Bill Thomas discussed the possibility of a state cost-share program for farmers to pay part of the cost of implementing practices to protect environmental quality. Representatives of the contract growers stressed that integrators should consider contributing to the funds since they would benefit from such a program. There s a lot of interest now in finding ways to stimulate the state s rural economy and money from the tobacco settlement is being considered as a source. The environmental groups might support a proposal in this area, depending on the details of the plan. This material was prepared by Bill Segars, Dan Cunningham, and Larry Guthrie.
Most large dairies are in south Georgia.
Georgia produces one billion broilers and a million tons of litter per year. The average number of poultry houses per farm is just over three. There are seven farms with over 300,000 chickens. Overall, it was a good meeting with lots of lively discussion. I also think we should continue to promote a dialogue between interested parties in this area.