THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 13, 1997 TAG: 9702130318
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA McNATT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WINDSOR LENGTH: 37 lines
Dual awards for successful farming went to a Zuni father and son team Wednesday night.
At the Isle of Wight/Smithfield/Windsor Chamber of Commerce's annual agricultural appreciation dinner, Thomas Roland Byrum and Cecil R. Byrum of Byrum Farms were recognized as Isle of Wight County's ``Farm Families of the Year'' for 1997.
The Byrums farm more than 700 acres in such traditional crops as peanuts, cotton, soybeans and wheat.
The elder Byrum started farming on 55 acres in 1955. His son joined him in 1977, when he was 18.
Cecil Byrum started out responsible for 50 acres. Working together, they built their farm operation to today's size.
Thomas Byrum received the Two Ton Peanut Club Award in 1990 for high peanut production; a state Forestry Award in 1996; and the farm received the Virginia High Cotton Award in 1995 for outstanding cotton production and promotion of the industry in Virginia.
``The Byrums have been innovators and motivators in the cotton industry in this state since it was re-established several years ago,'' said Robert D. Goerger, Isle of Wight's Cooperative Extension Service agent.
Cecil Byrum previously served on the Tidewater Petroleum Southern States Board and Smithfield Farmers.
He currently serves on the Peanut Soil and Water Conservation District and the North Carolina Cotton Promotion Association.
Byrum Farms Inc. uses as its motto: ``Our soil is our strength.''
Three criteria are used in chamber's selection: recipients must represent a progressive agribusiness, must have a successful number of years in business and must be selected by nomination.