GFB YF&R Contest winners named
Fund helps new farmers access land
Corporate Transparency Act applies to most farms
FARM SUCCESSION PLANNING
Contents
pages 6 & 7
Farm succession planning
Having and executing a transition plan is vital for all farm families.
pages 8 & 9
YF&R Conference equips attendees to succeed
pages 10 & 11
Anderson, Marchants & Thurmond win YF&R awards
Congratulations to Cason Anderson, Kaleb & Kaitlyn Marchant and Cain Thurmond for winning the 2024 GFB YF&R contests.
Departments
page 4
View from the Field
page 5
Public Policy
page 25
Certified Farm Markets
page 26
Young Farmers & Ranchers
page 27
Women's Leadership
page 28
Ga. Foundation for Agriculture
pages 30 & 31
Ag in the Classroom
Want to subscribe? Join Georgia Farm Bureau to receive GFB News four times a year. Your membership supports farmers & agriculture while giving you access to more than 300,000 discounts. Visit gfb.ag/join.
Farms Fund helps next-gen farmers access land
Oct. 31 deadline to enter GFB hay contest
page 12 page 14 page 16
Are you compliant with Corp. Transparency Act? Most farms & other small businesses must file an ownership report to the U.S. Treasury Department.
page 18
Getting licensed to sell food products
The Ga. Dept. of Agriculture has four food licensing tracks for anyone looking to sell a food product.
pages 20 & 21
County Voices, Capitol Choices meetings connect farmers & legislators
page 22
GFB photo contest focuses on agriculture
Tropical Storm Debby hit Southeast Georgia as we went to press. Visit gfb.ag/debbydamage to read how it affected Georgia farms.
GFB News Staff
Kenny Burgamy Director
Jennifer Whittaker Editor
Jay Stone News Reporter
Jared McGukin Graphic Designer
Logan Thomas Photographer
FOLLOW US ON THESE PLATFORMS @GAFARMBUREAU
On The Cover:
It's apple season at R&A Orchards in Ellijay, Ga. /Photo by Logan Thomas
For information concerning advertising, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-6529080 or mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. For questions about your membership or member benefits, call 1-800-633-5432. For questions regarding editorial content call 478-474-0679, ext. 5334 or e-mail jawhittaker@gfb.org.
View from the Field
Tom McCall, GFB President News
Each fall Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) holds annual district meetings around the state. These gatherings give us a chance to honor the folks in each of our 10 districts who have gone above and beyond in their GFB volunteer activities and to share updates about our organization.
The theme we are launching for the next 12 months of GFB’s membership year is “Where You Belong.” This theme is important to me because it marks a significant effort in recognizing and thanking each of our members for supporting GFB.
“Where You Belong” is also our commitment to grow the GFB family and showcase its wide range of dynamic volunteers. Each one of you makes our organization special and influential. The campaign aims to bring new members into the fold and help everyone understand the critical importance of having an organization that supports a safe and abundant food supply. It is important to keep our focus on providing farmers with a strong legislative voice in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
To do this effectively, we need you and your friends as GFB members.
My hope is that you will be energized by what we’re able to accomplish together, as Farm Bureau members, for Georgia agriculture. There is a real strength in numbers that helps us get the message across to lawmakers and others not as familiar with the vital work you and I do on the farm.
I’m asking you to help recruit and grow our membership in your areas of influence by telling people who aren’t members how GFB is making meaningful contributions to our rural communities. GFB supports Georgia farmers and agriculture. In 2022, Georgia agriculture contributed $83.6 billion in output to our state’s $1.4 trillion economy.
Remember, not only is GFB where you belong, it is where your friends belong, too.
Thank you for allowing Jane and me to serve you.
We appreciate each of you!
Tom McCall, GFB President
OFFICERS
President
TOM McCALL, Elbert Co.
1st Vice President &
South Georgia Vice President
DANIEL JOHNSON, Pierce Co.
North Georgia Vice President
BERNARD SIMS, Catoosa Co.
Middle Georgia Vice President
RALPH CALDWELL, Heard County
General Counsel
DUKE GROOVER
Chief Financial Officer, Corp. Treasurer & GFBMIC Exec. VP
DAVID JOLLEY
Chief Administrative Officer
JEFFREY HARVEY
Corporate Secretary & Senior Counsel
JEANNA FENNELL
Asst. Corp. Treasurer & Sr. Director of Accounting
RACHEL MOSELY
DIRECTORS
FIRST DISTRICT: Bill Bryan, Chattooga Co.; Wesley Hall, Forsyth Co. SECOND DISTRICT: Gilbert Barrett, Habersham Co.; Russ Moon, Madison Co.THIRD DISTRICT: Brad Marks, Newton Co. FOURTH DISTRICT: Skeetter McCorkle, McDuffie Co.; Russ Wilburn, Barrow Co. FIFTH DISTRICT: Matt Bottoms, Pike Co.; Leighton Cooley, Crawford Co. SIXTH DISTRICT: James Malone, Laurens Co.; James Emory Tate, Jeff Davis Co. SEVENTH DISTRICT: Gary Bell, Evans Co.; Ben Boyd, Screven Co. EIGHTH DISTRICT: Scotty Raines, Turner Co.; Don Wood, Wilcox Co. NINTH DISTRICT: Lucius Adkins, Baker Co.; Paul Shirah, Mitchell Co. TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Bacon Co.; Lamar Vickers, Berrien Co. YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS CHAIR: Cleve Jackson, Floyd Co. WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CHAIR: Stephanie Branch, Rabun Co.
ADVERTISING POLICY
All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau News. For advertising rates and information, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-652-9080 or mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com. Georgia Farm Bureau News was established in 1937. Copyright 2024 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.
GFB President Tom McCall, his wife, Jane and grandchildren, McCall Archer, Wilkes & Winn McCall.
Supreme Court overturns Chevron deference
By Ben Parker
The U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo has dramatically reduced federal regulatory power by overturning the 40-year-old precedent of "Chevron deference." This monumental ruling returns the responsibility of interpreting ambiguous laws from federal agencies back to judges, reigning in agencies’ regulatory overreach. This change is poised to have substantial impacts, particularly for agriculture.
The decision has far-reaching implications for public health, safety, and environmental statutes. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will now face heightened challenges in enforcing their regulations.
Chevron deference, established in the 1984 Chevron U.S.A. v. Natural Resources Defense Council case, allowed agencies to interpret ambiguous statutes based on their expertise, provided their interpretation was reasonable. Chevron deference maintained that agencies, operating under presidential supervision, were better suited to make policy decisions than judges. The overturning of Chevron deference marks a significant shift of authority in administrative law.
The Loper Bright Enterprises case involved a challenge to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which required fishing companies to bear the cost of government-appointed inspectors to enforce catch limits. Lower courts upheld NMFS's authority under Chevron deference, but the Supreme Court's ruling now removes this deference, allowing judges to make such policy decisions.
This shift is expected to result in increased legal and administrative hurdles as judges across the federal court system will now wield greater influence over regulatory interpretations.
Critics argue this will create inconsistency and uncertainty in enforcing laws.
Justice Elena Kagan, in her dissent, warned the ruling grants judges excessive control over regulatory matters traditionally managed by expert agencies. Agencies like the EPA, staffed with “experts” in environmental science, may now find their regulatory decisions subject to judicial overrule, hindering their efforts to issue sweeping rules.
For agriculture, this ruling could be transformative. By limiting the power of federal agencies, the decision could reduce bureaucratic barriers that farmers and agricultural businesses face. Regulations surrounding food and drug safety, and environmental and animal welfare standards will now be harder to implement and enforce.
This could lead to a reduction in compliance costs and legal battles for agricultural entities. Trade groups like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) have expressed support, seeing this as a win against regulatory overreach.
The Supreme Court's decision to end Chevron deference is a game changer. It places greater interpretive power in the hands of judges, potentially streamlining the regulatory landscape for agriculture and reducing the burden of compliance. This ruling marks a new era of regulatory and judicial interaction, with profound implications for the agricultural sector and beyond.
Ben Parker is the national affairs coordinator in the GFB Public Policy Department. He may be reached at btparker@gfb.org or 478.474.0679, ext. 5217 .
Photo courtesy of AFBF/Mike Tomko
University of Nebraska Professor Emeritus Dr. Ron Hanson injects humor into his talks about farm succession planning with chicken-related cartoons. In one cartoon a chicken tells another, “You’d better get out of the sun. You look done.”
The subtle message is: Don’t chicken out on succession planning.
“It does take a lot of courage and a lot of commitment, particularly if there's some issues there,” Hanson said.
Hanson consults with families seeking to pass their farms from one generation to the next. His best advice on building a successful transition plan: Communicate with clarity.
By Jay Stone
The importance of having and executing a transition plan cannot be overstated for any farm family, and it figures to become a major challenge across agriculture in the near future.
Hanson said that 70% of land ownership is likely to change hands in the next 15 years, with aging and passing of the baby boomer generation.
So, what to do? What not to do?
Hanson led two breakout sessions during the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference in July addressing succession planning.
“Most family operations start out with the very, very best of intentions, hopes, dreams and promises. Then something happens, and we have a train wreck,” Hanson said. “What are those consequences of failing to implement that transition plan? The family ag business ends up being dissolved, and the farm itself ends up being divided or split apart.”
Succession mistakes to avoid
The seven common mistakes Hanson discussed include:
• NOT MAKING SUCCESSION PLANNING A PRIORITY.
“Parents have a long list of reasons and excuses to postpone or avoid succession planning itself. But remember, excuses are a perfect recipe for failure,” Hanson said.
• KEEPING BUSINESS SECRET FOR FEAR OF LOSING CONTROL.
“Fears become roadblocks, and nothing gets done,” said Hanson, who has had farmers tell him they had no plans to die.
“Many times, the older generation hangs on to too much for too long. That could be a mistake because they never give the next generation a chance to learn.”
• FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE.
“No family ever wants to sit down together and talk about the day when one of those chairs at that table will be empty, but empty chairs happen. You can't avoid it,” Hanson said.
• LACK OF GOALS & EXPECTATIONS.
Hanson said families need a long-term vision and a plan for the future.
• SIDESTEPPING ISSUES TO AVOID CONFRONTATION.
This, Hanson said, results in conflicts going unresolved.
• INDECISION & POOR PLAN EXECUTION.
“Avoid the trap of just talking and nothing ever getting decided,” Hanson said. “Be decisive. Move forward and remember that a plan that is never executed will accomplish nothing but frustration and stress.”
Why succession planning is hard
Hanson said the main thing that strains family farming relationships is family wealth.
“Money, wealth, property and particularly land ownership really puts families to the test,” Hanson said. “Families fighting over money and land ownership destroys relationships. All the more reason you've got to plan and have a transition plan in place that's documented and discussed, so everyone knows what is going to be done and how it's going to be done.”
He noted that only 30% of family farming operations will make it past a second generation without a transition plan. Only 12% will make it past the third generation without a plan and only 3% will make it past the fourth generation without a plan.
Effective succession planning strategies
• INSIST ALL FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATE.
“The key point is this is Mom and Dad's duty,” Hanson said. “You've got to be persistent, get answers, you’ve got to put pressure, ask direct questions that deserve answers. And you have to be patient one step at a time.”
• LIST GOALS & EXPECTATIONS, INCLUDING WISHES & FEARS.
“Start writing down the ideas and draft a plan,” Hanson said. “That written plan is important because it's a management tool
that provides direction for family discussions. Focus on family core values and be sure all voices are heard and respected.”
• ASK HARD QUESTIONS & BE HONEST
“Avoiding discussions and challenges now could spell disaster later,” Hanson said.
• BE PERSISTENT, SET DEADLINES & FOLLOW THROUGH.
Hanson emphasized the importance of designating a facilitator, a “take-charge” family member who all family members respect, trust and look to for direction.
For more information about Hanson’s consulting services, visit www.passingonthefarm.com. Hanson may be contacted at ron@passingonthefarm.com.
One Family’s Approach
Farm succession plans are often affected by if and how many of a farmer’s children are actively involved with the farm as adults.
For Kevin and Lydia Yon of Ridge Spring, S.C., no assumptions were made. The Yons, who own and run a 5,000-acre cattle operation, insisted their three children be involved in other things.
“We tried to have a well-rounded childhood for our kids, even though it might have been inconvenient to have to get off the hay baler and go coach a little league game,” Lydia said.
When their children graduated from high school, they took it a step further.
“They all went to college, and we decided that we were going to make a rule for our kids that once they left after high school, they had to be gone for four years,” Lydia said. “College could count, but they couldn't just come back and work for mom and dad during the summer.”
This resulted in their kids working on cattle, poultry, peach, row crop and potato farms in other states for a while.
“We would've loved for all the children to come back,” Kevin said. “We didn't have any idea that they would. We just wanted them to have a strong work ethic, an appreciation for where their food comes from, for the environment and for the land, and to go be successful at whatever their thing was.”
Ultimately, their thing was in Ridge Spring, but they returned with varied experiences and fresh ideas.
Kevin and Lydia worked with an estate attorney to develop their succession plan.
“It all boils down to communication,” Lydia said. “As far as working with families’ succession planning, there's nothing except communication that's going to make that work. You have to take the first step and do it, even though it's not a fun thing to do.”
YF&R CONFERENC E
The Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference, held July 17-20 on Jekyll Island, provided opportunities to network, learn about Farm Bureau and develop professional skills.
Keynote messages from first-generation farm owners and a Marine veteran offered encouragement to help attendees overcome obstacles they may face.
Conference attendees also assembled about 13,000 meals for the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, one of the regional food banks in Feeding Georgia’s network.
The GFB YF&R Committee recognized Screven County for having the largest delegation at the conference with 16. District 2 was the district with the most attendees - 43. District 8 was recognized as the district with the largest increase in attendance from the 2023 conference to this year with 8 attendees last year to 19 this year.
YONS BUILD FARM WITH PERSEVERANCE & FAITH
Kevin and Lydia Yon of Ridge Spring, South Carolina, outlined how they started their farm from scratch.
The Yons, who were named the 2018 Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmers of the Year, shared how their farming career began after college and developed since they started their operation in 1996.
The couple met in the 1980s as students at Clemson University, where they both studied animal science. They landed a tandem internship/job managing Congaree Farms, a ranch near Columbia. That lasted seven years, until the owner decided he did not want to have cows anymore.
“That was kind of a take-the-wind-outof-your-sails moment for us,” Lydia said. “We were faced with what are we going to do? Where are we going to go? What's next? There were a whole lot of questions, a whole lot of prayers and a whole lot of
confusion as far as we looked at it. Our family didn't have an opportunity for us to come back to the farm. We really just didn't have any plan B at that point.”
Then, they took a Sunday drive to Ridge Spring, which is about halfway between Columbia, S.C., and Augusta, just north of I-20. Riding around, Lydia suggested they buy land there, but Kevin said there wouldn’t be any available.
They stopped at a gas station where
Kevin & Lydia Yon with GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Chairman Cleve Jackson.
Photo by Jay Stone
Kevin had a chance meeting with a farmer to whom he’d sold bulls from Congaree Farms. The farmer told Kevin that he and his brother had been talking about the
Yons and thought they would fit in well in the Ridge Spring community.
“To us, there's never been a clearer sign that that's what we were to do,” Kevin said. “There's been many a hard day along the way, but I never asked myself if this was the right thing to do. We’re believers, and we felt that God meant for us to be there. So that’s helped along the way as we knew we had a purpose.”
The Yons moved to Ridge Spring with a deal in place that allowed them to start their own operation on 100 acres while living in a small house on the property. When they moved, they had a herd of 200 cows at Congaree, but they couldn’t afford to move them all to Ridge Spring.
With financial help from the Farm Service Agency, they were able to cover half the herd, and worked out a deal to sell the other half to a neighboring farmer.
From those 100 acres in 1996, they’ve grown their farm to 5,000 acres with approximately 1,500 brood cows. But, their growth hasn’t been without risk. They talked about taking on debt to expand and how they’ve handled having their adult children come back to the family farm. (See story on page 7.)
Early in their career the Yons heard that farming would be too expensive for a first-generation farm family to go into without inheriting land and farm assets. Undeterred, they pushed forward, buying
EQUIPS A T TENDEES
By Jay Stone
used equipment, getting land piece-bypiece and finding their way.
“Little by little it would happen like this: An older couple would come to us and say, ‘Our children are not interested in coming back to the farm. We don't want to sell the farm. We don't want to move to town. We would like for y'all to rent our farm. We'd like for you to buy our cows,’” Kevin said. “So that's how it happened. I bet there were six or eight of those anywhere from a 30-acre farm to a 300-acre farm in our area that the owners rented or sold us their farms over time.”
While the couple knows that taking out loans is not the way some people want to operate, taking on debt allowed the Yons to establish their farm without inheriting family land.
All the acquisitions over the years might have come with complexities, but Kevin said his underlying philosophy has been simple.
“Just work hard, be honest and treat others as you would like for them to treat you,” he said. “Work hard and good things will happen to you.”
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY & EMBRACING SACRIFICE
Johnny Joey Jones, a Marine Corps veteran, best-selling author and contributor to Fox News, talked about his experiences growing up the son of a brick mason in Whitfield County. Jones also
discussed serving in the Marine Corps’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and losing his legs when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
From his dad, Jones learned the importance of doing things right. Jones recounted the story of his father cutting his hand because he refused to wear gloves, reasoning that his ability to feel the brick and mortar helped him do a better job and would save someone else trouble later.
After high school, Jones joined the Marine Corps, working first as a radio technician and later as an EOD technician, finding bombs and then either defusing them or moving them to a place where they could be set off safely. In the explosion that cost Jones his legs, a fellow Marine and friend was mortally wounded when a wall fell on him.
In the hospital afterward, Jones asked a nurse where his friend was.
“She wiped my forehead, my mouth and my face. And then she said, ‘Don't worry, you're going to walk again,’” Jones recalled. “She knew if she told me the answer to the question I was asking, the guilt and sadness might dictate that journey for the rest of my life. In that moment she had the opportunity to tell me what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it, even when that wasn't what I was asking.”
Jones told the young farmers and ranchers that he sees sacrifice in their chosen profession and emphasized that there is nobility in it.
“You're here because you've chosen a harder road than most, but one that's worth it, that comes with fulfillment. You're here because you've chosen to take responsibility for your life and earn a living to do it for those you care about and have responsibility to,” he said. “You're here because you want to be here. You're here because you have a love for life that others don't. And now you have a chance to share it.”
Marine Corps veteran Johnny Joey Jones shared the story of how he’s survived and succeeded after losing his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan.
by Logan Thomas
Photo
YF&R COMPETITION
Winners Announced
By Jay Stone
Cason Anderson, Kaitlyn and Kaleb Marchant, and Cain Thurmond emerged as the winners in the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) competitive events. The winners were announced during the organization’s YF&R Summer Leadership Conference, held July 17-20 on Jekyll Island.
The winners of each award received a John Deere Gator, sponsored in part by Lasseter Equipment Company and a cash prize from Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and GFB. The winners will also receive an expense-paid trip to the 2025 American Farm Bureau convention in San Antonio in January to vie for national honors. The finalists in each competition received cash prizes.
Cason Anderson, from Houston County, won the GFB YF&R Achievement Award, which recognizes farmers and ranchers aged 18-35 who earn most of their income from production agriculture. Anderson, a first-generation farmer who lives in Perry, grows pecans on a total of 1,020 acres across multiple counties. He also grows sweet corn and provides custom farm work.
He serves on the Houston County Farm Bureau Board of Directors as the corporate secretary and YF&R chairman. He represented GFB’s 8th District on the state YF&R Committee in 2019-2021.
GFB ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Finalists for the YF&R Achievement Award are, from left, Paige & Chris Little of White County, Allie & Luke Andrews of Lamar County, and winner Cason Anderson of Houston County.
Photo by Jay Stone
Anderson has an associate degree in logistics from Middle Georgia State College.
Finalists for the Achievement Award were Luke and Allie Andrews of Lamar County and Chris and Paige Little of White County. The Andrewses raise cattle and broiler chickens along with growing hay. The Littles raise beef cattle, grow hay and corn silage.
The finalist families were selected from submitted applications and interviewed by judges on July 17 at the conference.
GFB EXCELLENCE IN AG AWARDS
Finalists for the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, from left, are Austin & Shelby Waldroup of Troup County, winners Kaleb & Kaitlyn Marchant of Oglethorpe County, and Addie & Bryan Tucker of Wilcox County.
Photo by Jay Stone
Kaitlyn and Kaleb Marchant, from Oglethorpe County, won the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, given to recognize agriculturalists aged 18-35 who are active Farm Bureau members, promote agriculture in their community, and earn most of their income from something other than production agriculture.
The Marchants live in Winterville. Kaitlyn works for the Georgia Department of Education as the North Region ag education coordinator. Kaleb is pursuing a PhD from UGA and manages the beef and sheep unit at the UGA Double Bridges Farm in Winterville.
Finalists for the award were Bryan and Addie Tucker of Wilcox County and Austin and Shelby Waldroup of Troup County. Bryan works for Ag Technologies in Cordele, and Addie is an
ag teacher at Wilcox Elementary School. The couple served on the GFB YF&R Committee in 2022-2023 representing GFB’s 8th District. They serve on the Wilcox County Farm Bureau YF&R Committee of which Addie is a past chairman.
Austin chairs the Troup County Farm Bureau (TCFB) YF&R Committee. Shelby chairs the TCFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Austin operates a dairy farm while Shelby is an ag teacher and FFA advisor at Troup County High School.
The Marchants, Tuckers and Waldroups were selected as finalists for the GFB Excellence in Agriculture Award based on their applications. Each gave presentations to judges at the conference outlining their positions on ag issues and their advocacy efforts.
Cain Thurmond, from Jackson County, won the YF&R Discussion Meet. The discussion meet is a series of committeestyle meetings in which contestants hash over issues and solutions related to a specific ag-related topic. Thurmond emerged from a field of 29 contestants from across the state.
Thurmond is a system relationship manager with Farm Credit Services of America. He and his wife, Whitney, live in Jefferson. The Thurmonds own the Storey Garden & Grove, a Christmas tree farm scheduled to open winter 2026. They also have a small pecan orchard.
The other contest finalists were Newt Gilman of Jackson County, Dr. Tyson Strickland of Madison County, and Bristol Peterson of Wilcox County. Gilman is a farm loan specialist at the state USDA Farm Service Agency office in Athens. Strickland is a veterinarian who owns and operates Comer Veterinary Hospital and Custom Livestock Solutions. Peterson works for a trucking logistics company and manages Anna’s Garden Farm with her husband.
In the first round of the discussion meet, competitors discussed how Farm Bureau can continue to provide value and welcome members from across the diverse sectors of
GFB DISCUSSION MEET AWARDS
The 2024 GFB YF&R Discussion Meet finalists, from left, are Newt Gilman of Jackson County, Tyson Strickland of Madison County, Bristol Peterson of Wilcox County and winner Cain Thurmond of Jackson County.
modern agriculture. For the second round, the topic was how young farmers and ranchers can gain access to land to expand their operations.
In the Sweet 16 round, the discussions centered on how farmers can diversify their financial portfolio and find new revenue sources. In the Final Four, which featured the winners of each of four Sweet 16 rooms, competitors sought ideas to help county Farm Bureaus plan for the future.
Torrie Reed of Gilmer County won the YF&R Collegiate Discussion Meet, prevailing against Jesse Cronic of Jackson County, Joey Blackstock of Jackson County and Adam Caudell of Habersham County.
They were the top four collegiate contestants in the YF&R Discussion Meet and competed in the first-ever GFB Collegiate Final Four, which focused on how Farm Bureau can work with energy companies, local governments and rural communities to increase domestic energy production, minimize loss of agricultural land and protect private property rights. Reed now advances to the AFBF Collegiate Discussion meet, to be held at the 2025 AFBF Fusion Conference next March in Denver.
Photo by Jay Stone
Fund Helps Next-Gen Farmers Access Land
By Jay Stone
The 2022 Census of Agriculture documented 39,264 farms in Georgia – 3,175 fewer than in the previous 2017 ag census. Georgia has 67,082 farmers whose average age is 59 years. Between 2017 and 2022, Georgia lost 1,005 farmers.
With the numbers of farms and farm operators diminishing and the average age of U.S. farmers increasing, the Conservation Fund has developed a pathway to land ownership that seeks to change those trends, through an offshoot called the Farms Fund, designed to break down traditional barriers to land ownership.
Georgia Farms Fund Program Manager Krisztián Varsa detailed how the organization is helping first-time farmers access land and capital.
“The average age of the farmer went up again in the latest ag census, and that means that we have fewer farms and fewer farmers and that's not going to work,” said Varsa, who led a breakout session at the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Leadership Conference. “We need food, we need fiber, we need the things farmers provide, and we don't have a system that makes sure that next generation of farmers can get to the land and produce those things.”
Launched in 2021, the Farms Fund helps farmers acquire small to mid-sized tracts of farmland, invests in the development of farm infrastructure and coordinates various types of support to help the farmers achieve success.
Through the purchase of conservation easements, farmland is permanently protected from being developed for non-farm uses like residential, industrial or commercial projects.
To qualify, farmers must have a minimum of three years of farm management experience with documented financial records, a desire to farm more than 20 acres using sustainable agricultural practices and have a viable business plan.
The land is made accessible through lease-to-own contracts varying from three to five years for land, which is protected through the conservation easements, keeping the land price at
the lower agricultural use value. Farms Fund rolls the proceeds from the land sales into acquisition of other new tracts of farmland so the process can be repeated with other farmers.
In addition to helping farmers access land and capital, the Farms Fund provides support. This includes making contractors available for farm business planning, bookkeeping and other administrative functions. Technical assistance for farming practices is available through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners.
Varsa said the Farms Fund aims to establish a network of 80 farms in locations surrounding metro Atlanta and across North Georgia over the next 10 years. It currently has 11 farms.
For more information about The Farms Fund, visit farmsfund.org or email Varsa at kvarsa@conservationfund.org.
Courtesy of Farms Fund
The 2024 GFB Hay Contest winner will receive free use of a Vermeer mower conditioner for a year with the option to buy it at a reduced price. GFB thanks Vermeer for sponsoring the contest since 1999.
By Jeremy Taylor
OCT 31 GFB HAY CONTEST DEADLINE
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members who grow any variety of dry Bermudagrass hay are encouraged to enter the organization’s 33rd Annual Quality Bermudagrass Hay Contest by Oct. 31. Hay entered in the contest will be tested at the UGA Feed & Environmental Water Lab using the Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) Test, which provides an analysis of the nutritional value of the hay.
Winners will be determined by the RFQ analysis and announced in December at the GFB Convention. Prizes will be presented to the top five producers.
GFB’s annual hay contest encourages quality hay production, which leads to higher quality livestock and more return to Georgia hay producers. Producers who have their hay tested every year can see improvements they make in managing their hay fields by looking at multi-year analysis.
RFQ is the best method to compare forages. RFQ provides a number that gives producers a measure of the digestible nutrient content in their hay.
Fully mature alfalfa is given a base point of 100. Since the base price for hay sales and auctions in many parts of the world is the value of poor-quality alfalfa, RFQ provides a mechanism for indexing quality to value.
RFQ for Bermudagrass in Georgia typically ranges from 75 to 120 or higher. If a hay producer sells their hay based on its RFQ, a higher price can be demanded for the higher quality. Livestock producers are more likely to pay these premiums as this hay will yield higher weight gains and require fewer supplements. With quality in mind, it is a good management practice to test your hay after baling. RFQ and other analytical data can help
you manage potential problems with moisture, nitrates or poor digestibility, especially in years with adverse weather.
HOW TO ENTER
Entry forms outlining complete contest rules may be picked up at your county Farm Bureau office or downloaded at www.gfb.ag/ HayContest . If you aren’t a Farm Bureau member, you may join at the county Farm Bureau office of your choice or at www.gfb. org/join/join-today.
There is a $25 fee for each entry to cover the cost of the lab test. Producers may enter more than one sample. Checks should be made payable to Georgia Farm Bureau.
Contest participants will receive a detailed copy of their hay analysis and may choose to have a free listing in the ’24/’25 online GFB Hay Directory available at www.gfb.ag/hay . Producers must be a GFB member to enter the contest or list hay for sale in the hay directory. The cost to list hay in the directory alone is $10 and may be submitted at any time.
Previous first place winners are not eligible to win any prize category for five years from the year they won the contest but may enter a hay sample to have it evaluated.
Jeremy Taylor is an ag programs specialist in the GFB Public Policy Department. He may be reached at 478-474-0679, ext. 5212 or jrtaylor@gfb.org .
Photo courtesy of Vermeer Manufacturing Company
Are You Compliant with the Corp. Transparency Act?
By Jay Stone
NOTE: This article does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on complying with the Corporate Transparency Act, consult with an attorney.
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) of 2021 requires businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Interest Report (BOIR) detailing who owns the business and who holds major decision-making authority over it.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is implementing the law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Businesses in existence then must file by Dec. 31.
Businesses formed during 2024 have 90 calendar days after their formation to file a BOIR. Companies formed after Jan. 1, 2025, must file a BOIR within 30 days of being formed.
“They want to know who owns all of these small businesses across the country,” said National Ag Law Center Senior Staff Attorney Rusty Rumley. “The stated purpose is to look for tax evasion and money laundering.”
The potential penalties for failing to file the report are $500 for each day not in compliance, with a maximum of $10,000, and up to two years in prison.
The law requires any incorporated business – limited liability companies (LLCs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LPs) and other businesses incorporated through a state office in which a business is incorporated - to file a BOIR with FinCEN.
The BOIR includes information about the business and personal identifying details of all “beneficial owners” - individuals who own or control at least 25% of the reporting company, or anyone who exercises substantial control over the reporting company, like a president, CEO, CFO or general counsel.
Businesses already under extensive regulatory requirements that qualify as a “large operating company” are exempt from having to file a BOIR, but many farms or ag businesses may not qualify.
FinCEN defines a “large operating company” as one that meets all of the following criteria: has more than 20 full time
employees in the U.S.; physically operates in the U.S.; filed a federal income tax return or information return in the U. S. for the previous year; reported $5 million in gross receipts or sales on IRS Form 1120, consolidated IRS Form 1120, IRS Form 1120-S, IRS Form 1065, or other applicable IRS form; and the entity’s amount of gross receipts or sales remains greater than $5 million if its gross receipts or sales from sources outside the U.S., as determined under federal income tax principle, are excluded.
An ag business would qualify for an exemption if it is a subsidiary of an exempt large operating company.
The BOIR requires the business name, complete address and a tax i.d. number. It also requires beneficial owners’ legal names, birth dates, residential addresses and an i.d. number from a current driver’s license, passport or other approved document.
Rumley said if a company or a beneficial owner changes its name or address or other required information, or the beneficial ownership changes, the new information must be reported.
The CTA was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in March. According to the NALC, the ruling only applies to the plaintiffs in the case – the National Small Business Association (NSBA) and the businesses that were NSBA members as of March 1 and coplaintiff Isaac Winkles. The federal government has appealed the ruling.
For the NALC’s review of the law, visit gfb.ag/natlaglawcentercta .
For the Iowa State University review of the law, visit gfb.ag/isusmallentities .
For FinCEN’s guide to the BOIR or to file a BOIR, visit www.fincen.gov/boi .
WILBANKS WINS GFB COMMODITY AWARD
By Jennifer Whittaker
Reg Wilbanks, who advocated for beekeepers and the honey industry during the 44 years he served as president of Wilbanks Apiaries, is the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Commodity Award recipient.
Wilbanks held leadership roles in numerous beekeeping organizations promoting research and policy to protect honeybees from pests and diseases. In the 1970s he collaborated with state legislators to have the honeybee designated Georgia’s state insect.
After graduating from Georgia Southern University, Wilbanks returned to Claxton to work at the family apiary, started by his father, Warren, and grandfather, Guy. The Wilbankses transformed the queen and package bee business, creating an innovative winter-feeding system still widely used by beekeepers.
The Wilbankses’ operation flourished under Reg’s leadership, reaching a peak of more than 7,000 bee colonies and
GFB President Tom McCall, right, presents Reg Wilbanks with the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Award during the organization’s annual commodity conference Aug. 9 in Tifton.
supplying 60,000 queens and 20,000 package bees to farms across the U.S. growing crops that depend on pollination.
Wilbanks is a past president of the Georgia Beekeepers Association, the American Bee Breeders Association and the American Beekeeping Federation. He also served on the National Honey Board.
A longtime Farm Bureau member, Wilbanks chaired the GFB Honeybee Committee for many years and served on the American Farm Bureau Honeybee Committee. He is a past Evans County Farm Bureau president.
Wilbanks’ sons are continuing the family’s beekeeping legacy. Patrick owns and operates Wilbanks Apiaries. Tim owns and operates Heritage Honeybee in Sullivan, Wis.
Wilbanks now resides in Pearson, Ga., where his wife, Melissa, is the Atkinson County school superintendent.
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
Many farm owners pursue additional income by selling value-added farm products. Allison Strickland, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) South Georgia district manager for retail food safety, outlined license categories to sell food.
The GDA regulates food sales establishments, where products are sold to the end user for use off premises. The Georgia Department of Public Health regulates food service establishments that sell products consumed on-site. For food businesses that do both, the type of license required and the state department with regulatory authority depends on which type of sales make up most of their business.
The GDA has four food sales licensing tracks: Non-profit, cottage food, retail and wholesale food sales. The type of license required depends on where the food is consumed. Note that nonpotentially hazardous foods are shelf stable and require no refrigeration or heating.
• NON-PROFIT
No GDA license is required. Non-potentially hazardous foods can be made in a residential kitchen if sold at an event sponsored by a registered non-profit. Permits can be issued by the city/county where event is held. Permits are for five days maximum. Food sales must be to end users.
• COTTAGE FOOD LICENSE
Non-potentially hazardous foods can be produced in a residential kitchen and sold at non-
By Jay Stone
profit events, for-profit events, from home and over the internet in Georgia only. Sales must be to the end consumer. Cottage food items cannot be sold to other businesses. There is an annual $100 license renewal. A preoperational inspection is required. Reinspections will be done if there are consumer complaints or foodborne illness outbreaks.
Licensing requirements include a cottage food license application, a notarized verification of lawful presence in the U.S. complying with federal immigration laws, copy of a state or federal ID, a food handlers course completion certificate, the applicant’s most recent water bill if using a public water source or water test results if using private water sources.
For complete information about the GDA Cottage Food Licensing program and food products approved for it, visit www.gfb.ag/ gdacottagefood
• FOOD SALES ESTABLISHMENTS (RETAIL & WHOLESALE)
Applies to non-potentially hazardous foods and potentially hazardous foods. Products cannot be produced in residential kitchens. A room separate from living quarters may be converted into a licensed commercial kitchen. Products can be sold at non-profit events, for-profit events, over the internet, and can be sold to stores and restaurants. Licensing fees are accessed in five tiers based on risk (1-$100, 2-$150, 3-$200, 4-$250, 5-$300).
Food sales operators should contact their local zoning board or business development offices to obtain an occupancy certificate. Those using private water sources are subject to annual water testing by the GDA.
Food labeling requirements apply to food sales products. To review the GDA retail licensing guide, visit www.gfb.ag/gdaretailerfoodlicense
Manufactured food licenses are for products distributed to stores, restaurants, interstate/ intrastate commerce or exports. Manufactured food products include shellfish but not meat products, which are subject to the GDA meat inspection program or USDA licensing.
For detailed information about GDA food safety licensing visit www.gfb.ag/gdafood
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Capitol Choices
By Jennifer Whittaker
Georgia farmers had the chance to meet with state officials without driving too far from home thanks to a series of meetings Georgia Farm Bureau held in each of its districts May 14-June 20. The “County Voices, Capitol Choices” gatherings let farmers, legislators and agency employees share thoughts about issues affecting agriculture.
Speaking at the meeting in Colbert, Gov.
encouraged farmers to engage in the legislative process.
Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
Gov. Brian Kemp and AFBF President Zippy Duvall were special guests at the meetings in Colbert May 28 and in Madison June 6, respectively. Other meetings were held in Musella May 14, McDonough June 3, Ellijay June 4, Cochran June 10, Metter June 11, Camilla June 18, Plains June 19 and Wray June 20.
GFB began each of its County Voices, Capitol Choices meetings, like the one held in Camilla, with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
Photo by Jay Stone
“Connecting farmers with their elected officials is a key purpose of Farm Bureau,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We appreciate everyone who hosted an event on their farm or ag venue. I’d also like to thank all the state legislators and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources staff who attended. Farm Bureau especially appreciates Gov. Kemp and Zippy taking time out of their schedules to join us.”
Gov. Kemp discussed action he has taken to help farmers and rural communities during his time as governor including suspending the state fuel tax multiple times, passing a property
Brian Kemp
tax relief measure, and signing legislation that decreases both personal and corporate tax rates.
“My office appreciates the relationship we have with Georgia Farm Bureau,” Kemp said. “Talking with Tom and Farm Bureau folks at events like this is important because it lets me and your legislators know what issues are affecting your farms. It’s important for farmers to be engaged in the legislative process. Agriculture has a lot of influence because of the economic contributions you make on the state level and in your local communities.”
Telfair County Farm Bureau President Neal Stanley expressed his appreciation for GFB holding the meetings.
“Attending meetings like this gives you the chance to get updates on ag issues and what Farm Bureau is doing,” Stanley said. “It also lets me meet my legislators and express my opinions and concerns. If I can positively impact something for my county, then attending this type of meeting is worthwhile.”
The cost of deer eating their crops was a topic farmers wanted to discuss with DNR staff at many of the meetings. Several farmers voiced that replanting crops deer destroy often costs them an additional $125,000 a year. One farmer suggested farmers be allowed to hunt does through February when they
it sunsets July 1, 2025, was discussed at the meetings along with state policy regarding navigable waters and property rights. Visit www.gfb.ag/24cvcc to read in-depth coverage of the meetings.
Farmers attending the County Voices, Capitol Choices meeting in Metter voiced concern about deer crop damage.
Photo by Jay Stone
GFB Photo Contest Focuses on Agriculture
By Jennifer Whittaker
Bryan Bledsoe, a Pulaski County Farm Bureau member, won first place honors in the 2024 GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Photo Contest with his photo "Peanut Diggin' ." Visit www.gfb.ag/24photowinners to see all the winning photos.
Congratulations to Bryan Bledsoe of Pulaski County for winning the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers 15th Annual Picture Agriculture in Georgia Photo Contest. Bledsoe won the grand prize of $150!
Bledsoe’s photo, "Peanut Diggin' " will be featured on the cover of the 2025 GFB YF&R calendar available at most county Farm Bureau offices in December.
The calendar will also feature the 11 honorable mention winners, who each received a $75 prize.
Honorable mention winners are: Candice Allgood, Clarke County; Chase Berry, Newton County; April Cunard, Peach County; Jaime Fleming, Houston County;
Julie Hardy, Thomas County; Joe Hutchins, Jr., Barrow County; Megan Odom, Early County; Whitney Sheppard, Screven County; Liam Tewksbury, Forsyth County; Sarah Thornton, Wayne County; Lauren Turner, Decatur County.
GFB thanks the 101 contestants who submitted 223 photos. The GFB photo selection committee narrowed the submissions down to a group of 20. Voting to choose the overall winner and the honorable mentions was held in mid-July in conjunction with the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference.
Look for information about the 2025 contest to be announced next May.
GFB & GFA WELCOME
NEW EMPLOYEES
By Jennifer Whittaker
Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) recently added new hires to their respective staffs. On May 28 the GFB Public Policy Department welcomed Amelia Junod to its team as an advocacy and policy development specialist followed by Chase McClure as a government affairs specialist on June 20. Phoebe Beard joined the GFA as an educational programs assistant May 21
AMELIA JUNOD
Junod will manage GFB’s annual policy development process of establishing its positions on farm-related issues and work to promote the organization’s stances through outreach campaigns. She will also assist with the GFB ImPACt Fund political action committee.
A native of Macon, Junod graduated from Mercer University in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in law and public policy. Prior to joining GFB, she was employed with the S-3 Group in Washington, D.C., where she conducted data research and analysis to help clients support their legislative policies and address reputation challenges. In 2022 she interned in the office of former U.S. Rep. Jody Hice.
Junod may be reached at aljunod@gfb.org.
CHASE MCCLURE
As a government affairs specialist, McClure will work to communicate GFB’s policy positions on legislation and regulations to elected officials while facilitating GFB member interactions with lawmakers and policy influencers.
A native of Monroe County, McClure earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in history from Mississippi State University (MSU) in 2023. McClure was active in the MSU College Republicans and served on Mississippi Sen. Bart William’s (MS Dist. 15-R) 2020 campaign. McClure worked for Central Georgia Technical College and Timberhawg Investments, LLC before coming to GFB.
McClure may be reached at cnmcclure@gfb.org.
PHOEBE BEARD
Beard will work with Virginia Fulwood to set the schedule for the Georgia Ag Experience Mobile Ag Classroom to visit schools, community and statewide events, and will serve as a mobile classroom instructor.
Beard grew up on a Turner County farm where her grandparents grew cotton, watermelon and peanuts. She graduated from ABAC in May with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. During a summer in college, Beard worked for a Texas wildlife rescue educating the public about wildlife. From May 2023-May 2024, she interned at the Chehaw Park & Zoo in Albany teaching environmental education to guests. Beard may be reached at pbeard@georgiaagexperience.org. Learn more about the GAE mobile classroom at www.georgiaagexperience.org .
Earn Farm Passport Stamps This Fall
By Kelly Henry
Georgia Farm Bureau helps consumers discover the farms in its Certified Farm Market (CFM) program with Farm Passports available at county Farm Bureau offices, participating farms and at www.gfb.ag/passport. Farm Passport travelers have 100 farm markets to visit this year, with 15 being new to the program. These markets sell a wide variety of farm products such as fruit and vegetables, Christmas trees, eggs, meat or cheese. Some farms offer a pick-your-own option for apples and other produce or flowers. Some have corn mazes, Christmas lights and other agritourism fun and educational opportunities.
In 2023, farm passport travelers made more than 8,000 visits to GFB CFMs. That’s up from 2,400 farm visits in 2019, the program’s first year.
GFB held an ice cream date at Dickey Farms for the 10 travelers who visited all the farms listed in the 2023 Farm Passport. Attending were back row, from left, GFB President Tom McCall & his wife, Jane; Robert & Mary Rockwood, Lee Dickey, Mark Gauthier, Marcia Benford, Robert Dickey and front row from left, Linda Futch, GFB CFM Coordinator Kelly Henry & Anne Gauthier. Other passport travelers who visited every CFM but aren’t pictured were: Nicki & Ken Ross of Newnan and Gaby & Mike Martin of Phenix City, Ala.
Last year, 10 travelers visited every farm in the Farm Passport to earn an elite Farm Passport Travelers Jacket. The travelers were sisters Marcia Benford & Linda Futch of Fitzgerald; Mark & Anne Gauthier of McDonough; Mike & Gaby Martin of Phenix City, Ala.; Robert & Mary Rockwood of McDonough; and Ken & Nicki Ross of Newnan. This was the second time the Rockwoods visited all the farms in a program year.
To celebrate the 10 adventurous travelers, GFB treated them to an ice cream outing at Dickey Farms in Musella. Dickey Farms received the most votes for “Best Ice Cream” from 2023 Farm Passport travelers. Farm owners Robert and Lee Dickey gave the group a tour of the farm’s peach packing house.
Passport travelers who visit at least 20 farms receive a farm-totable dinner and farm tour at a GFB CFM. Dinners and farm tours for the 2023 qualifying participants were held at Berry’s Christmas Tree Farm, Paulk Vineyards and Pearson Farm this summer. It is no easy feat to go to every Certified Farm Market (CFM)
listed in the Farm Passport in a program year, especially considering the seasonality of many farms. Anne Gauthier said she and her husband drove about 5,500 miles for their CFM visits.
“It was something we thoroughly enjoyed. It was an inspirational trip. We love the farmers,” Anne said. “They were all so willing to share their farm lives with us.”
Those traveling with the Farm Passport this year can earn a limited-edition t-shirt for five farm visits. Visit www.gfb.ag/ passport for a list of participating farms, all prizes, travel routes and complete details. Be sure to call the farm before visiting to make sure it is open as hours may vary from what is printed in the passport.
Jan. 6, 2025, is the deadline to submit your 2024 passport for prizes.
Eager GFB YF&R delegation visits D.C. YF&R Update
By Breanna Berry
the 40th
Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) made their way to Washington, D.C., in April for the program’s 40th annual trip that allows participants to learn more about the legislative process and advocate for agriculture firsthand.
GFB has taken its YF&R members to D.C. since 1983, except 2021 and 2022. This year was unique as participants were asked to apply and were selected by a committee. Using an application process ensured all participants were engaged in trip activities. Travel and lodging were covered for those selected.
Thirty YF&R members participated in the four-day program April 7-10. The group started their D.C. experience at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) office with an advocacy training session and were briefed by AFBF staff on policy issues. Later, the group enjoyed a night tour of D.C.’s iconic sights and monuments.
The second day started with a constituent breakfast with Sen. Raphael Warnock and his ag aide. The YF&R members divided into groups to visit their representative and at least one other representative in their offices on Capitol Hill.
The group met with congressional members and staff from the offices of Sen. Warnock and Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Buddy Carter, Rick Allen, David Scott, Austin Scott, Drew Ferguson, Sanford Bishop and Andrew Clyde. Energy, ag labor, and the farm bill were the main topics discussed.
“The young farmer and rancher trip to Washington was welltimed as our legislators were in the middle of farm bill discussions. We stressed how essential the farm bill is to national security and expressed concerns about issues impacting individuals on their farms,” YF&R Committee Chairman Cleve Jackson said.
On the third day of the trip, the group took a tour of the White House graciously arranged by Rep. Sanford Bishop. The young farmers & ranchers enjoyed seeing the renowned residence.
“In addition to discussing policy with our legislators, our group experienced the rich history of our nation’s Capital and formed relationships with one another that have already made a positive impact on the strength of our organization,” Jackson said.
Plans are underway for the 2025 trip. Applications for the trip will be released in December. Those interested should contact their county Farm Bureau office manager and look for an announcement on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group.
GFB is sad to announce that Breanna Berry & her husband, Zach, have moved to Tennessee as he begins a new job. If you have questions about the YF&R program, please contact Clay Talton at cstalton@gfb. org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5128. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to get involved with your local YF&R program for those involved in any aspect of agriculture ages 18-35.
For
year, Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for agriculture on Capitol Hill. / Photo by Logan Thomas
Women's Leadership Update
GFB offers opportunities for Women in Ag
By Breanna Berry
Several members of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) attended the Advocate, Cultivate, Empower (ACE) Summit hosted by American Farm Bureau in Washington, D.C., June 3-6.
The WLC members met with their U.S. representatives to discuss issues affecting Georgia farmers. The ACE Summit also offered advocacy training.
After going through the ACE training, GFB’s delegation visited with congressional members and staff from the offices of Sen. Jon Ossoff, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Green, Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop and Buddy Carter.
“Attending the ACE Summit was an enriching experience. We learned skills to share our agricultural heritage and expanded our knowledge of the legislative process,” WLC Chairman
Members of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee attending the Advocate, Cultivate, Empower Summit in June visit with AFBF President Zippy Duvall. GFB’s delegation was, from left, Committee Chairman Stephanie Branch of Rabun County/GFB Dist. 2; Lindsey Morgan of Pierce County/GFB Dist. 10; WLC Vice Chairman Julie Hardy of Decatur County/ GFB Dist. 9; Angie Roberts of McDuffie County/ GFB Dist. 4; and Melissa Petty of Murray County/GFB Dist. 1.
Stephanie Branch said. “We enjoyed meeting women from across the U.S. who share our passion for agriculture.”
Prior to traveling to D.C., WLC Vice Chairman Hardy gathered photos and information from other South Georgia farmers in 22 counties regarding their experience of having to replant crops due to excess rain in May and June that she shared with the Georgia legislators in hopes of securing support for a USDA disaster declaration.
GFB WLC district chairwomen continue to host meetings for the ladies in their GFB districts to network while learning about GFB programs and agriculture.
GFB WLC District 10 Chairwoman Lindsey Johnson Morgan hosted an event for her district July 25 at the Daniel L. Johnson Farm where attendees toured tobacco curing barns and had the chance to learn the art of making charcuterie trays. GFB WLC
District 10 Chairwoman Julie Hardy hosted a tour of Burton Brooks Peach Orchards on July 26 followed by lunch and homemade peach ice cream.
Events were held for the GFB 6th and 7th Districts in May. If you’re interested in attending your district meeting, let your county office manager know and look for announcements on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group page.
GFB Women in Ag Summit
Georgia ladies involved in any aspect of agriculture are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Women in Ag Summit Nov. 11-12 in Savannah. The GFB conference will emphasize personal and professional development through sessions on ag education, advocacy and leadership development.
Conference registration will open mid-August and run until Oct. 15. Conference information is available at county Farm Bureau offices and online at https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit
“All ladies involved in any aspect of Georgia agriculture are welcome and encouraged to attend this time of growth, networking and development for women in agriculture,” GFB WLC Chairwoman Branch said.
GFB is sad to announce that Breanna Berry & her husband, Zach, have moved to Tennessee as he begins a new job. If you have questions about the Women’s Leadership program, please contact Clay Talton at cstalton@gfb.org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5128. Contact your county Farm Bureau to become involved with its Women’s Leadership Program.
GFA Update
GFB SPRING SHOOTOUT Raises Funds for Ag Literacy
By Lily Baucom
The 2nd Annual Georgia Farm Bureau Spring Shootout, presented by Penco Restoration, took place on May 17, at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays and Helice in Griffin. The event drew more than 110 participants competing as 27 teams in a 100disc shootout for top prizes.
Thanks to the support of participants, sponsors and supporters, the event raised more than $30,000. The proceeds from the event will assist the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture in its mission to prepare the next generation of Georgia leaders for success in agriculture.
The competition featured several categories, including Top Overall Shooter, Top GFB Team, Top Team for each of the three flights and new this year, Junior Shooter Awards.
The winners of the top adult categories received granite plaques made by Keystone Memorials in Elberton along with cash prizes and bragging rights. Atlanta Fire and Restoration sponsored the youth awards by purchasing plaques and keepsake awards for the Junior and Sub Junior winners.
Winners
• Top Overall Shooter: Clay Townsen
• Top GFB Team: Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Dist. 10
• Top Team 1st Flight: Georgia Farm Bureau Insurance Dist. 10
• Top Team 2nd Flight: Penco Restoration
• Top Team 3rd Flight: Magnolia Loom
• Sub Junior (Under 13):
• 1st Place: Everett Smith
• 2nd Place: Elliot Smith
• 3rd Place: Carson Brake
• Junior (14-18):
• 1st Place: Alaina Ludeman
• 2nd Place: Jason Ludeman
• 3rd Place: Bryce Tanner
A highlight of the event was the raffle for an engraved Yildiz Shotgun Legacy HP, generously donated by Newton County Farm Bureau. The winner of the shotgun was Ashley Bowlden. GFA extends a special thank you to event presenting sponsor Penco Restoration for helping make this event a success. We also extend our gratitude to the Lock n Load Sponsor Young, Thagard,
Hoffman, LLP, and the Down Range and Station Sponsors: Atlanta Fire & Restoration Service, Magnolia Loom, Farm Credit Associations of Georgia, Full Blown Firearms, Georgia Farm Bureau, Great American Insurance, Gresco, Hancock County Farm Bureau, Newton County Farm Bureau, Wipfli LLP, Ag Technologies LLC, and the Burge Club.
Lily Baucom is executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture. To learn more about the foundation or to make a taxdeductible donation, visit www.gafoundationag.org.
from left, GFB Chief Administrative Officer Jeffrey Harvey and GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom congratulate the Penco Restoration Team for winning Top Team honors in the second flight of the 2nd Annual GFB Spring Shootout. / Photo by Logan Thomas
Pictured
GFB MEMBERS ATTEND NAITC
Georgia had a large delegation to attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference held in Salt Lake City June 25-27. Attendees had the chance to tour farms and learn about agriculture in Utah. Conference workshops introduced attendees to AITC curriculum and hands-on activities to engage students in learning about agriculture. Next year the conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 23-26. Visit https://agclassroom.org to learn more about the NAITC program.
Ag in the Classroom Update
Farm Bureau celebrates Georgia Ag Week
By Lauren Goble
Georgia students tapped into their artistic talents to create colorful bookmarks and draw scenes depicting agriculture for the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau Middle School Bookmark and High School Art Contests.
Ashley McMath, of Cherokee County, sketched the first-place drawing to win the GFB High School Art Contest. McMath won $250 as the state high school art contest winner and $100 as the GFB 1st District winner. She was a senior at River Ridge High School at the time she entered the contest.
Dan Lin, of Gwinnett County, won state honors in the middle school bookmark contest for his vibrant bookmark highlighting Georgia commodities. Lin received $150 for winning the state bookmark contest and $100 as the GFB 3rd District winner. He was a sixth-grade student at SKA Academy when he entered the contest.
Visit www.gfb.ag/2024-hs-art-contest-winners to see all the district winners’ artwork for the 2024 GFB High School Art Contest. Visit www.gfb.ag/24bookmarkwinners to see the district winners’ creations in the 2024 GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest.
This marks the 30th year GFB held its annual high school art contest. This is the third year GFB coordinated a contest for sixth through eighth graders to design a bookmark.
“Georgia Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Art Contests encourage students to create a piece of art inspired by what they
learn about Georgia agriculture after watching a video, doing research, or visiting a farm,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Students who might not otherwise think about agriculture learn about the variety of crops and livestock Georgia farmers raise as they create their drawings.”
GFB received entries for its high school contest from 77 county Farm Bureaus and entries from 88 county Farm Bureaus for its middle school contest. A panel of judges selected GFB district winners for each contest from all county entries submitted from each district. Once the district winners were selected, all GFB home office employees were invited to vote for their favorite piece of artwork in each contest without knowing the names of the artists nor counties that submitted the sketches and bookmarks.
Contestants in the high school contest were instructed to create a black, white and gray drawing using graphite, charcoal, pastel, chalk, colored pencil, ballpoint pen or mixed media appropriate for printing. Drawings were judged on how well the art represents agriculture in the student’s county or Georgia and for artistic merit.
The middle school contestants were given a blank bookmark and asked to create a design illustrating Georgia agriculture.
Contact your county Farm Bureau office for information about the 2025 contests in mid-November.
District winners in the GFB High School Art Contest
GFB
GFB
GFB
District winners in the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest
GFB 1st Dist. Haley Bolin
Forsyth Co.
GFB 2nd Dist. Susana Mares Habersham Co.
GFB 3rd Dist. Dan Lin Gwinnett Co. State Winner
GFB 4th Dist. Yashvi Patel Putnam Co.
GFB 5th Dist Anna Leigh Coker Upson Co.
GFB 6th Dist. Katherine Yu Treutlen Co.
GFB 7th Dist Ryder Perdue Chatham Co.
GFB 8th Dist. Juan Ortiz Jr. Randolph Co.
GFB 9th Dist. Lorelei Trulock Grady Co.
GFB 10th Dist. Briana Araiza Ben Hill Co.
Ashley McMath of Cherokee County won the GFB High School Art Contest with this sketch. Visit www.gfb.ag/2024-hs-art-contest-winners to see all the district winners’ art
Dan Lin of Gwinnett County won the GFB Middle School Bookmark Contest. Visit www.gfb.ag/24bookmarkwinners see all of the district winners' designs.
Georgia Farm Bureau Educational Programs Coordinator Lauren Goble may be reached at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5135. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to volunteer with its Ag in the Classroom program.
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