The American Forage and Grassland Council awarded Bob Hendershot, retired State Grassland Conservationist in Ohio for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the 2017 Distinguished Grasslander Award at its annual conference in Roanoke, Virginia.
The Distinguished Grasslander Award is presented to individuals who, during their careers, have served the forage and grassland segment of agriculture with distinction.
“My desire has been to help farmers conserve and improve their soil, water and plant resources. Forages and pastures are one of our most misunderstood, underutilized and abused land uses. I have been blessed to share knowledge and information on soils, plants, animals and water to help producers protect the environment, improve their families’ lifestyle and increase their income,” Hendershot said.
Hendershot is known throughout the grazing community. He has walked countless number of pasture fields and provided technical services to many farmers across Ohio and surrounding states.… Continue reading
Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director David T. Daniels has appointed former State Representative Tim Derickson as the department’s assistant director. Derickson most recently served as executive director of the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. One of his many accomplishments in the legislature was sponsorship of HB 89 in March 2011 that established Ohio Agriculture Week, an annual week of recognition dedicated to the state’s largest industry.
“Tim Derickson will be a perfect addition to our team at ODA,” Daniels said. “His farming background coupled with his
legislative and executive experience will help our agency and its dedicated employees serve the people of Ohio by responsibly carrying out ODA’s mission of responsible regulation that allows Ohio’s farmers and food processers to grow and prosper.”
Growing up, Derickson worked full-time on his family’s dairy farm in Hanover Township, Butler County, while attending Talawanda High School, Clark State Community College and Miami University.… Continue reading
Adam Carney of Plain City has been named director of membership sales for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
Carney brings more than 10 years of sales and sales leadership experience to this newly created position. He was most recently employed as director of premium sales and service with the Columbus Crew.
“His knowledge will be an asset as we continue to focus on growing our organization,” said Paul Lyons, Ohio Farm Bureau senior director, membership.
Carney received his bachelor’s degree in sports management/business from Wilmington College in 2005. He and his wife, Jody, have two children.… Continue reading
Twenty-four farmers and agribusiness professionals recently graduated from Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s AgriPOWER Institute Class VIII. Started in 2008, AgriPOWER is an intensive, yearlong leadership training program that helps participants develop important skills so they can become effective community leaders and advocates for agriculture. Over the course of the year, they learned about local, state and federal public policy topics important to the agricultural and food industry. Sessions took place in Ohio, Washington, D.C. and Georgia.
Class VIII graduates are Linda Ayres-Louiso of West Union, Nate Bair of Upper Sandusky, Ryan Conklin of Plain City, Amanda Crawford of North Canton, Haley Davis of Bucyrus, Paul Dorrance of Chillicothe, Jessica Draganic of South Solon, Charlie Ellington of Louisville, Tracy Emrick of Doylestown, Britta Fenstermaker of McComb, Jerri Furniss of Westerville, Dave Green of New Washington, Brad Guckian of Camden, Andy Hollenback of Utica, Seth Middleton of Sidney, Bennett Musselman of Orient, Rita Myers of Oregon, Jessica Parrish of Mechanicsburg, Racine Ramsey of Mechanicsburg, Jan Shannon of Orient, Macy Staggs of Seaman, Nathan Vandenbroek of Findlay, Clark Walker of Vinton and J.D.… Continue reading
Archbold Equipment Company has named Phil Cobb Location Manager of the Bowling Green CASE IH dealership.
“Phil brings diverse experience to this location,” said Zach Hetterick, Archbold Equipment CEO. “His extensive background in service, industry knowledge and leadership skills will strengthen the Bowling Green team. We look forward to him expanding and developing the staff there.”
Cobb comes to Archbold Equipment from AGCO, where he was Key Account Manager in Ohio and Indiana. Prior to that he held various roles at Case New Holland including Regional Service Manager, Cash Crop Specialist, Product Sales Training Specialist and Combine Field Test Intern. Cobb has also spent time custom harvesting from Texas to Montana.
“I am looking forward to getting back closer to my farming roots, working with the local community and farmers in the area,” Cobb said. “I plan to work with the Bowling Green team to enhance the location for customers as well as the staff.”… Continue reading
The American Soybean Association (ASA) recently honored the late Rob Joslin, of Sidney with its Lifetime Achievement Award-Association Focus, at its annual awards banquet during the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
The Lifetime Achievement Award-Association Focus is ASA’s highest recognition. It honors individuals
who have provided many years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the work of ASA and U.S. soybean farmers.
Joslin, who passed away unexpectedly in May 2016, was remembered by fellow soybean farmers and friends during the awards banquet, and his wife Ellen Joslin and daughter Gail (Joslin) Kelley accepted his posthumous award.
Joslin was a member of the Ohio Soybean Association and ASA for nearly 30 years. He served on numerous committees and in all top leadership positions at both the state and national level. He was also a dedicated supporter of ASA’s World Soy Foundation and served on the board of the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC), including one year as board secretary.… Continue reading
Luis Moraes joined the Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University on December 15, 2016. He grew up in Brazil where his family owns and manages a beef cattle operation.
Moraes has been always involved with agriculture through his family business and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomic Engineering from the University of Sao Paulo at the ESALQ campus. Following his graduation, he
moved to California where he received two Master of Science degrees, one in Animal Biology and one in Statistics, and a PhD in Animal Biology, all from the University of California-Davis. He worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the UC Davis in the Department of Animal Science until he joined the faculty at Ohio State as an Assistant Professor.
His research focuses on the application of statistics, mathematics, and economics to the animal sciences. He is particularly interested in the use of economic optimization models for dairy management.… Continue reading
Ohio Corn & Wheat (OCW) is pleased to announce the addition of Brad Reynolds to its staff.
As the Communications Director, Reynolds will be responsible for leading the development and execution of annual communications plans for Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, the Ohio Corn Checkoff and the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff. He will also serve as an industry spokesperson and media liaison throughout Ohio and the U.S.
Reynolds comes to Ohio Corn & Wheat with 15 years of advocacy and government relations experience with the State of Ohio. Most recently, Reynolds served as the Senior Communications Manager on the Division of Disability Determination team at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. There, he served as a member of the Senior Leadership Team providing strategic planning on all communication activity.
“Brad’s government relations experience and communications expertise will make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of OCW.… Continue reading
Bill Richards, former chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was a speaker at the recent Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference at Ohio Northern University. Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood spoke with him about the industry and its change over the years.… Continue reading
National Farmers Union (NFU) recognized the efforts of members, county and local organizations, and state divisions for their excellence in membership recruitment and outreach at the 115th Anniversary Convention.
“A strong grassroots network is the backbone of a farmer-led organization,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Our peer-driven approach to membership and outreach is what keeps our organization rooted in rural America, and I am honored to recognize the efforts of these dedicated leaders.”
Annually, National Farmers Union presents one or more awards in each of four categories: Silver Star Award, Membership Achievement Award, Leadership Achievement Award, and Outstanding Leadership Achievement Award.
William Miller from Ohio Farmers Union received the Membership Achievement Award for his dedication to recruitment.
The Ohio State University has recommended the appointment of Cathann Arceneaux Kress, PhD, as vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). She currently is vice president for extension and outreach and director of cooperative extension at Iowa State University. Subject to approval by Ohio State’s Board of Trustees, Kress will begin her appointment May 1.
“It’s an honor to join the incredible community of faculty, staff and volunteers dedicated to all of CFAES’s missions in education, research, outreach and service. I’m excited by the opportunities and multiple ways we can enhance the capacities and impacts of CFAES,” Kress said. “I’d like to thank the members of the search committee for their service, and I look forward to meeting many colleagues, students, alumni and friends in the coming months.”
As vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES, Kress will be the chief academic and administrative officer of the college and will be responsible for leading its education, research, service and outreach missions.… Continue reading
Bill Knapke of Fort Recovery will receive 200 acres worth of Liberty herbicide and LibertyLink soybean seed as the December winner of the Real Yield Sweepstakes, sponsored by Bayer.
Growers who enter the Real Yield Sweepstakes win free seed and Liberty herbicide and local FFA foundations earn donations from every grower entry. Knapke entered the Real Yield Sweepstakes after attending a field day in Northeast Ohio. He is the sixth soybean winner for 2016.
“It’s time to switch things up,” Knapke said. “Roundup has not been doing the job we expected it to, so we’re going to spray Liberty this year to achieve higher soybean yields.”
In all, 12 growers were named Real Yield winners during 2016. The prize package includes:
material to treat 200 acres with Liberty herbicide, the working solution for weed control and real yields, and
Any brand of soybean seed with the LibertyLink trait to plant 200 acres.
Lindsay Shoup of Orville is the new Ohio Farm Bureau Federation organization director for Ashland, Holmes, Medina and Wayne counties. She succeeds John Fitzpatrick, who recently retired after 18 years in the position.
Shoup will work with the counties and Ohio Farm Bureau to develop and implement programs and activities that strengthen their organizations, serve their members and bring about positive change in their communities.
Shoup received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from Ohio State University and a master’s in animal science from the University of Illinois. While at Illinois she worked as a research specialist and lab manager. She has participated in OFBF’s Young Ag Professionals program. Shoup is involved with the family swine operation and attends Orrville Christian Church.… Continue reading
The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences’ new director of government affairs comes not only with rich experience in the state legislature, executive branch of state government, and in an advocacy role for policy and funding at the state and national levels, he also agricultural roots from a childhood growing up on a corn, soybean and hog farm in Champaign County.
Adam Ward, executive director of the Ohio Soybean Association, is expected to begin his new position March 6.
“I have dedicated my career to advocating for Ohio’s farmers, and there is no better place to do that than at The Ohio State University,” Ward said. “The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences has touched my life from a very young age. I look forward to working with the college and university to strengthen the role CFAES plays in developing generations of food, agricultural and environmental professionals in Ohio and the world beyond.”… Continue reading
Susan Shultz of De Graff was elected secretary/treasurer of the American Sheep Industry Association
at the 2017 ASI Convention in Denver.
“I have a deep appreciation for the wide diversity in our American sheep industry,” said Shultz to the ASI board of directors. “From north to south and east to west, we have variety in the size and scope of our operations, our production systems and even our marketing goals. I will do my best to represent this diversity by listening to your needs and acting to address those concerns.”
With her husband, Bill, and son, Joe, Shultz operates Bunker Hill Farm, a fourth-generation diversified family farm. They breed black-faced (Suffolk) terminal sires primarily for the western range commercial industry and are committed to genetic improvement through the use of objective measurements and the National Sheep Improvement Program. Performance criteria are centered on multiple weighings for growth and the use of ultrasounds for loin eye and fat determination.… Continue reading
Christopher Winslow has been appointed as the new director for Ohio Sea Grant and Ohio State’s Stone Laboratory, effective Feb. 1. Winslow has served as the program’s interim director since April 2015.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this position in the areas of strategic planning, Ohio Sea Grant administration, grant management, research, outreach and teaching,” said Caroline Whitacre, senior vice president for research at The Ohio State University.
Since serving as interim director, Winslow developed strong partnerships with universities, the scientific community, state and federal agencies and local communities, as well as many other key stakeholders concerned with the health of Lake Erie and its surrounding landscape.
One of those partnerships is the multi-million-dollar Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative (HABRI), funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, which brings together scientists from across the state to address harmful algal blooms and associated problems. The ongoing research projects have already warned water treatment plants of incoming algal blooms, developed better treatment methods for contaminated drinking water, and confirmed that Lake Erie fish are safe to eat even during an algal bloom.… Continue reading
Two Ohioans have been elected to serve the nation’s wheat growers at the national level.
Doug Goyings of Paulding was elected to serve on the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) executive board during the joint winter USW and National Association of Wheat Growers board meeting in Washington, D.C.
Goyings is a fourth generation grain farmer with more than thirty-five years of experience working on behalf of wheat and agriculture.
“I am honored to serve this industry that is so important to my family and our country,” Goyings said. “We need a strong, united industry guiding us forward as we overcome many pressing issues including future trade agreements. I am honored to continue our positive momentum and serve on the executive board.”
Goyings is a board member of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff and previously served three terms as chair. He will utilize his hands-on leadership experience from current and past positions during his four-year term on the USW officer committee.… Continue reading
Danielle Burch of Salem is the winner of the 2017 Ohio Farm Bureau Young Ag Professionals Discussion Meet. The annual contest tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills.
The final round of the competition was held during Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals Winter Leadership Conference Feb. 3 in Columbus.
Burch won a $1,000 cash award from Nationwide Insurance, a Polaris Most Versatile Generator and an expense-paid trip to the 2017 OFBF Annual Meeting Dec. 6-8 in Columbus. She also won an expense-paid trip to the AFBF Annual Convention in January 2018 in Nashville where she will represent Ohio in the national Discussion Meet competition.
Burch, a Columbiana County Farm Bureau board member, is a county action team leader and served on the OFBF Young Ag Professionals State Committee from 2013-2016. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science and history at the University of Mount Union in Alliance and master’s degree in education at St.… Continue reading
Ben Butcher has been promoted to Agricultural Sales Director and will lead JD Equipment’s strategy and execution for all agricultural equipment sales. Ben began his career with JD Equipment in 2009 as an equipment salesman and was promoted to manage the Marion Store in 2013. Ben is a native of Kenton and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Ag Business and Applied Economics.
Arin Severt has been promoted to Turf and Utility Sales Director and will lead JD Equipment’s strategy and execution for all turf and utility equipment sales. Arin began his career with JD Equipment in 1995 as an equipment salesman and was promoted to manage the New Albany Store in 2014. Arin is a native of Springfield.
Cody Kirkpatrick has been promoted to Aftermarket Sales Director and will lead the company’s strategy and execution for all Parts and Service Departments at JD Equipment. Cody began his career with JD Equipment in 2002 as an equipment salesman and was promoted to manage the Washington Court House Store in 2011.… Continue reading
The Ohio Auctioneers Association (OAA) has recognized The Wendt Group’s exceptional marketing work by naming the company winner of four out of its six categories in its 2017 Ohio Auctioneers Association Marketing Competition.
The 2017 contest included entries from across the state. The Wendt Group’s awards were in the Brochure Design, Newspaper Advertising, Public Relations, Auction Promotion, Photography and Digital & Social Media. The Wendt group was recognized Saturday at the competition reception in Cuyahoga Falls.
“To be recognized by your peers on a state level is a great honor,” said Kevin Wendt, The Wendt Group president. “We’ve also been blessed to be affiliated with Wes Sigler and Blue River Digital to bring award-winning and unique marketing design options to our sellers.”
The Wendt Group consists of full-service real estate professionals serving Ohio, Indiana, and the Midwest, offering both auction and traditional brokerage services. They specialize in farmland, recreational land, and farm equipment and are currently booking auctions for 2017.… Continue reading
