When Lee Cromley and his brother Charlie were announced as the recipients of the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Farmers of the Year on Tuesday, he wasn't sure quite what to make of the honor.
"There's been a lot of words used to describe me over the years, and I won't repeat most of them," Cromley said. "But 'distinguished' is different — never had that one before. So, this is unique, and I appreciate it. It means a lot."
Along with the Blessing of the Crops prayers, the Chamber announced three Farmer Appreciation awards during an event at the Hunter Cattle Company farm in Stilson. In addition to Lee and Charlie Cromley's award, John Henry Brannen received the C.C. Murray Innovator of the Year Award, and Hayden Spence was named Emerging Farmer of the Year.
"These awards are not so much individual things as they are events that recognize and support and acknowledge the importance of agriculture in our community," Lee Cromley said. "All these names on these awards will change each year, but each time we gather is an opportunity to support agriculture."
Emerging Farmer of the Year
Trent Senkbeil with Tidewater Agriculture Equipment Company presented the Emerging Farmer of the Year Award.
"For as long as he 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 reshaking peanuts, his dedication to farming is undeniable.
"He is from a lineage of farmers; both his grandfathers and great-grandfathers worked the land. 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, and he cherishes every moment tending to the land."
Spence will graduate from Portal High School, and he plans to be a full-time farmer, alongside his father and uncle.
He happily accepted the award but did not make any remarks.
Innovator of the Year
Jeffery Biser with Shea Tractor presented the C.C. Murray Innovator of the Year Award to John Emory Brannen, who owns Double B Ranch and works with two of his three sons on their farm.
"Innovation in farming is essential for addressing the challenges of food security, promoting sustainable practices, and driving economic growth in the agricultural sector," Biser said. "This award is named after the late C.C. Murray, dean of Agriculture at UGA and Georgia Agriculture Hall of Famer."
Spurred by a long family history, Brannen began farming in 1980. His current Double B Ranch cow operation was founded in collaboration with two of his sons, which Biser called "a strategic shift toward a diverse portfolio encompassing poultry, cattle and timber."
Just as Cromley was unsure about using the term "distinguished" to describe himself, a humble Brannen was similarly unsure about being called an "innovator."
"When I found out I was getting an award for innovation, my wife looked at me this morning and said, 'Honey, you can't even spell innovation,'" he said. "She's got me real pumped up here this morning!"
Brannen, however, did offer an example of how he has incorporated a new technique at Double B Ranch, explaining how they pierce the ear of each of the farm's heifers and then send the sample to a lab in Nebraska for DNA testing.
"It comes back and the report tells you how that cow is going to milk, how big she's going to be, her pelvic size," he said. "It gives you the yearling weight, their feet and their longevity. It is quite fascinating, and thank goodness I have two boys that are good with technology and we can move in that direction. That's one thing we've been innovative with in using this in choosing our herd cows and our herd bulls that help develop our farm for the next generation."
Brannen referenced back to the prayers said earlier Tuesday during the Blessing of the Crops about why Double B Ranch was founded with a focus on cattle.
"I like cattle," he said. "In Genesis, it says that cattle were made before men, so they've been here a little longer than we have. In Psalms, it says the Lord owns the cattle on 1,000 hills, so they all belong to him. We thank him, and we do pray for this year's crop and cattle and hogs. We give the Lord the praise and the glory for all the things he allows us to do, like tending his earth."
Distinguished Farmer of the Year
John Roach, Bulloch County market president for Morris Bank, presented the Distinguished Farmer of the Year Award.
"This award is a testament to the unwavering dedication, tireless effort and outstanding contributions of (those) who embody 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, while 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."
Lee Cromley spoke for his brother Charlie, whom he said was recovering from a procedure and offered his regrets for not being able to attend.
"We are humbled and grateful," Lee Cromley said. "Thank you to all who support agriculture in our community. Agriculture is vital to our future, and I hope we continue to celebrate it every chance we get."