The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) Monday announced the winners of its Annual Agribusiness Awards.
The goal of the program is to “increase recognition and appreciation of the agricultural community in Hall County,” according to the chamber, and is presented in partnership with the Hall County Farm Bureau and UGA Extension Hall County.
Among the winners are Phil Bonelli of Hopewell Farms, Farmer of the Year, and the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network, Agribusiness of the Year. and Dave Neff, Agribusiness Hall of Fame.
Here us a complete list of the winners:
*Friends of Agriculture
Emory Dunahoo
Throughout his legislative career, Emory Dunahoo has been a tireless champion for the farming community, ensuring that the voices of producers in Hall County and across the state were heard under the Gold Dome. While serving on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs CommitteeDunahoo has consistently supported measures that protect property rights, reduce regulatory burdens on family farms, and promote agricultural education. Additionally, Dunahoo has continually been committed to conservation and pollinator protection which is highlighted by his success in establishing the Georgia Honeybee license plate. These specialty tags do more than just raise awareness; they have generated significant funding dedicated to pollinator health and honeybee research, which is vital for the success of Georgia’s diverse crops. Over the course of his 15-year career as a Georgia State Representative Emory has helped to bridge the gap between state government and the essential work of the Georgia farmer
*Friends of Agriculture
Garrett Hibbs
Garrett Hibbs is the University of Georgia Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, and County Extension Coordinator, for Hall County. As a fourth- generation Extension Agent, Garrett provides vital on-site diagnostics and consultations for farmers, landscape professionals, and home gardeners. His expertise helps local producers make informed decisions that mitigate pests and disease, optimize soil fertility, and resolve issues that help increase overall yields and productivity. Garrett manages the Hall County Master Gardener Program, coordinates the Hall County Cattlemen’s Association, and coaches several Hall County 4-H livestock teams. He has designed and implemented fruit-crop research trials and has expanded his collaborative programming impact to multi-state and international audiences. Through his tireless efforts, Garrett remains a dedicated resource, providing the essential tools and knowledge to ensure the success of Hall County’s agricultural community.
*Agribusiness of the Year
The Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network
The Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN) in Gainesville serves as the critical frontline defense for the state’s multi-billion-dollar poultry industry. As the official state testing agency, the Gainesville headquarters provides rapid diagnostic services, including necropsy, virology, and serology to monitor and contain catastrophic threats like Avian Influenza. By utilizing advanced robotic technology and high-throughput testing, the lab ensures the health of millions of birds, directly supporting Georgia’s status as the nation’s top broiler producer. Celebrating over 80 years of service, the network is as relevant today as it was at its founding. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Louise Dufour-Zavala, the network’s 55 dedicated employees provide the rigorous oversight necessary to ensure that poultry processing, domestic commerce, and international exports remain uninterrupted and keep Georgia as a global leader in poultry production.
*Farmer of the Year
Phil Bonelli, Hopewell Farms
Phil Bonelli established Hopewell Farms in 2019 and now specializes in grass-finished beef, pasture-raised pork, poultry, and farm-to-table eggs. Hopewell Farms has the state’s largest GDA-approved, USDA-exempt poultry processing facility, allowing them to provide their chicken, and turkey directly to consumers. Bonelli is recognized for his commitment to conservation and regenerative agriculture, utilizing rotational grazing, chicken tractors for natural fertilization, and composting to prioritize soil and water conservation. Beyond livestock, the farm produces organic vegetables, cut flowers, and innovative value-added products like “Kiss a Pig” chapstick made from the pork lard produced on their farm. Despite the hard work and time demanded to run a successful farm, Bonelli still remains a dedicated community leader. He currently serves on the boards of the Elachee Nature Science Center, Gainesville Green Committee, and acts as CFO for the North Georgia Land Trust. Hopewell Farms is also dedicated to education providing school tours and field trips to educate the next generation about the vital importance of sustainable working farms.
*Agribusiness Hall of Fame
Dave Neff
Dave Neff is recognized for his lifelong dedication to the poultry industry beginning at age four on his family’s 1,200-acre integrated turkey and chicken farm. His professional journey is backed by a deep academic foundation in AgriBusiness and Avian Science, as well as distinguished service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. Neff’s career spanned every facet of the industry, in commercial eggs, the integrated turkey and chicken industry, and in the large production of fertile hatching eggs both for global export and domestic use while serving as president of CWT Farms International. His expertise has taken him to 91 countries across all seven continents, making him a true global ambassador for Georgia agriculture. Locally, Neff served for 22 years as an Outside Director for AgGeorgia Farm Credit, where he held every leadership position, including Board Chair. His visionary leadership helped steer the association to record-breaking growth, ensuring the continued success of the agricultural community he has championed for nearly five decades.
The Agribusiness Awards Breakfast was presented by Jackson EMC and sponsored by:
- Cargill (gold sponsor)
- Chandler Equipment Company
- Fieldale Farms
- Hall County Soil and Water Conservation
- Jaemor Farms
- Mar-Jac Poultry
- Mountain Fresh Creamery
- United Community Bank