A Gainesville attorney who also engaged in various farming pursuits was inducted posthumously into the Hall County Agriculture Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Tom Jarrard, who died in 2007, was among three inductees at a breakfast ceremony.

Jack Lancaster, a native of Southeast Hall County, was a longtime professor of agriculture at the University of Georgia. Lancaster, who began his career as a county agent, spent many years training new agents in bachelors and masters degree programs at UGA.

Hugh Mills, the founding president of what is now Gainesville State College was honored for his work in natural resource conservation on his own farm and for encouraging the practice while serving as college president.

Hall County Commission Chairman Tom Oliver, a Hall County farmer, was honored as farmer of the year and Jaemor Farms was honored for its efforts in agri-tourism as the agribusiness of the year. The farm has attracted numerous visitors each fall with its multi-acre corn maze. The business also has a barn and pavilion which are rented for private events.

State Sen. Lee Hawkins, R-Gainesville was presented the friend of agriculture award. Hawkins, a freshman senator, is secretary of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs committee.

Six students from Lula Elementary were honored for their participation in agricultural-themed art and essay contests. Carli Echols, Michael Barnes and Lauren Raper, won first, second and third places, respectively, in the essay contest. Sydney Kytle, Michael Melendez and Sumer Trent were the three top winners in the art contest.

Madison Saxon of Lula Elemenatry was recognized as the state essay winner in grades 4-8 by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. She received a $200 prize.