COALITION OF AG GROUPS TO PUSH FOR PASSAGE OF FARM BILL

More than 40 agricultural groups have joined a coalition formed on Aug. 22 to encourage Congress to pass a new farm bill.

The group, called Farm Bill Now, includes American Farm Bureau Federation, the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation and nearly 20 other commodity groups, along with a variety of other conservation, governmental and stakeholder organizations.

On its website, http://www.farmbillnow.com, the organization stresses that the farm bill affects all Americans, regardless of whether they work in agriculture.

“The farm bill has broad impact on our citizens and our economy. It provides healthy foods to millions of schoolchildren and nutritious options to families in need. It develops and expands trade with valuable foreign markets. By reducing spending significantly compared to prior farm bills, the proposals pending right now in Congress address the need to get our nation’s fiscal house in order,” the coalition said in a statement, pointing out that the drought conditions this year have underscored farmers’ need for long-term certainty in federal farm policy.

Representatives of the member groups discussed the Farm Bill Now effort on Aug. 28 during the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. The group has also planned a fly-in to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 12, when representatives of its member organizations will communicate to members of Congress the importance of passing a new five-year farm bill.

There are currently two farm bill proposals in Congress. Then Senate passed its farm bill version, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, on June 21. Georgia Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson both voted against the bill because it offered little protection for major commodities produced in Georgia.

The House Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act, on July 11, but it was not brought to the full House for a vote before Congress took its August recess. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) voted for the bill in committee, while Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) voted against it.

Georgia Farm Bureau supports passage of the FARRM Act, which recognizes agricultural diversity and provides a balanced safety net that covers a variety of commodities while accounting for regional differences in agriculture. The 2008 farm bill expires on Sept. 30, and Congress is required to pass a one-year extension if a new long-term bill has not been passed by that date. Congress is scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 10, leaving 13 working days to complete House passage of its farm bill and reconciliation of the House and Senate bills.

August 29, 2012 www.gfb.org Vol. 30 No. 35

Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 NFPA WILL NOT RECOMMEND SPRINKLERS IN LIVESTOCK HOUSING

A coalition of 17 agriculture groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, presented successful appeals against expanding the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) 150 standard to apply to structures designated to house Category B animals, which include livestock and poultry barns.

Georgia Farm Bureau participated in the NFPA appeals process by providing support information.

The NFPA’s Standards Council announced on Aug. 9 that it had rejected requests from a group of animal activist organizations, including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

(PETA), to require all animal housing facilities to have sprinkler systems for fire protection under its 150 standard.

The NFPA is not a policymaking body, but its recommendations are often followed by government policy makers, insurance companies and others. The NFPA Standards Council is in the process of revising the 150 standard for publication in 2013. The Standards Council Technical Committee on Animal Housing Facilities indicated that it may consider the matter again during the next revision cycle.

The 150 standard originally required sprinkler systems in facilities designated to house Category A animals, comprised mostly of zoo animals and reptiles in situations where firefighters would be at risk from the animals while fighting a fire.

The livestock groups argued that the proposed revisions to the 150 standard did not account for differences in design and operations between various livestock and poultry production facilities and gave little consideration to the economic and technical implications for livestock and poultry operations.

For example, livestock producers would be required to install the systems, secure sufficient water sources to meet the amended standards and pay for periodic maintenance and inspections, all with little or no corresponding benefit.

While the animal rights organizations suggested that such costs might be offset by lower insurance premiums and reduced fire losses, the livestock organizations countered that premium credits or discounts would only be offered after sufficient claims history showed a reduction in losses resulting from use of sprinkler systems, and even then it would take years for producers to recoup installation costs. APPEALS COURT RULES ON GEORGIA IMMIGRATION CASE

The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Aug. 20 that one section of House Bill 87 is pre-empted by federal law, but that another is not.

In a challenge of two provisions of HB 87 filed against the state by the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights, Service Employees International Union and others, the court found HB 87’s Section 7, which deals with transporting or harboring illegal aliens, is pre-empted by federal law.

According to the ruling, Section 8 of HB 87, which addresses police inquiries of the immigration status of individuals suspected of criminal activity, is not pre-empted by federal law. However, the court acknowledged that the language of the law could lead to racial profiling.

Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 USDA STATISTICS SERVICE ANNOUNCES SURVEY SCHEDULE

In the coming months, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service will be conducting surveys of Georgia farmers intended to collect data to write crop production reports. Georgia Farm Bureau encourages farmers to participate in the surveys as the data is used to write reports that are factually based on unbiased data. GFB often uses data from these reports when testifying before legislative committees in Atlanta or Washington. The survey schedule is as follows:

• Cotton Objective Yield - USDA data collectors will visit cotton fields across Georgia to collect cotton samples and record information pertaining to yield during the last week of every month July through December. Results of this survey are one indicator for the cotton estimate released in the monthly crop production reports in the fall.

• Agricultural Yield Survey - Producers will be contacted Aug. 30 - Sept. 5 regarding yield and production of the major row crops and again Sept. 28- Oct. 4 for crop production reports to be released on Sept. 12 and Oct. 11.

• Sept. Agricultural Survey - This survey was mailed Aug. 24 and producers will be called Aug. 30-Sept. 15. Data will be published in the Small Grains Summary report released on Sept. 28.

• Off-Farm Grain Stocks - Surveys were mailed Aug. 22 and producers will be called Sept. 12-14. Results will be published in the Grain Stocks report on Sept. 28.

• Hog Report - Data collection for the Quarterly Hogs & Pigs Report will be from Aug. 31-Sept. 14. Results will be published Sept. 28.

• Milk Production - Surveys will be mailed Sept. 20 and producers called Sept. 29-Oct. 12. Results will be published in the Oct. 19 Milk Production Report.

• Peach & Blueberry Production & Disposition - These surveys will be mailed on Oct. 6 and producers called Oct. 24-28. Data for both crops will be published in the 2013 Noncitrus Fruits & Nuts Report.

• Grape Production & Disposition - This survey will be mailed Oct. 31 and producers called Nov. 9-23. Data will be published in the 2013 Noncitrus Fruits & Nuts Report.

Call the Georgia Field Office of the USDA NASS at 800-253-4419 with any questions or concerns. GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION RECEIVES GRANTS TO FIGHT ARSON

Two new grants totaling more than $270,000 have been awarded to help in Georgia’s fight against wildland arson. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) was awarded a $151,600 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which will be used for equipment, training and a media campaign designed to raise awareness and help protect Georgians from the threat of wildland arson fires. According to the GFC, there were more than 1,000 suspicious fires in Georgia involving 25,000 acres of forestland in 2011.

In addition, the Georgia Forestry Commission received a separate $120,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service to develop the Southeast Arson Task Force, which will strengthen wildland arson investigations in the Southern region.

For more information about fire prevention in Georgia and the services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit http://www.GaTrees.org.

Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION REGION ROUNDUPS Sept. 6 Vidalia Onion Research Center 6 p.m. Lyons Sept. 11 Georgia Cattlemen’s Association headquarters 6 p.m. Macon These meetings will provide Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) updates, legislative updates, a presentation on the activities of the HSUS, information about the beef checkoff and much more. There is no cost to attend and a meal will be provided. RSVP by calling 478-474-6560. OLD SOUTH FARM CAMP September – November Old South Farm Woodland These three-day camps, which typically will run from Friday through Suday, include a variety of vintage farm activities, including milking cows, making butter and buttermilk, a session on honeybees and much more. Registration is $200 per person and discounts are available for multiple members of the same family. For more information or to register, contact Paul Bulloch at 706-975-9136 or visit http://www.oldsouthfarm.com. GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS FALL FIELD DAY Sept. 6 USDA-ARS Research Lab 8 a.m. Byron This free event includes an orchard tour and a complimentary lunch. An orchard tour will be held before noon and a barbecue lunch will be provided. For more information contact Janice Dees at 229-382-2187 or Janice@georgiapecan.org. USFRA SEEKING THE “FACES OF FARMING AND RANCHING” Farm Bureau members can apply to become one of the national U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) “Faces of Farming and Ranching” representatives. The Faces of Farming and Ranching will serve multiple roles with the USFRA, including giving national media interviews, participating in panel discussions and web chats, being featured in advertising and other activities. Each representative will have a tailored media plan to ensure optimal use of the 2013 winners. Entries will be accepted through Sept. 8. All travel costs will be provided for the winners, each of whom will also receive a $10,000 stipend, $5,000 to donate to an agriculture charity and spokesperson training. To find out more, please contact GFB Commodities Assistant Director Joe McManus at 478-474-0679, ext. 5250, or jcmcmanus@gfb.org. To access the entry forms visit http://www.fooddialogues.com/faces-of-farming-and-ranching. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETINGS Sept. 11 3rd District The Center at Arbor Connection 7 p.m. Douglasville Sept. 13 10th District Jamestown Baptist Church 7 p.m. Waycross Sept. 18 2nd District N. Ga. Technical College 7 p.m. Avalon Sept. 20 5th District Thomaston Civic Center 7 p.m. Thomaston Sept. 25 1st District First Baptist Church 7 p.m. Calhoun Oct. 9 9th District Mitchell County Ag Center 7 p.m. Camilla Oct. 11 7th District First Baptist Church 7 p.m. Statesboro Oct. 30 8th District South Ga. Technical College 7 p.m. Americus Nov. 1 4th District Greene County High School 7 p.m. Greensboro Nov. 8 6th District Poplar Springs North Bapt. Church 7p.m. Dublin Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information. Note: These meetings are for Farm Bureau members only and are not open to the general public.

Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 UGA COTTON AND PEANUT RESEARCH FIELD DAY Sept. 12 Coastal Plain Experiment Station 8:30 a.m. Tifton This event, sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and the Georgia Peanut Commission, includes lunch. For more information call 229-386-3328. EMERGENCY ANIMAL SHELTER RIBBON-CUTTING Sept. 12 SAFE building, Fort Valley State University 10:30 a.m. Fort Valley Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black is scheduled to attend the event to recognize the opening of the State Animal Facility for Emergencies, a 7,800-square-foot facility capable of housing up to 80 cat and 105 dogs, as well as up to 30 horses in the event of an emergency. For more information, contact FVSU at 478-825-6345. GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE Sept. 15 Atlanta State Farmers Market 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Forest Park The third Georgia Grown Farmer Showcas will feature dozens of vendors selling a wide variety of agricultural products. Georgia Grown T-shirts (in an assortment of fruit and vegetable colors) will also be available for sale. For information contact Paul Thompson at 404-675-1782. The Atlanta State Farmers Market is at 16 Forest Parkway, Forest Park. 16th ANNUAL PLAINS PEANUT FESTIVAL Sept. 15 Plains The annual Plains Peanut Festival is centered around one of the Sumter County community's claims to fame, its peanut production, and former President of the U.S., Jimmy Carter. One-mile fun run and a 5-K road race starts at 7 AM. All-day event with educational exhibits & vendors. For info, call Better Home Town Program at 229-824-5373 or http://www.plainsgeorgia.com/peanut_festival.html. 2012 GEORGIA GRAZING SCHOOL Sept. 18-19 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This two-day workshop will focus on soil fertility, forage crop establishment, plant growth, animal nutrient requirements and management-intensive grazing. Registration is now open, and interested persons are encouraged to register as soon as possible. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/c6dhtb9. [http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forages/events/GS12/GS12.html.] 2012 AGROFORESTRY AND WILDLIFE FIELD DAY Sept. 20 University of Georgia Griffin Campus 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Griffin Registration is now being accepted for this unique educational event, sponsored by UGA, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Fort Valley State University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the NRCS. The field day will provide information on ways land value can be enhanced. More than 25 topics will be showcased, including wildlife opening management; pond management; management for wild turkeys, doves and quail; selling and marketing timber; prescribed burning, cost-sharing assistance programs, GPS/GIS use in managing land and invasive insects, disease and plants. Registration is $25 before Sept. 3 and $35 after. Fee includes lunch, and those who register in advance will receive an Agroforestry & Wildlife Field Day baseball cap. For more information, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/events/awfd/index.html.

Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 THE FARMER & THE CHEF Sept. 22 The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead The Georgia Chapter of the March of Dimes (MOD) is hosting this fundraising event for its ongoing mission of stronger, healthier babies. Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by Atlanta-area chefs using ingredients from local farmers. MOD is partnering with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Restaurant Association to engage local farmers and chefs to participate. Event starts at 6 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Tables start at $5,000 with 10 seats per table. For more information please call Joanna Johnson at 404-350-9800 or email jjohnson@marchofdimes.com. TRI-STATE PEANUT DISEASE TOUR Sept. 25-27 Various Research Sites Ga. Ala., Fla. For more information, contact Dr. Albert Culbreath at 229-386-3370. UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR FSA PROGRAMS Below are upcoming enrollment deadlines for programs administered by the Farm Service Agency: Sept. 30 Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Dates vary Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), check with FSA service center for dates) and Crop Insurance (Contact a crop insurance agent or the regional Risk Management Agency (RMA) office.) For more information about FSA programs visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov. NRCS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION GRANTS The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications until Oct. 15 for grants intended to help farmers fund projects that will make their farms more drought tolerant. The NRCS is offering up to $5 million in Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to evaluate and demonstrate farming practices that help producers adapt to drought. Funds will be awarded through a competitive grants process for projects lasting one to three years. NRCS is especially interested in projects that demonstrate: cropping or grazing systems that increase drought resiliency through improved soil health; increases available soil water holding capacity by enhancing organic matter with reduced tillage, cover crops and organic amendments; uses drought resistant plants in coordination with the NRCS Plant Material Centers; or improves water efficiency. To apply, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact the NRCS National CIG office at 703-235-8065. HAWKINSVILLE HARVEST FEST/PIGS & PRODUCE BARBECUE CONTEST Oct. 26 & 27 Courthouse Square Hawkinsville Better Hometown of Hawkinsville will host the annual Harvest Fest featuring the Pigs and Produce barbecue competition, an official contest sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association. Along with some great professional barbecue teams and some very interesting ancillary categories, Hawkinsville will host two very unique events at this festival: The first ever Georgia State Boiled Peanut Championship sponsored by Hardy Farms Peanuts and the Old vs. New Faceoff. This head-to-head contest will be held on the courthouse square in downtown Hawkinsville between barbecue legend Myron Mixon of Jack’s Old South and his son, Michael Mixon of Jack’s New South. For more information, please visit http://www.hawkinsvilleharvestfest.com.

Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 AG, ENGINEERING AND NATURAL RESOURCES CAREER FAIR AT UGA Nov. 7 UGA Tate Student Center Noon – 4 p.m. Athens The University of Georgia is looking for companies needing a few good hires or summer interns. Visit http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/?public=viewStory&pk_id=4516 for more information. Companies that want to register for the fair should visit career.uga.edu/hireuga or email LeAnn Golob at leann@uga.edu. INSECT UPDATES Check the Cotton Insect Hotline (1-800-851-2847) for updates on current insect conditions. The Cotton Pest Management Newsletter and additional cotton production information is also posted on the UGA Cotton Homepage at: http://www.ugacotton.com ORDER YOUR AG TAG OR EQUINE TAG TODAY Orders are now being taken at county tag offices for the Support Agriculture in Georgia Tag and the Equine Tag.