Ohio Poultry Association announces 2011 award winners in Columbus

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Poultry Association recently announced its 2011 award recipients, named each year at the organization’s annual banquet in Columbus. These awards honor businesses, farms and individuals who have made significant contributions to Ohio’s egg, chicken and turkey sectors.

Award recipients included: Paul Dahlinghaus of New Bremen, Ohio; Andy Rohrer, of Conyers, Ga.; the Hemmelgarn family of Coldwater, Ohio; and Kalmbach Family/Kalmbach Feeds, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

Environmental Stewardship

Paul Dahlinghaus received the association’s Environmental Stewardship Award, given in recognition of a farmer’s commitment to his or her neighbors and to the environment as a whole.

On his farm, Dahlinghaus has installed waterways and filter strips to keep fertilizers out of stream waters, and monitors streams and wells on a regular basis. He also keeps a close eye on water quality by following planned manure management and handling techniques.

Golden Egg Award:

Andy Rohrer, of Conyers, Ga., senior coordinator of the National Poultry Improvement Plan, has been an integral contributor to the poultry community for the past 30 years. His background includes extensive executive experience in the management of private, not-for-profit corporations, and state and federal agencies.

He previously founded the Tri-State Poultry Federation, which includes Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.

Family Legacy Award:

The Legacy Award recognizes individuals who are committed to advancing the mission and values of the state’s egg, chicken and turkey farmers. This year’s award was presented to the Hemmelgarn Family of Coldwater, Ohio.

Ed Hemmelgarn started the business in 1930 with a Model T and liquid assets of only $35. Today, Hemmelgarn & Sons has nearly 2 million chickens, between layers and pullets, and ranks among the top 40 egg farms nationwide.

Outstanding Service:

This year’s award was presented to the Kalmbach Family/Kalmbach Feeds, a second-generation, family-owned company located in Upper Sandusky that manufactures and sells custom nutritional products for all livestock and poultry species.

Since the farm was founded in 1963, the Kalmbach family has been dedicated to helping independent poultry farmers stay in business. Additionally, they have developed and promoted many new concepts and products for the poultry community.