Georgia Ag Impact Report | Addie Bennett | CAES Alumni Board Applications

We are excited to share that the Georgia Ag Impact Report is now available! This report is an interactive, research‑backed digital resource created by CAES to help agricultural stakeholders understand the economic contributions, trends and impacts of Georgia’s No. 1 industry. It compiles county‑level, commodity‑specific, and statewide agricultural data (primarily from the Georgia Farm Gate Value Report) to give producers, educators, policymakers and media clear insight into how agriculture drives local economies across the state.

Addie Bennett is a CAES poultry science student from Millen, Georgia, where she graduated in a class of just 55 students. After initially planning to become a large‑animal veterinarian, she discovered her passion for poultry science and now serves as an avian ambassador helping prospective students especially those from rural backgrounds—see opportunities in agriculture.

Addie is committed to reshaping perceptions about rural students, emphasizing that they bring unique strengths even if they lack access to advanced coursework. 

The UGA CAES Alumni Board is now accepting member applications for the 2026-2029 term. The purpose of the Alumni Board of Directors is to support the mission of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and to foster and maintain close relationships between its students, alumni, and friends.

Applications are open through March 27! Applicants should be prepared to serve beginning July 2026 though June 2029. Please email Kayla Hendrix should you have any questions.

We’re thrilled to recognize several remarkable CAES alumni whose businesses earned a spot on this year’s Bulldog 100, which honors the fastest‑growing organizations owned or led by UGA graduates. Their drive, leadership, and commitment to excellence continue to elevate the Bulldog community.

Please join us in congratulating our honorees — listed in order of their rankings:

• #4 – Ben Hancock (BSA ’19, JD ’22) – The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers   
• #24 – Patrick Singletary (BSA ’12, DVM ’16) – Good Dog Veterinary Care   
• #32 – Brett Johnson (M ’99) – Vertical Earth   
• #33 – Caroline Lewallen (BSA ’11) – teXga Farms   
• #41 – Monali Patel (BSA ’11) – Coastal Drug Company   
• #68 – Erica Palmisano (BSA ’04) – FirstPage Marketing   
• #74 – Betsy McCorkle (BSES ’08) – Kairos Government Affairs, LLC

Know a CAES alum under 40 who is absolutely crushing it in their field? Nominate them for 40 Under 40!

This annual program celebrates young UGA alumni leading the pack in their industries and communities. Learn more about the nomination process and eligibility criteria. Nominations close February 28!

Commemorate your time at CAES with a brick at Four Towers! The brick walkway in front of the CAES Four Towers welcomes alumni, students and friends to the CAES Student Activity Center, which also houses the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Orders placed by March 31 ensures your brick will be installed prior to May commencement ceremonies.

Cultivating Careers: UGA CAES Alumni in Unexpected Places

Virtual

February 25, 2026

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a conversation with UGA CAES alumni who have built impactful careers in fields whether it is global community development at Meta or c-suite level leadership a biotech company. Hear how they leveraged their CAES education in unexpected ways and learn strategies for navigating diverse professional opportunities. Alumni who do not have a Handshake account will need to create one prior to registering.

GSSR Rodeo

Athens, GA

March 19-21, 2026

6:00 p.m. - Doors open

7:00 p.m. - Rodeo begins

The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo (GSSR) is operated entirely by UGA Block & Bridle members with a mission of providing a quality rodeo experience according to the National Cowboy Professional Rodeo Association guidelines, while developing skills that will allow them to advance both personally and professionally. This event is fun for the whole family.

70^th Annual UGA CAES Alumni Awards & Hall of Fame Celebration

Athens, GA

March 20, 2026

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Join us as we honor college alumni for their outstanding achievements as well as incoming Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees. Registration closes on Wednesday, March 11.

Flavor of Georgia: Savor the State

Athens, GA

March 27, 2026

2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Flavor of Georgia is a food product competition which culminates into a final round competition open to the general public on March 27 in Athens, GA. This is a great opportunity to sample and buy products from the Flavor of Georgia Finalists. Adult and UGA Student tickets are available for purchase through the link below.

2026 J.G. Woodroof Lecture

Athens, GA

April 9, 2026

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Woodroof Lecture is an annual series named in honor of Dr. J.G. Woodroof and brings a preeminent leader in food research, education, industry or policy to speak with the university community. This year’s speaker, Mr. Peter C. Erickson, will present, “The Evolving Food Industry and New Capabilities Required for Success”.

Ag Dawgs After Hours: Washington, D.C.

May 19, 2026

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join us for an Ag Dawgs After Hours reception in Washington, D.C.! Connect with CAES alumni and friends from the D.C. area and get a chance to meet the 2026 CAES Congressional Ag Fellows. Dean Nick T. Place will be present and provide an update on the college. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

 The University of Georgia Foundation is registered to solicit in every state and provides state specific registration information.

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