INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana corn and soybean farmers recently
honored a group of deserving Hoosiers for their outstanding support and
promotion of Indiana agriculture with Beck’s Hybrids Beyond the Fence
awards.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to honor four deserving
individuals who have made a significant impact on Indiana agriculture,” said
Scott Beck, vice president of Beck’s Hybrids. “Whether they are preparing
students for the future, advocating at the Indiana Statehouse, telling the story
of agriculture through words or contributing to the community, their passion
toward Indiana agriculture is unparalleled.”
The awards, which are sponsored by Beck’s Hybrids of Atlanta
in conjunction with the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Indiana Corn Growers
Association, were presented at the recent Indiana Livestock, Forage and Grain
Forum in Indianapolis.
“Like our Hoosier corn and soybean farmers, Beck’s Hybrids
understands the importance of sharing the story of how we farm today and
recognizing those individuals who go above and beyond in that effort,” said Joe
Steinkamp, chair of ISA’s membership and policy committee and a farmer from
Evansville. “We appreciate Beck’s partnership that allows us to honor
some great folks each year with these awards.”
The four award recipients honored for their outstanding
contributions to Indiana agriculture are:
* John Baugh of West Lafayette received the Friend of
Indiana Agriculture award for outstanding contributions to agriculture by a
non-farmer. Baugh is director of agricultural services and regulation
for Purdue University’s College of Agriculture;
* Tom Bechman of Franklin received the Ag Media award for
excellence in reporting about Indiana agriculture. Bechman is the editor of
Indiana Prairie Farmer and has been with the company since 1981;
* Robert Bishop of Leesburg received the Community
Betterment award, which recognizes a farmer for outstanding contributions to the
community through philanthropic, service, volunteerism, donations and leadership
projects. He is a farmer in Kosciusko County; and
* Randy Warren of North Webster received the Ag Education
Outreach award for his outstanding contribution to Indiana agricultural
education. Warren recently retired from Wawasee High School after teaching
agricultural education for nearly 40 years.
“These four individuals are using their time and talents to
help our industry grow, as well as make a difference in their communities,” said
ICGA President Herb Ringel, a farmer from Wabash. “Indiana agriculture is blessed to have great people like
this year’s Beyond the Fence award winners out there representing us.”