Georgia Association of Conservation Districts outlines master farmer program and feral hog control plans at committee meeting

The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts addressed the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee to describe its work representing the state's 40 soil and water conservation districts and to outline two advocacy priorities: creating a master farmer program and enhancing a conservation district feral hog control program.

Katie Sponberger, executive director of the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, said the association is a nonprofit representing district supervisors across the state who work to conserve local natural resources. Sponberger said the group has partnered with Will Bentley and Jake Tinch of the Georgia Agribusiness Council on advocacy and hopes to implement a master farmer program and expand feral hog control efforts.

Committee members thanked the association for its statewide role in conservation and encouraged further engagement. The committee’s recognition of visiting supervisors and district leadership was largely ceremonial, but members said they view the districts as important partners for rural and urban conservation work.

Sponberger invited committee members to speak with district supervisors about the association’s programs and asked for legislative support as the group refines program proposals.

The transcript records this as a presentation and recognition; no formal committee action or vote was taken on the association’s proposals during the session recorded in the transcript.