For Immediate Release

July 25, 2024

CONTACT: Georgia Cotton Commission
Caroline Gentry, 478-357-1747, caroline@georgiacotton.org

2023 Georgia Quality Cotton Award Winners Announced

* Photos of award winners are available by contacting Caroline Gentry

The 2023 Georgia Quality Cotton Awards were presented at the 2024 Georgia Cotton Commission Mid-Year Meeting on July 24, 2024. The awards are co-sponsored by the Georgia Cotton Commission and Bayer Crop Science/Deltapine and administered by the University of Georgia (UGA) Cotton Team. Yangxuan Liu from the UGA Cotton Team conducted the analysis and presented the awards at the event in Statesboro.

The purpose of the awards is to recognize producers and ginners of high-quality cotton fiber and to identify their general management practices for the benefit of other growers. The producers and their gins received a plaque, and the winning producers received a $500 cash award. The UGA County Extension Agent for each winner was also recognized as they work closely with the farmers during the growing season.

The awards are given in each of these three cotton acreage categories: 1) less than 500 acres, 2) 500 to 1,000 acres, and 3) greater than 1,000 acres within the four regions of the state. Winners in these categories are determined by the loan value and premiums of their cotton. The winners’ excellent achievements are due largely to their management practices and expertise. The sponsors of this program congratulate the following winners:

Region 1

• Less than 500 acres
  • Grower – MGB Farms, Pulaski County
  • Ginner – Heart of Georgia Peanut & Gin, Hawkinsville
  • Nominated by – Jay Porter
• 500-1000 acres
  • Grower – Melissa Cape Farms, Pulaski County
  • Ginner – Heart of Georgia Peanut & Gin, Hawkinsville
  • Nominated by – Jay Porter
• 1000+ acres
  • Grower – WB Cape Farms, Pulaski County
  • Ginner – Heart of Georgia Peanut & Gin, Hawkinsville
  • Nominated by – Jay Porter

Region 2

• Less than 500 acres
  • Grower – Dickens Farms, Inc., Oconee County
  • Ginner – Bostwick Gin, Bostwick
  • Nominated by – Carsen Dean & Lucy Ray
• 500-1000 acres
  • Grower – Bill Godowns, Jefferson County
  • Ginner – Farmer’s Gin and Storage, Wadley
  • Nominated by – Pamela Sapp
• 1000+ acres
  • Grower – Dean Johnson, Burke County
  • Ginner – Bryant’s Inc., Bartow
  • Nominated by – Cliff Collins & Peyton Sapp

Region 3

• Less than 500 acres
  • Grower – Tommy Kenny, TFK In. Farms, Lowndes County
  • Ginner – B.C.T. Gin Company, Inc., Quitman
  • Nominated by – Joshua Dawson
• 500-1000 acres
  • Grower – Lee and Cole Ballard Farms, Brooks County
  • Ginner – B.C.T. Gin Company, Inc., Quitman
  • Nominated by – Will Brown
• 1000+ acres
  • Grower – Johnson Farms, Cook County
  • Ginner – B.C.T. Gin Company, Inc., Quitman
  • Nominated by – Tucker Price

Region 4

• Less than 500 acres
  • Grower – Jonathan Hart, Thomas County
  • Ginner – Boston Gin, Boston
  • Nominated by – Sydni Ingram & Michasia Dowdy
• 500-1000 acres
  • Grower – Patterson Farms, Worth County
  • Ginner – Worth Gin & Warehouse, Inc., Sylvester
  • Nominated by – Scott Carlson
• 1000+ acres
  • Grower – M & G Farms, Worth County
  • Ginner – Worth Gin & Warehouse, Inc., Sylvester
  • Nominated by – Scott Carlson

The final award given was the overall Best Cotton Award. This was awarded to the Georgia cotton producer with highest loan value and premium. The 2023 Best Cotton Award went to Oconee County’s Dickens Farm, Inc. with a loan value of 57.81 cents/lb and a premium of 5.81 cents/lb.

 

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For Immediate Release

July 22, 2024

CONTACT: Theresa Markwalter
1-899-271-7217
ireach3@mailbox.sc.edu

University of South Carolina and University of Virginia enrolling rural residents for online management loss study 

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers, together with colleagues at the University of South Carolina, have received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to determine if online behavioral weight-management programs for rural residents can be improved by adding a human touch. The goal is to help residents of rural areas, where in-person weight-loss programs can be scarce.

People living in rural areas experience significantly higher rates of both obesity and chronic illnesses associated with obesity. Many rural areas also have an increasing lack of access to healthcare resources. So finding better ways to help rural residents manage their weight could have big benefits for both individuals and society. “Weight loss of as little as 5% to 7% can reduce obesity-associated co-morbidities,” said UVA researcher Becca Krukowski, PhD, one of the principal investigators. “Although lifestyle interventions successfully produce weight losses of this magnitude, access to weight management programs is limited in rural areas. This study will examine how digital interventions can be optimized for delivering weight loss programs to rural populations.”

More than 600 volunteer participants will be enrolled in a core online 24-week weight-loss program and randomly assigned to receive one of two forms of feedback on their self-monitoring efforts, as well as potentially receiving additional components including weekly group video sessions and individual coaching calls. The study is currently enrolling the last few participants for a group starting in August 2024 and will continue accepting applications for future start dates through the end of 2025.

Ultimately, Krukowski and her team hope their research will lead to optimized online weight-loss programs that will be more accessible to rural residents than in-person programs. That would increase the public-health benefits of the programs and will inform public health policy decisions such as whether the programs should be covered by Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance companies.

“The iREACH study is an exciting opportunity for rural residents to have access to a cutting-edge behavioral weight loss program and also contribute to science,” Krukowski said. Over the next year and a half, she and her collaborators will enroll and provide the iREACH program for a total of 616 men and women, with the goal of determining which approach, or which combination of approaches, is most effective at promoting weight loss and subsequent weight maintenance.

The trial is IRB No. HSR220408. For more information, visit https://www.ireachstudy.org/ or call 1-866-271-7217, or email the study coordinator, Theresa Markwalter, at ireach3@mailbox.sc.edu.

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For Immediate Release

July 18, 2024

CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Georgia Power enhances streetlight outage reporting tool

Company makes it easier to report streetlight outages as Georgians enjoy summer

ATLANTA – July 18, 2024 – Georgia Power has revamped its streetlight outage reporting tool for customers as they spend more time outdoors this summer. With more than 900,000 streetlights across the state, Georgia Power’s newly updated Street Light Outage Map and reporting tool online makes reporting issues easier than ever. It is an interactive platform where customers can submit outdoor lighting repair requests in their area. This digital tool has been a resource for customers since 2021, but the recent upgrades have simplified the reporting process even further, making it more user-friendly.

Like any outside equipment used continuously, streetlights are subject to damage from falling trees and limbs, lightning, vehicle accidents, vandalism and regular wear and tear. Giving customers an easy way to report outages helps the company find and fix problems more quickly. Since launch of the upgraded product a few months ago, thousands of customers have already utilized the new and improved street light outage reporting tool.

“We know that streetlights help enhance safety and elevate the quality of life for residents and visitors in our state,” said Scotty Burkes, Outdoor Lighting Maintenance Manager at Georgia Power. “The recent advancements to our Street Light Outage Map and reporting tool serve as a testament of our commitment to continuously improve our operations. By integrating these innovative technologies, we are not only meeting the evolving needs of our valued customers, but also fostering a seamless and efficient experience throughout the entire outage reporting process.”

Here’s how to report a streetlight outage to Georgia Power:

1. Visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/Streetlight 
2. Enter the address in the search box, or zoom into the closest area on the map
3. If the light exists on the map, click it, then click “REPORT STREET LIGHT ISSUE”
4. If the light does not exist on the map, right-click, or long-press via a mobile device, then click “REPORT AN ISSUE WITH A LIGHT NOT DISPLAYED ON THE MAP”
5. Populate all requested information on the formand then click “DONE”

If customers notice streetlights on during the day, they can report that as an issue as well, helping reduce wasted energy during daylight hours.

Georgia Power offers a variety of lighting solutions for both homeowners and businesses. To learn more, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/OutdoorLighting.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information,visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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For Immediate Release

July 9, 2024

CONTACT: Georgia Peanut Commission
Jessie Bland, 229-386-3472, jessie@gapeanuts.com

Georgia Peanut Commission hosting 2025 calendar photo contest featuring peanut farms from across the state

TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Peanut Commission is hosting a photo contest through Oct. 1, 2024, featuring peanut farms from across the state to fill the pages of the 2025 Georgia Peanut Calendar. Photos will also be selected to be used in various promotional projects by GPC throughout the year.

Georgia farmers are encouraged to submit their best high-resolution photo from throughout the growing season. Winning entries will be selected for each month of the calendar, as well as the cover page. Below are tips to consider when selecting a photo to enter:

• Make sure the photo is not offensive and avoid photos with large, easy to read corporate logos.
• Think about the months of the year and select photos that represent them. For example, land prep work in the winter, planting in the spring, irrigation in the summer and harvest in the fall.
• Make sure photos are taken in horizontal format, so they will fill the entire page of the calendar.
• Showcase your family (young and old) and what being a Georgia peanut farmer means to you.
• Choose a photo you feel helps others understand more about how you care for the crop they love.

Photo entries must be taken during the 2022, 2023 or 2024 peanut crop year and feature peanut production. Entries must also be high resolution (300 dpi), horizontal and not taken with a phone; otherwise, they may be disqualified. Please submit photos in .jpg format with the online entry form provided on www.gapeanuts.com by Oct. 1, 2024, for consideration. Winning entries will be entered for a chance to win a Visa gift card. Visit www.gapeanuts.com for complete details.

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For Immediate Release

July 9, 2024

CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Georgia Power crews to assist Texas-New Mexico Power with Hurricane Beryl restoration

A team of more than 50 employees are en route to Texas City, including line crews, engineers, safety and support personnel

(ATLANTA – July 9, 2024) – Hurricane Beryl made landfall early Monday morning near Matagorda, Texas, causing severe damage to homes, business and infrastructure, and widespread power outages. As part of its severe weather preparations, Georgia Power creates mutual agreements with other utilities to send and receive help when natural disasters strike.

Last night, Georgia Power sent a team of more than 50 company personnel and contract teams to assist Texas-New Mexico Power in its recovery efforts. Georgia Power’s restoration workforce includes line crews, engineers, safety and support personnel from around the state.

Georgia Power is a member of the mutual assistance network, which consists of utilities from around the country. As part of this partnership, Georgia Power is able to respond and offer assistance, providing reinforcements when needed to restore power quickly for other utilities. The company is also able to tap into this mutual assistance network if additional resources are needed to help restore power to Georgia Power customers following a major storm. During Hurricanes Michael and Irma, Georgia Power received assistance from other utilities.

“We are proud of our crews who enthusiastically head into difficult conditions to restore power for those impacted by this devastating hurricane,” said Storm Center Manager Jason Stott. “With each request for assistance from other states, the company ensures that it has sufficient coverage to respond to potential local service interruptions at home.”

Stott added: “Above all else, safety is our top value. Just as we are prepared, we encourage our customers to have an emergency plan this hurricane season that helps their families stay safe and be ready for storms. Georgia Power teams remain prepared to respond to service interruptions that might occur because of severe weather and continually monitors the weather for potential impacts.”

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premiere energy company. Value, reliability, customer service and stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower [facebook.com]), (X  [x.com/GeorgiaPower]) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power[instagram.com]).

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For Immediate Release

For immediate release

July 2, 2024

Contact: Kim Broun, kim.broun@georgiaemc.com, 770-270-6990

Georgia’s EMCs Prepare for Above-Average Hurricane Season

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season in 2024, with an estimated 17-25 named storms, 8-13 of which may have the potential to turn into hurricanes. Four to seven of those storms are predicted to be a Category 3+.

This will be the eighth season of the last 10 years to be above the 1991-2020 average for hurricanes.

According to the NOAA, the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to have above-normal activity due to a confluence of factors, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear, all of which tend to favor tropical storm formation.

Unfortunately, when strong storms blow through, power outages follow. Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs) across Georgia are preparing now to make sure they have materials on hand to repair lines following a major storm.

“EMCs work well in advance of hurricane season to make sure they have enough materials on hand,” said Harry Reeves, vice president of training and safety at Georgia EMC. “When hurricanes move through, it can cause severe damage to power lines, so EMCs make a point to have extra power poles, transformers and wire available to replace damaged lines and get the power flowing as quickly and safely as possible.”

In addition to materials, Georgia’s EMCs have a plan to get additional electric lineman to the state to help restore power through mutual aid agreements.

“EMCs in Georgia have always helped fellow co-ops during emergencies and times of crisis,” said Reeves, “The same happens for neighboring states when Georgia’s power lines are hit hard from a storm. Linemen feel a sense of obligation and have a history of working with cooperatives across the region to help restore service as quickly and safely as possible.”

The 2024 hurricane season runs from June 1 – November 30. As our EMCs across the state prepare, EMC members should prepare for hurricane season as well.

Early Preparation:

• Make an Emergency Plan. Take time to develop an emergency plan for your family. Identify your safe space and let every family member know their role in case of emergency. For guidance on creating a storm plan, visit ready.gov/plan.
• Know Your Family’s Medical Needs: If you or a family member require electricity to power medically necessary equipment, be sure to have a plan in case of power failure. This equipment may need battery backup or a generator to function. In the case a battery backup or generator will not be able to provide enough power needed for a lengthy outage, have a second emergency location identified.
• Prepare an emergency storm kit. Every home should have an easily accessible storm kit with household essentials. Be sure to include items such as food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries and a weather radio. For guidance, visit ready.gov/kit.

As the Storm Approaches:

• Protect your home. Secure windows and doors and move loose items inside.
• Fill Your Tank: It is always good to fill your car with gasoline in preparation for a lengthy outage. This can serve as another charging source for your devices while your home is without power.
• Activate Your Medical Plan: Now is the time to charge battery backup devices for medically necessary equipment. Alternately, consider temporarily relocating to an area less likely to lose power due to the storm.
• Stay updated. Keep up with storm updates for your area by checking weather apps, local TV stations and websites like weather.gov. Follow your local EMC and news outlets on social media for timely updates.
• Know How to Report Outages: Outages can be reported by phone, website and email at most EMCs. Make sure you know the most efficient way for you to report a power outage.

About Georgia EMC
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 41 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp.  Collectively, Georgia’s customer-owned co-ops provide electricity and related services to 4.4 million people, nearly half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area. To learn more, visit www.georgiaemc.com and follow us on Facebook and X.

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Georgia Power Media Relations
404-506-7676 or 800-282-1696

Georgia Power expands Income-Qualified Discount to assist thousands of additional customers

Program expansion approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission now available

ATLANTA – June 25, 2024 – Georgia Power has expanded a program previously known as the “Income-Qualified Senior Discount” to benefit many more customers who have limited incomes and financial resources. The program expansion follows approval by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in December 2023, and went into effect on May 1, 2024. Through the expanded program, the company expects to make the discount available to tens of thousands of additional customers each year.

The discount program is available to customers on a variety of rate plans, and customers meeting at least one of the below criteria may qualify for the expanded discount program:

• Be 65 years of age or older, with a household meeting the income qualification requirements (a combined household income that is 200% or less of the federal poverty level – $30,120 – adjusted for household size)
• Receive Social Security Disability Insurance
• Receive Supplemental Security Income
• Participate in the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (HUD Section 8)

Program participants may receive a discount of $33.50 on their bill each month. Full program details are available on Georgia Power’s website.

“Georgia Power believes that everyone should have access to clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, we understand that energy costs are an important part of every family’s budget, and we want to be there when our customers need us the most,” said Latanza Adjei, senior vice president of Customer Experience for Georgia Power. “The expanded Income-Qualified Discount is just one example of how we work with the Georgia PSC to develop programs to meet the needs of our customers. We’re committed to connecting customers – including senior citizens, those with one-time or ongoing special needs, and those with limited incomes – with the right programs and resources that can aid them in lowering and paying their bills.”

In addition to the Income-Qualified Discount, Georgia Power offers various other income-qualified programs such as Energy Assistance for Savings & Efficiency (EASE), and partners with community action agencies across Georgia that offer services such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), emergency assistance, home weatherization and more. The company’s Energy Assistance team also regularly meets with customers across the state and hosted more than 230 local outreach events in 2023 to help connect customers with energy assistance resources available to them.

For more information and additional resources and available options, including information about rate plans and energy efficiency tips, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visitwww.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).