GEORGIA COTTON COMMISSION HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING

Approximately 350 people attended the 2012 Georgia Cotton Commission annual meeting in Tifton, and they received updates from leaders of the GCC, the National Cotton Council,

Southern Cotton Growers, the Cotton Board and Cotton Inc. The one-day conference included recognition of the winners of the 2011 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards.

Mike Watson, vice president for fiber competition with Cotton Incorporated discussed how the industry can remain competitive in global markets, pointing out that one of U.S. cotton’s largest export destinations, China, is projected to have significant population growth, enhancing demand for cotton and cotton products.

“Your customer is in an entirely different culture. They celebrate in different ways, different things are important to them,” Watson said. “If you’re going to be competitive globally, learn as much as you can about your customer.”

GCC Executive Director Richey Seaton gave an update on the commission’s activities of the past year, noting that the GCC hosted a group of German cotton farmers on one visit and conducted tours for textile industry groups to continue promotional work on behalf of cotton growers.

Southern Cotton Growers President Mike Tate gave an update on SCG’s activities, emphasizing the importance of cotton commodity groups' continued support of research funding programs.

Cotton Board President Bill Gillon discussed research and promotion of cotton, and National Cotton Council Senior Vice President John Maguire reviewed the 2012 farm bill deliberations, noting that the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction missed a chance to enact the next farm bill without it being subject to amendments.

Dennis and Jerry Rhodes from Wilcox County won the Best Cotton Award for producing cotton with the highest loan value and premium out of all of the awards given in the program. The Rhodes, nominated by Pitts Gin Company, also won Category 1 (less than 500 acres) in Region 1.

Other winners: Region 1, Category 2 (500-1,000 acres) Jeff Wilson (Turner County/Worth Gin); Category 3 (more than 1,000 acres), Gary Oliver & Ben Shivers of SOS Farms (Turner/Arabi Gin). Region 2: Category 1, Stephen Nikkel (Jefferson/Midville Warehouse); Category 3, Heath Wilson (Jefferson/Midville Warehouse). Region 3: Category 1, Brandon Mitchell (Brooks/BCT Gin Company); Category 2, Charles Dodd (Brooks/BCT Gin Company); Category 3, Randy Dewitt of Dewitt Farms (Brooks/BCT Gin Company). Region 4: Category 1, Travis Braswell (Seminole/Clover Leaf Gin); Category 2, Joe Sapp (Mitchell/BCT Gin Company); Category 3, Raymond Thompson of 3RT Farms (Seminole/Clover Leaf Gin).

February 8, 2012 www.gfb.org Vol. 30 No. 6

Watson

Leadership Alert page 2 of 9 GFB REQUESTS OPPOSITION TO EGG-LAYING HENS BILL

Georgia Farm Bureau on Feb. 6 sent a letter to members of Georgia's Congressional delegation asking them to oppose H.R. 3798, the “Eggs Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012.”

The bill is the result of an agreement reached last summer between United Egg Producers (UEP) and the Humane Society of the United States to seek federal legislation that would implement uniform housing requirements nationwide. As part of the agreement, UEP and HSUS have pledged not to initiate, fund or support any state legislation or ballot initiative measures concerning housing of laying hens.

The bill was introduced on Jan. 23 by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.), and has four co-sponsors. It would pre-empt state laws, including mandatory standards already established in California, Michigan and Ohio, and GFB policy is to oppose laws that would mandate specific farming practices in livestock or poultry production. If H.R. 3798 were to become law, it would create a federal statute that would be easily amended to expand its requirements to cover all poultry and livestock production.

GFB's position is that such a law would be a first step to the on-farm regulation of all animal agriculture.

In the letter to the Georgia Congressional delegation, GFB President Zippy Duvall said, “This bill totally disregards decades of science-based animal care practices in order to comply with the political goals of animal rights organizations, that, if they were to get their way, would ban animal agriculture altogether. We believe these decisions should be based on scientific evidence and expertise provided by veterinarians, animal scientists and farmers.” SENATE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE SCHEDULES FARM BILL HEARINGS

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), announced on Feb. 1 a series of committee hearings about the 2012 farm bill.

On Feb. 15 the committee will evaluate energy and economic growth for rural America. On Feb. 29 the committee will consider the farm bill’s conservation title. On March 14, the committee will weigh policies related to the development of local markets for farmers. On March 21 the committee will consider risk management programs for various commodities.

Senate Agriculture Committee hearings are available for viewing on the Committee website at http://ag.senate.gov.

Meanwhile, a group of 13 commodity organizations issued a joint statement urging Congress to pass and President Obama to sign a strong new farm bill into law this year, citing farmers’ need for certainty on national farm policy so they can take it into consideration when making on-farm decisions.

“American agriculture stands out as one of the few sectors of the economy that has, throughout the economic downturn, still contributed positively to our nation’s balance of trade while helping to create jobs and put this country back on its economic feet,” the statement said.

They emphasized the point that U.S. farm policy has over the past 10 years been consistently under budget and that agriculture has contributed disproportionately in the effort to get the nation’s finances under control.

Leadership Alert page 3 of 9 U.S. DOL TO RE-PROPOSE CHILD LABOR RULES

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced on Feb.1 that it will re-propose the portion of its proposed rule changes interpreting the parental exemption for child labor in agriculture regulations.

The parental exemption allows children of any age who are employed by their parent, or a person standing in the place of a parent, to perform any job on a farm owned or operated by their parent or a person standing in the place of a parent.

Last year, the DOL proposed narrowing the exemption, which would have prevented kids from working on farms jointly owned by several family members or incorporated farms owned by a parent.

“We will continue to monitor the revisions the DOL makes to the rules and voice concerns if the changes don’t allow us as farmers to teach our children how to farm and care for the land and animals with which God has blessed us,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall.

The re-proposal process will seek comments and inputs as to how the department can comply with statutory requirements to protect children, while respecting rural traditions.

The re-proposed portion of the rule is expected to be published for public comment by early summer.

The department will continue to review the comments received regarding the remaining portions of the proposed rule for inclusion in a final rule.

Until the revised exemption is final, the Wage and Hour Division will follow the existing parental exemption. According to the DOL, this approach is consistent with guidance the Wage and Hour Division has provided to the public on its website for the past several years.

The department initially published and invited public comments on its proposed rule on child labor in agriculture on Sept. 2, 2011.

Georgia Farm Bureau submitted comments on the proposed rule, arguing that it was inconsistent with Congressional intent and that it would limit opportunities for students to learn safe farm work practices through programs like those offered by the FFA.

TAS SMITH NAMED NATIONAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST

Talmadge Allen “Tas” Smith has been named the Georgia Farm Bureau national affairs specialist, GFB President Zippy Duvall recently announced. Smith, who has been a member of the GFB legislative team for six years, will continue to work on legislative issues at the state level as needed but will now concentrate on GFB’s national efforts and working with Georgia’s Congressional delegation.

“Tas has represented our farmers’ legislative interests well during his career at Farm Bureau. As agriculture faces the threat of more federal regulations we thought it wise to appoint a member of our staff to concentrate on national issues,” Duvall said.

A native of Taylor County, Smith and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Houston County with their two children, Talmadge and Mary Edwards. Smith graduated from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Smith is a 2010 graduate of the Georgia Agrileaders Forum.

Leadership Alert page 4 of 9 ENTRIES BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2012 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA CONTEST Product registrations are being accepted for the Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. The deadline for entries is Feb. 10. Semifinalists will be announced in February. Final judging and the announcement of the winners in six food categories will be announced on March 13 during Georgia Ag Awareness Day festivites at the Georgia Depot in Atlanta. Contestants can register online at http://www.flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu and save $10 off registration fees. For more information contact contest director Sharon Kane at 706-542-9809 or spkane@uga.edu. GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE CAPITOL Feb. 14 Georgia Depot and State Capitol Atlanta Georgia Farm Bureau Day at the Capitol is a chance for Farm Bureau members to meet with legislators and other government officials. Orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room at the historic Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, located next to Underground Atlanta. After orientation, the GFB group will visit legislators in the Capitol and return to the Depot for lunch at 11:30. Free parking will be available at the Turner Field - Gold Lot, and shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Make plans to bring a group of folks from your county. All Farm Bureau Day events are complimentary. For more information, contact the GFB Legislative Department at 1-800-342-1192 or your local county Farm Bureau office. PLANNING FOR 2020 AT UGA Feb. 15 Georgia Mountains Center Gainesville Feb. 21 North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Tech Acworth Feb. 29 Vidalia Onion Research Center Lyons The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is currently planning its future, developing its official 10-year strategic plan. To get public input, the college has scheduled several regional meetings across the state. The college prepares students for jobs in Georgia's No. 1 business, agriculture, conducts cutting-edge research and educates the public through UGA Cooperative Extension offices across the state. Six regional meetings have been set from 8:30 a.m. until. Like UGA’s current strategic plan, the CAES plan targets 2020. Participants are encouraged to register for the regional meetings at http://www.caesplan.caes.uga.edu/index.html. NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION SEEKS INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS The National FFA Organization is now accepting applications for its 2012 International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership (I-CAL) program. FFA will take 12 students to Southeast Asia this spring; the tentative program dates are May 19-June 1. �This conference allows students the opportunity to study global agriculture and international marketing. Students will learn about current international trade and cultural issues and gain awareness of how international markets for agricultural products operate. Upon completion of the program, students will give educational presentations to local groups and organizations about their experiences. �The I-CAL program was developed as a partnership with the U.S. Grains Council and The Grains Foundation. The deadline for applications is February 15 at 5 p.m. EST. Potential participants can learn more about the program and download an application at http://www.ffa.org/collegiate.

Leadership Alert page 5 of 9 BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING Feb. 15 Ramada Conference Center Perry Meeting begins at 2 p.m. Call 229-469-4038 for more information. NRCS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR WETLANDS IMPROVEMENT General proposals for the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) may be submitted by eligible partners for individual projects, watershed-wide or larger geographical area. WREP is a voluntary conservation program that works through partnership agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations and tribes. It is a component of the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection and improve wildlife habitat. All proposals should be submitted to the Georgia NRCS State Office by Feb. 17. Please submit proposals to: Sharon Holbrooks, Easement Specialist, 355 E. Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601 or sharon.holbrooks@ga.usda.gov and you may contact the State Office with questions at 706-546-2272. Proposals submitted by fax or through the http://www.grants.gov website will not be accepted. ORNAMENTAL/FRUIT TREE PRUNING CLASS Feb. 17 & 24 UGA Griffin Campus 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Griffin Learn to prune ornamentals and fruit trees through this course, to be held at the Research and Education Garden on Ellis Road. In addition to proper pruning techniques, participants will learn what equipment to use, when, where and how to prune certain plants and techniques for creating a professional looking landscape. Participants will also learn pest prevention through pruning. Taught by UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences horticulturists Bodie Pennisi and Bob Westerfield, the class will consist of both indoor lectures and outside, hands-on demonstrations. The cost of the course is $49, which includes lunch and break refreshments. Pre-registration is required by calling 770-229-3458. FOOD CHECK-OUT WEEK 2012 IS FEB. 19-25 With the theme “Stretching Your Grocery Dollar With Healthy, Nutritious Food,” Food Check-Out Week will be held Feb. 19-25. The third week of February was selected for Food Check-Out Week as a bridge to National Nutrition Month in March. Since the program was initiated in the mid-1990s, Farm Bureau members have donated approximately $3 million in food and monetary contributions to Ronald McDonald Houses and other worthwhile charities during Food Check-Out Week. CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS AND SPRINKLERS WORKSHOP Feb. 21 UGA Stripling Irrigation Research Park Camilla Workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This workshop will provide an update on the latest center pivot irrigation systems and sprinklers from the leaders in the industry. Attendees will hear from representatives from Lindsay, Reinke, T‐L, Valley, Nelson and Senninger. CCA CEU credits are expected to be approved for this workshop. A sponsored lunch will be provided. Please register by Feb 15 by calling 229‐522‐3623 or emailing SIRP@uga.edu.

Leadership Alert page 6 of 9 GEORGIA JUNIOR NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW Feb. 22–26 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia National Junior Livestock show is an annual event that brings together students from across the state. The event at the Agricenter in Perry gives 4-H and FFA members an opportunity to show off all of the hard work it took to raise and handle their animals. For more information, visit www.gnfa.com. 2012 GEORGIA NATIONAL RODEO Feb. 23–25 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Sanctioned by the PRCA, the Rodeo features specialty acts, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping. barrel racing and bull riding For tickets and information contact the Box Office 478-987-3247or visit http://www.gnfa.com. GFB SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEB. 24 Students wishing to apply for one of 10 Georgia Farm Bureau Scholarships have until Feb. 24 to apply. The scholarships are for high school seniors who plan to pursue undergraduate degrees in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences or related agricultural fields. Students submitting an application must currently be a Georgia high school senior and plan to enroll in a unit of the University System of Georgia or Berry College during the 2012-2013 academic year. Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information or an application. A copy of the application may also be downloaded from the GFB website by visiting http://www.gfb.org/programs/aic/EducationLinks.htm. Applications must be approved and signed by the Farm Bureau president of the county in which the applicant resides or attends high school. Winners will be announced in May. GEORGIA DOL AG PRACTICES SURVEY DEADLINE IS FEB. 24 The Georgia Department of Labor is conducting a voluntary survey of the state’s fruit and vegetable growers to determine the “valid prevailing and common agricultural practices in Georgia.” The results of the survey will be used by the U.S. Department of Labor to determine employee benefits and working conditions to be provided by Georgia agricultural employers who use the H-2A program. The survey can be filled out online at http://www.research.net/s/AGSurvey2012. Georgia Fruit & Vegetable growers who did not receive a survey should contact the Georgia DOL Agricultural Services Unit at 404-232-3500. GFB SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING 101 WORKSHOP March 1 GFB Home Office Auditorium 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Macon The Georgia Agritourism Association along with the Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market and Young Farmer programs will be hosting this workshop, designed to teach volunteers the basics of utilizing social media to tell the story of agriculture. Attendees will be shown how to set up a Wordpress blog, a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a Google account to allow use of Gmail and YouTube. The course will also offer training on loading content to those platforms. Cost is $10 per person and the fee includes lunch. Participation is limited to 50 people. Please register by Feb. 27 by calling 1-800-342-1196.

Leadership Alert page 7 of 9 CAES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS March 1 Deadline to apply for Freshman Scholarship June 1 Deadline to apply for Transfer Scholarship The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association is accepting applications for its Freshman Scholarship, for freshmen entering UGA in fall 2012 and the 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. 5th ANNUAL SOUTHEAST HAY CONVENTION March 6-7 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton The convention, dedicated to growers who are serious about commercial hay production and want a thorough “A to Z coverage” of the subject. Sessions will cover hay production economics and outlook, climate, fertilization, pest control, marketing tips, irrigation and many more. Registration before Feb. 17 is $170 for the first person and $100 for each additional person from the same farm. After Feb. 17, it is $195 for the first person and $125 for each additional person. Deadline to register is March 2. Fees cover instructional materials, lunches and refreshments. For more information about the confvention, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/commodities/fieldcrops/forages/events/SHC12/SHC12.html or contact Dr. Dennis Hancock by email at dhancock@uga.edu or by phone at 706-614-2275. TIFTON BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE March 6 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Registration starts at 9 a.m. For more information contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. TIFTON PERFORMANCE TESTED BULL SALE March 7 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229-386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM GENERAL SIGN-UP The USDA will conduct general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) from March 12 to April 6. CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion and develop wildlife habitat. USDA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years. Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally sensitive land are encourased to evaluate their options under CRP. For more information on CRP or other FSA programs, visit your nearest FSA service center or http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

Leadership Alert page 8 of 9 UGA CAES ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS DEADLINE IS MARCH 15 The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences Alumni Association invites you to make nominations for its Young Alumni Achievement Award, Alumni Award of Excellence and the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Young Alumni Achievement Award is for alumni who are 35 years old or younger and who have achieved excellence in their chosen field and/or in their community. The CAES Alumni Award of Excellence recognizes extraordinary CAES alumni 35 years or older. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize individuals making unusual and extraordinary contributions to agriculture and agribusiness industries in Georgia. Hall of Fame nominations must be postmarked by March 15. The Young Alumni Achievement and Alumni Excellence awards must be received by March 15. For more information or to make nominations for these awards, visit http://www.caes.uga.edu/alumni/CAA/scholarships.html. RAY CITY OLD FASHION PLOW DAY March 17 Ray City This event features an antique tractor show and plowing demonstration with antique tractors and mules and horses plowing in the field just like they did 100 years ago. Parade begins at 11 am and plowing to follow. Arts & Craft vendors, Food vendors, fun and games for kids, bluegrass gospel concerts featuring the bluegrass gospel band, the Wauka Mountain Boys, a baking contest with prizes, frying pan toss contest, and much more. Free admission. Join us for a day of agricultural history. For more info contact Greg Harrell 229-237-3223. GFB CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT SEMINAR March 26 – 27 GFB Home Office Macon Individuals interested in running for public office will have a chance to gain valuable tips on how to conduct an election campaign during the campaign management seminar. The event will be facilitated by AFBF Director of Grassroots/Political Advocacy Cody Lyon and will cover various aspects of campaign strategy, fund-raising, interaction with media and much more. The fees to attend are $150 for Farm Bureau members, $200 for non-members and $75 for candidate spouses and campaign managers attending with their candidates. Enrollment is limited to 30 people and the registration dadline is Feb. 24. For more information, contact the GFB Field Services or Legislative department at 478-474-8411. GEORGIA BEEF AMBASSADOR CONTEST April 7 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The Georgia Beef Ambassador Contest, held in conjunction with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention and Beef Expo, is open to you ages 12 – 20. Its purpose is to advance youth knowledge of the nutritional values, cooking principles, safe handling and versatility of beef, as well as the importance of beef as an agricultural product. Contest entry forms must be received by March 1. Contest rules and entry forms can be found at http://www.gabeef.org/gcwa/contest.html. INAUGURAL GOLDEN ONION COOKING COMPETITION April 22 Vidalia Community Center 12:30 p.m. Vidalia This competition, presented by the Vidalia Onion Committee, will serve as the official kick-off of the 35th Annual Vidalia Onion Festival. This professional competition will feature chefs from across Georgia preparing dishes featuring Vidalia onions. Prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com.

Leadership Alert page 9 of 9 HEIFER EVALUATION &REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE April 24 Tifton Bull Evaluation Center Irwinville Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Dr. Lawton Stewart at 706-542-1852 or lawtons@uga.edu or Patsie T. Cannon at 229/386-3683 or ptcannon@uga.edu. 35th ANNUAL VIDALIA ONION FESTIVAL April 26-29 Vidalia This four-day event offers the Miss Vidalia Onion Pageant, a children’s parade, outdoor music concerts, arts and crafts festival, street dance, car show, the Kiwanis Onion Run, the Vidalia Onion Festival Rodeo and the famous onion-eating contest. For more information visit http://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com. GEORGIA CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1 Applications are being accepted for the Georgia Centennial Farm Program, which recognizes farms continuously operated by members of the same family for at least 100 years. The program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia EMC and the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. Application forms are available online at http://www.georgiashpo.org/historic/centennial_farms. For more information, contact Steven Moffson at 404-651-5906 or steven.moffson@dnr.state.ga.us. MONROE COUNTY HERD SALE May 12 Sleepy Creek Farm 12:30 p.m. Forsyth More than 80 bred heifers will be fore sale during the event. Data available on the heifers includes A.I. breeding and sire EPD’s, pelvic area, frame score, disposition score, weight per day of age and average daily gain. For more information contact the Monroe County Extension office by phone at 478-994-7014 or by email at uge2207@uga.edu. Information about the sale may also be found online at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/monroe/HERDProgram/herd.html.