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Awards

Every year, the Vidalia Onion Committee honors the dedication, innovation, and excellence of the people behind one of America’s most beloved sweet onions. From legacy leaders to standout growers, these awards recognize individuals and farms who go above and beyond to protect and promote the Vidalia name.

Hall of Fame Award

Established in 1991, the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame honors individuals whose leadership and lifelong commitment have significantly shaped the success of the Vidalia onion industry.

Inductees are recognized for excellence in one or more of the following areas:

  • Protecting and promoting the Vidalia onion name

  • Advertising and public relations efforts

  • Innovative sales strategies

  • Research and product development

  • Dedication to the growth of the Vidalia brand and its community

    • 2024

      Edmund Samuel Tinsley

    • 2023

      Delbert Bland

    • 2021

      Bob Meyer

    • 2019

      R.E. Hendrix

    See Full Hall of Fame List

    Roy Kriezenbeck — 2018
    Dr. Ron Gitaitis — 2015
    Dean Scott Angle — 2015
    Jack Hill — 2014
    Gerald Dasher — 2013
    B.D. “Buck” Shuman — 2012
    L.G. “Bo” Herndon, Jr. — 2011
    Delwin Dowdy — 2010
    Bob Stafford — 2009
    David & Danny New — 2009
    Mose Coleman — 2008
    Doyle Smittle — 2008
    Earlie Jordan — 2008
    R.T. Stanley, Sr. — 2007
    Bill Brown — 2006
    Raymond Bland — 2005
    Bob Redding — 2004
    Ben Jack McDilda — 2003
    Bobby Harris — 2002
    Gale Buchanan — 2001
    Reid Torrance — 2000
    W.J. Grimes — 1999
    Fisher Barfoot — 1998
    Janice Grimes — 1997
    Jim Hilderbrandt — 1996
    Jim Bridges — 1995
    Lindsey Thomas — 1994
    Maxwell Smith — 1993
    Charles McRae — 1992
    Tommy Irvin — 1991
    Gerald Achenbach — 1990

    Grower of the Year Award

    Each year, the Grower of the Year award celebrates a farm or individual grower whose practices, product quality, and brand stewardship stand out among their peers.

    Award criteria include:

    • Registered Vidalia onion grower in good standing

    • Timely reporting and payments to the Committee

    • High-quality production with minimal consumer complaints

    • Adherence to Federal Marketing Order #955

    • Consistent efforts to enhance the Vidalia onion brand

      • 2024

        MHD & Son Farms

      • 2023

        Beasley Farms

      • 2022

        B & H Farms

      • 2021

        McLain Farms

      See Full List Grower of the Year Honorees

      Shuman Farms — 2020
      Sikes Farms — 2019
      McLain Farms — 2018
      Omar Cruz — 2017
      Aries Haygood — 2016
      Jason Herndon — 2015
      McLain Farms — 2014
      Dry Branch Farms — 2013
      Ray Farms — 2012
      Alan Sikes — 2011
      Delbert Bland — 2010
      Terry Gerald — 2009
      L.G. “Bo” Herndon, Jr. — 2008
      R.T. Stanley — 2007
      Wayne Douberly — 2006
      Larry Powell — 2005
      G & R Farms — 2004
      James McLain — 2003
      Terry Collins — 2002
      J.W. Beasley — 2001
      Edgar Wright — 2000
      Jim Cowart — 1999
      W.J. Grimes — 1998
      Delwin Dowdy — 1997
      R.L. Cato — 1996
      R.E. Hendrix — 1995
      Mike McKinley — 1994
      Raymond Bland — 1993
      Adger Kicklighter — 1992
      Wade Usher — 1991