Georgia Farm Bureau's: Growing On Podcast

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.