You don’t have to go far outside of Statesboro to find a hidden gem of fresh, local flavor. Just a few miles down Highway 301 South, nestled among rolling acres of farmland, sits Franklin's Farm, a citrus operation that feels equal parts nostalgic roadside stand and modern agricultural marvel.
Here, Joe Franklin has carved out a name for himself, not just in the local community, but across the country, as the face of Georgia-grown citrus.
Franklin is as genuine as the fruit he grows. Born and raised in Bulloch County, farming is in his blood. His family’s Black Angus cattle operation once supplied Franklin’s Restaurant, a beloved spot that stood at the corner of Northside Drive and Highway 301. The restaurant closed two decades ago, but folks still come up to him and reminisce about the days when you could get a steak raised just a few yards away.
On a fishing trip to Louisiana in 2009, Joe and his buddies stumbled across satsumas being sold out of pickup trucks. “We didn’t even know what a satsuma was,” Joe admitted. “But once I tried one, I was hooked. Sweet, juicy, no seeds, and easy to peel -- what more could you ask for?”
Inspired by the taste, Joe brought back 200 satsuma trees and planted them in the spring of 2010. Fast-forward to today, and Franklin's Farm spans over 80 acres with more than 12,000 citrus trees.
Franklin has fine-tuned his operation to ensure that each piece of fruit is harvested at its peak. “We pick tree-ripe citrus,” he explained. “That’s the secret. A lot of what you get in grocery stores is picked too early, waxed, and sometimes even dyed. Here, we wait until it’s just right.”
And the results speak for themselves. Franklin’s citrus is known for its incredible flavor and freshness. In fact, Franklin keeps a sampling station at the farmstand so customers can try before they buy.
“Nothing goes out the door unless I’m proud of it,” Franklin said. Watching customers experience his satsumas for the first time is one of his favorite parts of farming. “Their eyes light up,” he said. “It never gets old.”
While satsumas and Georgia Kisses are the stars, Franklin's Farm is no one trick pony. The farm also grows strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, squash, and collards.
“We try to offer a little bit of everything,” Franklin said. “And we’re always experimenting with new things.”
The farm also hosts seasonal events like the “Berries in the Boro” festival, where families can pick their own strawberries, enjoy bounce houses, and soak in the farm experience.
Farming is never without its challenges, and Franklin's Farm is no exception. Late freezes and unpredictable weather have tested Franklin’s operation over the years. Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic.
“Every year, we learn something new,” he said. “And every year, we get a little better.”
Franklin's is more than just a fruit and vegetable stand; it’s a cornerstone of the local community and a throwback to the days when roadside markets were a common sight along Highway 301. The stand, filled with fresh satsumas grown just steps away, embodies a commitment to local agriculture that is increasingly rare.
By keeping the operation small and community focused, Franklin's Farm ensures that every piece of fruit, vegetable, and jar of honey sold is rooted in Bulloch County and surrounding areas, providing residents and visitors alike with a taste of the region’s best.
Local businesses like Franklin's Farm are vital for preserving the character and economy of the area. They create a direct connection between growers and consumers, emphasizing quality over mass production. Franklin Farms takes this a step further by offering fresh produce and locally sourced goods, all while providing a nostalgic and authentic experience. By keeping their operation local, Franklin's Farm not only supports nearby producers but also helps keep a sense of pride in Statesboro’s agricultural heritage.
Citrus shipped to your door
Franklin's Farm's shipping program is a game changer, especially during the Christmas season, when sharing a taste of Georgia grown citrus becomes a meaningful gift. By shipping fresh satsumas, Georgia kisses, and other citrus varieties straight from their farm in Statesboro, Franklin Farms allows customers to send a piece of local charm to loved ones across the country.
They emphasize their freshness, as fruit is picked at peak ripeness and shipped directly, ensuring that recipients experience the best quality and flavor.
This service is especially significant during the holidays, a time when traditions and nostalgia take center stage. Citrus has long been a classic holiday treat, and Franklin's continues that tradition with their curated holiday boxes, offering a variety of citrus selections that make perfect gifts.
The mail-order program not only extends the reach of Franklin's Farm's locally grown produce but also reinforces the idea that supporting small, community-based farms can have a wide-reaching impact. By combining their commitment to quality with the convenience of shipping, Franklin's Farm ensures that their customers both near and far can enjoy a truly special holiday experience.
Visit Franklin Farms
Whether you’re looking for the perfect satsuma, a jar of local honey, or just a friendly chat, Franklin's Farm is worth the trip. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the farmstand is located just a few miles south of the Georgia Southern campus at 10610 Highway 301 S.
And if you can’t make it in person, you can always order online at georgiacitrus.com and have a taste of Statesboro shipped straight to your door.
Franklin's Farm highlights the importance of local food systems and the lasting impact of supporting small, community-based agriculture. Whether you stop by the stand or ship citrus to a loved one, Franklin's Farm offers a unique experience rooted in freshness, tradition, and community.
