Financial Future Secure for Ellijay Family Orchard
Ellijay farmer John Reece can see the house he grew up in from the Apple House at his Ellijay business, BJ Reece Orchards. John and his wife Rachel have grown the business his father started with 30 acres into a popular 130-acre agribusiness attraction known for its “world-famous” fried apple pies, so named by their […]
Aid in Securing USDA Loan Places Southwest Georgia Product on Store Shelves Across the U.S.
Ray Crosby knows his bees and honey. A third-generation farmer who lives with his family in Omega, a rural southwest Georgia town, he understands what makes his product—packaged as pure, unfiltered raw honey— unique. His knowledge, in fact, resonates with the customers from coast-to-coast who buy Weeks Honey. “Working with Ray, I’ve learned a lot […]
UGA Outreach Program Helps Farmers Build a Better Business
Dennis Hollingsworth was fresh out of college the first time he tried running a farm. It was the early 1980s in south Georgia, and he stuck with it for four years in some of the roughest economic conditions since the Great Depression. Then he left for an IT job. “I went to Atlanta and I […]
Small Business in Agriculture
In the 2017 edition of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center’s publication, “Small Business and Its Impact on Georgia,” the article below titled, “Spotlight Industries in Georgia: Agriculture,” was featured. Georgia is well known for agriculture. Farming has been a way of life for generations in the south, and Georgia is no different. […]
Importance of Agriculture in Georgia
The business of Agriculture has long been an important part of Georgia’s economy and will continue to be a driving force at the local, state, and national level. Georgia has the unique attribute of being home to a diverse array of food and fiber production and a rich assortment of the related economic sectors that make the entire system work. Together, these directly and indirectly related industries account for over $74.3 billion dollars in output contribution to Georgia’s $907.7 billion economy. This economic role also includes over 411,500 jobs for 2014.
Funding Options for New or Young Farmers
For many young farmers there is a deep desire to grow their farming operation, however, most are faced with the challenge of getting financing. Young farmers that are just getting into the business have not had time to build a lot of equity. Because of this, banks will consider the young farmer to be riskier compared to a seasoned farmer. One of the many variables banks will consider is how well the farmer can manage their working capital, and without a history of that from operations, it’s more difficult for a bank to determine the likelihood of repayment. Today, with low commodity prices and smaller margins between expense and revenue, young farmers are exposed to tough decisions and banks are tightening their internal lending policies. Despite this, there are still many opportunities for the young farmer.
Times Are Tough-Scrutinize Every Input Choice
Seems like most everybody who retails ag inputs is offering products that they profess will boost yields, even make ‘em skyrocket. Only problem is, claims often aren’t backed up with unbiased data to prove that these materials provide growers with a return on investment–that ROI that should guide every decision.
Sound Business Practices Move Georgia Peach Retailer from Stands to Stores
Travelers driving north and south on Interstate 95 will pass 24 billboards inviting them to stop and purchase mouth-watering products like “Fresh Georgia Peaches — Exit 58” and “Georgia Peach Ice Cream” at Georgia Peach World and the Eulonia Country Store in Townsend. The young entrepreneur behind the bold, simple marketing campaign, Jason Reott, is […]
