LOWNDES COUNTY —  The Lowndes County Board of Commissioners and the Valdosta Lowndes Chamber of Commerce have partnered to host a Farmers Appreciation Breakfast for farmers in Lowndes and Echols counties. The appreciation breakfast will be held 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Lowndes County Civic Center Building A, 2108 E. Hill Ave. in Valdosta.

Agriculture is one of Lowndes County’s largest industries, and at the appreciation breakfast, a small and large farmer of the year will be recognized.

“The Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber is thrilled to partner with Lowndes County Government and Georgia Grown to show our appreciation to the hardworking men and women who ensure that our state and country have the food and fiber we need to flourish,” said Christie Moore, president of the Valdosta Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. “Farming is a vital part of our local economy, and it is important that we do not take that for granted.”

This year’s keynote speaker will be Tyler Harper, agriculture commissioner of the State of Georgia.

At the appreciation breakfast, Lowndes County and the Chamber of Commerce are honored to present awards to a small and larger Farmer of the Year. Nominations are currently being accepted, and the deadline to nominate a small and larger Farmer of the Year is Tuesday, Oct. 31. The purpose of these awards is to recognize a farmer in Lowndes or Echols counties who are outstanding leaders in agriculture and make tremendous contributions to the agriculture industry.

Anyone may nominate a small and/or large farmer. To be eligible to receive the award, a farmer must farm in Lowndes and/or Echols counties.

Small Farmer of the Year: A small farmer is considered someone who has earned an average (over the last three years) annual gross farm income of less than $200,000.

Large Farmer of the Year: A large farmer is considered someone who has earned an average (over the last three years) annual gross farm income of more than $200,000.

“Lowndes and Echols counties have a rich history of being two of the largest and most productive agricultural counties in Georgia, and we want to recognize farmers who work extremely hard daily to keep us clothed and fed,” said Bill Slaughter, chairman of the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners.

To nominate a farmer for either award, visit: https://business.valdostachamber.com/events/Details/2023-farmer-appreciation-breakfast-926697?sourceTypeId=Website.