Local quartet named to Ag Hall of Fame

S. David DeVore and John E. Wolfe were inducted Thursday into the Hancock County Agriculture Hall of Fame. Inducted posthumously were Michael Biery and Paul William Lauck Sr. The hall of fame recognizes Hancock County residents who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture. DeVore DeVore, 81, has devoted his life to farming since the age of 8. He began farming independently in 1961, growing his operation to roughly 1,000 acres and 100 head of sheep, and continues to farm today alongside his son-in-law. DeVore is a lifelong member of the Hancock County Farm Bureau, for whom he served as president. He also has been an active member of the Hancock County Ag Council since 1988 and the Agri-Business Committee since 1989. He played a key role in establishing the Hancock County Ag Hall of Fame in 2006. Beyond Hancock County, DeVore has represented Ohio Farm Bureau at national conferences and met with legislators in Washington, D.C., to advocate for agriculture. He earned his State Farmer Degree in 1960 and remains deeply involved in both agricultural and faith communities, serving as a trustee and food pantry donor at Good Shepherd Church in Benton Ridge. Wolfe Wolfe is a lifelong resident of Hancock County and a third-generation farmer, carrying on the legacy of Wolfe's Produce, founded over 80 years ago by his grandparents, Howard and Rose Wolfe, and later run by his father, Richard Wolfe. Wolfe began working on the farm in grade school and chose to forgo college football at Findlay College to fully dedicate himself to the family operation. As the full-time owner of Wolfe's Produce, he is known for growing high-quality sweet corn, pumpkins, and other vegetables, using both conventional and no-till practices while embracing innovation rooted in tradition. A mentor to young farmers and a resource to peers across county lines, Wolfe has played a vital role in advancing agricultural practices regionally. He also serves as a Marion Township trustee, a member of the Republican Central Committee, and an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Each fall, Wolfe's Produce brings vibrant seasonal offerings to Northwest Ohio and beyond. Biery Biery's agricultural journey began in his youth, working alongside his father, Dean Biery, in their Purebred Duroc pig operation. His early experience ignited a lifelong passion for agriculture, leading Biery to establish a 1,200-acre grain farm with his family, focusing on corn, beans, and wheat while continuing to raise Purebred Durocs for 4-H projects and market. Beyond farming, Biery served on the boards of Blanchard Valley Farmers Co-Op and Hancock County Farm Bureau. He co-founded the Cory-Rawson FFA alumni association, championing Junior Fair Livestock Auctions and volunteering for FFA programs. He was an elected trustee of the Northwest Ohio Antique Machinery Association, where he curated displays and promoted agricultural history. Recognized with an Honorary FFA Degree in 2015. Lauck Lauck devoted his entire 100 years as a Hancock County resident to farming and community service. A lifelong grain and vegetable farmer, he cultivated corn, soybeans, wheat and tomatoes for Campbell's, and pickles – farming 720 acres alongside his brother, Forest. Lauck pioneered agricultural innovation, being among the first in the county to use drainage tile and anhydrous ammonia, while also implementing conservation practices like grass waterways and crop rotation. After a farm accident in 1945 resulted in the loss of his right hand, Lauck's determination never wavered. He adapted and continued farming, always advocating for farm safety. His service extended beyond the fields, serving as a supervisor for the Hancock Soil and Water Conservation District from 1955 to 1961, earning two conservation awards and being named Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1961. A devoted member of Houcktown United Methodist Church, Lauck served as Sunday School superintendent, treasurer, and teacher.