Coffee County had over 20 young farmer members attend the Georgia Young Farmers Association (GYFA) annual Convention on Jekyll Island, many of whom received numerous awards and recognition on the state level.
Young Beginning Producer Award
Jordan Farabow of Farabow Angus, a diverse seedstock and commercial cow-calf operation and row crops, was recognized as one of the top three finalist for the Young Beginning Producer Award. This award seeks to recognize young farmers and ranchers in the beginning stages of their operations, as well as their community and professional involvement.
Young Ag Professional
Jessie Sellars of Blue Ribbon Show Supply, an authorized Weaver livestock exhibition supply dealer, was recognized as one of the top two finalist for the Young Ag Professional Award. This award seeks to recognize young ag professionals in the beginning stages of their professional ag industry careers, as well as their community and professional involvement.
Honorary Degree
Michael Berry, former Ag teacher and Young Farmer Advisor for Coffee County until his retirement, was honored to receive the Georgia Young Farmers Honorary Degree and the prestigious “Red Coat” of the Georgia Young Farmers Association. Michael Berry was instrumental in starting the Georgia Young Farmers Livestock Show in Perry, GA each fall and served countless community members on their farms, operations and businesses.
Photo Contest
Our chapter members submitted over 24 entries into the GYFA Photo contest. The categories were Scenic, Human Interest, GYFA Activities and Sunbelt Ag Expo. Amy Meeks walked away with two first place photos in the Scenic and Human Interest categories winning $200. Rhonda Dorsey, CTAE Director, placed 3rd with her Sunbelt Ag Expo photo from the GYFA Que Fest winning $50.
Chapter Display
The Chapter Display Contest allows each local Young Farmer Chapter to capture and showcase their involvement within the community and state level. Our Chapter Display placed 3rd overall with over 40 entries into the contest.
Cornhole Tournament
Ricky and Cole Dorsey competed in the GYFA Cornhole tournament for Coffee County and made it to the semifinals before we were sadly beat out by our neighbor Bacon County, whom later went on to win the Cornhole Tournament.
Terrell Weeks Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Jack Lingenfelter, GA FFA Vice-President, Coffee FFA President and Coffee County Farm Bureau Jr. Board Co-Chair was selected as one of the eight recipients for the distinguished and sought after Terrell Weeks Memorial Scholarships. Over 60 students applied for the scholarship which recognizes a student’s involvement within their community and state as well as the National FFA Organization and Georgia 4-H.
Advisor of the Year
Coffee County Young Farmer Advisor, Spencer Highsmith, was named the Georgia Young Farmer Advisor of the Year. This honor was bestowed to Highsmith from South Region Ag Ed Director Stacy Beacham. This Award seeks to recognize YF Advisors who demonstrate community involvement with producers, ag businesses and professionally, growth of their GYFA chapter and who promote the ag industry within their community and state.
The Coffee County Young Farmers certainly did not go home empty handed. They not only received numerous awards and state recognition but walked away with new friends and ideas to help other farmers, professionals and community members. If you are interested in learning more about the Georgia Young Farmers Association or are interested in being involved within our local chapter please feel free to contact Advisor, Spencer Highsmith at troy.highsmith@coffee.k12.ga.us or (912)-389-6612 (office). “The Georgia Young Farmers Association is NOT just for farmers and ag professionals. Instead this professional leadership organization is for anyone who supports Georgia Agriculture” states Highsmith. Always remember “Got Food? Thank a Farmer.”