Jason Brannen has always known that farming is his calling. From the time he was big enough to follow his father around in a pair of boots just like his dad’s, he knew that his future was in the fields.
"You have to have a love to do it," Brannen says, reflecting on a life spent in agriculture. Farming isn’t just a job for Brannen—it’s a way of life, one that he’s dedicated himself to since he could remember.
After high school, Brannen spent a year at East Georgia College, but his heart was always back on the farm. During his college breaks, he’d rush home to work the fields. It wasn’t long before he took a leap and rented his first 50 acres, marking the beginning of his farming career. Now, thirty years in, Brannen looks back on his journey with gratitude.
“The last 30 years have been nothing but a blessing. It all starts with God—faith is the biggest thing you can have.”
Farming is demanding work, and Brannen acknowledges that good help is essential. “You really cannot do this alone,” he admits, emphasizing the importance of his wife, his family, and the support he’s received from AgSouth.
Growing cotton and peanuts comes with its own set of challenges—there’s a lot of work and worrying involved, but Brannen finds comfort in knowing that he’s not alone in this endeavour. His brother, also a farmer, might not work directly alongside him, but they help each other out whenever they can.
For the Brannen family, farming is not just a livelihood, it’s a legacy they’re determined to preserve.
When asked about his vision for the future, Brannen is humble. “There wasn’t much of a vision—it just came naturally. I just wanted to be like my dad,” he says, recalling the early days of his career. His father was his mentor, teaching him everything he knew about farming.
Even during the toughest times, his father never gave up. He worked hard and eventually paid off his debts, instilling in Brannen a deep passion for the work.
As rewarding as farming can be, it’s also a business, and the most stressful part of it, according to Brannen, is managing the finances. “It’s no longer just about farming—business is everything,” he explains.
For years, Brannen worked with local banks, but recently he made the switch to AgSouth, a move that has significantly eased his financial burdens. “Their understanding of agriculture makes them a key resource for local farmers,” Brannen says, noting that AgSouth’s expertise in farming sets them apart from traditional banks. “It’s harder to talk with someone who doesn’t understand the ins and outs of farming.”
For Brannen, AgSouth has been more than just a financial institution—they’ve been a partner in his success. From operating loans to crop insurance, AgSouth offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of farmers. Brannen appreciates the personalized approach AgSouth takes with each of its clients.
“Just because they are all doing the same work doesn’t mean all the services needed are the same,” he says. This level of attention and understanding is what makes AgSouth an invaluable ally for farmers like Brannen.
When asked about advice for future farmers, Brannen is clear: “Make sure it’s what you want to do, and start small. You cannot farm the entire world, so it’s important not to overextend.”
He stresses the importance of careful planning—if something doesn’t work on paper, it probably won’t work in practice. Farming is a tough business, and it’s easy to get caught off guard by unexpected costs. Brannen knows that staying big enough to make a living is crucial, especially with profit margins being so narrow. “Volume matters in farming—you need to have enough to provide.”
Today, Brannen farms around 1,400 acres, and between him and his brother, they manage a total of 2,300 acres. Looking ahead, his goal is simple: to maintain what he’s built and possibly pass it on to his children, but only if they have the same passion for it that he does.
“I am grateful that I am able to do what I love every day,” Brannen says.
But farming isn’t without its sacrifices. Brannen acknowledges that many people don’t realize the toll farming takes on personal life. “Most people would think we have it made,” he says, “but things have changed, and things are getting harder.”
Farmers are becoming a rarer breed, and the demands of the job often mean long hours in the field—10 to 12 hours a day, missing out on family time and key moments. “If the sun is shining, then I am working,” Brannen says.
The dedication required to make things work, especially in difficult conditions, is immense. And when the rain doesn’t come, farmers like Brannen have to work even harder to ensure their crops survive.
Brannen’s story is a testament to the resilience and dedication of farmers, and it’s also a reminder of the vital role that institutions like AgSouth play in supporting them. AgSouth’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of each customer has made them an essential partner in the farming community. For Brannen, this relationship has been key to his continued success. As he reflects on his journey, he remains grateful for the support he’s received and the opportunity to do what he loves.
In a world where farming is becoming increasingly challenging, Brannen’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, faith, and the support of a community that understands the unique demands of this way of life.
