NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio — The Lake County Farm Bureau held its 2020 annual meeting Sept. 14 at the Perry First Baptist Church parking lot, with 61 in attendance.
Local, state and federal candidates were invited to participate in the Candidate’s Minute, either in person or by video, to give a short introduction of themselves and to share what they will do for agriculture and our community if elected.
Board trustees were voted on and elected for two-year terms. Those elected are: Donald W. Jacobson, Layne Lassnick, Steve Lucic, Kelly Mader, Steve Ohmes and Addie Shaffer.
Samantha Bly and Eric Cotton were elected to serve as delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting in 2021.
Mike McDonald was presented the Youth Development in Agriculture award for his dedication to Lake County youth.
George and Wendy Lassnick received the Distinguished Service to Agriculture award for their contributions to Lake County agriculture.
Julia Bystrom was acknowledged as the 2020 Lake County Farm Bureau scholarship recipient.
Ashtabula County
The Ashtabula County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting Sept. 21 at the Eagleville Bible Church parking lot, with 71 in attendance.
Board trustees were voted on and elected for two-year terms. Those elected: Lynn Frank, Jason Hayes, Jeff Magyar, Tom Spencer Jr. and Zach Ward.
Terry Atkinson, Sara Frank and Becca Magyar Waldo were elected to serve as delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting in 2021.
State Rep. John Patterson was recognized with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau 2020 Distinguished Service to Agriculture award for his work with Ashtabula County and Ohio agriculture. Patterson has gone above and beyond to gather information on key issues, ranging from CAUV, broadband, water quality, opiate addiction and mental health. The member of distinction for Ashtabula County was awarded to Ann Marrison for her 40 plus years of service and dedication.
The Grand Valley FFA, and adviser Lowell Moodt, was recognized as the partner of the year.
Allison Graves, Mason Mazzaro, Sharon Millard and Austin Stringfellow were acknowledged as the 2020 Ashtabula County Farm Bureau scholarship recipients.
Trumbull County
The Trumbull County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting Sept. 16 outdoors at the Hartford Hill Winery, with 65 in attendance.
Board trustees were voted on and elected for three-year terms. Those elected to serve on the board are: James Allen, Monica Culp, Julianne Holler and Steven Kacerski.
Monica Culp, Melissa Gore-Romine, Mary Smallsreed and Joe Turon were elected to serve as delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting in 2021.
Kibler Dairy was recognized with the Tom Schwartz Environmental Friendly Farmer award.
Glenn and Sandee Smith were presented with the county member of distinction award for their years of service.
Family Farm & Home, Warren; Countryside Veterinary Service; and the Trumbull County Animal Welfare League were all recognized as partners of the year for their donation of time, services and location for the first pet clinic held last fall.
Geauga County
The Geauga County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting Sept. 24 at St. Mary’s Church parking lot with 67 in attendance.
Board trustees were voted on and elected for three-year terms. Those elected: Kevin Holy, Rob Schwartz, Kristen Sirna and Kirk Walker.
Ty Kellog, Larry Sevich and Kristen Sirna were elected to serve as delegates to the Ohio Farm Bureau annual meeting in 2021.
The Distinguished Service to Agriculture awards were given to Carmella Shale and Dee Belew.
Shale is the director/engineer for Geauga County SWCD and has gone above and beyond her call of duty to protect water quality and preserve the future of agriculture.
Belew is a member of the Northeast Ohio Maple Producers and Ohio Maple Producers Association, as as an active member she encourages and helps maple producers promote their farms and products through educational seminars, social media and community events.
The member of distinction was Kevin O’Reilly Jr. for his dedication to farm bureau.
Tiffany Mushrush-Mentzer, of Harvest Bell Farm, was presented with the One Step Ahead award. She has been a driving force in Geauga County agriculture and because of her efforts, the Geauga Fresh Farmers Market is alive and well.
Jordan Henry, Anna Sevich and John Steimle were acknowledged as the scholarship recipients.
