Profiles Volunteer Earl Gerdeman has been a Van Wert County Farm Bureau member for 35 years, but became really active after he retired in 1989 from being a vocational agriculture teacher. Since then he has worked on the policy development committee and has been a three-time delegate to OFBF’s annual meeting. Gerdeman currently serves as membership chairman and has worked on the membership committee for several years. Gerdeman said Farm Bureau is important to him because of its overall influence – whether it’s on public opinion or state and federal government. "Farm Bureau has done so much for the farmers of our state. We have such a huge voice in Columbus and Washington," Gerdeman said. "No matter what, Farm Bureau continues to fight for us. "As volunteers, we are always rewarded for our support with some type of gift or dinner, but they would never have to do that for me. There are enough rewards just by being a member." He and his wife, Doris – also a retired teacher – reside in Delphos. They live on a small farm where they raise corn, soybeans and wheat. | |