Takeaways
- Family and purpose drive Hamilton’s nearly four decades of farming, with precision and sustainability at the heart of Southern Valley.
- Expanding beyond row crops into vegetables and new regions has made the farm more resilient and competitive.
- Partnership with UGA Extension provides science-based support while Southern Valley’s collaboration helps advance research for all Georgia growers.
For Kent Hamilton, farming is about more than yields. It’s about family, community and growing good food with a focus on sustainability and precision, a mission that has built Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable’s reputation for quality across the Southeast.
Hamilton, a Colquitt County vegetable producer and CEO of Southern Valley, has spent nearly 40 years living out that philosophy. This year, the work earned him recognition as Georgia’s 2025 Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo.
Jeremy Kichler, Colquitt County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, nominated Hamilton for the honor. Kichler has collaborated with Hamilton’s family on cover crop trials and agronomic on-farm demonstrations.
“It is extremely exciting to nominate Mr. Hamilton for this honor because the family is well respected for their involvement in the community,” Kichler said. “Their operation is amazing due to the diversification of crops, farm locations and family involvement in the farm. Kent and his family are true leaders in vegetable production in Georgia.”
From row crops to vegetables
Southern Valley grows green beans, cabbage, cucumbers, peppers, squash, sweet corn and eggplants. The family-owned farm also manages 100 head of cattle and cultivates more than 6,000 acres in Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
Hamilton began farming in the mid-1980s with his uncle and late brother, Kirk, raising cotton, peanuts and tobacco. Over time, the family shifted its focus to vegetables and expanded into new regions to ensure year-round production.
“Farming, especially vegetable farming, is important to me because it supports both the economy and the health of our community,” Hamilton said. “South Georgia’s climate and soils create ideal growing conditions and an opportunity to diversify a region long dominated by cotton and peanuts.”
Farming with family and purpose
Southern Valley remains family-run, guided by Hamilton, his cousins and the next generation now entering the business. “From our roots in Georgia to farms across the Southeast and Mexico, we’ve built something special — a company that leads with service, grows with purpose and treats our customers like family,” he said.
The farm manages the process from seed to shelf, with in-house labor, packing and trucking operations. The family also uses cover crops, field rotation and biological products to promote healthy soils.
“What drives me is the challenge and reward of finding solutions to the complex issues that come with vegetable production,” Hamilton said. “Every season brings new obstacles, and I enjoy applying creative thinking and modern techniques to overcome them.”
Partners in progress
Hamilton credits UGA Extension for its key role in his family’s success.
“UGA Extension has been an essential part of our family operation since the mid-1980s,” he said. “Their guidance has helped us navigate countless challenges and continue to grow successfully.”
Much of that support comes from Ty Torrance, a tri-county vegetable agent for UGA Extension in south Georgia, who works closely with Southern Valley on insect and disease management.
“He brings us growers the latest research from UGA scientists, helping us make informed, science-based decisions in the field,” Hamilton said.
For Torrance, the partnership goes both ways.
“Kent Hamilton and Southern Valley have been long-time supporters of UGA Extension. They’re always willing to provide plants and field space for us to conduct research projects. This on-farm accessibility allows us to generate timely solutions to the real-world problems growers face,” he said. “Their selfless collaboration benefits Southern Valley, but it also benefits all the local vegetable growers who need unbiased production information.”
For Hamilton, what matters most is the people behind the work.
“What I value most about working with Jeremy and Ty is their dedication, accessibility and deep understanding of local agriculture,” he said. “They are more than advisors, they’re trusted partners who care about the success of our farm and our community.”
This fall, Hamilton will join farmers from six other states to compete for the title of 2025 Southeastern Farmer of the Year. All nominees will be recognized at a luncheon on opening day of the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie on Oct. 14, when the overall winner will be announced.
