Co-op Salesman Receives Partner of the Year Award

At the 2025 Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Conference, the organization honored Blount County Farmers Cooperative outside salesman Mel Wade with the Partner of the Year Award for his lifelong dedication to agriculture and his tireless efforts to support Alabama farmers.

“It’s an honor to receive the Partner of the Year Award because I got recognized for doing what I love to do,” Wade said. “But what’s really special are the relationships I’ve built over the years by being a man of my word and meeting our customers’ needs. My biggest goal is to help farmers any way I can with the products and services that we offer at the Co-op and I’m proud to do that.”

After graduating from Chilton County High School in 1971, Wade studied wildlife biology at Auburn University. Upon graduation, he began working at Gold Kist farm supply, which turned into a 47-year career in the agriculture industry.

Mel has spent the last 12 years at the Co-op where he has become a trusted and reliable resource. Whether delivering products to the farm, taking soil, water and tissue samples or offering advice, Mel approaches every task with a passion for helping customers meet the many challenges of fruit and vegetable production.

Blount County farmers know they can count on Mel, and weekly farm deliveries to Chilton County ensure his reach extends even farther. His commitment to going above and beyond for his customers and colleagues has earned him respect throughout the farm community.

Outside of work, Mel enjoys hunting and fishing with his grandson, Aidan. He also serves his community as chaplain for the Oneonta Fire Department and as a member of the Murphee Valley Volunteer Fire Department.