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Not only did Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio's commodity groups promote agriculture at the Ohio State Fair, they also provided a helping hand to folks in need.

Caption: The cans that were used to construct this Bicentennial Barn replica were donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank at the conclusion of the Ohio State Fair. OFBF and Ohio Grocer's Association donated the cans.

The Ohio Pork Producers, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio Poultry Association donated leftover food items to Faith Mission. Since 1966, Faith Mission has served the homeless community by offering a secure, Christian-based environment for homeless men and women on an emergency walk-in basis. The agency provides shelter, food and clothing, while helping individuals with access to longer term solutions such as housing, employment assistance, medical, dental and vision care, counseling and support groups.

At the end of each day, OFBF staff members picked up the food from the Ohio Food Pavilion and delivered it to Faith Mission. At the fair's end, any remaining condiments, buns and food were also donated. In addition, part of the group's proceeds from their food sales in the Ohio Food Pavilion were given to the Children's Hunger Alliance, formerly the Ohio Hunger Task Force.

At the conclusion of the state fair, Ohio Farm Bureau and Ohio Grocer's Association donated $5,000 of canned goods to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. The canned goods were used to build an Ohio Bicentennial Barn replica, which was on display in the Nationwide Agriculture and Horticulture Building.

Four prominent men were inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame during the Ohio State Fair. Enshrinement in the Hall of Fame is Ohio's highest recognition of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry. Criteria include superior service, dedication, leadership and plentiful contributions to agriculture. Herman Brubaker, Dayton, currently serves as chairman of the board of Dairy Farmers of America. William Conklin, posthumous honoree, Union County, was a pioneer in the livestock industry by marketing dairy cattle to dairy farmers for more than 40 years. His public auctions and private treaty sales became the established marketplace for high quality Holsteins, as he marketed more than 125,000 head of livestock in his lifetime. Fred Deering, Monroeville, served in the Ohio General Assembly from 1973 to 1992. He co-chaired and implemented the Current Agricultural Use Value law. Richard Hummel, Canal Winchester, is a renowned educator, honored as one of the top 25 Vocational Agriculture teachers in the nation and is one of the founders of the National Young Farmers Organization.