The Bulloch County Farm Bureau gathered farmers, members, and community leaders for its annual appreciation breakfast, featuring a keynote message from Pastor Donald Chavers, recognition of longtime board member Jane Cason, and the election of the 2025–2027 board of directors.
Honoring Jane Cason’s 13 years of service
A highlight of the breakfast was the recognition of Jane Cason, who is retiring after 13 years on the Bulloch County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Cason has long been a leader in agricultural education and outreach, heading what was formerly the Women’s Committee and is now the Promotion and Education Committee.
Through her leadership, Cason helped organize Farm Days, beef and dairy days, school visits, and library programs, and she played a key role in establishing Farm Bureau’s partnership with the Georgia Southern Botanical Garden, supporting the children’s educational garden.
“She has served Bulloch County Farm Bureau for over 13 years, and has been an inspiration to me and my wife, Jamie, as we have served in various roles at Farm Bureau,” President David Cromley said. “Although she is retiring from the board, we still look forward to working together to continue the progress we’ve made in the children’s garden and in the local schools.”
Board member and past president Bill T. Akers shared lighthearted stories about traveling with Cason and her late husband, Bobby Joe, to Farm Bureau events across the country. They recalled her humor, her commitment to service, and her ability to find joy in challenging moments.
To mark her retirement, Cason was presented with several gifts, including a novelty Old Spice cologne, a box of gadgets, and a custom walking stick crafted from refurbished tobacco wood and engraved with her name.
“All of us, especially me, want you to know that we love you, we’ve enjoyed you, and we’ve learned from you,” Akers said during the presentation.
Cason, reflecting briefly on her roots, said she was raised working on a farm and never forgot those lessons.
Pastor Donald Chavers delivers keynote message
The keynote address was delivered by Pastor Donald Chavers of Agape Worship Center in Statesboro, who also farms and has long been involved in community projects. Drawing from Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule, Chavers urged farmers and community members to look beyond their immediate circles and engage with others in meaningful ways.
“Therefore, all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them,” Chavers said. “It’s called the Golden Rule. And sometimes we say we live by the golden rule, but my question today is, do you really live by it?”
Chavers reminded attendees that while farmers are known for their generosity, they must be intentional about extending that generosity to the wider community.
“Farmers are some of the most generous people on the face of the earth,” he said. “But that can be dangerous, that you become a community within the community, and not embrace the community. That’s why this golden rule is so important—to step outside of our normal comforts and pay attention to the world that’s going on around us.”
He also spoke about courage, empathy, and the responsibility to serve in the present rather than longing for the past.
“Life never affords you the ability to go back. It only affords you the ability to stand still or move forward and to serve this present age,” Chavers said. “If you want people to be nice to you, be nice to people. If you want people to smile at you, smile at people. Whatever you expect from other people, you have to be that for other people.”
2025-2027 Board Members
- David Cromley, President
- Ryne Brannen, Vice President
- David Rushing, Treasurer
- Bill T. Akers
- Fred Blitch
- Joe Franklin
- Blake Edenfield
- Heather Stewart
Several raffle drawings kept the morning lively, with prizes including gift certificates to Ellis Meat Market, TC Outdoors, and Anderson’s, along with Farm Bureau t-shirts and other giveaways.
The meal was catered by Uncle Shug’s, adding a local touch to the morning of fellowship. Organizers reminded attendees that opportunities to volunteer with the Farm Bureau are always open, particularly in school programs that teach students where their food comes from.
“People need to be reminded that food doesn’t just come from a store—it comes from a farm,” Cromley emphasized.
The program closed with a prayer from Pastor Donald Chavers, sending farmers and community members out with encouragement to continue their work and service.