GFB News Magazine

ABAC & UGA YF&R Chapters thriving

by Levi Davis
YF&R Coordinator

Posted on November 14, 2025 6:47 PM

Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is excited to have a presence at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and the University of Georgia (UGA). Both have collegiate GFB Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) chapters on campus. 

These programs exist to support college students engaged in the agriculture sector, enhance the members’ education, and develop future leaders for Farm Bureau and Georgia’s agricultural industry. 

Another primary purpose of the collegiate YF&R program is to engage these students who are interested in agriculture by offering opportunities for professional development, personal growth and agricultural outreach. 

GFB YF&R Program members continue to educate and develop our collegiate chapters. Houston County’s Cason Anderson spoke at ABAC earlier this year about overcoming challenges first generation farmers face. Founding ABAC YF&R member and ABAC alum Walt Pridgen shared his experiences with the group in early September. 

In Athens, the UGA YF&R program contributes to its members’ professional development by hosting meetings discussing topics such as, Agriculture: Georgia’s No. 1 Industry, Georgia Farm Bureau’s crop insurance products, farm financing opportunities, and resume building workshops. 

Members of both collegiate programs attended GFB’s YF&R Summer Leadership Conference in July on Jekyll Island, where they learned about new opportunities in the GFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Program for them after they graduate. 

The collegiate YF&R Program is open to any college student at ABAC or UGA who is interested in serving as a voice for agriculture.

GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Levi Davis may be contacted at ledavis@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5233. Anyone ages 18-35 involved in any aspect of agriculture is encouraged to contact your county Farm Bureau to join your local YF&R program.

The UGA YF&R Chapter officers are, from left, Ela Grace Ash, Joey Blackstock, Jesse Cronic, Thomas Gurr and Georgia Simmons.
 

Houston County Farm Bureau Director Cason Anderson, center, with members of the ABAC YF&R Chapter. From left are: Bailey Ellison, Makenzie Beach, Stormie Rackley, Sara Helton, Anderson, Megan Jacobs, Sara Canup, Smith, and ABAC YF&R Chapter President Allison Cook.

Coffee County Farm Bureau YF&R Chairman Walt Pridgen with members of the ABAC YF&R Chapter.