Young Farmers present awards during annual banquet

  • Fannin County Young Farmers Association President Kenny Queen presented Gilda Lyons the organization’s Outstanding Member award.
    Fannin County Young Farmers Association President Kenny Queen presented Gilda Lyons the organization’s Outstanding Member award.
  • Nick Wolschlager was named the Beginning Agriculture Producer by the Fannin County Young Farmers Association. He was presented his award by Marie Taylor, representing both the Young Farmers and North Georgia Master Gardeners.
    Nick Wolschlager was named the Beginning Agriculture Producer by the Fannin County Young Farmers Association. He was presented his award by Marie Taylor, representing both the Young Farmers and North Georgia Master Gardeners.
  • Patrick Conner was named the Agriculture Spokesperson for his participation in the Georgia Young Farmers State Conference. Marie Taylor presented Conner his award.
    Patrick Conner was named the Agriculture Spokesperson for his participation in the Georgia Young Farmers State Conference. Marie Taylor presented Conner his award.
  • Terri Long, center, the owner of Longs Family Farm, accepted the honor as Farm Family for 2022. Margery Dallas, right, presented the award to Terri and her daughter.
    Terri Long, center, the owner of Longs Family Farm, accepted the honor as Farm Family for 2022. Margery Dallas, right, presented the award to Terri and her daughter.
  • Ryan Larson was one of four Fannin County High School graduating seniors honored for their contributions. She accepted her award from Kenny Queen.
    Ryan Larson was one of four Fannin County High School graduating seniors honored for their contributions. She accepted her award from Kenny Queen.

    The Fannin County Young Farmers Association held its annual Awards Banquet Friday, February 10, at the Fannin County School System Agriculture Facility.

    Several individuals and businesses were recognized for their contributions to the association over the last year and officers were announced for the coming year.

    Gilda Lyons was recognized at the Outstanding Member. She owns and operates 6 Ponds Farm in Morganton, which is certified as a Georgia Agritourism location, and has helped the association for the past five years.

    Jamison Cruce was named the Young Agriculture Professional. Cruce is the marketing director for USA Rice in Washington, D.C., and came through the FFA program at Fannin County High School.

    The Beginning Agriculture Producer honor went to Nick Wolschlager. Wolschlager owns a percentage of a family farm that includes dairy goats, farm guardian dogs, chickens, and vegetable gardens.

    Patrick Conner was honored as Agriculture Spokesperson. Conner competed in the Agriculture Spokesperson competition at the Georgia Young Farmers State Conference held in Jekyll Island. His topic was American poultry. He also competed in the Agricultural Mechanics Competition and placed third.

    Terrie and Taylor Long of Longs Family Farm in Morganton were recognized as the association’s Farm Family of the Year. The farm has been in the Long family for three generations and includes 42 acres.

    The association’s Distinguished Service Award went to Mason Tractor Company. The business was recognized for supporting the association since its beginning. It has hosted events, donated funds and allowed the association to have its turkey shoot on its property. Jake Williams accepted the award on behalf of Mason Tractor.

    The four Fannin County High School seniors in the Class of 2023 were recognized for the contributions. There were Ryan Larson, Emilee Thomas, Zoe Putnam, and Blake Nicholson.

    The North Georgia Master Gardeners presented several awards in conjunction with the Young Farmers presentations.

    Serving as the association’s officers for 2023 are President Kenny Queen, Vice President Darrel Davis, Secretary Marie Taylor and Dee Henderson, Treasurer Kenny Holland, and Director of Public Relations Margery Dallas.