Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is committed to recognizing women that make an impact in the industry of agriculture, a demographic that continues to grow. Whether in the classroom, in the research lab, in the field, in the orchard, or in legislation, women are the storytellers and champions that the industry needs to ensure its longevity. In this episode of HERE WE GROW, we welcome three leadHERS shedding light on their experiences, go-to resources, and their inspiration behind pioneering new pathways and leading the next generation. This podcast provides commentary by Researcher, Ag Professor, and farmer Carla Sanford, Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer turned Citrus Farmer and Agvocate Lindy Savelle, and Ag Education Teacher and FFA Advisor Victoria Harrell.

Carla Dean Sanford: Carla earned her Ph.D. at the University of Florida conducting research in beef cattle. She continued research at Montana State University, where she was an assistant professor and beef cattle specialist. She is now back on her family’s diversified ag operation in Decatur County and is an adjunct professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Carla and her husband, Michael welcomed their first child, Carson, last fall and look forward to raising him on the farm and having him be a part of their own ag operation. Carla is also currently serving as an Adjunct Professor with Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

Lindy Savelle: Lindy Savelle is a retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer gone “Orangeprenuer”

Upon retirement in 2019 from a federal law enforcement career spanning over 34 years, Lindy was compelled to return to her roots in Southwest Georgia and do something as a “give back” to her community. She and her husband, Perry, began a rejuvenation project of JoNina Farm in Ochlocknee, GA, transforming it into an agritourism commercial citrus grove, all the while developing a USDA certified citrus nursery there called Georgia Grown Citrus. Lindy has worked over the years to help develop the Georgia Citrus Association and the Georgia Citrus Commodity Commission which promote Georgia’s burgeoning citrus industry through networking, marketing, research and education.

Victoria Harrell: Victoria is an agricultural education teacher at Bainbridge High School and serves as an FFA advisor for the Bainbridge FFA Chapter. She has been teaching for 10 years. She is the 2024 Decatur County Teacher of the Year. She is also the 6th generation to live on her family farm in Colquitt, GA. Her passion for agriculture and advocacy began early in life, and she is committed to continue educating tomorrow's leaders about this industry. Victoria is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Career and Technical Education from Auburn University.

Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com.