The Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 Blessing of the Crops and Farmer Appreciation event on Tuesday morning, March 5th, 2024 at Hunter Cattle in the Stilson community.
During the annual event they presented three awards including:
- Hayden Spence awarded Emerging Farmer of the Year
- John Emory Brannen awarded C.C. Murray Innovator of the Year
- Lee and Charlie Cromley both awarded Distinguished Farmer of the Year
This annual prayer breakfast is held at a Chamber member’s farm every March, and it serves as an opportunity to bring the farming and business community together to bless the crops at the beginning of the season.
This year’s program was held at Hunter Cattle Company on Driggers Road in Brooklet. It began with breakfast followed by welcome remarks by Michelle Davis, Chamber Board Chair.
Davis welcomed the crowd and thanked the event’s sponsors as well as the Chamber staff and Board of Directors: Each year, the Chamber hosts this event for farmers and agriculture supporters to pray for a bountiful harvest.
“I would like to acknowledge the individuals who have made this event possible. First, the staff of the Chamber, Jennifer Davis, Mandy Broadwell, Landon Haralson and Kaitlyn Gordon. The Chamber Board of Directors, our elected officials in attendance today, and most importantly, our sponsors. Thank you to those who invest in the business community and in agriculture,” said Michelle Davis.
Brannen Smith with Morris Bank greeted those gathered, “On behalf of Morris Bank, it’s an honor to stand here today among Bulloch County’s dedicated farmers and community members. As we gather to bless the crops, we recognize the tireless efforts of our agricultural community, the backbone of our region’s prosperity. Through partnerships like these, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices and ensuring a vibrant future for Bulloch County’s agricultural heritage. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this special occasion.”
The Blessing: Fennell offers an invocation and open prayer time
Joey Fennell with East Georgia Regional Medical Center led the attendees in prayer as they blessed the crops for this upcoming season. He also served as the emcee. Jennifer Davis, Chamber President/CEO was under the weather and could not attend.
Fennell offered an invocation, followed by a time for everyone gathered to participate in open prayer.
Hunter Cattle keynote speaker Kristan Fretwell
Kristan Fretwell with Hunter Cattle Company welcomed the attendees to Hunter Cattle and shared brief remarks about the continued growth and success of the farm. She explained how they began the farm as a way to provide grass fed beef for her and their family. They have grown the farm into an operation that now provides beef and pork to chains like Whole Foods. They currently deliver their products to stores in three states. The farm has just completed a major expansion to provide them with a larger processing facility, warehouse, and office space.
Hayden Spence awarded Emerging Farmer of the Year
Trent Senkbeil with Tidewater Agriculture Equipment Company presented the Emerging Farmer of the Year Award to Hayden Spence.
Senkbeil said in announcing the award, “We hope this award inspires and empowers more young people to enter the farming profession, ensuring a bright future for agriculture.”
“For as long as Hayden has been alive, he’s been on a tractor, dreaming of becoming a farmer. From being strapped into a car seat with a ratchet strap at 2 months old, navigating the fields (and occasionally being tossed around in the seat) to confidently driving alone by age 8, reshaking peanuts, his dedication to farming is undeniable,” Senkbeil continued.
“Hayden hails from a lineage of farmers; both his grandfathers and great-grandfathers worked the land. His grandfather introduced him to the cow business at just 1 year old, though his passion lies more with crops. At 11, he partnered with his uncle, planting their first crop of peanuts and cotton while also collaborating with Spence & Spence Farms. His commitment to agriculture is unwavering; he cherishes every moment spent tending to the land. In May, he will graduate from Portal High School and transition into full-time farming alongside his father and uncle.”
John Emory Brannen awarded C.C. Murray Innovator of the Year
Jeffery Biser with Shea Tractor presented the C.C. Murray Innovator of the Year Award to John Emory Brannen.
Biser said, “This year's award is presented to John Emory Brannen. Innovation plays a crucial role in farming with increased efficiency, sustainable practices, improved crop quality, resilience to climate change, and economic growth. Innovation in farming is essential for addressing the challenges of food security, promoting sustainable practices, and driving economic growth in the agricultural sector. This award is named after the late C.C. Murray, Dean of Agriculture at UGA and Georgia Agriculture Hall of Famer who awarded the College’s first doctoral degree, purchased the first computer on campus, and opened the Rock Eagle 4-H Center.”
"We are here to pray and thank the Lord. I want to give him the praise and the glory for all the things he allows us to do and for him being my Lord and Savior and your Lord and Savior. I am so thankful he allows us to tend his earth and do the things that we do. I want to thank the Chamber for recognizing our farm and family. Harvey Holloway is our only employee and he is here today. If everyone was like Harvey, we would not have any problems with getting the work done," said John Emory Brannen.
Lee and Charlie Cromley both awarded Distinguished Farmer of the Year
John Roach with Morris Bank to present the Distinguished Farmer of the Year Award to Lee and Charlie Cromley.
Roach introduced the Cromleys: “It is with great honor and admiration that we gather today to bestow the Distinguished Farmer of the Year award. This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and outstanding contributions of an individual who embodies the spirit of excellence in agriculture.”
“This year, we proudly recognize not one, but two, farmers who are true titans of the Bulloch County farming community. This duo stands as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating remarkable skill, resilience, and passion in every aspect of agricultural stewardship. Their commitment to sustainable practices and innovation has not only enriched their own farm but has also served as a shining example for others to follow,” Roach continued.
“Today, as we gather to bless the crops and celebrate the bountiful harvest, let us also take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Farmer of the Year Award, Lee & Charlie Cromley of Cromley Farms.
Lee Cromley, accepted the award on behalf of himself and his brother Charlie who was at home recovering from an illness. "I appreciate the Chamber. These awards are not so much individual things as they are events that recognize, support and acknowledge the importance of agriculture in our community. All these names on these awards will change. But each time we gather, it is an opportunity to support agriculture. I will go to my grave supporting agriculture and believing that agriculture is important to our county, our state, and our nation," said Lee Cromley.
Congratulations to all the winners! We wish you a safe season and a bountiful harvest.
The Stateboro-Bulloch Chamber would like to thank the sponsors for supporting this years event including:
Presenting: Morris Bank
Gold Sponsors:
Bulloch Solutions
Shea Tractor
Tidewater Agriculture Equipment
Silver:
Bulloch Fertilizer
Shoemaker Equipment Supply
Joiner Anderson Funeral Home
Breakfast Sponsor:
Bulloch County Farm Bureau.
Community Sponsors:
Hall & Navarro
Blanchard Equipment
