Monthly Newsletter for Georgia Agribusiness Council Members
JUNE 2021
2021 HARVEST CELEBRATION EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE
For questions, call the GAC Office at 706.336.6830
or email Maggie Wooten
HOUSE AG CHAIR LOOKING AT CREATING PERMANENT DISASTER PROGRAM
Georgia Congressman and chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, David Scott, said that his committee is looking at creating a program to fund permanent disaster relief for producers rather than having to go through an annual appropriation for disaster relief. Chairman Scott noted that his experience with Hurricane Michael and the delays in getting help for Georgia farmers have spurred his desire for a permanent option.

"It just takes too long and many of our farmers are done away with because we move too slow," Rep. David Scott (D-GA) said during a "Member Day" hearing in which members of Congress pitched bills to the committee.

Scott noted the possibility of such a fund at USDA after another lawmaker on the panel said he wanted to get losses for 2020 included in the Wildfires and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP-Plus).
UGA WEATHER NETWORK CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO AG IN GEORGIA
By Pam Knox for CAES News
On June 1, 1991, the first agricultural weather station operated by the University of Georgia began transmitting data from Griffin, Georgia. Since then, the UGA Weather Network has grown to include 87 stations scattered across the state, providing weather data to a variety of users. On June 1 this year, this 30-year record of continuous weather data makes the UGA Weather Network one of the oldest state weather networks in the country.
USDA EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR SUPPLY CHAIN COMMENTS
The U.S. Agriculture Department’s Agricultural Marketing Service on Monday provided an additional 30 days for public comments on the notice for Supply Chains for the Production of Agricultural Commodities and Food Products published in the Federal Register on April 21.

Comments are now due by June 21. USDA is extending the comment period to allow additional time to receive information valuable to the preparation of the report required by the executive order on “America’s Supply Chains.”
BIPARTISAN BILL TO REDUCE ESTATE TAX INTRODUCED
In response to estate tax proposals from the Biden administration, Congressional members in opposition have introduced the Estate Tax Reduction Act, legislation to reduce the estate tax to 20%—half of the current top rate of 40%. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) along with Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and John Boozman (R-AR) and in the House by Reps. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX).

“Families shouldn't have to sell major portions of their businesses or farms after the death of a parent just to afford the 40% estate tax. Breaking apart a family's livelihood is neither fair or good for the economy, especially since families are often forced to sell to large corporations. My legislation would cut that rate in half, bringing the rate in line with the current capital gains rate and making it much easier to preserve a family's legacy and way of life," said Sen. Cotton.

Earlier this year, Congressman Sanford Bishop and many of the same authors joined an effort to permanently repeal the federal estate tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 would finally end this tax that has the potential to hit family-run farms, ranches and businesses as the result of the owner’s death.

GAC supports both efforts to protect family farms and agribusinesses.
GPFES SUMMER MEETING REGISTRATION OPEN
Summer Meeting and 5K Family Fun Run
July 26 - 28, 2021
 Omni Amelia Island Resort - FL
39 Beach Lagoon Rd

USDA FORECASTS RECORD FARM EXPORTS IN 2021
The USDA’s quarterly agricultural trade forecast projects a record value of farm exports at $164 billion for the 2021 FY. This estimate is up 21 percent from last fiscal year’s total and is a $7 billion increase from the USDA’s February forecast. Secretary Vilsack stated that the estimates reflect a return to certainty and reliability on the United States from trading partners. Primary factors for the surge include a record outlook for China, record export volumes and values for key products, increased commodity prices, and reduced foreign competition.

China is projected to be the United States’ top commodity recipient, with exports forecasted at $35 billion as the demand for soybeans and corn continues to increase. Other top markets are Canada, Mexico, Japan, the EU, and South Korea. The total exports of bulk commodities and meat are projected to reach record levels in volume and value in FY 2021. Corn and soybeans are expected to hit volume and value record levels, while sorghum is expected to reach record export value. Beef and pork are expected to reach record volumes and values, with broiler meat also expected to reach record volumes.
2021 FIELD DAY TO FEATURE THE LATEST UPDATES IN NEW TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
The 2021 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is scheduled for July 22, and farmers are invited to join us to learn practical information from the region’s top agricultural scientists about the newest technologies that farmers can use to improve their operations.

The Sunbelt team looks forward to welcoming farmers and professionals in the ag industry to a Driving Tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm. Due to the success of the changed format in 2020, this year visitors will once again enjoy Field Day from the comfort of their own vehicle as they learn from university researchers and vendors.

The half-day event will take place at the 600-acre Darrell Williams Research Farm, located at the Expo show site at Spence Field in Moultrie, Ga. Registration is free for anyone who works in agriculture. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8:00 am and 9:00 am to begin the tour. Directional signs will direct those in attendance to a red tent where they will register, receive a welcome bag including snacks, register for CCA credits, and begin the tour. They will never have to step out of their vehicle for this process. Once registered, visitors will then drive-thru the tour path while viewing pre-recorded segments featuring university researchers and company vendors. In addition, farmers can choose to pull aside at stops that particularly spark their interest to further investigate plots and visit one-on-one with the researchers.

“We have the unique ability to work with university and corporate researchers on our Darrell Williams Research Farm, where we continue to conduct cotton, peanut, corn, soybean and forage research — all aimed at improving the farmer’s bottom line. We look at the latest seed varieties, crop protection methods, soil fertility, irrigation and precision ag technology,” says Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director.
“Each year, our mission is to provide a place where research can be done to benefit all row crop and forage farmers — especially those who might not have the resources or land to just go out and try a new variety or technology on a hunch,” says Cody Mitchell, Sunbelt Ag Expo Farm Manager. “This year is no different.”

“We strive to have the best-looking farm around. We want the Expo farm to showcase what a farm should look like,” he says.

“We work hard all year to ensure that we make a lifelong impression on the guests who come to see us during Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. When they visit here, we want it to be an eye-opening experience that’s worth their time.”

There are a few tips visitors should keep in mind to enjoy a successful tour. Bring a friend to experience the event with you. Be sure to have a smart phone or tablet with you to view the research videos during the tour. Videos will be accessible using the Official Sunbelt Ag Expo app, web site, or YouTube channel. Connect your device to your vehicle Bluetooth before you arrive. Plan to chat with researchers and vendors at plots that specifically interest you. Prepare to explore and learn on the research farm, all while enjoying your comfortable vehicle!

UGA researchers, Extension Specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops. To view more specific Field Day details, download the Sunbelt Ag Expo app or visit the Sunbelt Ag Expo website.
USMCA SESSIONS END WITH NO MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS
The first meeting of the Free Trade Commission (FTC), established under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) took place at the beginning of this week.

The first day saw U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai meet one-on-one with Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng and separately with Mexican Economy Minister Tatiana Clouthier. Those discussions saw Tai raise several issues, but the readouts from the parties involved did not signal any new or major breakthroughs were scored, reports DTN’s Progressive Farmer.

Tuesday saw the three trade chiefs meet together and get presentations from various working group committees that were established under USMCA. Those panels provided various updates on issues and developments they were responsible for.

On key ag trade topics, there was also little signs there was progress made. The U.S. filed a case late in the Trump administration which charged Canada was not fulfilling its commitments on implementing import quotas for dairy. Tai acknowledged that case in testimony last week before the U.S. Congress, but it's not clear any headway was made -- Ng related she signaled Canada believes it is implementing the provisions in USMCA when it comes to dairy.

As for issues such as Mexico's policies on glyphosate and GMO corn, reports indicate that Mexico's economy ministry the country "reiterated its commitment to ensure compliance with the obligations assumed in the chapter on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, as well as to promptly address any problems or concerns that may arise."

The next session of the Free Trade Commission will be held October 13-14 in San Antonio, Texas for a “dialogue” on small and medium-sized businesses.
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 Jill Hansard or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. Thank you!
ASMARK INSTITUTE - Safe & Sound Online Training 

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  • Thirty-one ag-specific topics on DVD, licensed for on-site use
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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.
We're here to help you!
We look forward to helping you discover how we can help you gain knowledge in the industry through events, workshops, and webinars. Visit our website at ugaurbanag.com to begin your journey through all that we have to offer you! It's all just a click or two away! Subscribe and update your preferences today!

Do you have any special product promotions? Home delivery? Curbside pickup? Let us help get the word out. Complete this form (bit.ly/ag-connect) and we’ll promote it to the public through our website (t.uga.edu/5TB) and the social media accounts of our extensive network of county Extension offices throughout the state.
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
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.
GA Assoc. of County Agricultural Agents
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!
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.
Georgia Agribusiness Council | 706-336-6830 | WWW.GA-AGRIBUSINESS.ORG