Tag Archives: Levi Davis Georgia Farm Bureau

Georgia Young Farmers Advocate for Agriculture on Capitol Hill

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Washington, D.C. |

More than two dozen members of the Georgia Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program recently traveled to Washington, D.C., bringing the voice of Georgia agriculture directly to lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

The trip is a key part of the organization’s grassroots mission—ensuring that the perspectives of farmers are heard at every level of government.

“When you look at Georgia Farm Bureau, it is a grassroots organization,” said Levi Davis, Young Farmers and Ranchers Program Coordinator. “We take our members’ voices and make them heard on a state, local, and national level. That’s what we’re doing here in D.C.”

A Critical Time for Agriculture

 

The visit comes as farmers across Georgia continue to face mounting economic pressure, making direct communication with policymakers more important than ever.

“When you think about the farm economy, there’s probably never been a more important time to come to D.C.,” said Garrett Hurley, Chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. “We need to let legislators know how tough things are back home and hopefully get some support to help Georgia farmers stay sustainable.”

With discussions around the next farm bill underway, the timing of the trip provided a valuable opportunity for producers to weigh in on policies that directly impact their operations.

The Power of Personal Stories

 

While advocacy efforts happen year-round, leaders say nothing compares to hearing directly from the farmers themselves.

“Hearing it straight from their mouths to lawmakers’ ears has the biggest impact,” said Ben Parker, National Affairs Coordinator. “It means more when it comes from someone whose livelihood depends on agriculture being profitable.”

Those firsthand accounts help bridge the gap between policy decisions in Washington and the real-world challenges farmers face—such as rising input costs, regulatory pressures, and market uncertainty.

Taking a Seat at the Table

 

For many participants, the goal of the trip is simple: make sure agriculture is represented when decisions are being made.

“It’s about sitting down with lawmakers and letting them know we exist,” Hurley said. “If we don’t take that seat at the table, someone else will—and they may not tell the true story of Georgia agriculture.”

By sharing their experiences, these young producers hope to ensure that policies reflect the realities of farming today.

Looking Ahead

 

As the next generation of agricultural leaders, the Young Farmers and Ranchers participants understand the importance of staying engaged—not just on the farm, but in the policymaking process as well.

Their message to lawmakers is clear: supporting agriculture isn’t just about helping farmers—it’s about protecting a vital industry that feeds and fuels the nation.

And for those who made the trip, it’s a responsibility they take seriously—one conversation at a time.

By: John Holcomb

Finding “Where You Belong”: Georgia Farm Bureau’s YF&R Conference Inspires Future Ag Leaders

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Jekyll Island, GA |

Surrounded by surf and sand, Georgia Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Summer Leadership Conference once again brought energy and inspiration to the Golden Isles. More than two hundred attendees came together for the annual event, designed with one important mission: building strong agricultural leaders.

“It is a leadership development event that we have our Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee put on,” says Levi Davis, Young Farmers & Ranchers Programs Coordinator for GFB. “They pick out carefully thought-out breakout sessions and guest speakers that relate to everybody in the crowd. We’ve got competitions like discussion meet, a photo contest, and awards like Excellence in Agriculture and Achievement in Agriculture. We pack it all into just a handful of days and hope to send everybody out of here with inspiration to go back to their home counties and continue growing their Young Farmers and Ranchers program—or start one if they’re not part of one now.”

The conference’s importance can’t be overstated. Davis says the event is intentionally tailored to provide young leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in agriculture.

“It is important to us and Georgia Farm Bureau to make sure that we’re able to give them the ammunition they need to be able to effectively advocate for agriculture, share their story, and grow these programs,” he says. “We want to continue churning out professional leaders and future leaders in the agriculture industry.”

This year’s theme, “Where You Belong,” reflected that mission, focusing on the value of community and support in a profession that can often feel isolating.

“We are all each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” says Allie Andrews, State YF&R Chair for GFB. “We all want each other to succeed and have people we can count on. A lot of the things we deal with as farmers—mental health, succession planning—can be heavy. Here, I’m surrounded by like-minded people facing the same issues. I belong with people who share the same desires and struggles, and I’m comfortable opening up and networking because of that. I know I belong here. I know I belong in this organization.”

Ultimately, Andrews says the hope is that attendees leave the conference feeling empowered to continue their work as advocates and future leaders.

“I hope they have the desire to keep going,” Andrews says. “What else can I do? What other ideas do I have? How can I advocate more on a public level, on a community level? This conference shows people that Farm Bureau is more than insurance—it’s an organization with a huge impact. I hope they take the tools and principles they learn here and build on them when they return home.”

By: John Holcomb