Farm City Banquet celebrates local agriculture
Matthew Hundley / (matthew.hundley@averyjournal.com)
Herman and Leona Smith were recognized for their contributions
to Avery County agriculture when they received the Avery County Farm Family of the Year Award at
the 2012 Avery County Farm City Banquet.
The banquet opened last Saturday, Feb. 4, with live music provided by The Peacemakers, a group comprised mostly of local law enforcement officers playing bluegrass and gospel music. The Peacemakers played as more than 215 guests enjoyed a meal provided by Dan’l Boone Inn.
Once the crowd was seated, Roy Krege directed guests’ attention to the stage, where community leaders presented the series of Farm City Banquet awards to deserving individuals who contribute to or directly participate in local agriculture.
The banquet’s biggest award, Avery County Farm Family of the Year, went to Herman and Leona Smith in recognition of the long history of farming in the Smith family throughout its four current generations. Doug Hundley and Jerry Moody of Avery County Cooperative Extension presented the award and spoke about the Smiths while Tami Hagie and Kim Davis, also of Avery Cooperative Extension, unveiled a quilt made by Leona for Herman out of dozens of blue ribbons they have collected from entries at Avery County Fair.
Jeff Pollard, who serves on the board of directors of Avery County Farm Bureau, presented the Young Farmer of the Year award to Rachel Townsend. Jayne McNeil and Jean Ray took the stage to commend Buffy Clark for her extensive contributions to numerous Avery County organizations and present her with the Boyd McCloud Memorial Volunteer of the Year award.
Adam Keener of Avery Cooperative Extension awarded the Woman in Agriculture award to Doris Hicks for her dedication to providing fresh produce directly to the people of Avery County.
Jennifer Templeton was awarded Teacher of the Year in thanks for her work with some of Avery County’s youngest students in the pre-k program at Banner Elk Elementary.
Debra Buchanan-Hughes told stories of her many experiences with the people of Old Beech Mountain before awarding the Avery County Community Achievement Award to Beech Mountain Community Club.
The Youth in Agriculture Award went to Dustin Clark, a member of FFA at Avery County High School.
Martha Guy received the Avery County Friend of 4-H Award.
Melanie Cashion, who works with the nutrition program, EFNEP, awarded the Avery County EFNEP Award to Tammy Woodie, Child Nutrition director with Avery County Schools.
Ann Coleman of Avery County Soil and Water Conservation Board awarded several savings bonds to students who won contests sponsored by ACSWC. The winners included Mason Daniels, who won the fifth-grade poster contest; Lennon McDonald, who won the sixth-grade essay contest; and Dale Russ, who won the eighth-grade speech contest. Russ delivered his speech on the importance of preserving wetlands after receiving his award.
In keeping with tradition, the FFA concluded the banquet by giving out dozens of door prizes provided by businesses throughout Avery County.
The banquet opened last Saturday, Feb. 4, with live music provided by The Peacemakers, a group comprised mostly of local law enforcement officers playing bluegrass and gospel music. The Peacemakers played as more than 215 guests enjoyed a meal provided by Dan’l Boone Inn.
Once the crowd was seated, Roy Krege directed guests’ attention to the stage, where community leaders presented the series of Farm City Banquet awards to deserving individuals who contribute to or directly participate in local agriculture.
The banquet’s biggest award, Avery County Farm Family of the Year, went to Herman and Leona Smith in recognition of the long history of farming in the Smith family throughout its four current generations. Doug Hundley and Jerry Moody of Avery County Cooperative Extension presented the award and spoke about the Smiths while Tami Hagie and Kim Davis, also of Avery Cooperative Extension, unveiled a quilt made by Leona for Herman out of dozens of blue ribbons they have collected from entries at Avery County Fair.
Jeff Pollard, who serves on the board of directors of Avery County Farm Bureau, presented the Young Farmer of the Year award to Rachel Townsend. Jayne McNeil and Jean Ray took the stage to commend Buffy Clark for her extensive contributions to numerous Avery County organizations and present her with the Boyd McCloud Memorial Volunteer of the Year award.
Adam Keener of Avery Cooperative Extension awarded the Woman in Agriculture award to Doris Hicks for her dedication to providing fresh produce directly to the people of Avery County.
Jennifer Templeton was awarded Teacher of the Year in thanks for her work with some of Avery County’s youngest students in the pre-k program at Banner Elk Elementary.
Debra Buchanan-Hughes told stories of her many experiences with the people of Old Beech Mountain before awarding the Avery County Community Achievement Award to Beech Mountain Community Club.
The Youth in Agriculture Award went to Dustin Clark, a member of FFA at Avery County High School.
Martha Guy received the Avery County Friend of 4-H Award.
Melanie Cashion, who works with the nutrition program, EFNEP, awarded the Avery County EFNEP Award to Tammy Woodie, Child Nutrition director with Avery County Schools.
Ann Coleman of Avery County Soil and Water Conservation Board awarded several savings bonds to students who won contests sponsored by ACSWC. The winners included Mason Daniels, who won the fifth-grade poster contest; Lennon McDonald, who won the sixth-grade essay contest; and Dale Russ, who won the eighth-grade speech contest. Russ delivered his speech on the importance of preserving wetlands after receiving his award.
In keeping with tradition, the FFA concluded the banquet by giving out dozens of door prizes provided by businesses throughout Avery County.