MACON- Thomas County Farm Bureau (TCFB) members Chelsea Sumner and her husband, J.T., are serving on the 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Young Farmers & Ranchers YF&R) Committee.

This is the first year of a two-year term on the committee for the Sumners, who help manage Brown Farms in Ochlocknee.

Brown Farms specializes in show-calf production, focusing on Simmental, Angus, Maine and crossbred genetics.

The Sumners are involved in the Georgia Club Calf Producers Association and the Thomas County Junior Livestock Association.

Chelsea and J.T. live in Ochlocknee with their son, Kyler.

On the committee, the Sumners represent the GFB 9th District, which includes Farm Bureaus in Baker, Brooks, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Thomas, Tift and Worth counties.

The committee oversees GFB’s young farmer and rancher activities, including the GFB YF&R Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture competitive events, the Picture Georgia in Agriculture Photo Contest and the Harvest for All Campaign.

The GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers program is designed to provide leadership development, educational and social opportunities for farmers between the ages of 18 and 35.

Founded in 1937, the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization with 158-chapter offices that cover all of Georgia’s 159 counties. As a membership-driven, nongovernmental organization, GFB serves as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia by advocating for them on legislative issues and promoting Georgia commodities. Its volunteer members actively participate in activities that promote agriculture awareness. Enrollment in any of the member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership.

GFB membership is open to the public and offers a wide variety of benefits, including insurance and discounts for health services, travel and family entertainment.