McDonough, GA |

With profitability challenges continuing to weigh heavily on agriculture, Georgia farmers recently had a rare opportunity to speak directly with federal leadership. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden visited the state for a Georgia Farm Bureau event, giving producers the chance to share their concerns face-to-face.

“It’s important so there’s not a disconnect,” said Ben Parker, National Affairs Coordinator with Georgia Farm Bureau. “The deputy secretary can come down here and hear directly from our producers—what they’re facing day-to-day and what it takes to provide food, fiber, and fuel. It cuts out the middleman.”

Real Conversations, Real Challenges

 

Farmers from across the state made it a priority to attend, bringing perspectives from a wide range of commodities and regions. For many, the value of the visit was simple—being heard.

“These are not theories,” said Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall. “These are actual farmers sitting down and telling him the state of the farm economy.”

Those conversations centered on some of the most pressing issues in agriculture today, including rising input costs, tight margins, and ongoing labor challenges.

A Firsthand Look at Georgia Agriculture

 

During his visit, Vaden also toured Southern Belle Farm, giving him an up-close look at the work being done by producers across the state.

“It’s always great to showcase what we do,” said Jake Carter, owner-operator of Southern Belle Farm. “To have someone come from Washington, D.C., and see it firsthand—and hear directly from producers—is really meaningful.”

That firsthand experience helps bridge the gap between policy and practice, giving decision-makers a clearer understanding of how regulations impact operations on the ground.

Highlighting Progress—and Ongoing Needs

 

While farmers used the opportunity to voice concerns, they also expressed appreciation for recent USDA efforts, particularly around labor reform and financial assistance programs.

“One of the biggest issues is labor, especially H-2A,” Carter said. “There was a lot of appreciation for the changes made to the rule and wages. It’s a real benefit, even if it’s just a step in the right direction.”

Still, producers made it clear that more work is needed to ensure long-term stability across the industry.

Agriculture as a National Priority

 

Even without formal remarks from the deputy secretary, his presence sent a strong signal about the importance of agriculture at both the state and national levels.

“It’s encouraging that he’s interested in what’s going on in the largest industry in this state,” McCall said. “Keeping farms profitable is critical—and it’s a national security issue.”

That sentiment was echoed by many at the event, who stressed the broader implications of a struggling farm economy.

“Food security is truly a national security issue,” Parker added. “For them to come hear directly from our growers—it shows they’re concerned and looking out for the future of American agriculture.”

Looking Ahead

 

As challenges continue to mount, events like this serve as a critical link between farmers and policymakers. By fostering direct communication and understanding, producers hope their voices will help shape decisions that support the long-term success of agriculture.

Because for Georgia farmers, the stakes go far beyond the field—they impact communities, economies, and the nation as a whole.

By: Damon Jones