The Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery

08/27/2025

🌰 Our CEO, Clinton Banks-Vicks, had the pleasure of attending the 4th Annual Pecan Workshop, hosted by the University of Georgia.

This informative and inspiring workshop ranged from learning about pecan shelling innovations, AI-driven automation, and food safety practices, to engaging in thought-provoking research presentations.

What made the experience especially meaningful was the diverse group of growers who came together from Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, and Mexico. After the sessions, attendees fellowshipped, exchanged contact information, and began laying the groundwork for future collaboration and social visits.

The presenters delivered knowledge and research that will benefit growers everywhere! This workshop was a wonderful reminder that innovation and relationship building are key to moving agriculture forward. 🌱✨

06/18/2025

It's not too late to register. See you there!

Join us at our Agritourism Workshop on June 18th!

We're excited to welcome Clinton Vicks of The Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery
- a serene retreat where luxury meets tranquility. Clinton will share his powerful journey transforming his property into a healing destination for the mind, body, and soul.

Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, or just curious about agritourism, don’t miss this inspiring session!

Wednesday, June 18 2025
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Innovate Hub - Albany, GA
In person or on Zoom

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/3ZfOMvN

05/13/2025

🌾Innovation Meets Tradition: Our AgriTech & AI Innovation Expo Recap Is Here!🤖

We’re thrilled to unveil the official recap video from the AgriTech & AI Innovation Expo, held on Earth Day at Albany State University-West. This event brought together visionaries in agriculture, artificial intelligence, and rural innovation to explore the next frontier of sustainable farming.

🎥 Watch the recap video here: https://youtu.be/I6DZPgQleCc?feature=shared

RICE Georgia AIM Mobile Studio: A state-of-the-art mobile innovation lab offering hands-on experiences with AI, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies.

Interactive Exhibits: Showcasing robotics, smart farming, and AI-driven automation.

Panel Discussions: Featuring experts from the Netherlands and industry leaders discussing AgriTech, automation, and AI.

Networking Opportunities: Connecting students, business owners, and policymakers focused on technology-driven workforce development.

Ashley Scott, Internal Communications Manager at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), highlighted the significance of such collaborations in her recent article, emphasizing the role of innovation in empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic mobility.

At The Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery, we are proud to be part of this transformative movement, bridging tradition with technology to empower our community and beyond.

Send a message to learn more

04/15/2025

We are thrilled to share that The Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery (VEFF) and our founder, Clinton Banks-Vicks, have been featured in the Persimmon Collective’s April 2025 newsletter!

This recognition highlights our commitment to empowering marginalized farmers, advancing sustainable agriculture, and driving economic growth in Georgia. Since our founding in 2020, VEFF has been dedicated to restoring our historic estate and creating a unique destination in Southwest Georgia.

In 2023, we were honored to receive a $10,000 grant from the Persimmon Collective Fund, which supports BIPOC farmers and land stewards in the Southeastern U.S. This grant has been instrumental in helping us scale our production and maintain our connection to the land.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Persimmon Collective for their unwavering support and for amplifying the voices of farmers like us. Together, we are cultivating a more equitable and sustainable future for agriculture.

Persimmon Collective is excited to announce our 2025 Farmer Organizers. Our Farmer Organizers are farmers and land stewards who facilitate collective, cooperative, and collaborative work between 3 or more farmers and/or land based projects. We see Farmer Organizers as leaders who are focused on land...

03/30/2025

🌽 Shaping the Future of AgriTech & AI in Rural Georgia🚜

Join us on April 22, 2025, for the AgriTech & AI Innovation Expo at Albany State University (West Campus). Hosted by Sowega Rising, The Vicks Estate, Farm, & Fishery, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Georgia AIM Project 3, and key partners, this free event will connect education, industry, and entrepreneurship to drive workforce development in agriculture and manufacturing.

✨ What to Expect:
- Hands-on AI & robotics demos with the RICE Georgia AIM Mobile Studio
- Breakout sessions with global experts on AgriTech & automation
- Networking with farmers, educators, and industry leaders

Let’s prepare Georgia’s workforce for the jobs of the future and transform rural innovation!

📅 Date: April 22, 2025 (Earth Day)
📍 Location: Albany State University, West Campus
🎟️ Free & open to all: High school seniors, students, farmers, educators, business leaders, and community members.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/AgritechExpo25

01/17/2025

Come join us, this Saturday, in Savannah, GA for The Dreamers Innovative Summit, a one-day, immersive event designed to inspire, equip, and empower Savannah-area youth ages 12-24. Participants will engage in innovative think tank simulators, interactive AI demonstrations, and skill-building workshops, fostering entrepreneurial thinking and exposing them to cutting-edge technologies! Register here➡️https://kingdomlifechristianfellowship.aware3.net/form/Tzu9nGttt?authToken=__token__

12/14/2024

Congratulations to today's graduates of Albany State University who celebrated their tremendous accomplishments of earning their Master's of Counseling and Master's of Community Counseling degrees! Thank you for choosing us to host your celebratory event. 🎓🎉🥂