Georgia Farm Bureau's: Growing On Podcast

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.

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.

In this episode, John Holcomb sits down with Heather King, Women's Leadership Program Coordinator, and Levi Davis, Young Farmers & Ranchers Programs Coordinator at Georgia Farm Bureau. They dive into their new roles, share the purpose and impact of their programs, and discuss how GFB is cultivating leadership and advocacy at the grassroots level. From hands-on ag literacy efforts to national policy trips and leadership summits, hear how they're working to engage, equip, and inspire the next generation of ag leaders across the state—and how you can get involved.

In this episode, we sit down with attorney Brian Bojo, a partner at MSP Law Firm in Rome, Georgia, to discuss the essential aspects of estate and succession planning for farming families. With an estimated 40% of U.S. agricultural land transitioning to the next generation in the next 15 years, planning for the future is more critical than ever. Brian breaks down the key legal documents every farmer should have, the importance of proactive succession planning, and how to ensure your legacy is protected for future generations. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this conversation provides valuable insights on navigating estate planning with clarity and confidence. Don't leave your legacy to chance—tune in now!

In this episode of the Growing On Podcast, you'll get to hear a discussion with Lauren Goble, Educational Programs Coordinator for Georgia Farm Bureau. Lauren shares her story and passion for agriculture and the Ag in the Classroom program, and gives some insight for anyone that might be interested in incoprorating ag into their classroom or lesson plans. Show Notes: GFB Ag in the Classroom GFB Contests

In this episode, you'll learn about the different parts of the peanut indutry. From industry events like the Peanut Farm Show, to learning about the important work of Peanut Breeders, and finally the grading process at peanut buying points that is done by the Georgia Federal-State Inspection Service. Catch it all in this episode!

Each year at their annual GFB Commodity Conference, the organization recognizes someone who's made a lasting impact on the Georgia ag industry. Known as the GFB Commodity Award, it's one of the organization's highest honors. This year's recipient is Barrow County's Terry England.

In this bonus episode, you'll be hearing from Georgia Cattlemen's Association President, Joe Garner. Joe talks about his background, his love for the cattle industry, his journey to becoming the President of the organization, and so much more.