By Kayla Stroud, Communications and Events Specialist
As Seen in For Rural, our monthly newsletter.
The Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance was established in response to the prevalence of mental health challenges experienced by farm families and communities, which was revealed, in large part, through a joint study conducted by Mercer University School of Medicine’s Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center, the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and students in the School of Medicine’s Rural Health Sciences Ph.D. program. GAWA’s focus is all of Georgia’s farming communities. In this issue of For Rural, we spotlight B.J. Reece Orchards in Gilmer County.
Nestled in the heart of Gilmer County’s Appalachian foothills is B.J. Reece Orchards, a second-generation, family-run farm in Ellijay. Started in the 1960s by B.J. Reece, the orchard is now owned by his son, John, and daughter-in-law, Rachel.
B.J. Reece Orchards has experienced significant growth since John and Rachel continued the family legacy in 1995. The farm expanded to more than 200 acres of apples and 30 acres of peaches. In recent years, their son opened a cider business, Reece’s Cider Co., right across the street.
From promoting nutrition through fresh, homegrown produce to encouraging outdoor activity, the farm hosts a variety of family-friendly attractions, including pig races, a petting zoo, and wagon and pony rides. The orchard grows various fruits, but it is best known for its wide variety of apples like RubyRush, CrimsonCrisp and Rome Beauty. Apple picking is a popular activity and runs from Aug. 23 to Oct. 31. Also on site is a market and bakery, which features fried pies—a visitor favorite.
Schools frequently plan field trips to the farm during the fall. Kids learn about farm life, go on tours and milk cows. “We try to support our local county. We sponsor a lot of the teams, and we do a lot of field trips during September and October,” said John. “Some of it’s educational, and some of it’s just fun.”
John believes it is important to educate youth about farming in rural Georgia, as it can help build a healthy community. “I think it’s good for kids and families to get out on the farm and see where the food that they’re eating has come from,” he said. “I think it’s better to eat food that you grow instead of eating processed foods.” His family practices this philosophy by eating more of what comes from their garden.
Despite the rising cost of expenses and labor—which has forced the farm to cut back on some crops, like green beans—John and the rest of the Reece family remain dedicated. Even while also working in construction, John’s true passion is farming. “If you’ve got a job that you’re good at, that you like doing, it doesn’t seem like a job. It doesn’t feel like I’m getting up and going to work because I like doing it,” said Reece. “I love what I do, so that’s all that matters.”
The orchard attracts visitors from across the state to Gilmer County. John stresses the importance of supporting local farmers and businesses by purchasing goods and produce locally, which strengthens the community and reduces reliance on outside sources. “The more you support local farmers, like me, you help support people in Gilmer County,” said John.