TIFTON, Georgia– Producers were able to fine-tune their farming operations with information gained at the 34th Annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Jan. 21, 2010, at the Albany Civic Center in Albany, Ga. The show is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission in cooperation with the University of Georgia.

The Georgia Peanut Commission presented the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award during the show. The award is presented to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant's overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. The 2010 winner is Jim Waters of Blackshear, Ga.

Waters was raised on the family farm that he started managing in 2006 after the loss of his father. The farming operation consists of 225 acres of peanuts. He also produces cotton, corn, timber and pecans. The winner has participated in many on-farm research trials evaluating fungicide programs for peanuts, cotton variety trials and new herbicide materials for corn.

In addition to farming, the winner is a leader and avid agricultural supporter in the Pierce County community. He serves as chairman of the Pierce County Industrial Development Authority, is a member of the Okefenokee Development Authority, vice president of the Pierce County Farm Bureau and represents Pierce County on the area Soil and Water Commission.

The Georgia Peanut Commission also presented awards to individuals and businesses for their service to the peanut industry and promotion of peanuts across the U.S. The award recipients are: Distinguished Service Award – Governor Sonny Perdue; Workhorse Award – Congressman Sanford Bishop; Research and Education Award – Tim Brenneman, pathologist with the University of Georgia; Media Award – Early County News and Kathy Lohr with the National Public Radio; and a Special Award – Atlanta Motor Speedway and Wes Shannon, past Georgia representative on the National Peanut Board.

The one-day show offered farmers a full day to view the products and services of 68 exhibitors and a day of education. The University of Georgia Peanut Team presented an educational peanut production seminar during the morning focusing on disease management, insect management, peanut agronomic research and economics of peanut production. During the afternoon, an industry seed seminar was held. The seed seminar highlighted new peanut varieties available to growers, calcium requirements for varieties and incorporating new varieties into their overall farming operation.

At the close of the day, the presentation of the grand door prize donated by Kelley Manufacturing Company was presented to James I. Terry, Lake City, Fla. He received one season’s use of a new 4-row or 6-row KMC peanut combine. For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show visit the Georgia Peanut Commission Web site at www.gapeanuts.com.