Macon County dairy producer Pete Gelber has been named the 2026 Georgia Farmer of the Year, recognizing his decades of innovation, stewardship and leadership in Georgia’s dairy industry.

Gelber co-owns and operates Barrington Dairy near Montezuma with his wife, Elisabeth Reid; his son, Richard Gelber; and his business partner, Andre Coen. Home to more than 15,000 cows, the operation employs approximately 200 people, making the dairy both a major agricultural operation and an important source of jobs in the surrounding community.

Since 1990, the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year program has recognized outstanding agricultural producers from across the region.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension coordinates Georgia’s selection, with county Extension agents nominating farmers who demonstrate excellence in agriculture and leadership in their communities.

Madison Luke, UGA Extension county coordinator and Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in Macon County, nominated Gelber for the honor.

“Mr. Pete is a pioneer in his field. He moved here from New York and chose the area because it is such a strong farming community with good land. He’s since built a state-of-the-art facility where he focuses on sustainability while maximizing yields and reducing inputs,” Luke said.

From the Bronx to Georgia dairy farming

Gelber first discovered dairy farming far from the large-scale operation he runs today. Growing up in the Bronx, he spent summers near a dairy farm in upstate New York, where an early interest in the industry took hold. He went on to study animal science at Cornell University and build a career in dairy production before moving to Macon County in 2007.

Today, Barrington Dairy integrates milk production with crop production across more than 10,000 acres. Crops grown on the farm supply feed for the dairy herd, while manure is stored and applied to fields as a nutrient source, helping to reduce fertilizer inputs. In addition, the dairy’s investments in herd genetics, animal health, irrigation, and other technologies support the operation’s focus on productivity and efficiency.

Lawton Stewart, assistant dean for Extension in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said Gelber was selected for the operation’s sustainability practices, high standards for herd health and commitment to employees.

“Barrington Dairy is an incredible operation, and seeing how every piece of the farm fits together is remarkable. Pete truly cares about his people, the comfort of his herd, and the sustainability of the land he farms,” Stewart said.

The way he has built this operation around both cutting-edge production and long-term stewardship shows he is invested in leaving a lasting legacy for those who come after him.”

Supporting the next generation

Committed to service and creating opportunities for others to learn, Gelber hosts farm tours and educational visits, provides internships for students, and serves the dairy industry through statewide leadership roles. He also supports UGA Extension’s Georgia 4-H and the National FFA Organization, youth development programs that help prepare young people for leadership and careers in agriculture.

As Georgia Farmer of the Year, Gelber will represent the state in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year program. State winners from across the Southeast will be recognized during the Farmer of the Year luncheon on Oct. 20 at the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, where the regional winner will be announced.