Mar 3, 2025Extension leaders and industry advocates honored at Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference
Growers across Georgia and South Carolina rely on Extension agents and industry partners to overcome argonomic challenges. At the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference, held on January 11 in Savannah, the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Association (GFVGA) and the South Carolina Peach Council honored those who have gone above and beyond to support the region’s fruit and vegetable industry.
Honoring excellence in Extension at the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference
The Donnie Morris Extension Award of Excellence went to Ty Torrance, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension vegetable agent serving Culpeper, Tift, and Worth counties.
“As a dedicated county agent, Ty has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting local growers. He provides them with timely and accurate information, prioritizing their best interests,” said Sam Watson, GFVGA immediate past president and managing partner of Chill C Farms.
Austin Hamilton, new GFVGA president and director of agriculture at Southern Valley Fruit & Vegetable, praised Torrence’s “exceptional qualities” and responsiveness. “He always has the growers’ best interests at heart.”
The recognition carries family significance to Torrance: In 2007, Ty’s father, Reid, a respected Vidalia onion leader, also received the award.
Recognizing industry service
GFVGA also honored Andy Harrison, manager of Georgia’s commodity commissions, including the Georgia Vegetable Commission. Watson described him as “a constant presence at ag events across the state and a true ambassador for ag interests.”
Celebrating emerging leaders
The Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference also spotlighted the next generation of agricultural leaders.
- Jared and Justin Corbett, third-generation farmers and owners of Corbett Bros. Farms in Lake Park, earned a spot on Georgia Trend’s 2024 Georgia 500 list of the state’s most influential leaders. Justin also completed his service as a valued GFVGA board member.
- Kemp McLeod, fourth-generation peach grower and owner of McLeod Farms in McBee, South Carolina, was named 2025’s Mr. Peach. “Kemp exemplifies what it means to be a farmer, businessman, and family man,” said Chris Yonce, South Carolina Peach Council president.
Advocates and rising professionals
The Dan Bremer Service Award recognized Ann Margaret Pointer, partner at Fisher Phillips law firm in Atlanta, for her decades of advocacy on behalf of ag employers and workers. National audiences recognize Pointer for her H2-A expertise, and The Legal 500 lists her as a leader in labor and employment law.
The Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference also recognized members of Fruit + Vegetable’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024:
- Raynor Churchwell, Georgia Farm Bureau
- Joshua Grant, Crisp County Extension
- Anthony Cannon, Sapal Seed
Two additional professionals earned recognition from Produce Business magazine’s 40 Under 40:
- Mason Goolsby, Shuman Farms
- Johnny Lunsford, L&M Cos.
Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference: A tradition of recognizing leadership
The awards highlighted the diverse talent shaping fruit and vegetable production in the Southeast. As Watson noted, these individuals not only improve productivity and sustainability but also strengthen the agricultural framework of their communities.
— Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor
