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Troup County Farm Bureau (TCFB) members Austin and Shelby Waldroup received the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) 5th District Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Excellence in Agriculture Award during the recent GFB 5th District Annual Meeting in Thomaston. 

The Waldroups were also finalists for the state award. 

Austin serves as chairman of the TCFB YF&R Committee, while Shelby chairs the TCFB Women’s Leadership Committee. They are first-generation dairy and beef farmers in Troup County. Shelby also teaches ag at Troup County High School.

Among their many activities to promote agriculture is serving as host for the Dairy Alliance’s Adopt-A-Calf Program, which allows students to follow the growth of calves into dairy cows. They’ve also partnered local Boy Scout troops to help them earn their animal science merit badges.

While pursuing her master’s degree in ag education at UGA, Shelby helped develop “Moo Masters,” a program to help elementary ag educators teach students about dairy production.  

The Waldroups stay busy with life on the farm and chasing after their 3-year-old son, T.J. They will welcome a second son in December. 

The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes Young Farmers & Ranchers ages 18-35 for their ag advocacy efforts, leadership skills and participation in Farm Bureau and other groups. Most applicants do not make the majority of their income from production agriculture.

Founded in 1937, the Georgia Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general farm organization with 158 county chapters. As a membership-driven, nongovernmental organization, GFB serves as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia by advocating for them on legislative issues and promoting Georgia commodities. Its volunteer members also actively participate in activities that promote agriculture awareness.

GFB membership is open to the public and offers a wide variety of benefits, including insurance and discounts for health services, travel and family entertainment. Enrollment in any of the member benefits is optional and not a requirement for membership. If you would like more information about agriculture, please visit www.gfb.org, like Georgia Farm Bureau on Facebook @GeorgiaFarmBureau or follow on Twitter @GaFarmBureau.