Four people to be inducted Friday, August 7th
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Four people from the Buckeye State who have spent their lives promoting, advocating and working in Ohio’s agricultural community will be honored in August when they’re inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame.
William Haddad, Don Loudenslager, Roy Loudenslager and Gerald Mast will go into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame on Friday, August 7th at a ceremony being held at the Ohio Expo Center in the Celeste Center.
The ceremony will also mark the 50th class going into the hall since it began in 1966.
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, our Board is honored to recognize these four individuals who have made significant contributions to Ohio’s number-one industry, agriculture,” said Jenny Hubble, Ohio Agricultural Council president. “Each inductee stands out individually for his exceptional contributions to Ohio agriculture, but together they represent the passion, creativity and hard work evidenced by their collective decades of unmatched experience.”
William Haddad
Since 1969, “No-Till Bill” has been helping farmers learn and use no-tillage techniques on their farm. He’s contributed to articles about no-till crop production and used his farm to perform demonstrations.
He’s also developed the state’s first Spray-Coupe to demonstrate how to control weeds on a no-till crop.
Don Loudenslager
The late Don Loudenslager spent his time serving on many agricultural organizations including the Ohio Pork Council, National Corn Growers Association and American Farm Bureau Federation. For more than 45 years he was a district supervisor for the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Roy Loudenslager
Roy Loudenslager, Don’s brother was Ohio’s first FFA Star Farmer. His contributions to the Ohio Soybean Council helped it become one of America’s top producer-funded state promotion. He also served as a chairman of the Council’s board.
Gerald Mast
Gerald, or Gary as he’s known, farms 1,200 acres with his brother. In addition to serving on many councils and organizations, he opens his farm up to demonstrate how good agricultural practices can build a strong community bond.
Tell us your thoughts on the newest inductees to the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame. Who would you nominate to be inducted into your state’s agricultural hall of fame?