent a significant risk to the public at large.

(8) We recommend local governments place signs on state highways to inform motorists that water from irrigation machines may hit the road. We request that D.O.T. furnish and install these signs. In the event that the state cannot fund this measure, we suggest that the signs be made available for farmers to purchase and install along the roadway.

(9) We request that FEMA and GEMA simplify the paperwork for county governments when disasters cause damage to county roads. By simplifying the process, state and federal assistance will reach the affected counties in a more timely manner.

(10) To promote agricultural tourism and direct farm marketing, we support a program of interstate highway signage directing motorists to appropriate farm locations.

(11) We recommend that the minimum right-ofway width of secondary and county roads be reduced from the present 80 feet to the minimum engineering requirements of the road construction and drainage ditches and still be eligible to receive federal highway funds. Landowners should be adequately compensated at fair market value when their land is taken for road construction.

(12) We recommend that Department of Transportation “work zone” signs be placed on highways only when workers are present. Many times these signs are placed in areas where no workers are present and, therefore, motorists don’t heed these warnings.

(13) Guidelines should be established governing roadside spraying of herbicides to prevent accidental injury to beneficial plants. Roadsides that are properly maintained by landowners should not be sprayed.

(14) We urge state or county personnel to replace or repair any land line markers destroyed during road construction.

(15) Only certified seed should be used to seed or re-seed rights-of-way, mulch should be free of noxious weeds, and preference should be given to Georgia products.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

(16) We recommend that trains have regulations to prevent them from leaving unattended trains blocking crossings for several miles while on side tracks.

(17) Before passing slow moving farm equipment on state and county roads, other traffic should be required to slow down to a safe speed.

(18) We urge the General Assembly to develop a plan to adequately fund transportation projects in Georgia.

(19) Upon reaching 85 years of age, a person should be given a handicap parking permit without having to go through all the requirements that are now law.

Agricultural Education – 145G (1) We urge that twelve month agricultural programs be made available in all high schools that provide course offerings in agriculture areas.

(2) We support increased funding and support for agricultural education, FFA, 4-H, and the Georgia Young Farmer Program, and that qualified personnel be secured to teach our young people the needed skills to be successful farmers or agri-business professionals.

We oppose any cuts or redirection of funds from these programs that might lessen their value.

(3) We support payment of extended workdays and extended year for teachers of Agricultural Education and Family and Consumer Sciences. These programs are vital for the development of leadership in all facets of agriculture from production to processing to research to marketing of all agricultural commodities, products and services.

(4) We recognize the demand for and strongly emphasize the need of the development of a middle school agriscience curriculum and funding for such program to be offered at the 6th, 7th and 8th grade level as an enrichment program for all middle schools in Georgia with the objectives of increasing science and math scores, increasing leadership opportunities for youth relating to agriculture and providing an awareness and education about the food and fiber system in Georgia.

(5) We support the continued funding of agricultural education and the integral leadership organizations such as the Georgia FFA, Georgia Young Farmer Program, Georgia FFA Foundation, Georgia FFA Alumni, Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center and The Camp John Hope FFA-FCCLA Center and related programs on the local and state levels. We recognize that these programs provide future leaders for all areas of the agricultural industry in Georgia.

(6) We urge that the Georgia State Department of Education provide funding for current and subsequent years, for full time staff positions in the Department of Agricultural Education at the University of Georgia in the area of first year teacher assistance, and continued professional improvement for agricultural education teachers in Georgia.

(7) We oppose any effort to drop “agriculture” from the name of any existing college. In particular, we oppose any effort to remove “agricultural” from the name of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and we disapprove of that institution’s official use of the name Abraham Baldwin College.

(8) We support efforts of the Georgia Department of Education to establish urban schools for agriculture and environmental sciences and to develop agricultural programs in metropolitan area schools.

(9) We support the maintenance of the current organizational structure of the Agricultural Education

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

unit within the Georgia Department of Education and urge the continued status of the program.

(10) We support the continued funding for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences of the University of Georgia including classroom research and extension programs to keep agriculture a competitive and thriving part of the economy of Georgia.

(11) We recommend that the state government implement a vocational re-direction and training program for farmers and ranchers who are displaced from their farms and vocations. This subsidized training program should be for new or alternative employment fields and should be familiar to the program provided to federal employees displaced by the closing of military bases.

(12) We support the Georgia Envirothon as a means of promoting Georgia’s natural resources.

(13) For middle and high school students who do not have vocational agriculture education and FFA opportunities, we support the option for students to leave their designated school to attend a school where these opportunities are available.

(14) We support legislation that provides incentives for counties to establish technical high schools with active agricultural education programs.

(15) We support mandatory vocational agricultural education in all public schools.

(16) We support increasing the 4-H and FFA funding through the agriculture tag from $10.00 to $20.00 per tag.

Cotton – 202G (1) We support the Georgia Boll Weevil Eradication Program.

(2) We support a coordinated effort between Georgia Farm Bureau and the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Cotton in the education of producers and consumers to the benefits and advantages of using cotton products.

(3) We urge cotton producers’ support of Cotton, Inc., to maintain its effectiveness of research and promotion of cotton.

(4) We support a national loan rate for cotton seed as compared with other oil seeds which are under government price supports.

(5) We support module averaging of cotton.

(6) We support a long-range program to ensure a stable economy in cotton production.

(7) We recognize the impact of imported cotton and finished cotton products on the domestic cotton economy. We encourage our local, state and national leaders to encourage the buying of U.S. produced cotton and cotton products.

(8) We support allowing one acre of cotton for education and entertainment as long as it is under BWEP supervision.

(9) We will continue to work for reforms in Crop Insurance so that it will be fair and equitable to cotton producers and should continue to be available through private carriers.

(10) We support a reduction of Boll Weevil Eradication Program fees as soon it is feasible.

(11) We recommend enactment of common sense legislative reform to change farm worker protection legislation. We support American Farm Bureau Federation policy on risk assessment/cost benefit analysis.

(12) We recommend that all cotton be weighed before ginning.

(13) We recommend that the existing laws be strongly enforced regarding the proper cleaning and sanitizing of any used cotton equipment brought into the state. We further recommend that it be inspected and certified to be free of boll weevil by the Georgia Department of Agriculture prior to entering our Georgia Boll Weevil Free Eradication Zone.

(14) To ensure the integrity of the scouting program, a better system of management and monitoring of scouts should be established by extension to ensure quality work.

(15) We support legislation to secure an indemnification program to protect Georgia cotton producers.

(16) We recommend that the broker be asked to share the fee of $1.00 per bale for cotton promotion instead of the farmer paying all the fee.

(17) We recommend the Georgia banking industry help local lending institutions develop a system for electronically servicing cotton warehouse receipt transactions between the grower and the warehouse.

(18) We support efforts on behalf of Georgia cotton producers to identify and resolve the issue of cotton quality.

(19) Seed technology fees should be uniformly applied across the state.

(20) We support the continuation of storage cost assistance on cotton while under CCC loan.

(21) In a disaster declared season, if a grower’s field is declared a disaster by Federal Crop Insurance, the cost of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program fee should be reimbursed to the grower.

(22) We urge the mandatory reduction of technology fees in areas where the presence of resistant weeds or insects is verified by Extension personnel.

(23) We recommend that the FSA release certified planted cotton acreages to the Boll Weevil Eradication Program to continue the WORK of this beneficial program.

(24) We support a change related to the crop insurance industry revising the final planting dates for cotton from May 31st to June 10th .

(25) We recommend a replant provision be added for cotton under federal crop insurance as it is for other crops.

Research Needs (26) We need additional research to better utilize cotton seed and its by-products.

(27) We urge research to seek ways to lower cost of producing cotton.

(28) We recommend that continued cotton research be done for all areas of the state.

(29) We encourage research to minimize shrinkage problems with cotton products.

(30) We recommend research studies be undertaken

by UGA and private industry to study heat stress, drought tolerance, and irrigation requirements in cotton.

(31) We recommend research to remove all the gossypol acid from cottonseed and its by-products.

Honeybees – 203G (1) We recommend Georgia honey standards be set at 100% of the definition of honey: Honey is the substance made when the nectar and sweet deposits from plants are gathered, modified, and stored in the honeycomb by honeybees. The definition of honey stipulates a pure product that does not allow for the addition of any other substance. This includes, but is not limited to, Continued next page

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water and other sweeteners.

(2) We recommend GFB work with the Georgia Department of Agriculture to create a code and/or definition for the standard of honey That would provide consistency for the market and be beneficial to both producers and consumers.

(3) We recommend that the appropriate officials take effective legal action to put a stop to one of our industry’s problems, the deliberate adulteration of both domestic and foreign honey and the defrauding of the American consumer.

(4) We recommend that the FDA enforce the Country of Origin Labeling Act and penalties be carried out for those who abuse it. We further recommend that any and all containers with at least 1% foreign honey must display the word “foreign” equivalent to the largest font on the label.

(5) We recommend that our state Department of Agriculture and USDA continue to monitor the movement of the Africanized Honeybee and then obtain the necessary funding to stop this expansion by whatever means possible. We also recommend that the Georgia Department of Agriculture coordinate with the state of Florida to track the movement of the AHB and work to control its expansion into Georgia.

(6) We recommend that Georgia Farm Bureau work with the Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and the school lunch nutritionists in encouraging the use of pure Georgia honey in the school lunch program, and that the honey used through this program be of tablegrade quality.

(7) We recommend that USDA test all imported honey or reduce the levels of foreign honey to a quantity that would allow 100% inspection. Substandard honey should be confiscated and destroyed.

(8) We recommend that the maximum fine be levied on any person violating the “Georgia Food Act”, Sec. 26-2-32, Subsection (B).

(9) We recommend that the State of Georgia and Georgia Department of Agriculture actively promote Georgia Grown Pure Georgia Honey.

(10) We recommend that GFB, GDOA, and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences support and educate users regarding the “bee warning” statements for pesticides.

(11) We oppose grading foreign honey with the USDA grading system. A USDA grade wrongly implies to consumers that the product is of U.S. origin.

(12) We support disaster relief to cover the loss of honeybees.

Research Needs (13) We request that USDA continue research for general and specific crop pollination requirements.

(14) We recommend that more research and educational efforts be made by USDA and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences on controlling parasitic mites in bees.

(15) We recommend that the USDA and the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences conduct research to determine the destructive nature of the small hive beetle (Aethenia Tunida), the extent of its spread throughout the United States; and what methods and materials can be used for its control. Furthermore, we recommend that USDA provide the necessary funding to monitor the economic impact and colony loss to agriculture and the environment due to parasitic mites, small hive beetle, and Africanized honeybees.

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(16) We recommend that USDA and University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences conduct research to determine the actual decline in the population of honeybees and the effects this decline has had on the pollination cycle.

(17) We recommend USDA and the University of Georgia conduct research to develop plant varieties with increased nectar volume and sugar content making these plants more attractive to honeybees and increasing the effectiveness of honeybee pollination.

(18) We support research efforts to find practical, effective methods to control or reduce infection of varroa mites, tracheal mites and small hive beetles, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) and this information being sent back to producers.

Peanuts – 205G (1) We support the joint efforts of the Georgia Peanut Producers Association, Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Board and Georgia Farm Bureau in the promotion and research of Georgia peanuts for domestic and export uses as well as an energy source.

(2) We urge the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations to continue research on production cost per ton, cost per acre and to add research on varieties and cultural practices that will lower production cost per acre.

(3) Considering the economic importance of peanuts in Georgia and the Southeast, we continue to oppose any cooperative research or techni­cal assistance that teaches any nation to produce or handle peanuts in a manner that will lead to competition with U.S. produced peanuts.

(4) We recommend that errors on paperwork at the buying point should not be charged against the grower.

(5) We recommend continuous improvement of the sampling process and more stringent training in the use of the sampling equipment and that this procedure be closely monitored.

(6) We support the continued efforts of a peanut Political Action Committee.

(7) We urge Georgia Farm Bureau to continue the leadership role in the peanut industry in Georgia by holding meetings of all the peanut groups as needed.

(8) We urge the peanut industry to continue striving toward im­provement of the quality of peanut products.

This effort must start at the farm level and continue through all steps of production and processing leading to the consumer and ensure that any regulatory chang­ es on peanut quality do not have a negative effect on farmers’ net income.

(9) We recommend that peanut butter, peanut paste, candy, and all other peanut products be included in import tariff quota restrictions through any trade agreements. The U.S. consumer should not be subjected to risks associated with food products grown and processed outside the U.S. inspection services since foreign countries are much less stringent on levels of chemical and natural toxins. A good high-quality supply of peanuts is available from domestic sources and will insure the consumer of a safe food supply.

(10) We recommend the permanent labeling of all peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut paste as to the country of origin.

(11) We recommend continued efforts to improve the peanut program to ensure the profitability of the peanut growers.

(12) We urge all peanut groups to make a concerted effort to combat adverse publicity concerning peanuts.

(13) We are opposed to the $10.00 per load regrade charges on peanuts.

(14) We resolve that the Georgia Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau oppose the creation of any “free trade zone” for peanuts which would allow peanut kernels and in-shell peanuts to be imported into the United States, in excess of limits set forth in GATT and NAFTA. Shelling or product processing of those peanuts, as if they had been processed in the country of origin, to qualify as an import of a processed product from that country of origin under the processed product provisions of the trade agreements, serves only to circumvent the limits set forth in the GATT and NAFTA. Not only is this counter to the intent of the trade agreements, it is detrimental to family farms in Georgia and the U.S. which depend on peanut production as a component in a viable farm business.

(15) We oppose a single company having the controlling interest in the purchase of raw farm commodities, agricultural chemicals and other inputs for production of peanuts.

(16) We recommend the Farm Service Agency in Washington, D.C. be required to report certified acreage of peanuts by state and type no later than August 31st each year.

(17) We recommend that buying points be allowed 7 working days to make necessary paperwork changes after a load of peanuts is graded.

(18) We urge the USDA to work equally with GFA, and grower-owned shelling entities, as approved by Secretary of Agriculture, and FSA in order to implement the marketing and loan provisions of the current farm bill on a timely basis.

(19) We recommend producers not be charged for grading in and out charges, storage, inspecting, spraying and administrative costs associated with the peanut portion of the new farm bill so that the farmer will receive the full loan price for peanuts.

(20) We urge USDA work with grower representatives to establish a formula for calculating the loan repayment for peanuts so that peanuts will move freely and competitively in the world market. This formula should include the price of peanuts produced in other countries.

(21) We recommend the final peanut planting date, for crop insurance purposes, be moved from May 31st to June 10th.

(22) We recommend the base grade on farmer-stock peanuts be 71 on runner peanuts.

(23) We oppose FSA charging a service fee for handling warehouse receipts for peanuts placed in the loan.

(24) We support alternative marketing methods for Georgia peanut growers.

(25) In future farm bills, we recommend Congress reinstate funding for peanut storage and handling fees.

(26) We recommend USDA ensure a payment limitation is maintained for peanuts as is defined in the current Farm Bill.

(27) We recommend that the National Peanut Board Elections be done by secret ballot under the same guidelines that USDA uses for FSA committee elections and all political elections in the U.S. (28) We support a policy that shortens the marketing loan term from nine to eight months, and for the government, according to the law in the 2002 Farm Bill, set the price of forfeited peanuts so they will freely move in the world market in order to clear out

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

the pipeline each year.

(29) We recommend all forfeited peanuts must be exported or crushed for oil.

(30) We support Green payments on peanuts.

(31) We oppose differentiation of peanut loan rates based on type.

(32) We recommend the expansion of COOL to include all peanut products, raw and processed.

Research Needs (33) We recommend that the University of Georgia develop a seed vigor test for peanuts.

(34) We request that UGA seek additional funds to fill critical peanut research position.

(35) We recommend that the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Crop Improvement Association check peanut seed for varietal purity.

(36) We recommend the Georgia Crop Improvement Association not approve any peanut fields that have CBR (cylindrocladivm black rot) for seed certification.

(37) We recommend that research emphasis be placed on developing a peanut variety that would be economically suitable for bio-fuel production.

(38) We recommend continued research be done on white mold resistance, leaf spot resistance, limb rot (rhizoctonia), CBR, tomato spotted wilt virus for all applicable crops, and better yielding allergen free peanut varieties, Funds from the National Peanut Promotion Order along with state funding appropriations from the General Assembly should be used for tomato spotted wilt research.

Soybeans and Other Oilseeds – 207G (1) We support new secondary uses for soybeans and soybean by-products such as: a spray to control dust in elevators, a carrier in agricultural chemical sprays, and fuel for space heaters, diesel engines, etc.

(2) We recommend that any grading system that includes a penalty for excess moisture should be accompanied by a comparable premium for moisture below the standard acceptable moisture level.

(3) We continue to support a National Soybean Check-off Program for promotion, education and research (4) We recommend that the Commissioner’s office be contacted to solicit support for soybean ink in state publications. We recommend and urge that efforts be pursued to support soybean ink on a statewide basis.

(5) We recommend that elevators and warehouses be required to be bonded enough to cover the dollar value of all farm products taken in but not paid for.

(6) We strongly support legislative incentives that will provide tax breaks or other incentives to increase the use of biodiesel fuels in Georgia.

(7) For crop insurance purposes, we recommend the final soybean planting date be July 15th.

(8) We urge the mandatory reduction of technology fees in areas where the presence of herbicide resistant weeds is verified by Extension personnel.

Research Needs (9) We recommend legislative effort to fund research and development of disease resistant, higher yielding soybean varieties that are adapted to the south, especially for Asian Rust, pests, stem canker disease and multi-race (cyst and root-knot) nematodes.

(10) We recommend additional funding and research using oils extracted from soybeans and other grains as alternative sources of fuel and for other practical uses

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

of soybeans and soybean by-products.

(11) We recommend that the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Georgia undertake new investigations in the area of indeterminate types of soybeans for the southeastern region of the United States in regard to fertility, conventional and minimum tillage practices, chemical usage, resistant varieties and economic application to our area.

(12) We suggest further research into control measures for ground hogs, fire ants, stinkbugs, three cornered alfalfa hopper and corn stalk borer in soybeans.

(13) We recommend that a full-time oilseed specialist be hired at the University of Georgia.

Tobacco – 210G (1) We recommend there be no increase in taxes on tobacco or tobacco products. Furthermore, we oppose supporting the burden of health care with taxes on tobacco, which will serve as a detriment to tobacco farmers and rural communities, while also resulting as a diminishing source of revenue.

(2) We recommend that all public places have designated smoking areas which protect the rights of smokers.

(3) We support a more intensified effort in controlling potato virus Y, blue mold, black shank and mosaic virus with priority on tomato spotted wilt virus, including genetically engineered tobacco seed.

(4) The tobacco industry continues to be attacked by anti-tobacco activists, and developments of government oversight may present the need for FDA involvement which, if necessary, should be confined to processing and distribution.

(5) We strongly recommend that tobacco producers use only chemicals which are registered for use on tobacco, and that these compounds only be used in accordance with label instructions and only in their recommended amounts.

(6) We support stabilization reserve funds being repaid to the stockholders.

(7) We support an increase in the assessment of Georgia Tobacco Commission to be allocated to all tobacco related diseases with emphasis on public laboratory research.

Pecans – 211G (1) We strongly urge pecan producers to provide timely and accurate crop information to enable National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) to provide a more accurate and reliable crop estimate.

(2) We encourage growers to use available storage to help in the orderly marketing of pecans.

(3) We support a uniform national grading standards for pecans. We further suggest that Georgia, Southeast and National Pecan Grower Associations be contacted to seek a cooperative effort in requesting the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to create a grading standards study committee to bring producers and all industry sectors together for discussion.

(4) We recommend the Georgia Quality Control law be strictly enforced with the requirement that each container of pecans sold for retail trade be tagged for year grown, identification name and address of the retailer, and a minimum of 40% meat content for inshell pecans.

(5) We urge the Commissioner of Agriculture to increase inspections of all retail markets that sell pecans. Additional funding and personnel should be sought for this specific function; violators of the law

should be publicized.

(6) We endorse the use of all agricultural chemicals labeled for pecans until the Environmental Protection Agency presents conclusive evidence that these chemicals are harmful to humans. We strongly support minor use pesticide legislation to preserve and develop chemicals for use on pecans.

(7) We recommend labeling pecan products as to country of origin.

(8) We support the concept of “Georgia Pecans” promotion as approved by the Georgia Pecan Commission.

(9) We recommend EPA relax the research requirements for chemicals that have already been approved for other food crops for the use in pecans.

Research Needs (10) We support the following priorities for pecan research: (a) identification of optimum nutritional requirements for pecans. (b) methods to control fruit feeding pests including the pecan weevil, shuckworm, myriad, and others: (c) optimum measures to control foliage feeding pests including the aphids complex, mites and others: (d) development of cultivars that mature early, are scab and insect resistant, and demonstrate other genetic benefits; (e) identification of beneficial insects and environments to encourage optimum producer benefit; (f) optimum irrigation practices for pecans; (g) proper methods of mechanical nut thinning for Georgia pecans to aid in crop quality and consistent production.

(11) We recommend research to improve pecan storage facilities and practices so that quality can be maintained.

(12) We recommend that modern methods, including bio-technology, be used to study the elimination of crown gall.

(13) We recommend research to develop quality guidelines for retail sale of pecans which would include rancidity and color and establish the point of condemnation of pecans for sale.

(14) We recommend that funds be made available for hiring full time pecan research specialists.

(15) We recommend research be done to eliminate scab in pecans; not just to suppress it.

(16) We recommend research to determine the possibilities of using pecan hulls and limbs as an alternative energy source.

Environmental Horticulture – 212G (1) We recommend that any pending vacancies or vacant positions of Extension specialists pertaining to environmental horticulture be filled as quickly as possible, with emphasis placed on commercial production.

(2) We recommend that horticultural production be zoned and remain clas­sified as agriculture at state and local levels and receive the same tax consideration as all other agriculture.

(3) We strongly encourage the continued recognition of the agricultural treat­ment of horticultural production and the agricultural tax treatment of growing horticultural crops.

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(4) We urge the capital gain treatment for Christmas trees be lowered from 6 years to 4 years.

(5) We support continuing the Georgia Agricultural Statistics Service (GASS) survey to determine the scope, size and impact of environmental horticulture upon our state’s economy.

(6) We recommend that increased financial support be made available through state and federal funds for marketing, research teaching, and Extension to help expand all phases of environmental horticulture (greenhouses, nurseries, turf, landscape and Christmas tree farms).

(7) We request that the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations, Cooperative Extension Service, and USDA continue to cooperate in the development of updated technology such as mechanization, energy conservation, cultural practices, marketing, insect and disease control, and protection of the environment.

(8) We recommend that all state agencies and related organiza­tions including Georgia Farm Bureau’s Information and Public Relations Department in Georgia use all available resources to educate and inform the public relative to the scope and economic impact of the environmental horticulture industries.

(9) We urge that the existing agricultural chemicals be kept on the market until suitable and economical replacements are found.

(10) We recommend a closer working relationship with and stronger participation in other horticulture associations in Georgia.

(11) We support the Georgia Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor in their assistance to producers in locating labor, and advising farmers on how to comply with farm labor regulations. We recommend the development of programs, meetings, videos or other materials to inform farmers on these regulations.

(12) We support the environmental horticulture industry’s push for a new horticulture building at the University of Georgia.

(13) We recommend that sod farming continue to be recognized as an agriculture practice.

(14) We support incentives, model ordinances, and regulations which recognize the value of horticulture in storm water management, water conservation, water and air quality, carbon sequestration, and other attributes supporting economic, environmental, and life style benefits of landscapes.

(15) We support and promote consumer education with emphasis on the use of “the right plant in the right place” as opposed to focusing on drought tolerant and native plants.

Research Needs (16) We support a larger budget for Christmas Tree Research in the state.

(17) We recommend that the Georgia Experiment Station and Extension Service increase their special needs research for chemical, organic, and biological pest control.

(18) We encourage continued research on the effect of live plants in the enhancement of our environment.

(19) We recommend state funds be made available for the development of plant viral diagnosis at the plant pathology lab of the UGA system.

(20) We urge Congress to enhance funding of the horticulture industry’s USDA-ARS Nursery and Floriculture Research Initiative, which will enhance efficient agricultural production, protect and conserve water resources

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for agricultural and landscape uses, and provide disease and insect-resistant plant cultivars.

(21) We strongly support education and research for sustainable horticulture practices that protect our natural resources the most important of which is water.

Fruits – 213G (1) We urge that the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations of the University of Georgia increase and continue to expand programs of research for the fruit crops due to serious economic damage attributed to disease, insects, weeds, and other pests.

(2) We support phony peach disease and plum pox virus identification, monitoring and eradication by the Department of Agriculture.

(3) Minor use agricultural chemicals are critical to the survival of the Southeastern fruit industry. The approval or rejection of individual chemicals should be based on reasonable risk benefit criteria.

(4) We support the Georgia Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Labor in their assistance to producers in locating labor, and advising farmers on how to comply with farm labor regulations. We recommend the development of programs, meetings, video tapes or other informative materials to inform farmers on these regulations.

(5) We support more equitable Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), Crop Insurance Program and the Federal Crop Disaster Program as it relates to the individual producer, cultural practices such as variety selection, irrigation, high-density planting, marketing practices such as pick-your-own, and other production practices.

(6) We encourage more grower participation in the Certified Farm Market program.

(7) We encourage the further development and utilization of new ideas in the Department of Agriculture’s program that identifies Georgia grown produce in farm markets as well as commercial retail.

(8) We recommend the continued development of the Integrated Pest Management program.

(9) We encourage an expansion of research in developing new pest resistant and better quality fruit and vegetable varieties.

Research Needs (10) We urge the continued research into the development of marketing procedures for all Georgia fruits.

(11) We urge expanded research into post-harvesting handling procedures and new value added products for fruit.

(12) We recommend continued research on longterm effects of pruning procedures on blueberry bushes and muscadine vines.

(13) We recommend the retention of a full time horticulturist and pathologist for horticulture through the University System and/or utilizing a multi-state sharing program for blue berries and other small berry emerging crops.

(14) We urge that the University of Georgia investigate the feasibility of growing pomegranates in Georgia.

Vegetables – 214G (1) We urge funding to expand research and development in Georgia vegetable production to support biotech and organic production. We support including genetically engineered crops in research trials on University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

and the Georgia Department of Agriculture to work towards educating the public to the safety of biotech and genetically engineered crops with emphasis on less pesticides being used as compared to traditional crops.

(2) We urge adequate funds for the Georgia Department of Agriculture to: (a) Enforce laws pertaining to licensing and bonding of Ag buyers and publish a list of buyers and brokers considered slow pay or fail to pay as the standard twenty-one (21) day payment period. (b) Test seeds and plants for destructive organisms and diseases. (c) Improve grading standards of fresh vegetables grown in Georgia. (d) To promote and assist with the “Good Agricultural Practices Program.”

(3) We recommend continued support and expansion of the Certified Farm Market program to include more diverse advertising in Georgia.

(4) In order to expand markets for farm fresh vegetables, we support efforts of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau and One Georgia to make available resources to aid in the promotion of farm fresh vegetables. We also encourage these groups to make every effort to create vegetable processing and packaging facilities in Georgia.

(5) We recommend bringing together state and United States Legislators and producers to resolve problems with agricultural labor and develop a temporary worker program that is fair and equitable to all size producers.

(6) We support the education of vegetable growers on the Seed Arbitration Board and its function. We also recommend the Seed Arbitration Board member be increased from 5 to 6 with the additional member being an active farmer.

(7) The country of origin should be placed on produce sold to the consumer at the retail level and this requirement should be made permanent.

(8) We are opposed to the waiver of liability requirements by seed companies on seeds sold in the state of Georgia.

(9) Due to high cost of vegetable seed, we urge the Department of Agriculture to establish and enforce a test for germination, vigor, and standard for purity of variety of vegetable seeds sold.

(10) We encourage the Department of Agriculture to define and publish their definition of fresh vegetables and organic vegetables and enforce the requirements.

(11) We recommend mandatory food safety certification for all growers and shippers that ship produce out of state.

Research Needs (12) We recommend research be increased on greenhouse plant and vegetable production and mechanization to reduce labor costs.

(13) We recommend the State and National Departments of Agriculture, Experiment Stations, and Extension Service help Georgia farmers grow for and market produce for school lunch programs and international markets as defined in the new farm bill.

(14) We urge the Georgia General Assembly to increase monetary support of agricultural research for fruit and vegetables.

(15) We support research and the development of ways to combat tomato spotted wilt virus, phytopthora,

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

target spot and spider mites and white flies.

Wheat and Feedgrains - 215G (1) The Uniform Grading System, set up by the USDA, should be further strengthened and enforced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Standards must be set ahead of the buying season. Adjustments to the standards can only be made with the approval of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and then a two week notice before enforcement. Any adjustments must be mutually beneficial to buyer and seller.

(2) We recommend that Georgia’s current chemical and seed labeling laws be amended to provide for stiffer penalties for manufacturers of agricultural chemicals and processors of agricultural seed when it is proven that their products caused a significant crop loss and compensation to the producer of that crop that is lost.

(3) We recommend that a uniform system for payment yields be established to reflect proven yields and the system should be consistent in all states as well as all FSA county offices.

(4) We support to move the final planting date for wheat in South Georgia from November 30th to December 10th.

(5) We recommend that the State of Georgia and private industry promote more grain buying facilities in the State of Georgia.

Research Needs (6) We support continued funding to support aflatoxin research and testing facilities.

(7) We recommend additional funds be made available to be used in silage research.

(8) We encourage the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations to develop state varieties of all field crops native to the South, especially corn, milo, and pearl millet.

(9) We recommend additional research be done at Experiment Stations with post emergence herbicides for corn.

(10) We support research on corn gluten meal, a corn by-product, as a herbicide and fertilizer.

(11) We recommend that more money be allocated for feed grains research.

(12) We recommend funding of a study to develop a standard seed vigor test, and further research any factors which determine and affect seedling vigor.

(13) We recommend continued research to develop wheat varieties that are insect and disease resistant; that have the capability of producing high yields in Georgia. We also recommend research into test weight variances and identification of the higher test weight producing seeds.

(14) We recommend more research into the use of post emergence herbicides for all crops.

(15) We encourage the agricultural experiment stations to renew the small grains plant breeding position at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, but with emphasis on rye, wheat and oats as a forage, cover or grain crop.

(16) We support more research and emphasis on alternatives for all crops now used for “double cropping”, suitable for all of Georgia.

(17) We urge the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station to continue to research and publish information on the karnal bunt situation and prove to USDA that there is no detrimental effect to wheat.

(18) We support independent research by universi-

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

ties for seed varieties in order to keep public varieties in the state.

(19) We recommend that there be more research to develop a glyphosate ready wheat variety.

General Conservation Programs – 228G (1) We urge continued state funding for the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and we support their programs to study water quality and quantity and programs to place technicians in counties with heavy workload related to the Food, Agriculture Conservation & Trade Act. (2) We recommend that tenants be released from conservation practices if they lose their lease.

(3) With the new conservation programs and requirements, we recommend that more funding be available for conservation practices.

(4) We recommend that if Best Management Practices (BMP’s) are used, they should be voluntary, flexible and established on the local level with technical assistance from appropriate sources. Established BMP’s should incorporate agronomic and economic factors as well as environmental considerations.

(5) We support the exemption of agriculture and forestry practices from the provisions of the erosion and sedimentation act.

(6) We urge an expedited application process for “minimal effect” land classifications, and further recommend that decisions be rendered at the local level.

(7) We recommend a cost share funding mechanism be developed to support the legislative enacted cost share program.

(8) We support the development of a practical voluntary carbon credit trading system. To encourage this new market, the federal government should educate landowners through publicity and promotion. We also support a USDA pilot carbon credit trading project to develop trading criteria, standards and guidelines.

Dairy – 229G (1) We recommend that the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, other dairy related organizations, and dairy producers continue to work together and share information which will work for the best interest of Georgia dairymen to ensure that southeastern dairy farmers receive a price for their milk that is equal to the cost of the production plus transportation costs from other areas (i.e. differential). We encourage milk cooperatives and handlers to continue to work together to maximize the milk price to Georgia producers.

(2) We support a dairy commodity plan of supply management that allows regional differences and will encourage production in areas that need production.

(3) We are opposed to any regulations prohibiting farmers from purchasing non-prescription veterinary supplies directly.

(4) We oppose casein and milk protein concentrate imports.

(5) We are against reconstitution of fluid milk.

(6) We adamantly support a strong Dairy Division within the Department of Agriculture in conjunction with supporting their testing and sampling of dairy products.

(7) We strongly support state appropriations to continue the dairy facility and other livestock facilities at the University of Georgia in Athens, making it a viable and workable facility to support research and teaching.

(8) We recommend the implementation of the baseexcess plan for the southeast federal orders to secure

the dairy industry in Georgia and supply a fresh product to consumers.

(9) We recommend that when a “cut-off” sample is required from a dairy producer, it should be tested by a minimum of three technicians before the final count or level is posted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture Dairy Division. We further recommend that the dairy division assist in getting dairy producers back on market after being cut off.

(10) We urge Georgia Farm Bureau to continue its efforts in support of a Dairy Compact.

(11) We recommend the continuation of the EPD utilizing the Georgia Department of Agriculture Dairy Sanitation Division (inspector team) to enforce the new CAFO rules and regulations. This would be cost effective for the state and would be less stressful for the dairymen involved.

(12) We recommend that the solids-non-fat be increased in all dairy products.

(13) We recommend that a supply management plan be developed to decouple Class I price from cheese and butter.

(14) We support and encourage the use of CWT (Cooperatives Working Together).

(15) Recognizing the importance of consumer confidence in the safety of fluid milk, we support state laws which prevent the sale of unpasteurized milk for human consumption in Georgia.

Research Needs (16) We recommend the strengthening of the research and teaching abilities of dairy science in the Department of Animal Science and Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Georgia.

(17) We recommend that more attention be focused on problems directly facing the dairy industry in Georgia, so that existing dairymen can be better prepared to face any future competition and problems that may arise. For example, more research should be put into: (a) Preventing and treatment of Mastitis in cattle; (b) Nitrate and phosphorus levels of forage crops; (c) Heat stress, specifically as related to dry matter intake and reproduction; (d) Water quality; (e) Mycotoxins, and (f) Hairy Heel Wart.

(18) We recommend research to find more economical and feasible feeding alternatives during environmentally stressed seasons.

(19) We support the funding of other improvements in animal research at the University of Georgia facilities.

(20) We support research on viable alternative dairy cow feed stuffs that may be available as commodity by-products from readily available sources. We further urge additional research on alternative uses of dairy animal waste.

(21) We recommend research to find an economical and feasible method to eliminate dairy’s fly problem.

Aquaculture – 304G (1) We recommend that an increased effort be made to develop a better line of communication between aquaculture producers, industry and elected state officials in order to increase and help implement marketing methods that will benefit the aquaculture producer.

(2) Recognizing the extremely short shelf life of Continued next page

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some aquacultural feeds, we recommend that fish feed be labeled as to date of production with the label being easily read by the layman.

(3) We recommend that aquaculture be included in all areas where agriculture is defined.

(4) We recommend continued and enhanced research in aquaculture.

(5) We recommend that the DNR conduct a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a statewide program for the collection of alligator eggs and hatchlings on public and private lands.

(6) We recommend that Extension Service Aquaculture programs be enhanced by funding a field aquacultural diagnostician who is qualified to prescribe medications that may be needed to help producers with fish health problems.

Beef Cattle – 306G (1) We are opposed to a law or regulation requiring all vaccines, biologics, antibiotics and implants used in prevention or treatment, coming through a veterinarian only.

(2) We urge that information and state funding be made available to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, (Department of Animal and Dairy Science, Department of Food Science) and the College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Family and Consumer Sciences and all the nutrition departments of all medical schools in Georgia, for more research and promotion to educate the consumer that beef is a safe, healthy and nutritious food.

(3) We support the Georgia Cattlemen Association’s certified Beef Quality Assurance Program for cattle, and support of the Beef Challenge Programs which will promote improved quality and a positive reputation for Georgia feeder cattle. We will continue to work closely with the Georgia Beef Board in promoting its programs.

We support the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

(4) We support the continued efforts of the livestock industry in securing research on animal waste utilization.

(5) We recommend the Georgia Department of Agriculture continue strict enforcement of regulations for the livestock industry pertaining to sale and slaughter of diseased animals. Furthermore, in the interest of public health and food safety, there should be published guidelines established and enforced by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to address overcrowding, handling or mistreatment of cattle at sale barns, cleanliness and ventilation, and the availability of feed and water at cattle sale barns in Georgia.

(6) We recommend that continued funding be made available for the improvement of cattle research facilities and test stations and filling staff positions.

(7) We support value base marketing for finished cattle and information pertaining to this passed along to members.

(8) We strongly oppose the grading of imported beef with the USDA grading system.

(9) We support the beef check-off.

(10) We recommend that under the Farm Bill, beef producers be provided similar options as other farm commodities on loss of production due to severe weather conditions.

(11) We support a ban on packer ownership of cattle for more than 14 days prior to slaughter.

(12) We urge the United States Department of Agriculture take whatever action necessary to re-

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establish world markets for United States produced beef using sound scientific methods.

(13) We recommend that all state sponsored sales continue to require a negative test for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Persistent Infection. (BVD PI) (14) We recommend that the USDA should publicly announce that it is postponing indefinitely its proposal to issue rules to allow imports of cattle (AND beef from cattle) over 30 months of age from Canada.

(15) We recommend that the USDA reverse its policy of granting access to the U.S. cattle and beef market before the U.S. gains access in foreign countries.

(16) We recommend that independent beef producers, as well as processors of meat and meat products, be allowed by government agencies to use any scientific methods at their disposal to enhance the value of their product.

(17) We strongly oppose any further concentration or integration in the U.S. meat packing industry, an already highly concentrated industry with four major packers killing 84% of the cattle, hogs, and poultry.

their horse projects and shows, both county and state levels.

(8) We support the classification of equine as livestock. We oppose the recreational classification of any equine activity for the purpose of tax and insurance.

We support legislation protecting equine producers and farms equally with other livestock producers.

(9) We recommend that Georgia state laws be changed to require proof that all horses are free of equine infectious anemia (negative Coggins Test) at the point of sale.

(10) We support the development, establishment, and/or expansion of horse riding trails and associated facilities at Georgia State Parks and on federal lands in Georgia.

(11) We support efforts of RC & D Councils to establish multi-county equine waste nutrient cooperatives.

(12) To raise funds for the Agriculture Commodity Commission for Equine (ACCE), we support the increase to $20.00 of the $25.00 equine license plate fee to be directed to the commission.

Research Needs (18) We recommend that more research be done and information published on economical feeding of cattle, including forages and co-products for all types of cattle.

(19) We recommend additional research and funding of a noxious weed eradication program in Georgia, i.e. Tropical Soda Apple and thistle.

(20) We recommend that state and federal agencies continue to financially support testing, prevention and indemnification for Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Chronic Wasting Disease (C.W.D.), Johne’s B.S.E., Foot and Mouth Disease, BVDPI and other diseases.

(21) We support a vigorous effort to oppose any negative media coverage of the beef industry, particularly as this pertains to E coli 0157:H7 and (BSE) Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy. We further support an intensive effort to develop procedures to eliminate the E coli bacteria 0157:H7.

Livestock and Poultry Health – 308G (1) We recommend that the General Assembly reinstate funding of the brucellosis and the TB free program for annual herd recertification to ensure that we retain the brucellosis and TB free status.

(2) We recommend that the College Veterinary Medicine of the University of Georgia continue research efforts to control diseases and maintain a focus on food animal production while recruiting students in this area.

(3) We support and encourage action and funding by state and federal agencies to continue to closely monitor all foreign and domestic diseases that could endanger U.S. livestock and poultry. We also encourage the use of those funds be used to protect livestock feed products against intentional agri-terrorism efforts.

(4) We support the immediate notification of surrounding poultry/livestock farmers when an infectious disease has been verified in an area by a veterinarian.

Equine – 307G (1) We strongly support the humane harvesting of equine for the purpose of having a market for animals that no longer have economic value or social utility.

We encourage the reopening of processing plants for equine.

(2) We support the education of the public concerning the proper care and management of equine, including, but not limited to contagious diseases (ex. Equine encelphaltis, feeding, deworming, hoof care).

(3) We support the state law protecting farmers against vandalism by animal rights groups on the farm or at industry events.

(4) We support federal legislation or regulation recognizing the equine industry as an agricultural industry with full benefits of traditional agriculture extended to the equine industry, including but not limited to, disaster assistance, health certification, census information, and loan guarantees.

(5) We recommend and support the exploration of various avenues that would facilitate funding of equine related activities including education, industry survey, and economic impact of the equine industry.

(6) We support cooperation between feed grain, hay, and equine producers for the purpose of utilization of quality Georgia grown products.

(7) We support the youth 4-H Clubs and FFA in

Livestock Identification – 309G We support a voluntary livestock identification system. If the program is mandatory, we believe the system must include the following provisions in order to be successful: (a) a statement of purpose of the program as an issue of animal health and traceability, not food safety; (b) uniform standards of identification that are proven practical and effective with a minimum of maintenance, reporting, and paperwork; (c) cost effective measures that do not require producers to shoulder the burden of cost for a program designed to benefit the general population. We urge public funding of the animal ID program; (d) confidentiality protections that respect producer privacy by collecting only the data necessary to establish a timely trace-back system with strict limitations on those having access to that information; (e) producer protection from liability in the unfortunate event of food borne illnesses for which the producer has no control or responsibility.

All records, data, and information collected for the purposes of national livestock identification should be confidential and the information should not be public

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

record. The records and information should only be released to appropriate governmental agencies for the purposes of livestock identification. Upon the release of any information, the individuals in which the information refers to should be notified that the release has been made. In addition, the notification should name the organization to which the information was released to and should provide a copy or summary of the information contained in the release.

We recommend that upon implementation of mandatory animal identification, the producer of an animal have access to records of the animals produced on his farm after the animals leave the farm.

Poultry - 314G (1) We will remain active in supporting proper Georgia farmer representation in the broiler industry.

(2) We support a publication which contains information on broiler industries and locations along with their current contracts and regulations. In addition, we ask that grower contract information be updated as changes occur.

(3) We recommend that whatever indemnification, whether state or national, a company receives payment for, no matter how much, a pro-rata share should go to the grower. We recommend that the producer be compensated for the loss of the use of the farm due to a devastating poultry disease outbreak.

(4) We urge that legislation be passed requiring processing plants to weigh broilers immediately upon arrival, and that integrators make payments based on this weight.

(5) We recommend that the Georgia Department of Agriculture develop a clean, sanitary method of disposing of poultry destroyed under the indemnification program and all other contagious diseases. We recommend that they strongly consider the use of a portable gas incinerator to dispose of the diseased poultry on the premises.

(6) We recommend that poultry company personnel use approved sanitary practices when visiting the growers’ farms, and not be allowed to bring representatives of outside interests onto poultry farms, since it is a closed farm environment.

(7) We urge that the Cooperative Extension Service promote the value of poultry litter as a fertilizer and to continue funding to test poultry litter samples free of charge for farmers. We recommend that poultry litter be considered as commercial fertilizer and regulated as such by the Department of Agriculture.

(8) Poultry producers are committed to the raising and production of a safe, high quality food. We encourage activities and public relations that will promote the wholesomeness of poultry.

(9) We support the current USDA poultry inspection system. We further support and encourage the continued development of newer inspection systems that complement the advances in technology of poultry production. Federal poultry inspection is a service to all consumers and costs should be paid from general revenue funds. We oppose user fees to finance federally mandated meat, poultry and seafood inspection.

(10) We recommend that the Georgia Farm Bureau represent poultry growers in discussion and policy proposals that affect the quantity and timeliness of spreading poultry litter upon farmland.

(11) We support the effort to obtain more funding for stack houses, compost houses, incinerators or other storage facilities through NRCS. We recommend that

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

the building specifications required to obtain funding be relaxed in an effort to make these facilities more cost effective.

(12) We urge companies to justify mandatory modification of buildings and equipment through research documentation. Any modification should be a long-term agreement, negotiated in writing, between the grower and company before installation.

(13) We recommend that the agency mandating the program should share in the cost of implementing the Clean Water Act by providing a cost-share, at a minimum 75%, to producers for the disposal and storage of poultry litter and dead birds.

(14) We support better contracts with poultry integrators.

(15) We recommend amendments to the Agriculture Fair Practice Act of 1967 that would help poultry producers in their bargaining powers with integrators.

(16) We encourage the GFB Poultry Advisory Committee to take a more active role in promoting greater cooperation between growers and integrators and to helping address differences between growers and integrators.

(17) We encourage closer cooperation between builders of poultry houses and agricultural insurance companies and lenders to make sure the houses meet structural specifications of University of Georgia building codes.

(18) We recommend that processing plants have an independent, bonded weigh master.

(19) We recommend Georgia Farm Bureau support legislation designed to help poultry growers and that we continue to support poultry contract legislation in the Georgia General Assembly.

(20) We believe poultry integrators must be responsible for feed and/or feed additives that could be detrimental to the content of poultry litter and any damage caused by such contents and to provide a list of ingredients for feed being used.

(21) We believe that adverse climatic conditions affect poultry producers much the same as it does crop production. We recommend that poultry producers be included in the disaster assistance program and we recommend the Federal Crop Insurance Program offer coverage to protect producers from disease or other unavoidable losses.

(22) We support state incentives for growers who dispose of dead birds through alternative or experimental means.

(23) Poultry integrators must share in the responsibility of disposing of dead birds.

(24) We oppose discriminating against poultry growers who have older facilities. Growers who have older poultry houses but are still able to meet feed conversion and other payment criteria should be paid at the same rate as growers who have newer houses.

(25) We recommend that poultry operations be exempt from manure handling regulations until it is scientifically proven that poultry operations are degrading the environment.

(26) We recommend that there be longer term poultry contracts.

(27) We support the classification of new and present poultry houses as agricultural and not commercial in regards to EPD/EPA rules and regulations and under the guidelines of the Department of Agriculture.

(28) Natural Resource Conservation should approve a poultry litter transfer cost share program from the environmental quality initiative program.

(29) We recommend that there be a poultry health section in the Animal Industry Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture with resources dedicated to issues affecting poultry managed by a poultry veterinarian. This section should be funded by the legislature.

(30) We recommend that all poultry producers, dealers and poultry establishment, commercial or non - commercial have a premise I.D. issued by the Department of Agriculture and be required to produce proof that all poultry on premise are free from LT, MG, MS and AI. Research Needs (31) We recommend field research on all equipment and buildings used in poultry operations. If equipment can improve efficiency, a long term agreement between grower and integrator should be negotiated in writing before installation.

(32) We recommend that field research be done to eradicate contamination of botulism in and around poultry farms that have been contaminated.

(33) We support increased research on the proper storage, disposal and traditional and alternative uses of poultry litter.

(34) We recommend the promotion and funding of UGA research to develop phosphorus reducing feeds.

Economic incentives should be offered to encourage all production agriculture feed manufacturers to formulate rations that reduce by 50% the phosphorus content of animal manures.

Eggs – 316G (1) We urge increased enforcement of present laws pertaining to the storage, inspection and packaging of eggs to ensure a uniform-quality, fresh product for delivery to the consumer, with proper cool storage being below 45 degrees.

(2) We support the promotion efforts of the Georgia Egg Commission and the American Egg Board and encourage the efforts to focus on the economic and nutritive value of eggs and to educate the public on proper procedures of handling, storing, and preparing eggs and egg products.

(3) We urge further studies of developing alternative uses of poultry litter.

(4) We recommend legislation be enacted that would have the integrators share in the expense of disposing of dead birds.

(5) We recommend that the industry look at its own policies to get back in touch with its supply and demand to benefit both the industry and the farm sector.

(6) We support efforts to obtain funding for stack houses, compost houses, or other storage facilities through the Farm Service Agency. We recommend that FSA share in the cost of incinerators.

(7) We recommend updated research on egg usage and the effects it has on our diets and cholesterol consumption, assuring the public of safety of eggs and products in our diets.

Swine – 317G (1) We support cooperative efforts by all members of the pork industry to achieve the following goals: (a) increase use of pork in the retail, restaurant, and institutional trade and government food programs; (b) development and promotion of new pork products; Continued next page

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(c) opening of additional pork processing facilities; (d) uniform, fair, accurate and attainable grading standards; (e) inclusion of swine in national farm programs.

(2) We call on the Georgia Pork Producers Association

to: (a) report quarterly on their expenditures to all producer members. (b) utilize the check-off dollars for improved marketing and research giving particular emphasis to convenience and fast food products. (c) publicize the results and progress to the members.

(3) We urge ag teachers, county agents, and young farmer advisors to follow proper procedures for show animals from out of state to ensure that brucellosis, pseudo-rabies, and other diseases are not introduced and state laws on health inspections are enforced.

Labeling – 342G (1) We support Country of Origin Labeling of agricultural products in a mandatory system for all food products.

(2) We support changes which would allow meat and poultry products inspected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to be permitted to move in interstate commerce.

(3) We support a U.S.A grown food seal trademark.

Grain Standards, Grading, Inspection and Pricing – 356G (1) We suggest that all grain receiving stations use a standard sampling procedure and that this procedure be strictly enforced. We support a revision of the premiums and discounts paid for grain on the basis of moisture, foreign material, and test weight as established under current grading procedures. Number one quality grains should receive premium price.

(2) We oppose arbitrary and discriminatory discount practices by grain buyers.

(3) We support the continuation of a seed arbitration council (made up of representatives from Farm Bureau, Department of Agriculture, the Experiment Station, Cooperative Extension and Seed Trade).

(4) The present Georgia seed laws require that the farmer give notice of a problem within 10 days after discovery. We recommend that this part of the law be changed to read: the complaint shall be filed with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and a copy of the complaint shall be served by this department on the dealer by certified mail, within such time as to permit inspection of the crops, plants, or trees by the Seed Arbitration Council, or its representative and by the dealer from whom the seed was purchased. We further recommend that this information be affixed on the bag by label with a heading stating notice of required arbitration.

(5) We recommend that the original year and date the seed was tested for germination remain with that bag of seed.

(6) We recommend that adequate research be conducted on all genetically altered seed products derived from such seed in order to protect the producers.

(7) We oppose any legislation or regulation by the state of Georgia that might hinder, discourage or limit the exporting of seed from Georgia into other states or countries.

(8) Any contracted commodity rejected at the point of delivery from the farm for any reason should have

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a sample taken and saved for seven days; the grower should have the right for a federal inspection on that sample, and the contract should be honored if the sample passes federal inspection.

(9) We recommend all grain elevators operating in Georgia be under authority of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. We suggest the maximum moisture for corn be set at 15.5% for these elevators. We suggest the current grain standards be revised and take into account modern cropping practices and ethanol production.

(10) We recommend that the Georgia Department of Agriculture should maintain adequate staffing to inspect agricultural products sold to the consumer in our state.

Plant Variety Protection Act – 360G (1) Technology fees should not be billed until 30 days prior to the due date.

(2) We oppose any efforts to seed companies and/ or chemical companies to employ marketing practices for genetically altered, chemically tolerant seed which would lead to seed monopolies.

(3) We recommend the Georgia Department of Agriculture maintain constant and strict inspection of all seed that is genetically altered to contain intentionally fatal alleles for commercial purposes (example: (“terminator gene”) to ensure that the fatal characteristics are not transferable to the environment.

(4) We recommend growers be allowed to save and plant GMO seed as long as they do not offer that seed for sale to others.

(5) We recommend that technology fees be reduced when the costs to research and patent that technology has been reached. Technology fees charged to producers should be uniform from state to state and globally.

State Farmers Market – 361G (1) The State Farmers Markets should be operated to the mutual benefit of farmers and consumers.

Administrative practices should be intensified to protect the fair merchandising of farmers products.

(2) We urge the General Assembly to provide funding at a level that will assure proper operation and maintenance.

(3) We recommend that State Farmers Markets be advertised and promoted through local TV, radios, newspapers and signs.

(4) We request the establishment of additional State Farmers Market in North Atlanta and in Southeast Georgia.

(5) We oppose the closing of the State Farmers’ Markets that farmers use to sell agricultural products to consumers.

(6) We support use of State Farmers Markets for Georgia producers. These producers should be given precedence over out of state producers and others.

Plant and Animal Pests - 378G (1) We urge the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to study and take necessary steps to control the muskrat, beaver, rabbits, deer, starlings, cowbirds, common grackle, coyotes, wild dogs, wild hogs, and armadillos.

(2) We urge enforcement of strict rabies laws in Georgia.

(3) We recommend more effective enforcement of dog control laws, and further support the right of farmers to kill feral and domestic dogs which are harming

livestock or poultry on their property.

(4) We support the Georgia Peach Council and National Peach Industry in its efforts to prevent the infestation of the Med Fruit Fly. (5) We urge the state of Georgia to use biological or chemical control of undesirable plant and weed species on all state property including road right-of-ways and wildlife refuge areas.

(6) We encourage the use of natural controls such as the Purple Martin to control agricultural pests.

(7) We recommend that the Department of Natural Resources study methods to effectively control the deer tick which is responsible for Lyme disease.

(8) We recommend that funds and efforts be provided to help manage the sweet potato weevil. Until other means of management have been developed, we continue to support the law that requires the quarantine of infested fields. To help manage the sweet potato weevil, research is needed to develop: (a) Resistant varieties of sweet potatoes (b) Biological management controls (c) Safer chemicals (9) When Experiment stations have been quarantined, a special exemption should be issued so that research could continue.

(10) We believe that state tests for nematodes should be made available at no cost to farmers.

(11) We recommend that wild poinsettias and morning glory be included in roadside weed control programs, and we urge government entities to use care when implementing roadside erosion control measures so that noxious weeds are not spread through hay or mulch.

(12) To control the spread of West Nile virus, we recommend the state utilize an integrated approach for mosquito control including spraying, sterilization, and control measures for mosquito eggs and larvae.

(13) We recommend state funding on a cost share basis to provide for herbicide spraying as farmers are often forced to pay the entire cost of spraying for weeds, etc. spread by wildlife.

(14) We solicit both USDA and Georgia Extension Service help on ways to eradicate and control duck weeds in farm ponds.

(15) We urge local and state animal control policies be evaluated so as not to penalize legitimate livestock producers.

(16) We support the National Invasive Species Council for good sense management of our natural resources.

(17) The Georgia Department of Agriculture should not allow non crop seed, typically wild bird feed or game feed, to be introduced into Georgia if it contains viable invasive and noxious weed seeds.

(18) We recommend property owners and lessees be provided the authority to protect their real and personal property from destructive animals. These properties include, but not limited to crops, domestic livestock, landscape materials (ornamental plants), land, streams, and ponds.

(19) We support regulations to reduce the populations of destructive wildlife in order to reduce the number of automobile accidents involving wildlife.

(20) We support efforts to use biological control agents to eradicate kudzu. However, adequate research must be conducted to Ensure such agents are host specific and don’t threaten other economically important crop and ornamental plants.

(21) We support a sound science based and green

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

industry led approach to working with invasive and exotic plants in Georgia such as Coogan grass.

(22) We recommend continued funding to develop chemicals and technology to control herbicide resistant weeds.

(23) We support integrated pest management.

Taxation – 439G State Tax Reform GFB leadership should have leeway in negotiating tax policy for its members. Local control of tax revenue should be maintained.

State Income Tax (1) We oppose treating property which is foreclosed on as a recov­ery of investment credit for state or federal income taxes.

(2) We oppose the assessment of either state or federal income taxes against property owners, who suffer a foreclosure, or are declared insolvent with their property bringing less than the loan amount. The difference between the loan balance and the foreclosure sale price should not be treated as income.

(3) We support a provision to allow self-employed taxpayers to deduct the full cost of their health insurance premiums as a business expense.

(4) We recommend the elimination of the individual income tax and the enactment of an additional state sales tax provided present agricultural exemptions are kept intact.

(5) We recommend that efforts be made to allow expenses regarding conservation and environmental projects on farms be totally deducted in the year they are completed rather than over time.

(6) We support tax relief for farmers that are under the new EPD CAFO regulations.

(7) We oppose the taxation of disaster payments.

(8) We support the full deductibility from state and federal income taxes of funeral expenses for immediate family members living within the same household.

(9) We urge the Georgia General Assembly to enact legislation to abolish the state inheritance law.

(10) Income designated as capital gains on federal tax returns should not be subject to the full Georgia tax rate. We support the repeal of this tax, or at least a reduction in the rate.

(11) We recommend that insurance premiums for long term care be an allowable income tax deduction.

State Sales Tax (1) We recommend that any state tax or fee increase be approved by a 2/3 majority of the general assembly.

(2) We support efforts to reform education funding by replacing property taxes with alternative statewide funding sources that are distributed equitably to counties and continue to be administered under local control.

(3) We support the exemption of sales taxes on all equipment, machinery parts and fuel used for agricultural purposes. We also support a permanent exemption for off road fuel.

(4) We urge that sales tax be removed from all pesticides used in agriculture and forestry.

(5) We urge the exemption from sales taxes of direct farmer-to-consumer commodity transactions (including Christmas trees) at the farm, roadside stand and farmers’ markets.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

(6) We support a sales tax exemption for all on-farm electricity utilized in agricultural production, processing and general operations.

(7) We recommend that a statewide sales tax be put on lottery tickets in Georgia, with proceeds directed toward a dollar for dollar rollback on property taxes.

(8) We oppose an increase in the state motor fuel or state income tax.

(9) We support a survey of our surrounding southern states to determine their method of taxing property.

Many of these states have very low property taxes due to statewide sales tax.

(10) We recommend that all wood by-products used on a farm or sold from a farm have a sales tax exemption.

(11) We recommend that sales tax be taken off all farm animal feed, including horses.

(12) We request that plastic crates used in vegetable harvesting be exempt from sales tax.

(13) We support legislation to exempt farm vehicles from sales tax.

(14) We recommend that the State of Georgia revenue office clarify the application of sales tax on products used for agriculture production such as baler twine.

(15) We support an exemption from sales tax for propane used for crop drying and curing purposes.

Local - Ad Valorem (1) We recommend that lottery proceeds received be used for exist­ing educational programs with a corresponding rollback in school taxes.

(2) We urge the adoption of uniform and easily understood ad valorem tax statements that readily identify the item being taxed and the value assigned to that item.

(3) We recommend that farm ponds be taxed on the same basis as the land on which the pond is located, and further encourage mainte­nance and construction of ponds.

(4) We recommend that any property designated as a wetland and/or river corridor be exempt from all property taxes.

(5) We strongly support the concept of current use assessments for ad valorem tax purposes, as ratified in the Conservation Use Amend­ment.

(6) We believe that facilities such as stack houses, lagoons and other property which have been constructed for the primary purpose of eliminating or reducing air and water pollution should be exempt from ad valorem tax.

(7) We oppose a tax on fruit or nut bearing plants or bushes which life exceeds 12 months.

(8) We support revisions of property tax appeal procedures to: (a) Implement uniform procedures, spelled out in property tax law, that restricts arbitrary interpretation by the Department of Revenue; (b) Give due weight and consideration to alternative property valuation studies provided by the taxpayer; (c) Allow the taxpayer a right to trial by jury in question of law or fact; and (d) Implement an optional process of determining value by selling the property in question to the taxing authority at the assigned fair market value.

(9) We urge that cut over timber land be assessed as forest prop­erty until cleared and further developed.

(10) We recommend that legislation be enacted that would include all agricultural products in any local or state freeport amendment or reso­lution.

(11) State and federal lands should pay a yearly per acre fee equivalent to the ad valorem tax for similar lands in that county.

(12) We recommend that state and federal public school funding plans consider the budgetary impact felt in some school systems by the influx of children of seasonal agricultural workers.

(13) We urge that manufactured housing be taxed on fair market value rather than on the current depreciating scale value.

(14) We recommend that ad valorem taxes on timber be paid by the timber owner at the time of harvest rather than the landowner who may have leased the property to the owner of the timber.

(15) We support the use of lottery monies for capital improvements in repairs and construction of school buildings.

(16) In each counties’ property tax appraisal process for developing transitional areas, agricultural land use should be considered in the appraisal process as providing an environmental balance with growth from large municipal areas.

(17) We propose that land does not have to be entered in the state’s agricultural or forestry land use program to be considered as “agricultural lands” in the property tax appraisal process at county level.

(18) We oppose the increasing value of property for taxation purposes.

(19) We propose that an increase of more than one mill by the school board should trigger a county referendum to vote on tax.

(20) We oppose increasing the value of property for taxation purposes where normal and reasonable upkeep and improvements are the only changes from year to year.

(21) We recommend ad valorem tax valuations on all farm buildings be automatically reduced to allow for depreciation without a special request by the owner.

(22) We oppose methods used for re-appraisal of farm property in respect to the way fair market value is reached. Local appraisers should do the appraisals instead of appraisers from another area.

(23) When the state of Georgia or any outside government entity acquires property in a county, the county should be reimbursed for that property tax on an annual basis.

(24) Land valuation should be based on the property’s use instead of the artificially inflated values caused by investors, real estate developers, and other speculative buyers.

(25) We recommend that the general assembly provide the following safeguards for property owners whose land is under the conservation use covenant. (a) We recommend that the conservation use covenant be considered a “restriction in deed” when determining the fair market value of property under conservation use. (b) We further recommend that the restrictions placed on property under conservation use be considered when determining the fair market value of conservation use property. (c) We support a common date as it relates to conservation use assessment covenants for contiguous properties of the same owner but acquired at different times.

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(26) Due to local misunderstanding of the conservation use program, we urge the Department of Revenue to investigate, develop and distribute current regulations concerning conservation use to all county tax offices with special emphasis on small tracts.

(27) We strongly support the current conservation use program and recommend that steps are taken to ensure that it remains viable in the future.

(28) We encourage the Department of Revenue to review discrepancies in the valuation of land for conservation use purposes in order to make the values consistent throughout the state.

(29) When the state of Georgia or some other municipality buys land for the purposes of mitigation of wetland, these sales should not be entered as a recent sale into the revaluing of farm land for property tax purposes.

(30) We urge the Department of Revenue to allow for partial payment of property taxes to the local tax commissioner.

(31) We believe the Conservation Use Value Assessment to be a program intended to benefit family farms in Georgia, and we oppose changes in the program that would drastically broaden its scope and threaten the program’s existence.

(32) We urge state legislators to clarify the Appropriations Provisions that are supposed to provide property tax relief.

(33) We support legislation recognizing that the agri-tourism and agri-education enterprises on a farm do not change the taxation or zoning requirements of the farming operation.

(34) When timber sales are reported for ad valorem tax purposes, expenses associated with harvest and sales should be deducted from the gross sales amount.

(35) We recommend the implementation of an agricultural transfer tax with all revenues going to a statewide farmland preservation program.

(36) We recommend that county government cannot raise property land values and millage rates during the same year.

(37) Farmers should be able to sell value-added items on their property without it being considered a breach of the conservation use covenant. We recommend that any accessories that are sold along with a production product be included in the tax conservation use law.

(38) Georgia law should require county tax appraisers to notify property owners by registered mail of the date of their appeal hearings.

(39) We recommend that capital expenditures for school systems be allowed to be funded in part by local impact fees.

(40) We oppose the removal of ad valorem taxes from vehicles.

(41) Investment property, such as 1031 tax deferred exchange property, should not be used in a county’s sales ratio study.

(42) Impact fees should be used to fund education and infrastructure.

(43) We support the elimination of ad valorem taxes on forestry products.

(44) We support homeowner tax relief grants in the state of Georgia.

(45) We oppose any effort to change tax policy that will adversely affect farmers or agribusiness.

(46) When property is purchased, the property should be appraised at the purchased price; the adjoin-

34

ing property should be appraised at its current use and not be affected by the price paid for recent purchases.

(47) We recommend that an income tax credit and ad valorem tax credit should be allowed for private forest owners who are forced to sell forests products due to wind damage.

(48) When a disaster hits and timber is destroyed and timber is replanted, the state of Georgia should allow some deviation in conservation programs and tree planting programs to allow the newly planted trees be added into a program.

Cooperative Extension Service – 457G (1) We strongly support the UGA Cooperative Extension Service (CES), the Agricultural Experiment Stations (AES), and the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES). We urge the appropriation of state funds to restore and maintain: (a) a strong county extension service which focuses on agriculture and 4-H with at least one agricultural agent housed in each county, (b) adequate support for agricultural research, research facilities, and the commodity and research specialists, (c) more support for the urgent needs of the College for maintenance and operations, utilities, and other needs, (d) filling vacant positions in a timely manner at the county, district and state level, and fill county agricultural agent positions with qualified agricultural agents, in counties where agriculture is active. (e) generally to allow for the fulfillment of the total mission of the Cooperative Extension Service. (f) to counties that will be without an Extension Agent for an extended period of time to be provided a temporary agent in the office until the position is filled.

(2) We recommend that funds be restored to allow soil samples to be done, free of charge, to farmers or their representatives for agricultural purposes.

(3) We support change in policy in the diagnostic lab which would allow farmers to commit animals for diagnosis with reports going to farmer and veterinarian.

(4) We recommend that Extension specialists and researchers in the areas of horticulture, food science, pest and diseases be located and/or maintained at the Griffin Experi­ment Station.

(5) We recommend that the Georgia Cooperative Extension Service collect and distribute information about the vital importance of honey­bees as a pollinating agent and to emphasize the monetary benefits, due to increased crop production, brought about by using honeybees for cross pollination.

(6) We are opposed to the Cooperative Extension Service proposing any change in printed materials from the U.S. Standard System of Weights and Measures to the metric system.

(7) We recommend funding for a mobile forage testing lab with a computer system installed to do quick analysis.

(8) We urge the State Legislature to appropriate more funds to increase the number of facilities in our state to process soil samples and whole plant and forage analysis, so this information can be re­turned to farmers as soon as possible.

(9) We support the National Seed Bank program.

(10) We recommend that the UGA Extension Service provide informa­tion to producers of agricultural prod-

ucts on the proper handling, usage, and disposal of agricultural chemical containers.

(11) We recommend the formation of a cross section committee to monitor Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, to maintain a viable, visible and productive tool to help Georgia farmers as a whole.

(12) We urge the need to develop a standard criteria for the re­view of all labeled and legally approved chemicals being considered for voluntary removal from the University of Georgia’s farm chemical hand­book by the agronomy division crop protection committee. The procedure should include input from all aspects of the industry.

(13) We recommend that the UGA Extension Service continue to provide information to the general public of actual vs. perceived dangers of agricultural chemicals and products. We further recommend that Georgia Farm Bureau cooperate in the distribution of this information to all county Farm Bureaus.

(14) We request the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and the Cooperative Extension Service to develop a plan whereby individual Georgia farmers could either e-mail or upload to their website, digital images of insects, diseased plants, or ill plants along with any supporting data required. This method could reduce farmer’s critical reaction time to stop the spread of diseases and insect infestation from perhaps weeks to hours.

(15) We oppose the closing of any Agricultural Experiment Station.

(16) The funding of county Extension personnel should revert back to system before the changes made in August of 2005. This change has mandated a large increase in the county’s funding share and may cause many rural counties not to replace retiring county extension employees.

Research – 462G (1) The Georgia Colleges of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, through teaching, research and Extension have greatly benefited the production and marketing methods of agricultural products for Georgia farmers. A strong agricultural research program is critical to the health of the Georgia agricultural economy.

We urge an increase in federal and state appropriations to strengthen agricultural research, including the maintenance of all Georgia Experiment Stations.

(2) We recommend that representatives of Georgia Farm Bureau be involved with the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations in reviewing research programs and making recommendations as to what areas they feel research is needed.

(3) We recommend further experimentation and encouragement of minimum-till farming with reduced chemicals.

(4) We recommend funding of agricultural commodity research be carefully scrutinized before reductions are made.

(5) We strongly support applied research to develop forest products, biomass and surplus agricultural commodities as alternate sources of energy.

(6) We further recommend the establishment of a wood energy center in Georgia.

(7) We object to the consolidation of any experiment stations for the purpose of reallocation of personnel, or allocation of funds without consultation with Farm Bureau.

(8) We recommend that the State Legislature provide funds necessary for intensive research to deter-

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

mine alternative methods to landfill use.

(9) We support and recommend research similar to the Boll Weevil Eradication Program to specifically target harmful crop diseases and insects like the white fly and the Japanese beetle.

(10) We recommend that the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations and Extension Service increase their special needs research for chemical and/or biological pest control.

(11) We recommend that more research be done to develop drought and heat tolerant field crops, fruits, and vegetables, and to improve water conservation practices.

(12) We recommend more research on forages, both annual and perennial.

(13) We recommend that the state provide a fund for the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations to research emergency problems.

(14) We support further research into use and effects of animal waste on land before any restrictions are applied.

(15) We urge the production of ethanol and research to discover replacements for all petroleum by-products in order to reduce U.S. dependence on oil imports.

(16) We urge a moratorium on the sale of any Experiment Station land until such time as other land of like or more acreage is bought in proximity to the station.

(17) We would like to see more labs located in Southeast Georgia in order to be able to do more research on disease problems that we have now.

(18) We recommend that funding for research be directed toward mechanized harvesting for labor intensive commodities as an alternative to the dwindling supply of labor.

(19) We support the funding necessary to operate the canola production centers in Georgia.

(20) We urge the General Assembly to examine research related policies concerning royalties, patents and incentives to scientists within the University System.

(21) We urge the Georgia General Assembly to continually increase monetary support of agricultural research and to apply the money in areas of greatest need.

(22) We support the continuation of the muscadine breeding research program at the Griffin Experiment Station.

(23) We recommend more intensive research be conducted on ways to control the tomato spotted wilt virus on all Georgia grown crops.

(24)We support and encourage other agricultural groups to work toward the education of the consumer as to the benefits of genetically engineered agricultural products. These products should be portrayed in a more positive light.

(25) We request the University of Georgia maintain the weed scientist position at Tifton.

(26) We encourage more dollars be allocated for research of specialty crops suited for the state of Georgia. This would allow for more diversity in production agriculture and help during this transitional period in Georgia agriculture.

(27) We recommend that the state and federal government appropriate adequate funding to the University of Georgia for army worm management, research and eradication.

(28) We encourage research on adding value (income) to Georgia commodities at the farm gate

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

level, (example: colored cotton fiber, shelf life, sweeter melons, etc.).

(29) We recommend the agricultural experiment stations and research facilities be better utilized in the evaluation of genetically altered seeds in order to better determine varieties which are free from genetic defects.

(30) We recommend and urge the University of Georgia to obtain and maintain an extension seed specialist.

(31) Because of differing nutrient requirements of various crops, we recommend that the University of Georgia research the benefits of hay crop rotation after using animal waste as fertilizers, (example: nitrogen and phosphorus).

(32) We support the research for developing new uses for hemp and its production (example: clothes, rugs, materials, etc.).

(33) Funding should be appropriated to research medicinal crops such as herbs, spices, etc.

(34) We urge that research be funded and eradication measures be implemented to control the West Nile Virus and related mosquito diseases.

(35) We believe those decisions relating to the research, production, and marketing of genetically modified commodities be based on sound scientific information.

(36) We recommend research for controlling Dayflower.

(37) We recommend research to promote the acceptance of genetically modified crops.

(38) We recommend more research be done on alternative fuels.

(39) State food technology researchers and others should investigate bulk irradiation or new sound wave technology for use in Vidalia onions prior to storage to eliminate decay organisms.

(40) The state should encourage and fund breeders (private and public) to incorporate southern gene pools in technology improved cultivars.

(41) We recommend research be done to alleviate the cost prohibitive factors of production in nitrogen fertilizer due to 150% increase in natural gas price.

(42) We recommend a balanced emphasis be placed on traditional agriculture and the genetic engineering of crops and livestock by the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the Cooperative Extension Service and the Agricultural experiment stations.

(43) We support the creation of a National Institute of Food and Agriculture NIFA). It should be adequately funded, and its mission should be to bring the most advanced modern life sciences to agriculture to support fundamental research that leads to practical results and further scientific discovery.

(44) We urge that the Georgia General Assembly appropriate funds to the Animal Science Division for more research on swine disease control, meat product utilization, and improved systems for confinement operations. Specifically, a nutritional physiologist in the research and teaching area is needed.

(45) We recommend research on existing crops to maintain yields using less water.

(46) We encourage research and development of herbicides and delivery systems approved for late season use that will not drift and cause damage as readily as current 2,4,D based chemicals.

(47) We recommend that satellite research models of on-farm fuel production units be set up in different parts of our state to promote and educate farmers and

ranchers on how to produce the legal allowed amount of fuel for personal use.

(48) We will work with the University of Georgia and the General Assembly to keep open Georgia’s Experiment Stations statewide.

(49) We recommend more research be done on herbicide resistant weeds.

(50) We support programs in which land grant universities research alternative sources of fertilizer, specifically livestock and human waste.

(51) We support efforts to lower input costs for production agriculture; especially the costs for fertilizer and pesticides.

(52) We recommend that more emphasis be put on foundational and conventional seed production.

(53) We urge the UGA CAES to establish methods to determine the lateral movement of water in the ground from soil samples to facilitate the installation of Horizontal Irrigation Wells.

Environmental Protection and Regulation – 504G General (1) We support a cost-share program (75% state, 25% producer) funded by the state of Georgia to help farmers implement environmental regulations mandated by the state DNR. (2) We urge the state Environmental Protection Division to use scientific knowledge of agriculture when adopting any new regulations on environmental quality.

(3) We feel the EPD’s regulations should be subject to the same legislative override procedures as all other state agencies.

(4) We recommend the Georgia legislature create an EPD advisory committee consisting of farmers and members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to protect farmers from excessive environmental regulations. Before any new regulations become law, this committee shall review them.

(5) We oppose excessive buffer requirements, both state and local, that adversely impact farmers.

(6) We support legislation that would permit the enforcement of environmental laws at the state level only and would bar the enforcement of environmental laws at the local level.

(7) Any state or federally imposed environmental regulations requiring farmers to fence off streams should not be imposed without the following stipulations: (a) The regulatory agency must compensate the farmer for the loss of property value due to denied water access, (b) The farmer must be compensated for the loss of any land taken out of production due to the imposed regulations. Compensation should be in the form of an annual rent payment set at the current market rate, (c) The farmer must be reimbursed for all costs incurred in fence construction, including labor, materials, and cost of continued maintenance.

(8) We believe that EPD regulations should apply to all municipalities as they do farms. (i.e. setbacks, buffers, etc.)

(9) We believe no farmer should be penalized for not complying with environmental regulations if he is making a good faith effort to implement the necessary changes.

(10) We recommend that property owners be fully Continued next page

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compensated when the use of land is restricted for surface or groundwater buffer zones, wetlands, endangered species, or for any other environmental reason.

(11) We support legislation requiring political subdivisions of the state to pay just and adequate compensation to property owners when imposing restrictions (i.e. buffers, greenspace, etc.) that exceed such restrictions as imposed by the state.

(12) We recommend that all regulatory agencies involved in monitoring non-point source of pollution should agree on a set of common sense guidelines.

The recommended Best Management Practices (BMP’s) accepted by the Corp of Engineers should be the standard.

(13) We recommend that the stream order be used in determining buffer width, rather than an arbitrary distance for all streams.

(14) Regulations pertaining to environmental quality should be based on scientific data and research.

Scientific findings should be published, and there should be time for public comment prior to implementation of the regulations.

(15) We recommend that any new standards for water quality should not exceed those of the current clean water act.

(16) We oppose state or county efforts to make water runoff quality provisions more stringent than federal standards.

(17) We recommend a more common sense approach be taken regarding testing and classifying pollutant levels of streams and rivers and to the source of fecal coliform contamination.

(18) Environmental laws that affect agricultural enterprises pertaining to streambed disturbance should be equally enforced when streambeds are disturbed by individuals on recreational vehicles.

(19) We recommend that all stream buffer areas be removed from the tax digest.

(20) We recommend legislation to encourage accountability for manufacturers or industry who create non-recyclable and/or non-biodegradable products.

(21) We support repeal of provisions of the “Environmental Policy Act” which requires an “environmental effect report” before government funded projects can begin. We oppose any expansion of these provisions to private developments.

(22) We oppose the implementation of any air emission ruling for dairy that does not use sound science, various geographic locations and different styles of operation. Use more than four farms for study.

(23) Before construction permits are issued for a land development, we urge scientific analysis of the project to determine its water requirements and the effects on the local water supply.

(24) We oppose the concept of a county ordinance that would supersede any state regulation that allows farmers the right to use animal waste on their property for fertilization purposes.

(25) We support state legislation exempting agricultural operations and land uses from local water protection ordinances when best management practices are followed by farmers.

(26) Prior to adopting a rule or regulation which would restrict or eliminate any normally used agricultural practice, EPA should identify practical, economically feasible alternative solutions to the perceived problems, study the economic impact, and release that information to the public.

(27) Legislation proposed to address climate change

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could dramatically increase energy costs. To avoid adverse impacts to farmers, we urge a well-reasoned and deliberate approach to this issue, allowing time for scientists to determine whether climate change is a natural process and whether human activity significantly affects the process.

(28) We support representation for livestock producers to be protected from industrial pollution that has prevented the use of their streams for watering livestock. We support mandatory action to remediate those conditions.

(29) We support and promote the use of best management practices (BMP’s) that use organic amendments like compost to improve soil structure increasing water and nutrient holding capacity of soil and reducing storm water runoff, erosion, and pollution.

(30) By 2010 new regulations require that urea be used by all semi diesels to filter their exhaust. We recommend that farmer owned equipment be exempt from this regulation.

(31) We recommend that more research and data should be obtained from sound science before air quality standards are placed on rural counties.

(32) We support the US EPA Greenscapes program with emphasis on Reducing, Reusing, Recycling and Rebuying.

(33) We support and promote the use of functional landscapes in Low Impact Development and US Green Building Programs.

(34) No local government regulations should be stricter than state regulations.

(35) We support exemptions for agricultural burning from time specific statewide burn bans.

Nutrient Waste Management (1) We oppose restrictions on spreading poultry litter and animal waste on farmland. Farmers should have input into any new legislation or regulation of animal waste management.

(2) We resolve that if the state of Georgia regulates confined animal feeding operations that the Georgia Department of Agriculture regulate this farming enterprise instead of EPD. (3) We oppose the permitting and inspection of confined animal feeding operations.

(4) We recommend the state Department of Natural Resources utilize the state Department of Agriculture in carrying out the clean water action plan’s mandated guidelines for animal feeding operations (AFO’s).

(5) Any new or revised regulations governing the use of livestock waste as fertilizer or proper disposal of dead animals carcasses should be written only if scientifically proven necessary. The new rules should consider the needs of farmers/producers, as well as the environment, integrators, and the general public.

The economic impact on any and all parties affected by potential changes must be considered. Any changes should be implemented only after legislative and gubernatorial approval.

(6) We support sound science for all regulatory guidelines, and we urge flexibility in nutrient management plans to allow for differences in soil, land management, and regional influences.

(7) We support legislation that would protect the utilization of animal wastes as a best management practice for agricultural operations.

(8) We recommend more extensive research for waste management and water quality as pertaining to livestock industry in Georgia.

(9) Animal waste samples (liquid or solid) for all livestock operations should be analyzed at no cost to farmers at state labs when they are a requirement of a comprehensive nutrient management plan.

(10) We believe that waste management regulations for Georgia livestock operations should not exceed federal mandates.

(11) Irrigation permits should be guaranteed to any farmer requiring additional water to distribute animal waste on land according to comprehensive nutrient management plans.

(12) We believe cattle producers who have cattle watering at creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes have the right to do so and should be grandfathered into any water management plans.

(13) We oppose animal manure being classified or regulated as hazardous waste.

(14) A farmer should not be held liable for odor nuisance when using poultry litter as fertilizer as long as the producer follows the guidelines established by the state.

Waste Management - 506G (1) We urge the Georgia Department of Agriculture to establish regional disposal sites so that farmers may deliver, without cost banned, outdated, or unidentified chemicals for disposal in a safe and proper manner. We further recommend that disposal sites be made available for proper disposal of empty chemical containers.

(2) We resolve that if a hazardous waste site, landfill or incinerator should be located in Georgia, that it be made available for Georgia residents only.

(3) We oppose any plan to locate a private, commercial, or regional landfill disposing of hazardous or solid waste in an environmentally sensitive areas, especially the recharge area of an aquifer.

(4) We support strict financial requirements for private commercial landfill operations to provide for long- term monitoring and contamination clean-up.

(5) We recommend that the state legislature appropriate funds to research the possibility of neutralizing hazardous waste before disposal.

(6) We resolve that commercial waste incinerator operations be environmentally sound, subject to public scrutiny, and permitted only with strict compliance with federal clean air regulations.

(7) We favor the continuation/expansion of the recycling of waste to conserve resources and to reduce land needed for landfills.

(8) We support research to aid counties in meeting solid waste reduction goals by the marketing of recyclable materials. We encourage efforts by local governments to turn discarded wood products and yard waste into marketable mulch that is useful for landowners and developers.

(9) Due to landfill problems, we recommend the state encourage the use of recyclable materials or have a surtax imposed on each company that uses non-recyclable materials and these funds be used for landfills.

(10) We recommend allowing a day’s usage of herbicide and pesticide containers be burned on the premises on which the applications was made.

(11) Farm Bureau supports greater protection of private property from illegal dumping. This initiative should include aid from state funds to assist in cleanup of illegally disposed hazardous wastes and tires on private property.

(12) We recommend that the size and population of

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

a county not be a factor in deciding on where a landfill is located.

(13) We encourage all recycling efforts and promote further research and funding to find new and innovative solutions to the waste management problem. We recommend that each municipality develop and implement a program for managing municipal solid waste.

(14) We recommend the creation of a return deposit on all containers made of glass, plastic and metal materials.

(15) We recommend legislation be passed so that discarded agricultural tires can be brought to landfills at no cost to the ones delivering and that these dates should coincide with state sales tax holidays that the state currently has. The state should also be responsible for reimbursing the counties this cost.

(16) We deplore the continued contamination of our streams and rivers by the lack of adequate treatment of sewage by city sewage treatment plants and by lack of treatment of storm run-off. We urge EPA and EPD to strictly enforce city sewage treatment plant regulations.

(17) We encourage ways to expand the use of gray water from municipal sewerage treatment plants for land applications.

(18) Citizens should be allowed to burn lumber and other wooden waste materials if handled in a responsible manner.

(19) We urge state and local governments to sponsor another “tire amnesty day” to allow for proper disposal of all tires.

Private Forestry – 519G (1) We urge forest landowners to utilize resources of Georgia Forestry Commission and other professional foresters to develop a forest management plan for sound planning of maximum timber production. We encourage the use of prescribed burning, control burning, and any type of site preparation including chemical usage as needed to ensure that all idle lands be put into production and low cost reforestation procedures should be established for inaccessible areas.

(2) We support an educational program among Georgia forest landowners to encourage better marketing practices and to continue total tree utilization, which will assist the landowner to sell and utilize the total tree. We need to continue progress in the establishment of new markets for United States timber products.

(3) We encourage the industry to continue the progress that they have made in the area of total tree utilization, thus assisting the landowners to sell and utilize the total tree.

(4) We support a statewide uniform penalty for arson and stiffer enforcement of penalties for arsonists’ burning of forest timberlands. We request funding for additional Georgia Forestry Commission law enforcement to be more active in protecting timberlands.

(5) We recognize the impact of imported timber and finished forestry products on the domestic forestry economy. We encourage our local, state, and national leaders to encourage the buying of U.S. produced timber and forestry products.

(6) We support legislation to provide adequate funding to protect forest resources by controlling invasive species. We recommend more research to utilize invasive species as a beneficial product.

(7) We recommend and urge the use of paper products in place of plastic wherever possible. This would especially include carry-out sacks from retail busi-

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

nesses, drinking cups and plates, and products used in Georgia Welcome Centers.

(8) We encourage the Department of Transportation to use properly treated wood in building, repairing or rebuilding bridges as well as highway structural improvements and noise abatement fences.

(9) We recommend that legislative action be taken so timber on state land will be managed in a businesslike manner and further be prohibited from selling below fair market value except under adverse conditions.

(10) We support adequate funding for the continued high level of protection offered by the Georgia Forestry Commission to protect our forest resources from fire, insects and diseases. We further support community watch groups to protect timber from fire and vandalism.

We support the commission in their efforts to secure assistance for farmers who have timber destroyed by the pine bark beetles, this assistance to be for their loss of timber value and cost of establishing a new stand.

We further urge more intense research of diseased and beetle infested timber with efforts toward the development of eradication programs, as well as better timber management practices, to be disseminated to Georgia tree growers through educational programs.

Furthermore, we encourage the development of new markets and alternative purchasing practices for diseased and infested timber.

(11) We encourage the Warnell School of Forestry Resources at the University of Georgia and the Georgia Forestry Commission to continue its extensive study and report on the long range trends affecting the forest industry in Georgia.

(12) An income tax credit should be allowed for private forest owners who reforest within two years of a timber sale.

(13) We urge USDA/Farm Service Agency to improve and fund the forest tree planting (FR-1) and EQIP guidelines.

(14) We support an “agricultural exemption” for long-term bans on outdoor burning.

(15) We support a unified state code that addresses local governments from restricting a land owners right to properly manage and harvest their timber. The land owner should be allowed to utilize fundamentally sound timber management principles to capitalize on their long-term investment of property and resources regardless of forest location.

(16) We recommend that the U.S. Forest Service continue to sell timber on a selective cut basis in order to reduce loss by fire, disease, and insects to help defray ad valorem taxes for counties from which the timber is harvested.

(17) We recommend that Georgia Farm Bureau better educate our members on how landowners can protect themselves when dealing with others in regard to the value of their timber and fees being charged.

(18) Given the proposed reductions in the state’s budget for redirection purposes, we recommend that the Georgia Forestry Commission be exempt from all such cuts due to the vital role they play in protecting all of our natural resources from wildfires, insects, diseases, and other perils.

(19) We further recommend additional funding be appropriated for the Georgia Forestry Commission in the following areas: (a) Increase the number of positions to better support the wildfire response program. In addition, funds should be continued for a prescribed fire

manager position. (b) Increase funding for educational and enhancement opportunities to promote prescribed fires; (c) Increase in funding for educational activities and programs in the public and private sector. (d) Increase funding for the improvement of seedling genetics. We also support continued funding for three educational “working” forests to demonstrate forest management.

(20) We recommend that any US/ Imported lumber agreements be modified and reinstated in order to protect the value of timber for landowners in Georgia and the rest of the United States.

(21) We oppose forestry and agriculture land being treated as point sources of pollution.

(22) We support Federal Crop Insurance assistance programs to protect and reimburse owners of private forest timberlands for losses due to disease and weather damage.

(23) We support the rural fire department and encourage growth and expansion. We also discourage legislation that might adversely effect its operation and liability.

(24) We recommend the Governor appoint forest landowners to serve on all committees that deal with forestry and the environment. We further recommend the Governor not limit the number of forest landowners that may serve on a specific committee.

(25) We support the American Tree Farm System’s standards for forest certification.

(26) Before a tenant or leasee begins a controlled burn, we recommend that written permission must first be obtained from the landowner.

(27) We ask the U.S. government relax regulations on chemicals that control pine beetles.

(28) We support a hardwood timber reforestation program similar and in addition to the pine tree reforestation program.

(29) We solicit USDA and Georgia Forestry Commission promotion and administration of the Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) and its continued funding.

(30) We recommend that all government agencies be held to the same timber harvesting limits and regulations. Example: The Department of Interior could potentially harvest timber while other agencies such as the US Forest Service (Dept. of Agriculture) may not be able to harvest timber on land it controls.

(31) USDA FSA should consider allowing producers enrolled in CRP to harvest pine straw under pine trees during their enrollment period. This request should be approved because the silvacultural practice of burning under these pine trees is allowed, and therefore, an additional source of income is wasted when this same straw that would burn could be harvested and sold.

(32) We recommend that disaster assistance should be made available for timber growers when they have lost timber during a natural disaster.

(33) Beetle damage on pine trees is increasing even before the recent storms, we recommend more research be done to help fight the infestation of the Pine Bark Beetle and more funds be made available to the Georgia Forestry Commission to help this current infestation.

(34) We are opposed to the expansion of timber harvesting regulations beyond those set forth in “Timber Harvesting Best Management Practices”.

Research Needs Continued next page

37

(35) We support additional funds for research in the field of forestry, forestry production, marketing, wood energy/fuel and wood utilization.

(36) We urge the Georgia Forestry Commission, the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and private industry to study the extent of infestation of the pine bark beetle, gypsy moth, tip moth, and any other insect that may damage or kill pine or hardwood trees and to advise landowners of best management practices on infested acres.

(37) We request state funding be allocated for research and development for alternative energy sources using bio-mass from tree cellulose.

Private Property Rights – 536G (1) We oppose any attempts to require public use of private lands.

(2) Farmers and landowners should not be held criminally or civilly liable when persons legally or illegally enter their property creating a liability situation and are harmed or killed.

(3) Illegal substances or hazardous materials found on private property should not lead to a fine and/or forfeiture of the land until the owner of such property is found guilty of ownership of illegal substance or hazardous materials with due process of the law.

(4) We recommend legislation that reverts mineral rights back to the landowner if the party owning the mineral rights does not pay the taxes for a period of three consecutive years, and that this be done by application to the County Tax Commissioner without having to go through the courts.

(5) We request the legislature to require police officers, sheriffs, game wardens, and county inspectors to report to landowners when they have investigated an incident or when a county inspector checks buildings on private property.

(6) We recommend that endangered species be identified with locations listed on both public and private properties. This information should be made public prior to adding to the National Endangered Species List.

(7) Governmental agencies should show just cause in taking of land with the burden of proof resting with the agency rather than the landowner.

(8) We are opposed to the taking of private property by state or federal government for the purpose of “creating new wetlands” or “creating new habitats for endangered species.”

(9) We urge legislation that would protect the property rights of owners of land adjacent to free flowing streams and to exempt them from liability relating to trespassers. We further encourage DNR to outline permissible water use areas and activities under the prevailing definition of “navigable stream.”

(10) We oppose any government restrictions on the use of private property. If restrictions are imposed, taxes should be abated and the landowners should be compensated for the loss of the use of the land.

(11) We are specifically opposed to the diminishing of private property rights as a result of “Coastal Zone Management” as related to agriculture and silviculture.

(12) We believe a person should have the right to protect life and property.

(13) We urge that legislation be enacted which would prohibit any agency of the state or its political subdivisions from taking any action which would result in or facilitate the designation of private property as

38

an historical site or greenspace without first giving notice to the owner of such property, and if property is designated as such over the objection of the owner, that just and adequate compensation be paid for damages which results from restrictions on use resulting from the designation.

(14) We urge Georgia Farm Bureau to work for state law that exempts timber land from city and county tree protection and preservation ordinances.

(15) We urge legislation to protect the property rights of landowners from utility companies crossing crops without notice except in an emergency.

(16) We support legislation to simplify eviction proceedings for landowners who provide housing for their employees when those employees no longer work for the landowner.

(17) We recommend the present law be changed to protect the consumer from judgments being placed on their property when a builder or someone providing a service to consumer has contracted with the consumer to do a job and has failed to pay supplier.

(18) Ownership of property should be confirmed and notice given before private or public construction projects begin. If property lines are damaged, they should be replaced by the damaging party.

(19) We recommend stricter regulations be placed on the use or abuse of “4 wheelers” by trespassers and these laws should be enforced.

(20) We urge the Georgia General Assembly to expand the limited liability exemption provisions for U-Pick farm operations (O.C.G.A. 2-14-152) to include educational or recreational uses.

(21) We oppose private property having to be posted for criminal trespassing charges to be filed against a person.

Right to Farm – 538G (1) In the adoption of land use and zoning ordinances, we recommend that agricultural operations be “grandfathered in” as conforming activities and structures, be allowed expansion, modification and replacement of farm practices, and be granted the right to unrestricted and unmitigated use of the existing farm property for activities not harming public health and safety.

(2) Dogs and coyotes are a threat to Georgia producers of livestock. We believe in humane treatment of animals, but we also believe we should have the right to protect our livestock without fear of being prosecuted.

(3) We believe in the right to process a farm product at the farm location. (example: composting, egg packaging, portable saw mill) (4) We encourage efforts to conserve, protect, and foster agricultural land, and we support laws that protect farm operations from being considered nuisances due to urban development or other changed conditions of the surrounding land.

(5) We oppose any additional permitting concerning farm operations.

(6) We recommend all property buyers be presented the OCGA 44-1-17 law and be required to sign a disclosure acknowledging the pre-existence of farm related conditions or inconveniences. This disclosure should be signed at the time of acquiring building permits or at closings if the property being purchased is outside of a city limit. Failure to disclose that said property is in an agricultural area would result in at least a $500.00 fine to the realtor and/or seller, (7) We support legislation to prevent county and

local governments from establishing regulations more restrictive than state regulations for new or existing agricultural operations or facilities.

Water Use – 548G (1) We believe the right to use water (surface and sub-surface) is a private property right that is subject to state regulation only to the extent necessary to protect downstream users. We adamantly oppose the concept of water as a public resource. Regarding water law, we embrace the “regulated riparian” model and we reject “public trust doctrine.” The water rights of farmers must be preserved.

(2) We strongly affirm that agriculture should maintain its water use priority position as second only to human consumption at all times and under all conditions. The definition of human consumption should not include recreational nor industrial uses.

(3) We urge that Farm Bureau be represented on all committees, boards, and councils that impact the planning and use of water in Georgia.

(4) We support reasonable limitations on inter-basin and intra-basin transfers of water in order to maintain adequate water supplies for agriculture, so long as the needs of donor regions and basins are protected.

(5) We support state and federal funding for the conservation of water through construction of water reservoirs, ponds, and other impoundments. Government regulations should be designed to encourage and reward these water conservation efforts, and the Statewide Comprehensive Water Management Plan should reflect these goals. The requirements under reservoir construction should be economically feasible for the State and Federal Government.

(6) We support mandatory metering on all agricultural irrigation water systems in Georgia if the meters and their installation, service, and monitoring are provided to farmers at no cost.

(7) Under Georgia’s regulated riparian water law, we acknowledge the importance of a permitting system for large users of water, and we support the use of permits to protect downstream users. In areas where the issuance of new water use permits by EPD is restricted, we support the voluntary transfer of those permits.

(8) Farmers who have been pumping irrigation water from surface water ponds without permits should be “grandfathered” and the water permit issued. We believe all existing agricultural withdrawal permits should be protected by statute, and we urge EPD to issue all agricultural water permits for which applications have been received.

(9) We support additional funding for desalination research.

(10) Georgia’s river basins have differing characteristics. Water control decisions should be made on a basin-by-basin method and should be managed and governed by the stakeholders in that basin.

(11) We support cost share programs under the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to pay for water conservation by converting from hard hose and cable tow irrigation to low pressure pivot irrigation systems.

We also support full funding to upgrade existing high pressure systems to low pressure.

(12) We support mandatory use of gray water in new residential areas, industrial parks, and corporate parks.

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

(13) We urge state officials to create a new “recreational water use” reporting category for golf courses, parks, and other recreational activities to get a more accurate reporting of agricultural water use.

(14) We oppose any reductions of daily agricultural irrigation withdrawal limits.

(15) We recommend the Georgia Safe Dam Act be amended to require entities constructing buildings within the dam rupture zone to bear the cost of upgrading the dam to the appropriate specification. We urge adequate funding for the reconditioning of dams that may have structural deficiencies due to age.

(16) We recommend that funding and engineering assistance be made available for repair and reconstruction of private dams damaged or destroyed by flood.

(17) We support an agricultural exemption for commercial fruit and vegetable producers in metro area counties to allow low-volume irrigation during watering bans.

(18) We support an annual fee of no more than $2.00 to be assessed on each active water meter and active wellhead with proceeds to be used to fund a “Conservation Incentive Cost Share Program” in the State of Georgia.

(19) When it is scientifically determined that adequate water is available in areas under a permit moratorium, we urge EPD to immediately reinstate the process of issuing new withdrawal permits.

(20) We support the establishment of a regional “Drought Policy Commission” to coordinate drought management activities within areas of the state under a water withdrawal moratorium.

(21) We support legislation to require House and Senate Natural Resources committees to vote to approve/disapprove water and related regulations proposed by DNR before implementation.

(22) We support continued appropriations for the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Centers and the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

(23) We support science based approaches to preserve our freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion.

(24) We recommend any future water moratorium not be implemented unless it includes every person, industry, homeowner, etc.

(25) All water used by agriculture should be considered as being used for human consumption.

(26) Any water management plan for the Flint River Basin must take into account all water uses from the Flint River.

(27) We oppose any additional authority of EPD to restrict agricultural water use.

(28) We oppose regional governmental storm water management commissions expanding farmland floodplains, by using unrealistic 500 year rainfall data, and assuming all property upstream is fully developed.

(29) In future Georgia water legislation, the rights of agricultural water users should be protected and data collected from metering should only be used for studies and not for restrictions or bans.

(30) We recommend changes to decentralize the authority of the Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division in administering the Statewide Comprehensive Water Management Plan. We support more checks and balances on authority within this plan.

(31) Upon implementation of the Statewide Comprehensive Water Management Plan, the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District

Georgia Neighbors • Winter 2009

must be in compliance, but not exceed, the provisions of that plan.

(32) Counties with a strong agricultural base should not be included in any metro water planning district.

(33) We support the exemption of low volume irrigation from future outdoor watering restrictions.

(34) We urge agricultural representation on the metropolitan north georgia water planning district.

(35) In the event EPD restricts, modifies, or suspends an agriculture withdrawal permit the permit, holder must be compensated accordingly.

(36) We oppose any plan to drain or change the designation or scope of man-made lakes or reservoirs that provide much needed electricity, irrigation, navigation and municipal water. We oppose releases of water that are not in accord with agricultural water demands, hydroelectric power generation and/or flood control criteria.

Wildlife Management – 567G (1) We recommend that game laws be reassessed to make sure that Georgia wildlife is managed to have limited impact on farmers.

(2) We recommend a lengthened deer hunting season with more anterless days and increased overall bag limits, and we encourage hunter/landowner educational programs to manage the overpopulated deer herd in Georgia.

(3) We urge the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to seek input from the farm sector in regard to wildlife and hunting regulations, and work with the farmer where there is a problem of crop damage from deer or a need for clarification of hunting regulations.

(4) We encourage more stringent enforcement of laws against using state and county rights-of-way for hunting purposes.

(5) We urge the courts of Georgia to impose stiffer penalties on persons pleading guilty to or convicted of trespassing or hunting on lands of another without permission.

(6) We recommend the Department of Natural Resources intensify efforts to control the beaver and Canada goose population in Georgia. We further recommend the Department of Natural Resources stop recognizing non-migrating Canada geese as a federally regulated “migrating” game species and increasing the daily bag limit to 12. We support year round permits for farmers, horticulturists, and golf course managers to shoot geese.

(7) We recommend legislation to set standards that will establish private property damage, including crop and vehicle, as a primary consideration in wildlife game management.

(8) Before any new or native wildlife species is released in an area, there should be an in-depth study made on the effect of such wildlife on state, community and town. Government agencies should be held responsible for any detrimental results of such wildlife releases.

(9) To control disease, we oppose the movement and release of raccoons, wild hogs, coyotes, wolves, deer, or elk by any entity or individual unless permitted by the Georgia DNR. (10) In the absence of legislation prohibiting release of animals, we support regulations requiring blood tests to prevent the introduction of diseases to farmers’ livestock.

(11) Due to inconsistent hunting regulations between arbitrary hunting regions across the state, we urge the

implementation of uniformity in hunting seasons and hunting laws.

(12) Georgia Farm Bureau supports sport hunting and fishing, and we urge better enforcement of all game limit laws, particularly dove and duck limits.

(13) We recommend Georgia Farm Bureau support legislation to be passed which will allow beekeepers the right to selectively harvest nuisance bears which cannot be controlled by the use of electric fences.

(14) Any federally protected game or other wildlife destroying a crop should be able to be controlled by the landowner without penalties or permits.

(15) As a result of the wildlife which has been released in our state over the past 20 years, (ie. deer, coyotes, turkeys and geese) we strongly recommend that a committee be formed of legislators and farmers from all geographic areas of the state. This committee should meet with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to evaluate the impact that wildlife has on agriculture - specifically in regards to crop and property losses before the introduction of additional wildlife.

(16) We urge the state legislature and Georgia Department of Natural Resources to study ways in which farmers can be compensated for crop damages done by wildlife.

(17) Due to increased crop damage caused by deer or wild hogs, we recommend that GFB explore possibilities with DNR of assessing hunting licenses or using funds from the Georgia wildlife tags to cost-share a program of building fences around specialty crops such as fruit orchards and nurseries to keep these animals out.

(18) Current DNR regulations concerning deer farming which mandate an acreage restriction of 300 fenced acres per plot should be reduced to 200 acres.

(19) We support the expansion of the “Bobwhite Quail Initiative” throughout the State.

(20) We support legislation that allows the hunting of deer and wild hogs over any exposed or scattered grain.

(21) Anyone convicted of releasing hogs into the wild should be prosecuted and fined to the maximum the law allows. We recommend research be done to find a biological solution to Georgia’s feral hog problem.

(22) We oppose the imposition of Georgia salt water fishing license.

(23) We urge the State and DNR to hold monthly hunts on land owned and operated by DNR to reduce population of wild hogs, deer and coyotes.

(24) We oppose the placement of deer hunting stands within 60 feet of a property line unless the landowners on both sides of the property line mutually agree to the placement.

(25) We support hunter safety courses.

(26) We support DNR not require a permit for the hunting of wild feral hogs on a farmers’ property, and the farmer be allowed any control method short of poisoning 365 days a year.

(27) Property owners shall have the right to protect their personal property, crops, and animals from wild life and intruders.

(28) The Department of Natural Resources should handle all the licensing (re: hunting, fishing, and boat registration) within the state and not outsource outside the state of Georgia.

(29) We urge DNR to assist landowners in the eradication of wildlife causing damage to private property, including the capture of feral hogs.

39

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