SC Farmer James Cooley Named 2013 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year
October 20, 2013
COLUMBIA, SC – October 20, 2013 – South Carolina farmer, James Cooley, is the 2013 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Cooley was chosen this week as Farmer of the Year over nine other state winners who were finalists for the award. Among other things, Cooley received a $15,000 cash award at the expo’s luncheon held in Moutlrie, GA.
Cooley owns Strawberry Hill U.S.A. in Spartanburg County, where he farms among other things, nearly 2,000 acres of strawberries, peaches, and blackberries. With the help of his oldest daughter, Brandi, Cooley created an agritourism destination at his West Chesnee Farm with an annual corn maze, pumpkin patch, and popular year-round restaurant.
Cooley’s story is one of hard earned success. A motorcycle accident left him severely injured in 2002. At that time, his oldest daughter decided to return to the farm. She, along with the help of other family members and friends, worked to keep the farm going. Today, Strawberry Hill U.S.A. is a popular destination helping people connect to agriculture.
Executive Director of Sunbelt Ag Expo Chip Blalock, James and Kathie Cooley, and Ron Carroll, Vice President Smokeless Marketing Swisher International.
Photo credit the Sunbelt Ag Expo
I can think of no one more deserving than James for this award. He is a great example of what it means to be a farmer. I congratulate him on winning Southeastern Farmer of the Year, and I thank him for his contributions to South Carolina agriculture, said Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
The Farmer of the Year award recognizes excellence in agricultural production and farm management, along with leadership in farm and community organizations. The award also honors family contributions in producing safe and abundant supplies of food, fiber and shelter products for U.S. consumers.
For more information on the Southeastern Farmer of the Year, visit http://sunbeltexpo.com/farmer-of-the-year/. For information on Strawberry Hill U.S.A., visit http://www.strawberryhillusa.com/.
