HPAI CONFIRMED AT SECOND WALKER CO. FARM & AT HART CO. POULTRY FARM
by Georgia Department of Agriculture
Since Jan. 24, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in coordination with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a second Walker County commercial poultry farm and has confirmed a first case of HPAI at a commercial poultry farm in Hart County.
The second Walker County case, which GDA announced Jan. 24, marks the second detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia in 2026 and the fifth detection overall since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022. GDA announced the first HPAI case at a Walker County commercial poultry farm on Jan. 13.
On Jan. 28, GDA announced a positive case of HPAI at a Hart County commercial poultry farm that is a broiler-breeder operation with about 39,600 at the time of detection. This positive case is the third this year in a commercial operation and the sixth detection overall in Georgia since the national outbreak that began in February 2022.
The second affected premises in Walker County, designated Walker 02, is located within the existing control area for the first case and housed approximately 16,000 broiler breeder chickens. In response, state and federal response teams carried out on-site operations to protect animal health, safeguard personnel, and prevent further spread of the virus. As a result of this swift response, depopulation at Walker 02 was completed on Jan. 23.
“Through routine surveillance testing, a second commercial poultry operation in Walker County has been confirmed positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Control area testing is critical to identifying the virus as early as possible and limiting its spread into the environment,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “HPAI poses a serious threat to Georgia’s number one industry and to the thousands of Georgians whose livelihoods depend on poultry production. The Georgia Department of Agriculture deployed immediately to Walker 02, and our teams are working around the clock to contain the virus, protect our state’s poultry flock, and minimize impacts to other producers and Georgia consumers.”
On Jan. 22, premovement samples were collected from the second Walker County commercial poultry farm and the Georgia Poultry Lab Network (GPLN) returned a presumptive positive result for HPAI. This early notification allowed GDA to immediately initiate on-site response operations in accordance with animal disease response protocols, without waiting for confirmatory testing
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from the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL). Public announcement of an HPAI detection requires confirmation from NVSL, which was received late in the afternoon on Jan. 23. While NVSL testing provides additional information about the virus strain, it does not change the GDA’s required response, which mandates immediate action to contain the disease through depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and disinfecting operations that remain ongoing.
In Walker County, all commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area of the first and second cases remain under quarantine and are subject to enhanced surveillance testing. Due to the proximity of the Walker 01 and Walker 02 premises, the control area was expanded to include five additional farms. Movement of poultry, poultry products, and related materials into, out of, or within the control area is strictly prohibited without a permit issued by GDA. To further prevent the spread of the disease, the affected premises have been secured by GDA Law Enforcement, and access is limited exclusively to authorized personnel.
Meanwhile, in Hart County, out of an abundance of caution and due to severe winter weather, onsite operations at Hart 01 began on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
“With severe cold weather persisting and migratory waterfowl continuing to pass through our state, it is not unexpected to see an uptick in HPAI cases. Biosecurity is our best defense against HPAI, and we’re encouraging producers around Georgia to ensure they continue to implement Gold Standard biosecurity protocols,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Our teams are working around the clock to contain the virus, protect our state’s poultry flock, and minimize any impacts to other producers and Georgia consumers. There is no threat to the safety of our food supply at this time, and no deceased birds ever entered the supply chain.”
On Saturday, Jan. 24, the Hart County poultry producer noticed signs of increased mortality in their flock and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN). Samples were collected, transported to GPLN for testing, and returned a presumptive positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that same day. Due to inclement weather, delivery of the samples to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, IA, have been delayed. The presumptive positive from GPLN allows GDA to immediately begin response operations.
In Hart County, all commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area of the affected farm remain under quarantine and are subject to enhanced surveillance testing. Movement of poultry, poultry products, and related materials into, out of, or within the control area is strictly prohibited without a permit issued by GDA. To further prevent the spread of the disease, the affected premises have been secured by GDA Law Enforcement, and access is limited exclusively to authorized personnel.
Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks:
Move poultry with outside access indoors.
Continue strict biosecurity practices, including a clear line of separation on the farm.
Monitor flocks for clinical signs of HPAI.
Birds may become quiet, not eat or drink, have discolored combs and feet, or die suddenly with no signs of disease.
Report unexplained mortality in your birds immediately.
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Avian Influenza (AI) is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you have concerns about AI in birds, call the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/
Anyone who sees unusually high numbers of dead wild birds in a single location should report this to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds
For more information about HPAI & biosecurity tips visit:
Protect Your Flock (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Avian Influenza FAQ (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS)
AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
FARM BUREAU URGES CONGRESS TO PASS FARM ASSISTANCE
Georgia’s farmers are enduring severe financial strain, with record-high input costs and stagnant crop prices resulting in $800 million in losses for in 2025 alone. While the USDA's Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) payments represent a valuable first step, they fall far short of addressing the full scope of cumulative losses and the ongoing challenges producers face.
“Our farmers and ranchers would much prefer to be self-sufficient, but the current economic environment simply won’t allow it,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “Contending with ever-rising costs without similar adjustments to the prices we receive is not sustainable. We are climbing an extremely steep financial hill, and there is no other way to put it: we need help to ensure that our food and clothing continue to be produced by our farmers and not imported from outside our borders where food safety is not a priority.”
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Sen. ator John Hoeven (R-ND), who chairs the U.S. Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, recently released a framework to expand farm assistance and complement the FBA program, emphasizing the need for additional targeted relief through appropriations or related measures to bridge producers to future reforms like those in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Agriculture Committee members on both sides of the aisle have similarly highlighted the urgency of meaningful supplemental aid for family farmers amid market disruptions and high costs.
The Boozman/Hoeven proposal includes:
• Expanded coverage for the FBA program. Additional funds would cover a greater share of producer losses, allowing farmers to receive bankable and timely assistance. Include acres that were prevented from being planted as eligible acres under the FBA program.
• Align payment limitations with improvements included in the One Big Beautiful Bill to ensure assistance better covers the level of losses farmers are experiencing.
• Additional assistance for losses that exceed national averages. Would provide separate funds for producers who were forced to sell at depressed prices or experienced higher costs of production would help further target the available assistance while allowing the FBA and expanded FBA funds to reach farmers.
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• Expanded support for specialty crop producers. Would provide USDA the funding and flexibility to implement a program that addresses the unique challenges of specialty crops.
• Assistance for sugar beet and cane growers. Would provide sugar farmers needed relief in a time of record losses in an oversupplied market.
• Increased Farm Ownership and Operating Loan limits. Would increase loan limits would improve access to credit that meets current producer demand.
Farm Bureau says Congress must act decisively in the FY2026 appropriations bills to provide immediate, substantial economic relief. Without it, more farms will close, rural America will suffer, and our domestic food security will be at risk.
Timely action is essential to keep Georgia's farms operating and our nation fed from its own soil. GFB is asking Georgians to help protect the state’s agriculture by contacting their congressmen today and demand action. Pre-drafted comments are available by visiting https://gfb.ag/GFBtakeaction012726 Please feel free to edit your comments to give them a more personal touch.
FOREST INDUSTRY TASK FORCE MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS
State legislators are taking a hard look at Georgia’s forest industry challenges. A new report details the impact recent mill closures are expected to have on the state’s economy and to affected Georgians. Georgia Tech estimates those closures will cause a $2.9 billion loss to the state, with nearly 7,000 jobs eliminated.
At Gov. Brian Kemp’s direction, Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) Director Johnny Sabo led a special task force that examined current issues and possible solutions. The task force report details recommendations to bolster the forest products sector, diversify markets, and secure the industry’s long-term sustainability.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” Sabo said. “To witness real change, it will require focused collaboration over the next several years. With the dedication of so many, I am confident Georgia will remain the #1 forestry state in the nation.”
In 2024, the forest industry generated $880 million in tax revenue and had a $59.4 billion total impact on Georgia. However, four mill shutdowns and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene created unprecedented challenges.
The task force report lists budget priorities to be considered by legislators in the 2026 Georgia General Assembly, which began last week.
Recommended budget priorities are:
• Design and construction of a mass timber state office to serve as a pilot project for future endeavors and attract a mass timber manufacturing facility to Georgia ($2.6 million). Mass timber refers to engineered wood products formed by bonding, layering, or fastening components together to create large, solid, and structural panels, posts, and beams.
• Expand Georgia Grown Wood Products marketing to strengthen current and future manufacturing investment. ($660,000).
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• Support timber industry’s expansion into emerging markets through research, product testing, and private partnerships. Provide funding for Georgia Forestry Innovation Initiative with Georgia Tech. ($10.9 million).
The complete report can be accessed at https://gfb.ag/ForestryTFreport.
GEORGIA PEANUT SHOW INCLUDES PEANUT UPDATES & INDUSTRY AWARDS
By Jennifer Whittaker
Peanuts took center stage Jan. 15 at the 49th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show & Conference at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) sponsors the one-day event each year. Peanut growers had the opportunity to view the products and services of about 100 exhibitors.
The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar covering the 2025 peanut crop’s yield & quality and what to expect in 2026. Special emphasis was placed on how growers can remain profitable this year while also controlling diseases, pests and weeds in their crops. An industry seed seminar was held, which highlighted peanut varieties available for 2025. Awards were presented to outstanding farmers and those who have helped further the Georgia peanut industry through research, promotion and service.
Peanut farmers & industry supporters honored
The day kicked off with a breakfast during which the GPC and AgriSupply presented the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmers of the Year Awards to individuals representing each of the commission’s five districts. The 2026 recipients are: GPC District 1 - Willard Mims of Seminole County; District 2 – Jones Brothers Farms of Tift County; GPC District 3 – Carl Hood of Burke County; GPC District 4 – Keith Moore of Cordele County and GPC District 5 – Rodney Locke of Terrell County.
The GPC started this award to honor farmers who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continue to be the highest quality. A grower from each of the GPC Districts is selected each year.
During the Peanut Farm Show lunch, the GPC presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts. Award recipients were: Research & Education Award – Dr. Steve Brown, retired executive director of The Peanut Research Foundation; Media Award - Tommy Rountree, retired editor and publisher of The Dawson News and Amanda Huber, former editor of The Peanut Grower; Innovator Award – Frank Nolin, owner and operator of Nolin Steel; Distinguished Service Award – Dr. Scott Monfort, UGA Extension peanut agronomist who leads the UGA Extension Peanut Team; Special Award - Andy Bell, 2021 chairman of the National Peanut Board and Ken Barton, retired executive director of the Florida Peanut Producers Association.
Also, during the awards lunch, Don Koehler, former GPC executive director and now GPC senior executive director, was inducted into the commission’s Georgia Peanut Hall of Fame. A portrait of Koehler, unveiled at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show, will be displayed at GPC headquarters in Tifton. Koehler has served as executive director of GPC since 1986. His announced retirement date is July 31. Throughout his 40 years of service to Georgia’s peanut
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farmers, he has represented their interests on initiatives ranging from farm bills and disaster assistance to appropriations requests and more. He is the eighth person to be inducted into the hall of fame.
Will Anderson of Bulloch County received the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award sponsored by the GPC and BASF. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer annually based on the applicant’s overall farm operation, environmental and stewardship practices, and leadership and community service activities. Anderson grows peanuts, cotton and corn, as well as has eight broiler houses. Anderson strives to incorporate new and innovative ways to increase his crop yields and be a natural steward of the land while also hosting on-farm research trials for the Bulloch County Extension Service. He is a Bulloch County Farm Bureau member.
GPC begins new era with GPC Executive Director Arnold
Georgia Peanut Commission Executive Director Taylor Arnold, who officially started his new position Jan. 1, introduced himself to Georgia peanut growers during the Georgia Peanut Show Lunch.
“I’m very excited about joining the staff of the Georgia Peanut Commission. It’s very humbling to work for all of you and this industry,” Arnold said. “I’m joining an incredible staff that has been doing incredible things. I look forward to bringing value to my role as I work for you and I guarantee I will work hard for the industry.”
Arnold, a native of Calhoun County, is replacing Don Koehler, who announced at last year’s show he would retire on July 31. Koehler will serve as senior executive director until his retirement on July 31. Koehler will have worked at the GPC for 40 years as executive director when he retires.
Arnold has an extensive background in agricultural leadership, farm program administration, and on-the-ground experience in production agriculture. From 2017 until December 2025, he served as county executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Worth County, where he managed county office operations, supervised staff, and oversaw the implementation of key federal programs supporting farmers. In this role, Arnold directed programs including the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage, Conservation Reserve Program, Livestock Forage Program, and multiple disaster assistance initiatives. He also chaired the District Payment Eligibility and Limitation Review team, ensuring compliance and accuracy across the region.
Arnold holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mercer University, where he served as president and vice president of his fraternity, director of judicial affairs for the Interfraternity Council and volunteered extensively with IRS VITA and Relay for Life.
Arnold hit the ground running by joining GPC staff, directors and advisory board members in promoting Georgia peanuts, Jan. 10-12, at the American Farm Bureau Convention in California. The red packets of Georgia peanuts have become a much sought-after staple with AFBF members. Washington, D.C., Update
Bob Redding with the Redding Firm, which represents the U.S. Peanut Federation in D.C., gave an update on Washington happenings. Redding discussed farm bill peanut program provisions that
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were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Congress passed last July and President Trump signed into law July 4, 2025.
“Thank you for letting me represent you in Washington, I know the farm economy has been strained for several years now, and we've been working on ways to try and make it better. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act increases the reference price [for peanuts] from $535 a ton to $635 a ton. It increases the loan rate for peanuts from $355 per ton to $390 per ton and allows farmers to add new base acres of peanuts. We were also able to maintain a separate peanut payment limit and were able to get it bumped from $125,000 to $155,000 per entity and indexed to inflation in future years,” Redding said. “In the long run we have the absolute best peanut program and safety net that we’ve had in 20 years or more.”
In the short run, however, Redding acknowledged farmers are struggling from farming the last couple of years under the old farm bill with outdated reference prices that didn’t cover rising inflation and production costs.
“I know the farm economy has been strained for several years now, and we've been working on ways to try and make it better,” Redding said.
He acknowledged the bridge payments the USDA announced in early December that will send $11 billion to row crop growers by the end of February.
“The U.S. Peanut Federation signed a letter yesterday, Jan. 14, along with other southern commodity ag groups and the American Farm Bureau Federation, asking Congress to take a look and see what they could do before we get into this problem again. We're hopeful we will see another economic assistance package roll out sometime between now and the planning of peanuts appropriations trade, we've still got a long way to go,” Redding said.
He praised members of Congress that represent ag areas, Senators and House members, for being aware of the ag economic crisis.
“They understand. They're being at home with constituents and reading about it. A lot of our banking and foreign credit groups are sharing data in Washington, as well as our land grant universities about farm economy and what's happening on the farm right now, from cost production as well as a price perspective,” Redding said. “We're doing as much as we can to try and get assistance in the short term. What's been coming has been helpful, but clearly, we need more, so we're working on that.”
GFB SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR AG TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
The year 1954 marked the first time there were more tractors than mules on Georgia farms, and in the 70+ years since, advancements in technology have shown up in all sectors of agriculture. From soil moisture monitoring to GPS-guided machinery to robotic dairy milking machines, the technological developments to enhance farm efficiency and even viability are nothing short of astounding.
With modern tools and practices, though, come new challenges. Farmers in recent years have encountered hurdles to things like performing their own repairs on farm equipment, computer software licensing and warranty issues related to technological developments.
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To help farmers overcome these challenges and others to make full use of the latest technology, Georgia Farm Bureau has established the Agricultural Technology Committee, a special-issue body intended to address needs highlighted through the organization’s grassroots policy development process.
The committee will be working on identifying policy and advocacy priorities surrounding agricultural technology. The committee is open to any GFB member to apply. If you have interest and expertise in ag. technology, please consider applying to serve on the committee. The deadline for applications has been extended to Jan. 31. Go to https://gfb.ag/GFBAgTechCmte to apply for a seat on the committee.
Please contact Raynor Churchwell at rdchurchwell@gfb.org for more information.
USDA PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO AID RECOVERY FROM WINTER WEATHER
Winter storms create significant challenges and can result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus. USDA offers several programs to help with recovery from farm losses related to winter storms.
Risk Management
Producers with NAP coverage should report crop damage to their local FSA office and must file a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, except for handharvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.
Producers with risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days.
Disaster Assistance
USDA also offers disaster assistance programs, which are especially important to livestock, fruit and vegetable, specialty and perennial crop producers.
Producers who experience livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or sell injured livestock at a reduced price may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). To participate in LIP, producers will have to provide acceptable documentation of death losses or evidence of reduced sales due to injuries resulting from an eligible adverse weather event and must submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.
Meanwhile, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses. ELAP also includes costs associated with equipment rental fees for hay lifts and snow removal. For ELAP, producers are required to complete a notice of loss and application for payment to their local FSA office no later than March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.
Additionally, eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. TAP complements the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For TAP, a
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program application must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or the date when the loss of the trees, bushes or vines is apparent.
Other Programs
FSA’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests.
FSA also offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. Loans can help producers replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts and other needs. Additionally, FSA offers several loan servicing options available for borrowers who are unable to make scheduled payments on their farm loan programs debt to the agency because of reasons beyond their control.
Meanwhile, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is always available to provide technical assistance during the recovery process by assisting producers to plan and implement conservation practices on farms, rangelands, and working forests impacted by natural disasters. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) can help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.
Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by winter weather.
To inquire about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center
UGA AG FORECAST: ’26 TO BE CHALLENGING; GELBER NAMED FARMER OF YEAR
By Jennifer Whittaker
The UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences held its 2026 Ag Forecast in Tifton Jan. 23. The annual event included economic analysis and projections from UGA CAES economists, a panel discussion of issues facing Georgia farmers and an announcement that Macon County dairy producer Pete Gelber is the 2026 Georgia Farmer of the Year. Gelber will represent Georgia in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest.
UGA CAES Dean & Director Dr. Nick Place moderated a panel discussion made up of Colquitt County vegetable producer Kent Hamilton, Georgia Sen. Russ Goodman and Georgia FSA Director Duncan Johnson. The panelists discussed ag topics such as labor issues, crop production costs and USDA farm programs. Hamilton was the 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Goodman chairs the Georgia Senate Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee and grows blueberries and timber.
Economic outlook for Georgia crops
Amanda Smith a senior public service associate with the UGA CAES, provided analysis of the 2025 crop year for the U.S. and Georgia and shared insights about the coming year. The 2026 outlook for cotton remains challenging, Smith said, due to Brazil’s rising production, China buying less U.S. cotton and global stocks exceeding demand. Growers will need to carefully manage expenses with cotton futures in the mid-60s.
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U.S. and Georgia peanut growers are expected to plant high acreage this year as they did in 2025. Georgia forward contracts are expected to range from $400-$425/ton at most.
Georgia farmers are expected to plant more acres of corn in 2026, while soybean and wheat acres are expected to be similar to 2025. Projected prices for corn, soybeans and wheat are near or below the break-even cost of production so tight margins are expected to continue this year for these crops.
Blueberries are expected to again lead the Georgia fruit and tree nut sector in 2026. Overall, consumer and grower price indexes should remain strong this year.
Total acres of harvested vegetables are expected to decrease in 2026, but the value of production will continue to grow because of yield increases due to good production practices. The consumer price index for vegetables is expected to remain strong this year.
Consumers are expected to eat more fresh vegetables this year, up from last year.
Overall economic outlook
Dr. Ford Ramsey, UGA CAES associate professor, said the overall 2026 U.S. economic forecast calls for the second consecutive year of slow economic growth as trade wars and restrictive immigration policies impact the economy. The U.S. economy is expected to grow by about 2% this year. Inflation rates will likely fall toward the Federal Reserve’s target inflation rate of 2%.
Changes to farm bill programs in the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, disaster assistance and economic assistance payments will be important in keeping farmers afloat, Ramsey said, as many commodities will continue to experience cost-price squeeze again in 2026. Livestock prices will also help.
Interest and H-2A labor rates, fuel and electricity farm expenses are expected to decrease as fertilizer costs increase in 2026.
Visit https://gfb.ag/25caesagimpactreport to read the latest Georgia Ag Impact Report published by the UGA CAES. – please add this sentence.
Macon County dairy producer named
Georgia
Farmer of the Year
UGA Assistant Dean for Extension Lawton Stewart announced Pete Gelber, a Macon County dairy producer, was selected by UGA Extension as the Georgia Farmer of the Year. Gelber will represent Georgia in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest. Gelber, his wife, Dr. Elisabeth Reid, his son, Richard, and business partner, Andre Coen, co-own and operate Barrington dairy, which has more than 15,000 cows.
The dairy’s Holsteins are milked three times a day in three parlors: a 120-stall rotary parlor, a double-42 parallel parlor and a double-35 parallel parlor. Richard manages crops, irrigation and engineering on the farm. Reid and Coen are veterinarians and manage the cows. Gelber and his partners employ around 200 people.
Stewart said Gelber was selected for the sustainability practices he has implemented on his dairy, for how well Gelber and his partners take care of their herd and for the emphasis Gelber places on taking care of the dairy’s employees.
UGA Extension coordinates the selection of the Georgia farmer annually. County Extension agents are encouraged to nominate outstanding farmers. Macon County Extension Coordinator and Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent Madison Warbington Luke nominated Gelber.
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"Mr. Pete is a pioneer in his field. He's built a state-of-the-art facility where he focuses on sustainability while maximizing yields and reducing inputs," Luke said in her nomination. "Mr. Pete is a people person; he takes care of the people that work for him and takes care of his community. He's a leader in the dairy industry and a leader in his community."
Gelber, a native of the Bronx, New York City, was introduced to dairy farming as a kid when his parents took their kids to their cabin each summer near a small dairy farm in upstate New York. Gelber worked at the dairy and later obtained a degree in animal science and agribusiness. After college he worked for Ron St. John at his dairy in western New York. When St. John moved to Florida to dairy, Gelber became the herdsman at that farm.
“Ron St. John turned into my mentor, my best friend, my partner, then my banker. He gave me a lot of opportunity, and I took it with both hands,” Gelber said. “We bought these bankrupt dairies called Masstock Dairy in Macon County back around 2000. For a number of years, we tried to run it from Florida and failed miserably. In 2007 I moved up here to run it and bought my partners out in 2013. Besides being proud of having happy cows with super milk production and super milk quality, I’m happy to have happy employees. We have them participate in our profitability. We have 200 employees, but we’re still a family farm. We just have 200 families.”
Gelber said he wants to use the platform of being Georgia Farmer of the Year to promote Georgia’s dairy sector.
“Milk has gotten cool again. Everybody talks about the protein in milk and what a wonderful food it is,” Gelber said. “Dairy is growing in our state, and we need more processing, not just regular milk sold in gallon jugs but milk like Fairlife and Lactaid.”
UGA CAES Dean Dr. Nick Place said Georgia is the only state in the Southeast that’s increasing its milk production. In the last 15 years, Georgia has increased its milk production 20% he said.
“There’s an opportunity to grow processing. We as a college are actively working with producers and others to try to make that happen,” Place said.
HOTEL OPENS AT GEORGIA NATIONAL FAIRGROUNDS & AGRICENTER
Retreat Hotels & Resorts, a new dual-branded Fairfield by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel located on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, is now open and accepting guests.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Stephen Shimp, Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter executive director. “We now have a world-class hotel that enhances our operations. The Retreat team has been on-site, attentive to every detail. We thank them and the entire Fairgrounds team for helping us reach this milestone.”
The 129-room property brings two Marriott brands under one roof, offering 66 TownePlace Suites rooms and 63 Fairfield rooms. Designed with inspiration from the region’s agrarian heritage and equine culture, the hotel features a custom aesthetic inside and out, crafted to complement the Fairgrounds and create a welcoming oasis for travelers.
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Guests will enjoy amenities including the 1824 Kitchen & Bar, complimentary breakfast, a spacious pool and spa, a fitness center, guest laundry facilities, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Visible from I-75, the hotel is ideally situated on the Fairgrounds and connected via an airconditioned corridor to the Miller-Murphy-Howard Conference Center. It is the first Marriott property in the Perry market and the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius.
The Fairgrounds located 100 miles south of Atlanta and near Robins Air Force Base welcomes more than one million visitors annually, positioning the hotel to serve both Georgians and international guests.
The hotel is open and welcomes guests at 100 General Courtney Hodges Blvd. in Perry. Guests can reserve rooms at the Fairfield by clicking here. Guests can reserve rooms at the TownePlace by clicking here.
ABAC NAMES NEW DEAN OF STAFFORD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS School earns ACBSP accreditation
On Jan. 23, ABAC announced the appointment of Dr. Yasemin Öcal Atinc as dean of the Stafford School of Business, bringing two decades of academic leadership, innovative program development, and extensive global teaching experience to the role. Her first day in the role will be Feb. 16.
“On behalf of the ABAC community, I welcome Dr. Atinc as the new dean of the Stafford School of Business. I am confident she will continue its positive trajectory which includes the recently announced ACBSP accreditation and the new Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership," ABAC President Tracy Brundage said. “We’re also proud that our students now have the option to choose between three concentrations in the Bachelor of Science in Business: general business, economics, and management. Combining Dr. Atinc’s leadership with this momentum, the SSB is well positioned to advance its mission, expand its reach, and continue building a culture of excellence under her stewardship.”
Dr. Atinc joins ABAC from East Texas A&M University, where she most recently served as chief academic officer for extended sites, overseeing four campuses and guiding initiatives in strategic planning, enrollment management, curriculum development, budgeting, personnel, and community partnerships. Her leadership has been widely recognized for strengthening academic operations and fostering collaborative, student-centered environments. During her tenure at East Texas A&M University, Dr. Atinc also served as faculty senate president, successfully leading multiple governance, curriculum, strategic planning, and budget initiatives. She represented the institution on both the A&M System Faculty Senate and the Texas Council of Senates, contributing to shared governance at the state and system levels.
Her previous appointments include roles at Auburn University at Montgomery, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, and Anadolu Bil Vocational School of Higher Education in Istanbul, where she also served as department head of management. In that role, she led curriculum development, accreditation reporting, European Union project involvement, and major departmental administrative responsibilities.
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The Stafford School of Business was recently awarded the prestigious Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation, which ABAC announced on Jan. 8. The accreditation is good for 10 years.
ACBSP accreditation brings several positive outcomes to the ABAC business community and Stafford School of Business (SSB), according to retiring Interim Dean Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla, who said the accreditation strengthens the school’s credibility and enhances its graduates’ employability, as well as helping the Tifton school boost enrollment, attract faculty and cultivate strategic partnerships.
“This accreditation is a powerful affirmation of the quality of education our students receive at the Stafford School of Business,” Brundage said. “It tells our students and their future employers that ABAC graduates are prepared, competitive, and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. This recognition reinforces the high caliber of our faculty, curriculum, and graduates.”
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FRESH MARKET TOMATOES AND PECANS CROP INSURANCE
Feb. 2 deadline to enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia fresh market tomato and pecan growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2025 crop year is Feb. 2 Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the Feb. 2 sales closing date to do so. Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for fresh market tomato producers in Colquitt, Decatur, Grady, Mitchell, Seminole and Tift counties. Please contact your insurance agent to see if your county is covered. Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2026 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at https://rma.usda.gov The Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Company contracts with four companies – American Farm Bureau Insurance Services Inc., Rain & Hail, Sompo, and Great American Insurance to offer crop insurance. GFB has more than 70 experienced crop insurance agents (and growing) across the state to help their members protect their investment. Find your local agent and learn more at www.GFBInsurance.com or email crops@gfbinsurance.com for more details. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
GEORGIA PEANUT COMMISSION RESEARCH REPORT DAY
Feb. 4 9 a.m. -3:40 p.m. NESPAL Building, UGA Tifton Campus Tifton The annual Georgia Peanut Commission Research Report Day will be held in the Seminar Room of the National Environmentally Sound Production Agriculture Laboratory building on the University of Georgia Tifton Campus. It will begin at 9 a.m. Reports from those receiving research support from the Georgia Peanut Commission will be presented in 10-minute increments. GPC awarded $769,129 to mostly Georgia peanut researchers last year, which funded 40 research projects at UGA, ABAC, Kennesaw State University & the USDA Ag Research Service. The projects primarily focused on peanut variety breeding, conservation methods, irrigation and water management, and pest, weed and disease management. To see the agenda for the event, visit https://gapeanuts.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026_gpcresearchreportdayagenda.pdf .
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2026 GFB WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT
March 19-20 Marriott Savannah Riverfront Savannah
Feb. 5 registration deadline
This conference, a time of fun, fellowship and personal and professional development, is open to any woman with an interest in the agriculture industry – female farmers, agriculture industry professionals, Farm Bureau volunteers, and others. Registration is $100 per person and a preconference tour of the UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium is available on a limited space basis for $30 per person. To register for the summit, visit https://georgiafarmbureau.regfox.com/2026-women-in-ag-summit. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations. Conference includes a tour of the UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium in Savannah. A block of rooms has been secured at The Marriott Savannah Riverfront for $289/night + taxes and hotel fees. To make hotel reservations, please call using the following number, 1-800-228-9290, and mention GFB Women in Ag Summit. For more information, contact Heather King at hcking@gfb.org.
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Feb. 10 Georgia Freight Depot/Georgia State Capitol Atlanta
This annual event allows Georgia Farm Bureau members who registered a chance to meet with their state legislators on site at the capitol. Orientation begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Room at the Georgia Freight Depot, located on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. at Underground Atlanta. After orientation, GFB members are encouraged to meet legislators and return with them for a complimentary lunch. Complimentary parking will be available at the Georgia State University Stadium Blue lot located at 76 Fulton St., SW, and shuttle bus service will run from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
33rd ANNUAL UGA FOCUS ON GENOMIC ENHANCED EPDS BULL SALE
Feb. 11 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena (Beef Short Course) 9 a.m. Athens
Feb. 12 UGA Livestock Instructional Arena Noon Athens
This sale will include 35 Angus Bulls, three registered Angus open heifers, and 30 Angus-Cross commercial open heifers. For more information, contact Carroll T. Cannon at 229/881-0721 or 229/881-2705 or email CannonMarketingCompany@gmail.com. Visit www.ugabeef.com/focusonepds for videos of the cattle and to see the sale catalog. The UGA Livestock Instructional Arena is located at 2600 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, Ga. 30605.
SAVANNAH RIVER FIRE FESTIVAL
Feb. 21 Warnell Forest Education Center, 5869, S. Ga. 17 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Guyton Enjoy a fun day outdoors celebrating how prescribed fire is good for Georgia’s forests and meet some of the organizations using it to support healthy wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of wildfires. It’s a free festival for the whole family with fire equipment, food trucks, face painting, and games! In case of inclement weather, the rain date for this event is Feb. 28. For more information contact mkwarnellcenter@uga.edu
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2026 GEORGIA CITRUS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Feb. 24 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tifton
The 2026 Georgia Citrus Association Conference, following the theme, “Securing a Resilient Future for Georgia Citrus,” will feature presentations on collaboration, how Brazilian producers have remained productive despite Citrus Greening, combating Citrus Greening in Georgia, weed control, soil health and orchard longevity. Individual one-year membership dues, which includes conference registration, are $75 until Feb. 14 and $100 after. Click here to join or renew. The association is also seeking sponsors for the event: Bronze Sponsor ($500) – receives one conference booth (10'x10'), company name printed on program as a Bronze sponsor and two conference attendees. Silver Sponsor ($1,000) - one conference booth (10'x10'), company name printed on program as a Silver sponsor, GCA website ad, two conference attendees. Gold Sponsor ($2,000) - one conference booth (10'x10'), logo printed on program as a Gold sponsor, recognition as GCA Conference break sponsor, GCA website ad, two conference attendees
Platinum Sponsor ($5,000) - one conference booth (10'x10'), logo printed on program as a Platinum sponsor, recognition as GCA Conference lunch & break sponsor, company flyer emailed to every GCA member, GCA website ad, two conference attendees. Click here to reserve your place. The UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center is located at 15 R D C Rd, Tifton, GA 31794
Contact the GCA at help@georgiacitrusassociation.org for more information.
GEORGIA FORAGE & GRASSLAND COUNCIL GRAZING SUMMIT
Feb. 27-28 City Station Conference Center Carrollton
Join the Georgia Forage & Grassland Council Grazing Summit to learn practical tips for better forage and grazing. Listen to experienced graziers and experts and take part in panel talks. Whether you want to improve grazing, boost soil health, or raise more productive livestock, the Grazing Summit 2026 offers valuable resources. For more information click here.
GEORGIA FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE SCHOLARSHIPS
March 1 deadline to apply
The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering $66,000 worth of scholarships in 2026 in support of students planning to or already engaged in studies to prepare them for careers in agriculture and ag-related fields. There are five scholarship classifications: The Scholarship for Agriculture for graduating high school seniors who plan to enter college for Fall 2026 semester and pursue a career focusing on agriculture; the Rising Junior/Senior Scholarship for agriculture for current college students who are at least two semesters away from completing their undergraduate degree; the Back to Farm Scholarship for rising junior/senior college students who have shown a clear commitment to returning to the farm to build a career in production agriculture; the Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture for students enrolled at a school in the Technical College System of Georgia and majoring in an ag or ag-related field of study; and the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship is for current veterinary medicine students specializing in large animal/food animal practice. The deadline to apply for all of these scholarships is March 1, 2026. For more information or to apply, visit www.gafoundationag.org/scholarships
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GFB 2026 MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL ART CONTESTS
March 6 deadline for county Farm Bureaus to submit entries Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now accepting entries for the 2026 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art contests. Students who submit their artwork have the chance to win some great cash prizes! The GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students statewide. The 10 GFB district winners of the bookmark contest will receive $100 each and compete for the state prize of $150. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. The GFB High School Art Contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in ninth through 12th grades. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will receive a cash prize of $100. The 10 GFB district art contest winners will compete for the state prize of $250 cash. County Farm Bureaus may also offer prizes to their local winners. Students may enter either contest in the county in which they live or attend school but not both counties. To enter either contest, students or teachers should contact their county Farm Bureau for an official entry form and complete contest rules and to learn the county’s February deadline for entering the contests. County Farm Bureaus must submit their entries to Georgia Farm Bureau for the state contests by March 6. For more information about the contests contact your county Farm Bureau office Students and teachers may visit https://gfb.ag/video to view a video about Georgia agriculture, https://www.gfb.org/connect/farmmarkets to find a farm near you or https://gfb.ag/25caesagimpactreport to access info about Georgia agriculture.
2026 GEORGIA FARM STRESS SUMMIT
March 12 Pettigrew Center, Fort Valley State University 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fort Valley The 2026 Georgia Farm Stress Summit will bring together farmers, farm families, health care providers, government leaders, agricultural advocates, agribusinesses, nonprofits and others committed to addressing farm stress in their rural communities. The summit will focus on connecting communities with resources and building strong cross-sector partnerships. For more information, visit https://gafarmstress.org/stress-summit2026/.
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NATIONAL WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE SURVEY
March 31 deadline to submit AFBF’s Women’s Leadership program has partnered with a team of researchers, CoBank and JBS to launch this study that will be live through March 31. This nationwide initiative will explore women’s leadership and involvement in agriculture, identify barriers and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to strengthen engagement and support systems across the U.S. agricultural sector from production and agribusiness to advocacy, education and entrepreneurship. This survey is open to individuals age 18 and older in the U.S. and Puerto Rico who have an interest or involvement in agriculture, including those who work in production agriculture, agribusiness, education, advocacy or related fields. This includes perspectives of both men and women. The survey takes 12-18 minutes to complete. After completing the survey, participants may choose to sign up for a follow-up focus group or key informant interview. These sessions will allow for deeper exploration of themes and experiences. Languages: The survey and focus groups will be available in English and Spanish. Results: Results from the study will be shared at the International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE Summit, to be held June 1-3 in Washington, D.C, and a public summary of results will be shared. For more information or to take the survey, visit www.womeninagsurvey.com
SDRP SECOND STAGE, MILK AND ON-FARM STORAGE PAYMENTS
April 30 deadline to apply for SDRP Stage One and Stage Two assistance Stage Two of SDRP covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage One program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow loss), uncovered and quality losses. For Stage Two program details, including fact sheets, please visit https://fsa.usda.gov/sdrp. The first stage, announced in July, remains available to producers who received an indemnity under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for eligible crop losses due to qualifying 2023 and 2024 natural disaster events. FSA county offices will begin accepting SDRP Stage Two applications on Nov. 24. Producers have until April 30 to apply for both Stage One and Stage Two assistance. Information and a fact sheet are available online at https://fsa.usda.gov/ofsclp
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GFB HAY DIRECTORY
GFB is accepting listings for its online hay directory. Farm Bureau members with hay for sale or who offer custom harvesting or custom sprigging services are invited to list their hay and/or services in the GFB Quality Hay Directory published on the GFB website. Hay for sale or services can be listed or removed from the directory throughout the year. To be included in GFB’s online hay directory, complete a submission form by visiting your county Farm Bureau office or online at www.gfb.ag/hay. Please include a $10 check made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau for each listing of hay, custom harvesting or custom sprigging. Multiple listings are allowed. Listings can be updated in the directory throughout the year as hay inventories change. Hay producers who entered the 2024 GFB Quality Hay Contest receive a free listing in the online GFB Hay Directory.
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OFFER FERAL HOG CONTROL SERVICES
For a list of feral hog control services available in each GACD Conservation District, visit https://gfb.ag/feralhoggacdresources.
UGA CITRUS ORCHARD NUTRITIONAL SURVEY
For the past three growing seasons, the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Labs (AESL) has been conducting a foliar nutrient survey of Georgia's citrus industry with funding from the USDA and Georgia Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. One of the conditions of the project’s grant funding is that researchers seek stakeholder feedback on the effectiveness of the program, and how this work may influence future grower decisions. The project researchers ask that you please complete this short (7 questions, 3-5 minutes) Citrus Nutrition Questionnaire here. These results will help UGA researchers demonstrate the importance of this work to their sponsors, which increases the likelihood of future funding in this area. If you would like to learn more about this project and the results of the study, visit the project website.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE OFFERS SUPPORT
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting on 988lifeline.org 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You don’t have to be suicidal to reach out. 988 trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.