Members and supporters of the Fannin County Young Farmers Association gathered together Friday night, January 24, for their annual awards banquet at the Fannin County School System’s Agriculture Center.
Before presenting awards, Chapter President Kenny Queen told that in 2024 the organization included 109 members, sponsored 25 community workshops, events and meetings and awarded $2,500 in scholarships to two Fannin County High School (FCHS) seniors.
In addition, the Young Farmers earned regional and state award recognitions.
As individuals, Queen received the Membership Award for bringing in the most new members.
Greg Staffins was honored with the Outstanding Member Award. Vice President Darrel Davis said Staffins has been a “valuable asset to this organization” for a number of reasons.
Tayelor Long was recognized with the Young Agriculture Professional Award, which was sponsored by Feed Fannin. Davis told that Long is a former FCHS graduate and is in her third year of teaching Agriculture Education in Gwinnett County.
The Fannin County Young Farmers Association Farm Family for 2024 went to Caleb and Ashlee Griggs. This award was sponsored by Feed Fannin. The Griggs own a produce farm in Morganton.
Sponsored by the North Georgia Master Gardeners, Abby McFarland was named the Beginner Agriculture Producer for the year. It was noted that she has branched off from showing and leasing show stock and into breeding.
Patrick Conner was recognized for winning a competition during the 2025 Georgia Young Farmers Association Annual Convention. Conner presented a speech titled “Root Bound Ag Teachers.” For his success, he was presented the Agriculture Spokesperson Award, sponsored by the Master Gardeners.
Laurie McClearen was recognized as the Women in Agriculture recipient. McClearen owns a local feed store.
Terry and Ruth Bramlett, who own and operate a trout farm in Suches, received the Ag Producer Award.
The Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for their “outstanding support” of the organization.
FCHS seniors Faith Patterson, McFarland, Brady Coleman and Claire Wheeler were recognized for their involvement in agriculture and were awarded a 2025 membership and T-shirt.
Local Agricultural Photography winners in the Scenic category included, Louis Guerin in first, Queen in second and Ashlee Griggs in third.
In the Human Interest category, Ashlee Griggs took first, Kathy Beck took second, and Pam Crane came in third.
For the Georgia Young Farmer Event category, Taylor Fair won first place.
Union County Farm Service Agency Executive Director Christa Grizzle was given the Agriculture Professional Award.