
Bobby Walker Award
In November 2019, the Georgia Milk Producers Board of Directors voted to rename the "Friend of the Dairy Industry Award" to the "Bobby Walker Award". This change was made in honor of Bobby Walker's notable career, recognizing him as one of the most influential people of the Georgia dairy industry. Each year, Georgia Milk Producers presents the award to a dairy professional, farmer and/or company that is driving Georgia’s dairy industry toward a brighter future through leadership, advocacy and service.
Award Recipients
2023 - Gary W. Black
2022 - Jack Spruill
2021 - Barry Dye and Steve Smith
2020 - Dave Clark
2019 - Lewis Harrison
2018 - Earnest Turk
2017 - Cheryl Hayn
2016 - Jim Cumming
2015 - Billy O. Smith
2014 - Bruce McAvoy
2013 - Sue Mosley
2012 - Peggy Gates
2011 - Bobby Walker
2010 - Dr. Bill Thomas
2009 - Henry Cabaniss
2008 - Linda Mayfield
2007- Zippy Duvall
2006 - Bob Earle
2005 - Wayne Dollar
2004 - Dr. Larry Guthrie
2003 - Dr. Joe West
Gary Black Honored with 2023 Bobby Walker Award

Gary W. Black served as Georgia's 16th Commissioner of Agriculture from 2011-2023. Commissioner Black has served in various leadership positions during his 40-year career in Georgia agriculture extending from the Georgia Farm Bureau to the Georgia Agribusiness Council.
Under his leadership, Georgia Department of Agriculture divisions for information technology, animal health, homeland security and food safety have garnered national acclaim. A tireless marketing advocate, Commissioner Black has led innovation in domestic and international promotion through the renowned Georgia Grown branding program. School nutrition directors, first-time exporters, produce growers and recipe dreamers alike have found that the Georgia Grown collaborative approach is an unparalleled tool that helps Georgians start businesses and expand markets.
Black is a Leadership Georgia Pattillo Award recipient and the 2017 Georgia Trend Magazine Georgian of the Year. He and his wife Lydia raise commercial beef cattle on their family farm in Commerce, Georgia. They serve together in various ministries at Maysville Baptist Church.