Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 8-10 for the organization’s 87th annual convention.
The convention theme, “Where You Belong,” emphasizes the organization’s welcoming nature while marking the 60th time GFB has held its convention on Jekyll Island.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and inspirational speaker Nick Parker are scheduled to address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 9 between 8:15 a.m. and noon.
“Since 1976, Jekyll Island has been our gathering place, a tradition only interrupted by the pandemic,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s certainly a place 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.”
Agriculture is Georgia’s top economic sector, contributing $83.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2022, providing more than 320,000 jobs and serving as the cornerstone of many of the state’s rural communities, according to the latest UGA Ag Snapshots report.
Convention activities begin Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service. Inspirational music will be provided by Al McCall and Mark Wallace. Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith will deliver a devotional message.
Sunday events include the opening of a trade show at 10 a.m. with more than 70 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, agencies and businesses.
For the second year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will hold its Christmas on the Farm Bingo on opening day beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the convention center. Led by emcees 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 Jekyll Island boutique. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/bingo for complete details and to buy tickets in advance.
During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, GFB will recognize agricultural advocacy and promotion efforts by county Farm Bureau volunteers and teachers’ work to include agriculture in their lessons through the Ag in the Classroom program.
Sunday activities close with the first of two nights of GFB Holiday Tour of Lights, a trolley tour around Jekyll Island. Tickets are $35 per person and proceeds benefit the GFB Ambassador Program and the GFB Women’s Leadership Program.
On Monday, Dec. 9, the general session runs from 8:15 a.m. to noon, highlighted by remarks from Gov. Kemp. Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Mark Williams will welcome convention guests. McCall will deliver his annual address. Harper and Duvall will discuss state and national agriculture issues. Parker will share his experiences as a Marine Corps veteran and drug investigator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
The convention trade show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at noon on Dec. 9. A series of eight commodity meetings will be held Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. featuring speakers who will address management and policy issues for the major commodities grown in Georgia.
Commodity meeting topics will cover trends in Georgia forages, farmland preservation, succession planning, EPA pesticide requirements, a political update, a livestock outlook, farmers’ mental health and adding value to the state’s forests.
Monday activities end with the second night of the GFB Holiday Tour of Lights.
On Dec. 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. Delegates will also elect the 2024 GFB Board of Directors.
Visit www.gfb.org/about-us/convention for more information about the convention. Tickets for the GFB Holiday Tour of Lights may be purchased at this website.
About Georgia Farm Bureau
Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the largest general farm organization in Georgia. It advocates for farmers on legislative issues, works to connect consumers with agriculture and offers its members a wide variety of benefits, including insurance, but enrollment in any of the member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership. For more information about GFB membership or to join, visit www.gfb.org.
