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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
2024 - Edward Coble and
Doyle Weltzbarker
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
Edward Coble and Doyle Weltzbarker Honored with 2024 Bobby Walker Award
Edward Coble and Doyle Weltzbarker, Georgia dairy farmers and active leaders in the Georgia dairy industry, have been named the 2024 Bobby Walker Award recipients by Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. The Bobby Walker Award (formerly named “The Friend of the Dairy Industry Award”) recognizes individuals who have advanced the dairy industry in Georgia and is the highest honor awarded by the trade association for Georgia dairy farmers. Colbe and Weltzbarker received the award at the Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, January 17th during the Georgia Dairy Conference in Savannah, Georgia.
Both Edward Coble and Doyle Weltzbarker have spent the better part of 50 years in the dairy business while advocating for the interests of Georgia dairy farmers and the agriculture industry.
“Ed Coble and Doyle Weltzbarker are not only excellent dairy farmers, but they have been exceptional leaders in our industry and important advocates for Georgia dairy farmers for many years,” said Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. President Matt Johnson. “I am honored to say that I have known Ed and Doyle for many years, and I—like many farmers across our state—have learned a great deal about farming, agribusiness, and agricultural policy from them. They have both played a major role in advancing our industry, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions to the Georgia dairy industry.”