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 applicationscan 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 Submissions
Deadline for submission of 2027 nominations will be announced soon. 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).
Roster of Hall of Fame Inductees
YEAR
INDUCTEES
2026
Gary & Jackie Austin, Thompson Seed Farm, Inc.
2025
Jim Hefner, Walter Paxson, John & Mary Rudolph, Allen County Agricultural Society
2024
Randy Jones, Gary & Laura Luginbill, Todd Schaub, Joe Schmersal
2023
Keystone Meats, Gary Jackson, Ron Spencer, H.G. Violet, Inc.
2022
Steiner Stock Farm, Wallace Winegardner
2021
Jay Begg, Gerald Brooks, Clyde Ditto, Kewpee Hamburgers, Gene McCluer
2020
Sam B. Blythe, Lloyd Smith
2019
William H. Bowersock, Robert W. Mayer, John R. Nixon, William C. Strayer
2018
Robert W. Core, Barrett D. Feigh, Sr.
2017
Wendla Black, C. Mark Hershberger, Calvin R. Kiracofe, Rober & June Polter
2016
Fred L. Arnold, Lester Fleming, Thomas Fleming, Russel M. Long
2015
Ross Clum, Donald P. Klingler
2014
Louis W. Harrod, Ray W. Whetstone
2013
J. Edgar Begg, Calvin Leimbach
Commendable Nominees Elmer Maag Bob & Phyllis Boyer
For more information contact: Lima Allen County Chamber of Commerce
144 S. Main St., Lima, OH 45801
Visit AllenAgHall.com
419-222-6045
