The 2017 class of the Swisher Sweets / Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award has been called, and here are the 10 farmers from across the region who will vie for the top honor.

The award program started in 1990 and 10 states now participate: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

In the previous 27 years of the award, more than $1,000,000 has been awarded to state and overall winners. Each state winner receives $2,500 and an all-expense paid trip to the Sunbelt Ag Expo along with various other prizes. The overall Southeastern winner receives $15,000 and various other prizes from the sponsors.

The overall winner will be announced at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 17.

Photos and information for this gallery were provided by the Sunbelt Ag Expo.