Friend of Agriculture Award 2021 – Todd Harper
The Friend of Agriculture Award is a high honor given for the purpose of strengthening relationships between ag producers and agri-business and to recognize individuals who have made sufficient contributions to the agricultural industry. This year’s recipient is Todd Harper, Division Manager of Fieldale Farms’ Poultry Country Supply (PCS).
Todd was raised in the southern portion of Habersham County. Growing up, Harper traveled around to many Northeast Georgia farms with his father, the late Henry “Nub” Harper, a well-known equine enthusiast, horse trader and respected farrier.
While in school, Todd was an FFA members, exhibited livestock, and worked at Cornelia Mill and Feed.
Former Habersham County vocational agricultural teacher Danny Brooks said, “Todd was a great student, hard worker, and a pleasure to teach. He was someone that I could depend upon to do whatever was needed.”
After graduation, Harper immediately entered the workforce where he learned the importance of meeting the customers’ needs and serving his community as an employee at Habersham Hardware.
In 1988, Todd joined his wife, Lisa Smelcer Harper, in her family’s business. However, in November 2001, Harper returned to his agricultural roots and began his career with Fieldale Farms as a field service representative. Todd carried out his duty of serving as the liaison between the integrator and poultry farmers and serviced birds.
In 2011, Todd’s earlier acquired marketing and customer service skills came full circle when he was named the division manager of Poultry Country Supply (PCS).
PCS, a division of Fieldale Farms, has locations in Cornelia and Lavonia, and they serve poultry growers throughout Northeast Georgia and parts of South Carolina. Unlike traditional poultry supply dealers, Todd and his staff also provide other farm supplies and equipment used around the farm. They are leaders in the poultry equipment business and have gained a reputation of providing quality service coupled with product knowledge.
The characteristic that differentiates Todd from many people is his willingness to serve not only his customers but his community.
In addition to serving as a Boy Scout Troop Leader for many years, Harper has worked to promote agricultural awareness in his community. As a poultry field tech, Todd and his co-workers volunteered at Farm Bureau’s Annual 4th grade Farm Day at the Fair. Students were able to experience hands-on learning by getting to hold baby chicks while learning about the different life stages of the birds. Needless to say, the poultry station was always one of the favorite stations with the students.
Eventually, Harper served as the contact person who coordinated the poultry station by providing the manpower and chicks. Over the last couple of years, poultry bio-security protocols implemented by the department of agriculture have prohibited placing baby chicks at public events, but Todd continues to partner with Farm Bureau by providing supplies such as Springer Mountain Water, commercial ice, and other necessities to help make the day possible.
This fall, Farm Bureau not only hosted the 4th graders at Farm Day, but also hosted the Georgia Agricultural Mobile Classroom for the county’s fifth grade students. This mobile unit is equipped with interactive learning and simulated technology that travels throughout our state and is funded by Georgia Farm Bureau and other agribusiness partner including Springer Mountain Farms. Farm Bureau was reluctant to go back and asked for supplies to service another group of 500 plus students. When asked, Todd said no problem, and we will deliver the supplies to the event site.
Gilbert Barrett, Habersham County Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee Chair said, “To bring agricultural awareness and educational opportunities to Habersham County students requires many moving pieces and volunteers. Without people like Todd Harper and Fieldale Farms, we could not create these learning experiences. There are times that people can help and times when they cannot. However, I have yet to have Todd say let me check, or no we cannot help. Todd and Fieldale are truly assets to our community and have a heart for service.”
Barrett went on to say, “As a poultry grower, PCS is an asset to have in our county to supply equipment, parts, and provide outstanding service to their customers.”