At the 2025 Sunbelt Expo, held in Moultrie, Georgia, Kent Hamilton was recognized as the Southeastern Farmer of the Year. The announcement took place during the Annual Willie B. Withers Legislative Luncheon, where Hamilton received a standing ovation from the audience, reflecting the pride and excitement surrounding this achievement. Hamilton, who is the CEO of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable, Inc. in Norman Park, Georgia, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the significance of this recognition for both him and the state.
A Tribute to Family and Community
In his acceptance speech, Hamilton dedicated the award to his late brother, who passed away in a farming accident in 1987. “A long time ago, we had a tragedy in my family. My brother and I started farming together back in the mid-Eighties,” he shared. He noted that his brother’s passion for farming was evident from a young age, and he expressed a heartfelt tribute to him: “So, I want to dedicate this to him, to my older brother.”
Hamilton’s speech also highlighted the support he received from his family throughout his career. He began by thanking his “Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” for his guidance and strength. “It’s been 90% him and 10% me,” Hamilton stated, acknowledging the role faith has played in his journey. He also expressed his appreciation for the United States, honoring the military for their sacrifices that allow him the freedom to pursue his agricultural endeavors.
Gratitude for Support and Teamwork
Reflecting on his family, Hamilton remembered his father, who passed away in 1990, and his mother, who was a key figure in the growth of Southern Valley. “My mother, she was my longtime business partner. For a lot of years, she worked hard. She promoted Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable,” he noted, demonstrating the importance of family in his success.
Hamilton extended his gratitude to his wife, Pam, and their children, Courtney, Austin, Kaylee, and Presley. He acknowledged the sacrifices they made over the years, particularly during challenging times. “She’s always been the cheerleader in the background. She’s been the encourager when things hadn’t gone well,” he said, highlighting the critical role of his family in his achievements.
Additionally, Hamilton recognized the contributions of his team at Hamilton Growers and Southern Valley, stating, “It’s certainly a team effort for me to be standing here where I’m standing today.” He thanked everyone from field workers to office staff, emphasizing that this award reflects their collective efforts.
In closing, Hamilton expressed his appreciation to Chip Blalock, the executive director of the Sunbelt Expo, for organizing the Southeastern Farmer of the Year program. He stated, “There’s a lot of competition in the field and I’m just humbled to be selected as the final winner.” His acceptance of the award marks not only a personal achievement but also a celebration of Georgia’s agricultural community, which was the Spotlight State for this year’s expo.
Hamilton’s recognition serves as an inspiration to farmers in the region, showcasing the importance of dedication, family support, and community involvement in achieving success within the agricultural industry.
