Meet Greg Pittman! Greg was raised in the Nicholson area where he grew up and moved across the pasture to continue to be a part of the family farm. He graduated from Jackson County High School and the University of Georgia. Greg grew up on the family farm that continues to have cattle, poultry, and a hay operation. He has always been a strong supporter of agriculture at all levels such as 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau, and the Cattlemen’s Association. Greg worships Jesus Christ together with his family at Beech Haven Baptist Church in Athens, Georgia.
It was great getting to meet Greg. He truly has a love for Jackson County and helping others. We want to thank him for telling us a little about himself and his love for our community.
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “I have been married to my beautiful wife, Heather for 28 years. We have two kids, Julia (20) and Joshua (17). Julia is a junior at the University of Georgia pursuing a degree in Dietetics. Joshua is a junior at East Jackson High School with an interest in engineering. We all enjoy spending time together at the beach, lake, and on a ski slope.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I served 20 years in the poultry industry helping contract growers to provide millions of pounds of protein to the world food chain. In 2015, I took the position as the UGA-Jackson County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent. The Ag Agent position is perfect in allowing me to continue to support all the people in agriculture in our community and provide research-based knowledge regarding agriculture. As much as I love agriculture, I love the people more. We can’t do what we do without each other.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Sugar and Spice as well as the Talmo Market Grill are always just right for the appetite.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “All my life.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “Kenneth Bridges – You need to read his book.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “Hawaii, because this is where my family would like to celebrate our family accomplishments together.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “‘City Slickers’ and ‘Cheers.'”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Find a way to do what you like and make a living at it.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “A long trip out West during harvest time.”
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “Nitty Gritty Dirt Band playing Fishin’ in the Dark
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Charlie Smith’s Junkyard in Nicholson was a cool place for me growing up. The “talk” around the local feed and seed stores is hard to beat these days. Howington’s, Shirley’s, or Maddox’s will all provide that helpful hometown feeling with true life experiences.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “I would enjoy having lunch with Kirby Smart, because he has the same passion for his career that I have for mine. We would have Sugar and Spice provide the meal but eat at the Jackson County Agricultural Facility.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “The desire for so many people to still want to try to farm their land and teach the next generation about the history of Jackson County.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “Spending more time with family while finding a way to promote Agriculture at a higher level.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “How much I would like to go hiking but never have time.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Salmon, Idaho.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
A: “June, Father’s Day, the day I got married.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Family time with my wife and kids.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “Jesus Christ.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Fresh-cut hay and lavender.”
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Family, friends, and food.”
