HOUSE AG COMMITEE VOTES TO RENEW WHIP+
On Tuesday, July 27, the House Committee on Agriculture held a business meeting to consider H.R.267, the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Protection Act (“WHIP+”), and an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (“ANS”), which included six subsections under the Disaster Indemnity Program. The bill reauthorizes the 2018-2019 WHIP+ program which would extend coverage to 2020 and 2021, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA). This program would provide payments to producers that offset losses from hurricanes, wildfires, and other qualifying natural disasters, and cover losses of crops, trees, bushes, and vines that occurred as a result of those disaster events, milk losses due to adverse weather conditions, and losses to on-farm stored commodities. The Committee favorably reported the bill as amended by voice vote.
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2021 HARVEST CELEBRATION TICKETS AVAILABLE |
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Thank you to everyone who purchased Early Bird Tickets!
Our Early Bird Raffle winners are listed below
One Night's Stay at the Waverly:
Chestatee Chattahoochee RC&D Council Inc.
1 of 4 Field of Dreams Books:
Brooksco Dairy
Cal-Maine Foods Inc.
Crop Science, A Division of Bayer
Newton Crouch Inc.
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Harvest Celebration is the focal event of the year for agribusiness in Georgia. The evening unites leaders from every agriculture sector and corner of the state in a festive salute to the industry. Tickets and table sponsorships can be purchased online or by calling the GAC office. The cut-off date to be listed in the Harvest Celebration program as a ticket purchaser or a table sponsor is Monday, October 18. Harvest Celebration will be hosted by the GAC Foundation, the 501(c)3 partner of the Georgia Agribusiness Council. Your contributions will directly benefit initiatives that support agriculture education, research, leadership develop, and agriculture policy studies. Can't attend, but still want to support the GAC Foundation? We're accepting Silent Auction and Field of Dreams donations!
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For ticket or donation questions, call the GAC Office at
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BAYER TO PULL GLYPOHOSATE FROM U.S. LAWN AND GARDEN MARKETS
From dailyscoop.com
Bayer officials announced on Thursday the company is removing glyphosate from the U.S. residential lawn and garden marketplace, effective as early as January 2023.That is the earliest the decision could be implemented, according to Liam Condon, president of the Bayer Crop Science Division and a member of the Bayer AG board of management. “This is from a regulatory and logistical point of view (of what’s) possible,” Condon said during a conference call with investors.
The company will replace glyphosate in the lawn and garden marketplace with what Condon described as active ingredients that are already known and well-established. “What is new will be the formulation or formulations and will include multiple active ingredients,” he said, noting the product or products will still be sold under the Roundup brand. More than 90% of the Roundup litigation claims Bayer has faced in recent years have come from the U.S. residential lawn and garden market business segment and is what led to the company deciding to abandon it, according to Werner Baumann, CEO of Bayer AG.
“Let me be very clear that (this decision) is exclusively geared at managing litigation risk and not because of any safety concerns,” Baumann said.
The company currently has about 30,000 unresolved cancer claims that it is working to address through a five-point plan developed earlier this year (read more here).
Baumann said farmers and retailers – who he described as professional and agricultural users – will continue to have access to glyphosate from Bayer for weed control.
“We know that farmers continue to rely on Roundup containing glyphosate to deliver crops to market using sustainable farming practices that reduce soil tillage, thereby reducing soil erosion and carbon emissions,” Baumann said.
“The agricultural segment is a completely different segment with very different volumes, of course, different labels and different dosages that are used,” Condon added. “We think from an overall labeling point of view, it is a very well-protected market.”
Baumann said the company is “advancing its plans to work with EPA” to provide more information about glyphosate to end users about the science to ensure more-informed purchasing and application decisions.
“We will also set up a new website by the end of 2021 that will provide even more transparency on the extensive science related to glyphosate,” he said.
Condon noted that the registrations of formulations that will be introduced in the lawn and garden markets in 2023 are pending regulatory approval.
“We are working with some standard and proprietary formulations that would be sold under the Roundup brand and that would be superior,” he said. “Once we have more news from EPA, then we will be more detailed.”
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REPUBLICANS TAKE TO SENATE FLOOR OVER DEATH TAXES
Senate Republicans on Wednesday previewed one of their attack lines for Democrats’ $3.5 trillion spending package by going after a proposal to end the use of stepped-up basis and start taxing capital gains at death, reported Agri-Pulse.
“If the stepped-up basis is eliminated, generations of accumulated work would be ripped, literally ripped, from the hands of America’s farm families,” declared Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
He was later followed to the Senate floor by the ranking member of the Senate Ag Committee, John Boozman of Arkansas, and other farm-state Republicans. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), called the proposal “a direct assault on multi-generational farms in Kansas and across the country.”
Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the Senate minority whip, led a letter released Wednesday signed by every Senate Republican calling on Biden to drop the capital-gains increase, arguing it "would have a devastating effect on multi-generation" businesses, farms and ranches.
Under President Biden’s proposal, the tax liability for family farms and small businesses would be deferred as long as they stay in operation. There also would be exemptions of up to $2.5 million per couple. Still, critics say that the tax liabilities could be staggering.
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HOUSE AG SUBCOMMITEE HOLDS BEEF SUPPLY CHAIN MEETING
On Wednesday, July 28, the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to discuss the state of the beef supply chain. Discussion centered on topics of market resiliency, price discovery, the increased inclusion of small-to-medium sized plants, workforce limitations, and dangers of cyberattacks. Witnesses provided insight into market trends and ways to increase and maintain stability in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the JBS S.A. cyberattack and suggestions for how to recover and rebuild.
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BRIDGES: $14.4M PROJECT BRIGHTENS ABAC FUTURE
· Tifton Gazette Jul 31, 2021
TIFTON — With funding secured for the construction phase of a $14.4 million agricultural facilities project, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College President David Bridges said ABAC is ready “to step into the future of agriculture.
“Agricultural technology is the future of agriculture at ABAC,” Bridges said. “These new facilities will allow us to train ABAC students with cutting-edge technology in state of the art facilities, making sure that ABAC graduates are ready to go to work. Agriculture continues to be Georgia’s largest industry and we want to be a part of fueling the future.”
Bridges said Georgia legislators approved $1.1 million in planning money for the agricultural facilities enhancement project in Fiscal Year 2021 and then followed that up with $11.8 million in construction funding for the existing year. He said he hopes that lawmakers fund $1.5 million in equipment costs in Fiscal Year 2023 to complete the $14.4 million project.
“We had a record enrollment in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources last fall, and we could top that number when fall semester classes begin in a couple of weeks,” Bridges said. “ABAC is now the leading producer of workforce-ready graduates for Georgia’s number one industry, agriculture.
“We’re supporting a portion of these students with aging buildings that were not designed for the scope or scale of programs today. Some of our students go to classes in facilities designed for the ABAC enrollment in 1971 when the Chambliss Building was constructed.”
Dr. Mark Kistler, dean of School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said he believes the renovation of the Chambliss Building and the construction of the new Agricultural Technology Center broaden the foundation for programs that are already on the move.
“The new Agricultural Technology Center provides much needed facilities for our growing agricultural technology and systems management program,” Kistler said. “The covered, open-air multi-purpose space can be used for numerous types of teaching and demonstration activities.
“The Chambliss renovation will provide a home for the agricultural education and communication department which will include a state-of -the-art agricultural sciences classroom/laboratory; upgraded space for our agricultural engineering faculty, staff, and agricultural technology experiential laboratories; and improved space for our Georgia Agricultural Education partners.”
Tim Carpenter, ABAC director of facilities and land resources, said the project includes 28,000 square feet of new construction and renovation of the 22,215 square-foot Chambliss Building.
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2021 FIELD DAY AND SUNBELT AG EXPO UPDATES:
Sunbelt Expo Email
The 2021 Sunbelt Ag Expo is Oct. 19-21, 2021
It is with much disappointment that the 2021 Field Day scheduled as an in-person event for August 12 has been changed to a VIRTUAL ONLY experience.
While we have given every effort to host the event as an in person experience, additional rain during the last couple of weeks, for a total of 16.84 inches since July 1, has forced us to move to a virtual Field Day opportunity.
Plot videos and descriptions will be released Thursday, August 12th at 8:00 am. Visit sunbeltexpo.com/field-day for all of the details.
Thank you for your patience as we adapt to ever changing situations. We look forward to seeing you at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, October 19-21, 2021.
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EPA TEMPORARILY REVERTS BACK TO PAST WOTUS DEFINITION
This past Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that while they proceed to review the current definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS), in the meantime, they will be returning to the pre-Obama administration definition of the rule. The EPA plans to host a series of virtual public meetings for stakeholders on the potential for rule changes in the month of August. The USDA is encouraging farmers and ranchers to add their input into the decision-making process.
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STARTING FEB. 7: ENTRY-LEVEL DRIVER TRAINING WILL BE REQUIRED FOR NEW CDLs
Beginning February 7, 2022, most new commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers will be required to go through important training before they can obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Based on a Congressional mandate to improve safety by requiring training for new CDL holders, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations will require anyone who has never held a CDL to undergo Entry Level Driver Training (EDLT) before they can move from a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) to a full CDL.
Current CDL holders wishing to upgrade their license by moving from a Class B to a Class A license for a Hazardous Materials endorsement, must also go through a specific training curriculum.
Drivers who hold a CLP prior to February 7 are not required to go through ELDT as long as they successfully convert to a full CDL before the CLP expires. Drivers who previously held CDLs but who have let them lapse are not required to go through ELDT to get a new CDL and return to driving.
Depending on the class of vehicle and the required endorsements, drivers will take customized Theory and the Behind the Wheel training to improve their understanding of safe CMV operations and make them safer as they begin their new driving responsibilities. Theory Training topics range from basic operations to handling dangerous roadway conditions and reporting vehicle malfunctions. To complete the training, driver applicants must successfully pass a written evaluation. Behind the Wheel training will include instruction in many areas of CMV operations and can take place on both a training range and actual roadways. Although it will not take the place of a skills test conducted by State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA), driver applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in all areas to complete the training.
FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR) will be the hub for this new safety-focused requirement. Organizations wanting to provide the required ELDT must register themselves on the TPR. Driver applicants seeking to locate classes, will use the TPR to find the best provider to fit their needs. State Driver Licensing Agencies will be required to check the TPR to make sure a driver applicant has completed ELDT before they can either let the driver take the in-vehicle skills test to get a CDL or add the covered endorsement.
You can find more details about the requirements that become effective on February 7, 2022 at FMCSA’s Website Click Here
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SCHOLARSHIP
GAC is also proud to announce the release of the William C. "Bill" Baisley "Sumpin' Big" Scholarship applications for 2021. This $1000 scholarship is offered up to three students in need of financial assistance studying for an agricultural career at a college in Georgia. Mr. Baisley, longtime friend of GAC and Director Emeritus on our board of directors, has a passion for the future of agriculture and those looking to advance it. Bill used the phrase “sumpin big” as a way to move ideas forward. We honor him with this scholarship and look forward to helping a student that is moving our industry forward. Please share this scholarship application with a college student or high school senior in Georgia needing financial assistance and studying in the areas of agriculture or natural resources. The scholarship application is due postmarked to the GAC office on or before October 12, 2021.
GRANT
GAC started the Dr. Joe B. Crane Memorial Classroom Grant Program to deliver grant funds directly to teachers for ag education projects. It is named for longtime GAC Director and education program advocate Dr. Joe B. Crane of Valdosta. Dr. Joe was an integral part of the Lowndes County Board of Education and carried his passion for education wherever he went. We are proud to support this program that gives Georgia teachers the chance to creatively teach agriculture in their classroom. Any public or private school teacher in Georgia, no matter the grade level, wanting to incorporate the importance of agriculture in their lesson plans can take advantage of this opportunity for assistance in the classroom to help educate the future generation of Georgians. The applications are due postmarked to the GAC office by October 10, 2021.
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THERE IS STILL TIME
The 2021 GAC Star Sponsor program has had great result so far this year but you can still get in on it! This program helps with events during the legislative session along with building support for a variety of projects and initiatives that cannot take place without the added participation. Star Sponsors are reflected in each of our newsletters, as posted on this page, along with the weekly legislative reports throughout each session of the Georgia General Assembly, monthly newsletters, and more.
Click here for 2021 Star Sponsor registration information and email to Jill Hansard or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. Thank you!
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Bagwell Insurance Group, Inc.
Beaver Creek Plantation
Brooksco Dairy, LLC
Camp Family Farms LLC
Carroll EMC
DeWitt Produce Co. Inc.
Doerun Gin Co. Inc.
Georgia Cotton Commission
Georgia Development Authority
Georgia Power
Georgia Young Farmers Association
Hattaway Farms Partnership
International Forest Company, Inc.
Jones Cork, LLP
Kelley Manufacturing Co.
Market Grocery Company
Mercier Orchards
Mixon Seed Services Inc.
Mobley Greenhouses, Inc.
SafEnvirons, Inc.
Striplings General Store - Bogart GA
Superior Pine Products Co.
The Turfgrass Group, Inc.
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
WDairy LLC
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Ag Technologies LLC dba Vantage Southeast
AgSouth Services, Inc.
Bay Branch Farms, Inc.
C. M. Tanner Grocery Co. Inc.
Coley Gin & Fertilizer Co.
Cotton Partners LLC
Cromartie Agricultural Chemicals Inc.
CSA Farms, Inc.
Curry Farm Supply Inc.
Drexel Chemical Co.
Durden Banking Co. Inc.
Embry Farm Service/ Embry Transport
Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC
Esparza Enterprises, Inc.
Farmer's Best Fertilizer
G & H Harvesting Inc.
Garcia Family Harvesting, Inc.
Georgia Christmas Tree Association
Georgia Food Bank Association Inc.
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Georgia Vocational Ag Teacher Association
Greene County Fertilizer Co.
Greg Leger Farms, LLC
Greg Sikes Farm, LLC
H. T. McLendon Co.
Hazel Creek Cider, Inc. / Yearwood Farms, Inc.
Hulsey Farm Service
Israel Farm Supply, Inc.
Joe Boddiford Farms
KAKEGA LLC
L. R. Land & Cattle Company, Inc.
Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC
Lenox Peanut Company
Longbridge Peanut Co.
McCorkle Nurseries, Inc.
McIntyre Golf Development
Moultrie Colquitt County Development Authority
Northeast Georgia Livestock
Oglethorpe Power Corporation
Patrick Family Farms
Peebles Timber, Inc.
Quality Gin, Inc.
Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc
Sconyers Gin & Warehouse Co.
South Georgia Produce, Inc.
Southern AGCOM Inc.
Southern Seed Company, Inc.
Swainsboro Stockyard
Sweetbay Farm, LLC
Sylvania Peanut Co. Inc.
The Satsuma Company, LLC
Three Brothers Trucking, LLC
Vidalia Onion Business Council
West Georgia Processing, Inc.
Special thanks to all of our Star Sponsors. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 for details. Thank you!
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ASMARK INSTITUTE - Safe & Sound Online Training
The Safe & Sound Online Training Management tool is ideal for organizations seeking a comprehensive training solution that incorporates advanced technologies to help manage their employee training from start to finish, simplifying and streamlining the process.
Other features include:
- Thirty-one ag-specific topics on DVD, licensed for on-site use
- Manage your employee list
- Order personalized new hire, re-hire, or supplemental training kits
- Track results on your personal dashboard
- And much more!
Click here for more information. This link will take your members directly to our website to learn more about the Safe & Sound Online Training Management tool.
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This information is intended for members of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. No part of this document shall be copied, edited, or redistributed in any form without express written consent from the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc.
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CELEBRATING 55 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY |
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