U.S., MEXICAN POULTRY OFFICIALS WORK TOWARD RESOLVING DISPUTE

Poultry companies from the United States and Mexico have begun working toward a settlement in an anti-dumping dispute. At an Aug. 31 meeting in Mexico City, the U.S. Poultry and Egg

Export Council (USAPEEC) presented a proposal to prevent trade disruptions while addressing concerns of the Mexican government and its poultry industry. According to a USAPEEC press release, reactions were favorable.

The conciliatory hearing called by the Mexican Unit of International Trade Practices (UPCI) came after multiple requests by lawyers of the U.S. side, according to USAPEEC President Jim Sumner. The hearing was presided over by UPCI chief Hugo Perezcano.

“Our legal team is quite pleased with the results of the hearing,” said Sumner. “We accomplished everything we had hoped for and more. We look at the conciliatory hearing as the beginning of the process to start our discussions with the petitioners to develop a workable settlement.”

UPCI began investigating the claims in February after three Mexican poultry-producing companies petitioned for an anti-dumping investigation to be conducted, claiming that U.S. companies were exporting leg quarters to Mexico at below-market prices. The USAPEEC and 37 U.S. poultry companies are challenging those claims.

Perezcano said that UPCI would extend the conciliatory hearing process, a seldom-used mechanism under Mexican trade law that is intended for working toward resolution of trade disputes. He encouraged both sides to continue working toward a settlement, though he indicated that the anti-dumping investigation would continue.

The preliminary determination of the investigation is scheduled to be published on Sept. 30, and it will address whether the three Mexican companies suffered damage to their business as a result of practices by U.S. poultry companies, whether there was dumping and whether interim duties will be assessed on U.S. companies exporting leg quarters to Mexico. The USAPEEC expects the determination to be an indication of how seriously the Mexican government takes the allegations of dumping.

Georgia is the No. 1 poultry-producing U.S. state. According to statistics compiled by the University of Georgia, broilers produced in Georgia had a farm gate value of more than $4.4 billion in 2009.

More than 400 million metric tons of U.S.-produced broiler meat was sold in Mexico in 2010, making it the second-largest export destination for U.S. poultry.

September 7, 2011 www.gfb.org Vol. 29 No. 36

Leadership Alert page 2 of 8 EQIP, WHIP APPLICATION DEADLINES APPROACHING

Landowners have until Sept. 30 to apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) in order to be considered for funding in FY 2012.

Originally established under the 1996 farm bill, EQIP is a voluntary program that covers portions of the costs of implementing conservation plans. The program provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners who address soil, water and related natural resource concerns. WHIP, also a voluntary program, provides financial incentives to landowners who develop and improve high quality habitat that supports wildlife populations of national, state, tribal and local significance. Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan and the NRCS agrees to provide financial assistance for the initial implementation of the habitat development practices.

Applications will be accepted at all NRCS offices and United States Department of Agriculture service centers. For more information about NRCS conservation programs, visit http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov.

UGA CONDUCTING EQUINE ECONOMIC IMPACT SURVEY

In order to better understand the nature of Georgia’s equine industry and the economic impact that it has on the state’s economy, the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine has asked the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development to conduct an economic impact study of the equine industry in the state.

The study is funded by the Georgia Commodity Commission for Equine, which is administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. All Georgia horse owners are strongly encouraged to participate in this survey. The response of horse owners is very important to the success of the study and the future of the equine industry in Georgia. All individual survey responses will be kept confidential. To participate in the survey, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Equine2011.

STATE CLIMATOLOGIST CONFIRMS RECORD YEAR FOR HEAT

In a release detailing preliminary analysis of weather data from June, July and August, Georgia State Climatologist Dr. David Stooksbury confirmed on Sept. 1 what some may have already suspected: The summer of 2011 was the hottest on record for many Georgia cities and only one of the state’s major cities, Columbus, had near normal rainfall.

Sept. 2 marked the 100th day of temperatures at or above 90 degrees in Athens, the earliest date the city reached that mark.

Based on the average of mean temperatures for June, July and August - which meteorologists define as the summer months - Alma, Athens, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah, as well as Tallahassee, Fla, all experienced the hottest summer on record. The mean temperature is the average between the high and low temperatures for a single day.

Temperatures and rainfall rankings for Georgia and its border cities with at least 60 years of climatological data shows that all locations were ranked in the top three summers for temperature using average mean or average high temperatures. Precipitation rankings ranged from the driest on record at Tallahassee to the 26th driest in Columbus.

Leadership Alert page 3 of 8 LAURENS COUNTY FARM BUREAU DIRECTOR MERCER DIES

Albert S. “Buddy” Mercer Jr., a member of the Laurens County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, died Sept. 3. He was 49. Mercer served on the Georgia Farm Bureau Cotton Advisory Committee in 2006, was a former president of the Georgia Young Farmers Association and also served on the board of the Farm Service Agency. A graduate of Dublin High School and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, he was a member of First United Methodist Church in Cochran.

Mercer is survived by his wife, Elaine English Mercer of Dublin, his parents Albert Steve Mercer Sr. and Patricia Pattillo Mercer of Dexter, sisters Terry Jayne (Ken) Litke of North Augusta, S.C. and Patricia Lynn Mercer of Atlanta and niece and nephew Rachel and Hunter Litke of North Augusta.

Condolences may be sent to Elaine Mercer, P.O. Box 154, Dexter, Ga., 31019. IMMIGRATION REVIEW BOARD APPOINTEES ANNOUNCED

The seven members of the Immigration Enforcement Review Board were announced on Sept. 2. Established under HB 87, Georgia’s new law dealing with immigration, the panel will review and investigate complaints related to illegal immigration and will hold authority to sanction those found to have violated HB 87.

Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Atlanta public relations executive Phil Kent, former Fulton County Republican Party Chairman Shawn Hanley and Atlanta attorney Ben Vinson.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle appointed Dallas, Ga., Mayor Boyd Austin and Coweta County Sheriff Mike Yeager.

House Speaker David Ralston appointed former state representative Robert F. Mumford of Conyers and Colquitt County Commissioner Terry R. Clark. NATIONAL COTTON COUNCIL ISSUES FARM POLICY STATEMENT

Recognizing that the current federal budget crisis and threat of the Brazil World Trade Organization case are likely to result in severe reductions in available funds to continue the direct payments and counter-cyclical payments authorized under the 2008 farm bill, the National Cotton Council (NCC) has recommended changes to the upland cotton policy for the next farm bill. In a statement issued Aug. 26, the NCC suggested the current program be adjusted to manage risk through affordable revenue-based crop insurance.

“It is clear that future deficit reduction efforts will place unprecedented pressure on the existing structure,” the organization said, noting that simply downsizing the direct and counter-cyclical payment programs would likely undermine their effectiveness. “By making modest enhancements to existing products, the program would provide an effective tool for growers to manage that portion of their risks for which affordable options are not currently available.”

To complement the crop insurance program and address concerns raised in the WTO case, under which the U.S. faces the possibility of retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of U.S. goods and services exported to Brazil, the NCC proposed that the crop insurance program be complemented by a modified marketing loan. Visit http://www.cotton.org to read the full statement.

Leadership Alert page 4 of 8 FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY 4-H/FFA AG DAY Sept. 10 Fort Valley State University Fort Valley Teachers and youth leaders are encouraged to gather their middle school and high school students at 1 p.m. for this opportunity that includes rock wall climbing, football toss games and pedal cart racing. Event includes free football game tickets and meals for attendees.Before the FVSU versus Delta State University game, teens will participate in agricultural activities and learn about majors offered by the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology. Attendees can observe a biofuel-making demonstration and participate in the school’s Life on the Farm exhibition, which exposes participants to live animals and careers related to agriculture. For more information, or to register, contact the event coordinators: Chris Corzine at ccorzine@gaaged.org or 864-844-4412 and Phillip Petway at petwayp@fvsu.edu or 478-825-6759. The coordinators can provide registration forms that need to be returned by Sept.1. OLD SOUTH FARM CAMP Sept. 12 – Nov. 20 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. Each session will have between 20 and 40 campers. Pre-registration is required. For more information call 706-975-9136 or visit http://www.oldsouthfarm.com. TEAM AG GEORGIA FALL WORKSHOP Sept. 13 Oconee Fall Line Technical College 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dublin This free one-day workshop is for small, beginning and limited-resource farmers. Topics includforestry and wildlife management, livestock marketing, organics, financing, agritourism and much more. A box lunch is included. Registration is required and the deadline to register is Sept. 2. To register online, visit http://www.teamaggeorgia.com. For more information, contact Neal Leonard at 706-546-2207. SOUTHERN REGION WATER CONFERENCE Sept. 13 – 16 The Georgia Center, UGA Campus Athens The Southern Region Water Program's biennial water conferences offers the opportunity for Extension, research, and teaching professionals and partner organizations to share research findings and successful approaches for education and research in water quality, water conservation, and water resource management provide useful materials for in-service to learn about funding opportunities.The program includes technical sessions on water quality research, educational programming, tours, a resource fair, workshops, and a one-day symposium entitled, Nutrient Management and Water Quality - Coming to a watershed near you? Pre-conference workshops will be on Monday September 12th and Tuesday September 13th. The opening session will be 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, and the conference will conclude Friday at noon. For more information visit http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/cch/register/southern-region-water-conference

Leadership Alert page 5 of 8 GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETINGS Sept. 13 3rd District The Center at Arbor Connection 7 p.m. Douglasville Sept. 15 10th District Jamestown Baptist Church 7 p.m. Waycross Sept. 20 2nd District North Georgia Technical College 7 p.m. Avalon Sept. 27 5th District Thomaston Civic Center 7 p.m. Thomaston Sept. 29 1st District First Baptist Church 7 p.m. Calhoun Oct. 11 9th District Mitchell County High School 7 p.m. Camilla Oct. 13 7th District First Baptist Church 7 p.m. Statesboro Nov. 3 8th District South Georgia Technical College 7 p.m. Americus Nov. 8 4th District Greene County High School 7 p.m. Greensboro Nov. 10 6th District Poplar Springs North Bapt. Ch. 7 p.m. Dublin Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information. Note: These meetings are for Farm Bureau members only and not open to the general public. FORT VALLEY STATE AG FIELD DAY Sept. 15 Agricultural Technology Conference Center Fort Valley Event will cover livestock grazing systems, aquaculture systems, organic vegetable and fruit systems and include a bioenergy crops showcase, food preservation demonstrations and goat and lamb samples. Conference center is located at 46 Camp John Hope Road in Fort Valley. For more information call 478-825-6268. BROOKS COUNTY SKILLET FESTIVAL Sept. 17 Brooks County Courthouse Square Quitman This farm, food & arts festival will highlight the area’s abundant agriculture and fine southern cuisine. The one-day event will feature the “Cast-Iron Man,” a 5k road race and 1m fun run, vendors on the courthouse square, the “Cast-Iron Chef” cooking competition, a skillet throwing contest and an evening with local musicians. Visit www.skilletfestival.com for more information or contact Lauren Basford at 229-305-7822. AGRIBUSINESS WORKSHOP Sept. 21 Ogeechee Technical College Statesboro Workshop will cover new business models, social media, farm-to-table opportunities, risk management and agritourism. Interactive sessions will be led by panelists who have local, regional and national expertise including chefs, agribusiness/agritourism owners, loan and insurance experts, organic farmers and farm agency representatives. Registration is $65 per person and includes a hot lunch prepared with local food. Online registration begins July 29 at www.ogeecheetech.edu and www.georgiamicrobiz.com. For more information or to inquire about exhibitor opportunities call 912-688-6098. GEORGIA GRAZING SCHOOL Sept. 21-22 UGA Double Bridges Farm East of Athens In addition to the classroom activities at the UGA Animal & Dairy Science Department’s teaching farm, we'll be doing hands-on exercises on the farm's new pastures. Plus, we will tour the Chandler Family farm just outside of Danielsville, Ga. We toured this farm during the 2009 Georgia Grazing School and it was definitely a highlight of that event. For more information visit http://bit.ly/nGHmeX or call Dr. Dennis Hancock at 706-542-1529.

Leadership Alert page 6 of 8 BERRIEN COUNTY HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 24 Downtown area Nashville The Berrien County Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Better Hometown are marking plans for the 2nd Annual Berrien County Harvest Festival to be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The festival will feature craft and food venders, entertainment as well as a grape stomping. The festival will conclude that evening with an open air concert featuring the Swinging Medallions at Horse Creek Winery. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce 229-686-5123 or Nashville Better Hometown 229- 686-9290. 15TH ANNUAL PLAINS PEANUT FESTIVAL Sept. 24 Plains The annual Plains Peanut Festival is centered around one of the Sumter County community's claims to fame, its peanut production, and features the community's most famous residents in active roles. The festival kicks off with a 1-mile fun run and a 5-K road race. People line the sidewalks of Plains each year to watch the unique entries in the parade downtown. Visitors enjoy the all-day event and educational exhibits are on display to accent the importance of agriculture in this region. WILLIAM HARRIS HOMESTEAD HERITAGE DAY Sept. 24 3636 Ga. Hwy. 11 Monroe This event, which runs from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m, offers fun for the entire family. There will be re-enactments to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, tours of the 1825 log house and outbuildings, demonstrations of 1800's crafts, plowing with the Old Time Georgia Plow Club, antiques, children's 1800's games, petting zoo, agricultural displays, great food and entertainment all day. General admission is $10, $5 for children 5-12 and children under 5 are free. For more information contact Judy Hardegree at 770-867-2449 or judyhardegree@yahoo.com. WOOFSTOCK PURINA RALLY TO RESCUE Sept. 25 Jones County Fairgrounds Gray If you’re looking to adopt a dog or horse or just want to celebrate the pets you already have, come out for a day of family fun. In addition to animal adoptions, events will include dog demonstrations, live music, a kids’ zone, food, contests, and a Blessing of the Animals at 3 p.m. There will also be vendors selling both pet and non-pet related items. Event runs from 12-6 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Georgia animal rescue groups. For more information visit http://www.furever-friends.org or contact Angie Stapp at 478-955-1183 or fureverfriend@windstream.net.

Leadership Alert page 7 of 8 2011 ANNUAL PEANUT TOUR Sept. 27-29 Various locations Southwest Ga./Bainbridge The 2011 Peanut Bus Tour of South Georgia, sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission, begins in Bainbridge on Tuesday, Sept. 27, with an early-bird hot topics session at 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Bainbridge. Presentations will include economic and food issues by University of Georgia faculty and USDA scientists on U.S. peanut program and policy, processing, quality, nutrition and uniform peanut performance tests. A reception follows at 6 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Holiday Inn Express.Tour highlights include production research at the Attapulgus Research farm, on-farm demonstrations, equipment manufacturing, peanut handling, grading and shelling, and product processing facilities. Lunch will be at the Cloud Livestock Pavilion and a low country boil will be held at 7 p.m. at the Earle May Boat Basin. The agenda for Thursday, Sept. 29 includes lunch in Blakely, a 6 p.m. reception at Cotton Hall in Colquitt, with dinner and theater presentation of Swamp Gravy. Bus seats will be reserved on a first-come basis, with international visitors being given priority. For more information, contact Rebecca Whitehead at 229-386-3470 or email rebecca@gapeanuts.com LUKE BRYAN FARM TOUR Sept. 29 The Beach at Clemson University Seneca, SC Sept. 30 Tucker Plantation Colbert Oct. 1 Luther Williams Field Macon Oct. 5 Longneedle Farm Claxton Oct. 6 Coffee Weed Plantation Valdosta Oct. 7 VFW Fairgrounds Carrollton Country music artist and Lee County Farm Bureau member Luke Bryan embarks on his Farm Tour, sponsored by Southern Ag Carriers, the National Peanut Buying Points Association and the American Peanut Shellers Association. Each venue is near a university, and Bryan’s organization is sponsoring a college scholarship at each of them for a student from a farm family. To order tickets, visit http://www.lukebryan.com/farmtour. 17th ANNUAL MULE ROUNDUP Sept. 30-Oct.1 Guysie Community, Highway 32 Near Alma Experience yesteryear at this showcase of heritage farming, featuring a pioneer village, farm demonstration, cane grinding, sausage smoking, a grist mill and lots moore. A gospel sing begins at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30. Admission is free for participants and vendors and $5 for spectators ages 10 and up. For more information call 912-632-1777. SEPT. 30 is DEADLINE FOR GFB POLICY SUBMISSIONS Georgia Farm Bureau’s annual policy development process is underway. Sept. 30 is the deadline for county Farm Bureaus to submit policy recommendations to the state policy development committee. The state committee will meet this fall to consider the recommendations submitted by county Farm Bureaus and GFB’s commodity advisory committees. Contact the GFB Legislative Department for more information.

Leadership Alert page 8 of 8 GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIR Oct. 6–16 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry The award-winning Georgia National Fair features livestock and horse shows, youth exhibits, home and fine arts competitions, family entertainment, midway rides and games, fair food, and major concerts that includes Blake Shelton and the JaneDear Girls. For more information, visit www.georgianationalfair.com. GEORGIA SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL Oct. 29 Downtown area Ocilla The 51st Annual Georgia Sweet Potato Festival features a parade, arts and crafts show, cooking contest, pageant, classic car and tractor show, and much more. Proceeds from this year's car show will benefit the Irwin County High School Marching Big Red Band for their trip to the Sugar Bowl in January 2012. For more information, visit http://www.gasweetpotatofestival.com.