Continuing a Legacy: Georgia Teen Takes Over His Family Farm After His Father’s Passing

Waylon NeSmith says continuing the operation is a way to carry on the lessons and legacy his father left behind.

TIFTON, Ga. (Farm Monitor) — Most teens are still figuring out what they want to do in life. However, for one young Georgia farmer, that answer came early after an unexpected loss changed the future of his family’s farm.

High school student Waylon NeSmith has taken over his family’s operation following the passing of his father.

NeSmith says that farming alongside his dad was never just about getting work done. It was time spent together and lessons learned through everyday moments in the field.

“I remember that there was never a dull moment with him. He was always joking. It was never serious. We just always played around, but we got stuff done, but we always made a good time doing it.”

Now, with support from his family and community, he is continuing the work his father started.

Nesmith says the farm is no longer just part of his family’s history, but has become his future.

Related Stories
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for many things, but most of all, his work as a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers will define his legacy.
Vanessa Wood shares more about Ag Women Connect, the importance of uplifting women in agriculture, and upcoming projects designed to highlight stories across rural America.
House ag leaders had hoped to get the Farm Bill voted on by Easter, but no dates have been secured just yet.
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.