United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the Iron Horse Farm at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) earlier this month for a listening session with Georgia’s agricultural leaders and the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Rollins heard from a panel of commodity crop representatives and producers about their most pressing concerns, including disaster relief, labor shortages, trade markets and the future of American farming.

Throughout the discussion, producers highlighted the critical role of CAES faculty and UGA Cooperative Extension in supporting Georgia’s agricultural economy. Producers credited CAES researchers with helping improve efficiency, increase yields and ensure food safety, making Georgia-grown products more competitive in global markets.

Disaster recovery and disease prevention top issues

Producers and industry leaders questioned Rollins about federal support amid ongoing challenges, including the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Georgia agriculture in September 2024. A poultry producer described the storm’s impact, saying he and his father lost more than half their poultry houses. Like many, they had no insurance coverage at the time and remain in financial limbo.

Georgia Poultry Federation President Mike Giles stressed the industry’s growing concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). With poultry as Georgia’s top agricultural sector, Giles emphasized the need for better communication and collaboration to mitigate disease risks, protect animal welfare, stabilize egg prices and maintain global market competitiveness.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, who was also in attendance, noted that since February 2022, more than 1,600 HPAI outbreaks have been reported across the U.S., affecting more than 166 million birds and contributing to higher egg prices due to supply shortages. However, thanks to dedicated communication efforts, swift action by producers, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s proactive response plans, the state was able to minimize losses.

As a result, Georgia was officially considered HPAI-free by early March.

Market access and labor challenges

Casey Cox Kerr, a peanut farmer and owner of Longleaf Ridge Farms in Camilla, Georgia, urged Rollins to push for expanded market opportunities, as domestic peanut markets are oversaturated. She also called for increased funding for agricultural research, citing the work of UGA Extension nutrition specialists in Family and Consumer Sciences, whose outreach on early peanut introduction has helped combat food allergy misconceptions.

As Georgia is the top pecan-producing state in the U.S., pecan growers echoed the need for research-backed marketing opportunities.

Labor shortages emerged as a pressing issue, particularly for specialty crop and vegetable growers who rely on H-2A guest workers. Under current regulations, H-2A employees must return to their home countries every six months before reapplying, despite Georgia’s year-round growing season.

Farmers stated that the costs and delays associated with this process, combined with the difficulty of finding local workers, threaten their operations.

The discussions centered around ideas such as a permanent fix to H-2A and the importance of continued agricultural research to improve efficiency and offset rising input costs, including integrative precision agriculture.

Farm Bill: Rising production costs, outdated policies and nutrition solutions

A cotton grower described the financial strain caused by soaring production costs and stagnant cotton prices, noting that outdated reference prices in the 2018 Farm Bill add to the challenge.

He emphasized the industry’s reliance on CAES research and Extension support during tough economic times.

A former legislator and farmer in attendance encouraged an alternative to nutrition program funding cuts in upcoming farm bill revisions, suggesting that the administration incentivize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to buy fresh, American-grown produce — supporting both local farmers and healthier diets.

Workforce development and policy solutions for the future of farming

The discussion ended with a broader concern: the aging agricultural workforce and the declining interest in farm careers. With the average farmer’s age increasing, one beef producer warned of an impending crisis, as young people often lack awareness of agricultural career opportunities. Additionally, those without family ties to farming face significant financial barriers to land and equipment ownership. Without intervention, he cautioned, the next generation of farmers may never materialize.

Rollins, a Texas A&M graduate and former 4-H and FFA member, assured attendees she took their concerns seriously. She pledged to bring their input to Congress as lawmakers work toward a new farm bill in September.

“Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted by farmers,” she said. “We owe it to the hardworking people who keep us fed and clothed to ensure they have the support they need.”

Following the listening session, CAES Dean and Director Nick Place reflected on the event and the opportunity to showcase Georgia’s producers and the world-class research they rely on.

“At CAES, we are deeply committed to advancing agricultural research that drives meaningful progress for Georgia’s farming community,” Place said. “It was inspiring to hear how our research-based solutions are helping producers improve efficiency and profitability. As the research and development arm of the state’s No. 1 industry, CAES is proud to provide data-driven strategies that create real impact. We remain dedicated to this vital work for the long-term success of agriculture. We appreciate Secretary Rollins for visiting our facilities, engaging with producers, and discussing how research can shape the future of American agriculture.”