Mar 6, 2024

UGA Extension agent Shane Curry new Vidalia director

Shane Curry, a University of Georgia Extension county agent, has become executive director of the Vidalia Onion Committee (VOC).

Curry was Appling County Extension agriculture agent, bordering Tatnall and Toombs counties, two large Vidalia producing counties. He began his position Jan. 2.

In 17 years with University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to research and extension programs, according to a news release.

A 2000 graduate of Vidalia High School, Curry was born and grew up in Mount Vernon, Georgia, in the Vidalia growing region. He earned an associate of science degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a bachelor of agribusiness degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a master’s of agriculture and environmental education from UGA.

He worked as an agent in both Appling and Montgomery counties, and has received numerous awards and accolades for work with produce commodities, including onions, strawberries, blueberries and pecans.

In 2018, Curry was named a Vegetable Growers News 40 Under 40 honoree. He started and coordinated the Southeast Georgia Pecan Field Day, which is attended by more than 200 growers each year. He received the Georgia Pecan Achievement Award. He conducted numerous blueberry and strawberry research projects and served on multiple planning committees for regional fruit and vegetable grower meetings.

“Mr. Curry’s extensive background in agriculture and natural resources makes him highly qualified to lead the committee into the future,” according to the release.

As executive director, Curry will oversee Federal Marketing Order 955, working to ensure the Vidalia onion industry’s growth and success.

“His leadership and strategic vision will be instrumental in advancing the committee’s mission and promoting the Vidalia onion brand,” according to the release. “The committee looks forward to the positive impact he will have on its operations and the Vidalia onion industry at large.”

Curry received the Distinguished Service Award from the Georgia and National Association of County Agriculture Agents.

“The Vidalia Onion committee is excited to have someone of Shane’s experience take the helm of executive director,” Cliff Riner, VOC chairman and vice president of ag production and grower relations for G&R Farms, Glennville, Georgia, said in the release. “He has a passion for agriculture and will continue to uplift the farmers and our product, the Vidalia onion.

“Collectively, the industry has continued to grow, and we need Mr. Curry’s passion and professionalism to help the committee reach its goals for the Vidalia industry,” Riner said in the release. “The fact that Mr. Curry is from the production region only enhances his dedication to the position.”

Curry has authored or co-authored numerous research publications and newspaper articles, produced weekly radio programs and maintained a blog. Additionally, he led the effort that secured $2.3 million in special-purpose local-option sales tax funding for building a multipurpose 42,000-square-foot agriculture facility in Appling County.

“I’m excited to get this opportunity to work in the Vidalia onion industry. I grew up in the area and look forward to working with the Vidalia onion growers,” Curry said in the release.

Shane and Kim Curry have two children and enjoy serving with their church mission team on various construction projects, showing pigs and goats, attending UGA football games and competing in 4-H growing contests. Their son won the state watermelon champion prize with a 160-pound melon in 2021.