A Fork in the Road

Join host David Zelski on an enlightening journey through the world of honey and beekeeping in this special episode of the Fork in the Road podcast. Visit the Blue Ridge Honey Company in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia to meet veteran beekeeper Bob Binnie, whose 40 years in the industry have given him unique insights into the production of honey and the health of bee populations. Discover how honey bees are vital to our food system, learn about the various types of honey and their benefits, and explore the intricate processes behind honey production. Get to know the UGA Honeybee Lab team and their critical research to combat the Varroa destructor, the tiny yet devastating mite threatening bees worldwide. From tasting local honey varieties to understanding the complexities of bee research, this episode offers a sweet and educational experience that will leave you buzzing for more.

Join David Zelski as he ventures to the Lawson Peach Shed in Morven, Georgia, a roadside haven where travelers and locals alike flock for the best homemade peach ice cream and other delightful peach-based treats. In this episode, discover the rich history behind this iconic destination, learn how the Lawson family adapted to challenging weather conditions, and hear about the unique offerings that make this shed a true peach paradise. From frozen peach lemonade to deep-fried peach tarts, find out why this charming stop along the Valdosta Highway has become a favorite pitstop for those traveling through South Georgia. Get ready to take a delicious journey with us and indulge in the sweet side of Georgia.

Delve into the vibrant world of urban agriculture. In this episode, David Zelski shines a spotlight on Gratitude Botanical Farm, an unconventional oasis nestled in the heart of Atlanta. Founded by childhood friends, this two-acre micro-farm is defying expectations and nourishing the community in more ways than one. Explore the challenges and triumphs of urban farming. Combating food deserts and preserving cultural heritage, Gratitude Botanical Farm is sowing the seeds of change in Atlanta's urban landscape.

Embark on a journey to the heart of Tifton, Georgia, where the sprawling expanse of Lewis Taylor Farms beckons with its promise of abundance and hard-earned success. Delve into the rich history and thriving present of one of the nation's largest privately owned farms. Lewis Taylor Farms is a testament to the enduring spirit of family farming and relentless determination. Discover the intricate dance between tradition and innovation as Lewis Taylor Farms harnesses cutting-edge technology and time-tested farming practices to cultivate a diverse array of crops. From bell peppers to cucumbers, squash to watermelons, each harvest represents not only a bounty of fresh produce but also a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who toil tirelessly to feed their communities and beyond.

Sweet Grass Dairy is the home of Georgia's cheesemaking pioneers. Meet Jessica and Jeremy Little, the dynamic duo behind the farm-to-table cheese revolution in Thomasville. From pasture to plate, discover the art and science of crafting award-winning cheeses rooted in sustainable farming practices and innovative recipes. In this episode, you can savor the flavors of Sweet Grass Dairy's artisanal cheeses while gaining insight into their commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

Join us on a journey into the heart of Georgia's Department of Agriculture Seed Lab in Tifton. Delve into the meticulous process of testing every seed sold in Georgia, ensuring top-notch quality for farmers and consumers alike. From the rigorous inspections to the specialized testing procedures, discover how these small seeds play a vital role in shaping the state's billion-dollar agriculture industry. Learn about the dedicated team behind the scenes and gain insight into the intricate science that transforms seeds into the crops we rely on every day.

Explore the rich history and intricate process of peach farming in Georgia. Join host David Zelski as he delves into the roots of Pearson Farms, a fifth-generation peach and pecan farm in Fort Valley. From the days of recruiting young workers to the advanced logistics of today's peach industry, discover the fascinating stories etched on the walls of an old boarding house and the evolution of peach varieties at Pearson Farms. Gain insights into the art and science of picking and packing peaches, ensuring that the iconic Georgia peaches reach your hands ripe and ready. Tune in for a juicy episode that captures the essence of Georgia's Peach State legacy.

Embark on an enchanting journey where ancient traditions meet modern wellness and explore the fascinating world of Yaupon Holly, a forgotten American medicinal plant. Join tea farmer Lou Thomann as he shares the captivating history and versatile uses of Yaupon, from brewing herbal teas to crafting skincare products. Discover the sustainable practices at Yaupon Wellness Company's research farm and learn how this indigenous plant is making a comeback in the world of health and lifestyle. Uncover the wisdom of Native American tribes and indulge in the magic of Yaupon, where every leaf tells a story.

Explore Thompson Farms in Dixie, GA a hear about one family's generations-long commitment to sustainable pig farming. From overcoming market challenges to embracing whole hog butchery, the Thompsons showcase a unique blend of traditional southern practices and innovative approaches, ensuring every piece of meat leaving the farm is of the highest quality. From muddy pig spa days to the processing plant, this episode provides an intimate look at a family-driven operation that prioritizes the well-being of its animals.

Join host David Zelski as he travels the state to bring you the personal stories from Georgia’s farmers, fishermen, merchants, artisans, chefs, and others who help provide Georgia grown products to folks in the Peach State and beyond. You can also watch A Fork in the Road TV show on GPB TV and on demand at GPB.org as host David Zelski takes you across the state in a lively half hour program.

How did A Fork in the Road get started? Where did the idea come from? Does David Zelski record episodes all by himself? How far does David drive to record an episode of A Fork in the Road? Find the answers to these questions and more in this very special bonus episode of the Fork in the Road podcast.

Cookies are not just for kids. And 'cookies for adults' doesn't mean anything nefarious. Jonny Boy Cookies in Statesboro features Southern-inspired cookies that will tantalize your taste buds. From classic flavors like Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Butterscotch to unique flavors like Chicken & Waffles and Banana Puddin'.

Yes, it is true that Georgia is not the country’s leading producer of peaches, that distinction goes to California. But, we do grow a lot of the delicious fruit here in the Peach State. On this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, David visits a farm in Musella, GA that has been growing peaches for 130 years.

The owners of 920 Cattle & Company in Millen, GA are the next generation of family farmers. Becca and Jarrod Creasy take a holistic approach to their meat and cattle farm. These young farmers are deeply involved in animal husbandry, land preservation, and the nutritional needs of both their livestock and their consumers. This is the future of family farming.

Homerville, Ga., is home to the Clinch County Honey Trail, where beekeeping has been a way of life and source of income for many generations. In this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, we'll talk with Ben Bruce, owner of Bruce's Nut-N-Honey Farm and Bruce's Honey Shack, to learn what the buzz is all about.

There's a good chance that the milk you bought at the grocery store this weekend(Yes, even at the big chains) came from a dairy farm in the middle of the state. And there is a very good chance that milk was processed in a facility located smack-dab in the heart of Atlanta. In this episode, we'll follow the milk truck from Montezuma to Midtown.

The old-fashioned country store is alive and well in South Georgia. There's the typical stuff: a butcher counter with fresh-cut meats and handmade sausages, products from local producers, private label jams, jellies, fruit preserves, sauces, seasonings, chow-chow, and more. And at Carroll's Sausage and Country Store in Ashburn, GA, you can even stay in the RV park next door.

Family and farming seem to go hand in hand. On this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, we’re visiting Baker Farms in South Georgia where the family, the farm, and the business have been growing for more than 50 years.

Family fun on the farm. This is what you'll find at Calhoun Produce in Ashburn, GA. There's a little red barn full of animals, duck races, pig races, slides, swings, a combine to climb in, delicious butter beans, fresh strawberries to pick, and more varieties of peas than you can shake a stick at.

Fresh-from-the-garden vegetables, a wide variety of oysters, and expertly crafted cocktails all in one of the 10 best-designed bars in America. In this episode, you'll learn how one restauranteur's passion for the aquaculture of the South has made Decatur, Georgia a prime destination for oyster lovers everywhere. Plus, which is better: oysters from a farm or oysters harvested in the wild?