Calling himself “just a redneck from Dresden, Tennessee,” State Commissioner of Agriculture Andy Holt was the keynote speaker for the 35th Farm City Banquet, held last night at First Baptist Church in Greeneville. The annual event is presented by the Agribusiness Committee of the Greene County Partnership
Annual awards presented each year:
J.W. Massengill Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award – Jimmy Carter, after graduation from Baileyton High School and service to our country in the National Guard, Carter returned to the farm full time as he and his dad operated a dairy farm in the Lost Mountain community. They were true farmers having dairy and beef cows, raising tobacco, growing road crops to feed these cows and putting up acres of hay. He was probably one of the first to do direct marketing of beef many years ago. He would raise his Holstein Steers, have them processed, and sell to neighbors, as well as several employees of Eastman. He was also a partner of Woolsey and Carter, Inc., a milk transport company that operated for 63 years plus. After the dairy closed, he transitioned to beef cattle operation. He grew acres of hay for his family and was able to help his neighbors by selling some excess hay every year. Carter has retired due to health issues, but remains involved in the farm with his daughter and son-law. He was an active member and director of the Greene County Livestock Association. He was on the board of directors of the Greene County Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Committee serving in that capacity over 20 years, a member of Dairyman Inc, Dairy Farmers America and American Milk Association.
Robert C. Austin Distinguished Service to Community Award – Ron Metcalfe, who was honored for many years of keeping the community safe and informed of all major happenings with on-the-scene reporting. During Hurricane Helene, the President and CEO of Radio Greeneville spent endless hours keeping citizens informed of all major updates on water, roads and bridges. Under his leadership, Radio Greeneville received the Media Award from the Emergency Management Association for their dedication to the coverage of Helene. Ron has been the voice of WGRV, WSMG and WIKQ for over 30 years. He is Chair of Greene County United Way and serves as foreman of the Greene County Grand Jury, carrying on the legacy of his father. Ron is a third generation recipient of the award. His grandfather Paul Metcalfe won it in 2004 and his father Ronnie was presented the honor in 2012.
Roger Carter Award – Emily Poe is a native of Greene County, a selfless person who always puts others needs before their own, especially when it comes to the youth of Greene County. Emily is a strong advocate for our FFA members in the community and is constantly giving time, money, and labor toward our youth to educate them and support them in their agriculture endeavors for years. She has been a constant reliable supporter of agriculture in our community through their service with Greene County Farm Bureau Beef Day celebration, Kids Day on the Farm, Ag in the Classroom events and serving as an advisor to Greene County Farm Bureau young farmers and ranchers. Without a doubt, she has promoted agriculture among our youth in Greene County for years and represents the true volunteer spirit in our community. It is important to note the recipient has served humbly. She will never expect recognition for any of these actions. She does it with a humble heart because she believes in agriculture in the youth of our community, which is our future. She is a North Greene High School FFA alumni, Tennessee State FFA alumni, Greene County Ag Foundation board member, Ag Advisory board member, Greene County Partnership Agribusiness committee member, member of the Greene County Farm Bureau, Women in Greene County Farm Bureau Secretary. In addition, the recipient is the chairperson that organizes Greene County Beef Day celebration every year. Lastly, this year’s recipient is the co-owner of a local excavating business and co-owner of beef cattle operation in Bulls Gap. She has an excellent support group and her husband, Eddie, her daughter and son-in-law Courtney and Ethan Self, her son and daughter-in-law, Chase and Jeanette Poe and four grandchildren, Jayce, Jacklynn, and Jackson Poe, the new addition to arrive in the new year Lucy Self.
Also recognized:
Greene County Agriculture Education Foundation Scholarship Winners – Weston Brown from West Greene and Lauren Keffer from North Greene
Greene County Livestock Association Scholarship Winners – Chelsea Hensley from Chuckey Doak, Lauren Keffer from North Greene, Grady Wilhoit from SGMS and Kenna Combs from Chuckey Doak
