JULY 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.

EPD ENGAGES WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO DISCUSS MORATORIUM

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) recently organized an information gathering meeting in Albany, GA to engage with local farmers and agricultural advocacy groups regarding the long-standing moratorium on new irrigation wells in the Flint River Basin. With a specific focus on the utilization of wells for frost protection events impacting specialty crops, the agency aims to gain insight and feedback from the ag community. The Georgia Agribusiness Council submitted technical comments, emphasizing the importance of taking this initial step towards positively impacting the blueberry and citrus industries. Additionally, GAC urged the EPD to explore alternative approaches to lift the moratorium, ensuring a level playing field for our producers compared to their counterparts in Southeast Alabama and North Florida.

One of the highlights following the meeting was the invitation extended by Justin Jones, owner of Jones Planting Company, to EPD officials for a tour of his citrus farm in Leesburg, GA. This on-site visit provided EPD staff members with valuable insight into the challenges faced by farmers in the region, particularly concerning frost protection and general irrigation. Justin Jones, along with representatives from the Georgia Well Drillers Association, showcased their expertise and effectively educated attendees on the intricacies of the issue. GAC commends their proactive approach and leadership in addressing this matter.

The EPD's engagement with local stakeholders in Southwest Georgia underscores the agency's commitment to fostering collaboration and seeking practical solutions. By actively listening to farmers and agricultural advocacy groups, the EPD demonstrates a willingness to address concerns and work towards a more favorable regulatory environment. GAC recognizes the significance of this dialogue and appreciates the EPD's efforts to understand the impact of the moratorium on area farms.

Moving forward, GAC looks to continue communication and collaboration between the EPD and the agricultural community to explore innovative approaches that balance environmental considerations with the needs of our farmers. It is through such partnerships that we can create a sustainable and thriving agricultural industry in Georgia while maintaining the health and vitality of our natural resources.

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!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LEWIS TAYLOR FARMS

This month’s Member Spotlight aims to recognize long-time member and current GAC Board member Bill Brim of Lewis Taylor Farms. Bill Brim has served on the GAC Board since 2018 and the farm has been a loyal member since 2003, but the journey started long before that. The farming operations began in Tifton, Georgia in the 1930's as a transplant producer for the Southeastern United States. In 1989, Bill Brim and his partner Ed Walker purchased the farm with aspirations to change the business from how it had previously been run for the last 50 years.

Within the first two years after the purchase, they began growing produce in their newly constructed greenhouses and by year 4 they had built two packing facilities. Much like any business, there was a learning curve associated with this new model. Just a few short years after acquisition, they were forced to rebuild and learn how to sell produce and plants in a more competitive ever-changing market.

Today, nearly 80 years after its inception, Lewis Taylor Farms is one of the largest privately owned vegetable and greenhouse operations in the Southeast. The farm now boasts more than 6500 acres of produce each year and maintains 81 greenhouses with just under 900,000 sq ft of growing space. They are also well known for their pine seedlings where they currently have 6 circle pivots holding around 80 million seedlings each year.

In a visit to the farm, Mr. Brim explained the importance of efficiency with such a diverse business. The packing lines in his warehouse fill orders for small distributors and chain retail markets like Kroger and Publix; efficiency is mandatory so buyers can receive the best quality of produce possible. In the eighty-one greenhouses, efficient processes are necessary to provide top-tier vegetable transplants for both the farm and other farms across the South and Southeastern United States. These processes change daily with regard to the weather, technology, labor force, and capacity of the farm, but all have the consumer in mind. Mr. Brim explained that being efficient is not just for the farm itself but to meet the needs of consumers.

While efficiency is a key to success for Mr. Brim, overcoming obstacles, such as the rise in H2A wages, is also crucial to success. He also says that the increase in H2A wages is one of the biggest issues he faces as a farmer and business owner. Lewis Taylor Farms employs roughly five-hundred people on H2A Work Visas; he provides housing and on-farm transportation, but now has to increase their pay to meet the wage increase. The change in H2A employee wages will have a continued effect on Mr. Brim and his farm, and other farms across the south.

Georgia agriculture is still the number one industry in our state because of dedicated people like Bill Brim. We are grateful for his service on our Board and the loyal membership of Lewis Taylor Farms over the years. Georgia Agribusiness Council recognizes that our strength comes through our membership, and we are thankful that we have so many great Agribusinesses across this state. 

STRIPLING IRRIGATION RESEARCH PARK PARTNERS WITH THE FLINT RIVER SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE SMART IRRIGATION MONTH IN GEORGIA

Helping Growers Maximize Water-Use Efficiency

Smart Irrigation Month is a public awareness campaign to promote efficient water use. Focused on July, Smart Irrigation Month highlights effective practices and innovative technologies to:

• Increase crop yield, quality and profits per acre.
• Apply water and nutrient inputs more precisely for improved results with no waste.
• Minimize runoff and top soil erosion.
• Help protect and preserve water supplies for today and the future.

This month, the Flint District will be posting short Smart Irrigation Month articles to highlight various aspects of efficient, innovative irrigation strategies. This week, the District has focused on Education and Outreach and we’re pleased that they have featured our work at the Stripling Irrigation Research Park. Follow the link below to see the article as well as others that have been posted.

Click here to view a blog about Education and Outreach!

Follow the District on Facebook at Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District or Instagram at flintriverswcd to see their Smart Irrigation Month posts.

Learn more about Smart Irrigation in Georgia at https://www.smartirrigationgeorgia.com.

#SmartIrrigationGA

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION WORKSHOP 2023 COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR

On June 15th, GAC's Jill Hansard and Chloe Echols attended a career fair hosted by Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) at the University of Georgia Tifton campus. This event allowed high school students to learn what the agriculture industry has to offer for their future careers. More than sixty students stopped by the Georgia Agribusiness Council table and heard what GAC does in the ag industry, as well as how other careers can be considered agriculture-related. The William C. “Bill” Baisley “Sumpin’ Big” Scholarship applications, which GAC offers yearly, were available for any upcoming seniors going into an Ag related degree to pick up. We are grateful for GACD allowing us be a part of this great event.

GAC VISITS WITH AG FELLOWS IN DC

Georgia Agribusiness Council has supported the UGA CAES Agricultural Congressional Fellowship program since its inception and it is a proven to be an invaluable experience for these students and the agriculture industry. This program helps students interested in politics and agricultural issues gain great experience as they serve Georgia Congressional leadership in Washington. The students that are selected as D.C. "Fellows" attend agriculture committee hearings, prepare briefs, conduct agricultural research and meet with constituents. As a founding organization of the program it is important that we meet with the fellows while in D.C. to bolster relationships and check in on how the internship is going.

AgGeorgia Farm Credit

Agri-Business Technologies, Inc.

AgSouth Farm Credit

AT&T - Georgia

Bulloch Fertilizer Co. Inc.

Burke Farm Management

Corteva Agriscience

Dentons U.S. LLP

Durden Banking Co. Inc.

Flint River Mills Inc.

Georgia Association of County Agricultural Agents

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Crop Improvement Association Inc.

Georgia Crop Production Alliance

Georgia Development Authority

Georgia FFA Association

Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

Georgia Peanut Commission

Georgia Pork Producers Association

Georgia Poultry Federation

Georgia Power Co.

Georgia Veterinary Medical Association

Georgia Young Farmers Association

Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts

H. T. McLendon Co.

John Deere Ag & Turf Division-Eastern Sales Branch

Mr. Matt Brinson

Newton Crouch Co., LLC

R. W. Griffin Industrial, LLC

Southeastern Minerals, Inc.

Southern Crop Production Association

Southern Pride - Heritage Produce Co., LLC

Super Sod / Patten Seed Co.

Sutherland's Foodservice, Inc.

The Coca-Cola Co.

The Kroger Co.

Thompson Farm Supply, Inc.

USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

GEORGIA TREND FEATURES GAC PRESIDENT IN JULY ISSUE

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

WHAT IS FIELD DAY AND WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

Field Day at the Darrell Williams Research Farm at the Sunbelt Ag Expo is a driving experience for those interested in learning more about the new research being performed by private companies and universities.

The 2023 Field Day will be held on July 20 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. You will follow the signs through the field driveways, watch the videos at the stops that you would like to watch, and have the opportunity to speak with the reps and researchers firsthand about the work at their plot.

Videos for the 2023 Field Day will be released on the morning of July 20, 2023, and available for viewing after. If you would like to see videos from 2022, 2021, and 2020, please visit the archives at the bottom of the page.



For more information Click Here.

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