FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Columbia, SC, August 19, 2022
South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture named two Advocates of the Year for 2022 in honor of their service to the state’s agriculture industry.
The 13th Advocates of the Year Recognition Reception was held Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Phillips Market Center at the South Carolina State Farmers Market in West Columbia.
Governor Henry McMaster is the 117th governor of South Carolina. Prior to becoming governor, McMaster served two years as lieutenant governor, eight years as attorney general and four years as United States attorney, appointed by President Ronald Reagan. He has been a strong leader of the state while advocating for the interests of South Carolina farmers and agribusinesses. Governor McMaster is married to Peggy McMaster, with whom he has two children.
Dr. Ron Prestage is president of pork and turkey producer Prestage Farms, Inc.’s South Carolina and Mississippi divisions and a member of the Board of Directors of Prestage Farms, Inc. A former equine veterinary practitioner, Dr. Prestage joined the family business in 1994. He has served as chairman of the National Turkey Federation, the US Poultry and Egg Board of Directors, the National Pork Producer Council Board of Directors, the South Carolina Poultry Federation, and on the NC State University Board of Trustees. Construction of Prestage Foods of South Carolina, the company’s second turkey processing plant, began in 2021 with plans to begin processing birds in late 2022 while employing near 300 associates.
“Governor McMaster and Dr. Prestage are strong voices for agribusiness in South Carolina,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers, an advisor to the Advocates board. “We truly appreciate their leadership and advocacy.”
“What an annual SC Advocates Recognition Reception!” said Ronnie Summers, president of Advocates for Agriculture. “Governor Henry McMaster and Dr. Ron Prestage were very deserving of this recognition in 2022 as they truly advocate for South Carolina agribusinesses. In addition, we recognized individuals from FFA, 4-H, and a former board member.”
Founded in 2005, the nonprofit South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture helps promote the state’s agricultural products and overall agriculture industry.
