Building Leaders in Ag: Empowering the Next Generation Through GFB Programs
Georgia Farm Bureau's: Growing On Podcast
Release Date: 04/18/2025
Georgia Farm Bureau's: Growing On Podcast
In this inspiring episode, host John Holcomb chats with Allie Andrews, chair of Georgia Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program. Allie shares her unlikely journey into agriculture, how she and her husband built a diverse farming operation from the ground up, and her vision for mentorship and leadership development in the ag community. From farm camps for kids to advocating in Washington, D.C., Allie discusses why advocacy starts early, how YF&R changed her life, and what she hopes to pass on to the next generation of farmers and leaders.
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In this episode, John Holcomb sits down with Heather King, Women's Leadership Program Coordinator, and Levi Davis, Young Farmers & Ranchers Programs Coordinator at Georgia Farm Bureau. They dive into their new roles, share the purpose and impact of their programs, and discuss how GFB is cultivating leadership and advocacy at the grassroots level. From hands-on ag literacy efforts to national policy trips and leadership summits, hear how they're working to engage, equip, and inspire the next generation of ag leaders across the state—and how you can get involved.
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The fruits and vegetables on your grocery store shelves don’t just appear there by magic. Behind every ripe peach, crisp pepper, and juicy blueberry, there’s a story—one of labor, regulation, and a growing struggle for survival. In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, we sit down with Chris Butts, Executive Vice President of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, to dive deep into one of the most pressing issues in American agriculture: the H-2A guest worker program. What was once a lifeline for farmers has become a growing burden, with skyrocketing costs, complex...
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In this episode, we sit down with attorney Brian Bojo, a partner at MSP Law Firm in Rome, Georgia, to discuss the essential aspects of estate and succession planning for farming families. With an estimated 40% of U.S. agricultural land transitioning to the next generation in the next 15 years, planning for the future is more critical than ever. Brian breaks down the key legal documents every farmer should have, the importance of proactive succession planning, and how to ensure your legacy is protected for future generations. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this...
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In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear an in-depth discussion with Adam Belflower, Governmental Affairs Specialist for Georgia Farm Bureau. Adam breaks down GFB's "I Farm. I Vote." Campaign by giving you some insight as to what Georgia Farm Bureau does as a grassroots organization and explains why, now more than ever, it's important to know who candidates are and what policies they support. The "I Farm. I Vote." Campaign aims to provide unbiased information so Georgians can make an informed decision and support leaders who promote Georgia farmers and Georgia-grown...
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In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear a discussion with Lauren Goble, Educational Programs Coordinator for Georgia Farm Bureau. Lauren shares her story and passion for agriculture and the Ag in the Classroom program, and gives some insight for anyone that might be interested in incoprorating ag into their classroom or lesson plans. Show Notes:
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In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear a one-on-one interview with Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Commissioner Tanner shares his story and passion for mental health, especially those in the agricultural community.
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In this episode, you'll learn about the different parts of the peanut indutry. From industry events like the Peanut Farm Show, to learning about the important work of Peanut Breeders, and finally the grading process at peanut buying points that is done by the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service. Catch it all in this episode!
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Shortly after Hurricane Idalia made landfall and made its way through Georgia, we spoke with Agricultural Climatologist, Pam Knox all about our climate here in Georgia and the Southeast, and the factors that help shape it.
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Each year at their annual GFB Commodity Conference, the organization recognizes someone who's made a lasting impact on the Georgia ag industry. Known as the GFB Commodity Award, it's one of the organization's highest honors. This year's recipient is Barrow County's Terry England.
info_outlineIn this episode, John Holcomb sits down with Heather King, Women's Leadership Program Coordinator, and Levi Davis, Young Farmers & Ranchers Programs Coordinator at Georgia Farm Bureau. They dive into their new roles, share the purpose and impact of their programs, and discuss how GFB is cultivating leadership and advocacy at the grassroots level. From hands-on ag literacy efforts to national policy trips and leadership summits, hear how they're working to engage, equip, and inspire the next generation of ag leaders across the state—and how you can get involved.