We had the good fortune of connecting with Janet Mapel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janet, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The truth is, originally, I was not wanting to start a business. The 2018 Georgia Farm Bill was passed which allowed for hemp production in Georgia. Within the first year, I had become affiliated with a great group of other farmers, with the same mindset, who wanted to grow hemp for wholesale. Unfortunately, midway through production, our processor and buyer dropped out. There I was, stuck with hundreds of pounds of hemp, with no clear plan what to do with it all! As advised by one of my mentors and fellow farmers, we decided to go full on and create our own CBD company for retail production. So, with the help of my family, we started the process of a name, brand, fulfillment, etc.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up here in Meriwether County. After receiving a degree in Music Education, I taught in the public schools in Muscogee County. After 30 years, I retired in 2008. Later my father passed away in 2011, and I was given the family land back home in Meriwether County which consisted of over 600 acres. My husband and I built a home here to manage the farm. Thinking of ways to add income to the farm other than the leasing for cattle/hay and for hunting, the idea of growing hemp seemed doable. It’s rare that someone leaves home from a small community, has a career and then comes back home to the family farm. I have been fortunate to improve on the property and make it even more beautiful and functional. It’s important to me that the farm can sustain itself for future generations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first invite them to stay in our new property- our A-Frame at Horseshoe Pond Air B&B that we created last year in 2022. I purchased my cousin’s property beside mine, and it was a perfect new adventure! Our itinerary would always include a river excursion on the Flint River that would include fishing for the river shoal bass, hiking on the property up our mountain or other areas of country beauty, spending the day in our little town of Woodbury shopping at all of the antique stores. Several great restaurants are in the area, so it could be BBQ, Pizza, Mexican or a great American menu of fried chicken or hamburgers. Nightlife is fun at our new bar called the Crowbar, or there are a few other night spots with live music. A great brewery called Towerhouse Brewery is only minutes away, and more like Wild Leap are also close by. Several wineries have become popular that are within an hour’s drive, but our closest is Warm Springs Winery at Fitzgeralds Fruit Shed only 5 minutes away.
The people here are very friendly!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
None of this would have been possible without the help of my family. Each person, including my husband, son, and daughter have lended so much talent and knowhow for turning this into a reality. I’d also like to thank Barry Smith, at Smith Nurseries, for his expertise and guidance in growing and harvesting hemp, all the way through the process of getting it into packaging and retail. As well, our wonderful customers who have supported us by continuing to purchase our products and give us such great feedback.!

Website: flintriverorganics.com and woodburygetaway.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083068952344 (Morgan Farm at Buzzard Roost)

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