Buckeye People

Shawn Cleveland has been named executive director of the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501(c) nonprofit, public charitable organization. Established in 1985, the foundation helps community groups, civic leaders and consumers in rural, suburban and urban neighborhoods use agriculture to address a variety of quality of life issues.

In his position, Cleveland will focus on creating an overall vision and direction for the foundation to expand its good works and increase its financial resources. The foundation focuses on four areas: education, community development, legal issues and animal issues.

Previously, Cleveland was a director of development for 11 years with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He also was director of the Heidelberg Fund in Tiffin and development officer for the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Columbus.

Cleveland graduated from Ohio State in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and received the university’s student service award. Prior to that, he spent four years in the U.S.… Continue reading

A group of 10 outstanding young farm and ranch leaders, including Emily Buck from Ohio, have been selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation as the organization’s eighth Partners in Agricultural Leadership class. PAL is designed to help agricultural leaders accelerate their leadership abilities and solidify their roles as advocates for agriculture.

“The new PAL class represents the very ‘best of the best’ among today’s farmers, ranchers and agri-business professionals,” said Bob Stallman, AFBF President. “We look forward to working with them as they embark on an exciting journey that will equip them as vital contributors to our agricultural outreach efforts.”

Buck is an associate professor of ag communication at The Ohio State University and lives with her husband John on their Marion County farm. Other members of PAL Class 8 are: Jeremy Barron, Indiana; Jennifer Bergin, Montana; ; Terisha Driggs, Arizona; Cameron Edwards, Kentucky; Brian Marshall, Missouri; Chris Pollack, Wisconsin; Derek Sawyer, Kansas; Scott Sink, Virginia; and Julie White, Mississippi.… Continue reading

Jim Tucker of Marshallville Packing in Marshallville will serve as the president of the Ohio Association of Meat Processors (OAMP) for the upcoming year. Tucker was elected to continue his term of the office at the OAMP Convention in Columbus on March 20 and 21, 2015.

Other officers for the upcoming year include:

Levi King of King and Sons Poultry in Bradford will serve as the Vice President

Marion Pacula of Winesburg Meats in Winesburg will serve as the Past President

Mike Jessee of Dee Jays Custom Butchering in Fredericktown will serve as the Director at Large

The OAMP Convention was also highlighted by a Product Competition. Over 130 products were entered in the competition. Dee Jays Custom Butchering of Fredericktown, Ohio won the Best of Show with their smoked turkey.

The OAMP is a non-profit organization that works for the betterment of the meat industry in Ohio and is proud to be celebrating its 75th anniversary.… Continue reading

United Producers Inc. (UPI) announced that Ryan Vaughn is joining the team at its Gallipolis facility as manager effective March 23. In this role Vaughn will be responsible for developing relationships with livestock producers in the area, managing the day-to-day operation of the facility and providing leadership to the UPI Irvington team. Vaughn is a native of the Ripley, W.Va., area and previously served as manager of UPI’s Irvington, Ky., facility.

“Ryan has a keen understanding of the value of customer service and has great knowledge of cattle and the region,” said Senior Vice President of Livestock Marketing Jeff Harding. “We are confident he will be a valued resource to cattle producers in the area.”… Continue reading

Dr. Gene Isler, 74, of Delaware, died Tuesday, March 10, while vacationing in Costa Rica.

Isler was a professor of Animal Science at The Ohio State University for 23 years, owner of Lean Value Sires, and a judge for many hog shows around the United States. He was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame and the OSU Animal Science Hall of Fame. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, 5455 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43214 or the American Diabetes Association, 471 E. Broad St. #1630, Columbus, OH 43215.

Gene is survived by his wife Karen Isler and their two children and their families. Calling hours for Gene will be Monday 5-8 at Schoedinger in Worthington at 6699 North High Street and the funeral on Tuesday at 11 at All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington at 6770 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43085.… Continue reading

Twenty Ohio agribusiness leaders are being recognized as the latest graduates of Ohio AgriBusiness Association’s LAUNCH program. Participants were selected by their companies to undergo the robust executive leadership development program, which was created in partnership with Wilt Public Relations to help OABA member companies fill the looming void of leadership talent. More than 50 percent of the agriculture business workforce is expected to retire in the next 10-12 years.

The 20 Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA) member graduates who successfully completed the 2015 LAUNCH program include:

● Scott Alexander — Grain Merchandiser, Mid-Wood Inc.

● Travis Algren — Merchandiser, CGB Enterprises

● Stacie Anderson — Seed Manager, Legacy Farmers Cooperative

● Shana Beppler — Grain Merchandiser, Agland Co-op, Inc.

● Brenna Cross — Assistant Manager/VP of Marketing, Blue Stone Solutions Ltd.

● Eric Cunningham — Accountant, Morral Companies

● Kristin Davis — Account Manager, Wilt Public Relations

● Grant Downes — Safety and Compliance Specialist, Carrollton Farmers Exchange

● Bailey Elchinger — Grain Risk Management Consultant, INTL/FCStone

● Blake Gates — Wholesale Territory Manager, Morral Companies

● Andrew Gladden — IT Manager, Luckey Farmers Inc.… Continue reading

Chuck Gates, a Seed Consultants area seedsman, was named the 2015 Ohio Certified Crop Advisor of the Year during the 2015 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference in Ada.

The Ohio CCA Program is sponsors this state award, which is designed to recognize an individual who is highly motivated, delivers exceptional customer service for farmer clients in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management, and crop production, and has contributed substantially to the exchange of ideas and the transfer of agronomic knowledge within the agricultural industry in Ohio.

Gates received a plaque, recognition, and a $1,500 cash award from the agronomic industry.

To view previous award winners, visit www.oaba.net/cca_award.… Continue reading

During the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association Annual Meeting on Dec. 6, 2014, elections were held for 2015 and new officers and members of the Board of Trustees were elected. Officers elected include Shawn Ray, President (Noble County); Mark McCabe, First Vice-President (Marion County); Mike Stitzlein, Second Vice-President (Ashland County); and Daryl Clark, Past President (Guernsey County).

OSIA Board members re-elected to serve two-year terms include: Dusty Knapke (Auglaize County); and Kathy Bielek (Wayne County). Newly elected board members include: Denise Percival (Greene County); and Bob Hendershot (Pickaway County).

Retiring OSIA Board members include: Jerry Allison (Muskingum County); and Don Van Nostran (Athens County).

In addition, Ohio Sheep and Wool Program (OSWP) Board members have been named for the 2015 program year. Four three-year re-appointments for years 2015-2017 to the Board include: Roger Hunker (Huron County), Gary Wilson (Hancock County), Lori Shroyer (Logan County) and Don Hawk (Knox County). One new 3-year appointment for years 2015-2017 to the Board is Becky Sexten (Greene County).… Continue reading

Kristin Flowers has been named Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) organization director for Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca and Wood counties.

Flowers, of Custar, 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.

Last year Flowers graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communication and a minor in animal science. In May she received OSU’s Outstanding Student Leadership Award. Before coming to Ohio Farm Bureau, she was communications manager for Luckey Farms, Inc. and a marketing intern for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. For two years she helped plan the Ag is Cool education program at the Ohio State Fair.

Flowers, an Olentangy Liberty High School graduate, grew up training and showing horses. She helps her husband, Greg, and other family members on a farm where they raise row crops, hay and straw.… Continue reading

The Board of Directors for the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, the member-supported grassroots legislative, research, and producer education organization for Ohio’s dairy farmers, recently elected their 2015 officers. Officers are:

• Chair — Joe Miley of West Salem, Ohio

• Vice Chair, Producers — Matt Andreas of Sugarcreek, Ohio

• Producer Representative — Bill Ramsey of Louisville, Ohio

• Vice Chair, Organizations — Chuck Moellendick of Pleasantville, Ohio

• Organization Representative — Urban Mescher of Maria Stein, Ohio

The ODPA Board of Directors also approved its 2015 budget and established priorities for the year.  ODPA will continue to serve Ohio’s dairy farmers by representing their best interest in legislative affairs and regulatory issues, providing producer education opportunities, supporting practical dairy research and promoting a positive dairy image.

In addition, ODPA will continue to work with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and other state leadership to position itself as a resource in decisions that may impact Ohio’s dairy industry.… Continue reading

Linda Saif, a scientist in Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been awarded the 2015 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for her work on viral diseases of critical importance to farm animals, food safety and human health.

Saif is the first Ohio State scientist and the first woman to receive this recognition, awarded since 1978 by the Wolf Foundation of Israel. The award will be presented at a ceremony to be held at the Knesset — Israel’s parliament — in Jerusalem on May 31.

In addition to agriculture, the Wolf Prize is given for achievement in the fields of chemistry, mathematics, medicine, physics and the arts. Past recipients include Stephen Hawking and Peter Higgs.

“Dr. Linda Saif’s work exemplifies our college’s commitment to conducting meaningful research that benefits agriculture as well as human health and well-being,” said Bruce McPheron, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES.… Continue reading

The Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) recently welcomed Ellen Gilliland as project manager and Stacie Seger as communication manager.

“I’m very excited to have Ellen and Stacie on our growing team,” said Tadd Nicholson, OCWGA Executive Director. “They both bring a great deal of experience and energy that will benefit our three organizations and the corn and wheat farmers we serve.”

As project manager, Gilliland will oversee outreach, event planning and coordinating work of the OCWGA and its two sister organizations — Ohio Corn Marketing Program (OCMP) and Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program (OSGMP).

Gilliland joins OCWGA after serving as marketing manager for Rural Media Group in Omaha, Nebraska, where she oversaw the production and creative teams, corresponded with outside clients, and created marketing plans for major accounts.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural communication from The Ohio State University. Gilliland grew up on a family farm in McCutchenville, Ohio where her family raises miniature Herford cattle and had a hog nursery.… Continue reading

Channel has hired Sean Rittinger of Stoutsville Seed Shed LLC as a Channel Seedsman for the Stoutsville area.

Rittinger’s role will be to work proactively with local farmers to deliver expert advice, customized service and elite seed products to help improve productivity and profitability. Channel Seedsmen focus on getting to know their customers and their farms inside and out, and using that knowledge to provide in-depth, hands-on service and support every step of the way.

Rittinger, a graduate of The Ohio State University, has 18 years of experience in the field as a Monsanto District Sales Manager and is already out in the fields working with farmers to help them make the right decisions for their individual farms. He will be covering Pickaway, Ross and Fairfield counties.

“Building relationships with farmers starts with knowledgeable committed Seedsmen like Sean,” said Matt Bowers, Channel District Sales Manager. “We’re excited to have him onboard and ready to leverage his experience to help make our customers more productive and profitable.”… Continue reading

Latham and Katie Farley of Englewood have been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, for the 2015-2017 term beginning in March. The committee is composed of 16 positions representing all regions of the United States.

Latham manages the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office for Shelby County, and Katie works as a graphic designer. Both help on Katie’s family’s farm. Latham earned a degree in biology from Mississippi State University, and Katie graduated from Miami University with a degree in graphic design. They are members of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and just completed their two-year term on Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team, serving as chairs for the last year. They have a 1-year-old daughter, Cora.

Committee members are responsible for Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program planning, which includes the operation of YF&R competitive events during AFBF’s annual convention, along with planning and implementation of the YF&R Leadership Conference held in February.… Continue reading

Archbold Equipment Company has named Zach Hetterick Chief Executive Officer of the six-store CASE IH dealership complex.

“Zach brings a wealth of farm equipment industry knowledge, leadership and expertise to the company,” said Ross Wyse, Chairman of the Board. “He has the vision to lead Archbold Equipment into an even more dynamic company.”

Hetterick comes to Archbold Equipment Company from CASE IH, where he held various roles including Parts and Service Manager, Territory Sales Manager, Livestock Marketing Manager for North America and most recently, Marketing Manager for High Horsepower Tractors for North America. He began his career at AGCO and also worked for Ohio CAT.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead the staff at Archbold Equipment as well as become a shareholder in this growing business,” Hetterick said. “Together, we’ll continue to create ways to be a true business partner to our customers. The new facility being built in Portage and the shop expansion at the Sherwood location are a great start to that.”… Continue reading

JoAnn Pfeiffer, agricultural educator at Federal Hocking High School in Stewart, Ohio, is one of only six individuals nationwide who received the Agriscience Teacher of the Year Award at the 2014 National Association of Agricultural Educators annual convention in Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 18-22.

The National Agriscience Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who have inspired and enlightened their students through engaging and interactive lessons in the science of agriculture.

Pfeiffer has been teaching agriculture for 15 years at Federal Hocking High School. The two-teacher agriculture program is popular — currently reaching half of the students in the high school. The program guides students through inquiry-based projects so they can make connections between science, math and agriculture. Pfeiffer’s goal is to teach students how to think and find answers on their own. She challenges students with a problem, and asks them to consider and test solutions to find the best solution on their own.… Continue reading

An Ohio State University Extension educator has been named president of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents.

Mike Hogan, who is also an associate professor with OSU Extension and a sustainable agriculture coordinator, was recently elected president of the national professional extension organization. OSU Extension is the outreach arm of Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

The 5,784-member association, which is based in Illinois, works to strengthen and support the work of extension educators and to promote and support the agriculture industry. As president of NACAA, Hogan said he plans to mark the organization’s 100-year anniversary in 2015 by reflecting on where the organization has come from and what advances it can continue to make.

“We want to recognize our past and springboard our organization to the future to expand how we can continue to be vital to famers, including how we broaden our membership and use technology to continue to advance the work that we do in extension,” he said.… Continue reading

Ohio Farmers Union President Joe Logan has been appointed to a national committee that provides advice on environmental, agricultural and rural development issues to the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Logan will serve on the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee.

According to a letter sent Logan by EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, the committee “provides advice, information and recommendations to the Administrator on a broad range of environmental issues and policies …” The committee’s members represent a broad range of interests including academia, farmers, ag industry interest groups and state and local government representatives.

“This year’s water quality issues in Lake Erie validate the importance of issues that touch on both the agricultural industry and the environment,” Logan said. “I’m pleased to represent Ohio’s farmers on this important committee. I believe Administrator McCarthy takes seriously the advice and real-world experience brought to the EPA’s decision-making process by the committee.”… Continue reading

United Producers Inc. (UPI) announced today that Kelly Guthrie has been hired as an Agriculture Underwriter.

In this role, Guthrie will provide support to the lending activities of United Producers Credit Services, including underwriting, analytical, and loan monitoring activities. Guthrie is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in Animal Sciences. She has completed a number of livestock internships, served as the State Fair Intern in 2013 for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and is current president of the OSU Collegiate Young Famers.

“We are excited to have Kelly join the UPI team,” said Dennis Bolling, President and CEO, United Producers, Inc. “Her enthusiasm and commitment to the Ohio agriculture community is impressive and we believe she will be a great addition to the team.”

More information about United Producers credit services is available at www.uproducers.com.… Continue reading

Kelly and Michelle Abfall of Albany have been named winners of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) 2014 Outstanding Young Farmer Award.

The contest is designed to help young farmers strengthen their business skills, develop marketing opportunities and receive recognition for their accomplishments. Contestants are judged on the growth of their farm businesses and involvement in Farm Bureau and their community.

The Abfalls won 250 hours free use of an M-series tractor provided by Kubota, $1,000 in Grainger merchandise sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and an expense-paid trip to the 2015 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Diego, Calif.

Kelly and Michelle are members of Athens County Farm Bureau, with Michelle serving on the board of trustees. They operate a 1,030-acre grain farm, where they raise corn, soybeans and wheat. They also raise beef cattle. Both have bachelor’s degrees in agriculture from Ohio State University and are active members of St.… Continue reading