Tag Archives: Georgia agriculture support

Rooted in Community: Smith Farm Supply Grows While Staying True to Local Farmers

Posted on by

Warrenton, GA |

What started nearly 70 years ago as a single feed store in Warrenton has become much more than anyone could have imagined. Since 1955, Smith Farm Supply has grown to thirteen locations, all while staying true to its original mission: serving the farmers and rural communities who depend on them.

“I grew up around farming. My family was in the dairy business and then went into beef cows,” says Tyler Johnson, owner of Smith Farm Supply. “I loved working with animals, being around equipment, being outdoors—but I knew that wouldn’t be my entire career. When this came along, I really never thought it would go from one location to two or even to where it’s at now.”

Johnson purchased the store in 2008, and since then, he’s seen firsthand how quickly agriculture—and the supply business that supports it—can change.

“This is my seventeenth year in it. You could argue that ag business has changed more in the last seventeen years than ever before,” he says. “And I can almost guarantee it’ll change even more in the next seventeen. Georgia’s a really neat market—there are a lot of independents, and we love to maintain our independence. When we go into new markets, we can bring in goods and products essential to that area. Each store has its own identity.”

That local identity means each location is tailored to its community’s unique needs—something that matters even more in rural areas where options can be limited.

“We’re in a lot of underserved markets,” Johnson says. “It’s not that we choose those markets because there’s less competition. We run into logistical challenges with smaller fields, busier roads, lower populations. But if you want a 250-gallon tote of Roundup or an eighteen-wheeler load of fertilizer in South Georgia, you’ve got plenty of options. Up here, it’s more specialized. It’s rewarding to serve that type of market so people do have that option.”

While Smith Farm Supply has grown in size, Johnson says growth for growth’s sake has never been the goal. Instead, it’s about doing right by the people who work there—and the customers they serve.

“I love what I do,” says Johnson. “I look for opportunities to improve what we do for every person that works here. Getting the location, doing more bulk feed—that location was bought to make the other twelve locations better. I don’t know what’s next. It’s not about throwing out a number for more stores. I’m content with how things are, but we’re constantly trying to grow and advance what we do in a good way.”

By: John Holcomb

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

Posted on by

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.