Sonoraville High School FFA Members Hunter Pruitt, Lori Edwards and Kevin Edwards together with Gordon Central High School FFA Member Gibson Priest had the opportunity to visit with Senator Tyler Harper during a recent visit to the Department of Education.

Senator Harper shared his background and education as well as his involvement as a student in the FFA. As a Senator, he is a strong supporter of both the FFA and Young Farmers Organizations.

Senator Harper shared his feelings on being the youngest Senator in Georgia to ever be elected. He gave the students a tour of the Senate and explained the legislative process while walked them through the steps necessary to pass his first bill.

Tyler Harper is a Republican from Ocilla and was elected to the Georgia State Senate on November 6, 2012. He was sworn in to serve the 7th Senate District on January 14, 2013. Senator Harper serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment, Public Safety, and Retirement Committees.

As a life long resident of Irwin County, Senator Harper is a product of Irwin County Schools, a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering (BSAE), and also holds an Associate of Science Degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Senator Harper is a small businessman and farmer who understands the importance of agriculture and small business to our great State and our Nation. Therefore, he is aware of the challenges we face in both the agricultural and business communities.

As an active community leader, Senator Harper is the President of the Ocilla Rotary Club and the treasurer of the Georgia Young Farmer’s Association. Senator Harper served as a member of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Strategic Planning Committee and volunteer for the CAES Alumni Association. Senator Harper is also a member of the Ben Hill-Irwin Joint Development Authority.

Senator Harper’s past political experience involves working for US Senator Saxby Chambliss through a Congressional Fellowship, as well as serving as the County Campaign Chair for the election of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black.