(Editor’s Note: The following article is the second in a two-part series about farmers.)

As a follow up to my article last week on the importance of our nation’s farmers, I would like to dedicate this article to our local farmers.

As a matter of fact, and according to statistics, Carroll County ranks number one in Georgia as having the largest number of farms out of our state’s one 159 counties. Connecticut is the only other state in the nation that has more farms than Carroll County.

As Carroll County residents, we have a long and prosperous farming heritage to be proud of. During the cotton farming era, Carroll County ranked near the top in the state in cotton production. As World War II ended and agriculture took on a new image, cotton fields became pasture land and tree farms became established. When the demand for poultry increased, many farmers diversified their cattle operation by building broiler houses.

With these changes, our county continued to become more progressive in the field of agriculture. More poultry production helped to support a growing cattle business by creating more chicken litter for fertilizer. With a thriving cattle business came an increased demand for hay production. As the poultry and cattle industry continued to improve, so too came horses, sheep and goats.

Today, Carroll County stands as one of the most diversified agricultural counties in both the state and nation. The farms of Carroll County not only produce an abundance of food, but are also locations for recreation in the form of hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and horseback riding.

Because most farms in our county have some timber acreage and ponds, our deer, turkey, geese, ducks, and other wildlife flourish.

As a final note, our Carroll County farmers should be appreciated because their well manicured farms make our county landscape beautiful and a pleasure to enjoy.

(Taylor is a Carroll County resident and local forester.)