Episode 22: Finding a Home in Southwest Georgia

On episode 33, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomes Miranda Gulsby with Quail Forever and Shane Wellendorf with Tall Timbers. This podcast will focus on all things land and wildlife conservation, fire ecology, land management, and more.Miranda Gulsby is the Georgia State Coordinator with Quail Forever. She leads a talented team of 14 staff in Georgia focusing on the conservation of upland wildlife habitat, primarily through assisting private landowners across Georgia. In this role, she works closely with partner organizations, Quail Forever chapters, and many other stakeholders to restore bobwhite quail and upland wildlife habitat in Georgia. Shane Wellendorf is the Land Conservancy Director with Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy, an accredited land trust active throughout north Florida and South Georgia. The Land Conservancy works on conservation easements, landowner extension services, regional planning, and legislative advocacy. Shane has been affiliated with Tall Timbers since 1996, working for many years as a research biologist with the Game Bird Lab and then transitioning to the Land Conservancy in 2011.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On episode 32, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomes Brandon Vann with New Era Land Company and DJ White with Nightfly Aerial Solutions for an exciting podcast for both landowners and hunters. This episode focuses on land and values, recreational properties, wildlife, and deer herd analysis and location services via thermal drone imaging. Brandon Vann: Brandon is a South Georgia native, born and raised in Americus, GA. Married to his high school sweetheart, Lauren, they have two young sons, Bennett and Andrew. Brandon’s love for the land and the outdoors began at an early age learning to bow hunt whitetail on a plantation cut tract of timber in the New Era community of Sumter County, for which New Era Land Company is named. Brandon has nearly a decade of experience in finance, beginning his career as a commercial lender in 2014, then transitioning to agricultural lending for both Southwest Georgia Farm Credit and Ag Georgia Farm Credit. Throughout his lending career, he has been privileged to build and develop lasting relationships with active land investors all over the southeast.DJ White: DJ White, a native of Mitchell County, has always been passionate about the outdoors. With a lifelong connection to wildlife and the hunting industry, DJ’s journey began as a deer processor. He has since guided big game hunts in Colorado and North Carolina and served as a quail guide in Southwest Georgia for 12 seasons. In the spring of 2024, DJ took over NightFly Aerial Solutions, offering deer herd analysis and recovery services to landowners and hunters in Southwest Georgia.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On episode 31, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomes land broker, Jon Kohler. This podcast will focus on all things land with insights into Jon’s impressive property and sales portfolio, passion for marketing, knowledge in land management, and expertise attracting a niche buyer. Jon Kohler: Mr. Kohler’s professional career is dedicated to the specialty brokerage, advising, and marketing of quail plantations, ranches and recreational land. Named "The Plantation Broker" by Garden & Gun Magazine, his passion for conservation has led him to develop a unique market niche representing landowners who practice good land stewardship and marketing these properties world-wide.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On Episdoe 30 of HERE WE GROW, Relationship Manager Brant Harrell welcomes a fantastic lineup of experts willing to share their knowledge and expertise into the Georgia pecan and citrus industries. This episode features commentary by regional farmers and agribusiness owners, Rob Cohen and Brian Roberts. Rob Cohen: Rob Cohen is the product of a 100-acre family farm in Brinson, Georgia and a graduate of University of Georgia’s class of 97’! Rob is married to Rebecca and a devoted father to Kathyrn, Hayden, and Madline, and together, they call Bainbridge home. Mr. Cohen is a second-generation pecan farmer with approximately 750-acers of orchard spread out across Decatur, Seminole, Miller, and Grady counties. Through his company, RC3 Pecan Farms, Rob specializes in growing and shipping pecans as well as providing management and consulting services to other area growers. In addition to his pecan business, Rob is the Owner of Southern Fumigants, LLC which specializes in the fumigation of various ag commodities and facilities throughout the Southeast. He is also a Partner-Owner at Massey Products, LLC, and Partner at Lane Crop Insurance. Rob actively serves on the Georgia Pecan Growers Board and is a member of the Southeastern Pecan Growers Association. Through is many entrepreneurial endeavors spanning several sectors, Rob focuses on agriculture, commodity storage, and distribution, contributing to the economic landscape of his rural Georgia community and beyond.Brian Roberts: Brian Roberts’ roots in Southwest Georgia run deep, having been born and raised in Webster County. With a lifetime of experience in agriculture and a passion for the outdoor way of life, Brian has embraced his family's legacy by establishing his home in the heart of a citrus grove that he planted with his own hands-on ancestral farmland. Proud to carry on the tradition of cultivating both family and food on this cherished piece of ground that has been in his family for over a century. In his role as a relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, Brian leverages his extensive knowledge and expertise in the industry. He holds a Master's in Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University and graduated Cum Laude from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor's in Science. Additionally, Brian serves as the treasurer on the board of directors for the Georgia Citrus Association. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brian is a dedicated family man. He and his high school sweetheart, Haley Roberts, have two children, Ellie and Noble. Together, they grow a variety of cold-hardy citrus fruits, including satsuma mandarins, shiranui mandarins, and red navels.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On this episode, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomes a fantastic lineup of experts willing to share their fall weather forecasts and insights to the 2024 peanut and cotton harvest season. This episode features commentary by Climatologist Pam Knox, Attorney and AGvocate Bob Redding, and Cotton Economist Don Shurley. Pam Knox: Pam Knox is the Director of the University of Georgia Weather Network, a group of 88 automated weather stations across the state which provide weather and climate data to farmers, utilities, Extension agents and private citizens. The network also helps support the National Weather Service by providing real-time weather information in hazardous weather outbreaks to support public safety initiatives. She is an Extension Climatologist in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences specializing in agriculture and climate change and is a past Assistant State Climatologist for Georgia and has also served as the Wisconsin State Climatologist. Pam is currently serving as an author for the upcoming 5th National Climate Assessment on Southeastern climate.Bob Redding: Bob Redding is a native of Edison, Georgia and has spent his professional life in Washington, D.C. Bob worked on Capitol Hill for twelve years, six years in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Chief of Staff and six years in the U.S. Senate as Executive Assistant and later as Chief of Staff, both for members serving on the Agriculture Committees and the Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee in the Senate. Bob has served as National Finance Chairman for several Members of Congress and the U.S. Senate.In January of 1993, Bob opened a lobbying firm on Capitol Hill. He has received presidential appointments to several Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Bob is considered one of the leading authorities on agricultural legislation having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and as an advocate for agricultural organizations. He has received numerous awards for his service to the agricultural industry.Dr. Don Shurley: Don is a retired University of Georgia cotton economist. He spent 28 years on the UGA Tifton Campus. He has continued his cotton work through industry sponsorships, contracts and grants, consulting, print and on-line media, and invited presentations. With34 years’ experience in cotton, Don is widely considered by industry and peers as one of nations leading cotton experts. He is recipient of some of the University of Georgia and College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences highest awards for public service and outreach. Don also teaches ½ time at ABAC teaching commodity marketing and agricultural policy.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is committed to recognizing women that make an impact in the industry of agriculture, a demographic that continues to grow. Whether in the classroom, in the research lab, in the field, in the orchard, or in legislation, women are the storytellers and champions that the industry needs to ensure its longevity. In this episode of HERE WE GROW, we welcome three leadHERS shedding light on their experiences, go-to resources, and their inspiration behind pioneering new pathways and leading the next generation. This podcast provides commentary by Researcher, Ag Professor, and farmer Carla Sanford, Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer turned Citrus Farmer and Agvocate Lindy Savelle, and Ag Education Teacher and FFA Advisor Victoria Harrell. Carla Dean Sanford: Carla earned her Ph.D. at the University of Florida conducting research in beef cattle. She continued research at Montana State University, where she was an assistant professor and beef cattle specialist. She is now back on her family’s diversified ag operation in Decatur County and is an adjunct professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Carla and her husband, Michael welcomed their first child, Carson, last fall and look forward to raising him on the farm and having him be a part of their own ag operation. Carla is also currently serving as an Adjunct Professor with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.Lindy Savelle: Lindy Savelle is a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer gone “Orangeprenuer”Upon retirement in 2019 from a federal law enforcement career spanning over 34 years, Lindy was compelled to return to her roots in Southwest Georgia and do something as a “give back” to her community. She and her husband, Perry, began a rejuvenation project of JoNina Farm in Ochlocknee, GA, transforming it into an agritourism commercial citrus grove, all the while developing a USDA certified citrus nursery there called Georgia Grown Citrus. Lindy has worked over the years to help develop the Georgia Citrus Association and the Georgia Citrus Commodity Commission which promote Georgia’s burgeoning citrus industry through networking, marketing, research and education.Victoria Harrell: Victoria is an agricultural education teacher at Bainbridge High School and serves as an FFA advisor for the Bainbridge FFA Chapter. She has been teaching for 10 years. She is the 2024 Decatur County Teacher of the Year. She is also the 6th generation to live on her family farm in Colquitt, GA. Her passion for agriculture and advocacy began early in life, and she is committed to continue educating tomorrow's leaders about this industry. Victoria is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Auburn University. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 27 focuses on ag technology and an equipment outlook for 2024. If you are interested in agricultural advancements through technology and have plans to purchase equipment for your operation soon, this episode is for you!Johnny Villanueava: Johnny Villanueva is the Managing Partner and General Manager of Flint Irrigation which is an affiliate of Agrispray Drones. He started his drone business a little over 2 years ago in Lee County, Georgia with the purpose to educate, sell and service the general public in agriculture spray drones. Johnny also farms row crops and looked into ag spray drones to solve a need for precision application in small field trials. The DJI Agras line of spray drones allowed him to be on the cutting edge of new farming practices and be more precise in foliar applications. He soon became the local resource for everything spray drones and decided to enter into a partnership with Agrispray drones to meet a growing, fast-paced demand for spray drones on local farms. This demand coupled with on farm education started what we now have as a successful drone retail business. Ragan Brown: Ragan Brown has been employed with SWGA for over 18 years. She has her MBA from Georgia Southwestern and has held various positions and is currently Residential Lending Unit & Other Financial Services Manager. She started the Farm Credit Express product for SWGA and other farm credits associations and has been working with equipment financing and leasing for the past 10 years. Ragan resides in Leesburg with her husband, Richard and children. Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 26 focuses on finding a place to call home in Southwest Georgia! If you are a first-time home buyer, aspiring southern dweller, entering your #ruralera, or interested in buying or building your forever home outside of the city limits, this episode is for you! Commentary for this episode is provided by Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager Anna Kinchen, Upland Real Estate Owner Bri Whigham, and Residential and Lifestyle Lending expert Lee Hatcher.Bri Whigham is a third generation Realtor® located in Thomasville, Georgia with a background in marketing, sales, and photography. The Red Hills of North Florida and South Georgia offer many lifestyle choices from the oceanfront to the waterway and city living to plantations. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, Bri can help sell YOU the south!Lee Hatcher is a Residential and Lifestyle Lender with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. She assists clients in Southwest Georgia with navigating the home buying process from start to finish.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

Episode 25: Preparing for a Farm Loan (Resources for Young, Beginning, and Small Operation Farmers)Episode 25 is hosted by Brant Harrell; a Relationship Manager with SWGA Farm Credit. This podcast focuses on prepares young, beginning, and small operation farmers for financing and long-term success! Commentary on this episode is also provided by Newt Gilman, with the Georgia Farm Service Agency. Newt Gilman is a State Farm Loan Specialist for Farm Service Agency, a Farm Loan Division in Georgia. He joined FSA as a Farm Loan Officer in 2018 and became a Loan Specialist in 2021. He also has a background in farm equipment sales and serving with UGA Extension. In his personal experience on his family’s small ruminant operation and in his professional career, he has developed a passion for helping America’s farmers and ranchers obtain the financial resources they need to keep our nation’s food supply plentiful.Brant Harrell was born and raised in Decatur County. He is graduate of Georgia Southern University. He has farmed for 25 years and has served as a Lender and Relationship Manager for Southwest Farm Credit for 15 years. He also serves as the Chair for the Decatur County Agriculture Committee.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected]. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.

On our latest episode, Relationship Manager Mike Harris discusses what happens when a commodity leaves the farm with McClellan Organics owner, Bryan McClellan. Bryan McClellan is owner of McClellan Organics, a 350-acre organic vegetable farm located in Climax, GA. Bryan has been growing and selling organic produce for over 18 years.Mike Harris has extensive experience as a Credit Officer, Commercial Lender, Branch Manager, and Market President.  Mike’s personal experience on the farm, combined with his professional experience as an ag lender, make him an asset for Farm Credit and our clients.  He has a passion for helping farmers succeed and rural communities grow. Mike will use his firsthand experiences and his financial skills to help our association continue to serve our customers at an exceptional level.Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender.  NMLS 691477.  The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System.  No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice.  For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or [email protected].  Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.