Hancock Ag Hall of Fame inducting 4

FINDLAY — The Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee and the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame will induct four people for their lasting contributions to local agriculture during the annual Farmers' Share Breakfast on Thursday, June 11, at the Old Millstream Centre on the Hancock County Fairgrounds. Presented in partnership with Hancock County OSU Extension, the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service and dedication to agriculture in Hancock County, whether through farming or agriculturally related professions. The recognition celebrates those whose work, community involvement and commitment to excellence have strengthened agriculture and inspired others throughout the community. The Farmers' Share Breakfast begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served shortly after and the program concluding before 9 a.m. In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, the morning will feature District FFA Public Speaking winners, scholarship recognition, and an agricultural update from the Hancock County OSU Extension Office. Tickets are $7 and must be purchased in advance through the Hancock County OSU Extension Office, or online through the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce event registration page at Findlaychamber.com. The 2026 Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees are Lanny Boes, Roger Bower, Linda Tuttle and David Bower. Lanny BoesLanny Boes has spent more than 60 years serving the agricultural industry in Hancock County as both a farmer, innovator and leader in the agriculture community. In addition to operating a successful farming operation raising a variety of crops over the years, he founded Boes Quality Drainage, a business that installed millions of feet of tile to improve farmland productivity and water management throughout the region. Boes has consistently embraced forward thinking agricultural practices, including the use of aerial scouting and drone technology to monitor crop health and improve yields. He has also been a strong supporter of agricultural education and advocacy through his involvement with organizations such as Arcadia FFA Alumni, Ohio Farmers Union and the Ohio Farm Bureau. His dedication to innovation, mentorship and conservation has left a lasting impact on agriculture in Hancock County and beyond. Roger BowerRoger Bower has dedicated more than six decades to agriculture and community service in Hancock County. Growing up in Rawson, he worked alongside his family in farming and agricultural related businesses from an early age, gaining experience in livestock, crop production, farm operations and repairing plumbing, heating and electrical systems for local farmers. His passion for agriculture has extended beyond the field, caring deeply about the land and the people connected to it. Alongside raising crops, Bower has helped provide for both his family and others through livestock raised on the family farm, including pigs, beef cattle, chickens, goats and dairy animals. Over the years, he has remained actively involved in organizations supporting youth and agriculture, including Eagle Farmers 4-H, Cory-Rawson and Arlington FFA programs, and the Hancock County Fair. Bower has also given back through 45 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, 31 years as a township trustee and decades of leadership within his church and community. His lifelong commitment to agriculture, family and service has made him a respected figure throughout the region's farming community. David BowerBorn in 1943, David Bower is being honored posthumously for his dedication to farming, conservation and serving the agricultural community. Raised in a multigenerational farming family in Jenera, Bower purchased his first piece of farmland at just 16-years-old and remained deeply connected to agriculture throughout his life. While he was a dedicated grain farmer, those closest to him knew his true passion was baling hay. Over the years, he grew wheat, corn, soybeans and other crops alongside his sons, Andy and Brian, while also baling and delivering hay and straw to countless local families, farms and businesses throughout Ohio and neighboring states. He was recognized for his commitment to conservation and responsible land stewardship through honors from Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District and was named an honorary FFA member for his support of youth in agriculture. Known for his strong work ethic, generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand, Bower made a lasting impression on the farming community and those who knew him. Linda TuttleBorn in 1951, Linda Tuttle is being honored posthumously for her dedication to conservation, agricultural education and community involvement. Alongside farming with her husband, Marvin, she played an active role in delivering meals and parts to the fields to keep operations running smoothly. Tuttle also spent nearly three decades serving as a loan officer with AgCredit, retiring in 2010 after helping support generations of local farm families and agricultural operations. Through her leadership with Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District, where she served as a board member through 2025, she helped organize farm tours, educational outreach efforts and conservation programs that connected residents and students with local agriculture. Tuttle also represented Hancock County on the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Board of Directors and participated in statewide and national conservation discussions. Her passion for conservation, education, and service continues to leave a meaningful impact on the community.