GFB News Magazine
GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers delegation attends AFBF
by Jay Stone
Posted on February 20, 2026 10:02 AM
From left, Walt Pridgen, Haley Scruggs and Kylie Sizemore competed in the Young Farmers & Ranchers contests at the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim, California, in January. / Photo by Levi Davis
Georgia Farm Bureau’s Walt Pridgen, Haley Scruggs and Kylie Sizemore represented GFB in YF&R contests at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention in January in Anaheim, California.
Sizemore of Franklin County competed in the first two rounds of the AFBF Discussion Meet on Jan. 10, advancing to the Sweet 16 round of the event held Jan. 11. Contestants in this event participate in group discussions that simulate committee meetings. Participants are evaluated on their ability to exchange ideas and information on predetermined ag topics they may research before the contest.
During her three rounds of competition, Sizemore discussed how Farm Bureau can make farm families aware of resources they can use to smoothly pass their operations to the next generation; how farmers advance environmental stewardship by caring for the natural resources on their farms; and how Farm Bureau can use digital engagement to connect its members with elected officials.
Sizemore works for Cobb-Vantress as a hatchery operations associate. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in poultry science from UGA and is pursuing a PhD from Auburn University in poultry science. She won the 2019 AFBF Collegiate YF&R Discussion Meet.
Scruggs, from Bibb County, gave her presentation in the Excellence in Agriculture competition on Jan. 10. This award honors active Farm Bureau members who promote agriculture in their community but earn most of their income off the farm.
In addition to being a nurse practitioner, Scruggs helps run her family’s farm, which produces pecans, hay and Christmas trees. She regularly welcomes the public to the farm to educate consumers about agriculture.
Scruggs, president of Bibb County Farm Bureau, has served on the BCFB Board of Directors since 2018 and served as vice president for three years. She and her husband, Seth, served on the GFB YF&R Committee in 2024-2025.
Pridgen, of Coffee County, raises broilers and cattle, and grows hay and corn for livestock. He competed for the Achievement Award, which recognizes farmers and ranchers who earn most of their income by farming. Pridgen has a bachelor’s degree in diversified agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. A fifth-generation farmer, Pridgen chaired the 2022 GFB YF&R Committee.
During the AFBF convention, Cleve Jackson of Floyd County was elected vice chairman of the AFBF YF&R Committee by his fellow committee members. He will serve as vice chair until March 2027 when his second year on the committee ends. Jackson and his wife, Emilia, raise cattle and hay with his family, and grow fresh-cut flowers sold directly to customers. Cleve also works for Elanco Animal Health as a senior account executive in the poultry business unit.
Representing GFB’s YF&R program at the AFBF Convention were, front row, from left, GFB YF&R Coordinator Levi Davis, Seth Scruggs, Willie Sizemore, GFB YF&R Chairman Garrett Hurley; standing from left, Bristol & Bradley Peterson, Haley Scruggs, Sarah Hurley, Walt Pridgen, Kylie Sizemore and Cleve Jackson, who is serving as vice chair of the 2026 AFBF YF&R Committee. / Photo by AFBF