NEW FSA STATE DIRECTOR NAMED
The Georgia Agribusiness Council congratulates Mr. Arthur Tripp on his appointment as FSA State Executive Director for Georgia. Tripp has a long history of working on agribusiness issues throughout a distinguished career in public service. Tripp is currently the District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Bordeaux of Georgia's 7th Congressional District, overseeing and directing the Congresswoman’s in-state operations. Previously, Arthur served as the Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Congressman David Scott, current Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. Tripp managed the Congressman’s Agriculture Committee Assignment, overseeing the legislative process on Agriculture-related issues. Additionally, he served as a Senior Administrator in the Office of the President at the University of Georgia. Tripp is a graduate of the University of Georgia (UGA) and has been previously recognized as a member of the UGA 40Under40 and has served on the Alumni Board of Directors for the UGA School of Public and International Affairs. Tripp and his wife Jessica have a 3-year-old son, Arthur III.
Congressman David Scott (GA-13), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement on the appointment of Arthur Tripp to serve as State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (Georgia): "I look forward to working together alongside Mr. Tripp in his new role as FSA State Executive Director and with the White House to prioritize the success of our agricultural communities and to ensure that Georgia agriculture will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
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GAC MEMBER TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE AG COMMITTEE ON STATE OF LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY
The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to review the state of the livestock industry last week. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, testified prior to a panel of industry witnesses taking the stand. That panel of witnesses included: Todd Wilkinson, vice president, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Francois Leger, owner of FPL Food in Augusta, GA, on behalf of the North American Meat Institute; Scott Blubaugh, president, Oklahoma Farmers Union, on behalf of the National Farmers Union; Scott Hays, vice president, National Pork Producers Council; and Brad Boner, vice president, American Sheep Industry Association.
The over four-hour hearing was dominated by discussion related to the reauthorization of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program, increasing independent processing capacity, and the immediate threat that African Swine Fever poses on the pork sector.
You can read Mr. Leger's testimony HERE.
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ALABAMA SENATOR SEEKS TO TACKLE FOREIGN OWNERSHIP IN AG
DTN Progressive Farmer reports that Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., on Tuesday led the introduction of a bicameral and bipartisan bill to provide more agricultural leverage in foreign acquisition of U.S. companies.
Tuberville introduced the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act to include the Secretary of Agriculture on the special government committee that approves foreign investment and ownership of businesses for national security, known as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
Beyond adding the secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS, the bill would add language to protect agriculture from foreign control through acquisitions and it would designate agricultural supply chains as critical infrastructure and technologies. The bill also would add a report to Congress on current and potential foreign investments in U.S. agriculture.
In the House, a pair of Texas congressmen, Rep. Filemon Vela, a Democrat, and Rep. Ronny Jackson, a Republican, both introduced a companion bill.
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KINCHAFOONEE COWBOYS TO HEADLINE ANNUAL GALA:
LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
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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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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.
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USDA ANNOUNCES HIGHER LOAN LIMITS
The Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency has announced that a higher loan limit became available for borrowers seeking a guaranteed farm loan starting last Friday, writes The Hagstrom Report. The limit has risen from $1.776 million to $1.825 million.
“Farm loans are critical for our customers’ annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said. “Raising the guaranteed loan limit will allow FSA to better meet the financial needs of producers as natural disasters and the pandemic continue to impact their operations.”
FSA farm loans offer access to funding for a range of producer needs, from securing land to financing the purchase of equipment. Guaranteed loans are financed and serviced by commercial lenders. FSA provides up to a 95% guarantee against possible financial loss of principal and interest. Guaranteed loans can be used for both farm ownership and operating purposes.
In fiscal year 2021, FSA saw continued strong demand for guaranteed loans. FSA obligated more than $3.4 billion in guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans. This includes nearly $1.2 billion for beginning farmers. The number of guaranteed borrowers has grown by 10% to more than 38,750 farmers and ranchers over the last decade. FSA expects the increasing demand for farm loans to continue into fiscal year 2022.
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AG EXPO 2021 IS NEXT WEEK: AND WE COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED!
After waiting two years because of setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sunbelt Ag Expo is ready to open the gates next week October 19-21. According to the Expo team in Moultrie, those setbacks from 2020 have lit a fire for improvement and safety for the 2021 event.
The mission of being “North America’s Premier Farm Show” has not been lost but has been the driving force for preparing for this next show season. Ultimately, the Expo wants to create an enjoyable, engaging, and educational experience for attendees and exhibitors.
Chip Blalock, Executive Director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo, said that there is truly something for everyone at the event.
“While our primary mission is production agriculture, including tractors and equipment, livestock, irrigation, precision ag, soil fertility, seed, grasses and crop protection, we have something for the entire family,” Blalock said, including the auto show, hunting and fishing, lawn and gardening, and so much more.”
For over 40 years, the Sunbelt Ag Expo has been providing hands-on opportunities for their 1,200+ exhibitors and visitors to participate in. The experienced event goers are second to none and create memories lasting much longer than the three days a year spent at Expo.
For some, it is the fresh corn on the cob and corn dogs they look forward to each year, while others cannot wait to view the newest piece of technology that could be used on their farm. The over 100-acre exhibit area and 600-acre research farm sparks a variety of interest visitors can look forward to all year long.
After suspending plans for the 2020 Expo for the first time since it’s beginning in 1978, plans are looking up for the 2021 show. The year has been spent creating innovative and safe ways to put together an event that is safe for all Expo attendees and participants.
The Expo looks forward to bringing back farmers, students, and families to Moultrie in October to engage with the agricultural industry.
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ROD SNYDER NAMED AG ADVISER AT EPA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of Rod Snyder to become EPA’s Agriculture Advisor. Snyder will lead outreach and engagement efforts with the agricultural community for EPA.
Snyder is recognized for his leadership at the intersection of agricultural and environmental policy, and joins the Agency after serving as president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, the largest multi-stakeholder initiative working to advance the sustainability of commodity crop farming in the United States. Prior to his time at Field to Market, Snyder worked for the National Corn Growers Association and CropLife America.
“Rod brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about how environmental issues intersect with agricultural stakeholders and rural communities,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “It’s going to take all of us working together to tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice and build a sustainable future, and Rod is well-suited to bring our partners into the Agency’s work and ensure agricultural stakeholders have a seat at the table.”
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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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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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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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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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