This episode of the Fork in the Road podcast takes you to Chase Farms in Oglethorpe, Georgia, where three generations of the Chase family have been growing peanuts with care and tradition. Host David Zelski explores how they balance science, sustainability, and family life to keep Georgia’s state crop thriving.

Chase Family Farms

Credit: gapeanuts.com

 

On this episode of Fork in the Road, host David Zelski takes you to Chase Farms in Oglethorpe, Georgia, where peanuts are more than just a crop, they’re a way of life. Georgia produces more than half of the peanuts grown in the United States, and for three generations, the Chase family has been at the heart of that tradition. From sandy soil and long summers to the family’s hands-on approach, this farm captures both the science and the soul of peanut farming.

Donald and Michelle Chase, along with Donald’s parents, share what makes their farm unique. Specializing in seed peanuts, they carefully manage everything from crop rotation to moisture levels to ensure their peanuts can grow into the next year’s harvest. You get a behind-the-scenes look at the delicate balance of timing, soil health, and sustainability. From nitrogen-fixing nodules to the challenges of curing and grading, every step reveals just how much care and expertise go into growing a peanut fit for peanut butter or for planting anew.

It’s also a story about family, community, and the rhythms of farm life. From Ellen Chase’s thirty years of driving the combine to the family dog Ginger happily sharing peanuts in the field, the Chases embody the dedication and joy that keep Georgia agriculture thriving. Along the way, Donald offers advice to young farmers, underscoring that the future of agriculture depends on learning from those who’ve worked the land for decades. It’s a reminder that farming is as much about heritage and heart as it is about science and yield.

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