Statesboro student is Emerging Farmer of the Year
Student and fourth-generation farmer Jaydon Luke recognized for agricultural leadership and commitment to family heritage
Jaydon Luke, a senior at Statesboro High School, was honored as the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce 2025 Emerging Farmer of the Year during the annual Blessing of the Crops event held March 3, at Hunter Cattle Company’s 1890 Farmhouse and Pavilion in Brooklet.
Jaydon serves as the vice president of Statesboro High's National Future Farmers of America Organization chapter. The fourth generation of his family to work on his family's farm, Prince and Son Farms, in the Middleground area of Bulloch County, he's learned under the guidance of his grandparents, Morris and Jean Prince. He assists in the cultivation of the farm's cotton and peanuts and management of its livestock.
Jaydon Luke, 2026 Emerging Farmer of the Year
John Scott of Bulloch Solutions presented the award to Jaydon, noting that the accolade highlights young producers who demonstrate leadership and excellence in farm management.
"The purpose of the Emerging Farmer of the Year Award is to recognize a young, outstanding farmer who has strong roots, a current impact, and a promising future in agriculture in Bulloch County. Jaydon has distinguished himself through participation in community programs, leadership, family activities, and civic service."
Following his graduation his spring, Jaydon plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology to major in mechanical engineering. He intends to use these skills to further support his family's farm.
The Blessing of the Crops ceremony is a long-standing tradition in Bulloch County that unites the local business and agricultural communities to pray for a safe and bountiful growing season and harvest.
Jaydon Luke (Center) with his grandparents, Morris and Jean Prince.
This year’s event saw significant representation from the Bulloch County School District, including Future Farmers of America student members, faculty advisors, and college and career program faculty and administrators. Representatives from the Bulloch County School Nutrition Services Department were also in attendance. The department is currently expanding its Farm to School initiative, to establish more contracts with local farmers to bring even more locally-sourced produce and meats into school cafeterias.