MACON – Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 8-10 for the organization’s 87th annual convention.
The conference theme, ‘Where You Belong’, emphasizes the welcoming nature of the organization while also marking the 60th time that GFB has held its conference on Jekyll Island.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and inspirational speaker Nick Parker will address conference delegates during the general session on December 9 from 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. .
“Since 1976, Jekyll Island has been our meeting place, a tradition interrupted only by the pandemic,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s certainly a place where Georgia Farm Bureau members feel like they belong. Our convention is a time to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships and advance our shared vision for agriculture.”
According to the latest UGA Ag Snapshots report, agriculture is Georgia’s top economic sector, contributing $83.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2022, supporting more than 320,000 jobs and being the cornerstone of many of the state’s rural communities.
Convention activities begin at 9 a.m. on December 8 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service. Inspirational music is provided by Al McCall and Mark Wallace. Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith will deliver a devotional message.
Sunday’s events include the opening of a trade fair at 10 a.m. with more than 70 exhibitors representing agricultural organizations, agencies and companies in Georgia.
For the second year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will hold its Christmas on the Farm Bingo on opening day beginning at 3:30 PM at the Convention Center. Led by presenters Greta Collins and John Holcomb, guests will enjoy 10 rounds of bingo, Christmas trivia, door prizes, a raffle, music, refreshments and a pop-up shop from Brittney’s Closet, a boutique on Jekyll Island. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/bingo for full details and to purchase tickets in advance.
During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., GFB will recognize the agricultural advocacy and promotional efforts of County Farm Bureau volunteers and teachers to incorporate agriculture into their lessons through the Ag in the Classroom program.
Sunday’s activities conclude with the first of two nights of GFB Holiday Tour of Lights, a trolley tour around Jekyll Island. Tickets are $35 per person with proceeds benefiting the GFB Ambassador Program and the GFB Women’s Leadership Program.
On December 9, the general session will take place from 8:15 a.m. to noon, culminating in remarks from Kemp. Mark Williams, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority, welcomes conference guests. McCall will give his annual speech. Harper and Duvall will discuss state and national agriculture issues. Parker will share his experiences as a Marine Corps veteran and narcotics investigator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The conference fair opens at 9 a.m. and closes on December 9 at 12 noon. That afternoon, a series of eight commodities meetings will be held at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM with speakers discussing management and policy issues for key commodities. in Georgia.
Commodity Meeting topics will cover Georgia’s livestock feed trends, farmland conservation, succession planning, EPA pesticide requirements, a political update, livestock industry prospects, farmer mental health, and adding value to forests of the state.
The December 9 activities conclude with the second evening of the GFB Holiday Tour of Lights.
On December 10, GFB voting delegates will discuss and approve policy resolutions submitted by County Farm Bureau chapters statewide. The resolutions approved by the delegates will become the organization’s official policy that will guide its legislative efforts in 2024. The delegates will also elect the GFB’s 2024 Board of Directors. For more information about the convention, visit www.gfb.org/about-us/convention. Tickets for the GFB Holiday Tour of Lights can be purchased on this website.
Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in Georgia. It advocates for farmers on legislation, seeks to connect consumers with agriculture and offers its members a wide range of benefits, including insurance. For more information about GFB membership or to become a member, visit www.gfb.org.
