Dwight Mickey (right) receives the Pennsylvania Grower of the Year Award from Phil Baugher.

Dwight Mickey (right) receives the Pennsylvania Grower of the Year Award from Phil Baugher.

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, fruit grower Dwight Mickey was named Grower of the Year by the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania.

Mickey and his family operate Shatzer Fruit Market, where they grow and sell peaches, apples, and fruit products.

Mickey was cited for his service to the horticultural industry. The farm works with researchers in on-farm research trials on rootstocks, chemical thinning, and string thinning trials.

“His most notable contribution has been working with the Pennsylvania Farm Show commodity booth, donating more than 3,000 hours over the last 27 years,” said Phil Baugher, president of Adams County Nursery, who presented the award.

Mickey not only works at the show, he participates, and wins. Over the last 40 years, the farm has won more then 3,500 ribbons and prizes for their fruit entries. The Farm Show recognizes winning fruit displays, and Mickey has won the Best Bushel award six times.

This year, that award was won by Hollabaugh Brothers at Biglerville. The awards were given during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention.