By By Janet Little Cooper
Walnut Hill resident Heath Ward became the first Escambia County Florida resident to receive a statewide award from the Farm Credit Association and the Florida Peanut Association as Young Peanut Farmer of the year.
The award was presented to Ward last week at the 31st Annual Florida Peanut Producers Association Membership Meeting held at the Jackson County Agriculture Conference Center in Marianna, Florida.
Ward, the son of Brett and Susan Ward of Walnut Hill, Fla. is a fifth generation farmer from a line of farmers dating back to the late 1800's.
The young farmer graduated from Northview High School and went on to Faulkner State Community College. From there, he moved to Auburn University to pursue a degree in Ag Economics.
In 2004, he rejoined his father to continue the family business of farming. Ward farms approximately 200 acres, which he rotates between cotton, peanuts and livestock. He also helps his father farm his acreage.
Although, farming is a full time job, Ward is also busy in the community. He is an active member of the Walnut Hill Baptist Church and is a founding member of the Florida Farm Bureau EscaRosa Young Farmers and Ranchers.
Ward plans to increase his acreage in row crops and further expand his cattle operation.