Buckeye People

AgCredit, Agricultural Credit Association, recently announced the recipients of the cooperative’s annual Joe Leiser Memorial Scholarship.

Joe Leiser served as the first president and chief executive officer for AgCredit, which is one of northern Ohio’s largest lenders, serving farmers, agribusiness and rural homeowners. Each scholarship recipient received a $2,000.00 for the 2018-2019 school year. This year, all three of the scholar winners are studying at The Ohio State University.

• Taylor Lutz, from Bucyrus, (Crawford County) is a junior majoring in Agriscience Education with a minor in Production Agriculture.
• Megan Ritter, from Findlay, (Hancock County) is a senior majoring in Agribusiness and Applied Economics with a minor in Agronomy.
• Josh Strine, from Caledonia, (Marion County) is a freshman majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Agribusiness.

“AgCredit is happy to encourage and reward these hardworking students. Congratulations! We wish the Joe Leiser scholarship winners success throughout their college years — continuing on to their future careers,” said Brian Ricker, President and CEO.… Continue reading

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the appointment of 16 members to serve on the United Soybean Board, including Jeff Magyar from Orwell, Ohio.

“I truly appreciate the time and expertise these individuals have agreed to give guiding the United Soybean Board,” Perdue said. “Their work is especially important as we work to improve international opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. Together we will help them thrive by increasing domestic and international demand for the nearly 90 million acres of soybeans produced by U.S. farmers.”

The board is authorized by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Information Act and is composed of 73 members representing 29 states and Eastern and Western regions. Members must be soybean producers nominated by a qualified state soybean board.

More information about the board and a list of board members is available on AMS’ Soybean Research and Promotion Program webpage and the board’s website, unitedsoybean.org.… Continue reading

Adele Flynn of Wellington has been elected District 3 trustee for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. She will represent members from Cuyahoga, Erie, Huron and Lorain counties and help govern Ohio’s largest general farm and food organization.

She was elected by delegates from District 3 in a special election to fill the term of longtime Farm Bureau leader Al DiVencenzo, who passed away unexpectedly in July. Flynn will serve the remaining two years of his term.

Flynn and her husband, Eric, have a cow-calf operation, raising freezer beef, show calves and breeding stock. She is an account specialist with Farm Credit Mid-America. Eric also farms with Adele’s father and uncles. The Flynns are parents of three children.

She will step down as president of the Lorain County Farm Bureau to serve on the state board. Flynn has been a county board member since 2010 and served as a state annual meeting delegate.… Continue reading

By Sydney Snider, OCJ FFA reporter

As a student who grew up around FFA and agricultural education, Luke Jennings knows the impact the organization has on students and communities.

“I have been around FFA my whole life,” said Jennings, a freshman member of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter. “And I have seen how it has changed so many lives.” Jennings’ mom is the FFA advisor and agricultural education teacher at Felicity-Franklin high school, located in Clermont County. The impact of FFA is what led Jennings to apply for the 2018 Culver’s essay program. The program asks students to explain what the most recent National FFA theme means to them. This past year’s theme was “I Can. We Will.”

In his essay, Jennings wrote, “If we believe in the future of agriculture, then we must become advocates for agriculture. As the world’s population is rapidly growing and is approaching 10 billion people by 2050, we agriculturists must feed and clothe these people.… Continue reading

Adam and Jess Campbell of Waynesville are winners of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award recognizes successful young agricultural professionals who are actively contributing to and growing through their involvement with Farm Bureau and agriculture.

The Campbells run Carroll Creek Farms LLC, a livestock farm that sells directly to consumers. Jess is assistant vice president of agribusiness at Farm Credit Mid-America and has held several leadership positions on the Warren County Farm Bureau board of trustees, including president and vice president and served on its budget, audit and communications committees. Both she and Adam are graduates of OFBF’s AgriPOWER Institute leadership development program, and Adam was a Discussion Meet contest participant. In 2017 the couple was named the local chamber of commerce’s Young Professional Award winner.

The Campbells will be recognized at Ohio Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in December and will receive a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit Mid-America as well as a $1,000 cash prize from Ohio Farm Bureau.… Continue reading

A veterinarian and assistant professor of animal sciences in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University (CFAES) has been named a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare, the only swine veterinarian in Ohio to earn such a designation.

In fact, Monique Pairis-Garcia, who is also an animal welfare specialist with Ohio State University Extension, is the first veterinarian at Ohio State to earn board certification in this relatively new veterinary specialty.

The designation means that Pairis-Garcia can demonstrate detailed knowledge of and special competence in animal welfare across all species. This is significant, considering that the American Veterinary Medical Association identified animal welfare in June 2006 as “one of the top five critical issues affecting the veterinary profession both in the United States and globally.”

“My entire career has been focused on animal welfare and behavior, so I’m very proud and excited to bring this honor to Ohio State, CFAES and the Department of Animal Sciences,“ Pairis-Garcia said.… Continue reading

The team of Whitney Bauman, Carlie Cluxton and Bonnie Simpkins from Adams County won the 2018 Ohio Youth Capital Challenge for their project to address Ohio’s growing feral swine population.

Sponsored by Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio 4-H and Ohio FFA, the challenge brings together youths ages 14 to 18 from around the state to discuss community concerns and then work together to propose policies and programs to solve the issues.

The challenge started in the spring when groups met to learn about public policy issues and began planning their proposals. A preliminary contest narrowed the field down to four teams, which competed in the finals during the Ohio State Fair.

In their final presentation, Bauman, Cluxton and Simpkins proposed the development of Area Feral Swine Task Forces that work with Ohio Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to educate Ohioans about feral swine and implement a feral swine population management program.… Continue reading

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was appointed to serve as a conferee on the committee that will reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Senate version of the Farm Bill included several Ohio provisions that Brown helped to secure. Brown is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 40 years, and his standing on the committee will help ensure that Ohio farmers have a seat at the table. It is the second Farm Bill conference committee upon which Brown has served.

As a conferee, Brown will continue fighting for Ohio provisions, including language to better support Ohio farmers, protect Lake Erie, spur economic development in rural Ohio, and feed hungry families. Brown secured these priorities in the Senate bill after hearing from Ohio farmers, small businesses, and sportsmen during a series of roundtable discussions he hosted throughout the state.… Continue reading

Laura Mantle, Auctioneer and Realtor with RES Auction Services, recently placed third in the Women’s Division of the International Auctioneers Championship. The contest was hosted by the National Auctioneers Association and was held at the annual Conference and Show in Jacksonville, Fl. In addition to International recognition, Laura has also won the Michigan and Indiana Auctioneer Championships. She currently serves as Vice President for the Ohio Auctioneers Association. In addition to selling real estate and equipment for RES at auctions across Ohio, Mantle regularly sells and works the ring at automobile and property auctions in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.

“Laura is an important part of our team,” said Andy White, RES co-owner and auctioneer. “We count on Laura both on the mic and also helping with our auction staff at the RES Equipment Yard in Wooster.”

Mantle is a graduate of Otterbein College in Westerville,  the Ohio Auction School and the Certified Auctioneers Institute.… Continue reading

Alfred David DiVencenzo, 64, of Grafton Township, died July 24, 2018.

Al was on the Lorain County Farm Bureau Board for 12 years. He was president on the county farm bureau for 6 yrs and was now an Ohio Farm Bureau State Trustee (since June 2014) representing Lorain, Erie, Huron and Cuyahoga Counties on Farm Bureau’s state level and has been a state delegate on the national level. Al has been on the Ohio Christmas Tree Association Board of Directors since 2010. He volunteered to represent the OCTA at an ag booth at the Ohio State Fair for more than 20 years. Al participated in Operation Evergreen where Ohio Christmas trees are sent to troops overseas.

He was born July 12, 1954 in Medina and lived in Grafton Twp and the Grafton/Elyria area his whole life. He was a 1972 graduate of Midview High School and received an Associates Degree from LCCC in 1974.… Continue reading

The Kasich Administration recently announced that William R. Knapke of Fort Recovery (Mercer County) has been reappointed to the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission for a term beginning July 13, 2018, and ending June 30, 2022.

Kathryn “Kate” Bartter of Columbus (Franklin Co.) and Bethany Gibson, DVM of Ashville (Pickaway County), have been appointed to the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission for terms beginning July 13, 2018, and ending June 30, 2022.

Bartter and Gibson replace Bill Tom and Dennis Corcoran, who will no longer serve on the Commission. Among other duties, the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission, as required by law, determines the official “Watersheds in Distress” designation that will require the farmers within them to develop and implement nutrient management plans as directed by an executive order signed by Gov. John Kasich July 11.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

The Pork Checkoff has selected 12 college students to represent the #RealPigFarming Student Social Forces team. The program, now in its fourth year, partners with students who are earning a degree in agriculture and allows them to help share the stories of pig farmers all across the U.S.

“These students are interested in our industry and want to tell our story so we will bring them in for training and give them the tools that they need to do so,” said Claire Masker, communications director with the National Pork Board. “At the end of the program, they will all receive a scholarship to go toward their tuition and fees at their university.”

Social media is ingrained in the lives of young people. Masker says this is a tool to tell the story of pig farming.

“In our social networks, if you are on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat, a lot of people that follow you probably aren’t involved in agriculture or in pig farming,” Masker said.… Continue reading

The Andersons, Inc. announced key leadership changes within its Plant Nutrient Group’s wholesale fertilizer business.

Sarah Pirolli has been promoted to Vice President of the Plant Nutrient Group, overseeing the primary nutrient and specialty ag businesses, including sales, supply, logistics and customer service. Pirolli has more than 15 years of experience in commodity futures and cash markets, transportation and logistics, and price forecasting. She most recently served as Senior Sales Manager for the company’s Ethanol Group after holding leadership positions at Flint Hills Resources and Cargill.

Pirolli will begin her new role on Sept. 1, 2018, succeeding Jan Finch, who will become Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for the Plant Nutrient Group. Finch will focus on the strategic direction and long-term growth of the group. He has more than 30 years of industry experience and has served in several leadership roles for The Andersons, including Vice President of Sales, Supply and Merchandising and Vice President of U.S.… Continue reading

The Ohio Pork Council recently awarded seven scholarships for a total of $6,500 to students across Ohio. The Ohio Pork Council awards scholarships annually to a select group of students who have shown exemplary service to the pork industry and an interest in a career in the industry.

This year’s class of recipients include:
Kara Langenkamp, Versailles
Lea Kimley, South Charleston
Chelsea Graham, Frazeysburg
Brandon Dues, St. Henry
Grant Lloyd Kaffenbarger, New Carlisle
Cameron Vaughan, Wilmington
Abbey Werstler, Wooster

Scholarship recipient Lea Kimley was also awarded the Ohio Pork Council Women’s Scholarship for a total of $500, and the Dick Isler Scholarship for $1,000. Miss Kimley is a resident of South Charleston and currently attends The Ohio State University.… Continue reading

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation recently awarded $34,000 in scholarships to students across the state. The foundation annually recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.

Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship

Recipients are Sarah Lehner of Delaware County; Meredith Oglesby of Highland County; Katie Frost of Fayette County; Todd Peterson of Fayette County; Louisa Pullins of Wood County; Sumedha Kappagantula of Butler County; Kady Davis of Carroll County; Kaitlyn Evans of Richland County and Danielle Leeper of Union 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 are Kristen Eisenhauer of Richland County; Katie Frost of Fayette County; Melanie Fuhrmann of Scioto County; Sarah Lehner of Delaware County and Todd Peterson of Fayette County.… Continue reading

The Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) has selected Chelsea Graham of Licking County as the recipient of their scholarship. Graham is a graduate of Licking Valley High School where she served as the Class President for three years, was a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, Student Leadership Team and Senior Leader. She also participated in the school’s basketball program for two years and then served as a coach for the biddy league program. Graham also participated in the College Credit Plus Program while attending high school.

Graham was also involved in the Valley Traditions 4-H Club, serving as the President for the past three years. Her 4-H projects ranged from the livestock area to the special interest area. As a member of the 4-H program, she was a member of the Food and Fashion Board and represented the county at the Ohio State Fair, where she won Outstanding of the Day and the Clock trophy award many times.… Continue reading

Gerald “Jerry” Koverman, 77, of Ansonia, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2018 at State of the Heart Care Center in Greenville.

He was born on October 20, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Cletus and Angeline (Weis) Koverman. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Monnin; and his nephew, Dwight Wenning; in-laws, Victor Hoelscher and Deb Koverman.

Jerry was a 1958 graduate of Minster High School. He was a 1962 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and was a member of the Darke County Ohio State Alumni. He taught Vocational Agriculture at Ansonia High School for 34 years, and was the voice of the Tigers for over 50 years. Jerry was a member of the Ansonia Village Council for 10 years and mayor of Ansonia for 17 years. In 1985, Jerry was honored as Outstanding Agriculture Teacher in the State of Ohio.… Continue reading

Seed Consultants, Inc. (SCI) welcomes Alissa Armstrong as Marketing

Communications Manager. In this role, Alissa will work with the SCI team to develop and execute marketing strategies and tactics. Alissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Wittenberg University and brings five years of marketing and communication experience to SCI. Prior to joining SCI, Alissa was an Account Executive for FLM Harvest, a strategic consulting, marketing and communications agency that serves clients in the agriculture, food, lifestyle and pet markets.

“Alissa comes from a great family and is the type of hard working individual we want in our organization,” said Stuart Yensel, Director of Sales and Marketing for SCI.… Continue reading

The Ohio Pork Council is pleased to welcome Melissa Bell to its staff as the Director of Membership Outreach, beginning May 29, 2018. In this new role, Bell will organize all OPC events and develop or maintain relationships with key investors, members and partners of the organization.

“The Ohio Pork Council is excited to have Melissa join our team,” said Rich Deaton, President, Ohio Pork Council. “We know her experience, talents, and passion for agriculture will be a great addition to our organization.”

Prior to joining OPC, Bell served in various roles within the agriculture industry. Most recently, Bell served as the Sponsorship Development Consultant at the Ohio FFA Foundation, and prior to that as the Executive Director for the Foundation. Formerly, Bell served as the Regional Supervisor and Organizational Director with Ohio Farm Bureau. Bell also worked as the Coordinator of Admissions for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.… Continue reading

Richard A. Unverferth, co-founder of Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc., was inducted posthumously as one of three Putnam County Ag Hall of Fame honorees during the Farmers Share Breakfast Saturday, April 14, in Glandorf.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions of individuals involved in agriculture throughout their life in Putnam County. Growing up on the family farm just outside Kalida, Ohio, Richard learned early in life that farming was ever-evolving. He and his father were noted for creative innovations that made equipment more efficient.

The father-son partners began Unverferth Manufacturing Company in 1948 with the goal of helping their neighboring farmers become more efficient. That vision created a company that has grown from manufacturing simple, yet effective and innovative attachments in the early years to today’s current line of implements that increase productivity in a variety of farming tasks. Those Putnam County “neighbors” today stretch across North America and internationally.

“On behalf of the entire Unverferth family and the many dedicated coworkers, past and present, we greatly appreciate the recognition of Dad’s deep commitment to agriculture, business and community involvement in Putnam County,” says Larry Unverferth, president.… Continue reading