GFB News Magazine

Georgia Farm Bureau is fighting for farmers in D.C. & Atlanta during dire economic times

by Tom McCall

Posted on March 4, 2026 10:55 PM

By nature, I consider myself an optimist. I trust in God and always subscribe to what the Apostle Paul wrote in Acts 17. “The God who made the world and everything in it…gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”

I firmly believe that the good Lord didn’t leave anything out, and we have got to continually be searching for what is available for us.

I realize starting a new year with positive thoughts and optimism is the right thing to do. But if I’m honest with you, sometimes it’s easier than others to stay positive.

We don’t have to look too far to see others in agriculture struggling. All Georgia farmers are facing their own unique challenges.

Most of us are shaking our heads at trade and tariff concerns, uncertainties in finding dependable help and labor, turmoil with the timber markets that remain slow-moving and riding the highs and lows of the cattle and livestock markets. Plus, there are severe challenges that row crop farmers currently face because of input costs, difficulties in the overseas markets and a fair farm bill that seems to elude lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

When I’m driving down the road, thinking about all these trials, I always come back to the question, how long can my friends and neighbors hold on in the face of this dire situation?  

My friend Dan Wright, president of Arkansas Farm Bureau, recently wrote in a column that hardship builds resilience. Dan said, “It [hardship] pushed us to innovate, to work smarter and to appreciate the blessings that come when the rain finally falls after a long dry spell.” 

I share Dan’s thoughts about hard times and think most farmers can attest that difficult times can and will make us stronger.

You’re not alone in your battles. Georgia Farm Bureau is here with you. We’re fighting for you on Capitol Hill in D.C., and in Atlanta at the Georgia Capitol. It’s what we do.  It’s who we are.

Please remember that no matter what hardships come our way, Farm Bureau is unified in standing for you and standing with you. This spring we’re launching a campaign called Strong Farms. Strong Georgia. If you would like to help spread the message that having strong farms is a national security issue and that agriculture contributes greatly to our economy, visit www.gfb.ag/strongfarms.  

We appreciate you!

Tom

Tom McCall, GFB President

GFB President Tom McCall, center, GFB 10th Dist. Director Lamar Vickers, left, and GFB 1st Vice President Daniel Johnson review policy that AFBF voting delegates considered at the 107th AFBF Convention in January. /Photo by Logan Thomas