Cochran Family Farms is a veteran and family-owned pecan farm in Camilla, GA. Captain Donnie Cochran started his career as a Navy pilot and in aviation for UPS and The Coca-Cola Company. He served as the first African American pilot to fly in the Blue Angels.

He came back to the farm to cultivate a new life and return to simpler times, connecting with the land that had nurtured his family for over 100 years. Donnie remembered the stories his grandfather told him as a child about the farm, where pecans flourished under the warm southern sun.

His mission was to create a sustainable pecan orchard. He has diversified land that was previously cultivated for timber into pecan production.

Donnie spent hours researching the best practices for pecan production, knowing that this mission required the same dedication and precision that he applied in the cockpit. During his first harvest in 2024, he was told that his pecans were the highest quality compared to 15 other farms in his area.

With the help of farmers and agricultural experts, he selected the best pecan varieties suited for the sandy soil of his farm. Using GPS, he mapped out rows of young pecan trees.

With every handful of pecans harvested, Captain Donnie Cochran isn’t just a pilot returning home; he is a steward of the land. His journey from the skies to the soil exemplifies his passion for growth, resiliency, and the beauty of returning to one’s roots—a legacy that he hopes to continue for generations to come.