They generally don’t get a lot of thanks for doing their jobs; but when they don’t, everyone has something to say.

On Wednesday, two groups came together to reverse that trend and show their appreciation to a few of the standouts in the agricultural industry and community at large. The event — the 2010 Hall County Agribusiness Awards Presentation and Breakfast — was organized by the Hall County Cooperative Extension and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.

“I’m from the city, so I don’t know much about farming, but I do know that it takes dedication and commitment to do what you do,” said David Lee of Jackson EMC, one of the sponsors of the event breakfast.

During the event, the groups awarded several honors, including inducting Larry Nix into the Agribusiness Hall of Fame.

“He has done so much for the community, not for the praise, but just because it needs to be done. He’s raised chickens, cattle and produced a lot of hay — all the while focusing on conservation,” said Gene Anderson, while introducing Nix.

“He’s a bulldog for whatever he believes in and so much of what he believes in is for the betterment of Hall County and agribusiness (as a whole).”

The group gave out several other awards, including naming Paul Bowen the farmer of the year and King Green as the outstanding agribusiness. Will Schofield, Hall County Schools superintendent also received the friend of agribusiness award.

Among other things, Schofield — who comes from a family of Wisconsin dairy farmers — was recognized for having the same determined work ethic as farmers and for helping to plant seeds in the minds of Hall youth, so that they might reap a bountiful harvest in the future.

“I always tell my wife that I’m a misplaced farmer — I look forward to the day when I can get back to farming,” Schofield said.

The Hall County Master Gardeners were presented with the outstanding community service award for their more than 89,000 volunteer hours that have been spent completing various projects, including the Gardens on Green at the Hall County schools central office.

Additionally, event organizers recognized area students who won awards in the Ag Day essay and art competition. The competition winners include Shayla Carney, Michela Stubbs, Alexis Lopez, Rachel Collins, Mari Lee and Brookelyne Wassel.