Released: Jan. 20, 2026
TIFTON, Ga – Rodney Locke, Dawson, Georgia, received the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year Award for District 5 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 sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission and Agri Supply.
The Georgia Peanut Commission presents the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year award to one farmer in each of the commission’s five districts. This award is designed to honor farmers who have given life-long devotion to peanut farming and who have the passion, diligence, leadership and desire to see that the peanut industry in the state of Georgia continues to represent the highest quality possible.
Locke began farming in 1983 with 100 acres of wheat and now farms approximately 4,500 acres of peanuts, corn, soybeans and cotton. The farm consists of 50/50 irrigated land and dryland. In 1972, Locke’s father started Locke Farm Center where they sell chemicals and fertilizer, and buy grain and peanuts. Today, Locke operates the business with his sister in Dawson and Shellman.
Within the peanut industry, Locke has been involved with the National Peanut Buying Points Association for 30 years and served as president twice. He also serves on the Terrell County Farm Bureau board. Locke has served on the Terrell Academy School Board for 15 years and the Dawson Country Club Board for 25 years, where he served as president.
Locke is married to Dawn, and they have 3 children, Mason, Taylor, Marlee and 5 grandchildren.
Additional district winners include District 1 – Willard Mims, Donalsonville; District 2 – Jones Brothers Farms, Chula; District 3 – Carl Hood, Midville; and District 4 – Keith Moore, Cordele. These farmers received a sign to display at their farm and gift cards from Agri Supply and the Georgia Peanut Commission.
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: Rodney Locke, Dawson, Ga., receives the Outstanding Georgia Peanut Farmer of the Year Award for District 5 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, Georgia Peanut Commission board member representing District 5, and Locke.
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