Luncheon held to celebrate National Ag Day

Coshocton County Commissioner Gary Fischer presented Emily Adams from the OSU Extension Coshocton County Office with a proclamation for the National Ag Day celebration in Coshocton County. Josie Sellers | Beacon

COSHOCTON – The National Ag Day luncheon was an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of farmers and those who work in agriculture-related business or at agencies that support agriculture.

The luncheon was held March 21 at Canal Lewisville United Methodist Church and started out with Commissioner Gary Fischer presenting a proclamation celebrating agriculture as Coshocton’s number one industry.

“Those in the industry are working harder than ever to make sure America has safe, affordable and abundant products,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the role agriculture plays in helping us have a strong local economy.”

River View FFA member Katie Hardesty recited the FFA Creed and then attendees were treated to lunch by Shrimplin’s Catering and an ice cream sundae bar sponsored by the Coshocton County Dairy Service Unit. Nate McNeal gave the invocation before everyone ate.

Katie Hardesty recited the FFA Creed at the National Ag Day Luncheon held March 21 at Canal Lewisville United Methodist Church. Josie Sellers | Beacon

The National Ag Day celebration wrapped up with three speakers giving their take on the topic “Agriculture: Food for Life.”

Renee Whinnery from Kraft Heinz started out by explaining the history of the company in our community and some facts on the large quantities of bacon that are made there.

Next up was Ben Young who explained how he got involved in farming. He grew up farming with his grandpa, but as family aged and moved away his grandpa started to downsize.

“It hit me in high school when my grandpa had 80 sheep one day and then none the next that I wanted to do something,” Young said. “I decided my FFA project was going to be planting corn.”

Today he has 34 cows that started from his grandpa’s 12 and sells meat at Local Bounty and beef by the half and quarter. He also had dabbled in hogs.

“Someday I hope to own the farm, but right now I’m renting it and keeping it running for my grandparents,” Young said. “I also have another full time job so I can keep the wheels turning.”

The final presenter was Josh Kennedy who works for Gerber & Sons and has a family farm on the shores of the Wills Creek River. He admitted that he struggled with the topic at first, but in the end decided it could mean many different things.

“We get to plant seeds and then see your rows grow because of science and the grace of God and you can walk your pasture fields and see new life that was born,” Kennedy said. “‘Agriculture: Food for Life’ is about more than just food for my belly. It’s about food for my heart and my soul.”

Emily Adams, OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources County Extension Director, Coshocton County, thanked all who shared at the luncheon.

“Today is a day to come together as a community and be thankful for what we get to do,” she said. “I’m thankful for all of you and the part you play in our agriculture industry.”

Category: People & Places