Farm Bureau Members Receive a $500 Exclusive Cash Reward1,2
1 Available on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2024/2025/2026 model year 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 1/05/26. Limit of five purchases or leases per household during the program offer (PGM# 32524). Offer subject to dealer participation. May not be used/combined with most other Ford private offers. See an authorized Ford Dealer, or go to http://www.fordrecognizesu.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32524). Due to high demand and global supply chain constraints, some models, trims, and features may not be available or may be subject to change. Check with your local dealer for current information. Offer subject to confirmation of eligibility.
2 Available on the purchase of an eligible 2020-2026MY 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. Take delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/5/2026. Limit of five purchases per household during the program offer (PGM# 32678). Offer subject to dealer participation. May not be used/combined with most other private Ford offers. See an authorized Ford Dealer, or go to http://www.fordrecognizesu.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32678). Due to high demand and global supply chain constraints, some models, trims, and features may not be available or may be subject to change. Check with your local Ford Dealer for current information. Offer subject to confirmation of eligibility.
Contents
pages 5 - 7
Answering the call
These farmers get off tractors and onto fire engines to keep their communities safe.
pages 10 - 12
Farmers hold services to ask for God’s blessings
Farmers across Georgia gathered this spring to ask God’s favor on their growing season.
pages 14 & 15
GFB voices farm concerns on trip to D.C.
Ag labor, the farm bill & disaster assistance were the hot topics GFB members discussed with Georgia’s congressional delegation during their March trip to Washington, D.C.
Departments
page 4
View from the Field
pages 8 & 9
Public Policy
page 16
Young Farmers & Ranchers
page 24
Certified Farm Markets
page 25
Ag in the Classroom
page 26
Women's Leadership
pages 28 & 29
Ga. Foundation for Agriculture
Want to subscribe? Join Georgia Farm Bureau to receive GFB News four times a year. Your membership supports farmers & agriculture while giving you access to more than 300,000 discounts. Visit gfb.ag/join.
pages 18 & 19
Summit offers stressed farmers hope The 2025 Farm Stress Summit highlighted resources available to support farm families.
page 22
Huff & Williams win FFA contests GFB sponsored Congratulations to Molly Huff for winning the Ga. FFA Discussion Meet and to Isabelle Williams on placing first in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking contest!
page 23
Hunters for Hungry accept crop damage permit deer Deer taken under Georgia DNR crop damage permits may be donated to the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program to help local food banks.
page 31
GFA awards scholarships for agriculture students
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture has selected 26 students to receive a total of $70,000 in scholarships.
GFB News Staff
Kenny Burgamy Director
Jennifer Whittaker Editor
Jay Stone News Reporter
Jared McGukin Graphic Designer
Logan Thomas Photographer
FOLLOW US ON THESE PLATFORMS @GAFARMBUREAU
On The Cover:
Appling County farmer Ryne Powers in his dual roles as farmer and volunteer firefighter.
Photos by: Jay Stone
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.
View from the Field
Tom McCall, GFB President
As the voice of Georgia farmers, we will enhance the quality of life for producers and consumers by being the champion of agriculture.
This is the Georgia Farm Bureau’s (GFB) mission statement, and it is put into action each time our policy team speaks on behalf of producers at the Georgia Capitol during the legislative session.
All year, GFB’s Public Policy Department is earnestly focused on protecting agriculture from legislation that has the potential to harm the state’s agricultural interests.
That same team fights on behalf of legislation that will enhance what producers and their farm operations accomplish every day.
GFB’s team efforts include working to strengthen agriculture by reminding lawmakers that we’re fighting for the producers and their freedom to pursue a lifestyle that provides a safe and abundant food source.
For instance, we supported Gov. Brian Kemp’s comprehensive and meaningful tort reform proposals that were passed during the session.
The bill, SB 68, pushed by Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon), included premises liability, seat belt laws, attorney’s fees and an increase in transparency of evidence presented to juries.
It’s our strongly held belief that lawmakers understood this is a way to get a handle on the legal climate in Georgia and relieve the pressure businesses face from frivolous lawsuits and out-of-control jury verdicts.
Also, because of GFB’s persistent efforts for Hurricane Helene relief, HB 223, introduced by Rep. James Burchett (R-Waycross), passed and provides tax relief for farmers and foresters recovering from the 2024 devastating storm.
This will exempt related crop insurance payments from income tax for taxable year 2025, provide a reforestation tax credit for up to $550 per acre for trees used in the production of food or wood, and expand the GATE program until the end of this year to include building materials for poultry houses, livestock barns and greenhouses.
I can’t express how fortunate we are to have a solid relationship with Gov. Kemp, House Ag Chair Robert Dickey and Senate Ag Chair Russ Goodman to get these two important bills passed, along with other positive agriculture legislation. Thank you for allowing us to serve alongside each of you to improve Georgia’s agriculture community.
We appreciate each of you!
Tom McCall, GFB President
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: Allie Andrews, Lamar Co.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CHAIR: Julie Hardy, Thomas 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 2025 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.
From left, Tom & Jane McCall visit with First Lady Marty Kemp & Gov. Brian Kemp during GFB Day at the Capitol.
Photo by Logan Thomas
Appling County Farm Bureau
President Randall Odum drives the fire engine out of the Red Oak Fire Department substation as Ryne Powers stands at the ready. /Photo by Jay Stone
ANSWERING THE CALL
By Jay Stone
Ryne Powers was talking about his service as a volunteer firefighter when he was interrupted, mid-sentence, by a tone from the emergency radio he carries.
“I think that’s a fire call,” Powers said. He checked, and it was.
The conversation would have to end there. Appling County’s Red Oak Fire Department, including Powers, responded and extinguished the fire.
Few non-farm activities demonstrate farmers’ willingness to serve their communities as volunteer firefighting does.
They work to put out fires when they occur but also go into burning structures to get people out, respond to controlled burns that get out of hand, handle vehicle fires, hazardous materials and more.
It is not clear how many farmers are volunteer firefighters, but Steve Hirsch, chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), said their impact is significant.
“Fire departments in small towns are the lifeblood and the hub of the community. In our rural areas farmers drop everything to help when their neighbors need assistance,” Hirsch said.
“Sometimes that means they plant or harvest the crops of someone with health problems, but daily farmers are responding
to calls for a fire truck or an ambulance. Without them many small departments would cease to exist.”
Here's what is documented: According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration, there are 1,054,500 firefighters nationwide, and 685,000 of them are volunteers.
In Georgia, Firefighter Standards Training Council Executive Director Randy Toms noted that there were 31,982 firefighters on March 20. He estimated 20,000 of them are volunteers.
In Georgia, 81.5% of fire departments have some volunteer firefighters, and 71.2% of Georgia fire departments are either all volunteer or mostly volunteer, according to the National Fire Department Registry.
Volunteer firefighters receive the same training as career firemen. Once they complete the initial training, state regulations require them to undergo a minimum of 24 hours of training each year to maintain their certification.
While they can qualify for pensions under the Georgia Firefighters’ Pension Fund, and some receive small per-call payments, farmers who volunteer make their living by farming, and they generally engage in firefighting for reasons apart from money.
FARMERS DRIVEN TO SERVE
Madison County cattle producer Corey Clements initially resisted suggestions that he become a firefighter, declining invitations when he was in his teens from then-fire chief Johnny Bridges.
“He begged me to join when I got out of high school, but I just didn't care about it. I wasn't mature enough in my future planning to think about it,” said Clements, who raises cattle and grows hay on about 1,000 mostly leased acres.
Still, Clements saw how his parents Carlene and Bobby always helped neighbors in any way they could. Carlene was part of a backpack drive, providing food to needy families, with Meadow Baptist Church. After Carlene died in 2023, the church named the program “Carlene’s Kids.” Bobby developed a reputation as the community fix-it guy, Corey said.
“All the neighbors around here would always come to my daddy for him to help fix something or do something,” Clements said. “I mean, he was the guy they always came to, asking ‘Can you help me do this? Can you help me do that? Can you fix my tractor?’”
In true family fashion, Corey now refurbishes tractors for other people.
Some of the land Clements farms is leased from Calvin Smith, who served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years in Comer and was Clements’ inspiration to join the cause in 2010. More on Smith, now retired, can be found at www.gfb.ag/calvinsmith .
“He’s the reason a lot of us got into it,” Clements said.
Clements’ son J.R. and nephew Jamie Patterson completed the firefighter basic training in April at the Georgia Public Service Training Center in Forsyth, where all Georgia firefighters begin learning the trade and earning state certification.
Like Clements, Comer Fire Captain Jason Fortson volunteers as a firefighter to serve his neighbors. Both of their farms are located less than three miles from the Comer Fire Department station. Fortson raises broiler chickens.
“The biggest thing is helping people in the community where I know everybody,” Fortson said. “If I can help somebody out just a little bit on one of their bad days, it means a lot to me.” Farmers, Fortson said, fit well with the needs of a volunteer fire department. Their work keeps them nearby, and their ability to operate heavy equipment, install fencing, follow safety practices and solve problems dovetail with skills firefighters need.
“There’s a lot of farmers in the state, and they’re around a lot,” Fortson said. “That's probably
the biggest thing. Now, they may have to work late that night getting done, but they can help with the fire, and they can get their work done when they get back, whether it’s working in a chicken house, working on the fence or planting soybeans. Plus, farmers are hard workers. Firefighting is hard work. It isn’t for a lazy individual for sure.”
The Comer Fire Department aims to keep its manpower at 20 or more volunteer firefighters, Fortson said.
“We’re on 24/7. If you’re in town, you’re on call. If you go out of town, we all know about it because we know he won’t be able to respond.”
Otherwise? “Everybody’s assigned to every call.”
FARMING & FIREFIGHTING LEGACY
Powers, a director with Appling County Farm Bureau (ACFB), took over the family farm from his grandfather, ACFB President Randall Odum. Powers grows cotton, corn, peanuts, soybeans, rye and wheat on about 2,000 acres while maintaining a herd of about 90 brood cows and four breeder chicken houses.
It’s not a stretch to say Odum is also passing down the firefighting role. Now 80, Odum still drives the Red Oak fire
Madison County farmers Corey Clements, left, and Jason Fortson on Comer Fire Department’s ladder truck. Photo by Jay Stone
engine to fire calls. Once on scene, he rolls out hoses and configures equipment. This enables Powers and Red Oak’s other firemen to go directly to the scene, don their gear, then jump into action.
“I can suit up, but my main concern is getting the truck there while the other men are suiting up. I get the pump crank, set the [water] pressure, make sure all the equipment is ready, pull the hoses off the truck, have them ready to go into the house while they're suiting up and getting their air bottles and all that stuff on,” said Odum, who has been a part of ROFD since the mid-1980s when volunteer fire departments were established in Appling County.
Powers grew up seeing Odum’s involvement and said on occasion he got to tag along on fire calls.
“I decided I wanted to do it as soon as I was able to. When I was old enough I did it, and it has progressed.
The longer I’ve been on it, the more I’ve seen the opportunities to help,” Powers said. “I’ve seen they would make a difference the older I get. To start with, I just kind of wanted to do it because my granddad did it, and I thought it was a cool thing to do. It’s more meaningful now.”
After earning his firefighter certification, Powers became certified as a first responder. He can provide initial first aid, including CPR, recognize drug overdoses and administer Narcan, take vital signs, stop bleeding and stint limbs until an ambulance arrives. He can then support the EMTs.
One advantage of having local volunteer firemen is they may have geographical knowledge that a 911 operator may not have, enabling them to minimize the response time. In the firefighting world, elapsed time equals increased medical severity and increased property damage.
“If they call us to a fire, and we know a quicker way [to get there] than they give us from 911, if I can cut off three minutes, it makes a difference,” said Odum.
Appling County Farm Bureau President Randall Odum directs a stream of water from the Red Oak Fire Department engine. /Photo by Jay Stone
Madison County farmers Jason Fortson and Corey Clements extend the ladder on Comer Fire Department’s ladder truck. /Photo by Jay Stone
2025 Legislative Session a Good One for Georgia Agriculture
By Adam Belflower
The 2025 legislative session was successful for Georgia agriculture and shows our state leaders support the agriculture community. Because of action they took from January to April, Georgia continues to be a place farmers and ranchers can succeed.
Hurricane Recovery
Supporting farmers, foresters, and rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene was a top priority. House Bill (HB) 223, introduced by Rep. James Burchett, provides multiple tax relief options to those affected by the storm. This includes an exemption from the state income tax on federal disaster assistance and crop insurance payments received in 2025 due to Hurricane Helene; a reforestation tax credit for trees used in the commercial production of food and wood; and sales tax exemption for the replacement and repair of livestock buildings, poultry houses, and greenhouses in 2025.
The Amended Year 2025 budget also allocated funding for storm cleanup and recovery. Farm Bureau commends the General Assembly and Gov. Brian Kemp for helping farmers and timber owners recover as they grapple with generational losses.
Truck Weights
Georgia farmers and foresters compete with neighboring states in global markets. It is important our producers have a level playing field to be competitive. HB 164 by Rep. Steven Meeks
reduces transportation costs for producers by permanently increasing the gross vehicle weight variance from 5 to 10% for trucks hauling agriculture and forest products. This bill gives Georgia producers a level playing field by raising the allowable gross vehicle weight to 88,000 pounds.
Every state neighboring Georgia allows producers to haul with at least a 10% variance.
Tort Reform
Farmers and small business owners have grappled with Georgia’s legal climate for decades. Gov. Kemp committed to passing a tort reform package. Senate Bill (SB) 68 and SB 69, both introduced by Sen. John Kennedy, provide certainty and assurance for farmers fearful of frivolous lawsuits and outrageous jury verdicts.
If defendants find themselves in the courtroom, they will now be better positioned to display the facts of the case, leading to a fairer proceeding. We appreciate Cory Tyre, Bacon County Farm Bureau vice president, and Russ Wilburn, Barrow County Farm Bureau president, testifying at the Capitol on the importance of tort reform for farmers.
CUVA
Commonsense tax policy is a benefit farmers enjoy in our state. The Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) program is pivotal in preserving Georgia’s farmland. HB 90 and House
Gov. Brian Kemp made Hurricane Helene relief efforts and tort reform a priority this year. /Photo by Logan Thomas
Barrow County farmer Russ Wilburn spoke on behalf of Georgia farmers at a press conference March 13 in the Georgia Capitol supporting tort reform legislation./Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
Resolution 32 by Rep. Chuck Efstration, along with HB 129 by Rep. Chas Cannon, address the changing dynamics of farm operations needing to become larger to be profitable. These bills ensure family farms can continue to benefit from CUVA and that farmland remains in production. HB 90 and HR 32 increase the acreage cap from 2,000 to 4,000 acres. HB 129 will allow certain entities to lease land enrolled in CUVA.
Ag Water Metering
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) continues to improve access to water resources for farmers. HB 143 by Rep. Robert Dickey improves Georgia’s ag water metering program and advances work EPD has done in recent years. This bill will bring more irrigators into compliance, remove regulatory burdens on farmers, and save farmers and the state money.
As farmers plan to make decisions regarding their irrigation infrastructure, they should contact EPD to ensure they are compliant with the most recent permitting and metering requirements.
Crop Protection Labeling
Crop protection tools are among the most important tools farmers need to successfully grow their crops. SB 144 by Sen. Sam Watson recognizes compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's labeling requirements under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), which is the national standard.
By aligning Georgia law with FIFRA, this bill ensures that pesticide policies are grounded in rigorous scientific evaluation
New Extension Positions
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension provides a vital resource in fulfilling the university’s land grant mission.
This year, GFB advocated that UGA receive funding for a North Georgia Hay & Forage Extension specialist and breeder technician positions for Georgia’s peach/citrus, blueberry and turfgrass crops.
Hay production happens statewide. Providing additional resources to this commodity will equip the current specialist to better serve farmers in South Georgia and allow UGA Extension to provide targeted service to North Georgia. All the new positions will provide cutting edge research, ensure new discoveries make their way back to Georgia farms and move UGA closer to being the top agriculture college in the nation.
GFB Members Make a Difference
The success of this legislative session started with county Farm Bureau members being engaged and having solid relationships with their elected officials. Because of the strong, grassroots network our organization has across the state, GFB’s Public Policy Department is equipped to make a meaningful impact in Atlanta.
Thank you to all the members who traveled to Atlanta during the session to advocate for agriculture. In the months leading up to the 2026 Legislative Session, please take time to thank your legislators and state leaders for their support this year. If you don’t already know them, please take time to get to know your local delegation and inform them about the importance of agriculture in the communities they represent.
rather than political narratives. This bill protects farmers’ access to critical crop production tools by reinforcing that manufacturers fulfill their legal responsibilities if they comply with EPA's labeling requirements for registered products.
Adam Belflower is Georgia Farm Bureau’s state affairs manager. He may be reached at acbelflower@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 523 9.
Sen. Sam Watson, left, & Rep. Steven Meeks worked to get crop protection bills passed./Photo courtesy of House Media Services
Sen. Ag Committee Chairman Russ Goodman, standing, & Ga. House Ag Committee Chairman Robert Dickey worked to get numerous ag bills passed this year./Photo by Jay Stone
By Jennifer Whittaker
BLESSING OF THE CROPS
FARMERS HOLD SERVICES ASKING FOR GOD’S FAVOR
Farming and faith go hand in hand. Most farmers will tell you they pray and rely on God to farm.
Many farmers gather in the spring to ask God to bless their farms in the coming growing season. The services go by different names - Blessing of the Crops, Blessing of the Farms, Blessing of the Planting- but they have the same purpose: to seek God’s favor.
Farm Bureaus or other ag groups host the events in some counties while local chambers of commerce host them in others.
SCREVEN COUNTY
For at least 20 years Screven County Farm Bureau (SCFB) has held a Blessing of the Crops service. SCFB President Joe Boddiford said the idea for the service came from county directors who are active in church.
“If you’re going to be involved in agriculture you need the Lord’s blessings,” said Boddiford “Why not ask His blessings and include Him in what you’re doing?”
Pastor Kevin Rountree of McBride
prayed and shared a message stressing the power of prayer in seeking God’s blessing on the land.
Boddiford said 25 to 30 people attend the service each year, and many participate when the floor is open to anyone who wants to pray.
This year, SCFB held a supper Feb. 27 at the Screven County Extension office that drew farmers and local leaders to pray for a successful growing season and bountiful harvest.
Church
Screven County Blessing of the Crops service. / Photo courtesy of SCFB
Mandy Price, Elliott Farms, brought strawberries to the Bibb County service.
BURKE COUNTY
After hearing that another Farm Bureau held a Blessing of the Crops, Burke County Farm Bureau (BCFB) Director Brad Edenfield asked his local Farm Bureau to hold a service five years ago.
“It’s a healthy way to start the crop season. I think it’s important to do things in the right order and that means going to the Lord to ask him to not only bless our crops but to also ask Him to protect our farmers’ safety in the field and on the road driving equipment,” said Edenfield.
BCFB members and event co-chairs David & Wendy Raley and Katie & Robert Prescott organized this year’s service held March 11 at the Burke County Office Park.
“As a farmer this is a special opportunity for all of us to come together and pray over everyone's crops,” BCFB Women’s Leadership Chair Katie Prescott said. “These last few years have been tough, so it’s heartwarming to know this community stands behind our farmers.”
The Raleys and Prescotts recruited 24 local agribusinesses to sponsor the breakfast. They secured a free ad in the local paper and texted farmers a reminder before the event to draw a crowd.
Pastor Tim Groff of Bethel Mennonite Church delivered the message.
“We’re putting seeds in the ground. We see miracles every day. There’s no way we can do what we do without having a belief in God,” BCFB President Lee Webster said.
BIBB COUNTY
For several years Bibb County Farm Bureau (BCFB) Vice President Neil Skipper and his daughter, BCFB President Haley Scruggs, discussed holding a Blessing of the Crops. They did it this year.
Farmers from Bibb and surrounding counties gathered April 8 at Skipper Farms for a breakfast held by BCFB.
“No matter how hard we work as farmers, without God’s grace we’re going to have nothing. This is a time for us to thank Him for the blessings He’s already given us, ask Him what He wants us to do and that what we do be a blessing to him,” Skipper said. “There are 8,760 hours in a year. This could be one of the most important hours you spend this year.”
Farm Bureau member and Calvary Baptist Church Pastor Benjamin Newberry delivered a devotion from 1st Corinthians 3:5-9. Newberry grew up on a dairy farm and now raises beef cattle.
“We can plant the seeds and run a center pivot on barren ground, but if God doesn’t bless the ground, we won’t grow a crop,” Newberry said. “We’re all about telling our story in agriculture and we have a good story to tell, but the most important thing we can do is accept Christ and then plant the seeds of salvation in others.”
Marti’s Cakes & Catering used ingredients sourced from local or Georgia farms to prepare the breakfast.
“Every single thing on our menu this morning is donated by the farmers who grew it. I’d like to thank all our food donors and hope you enjoy your breakfast,” Scruggs said.
COFFEE COUNTY
The 2nd Annual Blessing of the Crops Breakfast the DouglasCoffee County Chamber of Commerce held Feb. 27 had special meaning this year as farmers and agribusinesses are still recovering from the havoc Hurricane Helene wreaked on them last September.
Around 150 people attended to pray for a bountiful harvest this year. Pastors Paul Elliott of Douglas First Methodist Church and Bob Powell of The Sanctuary delivered messages of encouragement.
At least 28 local agribusinesses and organizations, including Coffee County Farm Bureau, helped sponsor the event.
Coffee County Blessing of the Crops service. / Photo courtesy of Douglas-Coffee Chamber of Commerce
EVANS COUNTY
Evans County Farm Bureau partnered with the Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce to host its first Blessing of the Planting March 27 at Spring Hollow Farm, owned by ECFB members L.E. & Donna Hewett.
“We wanted to come together in prayer and ask God to bless our farms and agribusinesses. In years past when we haven’t had the best crops, it’s been difficult to admit that we hadn’t come together in prayer,” ECFB Women’s Leadership Chairman
Burke County Blessing of the Crops service. Photo courtesy of BCFB
Bibb County Blessing of the Crops service. Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
Evans Co. Farm Bureau President Gregg Hendrix, right, presents Ga. Dept. of Ag Field Services Director Dominic LaRiccia with a gift basket for giving the keynote speech at the Evans Co. Blessing of the Planting. / Photo courtesy of Claxton-Evans County Chamber of Commerce.
Melanie Hendrix said. “Partnering with the chamber to hold this event was a great way to have a presence in the community.”
Pastor Johnathan Brown from Liberty Fellowship Church of God delivered a devotion. Dominic LaRiccia with the Georgia Department of Agriculture discussed how Farm Bureau and the GDA work together to help farmers.
FANNIN COUNTY
Members of Fannin County’s ag community gathered at Mason Farms near Blue Ridge for the 2nd Annual Blessing of the Seeds & Farms, Gardens, Fields & Herds organized by the Fannin County Young Farmers Association (FCYFA). The breakfast event was held the first day of spring, March 20, during Georgia Agriculture Week.
Pastor Chan Mitchell from The Ridge Community Church delivered the message.
FCYFA Advisor & FCHS Ag Teacher Rhonda Mathews organized the event with help from local farmer and Farm Bureau member Kenny Queen, who arranged for the event to be held at Mason Farms. Fannin County Farm Bureau provided funds for refreshments.
MADISON COUNTY
Madison County’s agricultural community gathered for its Blessing of the Farms service on April 9. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce organized the event led by the Chamber’s Ag Promotions Committee Co-Chair David Echols. Madison County Farm Bureau members Thomas & Alicia Harrell hosted the event at their farm.
Pastor Ed Waldon of Restoration Apostolic Church delivered an uplifting message. Madison County 4-Her Bailey Bennett led the Pledge of Allegiance while Madison County FFA member Riley Moon recited the FFA Creed.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Custom Livestock Solutions LLC and Graham Law Firm sponsored the gathering catered by Illa Restaurant.
Fannin County Blessing of Ag Endeavors service. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Mathews
Madison County’s Blessing of the Farms service.
Photo by Anna Strickland
USDA ISSUING
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO PRODUCERS
By Jennifer Whittaker
Farmers have until Aug. 15 to apply for payments through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, these payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced March 18 that USDA is issuing up to $10 billion directly to ag producers through ECAP. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help farmers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices for 2024.
APPLYING FOR ECAP
Soon after the signup period opened on March 19, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) began sending pre-filled applications to producers who had already submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities. If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.
Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by Aug. 15 on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Farmers can contact their local FSA office to request an application or visit http://fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide.
ELIGIBLE COMMODITIES & PER-ACRE PAYMENT RATES
Source: USDA
Eligible producers can visit http://fsa.usda.gov/ecap or contact their local FSA office for eligibility and payment details.
ECAP PAYMENTS AND CALCULATOR
ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.
GFB VISITS D.C.
VOICES LABOR & FARM BILL
CONCERNS
By Jay Stone
Georgia Farm Bureau members visited Washington, D.C, March 11-13, meeting with Georgia’s congressional delegation to share concerns about ag labor, the farm bill and disaster assistance. AFBF Senior Director for Government Affairs Dave Salmonsen provided a briefing of the tariff situation at that time, which continues to evolve.
GFB members went to the offices of eight of Georgia’s 14 districts and both senators. The group also heard from the European Union Delegation to the U.S.
FARM LABOR COSTS OUT OF CONTROL
During their legislative meetings, the GFB group emphasized the onerous farm labor costs under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Adverse Effective Wage Rate (AEWR). From 2024 to 2025 the AEWR increased by 9.5% in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, trailing only Florida (9.9%) in terms of percentage increase. For 2025, Georgia’s AEWR is $16.08 an hour.
Lowndes County tobacco grower Fred Wetherington noted that administrative and logistical expenses increased the cost of foreign laborers by more than $3 per hour.
“It's way out of control and it makes no sense,” said Wetherington. Still, he came away encouraged that congressional staff acknowledged the problems that come with using the H-2A agricultural labor visa program.
“I feel like folks I've talked to on this trip, on both sides of the aisle, recognize the program is broken,” Wetherington said.
While briefing the GFB group about farm labor, AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub said lack of labor could force the U.S. to import more food.
“We simply don't have the people to produce it here in the U.S., and if we're going to start reducing immigration, even in these legal pathways for guest workers, we're going to have to import more.”
She noted that only 28% of rural Americans are of “prime” working age, (35 to 55 years old), while 20% of rural Americans are at least 65 years old. About 45% of U.S. farm laborers are foreign born with either no or questionable work authorization documentation.
Ayoub said the tendency to sue to settle disputes is an underacknowledged aspect of the immigration discussion.
“We get called out in agriculture for having undocumented workers, but we don't tell that other side of the story - the U.S.
Rep. Austin Scott, far right, (R-GA 8th Dist.) listens to conce rns from GFB farmer members. Photo by Jay Stone
litigation culture. There’s employer liability that goes along with questioning documents.”
The number of H-2A positions certified has grown ten-fold over the past 20 years, from around 40,000 in 2005 to 384,900 in 2024.
FARM BILL OVERVIEW
AFBF Director for Government Affairs Joe Gilson reviewed Capitol Hill movement on the farm bill, which was extended to Sept. 30 under the American Relief Act of 2025 passed in December.
Farm bill spending in 2025 is expected to top $1.4 trillion, 79% of which is allocated to nutrition programs. A total of 18%, or $265.5 billion, is expected for crop insurance, commodity programs and conservation programs.
The extension, Gilson said, does not include funding for socalled “orphan” programs like the feral swine eradication program and approximately $100 million for agricultural research.
Gilson also noted that net farm income from 2022 to 2024 is forecast to increase for cattle and calves, poultry, specialty crops and dairy according to the Farm Bureau calculations using USDA Economic Research Service data, but net farm income is expected to decrease for producers of cotton, hogs, corn, wheat and soybeans.
The GFB group told the legislators and staff they met with that Congress needs to pass a 2025 farm bill that boosts commodity prices.
GEORGIA FARMERS BRIEFED ON EU AGRICULTURE
Staff with the European Union (EU) Delegation to the U.S. briefed the GFB group on trade between the EU and U.S.
The EU consists of 27 nations on the European continent and Ireland.
“You have about 350 million people in the U.S. We have 450 million. We have considerably less land, so the demand is higher,” EU Delegation Agriculture Counselor Dr. Silke Boger said. "Everything takes place in much less space and that has an impact on what you do, how you regulate and how you need to regulate, what you can do on land and how you can use it.”
While the U.S. has about 1.5 million farms, the EU has more than 9 million. The average U.S. farm has 460 acres, compared to 43 acres per farm in the EU. U.S. farms are generally more diversified, while many EU farms produce specialized crops.
The total value of U.S. farm production in 2023 was $521 billion, compared with the EU’s $581 billion. The per-acre production value on U.S. farms in 2020 was about $587; in the EU it was $1,463 per acre, Boger said.
The EU and U.S. are each other’s largest trade and investment partners. Boger noted that in 2023, the two entities swapped $1.7 trillion worth of goods, services and investments – an average of $4 billion per day.
Boger said trade activity between the EU and Georgia supports about 180,000 jobs in the state. Peanuts are Georgia’s top agricultural export to the EU.
The top ag product the U.S. exports to the EU is soybeans, followed by tropical fruit/nuts and spirits. Of EU exports to the U.S., about one-fifth is wine, followed by spirits, beer, water and mineral water.
Boger said EU Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Cristophe Hansen, who took office Dec. 1, 2024, is tasked with establishing a new vision for agriculture and food on the continent, with the goal of ensuring EU farmers can earn equitable income for their production while improving the EU’s food sovereignty.
GFB members visit with Rep. Buddy Carter, center, (R-GA 1st Dist), in his office. / Photo by Ken Murphree
County Farm Bureau leaders visiting D.C. in March enjoy the city atop the American Farm Bureau office. Photo by Jay Stone
YF&R Update
D.C. trip offers lessons on advocacy
By Levi Davis
Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) traveled to Washington, D.C., in April to learn about the legislative process and how to advocate for agriculture firsthand.
Attendees were selected through an application process open to all GFB members ages 18-35. GFB covered the trip expenses for those selected.
Most of this year’s attendees were new to the trip and D.C. This gave them a fresh perspective and made them eager to learn how to become better ag advocates.
Thirty YF&R members participated in the four-day program April 1-4. The group started their D.C. experience at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) office with an advocacy training session and a briefing by AFBF staff on issues including, but not limited to labor, pesticide regulations, Waters of the U.S., and international trade.
The second day began with a breakfast at AFBF headquarters followed by an informal meeting with Sen. Jon Ossoff. The YF&R members then divided into groups to visit at least two U.S. representatives in their offices on Capitol Hill.
The group met with congressional members and staff from the offices of Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and Reps. Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Andrew Clyde, Mike Collins, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Barry Loudermilk, Lucy McBath, Rich McCormick and Austin Scott. Energy, ag labor and the farm bill were the main topics discussed.
“We’re bringing our stories up here to the representatives and senators. We’re bringing our industry to their office door, and letting them know what we’re struggling with,
For the 41st year, GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C.
and what they can do from their side of things to help us out,” said GFB YF&R Committee Chairman Allie Andrews.
AFBF Senior Director of Government Affairs David Salmonsen said GFB’s YF&R Trip to D.C. is impactful because it shows young farmers and ranchers how they can share their farm experiences to influence how legislators vote.
“Our young people can say ‘What you do now-I’ll be living with the rest of my life. I’ll be operating in a business environment that you are impacting for the rest of my life,’” Salmonsen said.
On the third day of the trip, the YF&R delegation toured the Australian Embassy. Thanks to GFB National Affairs Coordinator Ben Parker for arranging the tour. The group enjoyed hearing about the differences in American and Australian agriculture. Embassy staff discussed Australia’s primary commodities – beef & veal, wheat, dairy, sheep & lamb and wool.
GFB has taken its YF&R members to D.C. every year since 1983, except 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID Pandemic. Plans are underway for the 2026 trip. Applications will be available in late 2025. Those interested should contact their county Farm Bureau office manager and look for information on GFB social media.
GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Levi Davis may be contacted at ledavis@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5233. Anyone ages 18-35 involved in any aspect of agriculture is encouraged to contact your county Farm Bureau to join your local YF&R program
Photo by Logan Thomas
SUMMIT OFFERS STRESSED FARMERS HOPE
By Jennifer Whittaker
Low commodity prices, high production costs and farm losses to numerous storms the past two years have hurt Georgia agriculture. Members of Georgia’s ag community met in Statesboro March 13 for the 2025 Farm Stress Summit to share resources and ways to support farm families.
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper and Kevin Tanner, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), discussed farmer mental health during a panel session.
As a poultry farmer, Tanner shared the stress he experienced this winter worrying that his farm might be affected by avian flu after the disease was discovered on two Elbert County farms. Harper discussed what his family experienced last September after Hurricane Helene destroyed fencing on their farm.
Harper and Tanner have made addressing farmer mental health a priority for the state agencies they run. The Georgia Department of Agriculture and DBHDD have been working with UGA Cooperative Extension, the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance and Georgia Farm Bureau to reduce the stigma of farmers talking about mental health.
“Our state can’t be successful if agriculture’s not successful, and agriculture can’t be successful if farm families and farmers themselves aren’t successful,” Harper said. “If farmers are dealing with mental health challenges, they need to know there are resources for them to tap into.”
Tanner acknowledged that many farmers, especially the older generation like his dad, who is 84, were raised to internalize their emotions. Harper added that most farm kids are taught if you break something you’re responsible for fixing it.
“Farmers tend to be self-reliant, and when it comes to our mental health, we take that same attitude of ‘I broke myself, I’ve got to fix myself.’ We’re less likely to ask people to help us,” Harper said.
TOOLS TO HELP
Tanner said the Farm & Faith Initiative is one way the DBHDD is helping farmers.
“Who do farmers trust? Farmers trust each other. They trust their spouse, and they usually trust their preacher,” Tanner said. “If we can get to the spouse, to other farmers and to the faith leaders, we can start breaking down the stigma and make it ok for farmers to talk about the stress issues they’re facing. We’re seeing that work.”
Tanner acknowledged that there are times that someone may need more help than a friend, spouse or pastor can provide.
“988 is a number our agency operates. It’s also operated nationally. That’s the number you can call 24 hours, seven days a week to speak to a live, trained clinician,” Tanner said.
Farmer & Air Force veteran Connie Baptiste.
Photo by Logan Thomas
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper & Kevin Tanner, commissioner of the Ga. Dept. of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities.
Photo by Logan Thomas
WHOLE FAMILY APPROACH
The DBHDD is also looking to provide support to farm children, Tanner said.
“One of the things we don’t think about is our children who grow up on farms and are facing stress. They know when mom and dad are struggling,” Tanner said.
Since most rural Georgia communities don’t have psychiatrists, Tanner said, primary care pediatricians are being trained to watch for depression and anxiety in children. The pediatricians are paired with a psychiatrist in a metro area so they can work together to address the child’s needs.
Connie Baptiste, a fourth-generation farmer and Air Force veteran, gave the keynote address at the summit. She became a certified peer support specialist after prioritizing her mental wellness and realizing the African American community wasn’t discussing mental wellness.
“Being a Black woman in both the military and farming exposed me to unique stressors. Developing a mental wellness plan for myself proved crucial in navigating life in both spaces,” Baptiste said in a GDA interview honoring her as a 2024 mental health hero. “As an advocate for mental wellness for my military brothers and sisters, I recognized the need for this same advocacy for my agricultural family.” Baptiste says it’s important to focus on the mental health of the whole family.
“Focusing on the whole farmer, family included, will bring some of the younger generation back to the profession,” Baptiste said in her 2024 GDA interview. “Coping and wellness plans for the whole family balance some of the stress of being an agricultural family.”
FARM & RURAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
• agr.georgia.gov/mental-health-agriculture
• site.extension.uga.edu/thriving
• www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind
• gfb.ag/ruralgaopiodresources
• gafarmstress.org/healthy-mindset
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HUFF & WILLIAMS WIN FFA CONTESTS
MOLLY HUFF
won the Georgia FFA Discussion Meet.
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) congratulates Molly Huff of Winder-Barrow for winning the Georgia FFA Discussion Meet and Isabelle Williams of Madison County for winning the Extemporaneous Public Speaking competition! GFB sponsored both Leadership Development Events (LDE) held during the 97th Georgia FFA State Convention, April 24-26 at the Macon Centreplex.
Discussion Meet finalists were Lily Hendrick of Rome, Anna Grace Hunter of Colquitt County and Tessa Dial of Ware County. As the state winner, Huff received a $250 savings bond. Each finalist received a $100 savings bond.
In the last discussion round, the four finalists addressed how Farm Bureau can provide value and opportunity to welcome members from across the broad diversity of modern agriculture.
In the Extemporaneous Speaking competition, Clay Lawrence of Emanuel County Institute placed second, Ryan Kelly of Crisp County finished third, and CarolAnn Cash of Chattooga County finished fourth.
For her speech, “How can science help agriculture meet the challenges of climate change,” Williams received $100 and $500 to travel to the National Convention where she will represent Georgia. Lawrence received $50, Kelly received $25, and Cash received $20. William’s FFA advisor received $100 for coaching the winning student.
FFA Career Development Event and Leadership Development Event awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in a variety of competitions.
ISABELLE WILLIAMS
won the Georgia FFA Extemporaneous Public Speaking contest./Photo by Ga. FFA
The Discussion Meet LDE is designed to teach the three fundamental bases of discussion: constructive criticism, cooperation and communication. The role of the contestants is to exchange ideas and information to solve a problem. The Discussion Meet is patterned after the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmer Discussion Meet. Students discuss topics to foster constructive ideas and problem solve.
The Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE aims to provide the opportunity to enhance the speaking skills of participants. Participants present a speech they prepare in an allotted amount of time to a panel of judges. When the presentation is complete, participants respond to questions from the judges and are scored to determine a winner.
The convention wrapped up on April 26 with the election of the 2025-2026 Georgia FFA Officer Team. The new team consists of State President Remiya Stephens from Rutland, Secretary Levi Leyton from Central of Carroll, North Region Vice-Presidents Leyton Morris from Morgan County and Quinn Pendley from Clarke Central, Central Region Vice-Presidents Aly Corzine from Veterans and Evan Hardeman from Montgomery County, and South Region Vice-Presidents Anna Grace Hunter from Colquitt County and Jose Gomez from Ware County.
For information about all the award winners recognized during the convention, visit https://gfb.ag/25GAFFAwinners.
Photo by Ga. FFA
Hunters for Hungry Accept Crop Damage Permit Deer
Farmers who shoot deer eating their crops under a crop damage permit issued by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are encouraged to donate the deer to the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry (GHFTH) program. There are 23 deer processors across Georgia that farmers may contact to drop off or have the processor pick up deer harvested under the permit.
The venison will be donated to food banks in the farmer’s community. Each donated pound of venison will provide four servings of protein. Visit https://gwf.org/ghfth/ or call 770-787-7887 for more information.
GHFTH, administered by the Georgia Wildlife Federation, has been providing high quality protein to the needy since 1993. During deer season, hunters donate deer they harvest to participating processors at no charge. The processor packages the venison by the pound and distributes the meat to the needy in their community. Processors work with food banks, civic or religious organizations to coordinate dispersal.
Last year, the General Assembly appropriated $300,000 to pay processors $2.50/lb to process deer with the goal of recruiting 50 processors statewide and distributing 120,000 pounds of venison during the 2024-2025 hunting season. To find a processor participating in the GHFTH program, visit https://gwf.org/ghfth/ . Processors who would like to participate can find an application at the same website.
How to secure a crop damage permit
Farmers can secure crop damage/depredation permits from the DNR to harvest deer from spring through the growing season. Visit www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com to apply for a permit in the licenses/permits section. Applications must be made online because applicants must pin the fields they will hunt using a GPS feature. Call 1-800-366-2661 for help with the application.
Farmers may request permits before planting to begin managing nuisance as soon as crops are planted. Antlered deer can be added to permits on request, and permittees can include up to six people to serve as assistants.
Passport Travelers Enjoy Exclusive Farm Event
By Kelly Henry
If you would like to attend one of the signature Farm Passport Farm Tour and Meal events, you must earn your invitation. Tickets cannot be bought but are awarded to Farm Passport travelers who visit at least 20 Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets in the Farm Passport and receive stamps for their visits. To earn an invite to the 2026 farm tour and meal events, passport travelers must visit 20 farms and be Farm Bureau members.
Nearly 600 people qualified for one of this year’s farm experiences based on their 2024 travels. Special thanks are extended to Greenway Farms in Roberta, Gaines Beef in Taylorsville, and Moon Farms in Comer for hosting our three farm and meal events.
This year’s farm tours highlighted livestock production. Each year these events are hosted by different Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets across the state.
These events included a behind-the-scenes tour of the farm, engaging speakers who discussed beef cattle and poultry production, and a great meal. Attendees walked away with a better understanding of animal agriculture and excited to share their experience on the farm.
“I’ve already started collecting stamps so I can come to next year’s event!” Nita Thompson said.
Each year Farm Passport participants gain an expanded network of friends they see while traveling with the Farm Passport and at award events. This makes the program feel like a connected community of farm supporters.
“My husband and I have been passport travelers for the past five years. We never tire of traveling all over our beautiful state and visiting farms and vineyards. We always bring home a load of seasonal vegetables and fruit to enjoy and share with neighbors,” Anne Gauthier said. “We’ve made many friends along the way and always learn something new when we get the chance to interact with the farmers. It’s a rewardin g program in many, many ways! God bless our farmers!”
You can pick up your free 2025 Farm Passport at your county Farm Bureau office or at any of the participating farms. To learn more about this program, the other prizes that can be won and to see a list of participating farms, visit www. gfb.ag/passport
Some of the Farm Passport travelers who visited 20 farms in 2024 enjoyed a farm tour & meal at Greenway Farms in April. Gaines Beef and Moon Farms also hosted events. / Photo by Nita Thompson
Ag in the Classroom Update Farm Bureau celebrates Georgia Ag Week
By Lauren Goble
Monroe County Farm Bureau visited students at two elementary schools where they taught the students about planting seeds and growing plants. They also visited First Baptist Preschool where President Bill Waldrep talked to students about raising lambs.
Pre-K students in Kristian Jerome’s class celebrated Ag Week by coloring ag picture pages and reviewing the lesson Effingham County Office Manager Theresa Pevey taught them about soil.
Georgia farmers work hard every day to keep our state fed and thriving. Georgia Ag Week March 17–21 was all about celebrating their contributions. Each day featured a special theme giving students, teachers and communities exciting ways to explore agriculture. This year marked the 52nd anniversary of National Ag Day.
County Farm Bureaus and agricultural organizations got creative, hosting events throughout March to highlight the importance of agriculture in their communities.
To help teachers bring Ag Week to life, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) created a free, online toolkit featuring videos and resources about soil and gardens. Teachers, Farm Bureau staff and volunteers used these hands-on materials to spark learning in classrooms across Georgia.
The video for Hands-On Garden Day, March 17, introduced students to UGA Extension Agent Joshua Grant, who discussed the importance of soil and how to take a soil sample. The video also gave a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to a soil sample after it reaches the UGA Soil Lab. Watch these videos at gfb.ag/soilsample and gfb.ag/soillab .
For Ag Hero Day, March 19, students met Oconee County farmer Sylvia Crowe, who grows muscadines. Hear her story at gfb.ag/sunwomanfarms
Cherokee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) held an Ag Expo that featured local farmers and artisans selling their products, farm equipment displays, and a horse rescue demo.
For Ag Literacy Day, March 20, GFB teamed up with the Georgia Public Library Service to bring the 2025 American Farm Bureau Foundation Book of the Year, "The Soil in Jackie’s Garden" by Peggy Thomas, to life in multiple languages. Even Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper joined the fun! Watch him read the book at gfb.ag/soilharper Educators who participated and shared their Ag Week celebrations on social media had the chance to win a copy of "The Soil in Jackie’s Garden", along with seeds and other gifts from GFB.
Want to keep the Ag Week fun going? GFB’s Ag in the Classroom program offers an engaging activity page for the 2025 Book of the Year. Explore it at gfb.ag/soilactivities . You can find more great ag book recommendations, each with its own activity page, at gfb.ag/books .
Georgia Farm Bureau Educational Program Coordinator Lauren Goble may be reached at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478-4740679, ext. 5135. Visit www.gfb.ag/AITC for the latest AITC news & for resources to teach children about agriculture.
Women's Leadership Update WLC prepares to connect with local members
By Heather King
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) members have been busy learning and leading in 2025. Committee members have been planning district meetings that will start in June and continue through the fall.
GFB WLC District 3 Chair Carol McQueen will host a meeting at Alo Farms in Peachtree City on June 10. Romy Strickland, GFB WLC District 5 chair, will host her district’s meeting on June 11 at the Shed at Fitzgerald Fruit Farms in Woodbury. GFB WLC District 6 Chair Jane Wooten will host a meeting at Rocking A Farm in Sandersville on July 29. Anna Strickland, GFB WLC District 2 chair, will host her meeting in Danielsville at the R.G. Strickland Mercantile on September 18. Please contact your county Farm Bureau office to register.
Each Women’s Leadership district meeting will feature a leadership development component, as well as fellowship and networking. If your GFB district meeting isn’t listed above and you’re interested in attending it, reach out to your county Farm Bureau office manager to let them know and look for announcements on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group page.
The Georgia Farm Bureau WLC will host its 4th Women in Ag Summit in Savannah on March 19-20, 2026, to provide personal and professional development to women in agriculture. Due to scheduling issues, a summit will not be held this year.
Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Programs Coordinator Hea ther 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.
Attending the AFBF FUSION Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 7-10 were from left, GFB Women’s Leadership Program Coordinator Heather King, Thomas Co. Farm Bureau Office Manager Stacey Merritt, GFB Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Julie Hardy, Thomas Co. GFB Dist. 9; WLC Vice Chairman Alicia Berry, Sumter Co., GFB Dist. 8; GFB Dist. 4 Chair Angie Roberts, McDuffie Co.; GFB Dist. 5 Chair Romy Strickland, Spalding Co.; GFB Dist. 6 Chair Jane Wooten, Jeff Davis Co.; & GFB Dist. 1 Chair Missy Petty. /Photo courtesy of Julie Hardy
GFB Members Attend FUSION Conference
Members of the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers and the GFB Women’s Leadership Committees attended the American Farm Bureau’s Farmers United: Skills, Inspiration, Outreach and Networking (FUSION) Conference held March 7-10 in Denver, Colorado.
The conference is designed for Farm Bureau members serving on county Young Farmer, Women’s Leadership, and Promotion & Engagement committees.
These committee members attended workshops on AFBF’s five major focus areas: consumer outreach, member value, advocacy, outreach/education, and leadership development. Members heard inspiring messages from Temple Grandin, Josh Sundquist, and AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
YF&R members attending the AFBF FUSION conference were, from left, Cole & Nicole Roper, Franklin Co., GFB Dist. 2; Tucker & Emily West, Taliaferro Co., GFB Dist. 4; Taylor Arrington; YFR Committee Chairman Allie Andrews, Lamar Co.; GFB Dist. 5; Cleve & Emilia Jackson, Floyd Co., AFBF YF&R Committee members. / Photo by Levi Davis
Will Joins GFB Staff
Sara Will began serving as Georgia Farm Bureau’s 8th District federation manager on April 14.
Will, a Turner County native and Turner County Farm Bureau member, has worked as an ag teacher in the Turner County School System since 2021, first at Turner County Elementary School (TCES), and then at Turner County High School for the 2024-25 school year.
She was recognized with the ABAC Alumni J. Lamar Branch Award in 2025 for her work at TCES and was named TCES Teacher of the Month in October 2022 and September 2023. Her work included planning and hosting Turner County Ag Day.
“We’re happy to welcome Sara to our staff,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s clear she is committed to promoting agriculture, and we think she will serve the members of our 8th District well.”
Her previous work included a stint as office manager at Calhoun Produce, where she worked with the agritourism
business’s outdoor education curriculum and food safety programs.
As GFB 8th District federation manager, Will assists 17 county Farm Bureaus in upper Southwest Georgia with their daily operations, ag promotion and membership programs. She succeeds Levi Davis, who was named GFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator last fall.
Will earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from ABAC in 2020 and added an Elementary AGED Endorsement in 2023. In April, she completed work for her master’s degree in agricultural education from Murray State University in Kentucky.
Will lives in Cordele.
The GFB 8th District includes Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Houston, Lee, Macon, Marion, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Turner, Webster and Wilcox counties.
Sara Will
GFB TAKES AG TO THE BIG LEAGUES
April 5 was a special evening at Truist Park for the 4th Annual Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Day at the Braves. Although the Atlanta Braves fell short against the Miami Marlins, the energy and spirit from GFB members and supporters made the night a success.
Before the game, GFB guests had the opportunity to participate in the pre-game parade, walking the field and waving to fans throughout the stadium. A highlight of the evening came when the GFB group was featured on the big screen, making it a moment to remember for many attendees.
Guests were encouraged to bring signs highlighting the connection between baseball and agriculture to show off their creativity while spreading ag awareness in a fun and engaging way.
Thank you to everyone who participated! Your creativity and enthusiasm continue to make this event a favorite for families and a great platform for promoting Georgia agriculture.
Our 2025 Braves Sign Contest winners, selected from signs posted on Facebook using #gfbdayatthebraves, were Amanda Miller Wooditch, Alisa Nepp, and Martin Rodgers. Each winner received a $100 Visa gift card in recognition of their creativity and effort. Visit www.gfb.ag/gfbbravesday to see more photos from the event.
Lily Baucom is executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. She may be reached at lrbaucom@gfb.org or 478-405 -3461. Visit www.gafoundationag.org to learn more about GFA programs or to make a tax-deductible donation.
Connor & Millie Wooditch pose with the poster their mom, Amanda, made for GFB Day at the Braves. / Photo courtesy of Amanda Wooditch
John Michael & Megan Seawright attended the Braves game with her nephew Askari Hampton and her parents John & Della McAvoy./Photo courtesy of Megan Seawright
Martin & Nikki Rodgers, and their sons, from left, Reed, Logan and Austin, had a blast attending GFB Day at the Braves and displaying the posters they made during the fan parade and in the stands. / Photo courtesy of Rodgers Family
BOOK DONATIONS PLANT AG LITERACY STATEWIDE
For the eighth year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) and Georgia EMC have partnered to donate a children’s book that accurately portrays agriculture to all 394 libraries in the Georgia Public Library Service.
Each county Farm Bureau received enough copies of “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden,” by Peggy Thomas and illustrated by Neely Daggett, to deliver one to every public library in its county on behalf of GFA and Georgia EMC.
This year’s featured book invites young readers to explore the world beneath their feet as Jackie and her friends discover the importance of healthy soil, composting, and the natural cycle that sustains gardens and farms. Through colorful illustrations and simple science, the book highlights how soil connects us all to the food we grow and eat.
County Georgia Farm Bureau and regional Georgia EMC representatives delivered the books to their local libraries during or around Georgia Ag Week, celebrating both agricultural literacy and community engagement through local libraries across the state.
Other agriculture-themed books available at your local library, courtesy of GFA and Georgia EMC, include: “I Love Strawberries”; “How to Grow a Monster,” about growing zucchini; “John Deere, That’s Who!”; “Right This Very Minute,” which explores how food gets from farm to table; “Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car,” about soybeanbased inventions; “Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish,” which takes readers to a dairy farm; and “My Grandpa, My Tree and Me,” which follows a grandfather and granddaughter as they grow a pecan tree. “Sleep Tight Farm” and “Hi, I’m Billy Blueberry: This Is My Story” are available thanks to GFA.
From left, on behalf of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia EMC, Dodge County Farm Bureau Office Manager Penny Parkerson and Ocmulgee EMC CEO/General Manager John Turner present a copy of "The Soil in Jackie’s Garden" to Ellen Jones with the Ocmulgee Regional Library System. / Photo courtesy of Dodge County Farm Bureau.
Agriculture
Animal Science
Crop Production
Crop and Soil Science
General
Livestock Production
Agribusiness
Agricultural Communication
Agricultural Education Agricultural Studies
Education
Agricultural Technology Management
Natural
Environmental Horticulture
Horticultural Business Management
Turf and Ornamental
Turfgrass Science
Turfgrass and Golf Course Management
GFA Awards Scholarships for Ag Students
By Lily Baucom
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is excited to announce the 26 students selected to receive a total of $70,000 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year, provided they meet eligibility requirements. These awards support Georgia students pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry, or family and consumer sciences at a University System of Georgia institution, Berry College, Emmanuel University, any accredited Georgia college or university with an ag program, or a Georgia accredited technical college.
"The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is proud to support these passionate young leaders," said GFA Board Chairman and GFB President Tom McCall. "Each student brings a unique focus to the field of agriculture, and their studies span across innovative and vital sectors. Georgia Farm Bureau is honored to champion their futures."
The scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors, rising college juniors and seniors, students attending technical colleges, and University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine students specializing in animal care. Recipients are listed below.
COLLEGE FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP FOR AGRICULTURE
Eleven students planning to enter college this fall at the University of Georgia, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), or Georgia Southern University awarded scholarships of $3,000 each are: Addie Murphree, Early County; Agatha Grimes, Candler County; Ellie Floyd, Tattnall County; Emma Lawrence, Johnson County; Jackson Daniel, Hart County; Jackson Edwards, Carroll County; Leyton Morris, Morgan County; Lola Talton, Monroe County; Madison Chastain, Gilmer County; Clayton Hood, Emanuel County; and John Haven Stalvey, Berrien County.
The top two candidates – Hood and Stalvey – each received an additional $1,500.
These 11 students plan to pursue degrees in agricultural education, agricultural communications, agribusiness, avian biology, biology (pre-vet), agricultural engineering, crop & soil science, and poultry science/livestock production.
TECHNICAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FOR AG
Brody Everidge, Dooly County; Khalia Clemons, Gwinnett County; Tyler Long, White County; and Sydney Wade, Gwinnett County were each selected to receive a $1,500 scholarship to attend Southern Regional Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, and North Georgia Technical College. These students plan to pursue degrees in land, forest, and wildlife management; environmental horticulture; and environmental technology.
RISING COLLEGE JR/SR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AG
The foundation awarded nine $2,000 scholarships to these rising college juniors and seniors: Amiyah Elam, Ware County; Payton Adams, Coffee County; Payne Murphree, Early County; Luke Nichols, Berrien County; Jane Ashley Rowell, Coffee County; Alexandrea Steedley, Appling County; Joan Tovar-Martinez, Sumter County; Eva Wessels, Lee County; and Tyler Williams, Miller County. These students attend the University of Georgia and ABAC and are studying agricultural education, agricultural communications, agricultural engineering, agribusiness, avian biology, biological science, regenerative bioscience, social entrepreneurship for consumer well-being, and agricultural technology and systems management.
UGA COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIP
Kloie Varnadoe, Tift County, and Victoria Nave, Carroll County, each received a $5,000 scholarship to support their pursuit of careers in large animal veterinary medicine at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
Lily Baucom is executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. Visit www.gafoundationag.org to learn more about the foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation. Instructions for applying for the 2026-27 scholarships will be posted on the GFA website this fall.
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