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The Future Farmer of the Year award was presented to Jack Wiggins of Pleasant Home from Chad and Kristee Clark. The Clarks have presented this award each year in honor of their late son J.W. Clark since 2019. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The Cattle Farmer of the Year award was presented to Ricky Foley of Andalusia from Opp Chamber President April Cox. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The Empowering Women in Ag award was presented to Amanda Caraway of Florala from Opp Chamber President April Cox. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The Poultry Farmer of the Year award was presented to Drake Morrow of Opp from Opp Chamber President April Cox. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

The Row Crop Farmer of the Year award was presented to Wesley Wise of the Perry Store community from Opp Chamber President April Cox. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OPP CHAMBER)

Covington County Farm-City and the Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 Farm-City Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Opp First Baptist Church.

The annual event is a highlight for the Opp community and honors the dedication, hard work, and innovation of the area’s farmers and agricultural leaders. Several awards were presented during the banquet.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible work our farmers do day in and day out. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we are truly thankful for your efforts. In every season, you labor tirelessly to cultivate and harvest the crops that grace our tables. Your commitment to sustainable and ethical farming practices not only ensures the health and well-being of our community but also safeguards the environment for future generations,” Opp Chamber Executive Administrator Joni Lolley said.

The 2024 Poultry Farmer of the Year award was presented to Drake Morrow. A lifelong resident of Opp and a 2009 Opp High School alumnus, Drake and his wife Lauren have been married since 2010 and are the parents of three daughters: Nora, Aria, and Alexa. He operates five 60×600 ft. broiler houses with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, starting with three houses in 2011 and two more in 2015. Drake also works as a livestock auctioneer and sells weekly at Dothan Livestock in Dothan, Thomasville Livestock in Thomasville, Georgia, and South Alabama Livestock in Brundidge, Alabama.

The 2024 Cattle Farmer of the Year award was presented to Ricky Foley. A dedicated cattleman since 1987, Ricky runs an operation with 150 brood cows and 200 to 300 stocker cattle. A 1979 Kinston High School alumnus, he also spent two decades in industrial engineering at Opp and Micolas Mills. Beyond cattle, he operates six pullet chicken houses for Pilgrim’s Pride and owns Rick’s Auto Sales and Rentals in Andalusia. His girlfriend Joann Bofonchik enjoys working alongside him with the cattle, and his family is actively involved in agriculture. His daughters Jessica (married to Ty McDaniel) and Magen (married to Mitchell Alexander) support his endeavors with Mitchell joining the cattle operation and managing an additional 30 brood cows and stocker cattle.

The 2024 Row Crop Farmer of the Year award was presented to Wesley Wise. A 1996 graduate of Kinston High School and lifelong resident of Coffee County, he is the owner of a row crop farm since 2003. His passion for farming began at an early age when he helped his father on the family farm at the age of 8. In 2003, Wesley planted his first crop independently. Today, he cultivates approximately 805 acres of cotton, peanuts, corn, and hay. In addition to his farming endeavors, he works as a maintenance mechanic at the Walmart Distribution Center in Brundidge. He resides in the Perry Store community with his wife Cristy and their two children Will and Riley.

The 2024 Empowering Women in Ag award was presented for the first time to Amanda Caraway. Amanda’s journey in agriculture began on a ranch in South Florida where she developed a love for cattle through participation in 4-H and other agricultural clubs. She moved to Florala where she and her husband Dakota Caraway established their own farm and have raised cattle for 14 years. They live on a ranch with their three children: Maddie, Jack, and Cinch. Amanda is actively involved in the FFA program at her children’s school and is dedicated to educating and inspiring the net generation about the importance of agriculture.

The 2024 Future Farmer of the Year award was presented to Jack Wiggins. Chad and Krystee Clark presented this award in honor of their late son J.W. Clark and have given it in his memory since 2019. Jack is the third of six children and the oldest son of Russell and Kristen Wiggins. He has called the Carolina community home all his life. When he is not playing quarterback on the varsity football team or pitching for the varsity baseball team, Jack spends his time tending cattle, digging peanuts, fixing terraces, or chopping cotton stalks. He participates in the Pleasant Home School Ag program and has also volunteered at the Covington County Young Farmers Petting Zoo for several years. After high school, Jack hopes to continue playing baseball and attend LBW Community College for his general studies. Upon graduation, he plans to join his father and his grandfather on the farm. Jack was awarded a $500 scholarship along with his recognition.

Jay Mikel gave the invocation before Whippoorwill Cottage Catering served the meal. Lolley presented door prizes following the awards ceremony.

Banquet sponsors were Alabama Ag Credit, Bowers Equipment Repair, Edward Jones, SIB, RCA Trucking, The JReed Agency, CCB Community Bank, All In Credit Union, Southeast Gas, PowerSouth, Body Conscious, and Blissful Healthcare.

Door prize sponsors were CCB Community Bank, Opp’s Co-Op, Breedlove’s Building Supply, All In Credit Union, Southern Independent Bank, T&C Pharmacy, Covington Eye Care, JR’s Lawnmower Shop, J&J Auctions, Petaluma Gardens, Grit + Grind Coffee of Opp, Clem’s Tackle Shop, Jimmy McCurley, and Wheelhouse Opp.

The Opp Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is comprised of April Cox, Ben Cooper, Chance McCurley, Savanna Bruce, Kelsey Busby, Trey Burgess, Leah Day, Ernie DePrinzio, Dr. Joshua Driver, Ryan Farmer, Melinda Hall, Pam Kyser, Jay Mikel, Mitchell Myers, Robbin Northey, Neil Patel, Destiny Rowell, and Chad Sutton.

The Covington County Farm-City Committee is comprised of Kayla Anderson, Kelsey Busby, Savanna Bruce, Ben Cooper, Pam Kyser, Jay Mikel, and Chuck Simon.

For more information call the Opp Chamber at 334-493-3070.

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