Author Archives: John Holcomb

Georgia’s Shrimping Season Launches Amid Rising Demand and Aquaculture Expansion

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Athens, GA |

Shrimping season in Georgia is just weeks away, and with consumer demand for seafood at an all-time high, local shrimpers may be entering one of their most promising seasons yet. But alongside the opportunity comes a fair share of challenges—particularly for those trying to compete with cheaper imports.

“We think there are coastal and marine opportunities, especially with shellfish production,” says Mark Risse, Director of UGA Marine Extension. “And even things like shrimp, which is the number one consumed seafood product in the United States.”

Despite the popularity of shrimp, the number of commercially licensed shrimping boats in Georgia has steadily declined, dipping below 200 in 2023. Much of that, Risse says, stems from the difficulty of competing with low-cost, imported shrimp flooding the market.

“Their biggest issue is that they can’t compete with the prices for imported shrimp,” he explains. “When people go to the store and purchase shrimp, they’re not often looking to source a higher-quality product, which is our wild Georgia shrimp. So, what we need to do is differentiate that product and have consumers willing to pay more for better quality.”

Risse emphasizes that buying local seafood not only supports quality and freshness—it also strengthens the state’s food security and supply chain resilience.

“We don’t control a lot of that process,” says Risse. “If anything, COVID showed that we can’t count on distribution networks to get food to us. The more we can produce here in Georgia, the more assurance we have that we won’t have to go without.”

While shrimp and oysters have traditionally been staples of the state’s coastal economy—including the launch of Georgia’s first floating oyster farm—another area of aquaculture is quickly gaining attention: aquaponics.

“We do think aquaponics is going to be a growth area,” says Risse. “Around the world, recirculating aquaculture systems that are land-based are growing tremendously because they avoid some of the environmental concerns associated with wastewater discharges. And you can control those systems better.”

Currently, Georgia accounts for less than one percent of U.S. seafood production—a number many hope to grow. That’s where the state’s Aquaculture Conference plays a key role, bringing together producers, researchers, and stakeholders to explore how Georgia can expand its footprint by leveraging its natural resources and infrastructure.

“It’s going to take a great group effort,” says Risse. “We’re going to have to work together. This isn’t something UGA can do alone, or any one agency. But I hope we can create some of that momentum to drive the state forward and take advantage of this opportunity.”

By: Damon Jones

Rooted in Passion: How Fiddleheads Garden Center Grew from Backyard Beginnings to a Community Staple

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Dalton, GA |

Nestled in the hills of Northwest Georgia, Fiddleheads Garden Center is more than just a business—it’s the result of a lifelong love for plants, first nurtured by a grandmother’s hands and now blossomed into a full-grown dream for owner Sam Brown.

“I started at the age of three with my grandmother planting in the yard,” recalls Brown. “I clearly remember planting marigolds. She cultivated that seed in me to have a joy of plants from an early age. I continually planted and experienced the soil and just various aspects of the landscape with her. That led to my joy of gardening.”

That early passion eventually led Brown into a career in landscape architecture. But in 2011, after losing his job due to the downturn in the economy, he took a leap of faith—and Fiddleheads Garden Center was born.

“We started small. The space we’re in now wasn’t part of the garden center at the time—it was a bicycle store,” Brown says. “We began growing a lot of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, pottery—then over time, we kept adding and expanding.”

In the beginning, most of the inventory was grown in-house. At the height of that phase, Brown and his team were growing over 100,000 plants for spring and another 30,000 for fall. But as retail demand increased, that growing space had to give way to sales floor expansion.

“As the business grew, we needed more space for retail,” Brown explains. “So the grow space kept getting reduced. Now, we do our best to bring in as many plants as we can from growers in Georgia. If not, we try to bring them in from the local Southeast. But our priority is Georgia growers, and that’s been important to us from the very beginning.”

Though the business has evolved, Brown says what has remained constant is his love for what he does—and the people he gets to share it with.

“No day is the same. Every day is different and always interesting,” he says. “When I was in the design field, a lot of days felt the same. But now, I get to be outside, I get variety. And beyond that, it’s definitely the people—whether it’s customers we connect and bond with or the growers we get to know. To be a part of that makes every day enjoyable.”

By: John Holcomb

UGA Launches Grand Farm in Perry: The Future of Georgia Agriculture Starts Here

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Perry, GA |

The future of farming in Georgia is taking root in Perry with the launch of the UGA Grand Farm—a 250-acre innovation hub designed to showcase the next wave of agricultural technology and sustainability. Created by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the farm is poised to become a leading destination for ag innovation in the Southeast.

“In essence, we want this to be the go-to place in all of the Southeast U.S. for the latest and greatest within ag innovation and technology,” says Nick Place, Dean of UGA CAES. “We’ve partnered with companies large and small—corporations and startups—to demonstrate their latest technology. We want to do that particularly for producers, extension agents, ag teachers, and young people—4-H and FFA members.”

The stakes are high. Agriculture is Georgia’s number one industry, and with producers facing mounting challenges, the timing for this initiative couldn’t be more critical.

“There are a lot of challenges facing agriculture—labor, water, pests, diseases, and more,” Place explains. “One way we address those issues is through technology. For example, autonomous tractors and equipment can help solve labor shortages. Technologies like see-and-spray systems use cameras to identify weeds or pests and apply targeted treatments—improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact.”

Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper echoed the importance of innovation in keeping the industry strong and competitive, particularly as net farm income has seen significant declines nationwide.

“It’s an opportunity to continue to propel our state’s number one industry,” says Harper. “We’ve seen over $40 billion in net farm income losses in just the last two years across the country. Innovation and technology are what’s going to ensure our farm families can succeed—helping them be more efficient, more effective, and able to keep more money on the farm at the end of the day.”

Beyond advancing farm operations, the Grand Farm is also being positioned as a platform to educate consumers and bridge the gap between urban and rural communities.

“This is going to be a showcase—not just for Georgia, but for the entire country and the world,” says Harper. “Visitors to the fairgrounds or the state livestock shows will get to see new technology and innovation in action. But even more importantly, this farm will help show that agriculture is more than what people traditionally think. Food doesn’t just show up on the grocery store shelf. There’s a hardworking farmer—especially Georgia farm families—growing those Georgia Grown products our consumers enjoy every day.”

Georgia Cotton Growers Face Challenges & Change in 2025

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Collins, GA |

Cotton continues to be a major driver of Georgia’s economy, contributing nearly $1 billion in statewide economic impact last year alone. But those numbers don’t come without months of hard work and preparation—efforts that begin long before a single seed hits the soil.

“Oh, that’s a lot of work,” says Willie Scott, a Tattnall County cotton grower. “You’ve got to watch your equipment and scout your fields. It’s a daily and weekly job—watching the weather, making timely inputs like spraying and fertilizing, and trying to work with the conditions you’re given.”

Now that planting season is officially underway, growers like Scott are focused on getting their crop off to the best start possible. Though harvest is still months away, timing is everything when it comes to yield.

“This time of year is important,” Scott explains. “You’ve got to have the right amount of moisture, the right temperature—not too cold, not too dry. Getting it in at the right time makes a big difference. It probably takes me about a week to get all of mine done. I told my wife, these next couple of weeks, don’t have anything planned for me.”

With dicamba no longer an option for weed control going into 2025, many producers are turning to cover crops and other strategies to keep fields clean—especially with margins tighter than ever.

“Watching input costs is very important,” says Scott. “You’ve got to pick the right variety and do proper farm management so you can cut costs without cutting yield. If you can start clean, Liberty still works. You hope to get all the weeds out early, and then use Liberty to clean up any pigweed that escapes.”

Market volatility has also led to strategic decisions around crop selection. Cotton prices are hovering around 67 cents per pound—less than half of what they were just two years ago. As a result, planted acres in Georgia dropped by 8% in 2024, including on Scott’s farm.

“Cotton is our main source,” he says. “But we did put corn in the program this year, and we have peanuts in the rotation as well. Still, cotton is my main crop.”

Despite the challenges that come with farming—rising costs, market swings, and regulatory changes—Scott says it’s a life he was born into and wouldn’t trade for anything.

“I’m a third-generation farmer. My grandfather bought this home place back in 1940. Then my father started farming. I grew up watching them, and it’s just something I knew I loved to do. It took off from there, and I took the reins and started doing it on my own.”

Inside Georgia’s Largest Career Expo: Empowering the Next Generation of Ag Leaders

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Macon, GA |

For thousands of students attending the Georgia FFA State Convention, one event stands out as a window into their future: the career expo. As one of the largest in the state, the expo offers students an up-close look at the wide range of opportunities waiting for them in agriculture—and beyond.

“They love to interact with the vendors,” says Ben Lastly, Executive Secretary of Georgia FFA. “We’ve got folks that come in who are truly talking about jobs and careers. And those students learn about opportunities. We have colleges, universities, technical schools here. They help students realize what it takes to get from where you are in middle or high school to our program. They get to interact with folks in the agriculture industry, colleges, universities, the military—life after high school. It’s about preparing these students to be productive when they leave our program.”

And staying in Georgia is a key goal. By showcasing the state’s top industry, the expo aims to keep talented young people close to home, building a stronger future for Georgia’s economy.

“For me, it was amazing to see the sheer mass of agricultural and allied organizations that support students here in our state,” says Andy Paul, Public Relations Representative for Georgia EMC. “We have such talent here in Georgia. When I was a student here, it was amazing to see the opportunities available to me by staying in my hometown.”

While many students are drawn to production agriculture, Lastly says the expo introduces them to the broader scope of the industry—from technology to environmental sciences.

“We have a lot of students interested in production agriculture, but we have plenty interested in technology, research, water quality, the environment, forestry, natural resources,” he explains. “Coming here, they can see what it’s like to work in rural electrification with Georgia EMC, or learn about animal agriculture from the dairy groups. It’s great for students to realize the different parts of agriculture.”

Whether planning to attend college, a technical school, or head straight into the workforce, FFA students are already highly sought after by employers—thanks to both the technical skills and the work ethic they’ve developed.

“They learn a lot of skills in high school that we may not have to train quite as much once they’re on the job,” says Paul. “We’re learning technical skills in agricultural mechanics classrooms. But I think FFA also instills a lot of hard work into those students—tenacity, grit, and the ability to hear a no and come back with a yes.”

Through FFA’s many programs and competitions, students build habits that make them stand out to recruiters, even if they don’t realize it at the time.

“If they’re competing in events like the agriscience fair or proficiency awards, they’re going to practice,” says Lastly. “They show up, work, keep records. And when they talk to employers about that, these students might think they’re just doing FFA things. But they’re getting up early to feed animals, practicing for competitions, double-checking research, tracking hours and finances. Those characteristics are already instilled in them.”

Farming with Purpose: How Liam Tewksbury Uses Social Media to Advocate for Agriculture

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Madison, GA |

For Liam Tewksbury, farming isn’t just an occupation—it’s a lifelong passion. A third-generation cattleman, Liam’s love for agriculture was instilled in him from an early age and has only grown stronger through the years, especially when it comes to livestock and the cattle industry.

“I started showing club lambs when I was about eight years old,” says Tewksbury. “I did that all the way up until middle school and then got into showing some dairy cattle. We’re a pretty big dairy county around here back in the day. My love of cattle and farmers kind of came through showing livestock. Then, in high school, I started showing beef cattle and joined FFA. I was very active in FFA with livestock judging and competitions, and that really bolstered my love for agriculture.”

Today, Liam continues his journey in the cattle industry, whether managing cattle operations or consulting with producers. But for him, the work goes beyond animals—it’s about supporting farmers, strengthening communities, and advocating for agriculture’s future.

“I have the utmost admiration for those producers that get up every single day,” he says. “I want to be able to fight for them and their story and their legacy, and for the next generation to carry that forward. It starts with feeding the communities in your area. If you can start there, I think that’s a big thing.”

One way Liam is fighting for producers is through a platform he knows well: social media. By sharing his daily life on the farm, he’s bridging the gap between consumers and agriculture.

“Social media has been a wonderful outlet for me because I get to not only share my story with my friends, but also with the daily consumer—folks who may not have that connection with cattle or farm life,” says Tewksbury. “That might be the thing they look forward to: what’s Liam up to today on the farm? I think if we did a better job of telling our story—because the consumer is so far removed from what we do as cattle producers, and there’s so much misinformation out there—we could really help our industry as a whole.”

At the heart of it all, Liam says, is remembering the human side of agriculture.

“At the end of the day, we’re in the people business as much as we’re in the cattle business.”

Dicamba Ban Forces Georgia Farmers to Rethink Weed Control | Pigweed Management in 2025

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Tifton, GA |

With cotton prices down and margins tighter than ever, Georgia farmers are laser-focused on maximizing yield—and that starts with effective weed control. But for many, keeping fields free of pigweed just got more difficult after a U.S. court ruling banned the use of over-the-top dicamba herbicides last year.

“It’s very important,” says Stanley Culpepper, Weed Extension Scientist with the University of Georgia. “Older chemistries—products labeled for pastures, turf, or for burndown—those labels weren’t impacted. But the Engenia, XtendiMax, and Tavium labels were, and they’ve been extremely important to us in both cotton and soybean production.”

Unlike previous restrictions, this latest ban wasn’t based on environmental or health concerns. Instead, it stemmed from a procedural error—specifically, the EPA’s failure to open dicamba’s registration for public notice and comment. That misstep triggered a potential 28-month review process.

“We didn’t lose those labels because of an environmental issue,” says Culpepper. “It was a procedural issue when registering the product during the last process. As of today, it’s still not looking very favorable for 2025. We recommend growers start thinking about alternative systems—we’ve been doing that for a couple of months—and we’re working hard for 2026. But I’ll tell you, there are no guarantees.”

Despite the setback, Culpepper says there are other effective options available, depending on the seed trait technology being used. However, these programs demand sharper precision and tighter timing.

“You’re looking at an Enlist program—kind of that 2,4-D system—or a Liberty-based program,” he says. “Both can be effective, but only if we make sure there are no weeds at planting. You have to be super timely—more timely than with the dicamba-based program. We can still control this weed, we just need to be more on top of our game this year. We can’t play catch-up like we’ve been able to in the past.”

As input costs continue to rise, farmers are carefully weighing every decision. But Culpepper warns that cutting back on herbicide programs may cost more in the long run.

“Weed management is one of many important components for sustainability on our family farms,” he says. “In a year like this, you’re typically trying to save money. But when it comes to weed management—especially with Palmer amaranth—there’s not a lot you can cut. We’re already using every tool in the toolbox.”

For growers navigating a tough season, staying proactive in the face of change may be the most important tool of all.

By: Damon Jones

Floral Design to Forestry: Georgia Ag Teacher Inspires Students & Earns National Recognition

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Madison, GA |

Inside the classroom and greenhouse at Morgan County High School, students are learning more than just plant science—they’re discovering purpose. Thanks to the dedication of agriculture teacher Rachel Kinsaul, courses like floral design, horticulture, and forestry are helping students find their footing in the world of agriculture, regardless of their background.

“Right now, I teach horticulture, forestry, and floral design. So, I’m kind of more on the plant side of things,” says Kinsaul. “Floral design came about because we were trying to attract a different kid into the ag program, trying to diversify our population a little bit. At that time, we were really boy heavy. So, we created our floral design program to try to pull in different kids that might not have taken an ag class otherwise.”

Once she gets students in the door with the appeal of floral design, Kinsaul says she can then introduce them to the broader opportunities that agriculture has to offer—everything from animal science to ag mechanics.

But for her, it’s not just about recruitment. It’s about helping students explore who they are and where they belong.

“Agriculture is so diverse,” she says. “One thing I really try to focus in on is trying a little bit of everything to find something that sticks—something they really love. Once they find that area, I think it’s just natural for their passion to shine. I try to show the kids that in lots of different ways—public speaking, hands-on production, showing livestock—giving them a wide variety of opportunities so they can see what fits.”

That commitment to student growth recently earned Kinsaul national recognition. She was named a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award—one of only 40 educators across the country to receive the honor this year.

“They like to celebrate the unsung hero—those who don’t always get the recognition but are doing the work,” says Kinsaul. “Then they focus on elevating. I just got back from L.A. where I met the 39 other recipients, and the focus was on finding our passion, being ten percent bolder, taking risks. The third part is activating—going back out into our communities to do big things and advocate for education.”

And for Kinsaul, advocacy starts with her students. She sees agricultural education as a vital tool—not just for those entering the field, but for any student preparing to join the workforce.

“CTAE is really working to prepare students for the workforce through career tech and ag education,” she explains. “A big portion of my job is advocating for what we do, so our program is seen as relevant in the community and across the state. Whether the kids go into ag or not, we’re hoping they’re much more prepared for the workforce.”

By: John Holcomb

Georgia Bill Tackles Rural Vet Shortage with Loan Repayment Boost | House Bill 172 Explained

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Atlanta, GA |

For Georgia’s livestock producers, veterinary care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Yet as the number of large animal veterinarians continues to dwindle in rural areas, lawmakers are stepping in with a plan to help fill the gap. That effort is House Bill 172, a piece of legislation designed to strengthen an existing loan repayment program and make rural veterinary work a more accessible and sustainable career choice.

“Certainly there’s a recognized shortage of veterinarians, especially large animal vets in rural Georgia,” says Keri Riddick, Executive Director of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association. “This bill is going to help incentivize veterinarians, especially those that have graduated less than ten years ago. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them coming into rural communities to practice food animal medicine and help out our producers and farmers.”

Currently, the program only covers one year of service at a time, requiring veterinarians to reapply annually. But thanks to HB 172, that’s about to change. Representative David Huddleston, who sponsored the bill, says extending the term to three years will help eliminate unnecessary barriers while encouraging long-term commitment to rural communities.

“It is an existing program right now, but basically it’s a one-year program that you have to reapply for each and every year afterwards,” explains Huddleston. “So what we want to do is take it from a one year to three year. You wouldn’t have to reapply—you’d just certify your area of work. And we also expanded the eligible communities from those with populations of 30,000 and below to 50,000 and below using 2020 census data. That change adds 118 additional counties that veterinarians can now serve.”

Under the revised program, veterinarians would commit to working in designated rural areas for three consecutive years—a move Huddleston believes could help solve the root issue.

“By going to three years, hopefully we get these individuals to serve in rural communities—and if they stay there for that time, they’ll often put roots down and make it their home,” he says. “That’s really what we’re hoping to see.”

One of the biggest roadblocks to rural veterinary careers is student debt. With average veterinary school loans ranging from $180,000 to $185,000, Riddick says financial pressures often push young professionals toward more lucrative urban positions.

“Veterinarians, regardless of what type of medicine they go into, often have significant student debt. And if you’re moving into a rural area, you don’t always have the same salary or bonus programs that urban practices can offer,” Riddick explains. “Creating a financial incentive to move into these amazing communities—it’s a lifestyle choice. But they still need to be able to pay off their loans. Over the course of three years, this bill allows for repayment of up to $100,000 in student debt, which can certainly help.”

For Georgia’s farmers, the bill represents more than just financial aid for veterinarians—it’s a lifeline that could ensure quality care for the animals they depend on every day.

Red Tip Farms: Family Lessons, Fresh Eggs & a Berry Sweet Business in Pike County

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Meansville, GA |

After years of planning and preparation, Red Tip Farms in Meansville officially opened its gates last May—bringing fresh produce, eggs, and hands-on experiences to the local community through its U-Pick operation and farm market. For owner Terry Batchelor, the project is more than just a business—it’s a way to instill hard work and financial responsibility in the next generation.

“To have this piece of property here, I live next door. And so, was able to utilize this and was like, hey, what better chance than to put in a U-Pick operation?” says Batchelor. “It has done really well and grown every year. It’s been a blessing and showed my kids the value of a dollar—being able to work and not just hand out money. It’s really taught them life lessons for sure.”

With the cost and scarcity of eggs drawing concern in recent months, the farm’s small-scale egg production has been a hit among visitors, who are quick to snatch up cartons as soon as they’re available.

“We’re very small—we have just fifteen, twenty chickens. And yes, this year has definitely seen a big increase in demand for eggs,” says Batchelor. “As quick as I put them out there, they’re gone, usually within the day.”

Amid heightened awareness surrounding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Batchelor is taking added precautions—paying close attention to his chickens’ health and feeding them a diet largely sourced from his own row crops.

“My chickens seem to be pretty healthy. We feed them whole grains because of the row crop side of things. I’m involved with growing wheat and corn, and I feed them that type of stuff versus processed food,” he explains.

Still, the main attraction at Red Tip Farms remains the U-Pick berries—specifically blueberries and blackberries—which are expected to be available early next month. And according to Batchelor, things are looking promising.

“So far, we are blessed this year. Blackberries are looking great. Blueberries—we’ve dodged a few cold mornings, but we’ve been fortunate. We do have a bumper crop so far,” he says. “Of course, we’re still a few weeks out from being in the clear, but this year is looking good.”

Helping drive visitors to the farm is its participation in Georgia Farm Bureau’s Certified Farm Markets program—an initiative Batchelor says has significantly boosted visibility and sales.

“It has definitely gotten me way more customers that would have never found me out here,” says Batchelor. “Even though we’re on a state highway, they would’ve never come to the Meansville or Pike County area. It’s been a blessing—more revenue for me and a good thing for Farm Bureau, too.”

For Red Tip Farms, it’s a story of growth rooted in community, education, and a shared love of agriculture.