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Melinda Sellman was inducted into the Crawford County Agricultural Hall of Fame Sept. 10, during the Crawford County Farm Bureau annual meeting at Reinhard Farms. The Crawford County Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions by an individual to agriculture. An honorary plaque was presented to honor Sellman.

Sellman’s family nominated her for this award because of her impact in Crawford County as a mover and shaker in the agricultural community, especially regarding meat production. She organized the Farm Rescue Seminar in 1998, the first demonstration of the PVC grain rescue system in Ohio. She has been a successful business owner for 24 years and has served customers all across the state.

As a pioneer in marketing her family’s farms’ products, Sellman was the first in Crawford County to be licensed to sell meat at a farmers market and direct markets over 120 steers/year and 120 hogs/year off the farm. She started two farmers markets in Galion and has spoken to many civic groups regarding local foods.

Sellman continues to be a mentor and helps other homesteaders grow their businesses, produce and livestock production. She started a social media group to promote products specifically grown in the Crawford County area. She continues to advocate for local farmers and promote local ag to the general public.

Crawford County Farm Bureau established the Crawford County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2018. Applications for the 2025 Crawford County Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees will be available at crawford.ofbf.org next year. Nominations may be made by an individual or organization to recognize a farmer, breeder or someone in the agricultural industry.