Back in 1936 Mr. J. G. Rossman, known as “Mr. Joe”, began by helping a nearby beekeeper, gaining knowledge and experience about bees. Mr. Joe formed a partnership, Rossman & Long, with a gentleman from Ohio who brought his bees each year to winter in South Georgia and supplied customers in the northern states with packaged bees and queens for use in the production of honey. In 1952 the partnership was severed and the business became known as Rossman Apiaries. In the late sixties the company was incorporated by Fred and Phillip Rossman. Mr. Joe has since passed away, and Phillip has retired. Fred and his wife Ann now own and operate the business. In 1987 they expanded to the manufacturing and selling of bee supplies. Fred and Ann Rossman took over the business in 1987 becoming the premiere choice for many Apiaries. Fred's expertise in manufacturing and supplying Cypress Wooden ware and Ann's ability to speak with customers about their beekeeping needs set the path for future owners. Fred and Ann have both retired; however, they left the business in great hands. Rossman Apiaries continues to spread knowledge and quality resources to aspiring beekeepers.

Lindy grew up in Mitchell County, Georgia- Perry in Thomas County. Perry was a banker for 20+ years and then a cattleman for 25+ years. In 2015 when Lindy retired from a federal law enforcement career spanning 30+ years, they decided to return to their roots in Mitchell and Thomas counties, where they own two small farms. Part of their plan was to bring their farms back to life, so to speak, and give back to their communities through the development of alternative niche, yet sustainable agricultural commodities. After researching everything from pomegranates to persimmons and lychee to crawfish, they decided citrus was the best fit for them and a commodity that would stimulate growth in Georgia’s agricultural economy. Lindy and Perry planted a commercial citrus grove in Thomas County and a test plot in Mitchell County. They now sell fresh farm-grown Satsuma oranges, seedless tangerines, lemons, grapefruit, navels, mandarins, blood oranges, thornless limes, and kumquats to the public right off their homestead called JoNina Farm near Ochlocknee, Georgia. In addition, Lindy and Perry started Georgia Grown Citrus LLC, (GGC), a commercial tree nursery hub partnering with four other commercial nurseries which propagate citrus trees for sale to commercial growers and homeowners. Among the available varieties GGC sells is the University of Georgia’s patented seedless, cold hardy citrus varieties found on the Specialties tab. Over the last six years, citrus has become the primary topic of table discussions with family and friends. As we continue to grow our website and our business, we will be introducing you to our family members and friends in the business, so come back to visit us often.