Buckeye People

The Nutrients for Life Foundation announced the selection of Margo Long as regional representative in Ohio. Long will provide grassroots educational and public awareness services in the state of Ohio. Her primary role will be to work with primary and secondary educators in the school system to promote the Foundation’s plant and soil science curriculum, Nourishing the Plant in the 21st Century. She will also work with industry members to share the Foundation’s core programs and enhance community relations. Long began her duties on May 1.

“We are thrilled Margo has joined the Nutrients for Life team. Her passion for agriculture education and extensive knowledge of the industry makes her an excellent representative to implement our vision in Ohio,” said Foundation Executive Director Harriet Wegmeyer.  “In the short time she has been with us, she has hit the ground running to provide educators and students with soil science education and Nutrients for Life resources.”… Continue reading

The American Soybean Association (ASA) this week remembers our friend, former ASA president, spirited soybean advocate and Ohio grower, Rob Joslin, who passed away on May 25 at age 63.

Rob was a lifelong farmer in Shelby County, Ohio, with his wife Ellen. He began farming fulltime after graduating from The Ohio State University in 1975. Rob had a lifelong relationship with 4-H and enjoyed learning parliamentary procedures during his early years at Starting Farmers 4-H Club. Later he enjoyed putting those experiences to work in his endeavors with the soybean associations.

Rob was active at ASA for 10 years and served as president in 2010. He was a dedicated supporter of ASA’s World Soy Foundation and also served on the board of the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC), including one year as board secretary. He was an active member and past officer in the Ohio Soybean Association, serving as president and chairman over the years.… Continue reading

The executive board of the American Sheep Industry Association met to provide a slate of nominees for the Secretary of Agriculture to consider for appointment to the boards of the American Lamb Board and the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.

The nominations include Ohio’s Jim Percival, who is a candidate for the seat on the board serving producers with less than 100 head of lambs. Percival, a Greene County sheep producer for the last 45 years, is being nominated to a second term on the board. He owns a small family-run operation that markets lambs to local stores or farmer’s markets.

“We believe we have provided nominees for the secretary’s consideration that are experienced and dedicated sheep producers who have served their industry at the local, state and national levels and who represent a broad range of production, marketing, finance and management experience from coast to coast,” said Burton Pfliger, ASI president.… Continue reading

On May 15, Lonnie King will step in as acting dean and vice president for agricultural administration for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.

He will assume the roles presently held by Ronald L. Hendrick, who will leave Ohio State in June to become dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University.

King will serve in this capacity while Bruce McPheron serves as interim provost for the university.

King’s extensive leadership experience and numerous scientific contributions align well with CFAES’s teaching and learning, research and innovation, and outreach and engagement missions, McPheron said.

In addition to serving as dean of Ohio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 2009-2015, King served as a dean at Michigan State from 1996-2006. He also served as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne and Enteric Diseases and led initiatives in public health, disease prevention, policy development and research.… Continue reading

Six Ohio high school and college students have been selected to receive scholarships from the Ohio Agricultural Council. The scholarships, each totaling $1,500, were awarded for the 2016-2017 school year.

The students, each of whom is pursuing a degree in an agricultural-related area of study, were chosen based on their excellent academic record, outstanding leadership qualities, community involvement, and exceptional essay responses.

“The Ohio Agricultural Council is pleased to provide scholarships to help students further their education,” said Jim Chakeres, OAC president. “As one reviewer said, ‘our future is in good hands and very bright!’ We congratulate these young leaders on being selected to receive scholarships for the 2016-17 school year.”

The high school student recipients are as follows:

• Elizabeth Landis, of Anna, Ohio

• Josie Montoney, of Lancaster, Ohio

• Garrett Stanfield, of Manchester, Ohio

The college student recipients are as follows:

• Mary Buehler, of Anna, Ohio

• Katie Frost, of Bloomingburg, Ohio

• Katie Vorst, of Middle Point, Ohio

The students will be recognized at OAC’s annual Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame Awards Program on August 5 at the Ohio State Fair in the new Cardinal Building.… Continue reading

Southeastern Equipment Co., Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Thor Hess to Executive Vice President. As EVP,

Hess will oversee company strategy (both long term and short term), implement operating efficiencies across all 18 locations, manage manufacturer relationships, and serve as in-house legal counsel. Hess joined Southeastern Equipment in 2014 as Director of Corporate Development where he helped hone company strategy and assisted in managing corporate operations.… Continue reading

The Ohio Agricultural Council (OAC) recently announced the 2016 Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees, including John C. (Jack) Fisher of Columbus, J. Richard (Dick) Isler of Delaware, Dr. Keith Smith of Hilliard, and Timothy White of Lancaster. These individuals — who have committed their lives to working in, promoting and advocating for Ohio’s farm community — will be inducted as the 51^st class on Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, during a special breakfast ceremony at the Ohio Expo Center.

“Our Board is extraordinarily pleased to be honoring such an outstanding group of inductees into this year’s class,” said Jim Chakeres, OAC president. “Each inductee stands out individually for his exceptional contributions to Ohio agriculture, but together they represent the passion, creativity and hard work evidenced by their collective decades of unmatched experience.”

Induction will take place in the all-new Cardinal Hall on the fairgrounds, which will feature an expanded Hall of Fame display and salute to Ohio’s agriculture community.… Continue reading

Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc. is pleased to announce Dan Fanger, vice president of sales and marketing was honored as the 2016 National Agri-Marketing Association’s (NAMA) Marketer of the Year award at its recent conference in Kansas City.

NAMA Marketer of the Year is the most prestigious honor awarded to an active member of the association and recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the field of agri-marketing. NAMA has been encouraging and promoting excellence in the industry by recognizing outstanding professional accomplishments for more than 50 years. The award is sponsored by Agri Marketing magazine.

Beginning in 1965 as the first full-time sales person for Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Fanger learned early how to build upon the company founders’ successes by listening not only to what customers say, but to dig deeper to determine what they really mean. The knowledge he gained has sparked the innovation of new products and initiated numerous product enhancements that made them more valuable to farmers and increased dealer-customer profitability.… Continue reading

Thom Janini has been appointed interim director of The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, beginning Aug. 1.

The two-year degree-granting institution of the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State ATI is ranked No. 1 in the nation in the awarding of associate degrees in agriculture and related sciences.

Janini is associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Arts, Science, and Business Technologies Division at Ohio State ATI. He will take over for current interim director Jim Kinder and will lead the institution until a new director is appointed.

“I’m grateful for Thom’s willingness to provide leadership during this critical transitional period,” said Ron Hendrick, acting CFAES dean and vice president for agricultural administration.

“Thom has already provided valuable administrative leadership in his role as divisional chair, and he’s been a thought leader during the ATI re-envisioning and campus integration discussions. We look forward to his addition to the college’s leadership team.”… Continue reading

Frank Burkett III of Massillon has been elected the 24th president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF). Burkett now holds the highest elected OFBF office.

Burkett was elected by OFBF’s board of trustees upon the resignation of Steve Hirsch of Chillicothe, who left the OFBF board to stand for election to the Nationwide board of directors. Hirsch served as the organization’s president for five years.

Burkett has been OFBF’s first vice president for the past two years. He previously served as treasurer and has been on the state board since 2007. Burkett will continue to serve as the District 9 trustee representing members from Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage and Stark counties.

The new president is a long-time member of Stark County Farm Bureau where he was a board trustee, policy development chairman and farm tour chairman. He is a past board member for Ohio Dairy Producers Association and is a member of Rivertree Christian Church.… Continue reading

Vice President and COO of Trupointe Cooperative, Inc., Gordon Wallace, will retire August 31, 2016 after 42 years in the agricultural industry.

Wallace began his career in 1974 with Clark Landmark, as an agronomy salesman, after graduation from The Ohio State University. He went on to be named general manager/CEO in 1985 of the same cooperative, with sales of $24M his first year. Over the next 25 years, Wallace would lead the cooperative as CEO through many changes including the 2000 merger of AgriUrban, AgTech, Clark Landmark and Clinton Landmark to become Southwest Landmark. In 2010, Wallace helped to lead a vision to bring Southwest Landmark and Advanced Agri-Solutions Cooperatives together to form Trupointe Cooperative, with sales of $496M. Wallace has served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Trupointe.

“Our cooperative would not be where it is at today without the contributions made by Gordon. He has provided much leadership over the years and we wish him well in his retirement,” said John Lowry, Board Chairman.… Continue reading

Amanda Orahood of Canfield has been named Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) organization director for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

As organization director, Orahood will act as liaison between the county Farm Bureaus and OFBF. She will assist the county groups as they develop and implement programs to strengthen their organizations and enhance their ability to serve members and affect positive change in their communities.

Before accepting the position with OFBF, Orahood spent more than three years as a meat inspector for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. She grew up on a small farm in Caldwell and is a member of the Columbiana-Mahoning-Trumbull Cattlemen’s Association. Orahood is an advisory member for the association’s beef ambassador program. She is a graduate of both the OSU Agricultural Technical Institute, with a associate’s degree in livestock science and Ohio State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. She and her husband, Lee, live in Canfield with their son, Colter.… Continue reading

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) honored five American farmers and their fertilizer retail partners last week at the 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, La. These 2016 4R Grower Advocates are dedicated to the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship: using the right nutrient source at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place. These practices help increase yields, improve soils, and enhance ecosystems. Each of the 2016 4R Advocate growers operate multi-generational family farms.

“Our 4R Advocates really understand the value in implementing the 4R practices and have been excellent examples of how using these principles can help farmers be great businessmen and stewards of the environment,” said Chris Jahn, TFI President. “I am extremely pleased to honor their work, and I hope they serve as an example to all farmers that the 4R program can really benefit them for years to come.”

These winners were awarded an expense-paid trip to the 2016 Commodity Classic, where they were honored at an awards banquet hosted by TFI.… Continue reading

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has promoted Callie Wells of Columbus to director of digital communications.

Wells, who started at Ohio Farm Bureau in 2012 as a communications specialist, will provide leadership for the organization’s website and social media. Last year, Ohio Farm Bureau launched a new website, ofbf.org, which combines the former Farm Bureau and Our Ohio sites into a comprehensive source of useful information and provide access to the organization’s resources. Wells also produces videos as well as contributes to Our Ohio magazine and Buckeye Farm News, Ohio Farm Bureau’s consumer and farm publications.

Wells grew up in Butler County. She has a master’s degree in agricultural communications and a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agricultural education from Ohio State University. She is a 2013 graduate of AgriPOWER, Ohio Farm Bureau’s year-long leadership training program.… Continue reading

When Brandi (Fornshell) Montogmery joined Wilmington College’s admission staff in 2014, she was no stranger to WC, as she is an alumnus from the Class of 2013. Her recent appointment as the College’s primary recruiter of agriculture students was, in turn, especially appropriate as she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in agirculture.

She returned to WC in 2014 after working two years in the agriculture industry.

Adam Lohrey, director of admission, said her job experience, coupled with that gained as a former agriculture student and Student Ambassador with the Admission Office, have set up Brandi for success in her new role.

“She will continue building relationships with high schools and other agriculture programs, in addition to working closely with our faculty in student recruitment and cultivating relationships within the agriculture industry,” he said.

Lohrey said Montgomery will coordinate Wilmington College’s presence at the Ohio, Indiana and National FFA conventions, while also interfacing with FFA and agriculture instructors throughout Ohio and beyond.… Continue reading

Stephen Caraway of West Union is the winner of the 2016 Ohio Farm Bureau Discussion Meet. The final round of the competition was held during Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals Leadership Conference Jan. 29 in Columbus.

The annual contest tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills.

Caraway won $1,000 from Nationwide Insurance, a Polaris Most Versatile Generator and an expense-paid trip to the 2017 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Phoenix where he will represent Ohio in the national Discussion Meet contest.

Caraway, an Adams County Farm Bureau member, serves as an Adams County commissioner. He is a member of West Union Lions Club and numerous other civic organizations. He grew up on an 124-acre pumpkin and agritourism operation.

The other finalists were Mike Derringer of Eaton, Andy Korb of Oxford and Joy Sizemore of Monroeville.

The Discussion Meet is hosted by Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals – singles and married couples ages 18 to 35 who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.… Continue reading

Larry R. Gearhardt of Covington has joined Barrett, Easterday, Cunningham & Eselgroth LLP (BECE) in an “of counsel” capacity.

Gearhardt’s wealth of experience dovetails well with BECE’s focus on providing legal services to the agricultural industry. Most recently, he has been directing Ohio State University’s Income Tax Schools and serving as the resource person on tax issues for OSU Extension. He serves on the Rural Tax committee, which reviews and edits IRS Publication 225 (the Farmer’s Tax Guide) on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service.

Gearhardt has combined his love of farming and law throughout his career. While actively farming, Gearhardt has engaged in the private practice of law in Miami County. He developed the Legal and Local Affairs department at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) and gained in-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local government as OFBF”s senior director of State Legislative Affairs.

Gearhardt is known for his ability to communicate complex topics in an understandable way.… Continue reading

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director David T. Daniels today announced the appointment of Jared Parko as a new deputy director to the department’s senior management team.

As deputy director, Parko will primarily focus on laboratory operations and animal health, dairy, food safety and meat issues. Prior to his new appointment, Parko served as laboratory operations manager for the Food Safety Net Services in Columbus, Ohio. He also previously worked in the Dairy Food Safety Laboratory at the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a master’s degree in food safety and a bachelor’s degree in microbiology.

In addition, ODA has recently made appointments to several senior staff positions:

• Terri Gerhardt became chief of the Division of Food Safety. Gerhardt has been with ODA since 2000 and previously served as the assistant chief of the Division of Food Safety. She earned her bachelor’s degree in dairy science and her master’s degree in agricultural economics, both from The Ohio State University.

Korre Boyer of Lucas has been named director of public policy for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF). In his position, he will manage Ohio Farm Bureau’s public policy outreach team covering livestock, animal care, food policy, food safety and commodity issues.

Boyer’s most recent position was with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources where he served as manager of Malabar Farm State Park and Mohican State Park and oversaw the state parks’ wastewater treatment plants. Previously he was an OFBF organization director in Crawford, Marion, Morrow and Richland counties and a vocational ag teacher for the Lucas Local School District.

A 1999 graduate of Ohio State University, he has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and was a member of the 1998 livestock judging team. He is a 13-year member of the Richland County Farm Bureau and a member of the county Cattlemen’s Association. He has a beef cattle operation in Ashland County, and he and his wife, Belinda, have three children.… Continue reading

Matt and Liz Funderburgh of North Lewisburg were recently elected chair couple of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) Young Agricultural Professional Advisory Team. Kyle and Ashton Walls of Mount Vernon were elected co-chair couple. Terri Specht of Johnstown was elected secretary.

The team develops and directs programming, activities and contests for Ohio Farm Bureau’s program for young adults who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.

Other team members are Greg and Theresa Corcoran of Chillicothe, Eric and Shelly Prysi of New Philadelphia, Doug Toops of South Vienna, Karl Wedemeyer of La Rue and Jennifer Wilson of Jenera.… Continue reading