Released: Jan. 20, 2026

TIFTON, Ga – Will Anderson, Register, Georgia, was named the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut Farmer at the 49th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton, Georgia. The award is presented annually to one Georgia peanut farmer based upon the applicant’s overall farm operation; environmental and stewardship practices; and leadership and community service activities. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and BASF.

Anderson is a sixth-generation farmer who developed his love for farming from his father. He always knew that he wanted to farm and found out as a senior in high school that his father had multiple sclerosis. He knew that the farm was facing some tough years financially and there would be physical limitations from his father. Anderson figured out a path to maintain the family farm and take care of his father before his passing by adding poultry houses to the farming operation. Today, Anderson farms with his brother and son. The farm consists of 5,500 acres of cropland where he grows peanuts, cotton and corn, as well as 8 broiler houses.

Being a young farmer, Anderson incorporates new and innovative ways to increase yields and be a natural steward of the land. He plants a mixed cover crop shortly after harvest, drilled at a 45-degree angle to his row-pattern. This reduces erosion and uses up any residual nitrogen in the soil. Anderson also conducts grid soil sampling and implements variable-rate nutrient applications based on the data. He uses moisture monitor probes and FieldView for irrigation management as well as GPS technology to control trips through the field. Anderson consistently shows his willingness to adopt evidence-based practices and hosts Bulloch County Extension on-farm research trials.

Anderson currently serves as a board member of the Georgia Conservation Tillage Alliance, member of the Bulloch County Extension Agriculture Advisory Council and member of the FFA Alumni. Previously, he served as a board member of the National Cotton Council, young farmer representative for Evans County Farm Bureau and board member for the GA Baptist Children’s Home. Anderson is also a partner in Candler Peanut and stockholder in Bulloch Gin.

Anderson was named the Evans County Farm Bureau Young Farmer of the Year, Bulloch County Farm Family of the Year and Ogeechee Soil and Water Conservation Farmer of the Year.

Anderson is married to Hannah, and they have three children – Avery, Avant and Ava.

For photos and additional information on the Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at  www.gapeanuts.com.

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Photo caption: Will Anderson, Register, Ga., receives the Outstanding Georgia Young Peanut of the Year Award by the Georgia Peanut Commission during the 49th annual Georgia Peanut Farm Show and Conference, Jan. 15, 2026, at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center, Tifton, Ga. Pictured left to right: Donald Chase, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, Anderson and Jacob Smith, BASF technical services representative.

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