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Producer Resources & Education
Our organization believes that education is fundamental for the success of the dairy industry in Georgia. Dairy producers face unique challenges and require education and training to ensure their success. Dairymen must continue to learn as much as possible on developments in technology, science, business management, and an array of other skills that affect their businesses. Georgia Milk Producers provides exceptional educational programs that increase the producers’ knowledge in these areas and help them adopt practices that are profitable, environmentally friendly, and improve the quality of milk they produce.
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Georgia Dairy Conference
Each January, our organization hosts the Georgia Dairy Conference. This three-day event features nationally known speakers, industry vendors, dairy wives events, dairy youth fundraising activities, and a student symposium for college students. Our planning committee works hard to provide relevant, innovative and valuable topics and speakers to those attending each year. It is an excellent educational program that focuses on a wide range of issues impacting the dairy community.
Communication:
Our organization utilizes several communication platforms to keep dairy producers engaged and connected. Georgia Milk Producers provides timely, useful content to producers through print and digital content. Our goal through our communication programs is to deepen relationships and cultivate connections that will strengthen our voice.
To subscribe to our monthly newsletter or weekly E-news, please send your address or email address to gamilkproducers@gmail.com.
To view an archive of previous newsletters, please use the link below.
Fall District Meetings
Each September, our staff and leaders travel to the 7 GMP districts across the state to meet with producers and to provide a report on the activities of their producer[ organization. Our directors make every effort to answer any questions producers have about finance and organization activities.
Environmental Regulations
GA LAS/NPDES Permits
LAS permit holders (dairies with 300 – 1,000 cows)
Dairies with 300-1,000 cows must apply for a new LAS state permit as soon as possible. Each LAS permit holder needs to mail a Notice of Termination (NOT) for their current LAS permit and a Notice of Intent (NOI) to apply for the new state LAS permit. If a LAS permit holder needs a copy of the NOT or NOI form, please contact the Georgia Milk Producers office.
CAFO permit holders (dairies with more than 1,000 cows)
Dairies with more than 1,000 cows have an option to terminate their current NPDES federal permit and apply for the new state LAS permit. If a producer would like to keep their current NPDES federal permit they must notify EPD as soon as possible. CAFO/NPDES permit holders must decide which permit is best for their operation by Dec. 31, 2014. NPDES dairies need to seek advice from their Certified Nutrient Planner or consultant and review the federal CAFO rule at this link to determine the best permit coverage needed for their dairy farm.
Click here to view NPDES/LAS Large CAFO Inspection Check List
LAGOON CLOSURES:
LAS and NPDES permit holders going out of business must notify EPD as soon as possible. Each certified nutrient management plan approved by GDA and EPD includes a lagoon closure plan. The permit holder must close the lagoon within 24 months. If the permit holder would like to maintain operation of the lagoon after their dairy farm has closed, then they must apply for the appropriate permit determined by EPD. If a dairy has a lagoon, no LAS permit and less than 300 cows, than that dairy is not required to contact EPD or close the lagoon.
Hurricane Preparedness Resources
It's never a bad time to be prepared for a hurricane or natural disaster. While hurricane season traditionally runs from June 1st-November 30th, there's a possibility for a tornado or other storm to appear anytime. Prepare your farm on the front end so the results are less destructive. Below are helpful resources to be prepared for a storm.
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1. Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery in the Southeastern United States - Dairy Producers Guide
This guide discusses facility and infrastructure considerations to minimize disruptions due to power loss and heavy rain. It explores how to prepare and secure facilities to protect cattle and property. It wraps up by discussing recovery efforts and disaster assistance programs.
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2. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency - Hurricanes
On this website GEMA explains how to be prepared and manage infrastructure before, during, and after a hurricane.
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Visit the National Hurricane center website for a comprehensive suite of information and tools to address the multifaceted challenges posed by hurricanes and tropical weather events. It also provides real-time information and forecasts, advisories, and outlooks.
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