Gilmer County’s Young Farmer Advisor recently received state-level recognition.
Mike Bushey was named Outstanding Advisor of the Year at the Georgia Young Farmers State Convention in Savannah.
“I was honored to receive this award on behalf of the 93 Young Farmer members in Gilmer County,” Bushey said. “(It’s) a testament to the importance of agriculture in our community and the support they have given me and our agriculture department.”
Bushey has been the Young Farmer advisor at Gilmer High School since 2012. He’s been heavily involved in local FFA team activities and competitions, as well as operation of the county cannery. As a Young Farmer advisor, he works with the public and local agriculturalists, as well as 9th-12th grade ag. students.
“The Young Farmer program is offered to anyone after graduation as an extension of the K-12 ag. program. We have programs to inform farmers on various topics, host livestock shows with the FFA, help train FFA CDE teams and compete in Young Farmer competitions on the regional and state level,” Bushey said. “The Georgia Young Farmers Association is an advocate for agriculture throughout the state. As the Young Farmer advisor, I’m in charge of coordinating those activities.”
Gilmer is among 55 Georgia counties with Young Farmer education programs. Georgia’s Young Farmer Association has claimed the largest membership in the U.S. for 33 years, according to Georgia Agriculture Education.
“Mr. Bushey is a true asset, not only to Gilmer County Schools, but to the greater Gilmer community, as well,” commented Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley. “His commitment to his students is amazing, and his knowledge and leadership in his field are unmatched. We are extremely proud of him and this tremendous accomplishment.”
Nick Cantrell, a Gilmer Young Farmers member, also received recognition at the state convention held Jan. 28-29.
Cantrell won a Farm Business Management Contest, Bushey confirmed.