Buckeye People

Erik Scott of Georgetown has been named Ohio’s Outstanding Young Farmer by the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF).

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.

Scott, 27, wins 250 hours free use of a Kubota M–series tractor provided by Kubota, $1,000 in Grainger merchandise sponsored by Farm Credit Services and an expense paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Nashville where he will represent Ohio in the national competition.

Scott farms with his family, growing corn, soybeans, tobacco, hay and pasture. They also raise beef cattle and operate a farm market that sells all natural beef. He is a graduate of Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute. He is a member of the Brown County Farm Bureau and has been active in the state Young Agricultural Professionals program.… Continue reading

Greg McGlinch of Versailles has been named winner of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) Excellence in Agriculture award program.

The award recognizes successful young people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupation is not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Farm Bureau and other community organizations.

McGlinch, 32, wins a John Deere Gator, sponsored by Farm Credit Services, a $1,000 technology package sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau and an expense paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Nashville, where he will represent Ohio in the national competition.

McGlinch is employed by the Darke County Soil and Water Conservation District. He and his wife, Janet, operate a grain farm with his parents. He also produces hogs, chickens and eggs for local customers. He received a degree in agricultural education from Ohio State University and is currently working toward a master’s in agronomy.… Continue reading

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has named the newest members of its Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team.

They are Ron Burns of Milford Center, Latham and Katie Farley of Piketon, Aaron and Sarah Heilers of Anna and Duayne and Monica Wetherell of Mingo Junction.

As team members, they will help develop and conduct activities that provide opportunities for young people to become involved in Ohio Farm Bureau programs. 

Burns produces grain, hay and straw with his family and works as a supervisor for a logistics company. He is a graduate of Ohio State University where he majored in agricultural systems management and minored in horticulture and crop science. He is a member of Union County Farm Bureau.

Latham manages the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office for Pike and Scioto counties and helps his father-in-law farm during planting and harvest. Katie works as a graphic designer. Latham earned a degree in biology from Mississippi State University and Katie graduated from Miami University with a degree in graphic design.… Continue reading

Bill Berg, a familiar face to many in Ohio agriculture, suffered a broken hip, serious lacerations and broken arms after being run over by a no-till drill. He passed away on Oct. 21.

Berg, 71, was a lifetime farmer in Auglaize County, and was active in numerous roles in the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association. He was a member of the National Corn Growers Association Growers Service Action Team.

He was transported by LifeFlight helicopter to St. Rita’s Medical Center shortly after the accident. Berg had just been working on the drill. It had been repaired when his brother, Jim, drove off and did not realize Berg had not left the area around the drill.

Please keep the Berg family in your thoughts and prayers.

 … Continue reading

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has named Ashley Schappacher organization director for Fairfield, Hocking, Perry, Pickaway and Ross counties.

As organization director, Schappacher 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 the organization and enhance its ability to serve its members.

Schappacher is a graduate of Ohio State University where she majored in animal science. She grew up on a farm in Warren County that produced beef cattle, turkeys, grain, summer produce and pumpkins.

“Ashley knows agriculture first hand and has been involved in many Farm Bureau activities,” said Keith Stimpert, OFBF senior vice president. “She’ll be an excellent resource for our members as they work to accomplish their goals.”… Continue reading

Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White visited a family-owned farm in Ohio to announce the start of a U.S. Department of Agriculture effort meant to highlight the benefits of improving and maintaining America’s soil.

“This initiative will help our farmers meet current and future demands for American-grown agriculture by encouraging good soil and natural resources practices that are beneficial to their operations,” said White. “We understand that soils and farms vary across the country, so our job is to provide farmers the very best information available to meet their unique needs and help their business thrive.”

White visited the farm of David Brandt, who experienced a successful harvest despite extreme weather and challenging growing conditions. Good soil conditions and management practices contributed to the surprising yield, though little precipitation fell across central Ohio over the summer.

Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) awareness and education effort features farmers from communities in numerous states—Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Indiana, Utah, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Montana and Kansas—where growers are increasingly interested in how improved soil health can benefit their operations.… Continue reading

Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) has hired Lyndsey Murphy as communications manager. In this role, Murphy will be responsible for managing OCWGA communication efforts, including its social-media outlets and coordinating meetings for the organization’s other two entities — the Ohio Corn Marketing Program and Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program.

“Lyndsey brings a diverse set of communication skills to this position, including strong writing, graphic and web design experience,” said OCWGA Executive Director Tadd Nicholson. “She will undoubtedly be a great asset to the organization and we’re happy to have her.”

Prior to OCWGA, Murphy interned with the Ohio Farm Bureau, ABN Radio, the Ohio Cattleman’s Association and Local Matters, a central Ohio non-profit that aims to transform the food system in central Ohio to be more secure and prosperous. She also currently manages her own photography business.

Murphy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Communications from The Ohio State University (OSU) and will graduate with a Master of Science degree in Agriculture Communications from OSU in December.… Continue reading

A Hancock County farmer was named to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advisory board. John B. Motter, from Jenera, was appointed to serve on the United Soybean Board. Motter’s three-year term will begin in December.

Motter is currently chairman of the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) Board of Trustees. He previously held other OSC leadership positions including vice chairman, secretary and chair of the Producer Communications and Production Research Committees. Motter is active in several agricultural organizations near his hometown of Jenera, serving as a member of the Hancock County and State Extension Advisory Boards. He was previously a Hancock County Soil & Water Conservation District supervisor.

Motter serves as USB Vice-Chairman of the Audit & Evaluation Committee and on the International Marketing Committee.

“I am honored to be re-appointed to the United Soybean Board,” Motter said. “Agriculture has always been a part of my life and I believe in giving something back to an industry and a community that has given me so much. … Continue reading

Ten farmers have been nominated to fill five Board of Director positions at Farm Credit Mid-America, one of the largest agriculture lending cooperatives in the nation serving more than 95,000 farmers and agribusinesses throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Ballots were mailed to voting members last week who have until October 12 to cast their ballots.

“One of the core values of a cooperative is customers have an equal say in decisions that impact how their association is run. Those decisions are voiced through their elected representatives underscoring the importance of participating in the election process,” said George Stebbins, chair of Farm Credit’s Board of Directors.

The board is comprised of 16 elected directors – four from each state the association serves. Two independent directors also serve on the board. Directors meet monthly to set policy and provide overall direction for the association. Board terms are four years and one position per state is up for election each year.… Continue reading

The 2012 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) policy development committee is made up of 22 members. They are charged with collecting, organizing and finalizing public policy recommendations submitted by county Farm Bureaus.

During its first meeting, the committee heard presentations on state government plans for managing nutrients to protect water quality, options for tax policy related to oil and gas resources and proposed national animal welfare legislation.

Committee members include:

Sparky Weilnau of Milan (Chairman)

Steve Hirsch of Chillicothe

Frank Burkett, III of Massillon

Wyatt Bates of Wheelersburg

Daniel Bock of Seville

Don Carpenter of Barnesville

Mark Crosier of Frankfort

Paul Davidson, Jr. of Newark

John Davis of Scio

Kim Davis of Carrollton

The committee’s policy recommendations will be acted upon by voting delegates at the OFBF annual meeting Nov. 28 – 30 in Columbus.… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Sherry of Greenville, Ohio, has been selected as the 2012-2013 corporate communications intern for Select Sires Inc. At Select Sires, she will be responsible for writing press releases and customer testimonials, assisting with sales and marketing projects, and helping to prepare trade show materials.

Sherry is a junior at The Ohio State University, where she is working towards a degree in both Animal Science and Agricultural Communications. Sherry is active in Buckeye Dairy Club, serving as the club secretary and working with the yearbook and webmaster committees. She is also involved with the dairy judging program and is currently serving as the 2012 Ohio Holstein Queen.

Sherry grew up on a small family dairy farm in Greenville, Ohio, where she exhibited Holsteins and Ayrshires at the local, state and national level. Through the years, she was extremely involved with the Darke County Holstein 4-H club and was on the 2010 Ohio 4-H judging team and competed at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pa.… Continue reading

Bruce McPheron, dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, his undergraduate alma mater.

He will replace Dr. Bobby Moser and report directly to Joseph A. Alutto, executive vice president and provost. McPheron’s appointment is effective Nov. 1, pending approval by the board of trustees of Ohio State.

“Bruce brings a unique set of qualifications to his new position”, said Jack Fisher, executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and vice chairman of Ohio State’s Board of Trustees. “His Ohio roots are deep; he was raised here, graduated from Ohio State and served as an Ohio county Extension agent. His experience in higher education engaged him in research, teaching, Extension and the highest levels of administration. He has proven abilities in connecting with students, faculty and staff as well as colleagues across campus and throughout the nation.… Continue reading

Bruce McPheron, dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named vice president for agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, his undergraduate alma mater.

He will replace Dr. Bobby Moser and report directly to Joseph A. Alutto, executive vice president and provost. McPheron’s appointment is effective Nov. 1, pending approval by the board of trustees of Ohio State.

“Bruce brings a unique set of qualifications to his new position”, said Jack Fisher, executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and vice chairman of Ohio State’s Board of Trustees. “His Ohio roots are deep; he was raised here, graduated from Ohio State and served as an Ohio county Extension agent. His experience in higher education engaged him in research, teaching, Extension and the highest levels of administration. He has proven abilities in connecting with students, faculty and staff as well as colleagues across campus and throughout the nation.… Continue reading

Mikayla Pitman, from Loveland in Warren County was crowned the 2012-2013 Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen. Pitman has excelled in showmanship in the show ring with her market lambs at the Warren County Fair and raises sheep with her parents and grandparents.… Continue reading

Governor John R. Kasich and Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David T. Daniels announced the winners for the 2012 “Agriculture is Cool” visual arts contest.  Ohio school children enrolled in school or home schooled during the 2011-2012 academic year shared their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is “cool” for their chance to win concert tickets at the Ohio State Fair.

Entries, which included an original video, photographs, drawings, and paintings, were judged in the four different age categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Ten entries were selected as winners in their respective categories.

K-2 Drawing:                                      Isabella Yandura, Delaware, Delaware County, age 5

K-2 Painting:                                       Sarah Konecny, Perrysburg, Wood County, age 6

K-2 Photograph:                               Asa DeMange, Versailles, Darke County, age 7

K-2 Drawing:                                      Luke Jennings, Felicity, Clermont County, age 8

3-5 Photograph:                               Emma Meagrow, Sandusky, Erie County, age 8

3-5 Drawing:                                       Brandon Barr, Xenia, Greene County, age 9

6-8 Photograph:                               Ross Black, Ashville, Pickaway County, age 12

6-8 Painting:                                       Samuel Stahl, Fostoria, Hancock County, age 12

6-8 Video:                                           Spencer Channell, Powell, Delaware County, age 14

9-12 Photograph:                             Sydney Black, Ashville, Pickaway County, age 14

A painting produced by 12-year old Samuel Stahl of Fostoria was chosen as the 2012 “Best in Show” entry.… Continue reading

Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA) is developing its industry presence with the promotion of former director of research and community affairs, Jack Irvin, to director of government and industry affairs and introduces Brad Moffitt as its new director of market development and membership.

Moffitt has career experience as an educational instructor and a lifelong agriculturist. He was raised on and later managed a crop and livestock farm in Champaign County.
 Prior to OCWGA, he served state school systems as a high-school principal, superintendent, Ohio Department of Education consultant and area supervisor for the Ohio Agricultural Education Services. He was an agricultural education instructor for 14 years at Ridgedale High School in Marion County and Ripley High School in Brown County.

 He is a two-time National/Regional Agri-Science Teacher of the Year recipient and an Ohio Agricultural Education Teacher of the Year.

Moffitt is now responsible for managing the projects funded by the Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff programs.… Continue reading

Ohio First Lady Karen W. Kasich and Ohio Agriculture Director David T. Daniels  announced four 2012 Ohio Agriculture Women of the Year Award winners.

“These Ohio women have had an incredible impact on our state’s largest industry,” said Mrs. Kasich, who announced the creation of the award during last year’s Ohio State Fair. “It is an honor to recognize them today for their strength, leadership, and outstanding contributions.”

Amy Sigg Davis (Lebanon)

Davis has successfully managed her family farm since 1987, growing soybeans, corn and wheat, and is a licensed real estate broker specializing in farm brokerage. Davis was instrumental in the development of the Ohio Soybean Council’s research program for new uses of soybeans, which has resulted in national awards and multiple patents. She has also worked to expand export opportunities to Japan, and played a pivotal role in the development of an Ohio trade office in China.

Stephanie Jolliff (Kenton)

Jolliff raises beef cattle, hogs and chickens on her family farm in Hardin County, and is an agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at Ridgemont High School.… Continue reading

The Ohio State Fair will induct nine new Hall of Fame members on July 26 in the Rhodes Center Auditorium. The 2012 inductees are as follows:

Lisa Frost, Fayette County
Bernard (Bernie) M. Heisner, Franklin County
Bryan Hetterscheidt, Morrow County
Dr. Bobby Moser, Franklin County
Kay Quinton, Miami County
Ken & Janet Stiverson, Marion County
Carl D. Williams, Morgan County
Betty Wingerter, Montgomery County

Lisa Frost has actively worked at the Ohio State Fair for 18 years in the sheep department; Lisa is a supporter of the Fair and gives many hours of her time planning and working for the Fair. Lisa has received both the Ohio State Fair Star Performer Award and the 2007 Appreciation of Support Award for her work.

Bernie M. Heisner has been a supporter of dairy cattle at the Ohio State Fair for 19 years. Over the years he has contributed financially and through man power to the Fair.… Continue reading

Mount Gilead, Ohio, farmer Anthony Bush is one of five newly elected members to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) board, charged with implementing the policies that guide the organization to best serve U.S. corn farmers.
      
“I’m beyond proud to represent not only Ohio grain farmers, but farmers throughout the nation as NCGA works to strengthen our corn industry,” said Bush.

Board members work with growers to help create and increase opportunities for corn growers regarding corn ethanol, farm policy, production and stewardship, trade policy, biotechnology, research, business development and grower services. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA.

Grower-leaders from 28 states elected the five new members who assume positions October 1 — the start of NCGA’s 2013 fiscal year.… Continue reading

The 2012 Ohio State Fair Junior Fair Board members:

• President: Seth Erwin, Fayetteville, FFA
• Vice President: Ellen Gilliland, McCutchenville, FFA
• Secretary: Benjamin Hisey, Greenfield, 4-H
• Erich Auer, Pickerington, Boy Scouts
• Rachel Buchanan, Columbus, Camp Fire USA
• Noah Dean, Marion, Tech Ed
• Savannah Ferkins, Dola, Girl Scouts
• Seth Finton, Coshocton, Farm Bureau
• Melanie Fitch, Greenwich, Grange
• Taban Flores, Ripley, FCCLA
• Landon Gibbs, Washington Court House, 4-H
• Adam Hinshaw, Arcanum, Grange
• Sierra Jepsen, Amanda, FFA
• Jamie Martin, Covington, Girl Scouts
• Brock Newsome, London, Tech Ed
• Clay Parrish, Edon, FFA
• Rachna Patel, Hamilton, FCCLA
• Sarah Peterson, Sabina, 4-H
• Kelsey Rumburg, Chardon, Farrm Bureau
• Hannah Slykerman, Lancaster, 4-H

Most organizations select members for a two-year term, while some large youth groups select annually to ensure continuity of operation. Officers are selected by their peers at the completion of their first year on the board and oversee JFB activities during their second year.

Responsibilities of the JFB vary from year to year, but each member serves as an ambassador between their youth organization, the Fair and the Fair-going public.… Continue reading