Moultrie, GA |

One of the highlights of each and every Sunbelt Ag Expo is the annual Willie B. Withers luncheon, where farmers, legislators and university officials gather under one roof to recognize all the good work being done across the industry. It’s an event that takes on even more significance this year.

“After what the region’s been through in the last month, it’s really great to see the family of agriculture come together and celebrate agriculture. It’s a chance for our friends that’s been devastated by the hurricanes to come in and be with like-minded people and be consoled to a certain extent and be around positive people that gives them light at the end of the tunnel,” says Chip Blalock, Executive Director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo.

That’s exactly what the Weathered but Strong hurricane relief fund is hoping to provide as well, with the goal of reaching one million dollars. And thanks to a donation from the Sunbelt Ag Expo, it’s off to a strong start.

“We have that Weathered But Strong relief package going on and anything that we can do to help our farmers is a big deal. We appreciate Chip and the Expo contributing to it. The farming community is what the Expo is all about. All I can do is say ‘thank you’ and good luck to everybody that we are going to help with this fund,” says Tom McCall, Georgia Farm Bureau President.

As always, there was plenty of anticipation for the announcement of this year’s Southeast Farmer of the Year. And for the first time in the competitions 34-year history, it was a woman that took home the award, with North Carolina’s Faylene Whitaker claiming the 2024 title.

“Wow is all I can say, is wow. It’s such an honor. There’s so many good farmers in the United States and the Southeast and it’s just humbling. It’s not about being proud. It’s just being humbling. It is such an honor. It gives my hope that women in agriculture will continue to be recognized for the job they do and for how they contribute to US agriculture,” says Faylene Whitaker, Sunbelt Expo Southeast Farmer of the Year.

Speaking of firsts, Georgia Farm Bureau recognized the winner of their inaugural Farm Dog of the Year contest, Belue. This Shetland Sheepdog provides not only constant companionship, but also plenty of important work both on and off the farm.

“Belue goes to school with me every day and he’s part of the education process. Just the chance to give back and utilize Belue to promote agriculture is a great experience and we appreciate the opportunity. He’ll round up a sheep on the farm or he’ll round up kids out on the football field. Just a lot of companionship when the kids are depressed or I’m depressed, he’s right there for you,” says Brinson Brock, owner of GFB’s Farm Dog of the Year.

“The dog that won this year does a lot with Ag in the Classroom and teaching kids, which is what we do. So, we are proud that we’re able to present that in front of a bunch of different states this time at this Farmer of the Year luncheon,” says McCall.

By: Damon Jones