Dothan, AL (December 1, 2025) — The late Bill Ferguson of Riley Creek Farms, a respected leader in sustainable agriculture and a beloved figure in the Wiregrass farming community, has been named the winner of the CEAg World Impact Visionary Grower Award. Ferguson was heavily involved in the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Navigate program as an entrepreneur. Fergson passed away in October 2025.
The CEAg World Impact Visionary Grower Award is presented by CEAg World, an organization dedicated to the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry. The award recognizes individuals whose work has a profound impact on agriculture on a global scale.
Ferguson’s work at Riley Creek Farms exemplified these values. Throughout his career, he championed modern farming practices, strengthened research partnerships, and invested deeply in the next generation of growers, all while remaining grounded in the traditions that shaped his family’s farm. His legacy continues to inspire farmers, researchers and agtech innovators who share his commitment to building a resilient and sustainable future for farming.
“Bill embodied what it means to be a visionary grower,” said Ann Carr, Economic Development Manager for HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, who worked closely with Ferguson. “He believed in the power of innovation to transform agriculture, and he lived that belief every day. This award honors not only his achievements, but the way he led with humility, purpose and a genuine love for farming.”
Ferguson was widely known for his collaborative spirit and willingness to test new technologies and data-driven approaches to improve crop productivity. His leadership helped Riley Creek Farms become a model for progressive agriculture in Alabama and beyond. Located in Echo, Riley Creek Farms is a family-owned hydroponic farm growing fresh lettuce year-round. What began as a traditional poultry operation was transformed by repurposing old chicken houses into clean, sustainable greenhouses.
“Bill’s influence reaches far beyond the fields – his legacy will guide future generations of growers and innovators,” said Dean Mitchell, Director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass. “We are sincerely grateful to CEAg for recognizing his extraordinary contributions and preserving the spirit of his work for years to come.”
Born in Mobile, Ferguson moved to Echo from Dothan in 1972. He began working alongside his father-in-law on the family farm and later built his own poultry houses, where he raised chickens for 25 years.