neighbors-fall2025-issuu-v1 by Georgia Farm Bureau

AGRICULTURE + LIFESTYLE

Jenna Saxon

AN AGRI-VISIONARY IN ATLANTA

CLAXTON FRUIT CAKE MADE WITH LOVE SINCE 1945

FRESH FIXINS PIE BAR MAKES IT EASY AS PIE SHROOM BOOM ELLIJAY MUSHROOMS CHANGES TASTEBUDS

on an Eligible New1 Ford Truck or Ford Blue Advantage™ Certified Used2 Vehicle. The Farm Bureau Exclusive Cash Reward1 is now compatible with

2 Available on the purchase of an eligible 2020-2026MY Ford Blue Advantage Gold, EV (F-150 Lightning only), or Blue Certified, Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150, Super Duty or F-150 Lightning with under 80,000 miles. Not available on any other Ford or Lincoln vehicles, or F-150 Raptor, F-150 Raptor R, Ranger Raptor or F-650 and F-750 Super Duty. Vehicle eligibility may change at any time. Available to U.S. residents only. This offer is not eligible for customers purchasing a vehicle in the state of Texas. Take delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/5/2026. Limit of five purchases per household during the program offer (PGM# 32678). Offer subject to dealer participation. May not be used/combined with most other private Ford offers. See an authorized Ford Dealer, or go to www.fordrecognizesu.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32678). Due to high demand and global supply chain constraints, some models, trims, and features may not be available or may be subject to change. Check with your local Ford Dealer for current information. Offer subject to confirmation of eligibility. Visit

1 Available on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2024/2025/2026 model year Ford Maverick®, Ranger®, F-150®, Super Duty or F-150 Lightning®. Not available on any other Ford or Lincoln vehicles, or F-150 Raptor®, F-150 Raptor R™, Ranger Raptor or F-650® and F-750® Super Duty. Vehicle eligibility may change at any time. Available to U.S. residents only. Place a new retail order or take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 1/05/26. Limit of five purchases or leases per household during the program offer (PGM# 32524). Offer subject to dealer participation. May not be used/combined with most other Ford private offers. See an authorized Ford Dealer, or go to www.fordrecognizesu.com, for complete details and eligibility (PGM# 32524). Due to high demand and global supply chain constraints, some models, trims, and features may not be available or may be subject to change. Check with your local dealer for current information. Offer subject to confirmation of eligibility.

VIEW FROM THE FIELD

Why you should become a GFB member today

FRUITFUL FAMILY

Claxton Fruit Cake made with love since 1945

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

Give a gift and support a local grower or maker

AGRI-VISIONARY

Jenna Saxon pushes ag forward at the state capitol

GIVING THANKS

Say a blessing for Georgia’s farmers

20 23 24

04 12 17 26 06 10

SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE

Fulton County teacher educates students about agriculture

INSURANCE YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT

Invest your dollars in your community

SHROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Ellijay Mushrooms aims to change tastebuds and build community

FRESH FIXINS

Pie recipes from Lauren Bolden, owner of Pie Bar

Corn stalks | Houston County, Georgia

ENTS ENTS

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU

Georgia Farm Bureau is the premier voice for agriculture in Georgia. We work earnestly to support a safe and abundant food supply that not only feeds Georgians, but the growing world as well. Georgia Neighbors Magazine is a nod to that genuine sentiment – it’s an opportunity to discover the people, the places and the impact of ag in our great state.

Want to subscribe? Become a Georgia Farm Bureau member to receive Georgia Neighbors twice a year. Membership means supporting farmers and agriculture while having access to more than 300,000 discount offers. Visit gfb.ag/join.

For content inquiries or comments, please contact Information/Public Relations Director Kenny Burgamy at 478-474-0679, extension 5285, or email kdburgamy@gfb.org.

ANNUAL MEETING OF POLICYHOLDERS

The annual meeting of the policyholders of the Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Georgia Farm Bureau Building, 1620 Bass Road, Macon, Georgia, 31210.

ON THE COVER

Jenna Saxon is the chief of staff for Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper

VIEW FROM THE FIELD

Tom McCall, GFB President

his past June, the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) organization marked its 88th birthday.

Through those years we’ve accomplished so much for the state’s agricultural community, as an advocate for farmers, helping protect a safe and reliable food supply and helping consumers in a number of ways.

Our strength comes from folks just like you who have joined GFB and remain active. That allows us to offer benefits, saving our members money through discounts with a number of key partners.

We’re proud to talk about a wide range of these discount categories that our nearly 240,000 memberfamilies take advantage of because of their association with us.

Just in case you aren’t familiar with these savings, let me share some of the national name brands where you can save by being a GFB member.

If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, you can save through Choice, Wyndham, Drury and Sonesta Hotels. Also, rental car discounts are available through Enterprise/ National/Alamo and Budget/Avis.

There’s a $500 Ford Exclusive Cash Reward when purchasing your next Ford truck.

Save on over 1 million household and industrial products from wellknown brands through Grainger, too.

And if you’re on the farm, look to save on equipment from John Deere, Case IH, Caterpillar and more.

Plus, through your membership, everyone has access to personalized consultation and restoration services in the event your identity is stolen.

And lastly, Farm Bureau Bank is available to help with your financial needs including deposits, loans and credit cards. The bank was created by Farm Bureaus to serve Farm Bureau members.

(Find more details here: gfb.org/ join/member-benefits-directory).

Jane and I have taken the opportunity to use a number of these discounts in our personal travel and for family entertainment.

We encourage you to utilize these discounts if you are a member. If you’re not a GFB member, join today for only $35 annually. (Learn more at gfb.ag/join).

OFFICERS

President & CEO

TOM MCCALL, Elbert Co.

1st Vice President and South Georgia Vice President

DANIEL JOHNSON, Pierce Co.

North Georgia Vice President

BERNARD SIMS, Catoosa Co.

Middle Georgia Vice President

RALPH CALDWELL, Heard Co.

General Counsel

DUKE GROOVER

Chief Administrative Officer

JEFFREY HARVEY

Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Treasurer

RACHEL MOSELY

Corp. Secretary & Senior Counsel

JEANNA FENNELL

DIRECTORS

FIRST DISTRICT: Bill Bryan, Chattooga Co.; Wesley Hall, Forsyth, Co.; SECOND DISTRICT: Gilbert Barrett, Habersham Co.; Russ Moon, Madison Co.;

THIRD DISTRICT: Brad Marks, Newton Co.; Chad Carlton, Polk Co.

FOURTH DISTRICT: Skeetter McCorkle, McDuffie Co.; Russ Wilburn, Barrow Co.; FIFTH DISTRICT: Leighton Cooley, Crawford Co.; Matt Bottoms, Pike Co.;

SIXTH DISTRICT: James Malone, Laurens Co.; James Emory Tate, Jeff Davis Co.; SEVENTH DISTRICT: Gary Bell, Evans Co.; Ben Boyd, Screven Co.; EIGHTH DISTRICT: Scotty Raines, Turner Co.; Don Wood, Wilcox Co.; NINTH DISTRICT: Lucius Adkins, Baker Co.; Paul Shirah, Mitchell Co.; TENTH DISTRICT: David Lee, Bacon Co.; Lamar Vickers, Berrien Co.

YOUNG FARMER CHAIRMAN: Allie Andrews, Polk Co.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE CHAIR: Julie Hardy, Thomas Co.

GEORGIA NEIGHBORS

Director: Kenny Burgamy

Art Director: Nicollette Boydstun

Photographer: Logan Thomas

Consulting Copy Editor and writer: Renee Corwine

GFB President Tom McCall, his wife, Jane, and grandchildren, McCall Archer, Wilkes & Winn McCall.

ADVERTISING POLICY

All advertising accepted subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising for non-payment or reader complaint about advertiser service or products. Publisher does not accept per-order, political or alcoholic beverage ads, nor does publisher prescreen or guarantee advertiser service or products. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in the Georgia Farm Bureau Neighbors. For advertising rates and information, contact Wendy McFarland at 334-652-9080 or mcfarlandadvantage@ gmail.com. Georgia Farm Bureau Neighbors was established in 1996. Copyright 2025 by the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation. Printed by Panaprint, Macon, Georgia.

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”

— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals

In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. The opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. The shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.

This breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only

he story of Claxton Fruit Cake is a story of family. It spans more than 100 years and multiple generations. It’s outlasted wars and presidents and even COVID-19. As times and trends have come and gone, one thing has remained the same: Claxton Fruit Cake continues to be made by the same family, in the same town, as it was in 1945.

The Claxton story truly begins in 1927 when a young Albert Parker walked into his neighborhood bakery in Claxton, Ga., and asked Savino Toss for a job.

“My dad grew up during tough times. He was 10 years old when he went into Claxton Bakery and asked the owner for a job. Mr. Toss said, ‘If you can get the apron to fit, you’ve got a job.’ So my dad rolled up the sleeves several times and wrapped it around his waist, and he got the job,” said Dale Parker, Albert’s son and now co-owner of the business along with his siblings Mid, Betty and Paul.

In 1945, Mr. Toss retired from baking and sold the business to Albert, who’d become like family in the nearly 20 years he’d worked there. From his first day of ownership, Albert sought ways to grow the business, taking it in new and interesting directions. He quickly took a gamble on a seasonal staple of holidays in the South: fruit cakes.

“When my dad bought this business, it was shortly after World War II and American industry was undergoing a lot of change. Suddenly, supermarkets and larger stores were being built, and dad knew the days of small-town bakeries were limited. Dad remembered that Mr. Toss made fruit cakes in the fall and sold them to locals. It was popular. So, he took a big gamble and decided to concentrate solely on fruit cake,” said Dale.

Albert baked 10,000 pounds of fruit cake that first year and sold it by driving around in his Model T Ford truck. It got popular quickly. By 1952, he was approached by a representative of the Civitan Club of Tampa, Fla., who wanted to use the sale of Claxton’s fruit cakes to raise money for their philanthropic efforts. Other service organizations jumped on board and soon Claxton Fruit Cake

FRUITFUL FAMILY

Claxton Fruit Cake has been made with love by the Parker family since 1945

Paula Claxton, daughter of Paul Parker

We are 70 percent nuts by weight and golden poundcake chock full of fruit, see that when you

percent fruits and and 30 percent

batter. It’s fruit, and you can you slice into it.

was being sold all over the country — even by Albert himself at the New York World’s Fair in 1964 and 1965.

Dale joined the family business in 1972. He said he never felt pressure from his father to continue the family’s fruitful legacy.

“I had other aspirations from time to time, but the closer I got to deciding what to do in life, I realized I wanted to stay in my hometown. There was also a need in our business for more marketing and advertising skills, and I had those. It was a natural thing for me to move into the business after college. I never regretted a moment working in the bakery, and I still thoroughly enjoy it,” said Dale, whose two sons and grandson are now in the family business as well.

In fact, nearly everyone at Claxton is part of the Parker family.

“It truly is family business from top to bottom. Just about everyone is related, and those who are not family members are like family to us. Longevity seems to be a characteristic of our operation because this is my 52nd season and my brothers have been here longer than me,” he said. “We’re a family business in a small town, and we’ve been successful through the years because we treat our employees and seasonal workers like family.”

The fruit cake season ramps up in August, when production begins on 3 million pounds of fruit cake to be ready in time for the holidays.

“It’s a huge, monumental task to get it all made and out in four months. It’s a labor of love, but one we do willingly,” he said.

Although it will always be a holiday tradition, the Parker family has worked hard to sell the idea of fruit cake as a year-round treat.

ClaxSnax are prepackaged slices of the famous fruit cake. The product has gained popularity among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for its packability and high-quality ingredients. Dale said innovations such as this will keep the product going strong for the next generation of Parkers.

“As my siblings and I get older, and younger family members become involved, they’ll come to make their own decisions about the business, but I know it will always involve the same level of quality,” Dale said. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this business is when you develop new products that are successful, like ClaxSnax. Another aspect that brings me joy is knowing that we have a family business that even my grandson wants to be part of. That tells me we are doing something right.”

One thing that will never change is the quality of Claxton’s ingredients, which Dale believes sets his product apart from other fruit cakes.

“We are 70 percent fruits and nuts by weight and 30 percent golden poundcake batter. It’s chock full of fruit, and you can see that when you slice into it,” he said.

Raisins, cherries, almonds, pecans, pineapples, papayas, walnuts and candied lemon peel practically overflow from the moist cake. Claxton Fruit Cake continues to source their pecans from throughout Georgia, as Albert did when he first started making them in 1945.

“I think it’s obvious how consistent the product is from year to year and through the decades because of the ingredients. But what I’d really like more people to know about Claxton Fruit Cake is the family behind the product. We were all born and raised in Claxton and we’re still here,” Dale said. “Our story is truly an interesting story, it’s one of innovation, one of a young man taking a great deal of risk, and a story about the support and love of family. It’s one about faith as well. We’re all working for the same goal, to serve humanity. I think that’s the story above all else.”

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AGRIVISIONARY

Jenna Saxon pushes ag forward as chief of staff for Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper

eorgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper knew exactly what to do the moment he took office in 2023: He hired Jenna Saxon.

“It is difficult to put into words exactly how much Jenna means not only to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, but also to me as a person. Hiring Jenna was the first decision I made after being elected as Agriculture Commissioner, and while I may be a little biased, I believe it remains one of the best decisions I’ve made over the last three years,” said Commissioner Harper.

As Commissioner Harper’s chief of staff, Saxon works alongside him and senior leadership to align the department’s day-to-day operations and mission with the commissioner’s long-term goals and vision to support Georgia’s farmers, consumers and agribusinesses.

It just so happens, that’s the same vision Saxon has had her whole life.

“My family owned and operated a timber and logging company, a hardware store and a broiler farm in Oglethorpe County. From the time I was born, my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for agriculture and forestry, particularly a sense of respect and gratitude for the people behind those industries,” said Saxon, now 36.

ALTHOUGH I CONTINUE TO LIVE AND WORK IN ATLANTA, MY HEART WILL ALWAYS BE IN RURAL GEORGIA.

Saxon got involved with her local 4-H when she was in fourth grade. In high school she joined Future Farmers of America (FFA) where she was able to participate in numerous programs, competitions and projects. She showed dairy heifers and hogs and got to visit Washington, D.C., as a delegate of the Georgia EMC Washington Youth Tour.

“Through my involvement in 4-H and FFA, I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. I’ve always been passionate about the industry. Thanks to those programs, I was exposed to Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College and the University of Georgia, and I attended both,” she said.

After two years at ABAC, Saxon transferred to UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, where she received her degree in agricultural communications. Saxon maximized her time in college, serving as a UGA Extension intern, a student worker with the Georgia 4-H Youth Livestock Program, an FFA-FCCLA Center camp counselor and even Georgia’s Watermelon Queen.

She wasn’t sure at the time what her life after college would look like, but she knew she wanted to work in a role that would support the agriculture industry and be helpful to Georgia’s farmers.

The connections she made as Watermelon Queen got her off to a good start. She took an internship with the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers association, and from there her career flourished. In 2012 she got a call from then Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black asking her to join his staff as an executive assistant with roles in the communications and constituent services offices. After that, she briefly worked on the policy and legislative team with Georgia Farm Bureau’s government affairs office and then took a job with Georgia EMC in its government affairs o ffice.

“That job with Georgia EMC just felt right. I got to move back to Atlanta and my heart truly is with the co-ops and EMCs in our state,” she said. “And although I continue to live and work in Atlanta, my heart will always be in rural Georgia. I grew up in rural Georgia and I have always been drawn to organizations that help rural communities thrive. I have been blessed to work at incredible organizations that do just that.”

ANY

WORK WE DO TO HELP FARMERS ACROSS THE STATE,

THAT’S MY FAVORITE PART.

In 2023 she got the call from Commissioner Harper and knew she’d landed in the perfect place. The two had known each other professionally for years, and Saxon said she was thrilled to get the opportunity to help him carry out his mission.

One of the larger state agencies, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has more than 500 employees in 20 different agency divisions, which cover everything from gas pumps to grocery stores.

Saxon’s role is to lead the commissioner’s team, aligning the department’s day-to-day operations with Commissioner Harper’s long-term goals, which are to serve Georgia’s farms, agribusinesses and consumers.

“Being the chief of staff for a 500-plus person agency and a statewide elected officer is no easy task, but she consistently handles even the most difficult situations with a grace and poise that are remarkable. Jenna keeps the trains running on time, ensures the ship holds steady and puts out the fires when they pop up, all while keeping me in check when I need it,” said Commissioner Harper.

Saxon said she finds joy in helping others, and to be able to do that on such a large scale is truly a gift from God.

“I pinch myself when I think about it. I’m here because God provided me with people in my life who took care of me and gave me a path to have this tremendous opportunity to give back to the industries that I’m passionate about and the people I care about,” she said.

And those people are Georgia’s farmers.

“Any work we do to help farmers across the state, that’s my favorite part. The farmers in our state are some of the hardest working individuals anyone would ever meet. They deserve everything. They deserve to be represented by people who care about them and who truly respect them,” Saxon said. “Because of my background, I have so

much respect for farmers in our rural communities. My job is to work for and represent the people who are so busy that they don’t have time to advocate for themselves.”

That’s something both she and Commissioner Harper see eye-to-eye on.

“Growing up on a poultry farm in Oglethorpe County, Jenna understands firsthand the importance of agriculture to our state as well as the ups and downs of life on the farm. Her passion for, and understanding of, Georgia agriculture is evident in the attitude, effort and tenacity she brings to our office every single day,” he said. “She is one of the most genuine, caring and down-to-earth people I have had the pleasure of knowing or working with. I’m proud to call her my chief of staff, fellow advocate and friend.”

Jenna Saxon with Commissioner Tyler Harper

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Seeds of knowledge

Fulton County teacher educates students about agriculture

griculture may not have been Tomanekka Irving’s first love, but it’s proven to be a lasting one. In her third year as an Agriculture Program teacher at Oakley Elementary in Fulton County, Irving admitted that before she took the job, she didn’t know the difference between dairy cattle and beef cattle.

“We were the first elementary school in south Fulton County to get an ag program. I was teaching second grade at the time, and ag was the class my kids absolutely could not miss. It was the class they were most excited about,” she said. “The teacher who taught it the first year didn’t return for the second year, so I applied for the position. I didn’t know anything about gardening, farming or agriculture, but it seemed like the coolest thing to learn and to teach. All of me loves the outdoors and learning, and ag really seems to embody what I never knew about myself.”

Irving learned a lot that first year, and now she can’t imagine her teaching career without agriculture.

“I am in love. I’m in love with the adventure of it, with the idea that I can teach kids something they never would have thought about, like that groceries don’t just magically appear, and about all the work that goes into growing food, preparing it and producing it,” she said.

Oakley Elementary’s Ag program includes a small animals lab with guinea pigs, rabbits, a bearded dragon, fish, chickens, bees, beetles, crickets, worms and more. The bee apiary and the chicken coop seem to excite the kids the most.

“The kids will argue over who gets to feed the chickens each day. And while that is fun, we also use it as a learning tool,” she said.

knowledge

We nurture the chickens, gather the eggs and even cook the eggs in class. Getting them involved in that is such a big thing for kids in a Title One school and a community that is considered a food desert. This gives them the opportunity to grow their own food and taste fresh food, and they take it seriously.

The kids aren’t the only ones who take things seriously. Irving puts her all into her job, and in 2023 she was recognized as the Fulton County Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

“The support behind what I do is phenomenal, and I really like the agriculture curriculum in Georgia,” she said. “When I started teaching this class, I realized that everything associated with agriculture is not as clear cut as I thought it would be. I didn’t know the difference between a dairy cow and a beef cow, but I learned. And as I learned more, the kids learned more.”

Now, Irving realizes the impact that this class has on her students goes beyond just learning about types of animals.

“Agriculture impacts so much of their lives, and I’m privileged to teach them about this billion-dollar industry and all the possible careers associated with it,” she said. “More than just raising animals, the kids are learning there’s an importance and an order to the agriculture process. From planting seeds to controlling pests, I’m teaching them about things regular people don’t think about, but that could open whole new worlds for them.”

As a teacher, Irving said she loves the difference she can make in children’s lives.

“The passion that keeps me going is seeing the difference I can make in kids, knowing they can count on me and depend on me. I consider myself to be their light. My classroom is a safe space for them to live, learn, enjoy the moment and know they can talk to me about anything,” she said. “It brings me such joy to be that teacher for them. I don’t think I’ll ever stop. And as it turns out, even though I didn’t know much at the beginning, teaching ag has been the best place for me to be.”

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ommunity means everything to Jay and Veronica Westbrook. Jay Westbrook, a business owner and a pastor in Perry, Ga., has spent his life fostering relationships and finding new ways to make a positive impact by helping those around him. He does this through his business as well as his ministry.

“It is so important to support businesses that are invested in their local communities because we are building the foundation of the community by building the local businesses,” Jay said. He has seen this investment pay off over the years as the city of Perry continues to grow and thrive.

That’s why he and Veronica have chosen Georgia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (GFBMIC) for more than 27 years. They have their personal insurance through GFBMIC, their business insurance through GFBMIC (Jay’s Home Construction & General Contractors, Inc.), and also their church’s insurance. Jay has been a pastor at Greater Word Deliverance Ministries for 19 years. Jay got to know both his first agent, Jane Meadows, and his current agent, Jason Cunningham, through the church.

“When Jason told me he was coming to Farm Bureau, I just knew it was going to be a great relationship because he represents everything I represent. We represent community,” Jay said. “It’s good to do business with other businesses who are locally invested and concerned about everything that goes on in the community, whether it’s politics or schools. And I know that Farm Bureau does that.”

Jay appreciates that GFBMIC is a grassroots organization that is committed to every community in the state, including his, by helping power programs that help boost the local agriculture industry and encouraging their employees to “be the light.”

“You want that confidence in everything in life, but especially when it comes to insurance matters, because it can be something that can be catastrophic for you and your family,” Jay said. “Georgia Farm Bureau is insurance that you can feel good about.”

To learn more about how Georgia Farm Bureau invests in local communities around the state, visit GFBInsurance.com.

It is so important to support businesses that are invested in their local communities.

Shroom for Improvement

Business aims to change tastebuds and build community, one mushroom at a time

oward Berk has always had a fascination with mushrooms, some would even say it’s what makes him a fun guy.

“My interest in mushrooms started when I was a teenager. I’d go to the train trussells and notice mushrooms on the logs. This piqued my curiosity, and since back then there was no internet, I went to the library to learn about them,” said Berk, who grew up in Ohio.

Fast forward from Ohio to Georgia and Berk found himself living in Atlanta in 1996 and growing mushrooms on logs in his backyard. He discovered a passion for eating healthy and a desire to teach people how to grow their own mushrooms.

His first mushroom business venture, called 2 Fun Guys, led to meeting his current business partners, Megan Cai, Li Cai and Amanda Liu. They had a dream to create a mushroom farm in Ellijay and to “change one tastebud at a time.” In 2018, Ellijay Mushrooms was founded to not only grow and sell delicious mushrooms, but to improve the quality of life for local residents.

“After creating Ellijay Mushrooms, I knew we could make a living doing this and make a change in our community here in Gilmer County, where there are not lot of jobs and affordable housing,” said Berk. “In 2019, we secured a contract with Whole Foods and I realized this would succeed. I hired people form our community, paid a good wage and gave people the opportunity to grow as humans and in life in general.”

Now, Ellijay Mushrooms produces 6,000 pounds of mushrooms a week in their 11 greenhouses, with plans to increase to 8,000-10,000 pounds a week. They grow four varieties: shitake, blue oyster, golden oyster, lion’s mane and king oyster. They hope to add maitaki soon.

“Shitake is our most popular. It’s adaptable, a good replacement for vegans and vegetarians, lasts a long time in the fridge, and is the more versatile of the mushrooms we grow,” Berk said.

Ellijay Mushrooms’ shitakes are for sale at Whole Foods, some Ingles stores, other distributors and restaurants in Georgia. They have a farm store on their 170 acres that’s open Wednesdays to Sundays, where people can come buy mushroom bread, coffee, mushroom items and locally made candles and garden supplies.

“Our farm store is amazing. It’s unreal to overhear young kids talking about mycelium and fungi. We love allowing people access to see how mushrooms grow through self-guided tours and we don’t charge anything for that,” Berk said. “We have a you-pick flower field and picnic tables and chairs. As we grow, we continue to create things for families to do when they come visit us.”

A fun day on the farm isn’t the only way Ellijay Mushrooms is bringing joy to local families.

“Every time we sell more mushrooms, we can employ more people in our community and provide more growth opportunity here. This community has adopted me, and we know everyone. Learning from my own past and watching my grown daughters live their lives, I’ve realized that if you have to commute far for a job, it takes away part of the day that could be spent with your family,” said Berk, 52. “Creating more jobs that are local allows people to spend more time with their family and friends and be present in their community. We are building an amazing team, and it’s a great feeling to make changes in our community with the business we created. People don’t have to move away to get a job, and it’s nice to provide that opportunity.”

Berk said the company’s biggest challenge to creating those opportunities is getting meetings to pitch their product with other large stores.

“Once we get people to see and taste our mushrooms, they can tell the difference. It’s the North Georgia magic mountain water that makes our mushrooms the best,” Berk said.

Visit ellijaymushrooms.com to read more about visiting the farm and finding their products in stores.

FRESH

FIXINS

CREATED BY LAUREN BOLDEN OF PIE BAR

It’s time to step up your pie game with Georgia Grown ingredients from Certified Farm Markets. Perfect for beginner bakers, this Bourbon Pecan Pie is a crowd pleaser. The Baked Lemon Meringue Pie will elevate your baking skills and brighten up fall with a burst of citrus flavor. Read more about how Lauren uses Georgia Grown ingredients at gfb.ag/CFM.

BAKED LEMON

INGREDIENTS

cup granulated sugar

Lemon zest from 3 medium lemons

teaspoon coarse kosher salt

ounces unsalted butter, melted and cooled

ounces honey

large eggs, lightly beaten large egg yolks (save the whites for the meringue)

ounces lemon juice (use the zested lemons)

teaspoon lemon extract

ounces heavy cream

DIRECTIONS

Mix the Pie Filling

Combine the sugar, lemon zest and salt in a large bowl. Mix with a whisk until combined. It is important to not incorporate a lot of air into this pie filling. Mix with a whisk by hand or on the lowest setting on your stand mixer. Avoid using an electric hand mixer.

Add cooled and melted butter. Mix with a whisk until combined.

Add honey. Mix with a whisk until combined.

Add lightly beaten eggs and the egg yolks. Mix with a whisk until combined.

Add lemon juice and lemon extract. Mix with a whisk until combined.

Add heavy cream. Mix gently until combined with a spatula to ensure no additional air is incorporated.

BOURBON PECAN PIE

INGREDIENTS

cup light corn syrup, Karo Brand preferred

cup sugar

Pinch of course kosher salt

teaspoon vanilla extract

tablespoon bourbon or whiskey

tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

Mix the Pie Filling

Combine the light corn syrup, sugar, coarse kosher salt, vanilla extract, bourbon/whiskey and melted butter in a large bowl. Slowly mix with a whisk until combined. It is important to not incorporate a lot of air into this pie filling. Mix with a whisk by hand or on the lowest setting on your stand mixer. Avoid using an electric hand mixer.

For the full recipes, assembly and baking instructions visit gfb.ag/Neighbors.

To learn more about the chef, visit orderpiebar.com.

large eggs, lightly beaten

Pinch of course kosher salt

cups Georgia-grown pecan

halves

Add the lightly beaten eggs. Slowly mix with a whisk until combined.

Add the pecans into the mixture. Stir with a spatula until combined. Set aside.

THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH FARMERS GOVERNOR KEMP

Governor Kemp has taken a bold stand for Georgia’s farmers and rural communities by signing SB 144 into law—legislation that protects their access to vital crop protection tools, ensuring they can continue to feed America without unnecessary burdens.

We applaud Sen. Sam Watson and Rep. Steven Meeks, the dedicated sponsors of this legislation, as well as Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee Chairmen Sen. Russ Goodman and Rep. Robert Dickey for their leadership.

A special thank-you to Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones for championing Georgia agriculture and securing the future of one of our state’s most important industries.

Thank you for standing up for Georgia farmers and families!

Modern Ag Alliance Supporting Those Who Feed America