BILL SUBMITTED TO IMPLEMENT CARE STANDARDS FOR EGG-LAYING HENS

A bill that would establish new care standards for egg-laying hens was introduced in the U.S. House on Jan. 23 by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.). The bill implements an agreement reached last summer between United Egg Producers and the Humane Society of the United States.

The bill, H.R. 3798, specifies a phased-in move to mandatory enriched-cage housing for all commercial layers in the U.S. Enriched-cage housing has nearly double the space of conventional cages, and this action would cost the U.S. egg industry an estimated $4 billion over the next 15-17 years.

Georgia Farm Bureau opposes any laws which would mandate specific farming practices in livestock or poultry production. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s policy is to oppose efforts to legislate animal care standards, supporting instead welfare criteria that are established using science-based methods.

Saying the bill sets an unwelcome precedent for government intrusion on all livestock and poultry farms nationwide, AFBF sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives expressing opposition to the bill.

In the letter, AFBF said it would set a dangerous precedent by establishing federal requirements for egg production practices and banning a number of other proven science-based egg production methods.

“This bill would result in mandated animal care standards based largely on the political goals of an animal rights group that seeks to eventually shut down animal agriculture by government mandate,” AFBF President Bob Stallman said. “The bill ignores the science supporting the consensus among mainstream agricultural veterinarians, animal scientists and livestock producers. We see this legislation as an attempt by a radical animal rights group to legitimize a policy package that will undoubtedly be used to bully other livestock producers.”

H.R. 3798 would pre-empt state laws, including mandatory standards already established in Michigan and Ohio, and it contains a special provision for California to recognize the implementation of that state’s Proposition 2 in 2015. The bill also includes labeling requirements for eggs and new air-quality standards for hen houses.

H.R. 3798 was assigned to the House Ag Committee the same day it was introduced. Schrader is a member of the House Ag Committee.

The bill has three co-sponsors, Reps. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.).

February 1, 2012 www.gfb.org Vol. 30 No. 5

Leadership Alert page 2 of 8 UGA RECEIVES GRANTS TO STUDY WATER, PECANS

The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded grants to the University of Georgia for studies looking at the sustainability of America’s water supply and the nutritional benefits of pecans.

The grant for the water study, totaling $567,000, was announced on Jan. 20. It will fund research, education and extension efforts to promote science-based decision-making on water-related issues, according to a USDA release. It was one of 26 grants funded by NIFA through the National Integrated Water Quality Program, which aims to “solve water resource problems by advancing scientific knowledge about water quality.”

In October, UGA was awarded a four-year, $1.2 million grant to study the nutritional and health benefits of pecans. The study, to be led by UGA food scientist Dr. Ron Pegg, will include collaborative horticultural work with Texas A&M and New Mexico State University. The study will also include work by Dr. John McKissick and Sharon Kane of the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development to examine the production and marketing economics of pecans.

Georgia orchards produced 75 million pounds of pecans in 2010, the largest crop among U.S. pecan-producing states. COOLEY, MASSEY RECEIVE AWARDS AT POULTRY SHOW

Crawford County Farm Bureau Director Larry Cooley was one of six regional winners of the 2012 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award and Georgia Poultry Federation President Emeritus Abit Massey received the Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award, given during the 2012 International Poultry Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Cooley chairs the Georgia Farm Bureau Poultry Committee.

The Environmental Excellence Award is given in acknowledgment of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

“Everybody’s concerned about the environment,” Larry Cooley said. “For farmers, it’s our livelihood. It sustains the future for our kids.”

Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs. Applications were reviewed and farm visits conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies, and state trade associations in selecting the winners.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented “to an individual whose dedication and leadership over the years have exceeded the ordinary and impacted both the poultry industry and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association in an exemplary manner.”

Massey is a past chairman of the American Society of Association Executives, past president of the Georgia Society of Association Executives, and organizer and first president of the State Poultry Executives Association. He has twice been listed by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and received the inaugural Medallion of Honor for his service to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences in June 2006.

Theresa and Larry Cooley

Leadership Alert page 3 of 8 BISHOP, ARKANSAS REP. FORM CHICKEN CAUCUS

Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-2nd District) and Arkansas Rep. Rick Crawford (R) have formed a bipartisan Congressional Chicken Caucus, intended “to educate members of Congress about the history, contributions and concerns of the U.S. chicken industry, which emanate from a wide range of issues pertaining to food safety, trade, labor, immigration and the environment.”

Founding members of the caucus include Georgia Reps. Austin Scott (R-8th District) and Tom Graves (R-9th District). According to a joint press release from Bishop and Crawford, U.S. chicken companies directly employ more than 300,000 workers, producing products worth a wholesale value of more than $45 billion with major operations in more than 30 states. The industry’s economic impact can be felt in several sectors of the U.S. economy. In Georgia, the 2010 farm gate value of broiler production was $4.591 billion, the largest in the nation and by far the largest commodity produced in the state.

Georgia is also the number one poultry exporter in the nation, with more than $555 million in annual exports. Arkansas was the No. 2 broiler-producing state in 2010 according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

USDA PROPOSES POULTRY INSPECTION CHANGES

The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to streamline its operations, a move it says would result in inspectors focusing solely on areas crucial to food safety.

USDA announced last week that it would be modernizing Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection of young chicken and turkey slaughter processing plants by focusing on parts of the production system that pose the greatest risk to food safety rather than food quality issues such as bruising.

In addition, some outdated regulations will be ditched and poultry establishments will need to show proof that their facilities are sanitary and their processing procedures prevent contamination. FSIS will still conduct on-line, carcass-by-carcass inspections. USDA claims the changes will save the department $90 million over three years and lower poultry production costs by at least $256.6 million per year, while enhancing food safety. The proposal is subject to a 60-day comment period.

GA. BELL PEPPER, ONION PRODUCTION UP, OTHER CROPS DROP IN 2011

While Georgia’s production of spring onions grew by 30 percent from 2010 to 2011 due in part to expanded acreage, the state’s 2011 production of six other vegetables declined significantly from 2010 to 2011, according to statistics from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Bell pepper production in the state increased by 64 percent, from 87.5 million pounds in 2010 to 144.5 million pounds in 2011. Georgia onion growers averaged yields of 24,500 pounds per acre and produced 296.5 million pounds of onions in 2011, up from 227.6 million pounds in 2010. The state’s production of snap beans (11 percent) and bell peppers (65 percent) also increased. Georgia production of watermelons fell by 36 percent from 2010 (672 million pounds) to 2011 (429 million pounds) and cucumber production in Georgia fell by 40 percent, from 212.5 million pounds in 2010 to 128 million pounds in 2011. Sweet corn production declined from 391.5 million pounds in 2010 to 270 million pounds in 2011. Production in cabbage (28 percent), cantaloupes (31 percent) and squash (3 percent) also declined.

Leadership Alert page 4 of 8 UGA 20TH ANNUAL FOCUS ON EPD'S BULL SALE Feb. 2 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Athens Begins at noon. Contact Dr. Ronnie Silcox at 706-542-9102 or rsilcox@uga.edu for more information. OLD SOUTH FARM MUSEUM HOG KILLING DEMONSTRATION Feb. 4 Old South Farm Museum 8:30 a.m. Woodland This event will demonstrate how hogs were once harvested and the products made from them. Program includes a meat-cutting class and demonstrations on making various pork products. The fee to observe and receive free sausage is $12 per person. To participate in the workshop, gain hands-on experience and receive pork products, the fee is $35. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Paul Bulloch at 706-975-9136 or visit http://www.oldsouthfarm.com. ENTRIES BEING ACCEPTED FOR 2012 FLAVOR OF GEORGIA CONTEST Product registrations are being accepted for the Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. The contest is sponsored by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development in collaboration with the Center of Innovation for Agribusiness, the office of Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Walton EMC and the UGA Department of Food Science and Technology. 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. Participants are encouraged to register for the regional meetings at http://www.caesplan.caes.uga.edu/index.html.

Leadership Alert page 5 of 8 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. 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 to apply 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. 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. 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 8 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 ORGANICS 15th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO FEB. 24-25 Columbus Convention and Trade Center Columbus Keynote speakers Will Allen and Michel Nischan highlight this efent, which features educational workshops on mushrooms, permaculture, urban farming, organic produce farming, farm bill and advocacy training and much more. For more information and to register, visit http://www.georgiaorganics.org/conference.aspx. 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. 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.

Leadership Alert page 7 of 8 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 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 . 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, hosted by Georgia Farm Bureau in conjunction with the American Farm Bureau Federation. 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. OLD SOUTH FARM CAMP March - May Old South Farm Museum & Ag Learning Center Woodland Each of this series of three-day camps begins at 7 p.m. on the first day with supper and orientation and ends by 11 a.m. on the third day. It includes six or more classes on a variety of topics ranging from milking a cow to lye soap making and more. Fee is $200 per person, including meals, housing, transportation and class materials. Pre-registration is required. For registration information and specific camp dates call Paul Bulloch 706-975-9136 or visit http://www.oldsouthfarm.com.

Leadership Alert page 8 of 8 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. CALHOUN BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP May 29 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 6 p.m. Contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706/624-1398 - pworley@uga.edu for more information. HEIFER EVALUATION & REPRODUCTIVE DEVELOPMENT (HERD) SALE May 30 NW GA Research & Education Center Livestock Pavilion Calhoun Sale begins at 12:30 p.m. For more information contact Ted Dyer at 706-624-1403 or tgdyer@uga.edu or Phil Worley at 706-624-1398 or pworley@uga.edu 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.