Author Archives: John Holcomb

Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Magic: Inside Georgia’s Burton Brooks Peach Orchard

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Barney, GA |

For more than a decade, a small roadside market in South Georgia has been churning out something locals say is worth the wait—and the work. At Burton Brooks Orchards in Barney, Georgia, it’s not the peaches, melons, or tomatoes that draw the longest lines. It’s the homemade ice cream.

“I bought it. He moved it down. And since, and it came with two five-gallon churns that got me started,” says owner Lynn Abbott, who inherited the equipment from her retired uncle. “Since then, we’ve added on to the building three times and we’re now running five churns a day, making about twenty to twenty-five churns on an average day.”

Those churns are handcrafted by the Amish in Pennsylvania and aren’t easy to come by. Though originally equipped with hand cranks, Abbott has added motors to increase production—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a labor of love.

“You prepare your fruit the day before with the five pounds of fruit and sugar. And you let it sit overnight in the refrigerator,” she explains. “Each churn, you might as well figure forty-five minutes from start to cleanup. So, it’s about a day-long process.”

That time and care pays off. Abbott uses a premium 14% butterfat dairy base sourced from Atlanta and follows strict standards for all ingredients. Because of state regulations, even the fruit comes from licensed processors.

“All of my ingredients have to come to me from a licensed processor, sealed up and inspected,” she says. “We can’t use our own peaches or blueberries.”

The result is an ultra-creamy, flavorful product packed with real fruit—not additives. It’s what keeps people coming back again and again.

“The way we make it, you can actually see the pieces of fruit and there’s more of a fruit taste without adding a lot of artificial flavors,” Abbott says. “So, that’s why we do it. It’s just better.”

And when it comes to the South Georgia heat, there’s no better way to beat it than a scoop—or two—of Lynn Abbott’s small-batch, farmstand ice cream.

By: Damon Jones

From the Farm to the Capitol: How Senator Russ Goodman Fights for Georgia Agriculture

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Cogdell, GA |

For State Senator Russ Goodman, farming isn’t just a profession—it’s a legacy. As a seventh-generation farmer in Clinch County, Goodman grows blueberries, pecans, and timber on the same land his family has worked for generations. However, it hasn’t always been easy, and his path from farm fields to the Georgia State Capitol was shaped by hardship.

“From 1980 to 1990, a third of the family farms in the country were foreclosed on,” Goodman recalls. “My dad actually lost the farm to foreclosure in 1986. At an early age, that instilled in me a heart for the farmer and the family farm. Those times left an indelible print in my memory.”

Those memories would ultimately ignite a desire to fight for rural Georgia. After a trip to Washington, D.C., where he testified on behalf of fruit and vegetable growers, Goodman says he felt a calling to serve in a bigger way.

“I think that was probably the catalyst that finally made me put my name on the ballot,” he explains. “Maybe if farmers and folks in rural Georgia needed another voice—one that understood what it’s like to make a living out of the dirt—I could be that voice.”

Today, Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and is one of just a few legislators in the state who also farms full-time. That experience, he says, gives him a unique and vital perspective at the Capitol.

“We live in a world today where two percent of the people live on farms, and the other ninety-eight percent… their lives depend on the two percent of us that do,” Goodman says. “Having the background in ag definitely helps. A lot of what I do is simply informing my fellow legislators on the issues that farmers are facing.”

But it’s not just about policy—it’s about relationships. Goodman says trust is the currency of effective advocacy, and that’s where organizations like Georgia Farm Bureau come in.

“We’re all a team up there,” Goodman says. “Farm Bureau is a very crucial element in my ability—and in other rural legislators’ ability—to educate members of the legislature who don’t understand agriculture as well as we do.”

For Goodman, Farm Bureau isn’t just an ally. It’s a partner in preserving the values that define rural Georgia.

“When you’re a Farm Bureau member, you’re helping people like myself and Robert Dickey, Sam Watson, and Andrew Echols—folks up there fighting for farmers,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to do the job without them.”

By: John Holcomb

Georgia Pecan Growers Navigate Tough Season as Harvest Nears

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Tifton, GA |

Pecan growers across Georgia are gearing up for harvest season, which is just weeks away. But unlike past years, 2025’s growing season has been anything but ideal, thanks to excessive rainfall that has brought disease pressure and damaged crops—especially the state’s more delicate varieties.

“Anytime we get as much rain as we’ve had this year, it’s not necessarily a good thing for pecans,” says Lenny Wells, Pecan Extension Specialist with UGA. “The more rainfall we get, the more disease pressure we have. And for a lot of the varieties that we grow, the more disease pressure we have, the more we have to spray to keep the disease off of them.”

The challenge hasn’t just been the total rainfall, but also how frequently it’s fallen.

“When it’s raining every day or four or five days during the week, you just don’t get enough time in between those rains for the leaves to dry out—and then to get out there and be able to spray them before it rains again,” Wells explains. “That causes some issues.”

Aside from increased input costs, the moisture has led to crop damage before some nuts even began to mature. Wells says this is especially true for thin-shelled varieties.

“Some of the thinner shelled varieties are susceptible to splitting,” he says. “Most of the time, that split will occur inside the shuck. But when it happens very quickly, and you get a really heavy influx of rain that the tree sucks up fast, it can actually cause splitting or rupture of that shuck on the outside.”

Ironically, the same rain that caused so many issues earlier in the season is now something growers are hoping for. That’s because the final stages of nut development require plenty of water—whether from the skies or from supplemental irrigation.

“We’re right here at the tail end of it,” says Wells. “Once the shell’s hardened, they start to fill the kernel in the nut, and that’s a high energy demand process for the tree. It takes a lot of water.”

Despite everything, there’s cautious optimism. While it’s not expected to be a bumper crop, growers are seeing better-than-expected yields thanks in part to younger trees coming into maturity.

“This year’s crop looks decent. It’s actually a little better than expected after that storm,” Wells says. “A lot of our old Stuart trees, which still make up a good bit of our acreage in the state, they’re pretty off this year. But we’ve got a lot of younger trees coming in, and that’s kind of offsetting some of that.”

With harvest just around the corner, growers are hoping a strong finish can help salvage a challenging season.

By: Damon Jones

ABAC Launches New Ag Program in Bainbridge

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Bainbridge, GA |

For generations, agriculture has shaped the economic backbone of Southwest Georgia. Now, that legacy is getting a major boost as Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College expands its nationally recognized ag education program to the Bainbridge campus—an initiative years in the making and now officially launching this fall.

“It’s been part of the vision from the very beginning when I started a little over three years ago,” says Dr. Tracy Brundage, President of ABAC. “We’re just incredibly excited. It’s a team effort, and everybody jumped on board to move into action and make it happen.”

The move is more than symbolic—it’s a major step forward in workforce development for rural Georgia. It gives both traditional students and working professionals a new opportunity to pursue a degree in agriculture without having to leave their community.

“There may be some folks currently working within the industry that want to complete a degree,” says Dr. Andrew Thoron, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “And then also, there may be some students that don’t wish to travel to Tifton. This makes it more accessible.”

For ABAC, it’s a strategic fit. With Decatur County and the surrounding region representing a strong agricultural footprint, bringing a top-tier education program directly to this area ensures more students can pursue meaningful careers close to home.

“This county, this region—it’s a huge agricultural footprint,” Brundage says. “This program is the leading agricultural education program in the country. It just makes sense to expand that reach and better serve this region.”

While the name may imply teacher prep, ABAC’s ag education degree offers far more than a path to the classroom. Students can pursue tracks in agronomy, animal science, and other specialized fields, opening doors to a wide variety of careers in the ag sector.

“Sometimes people hear the term ‘agricultural education’ and think it’s just for teaching, which it is,” Thoron explains. “But we also offer a track called agricultural studies. That’s for students who want to focus on agronomy, animal science—really anything technical. We’re developing work-ready graduates who can stay in this region and become the next generation of managers and innovators.”

Local response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with community leaders and agricultural stakeholders applauding the move after years of advocacy.

“It’s something the community has been asking for,” says Brundage. “I’ve been meeting with leaders since I got here, and they all expressed interest—asking, ‘When are we going to have ag programs in Bainbridge?’ We’re just really excited to launch this today.”

By: Damon Jones

A Life Rooted in Forestry and Purpose – Meet Bob Izlar

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Danielsville, GA |

For Bob Izlar, the outdoors has always been more than just a place—it’s been a way of life. Growing up in Ware County in the 1950s and 60s, much of his time was spent hunting, fishing, and exploring the Okefenokee Swamp—a place that still holds a special place in his heart.

“I’m from Ware County. Grew up down there in the fifties and sixties, hunting and fishing a lot in the Okefenokee Swamp, so I got to know the Okefenokee really well,” Izlar says. “Always has had a special place in my heart.”

After high school, Izlar enrolled at the University of Georgia, where the ROTC program and the Vietnam War would shape his path, leading him into military service overseas until 1974. Following his return, Izlar began a long and impactful career in forestry, eventually spending more than a decade at the Georgia Forestry Association. There, he helped lead a decades-long fight to fairly tax agricultural and forest land.

“The Farm Bureau and Georgia Forestry Association had worked hand in hand for twenty-six years to get current use treatment of ag land and forest land,” says Izlar. “And for twenty-six years, we got kicked in the teeth, could not get it passed—couldn’t even get it on the ballot. And in the twenty-seventh year, the conditions finally got right that we were able to get the resolution passed.”

But for Izlar, forestry has never just been a job—it’s been a passion and a purpose. In 1997, he became the founding director of the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business at UGA, creating a first-of-its-kind program designed to prepare future forestry leaders.

“Forestry, at its very basic, is agriculture,” he explains. “The forest brings us so many benefits—clean air, clean water, wildlife. You know, forestry is a calling. It’s a profession, but to me, it’s also a cause, and it’s extremely important that future generations learn about the benefits of forests so they don’t all get converted to something else through time.”

Izlar’s life and work are deeply intertwined with Georgia Farm Bureau’s mission, and he says he’s proud to be recognized by an organization that shares his values.

“It’s just a deep respect that I have because it’s a farmer organization. They have my values as I think I have theirs—because we love the land, we love the United States of America, we love private property rights, and we want to see rural life continue in Georgia,” Izlar says. “I think all of us understand that rural lifestyle is certainly under threat, so Farm Bureau is one of the last guardians of the rural lifestyle.”

By: John Holcomb

New Spending Bill Brings Big Wins for Georgia Farmers | Crop Insurance, Taxes & More Explained

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Athens, GA |

After years of financial uncertainty, Georgia’s farmers are finally seeing a bit of clarity, thanks to a sweeping new 870-page federal spending bill that was recently signed into law. While the legislation took time to come together, many in the agricultural community believe it was worth the wait.

“The big, beautiful bill is going to be a boon for agriculture in Georgia and actually the entire US,” says Ford Ramsey, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Georgia. “It’s essentially a replacement for the farm bill. You know, we had been wanting a farm bill for the past two years. And I think most farm advocacy groups are going to consider this their farm bill.”

With record-high input costs and commodity prices struggling to keep pace, strengthening the safety net for producers was a top priority. That’s why changes to crop insurance programs are among the most welcome provisions.

“What was done there was primarily, the reference prices increased,” Ramsey explains. “Those increased reference prices were in line with what we saw from a proposed farm bill in the House in 2024. They seem to be pretty favorable for the commodities that we grow here in Georgia—specifically cotton and peanuts. If you enroll in ARC, you’ll now be able to purchase the supplemental coverage option under crop insurance. Previously, you were not able to do that. And the guaranteed revenue under ARC is also increased.”

Premium subsidy rates for Enhanced and Supplemental Coverage Options are also rising—up to 65% and 80%, respectively—making insurance programs more affordable for producers. The bill even includes a directive to explore new coverage specifically for one of Georgia’s largest ag sectors: poultry.

“So, the subsidy rates on premiums, the premium subsidy rates have increased,” says Ramsey. “So all else equal, farmers should be paying less for their crop insurance going forward. And there was also a call to develop an insurance policy for contracted poultry production. Poultry is one area where we haven’t seen a lot of use of federal crop insurance in the past.”

In addition to bolstering insurance protections, the legislation tackles one of the more sensitive issues facing family farms—succession. Changes to estate tax exemptions could provide a new incentive for younger generations to return to the land.

“There were also some changes made on the tax side,” Ramsey says. “I think principally, what would be beneficial to farmers are changes made to the estate tax exemptions. The amounts that can be exempted have been increased to fifteen million dollars a person or thirty million dollars for a couple.”

With the 2025 growing season underway, many Georgia producers are hoping this long-awaited bill delivers on its promises—offering support not just for today’s challenges, but for the future of farming in the state.

By: Damon Jones

Georgia’s Cotton & Peanut Crops: What Growers Are Seeing This Season | Midville Field Day 2025

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Midville, GA |

Despite a rocky start to the growing season, Georgia’s cotton and peanut crops are showing promise as the state’s farmers gear up for harvest. At this year’s Midville Field Day, growers gathered to get the latest updates from experts across the University of Georgia’s Extension system—including insight into crop conditions, production challenges, and what lies ahead for 2025.

According to Camp Hand, UGA Extension Cotton Specialist, recent rainfall across the state was a timely blessing for cotton fields that were beginning to show signs of stress.

“Today’s August sixth. The last two days, we’ve gotten rain across the state, which was much needed,” said Hand. “We were kind of getting to a point where it was getting a little iffy in terms of what the crop was doing. It was getting really dry out there.”

Hand said the precipitation will help dryland crops bounce back and assist with irrigation recovery, putting growers in a stronger position heading into late summer.

“Of course, there’s going to be a little bit of fruit shed and things like that associated with overcast weather,” he added. “But overall, I think we’ve still got really good potential in our crop.”

However, good crop potential doesn’t always translate into good profits. With cotton prices currently sitting under seventy cents per pound, many Georgia farmers have backed away from planting it—opting instead for peanuts. But Hand warns that a shift away from cotton could disrupt the delicate infrastructure balance the state’s ag economy depends on.

“The reduction in cotton acres affects infrastructure. It affects gins, it affects warehouses, it affects people that have equipment,” Hand said. “The reason Georgia agriculture has been so successful—especially with our major row crops—is because cotton and peanuts just work. We can’t have one without the other.”

Fortunately, this year’s peanut crop appears to be holding strong. Scott Monfort, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist, said producers enjoyed a relatively smooth planting season, with favorable soil moisture and temperatures through much of April and May.

“The crop is looking very well across most of the state,” said Monfort. “We had a little dry spell in May that caused some delays, but overall, we got the majority of our crop planted on time.”

Still, Georgia’s peanuts weren’t entirely spared from Mother Nature’s extremes. A heat wave that rolled through late July into early August placed significant stress on irrigated crops during peak bloom—a critical growth stage that demands consistent moisture.

“We were in ninety-five-plus degree temps with no rainfall, and in some of these pivots, you just can’t keep up at that point,” Monfort explained. “We did go through a stress period, but I think it was early enough that I don’t think it’s going to hurt us.”

Both Hand and Monfort stressed that resilience and adaptability remain the keys to success as producers navigate rising costs, shifting acreage, and unpredictable weather.

By: John Holcomb

Invasive Insect Threatens Georgia Crops: Spotted Lanternfly

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Tifton, GA |

A new threat has made its way to Georgia’s doorstep—and while it doesn’t sting or bite, the danger it poses to agriculture is very real. The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that’s already wreaked havoc in the Northeast, is now setting its sights on southern states, including Georgia.

“It is originally native to Asia and was discovered in Pennsylvania about a decade ago,” says Rebekah Wallace with the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species. “It arrived in Georgia last year around the Atlanta area.”

Although new to the state, experts say now is the time for early action. The spotted lanternfly attacks over a hundred plant species and is known to gather in massive numbers. Wallace says some of Georgia’s most iconic crops are at risk.

“It does impact a number of Georgia crops. It can include grapes, peaches, apples and some other crops,” she explains. “It’s also a concern because it will attack ornamentals. It’ll be a concern for homeowners as well.”

The pest feeds by draining nutrients from its host plant, leaving behind a sugary residue that attracts other damaging insects. If left untreated, infestations can reduce crop yields by up to 90 percent.

Fortunately, the insect is easy to identify. Adults are about an inch long, with colorful, spotted wings and a tendency to cluster in large groups.

“They are very colorful,” Wallace says. “Once you know what to look for, they’re very easy to see.”

Because of the potential damage, the Georgia Department of Agriculture is asking the public to stay vigilant. If you see a spotted lanternfly, experts recommend snapping a photo, stepping on it—and most importantly—reporting the sighting.

“You can report through the EDDMapS website at eddmaps.org or the Georgia invasives website at gainvasives.org,” Wallace says. “Those reports will go directly to all of the important people in Georgia who handle these things—Georgia Department of Ag, USDA, and Georgia entomology.”

With the 2025 growing season already underway, state and federal officials are hoping quick action and public awareness can help stop the spread before it takes root.

By: Damon Jones

From Tragedy to Triumph: Amberley Snyder’s Unstoppable Rodeo Journey

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Jekyll Island, GA |

For Amberley Snyder, dreams of rodeo stardom started early. Raised in a competitive and athletic family, her love for horses and the thrill of the sport led her to a successful youth career in barrel racing—culminating in a national title before she was even out of high school.

“I feel like everyone had something and that was the way we were raised, is to be competitive and athletic and dedicated,” says Snyder. “For me, that was the rodeo world. I did it through junior rodeo up into high school, made the national high school finals, won the world title with Little Britches.”

But in January of 2010, everything changed. At just 18 years old, Snyder was involved in a devastating car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

“I thought I had this whole plan of what I was going to be, who I was going to be,” she recalls. “And then now here I am getting told, hey, that whole life that you had—that doesn’t exist anymore.”

The road forward wasn’t easy. Snyder stepped away from her horses for nearly a year as she navigated her new reality. But with time—and determination—she found her way back to the saddle.

“I’m glad I did that because I was able to just take that challenge on to start with before coming back to the horses,” she says. “It really shifted my perspective. Even if it wasn’t the same, it was something I still truly love to do. So when I got back to my horses, then from there I never looked back. I don’t just want to be a participant—I want to be a competitor.”

That spirit led her to make history as the only paralyzed professional barrel racer in the country, earning a spot to run at The American Rodeo. Her journey was later immortalized in the Netflix film Walk. Ride. Rodeo.

“I still get messages every single day… somebody who has watched it and been inspired by it,” Snyder says. “And I still don’t even know if that really resonates with me all the time. That that’s real life.”

Today, Snyder travels the country—competing in rodeos and inspiring others as a motivational speaker. It’s a life she never expected, but one she says is only possible because of three things: her faith, her family, and her horses.

“I am who I am, and I am where I am because I have the support system of my family—the people who love me and believe in me,” she says. “Even on the days where this isn’t what I wanted, my faith to know that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and that God has a plan for me. And then my horses… they’re my freedom. They really are.”

By: John Holcomb

Efficiency and Legacy: Dawson Farmer Riley Davis Honored with Peanut Efficiency Award

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Dawson, GA |

Peanuts are big business in Georgia, with the state producing more than half of the entire U.S. supply. That puts farmers like Riley Davis at the heart of the industry’s success—and if his recent honor is any indication, he’s making the most of every acre. Davis was recently named the 2025 Peanut Efficiency Award winner for the Upper Southeast, a recognition he says is both humbling and motivating.

“Winning an award like that is a huge honor,” says Davis. “Efficiency is key right now. It makes me feel that I’m on the right path, but there are still a lot of other factors beyond just peanut efficiency that play a role in the whole farm picture.”

As a fourth-generation farmer, Davis has embraced modern practices to keep improving his operation’s efficiency. From variable rate seeding and irrigation management tools to precision spray technology, he’s quick to adopt strategies that help him do more with less.

“Changing is a huge issue, but you just have to do it,” he says. “One example is we got into spraying with a spray drone. From my father’s generation, that’s unheard of.”

Davis credits his father for fostering his love of farming, a passion he’s now passing down to his own children—the fifth generation to grow up on the farm.

“He spent a lot of time with me, but he never pushed me,” Davis recalls. “I’m thankful to him for that, and that’s what I’m striving to do with my boys. I want them to grow up the same way I did—to know where their food, fiber, and clothes come from—but I don’t want to push them to do it.”

As harvest season approaches, all eyes are on the 2025 peanut crop, and Davis says the outlook is promising.

“The crop looks great right now,” he says. “We had dry enough weather to get everything planted and cleaned up with weeds, and then we started catching rains after that. It’s been hot and humid, but we’ve been getting ample rainfall to keep things going and to keep irrigation caught up where we can irrigate. We’re set up to make a good crop. I don’t want to talk too good about it yet because we have a long way to go, but the crop looks very good right now.”

By: Damon Jones