Greg and Rose Hartschuh of Sycamore have been named winners of Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s 2017 Excellence in Agriculture Award. The award recognizes successful young agricultural professionals who are actively contributing and growing through their involvement with Farm Bureau and agriculture.
The Hartschuhs will receive an expense-paid trip to Nashville, Tenn. to compete in the national Excellence in Agriculture contest during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in January. They also receive a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit Mid-America and a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau.
Rose is a seed adviser, contributes to the family farm and manages their additional family businesses. Greg farms full time, raising corn, soybeans and operating a dairy. The Hartschuhs partnered with two other farm families to revitalize a neglected farm property in Bucyrus, which now offers a farm market in one barn and an event venue in another. They also offer agricultural education activities on their farm.
They have been active in Farm Bureau: Rose has held many offices in the Crawford County Farm Bureau, including president. Greg has been active in the county organization, and together they served on the Ohio Young Agricultural Professionals state committee. They support FFA, 4-H and the Soil and Water Conservation District are are involved in various farm organizations as well as Crossroads Community Church.
Other finalists in the Excellence in Agriculture contest were Jennifer Osterholt of Alexandria and Terry Specht of Johnstown.
Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals are 18 to 35, single or married, who farm or work in related industries and are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.