July 26, 2017
www.gfb.org
Vol. 35 No. 15
GFB YOUNG FARMERS EAT, PLAY, LEARN ON JEKYLL ISLAND Young farmers were urged to engage in educating the public, learned marketing tips, saw man-made rain, played on the beach and the golf course and dined on seafood during the 2017 Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leadership Conference, held July 19-22 on Jekyll Island. More than 100 young farmers and their families attended the conference, held for the sixth straight year at the Jekyll Island Conference Center. While the grownups heard speakers on topics including how to engage with consumers, managing cash flow while operating the farm and land management practices for forage crops, their children had the opportunity to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and participate in hands-on ag activities. The conference also featured the culmination of GFB’s Young Farmer competitive events – Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture (see next story). American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher Coordinator Marty Tatman spoke at the opening session, providing information about Farm Bureau structure and programs. Tatman pointed out AFBF President Zippy Duvall’s theme for 2017 – Engage. Participants heard messages prompting them to Dr. Dennis Hancock engage with consumers, with lawmakers and with lenders, three groups of people on whom farmers’ livelihoods depend. The GFB Public Policy staff provided information about their new The next issue of department, which consolidated the previous Commodities and Legislative GFB News Alert comes out departments, as well as providing key bills considered during the Georgia August 9. Legislature’s 2017 session this spring. Jordan Tippett from UGA's Small Business Development Center presented information on marketing strategy. While building strategy typically takes 10 percent of businesses' marketing efforts, with the rest devoted to actions, or tactics, to implement strategy, Tippett said the -continued on next page