Francis Byers wins 2014 Agriculture Achievement Award

Francis Byers (file photo)

The 2014 Darke County Chamber of Commerce Ag Luncheon was held Thursday at Romer's Catering in Greenville. The Ag Committee Chair Matt Aultman welcomed the crowd, noting over 200 guest in attendance.

The keynote address, "Update on Ohio Agriculture," was given by Director David T. Daniels of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Following the address, the Ag Committee named its annual award winners for achievement and advocacy.

The 2014 Agriculture Achievement Award was given to Francis Byers. Francis is a 1940 graduate of Monroe High School, grew up on a farm in Van Buren Township and now lives on Erisman Road. Francis was inducted into the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1996. Francis will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2014 Darke County Fair Parade.

The 2014 Agricultural Advocacy Award was given to the Darke County Agricultural Society. The Agicultural Society was founded in 1853 an annually presents The Great Darke County Fair.

State Representatives Jim Buchy and Dick Adams were on hand to present commendations to the award winners. Current and former members of the Agricultural Society accepted the Advocacy Award.