DAYTON, Ohio – The 2001 Ohio Pork Congress was held in Dayton, Feb. 8-9, to showcase the latest trends and technologies in Ohio’s pork industry and to honor outstanding Ohio producers.
The Pork All-American award was presented to Jeff Horn of Hancock County for his accomplishments in the production and promotion of pork.
Horn, who currently serves as District II Director for the Ohio Pork Producers Council, operates a 180-sow operation and participates in the Pork Quality Assurance Program and Environmental Assurance Program.
The All-American award recognizes young pork producers who have established themselves as dedicated business people.
Belle Ringer.
The Ohio Pork Council Women Belle Ringer award sponsored by WIMA Radio, is given to a member of the Ohio Pork Council Women for her outstanding promotional efforts on the county level the past year.
This year’s winner was June Hunker of Seneca County. Hunker is a member of the Seneca County Pork Producers, and served as co-chairwoman of the membership drive. She was also active on the Seneca County Junior Fair Swine Committee, and coordinated radio broadcasts promoting pork during the fair.
Service award.
The Ohio Pork Producers Council Service award was given to Doug Stayrook, national accounts manager of ALPHARMA, for his commitment and contributions to the pork industry. Stayrook has served on the OPPC board as an associate director for two years, and has volunteered as the Ohio Pork Congress trade show chairman for the past 14 years.
Women’s service.
The Ohio Pork Council Women’s Service award was presented to Kim West of Clinton County. West served as director of communications for the Ohio Pork Producers Council for five years. She now has her own business, K. West Communications, where she continues to work with pork producers on designing ads and developing and maintaining their Web sites.
The Women’s Service award recognizes a pork industry leader, whose principal occupation is not pork production
The Pork Industry Excellence award, sponsored by WRFD Radio, is presented to an individual or family that has given unselfishly to the pork industry to help ensure its success.
Barr family award.
This year’s winners were Bob and Phyllis Barr of Greene County. The Barrs have both served in numerous leadership roles at the county, state and national level. Bob has served as OPPC president, and sat on many different OPPC committees. Phyllis has been a national director for the Ohio Pork Council Women, and also served on numerous committees at the state and national level.
They have both been 4-H advisors for 25 years, and played an active role in cooperation with OSU Extension to start the Responsible Animal Management Coalition, a group to make livestock producers aware of the animal rights movement.
Elite County award.
The Elite County award, sponsored by ABN Radio & TV, was presented to Miami County for their efforts in promoting pork during the past year.
New Pork Queen.
In addition to these awards, the 2001 Ohio Pork Industry Queen was crowned.
She is Joanna Schmersal of Allen County, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Schmersal of Columbus Grove.
First runner-up in the contest was Jennifer Elder of Licking County. Sandy Davey of Pickaway County was chosen second runner-up. Darla Flora of Miami County was selected as Miss Congeniality.
The Ohio Pork Producers Council also elected officers during the two-day event.
President for the coming year is Marvin Larrick of Highland County. President-elect is Jeff Benson of Knox County, and Ray Noecker of Pickaway County will serve as the 2001 vice president. The associate director position will be filled by Frank Metcalf of Phibro.
STAY INFORMED. SIGN UP!
Up-to-date agriculture news in your inbox!
