Small-Business Success Story: Greenway Farms of Georgia
A former sheriff and assistant D.A. go back to their roots, raising livestock on 132 acres.


Kiplinger's spoke with Kerry Dunaway, co-owner of Greenway Farms of Georgia, a Roberta, Ga.-based sustainable farm, about why he and his wife, Robin, decided to retire from their longtime careers and start their own business. Read on for an excerpt from our interview:
How did you get into farming? We grew up on family farms, and Robin and I lived together on 18 acres. Robin pickled and made jelly all her life, and she began making goats-milk products after she and I retired. She sold them at local farmers markets, where she noticed the demand for meat and eggs. So we decided to raise livestock. We had bought an additional 22 acres early in retirement, and we rented another 100 acres after getting advice from university cooperative extension agents and other farmers.
When did you retire? At the end of 2008. I was sheriff of Crawford County for 25 years, and Robin was an assistant district attorney in Macon for 28 years. I was tired of politics, and Robin was burned out. We enjoyed sitting around, drinking coffee and watching the news. But soon we were getting on each other's last nerve and needed more to do.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Where did your capital come from? We tapped our savings for the 22 acres. When we began raising livestock, we took a line of credit from AgSouth Farm Credit, a lending cooperative. Last year, we partnered with another couple and bought a 92-acre farm. We no longer rent land. Now our assets total $520,000, and our debt is less than $90,000.
What kind of livestock do you raise? We buy calves, piglets and meat chickens. We also have 235 laying hens. We pasture-raise our animals without growth hormones or antibiotics added to their feed. When it's time, we drive them to a family-owned processor that is USDA-certified and humane. We've found that meat from an animal raised and processed humanely is more tender than meat from a stressed animal.
What do you can? In 2013, we built the cannery to make jams, jellies, pickles and sauces with local produce. Robin runs it. Her law skills were a big help in getting our kitchen federally inspected and USDA-certified.
Where do you sell? We started at farmers markets. As we became known for our quality, we attracted some local stores and restaurants, too. We also sell via our website (www.greenwayfarmsofga.com).
What do you charge? Our chicken goes for $3.35 a pound, ground beef for $7, center-cut pork chops for $8, filet mignon for $20 and a dozen large eggs for $5. Some people say, "I can buy this hamburger or steak at Wal-Mart." I say, "You can't buy this kind of hamburger or steak at Wal-Mart."
How big are you now? In 2017, we sold about 17,000 pounds of beef, pork and chicken and about 2,500 dozen eggs, as well as 4,600 jars of our canned goods. In 2018, we expect to more than triple our meat production.
Do you make a living? We supplement our retirement income with farm income. We also benefit from agricultural tax breaks that flow back to us personally as a limited liability corporation. The work is demanding, with nonstop going and doing, but it's fun, and every day is a little different. Still, I used to wonder why my grandparents went to bed at 8 p.m., and now I know why.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
Investing Abroad Could Pay Off — Here's How
Countries overseas are stimulating their economies, and their stocks are compelling bargains.
-
Retire in Belize for Stunning Natural Beauty and Culture
Belize offers miles of protected land and ocean, a rich mix of cultures and a chill lifestyle. Best yet — the income requirement is just $2K per month.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for Listings
Making Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know So Far, Plus Early Deals
Amazon Prime Here are the key Amazon Prime Day dates and details you need to know, plus some of our favorite early deals to shop ahead of the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.