Buckeye People

Dusty Sonnenberg is excited to join the staff of Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net with Field Leader, an Ohio Soybean Council and soybean checkoff program. Sonnenberg will be providing Ohio Field Leader content about soybean agronomics, production research, and nutrient management, among other topics. The goal of Ohio Field Leader is to bring the most up-to-date agronomist, research, and best management practice information to Ohio soybean farmers.

Sonnenberg will also be a regular contributor to Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net in his role. Ohio Field Leader content will be distributed to other state and national media outlets as well.

“Dusty brings tremendous on-farm, agronomic and communications experience to this position and we are excited about moving this project forward,” said Bart Johnson, owner of Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net. “Dusty will be a real asset to our team and Ohio agriculture.”

Sonnenberg is a Certified Crop Advisor and Technical Service Provider writing nutrient management plans.… Continue reading

Roger Rennekamp, associate dean and director of Ohio State University Extension, will bring his 40-year career in Cooperative Extension to a close on July 31.

Rennekamp has served Ohio and its citizens since 2016 as the 12th leader of OSU Extension, which has an office in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. Specializing in agriculture and natural resources, Ohio 4-H youth development, community development, and family and consumer sciences, Extension educators bring the knowledge of The Ohio State University directly to Ohioans.

During his tenure, Rennekamp has been responsible for a number of positive organizational changes.

“Dr. Rennekamp has forged a large number of new partnerships that have served to heighten awareness of Extension’s mission among both internal and external stakeholders,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

Rennekamp also led a comprehensive restructuring of OSU Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm, that aimed to eliminate inefficiencies and expand the voice of county-based personnel in organizational decision making.… Continue reading

Mark Wolfe of Richwood recently joined Wilson National LLC, a real estate and auction group. In his role Mark will focus on development and implementation of marketing options for customer portfolios of agricultural assets. Mark’s past experiences include a successful career in farm equipment sales and agriculture lending. Wolfe will bring a depth of experience and focus on real estate and machinery sales, valuation and marketing. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Ag Business and is a licensed real estate agent. Mark is engaged in Ohio’s agriculture industry by participating in his own farm operation with his wife and three children.

Along with Mark Wilson, Mike Weasel and Brandon Wilson, Wilson National LLC welcomes Mark and the opportunity to continue serving the Ohio farm community. You can contract Mark at 740-361-6739 or markwolfe@wilnat.com.… Continue reading

The Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) has selected Madison Greig of Ashtabula County as the recipient of the Alfred DiVencenzo Memorial Student Scholarship. Greig is a graduate of Lake Catholic High School where she was a member of the girls tennis team, serving as the captain her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society as well as a ambassador for the school. Greig also was involved in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.

In the fall of 2019, Greig will be attending Bowling Green State University.… Continue reading

The National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board has elected John Linder to become the organization’s first vice president for the next fiscal year, which begins

Oct. 1.

Linder, along with his brother, Mike, and wife, Cheryl, run a fifth-generation farm raising corn, soybeans, soft red winter wheat and soybeans for seed in Edison, Ohio in Morrow County. In addition to traditional row crop farming, he also has livestock experience. Linder is a member of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program board of directors.

“I am honored my fellow Corn Board volunteers placed their trust in me and granted me the distinct privilege of becoming a part of the organization’s leadership,” Linder said. “Today’s American corn farmers face an ever-changing landscape with numerous challenges, as well as opportunities, on the horizon. It is imperative that we work with our partners in government, in industry and in the public to grow markets at home and abroad.… Continue reading

Every year, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation awards scholarships to students statewide who are striving to become leaders in their industries and communities. The foundation recently awarded $36,000 in scholarships to students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.

Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship

Recipients were Olivia Blay of Portage County; Andrew Brooks of Preble County; Brianna Carmack of Richland County; Kady Davis of Carroll County; Cora Dorman of Licking County; Todd Peterson of Fayette County; Nathan Ramos of Portage County, and Tiffany Sunday of Pickaway County. This fund honors Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead for her 39 years of service as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive secretary, as well as a lifetime of volunteer commitment to local government and community service activities. Financial assistance goes to students who are pursuing careers focused on agriculture, community service and association leadership.

Darwin Bryan Scholarship

Recipients were Whitney Bauman of Adams County; Kasey Buchanan of Washington County; Kady Davis of Carroll County; Cora Dorman of Licking County; Sarah Lehner of Delaware County; Kayle Mast of Madison County; Meredith Oglesby of Highland County, and Holly Schmenk of Putnam County.… Continue reading

John Marihugh of Columbus has been promoted to senior director, partnerships and member services for Ohio Farm Bureau. In his role, which is under the newly created strategic partnerships arm of the organization, he will focus on leading the coordination, development and implementation of new member benefits, alternative revenue discovery and partnership development.

Marihugh has an extensive business background, having managed and consulted in multiple industries and holds an accounting degree from Cedarville University. He actively assists in a family farm operation in northwest Ohio and coaches travel baseball in Hilliard. He and his wife, Kirsten, have three children and are active members at Northwest Chapel, in Dublin.

Ohio Farm Bureau members qualify for special discounts and savings programs with partners such as Nationwide, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Ford, Case IH, CAT, Grainger, Sherwin Williams and others. Benefits include products and services that help with finances; family and small business needs; auto; farm and small acreage equipment; and health and wellness.… Continue reading

The National Dairy Shrine recently announced the recipients of scholarships for 2019, including the $1000 scholarships given in honor of Maurice Core, the long-time Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association, and former Executive Director of the National Dairy Shrine. The funds for this award were donated by the friends of Maurice Core. The Core Scholarships are given to freshman status students working toward a degree in dairy/animal science or related majors. Among those recipients is Sarah Lehner of Delaware, Ohio who is a student at the Ohio State University majoring in Animal Science and Agribusiness Economics.

The National Dairy Shrine is providing 40 scholarships worth $47,000 to students around the country this year.… Continue reading

Michael E. Russell, 78, of Urbana, was killed in a farm accident on May 15.

According to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, Russell was checking a planter for an airline leak in a field off of Route 36 East. The equipment released when Russell was under the planter. Russell was pronounced dead at the scene.

Urbana EMS, Mechanicsburg EMS, and the Champaign County Coroner assisted at the scene.

For more, visit peakofohio.com.… Continue reading

Keith DiDonato has been appointed as the new chief advancement officer of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Starting on May 20, DiDonato will lead and develop the CFAES Office of Advancement, which includes fundraising, alumni relations, and marketing communications.

Currently the associate vice president for development at The College of Wooster, DiDonato oversees the major and planned giving programs, annual giving, and the parents and family giving program. In that role, he is directly involved with the largest fundraising year in the history of the institution, adding $40 million to the school’s campaign.

DiDonato also worked as the director of leadership giving at Oberlin College, where he was directly responsible for approximately $60 million added to the Oberlin Illuminate campaign, which ended in 2016 with a record $317 million. Prior to that, he worked at Cargill Corporation in the Animal Nutrition Division.

DiDonato received a Bachelor of Science from Ohio State, served on the Emerging Leaders Campaign Committee for CFAES, and was elected to the Conference for Developing the Future of Agricultural Education in Ohio for the Ohio Department of Education.… Continue reading

Ohio Farm Bureau member Sarah Ison of Moscow was recently selected to The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 10th Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) class. American Farm Bureau created the PAL curriculum as a high-level, executive training program that prepares participants to represent agriculture in the media, public speaking, congressional testimony and other advocacy arenas. Program graduates gain opportunities to promote awareness about issues important to farmers and consumers.

“Farm Bureau is equipping young leaders for effective engagement,” said Zippy Duvall, AFBF President. “The members of the new PAL class are already elite leaders. We look forward to seeing them progress to the highest levels of agricultural advocacy.”

Ison is owner and president of Cincy Beef and teaches as an adjunct professor in microbiology at Northern Kentucky University. She and her husband have a commercial and registered Angus cow-calf to finish operation. She is a member of the Clermont County Farm Bureau, county Cattlemen’s Association and a volunteer with the Felicity High School FFA chapter.… Continue reading

Michael Bailey of Marysville has been named vice president, strategic partnerships for Ohio Farm Bureau. In this newly created position, he will develop and manage key relationships and partnerships within the farm and food sector and with businesses, educators, public officials and others. He also will be responsible for the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation; OFBF Development Corporation; member benefits and services; Young Agricultural Professionals, youth and leadership development programs and Farm Bureau events.

Bailey has extensive experience in building productive relationships, creating partnerships and attaining shared goals and applied those skills in numerous senior administrative positions within state government. At the Ohio Department of Agriculture, he served as deputy director, executive director of the Livestock Care Standards Board, senior program manager for the marketing division and executive director for the Office of Farmland Preservation. At the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, he was chief of the Division of Soil and Water Resources and most recently chief of the Division of Parks and Watercraft.… Continue reading

Kelsey Turner of Bellevue has been named leadership development program specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, as part of the organization’s newly created Strategic Partnerships department. She will be working with the Young Agricultural Professionals, Youth Pathway and Ag Literacy programs, assuming some of the responsibilities of Melinda Witten, who was recently promoted to senior director, leadership development for Ohio Farm Bureau.

Turner was most recently employed with the Bellevue City School District and as the Columbus-area market manager with Witten Farm Market and Greenhouse. She received her bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness and Applied Economics from The Ohio State University and is currently attending Ashland University studying for her MBA in Entrepreneurship.

She is a native of Seneca County where her family’s grain and maple syrup operation, Sugarwood Family Farms, is located. She and her husband, Evan, are members of the Seneca County Farm Bureau, are active participants in Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program and are both volunteers for their 4-H club Spirit of ’76.… Continue reading

Patricia P. “Patty” DeBruin, age 62, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at her home on Saturday, March 31, 2019. Patty was passionate about agriculture; she served as the Southeast Women’s Trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and was a member of the executive board of the organization for 12 years.

She was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. on September 12, 1956 and was the daughter of Robert Parham and Carole (Walter) Eckhardt, who survive her. Patty is also survived by her husband, Steven DeBruin, with whom she traveled the world and shared a loving marriage for 41 years.

Patty graduated from The Ohio State University in 1978 with a B.S. in Home Economics and went on to teach the subject at Amanda-Clearcreek High School and Fisher Catholic High School. She was the office manager of Feeder Creek Veterinary Svcs. in Millersport for 35 years and advocated for small business through the National Federation of Independent Business and the Buckeye Lake Chamber of Commerce.… Continue reading

The Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (OFSWCD) is pleased to announce Janelle Teeters Mead has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.

“Janelle has a wealth of experience which will help lead our organization in this next chapter. Weare excited to have her in this position,” said Bob Short, President.

Growing up on her family’s row-crop farm in Fayette County, Mead has always been interested in agriculture. Most recently, Mead served as the deputy director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Her responsibilities included overseeing the department’s animal health, communications, legislative, and marketing efforts, and shaping department policy. Mead has also worked for the OhioFarm Bureau Federation, The Ohio State Alumni Association and Mycogen Seeds. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University where she earned a degree in agricultural communications. She and her family live in Fayette County.

“I am excited to work with our conservation partners throughout the state during this very important time.… Continue reading

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) congratulates its 2019 Alumni Awards recipients.

“It is wonderful to see so many people from our college community here to share their support for these outstanding honorees,’’ Steven Neal, CFAES associate dean and director of academic programs, told 140 alumni, relatives, faculty, staff, and friends during an awards luncheon on March 2. “We are all inspired by the accomplishments of these individuals.”

In all, 12 individuals received awards during the annual event, held on Ohio State’s Columbus campus at the Fawcett Center.

The Meritorious Service Award is given to alumni or non-alumni who have been singularly significant in CFAES’ quest for excellence. This award was presented to:

• Bob Birkenholz, Fort Myers, Fla.
• Virgil Strickler, Galloway, Ohio

The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to those who have brought distinction to themselves and to CFAES through their commitment and leadership. This award was presented to:

• Bryan Garton (’93, PhD, Agricultural Education), Columbia, Mo.

The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation (OSCF) is pleased to announce the scholarship recipients for the 2019-2020 academic year.

This is the 12th year for the OSCF scholarship program, which was created to encourage undergraduate students to pursue degrees in one of the many academic fields that support the future of the soybean industry including agriculture, business, communication, economics, education, science and technology, as well as to support ongoing graduate-level research. Since 2008, the OSCF scholarship program has awarded over $350,000 in scholarship funds to students studying agriculture or a related field at Ohio colleges or universities.

Undergraduate scholarships of $3,000 each were awarded to Lea Kimley, Bernard Kuether, Elizabeth Landis, Kayle Mast, Tanner Matthews and Rex Tietje. The annual $3,000 FLM Harvest Scholarship, awarded to students in the field of agriculture communications or business, was awarded to Courtney Heiser. The annual $5,000 Bhima Vijayendran Scholarship, named in honor of a Battelle research scientist who has made tremendous contributions to the soybean industry, was awarded to Kevin Fruth.… Continue reading

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently added two new board members and elected officers of the 15-member board, which oversees the charitable, nonprofit organization.

New to the board are Doug Miller, vice president of statewide services for Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and Lane Osswald, who farms with his father and brothers in Preble County and is currently serving his third term as an Ohio Farm Bureau trustee. They replace Lisa McClure, executive director of the Paulding County Area Foundation, and Katherine Harrison of Harrison Farm.

The board also elected three board officers. Heather Thiltgen, senior vice president of strategic markets at Medical Mutual, was named president; Wade Smith, owner of Whitehouse Specialty Crops was named vice president; and Cy Prettyman, owner of Prettyman Farms, was named treasurer.

Founded in 1985, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charitable, nonprofit organization.The foundation funds programming in four priority areas: cultivating an interest in agriculture, investing in tomorrow’s leaders, driving economic growth and promoting environmental stewardship and conservation.… Continue reading

Ivory Harlow of Chillicothe has been named organization director for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and will serve members in Fairfield, Hocking, Pickaway and Ross counties. She will work with the county Farm Bureaus to address issues important to members and their communities.

Harlow previously was a program specialist with the Center for Cooperatives at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She received her bachelor’s degree from Strayer University, a master’s from Ohio Christian University and is working toward a masters of business administration at Ohio State University. Harlow served four years in the United States Air Force.

She and her husband, Kip, own and operate a mixed livestock and forage farm. She has been active in Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program and American FarmBureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program. She is a Ross County master gardener and is active with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, American BoerGoat Association, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association and the FarmerVeteran Coalition.… Continue reading

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has named the 2019 recipients of its Stewardship and Service awards.

Guy and Sandy Ashmore of Clinton County received the Stewardship Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the sustainable agriculture community, and Mike Hogan of Franklin County received the Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service in support of sustainable agriculture.

The announcements were made Feb. 15 and 16 in Dayton as part of OEFFA’s 40th annual conference, “Just farming: The path before us.”

2019 Stewardship Award winners — Guy and Sandy Ashmore

Guy and Sandy Ashmore are co-farmers and owners of That Guy’s Family Farm, a certified organic 48-acre farm in southwest Ohio. They wholesale produce through Local Food Connection and Dorothy Lane Markets, and sell at a farmers’ market, their farm store, and through a winter and summer community supported agriculture (CSA) program.

They started farming in 1978 using conventional practices and raising confinement hogs.… Continue reading