Agriculture + Lifestyle
Eager GFB YF&R delegation visits D.C.
by Breanna Berry
Leadership Programs Coordinator
Posted on August 26, 2024 10:51 AM
For the 40th year, Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for agriculture on Capitol Hill. / Photo by Logan Thomas
Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) made their way to Washington, D.C., in April for the program’s 40th annual trip that allows participants to learn more about the legislative process and advocate for agriculture firsthand.
GFB has taken its YF&R members to D.C. since 1983, except 2021 and 2022 due to COVID. This year was unique as participants were asked to apply and were selected by a committee. Using an application process ensured all participants were engaged in trip activities. Travel and lodging were covered for those selected.
Thirty YF&R members participated in the four-day program April 7-10. The group started their D.C. experience at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) office with an advocacy training session and were briefed by AFBF staff on policy issues. Later, the group enjoyed a night tour of D.C.’s iconic sights and monuments.
The second day started with a constituent breakfast with Sen. Raphael Warnock and his ag aide. The YF&R members divided into groups to visit their representative and at least one other representative in their offices on Capitol Hill.
The group met with congressional members and staff from the offices of Sen. Warnock and Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Buddy Carter, Rick Allen, David Scott, Austin Scott, Drew Ferguson, Sanford Bishop and Andrew Clyde. Energy, ag labor, and the farm bill were the main topics discussed.
“The young farmer and rancher trip to Washington was well-timed as our legislators were in the middle of farm bill discussions. We stressed how essential the farm bill is to national security and expressed concerns about issues impacting individuals on their farms,” YF&R Committee Chairman Cleve Jackson said.
On the third day of the trip, the group took a tour of the White House graciously arranged by Rep. Sanford Bishop. The young farmers & ranchers enjoyed seeing the renowned residence.
“In addition to discussing policy with our legislators, our group experienced the rich history of our nation’s Capital and formed relationships with one another that have already made a positive impact on the strength of our organization,” Jackson said.
Plans are underway for the 2025 trip. Applications for the trip will be released in December. Those interested should contact their county Farm Bureau office manager and look for an announcement on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group.
GFB is sad to announce that Breanna Berry & her husband, Zach, have moved to Tennessee as he begins a new job. If you have questions about the YF&R program, please contact Clay Talton at cstalton@gfb.org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5128. Contact your county Farm Bureau if you’d like to get involved with your local YF&R program for those involved in any aspect of agriculture ages 18-35.