Allen County Agriculture Hall of Fame
Overview
The Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce initiated its hosting of an Allen County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2020, Nutrien joined as the presenting sponsor. This annual award recognizes men and women who have been instrumental to the success and excellence of agriculture in Allen County, either as a farmer or in an agriculturally related field. With over $139 million in annual crop and livestock sales, production agriculture is Allen County’s largest industry. Farms occupy over 80% of its land base.
Purpose
The purpose is to honor and give public recognition to those who have brought distinction to themselves, have made outstanding contributions to their professions, and whose community service has been a stimulus to others.
Award Selection
The number of awards made each year may vary, and is at the complete discretion of the committee. The number of posthumous awards made in a given year is preferred not to exceed half of the total inductees. Honorees are to be selected via a ballot vote of the Ag-Business committee of the Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce. They reserve the right to request that a nomination be held over for consideration the following year.
Commendable Nominees
The committee has the ability to annually recognize nominees who were not selected for induction into the Hall of Fame but have truly exemplified the spirit of the Allen County farmer as a dedicated and committed servant to their industry and community.
Who Can Be Nominated
Nominations are honored in two categories: Producer/Breeder and Agricultural Related. Nominees must have made their major contribution to agriculture primarily as a result of being born, growing up, living in, or beginning their career in Allen County. The goal is for honorees to have at least 25 years of experience in agriculture. Nominations can be made posthumously.
The Nomination Process
Award applications can be secured through the Chamber office or website. Partnership or husband & wife applications will be considered a single nomination and will use one application form. Hall of Fame nominees may be submitted by an individual or organization completing a nomination form. One additional page (8.5 x 11″ paper) may be used, if needed. Additional pieces will not be considered.
Deadline for 2023 Submissions
Deadline for submission of 2023 nominations is Monday, May 8, 2023. The application with original signature is to be received in the Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce office by 4:00 PM on the deadline date. The Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce office is located at 144 S. Main St., Lima, OH 45801 (other contact info below).
Annual Induction Ceremony
The Chamber will honor the 2023 inductees to the Allen County Agriculture Hall of Fame at a banquet to be held sometime during the summer.
Roster of Hall of Fame Inductees
Calvin Leimbach
Thomas Fleming
J. Edgar Begg
Russel M. Long
Louis W. Harrod
Wendla Black
Ray W. Whetstone
C. Mark Hershberger
Donald P. Klingler
Calvin R. Kiracofe
Ross Clum
Robert and June Polter
Fred L. Arnold
Robert W. Core
Lester Fleming
Barrett D. Feigh, Sr.
William C. Strayer
William H. Bowersock
Robert W. Mayer
John R. Nixon
Sam B. Blythe
Lloyd B. Smith
John Jay Begg
Clyde E. Ditto
Gerald D. Brooks
Gene McCluer
Kewpee Hamburgers – Harry, Myrna and Scott Shutt
Steiner Stock farm
Wallace Winegardner
Commendable Nominees:
Elmer Maag
Bob and Phyllis Boyer