The Catfish Farmers of America (CFA) on Tuesday announced the winners of its farmer-of-the year awards at its annual convention in Charleston, S.C., last week.
Will Pearce was named Alabama Catfish Farmer of the Year, while Joey Lowery was named Arkansas Catfish Farmer of the Year and Ed Pentecost was named Mississippi Catfish Farmer of the Year.
Pearce, along with his brother, farm 1,400 water acres in Selma, Ala. He has a degree in agricultural economics from Auburn University. Lowery has spent the past 24 years farming 460 water acres in Jackson Country, Ark. He serves as the CFA’s president and on the Arkansas Catfish Research and Promotion Board.
Pentecost began farming catfish in 1980 and now owns and operates 8,925 water acres with his brother. He is one of the founding members of Fishbelt Feeds and serves as the CFA’s secretary/treasurer.
The three winners will be featured in a national print advertising campaign beginning late this summer.
“A great highlight of the CFA Annual Awards luncheon is recognizing distinguished farmers who have made valuable contributions to the catfish industry,” said Roger Barlow, CFA executive VP and president of The Catfish Institute. “Each year, a deserving producer is named as Catfish Farmer of the Year from the three state associations. This honor gives outstanding catfish farmers national recognition for their contributions to our industry.”
