We’re proud to feature Gene Cook & Associates as our very first Member of the Month!
The story of Gene Cook & Associates began during one of Southwest Georgia agriculture’s most difficult periods. In the mid-1980s, the region was experiencing a severe farm credit crisis. After nearly 20 years with the Farm Credit Services, Gene Cook found himself affected by the downturn as well. In the fall of 1985, Gene, with the support of his wife, Gail, and their family, opened an office in Donalsonville and began building a career in farm financial consulting, farm real estate, farm land management, & real property appraisal services.
Gene later entered the grain merchandising business through Grain Mart Inc. After approximately 10 years, the business was incorporated as Gene Cook & Associates, Inc., becoming a Georgia-licensed and bonded grain merchant.
The family business continued to grow when Gene’s daughter, Lisa Cook Spooner, joined the firm followed by her husband, Mark Spooner. After graduating from Troy University, with a BS degree in Geomatics and working in the corporate world for four years, Ray Spooner, son of Mark and Lisa, returned home to joined the family team. Ray works closely with his grandfather, Gene, on the real estate and appraisal side of the business. The grain marketing and logistic side of the business has grown under Mark’s leadership. The company moves more than seven million bushels of corn annually, in addition to soybeans, wheat, and milo. Kim Kelley is a vital part of this side of the business. She serves as the logistic coordinator and organizes the chaos of communication between farmers, truckers, and facilities.
It is truly a family operation when all members are pulled into the operation especially during harvest, as Casey Kelley has joined the team during this crops harvest. What began during a challenging period for agriculture has grown into a multigenerational business serving farmers and landowners throughout the region. Once again difficult times are upon our agriculture community, and during these difficult times the GCA team strives to assist farmers in every way possible.
Congratulations to Gene Cook & Associates, our inaugural Member of the Month!
Last modified: September 30, 2026
