AUGUST 2023

AgOutlook is the monthly online publication of the Georgia Agribusiness Council. For information about what is going on within the GAC as well as updates on agribusiness topics of interests, read below. As always, please feel free to contact the GAC staff at any time. Contact information can be found at www.ga-agribusiness.org.

AG ISSUES SUMMIT AGENDA ANNOUNCED

Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry

August 22, 2023 | 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Registration: 9:00am

Welcome - Sen. Russ Goodman and Rep. Robert Dickey

Georgia Fairgrounds Update - Stephen Shimp; Executive Director, Georgia National Fairgrounds



Georgia Department of Agriculture Update - Tyler Harper; Commissioner, Georgia Department of Agriculture

On-Farm Production Economics and Market Outlooks - Dr. Chad Hart; Professor, Department of Economics, Iowa State University

The Fertilizer Market and Outlook - Corey Rosenbusch; President & CEO, The Fertilizer Institute

Foreign Ownership of Farmland - Micah Brown; Staff Attorney, The National Agricultural Law Center

Weather Forecasting - Pam Knox; Agricultural Climatologist, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia

UGA CAES Update - Dr. Nick Place; Dean, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia

Looking Ahead: 2024 Session & Wrap Up - Sen. Russ Goodman; Chairman, Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee - Rep. Robert Dickey; Chairman, House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

Adjourn – 1:30pm                        

TORT REFORM, A BIG ISSUE FOR GEORGIA AGRIBUSINESSES

Op-Ed by Will Bentley

Georgia's ag industry has long been the bedrock of our state's economy; providing food, fiber, employment, and vitality to our rural and urban communities alike. However, the weight of excessive and unpredictable court verdicts and expensive litigation has loomed as a significant challenge to our industry. In recent times, the call for tort reform has gained momentum, driven by the need to eliminate nuclear verdicts and reform Georgia's reputation as a "judicial hell hole" state for businesses. Governor Brian Kemp has cited runaway insurance costs and undue burdens on small businesses as the tipping point in making tort reform one of his top priorities in the upcoming legislative session. Such reforms could revolutionize the agribusiness landscape in Georgia, fostering innovation, growth, and a more equitable legal environment. Like the Governor, these reforms will be a top issue for the Georgia Agribusiness Council when the General Assembly reconvenes. This effort is driven by support from our members, who’s cost of doing business has sky-rocketed over the past decade due to a multitude of factors, frivolous lawsuits included.

Nuclear verdicts, defined as exceptionally large jury awards, have posed a significant threat to all businesses in Georgia. By eliminating unnecessary nuclear verdicts, tort reform could provide a much-needed respite to agribusinesses, enabling them to focus on their core mission: producing high-quality food and fiber products to feed our communities and beyond. Tort reform's impact isn't confined to the farm, cotton gin, shelling plant, ag retailer, or other agribusiness sectors alone; it extends its reach to the realm of commercial trucking in a large way, impacting us all. High insurance costs have long been a burden for trucking in ag and forestry related businesses, hitting their bottom line and inevitably driving up consumer prices at the grocery store.

By implementing measures to streamline the litigation processes, curb frivolous lawsuits, and ensure reasonable compensation, when necessary, Georgia can maintain its reputation as the number one state in the nation to do business. Tort reform will unleash a wave of innovation in Georgia's agribusiness sector. Freed from the constant fear of facing debilitating lawsuits, agribusinesses can redirect resources towards hiring talent as well as investing in new research, technology, and sustainable practices. This innovation not only bolsters the competitiveness of local agribusinesses but also positions Georgia as a global leader in precision agricultural advancement.

One of the often-overlooked consequences of excessive litigation is the potential impact on consumer prices. Tort reform can safeguard the affordability of locally produced food by preventing agribusinesses from having to pass inflated costs on to consumers. This ensures that nutritious and locally sourced products remain accessible and affordable to all Georgians, promoting public health and well-being. Each year, every Georgian pays thousands of dollars in hidden costs because of runaway insurance rates for the businesses that supply them with goods.

It is crucial to note that tort reform is not about depriving genuine victims of their rights. Instead, it seeks to strike a balance between justice and responsibility. By distinguishing between legitimate claims and opportunistic litigation, tort reform preserves the right of individuals to seek recourse while preventing the exploitation of legal loopholes that can harm agribusinesses.

By limiting nuclear verdicts, reforming the state's judicial landscape, and diminishing the financial strain on trucking insurance rates, the Georgia Legislature and Governor Kemp stand to elevate our state’s position as a leader of business and innovation to even greater heights while leveling the playing field for all Georgians. The Georgia Agribusiness Council wholeheartedly supports common sense tort reform and will stand alongside the Governor to ensure agribusiness remains the number one industry in the number one state in which to do business.

INDUSTRY GROUPS OPPOSE NARROW INTERPRETATION OF SCOTUS WETLANDS RULING

Farm groups are among the dozens of industry trade associations expressing concern that the Environmental Protection Agency will try to retain broad authority to regulate discharges into non-navigable waters despite a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Courtney Briggs, a director of government affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation who chairs the Waters Advocacy Coalition, which represents a wide variety of industry groups, said they are concerned about EPA’s stated intention to conduct a “surgical fix” of the Biden administration's rule redefining the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act.  

EPA and the Corps said they would reissue a new rule by Sept. 1, but without asking for public comment. They are using the “good cause” exception under the Administrative Procedure Act, which allows an agency to forgo public comments if it has good cause to believe it is "impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.”

Prianka Sharma, vice president and counsel, regulatory affairs, at the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, told Agri-Pulse that the administration's use of the “good cause” exception for the accelerated revision process is problematic. She said the good cause provision is intended for making “administrative, ministerial changes to a rule, or if there was a public emergency that required issuing a rule without notice and comment.”

A host of industry groups have met with OMB as the Sept. 1 deadline approaches, including the AFBF and the Waters Advocacy Coalition. Meetings between federal officials and outside groups began July 27. Most of the groups have represented industry interests, but a group representing former EPA officials and the Natural Resources Defense Council both have meetings scheduled for this week.

TYSON SHUTTING CHICKEN PLANTS AMID MEAT INDUSTRY STRUGGLES

Tyson Foods on Monday announced the closure of four chicken processing plants, and the meatpacking giant said it lost money on its chicken and pork business during the latest quarter while barely covering costs on its beef segment.

Tyson said it is shutting down plants during the first two quarters of fiscal 2024 at Corydon, Indiana; Dexter, Missouri; Noel, Missouri; and North Little Rock, Arkansas, ”to further optimize network asset utilization.”

Tyson CEO Donnie King told analysts Monday the company remains “optimistic about our long-term outlook. … We will continue to combat the current environment by focusing on what we can control."

DISCOVERY OF YELLOW-LEGGED HORNET CONFIRMED IN GEORGIA FOR THE FIRST TIME

Atlanta, GA – The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced, in coordination with USDA and the University of Georgia, confirmation of the detection of a living yellow-legged hornet in Georgia for the first time. This is the first detection of a live yellow-legged hornet in the open United States. GDA is asking the public to report any sightings of the yellow-legged hornet, a non-native hornet species, that, if allowed to establish in Georgia, could potentially threaten honey production, native pollinators, and our state’s number one industry – agriculture.

Earlier this month, a beekeeper in Savannah, GA, found an unusual hornet on his property and reported it to the GDA. On August 9, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the University of Georgia’s (UGA) identification of this insect as a yellow-legged hornet (YLH; Vespa velutina). 

"Georgians play an important role helping GDA identify unwanted, non-native pests, and I want to thank the beekeeper who reported his sighting to us, as well as our partners at the University of Georgia and USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service for working swiftly to confirm its identity," said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "Our experienced team of professionals will continue to assess the situation and are working directly with USDA APHIS and UGA to trap, track, and eradicate the yellow-legged Hornet in Georgia. "

The yellow-legged hornet is a social wasp species that constructs egg-shaped paper nests above ground, often in trees. These nests can become large, housing an average of 6,000 workers. The yellow-legged hornet is native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia. It is also established in most of Europe, parts of the Middle East, and parts of Asia where it isn’t native.

The GDA has a team of experienced scientists in their Pest Program, and we are actively collaborating with USDA and academic experts. Together, we are developing an operational plan to trap, track, and eradicate the yellow-legged hornet in Georgia. The plan will begin with trapping, and APHIS and GDA will set out traps and survey for this pest to determine if additional yellow-legged hornets are in the area. If a colony is discovered through reporting, trapping, or tracking, the colony will be eradicated. APHIS is providing technical expertise, technology, and outreach support as well as analyzing the hornet’s DNA to determine if it is related to European populations of this species. 

“The foundation of this response is the strong relationship USDA has developed with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the University of Georgia over many years,” said Dr. Mark Davidson, Deputy Administrator of APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine Program. “Our partnership is already paying off as our teams come together to apply the science and technology in our response planning. The public can also play a critical role by reporting potential sightings of the hornet to help eradicate this pest.”

The GDA and APHIS will continue to provide public outreach and education about the hornets and encourage the public to document and report hornet sightings. However, yellow-legged hornets can be dangerous, and we encourage everyone to use caution in the event of a sighting.

GDA’s website has been updated with additional information regarding the yellow-legged hornet and an easily accessible form to report potential sightings. This information is prominently displayed on the homepage of the website. Georgians with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to email us at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

Here is what to include with your report, if possible:  

• Your name and contact information.
• The location of the sighting.
• Date of sighting.
• If you can, safely take photograph(s) of the hornet (we generally can only confirm a report with a photo or specimen).
• Location and approximate height of the nest if found (Is it in a tree? Approximately how high is the nest?).
• If you have no photo, please include a description of the size of the insect, the color of the head and body, and what it was doing.
• Description of the hive loss/damage (if no photo is available). 
• The direction the hornet(s) flew when flying away.

Please note: There are many domestic lookalikes that are native to the United States and do not pose a threat to honeybees. Many of them are valuable pollinators. USDA has a photo gallery of lookalikes. To get to the gallery, go to www.aphis.usda.gov, and search for “yellow-legged hornet.”

If you believe you saw a yellow-legged hornet in another state or province, please report it to the Department of Agriculture for that state or province.

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Join us as we celebrate and support the GAC Foundation at the 48th annual Harvest Celebration! 

 Location: Classic Center • Athens, GA

 Date: Friday, November 17, 2023

 Schedule: Silent Auction & Field of Dreams Reception, 5:30pm • Dinner, 7:30pm • Entertainment, 9:00pm

Dress: Cocktail Attire

Host Hotels: 

Hyatt Place • 706/425-1800 • Book Here

 To receive the group discount, use code “G-HRV3”

Hilton Garden Inn • 706/353-6800 • Book Here

For more information or question please call the GAC office at 706/336-6830 or email Rebekah McDowell.

Click Here to Order Tickets!

DONATE TO THE HARVEST CELEBRATION SILENT AUCTION

Thank you for your support of the 2023 Harvest Celebration. All companies or individuals making donations toward the Harvest Celebration Silent Auction and/or Field of Dreams will be recognized in the Harvest Celebration Program. Individuals making donations toward our sponsorship levels will be given additional recognition in the Harvest Celebration Program and during the actual event. All contributions - actual items or monetary contributions - are tax deductible through the GAC Foundation. We greatly appreciate your support!

VET EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

Georgia Department of Agriculture

The Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program (GVELRP) provides financial relief, by way of student loan repayment, for veterinarians willing to provide veterinary services for food animals in shortage areas around the state. This program is administered by the State Veterinary Education Board with assistance from the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). The Board also receives administrative support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The application period for 2024 will be open from Aug 1, 2023, through Sept 30, 2023.

For complete details about the Georgia Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program please see the overview document below.

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States or have a lawful presence in the country.
• Reside in Georgia.
• Be either a practicing veterinarian or a veterinary student in your final year of study.

You will only be considered for an award if you practice or intend to practice in Board-approved rural counties with populations of 35,000 or less. See the map below for the list of eligible counties. Prior services in these areas do not factor into the contract.



To apply:

1. Download the Application and Reference forms below.
2. Complete and sign the Application.
3. Have three (3) reference forms completed and signed. At least one of these must be from a DVM/VMD and at least one from a current or former employee. (If you have no employment history, include a reference from a professor directly involved in the completion of your veterinary degree program.)
4. Email the application and all reference forms together to statevetedboard@agr.georgia.gov

SCHOLARSHIP

GAC is also proud to announce the release of the William C. "Bill" Baisley "Sumpin' Big" Scholarship applications for 2023. 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 13, 2023. 

Click Here for the $1000 Baisley Scholarship Application

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 20, 2023.

Click Here for the $1000 Classroom Grant Application

THERE IS STILL TIME TO BE A STAR SPONSOR

The 2023 GAC Star Sponsor program registration is still available to be apart of. 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 the 2023 Star Sponsor registration form or for more information, email Jill Hansard or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. Click Here for Online registration. Thank you!

HELP FIGHT FOR GEORGIA AGRICULTURE: SUPPORT THE GA AgPAC TODAY

In a policy environment that is rapidly changing, supporting state political leaders that understand and support agribusiness has never been more important than it is today.

The Georgia Agribusiness Council was created for the purpose of advocating for agricultural interests in the legislative and regulatory arenas. This lofty initiative continues to get harder and harder each election cycle. In our efforts to advance these activities, the Council formed the Georgia AgPAC several years ago that utilizes member's donations to:

* Financially support the campaigns of political candidates who are supportive of agriculture;

* Educating elected officials and key decision makers on issues important to agribusiness;

* Advocacy of issues that advance our industry and rural communities

We ask for your financial support so that we can continue to fight on behalf of Georgia agribusiness interests. Campaign contributions from Georgia AgPAC is restricted to non-federal candidates in races for legislative and statewide offices. Georgia AgPAC needs your contribution to advance this initiative. 

Your corporate or personal commitment will help us prepare today. All donations are welcome. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or click here to download the donation form to be a partner in this effort. 

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Bagwell Insurance Group, Inc.

Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation

Georgia Crop Production Alliance

Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Georgia Power Co.

Osage Farms Inc.

Premium Peanut

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit

Ag Technologies LLC

Albany Dougherty Economic

Development Commission

Brooksco Dairy LLC

Carroll EMC

Color Burst

DeWitt Produce Co. Inc.

Fort Valley State University

Georgia Cotton Commission

GA Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

Georgia Green Industry Association

Georgia Peanut Commission

Georgia Young Farmers Association

Green Fern Enterprises, LLC

Greg Sikes Farm, LLC

Growers Gin & Warehouse, Inc.

Growers Supply Inc.

Hattaway Farms Partnership

Hillside Orchard Farms, Inc.

J & B Irrigation Inc.

Kelley Manufacturing Co.

Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC

Mixon Seed Services Inc.

Mobley Greenhouse, Inc.

SafEnvirons, Inc.

Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition

Terra Chula Property Holdings

The Turfgrass Group, Inc.

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association

USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

WDairy LLC

Woodruff & Howe Environmental Engineering, Inc.

Agri-Business Technologies, Inc.

AgLanta Grown

American Peanut Shellers Association

American Peanut Trailers, LLC

Barrington Dairy, LLC

Boston Gin Co.

Broken Antler Farms

Bulloch Gin Inc.

Burriss Law Group, LLC

C.M. Tanner Grocery Co. Inc.

Calhoun Stockyard Hwy. 53 Inc.

Centurion Poultry Inc.

Circle C Farms Inc.

Coley Gin & Fertilizer

Cotton Partners LLC

Curry Farm Supply Inc.

Easterlin Pecan Company

EGA, Inc.

Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC

Embry Farm Service

Feeding Georgia

Food Safety Net Services

Funston Gin Co. Inc.

Georgia 4-H Foundation

GA Assoc. of Conservation Districts

GA Assoc. of County Agricultural Agents

GA Assoc. of Professional Ag Consultants

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Christmas Tree Association

Georgia Crop Improvement Assoc.

Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.

Georgia FFA Association

Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

Georgia Milk Producers Inc.

Georgia Peach Council

Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc.

Georgia Pork Producers Association

Georgia Poultry Federation

Georgia Seed Association Inc.

Georgia Vocational Ag Teacher Association

Georgia Watermelon Association

Georgia Women in Agriculture Association Inc.

International Forest Company

Israel Farm Supply, Inc.

L. R. Land & Cattle Company, Inc.

Lenox Peanut Company

Longleaf Land LLC

Majors Electric & Mechanical Company, Inc.

Moultrie Colquitt County Development Authority

National Peanut Buying Points Assn.

Northeast Georgia Livestock

Oglethorpe Power Corporation

P.G.C. Farms

Pike Creek Turf, Inc.

Quality Gin, Inc.

Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc

Samara Plantation, LLC

Shealy Farms, Inc.

South GA Ag & Fertilizer

Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association

Southern Crop Production Association

Southern Livestock

Southern Seed Company, Inc.

Southern Specialty Equipment

Sweet Corn Co-Op

The Satsuma Company, LLC

Three Brothers Trucking, LLC

Vidalia Onion Business Council





Special thanks to all of our Star Sponsors. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 for details. Thank you!

CELEBRATING 57 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY