GFB URGES HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE TO FULLY FUND NEW GIPSA RULES

Citing the need for fairness to poultry growers in the areas of required capital investments, contract dispute response time and options for dispute resolution, Georgia Farm Bureau

President Zippy Duvall wrote to Georgia Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-2nd District), Tom Graves (R-9th District) and Jack Kingston (R-1st District) asking for their support in making sure funding is available in the FY 2013 Agriculture Appropriations bill for the new USDA Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rule that was finalized in February.

“We believe these rules will prove helpful to poultry growers by balancing the negotiating position of growers regarding additional capital

investments and provide growers more options to settle contract disputes,” Duvall wrote. Bishop, Graves and Kingston are all members of the House Appropriations Committee and the

Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee, which Kingston chairs. Duvall pointed out that the relationship between Georgia growers and poultry integrators is

generally good, but noted that growers’ ability to negotiate is limited by their absolute reliance on production contracts.

He called the congressmen’s attention to three specific sections in the new GIPSA rule. Section 201.216 outlines the criteria that may be used by the Secretary of Agriculture to determine whether growers are being unfairly or unreasonably required to make additional capital investments ($12,500 or more per structure) on their poultry or swine facilities. Duvall noted that growers, fearing loss of production contracts, are pressured into making additional capital investments, and he said growers should be afforded reasonable opportunity to recoup the cost.

Another section, 201.218, outlines criteria the Agriculture Secretary can use to determine whether growers have been given a reasonable amount of time to remedy an alleged breach of a production contract.

The third section, 201.219, gives growers options in the method of dispute resolution; they would be allowed the choice, prior to signing the contract, on whether they will accept binding arbitration should a contract dispute arise. Farm Bureau supports the rights of growers to participate in binding arbitration, but believes the growers should also have the right to choose other options.

“We believe GIPSA achieved a fair balance with these rules in that they are equitable to both parties,” Duvall wrote. “Therefore, we request your support in moving forward with these new GIPSA rules.”

May 30, 2012 www.gfb.org Vol. 30 No. 22

Leadership Alert page 2 of 7 SENATE EGG PRODUCTION BILL WOULD MANDATE CARE STANDARDS

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced a bill to amend the Egg Products Inspection Act on May 24, a measure that would mandate care standards for egg-laying hens.

Feinstein’s S. 3239 is opposed by Georgia Farm Bureau, which maintains that S. 3239 is the first step toward the on-farm regulation of all animal agriculture. GFB policy is to oppose any laws which would mandate specific farming practices in livestock or poultry production.

The bill implements the 2011 agreement between the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and United Egg Producers (UEP). It is unclear whether the full Senate will take up the bill, though some observers expect it to be offered as an amendment to the Senate version of the 2012 farm bill.

“I think this agreement would put every small producer out of business. Europe has had it for a while and they have an egg shortage and consumers pay more for eggs. I think larger producers are forced to say they approve the agreement but I don’t think they really do,” said Gordon County Farm Bureau member and egg producer Larry Thomason. “If we don’t treat these birds well they aren’t going to lay eggs. We handle them humanely. This is how we make our living so we can’t abuse these animals.”

S. 3239, which is companion legislation to H.R. 3798 introduced in the House in January, specifies a phased-in move to mandatory housing for egg-laying hens that is double the size of those currently in use by most egg farmers. If implemented, this requirement would cost U.S. egg farmers an estimated $4 billion over the next 15 to 17 years.

The bill would also pre-empt state laws regarding mandatory state standards, including those already enacted in Michigan and Ohio. In addition to the care standards, the bill includes labeling requirements for eggs and air-quality standards for hen houses.

Meanwhile, the Senate version of the farm bill was also introduced on May 24 by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). The bill, S. 3240, was not supported in committee by Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), who took issue with the bill’s inequities between regions and crops. STUDY SHOWS ETHANOL BLENDING REDUCES THE PRICE OF GASOLINE

Research conducted by Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development revealed that between 2000 and 2011, the growth of ethanol production and its incorporation into gasoline reduced gas prices by 29 cents per gallon.

The study, conducted by ISU professors Dermot Hayes and Xiaodong Du, indicated that in 2011 blending ethanol into gasoline reduced the wholesale price of gasoline by $1.09 per gallon.

“Growth in U.S. ethanol production has added significantly to the volume of fuel available in the U.S.,” Hayes said in a Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) press release. “It is as if the U.S. oil refining industry had found a way to extract 10 percent more gasoline from a barrel of oil.”

More than 13 billion gallons of ethanol were blended with gasoline in the U.S. in 2011, and without it, the study indicated average gasoline prices would have been $4.60 per gallon.

Leadership Alert page 3 of 7 JUNE IS BEEF MONTH IN GEORGIA

On May 2 Gov. Nathan Deal signed a proclamation declaring June to be Georgia Beef Month, a month-long celebration led by the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, Georgia Beef Board and

Georgia’s multi-million dollar beef industry. In an effort to increase beef awareness and celebrate the success of the beef industry, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, beef producers, and retail and food service partners throughout the state will hold promotions, cookouts, giveaways and much more during June.

One point of emphasis for Beef Month is the cattlemen’s role as “everyday environmentalists.” According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, grazing animals on land not suitable for producing crops more than doubles the land area

that can be used to produce food, and the NCBA notes that if 1955 technology were used to produce the amount of beef raised today, additional land roughly equal to the size of Texas would be needed. Additionally, land used for grazing provides habitat for many species of wildlife.

“We want folks to enjoy beef, and Beef Month is a great opportunity for Georgia Cattlemen's and the Georgia Beef Board to share new beef cuts that have been developed and educate consumers on proper cooking of beef so they have a safe and delicious dining experience,” said GCA Executive Vice President Josh White.

Beef is a traditional American food with a taste that Americans love and appreciate. Beef is one of the most versatile, and nutritious protein sources, with multiple lean options for a healthy lifestyle.

The production of beef cattle is also one of Georgia’s largest and most important industries, giving $2.1 billion to Georgia’s economy with 16,000 beef producers and 1.11 million cattle. For more information about beef, contact the Georgia Beef Board at 478-474-1815 or visit http://www.gabeef.org. GFB OFFERING AG IN THE CLASSROOM TEACHER WORKSHOPS

Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom is offering three workshops this summer that will show teachers how to use agriculture as a tool to teach social studies, science, math and language arts. This professional learning unit (PLU) course is targeted to teachers in grades K-5, is matched to state standards, is interdisciplinary and places particular focus on Georgia. The class is open to teachers of both public and independent schools. The class includes a field trip to a farm or agribusiness.

The workshops are scheduled for June 11-13 at the Georgia Farm Bureau home office in Macon, July 9-11 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton and July 17-19 at Habersham County Farm Bureau in Clarkesville. Each session begins at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. each day.

Registration cost is $35 and includes lunch each day, a field trip to area farms/agribusinesses and classroom materials valued at about $100. June 6 is the registration deadline for the Macon workshop. June 29 is the registration deadline for the Tifton workshop and July 3 is the registration deadline for the Clarkesville workshop.

For more information, visit http://www.gfb.org/programs/aic/PLUCourses.htm. To register, contact Donna Rocker via email at dhrocker@gfb.org or by phone at 478-474-0679 (ext. 5365).

Leadership Alert page 4 of 7 CONGRATULATIONS to Dougherty County Farm Bureau member Phillip Phillips for winning American Idol! GFB YOUNG FARMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE July 13-15 Jekyll Island Convention Center Jekyll Island This family-friendly event will provide educational, networking and social opportunities for young farmers. The preliminary rounds of the 2012 Young Farmer Discussion Meet will be held during the conference, which also features sessions on interacting with government agencies, farm budget, maximizing Farm Bureau involvement and legislative topics. Registration deadline is May 31. For more information, contact GFB Young Farmer Coordinator Jed Evans at 478-474-0679, ext. 5230 or jcevans@gfb.org. CAES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS June 1 Deadline to apply for Transfer Scholarship The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association is accepting applications for its Transfer Scholarship for students considering transferring into a CAES program in fall 2012. For more information or to download the application form, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html. UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR FSA PROGRAMS Below are upcoming enrollment deadlines for programs administered by the Farm Service Agency: June 1 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) June 1 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment Program (SURE) July 15 2011 Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) July 15 Certification of planted acres (all crops except tobacco) Aug. 1 Farm Reconstitutions (changes) for 2012 crop year 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 visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov. GEORGIA-FLORIDA TOBACCO TOUR June 11-13 Lake City, Fla. – Waresboro, Ga. The tour will visit Florida and Georgia tobacco farms to view on-farm research of tobacco varieties, insect control, tomato spotted wilt virus and more. To register for the tour, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/tobacco/tours/index.html. Additional details will be available on the website as the tour dates approach. For more information contact Dr. J. Michael Moore at 229-392-6424 or jmmoore@uga.edu. COTTON SCOUT SCHOOLS June 11 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton June 19 Southeast Research and Education Center Midville These programs, which run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., offer basic information on cotton insects and scouting procedures. The programs will serve as a review for experienced scouts and producers and as an introduction to cotton insect monitoring for new scouts. For more information about the Tifton session, contact Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. For information about the Midville session, contact Peyton Sapp at 706-554-2119.

Leadership Alert page 5 of 7 USDA SUSTAINABLE AG & CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS June 14 Love is Love Farm and Oakleaf Mennonite Farm Atlanta These three workshops, offered by the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation and Development Council, will show participants organically grown crops in various stages of development along with a variety of production practices. Information about how to become eligible for USDA programs will be presented. Registration is free but must be done in advance. To register, visit http://tiny.cc/LBdf2b. For more information, call the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service at 770-963-9288, contact Willie Torrey at 678-376-9518 or visit http://www.ebtfarmersmarket.com. USDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WATER QUALITY INITIATIVE June 15 is the deadline for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to apply for FY 2012 funding under the USDA’s new water quality initiative. Using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the initiative offers financial and technical assistance to help approved applicants employ water quality improvement practices like nutrient management, filter strips and terraces, and planting cover crops. Nationwide, the USDA made $33 million available for projects in 157 watersheds. Three watersheds in Georgia were selected for the program - Lower Deep Creek in Turner County and Lower Piscola Creek and Middle Piscola Creek, both in Brooks and Thomas Counties. Applications are accepted at local NRCS offices. 2012 GEORGIA YOUNG FARMERS ASSOCIATION SUMMER TOUR June 15-16 Tour begins in Lavonia This annual tour, conducted by the Georgia Young Farmers Association, begins with a picnic dinner at Lavonia City Park, followed by a private showing of “Land of Spirit,” Franklin County’s folk life play. The second day’s stops include Transplant Nursery for a look at one of the South’s largest azalea and rhododendron growers and the Fieldale egg hatchery. Fees are $40 for ages 12 and up and $15 for ages 6 to 11. For more information, please contact Owen Thomason at othom@franklin.k12.ga.us or 706-384-4525. GEORGIA EGG ASSOCIATION 51st ANNUAL MEETING June 20-22 King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort St. Simons Island The Georgia Egg Association meeting offers educational sessions, reports from the American Egg Board, United Egg Producers and the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council. The association will also hold its awards banquet, a spouse’s breakfast and much more. For more information, call 770-932-4622. DAWSON COUNTY FARM SAFETY FAIR June 23 Field on HWY 9@ canoe ramp near Riverview Middle Sch. Dawsonville The AGCO equipment company and Dawson County Farm Bureau are hosting a farm safety training from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for adults. AGCO will demonstrate new safety features available on hay equipment, and EMS personnel will give safety presentations. The local FFA will sell food as a fundraiser. For more information contact Tammy Wood at the DCFB at tewood@gfb.org or 706-265-3350.

Leadership Alert page 6 of 7 SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY July 12 Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, Spence Field Moultrie This complimentary preview for the Sunbelt Expo is an opportunity for farmers to see the latest seed varieties, chemical applications, irrigation technology and precision ag technology, all in an applied research setting. A biscuit breakfast reception with Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall begins at 7:15. Trams depart starting at 8:30 and a complimentary lunch is served at 12:15. Register before 8:15a.m. for a chance to win a $100 early bird cash prize. Grand Prize and Door Prize Giveaways. Every attendee receives an Expo cap. For more information, call 229-985-1968 or visit http://www.sunbeltexpo.com. GEORGIA JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY July 12 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Perry Join in for a Field Day of Olympic proportions! All ages are welcome. Events include an AG-ility course, beef-themed classes and other sporting events. To register, visit http://www.gabeef.org/gjca/contest.html. Cost by July 1: GJCA members $10, non-members $15 (includes meal and T-shirt) Cost after July 1 and at the door: GJCA members $10, non-members $15, T-shirts not included but can be purchased for an additional $5. UGA AG LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is now accepting applications for the inaugural class of the Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture program. Participants will attend eight sessions held across the state, and travel to Washington, D.C. and abroad to study Georgia’s involvement with international trade. The first class will be chosen through an application and nomination process, which will begin this month. The application deadline is July 13 for the program that begins in the fall. For more information visit http://www.agla.caes.uga.edu or call Rochelle Strickland at 706-542-1204. GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION SUMMER CONFERENCE July 26-29 Jekyll Island Kick off your boots and join us for another exciting summer event! Highlights include a golf tournament, keynote speeches by the Port Authority, U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance and the Georgia Department of Agriculture and plenty of social and business fun for the whole family. Visit http://www.gabeef.org/gca/summerconference.htm to register. Cost is $25 per family. Friday and Saturday meals are $15 each for adults and $10 each for children. GARLICFEST 2012 Aug. 25 LoganBerry Heritage Farm 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cleveland This annual celebration of the Garlic harvest is a free and fun family event. It includes lots of garlic, chefs, creative food, cooking demos, tastings, live music, artisans and animals. For more information, contact LoganBerry Heritage Farm at 706-348-6068 or visit http://www.loganberryheritagefarm.com.

Leadership Alert page 7 of 7 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.