TIFTON, Georgia–“We are tired of free trade—we need fair trade,” says U.S. Representative Michael “Mac” Collins, R-Ga., as he addressed the crowd of 1,000 farmers and industry representatives during the 28th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show held recently in Albany, Ga. He noted, “I’ve always talked to the farmers in my district about fair trade. Georgia farmers are at a disadvantage because of costs. They can’t be competitive in the world market because costs are too high.”

“We really appreciate Congressman Collins taking time out of his schedule to visit with Georgia peanut farmers,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “This provided a great opportunity for farmers to meet and visit with Congressman Collins.”

In addition to Collins’s keynote address, several awards were presented during the 28th annual celebration. The awards are as follows:

Distinguished Service Award- U.S. Senator Zell Miller, D-Ga., was awarded the Georgia Peanut Distinguished Service Award for immeasurable devotion and service to agriculture and the peanut farmers of Georgia and the Nation.

“ Senator Miller has been a true friend of the peanut producer. When tough decisions for the future of Georgia agriculture had to be made, Senator Miller stepped up to the plate,” Morris says. “As a result of this leadership, Georgia peanut producers continue to benefit. He will be missed.”

Research and Education Award- J.H. “Tim” Williams, program director of the Peanut Collaborative Research Support Program (CRSP), received the Georgia Peanut Research and Education Award for his leadership and support of food and agricultural research and education programs. Peanut CRSP is located on the University of Georgia Griffin Campus and is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Georgia Peanut Special Award- Lyle Stewart, district sales manager for Syngenta Crop Protection, was presented the Georgia Peanut Special Award for his support of Georgia peanut farmers. Syngenta recognizes leaders in the peanut industry by supporting the Peanut Leadership Program. This cooperative effort between Syngenta, grower organizations and agricultural extension is designed to develop future leaders among peanut growers by giving them a better understanding of the numerous groups and efforts that comprise the industry.

The Georgia Peanut Commission also honored Wilbur Gamble, GPC board member and peanut farmer in Dawson, Ga., with the Georgia Peanut Special Award. Gamble served 24 years as a board member to the commission and 12 of those years as chairman.

“ Wilbur Gamble has been the longest serving board member in the history of the Georgia Peanut Commission,” says Don Koehler, GPC executive director. “Many times that came at a personal cost to Wilbur. He will be missed but I truly hope he can enjoy his retirement from the board with his new granddaughter.”

The one-day show offered farmers a full day to view the products and services of more than 60 exhibitors and an afternoon of education. Farmers were provided an update on the latest research findings in the University of Georgia Peanut Conference including information on research projects funded by the National Peanut Board including water use efficiency, management of spotted wilt and leaf spot and tillage systems for peanuts.

At the close of the day, Dennis Champion, peanut farmer from Sylvester, Ga., became the lucky winner of the $5,000 certificate towards the purchase of a peanut combine donated by AMADAS Industries. AMADAS Industries offers a four-row and six-row pull-type peanut combines and an eight-row self-propelled peanut combine.