The Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District held its annual Farmer of the Year Banquet on November 14, 2019 at the Lumpkin County Parks and Recreation Department Community Center in Dahlonega, GA. The board consists of district supervisors representing five counties: Habersham, White, Lumpkin, Dawson and Forsyth. A farm family was selected from each of the counties as farm family of the year. Supervisor Gilbert Barrett was also honored for his 15 years of service to the Upper Chattahoochee River SWCD board.
Gilbert Barrett grew up on a farm outside of Cornelia, Georgia. It was there he learned the value of hard work, conservation, and the value of a dollar. His agricultural roots and the AG industry taught Barrett that when you take care of the land, it will take care of you. Barrett says the best environmental stewards that he knows are indeed farmers. Barrett runs a grandparent-seed stock poultry operation and maintains a commercial cow/calf operation along with a small purebred Simmental herd. He also grows hay and other feeds to sustain the livestock. Aside from his duties as President/CEO of Farmers Exchange, an agricultural cooperative, Gilbert is active in civic, church and professional organizations. Gilbert serves on the boards of Habersham County Farm Bureau, North GA Technical College, State Department of Community Affairs, and the State Veterinary Education Board. Gilbert and his wife, Donna, have three grown children. They are members of Chattahoochee Baptist where Gilbert teaches Sunday School and serves as a deacon.
The Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District thanks Mr. Barrett for his dedication to the board and wishes him well on his future farming endeavors. The board also congratulates the farm families for their continuous implementation of conservation practices on their lands. The board supports soil and water conservation efforts by providing technical assistance through a partnership with USDA-NRCS and providing educational outreach to all in their communities.
Gilbert Barrett posing with his plaque from the banquet.