Farmer of the Year Award
Farmers and Junior Farmers
Eugene Ward is the owner and operator of Ward Farms located in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He currently is operating 290 acres. Eugene and his wife, Cindy, have 3 children. He has diversified from small cattle and tobacco production in his early years to his large current cattle production. Soil and animal herd health are at the forefront of his decision. Not only is Eugene taking care of the farm, but he is also a Journeyman Lineman, certified pilot and active in his local community, Daniel Boone FFA, serves on many committee boards and active in his local church.
While Weston’s agriculture roots are impressive, it is also refreshing to see him implement new thoughts and ideas into the farming operation. He is heavily involved in traditional family production of beef cattle, tobacco, corn, and straw; but he has added watermelons, cabbage, and other vegetable production to provide more diversification to the family farm.
A Freshman at Daniel Boone High School, Weston is actively involved in FFA and other school activities as well as his church and community.
“Weston embodies all the traits of a FFA Star Greenhand; leadership, a passion for agriculture, a vision for his future, and a desire to have a positive impact on agriculture. He is highly respected in the community and will undoubtedly be a future leader for our state and industry.”
–Farm Bureau President Jeff Akin
2022 Farmer of the Year
Our 2022 Farmer of the Year is John King, who runs King Dairy Farm LLC in Piney Flats. King thanked his dad and said he was surprised to win the award. “My father taught me everything I know,” King said. King’s father-in-law, Larry Smith, congratulated him. “John is an eighth-generation farmer,” Smith said. “On his farm in Piney Flats he milks about 200 to 250 cows twice every day. I’m so proud that he won this award [and] he’s done a lot to deserve it.”
