The Next Generation of Southern Agriculture
What does it take to keep a family farm going for another generation? That question is getting attention across the Southeast.
In Georgia, the annual Joint Ag Issues Summit August 20th in Perry will also mark the first meeting of a new legislative study committee focused on the generational sustainability of family farms.
The committee will examine challenges facing family farms and consider policies aimed at preparing the next generation of farmers.
The summit is free and open to the public. https://www.gfb.org/news/ag-news/post/georgia-ag-committee-chairmen-to-hold-ag-issues-summit
Meanwhile, an Alabama family offers a real-life look at that next generation.
Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County are Alabama’s 2026 Outstanding Young Farm Family. Garrett started with a small cattle herd in high school and 100 acres of soybeans in college. Today, the Dixons farm more than 1,000 acres of peanuts and cotton, along with cattle.
Garrett says one of his proudest accomplishments is giving his two young children the opportunity to continue farming someday, if they choose.
Different states, but a shared question: How do we make sure the next generation has that choice?
