Farmers are making a major comeback in the United States, and many are finding success in Georgia. There are many excellent places in America to start a hobby or commercial farm of any size, but you’ll find many benefits in this particular southern state compared to others. If you live in Georgia already, you may want to know if it’s the best area to pursue a farm venture. If you’re looking for the best area to move to in order to farm, you may want to consider Georgia as a contender for many compelling reasons.
Year-Round Growth
Georgia has a lengthy growth season. Winters are milder than in northern states, and spring and summer are particularly long. Many farmers can grow more varieties of crops with a longer season and can even rely on multiple harvests throughout most of the year. Depending on location, soil quality, and weather, farmers can produce larger quantities and types of food. It’s even possible to set Georgia farms up to grow crops year-round, especially with greenhouse setups. A longer growth season means a longer harvest, boosting income or food supply, depending on the farm’s purpose.
Fertile Soil Quality
While soil quality varies depending on region, much of Georgia’s soil is nutrient-rich, such as the red clay found in the Piedmont region. Many Georgia soil types retain water well, which allows for less water waste, benefiting the environment. Georgia is famous for its region-wide loamy soil, which can be excellent for farming. With some research and adaptation, farmers find this soil typically easy to work with for a wide variety of crops. From peaches to peanuts, plenty of prized Georgia resources thrive in the state’s natural environment.
Farm-Friendly Community
Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a beginner, Georgia has many resources to benefit agricultural ventures. Groups like the Georgia Farm Bureau provide support and resources to farmers and their families regardless of crop type or income level. The Georgia Department of Agriculture also offers many incentives for farmers, including tax breaks and grants, in order to help boost supply chains, reduce food insecurity, and promote locally grown food. Community gardens and farmers’ markets are hosted statewide for agricultural networking and profit. Programs like Farmers Mentor Farmers promote well-being among all Georgia farmers by providing education, connections, and other resources. If you’re new to farming or simply new to the area, you’ll have a much greater chance of success with all the support you can receive.
Competitive Land Prices
Compared to the rest of the country, Georgia has competitive land pricing. Farmland is typically rural, which also yields the best prices for farmers to purchase the acreage they need. Land isn’t just for commercial farmers, either. Many homeowners start small hobby farms on smaller land parcels and find expansion easy and affordable. Availability is high, depending on location. Outside of major cities, most land is available for all types of farms. Taxes are also relatively low, making it an attractive place to own property, especially income-generating ones like farms. On average, you can expect to pay around $3,000 to $4,000 per acre of land.
Widespread Rural Areas
Land is competitively priced in Georgia, and a lot of it is rural. Rural living is quite common outside of major urban hubs like Atlanta. The more rural the land, the more affordable it is, allowing hobby and commercial farmers alike to grab as much land as they need for crops, horse stalls, barns, and farming equipment. Farms thrive in rural areas, as they typically have plenty of room for crops and quieter environments to avoid startling livestock. Georgia offers the best of both worlds in terms of rural land for farming and proximity to cities like Atlanta for distribution.
Proximity to Distributors
Georgia is an excellent place for commercial farmers to set up shop. There is plenty of agricultural land available while still being connected to major distributional hubs like Savannah, Atlanta, and Augusta. Not only do these cities provide distribution, but they also are major draws for farm-to-table and vegetarian communities. Georgia cities aim to support local farmers through community gardens, agricultural tax incentives, and lucrative distribution deals. Georgia also hosts many distribution brokers to help connect farmers to wholesalers and packers, including the renowned Georgia Grown organization.
Conclusion
There are plenty of farmer-friendly locations in America, but Georgia is one of the best. From statewide loamy soil to agricultural grants offered by the state, both commercial and hobby farmers will find plenty of opportunities to grow and thrive here. The cost of land is affordable compared to the rest of the country, allowing you to host as many crops or horses as you wish. Before starting a farm, it’s important to research every aspect of the lifestyle, even as a hobby. It’s a lot of work, and the cost can easily set you back after purchasing equipment and necessary structures. With research, however, starting a Georgia farm is an excellent choice.
