Press Releases
Georgia Farm Bureau to celebrate “Strong Farms, Strong Georgia” at annual convention
Posted on Nov 13, 2026 at 8:56 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Whitney Mooney
wsmooney@gfb.org
478-474-8411
November 13, 2026
Georgia Farm Bureau to celebrate
“Strong Farms, Strong Georgia” at annual convention
MACON, Ga. – Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 6-8 for the organization’s 89th annual convention.
The convention theme, “Strong Farms. Strong Georgia.” highlights GFB’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s farms endure.
Agriculture has long been the cornerstone of Georgia’s economy. According to UGA’s Georgia Ag Impact report, farming and related businesses contributed $100.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2024, providing more than 370,000 jobs and serving as the primary driving force of many of the state’s rural communities. Georgia’s farmers and ranchers produced commodities valued at more than $18 billion.
This year will be the 62nd time GFB has held its convention on Jekyll Island, where members celebrate agriculture’s historic and far-reaching impact on the state while charting the organization’s course for the coming year.
“Georgia Farm Bureau’s strength is in its members, and our convention is a time to solidify their unity into one voice for Georgia agriculture,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “Our convention is always a special opportunity for our members to reconnect with long-time friends and create new connections.”
To celebrate its first statewide membership increase since 2015, GFB will offer its thanks to county leaders, volunteers and staff who made it possible.
Convention activities begin Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service during which GFB leaders who have died during the past year will be memorialized. Inspirational music will be provided by Al McCall and Mark Wallace, and a devotion will be given by GFB Middle Georgia Vice President Ralph Caldwell.
Sunday events include the opening of a trade show with nearly 70 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, government agencies and businesses.
For the fourth year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture’s Christmas on the Farm Bingo will be held Dec. 6 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the convention center. Led by emcee John Holcomb of the Georgia Farm Monitor TV show, 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 advance tickets. Tickets will also be sold at the convention.
During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event at 2 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.
During the general session on Dec. 7 between 8:15 a.m. and noon, GFB Chief Administrative Officer Jeffrey Harvey will welcome members to Jekyll Island. McCall will deliver his annual address and members will hear remarks from current Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfert.
Also on Dec. 7, the convention trade show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at noon. 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 cotton and peanuts, timber markets, honeybees, cattle herd health, preparing for climate variability, specialty crop production and water. Among the speakers is U.S. Rep. Austin Scott (R-Dist. 8) who will give a Washington update.
On Dec. 8 GFB voting delegates will discuss and approve policy resolutions submitted by county Farm Bureau chapters and GFB Commodity Advisory Committees. The resolutions approved by the delegates will become the organization’s official policy that will guide its legislative efforts in 2027. Delegates will also elect the 2027 GFB Board of Directors.
###
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.
GFB President Tom McCall – Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall will deliver his annual address on Dec. 7 the 2026 GFB Convention. / Photo courtesy of GFB.
- Categories:
- Tags: