Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 8
GEORGIA News
Compiled by Katie Cowart
P
Georgia farmer wins top FFA honor,
continues family legacy
aul Oliver of Reidsville was named the 2024
American Star Farmer at the National FFA
Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on
Oct. 25. The prestigious award recognizes Oliver's
achievements in agriculture and his success in
managing and growing his farm business.
Growing up on his family's farm, Oliver
developed a passion for agriculture early on. In 2018
in his first year of high school, he launched his own
operation as part of his supervised agricultural
experience (SAE), starting with 15 female pigs and
a boar. An SAE is a hands-on project designed to
develop agricultural skills through practical
application.
Since then, he has quadrupled his swine
breeding stock, acquired 15 Hereford cows and a
Black Angus bull and turned an unmanaged pecan
orchard into a profitable business. His efforts now
span 135 acres of farmland, including 55 acres of
pecan trees.
" I've always loved farming, and it's rewarding
to take on new challenges and watch them grow into
something meaningful, " Oliver says.
The pandemic created new opportunities for
Oliver, as increased pork demand-driven by a shift
to home cooking, supply-chain disruptions and
rising exports-helped him expand his hog
operation. He invested profits from his cattle
business in additional farmland.
Oliver's dedication to agriculture follows a
family tradition. His father, Clint, received the same
award in 1989.
" The values and work ethic my parents and
grandparents taught me have been key to everything
I've accomplished, " Oliver says.
Oliver has expanded his pecan business into
new markets, including selling 2,000 pounds of
pecans at a festival in Indiana and using sales to
support local school fundraisers.
The American Star Farmer award is presented
annually to an FFA member whose SAE is
exceptional. Candidates must demonstrate
top-notch management skills, leadership and
academic success. Oliver was one of four winners
selected from 16 national finalists.
8 Georgia Magazine January 2025
'I've always loved farming,
and it's rewarding to take on new
challenges and watch them grow
into something meaningful.'
- Paul Oliver
Paul Oliver checks the health of pecan trees on his farm in Reidsville.
COURTESY PAUL OLIVER
Georgia Magazine - January 2025
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - January 2025
Contents
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - Intro
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - Cover1
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - Cover2
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - Contents
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 4
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 5
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 6
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 7
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 8
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 9
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 10
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 11
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 12
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 13
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 14
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 15
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 16
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 17
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 18
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 19
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 20
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 20A
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 20B
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 20C
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 20D
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 21
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 22
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 23
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 24
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 25
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 26
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 27
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 28
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 29
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 30
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 31
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 32
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 33
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 34
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 35
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 36
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 37
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - 38
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - Cover3
Georgia Magazine - January 2025 - Cover4
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