Evan Wilson has grown up in peanut country and still lives and breathes it. He has been surrounded by agriculture since he was born, and began working on his family’s farm at 13 years old. He knew from a young age that he wanted to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Sammy Roney, Wilson’s grandfather, leads W.M. Roney Farm, growing peanuts, cotton, corn, and cattle. Roney recalls days of Wilson’s childhood being filled with dirt and toy tractors. “When he was little, he would take his toy tractors and lay off roads and field perimeters. And you better not step in his fields or he’d get upset,” says Roney.
Wilson, a Houston County native, is the first recipient of the James Earl Mobley Peanut Memorial Scholarship. The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) proudly partnered with the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation to offer this scholarship to students with an immediate family member involved in peanut production or students with a background in peanut production. The award requires the recipient to be a student seeking a degree from any institution offering a degree or other certification or credential, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The scholarship will be for one academic year. APPA is proud to support Evan Wilson as he begins his college career.
Wilson, son of Matthew and Beth Wilson, is a senior at Bethel Christian Academy with plans to graduate this May. Wilson will be attending South Georgia Technical College and participating in the John Deere Agricultural Technology program. The John Deere Agricultural Technology program provides a 2-year associate degree which includes general education courses as well as John Deere exclusive classroom training courses in the areas of Engines, Fuel Systems, Transmissions, Electrical, Hydraulic, and Precision Ag Technology. Wilson will be attending classes in Americus, Georgia, and working at SunSouth in Dothan, Alabama, throughout his time at South Georgia Technical College.
“I want other people to understand agriculture, how important it is, and how much dedication farmers put into it,” says Wilson. He is proud to receive this financial award, so that he can learn a new side to agricultural production and further his understanding. Wilson adds that the next generation of farmers is tasked with inspiring others so that the success of family farms continues to grow.
Jimmy Royce Helms, APPA Board Member and peanut farmer, presents Evan Wilson with the award.