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.
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USDA TO ALLOW EARLY TERMINATION OF CRP CONTRACTS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary fiscal year 2022.
Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
FSA is mailing letters to producers with expiring acres that detail this flexibility and share other options, such as re-enrolling sensitive acres in the CRP Continuous signup and considering growing organic crops. Producers will be asked to make the request for voluntary termination in writing through their local USDA Service Center.
If approved for voluntary termination, preparations can occur after the conclusion of the primary nesting season. Producers will then be able to hay, graze, begin land preparation activities and plant a fall-seeded crop before October 1, 2022.
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Join us as we celebrate and support the GAC Foundation at the 47th annual Harvest Celebration at our NEW LOCATION!
Location: Classic Center • Athens, GA
Date: Friday, November 18
Schedule: Silent Auction & Field of Dreams Reception, 5:30pm • Dinner, 7:30pm • Entertainment, 9:00pm
Dress: Cocktail Attire
Host Hotels:
To receive the group discount, use code “G-HRV2”
For more information or question please call the GAC office at 706/336-6830 or email Maggie Wooten
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GOVERNOR SIGNS AG BILLS AT DICKEY FARMS
GAC staff was on hand as Governor Brian Kemp signed several agribusiness related bills in Musella, GA several weeks ago.
Governor Kemp, was joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Senate Ag Chairmen Larry Walker and House Ag Chairman Robert Dickey, other legislators, and several special guests, as he signed his administration's Georgia Grown Farm to Food Bank legislation (SB 396), the Freedom to Farm Act (HB 1150), and a bill to expand the elementary agriculture education program (HB 1303).
The Georgia Agribusiness Council was proud to have supported these important pieces of legislation throughout the legislative session.
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GAC BOARD MEMBER FEATURED IN INDUSTRY PUBLICATION
Bill Brim: Fighting for the Future of U.S. Farmers
Specialty Crop Industry - AgNet Media
By Clint Thompson
Georgia farmer Bill Brim faces his share of challenges producing spring and fall crops in Tifton. But one worry haunts him daily: Where his grandchildren and future generations will get their food.
“It’s going to come from the south of us (Mexico imports), and it’s going to be controlled by other people that you don’t want to be in control,” says Brim.
It is what motivates him to continue the educational effort that comes with being a farmer in the Southeast. He yearns for consumers to see the value in what farmers bring to the table and support locally grown produce. Brim wants consumers to understand that food does not just magically show up in the grocery stores and on plates in local restaurants. It originates from farming operations, like Lewis Taylor Farms in Tifton, where he is a co-owner.
“Agriculture is always separated from everybody else who thinks agriculture doesn’t really matter, but it really does matter,” Brim says. “If you like to eat, it matters. Ever since I’ve been in it, and that’s 35 years, it’s been that way.”
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FORMER GAC LEGISLATIVE INTERN INDUCTED INTO AGHON
Brooke Raniere was inducted into AGHON at the 100th anniversary celebration meeting of the UGA agricultural honorary. Brooke formerly served as the GAC Legislative Intern during the 2021 legislative session and later served as an Ag Fellow in Washington, DC for Senator Warnock. Brooke is from Peachtree City, GA and is a Senior Biological Sciences major.
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GAC JOINS SCPA IN WASHINGTON
GAC's Will Bentley and Jake Tench joined the Southern Crop Production Association for two days in D.C. back in April. This annual fly-in consists of numerous organization and company representatives from States all throughout the Southeast. The trip allows for face-to-face meetings with legislators to discuss the priorities and concerns of the ag chemical industry.
The Georgia group consisted of 6 people that met with the vast majority of our congressional delegation throughout the span of a day. These fly-ins are extremely important as they allow us to voice real world affects from existing and proposed legislation and regulation.
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AG GROUPS SUBMIT LETTER TO URGE BIDEN TO WITHDRAW PESTICIDE LABELING BRIEF
The Georgia Agribusiness Council joined a coalition of 54 agricultural groups to express concern with a recent amicus brief submitted by the solicitor general to the U.S. Supreme Court advising the court against taking up a case about whether California can require a cancer warning label for the popular herbicide glyphosate and urged President Biden to withdraw it.
In a letter to the President, the groups noted that on May 10 Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar submitted a brief advising the court against hearing a case, arguing that federal pesticide registration and labeling requirements do not preclude states from imposing additional labeling requirements, even if those requirements run counter to federal findings.
The government’s position, the groups wrote, is “a stunning reversal from numerous past administrations, Democratic and Republican alike, poses great risks to our science-based regulatory system and global food systems.”
“The product label at issue in this case involves the herbicide glyphosate. Nearly every pesticide regulatory body in the world, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has conducted robust scientific evaluations of glyphosate and reached the conclusion it is not a carcinogen and can be safely used,” the groups wrote.
The groups asking Biden to withdraw the brief include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Cotton Council, and American Sugarbeet Growers Association.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) took to the U.S. Senate floor Wednesday as well, urging, "Washington, D.C., must provide farmers across the country a consistent policy when it comes to the regulation of inputs and crop protection products. When it comes to the regulation of these products, public policy must be based on the best science available to make informed decisions. Science-based decisions shouldn't surprise anybody in this town."
During a wide-ranging hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Secretary Tom Vilsack told senators the Justice Department didn’t consult USDA before taking sides in the lawsuit.
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GCC SEEKING POTENTIAL NOMINIES FOR COTTON BOARD
June 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In July, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will convene a caucus of certified producer organizations representing cotton producers in Georgia to nominate individuals to serve as members and alternates of the Cotton Board, which administers the Cotton Research & Promotion Program, for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2023, as current board members’ terms expire on December 31, 2022.
The Georgia Cotton Commission is seeking nominees for vacant positions. The Georgia Cotton Commission is focused on finding the USDA fully realize their commitment to full representation of women, minorities, and opinions on research and promotion board by nominating individuals of diverse backgrounds, farming practices, operational sizes, and geographical locations. Interested individuals should email the Commission’s office at [email protected]. The Georgia Cotton Commission is a producer-funded organization located in Perry, Georgia. The Commission began in 1965. Georgia cotton producers pay an assessment enabling the Commission to invest in programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of all cotton producers of Georgia. For more information about the Georgia Cotton Commission please call (478) 988-4235 or on the web at www.georgiacottoncommission.org. ###
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KUBOTA HOSTS GRAND OPENING OF RESEARCH FACILITY
Kubota North America Corporation (KNA), the parent company for Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) and Kubota Manufacturing of America (KMA), and Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) celebrated the grand opening of the new 280-acre, Research and Development Center in the state of Georgia to meet the needs of North American customers. Kubota has invested more than $85 million to bring the new facility online and will open with 70 engineering and technical employees and grow to nearly 200 employees over the next five years.
Pictured above are GAC Board Members Phil Sutton - Kubota (center), Drew Echols - Jaemor Farms (right), and GAC President Will Bentley (left).
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USDA ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS
On Thursday, USDA announced a suite of new actions, including issuing a new Packers & Stockyards Act rulemaking, making available $200 Million to expand competition in meat processing, and investing $25 million in workforce training.
As part of the announcement, USDA also released a new report on Promoting Competition in Agricultural Markets, as required by a previous executive order issued by President Biden. The report details USDA’s strategy for actions and initiatives to promote competition in meat and poultry markets, as well as other other key agricultural sectors like fertilizer and seeds.
The report includes the announcement of two new "pro-competition" initiatives. First, USDA is announcing plans to complete a top-to-bottom review of its programs to ensure they promote competition. Second, USDA announced it will update guidance to strengthen the verification requirements for the most widely used “animal-raising claims.”
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2022 FIELD DAY TO FEATURE THE LATEST UPDATES IN NEW TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE by Sunbelt Expo
The 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day is scheduled for July 21, 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. 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, sorghum 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 smartphone 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 www.sunbeltexpo.com.
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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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STAR SPONSOR TIME - ITS NOT TO LATE
The 2022 GAC Star Sponsor program registration is now underway and its off to a good start. 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 2022 Star Sponsor registration information and email Jill Hansard or call the GAC office at 706-336-6830. 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.
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Ag Technologies dba Vantage Southeast
Brooksco Dairy LLC
Bulloch Gin Inc.
Carroll EMC
DeWitt Produce Co., Inc.
Docia Farms Partnership
Embry Farm Service
Georgia Cotton Commission
Georgia Crop Production Alliance
Georgia Development Authority
Georgia Young Farmers Association
Greg Sikes Farm, LLC
Hattaway Farms Ptr.
International Forest Co., Inc.
Kelley Manufacturing Co.
LG Herndon Jr. Farms Inc.
Leatherbrook Holsteins LLC
Mercier Orchards
Mixon Seed Services Inc.
Mobley Greenhouses Inc.
NG Turf, Inc.
Nut Tree Pecan Nursery
Rural Jobs Coalition
Southern Woods Plantation, Inc.
Striplings General Store
Suttons Mill LLC
The Turfgrass Group, Inc.
TriEst Ag Group, Inc.
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council
WDairy LLC
WHEE, Inc.
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AgSouth Services, Inc.
Barrington Dairy, LLC
Bay Branch Farms, Inc.
BCT Gin Co. Inc.
Boston Gin Co.
Broken Antler Farms
Burriss Law Group, LLC
Circle C Farms Inc.
CLW Harvesting LLC
Coley Gin & Fertilizer Co.
Cotton Partners LLC
Curry Farm Supply Inc.
Deep South Farm Center, LLC
Duvall Livestock Market, LP
Emanuel Peanut & Grain LLC
GA Assoc. of Conservation Districts
Georgia Christmas Tree Association
Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.
Georgia Food Bank Association Inc.
Georgia Peach Council
Georgia Pork Producers Association
Georgia Seed Association Inc.
Georgia Vocational Ag Teacher Association
Georgia Women in Agriculture Association Inc.
Hazel Creek Cider, Inc. / Yearwood Farms, Inc.
Hillside Orchard Farms Inc.
Hulsey Farm Services
Israel Farm Supply, Inc.
J & B Irrigation Inc.
KAKEGA LLC
Lenox Peanut Company
Moultrie Colquitt County Development Authority
Northeast Georgia Livestock
Oglethorpe Power Corporation
Omega Farms
P.G.C. Farms
Patrick Family Farms, LLC
Peebles Timber, Inc./ Longleaf LLC / Peebles Land LLLP
Quality Gin, Inc.
RAJ Farms Inc.
Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc
Samara Plantation LLC
Shealy Farms, Inc.
Shiloh Farms
Southeastern Sod, Inc.
Southern AGCOM Inc.
Southern Crop Production Association
Southern Livestock
Southern Seed Company, Inc.
Southern Specialty Equipment
Sweet Corn Co-Op
Tri-County Gin, Inc.
UGA Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication
Vidalia Onion Business Council
Wild Ridge LLC
Williams Produce, 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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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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