Advertise on podcast: Georgia Farm Bureau's: Growing On Podcast

In this episode of Growing On, host John Holcomb sits down with Adam Belflower, Georgia Farm Bureau's State Affairs Manager, for an inside look at how the organization advocates for farmers at the Capitol. Belflower breaks down what a state affairs manager (in plain terms, a lobbyist) actually does day to day, from monitoring the thousands of bills introduced each legislative session to building the trust that lets him serve as a go-to resource for lawmakers on agricultural issues. We dig into how Georgia Farm Bureau's policy positions are built entirely from the ground up, starting with resolutions from all 159 counties and commodity advisory committees, debated at the Policy Development Committee, and ultimately voted on by the membership at the annual convention in December. Belflower also walks through how a bill actually gets written and introduced, Georgia's part-time legislative session, and why having farmers themselves serving in the General Assembly matters so much when lobbyists can't be in every room. With the November 3rd general election just days away, the conversation turns to Farm Bureau's nonpartisan I Farm I Vote campaign, why voter turnout is one of the most powerful tools farmers have, and the key constitutional amendments on this year's ballot, including Amendment 1, which would raise the conservation-use acreage cap from 2,000 to 4,000 acres to help keep farmland in agricultural production. For more infoormation on the I Farm. I Vote. Campaign, click here.

In this episode of Growing On, we sit down with Dr. Tracy Brundage, President of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), on the campus in Tifton, Georgia. Dr. Brundage shares her path to higher education leadership and what drew her to ABAC's distinctive, experience-driven mission. We talk about the college's 118-year agricultural heritage and how it has grown into a four-year state college now serving over 4,150 students across four academic schools, agriculture, nursing, business, education, and more, drawing students from 154 of Georgia's 159 counties and 37 countries. Dr. Brundage walks us through ABAC's hands-on learning model, from the 400-acre J.G. Woodruff Farm and the Langdale Teaching Forest to the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Forest Lakes Golf Club, and explains why the college's near-100% placement rates in agriculture and nursing reflect a philosophy where experiential learning has always been core to the curriculum, not an add-on. We also dig into ABAC's role in strengthening rural Georgia's workforce, how the college decides which new programs to launch, and how ABAC is preparing students to use AI responsibly while doubling down on the durable human skills, communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, that employers still value most. It's a conversation about staying rooted in tradition while building for what's next.

Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Jane Marie Hennebelle joins the podcast to break down New World screw worm — a parasitic fly that was eradicated from the U.S. in 1966 but remains a serious threat to livestock and animal health today. Dr. Hennebelle explains how the fly's maggots feed on live tissue in open wounds, why early detection is critical, and what an incursion could mean for Georgia's livestock industry, from quarantine zones and interstate movement restrictions to international trade impacts. She also covers the signs producers should watch for, how quickly the fly can spread, and the preventative steps — like maintaining a solid fly control program — that can help protect herds and farm dogs alike. Note: This interview was recorded in June 2025, prior to the detection of New World screw worm in Texas.

What does it take to grow the next generation of Georgia agriculturists — and how early do you need to start? In this episode, John sits down with Kaitlyn Marchant, Agricultural Programs Manager for the Georgia Department of Education and the first woman to hold the position, at her office in Watkinsville. Marchant shares her journey from a South Georgia cattle farm to 12 years in the classroom to overseeing ag education statewide — and what that experience taught her about building programs that work for every student, from rural Oglethorpe County to Atlanta Public Schools. They dig into Georgia's nationally recognized K-12 ag education model, the difference between ag education and FFA (and why they go hand in hand), how COVID sparked a new wave of interest in food and farming, and why the pipeline from FFA to Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers matters more than ever. Marchant also opens up about her own path into production agriculture, the community service initiative she brought from YF&R to the state FFA convention, and her vision for keeping Georgia's ag programs both rooted in tradition and ready for the future.

Fifth-generation Morgan County farmer, Lee Nunn joins host John Holcomb for an honest conversation about what it means to farm through one of the driest springs in recent memory. With 25 years of experience growing cotton, corn, soybeans, and wheat, Lee breaks down how the ongoing drought is threatening his wheat harvest, stalling cotton bed preparation, and leaving a month-old corn crop desperately short on moisture. He explains the compounding pressure of record-high input costs — fuel, fertilizer, equipment parts — against commodity prices that leave almost no room for error. Lee also reflects on how this drought differs from past dry years and what he and his family may have to do to survive it. A candid look at the realities facing Georgia row crop farmers when everything has to go right — and the rain simply won't come. Interview was on April 21st, 2026

What really happens behind the scenes at Georgia Farm Bureau? In this special "Behind the Bureau" episode, District Federation Managers Kari Creamer and Rebecca Jacobs share an inside look at the roles, relationships, and responsibilities that keep the organization running at the grassroots level. From supporting county offices and developing future leaders to navigating the unique challenges of rural and metro communities, they explain how their work helps strengthen agriculture across the state. It's a candid conversation about servant leadership, advocacy, and the passion driving the people who connect Georgia farmers to the bigger picture.

As financial pressure builds across agriculture, farm bankruptcies are once again trending upward—and the outlook for 2026 remains uncertain. In this episode, University of Georgia economist Will Secor breaks down what's driving the increase, from declining crop prices and high input costs to rising debt and interest rates. He explains why the Southeast may be especially vulnerable, how Chapter 12 bankruptcy works as a tool for farmers, and why these filings are often a lagging indicator of deeper financial stress. It's a candid, data-driven conversation that also highlights the human side of tough decisions facing farm families—and what could help turn the tide moving forward. Article referenced: https://www.fb.org/market-intel/farm-bankruptcies-continued-to-climb-in-2025

A new invasive pest is raising concerns across Georgia's cotton industry, and researchers are working quickly to understand its impact. In this episode, Dr. Phillip Roberts with the University of Georgia breaks down what the cotton jassid is, how it spreads, and why it poses such a serious threat to yield. He explains how the insect damages plants, what was learned during its first season in the state, and how growers can prepare for 2026. From scouting strategies to management decisions, this conversation provides practical insight to help farmers stay ahead of this rapidly evolving challenge.

On this episode of the Growing On Podcast, host John Holcomb sits down with Dr. Nick Fuhrman—better known to many viewers as "Ranger Nick." A longtime contributor to The Farm Monitor and Associate Dean at the University of Georgia's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nick shares the story behind his passion for teaching, wildlife, and inspiring others to connect with the natural world. From growing up in Maryland with aquariums full of turtles and snakes to becoming a professor who brings live animals into the classroom, Nick's career has always centered on education and curiosity. In this conversation, he explains how animals—from snakes and turtles to birds of prey—help students overcome public speaking anxiety, build confidence, and rediscover their connection to nature. Nick also reflects on his journey as a first-generation college student, the mentors who helped shape his career, and how a simple opportunity eventually led him to UGA—where he's been helping students grow for nearly two decades. Along the way, he shares stories from the classroom, including a memorable student who dressed as a turtle and discovered a passion for teaching special needs students. The conversation also explores Nick's popular "Ranger Nick" segment on The Farm Monitor and how environmental education and agriculture naturally intersect. Whether he's teaching college students, filming TV segments, or taking classes into the woods to listen for owls, Nick's mission is the same: spark curiosity and help people see the natural world in a whole new way. In this episode you'll hear about: How wildlife and animals can transform the way students learn Why communication skills are becoming more important than ever The surprising ways nature inspires curiosity in today's students The story behind Ranger Nick and his long-running Farm Monitor segment Why reconnecting people to the outdoors matters more than ever If you've ever wondered how a turtle, snake, or owl can inspire learning—or why enthusiasm is one of the most powerful teaching tools—this episode is for you.

Every county in Georgia is now experiencing some level of drought — and for farmers, the timing couldn't be more critical. In this episode, recorded in Watkinsville, Georgia, agricultural climatologist Pam Knox with the University of Georgia breaks down what's driving the state's widespread dry conditions and what it could mean for the upcoming growing season. From the role of La Niña in shaping Georgia's winter weather to the lack of tropical systems that typically supply 30–40% of the state's summer rainfall, Knox explains how months of below-average precipitation have left soil moisture reserves dangerously low. While recent cold snaps brought ice and snow, they delivered little meaningful moisture — and that has major implications for spring planting. We discuss: Why winter is normally Georgia's "recharge season" for soil moisture — and why that hasn't happened this year The difference between surface dryness and deeper soil and reservoir impacts How drought affects forage, winter grains, vegetables, blueberries, and early corn planting The difficult irrigation decisions farmers face during water shortages Lessons from past droughts, including crop losses during pollination What growers should watch in the coming weeks as soil temperatures rise Knox also shares trusted climate and drought monitoring resources for producers looking to stay informed as conditions evolve. If you farm, work in agriculture, or simply want a clearer understanding of how large-scale climate patterns translate to real-world impacts on Georgia's fields and food supply, this conversation provides timely insight grounded in science and experience. 🎧 Tune in for a practical, straight-talk look at Georgia's drought outlook — and what may lie ahead.

What does it take to step into agriculture as the next generation — and stay there? With the average American farmer nearing retirement age, the future of agriculture depends on young producers willing to take risks and lead. Cleve Jackson discusses his agricultural roots, his leadership journey through Farm Bureau, and the responsibility of growing a farm — and an industry — for the next generation. Hear why connection matters, why involvement is essential, and how saying "yes" can change both a career and a community.

In this special bonus episode of Growing On, host John Holcomb visits Minter's Tree Farm, a five-generation family operation rooted in the unincorporated community of Inman, Georgia. For more than 30 years, Rick Minter has carried on a Christmas tree–growing legacy that began when his grandfather purchased the farm in 1936. Rick shares the remarkable history behind the farm—from its origins in Depression-era cotton and vegetable farming to its evolution into one of the last remaining choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms along Highway 92. Listeners will hear how the farm has navigated the changing landscape of agriculture, why cypress varieties like Leyland and Murray became their specialty, and what it takes to grow and shape thousands of trees year-round. Rick also discusses: How agritourism, photography sessions, and family experiences keep the farm thriving The unique challenges and joys of preparing trees from planting to trimming to the holiday rush Why community support means everything after three decades in the Christmas tree business The moments—especially the calm of late December—he enjoys most each season From wagon rides to family photo shoots, from pruning shears to holiday memories, this episode offers a heartfelt look at a farm built on tradition, resilience, and the simple joy of helping families bring Christmas home.

In this episode, host John Holcomb sits down at Big Sandy Creek Dairy in Morgan County with Katelin Benkoski — dairy farmer, ag advocate, community educator, and full-time ag finance professional. Katelin shares her story of growing up on her family's dairy farm, staying deeply rooted in agriculture through 4-H, FFA, and her degrees in animal science and ag business from the University of Georgia. Today, she splits her time between her job with AgSouth Farm Credit and her many roles on the farm: helping run tours, coordinating outreach, managing social media, supporting farm operations, and working alongside her parents and sisters to keep the farm thriving. She talks about: How her family has built multi-generational involvement into the farm, with each member playing a unique role in education and operations Why opening the farm gates to school groups, families, and 4-H/FFA students is worth the long days and late nights The impact of programs like Adopt-a-Cow, where thousands of students follow a calf's journey from birth through the school year Heartfelt moments that keep her going—like a child speaking their very first word after meeting a cow on the farm Her passion for advocating for agriculture with adults too, from local conversations to trips to the Georgia Capitol and Washington, D.C. You'll also hear some fun behind-the-scenes stories of how Katelin's love of cows landed her and her family on Family Feud, Inside the NBA, and even the Weather Channel. This episode is a portrait of one woman balancing a career, a family farm, and a mission: making sure the next generation knows where their food comes from—and why family farms still matter.

In this episode of Growing On, host John Holcomb sits down in Madison, Georgia, with Rachel Kinsaul— the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year and 2024 Milken Educator Award winner — to talk about her journey to becoming a passionate advocate for agricultural education. Rachel shares how her experiences in the classroom and through Georgia Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers program have shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. From starting floral design programs to broaden student engagement, to stepping away from the classroom for a year to represent educators statewide, she offers honest insights into what it means to "stay rooted in service." You'll also hear how she's working to bridge communities and classrooms with a new statewide Day of Service, and why she believes every student deserves the chance to discover their passion through agriculture.

In this episode of the Growing On podcast, host John Holcomb visits Morgan County to talk with Liam Tewksbury—a third-generation farmer, cattleman, and passionate advocate for Georgia agriculture. From his early days showing livestock in FFA to managing cattle operations across the Southeast, Liam shares his inspiring journey of following in his family's footsteps while forging a path uniquely his own. Liam opens up about the challenges of being a young producer in today's ag industry, the mentors and experiences that shaped him, and his deep commitment to advocacy through organizations like Georgia Farm Bureau and Georgia Cattlemen's Association. He also discusses his consulting venture, Rafter 7L, and why he believes telling agriculture's story is more important now than ever. Whether you're a young farmer seeking direction or a lifelong cattle producer, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that grit, passion, and a strong community can keep Georgia's farm legacy alive for generations to come.