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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
2025 - Troy Yoder and Marvin Yoder
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
Troy Yoder and Marvin Yoder Honored with 2025 Bobby Walker Award
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Irvin Yoder and Marvin Yoder, Georgia dairy farmers and active leaders in the Georgia dairy industry, have been named the 2025 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. Yoder and Yoder received the award at the Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, January 21st during the Georgia Dairy Conference in Savannah, Georgia.
Both Irvin Yoder and Marvin Yoder 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. “Irvin Yoder and Marvin have been influential members of the dairy community for the better part of fifty years,” said Georgia Milk Producers, Inc. President Matt Johnson. “So many dairy farmers across Georgia have benefited from their wisdom and expertise. Not only have they built and managed successful dairy operations of their own, but they have influenced the next generation of producers.”
“Georgia Milk Producers created the Bobby Walker Award to honor the individuals who have had an outstanding impact on Georgia dairy farmers and their families. Both Irvin Yoder and Marvin Yoder have had outsized impacts on the Georgia dairy industry and their fellow dairymen. We're a better dairy community because of their example” said Bryce Trotter, Executive Director of Georgia Milk Producers, Inc.