Georgia Agriculture Calendar
UGA NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK EVENT
June 20, 2013
UGA Marine Extension Service Station
Brunswick, Georgia
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service (MAREX) and Georgia Sea Grant will celebrate National Pollinator Week with an event from 9 a.m. to noon at the MAREX Brunswick station and native plant demonstration garden at 715 Bay St. The event will include tours of the pollinator habitat garden and native plant gardens at the station. At 11 a.m., there will be a presentation on pollinator protection and pollinator-friendly landscaping. The Glynn County Farm Bureau Beekeepers’ Committee will display a honeybee hive and distribute beekeeping information.
For more information, call Keren Giovengo at (912) 280-1586.
NORTH-SOUTH INSTITUTE AGRIPRENUERSHIP WORKSHOP
June 20, 2013
859 Greater Zachariah Church Rd.
Glennville, Georgia
This workshop will offer farmers, producers, and other agricultural professionals the unique opportunity to learn about working with the various agencies within the USDA. Included is an overview of opportunities available through the Farm Service Agency’s Non-insured Crop Assistance Program and the new Microloan Program announced January 2013 and members of the USDA Georgia StrikeForce Initiative to Boost Rural and Economic Growth will be present at this workshop to give a program message. On-site registration is open to the public and free for the first 25 attendees. Other registrants will be asked to contribute $25.00 to cover the publication costs of the workbook/manual to accompany the workshop.
For more information or to RSVP in advance, please call (954) 434-8220 or send an email to workshop@nsied.org.
GEORGIA SMALL FARM CONFERENCE
June 20 - 21, 2013
Unicoi State Park
Helen, Georgia
This conference, sponsored by the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District, will focus on helping farmers with small-scale operations improve their farms and run them more efficiently. Financial assistance through the Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District and the Oconee River Resource Conservation and Development Council will cover costs for 120 farmers to attend the meeting, which includes one night at the Lodge at Unicoi State Park. For other individuals interested in attending, the registration cost is $220, which includes one night’s lodging. The meeting will include general educational sessions covering major agricultural topics, as well as breakout sessions covering topics unique to small farming operations. Registration must be received by June 10.
Farmers interested in attending should contact the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Region II office at (706) 552-4479 or email region2@gaswcc.org.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
June 22, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
AGSOUTH FARM CREDIT FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
June 22, 2013
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
This free workshop is designed for young, beginning, small and minority farmers. It will run from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and includes a provided lunch. Topics will include: applying for financing, preparing a business plan, record keeping, credit scores, risk management and more. Workshop iscertified for FSA Direct Borrower Training Credit.
To register or for more information visit http://www.agsouthfc.com/AgSouthAgAwareProgram.html or email Christy Smith at csmith@agsouthfc.com. Register by June 8.
ORGANIC GRAIN AND OILSEED PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
June 27, 2013
NESPAL Building
Tifton, Georgia
This free workshop, which includes classroom presentations and a field tour, will give participants an understanding of how to begin producing organic grains and oilseeds. National experts will discuss organic corn, soybean, wheat and oilseed production specific to Georgia's climate. Lunch will be provided for all attendees. This workshop is sponsored by Southern SARE, Georgia Center for Innovation - Agribusiness, Georgia Organics, Cooperative Extension and USDA ARS.
Contact Kate Munden-Dixon to reserve your space at (706) 542-8084 or katemd@uga.edu. Space is limited and registration is required. The NESPAL Building is located at 2360 Rainwater Road in Tifton.
WEBINAR ON SELLING PRODUCE TO THE USDA
June 27, 2013
Online
This free interactive webinar, “How to Sell Fruits and Vegetables to the USDA.” Will feature Sara Hernandez of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) discussing the USDA’s commodity procurement program, the types of products the USDA buys, the requirements for selling to the USDA and the process of soliciting USDA business. The webinar will also provide information about contracting opportunities for small, socially disadvantaged, women- and veteran-owned businesses. This informative webinar is designed for fruit and vegetable growers, processors and distributors of all size.
Registration is required and space is limited. Visit this website to register.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
June 29, 2013
Savannah State Farmers Market
Savannah, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
GEORGIA BLUEBERRY COMMISSION HOLDING RECIPE CONTEST
June 30, 2013 - Entry Deadline
The Georgia Blueberry Commission is holding its first “Sweet Georgia Blues Recipe Contest” throughout the month of June in celebration of Georgia Blueberry Month. Georgia Blueberry fans are invited to create and photograph an original recipe using Georgia Blueberries. Submissions will be posted on the Georgia Blueberry Commission’s website and Facebook page for voting. Contestants are encouraged to share information about the contest with family and friends to gain more votes. Recipe submission and voting began June 1 and continues through June 30. Winners will be announced on July 8th.The recipe creator with the most votes will win $500. Contestants who receive the second and third most votes will receive a Sweet Georgia Blues Basket (includes blueberry jams, autographed cookbook, etc) and an autographed copy of Hugh Acheson’s A New Turn in the South Cookbook, respectively.
For more information and contest rules, log onto www.GeorgiaBlueberries.org.
SUNBELT EXPO FIELD DAY
July 11, 2013
Sunbelt Agricultural Expo, Spence Field
Moultrie, Georgia
This free preview of 36th Annual Sunbelt Expo is an opportunity for farmers to see the latest seed varieties, crop protection, irrigation technology and precision ag technology in an applied research setting. Company representatives and university researchers will make presentations on their equipment and research. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. followed by a free biscuit breakfast with Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau representatives. Trams will depart for the fields promptly at 8 a.m. Tours will last until noon. No lunch will be served. All breakfast attendees will receive a free Expo cap and may register for door prizes including: a Brown 472 six foot rotary cutter, farm tires and a shotgun.
For more information, call (229) 985-1968 or visit www.sunbeltexpo.com.
2nd ANNUAL UGA ORGANIC RESEARCH FARM TWILIGHT TOUR
July 11, 2013
UGA Durham Horticulture Farm
Watkinsville, Georgia
From 6 p.m to 8 p.m., UGA organic and sustainable agriculture experts will discuss research being conducted on apple variety trials, squash diseases, summer vegetable production, cool season vegetable production, summer cover crops and the use of high tunnels. The Durham Horticulture Farm is located at 1221 Hog Mountain Road. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information contact UGA Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator Julia Gaskin at jgaskin@uga.edu or (706) 542-1401.
GEORGIA JUNIOR BEEF FUTURITY
July 11 - 13, 2013
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter
Perry, Georgia
The 23rd Annual GeorgiaJunior Beef Futurity is scheduled for July 11 - 13, 2013 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. The Georgia Junior Beef Futurity is hosted cooperatively between Georgia FFA and Georgia 4-H, and is open to all bonafide FFA and 4-H members. Rising 4-H'ers must be 9 years old by January 1, 2012 to compete. Any member who has graduated from high school is not eligible to compete.
For more information, visit http://georgia4h.org/livestock/beef/jr_beef_futurity.htm.
2013 GFB YOUNG FARMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
July 11 - 14, 2013
Jekyll Island Convention Center
Jekyll Island, Georgia
This family-friendly event will provide educational, networking and social opportunities for young farmers. The preliminary rounds of the 2013 Young Farmer Discussion Meet, in which contestants compete for a variety of great prizes, will be held during the conference, which also features breakout sessions on a variety of 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.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
July 13, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
UGA TRIAL GARDENS ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
July 13, 2013
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
The public is invited to attend an open house from 8 a.m – 1 p.m. at the UGA Horticulture Department’s trial garden on the UGA Athens Campus located between Snelling Dining Hall and the UGA pharmacy building. Visitors will get an up-close look at a new class of vetted ornamentals including annuals, perennials, roses and hardy bulbs. Dr. Allen Armitage, who is retiring after 31 years at UGA, will give tours during the event and sign copies of his books. A short recognition ceremony will be held to honor Armitage at 11 a.m. Planters designed by the garden staff will be available for sale. A $5 donation will be accepted to help support the trial garden.
Visit www.ugatrialgardens.com for more information or call (706) 583-0285.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
July 27, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
AGSOUTH FARM CREDIT FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
July 27, 2013
University of Georgia - Conner Hall
Athens, South Carolina
This free workshop is designed for young, beginning, small and minority farmers. It will run from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and includes a provided lunch. Topics will include: applying for financing, preparing a business plan, record keeping, credit scores, risk management and more. Workshop iscertified for FSA Direct Borrower Training Credit.
To register or for more information visit http://www.agsouthfc.com/AgSouthAgAwareProgram.html or email Christy Smith at csmith@agsouthfc.com. Register by July 13.
STRIPLING IRRIGATION RESEARCH PARK FIELD DAY
August 1, 2013
Stripling Irrigation Research Park
Camilla, Georgia
Information from a variety of SIRP projects will be shared with visitors during this field day, and Georgia EPD Director Jud Turner will be the featured guest speaker. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, call (229) 522-3623.
FSA COUNTY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS
August 1, 2013 - Nomination Deadline
The nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is now open and runs through Aug. 1. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. Farmers and ranchers may nominate themselves or others, and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form, FSA-669A.
The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available online at www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
August 10, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
GARLICFEST 2013
August 24, 2013
LoganBerry Heritage Farm
Cleveland, Georgia
This free, family event celebrates the garlic harvest of LoganBerry Heritage Farm. Talented chefs will showcase 15 varieties of garlic from around the world in creative dishes, cooking demos, tastings and recipes. Live entertainment, animals, crafts, artisans and the ever-popular Garlic University round out this exciting festival located in a memorable Appalachian mountain setting. LoganBerry is a fifth generation working farm with a focus on history, sustainability and health using all-natural farming methods. In addition to growing garlic, LoganBerry Farm grows heirloom vegetables and raises pastured meat featured at our on-site farm market. LoganBerry Farm is located at 2660 Adair Mill Rd, Cleveland, Ga.
Call (706) 348-6068 or visit www.loganberryheritagefarm.com for more information.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
August 24, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
September 14, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
INTERNATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS CONFERENCE AND EXPO
September 25 - 26, 2013
Savannah International Trade & Convention Center
Savannah, Georgia
This inaugural event, sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau, will help farmers and businesses learn how to capitalize on the growing export market. Participants will be provided with information on what markets are open to their products, how to export their goods and what exporting can do for their bottom lines. Participants will attend educational forums and workshops, learning from experts in agricultural importing and exporting and about the latest practices in processing value-added agricultural products. They also will have a chance to meet with international trade representatives. The conference’s main sponsor is Georgia Farm Bureau.
For more information about the conference’s schedule, see www.iace.us.com. Early registration is $170 and ends July 30.
For more information visit http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/iace.html.
GEORGIA GROWN FARMER SHOWCASE
September 28, 2013
Park Market, Centennial Olympic Park
Atlanta, Georgia
This family-friendly series features dozens of vendors from around the state, offering locally grown fresh Georgia produce and plant sales, meet and greets with local farmers and much more. Runs from 9am - noon.
For more information, visit www.georgiagrown.com or call (404) 656-3689.
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