Special to The Beacon
MACON – Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island December 8-10 for the organization’s 87th annual convention.
The convention theme, “Where You Belong,” emphasizes the organization’s welcoming nature while marking the 60th time GFB has held its convention on Jekyll Island.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall and inspirational speaker Nick Parker are scheduled to address convention attendees during the Monday, December 9 general session between 8:15 a.m. and noon.
“Since 1976, Jekyll Island has been our gathering place, a tradition only interrupted by the pandemic,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “It’s certainly a place Georgia Farm Bureau members feel like they belong. Our convention is a time to reconnect with old friends, forge new relationships, and advance our shared vision for agriculture.” Agriculture is Georgia’s top economic sector, contributing $83.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2022, providing more than 320,000 jobs and serving as the cornerstone of many of the state’s rural communities, according to the latest UGA Ag Snapshots report.
Kemp
Harper
Convention activities begin Sunday, December 8 at 9 a.m., at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service.
Inspirational music will be provided by Al McCall and Mark Wallace. Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith will deliver a devotional message.
Sunday events include the opening of a trade show at 10 a.m., with more than 70 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, agencies and businesses.
For the second year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will hold its Christmas on the Farm Bingo opening day 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.
During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event at 2:30 p.m., 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.
Sunday activities close with the first of two nights of GFB Holiday Tour of Lights, a trolley tour around Jekyll Island. Tickets are $35 per person and proceeds benefit the GFB.
