By Clint Thompson
The election of a new Ag Commissioner this week in Georgia shocked many South Georgia farmers.
One producer is not reflecting on Tyler Harper not getting a second term and Katherine Juhan-Arnold being elected to public office. It’s the only way Kent Hamilton, chief executive officer of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. in Norman Park, can cope with change impacting Georgia’s No. 1 industry.
“I’ve been trying to really not think about it. There isn’t a whole lot I can do,” Hamilton said. “My faith and hope is not in my government. It’s in my Lord and Savior Jesus. I’m trying to focus on that and not pay much attention to the news and what’s going on there, to be honest with you.
“Maybe this is a good test that the Lord’s put us. We can’t trust all republicans either. They’ve got their faults.”
Governmental Change
Juhan-Arnold was one of many democrats that swept major office positions in Georgia, including Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was elected governor. Juhan-Arnold has no prior experience in political office, especially not compared to Harper, who also served nearly 10 years as a state senator. Hamilton hopes to work with Juhan-Arnold and share concerns that Georgia farmers have, especially with issues like labor and trade.
“I wish her well, and I’m willing to work with her. I don’t know how receptive she’ll be,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton has the credentials and voice to speak for the Georgia farmer. Hamilton was named the Southeastern Farmer of the Year in 2025. Southern Valley encompasses more than 8,500 cultivated acres across Georgia, Tennessee, Florida and the Yucatan Peninsula. It produces various vegetable crops, like green beans, cabbage, trellis cucumbers, peppers, squash, sweet corn, trellis pickles and eggplant.
Maybe Hamilton’s most important attribute is his ability to not reflect on the past and remember what is most important.
“I’m sure God didn’t lose any sleep over it Tuesday night. He slept just fine, I think. I think I need to sleep just fine, too,” Hamilton said.