By Colleen Barber, 2024 Sunbelt Expo Social Media Intern
The Farmer of the Year Luncheon held at Maule Hangar serves as a time for the celebration of farmers across the southeastern United States. This is a time to come together and celebrate each other despite our challenges and losses over the past year. The Farmer of the Year Luncheon is an inspiring time to honor the outstanding agricultural leaders of the Southeast. The luncheon brings together farmers, industry leaders, community members, and dedicated professionals to recognize the hard work of all farmers. This event highlights the dedication of the farmers recognized for eight states, while also encouraging the innovation and collaboration that pushes the agricultural industry forward.
Agriculture is the backbone of everyday life providing food, fiber, fuel, and shelter. The family atmosphere of the agricultural industry is evident from listening to Southeastern leaders such as agriculture commissioners and Farm Bureau representatives spoke at the luncheon. As Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said, “An industry that feeds the world can fight for each other.” All speakers reminded the crowd of the importance that farmers serve in each community to feed our nations and the utmost importance there is to uplift and support these dedicated individuals.
This year served as a momentous event in the Sunbelt Ag Expo’s history. After the announcement of the eight Farmer of the Year nominees, the 2024 Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year was announced: Faylene Whitaker of Climax, North Carolina. Whitaker is the first female to win the Farmer of the Year title in the Expo’s history. Her farm, Whitaker Farms & Garden Nursery, produces garden plants, tobacco, organic corn and wheat, field tomatoes, strawberries, and a variety of vegetables. The farm is operated on rented and owned land of 940 acres. Whitaker serves as a trailblazer of hard work and dedication that other agriculture leaders spoke of encouraging the community of farmers.
