Mike and Teresa Hershberger were recently named the 2018 Holmes County Member of Distinction. Distinction means excellence that sets something or someone apart from others. Mike and Teresa have contributed and been involved in Holmes County Farm Bureau and the community for a long time.
This award was presented at the Annual Meeting by board member and long-time friend of the Hershbergers, Jimmy Croskey. Jimmy interviewed family members of Mike and Teresa as well as Dale Arnold, who was the organization director when they were first involved in Farm Bureau.

Mike and Teresa were married April 7, 1979.  They have been members and attending Farm Bureau events for decades. In 1987-88, Mike served as county president. They also served as membership chairs during that time. According to Arnold, Mike, along with Ken Gerber, were pioneers in that they were really the first two to reach out and connect Farm Bureau to the Amish community. Arnold said that when they were at the peak of their involvement, Mike and Teresa would go out and visit with their neighbors and bring in piles of memberships. This was before the Murray Lincoln award was in existence, but they would have been many-time recipients.

Along with the family farm, Mike started working at Horrisberger Implement around 1975-1976. During this involvement in Farm Bureau, Mike continued the family farm operation and started working for Clark Township. Teresa worked at Joel Pomerene Hospital. Arnold said she worked to create a great connection between the hospital and Farm Bureau. The farm operation is still active today raising crops and finishing beef cattle. They still have their International 806, 574, and Farmall M.

The county board wished to express sincere thanks and appreciation for the dedication of the Hershbergers to Holmes County Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau connections
To grow a network and gain perspective and knowledge in the industry through personal and professional development has been invaluable. Every day I learn and grow.
Ryanna Tietje's avatar
Ryanna Tietje

Henry County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau connections
Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
10-year campaign for safer roads
Farm Bureau is what really got the word out. It’s been one of their goals to get this done.
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman's avatar
Bill and Charlotte Wachtman

Henry County

10-year campaign for safer roads
Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
Farm Bureau involvement
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: