Agriculture Hall of Fame honors county's finest farmers

Agriculture was one of the first industries in Hancock County. Farmers and agribusinesses have contributed to the economic growth and vitality of the county for almost 200 years. The Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 2006 to recognize these individuals that had made an impact in the agricultural community. The award specifically recognizes and honors individuals with Hancock County connections, who have made major contributions in agriculture either as a production farmer or from another agriculturally related profession. Some of these individuals may have made their mark outside of the county, but have their roots, or close ties to Hancock County. However, most recipients have resided in the county. Any individual or organization may submit a name by completing the Hall of Fame nomination form. Qualified applicants may be a producer or breeder or anyone involved in an agriculture-related field. Past winners have been farmers, agri-business leaders, government officials, veterinarians and even a driver for harness racing. At a minimum, nominees should have been born, raised, resided or began their careers in Hancock County. They should have at least 25 years in an agriculturally related occupation. Nominees should have made significant contribution in their agricultural field and provided leadership and service to the agricultural community. Only four individuals may be inducted each year, and of these, only two may be posthumous. Inductees are selected from the applications submitted and reviewed by a local committee. Sixty-three individuals have become members of the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame since the first group was inducted in 2006. Wayne Farthing, Merritt vonStein, Brad Beach, and Keith Wilford were the last group to be inducted in 2020. Nominations should be submitted to the Hancock County Extension Office by 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 14, or online by May 16, 2021. Nomination forms or additional information may be obtained at the Hancock County Extension Office or its website, hancock.osu.edu (select the Agriculture and Natural Resources option under Featured County Programs; then select the Hall of Fame option) or call 419-422-3851. Inductees of 2021 Hancock County Agricultural Hall of Fame will be recognized at the Farmers' Share Breakfast, to be held at the Millstream Centre at the Fairgrounds, June 10, 2021. Their pictures will be displayed at the Hancock County Fair and permanently displayed at the Hancock County Agricultural Service Center. Families of the recipients will be asked to provide a publishable picture for the Hall of Fame display and pictures of the recipient's life to share in a streaming video during the Award Ceremony at the Farmers' Share Breakfast. Be sure to submit a nomination. The community wants to award and recognize outstanding individuals for their long-time work and contributions to agriculture — and if selected, become a part of the 16th group to be added to the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame. Traditionally, the Award Ceremony and the Farmers' Share Breakfast occurred in March. However, because of the pandemic, the program was delayed to June to allow more time for individuals to get vaccinated and the opportunity to have the program in person. County health guidelines will be followed during the June program. Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame is managed by the Ohio State University Extension, Hancock County and is affiliated with the leadership efforts of the Agri-Business Committee of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce. Lentz is Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources for the Ohio State University Extension Service in Hancock County. Contact Lentz at 419-422-3851 or lentz.38@osu.edu for additional information.