FSR to induct hall of fame nominees

LONDON, Ohio — The Farm Science Review Hall of Fame will welcome its 24th class of inductees at the Vice President’s Luncheon Sept. 17 during the 2013 review.

Don Breece, Dan Kush and Marti Smith have been selected for induction in recognition of their contributions to the success of the show.

“The unique aspect of our show is that certain individuals take ownership of the review, putting their heart and soul into changing things for the better,” said Chuck Gamble, Farm Science Review manager.

Don Breece

Don retired from Ohio State University Extension in May after most recently serving as the assistant director of the Agriculture and Natural Resources program area. Don chaired both the Farm Science Review Program and Policy Committee and the Farm Science Review Steering Committee during his tenure as assistant director.

In his leadership role, Don worked to strengthen the educational programs at the review. He was also responsible for operating and staffing the information booths during the show, gathering Ohio State emeriti educators and agents to serve as information personnel.

Dan Kush (posthumous)

Dan was a strong advocate and friend of the Gwynne Conservation Area. He was instrumental in the procurement of the grant that funded the construction of the Natural Resources Interpretive Center and then served as one of the volunteers that helped erect the structure.

In his position as a Soil and Water Conservation District employee and co-chairman of the Gwynne Conservation Area Committee, Kush championed programs for youth education and instructed numerous youth programs about the importance of conservation principles.

Many of the features currently found in the Gwynne were established under his leadership. After his passing in 2003, the Daniel Kush Gwynne Conservation Area Endowment Fund was established to carry on his legacy.

Marti Smith

Marti’s involvement with the Farm Science Review began during her tenure as an employee of the Harvest Publishing Company, later becoming the Farm Progress Companies, when she called upon the management team of the review to create the show’s ad and directory program.

As co-owner of American Small Farm, a national publication tailored to the wants and needs of small farm operators, Marti championed the establishment of the Center for Small Farms program. Marti’s involvement is unique in that she has been a vendor, a volunteer and an exhibitor.

To this day, she can be found at the Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Association display visiting with farmers and equipment dealers about their groups’ many activities while also overseeing the volunteers that are providing shuttle assistance in the parking lots.

Marti is also a major donor to the review, as she recently donated the famous scarlet and gray building located at the Center for Small Farms in support of the center.

The 2013 Farm Science Review will be held September 17-19, and advance sale tickets are available at any Ohio State University Extension office, local agribusinesses or online for $7.

Tickets will be sold at the gate for $10. For more information, visit fsr.osu.edu.Farm Science Review is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.