Nomination period open for Georgia top young peanut farmer award

TIFTON — The nomination period has begun for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer of the year.

The state winner will be announced Jan. 18 at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show conducted annually at the University of Georgia Conference Center in Tifton. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF.

Officials with the contest say the award is based on the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities.

“We have so many young peanut farmers making a difference in their communities, and I consider this awards program a great opportunity to recognize one young peanut farmer for their contributions to the agricultural industry,” Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, said.

The award is open to any active Georgia peanut farmer who is 45 or younger as of Jan. 18. There is no limit to the number of applicants from each county in Georgia, but an individual can only win the award once.

“BASF is honored to be a sponsor of the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award,” Dan Watts, district manager of BASF Crop Protection Products, said. “We are committed to agriculture and bringing new innovative solutions to producers that will allow them to continue to be successful.”

Applications are due to the GPC office by Dec. 15. The award application is available online at www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Crosby at (229) 386-3690 or [email protected].

Previous winners include Brandon Branch of Baxley, Trey Dunaway of Hawkinsville, Andrew Grimes of Tifton, Randy Branch of Baxley, James Hitchcock Jr. of Tennille, Brad Thompson of Donalsonville, Greg Mims of Donalsonville, Jim Waters of Blackshear and Jimmy Webb of Leary.

The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July and a sign to display at his or her farm.