September 16, 2020
www.gfb.org
Vol. 2 No. 18
TURNER CO. FARMER SAYS WINNING 2019 GFB HAY CONTEST AN HONOR GFB accepting entries for 2020 contest As the winner of Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2019 Quality Hay Contest, Turner County Farm Bureau member Jeff Lamb has enjoyed baling his hay this year with a new Vermeer 604R baler. Lamb’s’ first place prize was getting the free use of the baler with the option to buy it at a reduced price at the end of the year. Vermeer delivered the baler to Lamb back in the spring. Vermeer and GFB representatives visited with Lamb at his farm on Sept. 9 to see how his 2020 hay season has gone and how the baler has performed for him. Lamb, whose family has farmed the same land in northern Turner County for more than 100 years, submitted a sample of his Russell Bermudagrass last fall and achieved a Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) score of 155. RFQ is a measure of the nutritional value and palatability of the hay. Lamb and his father Doyle, work 60 acres, growing hay both for commercial sale and to feed their own herd of cattle. “I had entered the contest for several years,” Lamb said. “I think I’d been in the top five a couple of times, but when they told me I had won it was a shock and an honor. I was very well pleased. There’s some very good hay people that always enter and do real well.” The 2019 contest drew 40 entries and the average RFQ for all entries was 120.77. Lamb gets a year’s use of the baler and will have the option to buy it at a reduced price at the end of the year. “It is good to reward them, to recognize people for the achievements that they made, to have people focus on quality hay production as well as quality feed production,” said Vermeer Regional Manager Bryan Setzer. Vermeer has provided the GFB Hay Contest top prize for 20 years. GFB is now accepting entries for the 2020 Quality Hay Contest. Hay entered in the 2020 GFB Quality Hay Contest will be tested at the University of Georgia Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Entry fees, forms and samples should be sent to the GFB Public Policy Department 1620 Bass Road Macon, Ga., 31210. Entry fees, forms and samples may also be taken to your county Farm Bureau office. Entry forms outlining all contest rules may be picked up at local county Farm Bureau offices or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. The deadline to enter is Oct. 31.
GFB Field Notes page 2 of 13 GFB OFFERS NEW MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT TO FARM BUREAU MEMBERS Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is excited to partner with Family Life Insurance Company to offer a new Medicare supplement insurance coverage exclusively to its members. This new partnership gives GFB members several low-cost options when choosing Medicare supplement insurance available through insurance staff at their local Farm Bureau office. “This is Medicare health coverage designed to help the seniors in our communities meet their insurance needs,” said GFB President Gerald Long. “Whether you are new to Medicare or if you have been on Medicare for some time, I encourage you to talk to staff at your local Farm Bureau office about how you can apply for the new Georgia Farm Bureau Medicare Supplement.” The Georgia Farm Bureau Medicare Supplement allows applicants to choose from a variety of plans with varying levels of coverage and pricing. The flexibility and security of these plans make it a great fit for any GFB member. These plans have no network restrictions, which allows policy holders to choose their doctor and provider. As long as a doctor/medical provider accepts Medicare, policy holders will be covered by the Georgia Farm Bureau Medicare Supplement. There’s no waiting period for pre-existing conditions and benefits are paid from the time a policy is in force. Policy holders will receive a $35 first-month premium discount upon enrollment. Seniors who aren’t GFB members are welcome to join the organization to be eligible to purchase coverage. For more information about the Medicare supplement plans call 800-633-5432, option 1 or contact your county Farm Bureau office. You may visit www.gfb.insure/medsupp to access contact info for your county Farm Bureau insurance staff and for more information.
GA FOUNDATION FOR AG SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR MOBILE CLASSROOM JOBS The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is seeking applicants for a part time hauler to drive its Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom around the state, primarily middle to south Georgia and set it up for school visits. The hauler will coordinate with schools, county Farm Bureau offices or the foundation executive director to arrange delivery of the mobile classroom trailer. Applicants should have experience driving a large pickup with attached large trailer, valid Georgia driver’s license, current medical certificate, ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds. The hauler will be responsible for hooking classroom trailer to electricity at destination or to a portable generator, keeping the truck and trailer clean, assisting with setup and takedown of mobile classroom trailer as needed, and taking truck and trailer to repair shop for preventative maintenance as needed. Hauler position training is expected to begin in November. The job will ramp up when the mobile classroom launches in January 2021. Starting pay is $16/hour. An ideal candidate must have a flexible schedule and live around Macon. To learn more or apply visit www.gfb.ag/HaulersApply. The foundation is also accepting applications for a part-time education coordinator to work with the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom in the following counties: Clay, Crisp, Dooly, -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 3 of 13 Continued from previous page Houston, Lee, Macon, Marion, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Turner, Webster and Wilcox. Applicants must live in one of these counties, have a valid Georgia driver’s license and three years of classroom or other student instruction experience. The education coordinator for Georgia Farm Bureau’s 8th District will be responsible for teaching ag-tivities using approved lesson plans and conducting a Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) demonstration, maintaining a safe, respectful learning environment for the students, working with county Farm Bureau representatives to ensure the schools are engaged in the pre and post visit lessons; notifying teachers to submit survey results from teachers/students after each visit; speak with local media following foundation guidelines. Applicants need the ability to: stand for long periods of time, lift/carry up to 30 pounds and handle a fast-paced environment. The education coordinator will be paid $125/day, mileage reimbursement and hotel reimbursement if school visit requires more than two hours (120 miles) travel. Time commitment for this position averages 15 days of school visits and community events from Feb. 15-March 5, 2021 plus one full day of summer training and possible other dates in summer and fall. Visit www.gfb.ag/Dist8EC for more information and to apply. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES OUTLINE AG STANCES IN AFBF QUESTIONNAIRE A new look into President Donald Trump’s and former Vice President Joe Biden’s priorities for rural America is revealed in their responses to an American Farm Bureau Federation questionnaire. AFBF asked the Republican and Democratic candidates to respond with their stances on several topics directly affecting America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities, including trade, labor, regulatory reform and sustainability. “The views of Farm Bureau members are as diverse as the food that is grown in this country, but we share the same goal of choosing leadership that will help America thrive,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “We are at a crucial time for agriculture as we navigate the challenges of a global pandemic, trade wars and depressed markets. It is important for our members to understand where the presidential candidates stand on issues important to rural America.” President Trump’s responses focus largely on his first-term accomplishments. He pledges a science-based approach to regulation going forward. He commits to addressing the “rural/urban divide” and emphasizes support for voluntary conservation programs. Former Vice President Biden’s responses focus heavily on environmental sustainability and improving prosperity in rural communities. He, too, pledges to rely on experts and scientists when it comes to policies and regulation. He commits to “rebuilding the middle class” and working with farmers to achieve net-zero emissions. The questionnaire includes 12 questions. In addition to the topics listed above, it covers food system resiliency post-pandemic, rural life and health, biotechnology, clean water, the Endangered Species Act, energy, taxes and farm policy programs. The answers are presented as they were received, unedited, to give members an unfiltered look at each candidate’s platform. AFBF has invited candidates from both parties to respond to election questionnaires for more than 40 years. Read the candidates’ survey responses www.fb.org/election2020.
GFB Field Notes page 4 of 13 COTTON GROWERS SOUGHT FOR U.S. COTTON TRUST PROTOCOL U.S. cotton producers who choose to enroll in the U.S Cotton Trust Protocol are signaling to the world that U.S. cotton is serious about setting a new standard for sustainability. The Trust Protocol, launched in 2019, is an integrated data collection, measurement and verification procedure that will document U.S. cotton production practices and their environmental impact. The data is intended to benchmark U.S. cotton producers’ gains toward reaching (by 2025) the U.S. cotton industry’s national sustainability goals: • 13% increase in productivity, i.e. reduced land use per pound of fiber; • 18% increase in irrigation efficiency; • 39% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; • 15% reduction in energy use; • 50% reduction in soil loss; and • 30% increase in soil carbon. These goals are in line with the United Nations’ sustainability goals. Importantly, U.S. cotton producers’ commitment to these goals through the Trust Protocol will provide the global textile supply chain much-needed assurances that U.S. cotton is produced in a responsible manner. The Trust Protocol’s mission is aimed at 1) meeting U.S. cotton customers’ sustainability needs while 2) providing transparency on U.S. cotton sector efforts to promote farmer economic livelihood, environmental stewardship, caring of people/community and personal/corporate integrity. Producers’ involvement in the voluntary Trust Protocol provides them a unique opportunity to examine their farming operations for areas where further changes can be made – a step that not only should reduce their environmental footprint but benefit their bottom line. Some 300 U.S. cotton producers have enrolled in a pilot of the Trust Protocol which was launched this past July. The National Cotton Council is optimistic that 500-750 producers will be enrolled by December 2020 – and vigorous recruitment across the Cotton Belt will be ongoing. Trust Protocol enrollees complete a self-assessment of their farming practices via a questionnaire and their field data is shared through Field to Market’s Fieldprint Platform. Control Union Certifications North America verifies the Trust Protocol annual data that will highlight the sustainability metrics – land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. Trust Protocol information, including a question/answer, can be found at www.TrustUsCotton.org, where producers can enroll. That site also contains information about how to sign up for Trust Protocol information/enrollment process webinars to be held on Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15; Nov. 12; and Dec. 10.
GFB Field Notes page 5 of 13 CONTAMINATION THREATENS U.S. COTTON’S REPUTATION Cotton grown in the United States has the reputation for being one of the cleanest fibers in the world. This reputation is under threat, as plastic contamination in cotton is a major issue for the industry. Gins and textile mills continue to find plastic in cotton bales. Some of the culprits include plastic wrap from round modules, shopping bags, paper towels and other contaminants littering the sides of fields before harvest. About 88% of plastic contamination is module wrap. Because plastic is not generally distributed uniformly in a bale, the plastic may not be recognized in the sample and later found in the mill. This problem could cause customers to avoid a specific gin or growing area. Plastic contamination is preventable. To maintain the stellar reputation of U.S. cotton, it is crucial that both producers and ginners take proper steps to prevent plastic contamination. Harvest season is quickly approaching and it is important to adopt practices to reduce plastic contamination. Some tips to avoid contamination are: • Check your field before harvest; • Remove debris from your field; • Inspect harvest equipment daily for foreign matter; • Do not place modules near potential contaminants or on standing or shredded stalks; • Make communication between the producer and ginner a priority; • Make sure module covers and wraps are completely removed before ginning; • Inspect module feeders for foreign matter; If you are interested in more information on preventing contamination in cotton, please visit the Georgia Cotton Commission YouTube Channel (www.gfb.ag/GCCyoutubechannel) or the National Cotton Council of America website (www.cotton.org). The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the commission to invest in programs of research, promotion and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call 478-988-4235 or visit www.georgiacottoncommission.org. UGA EXTENSION: PREPARE FOR A RECORD-SETTING HURRICANE SEASON Between dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and early indications of an especially active hurricane season, University of Georgia experts urge citizens to prepare early and remain prepared for weather-related emergencies. This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is off to a record-setting start, according to climatologist Pam Knox, who is also director of the UGA Weather Network for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She says to expect another 10 or so named storms and five to nine hurricanes as the season progresses. “Since one out of four storms directly affects the Southeast, Georgia is likely to see more storm activity as the season ramps up later this summer and fall,” she said. “The season officially ends on Nov. 30, but in an active year it is not unusual to get storms that occur in December.” At press time Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center was forecasting that Hurricane Sally, which made landfall at Gulf Shores, Alabama, on Tuesday, would move through -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 6 of 13 Continued from previous page central Georgia later in the week with possible sustained winds up to 39 mph and the potential to dump between 6 and 10 inches of rain across the center of the state. In her Climate and Agriculture Blog, Knox said areas with the greatest precipitation amounts are likely to have flash flooding. UGA Extension has many publications and resources on weather preparedness and recovery, including numerous resources for agricultural producers, available at www.gfb.ag/UGAExtweatherprep. Timely weather information is also posted on Knox’s blog at site.extension.uga.edu/climate/. Knox and other UGA Cooperative Extension faculty are encouraging careful preparation for weather-related emergencies with the additional impacts of COVID-19. “It’s important to assess your property, including trees, and take care of any issues before storms arise. Make a plan for your family and business and back up important records,” she said. Making evacuation plans, stocking up on supplies and planning for social distancing are all important factors to consider or reassess. “Develop your plans early — you don’t have room to improvise this year — and have more than one plan,” said Chatham County Extension Coordinator Tim Davis, who remains behind during storms to help at the local Emergency Management Authority. He recommends planning to evacuate farther than usual, if possible, due to limitations on space and availability of transportation. “Everything you’re going to do, you need to think about COVID-19. You need to think about evacuating sooner, farther and for longer. Shelters are going to have a reduced capacity due to social distancing. The ability to transport people will also be limited. Keep your gas tanks full and your vehicle everyday carry supplies on hand,” he said. If evacuation plans include another person’s residence, social distancing and potential isolation should be considered. “It’d be nice to have a house that has a part for you and a part for them,” said Davis. “If someone gets sick, have a place to isolate them.” And if you’re still having an issue finding supplies now, during or after a severe storm will likely be much worse, he said. Recommended items to add to emergency preparedness kits in light of COVID-19 include additional face coverings, hand soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, disinfectant wipes and disposable gloves. Don’t forget any items that could help children cope with stress and make a plan that will follow their normal schedule as much as possible, said Diane Bales, associate professor and Extension specialist in the UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Child-specific tasks might include preparing clothes or toys. “Preparing children helps to reduce fear, anxiety and panic, all of which can be very challenging,” she said. “We also want to build their confidence and competence, so they know what to do and feel confident they can do it. We’re also hoping to build in an appropriate sense of control.” During a severe storm, use simple language to explain what is happening. Include why you’re doing activities such as boarding up windows or evacuating. Additionally, reassure children that you or another trusted adult will be alongside them, said Bales, because they rely on attachment figures like parents and other family members for comfort and stability.
GFB Field Notes page 7 of 13 FEDERAL AGENCIES OUTLINE PLAN TO ADDRESS UNFAIR PRODUCE IMPORTS On Sept. 1, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Commerce released a report outlining the Trump Administration’s plan to address the threat posed by increased foreign imports to American producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables. The plan follows public hearings held in August where more than 60 witnesses testified, including Georgia Farm Bureau President Gerald Long, in addition to over 300 written submissions. Based on information collected from these hearings, the agencies committed to the several actions to support America’s seasonal and perishable fruit and vegetable producers. The USTR will request the International Trade Commission to initiate a Section 201 global safeguard investigation into the extent to which increased imports of blueberries have caused serious injury to domestic blueberry growers. The USTR will pursue senior-level government-to-government discussions with Mexico over the next 90 days to address U.S. industry concerns regarding U.S. imports of Mexican strawberries, bell peppers, and other seasonal and perishable products. The USTR will work with domestic producers to commence an investigation by the International Trade Commission to monitor and investigate imports of strawberries and bell peppers, which could enable an expedited Section 201 global safeguard investigation later this year. The Department of Commerce will establish an outreach program to connect with Southeastern and other growers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables, to enhance understanding of applicable trade remedy laws and processes. Commerce will establish a formal channel for stakeholders to provide information related to unfair subsidies for foreign producers and exporters of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables, including those in Mexico – building on ongoing efforts to partner with U.S. industry to identify such subsidies. The USDA will increase targeted outreach to producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to maximize the use of existing Department of Agriculture programs and develop a market promotion strategy for domestically produced produce. The USDA will also initiate conversations with relevant federal partners to better understand the extent to which imports of seasonal and perishable products are utilized to enable criminal activity. The USTR, the Department of Commerce, and the USDA will establish an interagency working group to monitor seasonal and perishable fruit and vegetable products, coordinate as appropriate regarding future investigations and trade actions, and provide technical assistance to members of Congress in developing legislation on this issue. To read the plan visit www.gfb.ag/20fedproducetradeplan.
GFB Field Notes page 8 of 13 NICK PLACE NAMED UGA CAES DEAN AND DIRECTOR Nick T. Place, an academic leader with a record of applying research-based expertise to the needs of agricultural producers and communities, has been named dean of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and director of the UGA Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Experiment Stations. Place is currently dean for extension, director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service and a professor in the department of agricultural education and communication at the University of Florida. His appointment at UGA is effective Jan. 1, 2021. “I am delighted that Dr. Place will serve as the next dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “With his farreaching experience as a scholar, practitioner, educator and administrator, he will provide outstanding leadership to the college in the years to come.” As dean and director of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, a position he has held since 2012, Place oversees faculty located in each of Florida’s counties, 13 research and education centers, 15 academic departments and the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. He previously served as associate dean and associate director of University of Maryland Extension and as a faculty member at UF, where he was graduate coordinator and led the graduate program in agricultural education and communication. He began his career as an extension agent at Penn State University, where he conducted educational programs in dairy, livestock, 4-H youth development and community development. Place’s research and scholarship focuses on teaching and learning along with domestic and international extension services and their role in youth, community and economic development. His work has been supported by $1.7 million in grants and contracts from agencies such as the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the National Security Education Program. He is the author or co-author of more than 30 peer-reviewed publications as well as a book, several book chapters, and numerous extension publications. He was selected by the USDA to work in Poland for six months to assist the Polish Ministry of Agriculture in restructuring and reorienting its agricultural extension system. “Dr. Place has devoted his career to the land-grant ideal that universities exist to address the needs of our nation while producing knowledge and talent for global impact,” said S. Jack Hu, UGA’S senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “I am confident that he will provide visionary leadership to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences that promotes excellence in teaching, research and service.” Place was a fellow of the two-year Food Systems Leadership Institute program sponsored by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and the Land Grant System. His additional honors include receiving the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education Outstanding Achievement Award and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teacher Fellow Award. He earned his bachelor’s degree in dairy husbandry at Delaware Valley College in Pennsylvania. He earned his M.S. in dairy and animal science and his Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education from Penn State University. “I am looking forward to becoming the dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,” Place said. “There is recognizable strong potential in areas such as -continued on next page
GFB Field Notes page 9 of 13 Continued from previous page agricultural technology, innovation, food systems and a host of other areas across all three missions of research, teaching and extension outreach. I stand ready to proactively work with the outstanding faculty and staff at CAES and UGA who are poised to take the college to whole new heights.� A 24-member search committee co-chaired by Jennifer Frum, vice president for Public Service and Outreach, and Dale Greene, dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, helped identify finalists for the position. The committee was assisted by the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller and the UGA Search Group.
GFB Field Notes page 10 of 11 GEORGIA MILK PRODUCERS ANNUAL MEETINGS Sept. 17 Burke Co. Extension Office 7 p.m. Waynesboro Sept. 21 Oasis Coffee House 7 p.m. Montezuma Oct. 1 The Barnstormer’s Grill 7 p.m. Williamson Dairy producers across Georgia are invited to attend the annual fall district meetings for Georgia Milk Producers and The Dairy Alliance. The organizations will hold elections, announce upcoming events and report on industry issues and promotional efforts. Dinner will be served at each meeting. Due to current Covid-19 restrictions for gatherings, no more than 50 people are allowed to attend each meeting. For the Waynesboro meeting, please limit those attending from your farm to 2 or 3 people. Masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing will be utilized for each meeting. To preregister for the district meeting of your choice, please contact the Georgia Milk office at 706-310-0020. GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION Sept. 21-Oct. 2 online The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is offering almost 60 items in its first virtual silent auction! This is a great way to get a jump on your Christmas shopping while supporting the important agriculture programs the foundation manages, such as scholarships for students pursuing ag careers, Ag in the Classroom activities and the soon-to-be launched mobile Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Classroom. Register to participate at https://georgiafarmbureau.regfox.com/2020-foundation-silent-auction. Registration ends Sept. 18. 2020 PEANUT DISEASE TOUR Sept. 22 UGA Blackshank, Lang and Rigdon Farms Tifton Sept. 23 Auburn Wiregrass Research & Education Center Headland, Ala. This annual event will allow participants to see firsthand research being conducted by UGA and Auburn University into diseases that affect peanuts. Plot layouts are set up to allow for social distancing. A lunch is planned for Sept. 22 in Tifton. RSVP to Dr. Albert Culbreath at spotwilt@uga.edu or 229-386-3156. STAY AT HOME BEEKEEPING SERIES Sept. 29 Jack Rowe, Ala. Ext./Winter bee biology 7:30 p.m. online Oct. 27 Anthony Abbate, Auburn/Wildflower meadow 7:30 p.m. online Nov. 24 Jeff Harris, MSU/Getting started 7:30 p.m. online Dec. 29 Beekeeping Boxing Day Sales 7:30 p.m online The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is offering members of beekeeping clubs the opportunity to attend these free online meetings, each of which will bring participants up to date on timely beekeeping topics. Time for Q&A is included. Watch with Zoom at https://auburn.zoom.us/j/904522838 stream via Facebook live at www.facebook.com/LawrenceCountyextension/. For more information, visit Allyson Shabel at ams0137@aces.edu.
GFB Field Notes page 11 of 13 FARM SERVICE AGENCY ARC/PLC CROP YIELD UPDATES Sept. 30
deadline to update
Farm owners have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on their farms. The yields will be used to calculate the PLC payments for 2020 through 2023. Producers who elected Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) should also consider updating their yields. Updating yields requires the signature of one owner on a farm and not all owners. If a yield update is not made, no action is required to maintain the existing base crop yield on file with FSA. For program payments, updated yields will apply beginning with the 2020 crop year, which, should payments trigger, will be paid out in October 2021. For more information visit www.farmers.gov/arc-plc.
GEORGIA PRESCRIBED FIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING Sept. 30 10 a.m. online The Georgia Prescribed Fire Council invites you to attend its 2020 statewide annual meeting on Wednesday, September 30th. This year’s event will be virtual with no cost to participate. There will be a normal full agenda of speakers who will be available for live interaction with the audience for questions and comments. Agenda and registration info can be found at www.garxfire.com. The meeting will address critical issues for prescribed fire practitioners and advocates. The year’s keynote speaker will be Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue is the meeting’s guest speaker. Continuing Forestry Education and Master Timber Harvester credits will be available for those participating in the full conference. GEORGIA CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Sept. 30 application deadline Georgia Conservation Assistance Program provides financial assistance for the installation of green infrastructure practices on residential properties located in Cobb and Fulton counties. For more information, please visit www.gacd.us/gcap. U.S. CENSUS TIMELINE ADJUSTED The self-response phase of the 2020 U.S. Census, originally scheduled to run through July 31, then extended to Oct. 31, was on Aug. 3 shortened to Sept. 30, one of multiple adjustments to the Census calendar in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a Census Bureau press release. Delivery of states’ population totals, which determine how many seats states have in the House of Representatives, will be delivered to the president by April 30, 2021. For more information, visit https://census.georgia.gov/ and www.census.gov. TASTE OF THE FAIR RECIPE CONTEST Oct. 16 Deadline for entries Sad about the prospect of not getting your fix of fair food this fall? The Dairy Alliance has a cure: A “Taste of the Fair” Recipe Contest to give us the chance to recreate our favorite fair flavors using at least 8 oz. of milk & one other dairy product among the ingredients. Think Cotton Candy Milkshake, Funnel Cake Latte, a Cheesy Corndog or Loaded Taco Fries! Visit www.gfb.ag/dairyalliancetasteofthefair for contest rules & to enter. Grand prize winner wins a Cuisinart ice cream maker, a grocery store gift card & more. Top two Georgia recipes will receive a Dairy Alliance gift bag with great swag & will be featured in the organization’s Taste of the Fair Recipe Contest booklet to be distributed at fairs across the Southeast next year.
GFB Field Notes page 12 of 13 GFB QUALITY HAY CONTEST Georgia Farm Bureau invites all of its members who grow Bermudagrass hay to enter its annual hay contest by Oct. 31. Hay entered in the 2020 GFB Quality Hay Contest will be tested at the University of Georgia Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. There is a $20 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Entry fees, forms and samples should be sent to the GFB Public Policy Department 1620 Bass Road Macon, Ga., 31210. Entry fees, forms and samples may also be taken to your county Farm Bureau office. For more information about the contest contact Jeremy Taylor in the GFB Public Policy Department at jrtaylor@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5212. 2020 AG LABOR RELATIONS FORUM Nov. 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. each day online This annual event, sponsored in part by Georgia Farm Bureau, offers the latest labor updates for growers, shippers, processors and other agricultural professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from industry experts as they help you comply with labor laws, all from the comfort and convenience of your home! Cost is $95 per participant includes access to all webinars and resources. Each webinar will be available for on-demand access and viewing for all registered attendees. To learn more about the event or register visit www.georgiaaglaborforum.com/. GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL HARVEST CELEBRATION Nov. 20 Cobb Galleria Centre Atlanta The GAC’s focal event of the year for Georgia agribusiness, the Harvest Celebration unites leaders from every agriculture sector and corner of the state in a festive salute to the industry. For the first time the Harvest Celebration will be hosted by the GAC Foundation, the 501(c)3 partner of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, and contributions will directly benefit initiatives that support agriculture education, research, leadership develop, and agriculture policy studies. We hope that you will join us for a celebration that will honor our past and provide vital support for the future of agribusiness leadership in Georgia. The evening’s activities include a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. and a unique Field of Dreams reception that precede dinner at 7:30 and entertainment at 9. Entertainment will be provided by The Kinchafoonee Cowboys! For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.ga-agribusiness.org/Events.aspx. ASA CORTEVA AGRISCIENCE YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Corteva Agriscience are seeking applicants for the 2021 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program, a two-phase educational program for actively farming individuals and couples who are passionate about the future possibilities of agriculture. The women and men who participate in this program will be the leaders that shape the future of agriculture. Phase I of the 2021 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program will take place Dec. 1 – 4, 2020, at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. The program continues March 2 – 6, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show. Soybean grower couples and individuals are encouraged to apply. For more information or to apply, visit www.gfb.ag/21ASAYoungLeaders.
GFB Field Notes page 13 of 13 GFB HAY DIRECTORY GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who enter the GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory. DAIRY VOLUNTEERS LEND A LISTENING EAR FOR THOSE IN STRESS Are you a dairy farmer who would like to talk to a fellow farmer or industry friend about the stress you’re experiencing? Georgia Milk Producers has partnered with dairy groups in other Southeastern states to compile a list of dairy producers who are volunteering to talk with fellow farmers & dairy industry employees as the dairy sector navigates these difficult times. Click here to access the list of volunteers & other tips/suggestions for dealing with stress.