Bulloch County farmer Clarence Prince was a bit surprised last week when, during a breakfast kicking off Farm City Week, he and his son Morris were named the 2011 Farm Family of the Year.
    Sponsored by Farm Bureau and the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness committee, the annual honor recognizes a Bulloch County family with a rich agricultural history who is an “outstanding part of community programs, civic service and has an outstanding farm operation,” said Brooke Marshall, agribusiness committee member.
    Prince has farmed in the Middleground community since 1959, but before that, his grandfather grew row crops and livestock. Today, Prince and his son grow corn, soybeans, cotton, peanuts and wheat on about 1,400 acres.
    In addition to that, Morris is a volunteer with Bulloch County Fire Department Station 9.
    The Prince family was presented a sign to display on their farm recognizing them for the honor.
    “I’ve been farming here for 52 years,” Clarence Prince said. “My grandparents raised me on the farm, and I just love it. I love being my own boss.”
    When his grandfather had to stop farming, it was only natural that Prince took over.
    “I just love nature, love to see the sunshine and grow produce.”
    When he is not out in the fields watching his crops grow, praying for rain and doing all he can to make a good living, Prince likes football, especially Georgia Southern University’s Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons.
    He and his wife, Judy, have three adult sons and two adult daughters. They attend St. Mary’s Baptist Church.
    As for the honor, Prince said he is pleasantly surprised for his family to have been named the 2011 Farm Family of the Year.
    “It is a privilege,” he said. “I never dreamed of being selected. It’s a really good feeling. I thank (the sponsors), because this is kind of a surprise. I’ve loved farming for 52 years and still love it.”
    The breakfast meeting announcing the Farm Family of the Year kicked off Farm City Week, which celebrates the partnership between farmers and urban businesses and people who partner with them.
   
    Holli Deal Bragg maybe reached at (912) 489-9414.