Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Agriculture is very important to the economy of the 11th district. Knowing this, I asked to be placed on the Ag Committee right off the bat. I have been an Active member of the Agriculture and consumer affairs committee since 2010 and have sponsored a number of bills to improve Agriculture in our state.

The 11th district has:

750 poultry houses ( Value: $250 million )

Produces 7.5 million pounds of beef, raises 1500 horses, and a wide variety of goats and other livestock (Value: $13.5 million )

Over 1000 farms whose average size is 85 acres

We have 3 tractor and farm equipment dealerships, 6 Ag suppliers, and many other allied companies to assist our Ag producers.

A wide variety of other agricultural enterprises.

The 11th district is one of the largest agricultural areas north of Macon according to Ag Census reports.

I have spent my life working with the folks who make working in agriculture part of their life. I have been a leader in this area for many years.

I will continue to work to defend your ability to work the land and help feed our community. To defend Agriculture, you must understand the issues and challenges you face. I know the issues.

Property rights are important to all of us. I will defend them.

You need a representative in Atlanta who protects your business, lifestyle, and values. I have and will stand up for you.

Water and agriculture go hand in hand. I understand this critical issue and I will be involved in the development of guidelines for water use.

When we created the Jasper Farmers Market 15 years ago, we knew it would increase income for our local farmers/gardeners. It did, and we worked with then Representative Graves to make the rules of Farm Markets in Georgia more market friendly. It's one of the largest community Farmer's Markets in North Georgia.

Our Agricultural youth programs are valuable to our schools and communities and to our families. FFA, 4-H, and Young Farmers programs prepare our kids and young people for the future. Our district has very successful programs in these areas. I will be for youth and all of Agriculture.
We know it is Deeds not Words that determine what kind of leader you are. Agriculture and the 11th District need a leader who has fought for Agriculture before and is not afraid to speak up and take a stand.

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