The Georgia Farm Bureau is meeting on Jekyll Island this week, bringing farmers and rural community leaders together from across the state to focus on agriculture, advocacy, and the issues facing Georgia’s farm families.

As those conversations continue on the coast, Chattooga County is getting statewide attention of its own. A Chattooga County farming couple has been named to a major leadership role, with Sarah and Garrett Hurley selected as the 2026 chairs of the Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee.

The 2026 YF&R Committee is a leadership group made up of young agriculturists ages 18 to 35 from across Georgia. Under the Hurleys’ leadership, the committee will help shape state programming, encourage leadership growth, and strengthen connections among young farmers and ranchers who are building their futures in agriculture.

The committee also coordinates well-known competitions that spotlight rising ag leaders, including the Achievement Award, Excellence in Agriculture, and the Discussion Meet, with top winners advancing to compete at the national level through the American Farm Bureau Federation. Committee members also prepare for major leadership events and conferences that help develop advocacy skills, public speaking, networking, and media readiness—tools that are increasingly important for the future of Georgia agriculture.

For more information on Georgia Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program, visit the Georgia Farm Bureau website and look for the Young Farmers & Ranchers section.