TIFTON, Ga.– More than 1,600 producers were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 35th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 20, 2011, at the Albany Civic Center in Albany, Ga. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission in cooperation with the University of Georgia.
The Georgia Peanut Commission presented the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award during the show. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. The 2010 winner is Greg Mims of Donalsonville, Ga.
Mims farms in a partnership with his dad and brother. The farming operation consists of 4,000 acres of crops including peanuts, corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat and snap beans. He also raises cattle.
In addition to farming, the winner is a leader and avid agricultural supporter in the Seminole County community. He is a member of the Seminole County Young Farmers, Seminole County FFA Alumni, County supervisor for the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation Commission and volunteers with Relay for Life. He is also a graduate the Peanut Leadership Academy and a Georgia delegate for the National Cotton Council and a state officer with the Georgia Young Farmers Association.
The Georgia Peanut Commission also presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the U.S. The award recipients are: Distinguished Service Award – former Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin; Research and Education Award – Jim Todd, professor emeritus of entomology with the University of Georgia; Media Award – Jennifer Whittaker, editor with the Georgia Farm Bureau; Export Award – Stephanie Grunenfelder, vice president of International Marketing with the American Peanut Council; and a Special Award – Sally Wells, logistics and administrative manager for Birdsong Peanuts Southeast Division in Blakely, Ga.
The one-day show offered farmers a full day to view the products and services of 78 exhibitors and a day of education. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar during the morning focusing on disease management, insect management, peanut agronomic research and economics of peanut production. During the afternoon, an industry seed seminar was held. The seed seminar highlighted new peanut varieties available to growers, calcium requirements for varieties and incorporating new varieties into their overall farming operation.
At the close of the day, the presentation of the grand door prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Company was presented to Gary Cone, Jennings, Fla. He received one season’s use of a new 4-row or 6-row KMC peanut combine. For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show visit the Georgia Peanut Commission Web site at www.gapeanuts.com.