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GFB offers opportunities for Women in Ag
by Breanna Berry
Leadership Programs Coordinator
Posted on August 26, 2024 3:06 PM
Members of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee attending the Advocate, Cultivate, Empower (ACE) Summit in June visit with AFBF President Zippy Duvall. GFB’s delegation was, from left, Committee Chairman Stephanie Branch of Rabun County/GFB Dist. 2; Lindsey Morgan of Pierce County/GFB Dist. 10; WLC Vice Chairman Julie Hardy of Decatur County/GFB Dist. 9; Angie Roberts of McDuffie County/GFB Dist. 4; and Melissa Petty of Murray County/GFB Dist. 1.
Several members of the Georgia Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) attended the Advocate, Cultivate, Empower (ACE) Summit hosted by American Farm Bureau in Washington, D.C., June 3-6.
The WLC members met with their U.S. representatives to discuss issues affecting Georgia farmers. The ACE Summit also offered advocacy training.
After going through the ACE training, GFB’s delegation visited with congressional members and staff from the offices of Sen. Jon Ossoff, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Green, Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop and Buddy Carter.
“Attending the ACE Summit was an enriching experience. We learned skills to share our agricultural heritage and expanded our knowledge of the legislative process,” WLC Chairman Stephanie Branch said. “We enjoyed meeting women from across the U.S. who share our passion for agriculture.”
Prior to traveling to D.C., WLC Vice Chairman Hardy gathered photos and information from other South Georgia farmers in 22 counties regarding their experience of having to replant crops due to excess rain in May and June that she shared with the Georgia legislators in hopes of securing support for a USDA disaster declaration.
GFB WLC district chairwomen continue to host meetings for the ladies in their GFB districts to network while learning about GFB programs and agriculture.
GFB WLC District 10 Chairwoman Lindsey Johnson Morgan hosted an event for her district July 25 at the Daniel L. Johnson Farm where attendees toured tobacco curing barns and had the chance to learn the art of making charcuterie trays. GFB WLC District 10 Chairwoman Julie Hardy hosted a tour of Burton Brooks Peach Orchards on July 26 followed by lunch and homemade peach ice cream.
Events were held for the GFB 6th and 7th Districts in May. If you’re interested in attending your district meeting, let your county office manager know and look for announcements on the Friends of Georgia Farm Bureau Facebook group page.
GFB Women in Ag Summit
Georgia ladies involved in any aspect of agriculture are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Women in Ag Summit Nov. 11-12 in Savannah. The GFB conference will emphasize personal and professional development through sessions on ag education, advocacy and leadership development.
This conference is open to any woman with an interest in agriculture – female farmers, agriculture industry professionals, Farm Bureau volunteers, etc. This event will be a time of fun, fellowship, personal and professional development. It will be held at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Keynote speaker is Kiah Twisselman Burchett, a California rancher, life coach and motivational speaker. Two pre-conference tours will be offered on Nov.11 - a tour of the Savannah Port for $15/person and a tour of the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Foodbank at no cost for attendees. Early conference registration of $75 ends Sept. 15. Final registration of $100 ends Oct. 15. To register visit https://gfb.ag/WomeninAgSummit . Contact your county Farm Bureau office for more information .
“All ladies involved in any aspect of Georgia agriculture are welcome and encouraged to attend this time of growth, networking and development for women in agriculture,” GFB WLC Chairwoman Branch said.
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 Women’s Leadership program, please contact Clay Talton at cstalton@gfb.org or 478.474.8411, ext. 5128. Contact your county Farm Bureau to become involved with its Women’s Leadership Program.