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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

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

Steve Smith and Barry Dye Honored with
2021 Bobby Walker Award

Longtime milk hauler, Steve Smith, and nutritionist, Barry Dye, were recently honored at the 2021 Georgia Dairy Conference in Savannah for the contribution both have had on the Georgia Dairy Industry.

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Each year, Georgia Milk Producers presents the Bobby Walker Award to a dairy professional, farmer and/or mpany that is driving Georgia’s dairy industry toward a brighter future through leadership, advocacy, and service.

The Georgia Milk Producers Board of Directors presented the first award to Steve Smith who has served the Northeast Georgia Dairy Industry for over 30 years as a milk hauler and longtime friend.

Earlier this year, Steve was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GMB) Brain Cancer. He has gone through surgeries, intense radiation, and countless MRI’s and chemotherapy treatments. He is a strong man and continues to fight a courageous battle against this disease.

Steve's farmers say that he is the type of hauler that you want to have on the farm. He does the job right, keeps tankers clean, and always maintains equipment without asking for help. His friendly face and stories always brighten their days.

In a world of uncertainty and challenges, Steve has been a beacon of happiness and humor to his dairy friends. We continue to pray for his healing and comfort.

The Georgia Dairy Industry unexpectedly lost a precious friend and mentor in April of 2020. A native of Elberton, Barry grew up on a dairy farm and was the son of Dell Dye and the late Eugene Roscoe Dye. He started his career in the dairy industry for Purina Mills and worked with them for 34 years.

Barry was passionate about his dairy customers and developed strong personal relationships with them. He celebrated their successes and worried about them when times weren't great. He prayed for them often and strived to help them in business and life.

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He enjoyed spending time in God’s creation as a hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed cooking for his church family and he loved being with his wife Joyce and daughters, Ansley and Sydney. Barry was an active member, teacher and Deacon at Dewy Rose Baptist Church. He was also a member of The Gideons for 28 years. Barry is dearly missed but his legacy will be remembered for generations.