GFB HOLDS SPRING COMMODITY MEETING TO DISCUSS AG ISSUES
Despite heavy rain and the threat of tornadoes, 195 members of Georgia Farm Bureau’s Commodity Advisory Committees and representatives of Georgia ag organizations drove through turbulent weather to meet at the GFB office in Macon on March 16 to discuss issues their commodities are facing and to review the organization’s policy pertaining to their crops or livestock. GFB policy staff gave the committee members updates on ag policy being considered at the state and national level.
GFB has 20 commodity committees – one for each of the major crops or livestock Georgia farmers produce, one for agritourism and direct marketing venues, and one for ag water issues.
During a lunch program, committee members got to meet Kevin Dancy, vice president and regional executive for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Because the Federal Reserve was meeting on March 17 and 18 to discuss the current economic outlook and set interest rates, Dancy was prohibited from discussing Federal Reserve policy or what the Fed might do regarding interest rates.
Instead, Dancy asked the farmers to share their thoughts on how rising input costs, particularly fertilizer and fuel costs, ag labor, tariffs and other factors are causing the economic problems they are experiencing.
“I spend my time traveling and talking to farmers, CEOs, industries, I mean everybody, nonprofits, government, to try to get a real-time picture of what the economy is doing and where things are,” Dancy said. “We can look at data, and it will paint one picture, but then when you get out and start talking to people, you get some color to that picture, and it’s not necessarily reflective of what the data says. We know that everybody’s experience is different. When you talk about low, moderate, middle class, working families, the experience of the economy is not the same booming economy that you see with folks that are invested in the stock market.”
The first question Dancy asked the group of Georgia farmers was, “If you saw interest rates cut, would you still borrow money?”
GFB President Tom McCall gave this answer, “If you drop interest rates, then, yeah, we’re going to borrow money. Ninety-nine percent of farmers don't have a choice. You have to borrow money to put in a crop and buy a piece of machinery or sometimes fix what you have, but what the Fed needs to understand is the money they {farmers} save on cheaper interest rates will go back into March 25, 2026
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the economy. It's not going back into some savings account somewhere that’s not benefiting the general public.”
Dancy asked if having lower interest rates would help farmers tackle higher input costs.
Jeff Davis row crop farmer Jerry Wooten replied, Jeff Davis County row crop farmer Jerry Wooten replied, “When I got out of high school in 1972 interest was about 8%. I could borrow $8,000 and farm around 350 acres on it. I borrowed that $8,000 at 8% interest for $640 interest. That same 350 acres today costs at least $150,000 to farm. Let’s say I’m paying 5% interest that’s $7,500. You see how much difference you’re paying in interest to farm? Back then land was $400 or $500 an acre to buy and now it costs $7,000-$8,000 an acre to buy. Back then you could rent dryland for $20 to $25 an acre. Today you won’t get it any cheaper than $100 an acre. For irrigated land it runs $250 to $300 an acre to rent land in my area today. Our input is so high today that we have to borrow more money to farm than I did when I first started farming. You won’t borrow money today for less than 7%, and if you don’t have good credit you’re probably going to pay 8% or more.”Dancy also asked the group of farmers how more stringent regulations and higher input costs keep American farmers from being able to compete with farmers on the world market.
One farmer said the technology fees farmers pay for cotton, corn and soybean seed is a hindrance.
“You’ve got a couple of companies that have the monopoly on the seed we need to plant our crops. Brazil, one of our main competitors we’re having to compete with, they don’t pay the same seed fees we do,” Jeff Davis farmer Jamie Tate said.
Macon County peanut farmer Donald Chase said equipment costs are pushing input costs higher, requiring farmers to borrow more money.
“Our equipment costs are really driving it {higher input costs}. You need to make investments in equipment to stay current, to stay efficient, but those things have risen inordinately in the last five years,” Chase said.
Dancy asked the farmers if they are experiencing their lenders tightening credit and if this is causing farmers more financial stress and uncertainty.
In response, veteran farmers expressed their concern for how hard it is for young farmers to get loans to start farming because the banks need collateral.
“I’ve got two boys trying to get established. It’s a struggle for them to get the credit necessary to get established, to pay just cash flow,” said Troup County dairy farmer Joel Keith. “When I go to get a loan, the banks are now looking for my wife’s W-2, who has 40 years of teaching school. But my sons and their wives don’t have that advanced sweat equity or salary. If we want these young farmers to proceed forward with farming in this country, we’ve got to get this economic system behind these young farmers.”
Chase expressed concern that land ownership is becoming unaffordable for young farmers.
“I think everybody in this room is concerned that land ownership nowadays is almost out of reach for young farmers,” Chase said. “If we’re going to be sharecroppers again, I don’t know I could recommend that to my children.”
Dancy asked long-time farmers to share the experience they are having when asking for operating loans.
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“It's a combination of problems. The beginning of the problem is there’s no profitability because all the input costs are so high, the equipment is so expensive. You come to the point where the banker sits there looking at it, and he says, ‘This won't pencil out. You can't make a profit,’” Bacon County row-crop farmer Cory Tyre said. “So how are you going to be able to borrow money to grow a product that you can't make a profit? You’ve got to rotate your land. You got to be able to grow multiple crops. You can’t just base it on one crop. One crop is profitable this year. Well, that’s great, but you’ve got to farm for a year or two later also. So, you have to be able to grow multiple crops so that you can sustain your operation, because sustainability is key to farming. We’re not thinking about just this year. We’re thinking about next year and the year after that. But the problem is, you’re having to upgrade equipment. You’re having to get things fixed. It costs you so much more to buy the equipment, to upgrade the equipment, that you have to keep it operational. And then you’re looking at your input costs to buy seed and fertilizer going up exponentially.”
Dancy said the Fed is looking at resources it can offer and tools it can deploy to help farmers.
“Agricultural loans, particularly small farm loans, are a part of the Community Reinvestment Act. So, this is a tool that we have at our disposal that we can better educate financial institutions on,” Dancy said. “But the challenge comes in high concentration. When you get a rural bank that's in South Georgia that has a huge concentration of community development agriculture loans that are either facing this profit loss or this kind of work, it can look like a risk on that institution. And so that’s the part where we educate our examiners that know this is part of the industry and how the industry ebbs and flows.”
Decatur County Farm Bureau pecan grower Rob Cohen pointed out that farmers and agriculture are vital to the economic stability of rural economies.
“The farming dollar turns over seven times in the local community,” Cohen said. “It’s not only impacting us on the farm, it’s also impacting the lady that’s got the dress shop downtown and the guy who has a restaurant. Farmers being profitable is a big deal.”
When Dancy asked the farmers how big of a problem labor is for them, several explained that they need a viable, legal source of migrant workers because finding Americans willing to do manual farm labor is a problem. It’s a problem not only for large farms but also small, family farms.
READY, SET, GO! CFM FARM PASSPORT SEASON UP AND RUNNING
Let the 2026 Farm Passport travels officially begin! Georgia Farm Bureau’s Certified Farm Markets (CFMs) program has launched the 2026 Farm Passport program that has been enjoyed by thousands of patrons since its inception in 2019.
The 2026 Farm Passport program opened on March 21 and continues through December. Passport booklets can be picked up at county Farm Bureau offices or at participating Certified Farm Markets. To find a CFM near you, visit www.gfb.org/connect/farm-markets. Click here to download the Farm Passport.
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(www.gfb.org/content/userfiles/files/Farm%20Passport/GFB-2026-Passport4x9_FINAL_Digital.pdf)
It’s a great way to locate fresh Georgia-grown food and enjoy fresh Georgia-grown experiences. With 101 CFMs across the state, most Georgians are a half-hour drive or less from at least one.
Among the CFMs are 10 farms new to the program: Lookout Lavender Farm in Rising Fawn, Powers Family Farm in Villa Rica, Nixon’s Fresh Honey in Byron, Mae’s on the Corner @ Rainbow Farms in Barnesville, Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch in Grantville, Back to the BASICS 101 in Cochran, Wagon Barn Market in Keysville, Watermelon Creek Vineyard in Glennville, Poppell Farms in Odum and Arena Acres in Perry.
The Farm Passport adds to the fun, awarding prizes to patrons who visit as few as five CFMs. Go to a CFM, (make a purchase) and get a stamp on your passport. The more you visit – the more stamps you collect – the better the prizes!
Here’s the prize breakdown: Collect five stamps and receive a limited edition t-shirt. Get 10 stamps and receive some awesome ag swag and the t-shirt. Those who achieve 20 stamps receive a farm tour with farm-to-able meal for one in spring of next year, as well as the t-shirt and ag swag. (To be eligible, the patron must be or become a GFB member). At 30 stamps, receive a special selection of CFM goods along with all of the previous prizes. Everyone who goes to every single farm in a single year to get their stamps will receive exclusive GFB The Traveler Jacket
Patrons can buy commemorative pins that match the new shirt design each year.
This year, the Farm Passport program has added an optional scavenger hunt through the Goosechase app to enhance farm travelers’ experiences. Participation is via smart phone app, and participants will complete “missions” for points, and a patron is entered into a drawing for additional prizes for every 1,000 points accumulated. New scavenger hunts will be introduced three times throughout the year to keep the mission seasonal, new and fun!
The scavenger hunt app will feature a live feed where travelers can share their favorite recipes, places to eat, music playlists and more. See page 5 of the Farm Passport booklet for details on how to download the app.
GEORGIA’S TORRIE REED MAKES FINALS IN COLLEGIATE DISCUSSION MEET
Torrie Reed, a student at the University of North Georgia, finished in the top four at the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Collegiate Discussion Meet, held during the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon, March 13-16.
Reed, an education major at UNG, advanced through the first three rounds of the event and faced off with Sara Bair of Utah, Courtney Taibi of New York and Brooke Beamesderfer of Pennsylvania in the final four round.
Reed, a Gilmer County Farm Bureau member, was the top collegiate finisher in the Georgia Farm Bureau YF&R Discussion Meet in July 2025, earning state honors for the second straight year.
Bair earned the national title following a dynamic discussion on how communities can grow responsibly while protecting farms, ranches and the agricultural way of life.
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The Collegiate Discussion Meet is designed to replicate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each collegiate participant. Participants are judged on their ability to exchange ideas and information on an agricultural topic and work toward practical answers or solutions. The event helps young Farm Bureau members develop leadership skills and prepare for future roles in agriculture and their communities.
Thirty-six competitors from across the country participated in this year’s Collegiate Discussion Meet.
CHS Foundation provided a total of $18,000 in scholarships for the competition. National winner Bair received $3,100, the three other finalists each received $2,100, and all competitors were awarded scholarships recognizing their achievement in reaching the national level, with additional funding for those advancing to the Sweet 16 round.
AFBF’s YF&R program engages young Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18-35 by offering opportunities to develop as strong, effective leaders for service in both Farm Bureau and their communities.
AFBF PUSHES FOR HELP ON FUEL AND FERTILIZER
Earlier in March, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to President Donald Trump and testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee seeking help from the federal government to ease farmers’ financial challenges, particularly those related to fertilizer and fuel costs.
The conflict in the Middle East, during which Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, is impacting global prices of oil and fertilizer. Significant portions of both commodities are shipped out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, which sits on Iran’s southern border, across the water from land shared by the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Duvall pointed out that like oil, global fertilizer markets are highly vulnerable to disruptions in maritime transit routes,
“These supply chain shocks are expected to drive already record-high input prices even higher at a time when farm margins are already extremely tight and many farmers are underwater,” Duvall wrote.
AFBF recommended a number of actions the federal government could take to mitigate fertilizer supply and price challenges, including using the U.S. Navy to facilitate safe passage through Hormuz, leveraging federal tools to address insurance or financing barriers to maritime transport, taking steps to improved domestic transportation and suspending tariffs on imported fertilizer products.
On March 18, President Trump issued an executive order suspending the Jones Act for 60 days. The Jones Act, officially called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires transport of goods between U.S. ports to be done on U.S.-built vessels sailing under the U.S. flag.
During testimony before the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee on March 10, Duvall commented on potential fertilizer shortages or extreme price spikes due to rising tensions in the Middle East after a question from Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), highlighting Farm Bureau’s recent urging for U.S. government action.
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“We need our government to use the Navy to make sure those ships can freely come through, and work with our partner countries to make sure they can come through. Also, the financial and insurance direction – when the strait was shut down, the insurance company Lloyd’s of London cut off insurance. They parked the boats. So, we need to use every opportunity that we have in our country to make sure that we solve that problem.”
His testimony before the committee offered a variety of solutions for increasing demand for U.S.-grown agricultural.
“We must strengthen domestic demand for American agricultural products. We must reinforce our production capacity of critical ag supplies and restore domestic processing capacity. We must ensure our safety nets are strong and expand fair and enforceable market access abroad,” Duvall noted in his opening comments.
The solutions offered include authorizing year-round E15, modernizing farm labor programs and establishing improved programs to enable schools and our military to purchase directly from local farms.
After his opening statement, Duvall took questions from lawmakers, including Committee Chairman Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) who asked how Congress can help modernize farm labor programs.
“When I go across America and talk to farmers, it’s the number one issue they’re facing, longterm issue,” Duvall replied. “Of course, the economy right now is the biggest issue that’s facing them, but labor is the biggest limiting factor that we have in agriculture today.”
In response to a question from Ranking Member Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) about agricultural research, President Duvall emphasized the importance of the United States keeping pace with other countries in terms of research funding.
“All of the research that goes into agriculture helps us stay on the cutting edge. We see other countries where their agricultural communities are growing and adapting to the things that we adapted to many years ago. And, that research keeps us on the cutting edge and gives the consumer out there what they really want. So, it is vitally important for us to have additional monies for research. It helps us do the things that people in this country want us to do, from conserving our natural resources to creating new products and new crop protection tools that we can use in the future.”
When asked by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) about authorizing year-round E15, President Duvall called it “vitally important” for Congress to act.
“It’s a no-brainer. It’s a win-win-win. It’s a win for consumers, win for the farmer and it’s a win for you [Congress] to make sure that you can do that for the consumer and for the farmer at the same time. And there’s no better time to do that, especially with some of the threatening of some of the fuel and oil going up because of the war.”
GA CORN, PEACH, PECAN & TOBACCO COMMISSIONS HOLDING REFERENDUMS
Georgia producers of corn, peaches, pecans and tobacco have the opportunity to vote on whether they will continue to fund the commissions that work to promote and educate consumers about their respective crops and fund research to benefit growers.
The 1969 Georgia Agricultural Commodities Promotion Act requires that all marketing orders now in existence be reaffirmed by a vote of affected producers at least 30 days prior to the termination date of the order. Under the law, a reaffirmation vote must be taken every three years, and two thirds of the votes cast must be in favor of continuation for each commodity’s marketing order to continue.
The marketing order referendum for the ACC for Tobacco is underway and ballots will be accepted until midnight on March 30.
The Georgia Marketing Order for Tobacco allows for a maximum assessment rate of $0.75 per hundred pounds and sets the current assessment rate at $0.50 per hundred pounds and cannot be raised without proper producer notification.
The Agricultural Commodity Commissions (ACCs) for corn, peaches and pecans have reaffirmation referendums that begin in April. Each one was last reaffirmed in 2023.
In each referendum, ballots are mailed to that commodity’s producers. Submitted ballots are only valid if the producer signs the certification on the back of the return envelope.
Peaches
The 10 cent ($0.10) per bushel and 5 cent ($0.05) per half bushel assessment established at that time has funded programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of Georgia peaches.
The balloting period for the continuation of the Georgia Marketing Order for Peaches for an additional three-year period has been set from April 1-30. All ballots must be postmarked prior to midnight April 30, to be eligible to be counted.
Pecans
The one ($0.01) cent per pound assessment has funded programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of Georgia Pecans.
The balloting period for the continuation of the Georgia Marketing Order for Pecans for an additional three-year period has been set from April 1-30. All ballots must be postmarked prior to midnight, April 30th, 2026, to be eligible to be counted.
Votes can only be cast by eligible producers – those who have at least 30 acres of pecans with an average of 13 trees per acre.
Corn
The 1 cent ($0.01) per bushel assessment has funded programs of research, promotion, and education on behalf of Georgia corn.
The balloting period for the continuation of the Georgia Marketing Order for Corn for an additional three-year period has been set from April 15 - May 15. All ballots must be postmarked prior to midnight May 15, to be eligible to be counted.
For more information, or to receive a ballot, contact Fred Rayfield at 404-586-1405 or fred.rayfield@agr.georgia.gov.
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WOMEN IN AG SUMMIT PREPARES ATTENDEES TO RISE & THRIVE
Women representing numerous sectors of Georgia agriculture had a blast at the Georgia Farm Bureau Women in Agriculture Summit, where they spent March 19 and 20 networking, cultivating leadership skills, learning to advocate for agriculture on social media, and how to recognize and rebut fear-based food marketing campaigns.
Held in Savannah, the event drew farmers, Extension agents, ag teachers, USDA staff, county Farm Bureau staff and volunteers, showing the many roles women have in Georgia agriculture. The range of farm commodities attendees produce and ag sectors represented at the summit indicates how varied Georgia’s agriculture community is.
“It’s pretty special that we gathered for this summit during Ag Week, National Women’s History Month and during the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” said GFB Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Romy Strickland. “I hope the attendees leave this conference with renewed energy and new ideas for the ag promotion work they do in their communities ”
Strickland encouraged participants to take the things they learned at the conference back home and implement them.
“We hope you have found Farm Bureau to be a place you can plug into,” she said.
Many of the attendees enjoyed a pre-conference tour of the UGA Marine Education Center & Aquarium on Skidaway Island the morning of March 19. They saw native and invasive fish species found in Georgia’s coastal waters. They also learned about horseshoe crabs, how whelks grow their shells and participated in a hands-on lab activity where they used microscopes to identify tiny invertebrates present in the water by the center’s docks.
UGA holds the designation of being a Sea Grant University, which means it is tasked with doing research and education outreach about coastal issues just as the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences & Fort Valley State University are land-grant universities that study issues pertaining to agriculture.
Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026
During the opening session of the summit, held the afternoon of March 19, speakers praised the attendees for the contributions they make to Georgia agriculture and recognized that 2026 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Visit www.gfb.ag.iywf to learn how the year came about.
GFB President Tom McCall thanked the ladies attending the summit for what they do to feed, clothe and grow timber to house the world.
“I’m a male standing up here in front of a room full of females that understand agriculture inside and out. I come to y’all today with a humble heart full of respect for what y’all do. For way too long y’all have been underestimated or overlooked, but y’all have always been leaders and encouragers. Behind every successful harvest, there’s a lady whose name you may not ever hear, but she is a main component of feeding the world. We are proud that everyone is finally realizing what y’all do to contribute to your family farms. Y’all care about the land. Y’all care about the livestock. Y’all care about your families and the legacies your families leave. I know this because of my wife, Jane, and what she contributes to our farm and in helping me serve as your Farm Bureau president,” McCall said. “Don’t ever let anyone downplay what you bring to agriculture.
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The work you do as ladies for Georgia Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau matters. We at Georgia Farm Bureau appreciate you and we look forward to your input.”
First Lady Marty Kemp delivered a message via video.
“Brian and I know the success of our farmers not only puts food on our tables, but it also strengthens our state economy. The future of this industry is bright, and women like you are at the heart of its growth and innovation. We also know that our farming families are facing unprecedented challenges. I hope that you remember it’s okay to not be okay, and that it is okay for any of us to get help when we need it. Support systems like those represented here today are essential to that resilience. So let me say thank you again for what you do, and thank you to our friends, Tom and Jane, and their leadership in making days like this possible. I hope your time here at this conference leaves you excited for the future of agriculture and the incredible women who drive it forward.”
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College President Dr. Tracy Brundage delivered the keynote speech for the opening session. She said 53% of the students enrolled in ABAC’s School of Agriculture & Natural Resources are women.
“When I look around this room, I see the leaders those students will look up to. Women who are already shaping the future of agriculture. This is why our work and our courage matter so much,” Brundage said. “One of the lessons that has stayed with me comes from Dr. Brene Brown, who teaches that courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. It means stepping into rooms where your authority may be questioned. It means making decisions that not everyone will like. It may be invisible in ways that are uncomfortable, especially when you are the first, the only or the one charting new territory.” Brundage said. “Just as in agriculture, growth happens over seasons. Challenges teach us resilience, patience and leadership that lasts. Thriving is about growth in spite of setbacks. As you continue in your work, whether in business, communication, policy, production, research or any other area of agriculture, remember this. Keep showing up, keep moving forward and keep nurturing the seeds of change, because when women rise and thrive, the harvest is abundant for everyone.”
For the second year, ABAC was the presenting partner for the summit, which GFB greatly appreciates. Brundage began serving as ABAC’s 11th president on Aug. 1, 2022, and is the first female to hold the position.
Strong Farms. Strong Georgia.
GFB Chief Administrative Officer Jeffrey Harvey discussed the Strong Farms. Strong Georgia. campaign GFB is conducting to educate the public about the economic challenges farmers are facing as production costs continue to rise while crop prices decline and markets are volatile.
“If farming isn’t economically viable, we will lose our farmland. We will lose economic viability in small communities,” Harvey said. “For consumers, having economically viable farms means they will have affordable, reliable food grown in Georgia and America that they can have confidence in eating. There is no silver bullet for this problem and so we are approaching it in a number of ways.”
GFB is partnering with Mercer University and its Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center to conduct a survey to gather data on the full impact economic stress is having on farmers. Harvey
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said GFB will present the survey findings to state and federal legislators and to the candidates running for office this year. If you are a farmer and would like to take the survey, please register to receive a notification when it goes live at www.gfb.ag/getsurvey. For more information about the economic challenges facing Georgia Farmers and to access graphics you can use on your social media accounts to educate your friends, visit www.gfb.ag/strongfarms.
Women in Ag give back
About 200 summit attendees spent the afternoon of March 19 assembling 850 snack bags for families who will stay at the Savannah Ronald McDonald House, and sorting and wrapping 16,750 diapers that will be distributed to 670 families through the Over the Moon Diaper Bank that serves 24 Georgia counties located in GFB’s 6th, 7th and 10th districts.
Living extraordinary lives
Motivational speaker Courtenay DeHoff shared her cowgirl code for living a legendary, extraordinary life. DeHoff was raised as the fifth generation on her family’s Kansas ranch where she grew up riding horses, tying goats in rodeo competitions and showing Angus cattle. She attended Oklahoma State University, where she received a degree in agricultural communications After completing an internship at a TV station in Stillwater, Oklahoma, she continued to show up at the tv station to produce stories about agriculture and the station let her keep working for three years.
In order to pursue a TV career in larger markets, she was told to lose her cowboy hat and boots and put on heels and fake eyelashes.
“I got to interview big-name stars like Michael B. Jordan, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, but I would burst into tears every day on the way home from work because I wasn’t being my authentic self,” DeHoff shared. “It took me 10 years to figure out I was hiding the best part of me – the ag kid – to fit into an industry I thought I wanted to be a part of. My legendary life didn’t begin until I decided to quit tv and show up as the person I was meant to be. We need all kinds of people in agriculture.”
DeHoff shared the results of a Forbes survey that showed 900 million people worldwide feel unfulfilled.
“This tells me these people are not living a legendary life,” DeHoff said. “They’re living their life through a filter of fear and not faith. I want to inspire you not to be one of these people.”
Being a cowgirl is a mindset, not an occupation, DeHoff said. She shared the seven principles of her cowgirl code for living a legendary life.
Courage – Have the courage to show up the way you truly are.
Originality – Be who you were created to be.
Worthiness – Believe you are worthy of doing extraordinary things. Grit.
Integrity – Agriculture is special because for most people in our industry, our integrity is what sets us apart.
Resiliency – Keep going even when you’re told no. Find another way to contribute.
Legendary
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“Imagine if you don’t have the courage to show up what you might miss out on,” DeHoff said. “You also have to have the courage to not listen when people criticize you and your dreams.”
Workshops cover advocacy, leadership & AITC
AFBF Sr. Director of Media & Advocacy Training Johnna Miller provided tips to effectively use social media platforms like Facebook, X and YouTube to advocate for agriculture. She gave pointers on how to engage legislators, consumers and other decision makers with messaging from your farm.
UGA Extension Leadership Specialist Katie Chapman led a workshop where conference attendees learned the difference between facilitative leadership, in which leaders empower the team they are working with and encourage them to develop their skill sets versus traditional leadership, which tends to be more authority driven.
Stephanie Westhafer, the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, shared how she uses Ag in the Classroom curriculum in her classes to teach students about agriculture while meeting curriculum standards. Westhafer is a first-grade teacher at West Jackson Elementary School in Braselton, where she has taught since 2021. She previously taught Pre-K for 10 years. Visit www.gfb.ag/westhafer25aitcteacher to learn more about Westhafer’s innovative approach to agricultural education. GFB Educational Programs Manager Caroline Leonhard discussed the free, classroom-ready agriculture resources including lesson plans, hands-on activities and more available to teachers and GFB volunteers. Visit www.gfb.ag/AITC to explore these.
Brandi Buzzard, a Kansas rancher and ag advocate, discussed fear-based marketing ploys food companies use to feed into consumers’ misconceptions about food, such as labeling food, like chicken, that never has antibiotics, as being antibiotic free.
GDA DECLARES GEORGIA HPAI-FREE
On March 13, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the state has officially regained its status as free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry.
This follows detections of HPAI at a single commercial poultry operation in Hart County and two in Walker County, marking seven detections of Avian Influenza in commercial poultry or waterfowl operations in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. This designation allows for the resumption of exports and international trade of Georgia poultry products as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Georgia Department of Agriculture staff and partners in this response, today, we are able to declare the State of Georgia is free from HPAI,” Harper said. “While this declaration marks the end of our operations at the affected premises and in the control zone, HPAI remains a significant threat to our state’s #1 industry, and we will continue working around the clock to keep HPAI out of our state, protect Georgia’s poultry flock, and bring down prices for Georgia consumers.”
Flock owners should note that HPAI-free status in poultry is NOT an “all clear” or an indication that the risk of the disease is over in Georgia or the United States. Owners of all flocks, large and small, must remain vigilant with their biosecurity to prevent the virus’s introduction.
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“We’re pleased that Georgia has officially been declared free of HPAI in poultry. While the risk of HPAI still exists across the country, we are hopeful that with the continued diligence of responsible flock owners, we can maintain this status,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle. “It’s critical for poultry growers and flock owners to limit contact between wild birds and poultry, follow biosecurity protocols carefully, and remain vigilant for signs of HPAI in their flocks.”
The influenza virus is still very active throughout parts of the United States. Since February 2022, 2,142 HPAI outbreaks have been reported in 50 states and 1 U.S. territory. Various species of wild birds infected with HPAI have been found from coast to coast, including waterfowl (ducks, geese, gulls, etc.), raptors (vultures and eagles), and other common species (wild turkey).
Most recently in Georgia, one positive HPAI case was detected on Jan. 13, in a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, and another on Jan. 23. The third was confirmed on Feb. 2 in Hart County. This marks the seventh case in a commercial operation (commercial poultry: 6, commercial waterfowl: 1) in Georgia and the 11th detection in the state overall (four in backyard birds or wild birds) since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. All control areas and surveillance zones have been released.
To date, the ongoing nationwide outbreak has affected more than 204 million birds and 973 commercial flocks across the country. In Georgia, only 471,900 birds representing just 6 commercial chicken flocks and 1 commercial waterfowl flock have been impacted.
Under WOAH guidelines, HPAI-free status in poultry can be declared for a state or region after the disease has been eliminated on all affected farms and no new infections are detected during a minimum period of 28 days.
About HPAI
Avian influenza is a viral disease of poultry. It can be of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing mild disease, or high pathogenicity (HPAI), causing severe illness and death. The virus has different strains, for example, H1N1 or H7N3. Some LPAI viruses can mutate and become HPAI viruses. Waterfowl and other wild birds contribute to the spread of avian influenza.
Food Safety: Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the food supply. The risk of human infection with avian influenza is very low.
Signs of HPAI: Signs include sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, comb, hocks, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.
Reporting Disease: Promptly report any observation of domestic or wild birds with the signs as described above.
Domestic birds: Call the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850. Testing is free through the www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Wild birds: Report sick or dead wild birds when seen in unusually high numbers in a single location to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 1-800-366-2661 or https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.
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For additional information on HPAI, visit https://agr.georgia.gov/avian-influenza or www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock/resources.
UGA CAES GENERATED A RECORD $933.7 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT IN 2025
By Maria Lameiras UGA CAES
CAES remains the top contributor to Extension and outreach within the university, accounting for roughly 10% of UGA’s total $9.2 billion impact on the state. (Photo by Dorothy Kozlowski)
Takeaways
Consistent growth: The 2025 figures mark the fifth consecutive year of increased economic contributions to the state, totaling a 3.8% rise from the $899.3 million reported in 2024.
Three-pillar impact: The nearly billion-dollar total is fueled by the college’s tripartite mission: Extension ($365 million), teaching and instruction ($287 million), and research ($281.6 million).
UGA Extension in action: CAES remains the top contributor to Extension and outreach within the university. While these figures represent a conservative “lower bound” of value, they account for roughly 10% of UGA’s total $9.2 billion impact on the state.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) generated a statewide economic impact of $933.7 million in 2025, marking the fifth year of increasing contributions to the state’s economy.
Divided among the arms of the college’s tripartite mission of teaching, research and Extension, the total impact of CAES in 2025 was third highest among schools, colleges and units at UGA, factoring into the university’s total economic impact of $9.2 billion in 2025, according to the report’s author, Michael Adjemian.
Breaking down the impact
The CAES economist explained that the $933.7 million total is derived from three core functional areas:
• Extension and outreach ($365 million): This represents the largest portion of the college’s impact. These figures include the work of UGA Cooperative Extension, which provides researchbased expertise and profit-increasing benefits to farmers and businesses across the state.
• Teaching and instruction ($287 million): This impact is measured by the increased lifetime earnings of CAES graduates the “human capital” value of their degrees as well as the economic activity generated by out-of-state and international students.
• Research ($281.6 million): CAES generates significant value through external federal grants and contracts, as well as discoveries that lead to new products, businesses and licensing royalties.
• The 2025 total represents a 3.8% increase over 2024, when CAES had an economic impact of $899.3 million.
What CAES contributes to Georgia
“CAES makes so many important contributions to the state economy, and many are hard to measure. Our objective is to estimate a lower bound for the college’s economic impact. For example, quantifying the actual effect of research on the state economy is challenging, but our method of arriving at the minimum impact is to measure the dollars that our researchers bring into
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the state from external funders,” said Adjemian, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
“We likewise include the likely impact of startups tied to research, royalties and licensing fees,” he added.
As a land-grant university, UGA is mandated to use its personnel and resources to benefit the state’s citizens through instruction, research, and Extension and outreach. While fulfilling this mission, the report explains that UGA creates positive net economic impacts that benefit the entire state.
Strengthening Georgia’s communities
CAES provides vital services that improve the efficiency of the state’s agricultural sector. Beyond the quantified totals, the report highlights the college’s role in:
Business efficiencies: Faculty and staff provide training and consultation that lead to higher profits and more jobs for Georgia farmers and foresters.
Innovation: Research expenditures lead to the start of new companies based on UGA-led innovations.
Youth and civic capital: Programs like Georgia 4-H are recognized for creating significant social value and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, although their full economic impacts are often challenging to quantify and are considered part of the “lower bound” of the college’s true value.
The big picture
While the economic impact of Extension in 2025 was quantified slightly lower than in 2024 $365 million in 2025 compared to $374.9 million in 2024 Adjemian said the dip is not particularly significant, “especially when compared to the 2023 value of $336.5 million.”
“CAES remains, by far, the college with the highest outreach impact at UGA. And its overall impact on the state continues to rise each year,” he said.
To learn more about CAES research in the state of Georgia, visit https://caes.uga.edu. For more information on UGA Extension’s impact across the state, visit https://extension.uga.edu.
PEANUT BUTTER GIVEN TO ACFB TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PEANUT MONTH
March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration this week by hosting the 2026 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and Peanut Proud donated 10,000 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB).
Peanuts and peanut butter were promoted during the event by industry partners serving grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. Gov. Brian Kemp presented a proclamation recognizing March as National Peanut Month while Sen. Russ Goodman, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee presented resolutions recognizing the importance of Georgia’s peanut industry.
“Peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, and the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at approximately 50 percent,” GPC Chairman Donald Chase said.
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“Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.”
Sponsors and exhibitors included the GPC, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Kroger, Georgia Farm Bureau, Peanut Proud, ACFB, The Peanut Institute and the University of Georgia Peanut Team.
As part of the celebration, peanut butter valued at $10,000 was presented to the ACFB, which. provides food and grocery products to more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and North Georgia. According to Kyle Waide, ACFB president & CEO, the need for food assistance is not going away.
“Over the past three years, we have seen a 70% increase in the number of families coming to us for food assistance. We are distributing food in record volumes to 270,000 households each month,” Waide said. “Peanut butter is a protein-rich food that can be a versatile pantry staple for a family or individual in need. We are grateful to the GPC and Peanut Proud for this generous donation that will help serve the 15% of the state’s population and 1 in 5 Georgia children who are food insecure.”
March is also National Nutrition Month - a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.
For additional details and photos from the 2026 PB&J Day, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at www.GaPeanuts.com
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GFB/ABAC WEBINAR EXPLORING AG CAREERS
March 26 Zoom
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) are partnering to host a virtual educational event to highlight emerging trends and career opportunities in Georgia’s top economic sector - agriculture. “Fields of Opportunity: Exploring Careers in Agriculture.” Participants will discuss the importance of developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and how organizations are fostering meaningful career pathways that ensure the long-term success of Georgia’s farm and forestry communities. Topics will include the role of precision agriculture tools in improving planting, crop management, and livestock efficiency, as well as the expanding opportunities for growth across Georgia’s diverse agricultural landscape. The webinar is open to students, teachers, agribusiness professionals, farmers and community leaders who are interested in helping to develop the future of Georgia agriculture. Register online at https://link.abac.edu/fieldsweb
MICRO FARM INSURANCE
March 31 deadline to e nroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia micro farm operators that the final date to apply for or renew crop insurance coverage for the 2027 crop year is March 31 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 micro farm operators in all Georgia counties. 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.
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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. The survey and focus groups will be available in English and Spanish. 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.gfb.ag/women-in-ag-study.
61ST ANNUAL GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW
March 31-April 1 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry Returning this year by its high demand is Dr. Lenny Wells’s Beginners in Pecan Production Course. This is a separate registration from regular conference registration. This course will take place on March 31st beginning at 9:00 AM in the Miller Murphy Howard Building at the Fairgrounds. For registration information and updates to the sessions and speakers, stay tuned through GPGA’s social media channels, email newsletter, and website www.georgiapecan.org. For any questions regarding GPGA’s Conference please reach out to our office at 229-382-2187 or via email at scout@georgiapecan.org.
FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION
April 2 Warren Co. Extension Office, 48 Warren St. 5 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Warrenton This free workshop includes dinner and is sponsored by the Warren County Conservation District, Central Savannah River RC&D Council, AgGeorgia Farm Credit, Warren County Farm Bureau, and Smith Farm Supply, and will be hosted by the Warren County Extension. Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration. Partnering agencies for this effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources. Space is limited and preregistration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events
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UGA COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE OPEN HOUSE
April 3 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Athens
This free, family friendly event allows guests to learn more about veterinary medicine and the services the college’s teaching hospital offers through interactive exhibits and animal displays. Attendees from 6th grade and older may tour the college’s teaching hospital. There will be an option for kids to participate in the Teddy Bear Surgery where kids will step into the roles of surgeons and anesthesiologists for a hands-on experience of treating their stuffed animals. Some events are ticketed. Visit https://vet.uga.edu/event/open-house-2026/ to sign up for these events and to learn more.
USDA GENERAL CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM SIGNUP
April 17 enrollment deadline
On Feb. 10 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the enrollment period for the General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP Signup 66). Enrollment for General CRP will run from March 9 through April 17. FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future. General CRP offers are submitted through a competitive bid process. After the enrollment period closes, General CRP offers are ranked and scored by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover. Producers and landowners interested in participating in CRP should contact their local FSA county office.
KEL-MAC SADDLE CLUB HORSE SHOWS
April 18, May 9, Sept. 19 & Oct. 24 Morgan Co. Ag Center Madison
These shows are open to equestrians of all ages and experience levels. Classes include hunter/jumper, western, gaited, trail obstacles, ranch riding, ranch reining, dressage on the rail, halter/showmanship, “small fry” and more. All shows begin at 9 a.m. - rain or shine. Trail classes are from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Western Classes not to start before lunch. Riders must be members of Kel-Mac to accrue points towards year-end awards. Age divisions for competition are as follows: Small Fry: 10 and under; Junior: under 14 years of age; Senior: 14 years and over. Novice: Rider is in 1st or 2nd year of showing Green Horse: Horse is in 1st or 2nd year of showing Entry fee per class is $10. Stall fees are $15 for club members & $20 nonmembers. All overnight stalls are $25. Each horse show is an “an all-breed show” which means there are a wide variety of disciplines offered in the more than 50 classes. The focus of the Kel-Mac shows is to include everyone and help participants become more comfortable with showing. For more information about the shows, visit the KelMac Saddle Club Facebook or Instagram pages or www.kel-mac.com or call Arlene Williams at 706-431-8600. Signup for shows on the website. General admission is free and concession food and drinks will be available. The Morgan County Ag Center is located at 2380 Athens Hwy. (441), north of Madison.
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These volunteer-run shows generate funds to benefit Kel-Mac’s equestrian related charities. The Kel-Mac Saddle Club has donated more than $170,250 back to Georgia’s Piedmont region during its 50 years including: the Georgia Equine Rescue League, ReDux Equine Rescue, Sweet Olive Rescue, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Empty Stocking Fund, and the equestrian facilities of state & county parks such as A. H. Stephens, Hard Labor Creek, and Heritage Park.
64TH ANNUAL GEORGIA CATTLEMEN’S CONVENTION
April 23-25 Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry “King of the Swamp” Troy Landry from the tv show Swamp People will be the keynote speaker for the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention. Previously announced speaker Temple Grandin will be unable to attend the event as planned. The event features a 35,000-squarefoot trade show, Cattlemen’s College sessions on current industry topics, youth speaking contests, junior cattlemen’s stockman’s quiz, photography contest and Cattlemen’s Ball. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/26GCAConvregistration.
2026 GFB SPRING SHOOTOUT
April 29 deadline to buy tickets
May 15 Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Griffin
The 4th Annual GFB Spring Shootout brings together friendly competition, supporting a good cause and enjoying the outdoors for an event you won’t want to miss! It’s perfect for colleagues looking to get out of the office, families making memories, friends catching up, and youth teams gaining real-world tournament experience. VIP team tickets are available for $750, which include a larger tax-deductible amount, regular ticket perks PLUS t-shirts, preferred parking, priority access to the course, and complimentary post-event beverages. General admission team tickets for four are available for $575, which includes the 100-disc event, golf cart rental, eye and ear protection for each shooter, light breakfast, and lunch. Individual entry tickets are $155. Individual entrant will be grouped with other individual participants to form a team for the tournament. Includes the 100-disc event, golf cart rental, eye and ear protection for each shooter, light breakfast, and lunch. This is a great option for those who don’t have a full team but still want to join the fun! All proceeds support the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. To register, visit https://gfb.ag/26SpringShootout. The deadline to register is April 29. There are also opportunities for businesses interested in sponsoring the event to gain valuable brand exposure through the shootout. Sponsorships ranging from $250 to $5,000 include benefits such as team entries, branding on event materials, social media promotion, acknowledgement in post-event publicity and more. April 18 is the deadline to become an event sponsor.
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GFB EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURE AWARD
April 30 deadline to apply
The Georgia Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award honors Young Farmers & Ranchers members who earn most of their income off the farm but are active in Farm Bureau and are ag advocates in their community. Contact your GFB district federation manager or your county Farm Bureau office manager for information to apply for this award. GFB district winners and three state finalists will be selected from the written applications. The three state finalists will be contacted by June 5 so they may prepare a presentation to be given the afternoon of July 15 at the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference to be held July 15-18. The state winner will be announced at the summer conference. The state winner will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2027 American Farm Bureau Convention next January in Charlotte, N.C., to represent Georgia. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 and should not turn 36 before Jan. 12, 2027. Visit www.gfb.org/connect/excellence-in-ag for more information.
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.
2026 GEORGIA FARM DOG OF THE YEAR
May 1 entry deadline
Do you have a special farm dog that herds or guards your livestock? Maybe it keeps you company as you do your daily chores and provides stress relief. Maybe it has done something heroic. Georgia Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its 2026 Georgia Farm Dog Contest until 10:59 p.m. on May 1 or until 200 entries are accepted. Contest is open to GFB members ages 18 and over. The grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card and be recognized at the 2025 Sunbelt Ag Expo. For contest rules and the criteria dogs will be judged by, visit www.gfb.ag/26farmdogcontest
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NURSERY VALUE SELECT INSURANCE
May 1 deadline t o enroll/renew
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia nursery producers that the final date to apply for or renew crop insurance coverage for the 2027 crop year is May 1 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 in all Georgia counties for nursery operators who receive at least 40% of their gross income from wholesale marketing of nursery plants. 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 CENTENNIAL FARM APPLICATIONS
May 1 deadline to apply Centennial Farm applications are open to all qualifying candidates. Farms play a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of our state, serving as the bedrock for economic, cultural, and family traditions for generations of Georgians. Georgia recognizes farms with a legacy spanning more than a century for their historical significance through the Georgia Centennial Farm program. Nominees must be a working farm with a minimum of 10 acres of the original purchase, actively involved in agricultural production, and must generate at least $1,000 in annual farm-generated income. In addition, farms must have been continuously farmed by members of the same family for at least 100 years or be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Qualifying Georgia Centennial Farms are honored each October at an awards ceremony at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry. The Georgia Centennial Farm program is administered by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; Georgia Department of Agriculture; Georgia EMC; Georgia National Fair and Agricenter; and University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. For more information, please contact Rose Mayo, Historic Preservation Division Outreach Coordinator, at 770-855-2586 or rose.mayo@dca.ga.gov The postmark deadline for applications is May 1, 2026. Applications are available online at https://gfb.ag/centuryfarmsapply . (https://www.dca.ga.gov/georgia-historic-preservation-division/historicresources/centennialfarms)
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GFB DAY AT THE BRAVES 2026
Deadline to purchase tickets is May 1.
June 7 Truist Park 1:35 p.m. Atlanta
GFB is bringing the heart of Georgia agriculture to Truist Park for an afternoon of baseball, fellowship, and a celebration of the farmers who make it all possible. From the fields to the stands, this afternoon is all about showing support for the people and industry that keep our state growing strong. Join us for a special pre-game parade around the field, giving attendees the chance to step onto the field and be part of the experience before the game begins. Tickets are $42 for Home Run Porch seating in Sections 147–151. GFB recommends arriving early to secure seats together. Comfort Colors GFB Braves t-shirts ($30) and Ag is #1 foam fingers ($6) are available for purchase to enhance the gameday experience. A portion of t-shirt sales, foam finger sales, and $8–$10 from each ticket sold will support the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. Have fun while raising funds for a great cause. We are all Farm Bureau. For more information or to purchase tickets and merchandise, click HERE. (https://www.gafoundationag.org/braves)
GA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DAVID SKINNER SCHOLARSHIP
May 4 Application deadline
High school seniors or college freshmen who are Georgia residents, live in a rural county and are pursuing a degree directly related to agriculture are encouraged to apply. Six scholarships in the amount of $2,400 will be awarded. Visit https://www.gdaonline.com/scholarships/ to apply.
SOUTHEASTERN SPECIALTY CROP TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
May 5 & 6 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center Tifton This conference and show aims to serve as a platform to accelerate knowledge and adoption of emerging technologies in specialty crop production in the Southeast U.S. Researchers and company representatives will discuss and demonstrate robotics, artificial intelligence and digital agriculture. Open to fruit, vegetable and nut growers, industry professionals, students and Extension professionals. Event runs from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. both days. For more information and to register, visit https://specialtycroptech.uga.edu/
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.
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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.
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.