Georgia Farm Bureau Hosts 88th Annual Convention on Jekyll Island

Members of the Georgia Farm Bureau will convene on Jekyll Island from December 7-9, 2025 for their 88th annual convention. The theme, “Rise and Thrive,” reflects the resilience of Georgia’s farmers following the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene and highlights the organization’s ongoing support for recovery efforts in the agricultural community.

This year marks the 61st occasion that the Georgia Farm Bureau has held its annual meeting on Jekyll Island, a location that has hosted every state convention since 1976. The event will kick off with activities starting at 9 a.m. on December 7, featuring a Sunday service with inspirational music and a devotional message delivered by Pastor Van McCall of Denton.

Among the prominent speakers scheduled for the general session on December 8 are Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, and motivational speaker Cmdr. Frank “Walleye” Weisser. They will address attendees from 8:15 a.m. to noon, focusing on agricultural issues and the importance of community within the farming sector.

According to the 2025 Georgia Ag Impact report from the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, agriculture remains the state’s leading economic sector, contributing approximately $91.4 billion to Georgia’s economy and providing over 381,200 jobs.

One of the highlights of the convention will be the trade show, opening at 10 a.m. on December 7, featuring more than 60 exhibitors from various agricultural organizations, agencies, and businesses. Additionally, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will host its Christmas on the Farm Bingo fundraiser on the same day, starting at 3:30 p.m.. This event promises fun with ten rounds of bingo, Christmas trivia, and various prizes, hosted by emcees Greta Collins and John Holcomb.

On Sunday, during the Celebrating Ag Leaders event at 2 p.m., the Georgia Farm Bureau will recognize the efforts of county volunteers and educators who promote agriculture through the Ag in the Classroom program.

The general session on December 8 will feature additional discussions on state agricultural issues led by Harper, as well as McCall’s annual address. Cmdr. Weisser will share insights from his experiences as a U.S. Navy pilot, including his time as a member of the Blue Angels and his participation in the filming of “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Following the general session, a series of educational sessions will take place on Monday afternoon, addressing key topics such as animal health, labor reform, and social media marketing strategies for agriculture.

The convention will conclude on December 9, as voting delegates will review and approve policy resolutions proposed by county Farm Bureau chapters statewide. These resolutions will shape the organization’s legislative agenda for 2026. Delegates will also elect the 2026 GFB Board of Directors.

For more information on the convention, visit www.gfb.org/about-us/convention.