Agriculture has a tremendous impact on our local economy and the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to celebrate this industry on November 10.  We are looking forward to the opportunity to recognize our local farmers for the food and fiber they produce.

The 16th annual Ag Luncheon will feature keynote speaker, Don Shurley, Cotton Economist and Professor Emeritus of Cotton Economics at the University of Georgia. Shurley will provide an update on the current farm bill and insight on the progress of the upcoming farm bill.

In addition to a great meal and program, another highlight of the luncheon is recognizing an outstanding Ag Man and Ag Woman for their contributions to Decatur County agriculture.  There have been many distinguished and deserving recipients of these awards over the years. 

Past Ag Man recipients include: Robert Cohen, Hubert Dollar, Tommy Wheeler, Robert Humphrey, Marvin Rentz, Eddie McGriff, Alvin Newton, Dr. Oscar Jackson, Keith Griffin, Jud Greene, Glenn Heard, Willis Berry, Andy Bell, John Bridges, Sr., John Bridges, Jr., Charles Bailey, Greg Calhoun, Tommy Dollar, Kim Rentz, Clifford Dollar, Jr., Douglas Dean, Jerry Long, Russell Day, Alan Davis, Harold Barber, J.B. Kendrick and Dale Greg Murray, and Mayo Livingston Jr.

Past Ag Woman recipients include: Emma Jean Bell, Lillian Griffin, Jo Smith, Sybil Mills, Leslie Barber, Debby Braswell, Carolyn Bridges, Frances Edmunds, Janice Long, Ruth Day, Lindsay Hayes, Diane Stuart, Kathy Hornsby, Anita Kendrick, and Waldine Scott.

The Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2017 Ag Man and Ag Woman recipients.  To be considered as a candidate for the award, a nominee should be an outstanding leader in the field of agriculture in Decatur County with proven contributions to the agricultural industry and community.  Nominations will be accepted from the general public.  Please contact the Chamber office at 246-4774 for a nomination form or downloaded a form from the Chamber’s website www.bainbridgegachamber.com under the News tab.  The nomination deadline is September 30, 2017.