Georgia delegation proposes renaming USDA facility after Abit Massey

Rep. Earl L. Carter, US Representative for Georgia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot

By Georgia Mountain News

Feb 26, 2025

Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter has introduced a bill to rename the USDA National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, after Francis "Abit" Massey. The entire Georgia Congressional Delegation supports this initiative. Massey, who passed away in June 2024 at 96, served as President of the Georgia Poultry Federation for 48 years and was influential in making Georgia a leading chicken producer.

"Abit Massey was a Georgia icon who is already deeply missed," said Rep. Carter. "His dedication to our agricultural industry cannot be overstated, rightfully earning him the nickname ‘Dean of the poultry industry.’ No one supported Georgia farmers more than Massey, and this renaming will help preserve his memory and influence for generations to come."

Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., expressed his support: "Last summer, Georgia lost a giant of the poultry and agriculture industry. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Abit Massey over many years and was witness to his visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our state and country." He added that he proudly joins Congressman Buddy Carter in this bipartisan effort.

Rep. Andrew Clyde also voiced his endorsement: "Abit Massey was a Gainesville poultry icon. Known as the ‘Dean of the Poultry Industry,’ he played a pivotal role in the Peach State’s poultry dominance and tirelessly advocated to expand research in the field."

Rep. Austin Scott noted Massey's impact: “Abit Massey was a leader in agricultural innovation, and his lifetime of work in the poultry industry helped make Georgia one of the leading poultry producers in the country."

Rep. Mike Collins emphasized Massey's legacy: “Abit Massey was a great Georgian whose impact will be felt for generations... Renaming the National Poultry Research Center is a fitting honor to his legacy.”

Congressman Rich McCormick highlighted Massey's contributions beyond agriculture: “Abit Massey was a larger-than-life figure in the state of Georgia... Hall County mourns the loss of one of its' native sons."

Massey's dedication earned him several accolades including UGA Alumni Merit Award (1986), U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Harold E. Ford Lifetime Achievement Award (2012), and Medallion of Honor for Service to UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.

Read full bill text here.