Ken McGee, Jr. Named Agriculturalist of the Year

By Michael V. Hannigan

They share a name and now they share an award.

Tuesday afternoon, Ken McGee, Jr., was named the winner of the 2014 Joe B. Fulgham Agriculturalist of the Year Award. His father won the award in 1993.

“I always try to follow in his footsteps,” McGee said after receiving the award.

The Agriculturalist of the Year was presented by Julie Moore and Rick Hirsch at the Athens Chamber of Commerce 51st Annual Farm & Ranch Tour luncheon, held at the Cain Center.

“This means a lot to me because I’ve put my whole life into Henderson County Agriculture,” McGee said. “Through my job, my education, my work and the livestock show.”

The following is taken from the introduction speech read by Julie Moore:

McGee is a graduate of Athens High School and has earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University.

He and his father manage the family’s cattle operation, and he is a past president of the Texas Ag Lime & Fertilizer Association.

He owned and operated East Texas Ag Services in Brownsboro and Tyler, and now owns Ag Services in Athens.

His service in the county has included being on the boards of the Henderson County Beef Cattle Committee and the Henderson County Livestock Show Board, where he served as vice-president of judged events, president of the livestock show, buyer, sponsor, donor and founding member of the Stock Show Supporters.

He was the recipient of the Woodrow Walker Award given at the HCLS for his dedication and support to the HCLS and the youth of the county. He has also received the District 4-H award for his service to Henderson County.