Special to The Post-Searchlight

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer, according to a press release from the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC).

The state winner will be announced at the Georgia Peanut Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, in Albany, Ga. The award is sponsored by the GPC and Bayer CropScience.

The Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer Award is based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership, civic, church, and community service activities.

“We have so many young peanut farmers making a difference in their communities and I consider this awards program a great opportunity to recognize one young peanut farmer for their contributions to the agriculture industry,” said Armond Morris, chairman of the GPC.

The award is open for any active Georgia peanut farmer who is not over 45 years of age, as of the end of the calendar year for which they are applying. An individual may receive the award only once. There is no limit on the number of applicants from each county in Georgia.

Applications are due to the GPC office by Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. The award application is available online at the GPC Web site, www.gapeanuts.com or by contacting Joy Carter at (229) 386-3690 or joycarter@gapeanuts.com.

Previous winners include Greg Mims of Donalsonville, Ga.; Jim Waters of Blackshear, Ga. and Jimmy Webb of Leary, Ga. The award winner receives registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Southern Peanut Growers Conference in July 2012, and a sign to display at his or her farm.