Four was the winning number at the 33^rd Annual National Black Farmers Association Conference in Natchez, Miss., in late October: four honorees, two fourth-generation farmers, one career spanning 40-plus years of photography.

NFBA President John Boyd, a fourth-generation farmer, presented the Farmer of the Year and the Oldest Farmer of the Year awards to fellow fourth-generation farmers.

Celebrating agricultural leaders is essential to ensure a next generation of farmers, Boyd said.

“When I leave God’s green earth, I hope there’s another generation of Black farmers out there,” Boyd said. “If we look around and say there is no more, we all failed.”

With that in mind, the organization focused this year’s conference on “Reclaiming, Regaining and Regenerating Our Farms.” Leaders who are succeeding in those efforts include those honored with the NBFA’s highest awards.

Honored farmers

“He is a passionate farmer who has overcome challenges and adversity,” Boyd said. “He believes in the importance of diversity in agriculture, and regenerative practices.”

Walker’s philosophy is based on conservation. “As a farmer, I was taught we don’t grow crops,” Walker said. “We are nurturers of the soil, and the soil in return nourishes our crops.”

“My affiliation with those iconic magazines afforded me the privilege of traveling with and photographing Nelson Mandel and Muhammad Ali,” Watkins noted. He also covered every U.S. president from George H.W. Bush to Joe Biden.