Coffee County Farm Bureau (CCFB) members Walt Pridgen and Ashley Smith were recognized with Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) district awards during the organization’s 10th District Annual Meeting, held Sept. 8 in Waycross.
Pridgen received the 10th District Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Achievement Award, given to young farmers who earn the majority of their income from production agriculture. Pridgen, won the statewide award, which was presented in July during the GFB YF&R Summer Leadership Conference.
Pridgen raises cattle and poultry broilers (chicken raised for meat) and lives with his wife Mary Elizabeth in Broxton.
Smith received the 10th District YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, which honors agriculturalists aged 18-35 who are active Farm Bureau members, promote agriculture in their community, and earn most of their income off the farm. The award is open to individuals or couples. Smith was a finalist for the state award.
Smith is the UGA Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, helping farmers find solutions to challenges that arise with their crops and livestock. She has been active in assisting farmers with federal disaster assistance documentation since Hurricane Helene last year.
Founded in 1937, the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization. The organization has 158 county offices and extra satellite offices in Bryan, Richmond and Walker counties. As a membership-driven, nongovernmental organization, GFB serves as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia by advocating for them on legislative issues and promoting Georgia commodities. Its volunteer members also actively participate in activities that promote agriculture awareness.
GFB membership is open to the public and offers a wide variety of benefits, including insurance and discounts for health services, travel and family entertainment. Enrollment in any of the member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership. If you would like more information about agriculture, please visit www.gfb.org, like Georgia Farm Bureau on Facebook @GeorgiaFarmBureau or follow on Twitter @GaFarmBureau.