Photo by Beth Clifton
February 28, 2024
www.gfb.org
Vol. 6 No. 4
GFB COMMODITY COMMITTEES BEGIN 2024 WORK Each year, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) seeks commodity-specific knowledge from its members through spring commodity advisory committee (CAC) meetings and AFBF Issue Advisory Committee (IAC) meetings. County Farm Bureaus are asked to nominate members to serve on the committees, and committee members are appointed every two years. GFB has 20 established CACs, each consisting of members who produce that specific commodity. “Agriculture is changing rapidly, and the input these committees provide keeps Farm Bureau up-to-date on challenges farmers face and solutions they seek,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We are grateful for the CAC members’ service, which is essential for Farm Bureau to act as the voice for Georgia farmers.” AFBF’s IAC meetings were held Feb. 14 and 15 in Washington, D.C. GFB members serving on AFBF IACs are: Rachel Santos, Barrow County (Market Structures IAC); Brad Edenfield, Burke (Technology); Andy Bell, Decatur (Budget and Economy); Mark Masters, Dougherty (Environmental Regulations and Water); Lucy Ray, Morgan (Animal Care); and Lindy Savelle, Thomas (Organic, Food Safety and Direct Marketing). GFB’s CAC committees meet individually throughout March and April, either at the GFB home office in Macon or at a place of interest to their commodity’s producers. The chairmen of the GFB CACs are: Aquaculture – Terry Bramlett, Fannin County; Beef – Chuck Joiner, Carroll; Cotton – David Holton, Mitchell; Dairy – Joel Keith, Troup; Direct Marketing/Agritourism – Jim Steed, Columbia; Environmental Horticulture – William Ross, Oconee; Equine – Gary Walker, Tift; Feedgrain/Soybean – Jesse Patrick, Putnam; Forestry – John Mixon, Pike; Fruits – Tim McMillan, Berrien; Goats/Sheep – Will Cabe, Franklin; Hay – Harry Thompson, Colquitt; Honeybees – J. Keith Fielder, Putnam; Peanuts – John Harrell, Grady; Pecans – Wade Parker, Jenkins; Poultry – Steven Green, Spalding; Swine – Terry Danforth, Berrien; Tobacco – Fred Wetherington, Lowndes; Vegetables – Brad Calhoun, Turner; and Water – Lee Webster, Burke.