ABOUT THE FARM
In July 2020, a new breath of life merged into a once boisterous 1960’s Tennessee Walking Horse farm, Blue Ribbon Stables. Re-named as Gowin Valley Farms in honor of farm owner and co-founder, Emma Reigel’s grandfather — and original owner of the farm — Jim Gowin.
Before passing, Emma and her grandfather had envisioned for a new start to their family farm, one full of fresh vegetables, fruits and mushrooms. Although, Jim passed in October of 2020, his granddaughter is here carving the path they had envisioned together, along with her partner and co-founder, Gabriel Harrison.
Gabriel and Emma are in the process of creating a small fruit and vegetable production along with operating a microbiology laboratory for growing gourmet mushrooms. Emma and Gabriel are both Certified Journeyman Farmers and are Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certified to sell foraged mushrooms in the following states: South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvannia, New York, Rhode Island.
In a short period of time, Gowin Valley Farms has began working in collaboration with Kennesaw State University and Cornell University to enhance innovative mushroom research in the state of Georgia.
Gowin Valley Farms seeks to create easier access to local, fresh vegetables, fruits and mushrooms to help their community have a healthier, more natural lifestyle.
The Farmers Behind it All
Emma Reigel
A true local, born in Dalton, GA in 1994, Emma grew up on her family farm, showed horses and worked on the farm throughout her younger years. She graduated from Christian Heritage School in Dalton in 2012. Emma attended Emory University where she received High Honors and her BA in English and Creative Writing, minoring in Abnormal Psychology and Sociology. Following her graduation, she attended Clemson University and received a MS in Marketing in 2017. Until 2020, Emma worked in Atlanta, GA as a marketing manager and copywriter.
If you ever asked Emma “What do you dream of doing?” before this year, she would have answered “One day I want to take over my grandpa’s farm and turn it into a mushroom operation and vegetable and fruit farm.” She never thought it would happen so soon, but here she is elbows deep in soil!
Gabriel Harrison
Gabriel was born in Macon, GA before moving to Florida for several years, until landing in Atlanta, Georgia around age 10. Until March of 2020, Atlanta had been his home. Gabriel attended Georgia State University and studied Film and Production. Following school, Gabriel began working for start-up tech companies in Atlanta. From lead generation and business development to website development, Gabriel can do it all. He has become an expert at all things sales and technology… and now farming!
Never in a million years did Gabriel expect to become a farmer, yet he had always wanted to eventually buy land to start a small farm. The reality came sooner rather than later and he is now learning the in’s and out’s of farming — quite quickly too!
When Emma and Gabriel aren’t planning or planting veggies, pruning fruit trees and vines, inoculating mushrooms or taking care of the horses and other farm animals, you can find them traveling or hiking with their beloved dog and farm mascot, Rufuss. They also enjoy live music and rockhounding for crystals.
Creds to our *family* Henchmen that make it happen:
Todd Reigel Tommy Harrison
Rufuss
Gowin Valley Farms has many exciting updates to share with you about the farm and upcoming events. Join our mailing list below to stay up to date. You can also send us a message