Fall 2026
News GEORGIA FARM BUREAU
GFB YF&R Contest winners named
Dec. 11 deadline to enroll ’26 crops in ARC/PLC programs
Vol. 88 No.3
Pasture mealybug arrives in Georgia
CELEBRATE AMERICA’S AG ROOTS WITH A FARM VISIT THIS FALL
Farm Bureau Members Receive a
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Visit FordRecognizesU.com/FarmBureau today for complete offer details! 1 Available on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2025/2026/2027MY Ford Maverick®, Ranger®, F-150, Super Duty® or F-150 Lightning®. Not available on any other Ford or Lincoln vehicles, or F-150 Raptor®, F-150 Raptor R™, Ranger Raptor or F-650® and F-750® Super Duty. Vehicle eligibility may change at any time. Available to U.S. residents only. Place a new retail order or take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/04/27. Limit of five purchases/ leases per household during the program offer (PGM# 32900). Offer subject to dealer participation. May not be used/combined with most other Ford private offers. See an authorized Ford Dealer or go to https://www.fordrecognizesu.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32900). 2 Available on the purchase of an eligible certified used 2021-2027MY Ford Blue Advantage Gold, EV (F-150 Lightning only), or Blue Certified, Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty or F-150 Lightning with under 80,000 miles. Not available on any other Ford or Lincoln vehicles, or F-150 Raptor, F-150 Raptor R, Ranger Raptor or F-650 and F-750 Super Duty. Vehicle eligibility may change at any time. Available to U.S. residents only. This offer is not eligible for customers purchasing a vehicle in the state of Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Take delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/4/2027. Limit of five purchases per household during the program offer (PGM# 32902). Offer subject to dealer participation. May not be used/ 2 Fall 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau News combined with most other Ford private offers. See an authorized Ford Dealer or go to https://www.fordrecognizesu.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32902).
Contents
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pages 6 & 7
page 13
page 18
Celebrate America’s ag roots on the farm this fall
Smith Receives GFB Commodity Award
Dec. 11 deadline to enroll ’26 crops in ARC/PLC page 20
GFB honors state livestock and horse winners page 22
Pasture Mealybug invades Georgia Page 30 pages 8 & 9
page 14
GFB celebrates YF&R award winners
County Voices, Capitol Choices
Farm Passport Program Celebrates 250 years of Agriculture
page 15 pages 10 & 11
Pursuing acts of service
Oct. 30 GFB Hay Contest entry deadline
page 12
page 16
Turning heartache into service
Georgia meat processors inspected by GDA can ship nationwide
Departments
GFB News Staff
page 4
Whitney Mooney Director
View from the Field page 5
Jennifer Whittaker Editor
Public Policy
Jay Stone News Reporter
Page 23
Leadership GFB pages 24 & 25
FOLLOW US ON THESE PLATFORMS @GAFARMBUREAU
On The Cover:
Jared McGukin Graphic Designer
Fall is a perfect time to visit one of the GFB Certified Farm Markets & collect stamps for your Farm Passport.
Logan Thomas Photographer
Photo by Logan Thomas
Ga. Foundation for Agriculture pages 26 & 27
Ag in the Classroom page 28
Women's Leadership page 29
Young Farmers & Ranchers Georgia Farm Bureau News
For information concerning advertising, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-6529080 or mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. For questions about your membership or member benefits, call 1-800-633-5432. For questions regarding editorial content call 478-474-0679, ext. 5334 or e-mail jawhittaker@gfb.org.
Fall 2026 3
View from the Field Tom McCall, GFB President This summer, my family, like so many of you, celebrated America’s 250th birthday. Living in this great country and enjoying time together on our farm in Elbert County causes me to thank God for so many freedoms we enjoy. Recently, I saw some facts from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) about family-owned farms. Did you know 97% of farms in the U.S. are family farms? A lot of these farms have been in the same family for generations. AFBF has put together a FARM 250 webpage (www.fb.org/farm250) where you can find some of the unique stories about the importance of these everyday farms, whether they are a century old or just starting to build an ag heritage. You can even add your stories, too. Your experiences on the farm and mine may be similar, but they are also different based on what we’re growing and raising. All of this is important to recognize in an effort to celebrate the great traditions and varieties that make up the way we provide for America and the world. This brings me to the point that Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is already planning
how we recognize our organization’s big 90th anniversary next June. If it hadn’t been for those 50 dirt farmers that met in Bartow County in 1937, and the long, long list of farm families in all 159 counties who knocked on doors and held meetings in their homes, Farm Bureau may have never had the stronghold we have needed the past 90 years to help advance our cause in Atlanta or Washington. Because of those early visionaries, the work they did, and the sacrifices they made, we hold an important designation as the ‘Voice of Georgia Farmers’ today. It’s important we remember past struggles, count our blessings, stay focused on a winning message and remember with strong farms … we have a strong Georgia. Thank you for allowing us to work with you to lead these efforts going into our 90th year.
Tom McCall, GFB President
GFB President Tom McCall and his wife, Jane, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on their Elbert County farm with grandchildren Winn, McCall, and Wilkes. Photo courtesy of the McCall Family.
4 Fall 2026
News GEORGIA FARM BUREAU
OFFICERS President TOM McCALL, Elbert Co. 1st Vice President & South Georgia Vice President DANIEL JOHNSON, Pierce Co. North Georgia Vice President BERNARD SIMS, Catoosa Co. Middle Georgia Vice President RALPH CALDWELL, Heard County General Counsel DUKE GROOVER Chief Financial Officer, Corp. Treasurer RACHEL MOSELY Chief Administrative Officer JEFFREY HARVEY Corporate Secretary & Senior Counsel JEANNA FENNELL DIRECTORS FIRST DISTRICT: Bill Bryan, Chattooga Co.; Wesley Hall, Forsyth Co. SECOND DISTRICT: Gilbert Barrett, Habersham Co.; Russ Moon, Madison Co. THIRD DISTRICT: Chad Carlton, Polk Co.; Brad Marks, Newton Co. FOURTH DISTRICT: Skeetter McCorkle, McDuffie Co.; Russ Wilburn, Barrow Co. FIFTH DISTRICT: Matt Bottoms, Pike Co.; Leighton Cooley, Crawford Co. SIXTH DISTRICT: James Malone, Laurens Co.; James Emory Tate, Jeff Davis Co. SEVENTH DISTRICT: Gary Bell, Evans Co.; Ben Boyd, Screven Co. EIGHTH DISTRICT: Scotty Raines, Turner Co.; Don Wood, Wilcox Co. NINTH DISTRICT: Lucius Adkins, Baker Co.; Paul Shirah, Mitchell Co. TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Bacon Co.; Lamar Vickers, Berrien Co. YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS CHAIR: Garrett Hurley, Chattooga Co. WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CHAIR: Romy Strickland, Spalding Co. ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau News. For advertising rates and information, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-652-9080 or mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. Georgia Farm Bureau News was established in 1937. Copyright 2026 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Public Policy Update
Farmers’ Voices & Votes Matter By Amelia Holland As Georgia prepares for the Nov. 3 General Election, one thing is certain: the decisions made at the ballot box will have a lasting impact on agriculture and our rural communities. Georgia Farm Bureau's I Farm. I Vote (IFIV) campaign is encouraging Georgians to become informed, engaged and active participants in the electoral process. Visit www.ifarmivotega.com to see a list of candidates and their stance on the major issues affecting agriculture, view GFB’s election guide and access social media resources and other IFIV tools. This year's election is significant. Georgians will elect leaders at every level of state government, including our governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, state school superintendent, commissioner of insurance and commissioner of labor. Every seat in the Georgia General Assembly and many local offices are also on the ballot. Georgia voters will also choose our state’s 14 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and one U.S. Senate seat. With so much at stake this election, it is essential that the agricultural community remains active in choosing our state leaders. Another issue of particular importance on the ballot this November is the proposed Georgia constitutional amendment, concerning Georgia's Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) program. The proposed amendment, No. 1 on the ballot, would increase the maximum acreage a single owner may enroll in CUVA from 2,000 to 4,000 acres. This increase helps ensure the program continues to meet the needs of today's farming operations while protecting working farmland. If approved by voters, the change would take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Elections are about more than casting a vote; they provide opportunities to engage with the candidates as they travel the state seeking votes. Farm Bureau members have an important role to play by asking questions, raising concerns and sharing the issues that matter most to agriculture. Whether discussing the financial crisis many family farms are experiencing, private property rights, labor challenges, taxes, or regulatory issues, conversations with candidates help ensure they understand the priorities of Georgia’s rural communities and the policies needed to keep family farms viable for future generations. The success of agriculture depends on elected officials understanding the importance of a strong farm economy. The profitability and sustainability of Georgia's family farms are influenced by decisions made in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. By staying informed, engaging with candidates and voting, our members can help shape the future of agriculture and advance policies that protect Georgia’s family farms.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Your vote is your voice. Plan to vote this November. Encourage others to do the same and let your voice be heard. Make sure agriculture is heard this November! Amelia Holland is GFB’s advocacy & policy development specialist. She may be reached at ajholland@gfb.org or 478.474.0679 ext. 5405.
On Nov. 3, Georgia voters will elect 14 people to represent our state in the U.S. House of Representatives and one U.S. senator. Photo by Logan Thomas
Fall 2026 5
CELEBRATE AMERICA’S AGRICULTURAL ROOTS ON THE FARM THIS FALL Compiled by Jennifer Whittaker July the 4th has passed, but you can still celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence. Numerous farms across Georgia have corn mazes with designs celebrating America’s semiquincentennial and they’re all unique designs. Agriculture has played a large role in our country’s history. Historians say that at the time of the American Revolution, between 90 to 95% of the 13 colonies’ population farmed. Today, less than 2% of our nation farms. Below is a list of Georgia Farm Bureau’s Certified Farm Markets whose corn mazes have a patriotic theme. Jaemor Farms’ maze is honoring an American treasure with its Dolly Parton-themed maze. We have listed weekend hours below. Please visit the farms’ websites or social media accounts for a complete list of fall activities offered, for weekday hours, and to verify they are open before you visit. If you don’t have one already, be sure to pick up a GFB Farm Passport when you visit a CFM. You can collect stamps for each farm visit to win prizes. Visit www.gfb.ag/cfm to learn more.
CALHOUN PRODUCE
MERK FARMS
DICKEY FARMS
POPPELL FARMS
5075 Hawpond Rd., Ashburn, Ga. 31714 Fall events every Saturday through Oct. 31 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Flashlight nights on Oct. 17 & Oct. 24 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.calhounproduce.com 229-273-1887 3440 Musella Rd, Musella, Ga. 31066 Fall events every Sat. & Sun. through Nov. 1 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.dickeyfarms.com 800-732-2442
LANE FARMS
50 Lane Rd. Fort Valley, Ga. 31030 Fall events every Sat. & Sun. through Oct. 31 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. www.lanesouthernorchards.com 800-277-3224
MARK’S MELON PATCH
8580 Albany Hwy., Dawson, Ga. 39842 Fall events every Sat. & Sun. through Nov. 1 Sat. day hours 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. night hours: Sunset - 9:30 p.m. Sun. hours 1 p.m.-6 p.m. www.marksmelonpatch.com 229-698-4750
6 Fall 2026
233 Mitchell Rd., Commerce, Ga. 30529 A blooming maze of sun hemp & sunflowers amidst millet & buckwheat Fri. & Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. www.merkfarmsga.com 706-476-4747 1765 Hyma Poppell Loop, Odum, Ga. 31555 Fall activities end Nov. 1 Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun. Noon - 5 p.m. www.poppellfarms.com 912-586-2215
WARBINGTON FARMS
5555 Crow Rd., Cumming, Ga. 30041 Fall activities end Nov. 7 Fri. Noon – 7 p.m. Until Oct. 23 Sat. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Until Oct. 24 Oct. 30-Nov. 7 Fri. Noon-4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.warbingtonfarms.com 770-889-1515
SOUTHERN BELLE FARMS
1658 Turner Church Rd., McDonough, Ga. 30252 Fall activities end Nov. 15 Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. www.southernbellefarm.com 770-288-2582
SWEET SOUTH STRAWBERRY & SSS FARM FALL FESTIVAL
701 West Moores Crossing Rd., Thomaston, Ga., 30286 Oct. 24 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Festival will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with live music, food, games, coffee & soda bar, pumpkins & fireworks. 706-656-0965
The corn maze at Mark’s Melon Patch in Terrell County is one of several in Georgia celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Mark’s Melon Patch
These GFB Certified Farm Markets are also offering lots of fun fall-themed activities, several offer corn mazes. Visit their websites or social media accounts for a complete list of fall activities offered, for weekday hours, and to verify they are open before you visit.
AARON FAMILY ORCHARDS 8350 Hwy. 52 E, Ellijay, Ga. 30536 Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. www.aaronfamilyorchards.com 706-273-3180
ARENA ACRES
2229 Kings Chapel Rd., Perry, Ga. 31069 Through October Fri. 5-7 p.m. Sat. 10-2 p.m. www.arenaacres.com 478-951-7254
B.J. REECE ORCHARDS 9131 Hwy. 52 E Ellijay, Ga. 30536 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 1-6 p.m. www.reeceorchards.com 706-276-3048
HILLSIDE ORCHARD FARMS
18 Sorghum Mill Dr., Lakemont, Ga., 30552 Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. www.hillsideorchard.com 706-782-2776
GREEN GATE FARM – THE FLOWER SHACK
MACK AARON’S APPLE HOUSE
8955 Hwy. 52 E Ellijay, Ga. 30536 Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 706-273-3600
MERCIER ORCHARDS
8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge, Ga. 30513 Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mercier-orchards.com 706-632-3411
PENLAND ORCHARDS & FARM MARKET
Hwy 515 location: 41 Talona Mtn. Rd., Ellijay, Ga., 30540 706-635-5110 Hwy. 282 location: 7678 Tails Creek Rd., Ellijay, Ga., 30540 706-635-5100 Open daily through Nov. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. www.penlandorchards.com
R&A ORCHARDS
5505 Hwy. 52 E, Ellijay, Ga., 30536 Daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. https://randaorchards.com 706-273-3821
RED APPLE BARN
3379 Tails Creek Rd., Ellijay, Ga.30540 Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5:30 p.m. www.redapplebarn.com 706-635-5898
SKIPPER FARMS
51 Camp Rd., Griffin, Ga., 30224 Oct. & Nov. hours until mid-Nov. Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m.-6 p.m. www.greengatefarmllc.com 770-584-6052
4164 Jones Rd., Macon, Ga. 31216 Pumpkins through Oct. 24 Farm store open through Nov. 21for fall Reopens Nov. 23 for Christmas Sat. 10 a.m.-4p.m. www.skipperfamilyfarms.com 478-703-4230
GREENE ACRES FARMS
SUNNY DAY FARMS
952 Empire Chester Hwy., Cochran, Ga. 31014 Fall activities end Nov. 1 Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. www.tsfgreeneacres.com 478-230-4124
JAEMOR FARMS
5340 Cornelia Hwy. 365, Alto, Ga. 30510 Fall activities end Nov. 8 Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 770-869-3999 www.jaemorfarms.com
The corn maze at Poppell Farms in Wayne County is one of several across Georgia celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Poppell Farms
6353 U.S. Hwy. 1 N, Louisville, Ga. 30434 Fall activities through Nov. 7 Thurs. & Fri. 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.sunnydayfarms.net 706-360-5051
WARGO’S PUMPKIN PATCH 2041 Lone Oak Rd. (Hwy. 54), Grantville, Ga. 30220 Fall activities through Nov. 7 Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. 1-6 p.m. 770-595-2713
The corn maze at Southern Belle Farm in Henry County is one of several in Georgia celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Southern Belle Farm
The corn maze at Warbington Farms in Forsyth County is one of several in Georgia celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Warbington Farms
Fall 2026 7
GFB CELEBRATES YF&R AWARD WINNERS ANDREWS, TUCKERS, HOWARD & BRATTEN WIN TOP HONORS By Jay Stone Allie Andrews, Bryan and Addie Tucker, Michael Howard, and Arwen Bratten won the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events held during the YF&R Summer Leadership Conference on Jekyll Island July 15-18. Andrews, of Lamar County, won the YF&R Achievement Award. The Tuckers, of Wilcox County, won the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award. Howard, of Hart County, won the YF&R Discussion Meet. Bratten, of Stephens County, won the Collegiate Discussion Meet. As state winners, Andrews, the Tuckers, and Howard each received, courtesy of GFB, a John Deere Gator and an expense-paid trip to the 2027 AFBF Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, to compete for national honors. They also each received $500 from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. Bratten receives an expense-paid trip to the AFBF Fusion Conference in New Orleans to compete for national honors. The YF&R program is for farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35. It provides leadership development and opportunities to interact with others across the state, while enhancing advocacy skills.
GFB ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, left, and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Manager Tony Hutchins, right, congratulate GFB YF&R Achievement Award finalists, from left, Rick & Leanne Hopper, event winner Allie Andrews, and finalist Clay Black with wife, Annalise, & their children. /Photo by Logan Thomas
The Achievement Award is given to recognize farmers and ranchers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Andrews, who serves as Lamar County Farm Bureau YF&R chairwoman, served on the GFB YF&R Committee in 2024 and in 2025 became the first woman to chair the GFB YF&R Committee. Allie and her husband, Luke, raise cattle, broiler chickens and hay. They have an on-farm market at their farm near Barnesville. The couple has three children. Clay Black, of Stephens County, and Rick & Leanne Hopper, of Wilcox County, were state finalists for the Achievement Award. Black raises cattle, poultry and produces hay. He and his wife, Annalise, have two children. The Hoppers raise cattle and operate Southern Cuts Processing & Meat Market in Pitts. They have one child. As state finalists, Black and the Hoppers each received $500 from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance.
GFB EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, left, and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Manager Tony Hutchins, right, congratulate GFB YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award finalists, from left, Ashley Wright, event winners Bryan & Addie Tucker with their children, and Brittney Turner. /Photo by Logan Thomas The Excellence in Agriculture Award (EAA), honors young farmers and ranchers who promote agriculture in their community and earn the majority of their income from something other than production agriculture.
8 Fall 2026
Georgia Farm Bureau News
EAA winners Bryan and Addie Tucker served on the GFB YF&R Committee in 2022 and 2023. Bryan works for Ag Technologies as a product specialist, selling, installing and servicing precision agriculture equipment. Addie recently earned her PhD in agricultural education from Murray State University and is an assistant professor of agricultural education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Brittney Turner, of Hall County, and Ashley Wright, of Coffee County, were finalists for the award. Turner is a strategic human resources leader for Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Wright is the Coffee County Extension Agent.
GFB DISCUSSION MEET
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Manager Tony Hutchins, left, and Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, right, congratulate GFB YF&R Discussion meet finalists, from left, event winner Michael Howard, Allison Bridges, Katelin Benkowski and Dalton Green. Photo by Jay Stone
The Discussion Meet, which drew a total of 30 competitors, simulates committee-style meetings in which participants hash over agriculture-related issues and take a collaborative approach to seeking solutions. The first two rounds were held July 16. The third and the final four round were held July 17. In the opening round, contestants addressed concerns over healthy diets and how Farm Bureau can advocate for science-based tools and research in pursuit of growing healthy, sustainable food. In the second round, the discussion centered on improving meat processing supply chains. In the Sweet 16 Round, the topic was how Farm Bureau can attract more young leaders to the YF&R program. Discussion Meet winner Michael Howard, of Hart County, faced off with Allison Bridges of Haralson County, Dalton Green of Walker County and Katelin Benkowski of Morgan County in the final four round, during which they talked about the challenges in maintaining farmers’ accessibility to food animal veterinarians. The Discussion Meet finalists each received $350 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance. Howard received his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness at UGA in May and started classes at the UGA law school this fall.
GFB COLLEGIATE DISCUSSION MEET Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, left, and Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Manager Tony Hutchins, right, congratulate GFB YF&R Collegiate Discussion meet finalists, from left, Gabe Merk, Bethany Brockman, Kaden Kinard and event winner Arwen Bratten. Photo by Logan Thomas In the Collegiate Discussion Meet final four, Arwen Bratten, of Stephens County, faced off with Bethany Brockman of Henry County (ABAC), Gabe Merk of Jackson County (UGA) and Kaden Kinard of Tift County (ABAC). Bratten is enrolled at Penn State World Campus and is studying abroad in France.
Arwen Bratten won the GFB Collegiate Discussion Meet. Photo by Logan Thomas
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Fall 2026 9
Young Farmers & Ranchers Encouraged to Pursue Acts of Service By Jay Stone The theme for the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference was “Rise & Thrive.” The event offered multiple opportunities for attendees to do just that through workshops providing tips on how to be better farmers and activities connecting existing and new friends. The conference took place July 15-18 on Jekyll Island. Approximately 250 YF&R families enjoyed the annual conference. There was also an unofficial subtheme: Let’s look out for each other. Conference attendees assembled more than 13,000 meals for distribution through a local food bank, and they heard messages of service from keynote speaker Lt. Col. Dan Rooney and NAMEIT founder Lindsey McCann (see page 12). Attendees learned about various programs offered through the USDA to help young and beginning farmers succeed, new tools to help navigate complex pesticide use issues, things to consider before deciding to run for public office, and important issues to address when starting an agritourism business.
While giving the keynote address, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, Air Force pilot and founder of the Folds of Honor scholarship fund, offered tips for living a fulfilling life. Photo by Logan Thomas
Rooney offers views on living a life of purpose Rooney, an Air Force fighter pilot veteran, former professional golfer and founder of the Folds of Honor scholarship program, delivered an inspirational keynote address, emphasizing discipline, faith and service to others. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to family members of fallen service members or to service members who sustain debilitating injuries. In the past year, Rooney said, Folds of Honor provided scholarships to approximately 700 people in Georgia. “These are military families, first responder families who’ve had somebody killed or critically wounded coming to rescue us defending freedom,” Rooney said. “My ask for everybody here is visit our website, www.foldsofhonor.org , and share our website with your family and friends.” Rooney authored “Fly Into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness.” He currently
10 Fall 2026
serves as commander of recruiting in the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
Singleton offers tips to navigate pesticide regulations During one of six educational breakout sessions, UGA Extension Sustainability Specialist Taylor Singleton presented information about the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and tools to help farmers stay compliant. The EPA, in its function of approving pesticide registrations, has to ensure ESA compliance for 1,200 registered active ingredients. Under the ESA, there are 1,685 protected species. “We have to make sure to read the labels of the products that we’re using. We’re required to check; we’re required to implement these ESA mitigations,” Singleton said. “Then we need to show in our records that we’ve done this.”
Georgia Farm Bureau News
A key portion of this is minimizing drift and runoff in Pesticide Use Limitation Areas (PULAs). To aid farmers with compliance, the EPA offers Bulletins Live! Two – an online map-based tool that shows PULA requirements for specific areas. It can be accessed at https://gfb.ag/BLT2. The EPA also offers the Pesticide App for Label Mitigations (PALM), which features a runoff/erosion calculator and a spray drift calculator to help farmers avoid pesticide exposure to “nontarget” species. The PALM app can be accessed at https://gfb.ag/PALM.
Thinking about running for office? During breakout sessions, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Advocacy and Political Management Mike Sistak shared important principles to consider when evaluating whether to run for a public office. Sistak runs the non-partisan AFBF Campaign School, which is typically offered by state Farm Bureaus.
Principles for candidates: 1 Parties cannot get you elected. Sistak said political parties are concerned with top-of-ballot races like president, governor, House or Senate. “It is up to you because nobody else is going to care as much as you do because frankly, it’s your reputation on the line. Your name is on the ballot,” Sistak said.
2 Elections are more often lost than won. One controversial statement can cost a person considered a shooin the election. Sistak noted a Virginia governor’s race in which former Gov. Terry McAuliffe said in a televised debate, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” McAuliffe went from a healthy lead in the polls to a narrow loss. The lesson, Sistak said, is to be very careful what you say.
3 1 + 7 = 8. One campaign donor will tell seven other people about a candidate and encourage them to support the same candidate.
Government resources for building first-generation farms USDA Public Affairs Specialist Amelia Dortch, who serves as the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) beginning farmer and rancher coordinator, gave conference attendees a summary of federal resources available to young and beginning farmers to help them get started. Dortch outlined how to determine which agency is appropriate when seeking federal help. Dortch said farmers should reach out to FSA for loans and farm records, NRCS for technical and financial assistance to address soil, water, air, and other natural resource concerns, and Rural Development for value-added grants and cooperative agreements that support farm business development. “If you need something to help you with irrigation, you will start with NRCS. If you need a micro loan to help you build a structure on your farm, you will start with FSA. If you need a value-added producer grant, you will start with Rural Development,” Dortch said.
Building income through agritourism Karissa Ruth of Sara’s Fresh Market in Ridge Spring, S.C., offered pointers on creating farm income opportunities by adding agritourism activities. Ruth noted that for the farmer, an agritourism venue gives opportunities to diversify income, build trust and transparency with customers, gain immediate feedback from customers and give farmers more control over pricing and marketing. The farm’s trademark greeting is “Hey Peaches!” Ruth said her overarching focus is on creating and maintaining a family atmosphere. “I want people to feel like family, and they just happen to take home some produce,” she said. “That’s the way we make sure we treat everybody.” Ruth walked attendees through key aspects of an agritourism business plan, including location relative to population, financial feasibility, permitting, parking, insurance and more.
4 14/86. Fourteen percent of people consider themselves the political class – the people in our society actively involved in governance, policy making and with political power. Candidates, Sistak said, should focus their campaign efforts on the remaining 86%.
5 Campaigns are perceptions. All politics are personal. “We’re not voting for somebody because we know every single issue that’s going to be happening at the city council or at the state capitol,” Sistak said. “We’re making a judgment of that candidate that they’re going to go to the state capitol and to the best of their ability, they are going to represent the interests of our communities.”
6 Candidates have three responsibilities Raising money, getting their message out and asking for votes are the three things candidates have to do. Sistak said some candidates spend as much as 65% of their time raising money.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Young Farmers & Ranchers packed about 13,000 meals for distribution through a local food bank. Photo by Logan Thomas
Fall 2026 11
Turning Heartache Into Service By Jay Stone
By the time Zach McCann, a Banks County Extension agent and active Farm Bureau member, died of colon cancer on Aug. 8, 2025, his wife, Lindsey, had recognized a glaring need in the course of cancer treatments that had little to do with which medicines to use, which doctors to see or what therapies to consider: Handling everyday life. While the vicious disease is stealing away tissue, it’s also stealing time. Lindsey, a nurse, already knew how timeconsuming the treatments could be. As Zach’s journey moved toward the end, another reality set in: While the patient is confronting the treatment protocols, everyday life gets more difficult. “We were just kind of going through it and we were like, ‘We don’t know what to do.’ There was no roadmap,” said Lindsey, who spoke at the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference in July. Things like getting the lawn mowed, transporting children to school or extracurricular activities, shopping for food, pet care, house cleaning and more, all become secondary and sometimes left untended. “We have the doctors, the medical team, our community, but we never seemed to get any real time together that wasn’t dealing with cancer or household responsibilities,” said Lindsey, who said it became routine for her to get off an overnight shift at work, drive Zack to Atlanta for chemotherapy, sleep in the car during his treatment, then drive home. After Zach passed, Lindsey sought ways to ease these burdens for cancer patients and their families. Out of this came NAMEIT (Nurture Against Major Events, Illnesses and Treatments). Lindsey’s business is aimed at connecting families with partner businesses in their communities. Through a NAMEIT registry, patients build a list of services they need from a network of local businesses. NAMEIT facilitates crowdfunding to cover the costs. Friends, family and even strangers can make donations, which are used to pay businesses for their services. “A patient will go online and create a registry,” Lindsey said. “They will choose a company that they want that signed up and that’s in their area, and their community will crowdfund to cover the expenses for this company.” NAMEIT has a Keep It Ag registry to connect farming families of cancer patients with volunteers to help with field work, livestock care, equipment operation and harvest support to help keep the patient families’ farms running. Lindsey
To honor her late husband, Zach McCann, Lindsey has created a registry to support cancer patients’ families with house and yard tasks and farmwork. /Photo courtesy of Lindsey McCann encourages farmers to participate as registered businesses to provide fresh, nutritious foods to cancer patients and their families. She also urges young adults to pay attention to health issues, particularly colorectal cancer. In Zach’s case, doctors the McCanns consulted felt he was too young for colorectal cancer. He was 32 when he died. By the time it was diagnosed, he was at stage four. Lindsey said people under age 45 are at low risk for colorectal cancer, but nationwide 68 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with it per day. When it’s detected at stage one, colon cancer is 97% curable. “It’s the most curable cancer there is,” she said. For more information about NAMEIT, visit https://nameitregistry.org.
12 Fall 2026
Georgia Farm Bureau News
SMITH RECEIVES GFB COMMODITY AWARD
By Jay Stone Rep. Lynn Smith, who worked to protect Georgia’s natural she taught French, history and civics. She and her late husband, resources and support the growth of the state’s agricultural Charles, were married more than 52 years and ran Murray Printing economy, is the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award Company. A master gardener, Smith lives in Newnan, attends recipient. Central Baptist Church and enjoys spending time with her children Smith served for 30 years in the Georgia House of and grandchildren. Representatives, completing her final term representing Georgia District 70 this year. She opted to not run again. She was first elected to the Georgia House in 1996. During her tenure she was a trusted champion for Georgia’s farmers, foresters, and rural communities. She has served as chairwoman of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee since 2005, leading efforts to protect Georgia’s natural resources while supporting Georgia farmers and ranchers. Smith helped establish Georgia’s regional water planning framework. Beginning with the Flint River Drought Protection Act and legislation introduced in 2002 and culminating in the successful implementation of regional water plan in 2008, she helped create what she described as “the bridge” that provided state agencies with the tools needed to develop long-term, science-based water management solutions for Georgia’s future. Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, right, presents the During her three decades in the House, she also served on the 2026 GFB Commodity Award to Rep. Lynn Smith during the Appropriations, Rules, and Reapportionment committees. organization's annual commodity conference held Aug. 13 in Tifton. After earning her degree from UGA in 1968, Smith worked Photo by Logan Thomas as a teacher, including a stint at Newnan High School, where
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Fall 2026 13
County Voices,
CAPITOL CHOICES By Jennifer Whittaker
Georgia farmers had the opportunity to talk to state legislators about issues affecting their farms during a series of County Voices, Capitol Choices meetings Georgia Farm Bureau held across the state this spring and summer. Legislators discussed bills the General Assembly passed in the 2026 session to benefit agriculture. GFB staff discussed efforts the organization has made this year through its Strong Farms. Strong Georgia campaign to educate state and national legislators about the economic challenges farmers are facing and the importance of taking steps to ensure agriculture remains profitable so that farming remains sustainable.
14 Fall 2026
“We held these meetings to give Farm Bureau members a chance to talk one-on-one with their elected officials to discuss what they are up against on the farm,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “The meetings also gave our state legislators a chance to discuss action they took this year to help agriculture such as lowering tax rates and funding incentives to shore up Georgia’s timber industry.” Meetings were held at BCT Gin in Quitman on April 21, Steed Dairy in Grovetown on May 11, LCCL Strawberry Farm in Rome on May 12, Glo-Crest Dairy in Clermont on July 29, Arena Acres in Perry on Aug. 7 and Kairos Farm in Brooklet on Aug. 25. Farm Bureau thanks everyone who hosted a meeting on their farm and the farmers who attended.
From right, GFB President Tom McCall thanks Ga. Sen. Sam Watson, Ga. Rep. John LaHood and Ga. Rep. Chas Cannon for meeting with Farm Bureau at the BCT Cotton Gin in Brooks County. Photo by Damon Jones
Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Burns speaks at the County Voices, Capitol Choices meeting held at Kairos Farm in Bulloch County. Photo by Whitney Mooney
Ga. Rep. Shaw Blackmon, center, and Ga. Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the Georgia House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, discuss ag issues during the meeting at Arena Acres in Houston County. Photo by Alex Bradford
Sen. Bo Hatchett, a member of the Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, discusses ag issues during the meeting held at GloCrest Dairy in Hall County. Photo by Ray D’Alessio
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Enter GFB Hay Contest
WIN USE OF VERMEER RAKE FOR A YEAR Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members are invited to enter the organization’s 35th Annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest by Oct. 30. The contest winner will receive the free use of a Vermeer wheel rake for a year. The winner may buy the rake at a reduced price at the end of that year. This is the 28th year Vermeer has sponsored GFB’s hay contest. Hay entered in the contest will be tested at a UGA lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides analysis of the nutritional value of the hay. Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers.
How to enter
Entry forms outlining complete contest rules are available at your county Farm Bureau office or at www.gfb.ag/HayContest. Only hay grown in Georgia by a GFB member is eligible. Hay samples must be taken from fields with a minimum maturity or regrowth of at least 25 days. Hay must have been dried in the field and should not be artificially dried by fans or forced air. Forage samples must be collected with a hay probe from the core of the bale. There is a $25 fee for each entry to cover the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau. Entry fees, forms and samples should be sent to the GFB Public Policy Department 1620 Bass Road Macon, Ga., 31210.
A producer submitting multiple samples can only place in the Top 5 with their highest scored sample but will receive analysis for all submitted samples. Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the ’26/’27 online GFB Hay Directory available at www.gfb.ag/hay. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time. Previous first place winners are not eligible to win any prize category for five years from the year they won the contest but may enter a hay sample to have it evaluated.
What does RFQ say about hay?
RFQ is used to indicate a forage’s overall nutritional value and predicted intake by the livestock it is fed to. The number gives hay and livestock producers an idea of a forage's quality and can be used to establish a fair market value for hay. UGA Extension says RFQ hay values could provide the framework for a quality hay marketing system. For instance, hay with an RFQ of 155 could conceptually be labeled “premium” hay, while hay with an RFQ of 100 could be labeled “fair.” To learn more about taking a hay sample and how to read forage reports, visit https://gfb.ag/ugahaysamples. Contact GFB Ag Programs Specialist Chase McClure at 478.474.0679,ext. 5286 or cnmcclure@gfb.org for more information.
The winner of the GFB Hay Contest will get the free use of a Vermeer 1224 wheel rake for a year. Photo courtesy of Vermeer
October 30 Deadline to Enter Contest Fall 2026 15
ROLLINS: GEORGIA MEAT PROCESSORS INSPECTED BY GDA CAN SHIP NATIONWIDE By Jennifer Whittaker
Farmers from Carroll and nearby counties and state ag leaders gathered at North Georgia Turf in Whitesburg July 27 to discuss ag issues with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. Topics discussed included farmland conservation, labor challenges, the tournament system under which poultry producers raise chickens, steps the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking to eradicate New World Screwworm, and the USDA reopening the U.S. border to live Mexican cattle beginning Aug. 24. U.S. Rep. Brian Jack (R – Dist. 3) arranged Rollins’ visit to the family sod farm owned by Aaron McWhorter.
GEORGIA MEAT PROCESSORS INSPECTED BY GDA CAN SHIP PRODUCTS NATIONWIDE
While at the sod farm, Rollins and Harper announced Georgia and the USDA have finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) agreement allowing Georgia meat processors inspected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to ship their products throughout the U.S. under the USDA inspection mark. Rollins said Georgia has about 23 small meat processors inspected by the GDA. The CIS program was authorized in the 2008 farm bill and launched in 2012. “Georgia’s family-owned meat processors now have the ability to access the same domestic marketplace as everyone else,” Rollins said. “Ranchers have had to deal with a consolidated processing industry that has four companies, including two foreign owned that dominate 85% of the market.” Under the CIS, the GDA has to meet the same inspection standards as USDA inspectors.
“We [the Georgia Department of Agriculture] are committed to protecting our food supply chain,” Harper said. “That's what our team does every day in our food processing and meat processing facilities across the state to ensure humane care of livestock and that our farmers get a fair shake in the marketplace.” For more information about CIS, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/cis .
ROLLINS LISTENS TO FARMERS
Georgia Farm Bureau Middle Georgia Vice President Ralph Caldwell and GFB National Affairs Coordinator Ben Parker were among the West Georgia farmers and agribusiness leaders attending the private roundtable meeting. “It was a very good meeting. Secretary Rollins got to hear real issues from real farmers with mud on their boots,” Caldwell said. “She took notes and was very receptive to what we had to say.” Caldwell, a poultry, cattle and hay producer in Heard County, shared the difficulties he has in finding reliable labor to work on his farm. Caldwell also discussed concerns some poultry growers have with the tournament system under which they raise poultry for integrator companies and the frustration Georgia timber owners have with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) set to go in effect Dec. 31. The EUDR will deny America access to European timber markets unless documented tracking confirms reforestation of timber. This regulation does not allow the harvest of timber for conversion into active pastureland or cropland, despite allowances for residential or solar development. This summer GFB encouraged timber growers to ask the Trump administration to negotiate changes to the EUDR. To read more about Rollins' visit go to www.gfb.ag/rollinsvisit
During a visit to Carroll County in July, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, center, visits with, from left, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, North Georgia Turf owner Aaron McWhorter, U.S. Rep. Brian Jack (R-Dist. 3) and Ga. Rep. Jutt Howard, North Ga. Turf vice president of business operations. Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
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Georgia Farm Bureau News
Fall 2026 17
DEC. 11 DEADLINE TO ENROLL TITLE I CROPS IN ARC/PLC PROGRAMS FOR ‘26
USDA Completes Base Acre Update By Jennifer Whittaker
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has completed the base acre allocation update for farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The update was announced last fall and signup ran from June 1 - Aug. 31. The update was authorized by provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law July 4, 2025. The base acre update gave landowners a chance to reallocate and increase base acres for Title I crops such as cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, barley, oats and more, in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years. This was the first base acre expansion USDA offered in 20 years. USDA capped the number of new base acres that could be added to 30 million nationwide. Because eligible acres submitted exceeded the limit, USDA FSA is applying an across-the-board prorated reduction of 3.69% to all newly allocated base acres. Landowners did not lose any existing base acres through the allocation process. Now that the base allocation process has ended, producers can enroll their eligible 2026 Title I crops in the ARC or PLC crop protection programs through Dec. 11, 2026. ARC County and PLC both provide crop-by-crop protection. ARC-Individual protects the entire farm. Election changes for the 2026 crop year are optional, but producers must enroll through a signed contract each year. Existing multi-year contracts ended in 2025. Producers do have the option to sign a new multi-year contract for 2026 through 2031. Producers who opt out of a multi-year contract can enroll for the 2027 crop year from Nov. 2, 2026 through March 15, 2027. If producers do not submit their 2026 crop election for ARC or PLC by Dec. 11, their election will remain the same as their 2025 election for crops on the farm, and the farm is ineligible for 2026 program year payments. Landowners cannot enroll in either program unless they have an interest in the farm. Depending on the crop, the ARC or PLC program producers choose may affect their eligibility for some crop insurance products. Upland cotton farmers who choose to enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are ineligible for the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) on their planted cotton acres for that farm. Producers can now add the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) or the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) regardless of their ARC or PLC election. Previously, producers who chose to enroll their crops in either of the ARC programs were ineligible
18 Fall 2026
to buy SCO for the same acres but the Working Families Tax Cuts Act removed this restriction. The Texas A&M Agricultural & Food Policy Center offers an online decision tool to help producers decide which ARC or PLC program to choose using crop data specific to their farm. UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences economists advise producers to utilize the tool, available at https://afpc.tamu. edu/tools/farmbill/2026 . Producers who have a Login.gov account may make their program elections and enroll online at www.fsa.usda.gov/arcplc or they can make an appointment at their local FSA office, which can be found online at www.fsa.usda.gov/fsa-office-locator. Crop insurance information is available at www.rma.usda.gov/. The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with three companies - Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Crop Risk Services - to offer crop insurance. GFB has experienced crop insurance agents statewide. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Branch out to grow a lasting legacy. GENERAL ELECTION VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE Monday, October 5
Farmers, cattlemen, and other producers across the Southeast are taking advantage of a new, low-maintenance opportunity: planting pine trees on their open fields, adding timber production to their income streams, all while continuing to grow their crops or raise livestock. Fields & Forests is a nonprofit program that provides landowners with guaranteed annual payments, as well as free land prep, planting, saplings, and expert guidance from a professional forester.
GENERAL ELECTION EARLY VOTING BEGINS Tuesday, October 13 Early voting ends Friday, October 30.
Visit https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ to access early voting information for your county.
ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION DEADLINE Friday, October 23
No upfront costs, no change in ownership, no impact on your land rights, no sharing your timber revenue, just expert support and guaranteed payments for 30 years. Now enrolling landowners with 30+ acres of open fields in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. Already have 30+ acres of woods on your property? Get paid to take care of your existing forestland through the Family Forest Carbon Program, available in 20 states.
Absentee ballots must be received at your county registrar office before the polls close at 7pm on Nov. 3. Delivery can be either U.S. first class mail or hand delivered by voter.
GENERAL ELECTION Tuesday, November 3
GENERAL ELECTION RUNOFF Tuesday, December 1
IFarmIVoteGa.com
for the 2026 Election Guide, candidate questionnaires, and more info Georgia Farm Bureau News
Learn more at fieldsandforests.org
Fall 2026 19
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall, far left, & Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, far right, congratulate the fall 2025 & winter 2026 Georgia Junior National Livestock Show grand champion exhibitors, left to right: Breeleigh Patrick, Carlie Christian, Nora Kate Bacon, Ella Hughey, Maci Lynn, Cash Adams, Gracen Aly Parker, Libba Dykes, Kelton Dovers, Brooke Padgett and Manning Marchant. /Photo by Logan Thomas
GFB HONORS STATE LIVESTOCK & HORSE WINNERS By Jennifer Whittaker 4-H and FFA members work for months to prepare their livestock or horses for the show ring. It’s an American tradition that helps youth develop a solid work ethic. Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) has a long history of celebrating the youth who excel in their livestock projects. GFB celebrated the latest group of Georgia Junior National Livestock (GJNL) Grand Champions during its annual Evening of Champions dinner in June. The GJNL Show gives Georgia 4-H & FFA members a chance to care for cattle, hogs, goats and lambs for months as they are trained for the show ring and then compete for state honors in showmanship skills and best species animal. Visit www.gfb.ag/2526gjnlchamps to see photos and profiles of the exhibitors who won state grand championships. Georgia 4-Hers with a love of horses annually compete in the Georgia 4-H State Horse Show each summer. For the second year, GFB supported this show by providing t-shirts for each participant and awarding belt buckles to the four 4-H’ers in the 9th -12th grade age bracket who won their competition category to become a Master 4-H’er. Congratulations to Treutlen County 4-H’er Payton Campbell for being named the Sr. Stock Seat Division Champion and the Ranch Horse Division Champion. Bulloch County 4-H’er Natalie Hendrix captured the Sr. Hunt Seat Division Championship, and Wheeler County 4-H’er Lydia Horne took home the Sr. Contest Events Championship. Visit www.gfb.ag/26ga4Hhorseshow to see photos and meet these champions.
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GFB supported the 2026 Georgia 4-H State Horse Show that drew 139 students who competed in English and Western style competitions. /Photo courtesy of Georgia 4-H
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Race begins at 8am East Gate Entrance 401 Larry Walker Pkwy Perry, GA 31069
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FARM BUREAU MEMBERS SAVE UP TO $2,750* AN EXCLUSIVE OFFER, JUST FOR YOU. You put in the hard work day in and day out, but this deal can help lighten the load. Now, you can save nearly $3,000 when you buy a new Cat® machine, like a skid steer loader, compact track loader or telehandler. Plus, your Farm Bureau membership gets you an additional $250 off select Cat attachments.* Visit www.Cat.com/FarmBureau for more information. *These offers apply to new Cat machines and select new Cat attachments purchased by trade association members or event attendees until the earlier to occur of December 31, 2026 or when the program limit has been reached. Must be a valid member of a participating state Farm Bureau for at least 30 days to be eligible for discount. Limit of one credit per new Cat machine and one credit per new attachment purchased but this offer may be applied to multiple machines or attachments. Offer available on new quotes only. This offer is not valid for any discounts greater than 20% off the Suggested Consumer List Price, including any other offers, programs or discounts. Contact your participating Cat dealer for details and to see the specific discount pricing available per model. Subject to credit approval and membership verification. Valid only at participating Cat dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada. Subject to change without prior notice. Not valid with other offers, programs or discounts unless otherwise specified in writing. Limitations and restrictions apply. Program Reference ID: STR25AFB © 2025 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.
003953-001 CR-Farm Bureau Flyer Updates_Half Page_v3.indd 1
Georgia Farm Bureau News
1/3/25 1:19 PM
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PASTURE MEALYBUG INVADES GEORGIA Pasture mealybug (PMB) has been found at a Decatur County turfgrass farm, the USDA confirmed Aug. 5. The pest (Heliococcus summervillei) was first officially declared to be in the U.S. in Texas last October. “This pest can spread quickly and kill grass. I encourage everyone to walk their pastures and hayfields often to check for the pest. If you suspect you have the pasture mealybug, please contact your local county Extension agent immediately,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said. PMB was first reported in Texas pastures in July 2025, and as of Aug. 26, was in 95 Texas counties, according to Texas A&M. It was detected in Louisiana sugarcane fields last fall and as of Sept. 18, had been detected in 14 of the state’s parishes. It was first detected in Florida's St. Lucie County in May 2026, where it infested fields of limpograss, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. As of Sept. 18, PMB is confirmed to be in 25 Florida counties including Florida's Jackson County, which borders Georgia's Seminole County, where there was a suspected case of PMB as of Sept. 18. PMBs damage grass by feeding on plant sap and injecting toxic saliva into the plant. Symptoms can appear within a week of infestation and may include yellowing leaves that progress to purple or red discoloration, stunted growth and droughtlike stress even after rainfall, poorly developed roots, dieback
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beginning at the tips of older leaves, and premature plant deterioration and plant death. PMB can be spread by farm equipment, clothing, and vehicles, so preventing its movement between fields and farms is critical. Farmers are encouraged to clean hay equipment between fields or farms. There are currently no reliable insecticides for complete control. Sefina If you see pasture mealybug on your has an emergency-use label farm, please contact your county in Georgia for suppression, Extension agent. Photo by Nicole Quinn, courtesy of Bugwood.org but UGA Forage Specialist Dr. Lisa Baxter said results have been mixed, and the cost may outweigh the benefit for many forage producers. Visit www.gfb.ag/ugapmbresources for the latest updates on where PMB has been detected in Georgia and to learn more about the pest.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Leadership GFB Update
Leadership GFB members enjoy farm tours & sharpen media skills By Heather King The 2026 Leadership GFB Class held its third session in Middle Georgia with a full day of farm tours on June 10 and immersive media training at the Georgia Farm Bureau headquarters in Macon the next day. The farm tours began at Patten Seed Company and Super-Sod, where attendees learned about the company’s turf production and watched a demonstration of self-driving equipment provided by Ag Technologies. Super-Sod has incorporated autonomous tractors into repetitive field operations such as mowing and tilling to help address labor shortages and keep equipment operating efficiently. Rather than purchasing entirely new machines, Ag Technologies retrofits existing tractors with autonomous driving technology, allowing farmers to modernize their current equipment while reducing labor demands. The second stop on the farm tour was Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture, where the group toured the college’s cold storage and meat processing facilities. FVSU's Meet Technology Center is USDA-inspected. It is open to the public and provides processing services for smaller producers who may not have access to small scale processing options. The center processes goats, sheep, cattle and swine, offering services
Fort Valley State University Agriculture Program Assistant Ryan Golphin gives Leadership GFB participants a tour of the university’s cold storage and meat processing facilities. /Photo by GFB staff
Georgia Farm Bureau News
such as slaughter, carcass processing, and value-added product development. The farm tour ended at Barrington LLC outside Montezuma, where Pete Gelber gave an in-depth tour of his dairy farm and discussed the daily operations of the more than 10,000-acre farm that is home to about 13,500 dairy cows that produce about 1.3 million pounds of milk a day. Gelber and his son, Richard, grow corn, wheat and millet to produce silage fed to the cattle. Pete is the 2026 Georgia Sunbelt Expo Farmer of the Year and is one of seven farmers from the Southeast in the running for the regional Sunbelt Expo award to be announced Oct. 20. In addition to receiving media training, Leadership GFB participants learned about the many programs the organization offers and its daily operations. We’d like to extend thanks to all three tour stops for welcoming us and GFB staff who offered presentations and training! GFB Women’s Leadership Coordinator Heather King and GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Levi Davis are coordinating Leadership GFB. They may be reached at hcking@gfb.org and ledavis@gfb.org.
2026 Georgia Sunbelt Expo Farmer of the Year Pete Gelber, center, welcomed members of the Leadership GFB class to Barrington LLC in June. Pictured from left are GFB YF&R Coordinator Levi Davis, Toni Gaines, Owen Paulk, Gregg Hendrix, Sara Beth Studstill, Gelber, Mattie Boyles, Garrett Hart, Luke Andrews, Liz Danforth, Angie Roberts and GFB WLC Coordinator Heather King. /Photo by GFB staff Fall 2026 23
ANNUAL SHOOTOUT RAISES $30,000 The 4th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Spring Shootout, benefitting the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA), was presented by Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays & Helice in Griffin in May. More than 90 participants formed 23 teams of experienced shooters and first-time competitors. The supporters of Georgia agriculture raised $30,000 for GFA during a day of friendly competition. The event presented awards for Top Overall Shooter, Junior Shooter individual awards, Top GFB Team, and Top Teams for each of the three flights of competition. P.J. Shippey of “Camp’s Killers” earned Top Overall Shooter honors. In the Junior Shooter Division, Jason Ludeman of Villa Rica High School took home first place. In the SubJunior Division, Briar Bowlden of Pike County earned first place honors. Spalding County Farm Bureau’s team “Stihl Shot” won first place in the third flight of competition and won the honors of Top GFB Team. Camp’s Killers was the top team in the first flight of competition. The GFB Insurance 10th District Team “Powell” captured top team in the second flight. Many thanks to Top Shot Award Sponsor, Alliant Insurance Services, for providing cash prizes and plaques to award winners. Plaques were provided by Keystone Memorials in Elberton. Additional prize packages were generously provided by Piedmont Brewery in Griffin, Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays, and Blanche Farms in Bolingbroke. Congratulations to Brent Moye, winner of the Yildiz Legacy HP shotgun raffle.
The Spalding County “Stihl Shot” Team won Top GFB Team. GFA Development Coordinator Whitney Sangster, left, and GFB Mutual Insurance General Manager Gary Willis, far right, present the awards to from left, Eric Parker, Craig Yarborough, Steven Green and Josh Wildes. Photo courtesy of GFA
GFB DAY AT THE BRAVES SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON AGRICULTURE Thank you to everyone who joined the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture for GFB Day at the Braves June 7! We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating Georgia agriculture and cheering on the Braves. This year's event welcomed 321 attendees and raised $14,900 to support the GFA. These funds will be invested in ag education programs, scholarships, and farmer-focused programs across Georgia. We loved seeing all the creative signs, photos and memories made that day. Congratulations to our sign contest winners: Taylor Outlaw and family of Wilkinson Co.; Michele Loar & family of Brooks County; Allison Barrett of Habersham County; and April & Jason Thompson of Baldwin County. Each winner received a $100 gift card.
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Gabe & Taylor Outlaw were one of the winners of the sign contest held at the GFB Day at the Braves. /Photo courtesy of Taylor Outlaw. To see other sign contest winners visit https://gfb.ag/gfafallupdate. Georgia Farm Bureau News
Schmidt leading Georgia Foundation for Agriculture
Andrew Schmidt has been leading the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) since July. Schmidt has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing and communications. “Andrew stood out from the field of qualified candidates who applied for the position with his experience, leadership and passion for the foundation’s mission,” said GFB President Tom McCall, chairman of the GFA Board of Directors. Schmidt worked the last two years as senior director of development at WABE in Atlanta. Prior to that, he was the assistant vice president for development and alumni engagement at the University of North Florida. Before that, he served in development and marketing with two Boys & Girls Clubs in Florida and in communications at Georgia State University. “Education has always been at the heart of my career. That’s what drew me to the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture: the chance to advance programs that put agricultural education directly into the hands of Georgia’s students and communities while also supporting and strengthening our farmers,” Schmidt said. “Agriculture has been part of my story. I started college as a forestry major and interned with Georgia-Pacific before my path shifted toward nonprofits. I have close friends who farm, so I’ve seen firsthand how much this industry means to the people in it. I’m excited to help GFA grow that story.” Schmidt is a certified fundraising executive. He earned master’s degrees in business administration and professional writing and a bachelor’s degree in political science, all from Kennesaw State University. He is a member of the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club and regularly fosters dogs for service work. The GFA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preparing the next generation of Georgia ag leaders for success. The foundation works with Georgia Farm Andrew Schmidt Bureau and other Georgia agricultural and educational organizations to achieve its mission. The GFA offers ag scholarships, funds leadership development, ag awareness programs and programs that support farmers’ health and sustainability. Photo courtesy of Andrew Schmidt
Georgia Farm Bureau News
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Ag in the Classroom Update By Caroline Waldrep Leonhard
Westhafer receives National AITC award Dr. Stephanie Westhafer received national honors at the 2026 Bureau volunteers in their local communities and through teacher National Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Conference held training courses held statewide. June 22-25 in Providence, Rhode Island. Westhafer was one of For more information about Georgia Ag in the Classroom and to seven teachers presented the 2026 National Excellence in Teaching access educational resources visit www.gfb.ag/AITC . about Agriculture Award. The National AITC Organization, USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Farm Credit partner each year to honor teachers in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade for the innovative ways they use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, social studies, science, technology, engineering and the arts. Westhafer, a teacher at West Jackson Elementary School in Braselton, develops ag literacy programs to help her students make authentic connections between agriculture, science and their everyday lives. She utilizes a learning garden and the Little Sprouts Garden Club to show her students how plants grow, what they need to thrive, and how food moves from seed to plate. She received Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2025 Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Award. Westhafer has worked with the Jackson County Farm Bureau on AITC projects. The Georgia AITC program works to increase ag literacy among Dr. Stephanie Westhafer /Photo courtesy of Caroline Leonhard children and the public through the activities of county Farm
GFB members attend NAITC Conference Georgia had a large delegation attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held in June. Attendees had the chance to tour farms and learn about agriculture in Rhode Island. Conference workshops introduced attendees to AITC curriculum and hands-on activities to engage students in learning about agriculture. Next year the conference will be held June 28-July 1 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Visit https://agclassroom.org to learn more about the NAITC program. /Photo courtesy of Caroline Leonhard
GFB Educational Programs Manager Caroline Leonhard may be reached at cwleonhard@gfb.org. Visit www.gfb.ag/AITC for resources to teach children about agriculture.
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Georgia Farm Bureau News
BARROW & DAWSON COUNTY STUDENTS WIN GFB CONTESTS By Caroline Waldrep Leonhard Congratulations to Cristina Alzuarge, of Dawson County, for winning the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) High School Art Contest! Alzuarge won $250 as the state winner and $100 as the GFB District 1 winner. She was a freshman at Dawson County Junior High School when she won. Hailey Thomas, of Barrow County, won state honors in the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest. She received $150 for winning the state contest and $100 as the GFB District 4 winner. She was an eighth-grade student in the Barrow County Arts & Innovational Magnet Program when she won. Other district winners in the art contest were: 2nd Dist. - Alyssa Childers, Elbert Co.; 3rd Dist. - Hanae Miyazawa, Cobb Co.; 4th Dist. - Connie Gao, Oconee Co.; 5th Dist. Edith English, Pike Co.; 6th Dist. - Bailey Barron, Washington Co.; 7th Dist. - Jai’Mya Marshall, Burke Co.; 8th Dist. - Jack Hopkins, Lee Co.; 9th Dist. - Taylor Sapp, Decatur Co.; & 10th Dist. - Aurora Anderson, Glynn Co. Additional district winners in the bookmark contest were: 1st Dist. - Xintong Li, Forsyth Co.; 2nd Dist. - Gisele Su, Jackson Co.; 3rd Dist. - Michael McClain, Douglas Co.; 5th Dist. - Penelope Starr, Troup Co.; 6th Dist. - Makayla Hurst, Washington Co.; 7th Dist. Gaon Hwang, Effingham Co.; 8th Dist. - Lauren McDuffie, Wilcox Co.; 9th Dist. - Jaylan Roberts, Seminole Co.; & 10th Dist. - Abigail Welch, Camden Co. Visit https://gfb.ag/26artwinners to see the district winners’ artwork for the high school art contest. Visit https://gfb.ag/26bookmarkwinners to see the district winners’ creations in the middle School Bookmark Contest. Each district winner in both contests received a $100 prize. GFB received entries for its high school art contest from 60 county Farm Bureaus and entries from 78 county Farm Bureaus for its middle school bookmark contest. Entries in both contests were judged on how well the artwork represents agriculture in the student’s county or Georgia and for artistic merit. Contact your county Farm Bureau office after mid-November for information about the 2027 contests. GFB Educational Programs Manager Caroline Leonhard may be reached at cwleonhard@gfb.org. Visit www.gfb.ag/ AITC for resources to teach children about agriculture.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
BOOKMARK STATE WINNER:
Hailey Thomas Barrow County
STATE ART WINNER:
Cristina Alzuarge Dawson County
Fall 2026 27
Women's Leadership Update
GFB Women Strengthen Leadership Skills at ACE Summit By Heather King
GFB members honed their leadership and advocacy skills while attending the AFBF ACE Summit, June 1-3, in Washington, D.C. /Photo courtesy of Heather King
In June, 19 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members joined nearly 500 agricultural advocates from across the U.S. and the world in Washington, D.C., for the American Farm Bureau Federation's International Year of the Woman Farmer Advocate, Cultivate, Empower (ACE) Summit. Hosted by AFBF as part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), the three-day conference celebrated the role women play in agriculture while equipping participants with leadership skills, advocacy tools and professional connections Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, attendees explored topics ranging from agricultural trade and labor to personal growth. GFB’s delegation took full advantage of the summit to strengthen their voices as advocates for agriculture. One panel discussion explored how 2026 was designated the IYWF. Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council; Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer for the International Fresh Produce Association; and Karla Thieman, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs at JBS USA, discussed the collaboration that led to the international recognition. Learn more at https://gfb.ag/iywf. The panel also highlighted AFBF's recently released Women in Agriculture Study, which examines the many roles women fill on farms, ranches and within agricultural businesses. Read more on opposite page. AFBF President Zippy Duvall encouraged attendees to continue sharing their agricultural stories and emphasized the essential role women play in producing food, fiber and fuel. Georgia attendees also enjoyed a private tour of AFBF headquarters led by Duvall.
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Another panel featured international women ag leaders who shared how collaboration, mentorship and communication are advancing opportunities for women in agriculture. Panelists Ale Aguirre of the Southside Native Seed Project, Deané de Bruin of Flat Acre Farms, and Abi Reader, president of the National Farmers Union Cymru, discussed the importance of building strong support networks and using social media to connect with consumers and challenge outdated perceptions of farming. During the Women in Ag Day on Capitol Hill, attendees met directly with lawmakers to advocate for agriculture. GFB’s delegation met with U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock’s staff, Rep. Buddy Carter’s staff, and Rep. Clay Fuller’s staff to discuss issues affecting Georgia farmers and rural communities. The day ended with the IYWF Congressional Reception, where Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, discussed the importance of recognizing and supporting women in agriculture. The Georgia delegation enjoyed a special evening tour of the U.S. Capitol led by Rep. Buddy Carter. The ACE Summit reinforced the important role women play in agriculture and equipped attendees with new ideas, stronger connections and renewed enthusiasm for advocacy. GFB’s delegation returned home prepared to continue serving as leaders and champions for Georgia agriculture. Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Programs Coordinator Heather King may be reached at hcking@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5232. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to volunteer with your local Women’s Leadership Committee.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Young Farmers & Ranchers Update
GFB Photo Contest showcases agriculture Congratulations to Taylor Outlaw of Wilkinson County for winning the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers 17th Annual Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest with her photo “Blessings Among the Blossoms!” Outlaw won $150, and her photo will be featured on the cover of the 2027 GFB YF&R calendar available at most county Farm Bureau offices in late fall. The calendar will also feature the photos of the 11 honorable mention winners, who each received $75. Honorable mention winners are: Michael Albritton, Turner Co.; Chris Corley, Richmond Co.; Hunter Folsom, Cook Co.; Hollyn Fussell, Telfair Co.; Julie Hardy, Thomas Co.; Kadie Matthews, Decatur Co.; Megan Odum, Early Co.; Pamela Pyle, Early Co.; Haley Scruggs, Bibb Co.; Whitney Sheppard, Screven Co.; and Liam Tewksbury, Cherokee Co. See all photos at www.gfb.ag/26photowinners. GFB thanks the 115 contestants who submitted 279 photos. GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference attendees voted on the winner and honorable mentions. Information about the 2027 contest will be announced next spring. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to join your local YF&R Committee.
Taylor Outlaw’s 1st place photo.
Women in Ag ready to lead, study shows The American Farm Bureau Federation has unveiled the results of its National Women in Agriculture Study that will guide programming dedicated to women in agriculture the next five years. Based on data collected from an online survey and focus groups from last fall to this spring, the study provides a comprehensive look at the roles women in the U.S. play in agriculture, growth opportunities and areas needing additional support. A key finding is that women have strong confidence in their ability to balance farm work and family responsibilities. Most respondents also have a high level of confidence in their ability to represent agriculture in public/professional settings. In fact, 9 out of 10 women report feeling confident speaking at community meetings about agriculture, and nearly 90% of women surveyed are interested in taking on leadership roles now or in the future. The study identifies five areas where agriculture could increase support: time and caregiving; skill development; leadership involvement; financial security; and overall wellbeing. Of the women surveyed, 44% reported interest in gaining equipment or technical skills training, while 56% expressed interest in business, farm succession and financial management training. The study shows 60% of women in ag work off the farm. Many survey participants said these jobs are not just about extra income but serve as a critical “insurance lifeline.” Georgia Farm Bureau thanks everyone who took the survey. With 269 responses, Georgia had the second-highest response rate of the 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Georgia Farm Bureau News
Fall 2026 29
Celebrating 250 Years of
American Agriculture By Kelly Henry This year’s Farm Passport farm tour and meals highlighted America’s 250th anniversary with participants wearing their most festive red, white and blue. The farms that hosted dinners for 2025 Farm Passport participants, who earned their invite by visiting at least 20 farms, were adorned with flags, historical timelines of Georgia’s agricultural history and an exhibit highlighting Georgia Farm Bureau’s role as the voice of Georgia farmers since 1937. Janet Brooks, a Habersham Central High School history teacher, gave a presentation at each dinner about Georgia agriculture innovators from Colonial Georgia through present day. All attendees walked away with a new friend and fun facts to share. Merk Farms in Dry Pond hosted the first dinner, where attendees got an in-depth look at what it takes to grow strawberries and took a wagon ride through the pasture with the opportunity to feed range cubes to the cattle. Gregg Farm in Concord held the second dinner, where guests took a walking tour of the peach orchard and learned about tractors and implements used on the farm. Sweet South Strawberry Farm in Thomaston hosted the third dinner, where attendees took a bus ride to learn about poultry and cattle. Participants toured the farm’s cattle working facility and learned about freeze branding and livestock identification tags. Ten 2025 passport participants earned the Travelers Jacket for visiting every farm in the Farm Passport last year: neighbors David McLeroy and Steven Fields, of Hull.; David & Sandra Williams from Roberta; and Rafael & Nilsa Torres of Phenix City, Al., earned their first jackets. Mike & Gaby Martin of Phenix City,
Al., and sisters Angie Whiggum and Jackie Barlow from Eastman, all earned their second jacket.
Scavenger Hunt Underway There are 260 teams participating in the Farm Passport Scavenger Hunt completing missions ranging from the “Corn Shuck Showdown” to creating a “Patriotic Plate” with red, white and blue produce purchased at participating farms. The missions have been updated every three months to match the season and keep the experience exciting. Farm prizes are given out at the end of each round with a grand prize to be given at the end of the year. The fall round of challenges began Sept. 1. If you haven’t started your 2026 Farm Passport journey, fall is a perfect time to start. Read pages six and seven to find a list of CFMs that have corn mazes celebrating America's 250th anniversary and farms offering fun fall activities. All farm visits must be made by Dec. 31. Please do not call or try to visit farms in their off season. The deadline to submit your passport is Jan. 5, 2027. To join in on the fun, find instructions on www.gfb.ag/passport . Kelly Henry is GFB’s Certified Farm Markets coordinator. She may be reached at kahenry@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5235.
GFB members who visited 20 farms or more in 2025 earned an invite to attend one of three dinners and farm tours held this spring. Special thanks to Gregg Farms, Merk Farms and Sweet South Strawberry Farm for hosting dinners. /Photo by Logan Thomas
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