Griffin, GA
They say that big things come in small packages. That’s certainly the case for this roughly three-acre farming operation in Spaulding County, where customers have been coming for years to get the freshest meat and produce, along with a few more unique items. It’s both a business and passion project for owners James and Tammy Weeks.
“Seven years ago, she and I met, and we were looking for a place to buy and we bought this place. Before that, I’ve been in the cattle business with my dad and I was also in the dairy business with my grandfather and great grandfather. Just all my life I’ve just done agriculture,” says Owner of Nu Sunrise Farms, James Weeks.
Despite growing and raising just about everything on this farm, literally nothing goes to waste, as they either sell or repurpose everything that is produced.
“We use the milk for making soaps and lotions, we use the manures that they give off, just like the chickens and rabbits, and use that as compost. We use that in our gardens instead of using chemicals or pesticides. We also make jams and jellies off the berries that we don’t sell, that way we can reuse them. Everything pretty much gets used that we’re growing out here,” says James.
Even though Tammy didn’t come from the same agricultural background, there is no less passion in her work, as she is responsible for making the soaps, lotions and jams.
“I’ve been in the dental field my whole life. You have to be an artist to do that. So, I’ve always had a high art interest, I guess. So, anything that I can create is a fun thing for me. It’s not that hard. It’s just work, you know. If you’re willing to put in the work, you’re going to have a great product,” says Tammy.
Those products continue to fly off the shelves in the general store, not only because of the unique scents, but also the benefits they provide for skin.
“Goat’s milk is an anti-inflammatory. It’s very soothing on your skin, plus obviously, the olive oil and the coconut oil are extremely good for your skin. So, the combination of it all, it’s very moisturizing and your skin feels totally different than Dial and all that when you’re done with it,” says Tammy.
So, it’s no surprise that this small operation casts such a wide net, as visitors from all over the state pay it a visit throughout the year.
“We get people from Atlanta, North Georgia, Gainesville, Savannah, South Georgia. I’ve had people that were on vacation going to Florida, they stop by here because they pull us up on Google maps. They type in farmer’s market and they see us, and they stop by here and get more than just a farmer’s market,” says James.
That includes the personal aspect, as both James and Tammy are more than happy to share their story with visitors in order to motivate them to give agriculture a second look.
“The biggest thing about a three-and-a-half-acre farm here is we want people to look and see what they can do. When they come through that gate, we want them to leave here inspired; inspired to go home, grow a garden. Go home and say, ‘hey, we need to relook at our life and maybe buy us a farm,'” says James.
By: Damon Jones