John Emery Brannen
Diversified Family Farmer
"I feel like I get superior service at AgSouth. I like the fact that they know my business and make me feel that I'm important to them."
Brannen, a full-time cattle and chicken farmer, has farming in his blood. He began on the path toward his lifelong career as a young boy, helping his father and grandfather on the family farm. After high school, Brannen obtained a degree in agricultural science technology from ABAC and then returned to Bulloch County to spend the rest of his life doing what he loves best - farming. "Being able to have a job that allows me to be outside and work with my children, to instill in them the values I was taught, played a big decision in my choice of employment," he says. Today Brannen is proud to say that his sons are the fifth generation to work on the property.
Brannen's father and grandfather taught him a love of the land, a sense of pride in the feeling that comes after a day's hard work, the joys of providing for a family, and a faith deep enough to get him through the tough times that come with the job. "Farming's a financially sound business," says Brannen, "but it's not without risks. My faith and my family have gotten me through the lean years. All good things come from God, and I give Him all the credit."
The farming methods and crops may have changed since Brannen worked on his grandfather's farm, but not the satisfaction he still gets when he goes to work each day. He manages the farm with the help of his father, his wife Robin, his three young sons and two full-time employees. "Our operation is a year-round job. There is no down time. We're usually going at it full steam from 7:30 in the morning until at least 5:00 six days a week.
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