Cole and Nicole Roper, of Royston, Georgia are a dynamic couple. For them, farming is a way of life, not just a job—and their journey is one marked by sweet corn, chickens, and cattle. The Georgia Farm Monitor takes us there to unravel a sweet story punctuated with a fervent dedication to advocating for their beloved industry.
The Ropers’ unwavering dedication recently earned them the coveted title of Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Award winners. This prestigious accolade, competed for at the Young Farmer and Rancher conference, recognizes members for their outstanding contributions to the Farm Bureau and their local communities.
Cole’s passion for agriculture dates back to his childhood, shaped by memories of riding tractors with his grandfather and tending to cattle and gardens. What started as a small crop of sweet corn for a high school project has blossomed into Cole’s Sweet Corn, a thriving operation spanning more than 20 acres. The distinguishing factor? His corn is all hand-picked fresh each day —a testament to their commitment to quality.
Yet, for Cole and Nicole, farming is not confined to the fields. They recognize the importance of advocacy in an industry that is often misunderstood. Nicole underscores the need for consumers to understand the origins of their food and the intricate processes involved in its production. With their two-year-old daughter in tow, the Ropers see their advocacy as a crucial step in ensuring a vibrant agricultural future for the next generation.
As winners of the Excellence in Agriculture Award, the Ropers now set their sights on Salt Lake City, where they will compete for national recognition at the annual American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. Considering it a great honor to represent their state, county, and operation, the couple is looking toward the opportunity with pride and determination. Cole, instilled with a competitive spirit from his ag teachers, emphasizes their preparation to win and the commitment to leaving it all on the table in Utah.
For Cole and Nicole Roper, the journey from sweet corn fields to the national stage exemplifies not only excellence in agriculture but also a profound love for their craft and a fervent dedication to securing a sustainable future for farming. As they head to the convention, they carry the hopes and aspirations of their community, ready to showcase the best of Georgia farming on a national platform.
