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THE 2016 AG ISSUES SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!
Thank you for your input on the recent Ag Industry Survey. Overall, we had over 350 responses with a great mix of agriculture interests. Below
are a few graphics that summarize key issues. Some of the survey findings include:
1. Strong desire to keep the GATE threshold at $2500
2. Workforce challenges are brought on by ease of welfare programs
3. Water storage and planning are keys to best management
4. Elected officials should focus on the economy and job creation
5. Over 70% of survey respondents identified as Grower/Producer
6. Increasing government regulations and access to a viable workforce are identified as biggest challenges to the agriculture/forestry industry.
Click here to access the full survey results.Thanks again for your participation.
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HARVEST CELEBRATION NEXT MONTH
GAC's Harvest Celebration is just around the corner! We are excited to announce that over 880 tickets have been purchased. The evening’s activities include a silent auction and a unique Field of Dreams reception that precede dinner and entertainment by Georgia boy Jeff Foxworthy! All proceeds support the Council’s program of work, which includes legislative monitoring, agricultural education, economic services, agribusiness development, public outreach initiatives and coalition building within the agricultural community.
In order to
receive recognition in the program, al
l tickets need to be purchased by October 28.
Unless otherwise noted, all tickets will be available at Will Call under each purchaser's last name.
I
f you have not yet secured your ticket to this special anniversary event, you
may order them online or contact
Anna Strickland
.
Should you choose to use Will Call, please send Anna your guest list by October 28. We look forward to hosting you for this first-class, networking event!
SNEAK PEEK AT THE AUCTION
We are very pleased to have GAC member AGCO donate a special silent auction item for the Council’s 50th anniversary. The Massey Ferguson GC1700 Series offers bigger tractor features in just the right size. With up to 22.5 gross engine horsepower and unmatched versatility, this easy-to-drive, multi-tasking workhorse can handle everything from mowing, loading, tilling, and more. This Massey Ferguson GC1705 comes with a frontend loader and a mower deck. With a retail value of over $15,000, it will be prominently featured in the silent auction at Harvest Celebration. We offer our special thanks for this very generous donation from a longtime supporter and member, AGCO.
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GAC is thankful for the support of our Field of Dreams reception and silent auction sponsors. Auction items ranging from hunting trips and unique artwork to sports memorabilia have been donated. GAC will be accepting donations, both monetary gifts and physical items, until October 21. You may donate online or contact Anna Strickland to make arrangements. All sponsors are recognized in the program and on signage throughout the event space.
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In honor of GAC's 50th Anniversary, the Field of Dreams reception will include an additional top tier of three items in the Special Golden Anniversary Level. To participate in the raffle for these special items, special golden anniversary tickets may be purchased for $100 at the door. One Field of Dreams Ticket Book must be purchased before purchasing one golden anniversary ticket. There will only be 50 golden anniversary tickets sold. Below are the three anniversary level items:
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Backyard Smoker and YETI Cooler
Sponsor: HAYS~LTI
Retail: $3,800.00
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Cooking with this smoker brings a whole new meaning to grilling! This backyard smoker will be a griller's dream at home or on the road.
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This YETI Tundra 50 Cooler will accompany the smoker as way to give the winner a complete package from food to beverage!
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Kroger Groceries for a Year
Sponsor: The Kroger Company
Retail: $3,000.00
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Save on groceries for a whole year! Winner will be awarded $3,000.00 in Kroger gift cards.
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Diamond Necklace and Earring Set
Retail: $3,600.00
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This beautiful 14 Kt yellow gold designer pendant and earring set features a total 1.5 ct weight with round and baguette diamonds set in the channels.
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LOOMING FEDERAL OVERTIME RULE HAUNTS AGRIBUSINESS
The new regulations on overtime enacted U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), are still set to go into effect December 1, 2016. You’ll recall the rule sets the new minimum annual salary of $47,476, which is nearly double the current level. GAC and a boatload of other industry groups have expressed concerns about the impact this will have to industry sectors where seasonal work and extensive travel are commonplace. Congress is contemplating a bill that would delay enacting the regulations for six months. The House passed the legislation and the Senate is poised to take action, but the White House has already stated the bill would be vetoed. In addition, Georgia has joined 20 other states suing the U.S. Labor Department regarding these regulations. We know that this will only add more of a burden to agribusinesses already fighting tighter margins and worker shortages. Click here for Q&A on the overtime rule from the U.S. Department of Labor.
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APPEALS COURT SAYS FEDERAL AGENCY RULES WENT TOO FAR
A September 23 decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals marked a definitive win for fertilizer retailers in Georgia and across the country. It also showed that our efforts fighting regulatory overreach made a difference!
The court ruling stated that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indeed violated the law when it issued an enforcement memorandum in 2015, redefining the retail facility exemption to the Process Safety Management Standard. OSHA failed to provide industry input into the decision. The court’s action saves U.S. retailers in excess of $100 million in compliance costs. GAC was pleased to be among many partner agribusiness groups in this effort led by the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). ARA President Daren Coppock summed it up best when he stated, “This administration has broadly and unjustly avoided proper procedure to construct and reinterpret myriad federal regulations without public input. The court’s decision in this case affirms the importance of regulatory agencies following proper notice and comment rulemaking procedure.”
Whether it is OSHA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Labor, or any other over-regulating bureaucracy, we must be diligent in our efforts and engage fully as an industry. Waters of the US (WOTUS) and the new overtime rules are other examples where we have engaged and must continue to fight. This testimony in the Senate Chamber by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska covers the issue very well. She rightfully states, "This is another example of why the American people don't trust the federal government." Oh, so true! We congratulate ARA and TFI on this important victory for all of agriculture!
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SCRAP TIRE STORAG AND USE REQUIRES STATE WAIVER
As stated last month, the GA Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is providing a waiver for any Georgia farm that has more than 100 scrap tires and/or needs scrap tires for storage and use on the farm. Georgia law prohibits the storage or use of such tires without a waiver as they can present several potential threats to human health and the environment. Proper storage of scrap tires can substantially reduce these threats. Along with the waiver, EPD provides a guidance document for tire storage and best management practices.
Tire sidewalls are not considered scrap tires and therefore do not require a waiver.
If you use scrap tires on your farm, you need to complete the waiver and submit it to EPD as soon as possible. EPD has expressed their support for such scrap tire uses for Georgia agriculture. There is no fee for the waiver. but you need to submit the completed document in order to be in compliance. Click here to access the waiver. The EPD Land Protection Branch can be contacted at 404-362-2566 or 404-463-8509 if you have any specific questions on scrap tire use.
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GEORGIA DROUGHT DECLARATION SENDS MIXED SIGNALS
The long, hot summer months have been challenging for most...and unbearable for some. It was no surprise when Georgia declared a drought for 51 counties across north Georgia, but such a drought declaration can mean negative impacts to many agribusinesses in the landscape, turf and nursery industries. In order to help ensure consumers and plant professionals have access to the ramifications of such a Drought Level 1 declaration, GAC partnered with the Georgia Urban Ag Council and Georgia Green Industry Association to provide web resources to help homeowners and businesses continue to be good stewards of Georgia’s water resources. The Georgia drought declaration does not have any bearing on the USGS Drought Monitor and associated federal disaster programs for agriculture.
www.GeorgiaWaterSmart.com provides information explaining the current water use rules along with best management practices and other helpful tips on conserving water both inside and outside the home. Reducing water use inside is equally as important as reducing water use outside. Georgian’s have demonstrated this commitment by reducing water usage by as much as 15% since prior droughts, even as population has continued to grow. The Council provided a brief video featuring Governor Sonny Perdue highlighting that Georgia law provides 30 days to water all newly installed plant materials to protect plant health. This was part of the Water Stewardship Act that became law when Perdue was in office. Many areas of our state need rainfall, but we want to avoid an economic disaster for our urban landscape and plant industry sectors, which is what the law was designed to protect against. We appreciate the efforts by all to help educate Georgia consumers.
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AGRITRUST SERVES AGRIBUSINESS
Over 600 Georgia Agribusiness Council members utilize our AgriTrust of Georgia worker’s compensation insurance program. The Council created AgriTrust of Georgia in 1992 and it serves agribusinesses from a wide range of sectors.
Workplace inspections, safety seminars and member resource materials are all readily available to those in the program. A great safety record has helped return over $5.1 million in dividends to qualified members. We encourage you to consider this proven program for your workers’ compensation insurance needs. For more information about AgriTrust of Georgia, please visit www.agritrust.biz or call Eddie Kinnard at 678-753-0016.
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OSHA COMPLIANCE: ARE YOU READY?
It’s never too soon to get ready for an OSHA visit and making sure your agribusiness has the necessary written plans is key. Written plans are required when OSHA considers a safety or health hazard to be serious. It documents the steps an employer takes to counteract the respective hazard, but not all plans are applicable for your facility.
Our partners at the Asmark Institute made the compliance process much easier by creating an online tool to produce written programs personalized to your retail agricultural farm center, terminal, warehouse, or equipment dealership. Click here for more details.
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Agri-Business Supply Inc.
Brooksco Diary,LLC
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Boston Gin Co.
Clay Co. and Associates
Coley Gin & Fertilizer Co. Inc.
C.M Tanner Grocery Co. Inc
Doug Hopkins
Georgia 4-H Foundation
GA Agricultural Commodity for Tabacco
Georgia/Florida Soybean Assoc.
H.T. McClendon Co.
Hardy Farms
Mobley Greenhouse Inc.
Quality Feedstuff, Inc.
Russell Landscape Contractors, LLC
Sylvania Peanut Co. Inc.
Swainsboro Stockyard
The J.L. Morgan Co, Inc.
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Special thanks to all of our Star Sponsors. Please call our office at 706-336-6830 or
click here for details
. Thank you!
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AGRIHEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM NOW ABLE TO SERVE MORE AGRIBUSINESSES
In recent weeks, we received final approval to expand our AgriHealth of Georgia health insurance program to more GAC member companies. Our AgriHealth of Georgia program is now available to employers with 10 - 40 employees, and another similar program is available to those with more than 40 employees.
These programs
utilize the national Blue Cross Blue Shield network.
GAC has been working with the Snellings Walters Insurance Agency for over a year to provide healthcare options for employers and is ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant. These programs are “group medical captives,” which are partially self-funded healthcare plans. AgriHealth of Georgia is an economic service available for GAC members and is structured to help those enrolled in the program guide their own success. We have continued our relationship with Snellings Walters Insurance Agency for enrollment and Milliman for actuary services.
As the chart below shows, most businesses experience an increase on the cost of their health insurance each year at renewal, an average increase of 7% each year over the past 6 years. By reducing or eliminating this annual increase, the cost can be dramatically reduced. We are demonstrating the performance of 25 employees in the AgriHealth of Georgia program against the average increase for a fully insured medical program. The AgriHealth of Georgia program uncovers possibilities to lower your fixed costs and control your claims. The illustration below shows that those dollars add up substantially after just 6 years, saving nearly $200,000 per 25 employees. Please contact the GAC office at 706-336-6830 or email Bryan Tolar for additional information on this program.
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GAC SCHOLARSHIP & GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 14
Dr. Joe B. Crane Memorial Classroom Grant Program
is a wonderful reminder of the legacy “Dr. Joe” leaves behind. GAC has had the opportunity to award $500 classroom grants to more than 38 teachers since its inception in 2000. Dr. Joe B. Crane served on the Georgia Agribusiness Council Board of Directors for many years. A well-known veterinarian in the Valdosta area, Dr. Crane served crucial roles on the Board of Education in Lowndes County and carried his passion for young people in Georgia with him wherever he went. We are proud to support this program that gives Georgia teachers the chance to creatively teach agriculture in their classroom.
The applications were available August 1 and are due postmarked to the GAC office by October 14, 2016.
Any public or private school teacher in Georgia, no matter the grade level, wanting to incorporate the importance of agriculture in their lesson plans can take advantage of this opportunity for assistance in the classroom to help educate the future generation of Georgians.
GAC is also proud to announce the release of the
William C. "Bill" Baisley "Sumpin' Big" Scholarship
applications for 2016. This scholarship has assisted many students in Georgia studying agriculture and we are proud to continue the tradition. Mr. Baisley, longtime friend of GAC and Director Emeritus on our board of directors, is a legend in the poultry industry, holding numerous leadership roles over the years. His attitude about life and passion for the future generation of agriculture speaks volumes about his character. This scholarship seeks to honor Mr. Baisley by supporting two students with similar goals. Please share this scholarship application with a college student or high school senior in Georgia needing financial assistance and studying in the areas of agriculture or natural resources.
The scholarship application is due postmarked to the GAC office on or before October 14, 2016.
The winners will be recognized at Harvest Celebration on November 18th, this year.
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PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES SEE WOTUS DIFFERENTLY
The Democratic presidential nominee endorsed the controversial Waters of the US (WOTUS) rule in a written statement to Farm Futures. In doing so, Hillary Clinton has made it clear that she backs the EPA’s WOTUS rule, which expands the types of water EPA can regulate under the Clean Water Act. Clinton said she supports the rule and would work with all affected parties to ensure “common sense implementation.” She also said she was pleased that EPA maintained in WOTUS the “long-standing exemptions for common farming practices,” which is just one area disputed by property rights groups and agriculture/forestry interests. Donald Trump has indicated he does not support EPA’s rule.
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*Applications are now being accepted for the
Georgia Plant Food Educational Society J. Fielding Reed Scholarship ($2,000) and the Jimmy and Bunny Champion Academic Achievement Award ($3,000)
. For more information please
Click Here
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The Georgia Crop Production Alliance is hosting their 20th anniversary annual meeting with a combine golf tournament on November 2 & 3 at Lake Blackshear Resort and Golf Club in Cordele, GA. Congressman Austin Scott will deliver a keynote address during this event. Click here for an agenda and registration information.
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The 2016 D.W. Brooks Lecture will be held on Monday, Nov. 7 at the Georgia Center's UGA Hotel and Conference Center in Athens, Ga. The lecture begins at 3:30 p.m. Roger Thurow will present a lecture entitled, "1,000 Days to Change the World: Stories from the Fight to End Early Childhood Malnutrition." It is free and open to the public. Click here to register.
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Be sure to attend the
Georgia National Fair
in Perry, GA, during the October 6 - 16 event dates. While there, you'll want to visit the Georgia Grown Building to experience Georgia’s #1 industry. You'll find plenty of unique goods and get great recipes in the Georgia Grown Pavilion. Advance tickets are just $9 for a one-day pass.
Click here order tickets in advance.
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* The
39th Annual Sunbelt Ag Expo set for October 18th – 20th held at Spence Field in Moultrie, GA. The show will include the presentation of the Swisher Sweet Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award, Field Demonstration trials for new cropping systems and enhanced plant varieties, the latest technology and equipment from agribusinesses, and much more. GAC is pleased to attend and engage members during this outstanding event. Tickets are just $10 at the gate.
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This information is intended for members of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. No part of this document shall be copied, edited, or redistributed in any form without express written consent from the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Inc. Georgia Agribusiness Council | 706-336-6830 |
WWW.GA-AGRIBUSINESS.ORG
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP TO GEORGIA'S STRONGEST INDUSTRY
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