Georgia Farm Bureau members will gather on Jekyll Island Dec. 7-9 for the organization’s 88th annual convention.

The convention theme, “Rise and Thrive,” emphasizes Georgia farmers’ resiliency in the year since Hurricane Helene and how the organization has led the charge to support their recovery. This will be the 61st time GFB has held its annual meeting on Jekyll Island, including every state convention held since 1976.

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and motivational speaker Cmdr. Frank “Walleye” Weisser are scheduled to address convention attendees during the general session on Dec. 8 between 8:15 a.m. and noon.

“Jekyll Island is a special place in the hearts of Georgia Farm Bureau members,” said GFB President Tom McCall. “Our convention is a time when our members advance our shared vision for agriculture, rekindle long-time friendships and develop new relationships.”

Agriculture is Georgia’s top economic sector, contributing $91.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, providing more than 381,200 jobs and serving as the cornerstone of many of the state’s rural communities, according to the 2025 Georgia Ag Impact report from the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.

Convention activities begin Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. at the Jekyll Island Convention Center with a Sunday service. Inspirational music will be provided by Angie McCall, Al McCall and Mark Wallace. Pastor Van McCall of Denton will deliver a devotional message.

 Sunday events include the opening of a trade show at 10 a.m. with more than 60 exhibitors representing Georgia agricultural organizations, agencies and businesses.

For the third year, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture will hold its Christmas on the Farm Bingo fundraiser on the first day of the GFB Convention, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the convention center. Led by emcees Greta Collins and John Holcomb, guests will enjoy 10 rounds of bingo, Christmas trivia, door prizes, a raffle, music, refreshments, and a pop-up shop from Brittney’s Closet, a Jekyll Island boutique. Visit www.gafoundationag.org/bingo for complete details and to buy tickets in advance.

During the Celebrating Ag Leaders event at 2 p.m. on Sunday, GFB will recognize agricultural advocacy and promotion efforts by county Farm Bureau volunteers and teachers’ work to include agriculture in their lessons through the Ag in the Classroom program.

On Monday, Dec. 8, the general session runs from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Georgia Ports Authority Chairman Kent Fountain will welcome convention guests. McCall will deliver his annual address. Harper will discuss state agriculture issues. Weisser will share his experiences as a pilot in the U.S. Navy, which include two stints as a member of the Blue Angels and flight time in the filming of Top Gun: Maverick.

The convention trade show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at noon on Dec. 8. A series of eight educational session will be held Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. featuring speakers who will address management and policy issues for agriculture in Georgia.

Educational session topics include animal health, labor reform, forestry, federal crop programs, forages and the GFB Hay Contest winner, the beef industry, water, how to use social media as a marketing tool and estate planning.

On Dec. 9, GFB voting delegates will discuss and approve policy resolutions submitted by county Farm Bureau chapters statewide. The resolutions approved by the delegates will become the organization’s official policy that will guide its legislative efforts in 2026. Delegates will also elect the 2026 GFB Board of Directors.

Visit www.gfb.org/about-us/convention for more information about the convention.