Will Harris – Bluffton, Georgia

Will Harris – Bluffton, GA

Revitalizing Bluffton: A Story of Sustainability and Growth

Nestled in the heart of Bluffton, Georgia, sixth-generation farmer Will Harris has become a beacon of change, transforming both his family’s legacy and the community around him through a commitment to regenerative agriculture and sustainable energy practices.

For Harris, the journey towards sustainability began with a realization – a realization that the land, passed down through generations, was not just a commodity but a canvas, waiting to be nurtured and restored. “First comes the land,” he emphasizes, “the land is the canvas, and the animals are the paint.” This philosophy led him to embrace regenerative agriculture over two decades ago, steering away from the pitfalls of industrial farming that disrupt the delicate balance of nature.

The results of Harris’ approach speak volumes. The once-depleted soil of White Oak Pastures now teems with organic life, with the organic matter content increasing tenfold. A recent assessment revealed that for every pound of grass-fed beef produced, 3.5 pounds of carbon are sequestered, highlighting the farm’s vital role in combating climate change. By allowing his animals to roam and graze freely, Harris has not only rejuvenated the soil but also improved rainwater retention and water quality.

But Harris didn’t stop at rejuvenating the land; he turned his attention to revolutionizing energy usage on the farm. With the help of grants from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), he installed a solar array in 2010, followed by energy-efficient freezer doors in the farm shop in 2019. These investments not only slashed energy costs but also extended business hours, allowing customers to pick up orders for up to 12 hours a day. Harris envisions further harnessing solar power in the future, aiming to expand his renewable energy footprint.

Expanding beyond the farm’s borders, Harris has ventured into sheep grazing on 3,800 acres of local solar farms, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and renewable energy. Moreover, White Oak Pastures serves as a mentorship hub for aspiring farmers, empowering them to start their own solar grazing operations and acquire land gradually, addressing the pressing issue of land accessibility for young and underserved farmers.

The impact of Harris’ endeavors reverberates beyond the fences of White Oak Pastures. Once a struggling community, Bluffton has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the farm’s growth. From being one of the poorest counties in America, Clay County now boasts White Oak Pastures as its largest private employer, with over 180 employees. These employees earn twice the county average and enjoy not just a job but a home in the tight-knit community Harris has fostered.

White Oak Pastures has grown into the largest private employer in Clay County, once one of the poorest counties in America. The farm has increased from 3 to 180 employees, paying over $100,000 weekly into the economy. Employees are paid twice the county average and are given a place to live and call home.

Harris notes that Bluffton was once a town where buying a stamp was a struggle and there were too few children for a football team. Today, there is an event center, RV park, stores, and restaurants – and strong sports teams. Harris says that “REAP creates a lot of winners,” and the people of Bluffton are certainly among them.