GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) - There's a growing push to find locally-grown foods and south Georgia's farmers and ranchers are determined to provide it.
Farmers and ranchers work daily outside trying to grow, produce, or raise cattle. Because their jobs are so dependent on the weather and climate, they can face some major challenges.
"Growing cattle is actually seasonal, like produce or anything. There are good times of the year to calve, and then there's not so good times of year to calve," said Bobby Holden, Partner, Owner, Operator of Grady Ranch. "The challenge is to be able to have supply year round."
Holden works with his uncle to raise grass-fed beef which is sold at restaurants and farmer's markets. The Hopkins family at Hopkins Farms also works tirelessly to provide fresh produce to the community with a "Farm to Table" program. The program allows customers to order a bag or box full of locally-sourced food.
"The first week I ever did it, I did one box and I've made it up to doing 100 boxes a week. We're trying to keep growing and just get the word out," said David Hopkins, Owner of Hopkins Farms. "We enjoy meeting people and giving them fresh produce. It just seems like it's a little bit better when you know where your food is coming from."
It's not just about providing the freshest produce or beef to the community. Hopkins and Holden both enjoy meeting the people who buy their products, and showing the community where their food comes from.
"If you shop local and you meet the guy that actually grew the steer, you can develop trust and a relationship with him," said Holden. "I guess that's the biggest key, just being able to know who produced your food and how they did it."
Both men and their families are proud of what they do, and will continue to farm and bring fresh food to the community for as long as they're able.
Those interested can buy Grady Ranch's "grass fed beef" at a number of farmer's markets across the area.
The Hopkins Farms "farm to table" bundles are available online.
For Hopkins Farms, pick up locations are in Thomasville, Cairo, Bainbridge, and Tallahassee. For more information click here.
