December 3, 2025
www.gfb.org
Vol. 7 No. 24
GEORGIA FARM BUREAU TO HOLD ANNUAL CONVENTION Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 7-9 for the organization’s 88th annual convention. The convention theme, “Rise and Thrive,” emphasizes Georgia farmers’ resiliency in the year since Hurricane Helene and how the organization has led the charge to support their recovery. GFB President Tom McCall, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and motivational speaker Cmdr. Frank “Walleye” Weisser are scheduled to address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 8 between 8:15 a.m. and noon. “Jekyll Island is a special place in the hearts of Georgia Farm Bureau members,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Our convention is a time when our members advance our shared vision for agriculture, rekindle long-time friendships and develop new relationships.” Agriculture is Georgia’s top economic sector, contributing $91.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, providing more than 381,200 jobs and serving as the cornerstone of many of the state’s rural communities, according to the 2025 Georgia Ag Impact report from the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Convention activities begin Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service. Inspirational music will be provided by Angie McCall, Al McCall and Mark Wallace. Pastor Van McCall of Denton will deliver a devotional message. Sunday events include the opening of a trade show at 10 a.m. with more than 60 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, agencies and businesses. 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. For the third year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will hold its Christmas on the Farm Bingo fundraiser on the first day of the GFB Convention, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the convention center. Led by emcees Greta Collins and John Holcomb, 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 tickets in advance.