Catoosa County Farm Bureau President Bernard Sims and his wife, Janet, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., with other Georgia Farm Bureau members to meet with Georgia’s congressional delegation to discuss agriculture issues. Sims also serves as the Georgia Farm Bureau North Georgia vice president.

While in Washington, the Sims had the opportunity to meet with Representative David Scott who serves on the House Agriculture Committee and chairs the agriculture subcommittee on livestock, dairy and poultry. The Sims joined fellow Georgia Farm Bureau members in presenting Representative Scott with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award in recognition of his support of agriculture during the 110th Congress.

The American Farm Bureau Federation gives the award at the end of each Congress to legislators who have at least a 60 percent voting record in agreement with AFBF priority issues. AFBF considered the votes legislators cast on legislation pertaining to the farm bill, energy, water and private property rights along with trade agreements and disaster aid.

During their meeting, Rep. Scott and the GFB members discussed numerous issues affecting Georgia agriculture including immigration reform, protection of the current farm bill, climate change legislation, federal estate tax reform and protecting the use of antibiotics in livestock.

Senators Saxby Chambliss, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Johnny Isakson addressed the GFB members during a breakfast hosted by Georgia Farm Bureau. Both were presented with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award.

Founded in 1937, the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization. Its volunteer members actively participate in local, district and state activities that promote agriculture awareness.