W. R. Simpson named Southeastern Farmer of the Year
MANNING---A Manning farmer has been named the Lancaster/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year for South Carolina.
W.R. Simpson was chosen as the South Carolina winner over four other candidates. He was nominated by Clemson Extension agent Russell Duncan and is one of eight winners from the Southeastern states. He will go on to compete for the 2001 Southeastern Farmer of the Year award.
The other seven winners are from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
"I am very excited that Mr. Simpson won this award," said Duncan. "He has survived natural disasters and difficult economic times to build a well-run farming operation."
Simpson was chosen as the state winner in judging conducted by the Clemson University Extension Service on July 1.
Simpson's land, which covers 1,900 acres, has been in his family since 1905. He and his son Bill farm over 1,000 acres of corn, 700 acres of wheat and 850 acres of soybeans.
Simpson began farming in 1968 as a hobby. He became a full-time farmer in 1969 while also working an outside job.
As the South Carolina winner, Simpson will receive a $1,500 cash award from Swisher International, an expense paid trip to the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in October in Moultrie, Ga. and a $500 gift certificate from Southern States Cooperative.
For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com or contact the Expo office at info@sunbeltexpo.com, (229) 985-1968, Fax (229) 890-8518, 290-G Harper Blvd, Moultrie, GA. 31768.
Photo available here.