October 2022

VOTE TO SUPPORT GEORGIA FARMS AND FARM FAMILIES

It's not every day that Georgians have an opportunity to vote on an issue that has a direct impact on Georgia's number one industry. As a result of this most recent legislative session; when voters head to the polls in Georgia this fall, they'll see a referendum on their ballots that's meant to do just that. 

Referendum B would allow farm partnerships between multiple family farms who may not be directly related to utilize the same ad valorem exemptions that individual family farms currently receive. The exemptions would be allowed as long as each member of the partnership would have qualified for them on their own outside of the partnership. GAC, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Cattlemen's Association, and other supporters believe this measure will allow small farms to share in the cost of expensive equipment and facilities. It would also allow new and small farmers to make future investments needed to continue to stay on the land.

We ask that you encourage your friends and neighbors to support "Referendum B". To learn more about Referendum B, click here to view the segment produced b the Georgia Farm Monitor that aired last week. 

AG RETAILERS ASSOCIATION MEETING HELD IN GEORGIA

The National Agricultural Retailers Association hosted their Fall Board Meeting in Savannah, GA in late September. Board members representing a broad interest of the agriculture retailer space visited Georgia from all corners of the United States and Canada. During the policy committee meeting, Jamie McCurry, CAO of the Georgia Ports Authority, spoke to the group about the important role they play in the success of agribusiness and some other challenges that arose during COVID.

Pictured with GAC President Will Bentley, Richard Gupton and Hunter Carpenter - ARA Staff, and Jamie McCurry - GA Ports.

BILL PROVIDING RELIEF FOR TRUCKING INDUSTRY INTRODUCED IN US SENATE

The recently introduced Trucking Regulations Unduly Constricting Known Service-providers (TRUCKS) Act would allow states to issue a new “Small Business Restricted CDL” so Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements would not affect small businesses with nine CDLs or less.

The TRUCKS Act would reduce regulatory burdens and allow states to exempt employees of ag-related industries, school districts and local units of governments (including county, municipal and tribal), from ELDT requirements to obtain their CDL.

2023 4R ADVOCATE AWARDS: CALL FOR ENTRIES

ARLINGTON, VA – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) is now accepting nominations for the 2023 4R Advocate awards. This program recognizes farmers and fertilizer retailers for their commitment to sound nutrient stewardship using the 4Rs, or the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, the right time and in the right place. Through these 4R farming practices, farmers improve their return on their nutrient inputs and decrease environmental impact.

“The 4R Advocate program highlights farmers’ partnerships with their retailers or certified agronomists throughout the year and demonstrates to the fertilizer industry, the agricultural community, and policymakers the real-world benefits the 4Rs deliver on the farm and in communities,” said TFI President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch.

“Farmers often get unfairly blamed for overapplying fertilizers,” continued Rosenbusch. “Our work with 4R Advocates tells a different story as these growers are outperforming farmers around the world. This program is a key component of our research strategy and allows us to continue to challenge the narrative with an expanded portfolio of grower case studies.”

Advocate nominations are due no later than Friday, November 30, 2022. Program rules and entry forms for retailers and industry partners to nominate farmers are available online, as are easy directions for farmers and retailers to document their efforts to apply the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles and to chart results. Applicants can also read previous winners’ stories at nutrientstewardship.org.

The 2023 4R Advocate winners will be announced in mid-December. Advocates will be recognized throughout 2023 at TFI meetings and other ag forums. The 2023 Advocates will serve as 4R ambassadors within their businesses and in the wider grower community.

To date, 120 4R Advocates from 24 states, representing nearly one-quarter million acres have been recognized. They grow crops that include apples, alfalfa, cabbage, collard greens, corn, cotton, hops, peanuts, rice, soybeans, strawberries, tomatoes, and more.

The 4R Advocate program aims to raise awareness and adoption of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Fertilizer is a key component of sustainable crop production systems, and the fertilizer industry recognizes the need to efficiently utilize these nutrients. 4R Advocates and other farmers have partnered with The Fertilizer Institute to demonstrate how 4R practices have led to cost-efficiencies and improved environmental outcomes on their fields. More information and data on their efforts is available at 4RFarming.org.

GAC HOSTS STUDENTS ON AG TOUR

GAC partnered with Cargill and The Metro Atlanta Urban Farm, to host a tour for high school and college students to share information concerning the unlimited options of ag-based careers. Students from Fort Valley State University, Fulton Leadership Academy and Tuskegee University toured the Cargill Soybean Processing Plant, Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and Kubota Tractor Corporation’s RTV Facility. They then stopped at Jaemor Farm where they learned about agritourism and finished the day with ice cream. The students had a great time on the tour and learned about the many opportunities available in agribusiness. 

USDA URBAN AG KICK-OFF EVENT HELD IN FULTON COUNTY

GAC was in attendance as the Georgia Farm Service Agency Executive Director Arthur Tripp visited with students at Chattahoochee Hills Charter School to stress the importance of youth in Georgia’s agricultural future. He also talked about the support the FSA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture give to urban producers, an important part of the state’s agricultural production in the midst of Atlanta’s urban sprawl.

Tripp said, “our visit last week with the students at Chattahoochee Hills Charter School was instrumental in promoting USDA’s goal of inspiring the next generation of agricultural producers and agricultural business leaders. We had a robust dialogue regarding future agricultural careers, educational opportunities, and available resources that USDA is providing to our young and beginning farmers and ranchers.”

Along with the FSA, several urban agriculture based sponsors were present to showcase difference careers that were available to students who are interested in agriculture once they graduate. Chattahoochee Hills Charter School uses and ag based curriculum to teach students about science, technology, and math in South Fulton county. 

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: 

Hyatt Place • 706/425-1800 • Book Here

 To receive the group discount, use code “G-HRV2”

Book by October 18th for group rate

Hilton Garden Inn • 706/353-6800 • Book Here

Book by October 18th for group rate

Deadline to be listed in the Harvest Celebration Program as a Ticket or Table sponsor is Friday, October 14th

Deadline to be listed in the Program as a Silent Auction donor is Friday, October 21st (Items must be mailed to the GAC Office by November 1st)

RSVP Form due to Rebekah by Friday, October 21st 

For more information or question please call the GAC office at 706/336-6830 or email Rebekah McDowell.

Thank you to our other table and ticket sponsors!

• Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
• AgAmerica Lending
• AgGeorgia Farm Credit
• AgSouth Farm Credit
• Ameris Bank
• Atlantic & Southern Equipment, LLC
• Big Bend Agri-Services, Inc.
• Brooksco Dairy
• C. M. Tanner Grocery Co. Inc.
• Cal-Maine Foods Inc.
• Chestatee Chattahoochee RC&D Council Inc.
• CNI
• Color Burst
• Corteva Agriscience
• Dickey Farms Inc.
• Farmers Exchange
• Georgia 4-H Foundation
• Georgia Cattlemen's Association
• Georgia Cooperative Extension
• Georgia Development Authority
• Georgia Electric Membership Corporation
• Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.
• Georgia FFA Foundation
• Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center
• Georgia Forestry Association

• Georgia Green Industry Association
• Georgia Milk Producers Inc.
• Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Inc.
• Georgia Plant Food Educational Society, Inc.
• Golden Peanut and Tree Nuts
• Jackson EMC
• Jaemor Farms
• John Henry Dorminy Family Properties
• KAKEGA LLC
• L. L. Rogers and Son, Inc.
• Lewis Taylor Farms, Inc.
• Longleaf Ridge Farms
• Mar-Jac Poultry Inc.
• McLendon Acres, Inc.
• Newton Crouch Company
• NG Turf, Inc.
• North Georgia Technical College
• Southeastern Minerals, Inc.
• Southwest Georgia Farm Credit
• Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition
• Synovus
• Triangle Chemical Co.
• UGA Innovation Gateway
• University of Georgia CAES Alumni Association
• Vidalia Onion Committee
• Wooten Farms

USDA RAISES FARM INCOME FORECAST

In its September 2022 Farm Income Forecast, USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasts that net farm income will rise 5.2 percent in calendar year 2022 to $147.7 billion compared to 2021. 

Crop receipts are now estimated to jump by 15.3%, or $36.4 billion, led by an inflation-adjusted 23% increase in soybean revenue, a 10% increase in corn receipts and a 26% increase for wheat. Sales of animals and animal products are forecast to skyrocket by 28.3%. Revenue from broilers is forecast up 48% this year, adjusted for inflation, while egg receipts are estimated to increase by nearly 67%. Dairy sector revenue is forecast to increase by 29%.

But farms will actually see their earnings lower this year compared to 2021 because of the combination of higher input costs and a decline in government payments due to the end of pandemic assistance and reduced disaster aid, according to USDA.

Farmers' debt-to-asset levels are expected to decline from 13.5% in 2021 to 12.9% in 2022. But working capital, which measures the amount of cash available to fund operating expenses after paying off debt due within 12 months, is expected to be 2.6% lower this year.

2022 GEORGIA AG LABOR FORUM OPEN TO GAC MEMBERS

The Georgia Ag Labor Relations Forum returns to Tifton, GA, November 9-10, 2022, in a new location at ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture. The annual forum provides 2 full days of updates and discussion for agricultural employers with regulators and leading experts from the ag labor industry. The format and design of the event allows ag employers, HR managers, and administrators to have active discussions on how to navigate the ever-evolving challenge of finding and maintaining a consistent workforce in a complex regulatory environment.

Chris Butts of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) noted the importance of the forum. “The forum presents ag employers with a unique opportunity to hear directly from regulators, fellow business owners, labor attorneys, and labor consultants. Our presenters are recognized leaders in helping employers understand complex compliance and regulatory issues. Ag employers use this information to provide safe and healthy work environments and to ensure they are meeting the needs of both domestic and guest workers. If the success of your ag business depends on a consistent and reliable workforce, this forum will help you in that quest.”

The conference is made possible by the support of groups representing the wide variety of food and fiber produced and processed by Georgia’s leading industry, Agriculture. “The partners that make this event possible are names we know and trust and represent a broad mix of industry segments. We are proud to partner with these organizations to bring this important information to all Georgians involved in Agriculture,” said Butts.

Registration for the 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is

NOW OPEN!

Register Today

Savannah, GA | January 5-8

The 2023 Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference is in Savannah, GA, January 5-8, 2023. With 14 commodity conferences, 85 hours of educational programming, and 290 exhibiting companies, you don't want to miss the exciting opportunity for you and your farm operation! 

46TH ANNUAL GEORGIA PEANUT FARM SHOW SET FOR JANUARY 19, 2023, IN TIFTON

TIFTON, Ga. (Oct. 3, 2022) - Make plans to attend the 46^th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia. The one-day show is free and open to all farmers and industry representatives to attend. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with nearly 100 agribusinesses and organizations in the peanut and agricultural industry. Farmers will be able to earn private and commercial pesticide applicator certification, as well as learn about cutting-edge research and developments during the University of Georgia Peanut Production Seminar and industry-wide sponsored Peanut Seed Seminar.

Farm Show chairman Rodney Dawson is looking forward to the 2023 show. 

“I encourage farmers to attend this one-day show in Tifton,” Dawson says. “The knowledge they will gain from industry representatives and seminars is an investment in the future of their farm.”

The Georgia Peanut Commission, in cooperation with OneBlood, will host a blood drive from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19. At the close of Thursday, there will be nearly $10,000 in door prizes presented to farmers, as well as a Grand Door Prize, vendor products, certificates and equipment.

For more information on the show, contact the Georgia Peanut Commission office at 229-386-3470 or visit www.gapeanuts.com.

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. We often tout ourselves as the #1 industry in the state, but our political giving lags behind most industries of much smaller sizes on a yearly basis. WE MUST CHANGE THIS IF WE EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT OUR INDUSTRY IN THE FUTURE!

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. 

Want to be featured in the AgOutlook and GAC Social Media?

GAC wants to highlight all the great things our members are doing throughout the state! We are looking for participants in member or event spotlights. If you are interested, please email Maggie Wooten or call the office at 706/336-6830.

SCHOLARSHIP

GAC is also proud to announce the release of the William C. "Bill" Baisley "Sumpin' Big" Scholarship applications for 2022. 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, had 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 12, 2022. 

Click Here for the $1000 Baisley Scholarship Application

STAR SPONSOR TIME - ITS NOT TOO LATE

The 2022 GAC Star Sponsor program registration is 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!

AgSouth Services, Inc.

American Peanut Shellers Association

Barrington Dairy, LLC

Bay Branch Farms, Inc.

BCT Gin Co. Inc.

Boston Gin Co.

Broken Antler Farms

Burriss Law Group, LLC

Centurion Poultry Inc.

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

Food Safety Net Services

Funston Gin Co. Inc.

Georgia 4-H Foundation

GA Assoc. of Conservation Districts

GA Assoc. of County Agricultural Agents

Georgia Cattlemen's Association

Georgia Christmas Tree Association

Georgia Crop Improvement Assoc.

Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service, Inc.

Georgia FFA Association

Georgia Food Bank Association Inc.

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.

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

National Peanut Buying Points Assn.

Northeast Georgia Livestock

Oglethorpe Power Corporation

Omega Farms

P.G.C. Farms

Patrick Family Farms, LLC

Peebles Timber, Inc./ Longleaf LLC / Peebles Land LLLP

Pike Creek Turf, Inc.

Quality Gin, Inc.

RAJ Farms Inc.

Red Clay Ranch Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc

Samara Plantation LLC

Shealy Farms, Inc.

Shiloh Farms

Southeastern Cotton Ginners Association

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!