SCIO, Ohio – The Harrison County Farm Bureau recognized John and Audrey Birney with one of its highest honors. The couple received the 2007 Hall of Fame Award at the county’s annual meeting Sept. 13.
Audrey has served on the county Farm Bureau promotion and education committee since the 1980s and John has been the safety chair and vice president of the organization.
The couple began farming full-time in 1967 with John’s brother and formed the C.H. Birney Corporation in memory of John’s father. Today, the farm includes 700 acres, 300 cows and 100 head of fat cattle.
The Hall of Fame Award goes to Farm Bureau members who have made a positive impact on agriculture not just in Harrison County, but in other areas, as well.
Star awards. Committee chairmen were also recognized at the meeting. The group has earned all 10 Star Awards for the past several years and this year was no different.
Star Award recipients included Wendy Chrisman, advisory council/young farmer; Matilda Heavilin, agriculture ecology; Dave Mizer, government affairs; Cindy Valdinger, information coordinator; John Birney and Don Jones, membership;
Samantha Wallace, Nationwide sponsorship; Bob Stewart, policy development; Gwen Stewart and Audrey Birney, promotion and education; John Birney, safety; and Jayne Wallace, Samantha Wallace and Valdinger, youth council.
President Jayne Wallace earned the 10-Star Award for her work in leading the group.
Steve Moore earned the Young Farmer Award and Chrisman was recognized for being a state finalist in the discussion meet.
Elections. During the meeting’s election segment, several trustees and delegates were chosen to serve the group.
John Birney will be the trustee for Archer, German, Rumley and Shortcreek townships and Sandy Bardall will represent Freeport, Moorefield, Nottingham and Washington townships.
Trustees at large will be Jan Arbaugh, Lynette Dauch, Paul Mader and Samantha Wallace.
Bob Stewart and Jan Arbaugh will be the delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting.
National policies. Harrison County Farm Bureau members also voted on national, state and local policies at the meeting.
At the national level, members voted in favor of the following policies:
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