September 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.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UPDATE ON HURRICAN IDALIA RESPONSE AND DAMANGE ASSESSMENTS 

Atlanta, GA – On Wednesday August 30^th, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 Hurricane and quickly moved into Georgia as a Category 2 Hurricane, bringing Hurricane and Tropical Storm force winds and heavy rainfall across much of South Georgia. The Department of Agriculture has already begun to receive reports of damage to crops, pecan trees, agricultural operations and infrastructure, and other GDA regulated entities across South Georgia. GDA staff is continuing to survey and assess the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia and is beginning the recovery process.

“As a 7^th generation farmer, I know firsthand the devastating impacts severe weather can have not only on our farmers and producers but on rural communities, local economies, and our state’s economy as a whole,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Since Monday, we’ve been onsite at the State Operations Center monitoring Hurricane Idalia, and our team and I are on the ground in South Georgia assessing the damage and speaking directly with impacted farmers, producers, and business owners. We are working overtime, in coordination with our State and Federal partners, to ensure farmers, producers, and other GDA licensed operations impacted by Idalia have the resources they need to recover and bounce back stronger than before.”

Initial Damage Assessments and Response:

It is still very early in the assessment process, below is an initial summary of observed and reported damage. This is subject to change as new information comes to light and the Department of Agriculture will provide updates as available. It will likely take weeks, if not months, to understand the full scope of the damage.

Crops & Agricultural Operations/Facilities:

• Multiple reports of downed Pecan Trees throughout the impacted area (Pierce, Echols, Lowndes, Cook, Brooks, Wilcox, Irwin, Ben Hill, and Crisp Counties – possibly more).
• Reports of Pecan crop loss throughout the impacted area.
• Multiple reports of tobacco crop on the ground unable to be harvested and likely loss of tobacco crop left in the field.
• Some produce damage with produce plastic torn and ripped up in some areas. 
• Field corn down and in some case not able to be harvested, likely resulting in loss of corn still left in fields.
• Sweet corn laid down in the field.
• Some cotton twisted but likely recoverable.
• Minimal pine tree/forestry damage observed or reported.
• Hay barns, sheds, and other agricultural facilities mangled or torn down.
• Reports of irrigation pivots twisted and/or turned over.
• Power outages at livestock, dairy, and poultry facilities.
• Dairies: 4 Dairy operations currently on generators – 3 in Brooks County, 1 in Thomas County.
• Swine: 2 Swine operations currently on generators – 1 in Berrien County, 1 in Brooks County.
• Poultry: Multiple poultry operations currently on generators in Coffee County.
• 2 operations reported roof damage.
• 2 flooded poultry houses.
• Stockyards: No damage reported at local stockyards, expected to resume normal operations next week.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Facilities:

•  Valdosta State Farmer’s Market sustained roof damage
•  Savannah State Farmer’s Market without power, no other damage reporter

GDA Regulated Facilities:

Animal Industry:

•  Several poultry houses have reported damage due to wind, power outages, and flooding – steps have been taken to mitigate these situations.
• 54 Animal Shelter checks have been made in 25 counties, 8 have reported damage or power outages, all staff and animals reported safe.
• No damage reported at livestock markets, normal operations expected to resume next week. 
• Some licensed meat processing facilities have reported power outages, generators are being used to maintain and store meat at proper temperatures.

Animal Health:

• The office of the State Veterinarian issued a discretionary enforcement notice suspending enforcement of animal entry requirements until 9/30.
•  Reports of 3 veterinary practices in the Valdosta area sustaining damage and/or loss of power.
• Animal owners in the affected areas: Be on the lookout for changes in normal behavior in your animals due to the stressful conditions created by Hurricane Idalia. If you notice any changes, please reach out to your veterinarian immediately.

Food Safety:

• Assessment of GDA Food Safety regulated facilities will start today.
•  Multi-agency Food & Feed Rapid Response Teams (RRT) have been activated as well as the State Agricultural Response Team (SART).
• GDA Food Safety has developed an emergency response online self-reporting form for regulated entities to report damage.
•  Food Safety will assess and address damage on a risk-basis to ensure the safety and security of the food supply in impacted areas.

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AG ISSUES SUMMIT

Over 200 people gathered in Perry on August 22^nd to attend the Annual Joint Agriculture Committee Chairmen Ag Issues Summit. With Legislative Session just around the corner, this Summit serves as an opportunity for both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to discuss and address the issues that are facing the state’s number one industry. In previous years, the topics ranged from difficulties that have been facing agriculture for a long time as well as those that have risen in the last couple of years, this years was no different.

The agenda for the meeting was hand selected by both Chairman Robert Dickey and Chairman Russ Goodman in hopes to gather critical information from industry stakeholders that they can then carry into the 2024 General Assembly. With 9 individual presenters covering everything from economic outlooks and input markets to foreign ownership of land and weather predictions, the committee members in attendance were flooded with a slue of beneficial information.

GAC and other industry groups are honored to be able to help host this crucial event every year. Both Chairman Dickey and Chairman Goodman understand the challenges in the industry, but as they stated at the Summit, there are a lot of things to optimistic about as well. We look forward to working with both Committee Chairmen and their respective committees on how to address some of the issues at hand. 

WOTUS - SIGNIFICANT NEXUS JURISDICTION TEST BACK 

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Army released a proposed rule to re-establish the pre-2015 definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS).



According to the press release from the EPA, “This proposed rule would support a stable implementation of ‘waters of the United States’ while the agencies continue to consult with states, Tribes, local governments, and a broad array of stakeholders in both the implementation of WOTUS and future regulatory actions.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “AFBF is disappointed EPA is returning to an overly complicated interim water rule. Overreaching regulations create major permit backlogs for the federal government and result in long delays for farmers and ranchers who are working to keep America fed. We are particularly concerned EPA is bringing back the significant nexus test. This case-by-case test threatens to unfairly regulate large areas of private land miles from the nearest navigable water.

“It’s troubling that EPA is putting a framework in place before completing the promised stakeholder engagement. Administrator Regan pledged to listen to the needs of farmers and ranchers and committed to a rule that is not overly burdensome. We urge him to stay true to his word.”

FEDERAL SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANTS TOTAL $72.9M

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has announced an investment of $72.9 million through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, according to Agri-Pulse. The effort, USDA said in a release, “provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research.”

The latest award announcement “marks over $1 billion invested in nearly 12,000 projects that support the U.S. specialty crop industry” over the life of the program, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.

USDA notes that in fiscal year 2023, SCBGP funding is being awarded to all 50 state departments of agriculture, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This funding is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill.

HOUSE AG LABOR WORKING GROUP GATHERING INPUT

The House Agriculture Committee's Agricultural Labor Working Group has created a new web page with a survey to gauge producer opinions on agricultural workforce issues, reports Agri-Pulse. 

The 14-member working group was established in May to help find solutions for labor shortages in the agriculture sector and is chaired by Reps. Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Don Davis (D-NC). The group has been tasked with compiling an interim report analyzing the current H-2A program as well as a final report with recommendations.



To participate in the survey, CLICK HERE.

DNR & EPD UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP

Significant changes in leadership have taken place at both the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Division so far in 2023. The first change came when Mark Williams, who was Georgia’s longest serving DNR Commissioner, left in order to take over the reins of the Jekyll Island Authority. Not long after the announcement, Rick Dunn the former Director of the Georgia EPD got appointed to oversee the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budgets.

Governor Kemp announced that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Board voted to appoint Walter Rabon as the DNR Commissioner on August 22^nd. Rabon was serving as Interim Commissioner for the Department since July 1, following the departure of former Commissioner Mark Williams. He first began his career with DNR in 1993 as a Game Warden, and worked his way up through the Law Enforcement Division, serving as a Major before stepping into the Deputy Commissioner role.

In August, Jeff Cown was voted in as the new EPD Director. Cown has been with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and has served as the Director the State Parks and Historic Sites Division since September of 2018. In this role, he oversaw the management of 70 properties that preserve the state's environment and history. Prior to that, Cown spent over 28 years with the Environmental Protection Division, serving as Chief of the Land Protection Branch.

2023 FARM PROFITS DIP FROM 2022 LEVELS

By MARGY ECKELKAMP-- The Scoop

Last week, USDA released its Farm Sector Income Forecast. 

When adjusted for inflation, net farm income, a broad measure of farm profitability, is expected to decrease $48 billion (25.4%) in 2023 compared with 2022.

The forecast from USDA cites two factors contributing to the year-over-year decline: 

• Lower government payments
• Higher production expenses

Compared to 2022, this year’s government payments in aggregate will be 19% lower. And production expenses (including operator dwelling expenses) will increase 6.9%. 

"Aside from fertilizer, all your other input costs are probably either stable or increasing," says Tony Jesina, VP of insurance, Farm Credit Services of America. "Cash rates haven't come down yet, seed prices rarely come down. Interest rates are up, family living expenses are probably not going to come down with what we see for inflation."

According to USDA data, net farm income in 2023 will be 22.6% above its 20-year average (2003–22) of $115.2 billion, including adjustments for inflation. 

Cash receipts from the sale of agricultural commodities are forecast to decrease by $23.0 billion (4.3 percent, in nominal terms) from a record high of $536.6 billion in 2022 to $513.6 billion in 2023. 

As reported in the AgDay clip above, economists say the commodity reset is similar to 2013 in some ways, but there's added volatility with black swan events making risk management more important.

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