Buckeye People

Last fall, The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) launched the inaugural 4R Advocate Program to recognize agricultural retailers and agricultural producers that are leading the way when it comes to implementing 4R nutrient stewardship on the farm.

Thirty-seven retail facilities submitted grower nominations for the program. From those nominated, TFI selected five 4R grower advocates, and one of them is an Ohioan. Paul Loyer of Loyer Farms, Marion, operates a 3,000-acre corn, wheat and soybean farm. Morral Companies, Morral, nominated Loyer for the award.

Grower advocates and the retailer nominator received an expense paid trip to the 2012 Commodity Classic, which will take place March 1-3 in Nashville, Tenn. While in Nashville, the growers and retailers will be honored during an awards banquet that will be hosted by TFI. They also will join TFI staff in the 4R nutrient stewardship booth, which will be on display at the Commodity Classic tradeshow. Additionally, TFI will work with the winning growers and their retailers to explore future outreach opportunities for the inaugural year of this program.… Continue reading

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director James Zehringer has announced Karl Gebhardt as chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Soil & Water Resources. Gebhardt has an extensive background in natural resources management and policy development.

Gebhardt was one of the first employees of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. From there he went on to serve as a legislative liaison for ODNR Director Robert Teater. Gebhardt has served as director of local affairs for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation where he advised landowners on policy issues relating to local government, land use, and natural resources; executive director of the Office of Farmland Preservation during the Voinovich Administration; owner of Gebhardt & Associates Inc.; and a senior vice president with Paul Werth Associates.

He has worked with a variety of professional organizations and advisory councils, including The Ohio State University Rural-Urban Policy Advisory Council, the Natural Resource Conservation State Technical Committee, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Environmental Advisory Committee, and the National Advisory Board of the University of Findlay’s National Center of Excellence for Environmental Management.… Continue reading

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director James Zehringer has announced Karl Gebhardt as chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Soil & Water Resources. Gebhardt has an extensive background in natural resources management and policy development.

Gebhardt was one of the first employees of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. From there he went on to serve as a legislative liaison for ODNR Director Robert Teater. Gebhardt has served as director of local affairs for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation where he advised landowners on policy issues relating to local government, land use, and natural resources; executive director of the Office of Farmland Preservation during the Voinovich Administration; owner of Gebhardt & Associates Inc.; and a senior vice president with Paul Werth Associates.

He has worked with a variety of professional organizations and advisory councils, including The Ohio State University Rural-Urban Policy Advisory Council, the Natural Resource Conservation State Technical Committee, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Environmental Advisory Committee, and the National Advisory Board of the University of Findlay’s National Center of Excellence for Environmental Management.… Continue reading

Yebo Li, a biosystems engineer with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, recently received Ohio State University’s Early Career Innovator of the Year Award for his work on the development and commercialization of bio-based energy and industrial products.

Now in its second year, the university’s Innovator of the Year program was started to support and stimulate entrepreneurial activity among Ohio State scientists. It recognizes researchers who are working actively to promote commercialization of university intellectual property through invention disclosures filed, patents applied for and/or received, technologies licensed, or spin-off companies formed.

“We are very pleased that the excellence of Yebo Li’s research and its impact on the state of Ohio was recognized by Ohio State University’s Office of Research,” said OARDC Director Steve Slack. “We take great pride in the contributions of our scientists and the fact that many of their contributions impact the economic future of Ohio.”… Continue reading

Yebo Li, a biosystems engineer with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, recently received Ohio State University’s Early Career Innovator of the Year Award for his work on the development and commercialization of bio-based energy and industrial products.

Now in its second year, the university’s Innovator of the Year program was started to support and stimulate entrepreneurial activity among Ohio State scientists. It recognizes researchers who are working actively to promote commercialization of university intellectual property through invention disclosures filed, patents applied for and/or received, technologies licensed, or spin-off companies formed.

“We are very pleased that the excellence of Yebo Li’s research and its impact on the state of Ohio was recognized by Ohio State University’s Office of Research,” said OARDC Director Steve Slack. “We take great pride in the contributions of our scientists and the fact that many of their contributions impact the economic future of Ohio.”… Continue reading

Syngenta and No-Till Farmer magazine recognized the 16th class of No-Till Innovator Award winners at a banquet held during the National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis, Jan. 11-14, 2012.
The 2011 No-Till Innovators include Ohio State University Extension’s Randall Reeder in the area of Research and Education. Reeder recently retired as an agricultural engineer and is considered one of the leading research and education advocates for conservation tillage and no-till. His main areas of expertise are in conservation tillage and soil compaction. He has established no-till research plots at the OSU Hoytville Research Station and initiated an annual conference, now known as the Conservation Tillage Conference, which in 2011 drew 1,024 participants. He chaired the team that in 1992 published the Conservation Tillage Systems Management Handbook for the Midwest Plan Service and also co-authored an 85-page chapter on conservation practices in a book published by the Soil and Water Conservation Society.… Continue reading

Southeastern Equipment Company is pleased to announce that Randy McCabe has joined the company as branch manager in Perrysburg. In his new position, McCabe is responsible for overseeing all parts, service and sales activities.

“We welcome Randy to the Southeastern team,” said Charlie Patterson, president of

Southeastern Equipment. “He has extensive management experience in a variety of industries and has consistently exceeded goals. We are looking for significant contributions from him to grow our business in northwestern Ohio.”

McCabe has more than 31 years of technical experience with a wide range of equipment. Most recently, he was sales and operations manager for Sparks Commercial Tire in Findlay, where he was in charge of the Mobile Lube and Air Conditioning Division.

McCabe has earned technical certifications in the following areas: engine diagnostics, asphalt pavers, advanced hydraulics, 3116 engines, vehicle power systems, hydrostatic loaders, E-Series Excavators, hydraulic excavators, applied failure analysis, paving products, paving profilers and IMACA.… Continue reading

The Ohio Corn Marketing Program (OCMP) has announced new officers for 2012 who will collectively represent and promote the industry success of Buckeye State corn and work on behalf of the state’s corn growers. The new officers are: Chairman Paul Herringshaw, Bowling Green; Vice Chairman Mark Schwiebert, Hamler, Secretary Brian Harbage, South Charleston; and Treasurer Les Imboden, Ashville.

“I’m confident that our new officers will help develop and expand markets for corn to financially safeguard Ohio’s corn producers,” said OCMP Interim Executive Director Tadd Nicholson.

The new officers are responsible for monitoring and taking action regarding legislative issues about the education, transportation, risk-management and industrial demand of the sector. Ohio corn production supports nearly 34,000 jobs, generates nearly $359 million in labor income, and contributes nearly $1.5 million to the state’s GDP (value-added). Ohio produced an estimated 511 million bushels of corn in 2011.… Continue reading

R. Kirby Barrick, current faculty member and former Dean of College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida, joins Farmer, Lumpe + McClelland’s (FLM) advisory board. The FLM Board of Advisors provides outside strategic counsel both for the agency’s growing list of clients and its expanding staff. Members of the board contribute to select client projects and convene throughout the year to offer strategic advice to the agency.

Barrick, an Ohio native, was named chair of the Department of Agricultural Education at Ohio State University in 1989. For more than two years he also served as assistant director of OSU Extension for 4-H Youth Development. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural education from Ohio State University and is a former Ohio FFA state president.

Farmer, Lumpe + McClelland is a strategic marketing and communications company serving clients who specialize in the business of agriculture and the life of rural communities.… Continue reading

At the 62th annual meeting of the National Dairy Shrine, Erick Metzger, manager of National All Jersey from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was elected president of the organization. The National Dairy Shrine board of directors consists of 21 members. Also serving on the board from Ohio is Fred Hendricks, Bucyrus.

During the past year, the organization also added 321 new members to bring the membership roles to 17,900 members from across the United States and Canada. The National Dairy Shrine is dedicated to preserving dairy history, promoting the dairy industry, and developing future dairy leaders. For more information, visit www.dairyshrine.org.… Continue reading

Committee assignments for the Board of Directors of the American Soybean Association (ASA) were announced Dec. 7, during ASA’s winter Board of Director’s meeting in Saint Louis. Ohioans elected to serve on these committees were: Public Affairs Committee, Rob Joslin, Shelby County; Membership & Corporate Relations Committee, Jeff Sollars, Fayette County; Trade Policy & International Affairs Committee, Joe Steiner, Clinton County; and Finance Committee, Sollars.

ASA represents all U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international issues of importance to the soybean industry. ASA’s advocacy efforts are made possible through the voluntary membership in ASA by more than 21,000 farmers in 31 states where soybeans are grown.… Continue reading

The Ohio Corn Marketing Program (OCMP) has announced new officers for 2012 who will collectively represent and promote the industry success of Buckeye State corn and work on behalf of the state’s corn growers.

2012 OCMP Officers:

•    Chairman Paul Herringshaw — Bowling Green
•    Vice Chairman Mark Schwiebert — Hamler
•    Secretary Brian Harbage — South Charleston
•    Treasurer Les Imboden — Ashville

“I’m confident that our new officers will help develop and expand markets for corn to financially safeguard Ohio’s corn producers,” said OCMP Interim Executive Director Tadd Nicholson.

The new officers are responsible for monitoring and taking action regarding issues about the education, transportation, risk-management and industrial demand of the sector.… Continue reading

Matt and Rachel Heimerl of Johnstown have been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. AFBF President Bob Stallman announced the appointment.

Stallman noted that the Heimerls “are among the nation’s best young farmers and ranchers,” and that he was impressed by the “dedication (they) have given to Farm Bureau and (their) communities.”

The Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee (YF&R) is made up of 16 members from state Farm Bureaus representing four regions of the United States. The committee is instrumental in operation of the YF&R contests, Leadership Conference and other AFBF events. Committee members also receive training on leadership qualities, participate in issue briefings and will hone other professional skills.

The Heimerls also were recently named Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) 2011 Outstanding Young Farmers. They will represent Ohio in the national competition at the AFBF annual meeting in Honolulu in January.

The Heimerls raise hogs and operate other agricultural businesses along with their family in Licking County.… Continue reading

Megan Buechner, Orient, has been selected as the 2011-2012 school-year corporate communications intern for Select Sires Inc. Her job responsibilities at Select Sires will include writing press releases and customer testimonials, helping coordinate logistics for trade show booth materials and assisting with the production of sales and marketing projects.

Buechner is a senior at Ohio State University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in agribusiness. She grew up showing dairy cattle with Dave Shannon and family of The Shannon’s Grain and Dairy located in Mt. Sterling. In 2009, Buechner served as the Ohio Holstein Queen.

At Ohio State, Buechner is a member of the Buckeye Dairy Club, Alpha Sigma Upsilon Agricultural Sorority/CERES International as well as the Scarlet and Gray Ag Day Planning Committee. She is also the Ohio outreach coordinator for Farm Safety 4 Just Kids based in Urbandale, Iowa.

Based in Plain City, Select Sires Inc.,… Continue reading

Jeff Wuebker, Versailles, has been named a 2012 honoree in the America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers program. In its second year, America’s Best Young Farmers and Ranchers, sponsored by DTN/The Progressive Farmer, recognizes young farmers and ranchers who have a proven record of excellence in their profession and of service in their communities. Farmers and ranchers eligible for this award are 40 years old and younger.

Wuebker, 40, and his wife, Dena, 39, farm 1,200 acres outside of Versailles with Jeff’s brother, Alan. The operation includes an 1,800 sow, farrow-to-wean operation that produces 43,000 head annually. They’re working to expand the operation to 3,600 sows. They also grow corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa.

Wuebker is president of the Ohio Soybean Association and serves on the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. The Wuebkers have been recipients of the state and national Environmental Stewardship awards from the Ohio and National Pork Producers Councils.… Continue reading

On Dec. 5, National All-Jersey Inc., announced the hiring of two staff members for NAJ subsidiary, Jersey Marketing Service (JMS). Jason Robinson, principal of Orion Cattle Services, New Holland, has been named JMS manager. Erica Davis, Washington Court House, will assist with marketing and promotion for all JMS activities and provide on-site support for public auctions.

As manager, Robinson will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of JMS. He brings more than 20 years experience in livestock marketing to this position. Orion Cattle Services was established as a professional service provider to purebred cattle marketers in 1998, and he has steadily grown the business to work from 30 to 35 tie-up and commercial sales annually. He has worked extensively with the Guernsey Breeders Association; Modern Associates, St. Paris, Ohio; Brown Swiss Sale Service LLC, Lake Mills, Wis.; and since 2005, Jersey Marketing Service.

Robinson has served as a 4-H leader and as secretary-treasurer for the livestock and sale committees in Fayette County and is currently a director of the Ohio Milking Shorthorn Society.… Continue reading

After an extensive national search, Ronald S. Kensinger has been appointed chair of the Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences. Subject to the approval by the University’s Board of Trustees, his appointment will begin Jan. 1, 2012.

Kensinger has an extensive record of achievement in higher education. Most recently, he has served as department head and professor of the Department of Animal Sciences at Oklahoma State University. Previously, he served as professor of animal nutrition/physiology and associate director of the Intercollege Graduate Program in Nutrition at Penn State University.

Kensinger graduated with his bachelor of science degree in animal science and a master of science degree in dairy science from the University of Illinois – Urbana, and a Ph.D. in animal science from the University of Florida. He is nationally renowned for his significant leadership contributions to academia and the animal sciences industry.

Joe Hogan has served as the department’s interim chair for the past year, with assistance from Jerry Bigham, who willingly postponed his retirement plans to provide additional leadership as the interim associate chair.… Continue reading

The National Tractor Pullers Association held their annual banquet on December 3, 2011 in Columbus. Several Ohio members were honored and recognized for achievements this year.

 WPI Higher Education Scholarship: Audrey Fisher, Wapakoneta

Unlimited Champion & Unlimited Puller of the Year: Kathy Schalitz of Marietta. Driver of Black Widow.

25th Anniversary Enderle Pull-Off Appreciation Awards:

Qualified every year for 25 years-Paul & Jim Homan, Wauseon

Qualified the most with the same vehicle: Rick Peters, Thornville

Super Semi Champion and Puller of the Year: J.R. Collins of Chardon. Driver of Buckeye Bulldog.

Regional National Pull of the Year: Fulton County Fair, Wauseon

Super National Pull of the Year: National Tractor Pulling Championship, Bowling Green

 … Continue reading

The Ohio Farm Bureau recognized several of their members during the harvest banquet at their annual meeting on December 1st.

Pat Wheeler of Muskingum County was recognized for signing up 51 new members.

Matt and Rachel Heimerl of Johnstown have been named winners of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) 2011 Outstanding Young Farmer Award. The award recognizes successful young farmers for achievements in the business of farming and leadership in the agricultural community.

The couple will compete in the national contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual meeting in Honoluluin January.

The Heimerls raise hogs and manage their own trucking business and feed mill on their Licking County farm. They have served as chairs of the Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals Advisory Team, are both alumni of OFBF’s AgriPOWER Institute leadership program, the DuPont Young Leaders program and are members of the American and Ohio Soybean Associations and the Pork Producers Council.… Continue reading

The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences has inducted Mike Townsley, president of BEF Foods, a subsidiary of Bob Evan Farms, Inc., into the Animal Sciences Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of those who have enhanced student education and enriched the animal sciences industry. Honorees have demonstrated superior skill and achieved success in the field of Animal Sciences. They have also practiced service to others through giving their time, energy and thoughtfulness in the local community.

Townsley earned his induction into the Hall of Fame through his continued leadership in the agribusiness community. A 1981 graduate of The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences, Townsley distinguishes himself in his career as an innovator in the field of meat science, processing and marketing.

Townsley joined Bob Evans Farms as president and chief operating officer of Owens Foods, then Owens Country Sausage in 2003, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bob Evans Farms since 1987.… Continue reading