The Agricultural Commodity Commission for Equine consists of the Commissioner of Agriculture (Ex-Officio), the Georgia Farm Bureau President (Ex-Officio), one producer elected by Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee and one producer elected by House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee along with 5 appointed by the above. At least 4 out of 5 appointed members must be producers. “Producer” is defined as any person who owns one or more equine or is engaged within this state in the business of buying, selling, boarding, holding, training, breeding, riding, pulling vehicles with, or otherwise utilizing equine.

Equine Commission Members

Current Commission Members

• Julie Murphy, Brooks Co., Term Expires 2027
• Cassie Taylor, Telfair Co., Term Expires 2028
• Ronald (Ron) Smith, Harris Co., Term Expires 2027
• Courtney Hester, Jeff Davis Co., Terms Expires 2027
• Stephanie Harden Branch, Rabun Co., Term Expires 2028

Advisory Members 

• Heath Cross, Worth Co., Term Expires 2026
• Caitlin Jackson, Monroe Co., Term Expires 2026
• Harry Thompson, Ex-Officio, Appointed 
• Jimmy Kowalsky, Ex-Officio, Appointed

Notes about Advisory Members

• Advisory members are appointed for a one-year term.

• Advisory members are appointed and approved by Commissioner of Agriculture, President of Georgia Farm Bureau, and Ex-Officio Committee annually.

• Advisory members are not entitled to a vote.