Here We Grow: Episode 18

Episode 18: Leading in Agriculture: The Mindset of a Farmer

HERE WE GROW with Episode 18!  On our recent podcast, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit welcomed Captain Donnie Cochran, retired Naval Captain and pecan farmer, as well as Jennifer Dunn, Rural Health Agent with UGA Extension, to discuss leadership, overcoming adversity, facing obstacles, succeeding under pressure, and combating mental stress in agriculture.
 
Captain Donnie Cochran grew up on a farm in Pelham, Georgia.  He graduated from Savannah State University in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology and a Commission in the United States Navy.  Captain Cochran’s Naval duty includes his time as a RF-8G and F-14 fighter pilot and was once the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Fighter Squadron 111.  Captain Cochran’s distinguished career also included tours with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (The Blue Angels) as the first African American Pilot where he flew three out of size different positions.  He was honored again when he was selected to the be the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Blue Angels ins 1994.  Upon his retirement from the Navy in 2000, he continued his extraordinary contributions to aviation as a supervisor for the United State Parcel Services (UPS) and a Manager of the Aviation Program for the Coca-Cola Company.  Among his many medals, honors, and awards, he is also known for authoring the book, “Glad to Be Here”, and recognized as a motivational teacher, keynote speaker, as successful pecan farmer in South Georgia. 
 
Jennifer Dunn Is the Rural Health Agent for the Southwest District of UGA Extension and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Before beginning her position with UGA Extension, Jennifer worked for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for sixteen years, where she served as the Regional Services Administrator for the twenty-four counties located in the southwestern portion of the state. In her current role, Jennifer is helping advance the mission of the UGA Extension’s Rural Georgia: Growing Stronger Initiative by guiding farmers towards necessary mental health resources and teaching them about stress management strategies.
 
Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is an equal opportunity lender. NMLS 691477. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Southwest Georgia Farm Credit or the Farm Credit System. No information contained in this podcast shall constitute financial, investment, legal, and/or other professional advice. For questions about the podcast, please contact Southwest Georgia Farm Credit Marketing Manager, Anna Kinchen, at 229-493-0921 or Info@SWGAFarmCredit.com. Please visit our website to learn more at www.SWGAFarmCredit.com

OUR SPEAKERS

To contact Jennifer Dunn, call 229-224-7835.