The latest annual farm gate value (or market value) of agricultural products generated in Jeff Davis County is a little over $81 million, with forestry products and poultry/eggs each comprising more than $16 million, row crops nearly $27 million, hunting leases at $14 million, and fruits/nuts at $3.5 million. (Source: College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, 2020)

Agribusiness is one of the largest employer segments of the Jeff Davis County economy. Indeed, one of the largest employers in Jeff Davis County is Beasley Forest Products, a 40-year-old, family-owned Georgia business that processes hardwood timber into products such as railroad ties, flooring materials, and lumber for pallets and construction. Beasley, along with subsidiary Thompson Hardwoods, is the largest production hardwood sawmill in the United States and employs approximately 400 people.

Manufacturing is another large sector of the area’s economy. Propex is a leading manufacturer of innovative composites and technical fabrics around the world. Propex employs more than 370 people in Jeff Davis County as well as other locations worldwide. Another manufacturer is EP American Footwear, the largest molded footwear company in the U.S., whose 250 Jeff Davis area employees produce injection-molded footwear for retailers such as Walmart.