University of Georgia
UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences CAES Signature Event D.W. Brooks Lecture and Awards
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Save the date!

The 2025 D.W. Brooks Lecture and Awards will be held on November 13, 2025 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel.


Meet the previous D.W. Brooks Award recipients


2024 D.W. Brooks Speaker
Krysta Harden
With a focus on agriculture and a heart for sustainability, Harden wants to boost American dairy exports and advocate for sustainable practices in the industry. Harden was named the first female chief executive of the U.S. Dairy Export Council in 2021 after serving in notable positions such as chief sustainability officer at Corteva and DuPont, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts. Her consistent focus has been on promoting agriculture policy and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on opportunities for women, young people and underrepresented groups, and returning veterans and retirees.
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Event Contact:

Regina Fitzpatrick Director of Government Relations & External Affairs
Dean and Directors Office
regina@uga.edu 706-542-5046

Media Contact:

Jordan Powers Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC)
jpowers@uga.edu 706-542-4274
About the Lecture and Awards
The D.W. Brooks Lecture is named for the late D.W. Brooks, founder of Gold Kist, Inc. Brooks started Cotton States Mutual Insurance Companies in 1941. He advised seven U.S. presidents on farm and trade issues. Among his many honors, he was the first inductee into the University of Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. CAES hosts the annual lecture series and faculty awards for excellence celebration in his memory.
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CAES Signature Events
This event is a part of CAES Signature Events. These special events showcase outstanding faculty contributions, foster community and industry collaboration, and spotlight the college's impact on a global scale.

NOTE: All Signature Lectures are free and open to the public. Requests for accommodations should be made as soon as possible but at least 7 days prior to the scheduled lecture.

Signature Events - celebrating excellence