River Valley Region - Franklin and Delaware County Farm Bureaus
Two Franklin County women were recently honored for their contributions to the agriculture industry. Jeanne Barbee of Grove City and Sharon Schilling of Galloway were both named the county’s 2005 Farm Woman of the Year. Tim Street, organization director for Franklin and Delaware counties, said the women were such strong candidates for the award that it was decided they should both be honored. The winners are chosen on their involvement in their operation, community and Farm Bureau. The women were honored March 10 at a luncheon at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Barbee and her husband raise corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. She is currently the county chair for Advisory Councils and Young Farmers. She is involved with the United Methodist Woman at the Grove City United Methodist Church and the Community Arts in the Alley Festival in Grove City. On Schilling’s family operated farm, she runs the tractor, prepares the ground for spring planting, bales hay and straw and is the main combine operator, harvesting 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans. She has served as a delegate to the OFBF annual meeting and is an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, an elementary school tutor and Franklin County Fair Horse Royalty advisor. Holding a Farmers Share breakfast was how Delaware County Farm Bureau kicked off the beginning of national ag week. More than 1,500 people paid just 50 cents for pancakes, sausage patty, egg casserole, milk, coffee and juice. The cost of the breakfast represented how much money would typically go back to a farmer. More than 50 volunteers helped prepare and serve the food while educating consumers about agriculture. Caption: Jeanne Barbee (center) is acknowledged as a Franklin County Farm Woman of the Year. Standing with her are Jeanne Schacht, Franklin County Woman’s Committee chair, and Tim Street, organization director for Franklin and Delaware counties. | |