Local Farm Bureau receives district awards
Coffee County Farm Bureau received three awards for its volunteer programs during the Georgia Farm Bureau 10th District annual meeting, held Sept. 12 in Waycross. Derek Pridgen is the CCFB president.
The CCFB Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee, chaired by Walt Pridgen and co-chaired by Spencer Highsmith, received the GFB 10th District Outstanding Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee Award.
Among its activities over the past year, the committee celebrated Ag Awareness Week in March. The project resulted in six gardens planted at three elementary schools, reading ag-themed books and giving farm-related presentations to students. Overall, 10 CCFB volunteers, including the CCFB YF&R Junior Board and members of the women’s committee, visited 25 classrooms within seven elementary schools, sharing the story of agriculture with hundreds of students.
The CCFB Legislative Committee, chaired by Donnie Smith, received the 10th District Outstanding Legislative Program Award. The committee’s activities included hosting a legislative dinner to facilitate interaction between local farmers and ranchers and elected officials. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, Zach Stokes from Rep. Rick Allen’s office, state Sen. Tyler Harper and state Reps. Clay Pirkle and Dominic Lariccia each presented information to more than 100 farmers and ranchers.
Walt Pridgen received the 10th District YF&R Member of the Year Award, which recognizes a member who encourages, educates and leads other young farmers and ranchers in his/her local area. Walt, who raises cattle, poultry broilers and hay with his father and uncle, also received the state award when it was announced in July.
Founded in 1937, Georgia Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general farm organization and has 158 county offices. Its volunteer members actively participate in local, state and national activities that promote agriculture awareness to their non-farming neighbors. GFB offers its members a wide variety of benefits, including insurance; enrollment in member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership.