News        from ABAC

Michael D. Chason Director of Public Relations ABAC 30 -- 2802 Moore Highway Tifton, GA 31793-2601 Phone 229-391-5055 Fax 229-391-5056 mchason@abac.edu

IMMEDIATE February 20, 2009

WAYNESBORO RESIDENT TO BE HONORED AT ABAC ON MARCH 7

TIFTON—Dick Byne of Waynesboro will be presented with the 2009 Master Farmer Award during the annual ABAC Alumni Association awards ceremony on Celebrate ABAC weekend on March 7 at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.

The Master Farmer Award has been presented annually since 1955 in recognition of alumni who have distinguished themselves as outstanding farmers. The award is based on leadership in the home, church, and community, as well as the use of wise and unique ideas in farm management and operation. Support of ABAC is also taken into consideration. The Master Farmer must earn two-thirds of his income on the farm. It is the oldest of the awards presented by the Alumni Association.

The awards ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in Howard Auditorium at ABAC. It is open to anyone who would like to attend at no charge. Other activities of the day include a luncheon for all alumni and friends of the college at noon in Gressette Gym. Hot lunches are $10 each. Everyone who plans to eat lunch must pre-register by Feb. 27 by calling (229) 391-4900.

Byne graduated from ABAC in 1973. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture at the University of Georgia. Byne created Byne Blueberry Farm in 1980 and has been producing berries ever since. Byne, his wife, Linda, and his four daughters, Diane, Janie, AnnNelle and Marion, all participate in the daily efforts at the farm. In 2007, the family won first place in the Flavor of Georgia contest for Blueberry Salsa.

For more information on the Celebrate ABAC weekend, contact the ABAC College Advancement office at (229) 391-4900 or visit the web site at http://www.abac.edu/ca/alumni/CelebrateABAC/.  

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