FARMERS & CONSUMERS Tommy /rvin, Commissioner Georgia Department of Agriculture Market Bulletin Vol.71, No. 1 Wednesday, January 2, 1985 Good Farm Year Sparks Optimism As each new year begins, we often pause to make resolutions and to set goals for the year ahead. But, we also should take this opportunity to reflect on the past year, and be thankful for the fruits of our labor. For example, in 1984 we had several crops with record high yields. Georgia remains unchallenged as the leading peanut state in the nation and our farmers produced a record average yield of 3,400 pounds per acre this year a state total of 2.16 billion pounds. Cotton production also is on the upswing in the state with a total of 275,000 bales harvested in 1984. The proposed boll weevil eradication program has the potential to boost Georgia cotton production to even higher levels. Despite extended periods of both wet and dry weather conditions, Georgia's corn yields remained at the record-tying 85 bushels per acre. While our late soybean crop suffered from extreme dry weather, it only declined two percent from 1983 production levels. Besides favorable crop yields, we saw the appointment of a task force which currently is in the process of studying the feasibility of a site for a state fair and agricultural exposition. A state fair site would serve Georgia's agriculture well and has long been needed. In 1984, a national brucellosis eradication program, modeled after Georgia's, was adopted by the National Cattlemen's Association, the National Farm Bureau and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA). I feel that this is a compliment to the dedication of the Department, as well as to our state. The developments and strides in Georgia agriculture during 1984, have given me hope that, with certain measures taken on the national level, 1985 will be a good year for the (Continued on Page 8) ^ Crop Reporting Procedures :;i^J feow &a . One. - 'be|$n;;? .releasing ' i^ reports napnth often has siderable Brucellosis Quarantine Regulations Modified In an effort to eradicate brucellosis in the state, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has modified quarantine regulations. The changes, which went into effect January 1, 1985, will modify the regulations regarding the length of time infected herds are quarantined. The new regulations are as follows: Herds known to be infected with brucellosis shall be quarantined and no animal shall be moved from such herds, except on permit from the State veterinarian or his authorized agent. The quarantine shall remain in e//ect until three consecutive negative herd tests are obtained, with the last test being not less than six months after removal of the last reactor. This change will apply to both adult vaccinated and non-adult vaccinated herds placed under quarantine on or after January 1, 1985. In addition, the following test schedule has been recommended for non-adult vaccinated herds: Complete herd tests should be conducted at approximately 30 day intervals until the herd has passed ,a negative test 30 days after removal of the last reactor. The second negative test should be 120 days /allowing removal of the last reactor at which time calves can be sold unrestricted. The third negative test will be 180 days following removal of the last reactor to qualify for release of quarantine. An additional herd test is strongly recommended between the 30 day and 120 day test and a preprinted test chart will be provided for this purpose. Any other additional testing will be at the discretion of the VMO (Veterinary Medical Officer) according to each individual herd. For further information regarding the regulation changes or testing schedules, contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division at 404-656-3667. Georgia 4-H'er Honored Blueberry Conference Highlights Commercial Production Methods Interest in commercial rabbiteye blueberry production is high. To maintain this interest, the Second Biennial Southeast Blueberry Conference and Trade Show will be held January 29-30 at the Rural Development Center in Tifton. The conference will provide a unique opportunity for commercial blueberry producers, nurseries and related agribusinesses to be updated on research, marketing, and technology. In addition, the president of the North American Blueberry Council will provide an outlook for the 1985-86 blueberry industry. Numerous commercial companies also will exhibit the latest in blueberry plants, containers, computers, irrigation equipment and other related materials. Early registration is encouraged for the conference since there will be a 300 seat limit. For further informa- tion, write to Blueberry / RDC, P.O. Box 1209, Tifton 31793 or call 912-386-3416. Commercial rabbiteye blueberry production began in Georgia in 1955 utilizing plants from the University of Georgia's breeding program, according to Dr. Max Austin, head of the horticulture department at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station. Other commercial plantings were established between 1958 and 1961 giving Georgia approximately 45 acres. Today, estimates indicate that there are approximately 3,000 acres of rabbiteye blueberries in Georgia with 1,500 or 2,000 acres in production. Total estimated Georgia production from two marketing organizations, independent growers and pick-your-own operations reached four million pounds in 1984, according to Austin. Angela King of Hartwell is one of six outstanding youth to receive the highest honor given for excellence in the 4-H club the Presidential Award. The award was presented at the recent 63rd National 4-H Congress in Chicago. Angela was chosen from among 27 national winners in the 4-H achievement, citizenship and leadership programs. Page 2 THE MARKET BULLETIN Wednesday, January 2, 1985