The Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District recently held its 63rd Annual Conservationist of the Year Banquet at Rock Eagle. Each year, over 150 farmers and partners in conservation gather to recognize and celebrate significant local efforts in the field. The District works closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to identify and recognize one outstanding person from each county who has done remarkable work in protecting and conserving natural resources.
Greene’s 2024 recipients, Choate Family Farms LLC, is owned and operated by Larry, Mary Lyn, Kelly and Brian Choate and accompanied by Yordy who helps in all aspects of the farm.
The farm was established in 2018 with their first herd of 25 sheep. Currently the farm is home to approximately 550 head of sheep at two farm locations in Greene County, a 154-acre tract on Cedar Grove Road and a 74-acre tract on Antioch Church Road.
The family started selling high-quality local lamb cuts at farmers markets in Peachtree City and Athens, later expanding to various restaurants in Atlanta, Athens, and Macon. They have also partnered with Fresh Harvest in Atlanta by providing local lamb cuts for home delivery. Their products are available on their website, directly from the farm, and the family will also deliver to Greene, Putnam and Morgan counties free of charge.
Choate Family Farms has worked in collaboration and received assistance from UGA Extension, FSA, and NRCS. For several years they have participated in programs with NRCS to develop conservation plans that enhances and continues to improve the natural habitat that they have created for their sheep and position them to achieve their vision of producing the highest quality local lamb products. Working with the NRCS State Grazing Land specialist, the Choates have been able to improve their grazing plan by incorporating AU Sericea lespedeza and Max Q fescue forages in different fields.
They received assistance on cross-fencing and developed a watering system designed for permanent watering troughs. They are continually working to graze their sheep with highquality, nutrient-rich grasses, including planting cover crops, to improve soil health and forage quality. They have developed a longer grazing period on the farm by establishing warm and cool season desirable forages strategically throughout their pastures. They continue with their land management efforts and conservation practices not only to benefit the grazing land, but also for wildlife, water, soil resources and future generations of farmers.
Special thanks to the NRCS’ efforts and assistance on helping farm families implement farm practices that increase soil health while providing high-quality food to communities. Also, special thanks to local sponsors who make the annual recognitions possible: AgSouth Farm Credit, Bank of Hancock County, Eatonton Co-Op Feed Co Inc, Embry Farm Service, Exchange Bank, F&M Bank, Georgia Fertilizer, Hancock County Farm Bureau, Magnolia State Bank, and Southside Equipment.
- Contributed