By Michael Dockery
For generations, agriculture has been the backbone of South Georgia. It’s more than an industry — it’s our heritage, our livelihood, and the foundation of every small town in this region. From the fields of Coffee County to the pine lands of Ware and the pastures of Lanier, farming and forestry are what keep our local economy alive and our communities connected.
But too often, the people who work this land — our farmers, producers, and ag workers — are overlooked when decisions are made in Atlanta. Policies get written by those who have never set foot on a farm, while the people who feed and fuel our state are left struggling with rising costs, labor shortages, and uncertainty about the future. That’s not leadership — that’s neglect.
We must make agriculture a top priority again. We must work to cut unnecessary regulations and keep decision-making close to home, where people understand the land and the work. We must push for better rural infrastructure — reliable roads, affordable energy, and high-speed broadband that helps modern farms compete. We must stand up for young and beginning farmers so they can build a future right here in South Georgia, and we must always protect our land and water, because good stewardship isn’t politics — it’s common sense.
Our farmers don’t ask for handouts — they ask for a fair shake, a level playing field, and leadership that stands with them through every season. Agriculture built this region — and when we invest in it, we’re investing in our people, our families, and our way of life.
