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By Bobbie Whitehead

Farmers in Surry County know Glenn R. Slade for taking the time to help them with any problem they may have.

Slade’s known for providing support before work and even after work.

Because of this help and the many agricultural programs he’s held, Slade received the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Achievement Award this year, one of the association’s highest honors given.

“The award recognizes the excellence in the field of professional extension for members with less than 10 years of service,” said Fred Miller, NACAA president, in a press release.

“Surry was nominated for this award by the Virginia Association of Agricultural Extension Agents.”

The VAAEA is allowed to nominate one percent of its membership annually for the NACAA award, Miller said. Currently, the Virginia association has 106 members and is allowed to nominate only two members from its group, said Scott Hawbaker, NACAA executive director.

“The Achievement Award is one of the two highest awards given,” Hawbaker said.
In addition to his duties working with farmers and the various areas of the industry, Slade “also works with homeowners as the community continues to become more urban” and helps coworkers with 4-H programs that relate to agriculture, Miller wrote.

“He is well-known within his county as a team player and is well-respected by coworkers, peers, clientele and community leaders,” Miller said.

Agents receiving the awards have created and presented programs in their area of expertise, and nominees are selected by their state associations based on their overall programs and community involvement.

As an agricultural extension agent for the past six years, Slade has worked with local farmers, helping those who grow grains as well as produce for roadside stands and farmers markets as well as preparing educational programs on a variety of issues and topics to keep farmers up to date with industry changes. But Slade, a Surry County native, said he wasn’t expecting any award for his work.
“I was surprised when I got it,” Slade said.

But the award was no surprise to coworker Billie Jean Elmer, the Surry County Extension Office unit coordinator, who said Slade is “very” in tune with the community.

“He’s talked many times before work and after work at some of the community stores to farmers, answering questions and providing advice,” Elmer said. “He’s a great team worker. He assists with 4-H and family and consumer sciences programs.”

Agricultural extension agents support farmers growing grains and row crops and provide assistance to others dealing with timber, hay or livestock production.

Their responsibilities are numerous, and while agricultural extension agents often farm themselves, they deal and help other growers handle the surprises in market prices as well as problems with crop diseases or problems caused by the changing and unpredictable weather.

Grower Steve Berryman knows full well the importance of Slade’s help to farmers in the county.

“He is always willing to help you with any kind of question you have,” Berryman said. “If he doesn’t know the answer, he knows who to call to get help.”

Slade has helped Berryman with many types of plant diseases by assisting with the collection of samples to send to state laboratories to diagnose the problem, Berryman said.

“He’s always helped me with blueberries and strawberries and is just helpful whenever you go to him,” Berryman said.

The NACAA is headquartered in Maroa, Ill., and has 3,500 members nationwide.