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County Voices, Capitol Choices meetings connect farmers & legislators

Posted on August 31, 2024 3:15 PM

Georgia farmers had the chance to meet with state officials without driving too far from home thanks to a series of meetings Georgia Farm Bureau held in each of its districts May 14-June 20. The “County Voices, Capitol Choices” gatherings let farmers, legislators and agency employees share thoughts about issues affecting agriculture. 

Gov. Brian Kemp and AFBF President Zippy Duvall were special guests at the meetings in Colbert May 28 and in Madison June 6, respectively. Other meetings were held in Musella May 14, McDonough June 3, Ellijay June 4, Cochran June 10, Metter June 11, Camilla June 18, Plains June 19 and Wray June 20. 

Speaking at the meeting in Colbert, Gov. Brian Kemp encouraged farmers to engage in the legislative process. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

“Connecting farmers with their elected officials is a key purpose of Farm Bureau,” GFB President Tom McCall said. “We appreciate everyone who hosted an event on their farm or ag venue. I’d also like to thank all the state legislators and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources staff who attended. Farm Bureau especially appreciates Gov. Kemp and Zippy taking time out of their schedules to join us.”

Gov. Kemp discussed action he has taken to help farmers and rural communities during his time as governor including suspending the state fuel tax multiple times, passing a property tax relief measure, and signing legislation that decreases both personal and corporate tax rates.

“My office appreciates the relationship we have with Georgia Farm Bureau,” Kemp said. “Talking with Tom and Farm Bureau folks at events like this is important because it lets me and your legislators know what issues are affecting your farms. It’s important for farmers to be engaged in the legislative process. Agriculture has a lot of influence because of the economic contributions you make on the state level and in your local communities.”

Telfair County Farm Bureau President Neal Stanley expressed his appreciation for GFB holding the meetings.

 “Attending meetings like this gives you the chance to get updates on ag issues and what Farm Bureau is doing,” Stanley said. “It also lets me meet my legislators and express my opinions and concerns. If I can positively impact something for my county, then attending this type of meeting is worthwhile.”

The cost of deer eating their crops was a topic farmers wanted to discuss with DNR staff at many of the meetings. Several farmers voiced that replanting crops deer destroy often costs them an additional $125,000 a year. One farmer suggested farmers be allowed to hunt does through February when they have time to hunt. 

The ag community’s need for total gross vehicle weight variances for commercial trucks hauling ag or timber to be extended after it sunsets July 1, 2025, was discussed at the meetings along with state policy regarding navigable rivers and property rights. 

Visit www.gfb.ag/24cvcc to read in-depth coverage of the meetings.  

GFB held a County Voices Capitol choices meeting June 10 at GFB Certified Farm Market Greene Acres Farm in Dodge County, just down the road from Cochran. Georgia Rep. Danny Mathis, who represents House District 149, which includes all of Bleckley, Twiggs, Wilkinson, Dodge counties and portions of Telfair County was a special guest. / Photo by Jennifer Whittaker

Rep. Mike Cheokas talks to farmers attending the County Voices, Capitol Choices meeeting held June 19 in Plains. / Photo by Jay Stone.

GFB held the last of its County Voices, Capitol Choices Meetings June 20 for the organization’s 10th District at Paulk Vineyards in Irwin County. Pictured from left are hosts Gary & Ann Paulk, Retiring Ga. Rep. Clay Pirkle, Jacklyn Ford, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Angie O’Steen, Sen. Russ Goodman, Rep. James Burchett, Jody Redding, Jane McCall, Tom McCall, Jorjanne & Chris Paulk. /Photo by Jennifer Whittaker